Wilson confirmed to Hawaii Supreme Court, Legislature to mull GMO, ILWU backs Abercrombie, go! loss could hike interisland fares, Kaui mayor seeks tax hikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

The state Senate voted Monday to confirm Circuit Judge Michael Wilson as an associate justice of the state Supreme Court after finding that Wilson has the experience, temperament and legal insight to serve on the state's highest court. The 23-1 vote sent a forceful message that senators rejected the Hawaii State Bar Association's rating that Wilson was "unqualified." Star-Advertiser.

Mike Wilson's fate was in the hands of 24 elected officials Monday, and 23 of them decided to approve his nomination to the Hawaii Supreme Court. The lone "no" vote in the state Senate came from Roz Baker, who questioned Wilson's work ethic, his diligence and his behavior toward subordinates, especially women. Civil Beat.

Wilson

The state Senate overwhelmingly approved the nomination of Circuit Judge Michael Wilson to the state Supreme Court Monday, but not without detailed criticism from the lone senator who voted against him. Hawaii Public Radio.

It took not just one, but two marathon confirmation hearings before Judge Michael Wilson was elevated to the high court. KITV4.

The names of police officers who are suspended for a year or more could be disclosed to state lawmakers under a measure moving through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

House lawmakers are working to revive an effort to label genetically modified food in Hawaii.  The Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Rep. Jessica Wooley, is set to hear a gut-and-replace bill Thursday morning. The proposed House Draft 1 of Senate Bill 2435 would require genetically modified food sold in Hawaii to be labeled as such starting July 1, 2015. Civil Beat.

Wayne Yoshioka visits the town of Waialua on O’ahu’s North Shore, home to a large biotech farm located right next to a public school and residential area. Hawaii Public Radio.

The head of Hawaii’s health insurance marketplace under President Barack Obama’s federal health care overhaul says it has to trim costs to remain sustainable. Tom Matsuda, the interim executive director of the Hawaii Health Connector, told lawmakers at a Senate hearing Monday that the nonprofit is woefully behind its projections of individual enrollment, with only about 5,400 people fully through the process of buying coverage. Associated Press.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union on Monday endorsed Gov. Neil Abercrombie's re-election campaign. The state's largest private-sector labor union, with 18,000 members, said the Demo­crat has consistently supported workers' rights. Abercrombie is facing state Sen. David Ige in the Democratic primary. Star-Advertiser.

Decision making was deferred Monday for a measure that would allow the state to study implementing noncommercial fishing permits. West Hawaii Today.

An analysis of data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 16 percent of Hawaii’s roughly 214,000 school-age children attended private schools during the 2010-11 school year, the most recent year for which comparable national statistics are available. Hawaii leads all states. Civil Beat.

Hawaii interisland airline go! will end its operations after nearly eight years in service effective April 1, the airline's Phoenix-based parent, Mesa Air Group Inc., announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

The departure of go! airlines could hurt neighbor island tourism and lead to higher interisland fares, but the impact will be muted due to the small size of go! Star-Advertiser.

Keoni Kali has been confirmed by the Senate on Monday as the Chief Information Officer for the Hawai’i Office of Information Management and Technology. KHON2.

Robbie Melton is the new chief executive officer of the Hawaii Tech Development Corp., the state agency charged with the development of our tech industry. She has her work cut out for her. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
A historic Oahu home is being opened up to generate revenue for state parks, Hawaii officials said. The Nutridge Estate was built in 1922 for Ernest Shelton Van Tassel, who leased out 22 acres of land for Hawaii’s macadamia nut industry. Associated Press.

The Japanese developer of a $31 million redevelopment project at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor in Waikiki has revealed new renderings and details, including a Hawaii Nui Brewing brewpub and a Tropics on the Landing bar, the project developer’s attorney told Pacific Business News.

Waikiki Parc Hotel, the midpriced sister hotel of the uber-luxurious Halekulani, is slated to close in the fall of 2016 for a 16-month renovation designed to upgrade the guest experience and cut the number of rooms at the boutique hotel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The former general contractor for a bioenergy plant under construction in Pepeekeo expanded its $35 million lien request against the power plant’s developer to include several surrounding property owners. Tribune-Herald.

A California investor is trying to sell 10,019 acres of land in South Kohala for $34 million. The properties are separated into 14 parcels, located near Waikoloa Village along Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Mamalahoa Highway and Waikoloa Road, according to the broker, Honolulu-based NAI Chaney Brooks. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Motorists are advised of two road construction projects being conducted by Maui Master Builders on Wākea Avenue in Kahului that will impact traffic this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

To pay for a proposed budget increase, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. is proposing some new fees, including raising the hotel and resort class real property tax rate from $9 to $11 per $1,000 of valuation and the annual transient vacation rental (TVR) renewal fee from $500 to $750, a move that would offset an estimated 90 percent of the TVR program cost. Carvalho is also resurrecting a move from last year’s budget proposal to raise the county’s solid waste tipping fee from $90 to $119 per ton and the vehicle weight tax by $0.005 for commercial vehicles and $0.0075 for all others. Garden Island.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the release of more than $36.6 million for various capital improvement projects, administered by the Departments of Land and Natural Resources. About $500,000 will go for the Mana Drag Strip on Kauai to complete the current construction phase to repair the facilities on the site and remove and resurface the pavement. Garden Island.

