2020 Hawaii Legislature opens with speeches, rallies; mayors seek congestion pricing, vehicle registration increase; Honolulu councilwoman seeks 4-day workweek; Big Island parks to get corporate sponsors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2020 opening day for Hawaii House PC:House Majority

Lawmakers open 2020 session with big plans for taxes, preschool, housing. Hawaii lawmakers thumped the gavels to open the 2020 session of the state Legislature Wednesday with an unusually detailed plan for the laws they plan to pass this year, and with a large demonstration by Hawaiian activists rumbling in the background. Star-Advertiser.

Can Hawaii’s Elected Leaders Save The State From ‘Drowning?’. Legislators kicked off their 2020 session united with the governor to tackle the cost of living. The question is whether their bold ideas will become reality. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers vow to address high cost of living. Lawmakers opened a new session of the Hawaii Legislature on Wednesday with vows to address the state’s punishingly high cost of living so families don’t have to abandon the islands for cheaper places. Associated Press.

Optimism Abounds Going into the 2020 Legislative Session. Lawmakers and Gov. David Ige entered the first day of the 2020 legislative session with optimism and big goals. Big Island Now.

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Transportation issues top priorities of Council of Mayors. A $25 increase in vehicle registration fees to pay for removing abandoned vehicles, a charge to drive on certain roads during peak hours and a surcharge on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are three of a largely transportation-related package the Hawaii Council of Mayors presented Wednesday to legislative money committees. West Hawaii Today.

‘Congestion pricing,’ fee for abandoned cars dominate mayors’ requests to Legislature. Hawaii’s four county mayors made their annual appearance before the money committees of the state house and senate, seeking ways to relieve traffic congestion and to fund ways to clear away abandoned vehicles. Hawaii News Now.

Mayors Want State Action On Traffic, E-Scooters, Rideshare . Hawaii’s four mayors have transportation initiatives on the brain in 2020, their latest requests to state lawmakers show. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposes study of traffic congestion pricing. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants state lawmakers to begin studying the idea of charging motorists a fee for driving on key roads during peak traffic hours, a concept known as congestion pricing that’s been in effect in London and other cities and was recently approved by New York state. Star-Advertiser.

All four County Mayors in Hawaii addressed the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday afternoon. The Mayors were making their financial requests to the State Legislature and one topic they all agreed on was the need for funding to remove abandoned vehicles. KITV4.

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Hundreds with the Hawaii Rising movement gathered at the State Capitol. Hundreds with the Hawaii Rising movement gathered at the State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 15, for the opening of the Legislature. KHON2.

Hawaiian protests move to state Capitol on opening day of business. Months of frustration on the part of Native Hawaiian activists at Mauna Kea, Kahuku and Waimanalo coalesced in a passionate rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday for the opening day of the 2020 Legislature, but key lawmakers said they were unclear about the rally’s message. Star-Advertiser.

Movement aimed to change political landscape to a future rooted in Aloha Aina. Thousands showed up for Hawaii Rising, a movement to change the political landscape to a new future rooted in Aloha Aina. KITV4.

Maunakea Unrest Discussed At Legislature Opening Day. Big Island Video News.

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Over 100 rally at state Capitol to support fight against human trafficking. Over 100 people attended the Ho‘ola Na Pua Walk and Fair at the state Capitol this afternoon to recognize January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Star-Advertiser.

Could ‘pop-up preschools’ help solve Hawaii’s child care woes? Legislators think so. An increase to the minimum wage, tax credits, affordable housing and universal preschool. Lawmakers say those are their priorities this legislative session. Hawaii News Now.


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Hawaii’s Office of Elections to send postcard reminders of vote-by-mail transition. The state Office of Elections will be mailing over 658,000 postcards to active registered voters in Hawaii to raise awareness of its transition to by-mail voting in the 2020 elections. Star-Advertiser.

Elections Officials Announce Voting by Mail. The Office of Elections will be sending out over 658,000 notification postcards to active registered voters in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Check your mail for important information on voting in 2020. The election is quickly approaching, and election officials want to make sure the transition to mail-in voting is a smooth one. Hawaii News Now.

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Fewer criminal cases taken to court statewide. In every county statewide, a suspect busted on the street is increasingly less likely to come before a judge and jury. KHON2.

Staffing And Facility Upgrades Among Top Priorities For Public Safety Department. State Department of Public Safety administrators outlined the department's budget priorities to lawmakers Tuesday at the state Capitol, including a request for $8.4 million over two years for staff on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three Hawaii Correctional Facilities Ban Contact Visits Despite Potential Benefits. Studies suggest non-contact visits can be harmful for families, especially children. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A 4-day work week ... every week? A city councilwoman toys with the idea. Some city workers could be getting four-day weekends every week, if a new resolution catches on. Hawaii News Now.

City councilmember introduces resolution that could give some City workers a four-day work week. Honolulu City Councilmember and Mayoral candidate Kymberly Pine introduced a resolution on Wednesday urging the administration to consider giving certain City and County of Honolulu workers a four-day, 40-hour work week. KITV4.

1,700 gallons of wastewater spills at Pearl Harbor. U.S. Navy personnel responded to a wastewater spill resulting from three overflowing manholes at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam this morning. Star-Advertiser.

Former KITV sportscaster Rick Quan returns to station as news anchor. KITV4 Island News announced today the return to the station and to Hawaii of veteran broadcast journalist Rick Quan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County mulling business sponsorships for parks. County parks may soon be “brought to you by” local businesses and other sponsors thanks to a proposed new county rule. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit: Slug Found In Sandwich Exposed Family To Rat Lungworm Disease. Two Hilo parents are suing the health food store that served them an avocado and lettuce sandwich that contained a two-and-a-half-inch long slug that they fear has exposed them and their infant to rat lungworm disease. Civil Beat.

Millions Requested For Future Maunakea Enforcement Operations. The Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Land and Natural Resources are both asking for a total of $8.7 million over the next two fiscal years for "Public Safety Operational Requirements". Big Island Video News.

