Cruise ships returning to Hawaii, state preps for legislative session, Yagong announces candidacy for Hawaii County mayor, security zone planned for Molokai harbor, 30 new citizens to be sworn in, Maui wants to replace flume, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cruising in Hawaii (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

More people are setting sail for Hawaii. More than 104,000 travelers arrived in the islands on cruise ships -- mostly from the West Coast -- in the first 11 months of last year, according to the most recent data available. That's a 14.5 percent increase from the same period in 2010. Associated Press.

2012 Who's Who Legislative Guide. Star-Advertiser.

Expediting Hawaii's excruciatingly slow economic recovery will be a top priority for East Hawaii's all-Democratic legislative delegation, which returns to work on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

When asked what their priorities are for the legislative session starting Wednesday, Maui's three state senators had some different projects in mind but agreed that job creation will likely dominate their time. Maui News.

After their salaries are restored to 2009 levels in July 2013, Hawaii teachers would get a raise every year that they receive at least an "effective" performance rating, under a tentative contract with the state. Civil Beat.

Attorneys and advocates, academics and activists alike gathered Saturday to honor the life and legacy of University of Hawaii law professor Jon Van Dyke. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu

Thirty new American citizens will be sworn in by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Honolulu on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Associated Press.

As part of today's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will welcome 30 new U.S. citizens. Star-Advertiser.

City government offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal and state holiday. KITV4.

A developer plans to spend more than $7 million to build nine big T-shaped breakwaters off Iroquois Point beach to protect a rental community, stop erosion and replenish sand fronting former Navy housing near the mouth of Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

A Wahiawa senior center remains in violation of federal grants rules, according to a Jan. 12 letter to Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Civil Beat.

State Rep. Jo Jordan plans to return to an oft-flooded section of Puhawai Road in Waianae this morning with more than 60 volunteers to cut back branches and clear debris from an area that will undergo millions of dollars of flood-prevention work over the next several years. Star-Advertiser.

They call themselves the mangrove manglers.  Members of the Kailua Canoe Club and several volunteers took to Ka'elepulu stream Sunday to clear-out the invasive trees, that are threatening their practice area. KHON2.

Hawaii

If Dominic Yagong had a slogan in his campaign for mayor, it would likely be, "Grr. How you gonna pay for it?" West Hawaii Today.

Surrounded by three generations of family members, County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong announced Saturday that he's running for Hawaii County mayor. Tribune-Herald.

Solid waste. West Hawaii Today.

In the short term, it costs a lot more to recycle than to just toss everything in the landfill. But landfill life is limited, and creating a new lined landfill under updated Environmental Protection Agency rules could run into the millions of dollars. West Hawaii Today.

At least $2.9 million of county money has been dumped into solid waste studies, plans and applications since 1990, a West Hawaii Today review of the county's trash history showed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County water department officials are asking for $13 million to move forward with a project to replace the aging Waikamoi Flume. Maui News.

Contractors are hoping to finish work on a $16 million overhaul of Maalaea Small Boat Harbor by this fall - five months ahead of schedule, the project manager said Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority — in partnership with the counties of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, Maui and Honolulu — have selected more than 100 community and cultural events and programs to receive funding under its County Product Enrichment Program this year. Nineteen Kaua‘i County programs are among them. Garden Island.

The Pono Kai seawall, heavily damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, was rebuilt a year later. Since then, forces of nature kept taking the sand fronting the wall and eroding its foundation until a replacement wall became the county’s choice rather than fixing it. Garden Island.

Molokai

The U.S. Coast Guard will enforce a temporary "security zone" around Kaunakakai Harbor when the Safari Explorer cruise ship resumes visits to Molokai this week. Maui News.

The State of Hawaii and Coast Guard will host a public meeting Tuesday about the security plan for when American Safari Cruises resumes port calls for Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai. Pacific Business News.

The state of Hawai’i and the US Coast Guard will hold a community meeting to present the security plan for the resumption of port calls by American Safari Cruises to Kaunakakai Harbor on Moloka’i. Maui Now.

Following progress made on Molokai about the future of Kaunakakai Harbor, the state of Hawaii and the U.S. Coast Guard will hold a community meeting to present the security plan for the resumption of port calls by American Safari Cruises. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Legislature ponders invasive species, bed bugs in state Kapolei building, lawmakers seek delay in unemployment insurance, Native Hawaiians have day in court, Caldwell jumps back in Honolulu mayoral race, Kauai has $57M budget surplus, safer motorcyclists for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Native Hawaiians who believe they are citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom — not the United States — nonetheless spent Thursday in an American court defending themselves against charges they trespassed on the grounds of their rightful seat of government, Iolani Palace. Civil Beat.

The state Reapportionment Commission plans to meet Jan. 20 to begin redrawing political boundaries, following a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling last week that invalidated new maps approved by the nine-member panel in October. Star-Advertiser.

