Pence arrives in Hawaii for Korean war remains transfer, Ige and Hanabusa both support lifting county cap on TAT, Case has big lead in congressional poll, big profits for Matson, lava-struck college student recovering in Honolulu hospital, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii hotel pool party ©2018 All Hawaii News

Vice President Mike Pence touched down on Oahu late Tuesday night ahead of a ceremony to receive the possible remains of over 50 American soldiers killed in the Korean War. Hawaii News Now.

NKorea provided just 1 dog tag with 55 sets of war remains. When North Korea handed over 55 boxes of bones that it said are remains of American war dead, it provided a single military dog tag but no other information that could help U.S. forensics experts determine their individual identities, a U.S. defense official said Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Ige, Hanabusa Want Cap Lifted On Counties’ Share Of Hotel Tax Revenue. The Democratic candidates for governor faced off Tuesday night for perhaps the final time before the Aug. 11 primary. Civil Beat.

Gubernatorial Campaign Stop: Obon Festivals. The two Democratic candidates for Hawaii Governor are working hard to secure their base – Americans of Japanese Ancestry or AJAs.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Civil Beat Poll: Case Has Big Lead In 6-Way Race For Congress. And U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is poised to win re-election by a landslide — again. Civil Beat.

Sherry Campagna’s Quest To Unseat Hawaii’s Most Popular Politician. The challenger must overcome U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s high poll numbers, fundraising prowess and national profile. Civil Beat.

The state says Hawaii's election system is secure. The Office of Elections says they're ready for the voting to begin. They've set up tests for the ballot systems and are working with the office of enterprise services to make sure the ballot process goes smoothly. KHON2.

Multinational Beach Assault Marks Completion of RIMPAC. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chicago poke company stands by divisive 'removal of aloha' trademark policy. Hawaii News Now.

Matson profit soars due to tax break. A big income tax cut helped Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo transportation firm, Matson Inc., produce 36 percent more profit in the second quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based shipping giant Matson Inc. on Tuesday reported net income of $32.6 million, or 76 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ending June 30, an increase of 35 percent compared with $24 million, or 55 cents per diluted share, during the same period in 2017. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Source of attack ads is a mystery. A series of mailers attacking Honolulu City Council candidate Robert “Bobby” Bunda calls for constituents of Council District 2 (Mililani Mauka to Kahaluu) to instead vote for Dave Burlew, one of the other three candidates in the race. Star-Advertiser.

Louis Kealoha's attorney requests separate trials for charges. A new motion filed in court Tuesday by the attorney for former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha is asking that several counts against him be tried separate from his wife. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige has appointed former Honolulu City Council member Jon Yoshimura to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Will Espero, who stepped down this year to run for lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua Community Responds to Vacation Rental Bill. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell last week announced his plan to tackle the problem which has been festering for close to 30 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Statue of Kamehameha III marks restoration of Thomas Square. Tuesday’s dedication of a 12-foot-tall statue of King Kamehameha III in the middle of Thomas Square celebrated Hawaiian pride, provided a lesson in island history and honored a king who gave up his monarchy in the belief that justice would prevail. Star-Advertiser.

$250K Statue of King Kamehameha III unveiled at Thomas Square. Hawaii News Now.

Cadets lost in Wahiawa forest ate ants to fight off hunger. Strawberry guava and ants was what two Army ROTC cadets subsisted on while lost overnight in a jungle warfare course in Wahiawa, said a Mililani man who helped the men find their way back to civilization. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu's not the best place to flip houses, but it's not the worst. Urban Honolulu was ranked 155th out of 172 cities for a WalletHub analysis of the best places to flip houses in 2018, places where a buyer can make a profit from buying and selling a fixer-upper. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

HTA pumps $1.2M into marketing Big Island. After a 5 percent drop in visitor arrivals to the Big Island in June, Hawaii’s tourism marketing officials want to change the existing consumer perception from “It’s not the right time to visit” to “Now just may be the best time ever to visit.” Star-Advertiser.

Although total visitor spending to date this year on the Big Island remains higher than 2017, spending and visitors to the island declined in June. Tribune-Herald.

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‘I Thought I Was Dying’: Injured Tourist Recalls Hawaii Lava Blast. The 20-year-old woman from Illinois suffered a broken thigh bone and pelvis, as well as several other injuries. Associated Press.

From a hospital bed, woman hit by lava describes horrifying experience. Hawaii News Now.

Illinois student describes being struck by lava bomb. Moments before 20-year-old Jessica Tilton was struck July 16 by a lava bomb that broke multiple bones in her body, she heard an explosion and saw a big cloud that kept coming toward the tour boat she was on. Star-Advertiser.

Woman badly injured in lava tour boat thought she was going to die. KHON2.

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Boat ramp remains despite ocean entry, delta at Pohoiki. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim undergoes procedure to install heart defibrillator. Tribune-Herald.

The highest ranking state sheriff on the Big Island has agreed to pay a $6,000 fine for two alleged ethics violations. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission says a deputy sheriff has agreed to pay $6,000 after he was accused of receiving overtime pay for hours he didn't work. KHON2.

Police announced scheduling changes for Saturday’s services for fallen Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on July 17. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Controversial Maui seawall project gets green light in court. The Kahana seawall project in West Maui will start this week as planned. Hawaii News Now.

Visible work on Kihei High set to begin. Roads, plumbing and grading kick off phase one of construction. Maui News.

Maui Police to Enforce Traffic Violations in School Zones. Maui Now.


