Recreational marijuana bill advances despite testimony from Lingle and others, another pay raise for Honolulu officials, Sen. Rhoads reports death threats after anti-Trump social media post, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lingle joins recreational-cannabis debate in rare public stance. Former Gov. Linda Lingle testified for the first time before the state Legislature on Tuesday since leaving political office in 2010 and took a high-profile, political stance urging a House committee to kill the latest, perennial effort to legalize adult recreational cannabis use in Hawaii.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hemp farmers face uncertainty as marijuana legalization bill moves forward. Efforts to legalize recreational marijuana are continuing to advance in the state Legislature and hemp farmers are starting to feel the impacts as the bill would move both products under one regulating authority. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii senator getting death threats after posts controversial tweet about Donald Trump. State Sen. Karl Rhoads said he is receiving death threats after posting a controversial tweet this past weekend in opposition to presidential candidate Donald Trump. KITV4.

Homeless Villages: A Viable Solution To Getting People Off The Street Or Just The Latest Fad? The Green administration is pushing to build a dozen kauhale this year throughout Hawaii. Civil Beat.

OHA seeks local nonprofit to administer $1.6M financial hardship grant program. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has set aside $1.6 million for an emergency financial assistance program for Native Hawaiians — and it needs a nonprofit to help run the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Panel OKs 3% pay hike for Honolulu mayor and City Council. With little comment from the public, the Honolulu Salary Commission on Tuesday recommended a 3% or greater pay boost for the mayor, managing director, all nine members of the City Council and other appointed, high-level city officials. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Honolulu Salary Commission Considers Expanding Its Powers. Commissioners argue that having the ability to gradually raise pay rather than approving sporadic large bumps would have helped avoid last year’s controversial 64% raise for council members. Civil Beat.

Amid city juggling act, popular soccer complex emerges as top contender for new landfill. In his State of the City address, the mayor emphasized a better relationship with the military over use of its lands. It became clear Tuesday that involves a complicated puzzle involving a raceway, a landfill and a soccer complex, Managing Director Mike Formby told the council Budget Committee. Hawaii News Now.

Red Hill board accuses Navy of backing off transparency vow.  As the military tries to highlight progress on efforts to close the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel facility, members of the Red Hill Community Representation Initiative are accusing the federal government of walking back on its commitments to transparency ahead of a public meeting scheduled for Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

10 intersections are new focus for ticket camera bill. Pending legislation aimed at ticketing speeding Hawaii drivers using automated cameras took another sharp turn Tuesday, with proposed use redirected to 10 Honolulu intersections where cameras already cite red-light runners. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Senate Committee Defers Bill On Panaʻewa, Pāhoa Ag Park Water EIS. The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment cited departments concerns with spending public money to the benefit of private entities. Big Island Video News.

Waimea mini-horse named nonprofit’s Pet of the Year. A miniature horse from Waimea that visits patients at Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital has become national nonprofit Pet Partners’ “Pet of the Year.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bills could force short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing for Maui residents. Short-term vacation rentals on Maui could be facing a significant shift due to bills making their way now through the State Legislature.  KITV4.

$159M Job To Clean Up Lahaina’s Commercial District Begins 7 Months After Fires. The Army Corps of Engineers is working to secure access to the properties in what's expected to be a challenging phase of Maui's recovery. Civil Beat.

Congress ‘failing’ survivors of disasters, says Sen. Schatz. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz had planned Tuesday to address his colleagues on the floor of the U.S. Senate about record funding for Native American communities, but first took the opportunity to say that Congress “is failing disaster survivors” in Lahaina and across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Yamane, Iha and Tacbian elected to KIUC Board. The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) announced the results of its Board of Directors election on Saturday afternoon.  Garden Island.

Making affordable housing more accessible: Kapaa Homes approved for redevelopment. On Tuesday, the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and Highridge Costa Development Company announced that the plan to redevelop Kapaa Homes has been unanimously approved. KHON2.

Ige proposes 7.2% budget increase, Honolulu prosecutor refuses to step down, Hawaii homelessness drops in new report, Lingle speaks to Maui vets, Kauai water diversion approved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige presents budget, courtesy Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige is taking a cautious approach to the state’s biannual budget, holding back on about $100 million in proposed spending next year in case general fund growth is lower than expected. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige Submits "Conservative" Budget Request to Legislature. The Governor submitted his executive budget request to the state legislature today as required by law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor David Ige released his state budget proposal for the next two fiscal years. In it, more than $400 million toward public education. KITV.

