Pearl Harbor warships drill with South Korea, North Korea threat not scaring Hawaii tourists, Trump to visit Hawaii, FBI makes first arrests in Honolulu Police probe, gubernatorial candidates gather endorsements, chicks and not rats on Lehua, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Beached pilot whales on Kauai PC:DLNR

No additional pilot whales beached at Kalapaki Beach Friday night or Saturday, reported the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Five pilot whales died after several beached themselves Friday morning at Kalapaki Bay. A strong volunteer response to push them back to deep water may have saved others. Garden Island.

=====

A sizable number of Pearl Harbor warships will be heading to the Western Pacific or are already in the region that’s being bulked up with Navy firepower amid an ongoing showdown with North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

South Korean and U.S. troops began five days of naval drills on Monday after North Korea renewed its threat to fire missiles near the American territory of Guam. Associated Press.

North Korea Nuclear Threat: Viral Headlines Aren’t Scaring Hawaii Visitors Away. But a defense industry lobbyist wonders if Hawaii is waiting too long to raise the alarm. Civil Beat.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are scheduled to stop in Hawaii during an upcoming trip to Asia in November. Hawaii News Now.

President Trump will travel to Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hawaii, from November 3-14. KHON2.

Council resolution to Trump, Kim seeks peace with North Korea. All they are saying is give peace a chance. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Hawaii’s preparation for possibility of North Korea nuclear bomb is MADness. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii’s elder statesmen are choosing sides in what is shaping up as a hard-fought gubernatorial primary next year between Gov. David Ige and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hana­busa, and those early endorsements seem to signal a splintered Democratic party. Star-Advertiser.

‘Aging in place’ facilities trigger debate. Over the past two years, dozens of unlicensed residential facilities offering elder care have opened in neighborhoods around Hawaii, embracing a new model that its proponents herald as safe, effective and the wave of the future. Star-Advertiser.

New HMSA rules cut back women’s cancer screenings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines, which has survived two bankruptcies during its 88 years of operation, caught the investment public by surprise Friday when it announced plans to offer its first-ever dividend. Star-Advertiser.

A group of former Hawaii residents who now make their homes in Las Vegas on Saturday joined others who still live in the islands to bring the city’s people a special lei braided with leaves from a plant they consider sacred in a gesture they hope will bring peace and healing after the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Associated Press.

Commentary: Big Questions About Hawaiian ‘Princess’ Coverage. Is the media telling you the real story of Abigail Kawananakoa or a fawning fairy tale? Civil Beat.

Oahu

The FBI has arrested a Honolulu Police Department officer and a retired HPD major who have connections to a federal probe surrounding retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, his wife, Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, and other officers. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police officer and retired major were arrested by the FBI on Sunday in relation to an ongoing federal corruption investigation into Hawaii law enforcement. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu Police officer and former Honolulu Police major have been arrested in the much anticipated federal investigation into public corruption at some of the highest levels of law enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

A retired Honolulu police major and a current Honolulu Police Department officer are in federal custody. KHON2.

The FBI on Sunday arrested one current and one former police officer in connection to a probe into the Honolulu Police Department. Associated Press.

=====

Honolulu police to increase presence in Waikiki. While crimes against visitors reported to the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii fell 6 percent during the first nine months of the year from the same period in 2016, some violent categories — including assaults and robberies — rose. Star-Advertiser.

A multimillion-dollar cleanup aims to address health and safety concerns under the Nimitz Highway viaduct. KHON2.

Three dead shearwaters were found at a Windward Oahu beach on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki eatery Herringbone is cleared to reopen. At least 45 people became ill after dining at a popular Waikiki restaurant at the International Market Place, state Department of Health officials said Friday. Star-Advertiser.

An affiliate of developer Coastal Rim Properties opened applications for 77 affordable studio units at The Block 803 Waimanu on Sunday, while 10 market-rate units in the Honolulu condominium project also went on the market for sale. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved a management right of entry for Hawaii County onto a parcel of land known as Village 9, which Mayor Harry Kim plans to use first as a temporary homeless camp before developing it into a long-term housing site replete with social services for Kona’s homeless population. West Hawaii Today.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday dismissed a proposed $10,000 fine against Sean “Peaman” Pagett, whom the department said was in violation of state rules for races he hosted in Kailua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to dismiss the fine against Kona resident Sean Pagett, who was in hot water for organizing alleged "unpermitted fitness swimming events in Kailua Bay." Big Island Video News.

The state Land Board has dismissed a $10,000 fine against Peaman Biathlon promoter Sean Pagett. Former Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi testified on Pagett's behalf as his lawyer. Hawaii News Now.

A problematic banyan tree that was recently trimmed next to Honomu Park fell over Sunday morning, covering the road, engulfing a vehicle, and knocking out power for 286 HELCO customers. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Mayor In Political Hot Water Over Money To Nonprofits. The state’s campaign finance watchdog says Mayor Alan Arakawa gave thousands of dollars to nonprofits in violation of state law. Civil Beat.