Kauai

Food distribution at Kapaa beach draws crowds. The line of people next to the Toyota pickup stretches 15 deep on a Wednesday morning at the parking lot fronting Kapaa Beach Park. Garden Island.

Laysan albatross chicks still fledging. There are still a few awkward young Laysan albatross wandering around Kauai with their wild feathers and wide wingspans, but Oahu’s albatross have all fledged and set record numbers while doing it. Garden Island.

Molokai

State believes recent Hawaiian monk seal deaths on Molokai caused by humans. The investigation continues into the recent deaths of three Hawaiian monk seals on Molokai, and officials believe their deaths were caused by human-inflicted trauma. KHON2.

Sunscreen, pesticide, fake service animal bans move to governor as Legislature nears final days, Big Island braces for Kilauea volcano eruption, Honolulu homeless sweep nets tons of trash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House of Representatives PC: House Majority

Lawmakers say they made good on their pledge to address the state’s homeless and affordable-housing crises with strategies they described as groundbreaking and bold during the 2018 legislative session, which ends Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Most Progressive Legislative Session In A Long Time. From approving medical aid in dying to banning certain sunscreens and pesticide chemicals, legislators passed bills they only thought about in years past. Civil Beat.

After months of back and forth, lawmakers have settled on dozens of measures that could soon become law. The following list contains some of the measures now heading to the governor's office for approval. KHON2.

Bills awaiting the governor's action can be found here.

Hawaii lawmakers on Tuesday passed a measure that would ban sunscreen containing oxybenzone in an effort to protect coral reefs. Senators and representatives also voted to prohibit licensed professional counselors from attempting to change the sexual orientation of minors. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers passed a bill today banning the sale of sunscreens containing chemicals believed to be harmful to coral reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers approved a ban Tuesday on the sale of sunscreens with chemicals that could be harmful to the environment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Legislature has approved the first chlorpyrifos ban in the nation as a component of a pesticide disclosure bill approved by both the Senate and the House Tuesday. Garden Island.

A bill that would fine people fraudulently representing their pets as service dogs was approved unanimously on both floors of the state Legislature today, and now awaits the governor’s signature to become law. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would penalize people who falsely present their pets as service animals passed its final reading Tuesday and now goes to Gov. David Ige for final consideration. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii moved a step closer to expanding protections for students discriminated against on the basis of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation when the Legislature passed a bill Tuesday establishing a law to prohibit such treatment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tourism officials are offering a sweet deal to six New York City workaholics: Come to Hawaii for an all-expenses-paid, week-long vacation to "work from home" — island style. Hawaii News Now.

A state judge has scheduled a hearing on state Rep. Andria Tupola’s petition for a temporary restraining order against fellow Hawaii Republican Party member Eric Ryan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators have finally approved an on-bill financing program to boost the adoption of clean energy technology across the state, almost seven years after lawmakers passed a corresponding piece of legislation to investigate such a program. Pacific Business News.

Matson Inc. doubled its profit in the first quarter despite delivering about the same number of shipping containers to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based shipping company Matson Inc. reported net income of $14.2 million, or 33 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 102 percent compared to net income of $7 million, or 16 cents per diluted share, during last year’s comparable period. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City clears out 5 tons of trash during sweep of Kakaako parks. The estimated 80 homeless people living in Kakaako Waterfront Park and its sister parks had dwindled to about 30 to 50 Monday afternoon following days of warnings about the impending sweep. Star-Advertiser.

Price tag grows to move homeless off state land — and keep them off. Hawaii News Now.

A recreation center at the University of Hawaii needs hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs, only four years after opening. KHON2.

Sidewalk Extensions Please Some But Infuriate Others. A City Council committee passes a bill that would prohibit any more extensions, even though they’re intended to increase safety. Civil Beat.

City Councilmember Ikaika Anderson is spearheading a measure to crack down on illegal monster homes. Hawaii News Now.

A majority of condo owners at the 35-story Marco Polo have voted in favor of retrofitting the building with automated sprinklers several months after a deadly fire raged through the building, killing four people. Associated Press.

Another high rise is being planned for Ward Village. It will be 41 stories and will have 570 condo units. KHON2.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam will conduct anti-terrorism force protection training exercises Wednesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 3 from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. KITV.

State crews completed a four-day clean-up of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor Tuesday. KITV.

The city intends to enter into a public-private partnership with Topgolf Hawai‘i, which would invest $50 million replacing the Ala Wai Golf Course’s traditional driving range with a high-tech version and other golf-related activities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An intrusion of magma into Kilauea’s East Rift Zone shook the ground under lower Puna residents’ feet Tuesday and stirred worries about a new volcanic vent opening near populated areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Civil Defense was activated at 3 a.m. Tuesday in response to a significant increase in seismic activity and deformation — changes in the surface of a volcano — following the collapse of the Puu Oo crater floor on Kilauea’s East Rift Zone. Star-Advertiser.

Earthquakes, Crater Collapse On Kilauea May Indicate New Eruption. An “intrusion” of lava could affect a popular access point where people can hike or bike into a viewing area. Associated Press.

A half mile long, steaming crack was discovered just west of Puu Oo crater during an overflight by scientists on Tuesday, following the collapse of the crater floor the day before. Big Island Video News.

New USGS Map Shows Location of New Crack in Kilauea. Big Island Now.