State says budget proposal more conservative. Governor David Ige says he's taking a more conservative approach to the budget. He says the state may get about $150 to $180 million less in revenue in the current fiscal year than projected. KHON2.

Ige seeks two-year $31B budget. Gov. David Ige’s requested budget for the next two years includes an increase in the state’s disaster fund as well as increased staff to manage the lingering effects of 2018’s natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Ige proposes major expansion of ‘free college’ program for low-income students. Under a proposed budget to be presented to the state Legislature, Gov. David Ige would expand the Hawaii Promise program to all four-year colleges in the UH system with $19 million in funding over fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Hawaii News Now.

Girls’ locker rooms in governor’s budget, but advocates say more needs to be done.  Gov. David Ige unveiled a budget proposal Monday that includes $400 million over the next two years for school improvements, including the building of facilities for girls athletics. Hawaii News Now.

Ige takes 'cautious approach' with executive budget proposal. Gov. David Ige revealed his administration’s executive budget proposal for Fiscal Biennium 2019-21, which includes a total operating budget of $15.47 billion for financial year 2020 and $15.7 billion for financial year 2021. Pacific Business News.

Sylvia Luke Wants To Change The Way The State Spends Money. Agencies should have to justify every penny they ask for, says the House Finance Committee chair. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Senate introduced a bill to ensure future alerts are more effective. Senators unanimously passed the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement or READI Act. KITV.

A new report that looks at homelessness in America in 2017 underscores the progress Hawaii has made in the last two years, when the state’s overall homeless rate has consecutively dropped 9 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii homeless rates among highest. A federal report released Monday said Hawaii has a higher number of homeless people per capita than any other state except New York. Garden Island.

Schatz wants pesticide banned near schools. The Prohibit Chlorpyrifos Poisoning Students Act would take Hawaii’s state ban to the national level, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Star-Advertiser.

Huge Barrier For Trapping Plastic Waste In The Pacific Isn’t Working. Changes are planned for the effort to sweep up the giant patch of trash between Hawaii and California. Associated Press.

Oahu

For the first time Monday, embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro responded to growing calls to step aside, saying that he was elected for four years and that his office is being run effectively. Hawaii News Now.

Drive to Impeach Honolulu Prosecutor Will Test City’s Vague Law. Keith Kaneshiro said Monday he had no plans to step aside after reportedly receiving a target letter from federal investigators. Civil Beat.

Pressure mounts on city's top prosecutor to step aside while he's under investigation. A probe to reexamine cases handled by the prosecutor's office is one some of the city's defense lawyers say they're on a mission to do. KITV.

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Doug Chin, former lieutenant governor and attorney general, joins downtown law firm. Star-Advertiser.

Major Donation Buoys Hopes for Relocating Waianae Homeless Village. A homeless community on Oahu’s leeward coast is one step closer to finding homes. The group received a $150,000 donation to help fund a plan to transition the residents of Pu'uhonua o Waianae to permanent housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Queen’s sees results with innovative program that helps house medically-fragile homeless patients. Every month, up to 600 homeless people are admitted into the emergency room at the Queen’s Medical Center. Many of them are repeat patients. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of rare Hawaiian snails were released into the wild after being born and raised at the Honolulu Zoo. KHON2.

Troon takes over golf course management at Hawaii's Turtle Bay Resort. Troon has taken over management of the two golf courses at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu, including an 18-hole course designed by PGA legend Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, which is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

SHOPO says Hawaii Island Police need body cameras, department agrees; though funding an issue. Hawaii Island Police remains the only department without.  KHON2.

No Aloha At These Rough And Tumble Neighborhood Meetings. Community associations around Hawaii County are charged with tasks such as maintaining roads in substandard subdivisions, and no one oversees them. Civil Beat.

Repairs to Honokaa gym floor underway but another delay possible. Years after flooring in the Honokaa Armory was damaged, repairs are underway, although the work could still face more delays. Tribune-Herald.

Released Hawaiian Crow Found Dead In Forest. The critically endangered Alala, one of only a handful recently released into the wild, was found under a tree root on December 6. Big Island Video News.

Premier Restoration Hawaii opened its first facility on the Big Island, an expansion that includes a planned investment of close to $500,000 in new equipment and human resources over the next three months. Pacific Business News.

