Showing posts with label Maunakea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maunakea. Show all posts

Thursday, January 16, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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


=====

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

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

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

=====

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Ige approves new Mauna Kea rules, DOE seeks more teacher pay hikes, Honolulu mayoral race gets crowded, state repeatedly sent starved child back to abusers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Tourists check out telescopes on Mauna Kea ©2020 All Hawaii News
Gov. Ige approves a range of Mauna Kea regulations. Gov. David Ige on Monday signed into law a controversial set of administrative rules designed to offer a new layer of protection for land and natural resources managed by the University of Hawaii on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Governor approves rules for Maunakea. Gov. David Ige on Monday approved a controversial series of administrative rules governing the University of Hawaii’s Maunakea land management practices. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige Signs Maunakea Administrative Rules. The rules, approved by the UH Board of Regents in November, have been filed and will take effect on January 23, 2020. Big Island Video News.

Six Months Later, TMT National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Comment Responses Posted. The State Department of Health's official responses to public comments have been posted online, but decisions on holding contested cases have yet to be made. Big Island Video News.

Deep Snow Covers Maunakea, Mauna Loa. The Access Road to the summit of Maunakea is closed to the public at the Visitor Information Station at the 9,200 foot level due to snowy and icy road conditions. Big Island Video News.

=====

DOE Wants To Raise Pay For Experienced Hawaii Teachers. The plan, aimed at reducing the teacher shortage by enticing senior educators to remain in the classroom, is the next phase of a broader teacher recruitment and retention plan. Civil Beat.
https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/01/doe-wants-to-raise-pay-for-experienced-hawaii-teachers/

Results from a 2019 student survey on sexual harassment and violence on UH campuses should be out later this month. In the meantime the university submitted its annual report on campus safety and accountability to lawmakers. KHON2.

Public Safety Department Wants 15 More Guards But Can’t Fill Vacancies. Some members of the House Finance Committee want to know how the new positions can be justified. Civil Beat.

How The Endangered Hawaiian Hawk Became A Political Pawn. The Trump administration has launched an all-out assault on federal environmental regulations, including the Endangered Species Act. Civil Beat.

=====

Plan calls for $20 million to battle ohi‘a disease. An update to the state’s strategic response plan for rapid ohi‘a death requests more than $4 million in funding each year for five years. Tribune-Herald.

Plan to tackle Rapid Ohia Death. The state updated its response plan for the fight against Rapid Ohia Death on Monday, calling for more than $20 million for research and combat of the disease over the next five years. Garden Island.

Rapid Ohia Death fungus research, response could cost millions. Creating a plan to address Rapid Ohia Death, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is estimating they’ll need $4 million a year for the next five years. Hawaii News Now.

Rapid ʻohiʻa death battle estimated to need $4 million annually. he 2020-2024 update to the original strategic response plan for the fight against Rapid ʻOhiʻa Death notes many challenges ahead. KHON2.

=====

Stay out of murky water and off eastern shoreline rocks, safety officials warn. On Monday the state Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued islandwide brown-water advisories for the Big Island and Maui, and advisories continued for several beaches on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Real estate broker James joins race for Honolulu mayor. Real estate broker Choon James officially announced her candidacy for mayor Monday afternoon at the steps of Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

Activist Choon James Running For Honolulu Mayor. James is running as a “good government” candidate who isn’t taking lobbyist donations. Civil Beat.

Businesswoman Choon James announces run for Honolulu mayor. Small businesswoman and frequent city critic Choon James announced Monday she’s running for Honolulu mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Choon James announces Honolulu mayoral run. Small business woman and long time realtor Choon James announced Monday that she is running for Honolulu Mayor. KITV4.

Amemiya Reports Nearly $1M In Mayoral Campaign Contributions. The total includes the $200,000 the businessman loaned himself in his first run for office. Civil Beat.

=====

City to proceed with first phase of Sherwood Forest project. Honolulu city representatives announced Monday that the city would continue with the first phase of a contentious project to develop a section of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwood Forest, representing a loss for opponents who have voiced their opposition to the project for about a year. Star-Advertiser.

City Officials, Hawaiians Find Path Forward On Sherwood Forest Park. The deal drew a mixed reaction when it was unveiled at the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board meeting. Civil Beat.

Controversial Waimanalo park project plan moving forward ... but not completely. Residents in Waimanalo are divided over what is aimed to be a compromise between the community and the city. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell agrees to abandon master plan for Waimanalo park project. The city says it is abandoning both phase 1 and its master plan for its construction project at Sherwood Forest. KITV4.

=====

Protests shaping up against military’s proposed $1.5 billion radar on Oahu. Activists are already planning to protest a proposed $1.5 billion high-powered radar on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

HPD to hire detectives, increase patrols amid spate of violent crimes. Honolulu police officials say the department will add more detectives and increase patrols islandwide amid a string of brazen purse snatchings and muggings that appear to target the most vulnerable population: The elderly. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu's Recycling Businesses In Crisis As Global Prices Drop. Despite serving as the largest recycling facilities on Oahu, RRR Recycling and Reynolds Recycling are in a crisis, and there are implications for residents who turn in their recyclables for redemption income or reuse. Hawaii Public Radio.

Potholes might not be patched until rain relents. The city wants Oahu drivers to report any new potholes opening up under the puddles they drive through this winter. Star-Advertiser.

City and County news conference on potholes. Ross Sasamura of the Department of Facility Maintenance spoke to the press earlier Monday about potholes. KHON2.