Residents in Puna are being urged to be on alert after a series of small earthquakes in Kilauea volcano's east rift zone, which may indicate an eruption is imminent. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Senate passed a Senate Bill on Tuesday that would create a Hilo Community Economic District. Big Island Video News.

Effort seeks to preserve native trees south of Palamanui campus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Starting May 1, the County of Maui’s free Electronic Recycling Program will no longer accept a list of items including: DVDs and VCRs; phones; audio-visual equipment including AV screens, cameras and projectors; transmission devices; audio equipment including receivers; CD and record players, amplifiers or speakers. Maui Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard hosted a “Congress On Your Corner” event at the Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului on Monday, where she visited with local residents and updated them on her work in Washington, DC.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Three meetings scheduled this week are aimed to respond to questions about disaster recovery, health concerns, relief loans and assistance. Garden Island.

Rum Distilleries Keep Hawaii’s Sugar Industry Alive. The islands’ cane crop will never return to the production levels of plantation days, but it’s essential for these local businesses. Civil Beat.

Ige seeks millions for emergency preparedness, OHA trustee wants CEO fired, bill gives child sex assault victims more time to report, no sleeping at bus stops, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brigadier General Kenneth Hara addresses emergency preparedness, courtesy Governor's Office

Millions needed to beef up state’s emergency preparedness, report says. Hawaii residents shouldn’t expect the state to resume ballistic missile alert testing anytime soon, but the beleaguered Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is immediately seeking to hire a new leader and procure millions from the state Legislature to shore up its disaster-response capabilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s nuclear missile scare showed that the state began testing alerts before fully developing a plan to address the ballistic missile threat and that a public outreach campaign months earlier wasn’t effective, said a report released Tuesday. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige and Brigadier General Kenneth Hara on Tuesday released the All Hazards Preparedness Improvement Action Plan and Report, designed to review current emergency response systems, including notifications and warnings, and make recommendations for improvement. Garden Island.

Hawaii's governor wants to lead the nation in being ready for any emergency. Tuesday, the state released a report highlighting its "all hazards" preparedness plan. KITV.

The State released its report today on the false missile alert January 13th. Hawaii Public Radio.

Although Big Island Mayor Harry Kim voiced strong reservations back in September 2017 about HI-EMA’s plan to test the ballistic missile alert siren, he had the governor's back on Oahu Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Find the full All Hazards Preparedness Improvement Action Plan and Report here.

The governor still doesn't have his Twitter password (and doesn't plan to get it). Hawaii News Now.

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Senate advances bill that would extend window for childhood sex assault claims. Hawaii News Now.

House to Hear Bill Wednesday That Would Prohibit Bump Stocks. Maui Now.

Here’s Who Takes Money From The NRA In Hawaii. It’s mostly Democrats, even though the state has among the nation’s strongest gun-control laws. Civil Beat.

A bill to prohibit therapists from offering “conversion therapy” to gay youth in an effort to change their sexual orientation has stirred up some controversy in the race for the congressional district representing urban Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

This Is What A Statewide Police Board Might Look Like In Hawaii. Lawmakers are considering legislation to establish a statewide standards board with a certification component. Civil Beat.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Calls For Firing Of CEO. A recent state audit found both the chief executive, Kamanaopono Crabbe, and trustees are responsible for misspending. Civil Beat.

Study: Hawaii Residents Are The Deepest In Debt. Hawaii residents don’t earn enough money to offset expensive rent, student loans and consumer debt. Civil Beat.

Study finds that Hawaii residents don't manage debt well. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo shipping company brought in fewer containers to the state last year but generated a lot more profit thanks to the recent federal corporate tax overhaul. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Matson Inc. reported net income of $166.9 million, or $3.90 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter, compared to $20 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2016, an increase of 734 percent, which the carrier attributed to tax reform. Pacific Business News.

Meet the man who led Hawaiian Airlines from bankruptcy to billion-dollar business. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A bill making it illegal to lie down at or near city bus stops was signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell this week. Star-Advertiser.

State considers parcel in Nanakuli as possible site for homeless village. Hawaii News Now.

Crowded Kaneohe neighborhood faces crackdown on illegal parking. Hawaii News Now.

Cardax Inc.’s stock soared 72 percent Tuesday after announcing over the weekend that it was expanding its anti-inflammatory product ZanthoSyn into Asia. Star-Advertiser.

Wakelight Technologies Inc. has received a task order of more than $9.6 million from the U.S. Department of Defense under a previously awarded contract for information technology and cybersecurity services at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu in the bottom half of new state capital livability ranking. Pacific Business News.

Mililani High's Farm to School program expands to increase use of local produce. Hawaii News Now.

Sun Country Airlines, offering seasonal flights to Honolulu, cuts 350 jobs as it farms out ground work. Pacific Business News.

Shoppers at Ward Village in Kakaako are set to have more public parking today that offsets losses to condominium tower development in recent years — and the new stalls will use cameras to improve traffic flow and security. Star-Advertiser.

Kelly Sanders announced Tuesday that he is leaving his post as area general manager of Marriott Hotels and Resorts Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Key vote on GET increase today. The council, while meeting as the Finance Committee, gave the general excise tax surcharge a negative recommendation with a 3-6 vote. The bill can die today if it fails to get a majority vote in support. Tribune-Herald.

There will be no special subcommittee to hash out the budget outside public review, at least for the time being. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala councilman Tim Richards wants a subcommittee that can review and research the County of Hawaii budget for FY 2018-2019, but others say it needs more sunshine. Big Island Video News.

