Hawaii County bans aerial hunting, Honolulu rail scrutinized, debated, UH officials on leave for $200k Stevie Wonder fiasco, Hurricane Emilia strengthens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mouflon sheep, courtesy photo

Shooting animals by helicopter on Hawaii Island, even by government agencies such as the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, is now illegal. Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday signed into law a largely symbolic bill that prohibits “any person to engage in the eradication of any animal for any reason while being transported by helicopter, airplane, or any similar means.” Tribune-Herald.

Both Democrats U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, and former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, have received the endorsement of the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association in its respective primaries for the state's open U.S. Senate seat. Star-Advertiser.

Republican Senate candidate Linda Lingle on Wednesday released the results of an internal poll showing her ahead of Mazie Hirono and tied with Ed Case in projected November matchups. Civil Beat.

While Hawaii languishes at or near the bottom among the states in voter turnout, several other states have established enviable records of high voter participation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii consumers carried the nation's second-highest credit card debt in June despite the average balance falling 3 percent over the previous year, according to CreditKarma, a California-based credit scoring website. Star-Advertiser.

After downgrading Emilia to a Category Two hurricane, the National Hurricane Center says it has strengthened to a Category Three. Hawaii News Now.

A memo sent to Hawaii sheriffs ordering them to stand down, needs to be clarified. That's according to the interim director who didn't even see the memo before it was sent. KHON2.

State roundup for July 12. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, campaigning for mayor on a platform to halt the city's $5.26 billion rail project and use the money to improve Honolulu's crumbling infrastructure, would be unlikely to accomplish any of that if he wins the office, his campaign rivals charged. Star-Advertiser.

Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano focused many of their attacks on Kirk Caldwell in the KITV-Civil Beat debate Wednesday night, offering a window in the strategies the candidates are implementing a month before the Aug. 11 primary. Civil Beat.

Pacific Resource Partnership is a leading pro-rail spender in this year’s election cycle just as it was in 2008 and 2010, but where the group’s money comes from is shrouded in secrecy. Hawaii Reporter.

Resolutions requesting an audit of all rail-related public relations contracts and seeking tighter controls on rail contract change orders won easy approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii has placed two longtime officials on indefinite leave and is seeking the help of an independent investigator and the FBI to get to the bottom of its ill-fated Stevie Wonder concert venture. Star-Advertiser.

Just a day after the embarrassing announcement that a University of Hawaii athletics fundraising concert featuring Stevie Wonder was canceled, the UH placed Athletics Director Jim Donovan on paid leave and began an investigation into the botched event. Hawaii News Now.

A debate raged during a community meeting Wednesday night, over the spread of deadly infectious diseases and plans for a bio-safety laboratory at Kalaeloa. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council voted 7-2 on Wednesday to approve a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week ban, on commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park and at nearby Kalama Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Petroleum Ltd. and AeroVironment have installed electric vehicle fast chargers at three Aloha gas stations on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The state Department of Health Underground Storage Tank Section has issued a Notice of Violation against Aloha Petroleum Ltd., the registered owner and operator of Island Mini Mart, a fuel service station in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

A local tour company that led youth to Kealakekua Bay’s Kaawaloa shoreline did not have a permit to be in the area where large waves a week ago swept a 15-year-old New York boy into the ocean. West Hawaii Today.

As quickly as David Choe painted an eye-catching mural below Big Island Harley-Davidson on Palani Road, it was painted over and rendered back to its original form: a gray cement retaining wall. West Hawaii Today.

Everybody knows astronauts like Tang, but what about Spam musubi? Six men and women, culled from a field of 700 applicants, will help to answer that question and many more from their perch upon a Hawaii Island lava field next year as part of HI-SEAS, or Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, a joint NASA study between the University of Hawaii and Cornell University that will simulate a mission to Mars. Tribune-Herald.

The slopes of Mauna Loa are often described as “Mars like” terrain. Soon a handful of people will spend 4 months there living as they would on Mars. It’s a collaborative effort including researchers from the University of Hawai`i and one surprisingly qualified O`ahu mom. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui landowners in agricultural districts could be in for a shorter permitting process to offer short-term rentals under a new state law. Maui News.

The San Francisco-based investment firm co-developing a planned wind farm on Molokai says that it is interested in buying Hana Ranch in rural East Maui. Maui News.

Deer watch, wait while management plan developed. Maui News.

Judge Kelsey Kawano on Wednesday dissolved a temporary restraining order that had kept Dallas-based RadCare from taking over exclusive radiology services at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui News.

State crews begin emergency repair work next week to restore damaged sections of the Hana Highway. Maui Now.

Kauai

The biennial exercise known as RIMPAC is hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, with some ships of the 22 participating nations training with hull-mounted active sonar around Hawai‘i’s islands. Despite efforts to reduce deadly exposure of high-pressure sound waves to sea mammals, advocates say the measures fall short. Garden Island.