Landlord’s ‘ridiculous’ rent demand blamed for closing of Ala Moana’s Mai Tai Bar. The popular Mai Tai Bar at Ala Moana Center will close Feb. 23 along with Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. due to a lease rental dispute that has made way for Olive Garden. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island child who starved to death was repeatedly returned to alleged abusers, records show. A 9-year-old Hilo girl who died of starvation in 2016 — weighing just 45 pounds — was repeatedly removed from her home only to be returned despite concerns for her safety, according to state records. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department cites 2 teen treatment facilities on Big Island. The department’s Office of Health Care and Assurance issued a notice of violation and order to Christopher Kaiser, Michael McKinney, Suzanne McKinney and Mark Agosto of Pacific Quest Corp. for running the two illegal facilities — one at 15-1973 4th Ave. and the other 15-1736 22nd Ave. — in Keaau. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Harbor repairs pegged at $8M. At least $8 million will be needed to repair Kawaihae Harbor-North after the state facility was heavily damaged amid high surf at the turn of the year. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR Projects Kawaihae Harbor Repairs at $8 Million. A storm to mark the new year inflicted upwards of $8 million in damages to the Kawaihae North Small Boat Harbor based an DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation engineer’s estimate. Big Island Now.

Repairs to storm-damaged Big Island harbor estimated to cost $8M. A state engineer estimates it will cost at least $8 million to make repairs to Kawaihae North Small Boat Harbor, which was damaged in a New Year’s Eve storm. Hawaii News Now.

=====

North Kohala subdivision planned. Kohala Shoreline LLC is moving forward with its development of a six-lot subdivision on the North Kohala coastline. West Hawaii Today.

Neighbors battle Mauna Kea hotel. The association of homeowners at the Mauna Kea Resort is appealing the county’s approval of a subdivision without requiring a shoreline survey and other elements of a special management area. West Hawaii Today.

The $14 Million Jail Improvement Project Nobody Seems To Want. State corrections officials, who unsuccessfully sought funding to build a new facility, are proposing construction of an annex to the overcrowded Hilo jail. Civil Beat.

Maui

Lahaina Aquatic Center Closed For Repairs. The Lahaina Aquatic Center will be closed from today at noon through Thursday for repairs to a 10-inch pipe leading to the filtration system, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced. Maui Now.

A whale of show by momma, baby. A mother humpback whale teaches her baby how to tail slap Saturday morning as they frolic in the waters off Launiupoko. Maui News.

Kauai

Council meeting Thursday. The Kauai County Council’s first meeting of the year will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

Four candidates for KIUC board election. The Kaui Island Utility Cooperative Nominating Committee confirmed four candidates for its board of directors election on March 14. Garden Island.

Ban proposed on ‘forever chemicals’. Kauai doesn’t test drinking water for a class of chemicals being targeted for manufacturing bans by some members of the United States Congress. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Kim releases Mauna Kea plan, more housing options on Hawaiian Home Lands, Oahu jail project stalls, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Telescopes on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News
Kim reveals Mauna Kea plan, which includes TMT. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim officially released his long-awaited plan for resolving the controversy surrounding Mauna Kea on Monday, distributing a pamphlet that asserts that the site designated for the Thirty Meter Telescope will become the last area of the mountain that is ever developed for a telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island Mayor Calls For Restructuring Management On Mauna Kea. Harry Kim’s plan for resolving the TMT standoff makes few new promises, but offers Native Hawaiians a larger voice in determining the future of the mountain. Civil Beat.

Kim Releases 'Maunakea Booklet' Calling For Core Group To Move Forward. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim issued his long-awaited proposal Monday to resolve the protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, calling for a "core group" as a next step to provide future direction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor unveils Maunakea document that includes policy ‘pledges’ from state officials. Mayor Harry Kim released a proposal Monday for Maunakea that includes pledges from Gov. David Ige and other officials promising to improve Native Hawaiian relations. Tribune-Herald.

Kim Offers ‘Way Forward’ in Maunakea Booklet. On Monday, Mayor Harry Kim released a nine-page PDF that he’s calling his Maunakea Booklet. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Mayor releases vision for Mauna Kea moving forward. After months of zero construction activity on Mauna Kea, because protestors continue to illegally block access, Mayor Harry Kim has released a booklet on the government’s next move. KHON2.

'The Heart of Aloha': Mayor Kim releases booklet in hopes of moving forward on Mauna Kea. The hope was to bring together the people of Hawaii to find and create a way to move forward 'in a good way.' KITV.

=====

New DHHL rules allow more housing options. Gov. David Ige on Monday signed new administrative rules that allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to develop multifamily, rental and kupuna housing on trust property, providing a new tool that Ige and the state agency say eventually will help address a huge backlog of Native Hawaiians waiting for homestead leases. Star-Advertiser.

Ige OKs Rentals, Multi-Family Units On DHHL Land. The governor says the rules will help ease Hawaii’s affordable housing crisis. Civil Beat.

New DHHL Rules Allow Rentals, More Options. Gov. David Ige today signed new administrative rules for planned communities, multi-family complexes and rental housing within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Homes is Expanding its Housing Options. A new set of rules will allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to offer multi-family units, kūpuna homes, and rental housing options. Maui Now.

=====

Clare Connors: Hawaii’s Attorney General Is ‘Answering The Call’. She was on the verge of being a federal judge, but stalled in the Senate. Now she’s Hawaii’s top law enforcement officer.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Is Already Seeing the Consequences of Falling Birthrates. The latest data show that number of babies are being born in Hawaii has been declining for a decade. That follows a national trend of falling birthrates. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teachers Weary Of Pay That Makes It Tough To Stay In The Classroom — Or Hawaii. During a series of DOE “listening sessions,” many teachers drew a connection between salaries and classroom conditions and Hawaii’s teacher shortage. Civil Beat.