Maui

You aren’t born a leader, says Lingle, you become one. Former governor charts her path to politics for nisei veterans series. Maui News.

Opportunity Zones, tax incentives could aid redevelopment. Maui County zones have been set up that offer tax incentives to encourage investments in those lower income areas as part of a federal program. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative gets permit renewed for water diversion. The State Board of Land and Natural Resources approved Monday a staff recommendation for the holdover of a revocable permit for water use at the Blue Hole diversion, allowing Kauai Island Utility Cooperative to continue to operate two hydroelectric facilities which contribute 1.5 megawatts of energy to the island’s renewable portfolio. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor-Elect Victorino Announces 13 More Appointments. Mayor-elect Mike Victorino announced today a new appointment as director for the county Department of Finance, 10 deputy directors, the new administration’s budget director and the director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Maui Now.

No plans to fix Morgan Ponds. The seawall separating Morgan’s Ponds from the ocean at Lydgate Beach Park is still damaged, about eight months after debris from April floods put a hole in the rock wall. Garden Island.

The Kauai Medical Clinic in Kapaa got a lot bigger to be able to provide more primary care opportunities for residents in the Eastside, Monday. Garden Island.

Legislative session ends, Saiki takes over as House speaker, no deal reached on rail, state schools superintendent finalists meet public, economy to grow more slowly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol, courtesy Henry Curtis, Ililani Media

The Hawaii Legislature concluded with a sudden change in leadership in the state House of Representatives, ending a session marked by a failure to pass a major bill to fund Honolulu’s troubled rail transit project and the death of many other significant proposals. Associated Press.

A divided state Legislature closed out the turbulent 2017 session and headed home Thursday without approving any bill to provide more funding for rail, but Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he plans to press lawmakers for a new rail funding agreement that could be ratified in a special session later this year. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Adjourn Without Deal To Pay For Rail. Civil Beat.

With nerves raw and no clear timeline for future talks, state lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session Thursday without reaching a deal on funding for Honolulu's beleaguered rail project. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Legislature adjourned Thursday after passing a total of 233 bills this session, including a state budget of $14.1 billion for fiscal year 2018 and $14.3 billion for fiscal year 2019. Pacific Business News.

House Speaker Joe Souki has officially resigned from that post effective immediately in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s House leadership reorganization. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Joseph Souki has resigned as speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii House Speaker Joe Souki resigned from his leadership post on Thursday, the final day of the Hawaii legislative session, citing “disappointments” during the session that included a failure to reach a deal with the Senate over funding for Honolulu’s rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

The highest-ranking elected Republican in Hawaii also wants to lead the state party. State Rep. Andria Tupola said Wednesday that she was officially running to be chairwoman of the Hawaii Republican Party. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s economy is expected to keep growing at a slower pace even as tourist arrivals head for a sixth straight record year and the construction industry remains busy. Star-Advertiser.

In their first public remarks in Hawaii on Thursday, the two candidates vying to be the next superintendent of public schools emphasized a commitment to ensuring equitable access to a high-quality education. Star-Advertiser.

The two finalists for Hawaii schools superintendent made statements and fielded questions from reporters Thursday, and one of the two could be offered the job next week. Civil Beat.

The two women vying to become Hawaii public schools' next superintendent have made their first public remarks. The candidates are 48-year-old Christina Kishimoto and 46-year-old Linda Chen. Kishimoto and Chen have been selected from an initial candidate pool of 92 applicants. Associated Press.

Linda Lingle to join panel of ex-governors at Harvard. Associated Press.

State regulators approved a 0.12 percent increase in Young Brothers Ltd.’s interisland shipping rates, denying the company’s request for a 4.36 percent increase. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

With legislative session over, councilwoman demands tough rail decisions be made at city level. KHON2.

If the rail project continues, taxpayers may be left to pick-up the tab, and that's not likely to go over well. KITV.

Affordable-housing advocates maintain that a city proposal for interim housing requirements for projects with zoning exemptions in transit-oriented development areas does not go far enough to meet Oahu’s housing shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Immigrant Investor Project Gets Rocky Reception From City Council/ A developer is using a federal cash-for-greencards investment program designed for economically distressed areas to finance a condominium project near Ala Moana Center. Civil Beat.

Inmates become farmers at the Waiawa Correctional Facility. KITV.