A charter amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot adding more transparency to how top county officials get raises took its first step forward Tuesday when the County Council Finance Committee voted 9-0 to advance the measure to the first of three council votes. West Hawaii Today.

Salary Commission Chairman Hugh Ono gave a presentation to the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday in Kona, explaining how large – and highly criticized – raises for county administrators and elected officials were recently approved. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Paradise Park will soon have a master plan for its own Hawaii County park. Tribune-Herald.

Just a few days after Honolulu police responded to a social media post threatening violence at Kapolei Middle School, now Big Island police are on high alert after threats were made at two schools on the island. Police will be beefing up their presence at Konawaena and Pahoa High Schools on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

An informational meeting on the permitting process and land entitlements will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the West Maui Senior Center. Maui News.

Maui Memorial Medical Center was recognized by the American Heart Association in the 2018 issue of “US News & World Report” of Best Hospitals. Maui Now.
Maui Ocean Center Breaks Ground on Dome Theater Whale Exhibit. Maui Now.

Diane Moss, founding director of Renewables 100 Policy Institute, will be the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Maui Energy Conference to be held March 14-15 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Maui News.

Kauai

New rules and regulations regarding county bus stops went into effect Monday. Garden Island.

A motion to dismiss a civil case filed against the County of Kauai and several individuals, based on the failure to state a claim, was denied in Fifth Circuit Court Tuesday. Longtime county employee Charles Rapozo claims his then supervisor Edward Sarita denied him proper training and safety gear to clean tiles containing asbestos at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

Legislative panel grills economists as state surplus grows, Ige hedges re-election bet, Honolulu homeless park-hop, rental prices drop, few appeal property assessments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate and House money committee hearings kickoff Tuesday, courtesy House Democrats

Economists: Financial Challenges Are Looming For Hawaii. Economists caution legislators about the housing shortage, the possibility of lower tax revenue and reduced tourist spending. Civil Beat.

Housing push would boost state’s economy, expert says. If Hawaii were to spur the development of 33,000 additional new homes between now and 2025 to address the state’s housing shortage, that extra economic activity would increase the number of construction jobs by 13 percent and boost the gross state product by more than 0.5 percent, according to a University of Hawaii economist. Star-Advertiser.

The state's surplus has grown to $893M. Here's what lawmakers plan to do with it. Hawaii News Now.

Governor asks Legislature to cover possible transition, vacation payouts. The governor’s office is asking the state legislature for $742,285 in case Gov. David Ige is not re-elected later this year. KHON2.

Department of Health Audited Over Disease Response. Hawaii wrestled with three big public health scares linked to mosquitos, bad scallops, and bad seaweed. A legislative audit uncovered weaknesses in record keeping and the state’s response to the outbreaks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Local Stocks Had a Mixed 2017. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser, HMSA hike insurance premiums. Most health insurance policyholders began paying higher premiums this week. The increases range from 5.9 percent to nearly 25 percent. Tribune-Herald.

Matson increases Neighbor Island barge capacity. Matson Inc. Tuesday said it replaced one of its three barges dedicated to serving Hawaii's Neighbor Island ports with a newer, larger barge in order to improve service levels. Pacific Business News.

Kamehameha Schools releases video apology to sex abuse victims, outlines plans to make school safer. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mother Waldron Park closure prompts homeless to return to Kakaako waterfront. The city planned to shut down Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park in Kakaako for a month beginning late Tuesday night, prompting some homeless people like Al Saenz to try to sneak back into the shuttered Kakaako Waterfront Park where he started from. Star-Advertiser.

Authorities are closing another Kakaako park amid complaints about homeless encampments. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu city officials are asking residents to give panhandlers a special business card instead of cash. Associated Press.

Honolulu falls out of the top 10 cities with highest apartment rents. The median asking rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Honolulu has fallen by 7.1 percent since January of last year, knocking Hawaii’s largest city out of the top 10 for cities with the highest rents, according to a new report by the online real estate site Zumper. Pacific Business News.

Analysis suggests Honolulu rents could be cooling off. Hawaii News Now.

Hunt, Hawaii public housing officials ink master development agreement for Mayor Wright project. Hunt Cos. and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority have signed a master development agreement for the $1.3 billion redevelopment of the Mayor Wright Homes in Honolulu, putting the 2,500-unit project on a path to a groundbreaking by the end of 2019. Pacific Business News.

Beachgoers encountered vast heaps of marine debris at Kailua Beach early Tuesday, and volunteers jumped into action to clean it up while the state and city pondered jurisdictional questions. Star-Advertiser.

Kualoa Ranch wants to expand visitor activities. After 32 years of tours and activities, Kualoa Ranch wants to make major changes to its special use permit under proposed expansion plans. KITV.

What’s Up With All The Fake Brides On Hawaii Beaches? Honolulu is full of Japanese tourists in wedding attire, but many are there just for the photos. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Appeals of property values at all-time low. The Real Property Tax Review Board heard just 195 appeals last year, compared to 399 in 2016. The count hovered at about a thousand before that, with an all-time high of 1,516 cases in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Springs LLC, which distributes natural artesian water from the Big Island, filed for Chapter 11 reorganization Friday as the state was wrapping up a seventh straight year of declining bankruptcy cases. Star-Advertiser.

Sex assault victim sues DLNR, fired state cop. A woman who was a minor when she was sexually assaulted by an on-duty state Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer two years ago on a Hilo beach is suing the officer, since fired, and the state agency. Tribune-Herald.