Even Free Tuition Isn’t Enough To Attract People To This Hawaii Teacher Program. A three-year-old initiative to train highly qualified teachers in Hawaii isn’t seeing a high number of applications, despite a push to recruit new candidates. Civil Beat.

Controversial Aloha Poke plans on mainland expansion. he Chicago-based Aloha Poke restaurant chain — which infuriated Hawaiians and Hawaii residents last year by trademarking the terms “Aloha” and “Poke” and threatening other businesses also using those terms in their names — plans to expand to 100 restaurants across the mainland within three years. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ala Wai Project Undergoes Changes, State Reiterates Funding Support. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will modify designs for a controversial flood control project on Oahu. The public will have a chance to further hear about the Ala Wai Flood Control Project on Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Oahu Jail Project Is Stalling Out Over Lack Of Cash, Community Support. OCCC has a five-year master plan, but it’s unclear when the five-year period starts or ends, and nobody wants to pay for it. Civil Beat.

Newly Released Minutes Reveal How Louis Kealoha Got His $250K Buyout. The Honolulu Police Commission recently released minutes from secret meetings where commissioners and city attorneys hashed out a lucrative retirement deal for the former police chief. Civil Beat.

=====

‘Artifact’ discovered at Sherwood Forest construction site. An investigation by State Historic Preservation Division employees at Sherwood Forest began Monday as arguments continued over the validity of a construction project and its worth to the community. Star-Advertiser.

Historic artifact discovered at Sherwood Forest park project. A find of a historic artifact was reportedly discovered at a city park project in Waimanalo. KITV.

=====

Senate Panel Approves $16.7M For East-West Center. Sen. Brian Schatz says the institution continues to play “an increasingly important role” in national security and regional cooperation. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. rejects sweeps, pitches idea for master-planned communities for homeless. The Lt. Governor says possible locations are being looked at in Waianae, Waimanalo (across from the beach park) and in the urban core (off Middle Street). Hawaii News Now.

Discrimination lawsuit over dorm-style housing for families filed. The U.S. Justice Department Monday sued a student housing company for discrimination against children and families. Hawaii Student Suites Inc. offers dorm-style housing in several buildings in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Neighborhood Commission chief resigns. The head of the agency that oversees Oahu’s neighborhood board system is stepping down to take a job with the city rail authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Farmers Still Need Unique Assistance After Kilauea Eruption, USDA Urged. The Hawaii Congressional Delegation again write to Secretary Of Agriculture Perdue asking for needed relief for Puna farmers. Big Island Video News.

Following more dump closures, officials looking for new ways to bring on staff. Staff shortages continue in the county Department of Environmental Management, this time prompting the closure Monday of two transfer stations and a green waste site in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Sees Rise in Visitor Spending and Arrivals. Tourists on Maui spent a total of $404.8 million last month, a 14 percent increase from the same time last year. Maui Now.

Tourism spending, arrivals spike on Lanai. Maui County leads hotel performance. Maui News.

Rare birds on Maui to be relocated in hopes of saving the species. There’s an ambitious plan to save one of Hawaii’s most endangered birds. Conservation groups will trans-locate the Kiwikiu, or Maui Parrotbill, to a restored forest in October. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

State approves Ho‘opi‘i permit. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to continue a permit that allows public access to Kauai’s Ho‘opi‘i Falls. Garden Island.

Threats close 2 schools. Threats of violence forced two schools on the island to close early on Monday, as law enforcement officials investigated reports of text messages about plans to “bomb every single building” on the Waimea High School Campus and “shoot every student and teacher” at Kauai High School. Garden Island.

When the U.S. Department of Agriculture comes out with administrative rules governing the cultivation of hemp, expect Hawaii to submit a state plan, said Micah Munekata, legislative coordinator, state Department of Agriculture. “We’re trying our best to move as fast as we can at the state level,” Munekata said to about 40 people at the Lihue Business Association meeting Thursday at Duke’s Canoe Club at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Kim looks to broker peace on Mauna Kea, County Council seeks TMT moratorium, Honolulu mulls local union preferences in contracts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim ©2019 All Hawaii News
Big Island Mayor Thinks He Can Find A Way Through The Divisions On Mauna Kea. Hawaii’s governor put Mayor Harry Kim in charge of negotiating with activists blocking construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

With lines drawn, Kim to begin process of seeking common ground over Maunakea. Mayor Harry Kim said Wednesday that he hopes to meet with Hawaiian community leaders, including those leading the protests at Maunakea, before the end of the week. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim Talks Mauna Kea, New Way Forward. Big Island Now.

Governor’s decision to step back from TMT conflict gets mixed reviews. Gov. David Ige’s decision to hand over negotiations with protesters on Mauna Kea to Big Island Mayor Harry Kim is getting mixed reviews. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a surprise visit to Mauna Kea on Wednesday afternoon to add some star power to the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, and a surge of people submitting comments about TMT on the governor’s website caused the site to crash. Star-Advertiser.

‘The Rock’ visits Hawaii protesters as envoy prepares talks. Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson visited protesters blocking construction of a giant telescope on Wednesday as the Hawaii governor’s envoy to Native Hawaiian leaders prepared to start talks to find a way out of the impasse. Associated Press.