Homeless feeding rules could leave some hungry, unions fight pension cuts, mayors lose hope for GET, 7 years to get permits, too much Roundup, Judge Wilson Supreme Court confirmation expected today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless feeding, courtesy Kona Visayan Club

In a move to help shelters feed the homeless, Gov. Linda Lingle's administration issued an emergency exemption in 2007 allowing groups to prepare food for the needy without having to do it in state-certified kitchens. Now that exemption is coming to an end, and some advocates are saying the new, tougher rules could have some unintended negative consequences for the homeless and those who prepare meals for them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s most powerful unions are fighting legislation that would cut the retirement benefits of future public employees. Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration maintains that the state must take steps to reduce the pension system’s $8.4 billion unfunded liability. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers questioned the head of Hawaii’s health insurance exchange Friday about how the agency plans to support itself financially, saying the state will consider giving the nonprofit money from its general fund if it can’t come up with a plan to sustain itself. Associated Press.

More than half of the $449.5 million in projected military construction for Hawaii was axed from the Defense Department's 2015 budget request, and some other programs are being reduced or eliminated as the Pentagon starts to roll out the latest round of cuts. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate is expected to vote Monday on the confirmation of Circuit Judge Michael Wilson to the state Supreme Court after the nominee emerged from a second confirmation hearing on Saturday unscathed. Star-Advertiser.

After a nearly six-hour hearing on Saturday at the state Capitol, the Senate Judiciary and Labor committee's unanimous decision that Mike Wilson be approved as an associate justice on the Hawaii Supreme Court remained unchanged. Civil Beat.

A state Senate committee voted to approve Circuit Judge Michael Wilson's nomination to the Hawaii Supreme Court for the second time, setting the stage for a vote on Monday by the full Senate. Pacific Business News.

It doesn’t appear that Hawaii’s mayors are going to get their chance to raise the general excise tax this year. But counties could still get more revenue from a bigger share of the transient accommodations tax. West Hawaii Today.

Is Updating Hawaii's Outdated Farmland Ratings Worth the Cost? Civil Beat.

Hawaii Pubic Radio's news team takes a week-long look at some of the issues involved in the debate about genetically engineered crops in Hawaii.

With assaults from two highly pervasive pests destroying iconic big island crops, the Legislature is working on bills that would send funding to reinforce Hawaiʻi's farmers. Hawaii Independent.

The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission will reopen registration on Monday to allow more people to sign up by May 1 so they can take part in forming a Native Hawaiian government. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature takes up high court nominee, wage hike, ukulele Associated Press.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 17. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Monday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's administration is creating a new city team devoted strictly to enforcing the controversial laws used to remove the property of the homeless and others that is placed illegally on city sidewalks and in Oahu parks. Star-Advertiser.

The vibrations from the Wai­ma­nalo construction site were so bad last year that neighbors found small cracks appearing in their outdoor retaining walls, interior surfaces, concrete pads and a few windows. Star-Advertiser.

Construction on Waikiki Landing, a planned commercial and entertainment center that is designed to redevelop the gateway to Waikiki and serve as the hub for boating and ocean activities at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, will begin in May. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County may still get to manage Mauna Kea State Recreation Area after the idea failed to pass the state Legislature last year. Mayor Billy Kenoi said the county and state Department of Land and Natural Resources are in talks over transferring or leasing the 20.5-acre park off Saddle Road to the county. On March 28, the Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider authorizing DLNR staff to sign a memorandum of agreement with the county, he said. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County business owners, landscapers, farmers, homeowners and county workers are applying too much Roundup, a soil and water conservationist told senators Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island public schools are changing class schedules for the next academic year to comply with state laws requiring more instructional time for students. Tribune-Herald.

Cheesery, dairy to open on Big Isle. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island Press Club has given the Democratic Party House District 5 Council the “dubious honor” of the 2013 Lava Tube award for its “behind-closed-doors handling of a special election naming three nominees to replace Rep. Denny Coffman,” according to a press release. Civil Beat.

Maui

Neldon Mamuad, a part-time executive assistant to Council Member Don Guzman, has filed a federal lawsuit against Maui County, alleging that his First Amendment right to free speech has been violated because he's been pressured to stop work on his MAUIWatch Facebook page. Maui News.

Some Maui preschools are already filled to the brim with reservations for next school year, when the state's new kindergarten age law takes effect and an estimated 800 late-born 4-year-olds in Maui County will need to wait another year before entering kindergarten. Maui News.

The county Department of Housing and Human Concerns is proposing the construction of a 61-unit affordable housing project in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s budget recommendations for the 2015 fiscal year include a $4 million increase to pay for employee raises. To help pay for the increase, the mayor is proposing to raise some taxes and fees. Garden Island.

Families still waiting for justice 8 years after Ka Loko Dam breach killed their loved ones. Hawaii Reporter.

It has been nearly seven years since Kauai Habitat for Humanity administrators submitted plans to build the first 48 homes in the second phase of the nonprofit’s Eleele Iluna subdivision. But the green light needed to push construction forward, in the form of county permit approvals, was only granted for next month — just in time to begin the six-month construction process for the homes. Garden Island.