Tents, other items remain on mauna. Anti-Thirty Meter Telescope protesters intend to remove abandoned property left behind following the months-long occupation of the Maunakea Access Road within the coming days. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council Chair Delivers Legislative Package of 15 Bills. The Maui package includes 15 bills covering a wide range of issues, including the taxation authority and revenue, roadway safety, the regulation of hosting platforms for unpermitted vacation rentals and environmental issues like invasive species and sea-level rise. Maui Now.

Chairwoman to deliver bill package to legislators. 2020 Maui County Legislative Package includes 15 bills covering a wide range of issues, including taxation authority and revenue, roadway safety, the regulation of hosting platforms for unpermitted vacation rentals and environmental issues like invasive species and sea-level rise. Maui News.

West Maui Hui Sues Condo Over Blocked Shoreline Access. West Maui community groups Nā Papaʻi Wawae ʻUlaʻula and the West Maui Preservation Association filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Mahinahina condominium Kuleana II alleging blocked shoreline access. Maui Now.

$8M Alloted to Maintain Kahului, Kaunakakai Harbors. The US Army Corps of Engineers in Hawaiʻi received more than $8 million in federal funding to maintain the Kahului Deep Draft Harbor and the kaunakakai Deep Draft Harbor. Maui Now.

Leath named interim publisher of The Maui News. Bart Leath has been appointed interim publisher of The Maui News. Longtime Editor and Publisher Joe Bradley retired last month. Maui News.

Kauai

Copter crash Report: Visibility low. Safari Helicopters pilot Paul Matero flew the route of the fatal Dec. 26 tour flight successfully seven times the day of the crash that killed all passengers aboard the Airbus AS350 B2 chopper. Garden Island.

NTSB Report: Visibility Low When Kauai Tourist Helicopter Crashed. The preliminary report also said that the helicopter’s pilot was on his eighth and final scheduled 50-minute tour flight of the day. Associated Press.

NTSB says adverse weather conditions was a factor in the Kauai helicopter crash that killed 7. A witness hiking along a nearby trail reported heavy rain and fog at the time a tour helicopter crashed into a cliff face on Kauai in December, killing all seven people aboard, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB releases preliminary report on Kauai tour helicopter crash. The pilot of a Kauai tour helicopter that crashed Dec. 26 was on his eighth and final flight of the day, according to a preliminary NTSB report on the incident. Hawaii News Now.

NTSB releases preliminary report of fatal Kaua'i helicopter crash detailing eyewitness account. The National Transportation Safety Board released their preliminary report on what led up to that fatal helicopter crash on Kaua'i in December, killing all seven people on board. KITV4.

NTSB Preliminary Report Released into Kaua‘i Tour Helicopter Crash. A preliminary accident report released by the National Transportation Safety Board was released today, detailing initial findings involving a fatal tour helicopter crash on Kauaʻi that claimed the lives of seven on board last month. Maui Now.

Hearing set on Young Brothers rate hike request. The state Public Utilities Commission has scheduled public meetings relating to its review of Young Brothers LLC’s request for approval of a general rate increase of approximately 34% over revenue at present rates. Garden Island.

Coral may be adapting to warmer seas, 3rd federal subpoena for Honolulu rail, milk production may be doomed, voting behind bars, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Divers study coral damage in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

A team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum conducted a study of coral resiliency that showed some corals are better able to tolerate heat than similar corals tested in the 1970s. But scientists say it will not be fast enough to fight off rising sea temperatures. University of Hawaii.

Fresh Hawaii milk production may be doomed after dairy industry missteps. The state Department of Agriculture and University of Hawaii have supported efforts to help reverse the decline. But the recent developments aren’t encouraging. Star-Advertiser.

Rural Schools Take A Big Hit In Hawaii’s Funding Formula. Hawaii’s system was meant to make school funding more equitable. But in places like Hana and Molokai, it’s meant cutting teachers and class offerings. Civil Beat.

‘Hawaii Saves’ retirement fund moves forward with opposition from insurers. A proposal to create a Hawaii retirement savings program for local businesses is moving forward in the state Senate. Hawaii News Now.

Bringing The Right To Vote Behind Bars. Supporters, including the Department of Public Safety, are backing legislation that would make Hawaii one of a handful of states that allow inmates to cast a ballot. Civil Beat.

Bills would establish statewide regulations for ‘transportation network companies’ — including Uber and Lyft. Tribune-Herald.

Bills To Help Sexual Misconduct Victims Speak Out Also Could Keep Them Silent. Lawmakers are considering measures to block non-disclosure agreements related to sexual misconduct. Civil Beat.

1 in 15 Hawaii high schools students have attempted suicide according to the Hawaii State Teachers Association, which is supporting a bill to prevent suicide. The bill would have public school employees trained on what to look out for and how to help kids contemplating killing themselves. KITV.

Hawaii Gas files motion for solar water heater ruling. Hawaii Gas has filed a motion to intervene in a suit against a state agency alleging that it was wrongfully allowing “wholesale exemptions” from a solar water heater mandate for tens of thousands of gas water heaters. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel Occupancy Dips in January, But Vacation Rentals May Not Be To Blame. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Third HART subpoena seeks minutes of closed meetings. Federal investigators want the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to turn over minutes for its board’s meetings as part of its criminal investigation into the $9.2 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Demand Records Of HART Board’s Closed-Door Meetings. The latest subpoena requires HART to provide unredacted minutes of its board’s executive sessions, but HART questions whether it can fully comply. Civil Beat.

HART Receives Third Federal Supoena Seeking Board Minutes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu rail authorities confirmed Monday that they had received a third subpoena in connection with a federal criminal investigation into the state’s largest public works project. Hawaii News Now.

