Kids Count ranks Hawaii middling, more sign on to Obamacare, Honolulu police and fire helicopters grounded by bankruptcy, Morita sued for bed and breakfast, Caldwell endorses Abercrombie, vets to help Takai, wave energy planned, feds to ban bee-killing pesticide in Hawaii wildlife refuges, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula girls in Hawaii ©2014 All Hawaii News

Overall, the Aloha State placed in the middle of the pack, like last year, at 25th out of 50 states in rankings released Tuesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The KIDS COUNT Data Book gauges the welfare of kids using 16 measures in the categories of economic well-being, education, health and family/community. Star-Advertiser.

The rate of people without health insurance in Hawaii has dropped below 6 percent since the implementation of the federal health care law, state officials said Monday. Officials said at a joint House committee briefing that roughly 75,000 people in Hawaii don’t have health insurance, down from well over 100,000 last year. Associated Press.

The state Office of Information Management and Technology told lawmakers at a Monday briefing it plans to create a single portal at Hawaii.gov that will help direct consumers to either Medicaid, the government insurance program for low-income residents, or the Hawaii Health Connector, the troubled online exchange created by President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Star-Advertiser.

With the Aug. 9 primary fast approaching and the Nov. 4 general election not far behind, Civil Beat asked the top gubernatorial candidates what they thought about the issue of accessing public records in Hawaii. We interviewed the incumbent, Gov. Neil Abercrombie, and his Democratic primary opponent, state Sen. David Ige. We also talked to the expected Republican challenger this fall, former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona. A spokesman for Hawaii Independent Party candidate Mufi Hannemann said the candidate couldn’t fit in an interview, and questions submitted to the campaign were not answered.  Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday endorsed Gov. Neil Abercrombie for re-election, stressing an improved relationship between Hono­lulu Hale and Washington Place. Star-Advertiser.

In a symbolic and theatric display, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Governor Neil Abercrombie met in the middle of the Punchbowl Street crosswalk Monday as a sign of unity between Honolulu Hale and the State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Opinion: Matters of church and the state are traditionally separated in the United States, but not always. There is a current push by some conservative Christians in Hawaii to urge pastors to speak out from the pulpit in support of gubernatorial hopeful James “Duke” Aiona and other so-called “family values” Republican candidates. Civil Beat.

Most of the candidates running for Hawaii’s First Congressional District – minus Senate President Donna Mercado-Kim -- appeared before a group of nearly 300 realtors today. Hawaii Public Radio.

19 days before the primary election, Congressional District 1 candidates participated in a forum, with one notable exception. Donna Mercado Kim had to pass due to a conflict with a scheduled commercial shoot. Hawaii News Now.

VoteVets.org and its Vote Vets Action Fund will blitz the television airwaves in the next week or so with $100,000 in advertisements in support of 1st Congressional District candidate Mark Takai, the national political action committee is expected to announce Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Federal wildlife refuges in the Northwest and Hawaii will phase out a class of pesticides that are chemically similar to nicotine because they pose a threat to bees and other pollinators key to crop growth. The region covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Hawaii is the first in the agency to ban neonicotinoids. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Police Department helicopters remained on the ground on Monday with both departments suspending routine flight operations. The city made the drastic move after learning the company that’s been maintaining the police and fire helicopters is filing for bankruptcy, and is no longer insured. KHON2.

Those who want to restore the deteriorating Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium dominated a meeting Monday night designed to gather public input on what impacts the city must consider before it can proceed with an environmental study on the proposed demolition of the historic structure. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health on Monday began posting brand new color-coded placards in restaurants across the state that will let diners know whether they have passed safety inspections. Pacific Business News.

Starting on Monday, the state Department of Health is posting new color-coded placards at Oahu restaurants to display health inspection status. Star-Advertiser.

The bill in July for a typical household using 600 kilowatt-hours a month went up from June by more than a dollar to $217.24, according to data released Monday by Hawaiian Electric Cos., the state's largest utility provider with service to Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii first state to plug into wave energy. Power buoy to connect to Marine Corp Base Kaneohe. KITV4.

The University of Hawaii says the U.S. Navy is investing $9 million more in a Kaneohe wave energy development project. The university said Monday the funds will help the Manoa campus' Hawaii Natural Energy Institute conduct additional underwater surveys with its partner Sea Engineering Inc. Star-Advertiser.