Wary of undermining economic recovery, state House lawmakers want to forestall a scheduled increase this year in the unemployment insurance tax rate that would force businesses to pay $180 to $650 more for every employee. Star-Advertiser.

Teacher Agreement Better Than 'Last, Best and Final'? Too Soon To Say. Civil Beat.

Reptiles and other invasive species invaded the capitol today as part of a legislative briefing on environmental concerns. KHON2.

The biggest threat to the state’s economy, natural environment and the health of island residents, according to state lawmakers, comes from destructive plants and pests originating elsewhere. Hawaii Public Radio.

A wildlife revival around the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is giving scientists a glimpse of what the main Hawaiian Islands looked like thousands of years ago -- and researchers said Thursday they hope the environmental renaissance of sorts will spur similar endeavors around the world. Star-Advertiser.

State building hit by bed bug problem. KHON2.

State roundup for January 13. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell, looking to reclaim the post permanently, wasted little time in criticizing the incumbent, characterizing Mayor Peter Carlisle's first year in office as little more than photo opportunities and traveling with a singular focus on pushing the rail transit project at any cost. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell's First Promise: Soap In Bus Stop Bathroom. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is considering a run for Honolulu mayor at age 72 for one main reason: to stop the rail project. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $2 million in general obligation bond funds for the planning, design and construction of a flood alleviation project for Oahu's Waianae Coast. KITV4.

Up to 100 truckloads per day of used asphalt has been dumped at the site of a proposed cemetery in Hawaii Kai in the past several weeks, resurrecting environmental concerns about what is being stockpiled on the property. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneohe Pier Declared Unsafe. Officials Condemn Portion Of Main Access Pier To Coconut Island. KITV4.

Great white shark spotted off Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The year 2011 ended on a soggy note in East Hawaii, but that was not enough to keep most of the Big Island from recording another year of below-average rainfall. Tribune-Herald.

North Hawaii Community Hospital has received $680,000 to improve its health information technology, joining a national health care industry trend to improve information technology. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaiian Airlines is adding flights at Kahului Airport for both interisland and Mainland destinations, creating a "Maui hub" to improve connections. Maui News.

One of the leading Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka decided to brown bag it to work Wednesday in Wailuku. Maui News.

A state-authorized motorcycle safety program will now be available on Maui with the opening of Hawaii’s newest motorcycle safety training site in Kahului. Maui Now.

An ordinance to prohibit alcohol consumption at the new South Maui Community Park in Kihei went into effect this week. KHON2.

Kauai

The County of Kaua‘i ended Fiscal Year 2011 on June 30 with a budget surplus of $57.26 million, according to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report released Dec. 15. Garden Island.

Amanda Barretto has filed suit against a Kaua‘i elementary school and the state Department of Education in 5th Circuit Court on behalf of her 7-year-old child. Garden Island.

The mayor recognized Kamehameha Schools’ third-grade students in the  Kali‘imamo Program on Wednesday afternoon for their participation in creating and dedicating a new bus shelter fronting Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

Bloggers could lose shield law protection, feds mull defense, energy programs, lawmakers warned about gifts again, Tesoro sale could rattle state gas supply, cleaning up Oahu, Kauai has new clerk, Maui mulls property taxes, more top Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A U-S House Armed Services panel was at the state capitol today to hear from defense-related businesses. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack toured Pearl Harbor on a visit Tuesday meant to highlight the Obama administration's commitment to renewable energy. Associated Press.

A Hawaii state judiciary committee is recommending that the Hawaii Legislature make permanent the state's shield law that protects journalists from forced disclosure of sources and notes. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature convenes next week and the state Ethics Commission is already warning legislators about ethical restrictions on gifts from lobbyists. Hawaii Reporter.

The executive director of the State Ethics Commission issued two memos Monday to state legislators informing them that he was advising against accepting invitations to events hosted by lobbyists. Civil Beat.

The pending sale of Tesoro Corp.'s Hawaii operations adds uncertainty to the island's energy market and raises the possibility of increased prices for gasoline, electricity and jet fuel. Star-Advertiser.

Renewable Energy Push Could Hurt Refineries. Civil Beat.

Chevron Corp. wouldn’t say if it plans to put in a bid to buy Tesoro Corp., after the Texas-based refiner announced on Tuesday that it plans to sell its Hawaii operations. Pacific Business News.

Joe Nathan, who helped write the nation's first charter school law, urged Hawaii educators Tuesday to celebrate the expansion and successes of the charter movement even as they grapple with growing pains. Star-Advertiser.

To address a “crisis” in backlogged elevator safety inspections, the state plans to increase inspection fees to hire new, better-paid inspectors from the private sector, state Labor and Industrial Relations Department Director Dwight Takamine said today. Hawaii Reporter.

The owner of a South Korean oil tanker was sentenced in federal court in Honolulu Tuesday to pay more than $1 million for knowingly dumping oily waste in U.S. waters off Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

This year, lawmakers want to strengthen these provisions to help the victims of labor and sex trafficking. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for January 11. Associated Press.