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The Honolulu Prosecutor’s office has now kicked two high profile cases to another agency -- because of potential conflicts due to the federal investigation. Both cases were handled by former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, the one time head of the career criminal unit -- who is now facing dozens of federal charges. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy has provided federal and state regulators with the results of testing at its Red Hill fuel facility near Pearl Harbor that was conducted to assess corrosion at 18 underground fuel tanks that sit just 100 feet above a major aquifer that supplies drinking water to urban Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Replacement to crumbling dock in East Honolulu deemed unsafe, too. Nearly two months after officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources condemned a popular loading dock in East Oahu because it was unsafe, the structure collapsed into the ocean. Hawaii News Now.

The proposed expansion of Adventist Health Castle, formerly Castle Medical Center, at Hawaii Pacific University’s Hawaii Loa campus is projected to cost $438 million, according to a draft environmental impact statement. Star-Advertiser.

New hair salon seeks liquor license. Full-service hair salon Style Loft Hair Studio hopes to add alcohol to its offerings, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A draft environmental assessment and anticipated finding of no significant impact has been published for a family agricultural community proposed in Waikoloa. Nakahili is an agricultural community planned for land mauka of Waikoloa Village, and will have affordable apartments and farm dwellings. Big Island Video News.

Lava tour operator hit with another lawsuit. A second group of mainland residents who were aboard a lava tour boat last July when a “lava bomb” tore through the boat’s roof is suing the tour company and the boat’s captain. Tribune-Herald.

DOH issues water contamination advisory after overflow at dairy. The state Department of Health on Sunday issued a water contamination advisory, warning the public to stay out of the waters in Kaohaoha Gulch and the coastal waters fronting it near Ookala because of animal waste contamination. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaii Medical Service Association held a grand opening of its 4,200-square-foot “one-stop shop” center in the Puunene Shopping Center. Maui News.

The state Department of Transportation lifted its access restriction for travel on the main road through rugged northwest Maui on Sunday near noon but will reinstate the access limitations beginning Tuesday. Maui News.

Sierra Club honorees saved land and water. Lifetime achievement awards handed out to four Mauians. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department is short staffed. Patrol officers frequently work 17-hour shifts and fill in on their days off, only to staff a marginally adequate number of positions. Garden Island.

About 200 volunteers removed more than 4,000 pounds of plastics, nets and other marine debris from Kauai’s East Side shores on Saturday through a cleanup hosted by B-RAD Foundation and Surfrider Kauai Chapter. Garden Island.

Officials plan for Mauna Kea telescope protests, Native Hawaiians decry OHA violence, judge rejects gut-and-replace lawsuit, $250M rail bonds floated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2015 Thirty Meter Telescope protest PC:Occupy Hilo

State and county law enforcement officials have started planning for how they aim to allow construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea without protester interference. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County is taking the lead on responding to anticipated protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea, lawmakers were told Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers questioned state and University of Hawaii officials Thursday about plans to dismantle five existing telescopes on Mauna Kea. As a condition to building the Thirty Meter Telescope, the University of Hawaii and state Land Board officials said the older telescopes need to be decommissioned by the year 2033. Hawaii News Now.

VIDEO: Thirty Meter Telescope Briefing At The Capitol. Big Island Video News.

A group of prominent Native Hawaiian leaders gathered Thursday morning to speak out against the 13 men who stormed the Office of Hawaiian Affairs offices last week in a failed attempt to seize the agency and its assets. Star-Advertiser.

A group of leaders in the Native Hawaiian community held a press conference today, calling for a greater level of accountability for entities, organizations and their own communities and families in relation to the events that unfolded last week at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Maui Now.

Hawaiian leaders denounce violence after group stormed OHA offices. Hawaii News Now.

Native Hawaiian leaders call for more accountability after OHA occupation. KHON2.

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A Hawaii judge today rejected a lawsuit challenging the state Legislature’s “gut and replace” tactic of passing bills that have been stripped of their original content and replaced with entirely different details. Associated Press.

Chief justice seeks funding for new judges on Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald is asking state lawmakers to fund four additional judges, including a new District Court judge on Oahu to help handle a surge in drunken driving cases over the past decade. Star-Advertiser.

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Tulsi Gabbard officially kicks off 2020 presidential bid with campaign video. Associated Press.

Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard launches her presidential campaign in new video 'For The Country We Love'. KITV.

9 Things To Know About Tulsi Gabbard. The Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii seeks to become the first millennial president. Civil Beat.

Sitdown with Representative Ed Case as Shutdown Approaches Week Six. Hawaii Public Radio.

Welcome To The Instant Outrage Of Today’s Washington, Mr. Case. The Hawaii congressman got a first-hand view of how quickly a slip-up becomes headline news in the era of Trump, Twitter and the saturation of social media. Civil Beat.

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A proposal before lawmakers would make it illegal for any registered sex offender to temporarily or permanently live within 1,000 feet of a school, childcare facility, playground or park. Hawaii News Now.

Measures introduced in both the state House and Senate this week would increase gas taxes and other vehicle fees to generate additional money for the State Highway Fund. Tribune-Herald.

Governor proposes hefty hikes to gas tax, vehicle registration fees. Hawaii News Now.

Despite Shutdown, Hawaii Housing Programs Are OK — For Now. Officials worry that if the shutdown drags on too long, landlords will be reluctant to accept Section 8 housing vouchers in the future. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s firearms law was declared unconstitutional by a federal appeals court last year. That ruling is currently being appealed. But there could be change no matter what the final outcome in federal court. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s Never-Ending Teacher Shortage Leaves Many Lawmakers Frustrated. In 2017, the percentage of new teachers hired from the mainland grew, while the percentage from Hawaii shrunk. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The City and County of Honolulu said Thursday it has completed a two-day sale of about $250 million in tax-exempt general obligation bonds to finance construction costs of the rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the state House committee on public safety has introduced a bill to purchase the Honolulu Federal Detention Center to replace the outdated, overcrowded Oahu Community Correctional Center. Tribune-Herald.