The memories of Kaua‘i’s Taylor Camp still ripple across the globe, even though the camp was dismantled some 35 years ago. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission on Tuesday granted a set of permits to McBryde Gardens in Lawa‘i, allowing the National Tropical Botanical Gardens to move along with a new philosophy of making its gardens more accessible and utilizing its vast collection as a tool to teach sustainability. Garden Island.

GOP urged to support Native Hawaiian rights, Arizona secretary of state apologizes in Obama birth certificate issue, teachers approve contract but Abercrombie says too late, 2nd lawsuit in prison deaths, Honolulu mayoral debate features rail, mongoose captured on Kauai, more Hawaii news

Native Hawaiian protest in Honolulu file photo (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, the only Native American in Congress, said Wednesday that Republican opposition to federal recognition for Native Hawaiians is based on misunderstanding and arrogance. Star-Advertiser.

The Pele Defense Fund, a group that led a successful legal fight in the 1990s to win Native Hawaiians access to private land for hunting, is now rallying hunters together for a class action lawsuit against the state to stop its efforts to eradicate game animals and fence off land. Associated Press.

Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett has apologized for any embarrassment he caused his state when he revived a widely discredited conspiracy theory about President Barack Obama’s birthplace by requesting verification that the president was born in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Hawaii teachers have approved by a 2-to-1 margin a contract agreement they had previously rejected, even though the governor has said the offer is no longer valid. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii teachers voted two-to-one in favor of the tentative contract agreement they rejected by the same margin in January, according to results released by the union Wednesday afternoon. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association said Wednesday that two-thirds of its members have ratified a January labor agreement the state has said is no longer valid. Pacific Business News.

The family of another Hawaii prison inmate murdered in his Mainland prison cell has sued the state and private prison operator Corrections Corporation of America. Hawaii Reporter.

Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, Human Rights Defense Center and a private law firm in San Francisco filed a wrongful death lawsuit in state court Wednesday on behalf of the family of Clifford Makaio Medina against the state of Hawaii and private prison operator Corrections Corp. of America. Star-Advertiser.

The number of tropical cyclones predicted for Hawaii this year is down, but preparations for them are up under new building standards adopted by the state last month. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Restaurant Association is working on a guide designed for people who are interested in opening a restaurant in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Candidate for Congress Esther Kiaaina filed nomination papers Wednesday morning. KHON2.

State roundup for May 24. Associated Press.

Oahu

The two candidates who support the city's planned rail system saved most of their barbs for each other as the three hopefuls vying to be Honolulu mayor faced off Wednesday night in the first live televised debate of the campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral Hopefuls Sharpen Attacks in First TV Debate. Civil Beat.

Campaign spending violations are being raised this election season. Some call for a closer look into the past campaign of former Gov. Ben Cayetano. KITV4.

On the eve of the first televised debate in the 2012 mayoral campaign, the Pacific Resource Partnership on Wednesday launched a two-pronged attack against anti-rail candidate Ben Cayetano. Civil Beat.

Three candidates for Honolulu mayor traded jabs during Hawaii News Now's televised debate on Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now.

A new poll shows more people are still against the rail project than are for it. KHON2.

It's common for surfers to jockey for position at the many world famous surf breaks on Oahu's North Shore. But competition is also heating up on land, as lunch wagons flock to the 7-mile stretch of sand and surf. KITV4.

Recently released home and condo statistics for Oahu and statewide provide insight into a dynamic housing market that continues to show movement in a variety of aspects. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Will he run, or won’t he? Even Harry Kim doesn’t know. The former two-term mayor said Wednesday he’s undecided over whether he would seek a third term. Tribune-Herald.

Acting Environmental Management Director Dora Beck on Wednesday confirmed that the administration put a stop to hauling Hilo garbage to the West Hawaii landfill after it became public, not because of a predetermined schedule for what she called a “pilot project.” West Hawaii Today.

A state Department of Land and Natural Resources plan would enclose 12,000 acres of Ka‘u forest, allow for the reintroduction of the Hawaiian crow and find ways to add more public access to the area, according to a draft environmental assessment released Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on the Saddle Road extension, which would take the cross-island route from Mamalahoa Highway to Waikoloa Beach Drive, could begin as soon as 2017, according to an environmental impact statement preparation notice released Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The electricity bill for a typical household on Maui will rise by $6.60 a month starting June 1 under an interim rate increase announced Wednesday by Maui Electric Co. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air said Wednesday it will add two flights a day between Honolulu and Kapalua Airport on Maui starting June 15, bringing its total daily flights to 12. Star-Advertiser.

A council committee Tuesday concluded its review of the draft Maui Island Plan's growth boundaries for the Wailuku-Kahului region, one of several regions the committee has to review before the end of the year. Maui News.

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa deflected criticism of an upcoming conference for federal judges that is to be held at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, saying Tuesday that it is Hawaii's turn to host the gathering for the appeals court circuit that includes the state and that "Hawaii has proven itself as a place to hold serious face-to-face meetings and conferences." Maui News.

