Obama and Abe to visit Pearl Harbor, Native Hawaiian constitution gains supporters, Menor to lead Honolulu City Council, Big Island inauguration today for mayor, council, three candidates chosen to replace Tsuji, Maui has highest crime rate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama and Abe May 2016 Facebook photo

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Pearl Harbor with U.S. President Barack Obama at the end of this month, becoming the first leader of his country to go to the site of the Japanese attack that propelled the United States into World War II. Associated Press.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Pearl Harbor later this month, becoming the first Japanese head of state to ever visit the site of the surprise attack. President Obama will accompany Abe on the visit, which is scheduled for Dec. 27. Hawaii Public Radio.

World War II veterans and Navy brass gathered Sunday to celebrate the restoration of a weather forecasting center on Ford Island that was used as a flight control tower during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack. Star-Advertiser.

The December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago resulted in 54 civilian casualties on O’ahu mostly caused by friendly fire. Hawaii Public Radio.

A campaign to bring about a ratification vote for the draft Native Hawaiian constitution has received a boost with a pledge of support from an association of more than 100 Native Hawaiian organizations. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate leadership has reshuffled some of the key committee assignments as it readies for the start of the 2017 legislative session in January. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin is expected to lose his leadership gavel to Councilman Ron Menor in the new year under a reorganization plan expected to garner the support of a majority of the nine-member panel. Star-Advertiser.

A new bill aimed at treating Uber and Lyft drivers more like traditional cabbies was approved 9-0 by the Hono­lulu City Council on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The costs of Honolulu’s rail project could go as high as $9.5 billion under one scenario in an updated financial plan for the project released by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Friday. Civil Beat.

One of Hawaii’s eight medical marijuana dispensary licensees announced this week that it raised $10.9 million in equity financing and has completed construction of its offices and design of its Honolulu dispensary on Young Street. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Three candidates — Moana Kelii, Stacy Higa and Christopher Todd — were chosen by party members during a Saturday morning voting session as candidates for the House seat vacated by the death of Rep. Clift Tsuji. Tribune-Herald.

Moana Hokoana Keli`i, Stacy Higa and Chris Todd have been chosen from a list of seven Democrats. Governor David Ige will now choose one of them to fill the late Rep. Clift Tsuji's seat. Big Island Video News.

Fellow lawmakers, friends and family gathered to honor the life of the late state Rep. Clift Tsuji on Friday, remembering his booming voice, fairness as a committee chairman tackling divisive topics and deep love for his family and district. Associated Press.

Not everything old is new again, but the inauguration set Monday for a mayor who’s returning to office after eight years, a majority of returning County Council members and a re-elected county prosecutor means there will be a lot of familiar faces around county government. West Hawaii Today.

The developer of a $225 million biomass plant on the Big Island of Hawaii that is about 50 percent complete filed a civil complaint this week against Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., NextEra Energy Inc. and Hamakua Energy Partners LP for alleged anticompetitive and illegal conduct related to the termination of the developer’s power purchase agreement. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is mulling ways to boost a low 49 percent occupancy in its newest residence hall, a problem that has forced the school to dip into reserve funds in order to pay back debt from the building’s construction. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County reported the highest statewide rates for total, violent, and property Index Crimes, as well as rape, aggravated assault, and larceny-theft, according to a the State of Hawaiʻi’s Annual Uniform Crime Report for 2015. Maui Now.

A little-known lavender farm more than 4,000 feet up the slopes of Haleakala is quickly becoming the most productive olive farm on the island and possibly the only commercial tea farm early next year. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Resource Center will be closed temporarily starting Dec. 14 as the county transitions to a new vendor and the permitting, contracting and mobilization processes for the new contract are completed. Garden Island.

The owner of The St. Regis Princeville Resort and the Makai Golf Club on Kauai’s North Shore is selling its Starwood Hotels and Resorts-managed property, the master developer of the Princeville at Hanalei confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Eleven sites mulled for new Oahu jail, more on Tulsi's visit with Trump, mourning Tsuji and filling his seat, tiny telescope headed for Maui mountain, Coco Palms seeks investors, Kauai sweep nets 39 violent fugitives, donor pulls funds over UH politics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Scenic Diamond Head Road © 2016 All Hawaii News

What President-elect Donald Trump will actually do after he takes the reins of government in January from President Barack Obama remains to be seen. But nonprofit groups, lawmakers, government officials and others say Hawaii needs to remain vigilant about protecting its environment over the next four years. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was first on a long list of visitors and potential job seekers at Trump Tower Monday, but the Hawaii Democrat didn’t ask for a position in President-elect Donald Trump’s new administration and she was not offered one, her office said. Associated Press.