Oahu

City officials said they will monitor the situation today on South King Street in the McCully-Moiliili area, following Tuesday's daylong effort to clear sidewalks of homeless encampments. Star-Advertiser.

Every day after work, Ernest Basamonte tries to walk fast past the homeless encampment on his way to catch the bus. KITV4.

Trash Cans Overflowing at Diamond Head Lookout. Hawaii News Now.

West Oahu City Councilman Tom Berg believes the island’s nightmarish traffic congestion could be drastically improved if a computer system allowed police to more easily identify drivers who actually belong on the road. KHON2.

Hawaii

Three West Hawaii legislators on Tuesday spelled out their priorities for the upcoming session -- ranging from geothermal energy to school improvements. West Hawaii Today.
A former Leeward Planning commissioner announced his candidacy for state House Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii's four County Council districts are shaping up to have competitive races, with candidates beginning to come forward weeks before the Feb. 1 start of pulling papers for nominations. West Hawaii Today.

Astronomers announced a small discovery that may have big implications for the number of planets orbiting other stars. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members continued wrestling Monday with illegal vacation rentals, a problem made more difficult by limited county resources available for enforcement. Maui News.

Public testimony will be taken on a bill that would change the way homes are taxed on agricultural property during meetings throughout Maui County this month. Maui News.

Residents and visitors will have an opportunity to visit Haleakala National Park for free. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council announced Tuesday that Interim County Clerk and former council services administrator Ricky Watanabe was selected for the position of county clerk. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council selected Rick Watanabe as the new county clerk, the county announced today. Star-Advertiser.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission Tuesday unanimously confirmed Jan Kimura, one of the commission’s more vocal members, as the commission’s chair for 2012. Garden Island.

Kaua'i RSVP, an organization that's part of the Agency on Elderly Affairs, announced today the kick-off of its cell phone and eyewear recycling campaign. Hawaii News Now.

Molokai

Maui County officials said Cooke Memorial Pool on Molokai be closed on Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14 for black algae maintenance. KITV4.

Hawaii reapportionment unconstitutional, state awaits revenue forecast, people killing monk seals, teachers union dispute jeopardizing $75M grant, lawmaker wants funding to fight brown tree snake, Maui squatters in court, Big Island studies geothermal energy, vog socks in Oahu, more news from all the Hawaii Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court struck down the state Reapportionment Commission's plan Wednesday and ordered the panel to come up with new boundaries for state Senate and House districts based on Hawaii's permanent resident population. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court needed only hours to decide that the state's reapportionment plan is unconstitutional and must be re-done. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has struck down as unconstitutional the state's final reapportionment plan, a decision that will likely grant the Big Island a fourth Senate seat and possibly an eighth House seat. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Wednesday the state reapportionment plan is unconstitutional. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the new election maps for the state of Hawaii are unconstitutional. KITV4.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled the recently redrawn voting district maps unconstitutional, saying the committee that made them must start over. KHON2.

The Abercrombie administration and state House and Senate leaders are awaiting today's forecast from the state Council on Revenues to see if projected revenue growth holds. Star-Advertiser.

State departments want to expand the budget by  some $334.7 million, Budget and Finance Director Kalbert Young said in the first of a series of money briefings to lawmakers planned for this week and next. Hawaii Reporter.

The state capitol is starting to buzz again after a long recess, with staffers and legislators preparing for opening day in just two weeks. Hawaii Independent.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case has asked the Democratic Party of Hawaii to host a series of forums across the state where voters can compare him and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono side by side before the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in August. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Voters Support Limiting Political Donations. Civil Beat.

Two weeks after the state was warned to make progress on Race to the Top education reforms or risk losing a $75 million federal grant, there are no formal talks under way aimed at ending an ongoing labor dispute with the teachers union. Star-Advertiser.

A former teachers union executive predicted last summer that Hawaii's Race to the Top would be the biggest loser when contract negotiations went awry. Civil Beat.

Senate Education Chair Blasts School Bus Report. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Barbara Marumoto plans to introduce legislation this year that would enable officials to resume cargo inspections to prevent brown tree snakes from sneaking into Hawaii on planes and ships from Guam. Associated Press.

Hawaii is at-risk from the damaging brown tree snake from Guam. KITV4.

Verizon Wireless has upgraded its 3G wireless coverage in Hawaii with the addition of a new cell site on the Big Island, two new cell sites each on Kauai and Maui and three in urban Honolulu and Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for January 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

Volcanic haze smothers Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Vog adds to Oahu's emergency room woes. KHON2.

Tufts of salad greens will soon be sprouting from a Kakaako rooftop garden as part of a project that supporters hope will help launch a wave of urban farming in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Long-time investigative reporter Keoki Kerr will be joining Hawaii News Now on Jan. 16. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Big Island coffee industry has been operating without an official quarantine in place for more than a month now. Tribune-Herald.