An 18-year veteran of the Maui Police Department was arrested Tuesday accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, according to Maui police. KITV4.

Kauai

A live mongoose, believed to be the first captured on Kaua‘i, was caught in a mongoose trap Wednesday by the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee at the Marriott Kaua‘i Lagoons. Garden Island.

The organization fighting invasive species on Kauai said Wednesday a live mongoose has been captured on the island for the first time, raising concern the animals may already be established on the island and could jeopardize endangered species there. Associated Press.

A small but concerned and vocal crowd brought many questions about a proposed landfill to a Hanama‘ulu meeting on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Molokai
Pier cruisers and ferry boarders can expect some changes over the next year as the state Department of Land and Natural Resources improves upon Kaunakakai’s existing ferry facilities. Construction is slated to start next month, and will last about a year. Molokai Dispatch.

New contract vote set for Hawaii teachers union, Honolulu mayoral candidates hold first debate, space tourism bills, $11.2B state budget up for vote in Legislature, more geothermal coming to Big Island, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Hawaii schoolchildren at play (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii teachers will vote again on the contract settlement offer they overwhelmingly rejected in January, union leaders announced Wednesday night. Civil Beat.

The teachers union announced Wednesday it will take another vote on a proposed contract overwhelmingly rejected in January, a decision a union leader said is "driven by the urgency to preserve" the state's $75 million Race to the Top grant. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii's public school teachers union will be holding a number of "informational meetings" statewide for HSTA members in May. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Legislature will vote on the $11.2 billion state budget Thursday, the final day of the legislative session. KHON2.

The state Office of Information Practices hopes a bill that would grant government agencies a new right to appeal open records decisions in court would give its orders more legal clout, yet open government advocates warn that it would delay public access to information. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are expected to pass two bills on Thursday that would bring the state closer to space tourism and even developing the moon. Hawaii News Now.

Voters across Hawaii support the construction of underwater cables between some of the islands to transmit electricity from wind, geothermal or solar, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

A strong majority of Hawaii voters want the government to preserve more land and develop less of it. Civil Beat.

Hawaii may once again look to its four-legged friends to help prevent the introduction of invasive species. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii's four county mayors reminded residents Wednesday to always be prepared for natural disasters because they can strike unexpectedly any time of the year. Star-Advertiser.

The film commissions of all four Hawai'i counties, the Hawai'i Film Office, and the Creative Industries Division of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism were recently honored with a collaborative award from the American Marketing Association. Hawaii Reporter.

Ten million dollars is headed to the islands to improve community health care. The grants are part of the federal Affordable Care Act and the money will be used to reach more patients. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii gained a little ground this year in Chief Executive magazine’s annual survey of the best and worst states in which to do business. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The three candidates vying for Honolulu mayor engaged in the first debate of the campaign season Wednesday night, touching on a variety of subjects but ultimately trying to score points against one another on the singularly contentious issue of rail transit. Star-Advertiser.

In their first time on a stage together as mayoral candidates, Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano quickly established their roles. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s three mayoral candidates met Wednesday evening in their first debate of the election season, with the city’s $5.3 billion rapid transit project most of their attention. Hawaii Reporter.

In their first Mayoral debate, Ben Cayetano, Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell wasted no time getting to Oahu's most talked about issue - rail. KHON2.

FACT CHECK — Caldwell: Carlisle Raised Property Tax Rates. Civil Beat.

The governor's wife voiced her opposition, but the state Wednesday gave developers of a planned $380 million luxury condominium tower in Kakaako an exemption from a rule intended to preserve mauka-makai views. Star-Advertiser.

Leeward Coast residents hoping to rid themselves of Waimanalo Gulch Landfill will have to wait awhile. KITV4.

Sen. Daniel Akaka

The University of Hawaii will award honorary degrees to Sen. Daniel Akaka and Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami at commencement ceremonies next week. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has confirmed a possible computer security threat that was found on campus. KITV4.

Hawaii

The state Public Utilities Commission has taken the first step toward approving a second geothermal plant on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Two groups opposed to floating fish farms are considering an appeal of a ruling by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway that a federal agency was within its authority to grant an ocean aquaculture permit to a private research venture. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined three Big Island businesses. Tribune-Herald.

A push to make corporation counsel an elected position took another step forward Wednesday, as County Council members made several amendments to the proposal and scheduled a public hearing. West Hawaii Today.

Kona International Airport will get some much-needed TLC with $10.4 million slated by the state Legislature to re-roof the open-airport’s main terminal early next year. West Hawaii Today.

A popular performing arts center in Kalapana Seaview Estates is facing a possible shutdown today by the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County has purchased 64 acres of undeveloped property fronting Kaehu Bay, preserving the wetland and fishponds in a $996,000 deal brokered with the Trust for Public Land and other groups. Maui News.

The County of Maui completed the $996,000 purchase of 64 acres of undeveloped coastal wetlands at Ka‘ehu Bay in Paukukalo. Maui Now.