Normal school bus service has been restored to two previously consolidated routes that were disrupted earlier this year when bus routes were suspended because of a shortage of drivers with commercial driver’s licenses, the state Department of Education reported Friday. Maui News.

Contrary to rumblings in the community, Maui County itself is not moving to privatize its swimming pools or charge for their use, a county spokesman said Thursday. Maui News.

Sea turtle biologist Cheryl King has been hired to direct the Turtle Island Restoration Network’s Hawaii program, the marine conservation organization announced. Maui News.

Maui condominium sales and prices surged in September as homebuyers pursued more affordable housing options. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Some of Kauai’s homeless are finding homes. Kauai Economic Opportunity has successfully repatriated four homeless individuals to their family on the Mainland and is working on returning two more. Garden Island.

Rat-less? Lehua update: No rats, plenty chicks. Not a single live rat has been reported on Lehua since the rat eradication project’s three aerial applications of rat poison in August and September. Garden Island.

Hawaii infrastructure worst in nation, Maui water rights stir controversy, DOE ups teacher requirements, Kakakaako homeless moved from park to sidewalks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Saddle Road construction work © 2017 All Hawaii News

Shoddy and unsafe conditions plaguing the state’s roads, bridges and dams helped earn Hawaii the dubious distinction of having the worst infrastructure in the country, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

As boats and other debris from continue to wash up on Hawaii's shores after the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, it's bringing some unexpected visitors. According to a study in "Science Magazine," nearly 70 different species made its way to the islands. KITV.

Hawaii farmers raising plants for landscaping had a good year in 2016 and led the state’s flower and plant nursery industry in a sales rebound, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to staff classrooms with more qualified teachers, the Hawaii Department of Education will include only certified instructors when it reports the number of teacher positions filled to the state Board of Education at the start of each school year. Civil Beat.

Two pottery pieces labeled “Atomic Ware” were delivered to Japan last week. The unique artifacts were found during a garage sale in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

State sweeps homeless from Kakaako parks. State sheriffs were stationed at entry points at Kakaako Waterfront Park early today after the state closed the park indefinitely for safety reasons. Star-Advertiser.

Within 12 hours of Kakaako Waterfront park closing indefinitely, the sidewalks surrounding the nearby Children's Discovery Center were overrun with tents. Hawaii News Now.

Three parks in Kakaako are now closed indefinitely for major maintenance and improvements: Kakaako Waterfront, Gateway, and Kewalo Basin parks. KHON2.

Commentary: Give Us Back Our Parks. Gov. David Ige says he hopes to create a new sheriff’s division to consistently enforce trespass laws while helping link people to social services. Civil Beat.

=====

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday that Police Commission Chairman Max Sword should recuse himself from deciding who will be Honolulu’s next police chief. Star-Advertiser.

A new proposal before the Honolulu City Council would offer a tax break to ocean-friendly restaurants using compostable takeout containers. KHON2.

New Airport Shuttle Service Won’t Deliver On Promises, Suit Claims. Robert’s of Hawaii submitted a winning proposal calling for a fleet of new buses and islandwide service. Civil Beat.

City facing a shortage of lifeguards for pools. Honolulu is looking for more part-time, contract lifeguards to fill various hours at its 21 pools throughout Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s second marijuana dispensary, Noa Botanicals, will open Wednesday at the former Krazy Karaoke building at 1308 Young St. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Noa Botanicals will begin selling medical marijuana products on Wednesday after being cleared by the Hawaii State Department of Health. Pacific Business News.

Seminars touting vacation rentals draw protests. A flyer advertising three 90-minute seminars called “Make Money With Airbnb” recently went out to thousands of Oahu homes. Run by Lindon, Utah-based Response LLC, whose registered agent is Response Marketing Group LLC, the event promised that participants would learn how to build wealth by cashing in on the Airbnb craze. Star-Advertiser.

Biki, Honolulu’s first bike-share program, said it logged 180,272 rides during the three-month period between June and September in its first release of quarterly data Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly a thousand people form different groups turned up to the 33rd annual Pacific Rim International Conference on disability and diversity at the Modern Honolulu and Hilton Hawaiian Village this week. KITV.

Hawaii Island

A long awaited widening and realignment project on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, is complete. State and government officials are hosting a dedication ceremony today to celebrate the opening of the final phase of reconstruction on the east side of the highway. Tribune-Herald.

Consultants examine Hawaii County’s utility model. West Hawaii Today.

Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commissioners got an earful from a handful of testifiers over the plan to provide grant funding to groups interested in stewarding Kawa. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers have shown they can decrease the birth rate of rats. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii to Be Site of First Moon Base Prototype. The International MoonBase Summit was held from Oct. 1 to 5, on Hawaii Island, where global industry leaders, representatives from academia, government leaders and representatives from the student community worked together collaboratively to lay the groundwork for the world’s first permanent human settlement on the moon. Maui Now.