Geothermal energy studied. Tribune-Herald.

Swimmers, snorkelers and surfers will soon have easier access to Laaloa Beach Park, also known as Magic Sands, thanks to action Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island unemployment has steadily increased in the last two years … inching up to the 11 percent mark in East Hawai’i. The State Department of Human Services staff there was cut two years ago. Hawaii Public Radio.

During his "Greatest Infection of the Sea" presentation Wednesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Capt. Charles Moore explained what and where the Great Pacific Garbage Patch -- "actually a plastic soup" -- is. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Last month a bid to sunset the "Show Me the Water" ordinance failed, and Tuesday an attempt to amend it stalled following a visit by Mayor Alan Arakawa to the County Council Water Resources Committee. Maui News.

Iao Squatters Make First Court Appearance. Maui Now.

Maui Electric Co. customers could begin getting immediate savings with no upfront costs on power bills under a "Simply Solar" program being proposed by power utilities to the Public Utilities Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai‘i, on Wednesday blamed her Republican peers in Congress for creating election-season gridlock at the expense of Americans who need jobs. Garden Island.

Federal and state officials are appealing to the public for help in identifying the people who killed four critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals since November, including the death of a juvenile male on Kauai that was found Monday with an object imbedded in its skull. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaiian monk seal was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Kaua‘i Monday, following the death of three other seals on Molokai in recent weeks, according to a press release Wednesday from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Cutting free school bus rides could save Hawaii millions, Waikiki Beach to get more sand, HECO wants to install free solar panels, computer glitch stalls civil union applications, UH mum on new coach pay, Maui to test new battery on power grid, Big Island officials spar over waste project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann stands out as the most socially conservative Democrat in the race for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, according to questionnaires that he and four other candidates filled out for Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Half of Hawaii Voters Say Delegation Works For Donors. Civil Beat.

Former State House Representative Tom Okamura returns to the state legislature, filling the post left vacant by Blake Oshiro. Maui Now.

A new state report aimed at considering ways to reduce student transportation costs estimates eliminating free school bus service for about 20,000 low-income students would save up to $18 million a year, while cutting service to most Oahu general-education students would save about $15 million. Star-Advertiser.

Eliminating school bus service on Oahu is the quickest and most effective way to reduce Hawaii's student transportation costs, school district officials say. Civil Beat.

Computer problems caused a backup at the marriage licensing office at the Health Department Tuesday, on what was the first day couples could receive their official civil union license. KITV4.

Citing privacy interests, the University of Hawaii won’t disclose the salary of new head football coach Norm Chow, other than to say that it’s somewhere between $392,142 and $935,544 per year. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii recognized 13 same-sex couples as having legal civil unions as of Tuesday, and an additional 69 couples have applied for civil union licenses to have similar ceremonies performed within 30 days, the state Health Department said. Star-Advertiser.

A task force representing mortgage lenders and borrowers is recommending changes to a state law enacted last year that effectively cut the number of foreclosures in half. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has asked the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to approve a three-year program that would allow electric utilities to fund the installation of solar water heating systems for their residential customers, and recoup the costs from savings generating by the systems. Pacific Business News.

Land Deal Could Be 'Economic Engine' For Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

The extended comment period for changes proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal expires Friday. Garden Island.

The Occupy Wall Street Movement Across the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for January 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

The long-awaited project to resupply Waikiki Beach with sand will take place over the next three months, but state officials say the disruption to beachgoers should be minimal. Star-Advertiser.

Surf's Up! City Workers Prepare For Big Waves. KITV4.

Tom Berg, the often outspoken and at times controversial West Oahu councilman, announced his plans for reelection Tuesday. KHON2.

Leeward Oahu councilman Tom Berg has hired a woman who just quit another city job because of an ethics investigation against her. KITV4.

Pacific Resources Partnership and the organization Faith Action for Community Equity yesterday asked to join in the court case over Honolulu's rail transit project, filing a motion in federal court in an effort to support the rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Airport runway repairs to create noise for nearby residents. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has turned up the heat on Mayor Billy Kenoi's plans to operate a Hilo garbage sort station, accusing Kenoi of kowtowing to public-sector unions rather than looking out for the taxpayers' best interest. West Hawaii Today.

No federal money will be available for the Thirty Meter Telescope or its main competitor in this decade, the head of the astronomy division at the National Science Foundation told an influential science blog. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island -- as well as the rest of the nation and much of the world -- will continue to struggle economically in 2012, economists say. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Massachusetts-based A123 Systems for the second time in a month announced plans to provide its advanced nanophosphate lithium ion batteries to help stabilize Maui's power grid as fluctuating clean energy sources - and expensive renewable energy experiments and projects - become more common. Maui News.

A gay Oklahoma City couple is happy to be on Maui and among the first couples to be joined in a civil union after a state law allowing such unions went into effect Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is planning to restore 105 acres of wetlands on Mana Plain Forest Reserve. Garden Island.