A community meeting to provide public input on the development of the 2012-2017 State Historic Preservation Plan will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Maui High School. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines has added three new boarding gates to its Kahului Airport operations, with all flights using gates 11 to 21 in the center of the terminal. Maui News.

Kauai

State workers have removed 300 nene geese from the area around Kauai's airport in the last few months to reduce the risk they will get in the way of airplanes taking off and landing. Associated Press.

The North Shore Path, a project to connect North Shore communities through a path similar to Kapa‘a’s Ke Ala Hele Makalae path, is gaining momentum. Garden Island.

Molokai

An old guy from Molokai is flying to Oahu and helping to lead a charge for labeling. Molokai Dispatch.

Tourists prefer Neighbor Islands, $198 roundtrip to Japan draws crowds, Hawaii Dems reject ex-Lingle staffer, private school tuition rises, Legislature protests high shipping costs, Democrat Hannemann courts Guam GOP, more Hawaii news for web and smartphone

Hawaii black sand beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii visitor surveys, handed out on airplanes, show a growing number of visitors intend to spend their entire vacations on a single neighbor island. Hawaii News Now.

Average hotel room rates in Hawaii rose 4.7 percent last week, year over year, while occupancy rates increased by 4.8 percentage points, according to Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has fallen to the lowest level in three years. Associated Press.

On Sunday, H.I.S. Hawaii travel agency released its lowest deal ever to Japan, $198 round-trip flight on Hawaiian Airlines to Osaka, tax included. The agency said that same flight can average $1,100. KITV4.

Mufi Hannemann

Democratic Congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann held a fundraiser March 21 with prominent Republicans on Guam. Civil Beat.

Laura Thielen is denied opportunity to run as Democrat for state Senate. KHON2.

A new provision in the charter school reform bill would exempt the public charter school system from the state Ethics Code, despite a recent auditor's report that lambasted a few charters for unethical and improper spending and employment practices. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov Remains Defiant on HSTA Standoff. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Legislature on the Downhill Slide. Hawaii Reporter.

The state House has passed a resolution protesting routinely higher retail shipping costs to Hawaii and Alaska. Associated Press.

Hawaii's largest private schools will increase tuition by 3 to 6 percent in the 2012-13 school year, with increases at several schools slightly larger than what parents paid this school year. Star-Advertiser.

A decades-long dispute between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs came to a close Friday with applause, a standing ovation and lots of hugs. Associated Press.

The census asks all Hawaii residents for their martial status.  Ten Hawaii communities were listed in the census. KITV4.

Oahu

Most city department heads would get 3 percent raises in the coming fiscal year under recommendations made by the Hono­lulu Salary Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua residents are organizing to prevent commercial activities at area beaches. Hawaii Independent.

Councilman proposes total ban on Kailua commercial vendors. KITV4.

The Honolulu Zoo has won re-accreditation one year after it nearly lost that status from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Hawaii News Now.

With heavy, above-ground construction set to start any day, rail opponents have revved up their criticism of the $5.2 billion project. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The layers of categories and exemptions in Hawaii County’s tax policies lead to confusion among property owners and potential inequity in taxation, an independent audit has concluded. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald on Friday selected a 10-acre site on Kealakehe Parkway and Ane Keohokalole Highway to house the long-planned Kona judiciary complex. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Airshow Invitational will go on, just not this year. West Hawaii Today.

Surface flows of smooth pahoehoe lava from Kilauea Volcano continued to progress Sunday across the pali and upper coastal plain of the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa is proposing to eliminate the county's grant to the embattled Wailuku Main Street Association for 2013, moving the funds instead to an open-ended appropriation for small-town planning services. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa proposed the allocation of funds for the design of a Central Maui Sports Arena and Civic Center in Wailuku, and a Central Maui Aquatics Center in Kahului. Maui Now.

Honolulu is shipping three retired, 18-year-old public buses to Maui to help with the Valley Isle's fast-growing public transportation system. Maui News.

Kauai

About 300 people gathered in Kapa‘a on Sunday to exchange seeds and plants to grow more of their own food. Garden Island.

A same-sex couple announced last week that they tied the knot at a Hanapepe church. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i counters close 2012 whale season. Garden Island.

John Burger, an environmental coordinator at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Mana, will speak on  “Environmental Conservation at PMRF: Managing and Protecting Resources” at a free lecture at the Hanapepe Public Library at 6 p.m. Thursday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui will get a taste of Molokai next week. It’s all part of the annual Maui County Agricultural Festival. Hawaii Public Radio.

After 30 years of service with the Maui Police Department — 28 of which were served here in Molokai –Sergeant Detective Eugene Santiago is retiring. Molokai Dispatch.

As the Molokai community continues to determine its future and where tourism fits into the economical equation, the Aha Kiole, a resource management group, has compiled the results from a series of community meetings and surveys. Molokai Dispatch.