Testifiers: Don't eat cats and dogs, Wilson Supreme Court confirmation stalled, Saiki new GOP head, 2012 Hawaii County election a bargain, Maui seeks more polling places, Legislature mulls Jones Act, more news from all the Hawaiian Islaands

Abercrombie and his dog sign bill, file photo

Animal lovers in Hawaii packed a legislative hearing room Thursday with poodles and pugs, asking lawmakers to ban the practice of eating cats and dogs in the state. The House Committee on Agriculture later advanced SB 2026, a bill to ban the practice. Associated Press.

Circuit Judge Michael Wilson's confirmation to the state Supreme Court took an unexpected detour Thursday as the state Senate women's caucus urged the nominee to open up his personnel file and judicial performance reviews to satisfy questions about his conduct toward women. The unusual request was in response to the Hawaii State Bar Association's disclosure Wednesday that its "unqualified" rating for Wilson was based in part on the propriety of his conduct toward women in professional contexts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Women Senators Prompt Further Inquiry Into Judge Michael Wilson. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee will hold another hearing on Circuit Judge Michael Wilson's nomination to the state Supreme Court on Saturday after more detailed questions have been raised about his fitness to serve. Star-Advertiser.

The State Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a second hearing on Circuit Court Judge Michael Wilson's nomination to the State Supreme Court Saturday morning, as Hawaii News Now has discovered more reasons why lawyers have told the Hawaii Bar Association and some state senators Wilson is unqualified for the high court. Hawaii News Now.

Pat Saiki, one of the most successful Republicans in Hawaii history, is going to lead the state Republican Party.  The state party’s executive committee tapped her as chairwoman in a meeting Wednesday night, a title the state committee will formalize next week. David Chang, who had led the state party since 2011, resigned the position. Associated Press.

A roll of qualified Native Hawaiians interested in participating in their own government has grown to more than 120,000. The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission announced on Thursday that more than 120,000 have signed up to re-organize a Native Hawaiian government recognized by the state of Hawaii. Associated Press.

An amended bill on hunting lands will head to the state Senate Committee on Water and Land on Monday. The bill initially would have required the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to replace any hunting lands lost to conservation or other efforts. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists say deep coral reefs in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument may contain the highest percentage of fish species found nowhere else. A study published in the Bulletin of Marine Science says nearly 50 percent of the fish scientists observed over a two-year period in monument waters 100 to 300 feet deep are unique to Hawaii. Associated Press.

Lawmakers from Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Guam are teaming up to pressure the U.S. government for relief from a maritime law passed in the 1920s. The Jones Act was designed to protect the domestic shipping industry. It states that only ships made in the U.S. and flying the country’s flags can deliver goods between U.S. ports. Associated Press.

The state House committee on Health recently amended a bill aimed at regulating electronic smoking devices by stripping it of its taxation elements but keeping its limitations on where the devices can be used. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

A retired Army Reserve lieutenant colonel faces up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine when he is sentenced this summer for sharing military secrets with his younger Chinese girlfriend. Star-Advertiser.

It was 100 years ago that the Navy laid the keel to begin construction on the USS Arizona. On Thursday the U.S. Postal Service honored the historic vessel with the dedication of a stamp. KITV4.

Aikea rallies against condo conversion. The job preservation movement, organized by Unite Here Local 5, rallied at Honolulu Hale today in support of City Bill 16. Hawaii Independent.

Representatives from Kamehameha Schools talked about Kakaako development plans on Thursday at a "Civil Cafe," an occasional discussion hosted by Civil Beat on topics of local relevance. Civil Beat.

Sales are slated to start Saturday for units in a planned Kakaako condominium tower that has been both praised as middle-class housing produced without government subsidy and derided as an overly dense blight to the community. Star-Advertiser.

Everyone loves a carnival. But that's not entirely true in Hawaii Kai, where some residents say while the cause may be good, the venue is not. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Even counting the County Clerk’s Office staff pulled from across the hall to help out during the contentious 2012 election, it still cost less to run that election than the two elections prior. That’s the finding of an outside auditor the County Council hired last year to compare the election costs. West Hawaii Today.

The list of reasons why Hawaii Island legislators are proposing renaming the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Gateway Center after Guy Toyama takes up nearly two pages. West Hawaii Today.

With a bit of smoke, a couple loud pops, and first responders dressed head to toe in protective gear, Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium became the epicenter of a simulated terrorist attack on Thursday. The event, which included over two dozen volunteers, was part of an annual drill with county agencies, the National Guard and Hilo Medical Center all participating. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi was the keynote speaker Wednesday evening at Waimea Middle School, where he shared advice on how to be successful with students, families, educators and mentors. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution seeking an increase in the number of early walk-in voting locations, Council Member Mike White announced. White, who introduced the resolution, said it supports voter access and equal voting opportunities across the county, which only had two early walk-in sites during the last election cycle. Maui Now.

Maui hotels and resorts set new records for average daily room rates and revenue per room in 2013, though occupancy fell slightly with a "small shift" to time shares and vacation rentals, according to a Hospitality Advisors report. Maui News.

The Kihei-to-Upcountry highway, three decades in the making, took a step toward reality when the state House passed its supplemental budget Wednesday with funds for the road in it. Maui News.

Kauai

The outspoken Mel Rapoza is running for his fifth term on the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

The public is invited to attend Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s State of the County address on Monday. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Lihue Civic Center, Moikeha Building courtyard. Garden Island.

The Kauai Visitors Bureau will be sharing an update on key markets for the island’s visitor industry next week, and highlight information from the recent Hawaii Tourism Authority Spring Update. Garden Island.