The state Land Board is scheduled to decide Friday whether Sean Pagett should pay a $10,000 fine for holding two “Peaman” biathlons without marine ocean water event permits. West Hawaii Today.

With the Ironman World Championship days away, the Hawaii Police Department is preaching the importance of individual safety plans in light of a fatal mass shooting that occurred just over a week ago in Las Vegas. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Tempers flared in the latest chapter of the long-standing battle over Maui water rights. Dozens of people crowded into the Haiku Community Center for final arguments in the contested case hearing before the State Commission on Water Resource Management on Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

A new $12 million two-story classroom building at Lahainaluna High School is expected to be ready for the 2020-21 school year, according to a draft environmental impact statement for the project. Maui News.

Maui will soon join the ranks of U.S. cities being served by a major online-based grocery delivery service. Maui News.

Kauai

Areas that are normally off-limits to the public within the Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex will be open for tours starting today, in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. Garden Island.

The Rats Of Lehua Appear To Have Taken The Bait. Rats appear to be gone from the island after officials dropped poison bait in an effort to help bird populations that had been threatened. Civil Beat.

Drag queen pageant fights back after hotel tries to cancel event. A Kauai hotel is being accused of discrimination for allegedly trying to cancel a pageant for drag queens. Hawaii News Now.

Medical marijuana dispensaries to be cashless, lawsuit over state law requiring abortion counseling, DLNR drops final poison pellets on Lehua, hundreds of new species discovered off Kaneohe Bay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Discount medical marijuana, courtesy photo

State officials announced Tuesday that Hawaii will be the first state to require marijuana sales to be handled without cash, saying they want to avoid robberies and other crimes targeting dispensaries. Associated Press.

State officials are urging Hawaii dispensaries to use a cashless system for medical marijuana sales to prevent crimes targeting cannabis retailers and their customers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is the first state in the nation that plans to implement a cashless payment system for medical cannabis or marijuana. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii will be the first state in the nation to have a cashless medical marijuana dispensary system. Big Island Video News.

The two operating medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii — including one on Maui — and their patients have been operating on a cash-only basis, but a “banking solution” has been forged with a Colorado-based credit union, Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Governor David Ige held a press conference today during which he announced a banking breakthrough for Hawaii’s medical cannabis dispensaries.  Gov. Ige announced the nation’s first and only cash-free payment system for medical cannabis. Maui Now.

=====

The Fight Over Abortion In Hawaii. State attorneys are headed to court to defend a new state law that requires pregnancy clinics to tell women about abortion services. Civil Beat.

Affordable-housing advocates are decrying a state agency’s move to lease its portfolio of six low-cost rental projects, including three high-rises in Kakaako, to a private investor at a time when housing is in extremely short supply for low-income families. Star-Advertiser.

Preschool In Hawaii: Expensive And ‘Ridiculously Hard to Find’. Hawaii lags much of the nation in spending on state-funded preschool. But it is taking new steps to expand access, including opening five new classrooms next year. Civil Beat.

How much does Hawaii’s con air cost? The price of shuttling inmates to and from the mainland. As the debate continues here in Hawaii in regards to if and where to build a new prison, hundreds of Hawaii inmates remain at a facility in Arizona. KHON2.

Longtime Paroles and Pardons Administrator Tommy Johnson has returned to his old job after being temporarily reassigned for nearly six months during an internal investigation by the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly half of Hawaii could be affected by data breach. The state is currently investigating the massive Equifax data breach that could impact many island residents for months, or even years to come. KITV.

Oahu

More than 100 scientists joined a two-week marine life survey of Kaneohe Bay and discovered hundreds of new species and what appears to be the beginnings of an aggressive algae invasion. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education did not discriminate against an autistic preschool student who was placed in a specialized chair and fastened with a seat belt during school hours, a federal jury decided Monday. Civil Beat.

This Saturday members of the Honolulu City Council are holding a meeting to hear from you and what you think of a proposal requiring older high-rises to install fire sprinkler systems. KHON2.

Kamaile Academy, a public charter school located on Oahu's Waianae Coast, is expected to save an estimated $1.2 million over the next 20 years after installing a rooftop solar photovoltaic system. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu is using heavy equipment to remove the sand plug at the mouth of Kaelepulu Stream at Kailua Beach Park from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. this week. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed 41-story mixed-use residential building at Makaloa and Keeaumoku streets is the latest Ala Moana-area project to seek approval from the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

DOT says contractor will fix problems after reports of steel plates damaging cars. KHON2.

Lawyers representing Gary Galiher’s estate and former employees and associates of Galiher DeRobertis Waxman have reached a settlement in their dispute over the Galiher law corporation’s client files, trade secrets and intellectual property. Star-Advertiser.

What started two years ago as an offshoot at the Cheeseburger Waikiki restaurant to brew and serve beer is about to become a major producer and distributor of local canned craft brews. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island DACA recipients worry about future after Trump ends program. Tribune-Herald.