Proposal to build a new, smaller Aloha Stadium complete with museum and hotel. Hawaii News Now.

A tussle between the state and a private road owner in Kakaako took yet another turn Thursday with the state contending that it now owns seven streets recorded as private property for more than a century. Star-Advertiser.

Drivers might be asked to use hazards lights at crosswalks. A bill that suggests drivers put on their flashing hazard warning lights after stopping for a pedestrian on a street with multiple lanes won tentative approval Thursday from a Honolulu City Council committee. Star-Advertiser.

USS Missouri marking 2 anniversaries. The USS Missouri will mark the 75th anniversary of its launching and the 20th anniversary of it becoming a museum Saturday during Living History Day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State mulls long term solutions for popular spot off highway. The State Department of Transportation is looking for a long-term solution for access to the Huehue lava tube. West Hawaii Today.

Salary Commission seeks input. Former Salary Commission Chairman Hugh Ono had a novel idea Thursday for the commission: Why not disband? West Hawaii Today.

Rideshares cleared for neighbor island airports. West Hawaii Today.

Hamakua Flood Victims Feel Overshadowed By Lava Disaster. When Hurricane Lane dumped torrents of rain on this stretch of coastline, attention was still focused on volcanic eruptions. Civil Beat.

Maui

Two mayoral nominees approved by committee. Parks, transportation heads clear panel after full day of testimony. Maui News.

Planning Department Seeks Public Input on West Maui Community Plan. Maui Now.

Patrol police officer shortage easing. Community, crime reduction unit getting staff back. Maui News.

Lyft to Begin Service to Kahului and Kapalua Airports. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lawmakers questioned officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources Thursday about what changes are being made after the State Ethics Commission found numerous violations within Kauai's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation office. The investigation found the office manager awarded more than 100 jobs to a private contractor, who the manager admitted was a friend. KHON2.

Uber and Lyft are cheering a state change that will make them eligible, as of Feb. 1, to pick up passengers at Neighbor Island airports, including in Lihue. Garden Island.

A food drop organized by labor unions and the Hawaii Foodbank distributed bags of food Thursday afternoon to nearly a hundred federal employees who have been working for weeks without pay. Garden Island.

Special legislative session mulled for volcano response, no new tax to bail out Puna, Honolulu mayor vetoes ride-share caps, Pearl Harbor survivor gets sendoff, Kauai coral recovering, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava fountains reach 200 feet in this June 19 photo PC:USGS

The new normal: Vigorous eruptions just keep going on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

A special session of the state Legislature to help lava-ravaged Puna is being mulled for mid-August, as Hawaii County works with local legislators to put a plan together. West Hawaii Today.

Saving Hawaii’s GOP: A Tough Job For 3 Candidates For Governor. A west Oahu lawmaker, a perennial candidate and a former education official are vying to become just the third Republican governor since statehood. Civil Beat.

Ohio-based telecommunications company Cincinnati Bell said on Tuesday that it received the final regulatory approval for its $650 million acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Telcom on Tuesday cleared its final regulatory approval for its pending $650 million sale to Cincinnati Bell. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell today vetoed a controversial bill that would make Honolulu the first city in the United States to cap how much Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing drivers can charge during peak periods. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed a bill Tuesday that aims to limit how much Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies can charge customers when demand surges. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has decided to veto a bill that would have limited surge pricing for ride-hailing or transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft, a move that the two companies said would have made their business models unworkable. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed Tuesday a bill to regulate private transportation companies like Uber and Lyft. KHON2.

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Military officials address residents' concerns over location of missile radar. The thought of a new military installation next to the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station is prompting some concerns on Oahu's North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

New Kakaako affordable-housing rules set. A state agency regulating development in Kakaako last week finished four years of work to improve the future supply of affordable housing in the area filled with luxury condominium towers. Star-Advertiser.

Mililani was especially popular for homebuyers last month, and in the past year the sales for single-family homes in the area increased by 87 percent. Hawaii News Now.

Rents for single-family homes in urban Honolulu declined in March, compared to the year before, making Hawaii’s largest city the only market among 20 metropolitan areas to see a year-over-year decline, according to a report by CoreLogic. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Fire Department introduced a new member of the department today — an arson dog named Kukui. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu fire investigators have a new tool at their disposal when investigating arson and other suspicious fires in the form of a highly-trained arson dog. Hawaii News Now.

Seven vandal-resistant surveillance cameras are now in service at Waialae Beach Park in Kahala in an effort to curb illegal activity. KITV.

Four cases of Legionella infection have recently been treated at Queen’s Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Who Worked To Identify Remains Leaves Hawaii. He was a young sailor at the time of the attack. Now 97, he’s moving from the islands to Boise, Idaho. Associated Press.

Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Emory gets special Navy sendoff. Star-Advertiser.

A Wisconsin sailor who died at Pearl Harbor will be laid to rest more than 75 years after his death. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council kills GET: Administration looking for $5M in cuts. 4-5 vote kills plan to plug a $5 million volcano-blasted hole in the budget by instituting a temporary quarter-percent general excise tax surcharge. West Hawaii Today.

Council Rejects Tax Hike To Replace Revenue Lost To Eruption. The increase would’ve generated about $25 million a year. Instead, the 5-4 vote means service cuts are likely. Civil Beat.

A bill that would have raised the general excise tax on Hawaii island has died. KHON2.

Public lava viewing area far-off; officials still in ‘emergency mode’.A close-up view of the lower Puna eruption is currently reserved for the bold and those willing to risk a citation. Tribune-Herald.

The emergency response to the ongoing Kilauea eruption that has destroyed at least 577 homes and displaced several thousand Puna residents so far has racked up more than $5.8 million in unanticipated costs for state and county agencies. Star-Advertiser.

Volcano Watch: Colorful plumes — can we see volcanic gases? Tribune-Herald.