Hawaii Democratic U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with President-elect Donald Trump in New York on Monday amid speculation that Gabbard is being considered for a high-level job in the Trump administration, including a possible appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Monday she met with President-elect Donald Trump in New York to discuss U.S. policies in Syria and on combating terrorists groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State, but the Hawaii Democrat and Bernie Sanders supporter was mum on whether she and Trump talked about her joining his administration. Pacific Business News.

© 2016 All Hawaii News

A spokeswoman for a Hawaii congresswoman denied claims Monday her meeting with the president-elect was about an offer to join his administration. Garden Island.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made political waves Monday by sitting down with President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard on Monday morning joined a long line of job-seekers mobbing President-elect Donald Trump at his headquarters in New York City, but her staff said Friday she’s not one of the ones looking for a post in the Trump administration. Civil Beat.
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Prisons vs. schools: The actual food cost of each meal for the Department of Public Safety costs taxpayers about $1.85, roughly 20 cents less than school lunches. KHON2.

Roderick Becker has been appointed comptroller for the state of Hawaii and director of the state Department of Accounting and General Services following the resignation last week of Douglas Murdock.Pacific Business News.

Oahu

There are 11 possible sites for rebuilding what is now Hawaii's most crowded jail.The state Department of Public Safety on Monday announced officials are eyeing sites in Kalihi, Aiea, Kalaeloa, Mililani and Waiawa. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety announced Monday an initial list of 11 sites identified for the redevelopment of the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KITV.

Eleven potential sites for a new Oahu Community Correctional Center were identified Monday by the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

Two Kalaeloa sites on a list of possible locations to rebuild the state’s largest correctional facility have raised community concerns because of the historical value of the parcels. Star-Advertiser.

Drivers of traditional taxicabs as well as Uber and Lyft vehicles sounded off with passionate testimony during a public hearing Monday on a proposed set of rules that would govern all of them under the single category of “private transportation companies and drivers.” Star-Advertiser.

UH arts donor pulls funding due to politics. Hawaii News Now.

A flaw in Farrington High School’s web security protocol caused users to get re-directed to a pornographic website, instead of being taken to one of the school’s many links.KHON2.

Hawaii leaders see win, lose, draw scenarios for rail under Trump. KHON2.

Some Hawaii residents are arguing against a proposed floating wind farm off Kaena Point, saying it could hurt wildlife and affect surfing prospects. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Foodbank's largest distributor of food to the needy is scrambling to find a new home, and warns that tons of perishable food could be wasted when operations cease on Dec. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Democratic Party members will mourn the loss of state Rep. Clift Tsuji as well as select nominees to replace him during the first weekend of December. Tribune-Herald.

It’s far too late to have any impact on the 2014 election, but the Hawaii Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments in January over a complaint questioning the residency status of Ron Gonzales, who unsuccessfully challenged Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille that year. West Hawaii Today.

The Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings in December on Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s proposed rate increase for Hawaii island residents. Star-Advertiser.

Kona Community Aquatic Center could reopen as early as this weekend after crews complete repairs and maintenance work put on hold for the Ironman World Championship. West Hawaii Today.

Questions about the status of Mauna Kea as ceded lands were disallowed during cross-examination on Wednesday, part of the ongoing the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The University of Hawaii is proposing another cutting-edge mountaintop astronomy facility — this time the world’s highest-contrast optical telescope — but instead of creating a new imposing structure like the Thirty Meter Telescope or the Inouye solar telescope, it would simply replace an old one. Star-Advertiser.

Stanford Carr Development broke ground Monday on a $90 million residential neighborhood in Lahaina in West Maui, he confirmed to Pacific Business News.

A century-old park that’s hosted the fair, Richard Nixon and scores of tennis players young and old could be up for improvements in the future as the county works toward revitalizing Wailuku town. Maui News.

Hana Hwy (360) near mile marker 14 in Hana is closed to traffic in both directions due to a landslide across the road. Maui Now.

Kauai

The developers of the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai are looking for investors for the project, which is scheduled to start construction in February and reopen in 2018 as part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. Pacific Business News.

Thirty-nine fugitives on Kauai were arrested as a result of a four-day, multi-agency operation that focused on finding people charged with violent crimes. Garden Island.