Hawaii has no worker safety regs for ziplines, Big Island fatality reveals, Ethics Commission clears lawmakers to accept APEC freebies, $29M park coming to Oahu's Sand Island, council kills impact fees again, ecotour operators feted, Kilauea on the move, more Hawaii news

courtesy USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Kilauea's eastern fault zone ruptured near Pu'u 'O'o for the third time this year, sending a flow of lava at least 11/2 miles to the east. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission agreed Wednesday that lawmakers could accept free tickets to some APEC-related events in November. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Ethics Commission Executive Director Les Kondo says he doesn't get the "big brouhaha" over his position that members of legislative task forces are state employees — and subject to the Ethics Code. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Investigate Prison Complaints. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers earlier this year declined to increase tax credits for television and film productions filming in the islands, but the proposal is still alive for the 2012 legislative session. Hawaii Reporter.

The Task Force on Public Charter School Governance approved a draft plan today that will be used as the basis to revamp the system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fourteen Hawaii tourism companies have earned recognition as the state's first Certified Ecotour Operators through a standards program developed by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association to improve and protect the destination. Star-Advertiser.

A date has been set for the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Japanese-American Veterans of World War II. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii Republican Party Chair John Carroll announced today that he will run for the U.S. Senate, for the seat to be vacated by Senator Daniel Akaka. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

Canoe pavilions, a cafe, concession stands, restrooms, a marina and an ocean activity center are among the renovations the state is proposing in a $29 million master plan for Sand Island. Star-Advertiser.

A financially struggling slaughterhouse on Oahu, indebted to taxpayers, has been further imperiled after the two largest kama­aina supermarket chains decided to quit selling pork from hogs shipped live to Hawaii from the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

The leading opponents of Honolulu’s $5.3 billion elevated rail system are in need of some cash in their efforts to halt construction of the project. Pacific Business News.

West Oahu has waited 35 years for a new University of Hawaii campus, and soon that wait will be over. KHON2.

Hawaii

An impact fee would create too much impact for Hawaii County lawmakers to accept. Tribune-Herald.

Impact fees, which have been considered by the Hawaii County Council for decades, have been rejected again. West Hawaii Today.

One man was killed and a second was fighting for his life after a 30-foot zip line tower in Paukaa collapsed Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Zip line operations have no workplace safety regulations in Hawaii, unlike other amusement rides. KITV4.

Hawaii County police on Wednesday received $140,000 in forfeiture money for the department's work more than five years ago on a federal methamphetamine trafficking investigation. West Hawaii Today.

Alahou Clean and Sober Executive Director Sandra McCoy is facing charges of assaulting an officer, disorderly conduct and possessing a controlled substance stemming from a July altercation in Mississippi. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Although state housing official Karen Seddon promised two weeks ago to decrease rents at a troubled Maui housing project, her agency now has ordered rent increases. Hawaii Reporter.

A Maui businessman confirmed Tuesday that he is proposing to develop a bottled-water plant in rural Waihee, adding that the project is part of a larger plan to acquire 490 acres in the area and preserve most of it from residential development. Maui News.

Maui County is looking for a contractor to design and install a midsized, wind-powered turbine to generate as much as 100 kilowatts of power for a water-pumping station in Kaupakulua. Maui News.

Kauai
County officials are reminding the public that an increase in the state motor vehicle weight tax and registration fee was approved by the 2011 State Legislature. Garden Island.

Hawaii governor, teachers union in mediation, Kona coffee brand at risk, Maui native among SEALs killed, Big Island prison could reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona coffee cherry (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii farmer Paul Uster was on vacation in California when he saw a package of Kona coffee blend in a supermarket that he knew would upset fellow growers back home on Hawaii island. Associated Press.

Kraig Vickers, a 1992 graduate of Maui High School and a Maui Interscholastic League defensive football player of the year, was among 30 Americans who died in a U.S. military helicopter shot down during fighting in Afghanistan, his father, Robert Vickers, confirmed by telephone Saturday night. Maui News.

HSTA votes in support of mediation talks with Gov. Abercrombie. KHON2.

10 legislators in the 76-member Hawaii Legislature raised no money during the same period. Civil Beat.

Plans by the state’s electric companies to invest in biodiesel, and pass the investment costs onto its rate payers, lie in the hands of the Public Utilities Commission and the testimonies of Hawaii residents. Hawaii Independent.

A member of the state Public Utilities Commission is resigning to return to work in the private sector. Associated Press.

Closed nearly two years ago to save money, Hawaii Island's former prison could be reopened to house up to 200 inmates now incarcerated on the mainland. Tribune-Herald.

A state judge has ruled again in favor of the Sierra Club in its attempt to stop the 5,000-home Koa Ridge development. Star-Advertiser.

The first of several monk seal public forums kick off Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

After trying to spare families more financial pain over the past two years, private schools are making larger tuition increases to try to keep up with rising costs. Star-Advertiser.