The Hazards Of Swimming Near A Sewage Plant. A Big Island group documented at least 10 cases of infections contracted by people swimming near industrial sites. Civil Beat.

Tenants move into Kamakana Villages as master developer moves on. West Hawaii Today.

Leading IT professionals to descend on Big Island for HICSS conference. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui beachgoers say they're being pushed out — by beach chairs and cabanas. Now the state Land Department is investigating after multiple complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Popular Junk Vehicles Program On-Hold, More Funds Needed. County officials say that due to the popularity of the program, budgeted funding has been expended. Maui Now.

Commentary: The best thing you could say about Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa in 2017 was that he clearly loved his job and was willing to give it his undivided attention 24/7. MauiWatch.

Kauai

County reconsiders rental housing bill. A committee will consider adding a new article to the Lihue planning code that will encourage and accommodate the construction of additional rental units in the Lihue Planning District. Garden Island.

Making Desolate Downtown Lihue Cool Again. A $13.8 million makeover is planned for Kauai’s center of industry and government, and at least one private investor is on board in a big way. Civil Beat.

Prosecutors investigate claims Kauai homeowner killed 4 nene with BB gun. The nene are federally protected and are native to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Lifeguard lawsuit immunity ends, Matson strike averted, Oahu historic property tax hike advances, hemp plans progress, Maui hospital takeover complete, journalists win SPJ awards, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii lifeguards © 2017 All Hawaii News

 A 15-year-old state policy granting immunity to county lifeguards from civil liability ended Friday, but it’s business as usual for the roughly 350 of them as they patrol Hawaii waters this Independence Day weekend. Star-Advertiser.

With mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus continuing to be a threat to Hawaii, the state is ramping up its vector control capacity in an effort to help prevent an outbreak — or at least meet one with greater force. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Companies has submitted a draft of its plan to modernize the power grids on the five Islands it serves to bring more renewable resources online. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii is going to need more caregivers. The state’s seniors, those 65 and older, made up 17.1 percent of Hawaii’s 1.4 million residents in 2016 — a jump from 14.3 percent in 2010, according to recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Star-Advertiser.

‘What Does The US Government Have Against Grandmothers?’ Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says the Trump administration’s scaled-back travel ban is illogical in establishing close family relationships. Civil Beat.

Hawaii and Undocumented Immigrants: Part 2. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Navy is planning to forward-deploy another three-ship “amphibious ready group” in the Pacific — a move that will add to highly prized ship-to-shore capability in the maritime-dominated region as well as bring more than 4,400 sailors and Marines and millions of dollars in economic impact to the chosen destination. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono thinks it should be in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

A new, 154-foot Coast Guard “fast response cutter” scheduled to be commissioned in Hono­lulu in October represents the first in a series of new cutters anticipated in coming years as District 14 revitalizes a fleet that’s between 25 and 50 years old. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc. reached an agreement with two key unions Friday, avoiding a strike that posed a threat to Hawaii’s supply of everything from food to building materials. Civil Beat.

Matson has been able to avoid a strike after reaching a tentative contract agreement with two of its unions, with only hours to spare before the expiration of the current contract. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu-based Matson Inc. on Thursday said it will pay its shareholders a third quarter dividend of 20 cents per common share. The shipping company said the figure represents a 5.3 percent increase over the previous quarter's dividend. Pacific Business News.

The cost of a private ­school education in Hawaii continues to climb as the state’s largest independent schools are charging on average 4.5 percent more in tuition for the upcoming school year, according to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser analysis, with most school officials citing the cost to retain good teachers as their biggest expense. Star-Advertiser.

After months of delay, the state Department of Agriculture is moving forward with its goal of developing a line of Hawaii hemp seeds and an eventual statewide hemp industry. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Owners of Oahu properties designated historic residences would need to pay $700 more annually under a bill that has received an initial nod from the City Council Budget Committee. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Circuit Court judge ruled Friday that the city must turn over documents to Civil Beat related to embattled deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha’s employment with the Honolulu prosecuting attorney’s office. Civil Beat.

The median rent for a two-bedroom unit in Honolulu in June rose to $2,120 a month, nearly $1,000 more than the national average, a new report shows. Star-Advertiser.

For years, city transit officials have struggled to meet Oahu’s demand for Handi-Van service — a demand they say is the highest in the nation per capita. Now, without a fare increase, the service will be stretched “to the point of failure,” those officials are telling City Council members. Star-Advertiser.

UH football player possibly paralyzed after diving in waters off Waikiki. KITV.

A plan to dismantle a breakwater to prevent risky dives on Oahu's south shore is moving forward. Hawaii News Now.

Officials renamed the city’s aquatic center in Waipio in honor of the late U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai during a ceremony Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

On A Mission To Save Hawaii’s Most Endangered Native Plants From Extinction. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Civil Beat Named Hawaii’s Best News Site For 7th Straight Year. The Hawaii Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists makes its annual award presentations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

State Senator Josh Green has officially asked Governor David Ige to declare a state of emergency in West Hawaii over the ongoing water crisis. Big Island Video News.

County scrambles to fix wells but repairs more than a week away. West Hawaii Today.

A revised bill banning disposable polystyrene — popularly known as “styrofoam” — is coming back to the Hawaii County Council next week. Tribune-Herald.

Kona’s Community Development Plan was upheld as law Monday by the Intermediate Court of Appeals, sending a proposed development back to the county Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

Kona coffee farmer tries to stay upbeat amid deportation proceedings. Star-Advertiser.