A former guard at the Halawa Correctional Facility accused of smuggling methamphetamine into the prison is expected to plead guilty. Associated Press.

The war over aerial banners in Oahu's skies escalated Monday afternoon with Hono­lulu police arresting the pilot of an Aerial Banners North airplane at Dillingham Air Field. Star-Advertiser.

Gunky, rodent-filled brown water caused by last weekend's storm has kept untold thousands of people out of the ocean and cost Hale­iwa's Surf N Sea revenue in the form of lost kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The county Department of Finance is taking a dim view of a proposal by Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille to give some homeowners a bigger tax break on their primary residence. West Hawaii Today.

Golfers will get a look at proposed changes for the Hilo Municipal Golf Course at a meeting today. Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation staff will provide a presentation as well as seek input on the improvements now in the design phase. Tribune-Herald.

The first group of 21 inmates arrived this morning at the newly reopened Kulani Correctional Facility. Big Island Now.

Maui

The environment is the economy" is a refrain frequently heard in this year's campaigns. In the 2014 Primary Election, environmental issues are in the spotlight more than ever before. Maui Weekly.

A public meeting to discuss a plan to address an anticipated $13 million budget shortfall for state hospitals, including Maui Memorial Medical Center, will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the hospital's auditorium. Maui News.

Kauai

Hanalei resident Michael Sheehan is suing Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Chair Hermina Morita and her husband for damaging his property and polluting the Hanalei River, as well as the County of Kauai for conspiring to cover up the couple’s illegal activity. Garden Island.

A second water safety officer has filed a suit against the county and Kauai Fire Department for retaliation. The plaintiff, Carl Ragasa Jr., is with the Ocean Safety Bureau. He filed his complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii on July 7. He is represented by the Honolulu firm of Agsalda and Fukui. Garden Island.

Tourism dims, Hawaii loves Tulsi, officials want to delay Hawaiian sovereignty, Kauai considers GMO amendment, Big Island nursing program lags, dust-up over Pearl Harbor tickets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach © 2014 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's record tourism numbers of the past two years are turning into a distant memory. For eight months in a row, visitor spending has slipped below the year-ago level. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors to Hawaii spent $1.1 billion in April — or 2.2 percent less than they spent during the same month last year. About the same number of travelers came to the islands at nearly 640,000 people. Associated Press.

Officials at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are asking for a six-to-nine-month postponement of a Native Hawaiian convention to determine self-governance, in order to educate the public and construct a parallel roll for those who refuse to sign onto a roll ordered by state government. West Hawaii Today.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs' top administrator Thursday recommended a six- to nine-month delay in OHA's nation-building process to allow time for further education about the issues surrounding the proposed creation of a Hawaiian government. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamana’o Crabbe urged OHA trustees on Thursday morning to extend the timeline for nation-building and consider opening up a second roll for those Native Hawaiians who disagree with the current process. Civil Beat.

The chief executive of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said Thursday the agency should delay its nation-building process by at least six months and reassess options amid questions about the legal existence of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the federal government considering a renewed relationship with Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is popular in the islands — very popular. Sixty percent of registered voters statewide say they have a favorable opinion of the Democrat. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is telling supporters her campaign for a seat in the U.S. Senate will be outspent by her primary opponent, Sen. Brian Schatz. Associated Press.

The next University of Hawaii president will be an at-will appointment without the benefit of a multiyear contract that past UH presidents have enjoyed. The move signals a major shift for a university with a history of pricey -- and embarrassing -- contract buyouts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The National Park Service and its fundraising organization diverted a portion of what are supposed to be free tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial to tour companies for a fee, making it harder for "walk-up" visitors to take the national landmark tour, a former park guide said. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Chairman Ernie Martin wants to build permanent and temporary housing for the homeless by diverting $32 million from the $132 million pot that Mayor Kirk Caldwell set aside for road repaving. Star-Advertiser.

New dogfight brewing over Waikiki Natatorium complex. Long-awaited EIS to be released in June. KITV4.

Two Visions of Laie: Plans for North Shore Growth Debated. Supporters say expansion plans serve local residents by making housing more affordable; opponents see the area's rural character at risk. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Design and Construction Director Chris Takashige is leaving the city to join the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Lake Waiau’s water levels are almost back to normal, a state official said. Department of Land and Natural Resources Natural Area Reserve System Specialist Ian Cole credited the winter’s rains for the improvement. West Hawaii Today.