Homeless land deal nearly secure. Hawaii County is closing in on a deal with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation that would secure 15-20 acres of state-owned land to serve as a permanent relocation site for Kona’s homeless overflow, which worsened after nearly 70 individuals were told to vacate Old Airport Park early last month. West Hawaii Today.

The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, announced the appointment of Kristin Frost Albrecht as interim executive director, succeeding Executive Director En Young, who recently resigned. Tribune-Herald.

The latest participants in a Mars simulation study on Mauna Loa will end eight months of isolation Sunday as they venture out of their small dome for the first time without donning spacesuits. Tribune-Herald.

Maui


The Maui County Liquor Control Commission is poised to address several hot-button issues today, including streamlining single-event liquor license applications for nonprofits and conducting its first review and evaluation of Liquor Director Glenn Mukai. Maui News.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the historic flood at Iao Valley.  Officials say it cost Maui County $2 million to clean out the debris basin and to make repairs to the flood control area last year. Maui Now.

It’s been exactly one year since major flooding ravaged Iao Valley State Monument on Maui, and crews are still working on completing repairs. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources hopes to restore restrooms — which have been closed for nearly a decade — at Iao Valley State Monument, officials said Tuesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

The state has completed its final round of rat-killing pellet bombing at Lehua Island as it awaits test results on what caused the recent deaths of dozens of fish and two birds. Star-Advertiser.

The last aerial drop of rodenticide-laced bait pellets onto Lehua Island was completed Tuesday, and with it the state is hailing a successfully completed operation. Garden Island.

The state is planning upgrades to the drainage system and roadways at Nawiliwili Harbor, and the draft plan is available for public comment. Garden Island.

Molokai

Beginning Sept. 15th, Hawaiian Airlines will temporarily suspend its direct flight from Molokai to Maui while its aircraft undergoes maintenance. The news is leaving some residents on the Friendly Isle on edge. Hawaii News Now.

Jobs, not multimillion-dollar homes — that’s what state Rep. Lynn DeCoite of Molokai wants to see from whomever plans to buy the 55,575 acres up for sale on her home island. Maui News.

$2.4B rail bailout bill signed into law, Hawaii reacts to Trump DACA termination, bird, fish deaths in wake of Lehua rat poison drop, A&B says no GMO crops on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige signs rail bailout bill, governor's office photo

Gov. David Ige signed into law Tuesday Senate Bill 4, an estimated $2.4 billion bailout package that island leaders hope will finally complete the transit project to Ala Moana Center, following three years of steep cost increases that have left its outcome uncertain. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation to help pay for Honolulu's rail transit project became law Tuesday with Hawaii Gov. David Ige's signature. Pacific Business News.

Governor Signs Rail Funding Bill Into Law, Next: Transient Accommodations Tax. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill into law Tuesday to bail out Honolulu’s rail project. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige today signed the rail funding bailout bill, SB 4, after completing legal and policy reviews of the measure over the weekend. Maui Now.

And with the stroke of the governor’s pen, Senate Bill 4 becomes law. The legislation was passed by the State House and the Senate during a divisive special session. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill Tuesday that provides additional funding for Honolulu’s financially troubled rail transit project. Maui News.

Newly appointed House Majority Leader Cindy Evans of Hawaii island could lose her leadership role in a bit of collateral damage from the Honolulu rail controversy. Star-Advertiser.

Within minutes of the Honolulu rail bailout bill being signed into law Tuesday, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a statement crediting the state House and Senate for “hard work” on the legislation. Civil Beat.

=====

There used to be a time in Hawaii when an incumbent governor was a shoo-in for re-election. But in the 2014 primary election, now-Gov. David Ige unseated a fellow Democrat. Now U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is attempting to do the same to Ige. Associated Press.

=====

President Donald Trump’s decision to end a program that allowed young, unauthorized immigrants known as “Dreamers” to stay in the country has sparked fear in families who could be ripped apart and drawn condemnation from Hawaii leaders. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s representatives in the U.S. Congress strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision Tuesday to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Civil Beat.

Demonstrators lined the sidewalk outside the Federal Building in Honolulu, holding signs to voice their opposition to the decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). KITV.

Dozens gathered in front of the Prince Kuhio Federal Building Tuesday evening to rally against President Donald Trump’s plan to phase out a program offering protections to young illegal immigrants. KHON2.

At least 100 protesters took to the streets of downtown Honolulu on Tuesday afternoon, part of nationwide rallies against President Donald Trump’s plan to rescind the Obama-era program that protects young undocumented immigrants who came to the country as minors. Civil Beat.

=====

Convincing Landlords That Housing The Homeless Is Good Business. By promising guaranteed rent and regular check-ins, shelters are creating networks of landlords willing to rent to homeless people. Civil Beat.