Years of planning resulted in success last week when the state Board of Education granted a charter for the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School. Tribune-Herald.

Except for Mayor Billy Kenoi, there was very little fundraising among Hawaii County Council members or likely mayoral candidates the first half of this year, according to campaign finance reports filed by Monday's midnight deadline. West Hawaii Today.

A Nuuanu church is defending its decision to allow a cellphone carrier to install antennas on its building, despite an outcry from some neighbors over radiation exposure. Star-Advertiser.

More than 1,800 plant scientists from around the world are on Oahu. KHON2.

Lloyd Y. Kimura has been sentenced by the state of Hawaii to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $8 million in restitution for defrauding more than 50 investors of between $7 million and $20 million. Pacific Business News.

Chakkree Sriphabun is one of 44 men who left his family behind in Thailand in September 2004 to come to Hawaii to work for Mike and Alec Sou at Aloun Farms. Hawaii Reporter.

Some of the County Council districts now serving Hilo are migrating southward toward Puna, according to proposed redistricting maps released last week. Tribune-Herald.

The number of Big Island residents approved for the use of medical marijuana has declined sharply, according to statistics provided by the state Department of Public Safety. Tribune-Herald.

Two weeks of significant wave erosion at Kekaha Beach forced the county to push the lifeguard tower mauka from its sandy shoreline perch Saturday. Garden Island.

A group of very lucky students working on a science fair project were invited onboard a barge to experience a real world undersea mission. KITV4.

Honolulu preps for Western legislators, UPW mulls strike, Hawaii elevator inspections lag, Maui seeks pickup bed passenger ban, no homeless shuffle for APEC, Big Island removes military, students for redistricting, Senate seeks feedback on Twitter updates, more Hawaii news

Honolulu homeless (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Honolulu has no intention of moving homeless people from Waikiki for November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, but parks and sidewalks could be temporarily cleared for cleanup, a city official told a group of state legislators Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

With the international spotlight on Honolulu for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, the idea of creating "safe zones" for homeless people has become popular among some state lawmakers. Civil Beat.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum is scheduled to convene in Waikiki in about one hundred days. Hawaii Public Radio.

The expertise of the East-West Center and its importance in relations with the Asia-Pacific region will be on display as lawmakers from 13 Western states gather in Honolulu this weekend. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii has already spent $1.329 billion of the total $1.824 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds received to date, but just 2,046 jobs have been created. Hawaii Reporter.

With time running out for Congress to reach a deal on raising the debt limit, Gov. Neil Abercrombie began taking steps Thursday to ensure the state would be protected if the government is unable to meet its obligations. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie says he has a contingency plan if the federal debt crisis stops the flow of hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. spending here next week. Hawaii Reporter.

Three Hawaii Senate committees this past session participated in a pilot project to “tweet” updates and other information during committee hearings. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Thursday said he is open to "adjustments or mediation" to resolve the contract impasse with the Hawaii State Teachers Association, but he says the state hasn't received any formal offer. Civil Beat.

The United Public Worker's Union, which is unhappy about proposed pay cuts, is voting on whether to authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Blue collar workers represented by the United Public Workers union appear ready to play hardball in their contract negotiations with the state and the four counties. KHON2.

An art teacher from Kalani High School used his creative side to protest changes to teachers' pay as he marched in front of the state Capitol on Thursday. KITV4.

Most state and county workers in Hawaii saw a $45 to $250 drop in take-home pay this month because they are now paying a larger share of their health insurance costs. Star-Advertiser.

The next time you’re in a building with an elevator, you may want to consider taking the stairs. Garden Island.

Governor Neil Abercrombie Thursday announced Beth Giesting as the state's new Healthcare Transformation Coordinator.Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will make stops around the island during a visit to Maui on Friday and Saturday. Maui News.

The terms “renewable energy” and “energy efficiency”—previously catchwords for policy wonks at NGO’s and Bay Area progressives—have now entered the demotic as they have become necessary goals for our future environmental and financial survival. Hawaii Independent.

Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning has scaled the first major regulatory hurdle to constructing a $250 million system to help downtown businesses cut their electricity bills. KITV4.

Unlike its state counterpart, the Hawaii County Redistricting Commission has agreed to leave nonresident military families and students out of its population counts when drawing new political maps. West Hawaii Today.

Maui Police, councilor seek to ban passengers in beds of pickups. Maui News.

The Hawaii County Wastewater Division is considering a sewer rate increase. West Hawaii Today.

Under fire for mismanagement, George N. Crabbe, the manager of the Lihue Airport, has turned in his keys, airport ID and official cell phone, according to state transportation department employees. KITV4.