Only three students, from an initial cohort of 10, graduated from the nursing program in West Hawaii this year. The low numbers are threatening the nursing program’s accreditation and could put the University of Hawaii at Hilo program in jeopardy as well. West Hawaii Today.

Repairs are beginning at West Hawaii boating facilities damaged by tsunami from the magnitude-9 earthquake that struck off northern Japan in 2011. Associated Press.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa says the county is considering two potential options for acquiring property as it faces the end of a lease at its Service Center site located at the Maui Mall in Kahului. Maui Now.

A joint agency search and rescue training exercise will be conducted in waters off of South Maui this Friday, May 30. Maui Now.

SHAKA GMO Movement: Criticism is ‘Wholly Unjustified and Untrue' Maui Weekly.

Kauai

A crowd of about 200 gathered at the Sheraton Kauai Resort for the 16th annual governor’s luncheon Thursday. In the next 30 minutes, Gov. Neil Abercrombie delivered a fiery, forceful, pointed speech with a main theme: The economy was in bad shape when he was elected in 2010, but through his leadership and tough decisions, it bounced back and is doing well today. Garden Island.

The county’s 2014-2015 operating budget, to the tune of $179.2 million, has been set. All that’s missing is Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s signature. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council shot down a measure on Wednesday that would have declared no confidence in County Attorney Al Castillo and asked him to resign amid, what some members said, was their ire with his performance. Garden Island.

A group of Kauai residents has been busy collecting signatures in an effort to get its proposed charter amendment aimed at regulating the island’s genetically modified crop industry on the Nov. 4 ballot. The problem: Kauai Rising’s proposal may not be a charter amendment at all. Garden Island.

A judge sentenced a Kauai man to one year of probation and a $200 fine for making his son walk a mile home from school as a form of discipline. Associated Press.

Kauai father explains why he made his son walk a mile home. KHON2.

The Department of Water has announced that a full restoration of the Kalaheo well could take up to four to six weeks to complete. Garden Island.

EPA ask Hawaii why it's not spending $52M clean water funds, Kauai missile test lights up night sky, Senate leader seeks redo of UH president search, restrooms for Chinatown, unsafe for seniors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Natatorium © 2014 All Hawaii News

A nearly three-decade battle to preserve the neglected Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium is getting added ammunition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which is adding the landmark to its list of "national treasures" — a move that harnesses the support of thousands of preservationists from coast to coast. Star-Advertiser.

All but two public high schools statewide are on track to provide increased instructional hours that will be mandated next school year — a marked turnaround from this time last year, when only two secondary schools were providing the required learning time. Star-Advertiser.

The Environmental Protection Agency launched a management study with the Hawaii Department of Health this week to figure out why the state has a $52 million surplus in federal funding for drinking water infrastructure projects. Civil Beat.

A bill now on Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s desk would create environmental courts to handle this specialized and often highly controversial area of law. West Hawaii Today.

In the closing days of the 2014 session, the legislature approved a bill that would require members of key state boards and commissions — those people whose decisions impact daily lives across the state — to open their personal finances, and those of their families, to public scrutiny. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Tuesday again defended its search process that resulted in the two finalists vying to lead the university amid a new call — this time from state Senate President Donna Mercado Kim — to reopen the search. Star-Advertiser.

State Senate President Donna Kim called on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to re-open its search for a president, setting up an online petition Tuesday to try to pressure regents to keep searching after three finalists dropped out, leaving just two finalists for UH's top job. Hawaii News Now.

Kids Voting Hawaii is now We Vote Hawaii, and voting for a new logo is underway. Star-Advertiser.

Seniors in Hawaii are healthier than in any state except Minnesota, with good access to medical care and the nation's lowest rates of obesity and hip fractures, according to a national report released Wednesday by United Health Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has the highest senior pedestrian fatality rate in the nation, according to a new report “Dangerous by Design 2014” published Tuesday by the National Complete Streets Coalition. Civil Beat.

It's not the first time in recent years that Hawaii has been pegged as the most dangerous state for senior pedestrians, but a new report out Tuesday once more gives the Aloha State that dubious distinction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents may be religious, illegal gamblers, who enjoy listening to slam poetry and eating various spam dishes but also are concerned with foreign affairs. At least that's what a new report from Estately shows. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. is seeking permission from regulators to buy power from a planned 20-megawatt photovoltaic facility in Central Oahu that would be the utility's single largest source of solar energy to date. Star-Advertiser.

