Showing posts with label Mike White. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike White. Show all posts

Friday, April 13, 2018

Thirty Meter Telescope decision delayed, Mauna Kea bills progress in Legislature, Honolulu rail auditor named, Kauai studies landfill site, Maui ethics board investigates gifts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu skyline ©2018 All Hawaii News
Honolulu ranks No. 1 in survey of clean cities. The international consulting firm Mercer ranked Honolulu No. 1 in sanitation in a recent survey analyzing more than 450 cities worldwide. Star-Advertiser.

A recent survey ranked America's most popular and least popular governors. Hawaii's governor ranked in the bottom 10. KHON2.

=====

Officials: Decision on future of Thirty Meter Telescope project delayed. A decision will be made on the planned location of the Thirty Meter Telescope as further progress is made in the legal and regulatory processes at both proposed sites. Hawaii News Now.

In the closest Senate vote this year, lawmakers voted 15-8 in favor of a ban on new construction atop Mauna Kea, but the effort is likely to collapse as their counterparts in the House say they don’t want to interfere with the Thirty Meter Telescope planned near the mountain’s summit. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate passed two bills affecting management of Maunakea on Thursday. Both measures — House bills 1585 and 1985 — likely will end up in conference committees since the House is expected to reject changes the Senate made through a process known as “gut and replace.” Tribune-Herald.

The full Senate approved a measure Thursday that would stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea if the University of Hawaii doesn’t meet certain requirements. Hawaii News Now.

=====

The state Legislature’s response to the Jan. 13 ballistic missile false alarm has been a complete dud, according to state Rep. Matt LoPresti. Star-Advertiser.

A controversial bill that would provide funding to a company to build a revolutionary satellite launch facility somewhere in the state is nearing passage despite vocal misgivings from Ka'u residents. Tribune-Herald.

Ag initiatives, potential ADC audit intertwine and head to conference committee. The papaya initiative appropriates funds to study why and where in the growing and transport process the fruit breaks down so as to make it more viable for export, thereby strengthening Hawaii’s agricultural economy, particularly on the Big Island where the vast majority of the state’s papaya is grown. West Hawaii Today.

More than $9 million in fruit and nut exports from Hawaii could be affected by tariffs announced by China earlier this month. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Senate voted to confirm Gov. David Ige's pick for the director of the Department of Human Resources Development on Thursday. The new director, Ryker Wada was deputy director of DHRD since December 2016, and was appointed director by Ige in January, following the retirement of then-director James Nishimoto. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of kupuna filled the state Capitol grounds Thursday for the annual Kupuna Power Day, an information fair designed to “empower” senior citizens with education and resources. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New City Council Leadership Challenges Caldwell’s Proposed Budget. The Budget Committee declined the mayor’s request to set aside $44 million for rail operating costs. Civil Beat.

Former prosecutor, judge selected to lead rail investigation. The state legislative auditor has hired former prosecutor and state judge Randal Lee to head the $200,000 rail audit. Hawaii News Now.

Councilwoman calls for more officers, community leaders to help tackle crime on Oahu's Leeward Coast. KITV.

City using private security to lock up some Oahu parks at night. After more than 600 acts of vandalism to city parks in three years, Mayor Kirk Caldwell today unveiled a three-month pilot project that began this month to lock up gates and bathrooms when city parks are supposed to be off limits. Star-Advertiser.

A pilot project to secure park facilities during park closure hours has begun in Urban Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to dismantle breakwater at Cromwell's beach run into opposition. Hawaii News Now.

A large residential complex now standing in a prime Honolulu corner lot in Kapahulu went up with no city building permit and despite a stop-work order. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Target Bicyclists With No Registration Tags. Advocates for more bike use were irked by recent police enforcements that appeared to target registration more than safety concerns. Civil Beat.

Concern over new type of bike sharing program prompts proposal to change bike laws. KHON2.