Waikiki sand project snarls, Honolulu, Hawaii mayors release staus quo election-year budgets, Senate honors 'Descendants' author, more solar for Kauai, new publisher for Pacific Business News, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach sand groins (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A monthlong sand-replenishment project undertaken to widen a stretch of Waikiki Beach will be more disruptive than initially planned, officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Long stretches of the usually majestic Waikiki Beach will be turned into roads for dump trucks and other heavy machines over the next few months while the City makes changes to its plans for replenishing the beach between the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Hawaii News Now.

The state and visitor industry have to turn to an inconvenient plan "B" on the Waikiki sand project due to a sand-blowers shortcomings. KHON2.

Taxpayers are on the hook for $90,000 following a whistleblower lawsuit claiming state officials failed to comply with environmental laws when issuing dozens of permits for activities at the protected Papahānaumokuākea monument. Civil Beat.

The financial picture for the state's two largest health insurers significantly improved in the fourth quarter, as premiums caught up with actual medical costs after a series of rate hikes over the past year. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of kupuna marched at the state Capitol Thursday, fighting to keep Kupuna Care a priority. KITV4.

More steps have been taken to make good on HGEA's favored nations clause, but the state and counties don't yet know how budgets will be affected in this fiscal year. KHON2.

Good news for Hawaii’s fastest growing industry — the state has been ranked fourth for U.S. Renewable Energy Attractiveness. Pacific Business News.

Members of a dissident faction of Democrats who have long opposed Hawaii House Speaker Calvin Say argue that Say is behind new political boundaries that could force some of those dissidents out of office this year. Civil Beat.

Days after returning from the Academy Award in Los Angeles, Kaui Hart Hemmings was recognized by the state Senate for the success of her novel "The Descendants." Hawaii News Now.

Two weeks after emailing questions about email retention to the state's Department of Accounting and General Services — and 10 days after our article ran — we heard back. Civil Beat.

State roundup for March 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle's $1.953 billion operating budget proposal for the next fiscal year would increase city government spending by $28 million compared with last year but does not increase real property tax rates or user fees. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle's operating and capital budgets for next year are nearly flat, together up just 2.3 percent from this year's budgets. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle outlined his new spending plan on Thursday for the fiscal year that starts in July. The $1.953 billion dollar operating budget is $28 million higher than the current one. Hawaii News Now.

A bill allowing food trucks and other vendors to operate on city roads and highways for up to three hours at a time advanced from the City Council Transportation Committee Thursday afternoon.Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit CEO Daniel Grabauskas is now the highest paid city employee. Hawaii Reporter.

Mary Beth Lohman, publisher of Pacific Business News    since December 2009, is resigning. Advertising Director Bob Charlet will succeed her and become publisher on March 2. Pacific Business News.

A group of tech savvy designers in Honolulu wants to hear from people to help design new applications to improve life around the city. It’s called, Code for America. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Thursday unveiled an election year status quo budget that holds the line on property taxes, maintains monthly employee furloughs, eliminates the West Hawaii golf subsidy and again postpones advance payments on health care for retired employees. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi is proposing to eliminate the county-operated lava viewing program at Kalapana to save $300,000 in the next fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

The final settlement terms in the long-running Hokulia bypass saga will be revealed today. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The more than 1.1 million visitors to Haleakala National Park in 2010 spent nearly $75 million in the park and on the island, and supported 861 jobs, a new National Park Service report showed. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa is eager to grab a piece of the film industry saying the neighbor islands saw only $5 million dollars last year, compared to Oahu's $100 million. KITV4.

Officials with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands led a presentation on the proposed Public Safety Complex in Puunene before the Council’s Policy Committee on Wednesday. Maui Now.

A nasty virus causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain has flared up all over Maui, a state heath official said last week. Maui News.

Work on the $21.6 million Science Building at the University of Hawaii Maui College continues on pace for an August completion, in time for next school year. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative officials said Thursday that they plan to pursue a second major solar farm of up to 10 megawatts. Pacific Business News.

Within hours of the end of the fifth and final forum on Thursday for Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors candidates, the co-op announced its intent to build a second large-scale solar project in the 8 to 10 megawatt range. Garden Island.

An oversight in the final version of the Lydgate camping ordinance, which took more than six years to be approved, prompted the Kaua‘i County Council to revisit the rules once again. Garden Island.

Spam to get 'spokescharacter,' Oahu legislators' gerrymandering claims halt maps, Honolulu plastic bag ban advances, Maui backs off 'Show Me the Water' ordinance, expired bus inspection stickers no problem, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Spam jammers (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Spam, one of the most popular food items in Hawaii, is getting its own “spokescharacter,” Hormel Foods Corp. said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Charges of gerrymandering and a last-minute proposal by a dissident faction of House Democrats led the state Reapportionment Commission to delay a vote Wednesday on approving new district maps for state House and Senate seats. Star-Advertiser.

Accusations of voting maps being drawn to punish a state House faction that opposes Speaker Calvin Say have caused a delay in the reapportionment process. KHON2.