Homeless count details coming today, union tries to unseat Souki coalition, first super-majority female Hawaii County council chooses leaders, Maui reef threatened by groundwater degradation, pushing Honolulu rail to its limits, Honolulu attorney Galiher remembered after Molokai chopper crash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Living in the park © 2016 Al Hawaii News

Homelessness in the U.S. declined over the past year. Even so, there were large increases in several cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle. Hawaii Public Radio.


The federal government is estimating the number of homeless people nationwide. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will announce state-by-state figures Thursday. Associated Press.


If its campaign contributions and endorsements are any indication, Hawaii’s second-biggest public employee union seems intent on pushing for new leadership in the state House. United Public Workers gave twice as much money to candidates this election compared to the prior one, but that money did not go to the coalition led by Speaker Joe Souki, Finance Chair Sylvia Luke and Majority Leader Scott Saiki that has controlled the chamber since 2012. Civil Beat.


Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is moving ahead with a measure supporting construction of the full 20-mile rail transit line to Ala Moana, despite the project’s crippling cost overruns and lengthy delays. Star-Advertiser.


A public hearing on proposed rules that would govern traditional taxis, Uber and Lyft operations will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Mission Memorial Building hearing room. Star-Advertiser.


State health officials are warning the public to stay out of a section of Lake Wilson in Wahiawa after raw sewage spilled into waters. Star-Advertiser.


Sex on the streets, it's a sight bystanders say they're seeing way too much of among Hawaii's homeless. KITV.

A school construction project that ended up hundreds of thousands of dollars over-budget and took an extra two years to build is finally finished. KHON2.


Two new residential towers are now open in Kakaako, marking milestones for separate but slowly converging master-planned communities in Honolulu’s urban core. Star-Advertiser.

Two years after the death of one of its hippos, the Honolulu Zoo plans to reopen its hippo exhibit. Hawaii News Now.

Gary Galiher was a hard-charging lawyer who dedicated much of his Honolulu law practice to those who got a raw deal in life, many of them victims of negligent corporations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

With four new members starting next month, the Hawaii County Council has chosen a new leader. Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter was voted chairwoman and North Kona Councilwoman Karen Eoff was chosen as vice chairwoman, Poindexter said late Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Despite warnings from local attorneys that the measure probably violates the County Charter, the County Council voted 6-2 Wednesday to send the mayor a bill giving the council more say about the firing of county civil attorneys. West Hawaii Today.


Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung expressed some buyer’s remorse this week over supporting a $99.75 million bond. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi have released a new study that links the quality of coastal groundwater with reef degradation on Maui. Maui Now.

In a study published recently in PLOS ONE, UH Mānoa scientists used a combination of field experiments and chemical analysis of water and algae to show that the quality of coastal groundwater plays a major role in determining the health of nearshore ecosystems in Hawai‘i. Maui Watch.

This week, the Maui County Council considered toughening its ban on plastic bags—and extending it to other items that wind up in landfills. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai Lifeguard Association donates trucks, jet skis to Ocean Safety Bureau. Garden Island.

Kauai veterans seeking to immerse themselves back into society may soon have a support system. Garden Island.

Beachfront views and whispers of yesteryear cast a spell over a five-bedroom house fronting Hanalei Bay that just sold for $16.2 million. Garden Island.

Hawaii incomes rise, new rules for fish auction following expose on slavery conditions aboard ships, slow medical marijuana card processing, feds may fine Honolulu $16M for wasting grant money, Maui seawall plan nixed, electric and water rates may increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery clerks in Hawaii © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii incomes are on the rise, but so is the state’s cost of living and especially the housing costs, which remain the highest in the country. That’s the latest from the U.S. Census Bureau, which released its annual American Community Survey for 2015, including data on income, poverty housing, housing and health insurance. The 2015 median household income, including single-member households, was $73,486, which was close to $4,000 more than 2014, while the median family income rose to $83,823 — more than $4,500 over the previous year. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates urge state to speed up medical marijuana card processing. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Fish Auction will ban any longline vessel from selling catch at its Pier 38 location beginning Oct. 1 if the boat owner or captain doesn’t use a new universal crew contract designed by the local fishing industry that’s supposed to protect against illegal working conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii longline industry leaders say they have formed a task force and hired an expert on slavery in response to media reports about human trafficking, forced labor and poor working conditions aboard some of their boats. Civil Beat.