Retired Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague, a 1977 Damien Memorial School graduate, was named director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on Tuesday, returning to the program that was mired in controversy several years ago. Star-Advertiser.

The Pentagon announced retired Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague, a 1977 Damien Memorial School graduate, is the new director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award $7.6 million in federal funding to Hawaii to prevent and respond to natural disasters, terrorism, and other emergencies. Garden Island.

Twenty-four companies have what it takes to be named to this year’s list of Hawaii’s Best Workplaces. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Blaisdell Park free of homeless for now. Star-Advertiser.

Cuts in funding leads to a halt in Kakaako park homeless sweeps. Hawaii News Now.

New rental housing and retail is coming to the Diamond Head side of Waikiki when Queen Emma Land Co. begins the long-anticipated redevelopment of a tired 2.5-acre tract of prime leasehold land. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Communities in Kailua-Kona and Puako are battling contamination from cesspools leaking into the nearby sea. But the solution won’t be easy — nor will it be cheap. West Hawaii Today.

Kahilihili Road, which will provide a means for motorists to make left turns in to and out of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, opened Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

A Kona doctor arrested on suspicion of prescription fraud last year pleaded not guilty to charges Tuesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Condominium sales have lost momentum on the Big Island, dropping 22.7 percent in August after a 60 percent increase in July, according to statistics from Hawaii Island Realtors provided by Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

‘Part of who we are’: Harvey relief volunteers with Hawaii ties exude aloha spirit. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island Fair is returning to Kailua-Kona after the threat of storm last year forced the carnival to cancel, interrupting 30 years of consecutive entertainment to the Big Island each September. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The head of Alexander &Baldwin’s diversified agriculture operations told a Maui County Council committee Tuesday that the company is not farming any genetically modified crops for food or for animal feed. Maui News.

Several key school bus routes on Maui have been restored after a driver shortage had disrupted the start of the school for hundreds of students, Hawaii education officials said Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Dimino Named Complex Area Superintendent for Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui. Maui Now.

A Kihei man says he found suspected ordnance along a South Maui road last week and turned it into the Maui Police Department for disposal. Maui News.

Mālama Maui Nui will host a cleanup at the Kahului Harbor small boats ramp from 9 a.m. until noon on Sept. 16, 2017. The cleanup will kickoff the annual Get the Drift and Bag It! campaign. Maui Now.

Kauai

The monitoring team on Lehua Island has collected 45 dead fish and two dead birds from the near-shore waters, after two applications of rodenticide were dropped from a helicopter over the island. Garden Island.

After numerous social media posts, photos, and videos showing dead fish or birds that posters claim were killed by a rodenticide currently being used to eradicate non-native, damaging (invasive) rats from Lehua Island, the DLNR, Island Conservation, and other Lehua Island Restoration Project partners have deployed on-island monitoring teams to investigate. Maui Now.

Photos and video of dead fish and birds washing up on Lehua Island have been spreading on social media days after rat poison pellets were dropped from a helicopter on the steep cliff side of the island to eradicate invasive rodents. Star-Advertiser.

Single-family home and condominium sales experienced double-digit decreases on Kauai in August, dropping 27 percent and 11.5 percent, respectively, according to statistics from the Kauai Board of Realtors provided by Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument could be spared, state sued over harbor lights, Lehua rat poison drop commences, special session on rail funding nears, Board of Regents poised to vote on Thirty Meter Telescope resolution, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument map

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said he’s recommending that none of 27 national monuments carved from wilderness and ocean and under review by the Trump administration be eliminated. The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is on the list for consideration. Associated Press.

=====

House and Senate negotiators have tentatively agreed on a plan to bail out the city’s rail project by raising hotel room taxes statewide and extending the general excise tax surcharge on Oahu for another three or four years, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Star-Advertiser.

A decision to move forward with a special session to address funding for Honolulu’s rail project could be made Thursday. KHON2.

Saying they are frustrated with the city's failure to talk about new ideas on how to find money for rail, state lawmakers are looking to place tighter reins on money collected to pay for system's project $2.8 billion shortfall. Hawaii News Now.

Could recent plunge in public transportation ridership spell trouble for rail? KHON2.

=====


Three conservation groups filed suit against the state Wednesday, claiming it has failed to address the harm to imperiled seabirds on Kauai, Maui and Lanai caused by bright lighting at its facilities in violation of the Endangered Species Act. Star-Advertiser.

Conservation groups today filed a lawsuit against the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for allegedly failing to address injuries and deaths of three species of critically imperiled seabirds.  The lawsuit claims the deaths and injuries are the result of by bright lighting at state-operated airports and harbors on Kauai, Maui and Lanai. Maui Now.

In response to a lawsuit filed by environmental activists over the death of endangered birds, the state Department of Transportation says their facilities don't violate any environmental regulations. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is facing a lawsuit over lights at its airports and harbors. KHON2.