Low-income rental tower could break ground in 2020. A state board has selected a developer to put up a low-income rental apartment tower and a new youth shelter and service center on the site of a run-down former juvenile detention center on state land in Pawaa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Technology Development Corp. to break ground on Kakaako innovation center next week. The Hawaii Technology Development Corp. will break ground on its Entrepreneurs’ Sandbox Facility in Kakaako on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Kauhale Kamaile, the modular housing project that opened in Waianae last month, is completely full. Hawaii News Now.

Community shaken after large boulder lands near Manoa home. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric to break ground on new solar farm next week. The Honolulu-based utility will host a blessing and ground-breaking ceremony for its new 20-megawatt West Loch Solar facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s West Loch Annex on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Plans to build a South Kona Police Station remain unknown since the project was put off due to lack of funding, according to Hawaii County officials this week. West Hawaii Today.

County Councilman Aaron Chung has drafted a bill that would allow a farmers market to be set up temporarily at Mooheau Park in downtown Hilo across from Hilo Farmers Market. Tribune-Herald.

After serving as the Acting Director of the Hawaii County Department of Public Works for half a year, Allan G. Simeon was confirmed as the official head of the department on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Entrance fees at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii island are slated to go up in 2020, the National Park Service announced today, in order to provide additional funding for infrastructure and maintenance. Star-Advertiser.

Gun-Surrender Laws Don’t Reassure This Doctor After Death Threats. An abortion protester was ordered to surrender his firearms after a temporary restraining order was issued. Civil Beat.

A five-bedroom house at the Kukio Golf and Beach Club on the Big Island sold last month for $27.5 million, eclipsing the sale of a beachfront house on Maui to become the highest-priced residential real estate sale in Hawaii so far this year. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui County Council Chair Mike White announced today that he will be retiring at the end of the term and will not be seeking re-election. Maui Now.

Ethics Board looking into tournament gifts. Maui Jim Maui Invitational swag, tickets worth thousands of dollars. Maui News.

Thousands Sign Petition Against Paia Inn Permit Request. A contested case involving a special use permit for the nine-room Paia Inn and cafĂ© along Maui’s north shore, has been remanded back to the Maui Planning Commission for review. Maui Now.

Maui Police Department employees were disciplined with suspensions ranging from one to 10 days for violations sustained in 16 cases last year, according to an MPD report to the state Legislature. Maui News.

The owner of The Maui Cookie Lady recently signed with retail website Goldbely to sell her handmade cookies on the site, thanks to one of her biggest fans — The Rock, the actor also known as Dwayne Johnson. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

County takes another step in creation of new landfill. In the next 10 to 12 years, Kauai is going to need somewhere to put its trash, and officials are looking at 270 acres near Hanamaulu for a new municipal solid waste landfill. Garden Island.

Twenty more overnight camping permits are becoming available for Kalalau. The first day the peak-season permits will be available is Tuesday. Garden Island.

General Plan available online. This plan updates the last General Plan that was completed in 2000 and reflects diverse community input that was collected over the last three years. Garden Island.

Monday, March 19, 2018

Hawaii adds cats to invasive species list, Senate wants to double HI5 container deposit, Schatz to hold false missile hearing, bills alive and dying at legislative session midpoint, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Feral cat with endangered Hawaiian petrel in this DLNR webcam file photo
Feral cats make invasive species list. Feral cats have been added to Hawaii’s list of most impactful invasive species, and advocates of trap-neuter-release say the state should reconsider. Garden Island.

Bills sink or swim at session’s midpoint. The Hawaii State Legislature passed the midpoint of the 2018 session last week, with lawmakers considering bills that would allow physician-assisted death, would increase the 5-cent deposit for bottles and cans, and would impose a new mandate for paid family leave. Star-Advertiser.

Airlines Pushing To Take Over Honolulu Airport Operations. Supporters say improvements could happen more quickly if the state Department of Transportation was out of the way. Civil Beat.

The state Senate is proposing to double the 5-cent deposit on bottles and cans as part of an effort to increase the redemption and recycling rates for the tens of millions of containers used by Hawaii consumers each year. Star-Advertiser.

=====

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet, will convene a hearing titled “Hawaii False Missile Alert: What Happened and What Should We Do Next?” April 5 in Honolulu. Garden Island.