State Public Utilities Commission Chair Hermina Morita, considered the state's “main diva for environmentalism” while she was in the House of Representatives from 1996 to 2011, may not be reappointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to the Public Utilities Commission for a second term after the state Department of Land and Natural Resources documented illegal activities by Morita and her husband, Lance Laney. Hawaii Reporter.

Lanai

The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval for various bills, including those to purchase a fire rescue boat and trailer and one to increase security at Kaumalapau Harbor on Lanai. Maui News.

House passes $12.1B budget, GOP chair steps down, Bar says why Wilson unfit for Supreme Court, Hawaii council must allow free speech of GMO foes, Waikiki condo goes higher, scuba spearfishing ban in trouble, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislative budget hearing file photo (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

The state House approved a $12.1 billion state budget Wednesday for the next fiscal year, meeting a legislative deadline to pass a budget bill on to the Senate. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie rallied reporters to the Capitol Wednesday so he could send a message to the public that the state Council on Revenues’ significantly downgraded economic forecast is no cause for alarm. The council on Tuesday lowered its January projection of 3.3 percent growth in general fund revenues down to zero for 2014. The council also dropped its forecasts for 2015 and 2016 to 5.5 percent and 5 percent, respectively. This means the state government will have almost $1 billion less to spend over the next two years than it expected, completely recasting the budget debate. Civil Beat.

The Legislature passed the executive budget today, setting in motion deliberations throughout the Capitol on funding for the remainder of this year and next.  This on the heels of the Council on Revenues downward projection of economic growth. Hawaii Public Radio.

In advance of legislative "crossover" last week, the House and Senate collectively passed more than two-dozen bills creating or amending tax credits to benefit various industries. In the wake of the Council on Revenues prediction on Tuesday that the state is expected to receive $180 million less revenue this year than initially anticipated, it's unlikely that many of the tax credits will become a reality in 2014. But House Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke said that despite the lowered economic forecast, the proposals are still up for discussion. Civil Beat.

Wilson and Abercrombie

The Hawaii State Bar Association rated Circuit Judge Michael Wilson "unqualified" for the state Supreme Court because of concerns about his work ethic, professionalism, the propriety of his conduct toward professional women, and his ability to serve at the level of the state's highest court. Gregory Markham, the president-elect of the bar association, explained the reasons in a letter on Wednesday to the state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Bar Association on Wednesday submitted additional testimony on Judge Michael Wilson's nomination to the Hawaii Supreme Court that raises more specific questions about whether he is qualified and suitable to be an associate justice. Civil Beat obtained a two-page letter, sent from the bar association's President-elect Greg Markham to state Sen. Clayton Hee, chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Labor committee, which just last week voted unanimously to send Wilson's nomination to the full Senate for a final vote.

The Hawaii State Bar Association said Wednesday that it rated Circuit Judge Michael Wilson — Gov. Neil Abercrobmie’s nominee to an associate justice post on the Hawaii Supreme Court — as “unqualified,” based on negative comments from a number of bar members who cited "work ethic concerns, a lack of professionalism in the workplace and questions concerning the propriety of conduct toward women in professional contexts, and the ability to serve at the level of a Supreme Court justice." Pacific Business News.

David Chang, the chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party, will step down to concentrate on military and business commitments, sources say.  Former congresswoman Patricia Saiki is expected to be named the new party chairwoman. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, but according a report by a public policy research organization, Hawaii’s welfare wage is more than four times that amount. The study, conducted by the Cato Institute, claims that in 2013, a mother with two children in Hawaii received an average of $60,590, or $29.13 an hour. But is that number accurate and is it fair to taxpayers? KHON2.

The Hawaii Department of Education recently announced the launch of a bold plan to significantly cut down on energy costs by outfitting schools with alternative energy technologies including solar and wind. But the “Ka Hei” initiative, as it’s being called, hinges largely on schools’ ability to connect proposed solar systems to the electrical grid, which is a problem in many parts of the state because of what the Hawaiian Electric Company describes as over-saturation issues. Civil Beat.

HB1889, known as the Homeless Bill of Rights, is widely supported, but not by some of the very people whom it would supposedly protect. Hawaii Independent.

Lawmakers in the state House and Senate are making another attempt at Jones Act reform. The maritime law requires shipping vessels traveling between U.S. ports be American built, owned and manned. Critics say this leads to high transportation costs for Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

A state senator Wednesday called for the University of Hawaii to investigate whether it gave Oceanic Time Warner Cable company "preferential treatment" in extending a sports television contract. Hawaii News Now.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 13. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Thursday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.
 
Oahu

A developer's much-debated request to raise the height limit on a Kuhio Avenue hotel-condominium tower received a 9-0 approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday, despite opposition. California-based PACREP2 LLC will now get to build its 280-unit tower at 2139 Kuhio Ave. up to 350 feet, instead of the standard 300 feet allowed within the Waikiki Special Design District, after the Council approved Resolution 14-38. Star-Advertiser.