A group called Americans Elect this week qualified to place a presidential ticket on the Hawaii ballot, with plans to hold an online nominating convention this summer to select a balanced ticket — a presidential and vice presidential candidate from different political parties — to appear on ballots in all 50 states. Civil Beat.

Some middle and high schoolers in Hawaii are getting up to six hours less of class time per week than their peers, thanks to the state's historic lack of a minimum instructional time rule. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are advancing legislation to approve paying out a $909,000 settlement, one of several claims this year that add up to $5.8 million in state funds. Civil Beat.

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has high hopes that "transformative" laser drilling technology could be a boon to geothermal energy developments, especially in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii is still trying to get caught up on payments, including stipends, scholarships and utility bills, more than two weeks after a fire caused $1.25 million in damage to a fiscal building. Associated Press.

State Health Director Loretta J. Fuddy said Wednesday that Hawaii's No. 1 ranking in the nation for the third year in a row in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index just proves the old adage "lucky we live Hawaii." Maui News.

State roundup for March 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Honolulu City Council committee advanced a bill Wednesday to ban the distribution of nonbiodegradable plastic bags by most Oahu retailers, despite opposition from business interests and concerns raised by the official who would be tasked with enforcing such a ban. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Managing Director Douglas Chin Wednesday apologized for failing to notify the City Council he had suspended debt guidelines for the multibillion-dollar rail project, as the city administration came under fire for lack of transparency. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Chair Ernie Martin says Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration has a credibility problem. KHON2.

A bill that would lift development restrictions on two prime real estate lots along Ala Moana Boulevard is pending at the Hawaii State Legislature. Hawaii Reporter.

Lawmakers are considering a plan to exempt two lots from a law prohibiting residental development. on the makai side of Kakaako. KITV4.

The Abercrombie administration has come out in favor of the Hoopili development, but this week one of its top officials will be called as a witness by opponents of the project. Civil Beat.

It was hard to tell who was having more fun in the mud — the Marines in their 26-ton amphibious assault vehicles or the endangered Hawaiian stilts reveling in the churned-up food. Star-Advertiser.

A private consultant hired by the federal government to oversee Honolulu's rail transit project is worried that passengers who ride the train — to run from Kapolei to Ala Moana Center — might find the trip to be so uncomfortable that they may not use the system. Star-Advertiser.

Passengers arriving in Honolulu could face delays in the coming days, but not because of their flights. Some airport taxi drivers won't be picking up passengers for up to three days due to a dispute over new rules. Hawaii News Now.

A Honolulu police officer charged in an alleged overtime pay scam involving members of the DUI enforcement team was granted a one-year deferral after pleading guilty for his role in the case. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Many of Hawaii County's public buses have been driven around the island for the past month with expired state inspection stickers, but Mass Transit Administrator Tom Brown says the buses are perfectly safe. West Hawaii Today.

Laupahoehoe's new conversion charter school faces the possibility of having to fill vacancies left by the majority of the faculty at the current Department of Education school, with the start to its inaugural academic year just five months away. Tribune-Herald.

Kulani Correctional Facility on Hawai’i Island was abruptly shut down more than two years ago by the Lingle administration as a cost-cutting measure. Proposals in both Houses are now making their way through the legislative process to re-open the East Hawai’i facility. Hawaii Public Radio.

The county could save more than half of the almost $200,000 it spends annually on courier service if it brought the duties in-house, according to a study by the county Legislative Research Branch. West Hawaii Today.

Farm to table is one of the hottest culinary trends across the country, and it hasn't missed Hawaii, where high-end restaurants and resorts tout the local origin of their ingredients. West Hawaii Today.

Small groups of people engaged in lively discussions Wednesday night in Hilo to identify transportation problems in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Vog, volcanic smog, sulfur dioxide — no matter what you call it — Kilauea's emissions are impacting Hawaii Island in a multitude of ways, Ka'u residents said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council's Water Resources Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend revisions to the county's "Show Me the Water" ordinance, which has drawn the ire of developers who've maintained it has stifled island construction. Maui News.

Armstrong Pacific has won the nearly $1.8 million contract to build the first phase of Easter Seals Hawaii's new Maui campus in Kahului, a project expected to provide at least 50 construction jobs and boost the Valley Isle's rebounding building industry. Maui News.

The Maui Policy Committee today recommended the disapproval of two nominees–Ralph Black, and James Clemens–to the Lanai Planning Commission. Maui Now.

A coalition of community groups are joining together this weekend to rally against the planned removal of four monkey pod trees along South Kihei Road. Maui Now.

Kauai
Solette Perry, the wife of Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry, testified before the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday night on the authority of the mayor to suspend the police chief and then place her husband on leave. Garden Island.

The ongoing crisis at the Kaua‘i Police Department meant there wasn’t a report from the police chief at the monthly Kaua‘i County Police Commission meeting last Friday. Garden Island.