Hawaii Picks New Leader For Agency That Sent False Missile Alert. Thomas Travis has commanded a submarine squadron and was deputy commander of an aircraft carrier strike group. Associated Press.

Kim: Travis the right man for the job. Tribune-Herald.

Apparently taking the recommendation of Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim to heart, the State of Hawaii has appointed retired U.S. Navy Captain Thomas Travis to serve as Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Big Island Video News.

Survey shows more people in Hawaii felt relatively calm, rather than panicked during false missile alert. A team from the Department of Psychology and Communication at Hawaii Pacific University conducted the online survey, and found that a majority of the participants felt like the missile was actually inbound to Hawaii. KITV.

A new report produced by researchers at Hawaii Pacific University revealed more in-depth about how Hawaii residents reacted to January's false missile alert scare. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Democratic congressional candidates were given a chance to explain their evolving views on such topics as marriage equality and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights during a candidates forum Saturday in Kakaako. Dozens packed into the small office space to hear Lt. Gov. Doug Chin, state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim and state Rep. Kaniela Ing speak about their candidacy and answer questions from the three caucuses, with each allotted 40 minutes to talk. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard’s Record On Gun Control Is A Moving Target. The Hawaii congresswoman talks tough on gun control but she’s often lagging behind Democratic colleagues in pushing firearms legislation. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Charles Djou: Why I’m Leaving The GOP. The former Republican congressman from Hawaii says he can no longer remain in a party led by Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Aid In Dying Bill Passes Key Senate Panel. Sen. Roz Baker shepherded the measure through her health committee with comparatively little fanfare. Civil Beat.

A rapidly progressing state Senate bill would mandate that sellers of properties featuring cesspools upgrade to a septic or sewer system after the purchase. Senate Bill 2567, which passed the Senate and is moving through House committees, aims to replace cesspools with more modern waste management systems so as to protect the state’s groundwater. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism remains one of Hawaii’s economic pillars. And while 2017 was another year of records, the industry faces some new challenges this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii is scrambling to fill teacher vacancies. This analysis on salaries won't help. The average salary for Hawaii public school teachers in 2016 was $57,431. Hawaii News Now.

Crime victim restitution up 70 percent. The state over the past several years has dramatically increased its collection of funds that inmates and parolees owe to their crime victims, forging a path that national experts say is a model for other states. Star-Advertiser.

Study: Pesticides In Hawaii Waters Well Below Federal Standards. State officials call the results reassuring but some environmental experts aren’t so sure. Civil Beat.

Petition seeks protection for cauliflower coral. The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the National Marine Fisheries Service Wednesday to afford protection to cauliflower coral under the Endangered Species Act. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii astronomy professor Paul Coleman, the first Native Hawaiian to earn a doctorate in astrophysics and an outspoken supporter of the Thirty Meter Telescope, has died at the age of 62. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Ponzi schemer and professed secret agent dies at 76. Ronald Rewald, Hawaii’s most notorious branded conman, a Wisconsin native who claimed to be a CIA agent but swindled money from hundreds of island residents and served barely 10 years of an 80-year prison sentence, has died. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Defends Reassignment Of Union Leaders. Union head testifies the actions caused fear among members and that he was maligned in a news interview. Associated Press.

Safety measures for fuel tanks could take billions — and decades, Navy says. The least expensive method of double-walling the Red Hill fuel tanks could cost between $500 million and $2 billion, the Navy said in a newly released estimate. Star-Advertiser.

Developing condos tricky near last station site. The city’s mass-transit line is supposed to move people and spark development of affordable housing, but these two objectives are on paths that could clash at the end of the line. Star-Advertiser.

Appeals court rejects Kawananakoa’s challenge to rail votes. The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals this month reaffirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit that sought to invalidate votes cast by certain Honolulu City Council members in support of the city’s rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has a new sprinkler law in place - 8 months after the deadly Marco Polo fire. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed two bills into law yesterday afternoon. They do not mandate sprinkler installation but do provide tax breaks to encourage installation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Among ongoing gun law debate, thousands attend major gun show at the Blaisdell. It was the Hawaii Historic Arms Association's 82nd semi-annual gun show. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines has been granted a revocable permit for space at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Urban Honolulu water plan to be discussed. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is holding a series of meetings starting this week to seek public input on its planned Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan. Star-Advertiser.