About 1,000 community members from the Aikea Movement, a job preservation effort organized by Unite Here Local 5, are expected to rally at Honolulu Hale on Thursday in support of Bill 16, which seeks to preserve hotel jobs by requiring property owners to obtain a permit if they plan to convert 20 percent or more of their hotel rooms into condominiums.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is pursuing an interim plan to bring liquefied natural gas to Oahu in shipping containers, while pressing ahead with a longer-term strategy to import bulk supplies of LNG to replace the fuel oil it burns in many of its power plants, a top HECO official said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Several measures that critics say are thinly veiled attempts to undo West Hawaii’s scuba spearfishing ban are advancing through the state Legislature. House Concurrent Resolution 65 passed out of the Ocean Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs Committee on a unanimous affirmative vote. Rep. Faye Hanohano, D-Puna, chairs the committee and cosponsored the bill, which calls for a statewide, appointed task force to consider fishery rules. West Hawaii Today.

You might not like what they have to say, but you have to let them say it. That’s the gist of a memo sent out last week to County Council members following an incident at the Feb. 19 council meeting where a testifier was cut off when he attempted to criticize Monsanto Corp. and Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi for supporting genetically modified crops. West Hawaii Today.

Two Big Island renovation projects received funding to proceed from the state Wednesday, when Gov. Neil Abercrombie released a total of $64.7 million for capital improvement projects across the state. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Because it failed to submit information that certified it as a nonprofit organization, the Lanai Community Health Center will not receive $866,546 in federal funds, setting back its progress of constructing a new facility for a year. Maui News.

The Kula man who led the more than decadelong fight by substitute teachers to obtain back pay received his partial settlement check in the mail Tuesday. Maui News.

An estimated $72.6 million of matching state and federal grants for a Kīhei-Upcountry Highway are included in the 2014 supplemental budget that was advanced by the state House of Representatives, according to information released by Representative Kaniela Ing of Maui. Maui Now.

The Recycling Center at the corner of the Kahekili Highway and Makaʻala Drive in Waiehu will close on Monday, April 7, 2014, due to illegal dumping and infrequent use, county officials announced today. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines is accelerating the start of its new service between Los Angeles and Maui. The new start date for the flights between Los Angeles and Kahului will be May 2. The airline says the start date is moving up a month in response to strong demand. Associated Press.

Kauai

Debralynn DeSilva Carveiro may not have a lot of degrees on paper, but the Hanapepe resident said she makes up for it through life experiences gleaned by raising a family and running her home-based “adult novelty items” business. And that is what the mother of six children and grandmother of 12 said she brings to the table in her run for mayor in this year’s election — her second run for a county office. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council passed a measure Wednesday asking state lawmakers and the Department of Land and Natural Resources to cease all legislation seeking to regulate coastal and marine resources around Niihau. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiian nation advances, Senate panel clears Wilson Supreme Court confirmation, Hanohano reprimanded, Wooley nominated for environmental post, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian protest sign (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees, standing alongside some of their critics, announced Thursday they will help facilitate and fund steps to "build a Hawaiian nation" once the Native Hawaiian Roll is complete but stay neutral in the effort. The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission has gathered 170,000 names for an official registry of Hawaiians so they can come together to form a governing entity. It is in the process of confirming their ancestry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii state senators made light work of the last handful of bills to cross over to the House before a legislative deadline. The chamber passed seven bills Thursday, covering topics ranging from drones in the air to marine life in the seas. Associated Press.

State House Speaker Joseph Souki on Thursday issued a reprimand to Rep. Faye Hanohano, concluding that her behavior at committee hearings has been unacceptable, in violation of the House's code of conduct and disruptive to the workplace. A public admonishment of a fellow lawmaker is extremely rare but less severe than other options House leaders had considered against Hanohano, such as censure or removing her as committee chairwoman. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Joe Souki has publicly reprimanded Rep. Faye Hanohano for her “intimidating” conduct after substantiating complaints that she made racially charged remarks to a college student and state employees. Souki sent her a letter Thursday threatening to remove her from all five of her committee assignments if she fails to behave properly and let her know that House leadership will be watching her closely until the legislative session ends in May. Civil Beat.

In a unanimous vote of confidence, the state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee on Thursday recommended the confirmation of Circuit Judge Michael Wilson for the state Supreme Court. Senators rejected the Hawaii State Bar Association's conclusion that Wilson is "unqualified" for the nomination and condemned the unsubstantiated allegations about Wilson's character that surfaced during the bar's review process.Star-Advertiser.

In a tense — and sometimes intense — confirmation hearing that one state senator called "frickin' surreal," the Senate Judiciary and Labor committee on Thursday unanimously approved sending Mike Wilson's Hawaii Supreme Court nomination to the floor of the Senate. Civil Beat.

The chairwoman of the Hawaii House Agriculture Committee says she intends to fight for a bill that would establish a task force to study genetically modified foods. But Democratic Rep. Jessica Wooley said Thursday she thinks the bill doesn’t include enough meaningful regulation. She says she would like to see labeling of genetically modified foods because many people want to know whether their groceries include those ingredients. Associated Press.

State Rep. Jessica Wooley has been named the new director of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed Wooley, an attorney known for her environmental advocacy, to the post Thursday. The appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation. Star-Advertiser.

For Hawaii Rep. Jessica Wooley, being nominated by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to lead the state’s Office of Environmental Quality Control is a pretty big deal. But some worry that Wooley’s departure could change the way the Legislature deals with the highly contentious issue of genetically modified organisms in food and farming. Civil Beat.

A bill that would create a public funding program for state House elections is getting mixed reviews. Tribune-Herald.