Lava output far outpaces previous eruptions. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory deputy scientist-in-charge Steve Brantley, speaking at a community meeting Tuesday night at the Pahoa High & Intermediate School cafeteria, said the current lower East Rift Zone eruption has put forth an estimated 145 million cubic meters of lava over 47 days. Star-Advertiser.

New Tools Benefit Geologists in Lava Flow Study. The eruption at Kilauea continues to send ash plumes into the sky and push lava into the ocean. While that has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced scores of people into shelters, it is also providing an unprecedented opportunity for scientific research. Hawaii Public Radio.

The ongoing eruption of the Kilauea volcano is not causing crystals to rain from the sky despite reports of residents finding little green gems in the area. Associated Press.

With fissures releasing sulfur dioxide, volcanoes producing vog, and ocean lava flows creating laze, adjusting to a life of toxic gases is something many Puna residents have had to do since eruptions began. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County Civil Defense said that 817 people have so far registered for federal assistance amid the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Free medical clinic opens at Keaau High School. Over nine days the Tropic Care health clinics will be offered by the Oahu-based 1984th U.S. Army Hospital, offering medical health screening, school sports physical exams, dental services, eye exams, hearing screenings, nutritional consultation, veteran services and prescription eyeglasses. Star-Advertiser.

Tropic Care 2018 offering free health care services through the end of the month. Tribune-Herald.

Trial postponed until next year for marijuana activist. Jury selection was to begin Monday in the trial of longtime marijuana activist Mike Ruggles, accused by authorities of operating an unlicensed medical cannabis dispensary at his Fern Acres home. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Councilors seek update on two county projects with Anaergia. Concerns expressed over proposal changes, deadline extensions. Maui News.

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is seeking the public’s help in finding information about a hit-and-run accident that resulted in damage to the exterior wall of the Old Lahaina Prison. Maui Now.

In an effort now to deepen their work, a halau is establishing a cultural center and joining in a larger effort to create a regenerative community on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

DLNR, residents partner to clean up large ball of fishing nets on Molokai. On Molokai, a clean up has begun of a large ball of nets in Halawa Valley. KHON2.

Kauai

The revised cost estimate for the emergency flood repairs on Kuhio Highway on the North Shore and the upgrade of three bridges is $80 million, according to a Tuesday press release. Garden Island.

Incumbent Mason Chock, 47, of Wailua, has filed for reelection to the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

There are bright spots in the world’s coral reefs, places where corals are thriving even though scientists say we’ve lost half the world’s reefs in the last three decades. The coral in Anini Bay and at Waipa on Kauai are examples of rebounding reefs according to the scientists and underwater enthusiasts that visit the reef. Garden Island.

Kilauea eruption sends ash miles into air, Hawaii County Council advances general excise tax, Honolulu to cap ride-share prices, political races firm up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Volcanic activity on June 6 PC:USGS

An ash eruption at the Kilauea summit sent a plume 10,000 feet above sea level Wednesday to punctuate a devastating 24-hour period in which lava covered the subdivision of Vacationland, leaving hundreds of homes likely destroyed. Star-Advertiser.

An explosive eruption at the summit of Kilauea Volcano sent an ash plume 10,000 ft above sea level at 4:07 p.m. on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano may be disrupting life in paradise with its bursts of ash and bright-orange lava, but it also has scientists wide-eyed, eager to advance what's known about volcanoes. Associated Press.

One U.S. Senate seat in Hawaii and both of our U.S. House seats will be on the Aug. 11 primary ballot. All 51 House seats are up for election along with 13 of the 25 state Senate seats. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly endorsed Beth Fukumoto to represent Hawaii's First Congressional district in the Democratic Primary. Hawaii News Now.

Why Women Lack Power In Hawaii’s Legislature. Men hold most of the leadership positions, setting the agenda and passing legislation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a $2.6 billion executive operating budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Feds May Require Honolulu To Sell Bonds For Rail Project. The City Council’s latest plan to demonstrate a willingness to help pay for rail construction has hit a snag. Civil Beat.

A bill that would lead to a cap on how much Uber, Lyft and other transportation network companies on Oahu could charge during peak hours won a 6-3 approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Votes To Cap Uber And Lyft Prices. The restriction would be the first of its kind in the nation, the ride-sharing companies said. Civil Beat.

New bill caps surge pricing on ride sharing companies. KHON2.

City Council shoots down mayor's plan to change parking at Ala Moana Beach Park. KHON2.

A Waikiki beach stand ordered to explain why it's not complying with its contract. According to the Department of Environmental Services, concessions at Kuhio Beach are required to provide daily canoe rides to customers. KITV.

The U.S. House has approved a measure that includes $199 million for a flood control project in the Ala Wai watershed, including the Ala Wai Canal that borders Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s $4 Million Food Fight. The City Council approved funding for a facility to turn table scraps into compost, but others want the waste used for pig feed. Civil Beat.

Woman faces more than 100 years in prison for stealing millions from non-profit. KHON2.

Staff members and clients of The Arc in Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that provides services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, packed a state courtroom Wednesday to hear Lola Jean Amorin plead no contest to two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of computer fraud, money laundering and 13 tax evasion charges. Star-Advertiser.

Lola Jean Amorin, 70, accused of embezzling nearly $7 million from the local non-profit, changed her plea to "No Contest" Wednesday. KITV.

UH-Manoa rises in another ranking of world’s universities. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is ranked No. 302 in the 2019 QS World University Ranking (QSWUR) by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds, according to the university in a news release today. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii has awarded a $33.3 million design-build contract to general contractor Kiewit Building Group and architecture firm Next Design for the design and construction of the Academy for Creative Media building on the UH West Oahu campus. Pacific Business News.

Oahu housing prices moved up slightly in May but sales continued to lag during the spring homebuying season amid concerns that rising interest rates may be starting to have a dampening effect. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu declined by 8 percent in May, compared to a year ago, as the median price of a single-family home and condominium rose by more than 4 percent, according to separate reports from the Honolulu Board of Realtors and the Locations real estate firm. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Council passes GET-lite. It took a volcanic eruption and a few compromises to convince them, but a majority of County Council members now supports a half-sized version of the previously ill-fated general excise tax surcharge. West Hawaii Today.