Starting Tuesday, Hawaii’s longline fishing industry is implementing a multi-pronged system it says will help protect crew from labor abuse, mistreatment and substandard working conditions. KHON2.

Some Native Hawaiians have joined thousands of American Indians in protesting the development of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. Star-Advertiser.

I'iwi, USFWS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the iiwi, a red honeycreeper unique to Hawaii, as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, the agency announced Monday. Civil Beat.

The native iiwi bird may soon be listed as a “threatened” species. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer than 2,500 ‘i’iwi, or scarlet honeycreepers are left in the world and the birds might be receiving new federal protections. Garden Island.

Oahu

The City and County of Honolulu may have to pay nearly $16 million to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for allegedly wasting federal grant money from 2012 to 2015. Civil Beat.

Two bills designed to tweak the city’s new private transportation vehicle ordinance governing taxis and ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft will get their first airing before the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Several Honolulu police officers are facing disciplinary action after a police chase of a "most wanted" suspect last month ended in a multiple-vehicle crash on the H-1 Freeway. Hawaii News Now.

Broken elevators a constant problem in district court building. KHON2.

Atlantis Resorts is expanding to Hawaii with its first project in the United States located on vacant oceanfront parcels of land near Disney’s Aulani hotel at Ko Olina Resort in West Oahu, the master developer of Ko Olina confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Parking spots are notoriously hard to come by in some parks of Honolulu. But on Friday, an array of designers, artists and activists took over four of the city’s scarce public parking stalls and turned them into something more: miniature parks designed to make people rethink the city’s public spaces. Civil Beat.

A construction firm working on the $20 million renovation of the Maile Sky Court Hotel in Waikiki has been fined $767,095 for failing to comply with labor laws. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii Electric Light Co. plans to request a 6.5 percent rate increase. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time in six years Hawaii Electric Light Co. wants to raise base rates for Big Island customers. KITV.

The Makalei Fire Station is sporting a temporary sign honoring the memory of Daniel R. Sayre, who lost his life while hiking along Pololu Valley in 1997. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday will sign a resolution making that sign more permanent. West Hawaii Today.

An elderly Puna woman is suing Hawaiian Airlines and a Puna company that contracts baggage handling and wheelchair service, alleging she was taken for a rough ride by a porter at Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

One seawall showdown on Maui has come to an end after an unexpected reversal by the state on Monday.  The state Department of Transportation agreed to stop its multi-million dollar shoreline improvement project in Olowalu. The announcement comes after eight days of protests along Honoapiilani Highway. Hawaii News Now.

The Public Utilities Commission has issued a decision and order for Hawaii Water Service Co. Inc. to increase water rates by about 20 percent over present rates for Kaanapali hotels and condominium owners. Maui News.

Fifty-five new wayfinding signs promote health by encouraging walking and exploration of Wailuku Town’s hidden and well‐known treasures. Maui Now.

Kauai
Hawaii chapters of the Surfrider Foundation are teaming up with the Department of Health as the state changes its approach to public education on water quality. Garden Island.

There is an idea floating around the county to convert the Kapaa Neighborhood Center into a police substation, and some residents aren’t happy about it. Garden Island.

U.S. Rep. Takai to lie in state today, Kilauea volcano adds 8 acres to Big Island, hepatitis lawsuit filed, university project lost in space, Maui senator's house burned twice, Honolulu ride-hailing bill becomes law, little medical care on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Volcano flows to sea, courtesy USGS

Geologists and national park officials are warning people not to get too close to the lava entering the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

The journey starts deep within Earth and ends in one spectacular collision. On the southeast coast of Hawaii Island, molten rock continues to spill into the Pacific Ocean, creating billowing clouds of steam and adding new land to the rugged coastline. Tribune-Herald.

USGS

A field excursion provided Hawaii news media an opportunity to meet and interact with staff from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the three agencies that monitor the active flow and help manage public safety on Kīlauea. Big Island Video News.

The late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai will lie in state today at the state Capitol courtyard, where visitors can pay respects from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Public viewing will begin following a short program, and a book of condolence will be available for the public to sign. Star-Advertiser.

The public is invited to pay their final respects to late Hawaii Congressman and longtime state legislator Mark Takai. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has advised state employees and lawmakers that they can accept free passes to a major environmental conference Sept. 1-10 in Honolulu. The International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress is set to hold its quadrennial meeting for the first time ever in the United States. Civil Beat.