It usually takes about two weeks to process a tax payment. But businesses and individual taxpayers now complain that the state is taking five to six weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The chants of more than 500 Campbell High School students, teachers and parents echoed throughout the state Capitol on Thursday in a second rally to get legislators to push for air conditioning in public schools. Students from all grades held up signs like "No A's and B's in 100 degrees" and "Need to stay cool in school" as they waved at passing cars and then marched around the Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell welcomed a panel of experts from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Daniel Rose Center for Public Leadership to Honolulu this week to provide technical assistance on creating a vibrant culture and arts district in urban Honolulu anchored by the redevelopment of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center complex. KHON2.

Members of the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee are requiring developers of a controversial luxury hotel-condominium project in Waikiki to increase the space between their two towers, pay for sewer upgrades, improve landscaping and make the area more friendly to pedestrians. Civil Beat.

The Howard Hughes Corp.’s two ultra-luxury condominium high-rises in Kakaako, which began the sales process last month, is expected to start construction this summer, the Texas-based developer said in its 2013 annual report to shareholders. Pacific Business News.

A Honolulu City Council Committee approved a plan to build a second luxury tower in Waikiki today, on the same block that another high-end building is already under construction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Hawaii County officials want garbage diverted from the Hilo landfill and turned into something useful. While waste-to-energy incinerators are the first thing that comes to mind, the ultimate facility may not be a burner. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR seeking input on fishpond restoration permitting.  West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Maui County Council Chairwoman Gladys Baisa was admitted to a hospital after slipping and falling on her way to a meeting Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

A contested case hearing involving permits and instream water flow standards at Nā Wai ʻEhā or “the four great waters” in Central Maui, begins next week. Maui Now.

The Maui Fire Department has appointed its first battalion chief of ocean safety, who will help facilitate the long-awaited merger between the department and the county's Division of Ocean Safety. Maui News.

Kauai

One of two runways at the Lihue Airport lacks a 1,000-foot Runway Safety Area, or overrun zone, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. The plan is to shift the runway southwest, toward the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, to provide for the necessary clearance. Garden Island.

Eleele resident Debralynn DeSilva Carveiro filed her nomination papers on Thursday to run for mayor in this year’s election, becoming the first person so far to try unseat Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Garden Island.

Molokai

Ikehu Molokai — the project proposed jointly by Princeton Energy and Molokai Ranch with the goal of lowering the island’s electricity rates and creating a 100 percent renewable energy source – has changed directions since its inception. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii tourism forecast trimmed, Bar says Supreme Court nominee unqualified, Abercrombie fights for seniors, university official cleared in contract probe, Kona courthouse funds cut, state hospital scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii hotel pool party (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

State tourism officials aim to lure 8.4 million travelers to the islands this year, instead of the 8.7 million targeted earlier, David Uchiyama, the Hawaii Tourism Authority vice president, said Wednesday. The less ambitious goal comes after several months of slowing growth in the state’s biggest industry, but it’s still 2.5 percent higher than the record number of visitors who came to Hawaii last year. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Wednesday that he will not give up on tax relief for seniors even though state lawmakers have shown little interest in the idea this session. he governor will continue pushing for bills that would offer income tax exemptions for about 25,000 low- to middle-income seniors at a cost of about $5 million a year and would double a refundable food and excise tax credit for about 110,000 low- to middle-income seniors, a cost of about $7 million a year. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House money committee trimmed Gov. Neil Abercrombie's executive budget request by $53 million Wednesday in light of a dramatic downgrade that's expected in the state financial forecast. Finance Chair Sylvia Luke said she and her colleagues believe the Council on Revenues will further reduce the rate at which Hawaii’s economy is expected to grow in 2014 when it meets Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Bar Association has rated Circuit Judge Michael Wilson "unqualified" for the state Supreme Court, a potential setback for his state Senate confirmation. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Bar Association has given State Supreme Court nominee Michael Wilson an "unqualified" rating. The local attorneys' organization does not release the reasons for its ratings of candidates for the bench or what the vote was of its board that makes the assessments. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Education Wednesday announced the creation of a renewable energy and efficiency program at public schools statewide that it estimates will save the department roughly $1 billion in operating costs over 25 years while expanding educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. Star-Advertiser.

Faced with a key deadline this week, lawmakers in both chambers chose to advance many bills related to Native Hawaiian issues. Civil Beat.

Five top-level state health administrators will be the first officials subpoenaed to testify in a legislative investigation into whether poor management at the Hawaii State Hospital left workers there vulnerable to patient attacks, state lawmakers said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A Senate committee investigating violence, nepotism and mismanagement at the Hawaii State Hospital announced its first round of subpoenas Wednesday along with a stern warning to top administrators that any form of retaliation against employees called to testify will not be tolerated. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Connector on radar for congressional audit. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Health Connector, the local Obamacare exchange, has a new campaign to boost enrollment — “Tell a friend.” Hawaii Reporter.

Experts want Hawaii lawmakers to update regulations meant to protect opihi, a tasty mollusk whose numbers have crashed in parts of Hawaii. Associated Press.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 6. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Thursday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A 114-year-old building in Kakaako that has stood abandoned for the past 50 years, despite being an architectural gem, may finally be put to use after numerous failed efforts and ideas in recent decades. A proposal to rehabilitate and reuse the historic Ala Moana Pump Station, which was Honolulu's first sewage disposal facility, was endorsed Wednesday by a state agency that owns the property. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers are on the hook for $180,000 to settle a decade-old case involving a few prison guards who slapped, punched, choked and otherwise inappropriately handled kids detained at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility. The lawsuit blames the state for failing to properly train and supervise the youth correctional officers involved in the incidents, which took place in the early 2000s. Civil Beat.