IHeartMedia Inc.’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy won’t impact the eight radio stations it operates in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

New Gold Star monument in Kaneohe honors families of fallen Hawaii servicemen and women. It's a first of its kind in the state - a  monument that honors families that lost loved ones in the military who died while in service to our country. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A new permanent building for pharmacy students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo hopefully will be up and running by this time next year. Tribune-Herald.

The state commission for public charter schools has yet to make a decision on allegations that a Kona charter school violated its contract by failing to maintain accurate enrollment data, reportedly netting them more than $300,000 in overpaid funding. West Hawaii Today.

A comprehensive look at the effects of short-term vacation rentals on the Big Island was shared with the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Kilauea’s summit eruption will become 10 years old Monday and scientists say they don’t expect it to stop anytime soon. Tribune-Herald.

Vaping shop raises concerns, sparks debate in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

The Village 9 Homeless and Affordable Rental project in Kealakehe will serve as the template for an island-wide approach to the helping the houseless. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Stant’s ‘side job,’ gambling match county paycheck. Good luck in Las Vegas and a Midas touch with a direct marketing “side business” combined last year for Stewart Stant to match his annual salary as Department of Environmental Management director, financial disclosure documents show. Maui News.

White reports variety of investments in his financial disclosure. Maui County Council Chairman Mike White jointly has investments in 37 different companies doing business in Hawaii, including Hawaiian Electric, Verizon Communications and Amazon. Maui News.

Panel seeks more reasonable parking and ohana rules. Flexibility sought in cases where current mandates don’t make sense. Maui News.

This year’s real property assessment notices have been mailed or emailed to property owners, the Department of Finance’s Real Property Assessment Division announced Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Two candidates for mayor of Kauai recently shared their views on two key issues facing the island: homelessness and traffic. Garden Island.

The county Department of Public Works Wastewater Division concluded sewer maintenance work on Kuhio Highway Sunday evening in the vicinity of the Kapaia Bridge. A sewer spill was reported about 4:15 p.m. Saturday when a manhole cover overflowed.  Garden Island.

After completing a rigorous three-year program, Kauai Christian Academy has finally gained accreditation. Garden Island.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Schatz begins island town hall tour, Gabbard building campaign chest, state unveils mapping program, potholes pique Honolulu motorists, Bernie backers take over local Democratic Party, Maui council chairman cleared of ethics charge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, Facebook photo by Cynthia Pope Fritts
Hawaii's U.S. Senator Brian Schatz is in the islands offering his perspectives on everything from Trump to Syria. More than 500 community members packed a room at Chaminade University Monday for Schatz's first Honolulu town hall this year. KITV.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz nimbly fielded questions on a range of weighty policy issues ranging from internet privacy, health care, North Korea’s nuclear threat and the situation in Syria during a mid-day town hall meeting at Chaminade University’s Richard Mamiya Theatre in Kaimuki today. Star-Advertiser.

Should U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard choose to run for re-election next year — or for some other federal office — she’s already got $2 million to spend. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Police Agencies Struggle To Equip Officers With Body Cameras. Civil Beat.

The House of Representatives recently passed Senate Bill 174, which seeks to allow people to qualify for medical marijuana if they suffer from lupus, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or arthritis. Garden Island.

A state House member is seeking input about legislation that would make vote-by-mail standard protocol in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Maps identifying everything from the locations of homeless shelters to ahupuaa boundaries are now available online to the public thanks to a partnership between the state Office of Planning and the Office of Enterprise Technology Services. Star-Advertiser.

Federal grant money is being offered to Hawaii nonprofit organizations, public agencies and federally recognized tribal groups for initiatives that serve rural areas. Star-Advertiser.