A neighborhood called Vacationland had disappeared by Wednesday as lava poured into two oceanfront subdivisions, smothering hundreds of homes and filling an ocean bay, turning it into new land that now juts into the sea. Associated Press.

Mayor reflects on destruction of Kapoho. In the course of three days, hundreds of homes, farms and vacation rentals in Kapoho became buried under a relentless aa lava flow that turned lives upside down and erased an entire community from the map, leaving its iconic tide pools and gentle bay to live on in the memories of those who cherished them. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Lava Flow Swallows 279 Homes In 2 Coastal Subdivisions. An oceanfront subdivision known as Vacationland is the latest to be swallowed by lava flows as the Kilauea volcano continues to reshape the landscape on Hawaii's Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

After taking out entire neighborhoods and hundreds of homes in Kapoho, lava continues to reshape the coastline of the Big Island, cascading into the water and forming new land. Hawaii News Now.

Video Overflight: 300 Homes Destroyed in 48 Hours. Big Island Now.

Psychological Fatigue Sets in as Eruption Continues. Kilauea Volcano has been erupting for more than a month now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tiny houses offer glimmer of hope — and home — for lava evacuees. As Hawaii County and the state discuss what to do about hundreds of lava evacuees, the first temporary housing project is already being built — without government help. Hawaii News Now.

20 micro-unit structures will go along along with some ancillary support facilities - such as restrooms and common area for meeting and dining - to be managed by HOPE Services. Big Island Video News.

Residents feel safe despite lava but chafe at government controls. Star-Advertiser.

Confusion, apprehension and frustration, along with a greater-than-capacity crowd, spilled out the open doors of the West Hawaii Civic Center’s County Council Chambers Wednesday night at a meeting to discuss deteriorating air quality in the region. West Hawaii Today.

A community meeting about volcanic ash and vog will take place today in Volcano. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Cooper Center. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently published a notice of intent to prepare a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement addressing the potential effects of operations and maintenance activities on the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, Hawaiian goose and Hawaiian petrel at four wind farms in the state, including one in Kau. West Hawaii Today.

W. M. Keck Observatory officials on Tuesday disclosed the discovery of an oil leak from the hydraulic system supporting the Keck I telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A Maui committee has approved a charter amendment that would increase the penalty for illegal vacation rentals to $20,000. Associated Press.

A charter amendment to establish a $20,000 penalty for illegal transient accommodations and a proposal to streamline the processing of legal claims against the county were recommended for approval by a Maui County Council committee Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran pressed for answers Wednesday about the extent to which county directors, including Managing Director Keith Regan, contributed money to Mayor Alan Arakawa’s campaign. Maui News.

Maui candidates set for competitive election races. Seven vie for mayor’s seat; all council races contested. Maui News.

Gov. David Ige has signed a bill that will provide $700,000 for scholarships to help students attend community colleges in the University of Hawaii system, including UH-Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

Emergency permitting bill passed. Due to April’s historic flooding and landslides that left many homes destroyed or damaged, the Kauai County Council passed an emergency bill Wednesday that would expedite the permitting process for impacted homesteads, residential and agricultural buildings. Garden Island.

Nearly 2 months after historic floods, recovery on Kauai has just begun. Hawaii News Now.

First 2018 Kauai Hawaiian monk seal pup is a female. Kauai’s first monk seal pup of the season has already been weaned and the large pup is learning to forage for her own food on the South Side. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige slashes budget, Oahu loses population in census estimate, protection for Hawaii travel ban judge, House loses rare Republican after Trump criticism, rail tax survives, Honolulu tax hikes ahead, fighter jets coming, electricity increases, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige with schoolchildren, courtesy photo

Budget cuts hit construction, schools. Gov. David Ige has proposed a package of spending cuts for the next two years that includes slashing the state construction budget financed with general obligation bonds to $1 billion from $1.5 billion during the next two years. Star-Advertiser.

Census: Oahu loses population for first time in a decade, while Hawaii Island hits national growth benchmark. Hawaii Island led the state in several measures of population increases, according to estimates released late Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii judge who blocked travel ban gets protection detail. The U.S. Marshals Service has flown in about a dozen deputies from the mainland to provide 24-hour protection for U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson. Hawaii News Now.

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Fukumoto says aloha to GOP. Rep. Beth Fukumoto announced today that she is leaving the Republican Party, citing, in part, its failure to condemn elements of racism and sexism within its base. She will seek membership in the Democratic Party. Star-Advertiser.

Ending months of speculation, state Rep. Beth Fukumoto made it official Wednesday: She resigned from the Hawaii Republican Party and announced that she will seek membership in the Democratic Party of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii lawmaker who says she was pressured to give up her leadership post at the statehouse after criticizing President Donald Trump resigned Wednesday from the Republican Party. Associated Press.

Rep. Beth Fukumoto announced on Wednesday that she will be leaving the Republican Party and seeking membership with the Democratic Party.  At a press conference, she cited racism and sexism as the core reasons why she's leaving the GOP. KITV.

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Lawmakers consider charging prepaid wireless users a 911 fee. A bill in the state Legislature would charge a fee of 1.2 percent on pre-paid wireless plans or cards, with the revenue going into the Enhanced 911 Fund.  Hawaii News Now.

Electricity bills increase across isles. The cost of electricity in the state is double the national average, as Hawaii residents paid an average of 27.68 cents a kilowatt-hour for electricity in December. The national average was 12.21 cents in the same month, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Energy, the ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program for Honolulu, Hawaii and Maui counties, accounted for more than $325 million in lifetime savings for its customers in its last program year, its top executive said Wednesday at an industry event on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Why Hawaii Must Become More Energy Resilient. Speakers at the Maui Energy Conference posed questions about what type of life the state wants to create for its citizens as it adapts. Civil Beat.