A $1.1 million fence is being taken down just three years after it was put up. Some are calling it a waste of taxpayer money, but the State says there was a good reason. Hawaii News Now.

Bakeries and other companies here in Hawaii that rely on flour are bracing for what could be a major disruption in their local supply of the product. That’s because the only flour mill in town has given notice to the state that it will not renew the lease on its operations at Honolulu Harbor. KHON2.

Representatives from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs went to the Capitol today to brief House members on their plan to build residential buildings in Kaka’ako Makai.  Instead, they received a strong recommendation from the committee chair to go back to the negotiating table with the Governor. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Honolulu attorney who’s represented some of Hawaii’s largest hotel, resort and commercial landowners is leading a local hui of investors who are developing a community of 24 homes priced at an average of $1.6 million each in Honolulu’s lush Pauoa Valley that will include open space and a nonprofit component focusing on sustainability. Pacific Business News.

Diamond Head Theatre officials are hoping a new venue will offer a stage experience worthy of the group's long and storied history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Despite the sorry state of many of Hawaii Island’s highways, and Mayor Billy Kenoi’s promise to use capital projects to stimulate the economy by putting people to work, some $2.3 million of gas taxes collected during the bottom of the recession is sitting in a bank instead of being used to build roads. West Hawaii Today.

The House Finance committee cut $50 million out of the funding request for a new Kona Judiciary Complex Wednesday afternoon. Judiciary officials had requested $81 million, the amount needed to build the long-sought complex in North Kona, which would combine services now happening at three separate courts. West Hawaii Today.

A top University of Hawaii executive accused of favoritism and unethical conduct related to construction of a UH-Hilo dormitory project has been cleared of any alleged wrongdoing in a state attorney general's report released Wednesday by the university. Star-Advertiser.

There are 57 issues inhibiting organic food production and distribution in Hawaii, and 93 potential opportunities and solutions to address them, according to a recent report. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii island papaya farmer is suing for relief from new registration requirements for growers of genetically modified crops. The lawsuit filed earlier this week claims the county's new registration law is "burdensome and intrusive." Associated Press.

Maui
The Maui Fire Department has appointed its first battalion chief of ocean safety, who will help facilitate the long-awaited merger between the department and the county's Division of Ocean Safety. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department released a report today confirming the identities of those aboard a plane that crashed on Lānaʻi last week. The report also states that the cause of death for the three individuals that died in the incident has not been determined pending a coroner’s physicians report. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. reported a $1.2 million net loss (6 cents a share) for 2013, a marked improvement from the $4.6 million loss (25 cents a share) logged in 2012. Maui News.

Kauai

James Alalem and other local residents have created a grassroots burial council for the purpose of honoring iwi kupuna (ancestral bones) and the history and culture of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Garden Island.

Kapaa resident Steven Yoder filed his nomination papers on Wednesday to run as a Republican candidate in this year’s election for the state House District 15 seat now held by Rep. James “Jimmy” Kunane Tokioka. Garden Island.

Wilson nominated to Hawaii Supreme Court, big wins for Honolulu rail, PUC's Morita in trouble, Department of Education focuses on Hawaiian immersion, more accuse Rep. Hanohano of racism, lawmakers mull drones, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Supreme Court justice nominee Michael Wilson poses with Gov. Neil Abercrombie

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday announced the nomination of Circuit Judge Michael Wilson to fill an upcoming vacancy on the state Supreme Court. Wilson would replace Associate Justice Simeon Acoba, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 in March. Wilson's nomination for a 10-year term on the court is subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today appointed a man of many hats to the state Supreme Court. Michael Wilson, a judge with Oahu’s First Circuit Court since 2000, will replace Associate Justice Simeon Acoba, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 next month. Big Island Now.

The Board of Education adopted sweeping changes on Tuesday to two policies governing Hawaiian education and immersion schools, a move that garnered the support of hundreds of advocates who hope the revisions will address many of the issues that have plagued the programs for decades. Civil Beat.

In what Hawaiian language advocates called a bold and monumental step, the Board of Education on Tuesday made substantial policy changes to its Hawaiian language immersion program, including a mandate to create an Office of Hawaiian Education under the schools superintendent. Star-Advertiser.

Hanohano

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources on Tuesday complained about the behavior of state Rep. Faye Hano­hano, portraying the representative as "abusive in authority, racially discriminatory and inappropriate" to the department's staff. House leaders have said they intend to assign a special committee to look into Hano­hano's conduct after receiving several complaints. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it illegal for police to monitor people with unmanned aircraft without due process. Police, hobbyists, filmmakers and regulators told lawmakers Tuesday that the state should protect people's privacy. But they urged lawmakers not to curtail the many uses for unmanned aircraft beyond police surveillance, including commercial photography, search and rescue operations, resource management and recreational use. Associated Press.

Opponents fighting a proposed state ban on unmanned aerial vehicles packed a capitol hearing room today. Hawaii Public Radio.

A measure now before Hawaii lawmakers would restrict the use of these unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to law enforcement, and only if the search warrant calls for the technology. KHON2.