On June 23, the Hawaii County Council voted to adopt a resolution to award a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Stewardship Grant to Na Mamo o Kāwā. Big Island Video News.

West Hawaii Today won six awards, including two first-place honors, in the annual journalism contest hosted by the Hawaii chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, and Lanai Community Hospital officially transferred operations from state provider Hawaii Health System Corporation to Maui Health System, a subsidiary of Kaiser Permanente, on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

The Maui Region staff has created a legacy video to document this day as the Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, and Lānaʻi Community Hospital become part of the Maui Health System, a subsidiary of Kaiser Permanente. Maui Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs wants faster, stricter protections for central Maui sand dunes after Always Investigating exposed the extent of sand exports and business connections on Oahu. KHON2.

With news of possible further mining of the sand dunes of Central Maui, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees has formally called for a halt to the practice. Star-Advertiser.

Summit focuses on affordable housing hurdles. Maui News.

Maui News staffers and a columnist received 11 awards, including five first-place honors, from the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter during the 2016 Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony Friday night on Oahu. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Humane Society is currently finalizing its contract with Kauai County, but it’s expected the county will contribute around $795,000 in Fiscal Year 2017-18. Garden Island.

An intern at the Limahuli Garden and Preserve came across a dead snake on her morning jog along Kuhio Highway in Haena Friday. Garden Island.

Hanalei Watershed Hui and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary have partnered together to protect their corner of the planet. Garden Island.

Hawaii renews challenge to travel ban, Matson workers poised to strike, well failures force Kona water restrictions, $88.3M budget for tourism agency, endangered monk sea births pup on Waikiki beach, Mauna Kea park plan panned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki with Diamond Head © 2017 All Hawaii News

Visitor arrivals and spending rose again, making May the third straight month that Hawaii’s four largest visitor markets reported year-over-year increases in both performance categories. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor spending across the Hawaiian Islands increased by 8.7 percent to $1.3 billion last month, compared to May 2016, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority approved an $88.3 million annual budget Thursday after meeting for more than two hours behind closed doors. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Challenges Trump Administration Again As Travel Ban Takes Effect. Attorney General Doug Chin says the president’s definition of a “close relationship” that would get around the ban is too narrow. Civil Beat.

Hawaii challenges family rules on travel ban. Associated Press.

The state is challenging the Trump administration's definition of the "close U.S. relationship" needed to avoid a travel ban for refugees and those coming from six majority Muslim nations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says he's concerned the Trump administration may be violating the U.S. Supreme Court's travel ban ruling. Associated Press.

The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are about 21,000 undocumented immigrants living in Hawaii. The PEW Research Center says this number could be as high as 45,000. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Matson Inc. sailors and firefighters could walk off the job tonight if no deal is reached on a new contract. Star-Advertiser.

A new Hawaii law requires notifying law enforcement when someone prohibited from owning a firearm tries to get a gun permit. Gov. David Ige signed the bill Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Why The Fishing Industry Wants More Say On Papahanaumokuakea. As federal officials sift through public comments on national monuments, supporters of Hawaii commercial fishermen say they merit special consideration. Civil Beat.

About 500 coffee-growing kits imported from the U.S. Mainland are being pulled from shelves at Longs Drugs stores statewide after the Hawaii Department of Agriculture was informed that the product was being sold. Garden Island.

The CEO of an airport in the northern Philippines said officials there plan to start talks with airlines to launch flights between Pampanga province and Los Angeles and Hawaii. Pacific Business News.


Oahu

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal that usually has pups on the less congested island of Kauai decided to have its latest on a crowded beach at Kaimana beach in Waikiki, delighting of scores of visitors. Star-Advertiser.

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal has given birth on a Waikiki beach — the first such birth there in at least several decades. Associated Press.

Hawaiian monk seal "RH58" and her new pup created quite the spectacle at Kaimana Beach on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

A popular Waikiki beach is drawing even more attention with its high-profile guests. KHON2.

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The Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Housing Committee approved a bill Thursday that would create a privately run special improvement district to regulate traffic on Waikiki streets. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and the state Department of Transportation Airport Division Wednesday said the emergency power facility at Honolulu International Airport is in full operation after years of testing. Pacific Business News.

A backup power plant at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is now in full operation nearly five years later than originally expected. KHON2.

Two startup charter schools looking to open on Oahu will have to wait two more weeks to learn their fates; a third appears headed for rejection. Star-Advertiser.

All of the city’s driver licensing and other customer service operations were back to normal Thursday morning after in-house and contractor technicians were able to make necessary fixes overnight to a days-long computer problem. Star-Advertiser.

KITV President and General Manager Joe McNamara, widely known as “Joe Mac,” resigned his position this week to focus on his health. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An Emergency Water Restriction notice has been issued for North Kona after a fifth water well went down. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply has ordered all residents and customers in North Kona to immediately restrict water use to health and safety needs as well as cease all irrigation activities following the failure of yet another water well in the area. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim and his idea of turning Mauna Kea into an international peace park were thrashed during nearly two hours of testimony Thursday before the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Star-Advertiser.

The world needs a place like Hawaii and a mountain like Mauna Kea, Mayor Harry Kim told the Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim’s plans for a Mauna Kea cultural park is facing strong opposition from Thirty Meter Telescope protesters. Hawaii News Now.