Hawaii regulators have set a schedule for Hawaiian Electric Co.’s major energy plans, which will set the agenda for the state’s energy industry. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s State Of The Environment: Good, Bad And Ugly. A new report highlights challenges and opportunities. Civil Beat.

NASA today said it lost the payload of a suborbital rocket carrying student experiments — including one designed by University of Hawaii students — as it returned to Earth, a rare occurrence that’s being investigated. Star-Advertiser.

A former assistant attorney general of Missouri is now the chief counsel for the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, replacing Thomas Gorak, who moved into the position of commissioner on the PUC. Commission Chairman Randy Iwase appointed Caroline Ishida as chief counsel effective July 26. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Department of Health officials said Wednesday that they have identified 38 new cases of hepatitis A, bringing the total of this summer’s outbreak to 206 statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii authorities are urging diners to be aware of the risks of eating raw and undercooked food after they traced a hepatitis A outbreak to frozen scallops served raw at a sushi restaurant chain. Associated Press.

It took only a day for the first lawsuit to be filed. Oahu resident Brant Mauk filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Genki Sushi and Koha Foods alleging negligence for serving him the likely source of Hawaii’s ongoing hepatitis A outbreak. Civil Beat.

Those seeking Hep A vaccine encounter long lines, waits. Hawaii News Now.

Local travel industry leaders are gathering in Honolulu to discuss industry trends. The Hawaii chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association plans to meet at a Waikiki hotel on Thursday. Associated Press.

Oahu

Embattled executive Dan Grabauskas’ fate with the largest public works project in Hawaii history could be disclosed today as the board overseeing rail resumes its closed-door discussions on his job performance. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell allowed a bill placing regulations on Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies to become law without his signature Wednesday, citing logistical problems that he maintains could put the public’s safety in jeopardy. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has decided to allow a bill to regulate ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to go into law without his signature, and said in a press release that he hopes the City Council will work with his administration to amend it this fall. Civil Beat.

The state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation temporarily will issue revocable permits for two sites in the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, which were intended to be developed by Honey Bee USA as part of a public-private partnership. Star-Advertiser.

Once city and state officials signed a right-of-entry agreement early Friday, it wasn’t long before Honolulu police and state Department of Transportation workers descended on a busy traffic triangle on Atkinson Drive near Ala Moana Center to evict the homeless couple who had occupied the state-owned property for the better part of a year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille appears set to get a seat at the table if the Hawaii County Council forms a panel tasked with reducing waste from food packaging and other consumer products. Tribune-Herald.

More than 40 teachers, administrators and others came out Wednesday evening for a town hall meeting about the Every Student Succeeds Act and the future of public education in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources earlier this year approved a marine reserve at Kaupulehu, enacting a 10-year rest period and creating a no-take area spanning a 3.6-mile stretch of West Hawaii coastline. The decision produced a divergence of opinion within the Native Hawaiian community as it was met with substantial resistance, particularly from Palikapu Dedman of the Pele Defense Fund, who asserted the ban was a violation of his religion and Hawaiian gathering rights. West Hawaii Today.

The Kapiolani Street extension is set to open this afternoon. A blessing of the completed work, which closes a 0.5-mile gap between Lanikaula Street and Mohouli Street, is planned for 11 a.m. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State Sen. J. Kalani English says he is installing a security video system at his home in Hana after someone set fire to his house for the second time in four months. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County is a step closer to acquiring more than 250 acres near the world-famous "Jaws" surf break in East Maui after a Maui County Council committee recommended approval Tuesday of a resolution to acquire the lands owned by Alexander & Baldwin. Maui News.

Kauai

About one third of Kauai’s population has to leave the island for hospital procedures, according to Barbara Kim Stanton, AARP Hawaii State director. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to approve exemptions for the Lima Ola Workforce Housing project to help ease an affordable housing crisis. Garden Island.

Coral damage minimal, Uber and Lyft to be regulated on Oahu, rail favored in poll, Maui's $600k garbage shortfall, alcohol coming to Wailua Golf Course, Yamane named Honolulu ethics director, polystyrene task force mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral with tropical fish © 2016 All Hawaii News

Most of the coral around Hawaii hasn’t changed dramatically, according to initial reports from researchers aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s ship, Hi’ialakai. Garden Island.