At Mauna Kea, ‘The Rock’ calls for ‘leadership with empathy’ to resolve TMT conflict. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got a massive welcome Wednesday during a visit to the TMT protest at the base of Mauna Kea, during which he met with Hawaiian elders and called for “leadership with empathy” to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Day 10 TMT standoff: Astronomers on Mauna Kea share their beliefs on science and culture. KHON2.

Supporters say the loss of the telescope could severely harm the state’s future investments in science and business ventures. Star-Advertiser.

Telescope employees find future uncertain as protest blocks access to Mauna Kea. The Thirty Meter Telescope protest at the base of Mauna Kea has had a direct impact on scientific operations at the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Makeshift ‘university’ established at protesters’ camp. As protesters wait at the base of the Maunakea Access Road each day, a network of volunteers works to ensure their needs are met. Tribune-Herald.

=====

New Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus Formed. Rep. Ed Case says the Indo-Pacific region is the future. Civil Beat.

Bill To Restore Health Care For COFA Citizens Reintroduced. Hawaii’s U.S. senators are backing Medicaid coverage for Micronesians. Civil Beat.

Workers at three hotels have filed a class action lawsuit against the hotels’ owner and operator Diamond Resorts alleging wage theft. The lawsuit covers past and current employees of the Modern Honolulu, Kaanapali Beach Club on Maui and the Point at Poipu on Kauai. KHON2.

Oahu

Oahu supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope will be holding their first major demonstration in favor of the $1.4 billion project today at 4:30 p.m. at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Labor Unions Favored For City Construction Projects Under Proposed Bill. Local construction unions will get preference in large city projects under a bill making its way through Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Squeezing Along Narrow Sidewalks And Racing Crosswalk Timers In Waikiki. A volunteer initiative, Waikiki Safe Walk, is documenting pedestrian hazards and eyesores in a campaign to make the tourism hub easier to walk. Civil Beat.

City hopes to purchase eyesore along Pearl Harbor Historic Trail and create neighborhood park. On Wednesday, the city council budget committee passed a resolution that would create funding to purchase about half an acre along the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail and transform it into a neighborhood park. Hawaii News Now.

Funding boosts efforts to reduce Chinatown homelessness. A combination of state funding and matching donations resulted in checks on Wednesday totalling more than $105,000 to two organizations working to address homelessness in Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

More than $100,000 in grant money was given today for non-profits servicing the homeless population in Chinatown. KITV.

Oahu may get a race track. It’s something the island hasn’t had for more than a decade. Local motor-sports enthusiasts turned out in force at the Kapolei Neighborhood Board meeting tonight to voice their support. KHON2.

Ward developer opts for 1 larger tower over previous 2-condo plan. A plan for two luxury condominium towers has become a plan for one at Ward Village in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council asks for moratorium on the mauna. Testimony ranged from poetic to pragmatic to piqued. But all speakers were passionate and tears flowed on both sides of the dais Wednesday as the County Council passed a nonbinding resolution backing state Sen. Kai Kahele’s call for a 60-day moratorium on construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Majority of Hawaii County Council votes in favor of TMT moratorium. Dozens of people testified from across the Big Island Wednesday, both in support of and against the telescope. KITV.

Councilman Tim Richards Statement In Support Of TMT. Big Island Video News.

Wahine On Front Line Support TMT Moratorium. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County moves to take wells from exploratory to full production. Final environmental assessment for groundwater source project released. Maui News.

Maui beaches lead state in spinal injuries. Makena had most in state with 40 from 2009 to 2017. Maui News.

Maui beaches have Hawaii’s highest number of spinal injuriesA state trauma registry lists Maui as the location of the highest number of spinal injuries occurring at Hawaii’s beaches. Associated Press.

Kauai

KIUC says power outages are done. No more rolling blackouts are expected, but mechanical issues persist at multiple Kauai Island Utility Cooperative facilities, and residents are still being asked to conserve electricity. Garden Island.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Gov. Ige meets with TMT opponents, taps Kim to lead negotiations, court allows one kumu hula access to Mauna Kea, TRO rejected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Mauna Kea protest overview ©2019 All Hawaii News
Gov. David Ige meets TMT opponents on Mauna Kea and taps Harry Kim to lead negotiations. After a weeklong standoff, Gov. David Ige on Tuesday asked Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim to “coordinate” state and county efforts to resolve the impasse over the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Asks Hawaii County Mayor To Take Over TMT Talks. The governor finally visits the mountain on Day 9 of massive protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope construction. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday evening met with Thirty Meter Telescope opponents near the Maunakea Access Road shortly after announcing that Mayor Harry Kim would take over efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution with demonstrators who have blocked the road for nine days. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Governor Asks Mayor Kim To Lead Protester Talks. Hawaii Gov. David Ige acknowledged Tuesday that the ongoing protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope planned on the state's highest mountain is also about addressing the treatment of Native Hawaiians going back more than a century. Associated Press.

Governor David Ige Visits Mauna Kea Encampment. On Day 9 of the standoff on Mauna Kea, Governor David Ige visited the opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope project for the first time. Big Island Video News.

Governor embraced by protesters, kupuna during first visit to TMT protest at Mauna Kea. The governor received a remarkably warm welcome - with lei, chants and embraces - Tuesday in his first visit to the TMT protest at the base of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige meets with kiai and kupuna at Mauna Kea. Governor Ige arrived on Mauna Kea at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. KHON2.

Ige makes first visit with kupuna and leaders on Mauna Kea. Governor Ige, as well as Mayor Harry Kim from Hawaii County, arrived on the scene and were greeted with aloha. KITV.