=====

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that police officers working off-duty jobs at private events may not qualify for legal protection. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Community Foundation today will bring together more than 200 island nonprofit organizations to prepare for potentially devastating cuts in federal funding under the Trump administration. Star-Advertiser.

State civil defense officials say they are prepared to add air-raid sirens to monthly exercises as early as Nov. 1, but will meet with mayors before setting a date. Tribune-Herald.

The advent of Donald Trump on the national stage has had a galvanizing effect on many Democrats in the country, and none more so than U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is running for re-election in 2018. Civil Beat.

The who’s who of Hawaii’s medical cannabis dispensary program will be meeting today. The Medical Cannabis Working Group has been meeting every month for the past year. This will be the first meeting since dispensaries have opened. Hawaii Public Radio.

During a hearing at the state Capitol Wednesday, Department of Health officials weren't able to provide lawmakers with a clear timeline for the certification of medical marijuana testing labs. Hawaii News Now.

Pasha Hawaii has ordered the construction of two new ships that will join its Hawaii-Mainland trade lane. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Building several hundred affordable rental apartments on state land in the Liliha- Palama area is now likely 15 months or more away from getting started, pushing back construction from what had been an anticipated start late last year. Star-Advertiser.

Kunia Village, an affordable rental housing development reserved for farmers and their families making less than 60 percent of the area median income, has been completed. Pacific Business News.

The city could start cracking down on sleeping along Oahu streams. After an increase in homeless along our waterways, a bill to block this type of illegal camping advances at the Honolulu city Council. KITV.

Oahu’s Cheapest Source Of Power Is About To Go Away. How HECO plans to replace that electricity for Oahu customers is still unknown but Hawaii’s last coal-fired power plant intends to shut down in just five years. Civil Beat.

The Caldwell administration is considering switching back to a call-in, by-appointment-only system for bulky item trash pickup on Oahu, Environmental Services Director Lori Kahikina said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Valuable crime fighting tool credited for a decrease in crime in Oahu neighborhood. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines and the Honolulu International Airport have each scored top spots in a new ranking by free travel service RewardExpert. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

With the Thirty Meter Telescope project nearing a key regulatory hurdle, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents is expected to reassert its commitment to the stewardship of the Mauna Kea summit in a resolution on the board’s agenda today. Star-Advertiser.

A foam food container ban will be back on the table next month, following a unanimous endorsement by the county Environmental Management Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Amazon.com Inc. said it has no intention of pulling the Kindle online book series “Peter Boy: Hawaii’s Most Notorious Case of Child Abuse and Murder” from its website. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees unanimously approved the Wao Kele o Puna Comprehensive Management Plan during a Resource Management Committee meeting on Oahu Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s efforts to draw more students to its Hale Alahonua residence hall appear to be paying off. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Agricultural shipments from Kahului Harbor were down 40 percent in the second quarter with interisland shipper Young Brothers blaming the closing of Maui’s oldest and largest farming cooperative at the end of June for the severe drop-off. Maui News.

With talk of the impeachment of President Donald Trump stirring on Capitol Hill, Hawaii U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz addressed the possibility of the president’s removal from the White House a couple of times Tuesday during a town hall meeting before a mostly progressive crowd of about 150. Maui News.

Maui Family Support Services will receive $1.3 million for its Early Head Start program, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced last month. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii Maui College registered a slight uptick in enrollment as it began the fall semester Monday with 3,318 students enrolled, up from 3,298 a year ago. Maui News.

Kauai

The state proceeded Wednesday with the first of three rodenticide bait drops in the latest effort to eradicate rats on a tiny island off Niihau. Star-Advertiser.

The clouds cleared around Kauai and Niihau Wednesday morning and the Lehua Island restoration project began. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources began aerial application of rodenticide today in an attempt to control the rat population at Lehua Island, an area managed as a State Seabird Sanctuary. Maui Now.

Molokai

Molokai Planning Commission Chairman Rob Stephenson said Tuesday that he hasn’t made a decision yet on how he’ll respond to the calls for him to step down from his post. Maui News.

Building a new police station in Kaunakakai, capping vacation rentals on Molokai’s east end and finding ways to ease tax burdens on kuleana land owners are just some of the goals for Molokai as the island’s updated community plan nears completion. Maui News.

Rail funding unresolved as deadline nears, poison drop begins on Lehua, Honolulu defers high-rise sprinkler bill, electric rate hike for Big Island, fray over Maui bus driver shortage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol © 2017 All Hawaii News

State lawmakers have until Friday to file paperwork to call a special session to deal with rail next week. But it's not clear if they will also take up a bill to fund pay raises for University of Hawaii Faculty or the United Public Workers. KITV.

Honolulu Rail Transit: Potential 16% Savings: The State Legislature is currently looking at ways to allow for the funding of the 8.2 billion dollar Honolulu Rail Transit System. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two of the highest-­ranking military commanders in Hawaii and the Pacific were in Asia on Tuesday for an exercise geared toward war on the Korean Peninsula and to deal with an alarming four U.S. Navy ship accidents this year in the western Pacific — including two fatal collisions in nearly as many months. Star-Advertiser.