Two Hilo women are suing the state, claiming its negligence resulted in their injuries when the car they were in struck a boulder on Highway 19 about 20 miles north of Hilo four years ago. Tribune-Herald.

There was no spring slump this year for Hawaii Island tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County officials announced that operations at the Division of Motor Vehicle and Licensing are back up to normal after glitches with the Honolulu mainframe slowed services earlier this week. Maui Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs wants faster, stricter protections for central Maui sand dunes after Always Investigating exposed the extent of sand exports and business connections on Oahu. KHON2.

The Department of Environmental Management’s Wastewater Reclamation Division advises customers that the sewer user fee will increase by an average of three percent when rate hikes go into effect on July 1. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Bus announces route, schedule changes. County aims to improve Kauai Bus service with route, schedule changes. Garden Island.

Kauai saw 104,882 guests in May, a 9.8 percent increase from May 2016. Garden Island.

Hawaii reacts to travel ban ruling, Matson workers could strike, more than 5k welcome Oprah, Honolulu airport woes continue, Punaluu dredging draws ire, more news fro all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin courtesy photo

Students, visiting professors and others from six predominantly Muslim countries with legitimate ties to the United States will be allowed to travel to Hawaii but face an uncertain future once they arrive, state Attorney General Doug Chin said Monday following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin on Monday said "immigration into the United States should not be restricted due to religion or national origin" after the U.S. Supreme Court decided to reinstate part of Donald Trump's travel ban. Pacific Business News.

Both President Trump as well as officials from the State of Hawaii are seeing positives in today’s U.S. Supreme Court order on the second travel ban issued by the White House in March. Big Island Video News.

The Supreme Court is allowing President Donald Trump to forge ahead with a limited version of his ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries to the U.S. Associated Press.

The Supreme Court's decision to partially reinstate President Donald Trump's temporary travel ban has left the effort to keep some foreigners out of the United States in a murky middle ground, with unanswered questions and possibly more litigation ahead. Associated Press.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced it would partly reinstate President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban, a decision the White House called a "victory", but one that Hawaii's attorney general is calling a "compromise." Hawaii News Now.

State Attorney General Doug Chin was encouraged that the compromise decision does not block those with direct ties to the US from traveling from those six mostly Muslim countries. KITV.

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Hawaii will soon have less influence in setting national policies that affect everything from commercial fishing to endangered species in nearly 1.5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Gov. David Ige’s administration twice missed deadlines to submit to federal officials a list of names to fill two at-large terms that expire in August on the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. Civil Beat.

Despite a steady drumbeat of negative news surrounding President Donald Trump and his policies, Republicans in Hawaii remain steadfast in their support for him. Civil Beat.

Matson Inc. sailors and firemen are threatening to strike if they are unable to reach a contract agreement with the company. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State officials are trying to involuntarily transfer the sheriff’s lieutenant overseeing law enforcement at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. Star-Advertiser.

Newly released records show that Honolulu Police Commissioner Loretta Sheehan was an early target of police chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine, a city prosecutor, who has described Sheehan as being “racially insensitive.” Civil Beat.

The Navy is extending the public comment period on a proposal to spend $1.2 million to reduce potential exposure to chemicals at a Barbers Point landfill where asbestos and burned waste were dumped between 1942 and 1997. Star-Advertiser.

Ige’s veto could delay stadium plan even further. The bill, which would create the Office of Public-Private Partnerships within the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, was supposed to be part of a bold statement about changing the way the state does some of its business and Aloha Stadium was seen as a showcase example. Star-Advertiser.

Group pushes for closer look at impacts to Haunama Bay, one of Oahu’s top tourist destinations. KHON2.

A Kapolei High School counselor who pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution is scheduled to be sentenced in court on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

One Man’s Quest To Revive A Forgotten Kalihi Park. Robert Silva has spent two years restoring a taro patch in a small park that was once a gathering spot for Hawaiian royalty. Civil Beat.

Fireworks on the Fourth is a quiet affair in contrast to noisy New Year’s Eve celebrations in Hawaii. With so few buying firecrackers, only one retailer will be selling them for Independence Day celebrations. Star-Advertiser.

A former employee of a company whose subsidiary publishes Hawaii Business, Honolulu Magazine and other periodicals stole more than $3.8 million from her former employer by depositing checks from advertisers into accounts of phony businesses she created, according to a federal grand jury indictment. Star-Advertiser.

Fidelity National Financial Inc., one of the nation’s largest title insurance companies, is the new majority owner of Honolulu-based Title Guaranty. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A boat tour operator is being accused of unpermitted excavation at Punalu‘u that includes damage to the remnants of a historical pier. Tribune-Herald.

The Ka’u community is in disbelief after managing to prevent a man’s apparently unpermitted effort to create new boat ramp over a historic structure along the shoreline of Punaluu beach. Big Island Video News.

Some Hawaii island residents are outraged after a tour operator apparently started demolition work at a boat ramp along a historic shoreline in Punaluu without permission. KHON2.

Aina Lea Inc., developer of The Villages at Aina Lea, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than 5,000 people welcomed Oprah Winfrey to her very first appearance on Maui as she lead a special conversation designed to inspire Hawaiʻi residents – already ranked the healthiest state in the nation by the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index – to lead even healthier, happier, more productive lives. Maui Now.

‘How do you shift the paradigm?’: Oprah Winfrey shares her philosophy for healthy living. Thousands flock to MACC to hear from former talk show host. Maui News.

Maui County officials are looking for historical artifacts that help tell the story of the county's government. KITV.