Kauai police use stun gun on Kapa'a High student. Hawaii News Now.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday approved a bill that extends for an additional six months a pilot program that allows Kaua‘i Community College students to use The Kaua‘i Bus at no cost. Garden Island.

Molokai
Researchers recently discovered that land-based plant material found in underwater canyons supports increased abundances of bottom fish, like those off the north shore of Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu Mayor Carlisle outlines state of the city, Laupahoehoe teachers sue to stop charter school, attorney general launches Main Street Maui probe, tobacco tax could rise again, 5,000 want to be Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and Managing Director Doug Chin courtesy photo

 

 

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle highlighted his administration's achievements and outlined a vision for the city's future that hinges on the $5.27 billion rail project in his State of the City address Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle's second State of the City address Thursday was a tale of two cities.Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle in his State of the City Speech Thursday cast Honolulu's rail project as a choice between the future and the past. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle delivered his second State of the City of Honolulu Address today at the Mission Memorial Auditorium. The hour-long oratory covered his administration’s accomplishments and major priorities in the years ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

After Thursday's State of the City speech the mayor defended the lifting of the city's debt limit above a 20 per cent threshold. KHON2.

Kirk Caldwell, a candidate for Honolulu mayor, released this statement today in response to Mayor Carlisle’s State of the City address. Hawaii Independent.

Some lawmakers want to increase Hawaii's tobacco tax to reduce smoking and oral tobacco use across the state. Associated Press.

Teachers who spend their own money to purchase school supplies would qualify for a tax credit to help offset such out-of-pocket expenses under a bill advanced by a Senate committee Thursday. Associated Press.

Opponents of human trafficking are pushing for passage of a Senate measure that would fine "johns" $5,000 and place the money into a special fund for victims of sex assault and domestic violence. Star-Advertiser.

Major tourism stakeholders seem to agree that the future of Hawaii’s primary economic driver will have to include plenty of growth. Pacific Business News.

The state House Judiciary Committee shelved a bill Thursday that would have allowed dogs to accompany their owners in restaurants at the discretion of restaurant owners and managers. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would give counties the power to open ag lands to be used for overnight accommodations has been deferred at the state House of Representatives. A Senate version of the bill is still alive, waiting for next hearing to be scheduled. Garden Island.

Skateboarders of all ages would be required to wear helmets whenever they ride under a bill that cleared the state House Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The scope of a bill requiring helmets for skateboarders was broadened Thursday, requiring anyone of any age to wear head protection, as the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee. West Hawaii Today.

A bill calls for a five-year moratorium on opihi picking in certain areas, along with restrictions on harvesting times and amounts. Tribune-Herald.

Nepotism, ethics violations, conflicts of interest, abuse, waste and fraud. All are accusations that have been brought against individual charter schools in Hawaii in the last year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Feb. 24. Associated Press.

Oahu

More than 5,000 people applied for 175 flight attendant positions at Hawaiian Airlines, a record for the company. KITV4.

Closing the Sears store at Ala Moana Center next year will come at a big price -- $250 million, to be exact. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is taking a major leap forward on its road to renewable energy with the start of construction today on the state's largest wind turbine project on Oahu's North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Teachers at Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School filed suit Thursday to halt their school's conversion to a charter school. Tribune-Herald.

All the trappings for a successful grand opening celebration were there Thursday evening when Tulsi Gabbard opened her campaign headquarters at the old Chevrolet dealership across from Hilo Shopping Center. West Hawaii Today.

The Ka'u District Gym and Shelter is on track to meet a tight deadline or risk losing state funding. West Hawaii Today.

Alapaki Nahale-a became chairman of the Hawaiian Home Lands Commission in January 2011, and says it was "kind of shocking" to learn that he was the first chairman in its 100-year history to have been born and raised on Hawaiian Home lands — in Pepeekeo, north of Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says a 4.3 magnitude earthquake was reported in the summit region of Kilauea Volcano. Associated Press.

Maui
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa delivers his State of the County Address at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Maui Now.

Auwahi Wind Energy will go before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday to seek a conservation district use permit to realign Papaka Road on Ulupalakua Ranch land. Maui News.

The state Department of the Attorney General has opened an investigation into the Wailuku Main Street Association, following allegations that officials with the organization withheld information and records from board members. Maui News.

After a traditional Hawaiian blessing of the building and comments from guests, Senator Daniel K. Inouye and dignitaries untied the maile lei to initiate the opening of the new headquarters and visitor center at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Historical Society will host its first Vintage Book Offering and Wine and Cheese Tasting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday in the lobby of the historic County Building. Garden Island.