The Palace Theater and Hilo Downtown Improvement Association are presenting a "Town Hall Meeting" with Police Chief Harry Kubojiri and staff Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Palace. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers report iPad, other pricy gifts, civil union applications to go online, Hawaii, Maui counties mull lawsuit over reapportionment, Honolulu police face court over OT scam, lawmaker fights Oahu sewage trucking plan, more Hawaii news

Honolulu civil union protest (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Civil unions in Hawaii begin Jan. 1, but in the meantime the state is creating an Internet-based system that will get those certificates to couples more quickly. Associated Press.

The Hawaii lawmaker who accepted an Apple iPad from a Hollywood film studio executive says she viewed the gift as a "good gesture" and a sign that the studio cares about Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Two neighbor island advisory councils are considering a lawsuit to ensure Hawaii County -- the fastest-growing county in the state -- doesn't lose its shot at a fourth state Senate seat. West Hawaii Today.

The state on Monday defended its decision to unilaterally impose a contract offer with wage reductions for teachers, saying that “collective bargaining remains important” but that the labor savings were needed to avoid lost instructional days or layoffs. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association's legal complaint against the state is really simple, says President Wil Okabe: "We want to bargain in good faith." Civil Beat.

In the State of Hawaii’s quest to get 70 percent of its power from clean energy by 2030, lawmakers are looking at all options, including nuclear power.Hawaii Independent.

Hawaiian Electric Industries’ Chairwoman Connie Lau has been nominated by President Barack Obama to become a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu cannot begin trucking of raw sewage into Kailua, or other communities, until an environmental assessment is completed to examine secondary impacts, a state lawmaker contends. Star-Advertiser.

Four Honolulu Police officers charged with falsifying records to accumulate overtime are scheduled to be arraigned in court today. KITV4.

A complaint accusing City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro of ethical misconduct has been filed with the state Bar Association’s disciplinary board but Kaneshiro said the accusation is baseless and comes from a former deputy prosecutor “with an a axe to grind.” Hawaii Reporter.

Thirty teachers from Hawaii, Guam and Saipan are to meet with World War II veterans and civilian survivors during a five-day Pearl Harbor workshop. Associated Press.

Star light, star bright, this orange laser will help Subaru telescope see better at night. West Hawaii Today.

The issue of streamlining, and legalizing, the short-term rental process has been a hot-button issue for a long time. Maui News.

Kauai's electric power company says it is reviewing a petition calling for a member meeting to discuss hydropower development. Associated Press.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative on Monday received a petition calling for a member meeting on the Board of Directors’ May 29 decisions relating to the member vote certified Friday. Garden Island.

County boards and commissions, control over the Department of Water Supply and the creation of a county auditor are some of the early topics being floated before the county Charter Commission. Maui News.

The drop in visitors after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan is not deterring Hawaiian Airlines. KHON2.

58 people died in O’ahu traffic accidents last year. Hawaii Public Radio.

A 43-year-old Puna man is missing after a brief but heavy downpour swelled the Kawainui Stream in Pepeekeo on Sunday night. Tribune-Herald.

When tsunamis threatened the state in 2010 and again this year, the first priority for some county employees wasn't saving themselves, but rescuing the moldering piles of paper stuffed in boxes in the basement of the county building. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu gas tax hike debated, state taxes still alive in Legislature, Maui dengue cases increase, Honolulu fireworks ban could affect neighbor island supply, bill could revive Ka'u biomass plant, more

Hawaii Capitol

The largest remaining tax measures pending before Hawaii lawmakers would eliminate business exemptions, raise car rental fees and take hotel tax money from the counties. Associated Press.

There are more than two-dozen tax bills still alive at the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie made a final push to keep legislation alive that would fund programs and policies that support his fiscal plan. KITV4.

The state collected more than $190 million in general excise taxes in February, but overall, general fund deposits are down. KHON2.

Hawaii general fund deposits for February were down 4 percent compared to the same month in 2010, according to a report from the Hawaii Department of Taxation. Pacific Business News

It's been relatively calm on Hawaii's home foreclosure front during the past several months, but the storm could soon return. Star-Advertiser.

A hearing on proposed fees and fee increases for city facilities and services drew only a handful of interested citizens Wednesday at Honolulu Hale.KITV4.

A proposal to increase the city’s gasoline tax by 1 cent per gallon has advanced in the City Council, but appears unlikely to go much further. Star-Advertiser.

Politicians are getting feisty over rail transit money and some are turning on each other as there are accusations of greed and skimming off the top. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Managing Director Doug Chin said Oahu residents can expect to see "a lot more road work" between now and the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Civil Beat.

Three new cases of dengue fever are suspected in Hana, along with a possible case in Haliimaile and an additional two or three Upcountry, according to health officials. Maui News.

The intent of a draft commercial air tour management plan for Haleakala National Park got a thumbs up Tuesday evening as those attending a public meeting agreed that regulations should be in place to limit or prevent impacts to the park, its visitors and resources. Maui News.

Hawaii taxpayers are covering a quarter of the cost of a new solar parking canopy project for Oceanic Time Warner Cable. KITV4.