=====

Court rulings mixed for Mauna Kea protesters. A state court Tuesday granted a Hawaii island kumu hula’s request to temporarily overturn Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation restricting public access to Mauna Kea. Meanwhile a Hawaii island judge denied a request by Neves and six other anti-Thirty Meter Telescope petitioners to temporarily halt construction of the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.


Judge denies TRO to stop TMT construction. Opponents and supporters of the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope overflowed a Hilo courtroom Tuesday for a hearing on a petition for a temporary restraining order that would prohibit further construction activities on Maunakea unless TMT posts a performance bond of at least $1.4 billion, the project’s estimated price tag. Tribune-Herald.

Kumu hula granted temporary suspension of Ige's emergency proclamation. A state court granted only one person temporary suspension of the governor's emergency proclamation. KITV.

DLNR releases names of those arrested on Maunakea. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources on Tuesday released the names of 38 people it said were arrested July 17 for obstructing the Maunakea Access Road during protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Observatory Crew Denied Access By Activists To Mauna Kea. Technicians bound for the Gemini Observatory were stopped by activists from entering Mauna Kea Access Road Tuesday morning, according to Maunakea Observatories, which represents the telescopes currently on the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Incident Raises Mauna Kea Observatory Access Concerns. The cooling system for the Gemini Observatory on Mauna Kea has become unstable, but specialized technicians were unable to make it to the summit on Tuesday to it shut down “in order to prevent damage to the instruments and the cooling circuit itself,” the Maunakea Observatories says. Big Island Video News.

Dozens Of Astronomy Projects Are On Hold At Empty Observatories. Authorities and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope can’t agree on who should be allowed up the Mauna Kea Access Road. Civil Beat.

Amid mass protests, TMT supporter says telescope is being done ‘the right way’. As hundreds of opponents gather at Mauna Kea, supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope are waiting for it to be built. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Homegrown Logistics Network Supports TMT Protests. A complex network of donations is keeping anti-TMT demonstrators well supplied with food, cold weather clothing, medical supplies, and even sanitation services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea Day 9 – Court Cases And Common Ground. Governor David Ige is handing things off to Mayor Harry Kim, as decisions come down in two court cases. Big Island Video News.

Day 9: Gov. Ige Hands Operations Over to Mayor Kim. Gov. David Ige has taken himself off the front lines, naming Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim lead negotiator in the standoff with protesters over construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, which has now stretched into its ninth day. Big Island Now.




=====

Education Institute of Hawaii sues to get public schools’ budget data. The Education Institute of Hawaii is suing schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto and the Department of Education for failing to hand over all the budget data it is seeking. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii’s Shrinking Schools Raise Questions About Student Transfer Program. DOE data shows the popularity of “geographic exceptions” that let students transfer out of their local schools is surging. Civil Beat.

Whale study may show possible link between Hawaii and Mexico. New robotic device used for humpback research, tracking. Maui News.

Oahu

Caldwell officials and Council again clash on Ala Moana park plans. Ala Moana Regional Park regulars and Honolulu City Council members Tuesday again clashed with officials from Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration over plans for a major makeover at “the People’s Park.” Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Playground Opponents: ‘We’re Being Steamrolled’. Council members want the city to seek more public input on a project that is deeply unpopular among many residents. Civil Beat.

Waikiki councilman calls on city to suspend bulky item pilot in tourist district. Waikiki’s newly elected councilman says illegal dumping has spiked dramatically since the city changed the way it collects oversized opala. Hawaii News Now.

Pine Postpones Action On Studying Oahu Tourism Impact. A Honolulu City Council bill seeks policy solutions for growing visitor counts. Civil Beat.

Old Ward Warehouse location to include more green open space. Howard Hughes announced the re-design of the old Ward Warehouse location on Ala Moana Boulevard on Tuesday. KHON2.

Hawaii Island


FEMA sending specialists to Big Island to help resolve eruption relief issues. Victims of the 2018 Kilauea eruption who were told to return federal disaster relief funds will have a chance to meet with specialists next month in an effort to resolve the matter. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances changes to Kona CDP. Despite concerns from about a dozen testifiers that changes to Kona’s community development plan would make it harder to hold developers accountable for their promises, a County Council panel Tuesday advanced a measure making a host of amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kihei doctor pleads guilty to fraud. Owner of South Maui Clinic arraigned on charges in federal court. Maui News.

Mahi Pono’s Ag Park Applications Open for Community Farming. Mahi Pono, LLC, today announced that applications are now available for Hawaii residents and small local businesses interested in applying for a two-, five- or 10-acre parcels at its agriculture park. Maui Now.

Kauai

A massive march to support protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea is planned for Sunday in Lihue. More than 1,000 people are expected. Garden Island.

Some Residents Are Waylaying Tourists On The North Shore. Ever since the most distant stretch of the Kuhio Highway reopened, a group has been detaining nonlocal vehicles and passing out inaccurate parking information. Civil Beat.

Black Pot is back. Black Pot Beach Park welcomed hundreds of visitors at its reopening on Monday. Garden Island.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Mauna Kea access fight moves to the courts, Honolulu police sent home, Lt. Gov. visits camp, Thirty Meter Telescope backers speak out, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Mauna Kea roadblock/checkpoint ©2019 All Hawaii News
Judges challenge both sides in dispute over Mauna Kea emergency declaration. The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and state attorney general faced off Monday over whether the governor’s emergency declaration for Mauna Kea was an overreaction that is illegally blocking those who want to practice traditional worship on the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Judges Ponder Whether To Halt Ige’s Mauna Kea Emergency Proclamation. A ruling is expected Tuesday after a hearing into whether the order violates the rights of a Native Hawaiian cultural practitione. Civil Beat.