The tally of cases in the largest hepatitis A outbreak in Hawaii in decades jumped by more than 45 percent in a week, according to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

The outbreak of Hepatitis A in the islands has now sickened 135 people, the state Health Department said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given Hawaii’s Department of Health $3.7 million to fight infectious diseases. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council voted 8-1 Wednesday to approve a bill that imposes new regulations on operators of Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing vehicles and, to a lesser extent, traditional taxicab drivers. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a bill to regulate ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft on an 8-1 vote Wednesday in a victory for taxi companies that ended months of discussion. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council passed a bill to regulate taxicab and internet-based companies today following a year of discussion and debate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voters Aren’t Happy About Rail, But Still Want It Fully Built. A majority of those surveyed say they want the route to go all the way to Ala Moana Center as originally planned. Civil Beat.

The wide range of prices for the contract to build the latest major stretch of rail has the Honolulu City Council chairman worried that costs could rise — and he wants to know what project officials plan to do to keep costs in check. Star-Advertiser.

Yamane

Onetime acting state auditor Jan Yamane this week was appointed executive director and legal counsel for the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Jan Yamane is the new executive director and legal counsel of the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Civil Beat.

New Honolulu Police Commission member Loretta Sheehan said Wednesday the panel should exert more effort in investigating controversies involving police officers as well as Police Chief Louis Kealoha, who is the subject of a federal investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s nominee for a fresh face on the Honolulu Police Commission, former prosecutor Loretta Sheehan, was confirmed by the City Council on Wednesday morning — but not unanimously. Civil Beat.

Newly confirmed Honolulu police commissioner Loretta Sheehan says she wants the body to investigate mounting allegations against embattled Police Chief Louis Kealoha immediately. Hawaii News Now.

There’s a new member of the Honolulu Police Commission, and in the midst of a lot of questions about Chief Louis Kealoha’s leadership, Loretta Sheehan is not holding back her opinion. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is taking heat from his political opponents who say he hasn’t done enough to lessen homelessness and increase affordable housing in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s newest homeless shelter, scheduled to open in Kakaako in late September, uses a new approach designed to quickly get homeless families off the streets and into long-term housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators have approved The Howard Hughes Corp.’s (NYSE: HHC) $20 million plan to upgrade Kewalo Basin Harbor in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, an official with the state confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Oahu Publications, the publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and a number of other Hawaii publications, trimmed its staff this week, eliminating eight nonunion employees who worked for several of the company’s titles, including MidWeek. Civil Beat.

A University of Hawaii engineering professor was arrested this afternoon for possession and distribution of child pornography. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Sixty percent of Hawaii Island residents support building the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, according to a new poll. That’s almost identical to a poll conducted last October that found 59 percent of Hawaii Island residents and 62 percent of residents statewide in favor of the $1.4 billion project. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii island residents continue to show strong support for the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to a public opinion poll commissioned by the nonprofit that aims to build and run the $1.4 billion project atop Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

A resolution to create a packaging waste task force received mixed reviews Wednesday at a Hawaii County Council meeting two months after a proposed ban on polystyrene food containers was tossed in the trash. Tribune-Herald.

The winning bid for the single most expensive part of the ongoing $170 million Kona International Airport upgrade is now under protest. West Hawaii Today.

The public will be afforded opportunity to speak on behalf of several types of endangered species, which may be harmed due to operations at two wind turbine facilities on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

A new crosswalk and flashing lights will soon crop up on Manawalea Street near the Montessori school in Kailua-Kona, with an assist from county property taxpayers. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

To assist with a $600,000 budget shortfall, county fees may change in October for commercial businesses bringing uncontaminated greenwaste along with grease trap and contaminated cooking oil to the landfill. Maui News.

When Maui County voters head to the primary polls to cast their ballots for the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council, they'll have four candidates to choose from. Maui News.

The Commission on Water Resource Management will be performing work on the waterfall at the Waihe‘e Ditch siphon where it crosses Wailuku River*.  The Commission has asked Wailuku Water Company, LLC (WWC) to reduce the amount of water to Wailuku River, in order to perform the work and provide a safe work environment. Maui Watch.

Kauai

After a lengthy debate about depoliticizing the police department and policy making, the Kauai County Council Wednesday decided to expend up to $15,000 for special counsel to represent the police commission. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council referred a bill to committee Wednesday that would allow additional rental units in the Lihue Planning District, citing a need for fairness for other parts of the island. Garden Island.

A measure that would allow the sale of alcohol on Wailua Golf Course was passed on first reading by the Kauai County Council Wednesday, but some members of the public expressed concerns about promoting the intoxicant at a public facility. Garden Island.