Iwase glad he rejected NextEra. Eight months after the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission rejected Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc.’s $4.3 billion bid to buy the state’s dominate electric utility, Commission Chairman Randy Iwase said he feels good about the decision. Star-Advertiser.

Randy Iwase, head of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, said he is very comfortable with the state agency’s decision to reject Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc.’s $4.3 billion deal to buy Hawaiian Electric Co. Pacific Business News.

Fighter jets flocking to Hawaii for combat exercise. An increase in fighter aircraft activity will be seen beginning next week as part of a new round of the recurring Sentry Aloha exercise, the Hawaii National Guard said. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor’s budget plan, tax and fee hikes get initial OK by Council. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s $2.45 billion operating budget proposal and an accompanying slate of measures raising various taxes and fees won initial approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council gives preliminary approval for increased bus and garbage fee.  The council voted in favor of increasing bus prices beginning January of next year.  Single fares would jump 25 cents to $2.75. KITV.

Council OK’s Bill Eliminating Cap On Rail Money. The Honolulu City Council approved a measure Wednesday to eliminate the $4.8 billion cap on how much general excise tax money can be used to build the city’s 20-mile rail project. Civil Beat.

Legislators differ on rail-tax extension. A rail-tax extension is back in play at the state Capitol — but the proposal will likely face more tough scrutiny and hurdles in the weeks ahead. Star-Advertiser.

House Restores Honolulu Rail Tax — For Now. For the mayor of Honolulu, a state legislative hearing this week on a bill to pay for rail was a bit of déjà vu.. Civil Beat.

House Transportation Committee Extends GET Surcharge for Rail Transit for an Unspecified Period. State funding for the Honolulu Rail Transit project cleared a critical hurdle in the House today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Area for Rapid Transportation posts job ad for new CEO. The Honolulu Area for Rapid Transportation posted a job ad for a new chief executive officer last month. Pacific Business News.

City salaries reveal some employees make more than department heads. KHON2.

State clears homeless encampments from Diamond Head. Following six months of warnings, state law enforcement officers early Wednesday morning swept through 40 or so homeless encampments on the slopes of Diamond Head, where seven people had remained atop the Hawaii landmark. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii law enforcement agents have cleared dozens of homeless camps in Oahu's Diamond Head State Monument and issued citations to seven people who refused to leave despite weeks of warnings. Associated Press.

A private contractor hired by the state on Wednesday hauled away tons of trash from illegal homeless camps on Hawaii’s iconic Diamond Head crater.  Civil Beat.

A 78-year-old business could shut down due to problems after a homeless encampment moved into the neighborhood. KITV.

Sewage spill in Halawa prompts $465,000 fine. The state Department of Agriculture has been ordered to pay a $465,000 fine for discharging sewage into Halawa Stream on Oahu for two months last summer. Star-Advertiser.

State to dispute fine for massive Halawa sewage spill that lasted 2 months. Hawaii News Now.

Did Honolulu Cops Issue Fake Tickets Or Did The Honolulu Prosecutor Make Up The Story? Several defense lawyers who specialize in drunken driving cases are hoping to use Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro’s own words against him in an attempt to beat various DUI charges that have been filed against their clients in Oahu District Court. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Telescope foes criticize slew of objections. Thirty Meter Telescope foes are crying foul after lawyers with the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the TMT International Observatory board filed numerous objections to exhibits entered in the contested case proceedings. Star-Advertiser.

Start of $75M Kona airport expansion celebrated. State and airport officials are moving forward with the facility’s first expansion to accommodate the 3 million people now filtering through the airport annually. West Hawaii Today.

County to negotiate for purchase of Hakalau valley land. The Hawaii County Council authorized negotiations for the purchase of an 83-acre parcel in Hakalau valley in a 9-0 vote Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists Say There’s Hope For Dying Ohia Trees. Researchers are closer to understanding a fungus that has infected 50,000 acres of Big Island ohia forest in little more than a handful of years. Civil Beat.

Second ride-hailing company begins operations on Big Island; Lyft goes live today. Less than a week after ride-hailing first arrived on the shores of the Big Island, a new transportation startup is set to begin operations. Tribune-Herald.

Senior Produce Program to cease operations after 10 years. The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, announced its decade-old Senior Produce Program has ended. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haiku group sues county over housing project. Developer included in lawsuit that alleges an attempt to bypass public review, ag laws. A group of more than 200 Haiku residents has filed a lawsuit against the County of Maui and a proposed workforce housing development in Pauwela and is claiming that the project has circumvented public review and violated state and county agriculture laws, their attorney said last week. Maui News.

Panelist: ‘Food, water and energy must all intersect in agriculture’. Lack of coordination, inconsistent laws keep them out of sync, says sustainability expert Jonathan Koehn. Maui News.

Public input sought on MPD accreditation. Telephone and written comments will be accepted on the Maui Police Department’s ability to meet accreditation standards, and an assessment team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will be on Maui from March 27 to 30 to examine the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support system. Maui News.

Final birds from captive-breeding program released. Event marks the successful end to the recovery of the puaiohi birds into their native habitat. The final trio of endangered puaiohi birds bred in captivity — including on Maui — has been released to the wild on Kauai, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Tuesday. Maui News.

The Road To Hana Is Sometimes Paved With Bad Intentions. Some vehicles left behind by motorists with car trouble are vandalized. To make matters worse, emergency call boxes frequently don’t work. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Council begins budget process. The Kauai County Council began work Wednesday on Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr.’s proposed $204 million operating budget for fiscal year 2017-2018. Garden Island.

Post office resolution rejected. Kauai County Councilmembers may not want to see the Lihue post office change sites, but some say it’s out of their control. Garden Island.

Mohihi Camp road, bridge completed. A $2.4 million project to replace three bridges along the Mohihi Camp 10 access road in Kokee State Park was finished two months ahead of schedule. Garden Island.