Molokai
Ten years ago, Mo`omomi was vibrant, green and healthy, with plentiful fish, according to Molokai-born Halealoha Ayau, Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) acting district supervisor for Molokai. Now, he said, the landscape is suffering, resources are being depleted, and the buildings are facing a high level of vandalism and damage. Because of this, Ayau has made a tough decision: erect a gate at Mo`omomi and initiate managed access to the area. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii gift ban remains secure, double-dipping in the AG's Office, Honolulu Mayor Carlisle must pay wife's trip, marked police cars not working for Big Island, gas prices up, Waikiki sand project slowed, Marine not guilty of hazing, Legislature looks at bag bans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Inter-island cable, courtesy photo

It’s Round 2 for the interisland cable bill. Last year, legislation to facilitate financing for cables that would connect the islands in a statewide electric grid got bogged down in criticism and never made it out of the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Four hundred plastic grocery bags were staked to the state Capitol lawn along Beretania Street on Thursday to call attention to a Senate bill that would impose a 10-cent fee on the disposable sacks and their paper counterparts and channel some of the revenue to watershed protection projects. Star-Advertiser.

A bill introduced this session at the Hawaii Legislature, if passed, could shed a more timely light on the relationship between elected and appointed officials and the business of government. Civil Beat.

State House lawmakers on Thursday disposed of a bill that would have relaxed the state's gift ban, leaving the Ethics Commission director with the discretion to provide advice on what gifts are permissible. Star-Advertiser.

After all the hoopla, the governor's plan to allow lawmakers unrestricted invites to charitable fundraisers quietly failed without a fuss Thursday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's office was warned in an email about inappropriate sexual behavior by Marc Alexander shortly after he was appointed homeless coordinator, two people who handled correspondence for the administration told Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

Almost 90 per cent of the investigators in the Hawaii Attorney General’s office are retired police officers working under special 89-day contracts that allow them to collect full police pensions plus $45,000 state paychecks. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will forward the name of his interim appointee to the Public Utilities Commission to the state Senate for confirmation, ending talk that the nomination might be reconsidered. Star-Advertiser.

A state house committee tabled a bill to mandate extra paid leave for workers who are sick, or for victims of domestic or sexual abuse after a hearing on Thursday. KITV4.

A military jury on Thursday found a Marine sergeant not guilty after authorities charged him with hazing a lance corporal who later committed suicide in Afghanistan. Associated Press.

Hawaii is getting $71 million as part of a foreclosure abuse settlement. KITV4.

Gasoline prices in Hawaii shot up this week to a statewide average of $4.19 for a gallon of regular unleaded, 7 cents higher than a week ago and still the highest in the nation, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for Feb. 10. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has advised Mayor Peter Carlisle to reimburse the city $3,300 to cover the cost of his wife's trip to China in June, when she accompanied him as part of a Honolulu delegation traveling to strengthen cultural and economic ties. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission says Mayor Peter Carlisle should pay $3,300 to cover his wife’s travel expenses for a trip the Carlisles took last year to China. Hawaii Reporter.

"Technical glitches" are slowing the state's $2.4 million beach nourishment project in Waikiki, but the state still expects the job to be done on time and at no additional cost. Hawaii News Now.

Controversies over the recently shut-down Hawaii Medical Center hospitals will continue Friday with a hearing on a bill to issue an $80 million special purpose revenue bond to St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii to refurbish the two hospitals and get them ready for potential new owners. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Firefighters to quit driving ambulances. KHON2.

Hosting APEC,the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in November cost the city and state less than half of what was budgeted for the high-profile international event; but both governments still are waiting on approval of millions of dollars in federal reimbursements. Star-Advertiser.

An appeal of a zoning variance allowing Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts to build what would be the first new Waikiki oceanfront hotel in more than 30 years is slated to be heard next month, after an attempt failed Thursday to disqualify a group of opponents from the process. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Another member of the county Redistricting Commission is running for the County Council district he helped draw. West Hawaii Today.

Massive reforestation, home sites for Native Hawaiians and commercial development comprise the state's new long-range management plan for 56,200 acres located along Mauna Kea's windward slope. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County should have a small fleet of marked police cars, but it's not cost-effective to keep more than the limited number needed to transport prisoners or drive on unimproved roads. West Hawaii Today.

A House committee is set to take up a bill today that could assume control of leases in Hilo's Banyan Drive area from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday approved Hawaii Electric Light Co.'s request to implement a decoupling mechanism. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County adults are twice as likely to report having been abused as children than adults statewide. West Hawaii Today.

John Colson, the principal of Waimea Middle School on Hawaii Island, abruptly left that position Feb. 7. Hawaii Independent.

Maui

The Maui Police Department is proposing to sign an agreement to provide protection for the Maui Space Surveillance Center on Haleakala. Maui News.

Maui island's overall occupancy rate of 70.1 percent in 2011 trailed Oahu's rate of 80.9 percent, according to Hospitality Advisors' year-end report, but Maui hotels also made more money off their rooms than anywhere in the state. Maui News.

Gov. Abercrombie Impressed with reWailuku Site Visit. Maui Now.

Kauai

A comprehensive statewide housing study presented to Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday reveals burdensome real estate market for island residents, with a third of them at risk of becoming homeless. Garden Island.

Repairing parks, improving roads and safer neighborhoods were the primary concerns that Kilauea residents presented to the mayor Tuesday night. Garden Island.