Bob Bartolo was frustrated with traffic and finding labor for his business as he met with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard during “Tulsi in Your Town”at Ha Coffee Bar. Garden Island.

Reprieve for ride-sharing companies, Kauai's Ka Loko Dam to be rebuilt 10 years after fatal collapse, Mayor Kenoi pleads not guilty, Hawaii County Civil Defense chief retiring, Maui's Makena Beach & Golf Resort to idle 385 workers in closure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Campaign signs, public domain photo

Do Election Signs Generate Votes? A new study suggests that they may not make much of a difference in voter preference. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Wahiawa General Hospital is in deep financial trouble and is requesting help from state lawmakers. Hawaii Public Radio.

The next four weeks are shaping up to be critical for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft as state and city lawmakers grapple with how to regulate the growing industry in which customers order up rides with a smart phone app. Civil Beat.

The City Council Budget Committee voted Wednesday to defer a bill that would require Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing drivers to abide by the same rules as taxicab drivers. Star-Advertiser.

Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft got a major victory at the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that targets illegal dumping of bulky items has secured preliminary approval from the City Council’s Public Health, Safety and Welfare Committee. Star-Advertiser.

A woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday for stealing nearly $150,000 while working at Sea Life Park. KHON2.

They aren’t cheap, but moderately priced condominiums in Kakaako coming up for sale in three weeks are expected to be in high demand — so much so that sales will be by lottery. Prices for Ke Kilohana units that range from 461 to 988 square feet of living space run from $323,475 to $442,246 for one-bedroom units, from $473,789 to $538,612 for two-bedroom units and from $521,774 to $560,774 for three-bedroom units. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kenoi ‘will go to trial’; Hawaii County mayor pleads not guilty to charges in pCard probe. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi faces eight charges — including several counts of theft — for his use of a Hawaii County credit card. But for some charges, it’s not yet clear what expenses are tied to the alleged crimes. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi pleaded not guilty to theft charges in connection with misuse of his Hawaii County-issued purchasing card and is scheduled to go on trial in July. Star-Advertiser.

The soothing voice of Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira is leaving the airwaves. Oliveira, 54, announced his retirement effective May 1. West Hawaii Today.

Thousands of motorists on Queen Kaahumanu Highway who watched rapid progression of the highway’s widening project are likely wondering why they’ve seen lines of earthmovers parked over the past couple of weeks. West Hawaii Today.

A dispute over views of the Pacific Ocean in the Alii Heights subdivision has reached an end, after a judge ruled Wednesday in favor of the neighbors who grew tall greenery in their yard. West Hawaii Today.

Hamakua Springs Country Farms on the Big Island of Hawaii is shutting down on Thursday after being in business for more than three decades. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii Island man serving a 20-year sentence will have his prison time cut in half, thanks to President Obama. KHON2.

Maui

The 310-room Makena Beach & Golf Resort will close July 1, leaving 385 employees jobless, the resort owner, ATC Makena Holdings LLC, announced early Tuesday evening. Maui News.

State Sens. Roz Baker and Gil Keith-Agaran, Democrats from Maui, held campaign fundraisers Tuesday night at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Ala Moana Center. The suggested donation was $200. Civil Beat.

Visitor arrivals by air were up 4.1 percent to 205,055 for Maui island in February while they were down 28.8 percent to 5,056 on Molokai and 32.1 percent to 4,225 on Lanai, according to statistics released Tuesday by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

Ten years after the deadly collapse of the Ka Loko Dam, Hawaii News Now has learned that efforts are underway to rebuild the dam.

There are high levels of a bacteria in the Mahaulepu Valley’s Waiopili Stream, but there’s no proof it’s coming from human sources. That’s according to findings released Wednesday from part one of the Hawaii Department of Health’s sanitary survey of Waiopili Ditch, commonly known as Waiopili Stream, at Mahaulepu. Garden Island.

The release of the long-awaited state survey of Kauai's south shore points to animal waste and the decay of naturally occurring vegetation as the main source of pollution. KITV4.

Coral spawning is close at hand, but reef experts are anticipating a slow season for the little critters. Garden Island.

Kauai’s population is growing an average three people every day. Between 2014 and 2015, Kauai County saw an average increase in population, which rose from 70,672 residents to 71,735 residents, and added 1,063 more people — a 1.5 percent increase, according to recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Garden Island.