Hawaii has the lowest number in the nation of enrollments through its Obamacare exchange, Hawaii Health Connector, according to a Feb. 12 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report. Hawaii Reporter.

Morita

 

Hermina Morita, who was tapped by Gov. Neil Abercrombie three years ago to lead the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, won’t be nominated for a second term, according to the senator who chairs the committee that oversees the commission. Sen. Roz Baker, who heads the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, told Civil Beat Tuesday that she asked to meet with the governor after hearing reports that Morita wouldn't be reappointed, but he refused. Star-Advertiser.

House Bill 1499, which has a hearing today, proposes a constitutional amendment to ask whether freedom of speech should include spending money to influence elections. Civil Beat.

Equality Hawaii, channeling resources from several gay rights and civil liberties organizations, directed more than $509,900 worth of lobbying to help pass a gay marriage law in a special session of the state Legislature last fall. State lobbying disclosure reports filed with the state Ethics Commission show that Equality Hawaii spent more than $101,600 of the money on media advertising. Star-Advertiser.

Thanks to a new law in Hawaii, the public can examine the financial interests of state lawmakers before elected officials take action on legislation that might personally benefit them. In the past, the public generally had to wait until the legislative session was over to view lawmakers' financial disclosure statements. That made it hard to spot potential conflicts of interest and raise objections when it matters most. But last year the Legislature finally passed a bill that moved the filing deadline up four months, from May 31 to Jan. 31, barely two weeks after the 2014 session opened. The session will wrap up May 1. Civil Beat.

Hawaii News Now has discovered a potential problem with the state's new vehicle safety sticker program.  A Kalihi mechanic worried that if he can easily wipe numbers off the sticker decals, crooks can as well.

Scientists in Hawaii are seeking the public’s help in documenting locations where the state butterfly can be found, saying they don’t believe the insect’s population is doing as well as it should be. Associated Press.

State roundup for February 19. Associated Press.

Oahu

Two federal court rulings Tuesday all but assured Honolulu’s $5.2 billion rail project will be built between East Kapolei and Ala Moana Center. Not only did judges in the U.S. District Court of Hawaii and 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals find that the project complied with federal law, but the plaintiffs in the cases, who have been fighting against rail for decades, have said they don’t plan to appeal the decisions. Civil Beat.

With two new decisive court wins, Oahu's rail transit project is poised to take shape along the island's southern coast without more roadblocks from its staunchest opponents. A federal appeals court panel unanimously ruled Tuesday that the 20-mile, 21-station elevated rail line complies with environmental law. On a lower court level in the same case, visiting Judge A. Wallace Tashima ruled Tuesday that transit officials followed proper procedures in choosing a rail route to Ala Moana Center instead of a route to the University of Hawaii's Manoa campus. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s $5.16 billion rail transit project received a green light Tuesday in separate rulings from the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court. Pacific Business News.

If there’s one thing that the Hawaii Community Development Authority can’t be faulted for, it’s a lack of transparency. Hawaii Independent.

A decades-long debate over the best way make more homes available to the neediest families continues at the Hono­lulu City Council on Wednesday. Three resolutions aimed at creating more affordable housing units for those most in need are on the Council's agenda. Star-Advertiser.

City Councilman Ron Menor wants to make it easier for those at the lowest income levels to benefit from rules that require developers to set aside affordable housing units. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A compromise by the developer of the luxury Kohala Kai subdivision was enough to get a thumbs-up Tuesday from the County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

A proposed North Kona development hit a new roadblock Tuesday afternoon, when the county’s Planning Director announced he couldn’t find any authority to expand an urban area into an agricultural area. West Hawaii Today.

Coffee growers are hoping for a venti-sized check from lawmakers this year as the coffee berry borer spreads to all corners of the Big Island. On Thursday, the state’s House Finance Committee will consider a bill to provide $3 million to help farmers fight the beetle, triple the amount allocated or approved last year. Tribune-Herald.

Driving down Queen Kaahumanu Highway at 45 mph, residents and visitors may not realize how much water flows beneath the barren-looking lava fields, Fred Cachola told County Council members Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A series of community meetings to discuss proposed permitting and scheduling improvements at Park facilities in Maui County is scheduled to take place in February and March. Maui Now.

Maui County high school students are invited to take part in the inaugural Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academic Competition, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced. Maui News.

Kauai
A member of the Kauai Police Commission is a target of a federal investigation into illegal gambling. FBI agents searched 37-year-old Bradley Chiba's home in Lihue on Super Bowl Sunday on the suspicion he was booking illegal bets on football games. Hawaii News Now.

The smell of rotten eggs, county officials admit, has been a longstanding and uncomfortable problem that has plagued businesses and residents in the Wailua Houselots area for several decades. Garden Island.

Molokai

Island Air, which has been focusing its resources on Lanai, said Tuesday it will discontinue service to Molokai. The last flights will be on April 1. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air, the Hawaii interisland airline owned by Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison, will discontinue service to Molokai effective April 2, the airline said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

The Molokai Planning Commission, a board of volunteer residents tasked with reviewing land use ordinances and amendments, is seeking to revise and update its 25-year-old administrative rules. Maui News.

Niihau
It appears the island of Niihau will remain part of the County of Kauai, at least until the end of the decade. Instead of moving forward with establishing a new, independent county, a trio of committees in the Senate voted Tuesday to create a five-member working group to study the proposal. Garden Island.