The wife of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” reality TV star Duane “Dog” Chapman should have a role in helping select the next chief of the Honolulu Police Department, the Police Commission’s chairman said. Associated Press.

Police Commissioner Cites Another ‘Failed Investigation’ Of Possible Abuse. Civil Beat.

There's more turnover at the top of the Honolulu Police Department as another high-ranking officer is leaving. Deputy Chief Jerry Inouye announced his retirement after 30 years with the force. Hawaii News Now.

A rehabilitation project by the Hawaii Department of Transportation Highways Division will close Kipapa Stream Bridge (Roosevelt) over the weekend. KHON2.

Alexander &Baldwin Inc., one of Hawaii’s largest landowners, reported net income Thursday of $7 million, or 14 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter, compared to a loss of $7 million for the same quarter last year. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Astronomers say the best place on earth to practice their science is on Hawai‘i Island: Mauna Kea. The mountain is also important to cultural practitioners, hunters, hikers and sightseers. The mayor of Hawai'i County has been sharing his vision for the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three Big Island airports are slated for lighting improvements, the state Department of Transportation announced this week. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Ethos — one of the two medical marijuana-licensed entities permitted on Hawaii Island — hopes to have its cultivation site up and running later this year. West Hawaii Today.

About 45 Volcano residents met Wednesday at Cooper Center with Puna police commanders and community policing officers to express concern about a spike in crime, especially burglaries. Tribune-Herald.

The old Keauhou Beach Hotel is coming down. West Hawaii Today.

It took only five minutes for nearly the entire delta to disappear into the sea on May 3, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Matt Patrick said. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Environmental and cultural preservation groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to invalidate the Maui Planning Commission’s approval of the proposed $354.5 million, mixed-used Makena Resort project. Maui News.

Maui County Councilmember Elle Cochran has coordinated a series of events that includes county, state and private property managers, in what is being called Maui’s first-ever large scale training series on alternatives to landscape pesticides. Maui Now.

The Honolulu-based concrete production company that has been moving sand from Central Maui to other places off-site, including Oahu, has stopped transporting sand, following a formal notice from Maui County regarding permit issues on Monday. Maui News.

There’s been a major breakthrough in the fight to stop sand shipments from Maui to Oahu. KHON2.

The Waiehu Golf Course driving range will be closed for repairs starting Monday, May 8, and will reopen again on Friday, May 19. Maui Now.

Kauai

Water flow will more than double in the Waimea River system once all of the diversions in the Kekaha and Koloa ditch systems are addressed, and some if it is already back in the watershed. Garden Island.

John Lydgate was a family man, a teacher and a historian who invested the last two decades of his life to building a park for the Kauai community. Garden Island.

State expects $155M less in revenues, OHA to oust CEO Crabbe, tax refund delay, Lingle celebrates Trump win, is returning to Hawaii, Honolulu Police Commission mulls chief's fate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dolphin encounter at Waikoloa resort © 2017 All Hawaii News

Animal rights activists are celebrating the news that the first U.S. resort developed by Atlantis Resorts — at Ko Olina — won’t include captive dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

The state expects to collect about $155 million less in tax revenues than a panel of economists, accountants and others had previously projected for fiscal year 2017, which ends June 30. Civil Beat.

A panel of experts that estimates how much the state will collect in taxes each year revised its projection significantly downward Wednesday, which means state government will have about $155 million less to spend this year than Gov. David Ige’s administration had expected. Star-Advertiser.

We’re just days into the new year and the outlook is not looking too good for our economy. Predictions are showing less money coming into the state and it’s no small chunk of change. KHON2.

The state is again warning taxpayers that they may need to wait as many as 16 weeks for a refund check after filing a Hawaii state tax return. The delays are part of an increased effort to prevent fraud that was launched in 2015. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii is asking the state Legislature for additional appropriations of about $29 million for each of the next two fiscal years to add to its annual operating budget of about $1.1 billion. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers crafting the state budget are questioning why the University of Hawaii hasn’t tapped into more than $6 million sitting in a special fund earmarked for repair and maintenance at the UH Cancer Center, which has been plagued with money troubles. Star-Advertiser.

A big change could be coming to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs -- and it won't be cheap. The OHA Board of Trustees have offered to buy CEO Kamana'opono Crabbe out of his contract. KITV.