The county clerk is asking for the public’s assistance to help gather artifacts and materials that tell the history of the County of Maui government. Maui Now.

Kauai

Principal Mahina Anguay and her staff are celebrating Waimea High School’s six-year accreditation following a positive report from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Garden Island.

Some Kauai lawmakers aren’t surprised Gov. David Ige is thinking about vetoing a bill that will take away lifeguards’ protection against lawsuits who protect state beaches. Garden Island.

Lanai

After rolling layoffs for the last few years during hotel renovations, Lanai residents are enjoying 3.4% unemployment, three points lower than this time last year.  This weekend will be a particularly exciting on Lanai, priming for the July fourth holiday with the Pineapple Festival  on Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Takai to lie in state, special HI01 election set, poll shows Djou leading Honolulu mayoral race, Gabbard backs Clinton, flight attendant has Hepatitis A, Kona hospital ranked lowest in state, audit blasts Parks and Rec Department, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mark Takai

Gov. David Ige and the state Office of Elections issued an official proclamation Tuesday authorizing a special election, in conjunction with the Nov. 8 general election, to decide who will serve out the last two months of the unfinished term of the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai. Star-Advertiser.

The state Office of Elections said Tuesday that it will conduct a special election Nov. 8 to fill a vacancy in the 1st Congressional District. Civil Beat.

Services for the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, who died July 20, have been set for Aug. 18 and 19. Takai died in Honolulu, nine months after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 49. Star-Advertiser.

The family of the late Mark Takai on Tuesday announced two ceremonies for the congressman to honor “the beloved servant leader.” Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says she will vote for Hillary Clinton for president in November, but was tempered in her support as she reiterated her concerns with the former secretary of state’s Middle East policies. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health this afternoon confirmed two new food service-related hepatitis A cases on Oahu: an employee at Chili’s restaurant in Kapolei and a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant was among the people in Hawaii infected with Hepatitis A. The state Department of Health says the attendant was on 33 flights from Honolulu to California, Nevada and neighbor islands in July. Associated Press.

Higher demand for shipping goods to Hawaii helped Matson Inc. almost double its profit in the second quarter, but the gain mostly reflected abnormally low earnings a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

In an apparent violation of Arizona regulations, the Corrections Corporation of America, the largest for-profit prison company in the country, is failing to report the cases of valley fever among Hawaii inmates at the Saguaro Correctional Center. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige is defending his decision to delay several highway projects aimed at increasing capacity and reducing traffic congestion, saying the state needs to focus more on maintaining the roads. Associated Press.

Oahu

Charles Djou leads incumbent Kirk Caldwell 42 percent to 33 percent in the race for Honolulu mayor in a new Civil Beat Poll, suggesting that neither candidate will garner a majority of the votes in the Aug. 13 primary necessary to win the contest outright.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell touted his “compassionate disruption” and Housing First strategies for tackling chronic homelessness while major opponents Charles Djou and Peter Car­lisle declared them failures during a forum sponsored by Hawaii News Now and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Tuesday night.

In the last televised debate before the primary election, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday night sought to defend his record at Honolulu Hale, while his two major challengers criticized it, taking him to task for his handling of the beleaguered rail project and the homeless crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell’s Inaction On Police Reform Draws Political Attacks. Charles Djou and Peter Carlisle say the mayor should ask the police chief to step aside during a federal corruption investigation. Civil Beat.

In the wealthy district surrounding the University of Hawaii’s flagship campus, incumbent state Rep. Isaac Choy is facing a Democratic primary challenge from a well-financed political newcomer with a familiar name. Civil Beat.

The National Park Service blames the improper demolition of a historic building at Pearl Harbor on a lack of understanding and training. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The federal government released Medicare hospital ratings last week, and one Hawaii Island facility was found wanting.  Kona Community Hospital received a below-average rating of two stars, the lowest mark of any Big Island facility evaluated. West Hawaii Today.

Several County Council members quizzed the legislative auditor and administration officials Tuesday, seeking assurances the county isn’t leaking cash when people rent facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Electric Co.’s Big Island subsidiary is looking to spend $6.2 million on an upgrade of its nearly 100-year-old hydroelectric plant. Pacific Business News.

Big Island residents have several opportunities this month to suggest ways to improve Hawaii’s education system. Tribune-Herald.

The new owners of Downtown Hilo’s historic Kaikodo Building see little in need of changing. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Reductions in health care services and layoffs could be in store for the three Maui County public hospitals as their board of directors meets Wednesday, with the transfer of operations to the private Kaiser Permanente Maui Health System in an indefinite limbo that is going on three months. Maui News.

Here are the Maui County candidates who’ve filed for public funds. MauiTime.

It is a crowded field, with five candidates vying for the Wailuku, Waihee and Waikapu residency seat on the Maui County Council, which is being vacated by Mike Victorino because of term limits. Maui News.

On the 100th anniversary of Haleakala National Park, the weather could have hardly been better: Perfectly clear, bright blue, sunny skies. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi threw his weight behind the expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument at a public meeting Tuesday night at the Kauai Community College’s Performing Arts Center. Garden Island.

A partial motion to dismiss claims in a case against a Kauai medical marijuana dispensary licensee and Green Aloha Ltd. was granted in the Fifth Circuit Court last week. Garden Island.

A nonprofit organization denied a Kauai County office’s application request to use money raised in a charity walk, officials from Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Authority told The Garden Island.