North Korea tensions, disease not deterring isle tourists. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: What Your Lawmakers Are Getting Away With. There are even more tax increases than usual making their way through the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii chef Sam Choy is gearing up for another luau at Facebook’s Meno Park, Cali., headquarters next month after working with Google — another one of the world’s most influential companies — for many years. Pacific Business News.

Bank of Hawaii is pulling its ATMs out of McDonald’s systemwide after being a fixture in the fast-food restaurants for more than two decades. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu’s streets get sorry marks from likely voters, with only 1 percent ranking them as “very good.” On the other end, 26 percent of those surveyed in the latest Hawaii Poll said Oahu streets are in “very poor” condition. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of single family homes doubled in parts of Honolulu this March. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Several Kona residents on Monday pushed back against a proposal to build a 306-unit condominium development in Kahaluu. West Hawaii Today.

Fueled by the 2016 Bernie Sanders movement, a new wave of leadership is taking over the Hawaii County Democratic Party. West Hawaii Today.

Planning for the last extension of Saddle Road is moving ahead, though it remains unclear when construction funds will be available. Tribune-Herald.

A bill aimed at increasing housing opportunities for Hawaii Island’s farm workers moves into conferencing this week, marking the latest hurdle cleared for the measure. Tribune-Herald.

The new attorney for "Peter Boy" Kema's relatives says the state's Department of Human Services should be held accountable for the decision to return the 6-year-old to his abusive parents 20 years ago, despite multiple warnings that the child's life could be in danger. Hawaii News Now.

A case of a harmful honey bee disease has popped up on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

An ethics complaint against Maui County Council Chairman Mike White has been dismissed. Maui News.

A notice has been issued for the opening of applications for the affordable rental housing lottery at the County of Maui’s Kulamalu Hale. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry has his eyes set on leading the department in the city where his career in law enforcement began — Honolulu. Garden Island.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

New records show U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met twice with Syria's Assad, homeless campgrounds touted for Honolulu, Legislature mulls rent control, Styrofoam ban, public records backlog increases, economy to slow, state seeks help with pension fund, DLNR officer rape trial begins, OHA audit approved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard © 2017 All Hawaii News
Gabbard met Syria’s Assad twice, filings reveal. Immediately after touching down in Damascus, Syria, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was off to an hour and a half meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad — a meeting she described as impromptu upon her return to the United States last month — according to travel forms she filed on Wednesday with the U.S. House Ethics Committee. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s amended travel forms show that she spent one and a half hours with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Civil Beat.

The state expects Hawaii’s economy in 2017 to grow at the slowest pace in four years but projects that visitor arrivals will top 9 million for the first time ever. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Employee Retirement System, which is underfunded and overcommitted by more than $12 billion, is looking for a real estate investment consultant to review the performance of its real estate managers and the overall program, Pacific Business News has learned.

The state Office of Information Practices favors government agencies in disputes and takes too long to resolve complaints over access to public records and meetings, according to a new report by The Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers consider statewide Styrofoam ban for food vendors. KITV.

State Sen. Glenn Wakai delivered a scolding to the leadership of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Wednesday for what he characterized as excessive spending by the agency, but Wakai said he is dropping his earlier proposal to prohibit the HTA from meeting in secret to discuss proprietary information. Star-Advertiser.

Rent control proposal takes aim at Hawaii’s sky-high housing costs. KHON2.

Hawaii Rep. Kaniela Ing wants lawmakers to pass a bill that would set up a pilot project for rent control. Civil Beat.

A measure introduced by State Rep. Kaniela Ing of Maui for a “rent control” pilot project will be heard in the House Committee on Housing, Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. at the HawaiĘ»i State Capitol in room 423. Maui Now.

An Office of Hawaiian Affairs committee is taking the first step toward the most comprehensive financial audit in the agency's nearly 40-year history. The board's resource management committee voted Wednesday to authorize putting out a call for independent accounting firms that could conduct the audit. It's not yet known how much it will cost. Associated Press.

A proposed study of the over-representation of Native Hawaiians in the criminal justice system was put on hold by Hawaii lawmakers last week, partly because of wariness over the current political climate. Star-Advertiser.
 