Under new leadership, trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have voted to buy out the contract of CEO Kamana’opono Crabbe. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle offered her own analysis of Donald Trump’s surprise victory to a crowd of about 400 Republicans who gathered at the Koolau Ballrooms at Koolau Golf Course in Kaneohe on Wednesday for a pre-inaugural gala in celebration of the president-elect. Star-Advertiser.

Some 300 people gathered in Kaneohe to celebrate the upcoming presidency of Donald J. Trump. The Hawaii Republican Party's Pre-Inauguration Gala also drew former Gov. Linda Lingle, who was the featured speaker at the event. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s job status in the wake of being named the target of an FBI criminal investigation remains up in the air after the Honolulu Police Commission met behind closed doors for two hours Wednesday, then recessed until Friday without making a decision on his fate. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission emerged from a two-hour closed-door session Wednesday without making a decision on the status of Police Chief Louis Kealoha who is embroiled in a federal corruption investigation. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Commission met behind closed doors Wednesday to discuss the status of Chief Louis Kealoha, who surrendered his gun and badge and went on paid leave after being notified he’s the target of a federal investigation. Associated Press.

The future of Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha could be determined this Friday. That’s when the Honolulu Police Commission will reconvene to make a decision on the Chief’s employment status. Hawaii Pubic Radio.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha is on paid leave while federal officials carry out a corruption investigation.  The Honolulu Police Commission decided Wednesday afternoon to extend Chief Kealoha's leave of absence indefinitely. KITV.

Honolulu’s chief of police is on leave indefinitely. Max Sword, chair of the Honolulu Police Commission, also said he expects a decision Friday on Louis Kealoha’s future with the Honolulu Police Department. KHON2.

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The Honolulu Planning Commission has approved an amendment to the city’s land-use law that spells out how much affordable housing developers must provide if they want to be eligible for a special temporary permit that provides height and density advantages for building near planned rail stations. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council members are asking the state to allow the tax for Oahu's multibillion-dollar rail project to cover operating costs as well as affordable housing efforts. Associated Press.

Honolulu’s departments of Design and Construction and of Facility Maintenance are credited for surpassing the repaving goal for 2016 by completing 332 lane miles on Oahu. Civil Beat.

The 1st Circuit Court of Hawaii has approved the final closure of the Estate of James Campbell, once one of Hawaii’s largest private landowners and the initial developer of the City of Kapolei in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Homeless Count Volunteers Sought. Organizers are gearing up for the annual count of homeless people, but they are facing a serious shortage of volunteers. Civil Beat.

Honolulu is one of the least affordable counties to rent a home, according to a new report by Attom Data Solutions that found renters need to spend nearly three quarters of their monthly income on rent. Pacific Business News.

The state board overseeing development in Kakaako approved a permit to build a seventh condominium tower at Ward Village in a 5-4 vote Wednesday that includes a deadline to complete construction of a public plaza. Star-Advertiser.

The red garbage collection trucks of Rolloffs Hawaii will keep rolling for its roughly 2,000 Oahu customers, but under new ownership after a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved a sale of the struggling company Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members postponed a bill Wednesday that would strengthen restrictions on the purchase of alcohol after discussing whether certain ceremonial activities should be exempt. Tribune-Herald.

With Mayor Harry Kim shouldering all the blame for a perceived misstep, and dozens of people supporting his nomination, Corporation Counsel nominee Joe Kamelamela on Wednesday survived his first step toward confirmation. West Hawaii Today.

An uneasy discussion concerning the next Corporation Counsel for the County of Hawaii was held in Hilo on Wednesday morning. Big Island Video News.

Last year was a deadly one on Big Island roads, with more official traffic fatalities than 2014 and 2015 combined. Tribune-Herald.

After years of delays, the mauka boat ramp at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor will finally receive a much-needed upgrade. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sales have begun for an 86-acre, 28-lot industrial park in Central Maui, ranging in price from $16 to $24 per square foot, the broker handling the sales of the lots told Pacific Business News.

Sales began today at the Pulehunui Industrial Park, located midway between Kahului and Kīhei near Hawaiian Cement and the National Guard Armory in Puʻunēnē. Maui Now.

A national leader of health savings accounts and health policy will discuss better options for the state health care system and the public-private partnership involving the county’s three public hospitals at a lecture Jan. 11 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Maui News.

Last Denny’s restaurant in Maui County closes. Maui Watch.