Coral New growth at Waipa. Coral cover could be increasing around Kauai’s North Shore. Garden Island.

KCC could be smoke-free. Kauai Community College may join the University of Hawaii at Manoa as a smoke-free campus. Garden Island.

Ige unveils $28.5B biennial budget, Honolulu police chief gets FBI target letter, Caldwell lets ride-sharing bill become law, mumps on Maui, Thirty Meter Telescope close to Canary Islands deal, Obama vacation, rogue elector goes for Sanders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige budget news conference, courtesy Office of the Governor

Gov. David Ige today unveiled his proposed $28.5 billion state budget for the next two years that includes money for severance payouts for Maui hospital workers who will lose their jobs to privatization, funding for new jail space for women offenders, and more money to combat homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is proposing a state budget that boosts spending on education, housing and homelessness. The plan calls for $28.5 billion in spending on operations and $3 billion on capital improvement projects over the next two years. Associated Press.

Hawaii public schools would see a significant boost in funding to the tune of $93 million for operations under a proposed two-year state budget Gov. David Ige released Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige’s biennium budget proposal seeks additional money for every state department, with a special emphasis on education. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is proposing a state budget that boosts spending on education, housing and homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige wants to spend big over the next two years, increasing the state's operating budget to $28.5 Billion. KITV.

Gov. David Ige was sporting an aloha shirt featuring ohia foliage Monday, as he announced a no-new-taxes biennial budget that includes money to protect the important tree as well as funds for other Big Island projects. West Hawaii Today.

There are several Maui projects outlined for budget allocations under the governor’s proposal including $12 million to repair flood damage and reconstruction at ʻĪao Valley State Monument. Maui Now.

Gov. Ige's budget details here.

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Will 2017 be the year for medical aid-in-dying legislation for Hawaii? Compassion & Choices Hawaii has a new poll showing that 80 percent of Hawaii voters believe a “death with dignity” option should be available for a terminally ill person who is mentally capable to receive a prescription for life-ending medication. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s four Electoral College electors were required by law to vote for Hillary Clinton because she won the general election in the state, but one so-called “faithless elector” voted for Sen. Bernie Sanders instead. Associated Press.

Rogue isle elector votes for Sanders, despite Clinton win. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's electors gathered at the state Capitol to cast their votes for president. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Hawaii Department of Health will receive $1.1 million in Centers for Disease Control funding to fight the Zika virus. Garden Island.

Workout, golf and dinner comprise president’s day. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest on President Barack Obama's annual two-week vacation in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Telcom is an equal partner with the seven consortium members involved with the Southeast Asia-U.S. broadband cable under construction, and President and CEO Scott Barber said the company would have the power to veto an attempt by a Chinese company to buy out any of the members in order to protect national security. Pacific Business News.

The state Public Utilities Commission last week blocked an attempt to take a portion of a $150 million financing program, originally intended to help underserved residents get renewable energy, to be used to pay private companies directly. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha has voluntarily placed himself on restrictive duty after receiving a letter informing him that he is the target of a federal grand jury investigation, his attorney confirmed Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Monday notifying him that he’s a suspect in the ongoing criminal investigation stemming from the theft of his mailbox in 2013. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha will go on restricted duty after receiving a "target letter" from the FBI as part of an ongoing public corruption case. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha received a target letter from the U-S Attorney's office Monday. KITV.

Police chief to place himself, other officers on restricted duty amid federal investigation. KHON2.

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Mayor Kirk Caldwell has returned a bill that tightens rules for private transportation and ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft to the Honolulu City Council unsigned, which means it will now become law. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige says both city and state transportation projects need more from taxpayers, but how that tab is collected is up in the air for now, though he’s committed to making a federal deadline on the rail project coming up this spring. KHON2.

A trampoline that sits in shallow waters off Laie Beach Park, better known as Pounders Beach, has become Oahu's latest hot spot. Hawaii News Now.

For the past several weeks, residents in Moiliili have complained about the dust from the demolition of the University Square building on King Street. Developers are razing the 59-year-old complex to make way for a 14-story, student housing project. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Diamond Head Slopes Are Absolutely Trashed. New photos from the state depict the squalid conditions encountered in homeless encampments during recent sweeps. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The executive director of the Thirty Meter Telescope said Monday that the TMT International Observatory board is closing in on the execution of a backup agreement to allow construction of the $1.4 billion project on a mountain in the Canary Islands  if permission cannot be obtained to build on Mauna Kea by the spring of 2018. Star-Advertiser.

TMT International Observatory could seek another partner to finance its next-generation telescope once it knows where it’s going to be built, its executive director said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

The chief of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope project faced hours of questioning Monday during the state Board of Land and Natural Resources Conservation District Use Application contested case hearing in Hilo. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative is moving forward with its attempt to split off Hawaii island from the Hawaiian Electric Industries umbrella to become a cooperative similar to the one on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii energy co-op moves closer to possible utility takeover. Pacific Business News.

Huena Power Inc., the company whose complaint was rejected by state regulators this week regarding planned geothermal energy expansion on the Big Island, is not ruling out further legal action, a company executive confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is aware of the environmental concerns being raised in Keuakaha and Pana’ewa, and shared a sympathetic view of the situation in a recent interview. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Several cases of mumps were recently detected at separate schools in the Baldwin-King Kekaulike-Maui Complex Area. Maui Watch.

Pono Life Sciences Maui, LLC, one of two marijuana dispensaries approved for operation in Maui County, showcased its cannabis education center in Kahului over the weekend. Maui Now.

The last field is harvested, the last of the cane processed and the last ship with sugar in the hold has set sail for California. Maui News.

Kauai

Hoping to spur a resolution of a years-long dispute over stream water in West Kauai, the state Agribusiness Development Corporation approved a five-year lease to the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative for its Puu Opae hydropower project. Civil Beat.

Maile Alfiler was promoted to member services manager for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.