Rich outside investors are offering to pay in full, in cash to purchase real estate in Hawaii. It’s something that’s made home-buying more difficult for the middle and working class. KHON2.

Hawaii car and light-truck registrations were flat in the second quarter, but the overall trend remained upward with new vehicle registrations poised to rise for the seventh year in a row. Star-Advertiser.

Abigail Kawananakoa’s mental health has become the focus of an ongoing legal battle over who should have control of her $200 million Campbell Estate fortune. Civil Beat.

Young Brothers Ltd. said that its interisland cargo volumes increased slightly in the second quarter of 2017, up 1.2 percent compared to the same period of 2016. Pacific Business News.

Young Brothers Limited announced that intrastate cargo volumes between Honolulu and six Neighbor Island ports increased slightly in the second quarter of 2017, up 1.2 percent compared to the same period of 2016. Garden Island.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council members Tuesday signaled they may be backing away from requiring more than 350 older residential buildings on Oahu to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems within five years. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s bill to retrofit sprinkler installations in older residential high rises remains in limbo until a newly formed advisory committee presents its fire safety recommendations. Star-Advertiser.

The Council Public Health, Safety and Welfare Committee voted to advance Bill 70, banning smoking in vehicles when there are minors present. Star-Advertiser.

As the search for a permanent Honolulu Police Chief continues, some city leaders think the mayor should be given more power to decide who will fill the spot. Hawaii News Now.

Commercial and industrial swaths of Kalihi in urban Honolulu would be redeveloped into mixed-use housing projects and new businesses along with recreational areas under a “vision plan” state officials unveiled Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Could Kalihi be the new Kakaako? With plans to move the aging Oahu Community Correctional Center currently in the works, Gov. David Ige has had his eye on upgrading the neighborhood, especially with plans for the rail to pass through. KHON2.

The Hawaii Sierra Club has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health, arguing the agency should have updated rules ensuring the safety of underground storage tanks. Civil Beat.

Imagine Waikiki without its world-renowned beach. That’s a future that’s possible this century, scientists say. Hawaii News Now.

Marine life artist Wyland and Hawaiian Airlines have reached an agreement regarding their recent legal battle over the ownership of two Hawaii whale murals. Pacific Business News.

Lack of lavatories leads to unsightly problem at historic Pali lookout. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The state Public Utilities Commission issued an interim order Tuesday granting a 3.4 percent increase to Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s base rate. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has tentatively approved Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s first rate increase in more than six years. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is planning to overhaul its testing and inspection processes of incoming deep well equipment in the wake of several premature failures that have led to a water crisis in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Traffic along a portion of Queen Kaahumanu Highway will transition to the newly paved makai section Wednesday night as part of the ongoing widening project. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An ongoing shortage of school bus drivers on Maui has turned into a heated exchange of words in recent days between Department of Education officials and the bus vendor that lost some of the island’s bus routes to a competitor last year. Civil Beat.

US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) sat down for a one-on-one interview at Maui Now to discuss congressional updates during a visit to Maui on Tuesday.  Prior to the interview, Sen. Schatz held a town hall meeting at the Binhi At Ani Filipino Community Center in Kahului that drew an estimated 100 people. Maui Now.

The Department of Planning is getting back on track to update Maui island’s six regional plans, but this time it’s coming with a dose of budgetary realism and more input from county departments, according to Deputy Director Michele Chouteau McLean. Maui News.

Irrigation system work continues at Waipuilani Park in Kihei but the parking lot, restrooms and tennis courts will remain open during the current phase of work. Maui News.

An informational briefing on the conveyance of 3 acres of state land to the county near the Lahaina Civic Center will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the center social hall. Maui News.

Kauai

The Lehua Island restoration project has been given the green light and the first round of poison-laced bait could be dropped as soon as 6 this morning. Garden Island.

An ongoing rat problem on Lehua Island is prompting the DLNR to go ahead with plans to bait the island with rat poison. But some are worried that could pose a health risk to other animals on the island. Hawaii News Now.

James Jasper Enterprises, the owner of the Anchor Cove Shopping Center on Kauai, is planning to expand the Lihue property and add a new oceanfront restaurant with outdoor seating, as well as a new market or convenience store. Pacific Business News.

The Kauai Police Department recently launched a new, online, crime-mapping program called LexisNexis Community Crime Map, which replaces the former program, RAIDS Online. Garden Island.

Hawaii to send minimal voter list to Trump commission, rat lungworm hits Oahu, Kaui rodenticide drop to go forward, experts downplay North Korea threat, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai boat harbor © 2017 All Hawaii News

The memory of the state’s failed public-private partnership at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor was still fresh enough to elicit strong opposition Tuesday in Waikiki to any attempt at a new partnership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s county election officials will send President Donald Trump’s election advisory commission their public voting lists by the end of this week. West Hawaii Today.