Court hears challenge to emergency proclamation. A state judge says he hopes to have, by the end of today, a decision on a Big Island kumu hula’s challenge to Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation restricting public access to Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Court weighs suspending Mauna Kea emergency proclamation; Honolulu police recalled to Oahu. Dozens of Honolulu police officers are heading back to Oahu after a week among the law enforcement ranks keeping an eye on demonstrators at Mauna Kea. The department faces questions about how they got deployed and who is paying the bills. KHON2.

Judges hear arguments on lawsuit against Ige's emergency proclamation. The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation is suing Governor David Ige. KITV.

=====

Lt. Gov. Josh Green Visits Mauna Kea Kupuna. Three days after Governor David Ige was on Hawaii Island but opted not to visit the Mauna Kea encampment, Lt. Gov. Green makes the trip. Big Island Video News.

Lieutenant Governor Visits Mauna Kea Protesters. State officials estimated the crowd on Monday stood at 1,500 people at the site of the protest against the planned Thirty Meter Telescope. There were no arrests. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green visited Mauna Kea Monday morning. He explains, that he is not on Hawaii Island to make a political stance but to make sure the health and safety of the kiai are okay. KHON2.

Green says issue has become more than just TMT, will speak with Ige to de-escalate confrontation. After meeting with protesters Monday at the Maunakea Access Road, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said he would advise Gov. David Ige to de-escalate the confrontation on the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

After visiting protest at Mauna Kea, LG says TMT should ‘move on’ if brokered deal can’t be found. After a lengthy visit Monday with TMT protesters blocking access to Mauna Kea’s summit, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said the controversial telescope project might have to “move on” if an agreement with its opponents can’t be reached. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Can The Thirty Meter Telescope Survive Growing Opposition? Gov. David Ige’s cabinet members spent most of Monday in meetings to discuss the future of the project planned for Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

Day 8: State Stands By Assertions of Drug, Alcohol Use on Mauna Kea. Big Island Now.

Support for protesters stretches across the islands. Protesters who want to halt construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope continue to gain momentum for their cause, with statements Monday from public officials, shows of support from around the country and a nod from Hawaii businesses shutting their doors in solidarity. Star-Advertiser.

Pressure grows on backers of TMT. As the protest over the Thirty Meter Telescope rages on, an increasing number of activists are targeting the largest funder of the next- generation telescope, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation of Palo Alto, California. Star-Advertiser.

TMT says telescope will not be built near historical burial on Mauna Kea. As tensions continue over the construction of TMT, the International Observatory affirms it will not be on or near historical features. KITV.

TMT spokesperson says Mauna Kea remains as 'preferred site' for telescope. A TMT spokesperson says they remain hopeful both sides can move forward 'with mutual respect.' KITV.

Native Hawaiian TMT supporter feels the time is now to speak up. As protests statewide continue, supporters of TMT are speaking up for the project, while officials say they’re trying to get a handle on misinformation. Those who favor the project have long said they are in the “silent majority”. Hawaii News Now.

Amid mass protests, TMT supporter says telescope is being done ‘the right way’. As hundreds of opponents gather at Mauna Kea, supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) are waiting for it to be built. Hawaii News Now.

DHHL not receiving compensation for housing TMT equipment. Bulldozers were loaded on lowboy trailers in order for TMT construction to continue. KITV.

=====

Hawaii students’ data may have been exposed through college planning website. Data on Hawaii public school students, including names, birth dates and addresses, that was maintained by a private vendor on a career planning portal may have been exposed to unauthorized users, officials announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Personal information for 70,000 Hawaii students potentially compromised. Personal information for as many as 70,000 public school students may have been compromised after a University of Hawaii vendor charged with overseeing a college and career planning website detected “suspicious” unauthorized access to one of its servers. Hawaii News Now.

Up to 70,000 student records potentially exposed. Graduation Alliance, a vendor contracted by the University of Hawaii for Hawaii P-20 Partnerships of Education, reported the potential exposure, UH announced Monday. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Unsafe water was found last year at 41% of Hawaii beaches. A new water pollution report, “Safe for Swimming? Water Quality at Our Beaches,” scheduled for release today by the national nonprofit Environment America Research & Policy Center, says an estimated 57 million people get sick from recreational waterborne illnesses each year. According to the Environment America report, 90 of 218 beach sites sampled in Hawaii, or 41%, were potentially unsafe for swimming for at least one day in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection announces settlement with Equifax regarding 2017 data breach. KHON2.

Hawaii to receive $1 million from Equifax over massive data breach. The state of Hawaii will receive one million dollars as the result of a large, multi-state settlement with Equifax Inc., one of the largest consumer reporting agencies in the world, regarding a major data breach in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gets $1 Million In Equifax Data Breach Settlement. The credit reporting agency will also pay other states as it pledges to strengthen its security program. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell signs a bill to lease dedicated city parking spaces to car-share firms. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday signed a bill dedicating up to 80 on-street and 80 off-street parking stalls for lease to car-share companies. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor signs bill reserving public parking stalls for car-sharing vehicles. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill that would reserve some public parking stalls for car-sharing vehicles only. KHON2.

Honolulu Officials Are Trying to Fix Problems With Bulky Item Pickup Program. The city Department of Environmental Services is fine-tuning its bulky item pickup pilot program following complaints islandwide that mounds of trash have been collecting on the streets. Hawaii Public Radio.