In January 2011, heavy rainfall sent millions of gallons of refuse, including medical waste, into the coastal waters off West Oahu. Late last month, a federal grand jury issued a 13-count indictment against Waste Management Inc. and two of its top officials that paints a startling version of events that transpired before and after the spill. Civil Beat.

12,000 apply for rental aid via city's Section 8 program. Enrollment has been opened for the first time in nine years. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council has wrestled with a growing homeless problem in Chinatown for decades and has been made even worse because of the lack of public restrooms. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

A 3rd Circuit Court judge on Tuesday signed a stipulation between the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Keauhou Canoe Club, putting in writing the department’s plan to complete an environmental assessment at Keauhou Bay. West Hawaii Today.

A new pesticide study detected trace levels of altrazine in four streams sampled along the Hamakua Coast. The chemical, considered a restricted-use pesticide, was more commonly used during the sugar plantation days. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii Board of Regents Interim President David Lassner assigned an internal auditor to look into allegations of misuse of student fees at Hawaii Community College in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

State officials on Wednesday will begin dismantling a sailboat that ran aground in the Old Kona Airport Park. West Hawaii Today.

Holaniku at Keahole Point on the Big Island, which was one of the first major utility-scale solar energy installations in Hawaii, has shut down after breaking ground about eight years ago, the project’s landlord confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Maui

A pesticide study commissioned by the state Departments of Health and Agriculture surveyed two surface water sites on Maui and found trace levels of herbicides in concentrations much lower than state and federal health benchmarks. Maui News.

Two Maui County projects will benefit from the release of $7.8 million by Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Saturday for various capital improvement projects related to agriculture and the state's water irrigation infrastructure. Maui News.

Commercial developers are bullish on Maui, adding more than 173,000 square feet of retail space in the past year at three major Central Maui developments and increasing occupied retail space by 92,674 square feet compared to 2013, according to a Colliers International retail market report. Maui News.

Kauai

The Defense Department conducted a test of a land-based missile system about the same time that mysterious lights were seen and photographed in the skies above Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Mysterious lights that were spotted in the skies over the Hawaiian islands on Tuesday night were likely caused by a missile launch from the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

A new study by the state Department of Health detected trace amounts of pesticides in streams and waterways across the state, including eight locations on Kauai. Garden Island.

Rep. James Kunane Tokioka is filing to run for a fifth term representing Kauai’s 15th District in the House of Representatives. Garden Island.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Coco Palms Hui LLC today announced a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Coco Palms Hui LLC for The Coco Palms Resort on Kauai. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii president stepping down, $48.4M in welfare overpayments, Honolulu Police Department database hacked, GOP rebuffed in Legislature, state officials gain from Hawaiian Home Lands, vog lingers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

UH President MRC Greenwood at Board of Regents meeting (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

M.R.C. Greenwood, who drew high praise and strong criticism during her four years at the helm of the University of Hawaii system, has announced she will retire in September to spend more time with family and deal with her health problems. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood will retire this summer after four years as the head of the state’s university system. Pacific Business News.

After a number of high profile battles with key Hawaii lawmakers in 2012 and 2013, University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood announced Tuesday she will retire in September, before her $475,000-plus annual contract with the University expires in 2015. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood will retire in September, an announcement from the university Monday said. Maui News.

MRC Greenwood

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood plans to retire two years before the end of her contract, a departure she claimed had nothing to do with the failed Stevie Wonder concert that brought her leadership under scrutiny.  Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii President MRC Greenwood is resigning her post in September, according to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. KITV4.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood announced on Monday — she’s retiring from the presidency in September, two years before her contract expires. KHON2.

Hawaii's historic preservation agency has missed a major deadline for making federally mandated improvements to its program, and could still lose its federal certification and funding, officials said. Civil Beat.

Unfair welfare: Investigation reveals $48.4 million in overpayments. KHON2.

The Hawaii Association of Realtors was the top donor to Hawaii lawmakers in 2011 and 2012, with the association donating $110,100 to 83 percent of the state's 76 lawmakers. Hawaii Reporter.

The new power granted Republicans in the state Legislature this year did not translate into getting caucus bills passed; many never received a hearing. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Malama Solomon, former Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Commissioner Stuart Hanchett and about 20 other Native Hawaiians are members of an exclusive group. While on DHHL waitlists for ranching or farming homestead lots, they obtained month-to-month revocable permits for pastoral or agriculture land from the agency, according to a Star-Advertiser analysis of DHHL data.