Kauai

As the newly elected chair of the Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, Justin Kollar hopes to continue working for productive relationships among key players in law enforcement. Garden Island.

The State Commission on Water Resource Management will hold a public hearing on proposed updates to the State Water Projects Plan at the Lihue Civic Center, Meeting Rooms 2A and 2B, at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Garden Island.

Almost month after volunteer cleanup, portion of trash heap to be cleared. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism looks bright, few judicial applicants, teachers angry over union negotiations, Medicare premiums to rise, solar for every school, Kauai mayor can discipline police chief, more tsunami response analysis, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pool party (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Tuesday that September visitor arrivals grew 6.1 percent to 595,019 and spending rose 15.6 percent to $1.1 billion, which was $146.5 million more than in September of 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Total spending by visitors to Hawaii rose 16 percent in September to $1.1 billion, and was nearly 20 percent higher for the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2011, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Aspects of Hawaii’s economy — outside of tourism — are beginning to show signs of a recovery, according to First Hawaiian Bank economist Leroy Laney. Pacific Business News.

A month of head-to-head debates, outside spending and full-bore campaigning did not move the needle, and Mazie Hirono is still comfortably ahead of Linda Lingle in the race for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat. Civil Beat.

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

Negotiations between the State and the Hawaii teachers union has stalled again and some teachers are talking strike. Hawaii News Now.

In what could become the largest solar power project of its kind in the nation, the Department of Education is proposing to install photovoltaic panels on every public school in Hawaii over the next five years in a bid to cut electricity costs and move the state closer to its renewable energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Miscalculated Wave Impact on Hawaii Shores. Hawaii Reporter.

Buoys may need relocating after Saturday's tsunami. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senior Geophysicists: There May Be More Cost Effective, Efficient Ways to Track Tsunamis. Hawaii Reporter.

The number of applicants for higher-level state judgeships has been decreasing over the years, according to data released Tuesday by state Judicial Selection Commission members who want to see more applications for future vacancies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s two largest health insurers will increase premiums for seniors with Medicare insurance coverage on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two major surveys conducted earlier this month have both candidates for Honolulu mayor as frontrunners: the pro-rail Caldwell, and the anti-rail Cayetano. KITV4.

The tab for the advertising campaign by the Pacific Resource Partnership Political Action Committee this election season has topped $2.8 million, with nearly all of it going to the pro-rail group's effort to defeat mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano. Star-Advertiser.

Ben Cayetano wants Honolulu’s local TV stations to stop airing certain ads by the Pacific Resource Partnership, otherwise he might include them as defendants in a defamation lawsuit he lodged last week. Civil Beat.

By the time next week’s election is over and all the bills are paid, the Hawaii Carpenters Union and its affiliates will have spent nearly $4 million in an unprecedented effort to elect their chosen candidate for Honolulu mayor, Kirk Caldwell and, perhaps more importantly, blasting his opponent, former Gov. Ben Cayetano. Civil Beat.

It wasn’t 10 to 1, but when it comes to campaign money Ben Cayetano is definitely the last dog around the bend in the sprint for the Honolulu Mayor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Thielen challenges Hemmings’ return to Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Cockroaches have invaded an Ewa neighborhood by the thousands. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi pumped almost $90,000 into his re-election machine between the primary election and Oct. 22, as challenger and former Mayor Harry Kim sprinkled his grass-roots campaign with a tenth of that, according to reports filed Monday with the state Campaign Spending Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is calling a cattle grazing program at the Kapulena Agricultural Park a success, but when the land will host its first farmers remains unclear. Tribune-Herald.

Big Islanders using the county Civil Defense’s mass emergency notification system on Saturday received no notice of a tsunami warning until after 8:45 p.m. – nearly two hours after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center told residents to anticipate a tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino has spent close to $100,000 on his bid for re-election with a week to go before the general election. Maui News.

After a first term highlighted by passage of short-term vacation rental regulations and work toward a Maui Island Plan for future growth, Don Couch says he hopes to be re-elected to the Maui County Council's South Maui residency seat so he can continue the work. Maui News.

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

Kula resident Richard Dancil today said he planned to file a motion for reconsideration this morning seeking a stay of the event. Maui Now.

Kauai
A Kauai circuit judge Tuesday ruled the mayor of Kauai has powers to suspend or discipline the police chief. Star-Advertiser.

The 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday ruled that the mayor has the power to suspend or discipline the chief of police. Garden Island.