Libraries Struggle With A New Role: Social Services Center. Hawaii provides library security guards, but so far bucks the trend of training employees to better serve patrons with special needs. Civil Beat.

A state House committee on Tuesday passed two bills that would allow the state to collect more tax revenue from Hawaii’s proliferating vacation rental and bed-and-breakfast properties while the counties figure out how to regulate them. Associated Press.

An ongoing NASA study of Earth and its ecosystems finally has landed in the islands, with dozens of scientists focusing their attention on a couple of high-profile natural phenomena Hawaii is famous for: corals and volcanoes. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State lawmakers are considering bills to create official campgrounds for the homeless in Honolulu, an approach that is being strongly opposed by state Homelessness Coordinator Scott Morishige and the state Department of Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are exploring setting up “safe zones” for homeless people to camp, one of an array of offbeat solutions to its homelessness crisis which ranks worst in the nation. Associated Press.

Two Hawaii state legislators say they plan to seek answers and perhaps push for reopening the case of a Honolulu toddler whose near-fatal assault never resulted in criminal charges, as detailed in a Civil Beat story on Wednesday.

This Honolulu Toddler Nearly Died In An Assault But No Charges Filed. The Honolulu Police Department investigation, focused on the family of a police officer, fell short of best practices, experts say. Civil Beat.

‘Rare’ Request Seeks To Hide Criminal Case Involving Allegedly Corrupt Cop  From Honolulu Prosecutor. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Commission bypassed Honolulu Police Department brass in authorizing a $250,000 severance check to outgoing Police Chief Louis Kealoha from what appears to be HPD money, but the commission chairman said the panel followed the law in doing so. Star-Advertiser.

The Kapalama Canal in Kalihi is projected to get a big makeover. Hawaii News Now.

A panel of Honolulu City Council members debated a bill Wednesday to make Honolulu’s plastic bag regulations more stringent, but decided to delay action until stakeholders can come up with a better method to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags when grocery shopping. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Family Justice Center, a safe haven for domestic violence, sex assault and human trafficking victims, opened its doors in November. But so far, only three women have stayed there. Hawaii News Now.

A program designed to keep hundreds of kids safe and off the streets isn’t happening because of ongoing problems at a Makiki recreation center. KHON2.

There's a battle brewing over what the University of Hawaii should do with the former home of PBS Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Sex assault trial of Department of Lands and Natural Resources officer begins. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously accepted a public access trail and unpaved roadway from developers of a North Kohala parcel, despite the advice of Corporation Counsel Joe Kamelamela, who said county code requires the administration to inspect the property before taking it over. West Hawaii Today.

An upcoming $20.1 million project will bring traffic lights and turn lanes to two intersections on Kawailani Street in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

On Tuesday, the Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation was given an update on all the parks projects, completed and ongoing, around the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

The U.S. Coast Guard boarded two vessels operating illegal lava tours from the Pohoiki Boat Ramp between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Board of Ethics deferred action Wednesday on a complaint against Maui County Council Chairman Mike White. Maui News.

Lawmakers are pushing several bills that aim to free up beds at Maui Memorial Medical Center by moving costly long-term care patients into other health care facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Beach Hotel has cut back employee hours and lost its trademark ’80s dance night after losing its liquor license for the first time in July. Maui News.

Paia businessman Michael Baskin has paid Maui County the $190,000 balance of the largest fine ever levied by the Department of Planning, department Director Will Spence said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

On Wednesday, the Kauai County Council unanimously passed Bill No. 2644, which allows the county to purchase 32 units built in the first phase of Hooluana at Kohea Leo, located at the intersection of Kuhio and Kapule highways. Garden Island.

Several lawmakers are voicing their support for the Hawaii Dairy Farms’ plan to operate a 699-cow dairy in Kauai’s Mahaulepu Valley. Garden Island.

The Navy plans to develop a a major solar farm and battery energy storage system on nearly 200 acres at the 2,134-acre Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands on the west side of the island of Kauai. Pacific Business News.