City To Spend $1 Million On Koko Crater Stairs. The money will be used mostly for planning long-term repairs, but at least $100,000 will pay for immediate work. Civil Beat.

HART Has A New Board Member: Ford Fuchigami. Fuchigami previously served on the local board overseeing rail when he was the state’s DOT director. Civil Beat.

Community meeting seeks public input on Lake Wilson. The public is invited to a community meeting to discuss future plans for the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area, including Lake Wilson. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

TMT construction moratorium on Wednesday council agenda. The County Council on Wednesday is scheduled to decide whether to hear a last-minute resolution supporting a 60-day moratorium on Thirty Meter Telescope construction on Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Tourism businesses take stand. A West Hawaii business canceled its luau show Monday after organizers of the demonstration on Maunakea called on the visitor industry to suspend operations to show support for the protectors. West Hawaii Today.

Land Board To Vote On Puueo Cemetery Damage Fine. The BLNR will consider a settlement of enforcement action against the Edwin C. Olson Trust No.2 for damage that occurred during land altering activities without a permit in 2016. Big Island Video News.

Councilwoman to introduce resolution urging cooperation on Puna boat ramp. Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz said Monday she plans to introduce this week a resolution urging the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to form a working group with the county, community members and fishing community to plan and develop a boat ramp for Puna. Tribune-Herald.

County Council To Weigh In On New Puna Boat Ramp. The County Council will consider Resolution 218-19 during its full meeting at the West Hawaii Civic Center on Wednesday, July 24. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Standing for Mauna Kea on Maui. Maui residents line Hana Highway in protest of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Sunday morning. The demonstration stretched for about a mile from the intersection of Haleakala and Hana highways to just before Hookele Street. Maui News.

Tourism Related Businesses Taking “Peaceful Stand” for Maunakea. The Old Lahaina Luaau in West Maui will suspend its luaau experience today as a “peaceful stand” in support of employees who support the protection of Maunakea. Maui Now.

Early designs unveiled for Kahului transit hub. Project in process of getting its permit. Maui News.

Lawsuit Challenges Hawaii’s Termination Of Youth Mental Health Services At 18. The suit filed in federal court alleges a young woman received minimal care when her case was turned over to Hawaii’s adult mental health division, leading to the deterioration of her condition. Civil Beat.

Parents of a Maui woman with a mental illness file suit against the state. A lawsuit by the parents of a severely mentally ill Maui girl alleges that the state improperly terminated her mental health services two years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Councilmembers call for Ige to reverse Mauna Kea proclamation. Two members of the Kauai County Council have joined a growing list of elected officials from across the state, urging Gov. David Ige to rescind an emergency declaration he issued last week giving law enforcement more power to remove Native Hawaiian rights activists protesting the construction of a giant telescope on Mauna Kea. Garden Island.

Cable blamed for outage. Islandwide power outages that started Sunday afternoon were caused by a frayed cable in the main generator at a Kauai Island Utility Cooperative facility. Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said a cable failure at the largest unit in KIUC’s generation fleet caused Sunday’s islandwide power outage. Hawaii News Now.

Lights out? No big deal. Sunday’s islandwide power outage had little impact on most businesses. Garden Island.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Mauna Kea protest grows as savvy activists enter second week, telescope opponents march in Waikiki, charter proposal would end Honolulu transit authority, islandwide power outage hits Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
New arrivals tent at Mauna Kea protest camp ©2019 All Hawaii News
Mauna Kea activists demonstrate savvy in organization, nonviolent protest tactics. The fast-moving events that unfolded last week show the Thirty Meter Telescope protests cannot be dismissed as a bump in the road. Star-Advertiser.

Dispatch from Mauna Kea: The line in the sand. It's not all Woodstockian bliss as a group of more than a thousand Native Hawaiians and their supporters prepare for what seems inevitable conflict over a plan to build a giant telescope on the flank of Mauna Kea. All Hawaii News.


Latest Developments On Mauna Kea TMT Protest. About 2,000 people gathered Sunday near the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road, state officials estimated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea Day 7 – Crowd Swells Into The Thousands. The mountain remains closed under a controversial emergency proclamation, although personnel now have improved access to and from Hale Pohaku. Big Island Video News.

Concert and lectures headline Day 7 of Mauna Kea occupation. Mauna Kea turned partly into an outdoor classroom and concert venue Sunday as professors gave lectures and award-winning musicians played for Thirty Meter Telescope opponents whose numbers swelled by 600 to an estimated 2,000 people. Star-Advertiser.

Medics on Mauna Kea treat hypothermia, sunburn, dehydration. A mobile medical clinic treats demonstrators affected by the weather and the protests. KITV.

Day Seven at Mauna Kea, more bodies join the cause. Since the base of Mauna Kea has gotten more congested, organizers have policed themselves to stay clear of oncoming traffic. KHON2.

Day 7 of Mauna Kea/ TMT protests finds activists bracing for state's next move. Demonstrators gird for a showdown with the state on Monday, as they anticipate government's next move. KITV.


Mauna Kea Day 6 – Mayor Kim Visits. The number of people at the encampment below the Mauna Kea Access Road has swelled over the weekend. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County mayor Harry Kim meets with TMT opponents. A day after Gov. David Ige claimed TMT protest organizers have not been able to maintain order, Hawaii county mayor Harry Kim visited operations at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT spokesman: Mauna Kea remains preferred site, no plans to back out. A spokesperson for the Thirty Meter Telescope spoke exclusively with Hawaii News Now Sunday saying project executives have no immediate plans to withdraw from constructing the $1.4 billion telescope atop Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT still wants to build on Mauna Kea, despite protests. Thirty Meter Telescope officials say they still want to build at Mauna Kea. KITV.