Isle expert dismisses ‘barking’ by N. Korea, U.S. The ongoing frenzy spread fears in Guam and rekindled an ongoing discussion over whether Hawaii needs missile interceptors in the state to better protect against a growing North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile threat. Star-Advertiser.

Hot Talk Between Trump, North Korea Could Put Hawaii On The Front Line. How might growing tensions affect Hawaii? In addition to risks of missile attacks, local military bases would likely serve as staging areas in a conflict. Civil Beat.

Why Hawaii Won’t Join Battle Against Trump’s ‘Sanctuary City’ Crackdown. While Hawaii has led the legal charge against the administration’s travel ban, Gov. David Ige is not supporting the sanctuary movement. Civil Beat.

Hanabusa Rethinking Pro-Israel Bill After Taking Heat At Town Halls. Vocal opponents of the Israel Anti-Boycott Bill say it threatens free speech and is being pushed by an influential pro-Israel lobbying group. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian royalty descendant and Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa’s recent medical problems are triggering a legal battle over her $200 million trust, and some say that's placing her charitable and social causes for Native Hawaiians in jeopardy. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is getting $90,000 in federal funding to help bring back the Native Hawaiian language. KITV.

Oahu

Medicinal marijuana users thrill to ‘historic day’ on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A medical cannabis dispensary is now open on Oahu. KHON2.

A bill that would require older residential high-rise towers to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems received the first of three necessary approvals Wednesday from the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

City lawmakers are taking action to update Honolulu's fire code in light of a devastating and deadly high-rise fire last month. Hawaii News Now.

An adult is hospitalized with rat lungworm disease on Oahu, the first case of the disease reported on the island since 2010, the Health Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health announced Wednesday that a case of rat lungworm disease was confirmed on Oahu for the first time since 2010, bringing the year-to-date total of the parasitic infection statewide to 16. Civil Beat.

Rat lungworm disease may affect Hawaii farmers following Oahu confirmed case. Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Health has confirmed its first rat lungworm disease case on Oahu in 2017. KITV.

Resolution to remove controversial sidewalk extensions passes city council. The Honolulu City Council unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday that would remove eight of the bulbouts on Pauahi Street, between Mauna Kea and Smith Street. Hawaii News Now.

Some cemeteries on Oahu are running out of space, but the Honolulu City Council took action Wednesday that may provide some relief. Civil Beat.

The Hale Mahana Collegiate Apartments, the first new-construction student housing project in Honolulu, is rising from a site at the corner of South King Street and University Avenue, just down the street from the University of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Cardax Inc. is going national with its new anti-inflammatory dietary supplement ZanthoSyn. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Higher fuel taxes that began this month are expected to generate an additional $4.6 million for the rest of the fiscal year, according to a report from the Hawaii County Department of Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

The beloved blond zebra at Kailua-Kona’s Three Ring Ranch Animal Sanctuary died peacefully at the age of 19 early Sunday morning from old age, officials confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ground Transport Inc., the state’s new school bus contractor on Maui, says it’s slowly making progress in hiring bus drivers on the island, but hundreds of Maui students still will need to find alternative rides to school for at least a few more weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Facing a shortage of school bus drivers on Maui, state education officials say the company that operates many of the island’s routes is working on a fix: bringing drivers in from Oahu. Civil Beat.

A Maui lawmaker is weighing in and asking the governor to step in and solve a school bus service shortage on neighbor islands. KHON2.

Pointing out that the disputed liquor rules had already been reversed, a judge ruled in favor of the county Liquor Control Department and Liquor Control Commission on Tuesday in a lawsuit that challenged the transparency of the rule changes. Maui News.

Hawaii’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened for business on Maui yesterday. The dispensary is one of two licensed to serve patients in Maui County. But what about patients living on Molokai and Lanai? Hawaii Public Radio.

Seventeen years from law to dispensaries. Maui News.

Patients rejoiced with smiles and shouts Tuesday after making the first legal purchases of medical cannabis at a licensed dispensary in the state at Maui Grown Therapies in Kahului. Maui News.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. earned a $6.5 million profit in the second quarter on the value of land improvements tied to some real estate the company sold to a developer nearly a decade ago. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s moving forward with the plan to drop more than 10 tons of rodenticide on Lehua Island, as soon as permits are approved. Garden Island.


County Council approves tax break for long-term affordable housing. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council and administration plan to be in sync the next time money to fund the Climate Action Plan is made available. Garden Island.

To help maintain its idyllic setting, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to renew its request for permanent on-site staff at Kalalau Valley within the 6,175-acre Napali Coast park to help deter illegal camping and reduce heaps of rubbish left behind. Star-Advertiser.

Work on a $1.1 million repair project to the Kapaia Tunnel will start in September, said David Hinazumi, vice president of the Grove Farm Company. Garden Island.