New bill could breathe new life into Pahala biofuel project. Big Island Weekly.

Kaua‘i Fire Chief Robert Westerman on Monday told County Council members that despite financial and operational challenges the department has achieved improvements and will implement initiatives for Fiscal Year 2012, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

The county Office of the County Auditor is requesting a 34 percent budget increase for next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

The underground storage facility in Waikele where five Donaldson Enterprises employees were killed during a violent explosion Friday morning was being used by the company to prepare highly explosive fireworks for final disposal, an investigator from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu is the only county with a fireworks ban, but the neighbor islands may soon find it very difficult to purchase most consumer fireworks.KHON2.

Over a month after more than 150 dogs were seized in a puppy farm raid in Waimanalo, the Hawaiian Humane Society still has custody of them. Hawaii News Now.

Picture the Hawaii Island Humane Society's Kona Shelter. West Hawaii Today.

Something is out of place at many of Molokai’s fishponds – many of their rocks. Molokai Dispatch.

The engineering firm that designed a $1.9 million water tank officials say is defective has been considered for 18 additional county contracts but was awarded only one since the county filed a lawsuit against it. West Hawaii Today.

What is our capacity to endure? That’s the question that living sustainably asks of us. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii Senate considers broad tax hike and delaying refunds, Hawaii council members call for furloughs, office buildings, Maui Ritz-Carlton on the block, more news

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

An initial assessment of damage at Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands) shows the tsunami that hit late on the evening of March 10 and early in the morning on March 11 did "tens of millions" of dollars in damage to infrastructure. Hawaii News Now.

Tsunamis generated by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off Japan earlier this month swept up a one week-old Hawaiian monk seal pup and separated her from her mother at a remote atoll northwest of the main Hawaiian islands, but a state wildlife worker managed to reunite the pair shortly after. Associated Press.

Hawaii senators on Monday discussed raising taxes on everyone by increasing the general excise tax, the state's version of the sales tax that's paid on most transactions. Associated Press.

Closing this fiscal year's budget gap could include delayed tax refunds for the second year in a row. KHON2.

Facing lower tax collections due to falling Japanese tourism, the state Senate must cut deeper and potentially raise taxes on more residents than was proposed just three weeks ago by the state House.KITV4.

The senator in charge of finalizing the state's budget says Hawaii lawmakers have just two options to balance this year's budget: raid special funds or "completely shut down spending." Civil Beat.

State senators, growing impatient with the lack of budget details from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, asked yesterday when the governor plans to fulfill his campaign promise to restructure state government to help with the fiscal crunch. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s short and long-term fiscal crises appear to be …in one lawmaker’s words … pretty dismal. Hawaii Public Radio.

Representatives from all state departments and major agencies came before the senate ways and means committee to plead their cases for their share of state spending. KHON2.

Reality check. That is what Hawaii Senate Ways and Means committee members, and state administration officials, got today during an exchange between senators and the state budget director, Kalbert Young. Hawaii Reporter.

The poker bill going through the capitol is not a lottery or casino. Hawaii News Now.

The decision by Japan Airlines to slash flights to Hawaii by one-third adds to the challenges faced by the state's leading industry since the earthquake, tsunami and radiation scare crippled its No. 3 visitor market. Star-Advertiser.

Former Congressman Charles Djou said Sunday he's waiting to learn if fellow Republican Linda Lingle will run for U.S. Senate in 2012 before plotting his own political future.Tribune-Herald.

A resolution that urges the salary commission to forgo raises for city council members was passed unanimously Monday in committee. KHON2.

Three Hawaii County Council leaders said Monday during an hour-long back-and-forth with Mayor Billy Kenoi they think employee furloughs should continue, with Finance Committee Chairwoman Brenda Ford calling for a 4 percent reduction in force if they don't. West Hawaii Today.

In its continuing efforts to encourage the public to provide input on the future of Kaua‘i’s parks, officials said in a news release Monday that the county is conducting a survey through May 31. Garden Island.

Mayor Alan Arakawa released the Maui County budget for fiscal year (FY) 2012 to the Maui County Council for review a few weeks ago – $632 million. Arakawa also presented revenue of $686.7 million, an increase of $59.9 million compared to FY 2011. Molokai Dispatch.

The largest owner of office buildings in Honolulu is considering selling its portfolio of six properties, a move that could result in a new dominant landlord controlling nearly 10 percent of the market. Star-Advertiser.

The Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua will be sold at a foreclosure auction in May. Pacific Business News

Hawaii's highly decorated Japanese-American veterans of World War II prepared on Monday to receive what will likely be their final official commendation: the Congressional Gold Medal. KITV4.

The Honolulu Zoo's three tiger cubs had new homes lined up, but now those plans have changed. Hawaii News Now.

A recent AARP Hawaii survey of employed adults age 50 and up shows two thirds of them say they’ll work much longer if the economy doesn’t improve. Hawaii Independent.