A Look At The Science Of The Thirty Meter Telescope. The proposed observatory that is generating mass protests on Mauna Kea seeks to focus on the big unknowns of the universe. Associated Press.


Saturday, Gov. Ige left Hawaii Island without meeting directly with opponents at Mauna Kea. Ige’s decision to not visit Puu Huluhulu and meet directly with opponents isn’t sitting well with those who say his allegations of drugs use, alcohol consumption and rowdy crowds at the site were completely false. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard steps up effort to qualify for fall primary debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard needs to attract about 30,000 more unique donors to her presidential bid to fulfill one of two criteria for making it into the Democratic primary debates in September, an event that’s expected to significantly winnow the crowded field of presidential contenders. Star-Advertiser.


It’s Biden Vs. Harris — And Gabbard — In CNN Debate’s 2nd Night. Sanders will face Warren and Buttigieg in the first round of the DNC forum, which is in Detroit. Civil Beat.

=====

This Hawaii Entrepreneur Wants To Build The Moon’s First ‘Airport’. Henk Rogers, an early backer of pushing Hawaii toward using 100% renewable energy, has a new idea: use a crew of construction-worker robots to build an underground moon base. Civil Beat.

Higher Per-Capita Distribution of Pain Pills On Neighbor Islands. A database highlights which manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies distributed the most prescription pain pills in the islands from 2006 to 2012. Civil Beat.

A recent study co-authored by a John A. Burns School of Medicine researcher at the University of Hawaii at Manoa highlights why new laws regarding price negotiation between government entities and pharmaceutical companies may be necessary to provide affordable healthcare to the segment of the nation’s elderly population dealing with heart problems. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents protest in Waikiki. Hundreds of protesters marched along Kalauaka Avenue Sunday morning in opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Large anti-TMT march makes is way through Hawaii’s heart of tourism: Waikiki. Hundreds of people turned Waikiki’s sidewalks into a river of red t-shirts and Hawaiian flags Sunday to rally against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

It was one of the biggest demonstrations seen so far, close to 2000 kiai, who call themselves the protectors of Mauna Kea, marched two miles on Sunday from Fort DeRussy to the Honolulu zoo. KHON2.

Thousands march through Waikiki against TMT. Another day of demonstrations on Mauna Kea also saw rallies of support coming from Oahu. KITV.

=====

Charter amendment proposal would dissolve HART. City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson wants voters to abolish the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and transfer oversight of the island’s troubled rail construction project to an agency that answers directly to the mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Proposal Would Give Honolulu Voters Chance To End HART. The proposal, which rail leaders say comes from Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, would place the city transportation department in charge of the remaining construction. Civil Beat.

=====

Sweeping Local-Hire Bill Draws Pushback From Nonunion Builders. City Councilman Joey Manahan says the purpose of the legislation is to make sure that union labor is used on any public works project worth over $250,000. Civil Beat.

Farrington Highway Is A Lifeline — And A Big Hazard — For Leeward Residents. The poorly designed highway presents lots of risks to pedestrians — too few crosswalks and sidewalks, narrow shoulders, no medians and speeding cars. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Building permits drop as vacation rental applications snarl process. The county’s new vacation rental registration laws are stimulating almost as many questions as applications, as property owners struggle to meet county requirements ahead of a Sept. 28 deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Administrators eye tweaks to pharmacy college. Enrollment at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy is expected to decline this fall, university officials say. Tribune-Herald.

New UH-Hilo chancellor makes student success a top priority. Three weeks on the job and University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Chancellor Bonnie Irwin is wasting no time in her new role. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui water board to study buying water diversion system. The governing authority for Maui’s water utility plans to study the feasibility of buying and maintaining an irrigation system that diverts stream water from east Maui and delivers it other parts of the island. Associated Press.

Committee to Meet in Lahaina to Discuss Affordable Rentals. Maui County Council’s Affordable Housing Committee will hold a district meeting in Lahaina on Wednesday, July 24 beginning at 6 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center, located at 788 Pauoa Street in Lahaina. Maui Now.

MECO reports highest energy demand in decade amid heat wave. Fans, air conditioning, low wind may contribute. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s power is restored after an island-wide outage. At around 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, July 21, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative reported an island-wide outage after the main generating unit at the Kapaia Power Station experienced a fault. KHON2.

Fault at Kauai power station causes islandwide blackout. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Sunday there was an islandwide power outage at approximately 2:30 p.m., when the main generating unit at its Kapaia Power Station had a problem. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai's Power Company Says Largest Generating Unit Inoperable. An islandwide outage on Kauaii 's has knocked out the power cooperative's largest generating unit and rolling blackouts could be implemented, the utility said Sunday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Islandwide power outage strikes Kauai. Traffic lights turned off Sunday around 1:15 p.m. as an islandwide power outage struck Kauai. Garden Island.

5G Action Kauai holds second meeting. The group will hold a demonstration and rally at the corner of Kapule Highway and Ahukini Road on July 27, starting at 11:45 a.m., as part of a national day of action against 5G. Garden Island.

No human waste at Kauai beaches, study finds, but community groups disagree. The state contracted the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to use its unique DNA sequencing technology to track the source of the high bacteria counts in the area, which have consistently prompted warning signs to go up at Mahaulepu Beach and Waiopili Stream. Star-Advertiser.