Short-term rental advocates say millions added to economy. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison is moving ahead with his project to develop a place for helicopters to land near one of the two luxury Four Seasons resorts he owns on the island of Lanai, Pacific Business News has learned.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Ige's political future uncertain, minimum wage rises, new moped laws, changing leadership on Honolulu council, complaint filed in Maui council reorganization, Tulsi again named 'rising star,' more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ige addresses 2016 Hawaii Democratic Party rally © 2017 All Hawaii News
When Democratic Gov. David Ige runs for re-election in 2018, his political fate may depend on how successful he is at appeasing some key interest groups over the next two years, and how much progress he can make in addressing issues such as homelessness that have emerged as top-tier voter concerns. Star-Advertiser.

David Ige won his upset victory in 2014 to become governor largely because he was not Neil Abercrombie, the incumbent governor who had enraged much of the Hawaii Democratic Party. Star-Advertiser.

More ‘Star’ Chatter On Tulsi Gabbard. The Hawaii congresswoman is one of seven “rising Democratic stars” in the U.S. House of Representatives. Civil Beat.

Press Release: The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) today announced that per Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii (2014), the minimum wage for most employers will increase to $9.25 per hour beginning on Jan. 1, 2017.

The new year brings new rules for moped owners in Hawaii. Starting Jan. 1, owners will have to pay for annual vehicle registration and safety inspections, as well as for license plates. Hawaii News Now.

The 116-year-old Estate of James Campbell, once among Hawaii’s largest and most influential land companies, has quietly and officially dissolved — leaving behind a legacy of development that includes the city of Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has received a waiver from the federal government allowing it to stop offering Affordable Care Act health insurance policies for small businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Honolulu City Councilman Ron Menor is expected to take the helm of the Council today, pushing colleague Ernie Martin out of a post he’s held since June 2011. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council will undergo new organizational changes this week. Councilman Ron Menor will replace Ernie Martin, who served as chair for more than five years. Councilmember Joey Manahan is expected take over the powerful budget committee, replacing Ann Kobayashi. Hawaii News Now.

Keith Kaneshiro was sworn in Monday for his fifth term as city prosecutor, vowing to make his office more accessible to the media and to crack down on crimes against tourists. Hawaii News Now.

City Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro was sworn in for his second term Monday, giving him four more years in office with new plans to tackle crime in Hawaii. KHON2.

The Plot Thickens In The Honolulu Police Chief Conspiracy Case. An investigation into a broken taillight at Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s house raises more questions about alleged corruption. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rent prices increased this month for both one- and two-bedroom units compared to the year ago month, and was deemed the No. 11 most expensive city in America according to a new report by Zumper. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Mayor Harry Kim says he will hold a community meeting with Panaewa residents before moving forward with a planned composting facility. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island will start 2017 with two state-level leadership positions still waiting to be filled. West Hawaii Today.

After adopting revisions in mid-December, the Hamakua Community Development Plan’s steering committee sent the document to Hawaii County for review. Tribune-Herald.

It was a banner year for home sales on Hawaii Island in 2016, with growth projected to carry over into 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Kim administration seeks Honomu residents’ input on fate of banyan trees. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action filed a complaint last week with the Office of Information Practices, requesting an investigation and ruling on “egregious violations” of state “Sunshine Laws” by Maui Council Chair Mike White. Garden Island.

Opinion: I gotta hand it to Maui County Councilmember Mike White: he’ll do what he needs to do to maintain power. MauiTime.

The Maui Academy of Performing Arts has purchased a 35,622-square-foot office building on Main Street in Wailuku on Maui for about $5.6 million, the broker that was part of the deal confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Kansas visitors Mike Hutchison and his wife spent New Year’s Eve in an unexpected setting — stuck between two landslides on Hana Highway with about 75 other people. Maui News.

Kauai

General Plan addresses a growing island community. Natural growth key factor as General Plan attempts to address needs of expanding community. Garden Island.

Kauai sees rise in visitors. Garden Island.

A solar farm that is slated to generate about 5 percent of the island’s energy is set to power up early this year, according to representatives from the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has awarded a grant to support a series of farmer workshops later this month for Hawaiians interested in starting or expanding farming operations. Garden Island.