Kamehameha Schools CEO Dee Jay Mailer has announced plans to retire at the end of 2014, giving the school's board of trustees ample time to recruit a successor. Star-Advertiser.

For most people who live in Hawaii, dealing with vog is just another part of daily life. But for those with breathing difficulties, volcanic smog can complicate health issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The names, email addresses, cellphone numbers and passwords for about 3,500 people who signed up for email or text message alerts from the Hono­lulu Police Department's former "HPD Alerts" system may have had their personal information compromised after the server was hacked by "an unauthorized person or persons" over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

HPD has confirmed one of their databases containing information about the public has been hacked. Officials say anyone who has ever signed up for an "HPD alert" using their email address or phone number has been exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Angst abounds after last week’s joint announcement from Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell about demolishing the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, highlighting deep rifts that don’t appear to be going away anytime soon. Civil Beat.

Federal budget cuts are forcing Pearl Harbor to cancel its July 4 fireworks and the Marine Corps to cancel its annual Bayfest event at Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Dominic Yagong's and Jamae Kawauchi’s request to investigate the county’s Elections Division was part of a larger conspiracy to take over the county’s elections, an attorney argued Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Both of the state’s 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars attend school in Waimea — Zoe Sims at Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Paul Gregg at Parker School. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

For the past 17 years, James and Jane Sakugawa have rented roughly 5,000 acres of ranch property on Maui from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. That is 80 percent of all land DHHL is leasing to tenants on that island through its revocable-permit program. Yet the Saku­ga­was are not Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. Star-Advertiser.

As part of a statewide crackdown on distracted driving, Maui police officers gave out more than 1,000 citations to drivers using cellphones last month, nearly doubling the total for the previous four months. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie triggered a round of joy when he signed a check Monday for the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center. Garden Island.

The state Legislature has approved a bill authorizing the administration to issue up to $1.3 million in bonds to Sunrise Capital’s shrimp farm in Kekaha to protect its hatchery against shoreline erosion. Garden Island.

A plan to update Kauai’s single-lane Opaekaa Bridge has officials and residents discussing how much of the bridge’s history should be preserved while structural changes are made to enhance safety. Associated Press.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s board of directors said Monday that it wants its 23,300 active members to offer their comments and ideas for the utility’s updated 2013-2025 strategic plan. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu to tear down Natatorium, Hawaii Legislature passes $23.8B biennium budget, preschool vouchers moves to ballot, shield law dies, newspaper readers go digital, WWII bomb found in Maui field, Gabbard tours schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Natatorium (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Mayor Kirk Caldwell today announced a partnership to develop a public memorial beach at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Star-Advertiser.

Is a 45-year fight finally over? Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell say the walls of the Waikiki Natatorium will be torn down. Civil Beat.

The Natatorium in Waikiki was built in 1927 as a tribute to those who served in World War I. Hawaii News Now.

Both chambers of the Hawaii Legislature unanimously passed a $23.8 billion biennium budget Tuesday, sending the bill to fund state operations to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for final approval. Associated Press.

The Hawaii State Legislature today voted unanimously in both the House and Senate to approve the state budget for the upcoming FY2013-2015 biennium. Hawaii Reporter.

The State Legislature unanimously approved the Executive Operating and Construction Budgets today. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii House and Senate separately passed dozens of bills Tuesday touching on issues ranging from energy to education, starting a marathon session by passing a $23.8 billion budget and largely putting off the toughest decisions to the end of the day. Associated Press.

Voters will decide in November 2014 whether public money should be used for private preschool, the linchpin of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's early education initiative. Star-Advertiser.

Voters will decide next year whether Hawaii’s constitution should be amended to let the state use public money for private preschool. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's news media "shield law," a measure that has been praised nationally for including emerging forms of digital and online media in affording journalists a measure of protection from having to reveal confidential sources in court, is due to expire in two months after lawmakers failed Tuesday to approve an extension. Star-Advertiser.

Barring some last-minute legislative maneuver, Hawaii’s shield law protecting journalists from disclosing confidential sources and turning over their notes will expire June 30 since lawmakers failed to agree on a bill to renew it Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii House has amended a bill to extend the state shield law for the next two years to keep existing source protections for journalists, including those who work for digital newspapers and free publications. Associated Press.

A bill designed to streamline the process under which severely mentally ill people can be ordered to get outpatient psychiatric help got final approval from lawmakers Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

People who bring guns from out of state may need to undergo a background check. It’s one of many bills passed out of the legislature Tuesday. KHON2.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is visiting low-income, low-performing Hawaii schools targeted for education reforms under a $75 million federal grant. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association’s Unit 13, which represents some 8,100 professional and scientific employees, has rejected the state’s two-year contract offer. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii Government Employees Association unit that represents professional and scientific employees has rejected a two-year contract offer from the state. The union announced this evening that 55 percent of the 8,100 worker unit voted against the offer. Star-Advertiser.

Whenever the state and counties reach a new contract agreement with one of the public employee unions, it is news, and lots of people are interested. Civil Beat.

Young candidates hope to start a generational change in Hawaii politics in next year's election, but it could as likely turn into a last stand by old-guard Democrats that cements our political status quo for another decade. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for May 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

Circulation for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s print edition declined in the past year, while the newspaper’s paid online subscriptions and branded editions pushed average total circulation up by 28 percent, according to figures released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser's total average weekday circulation jumped nearly 28 percent in the past year, lifting it to 21st place among the nation's top 25 daily newspapers. Star-Advertiser.

Doctors trump CEOs for highest pay in Honolulu, according to a new analysis in which the top six highest-paying jobs in Hawaii’s largest city were from the medical profession. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu International Airport badly needs more plant quarantine inspectors' positions reinstated to deal with the nearly four million boxes of produce, seafood, flowers and plants that are inspected there every year, officials from the state Department of Agriculture said. Hawaii News Now.

Federal labor authorities are proposing $49,000 in fines against the owner of the five-star Halekulani hotel in Waikiki for 14 "serious" safety violations discovered during a routine inspection. Star-Advertiser.

The Aloha Stadium is looking for people who can fill 150 part-time jobs that need to be passionate about the games and showcase excellent customer service. KITV4.

Detectives have determined that the female who reported finding a baby at Sandy Beach on Sunday night is the baby's mother, a Honolulu Police Spokesperson tells Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, will serve as the keynote speaker on Saturday, May 11, for the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s commencement ceremony. Tribune-Herald.

The county’s planning director and Board of Appeals acted in violation of the Kona Community Development Plan and failed to uphold the county’s duty to protect natural resources in awarding a planned unit development permit to a South Kona developer, a 3rd Circuit Court judge ruled last week. West Hawaii Today.

Council members gave a preliminary nod to code changes that would allow the county to cut down trees on occupied property if the trees pose a danger to public safety or a neighbor’s property and the lot owner refuses to mitigate the dangers. West Hawaii Today.

County Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter served on a council subcommittee that steered $40,000 to a nonprofit where she is a board member and her child receives services. West Hawaii Today.

Recent thefts of unattended equipment have impacted scientists’ ability to monitor and predict volcanic activity in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

A $5 million class-action federal lawsuit accusing national supermarket chain Safeway of profiting off the reputation of Kona coffee while selling a product containing little Hawaii-grown coffee has been settled after nearly two years of litigation. West Hawaii Today.

Two Big Island resorts have been chosen by the venerable travel destination company Frommer’s as among the top 10 honeymoon destinations in Hawaii. Big Island Now.

More money will be needed to complete the makeover of Lanakila Housing units. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An unexploded ordnance believed to be a World War II aerial bomb was discovered Monday morning in a Puunene cane field, police said. Maui News.

Authorities called in an emergency disposal unit to Maui after reports that a 2-foot unexploded piece of ordnance was found Monday morning in a Puʻunene cane field. Maui Now.

In the fall of 2015, Maui Waena Intermediate School hopes to add a new eight-classroom building to its campus, which will relieve overcrowded classrooms and boost the curriculum. Maui News.

The Lahaina Division of Motor Vehicle and Licensing satellite office will be closed from Monday to May 15 as it relocates to its new space at the Lahaina Gateway Center. Maui News.

Kauai

At 6:15 p.m. on Saturday — 100 years and four days after its first gleam at passing ships — the Kilauea Point Lighthouse will briefly cast its protective beacon across the waters of the Pacific once more. Garden Island.

The plans to bring back to life the iconic Coco Palms Resort in Wailua received a fatal blow Tuesday, when the Kaua‘i Planning Commission affirmed an order to revoke permits to rebuild the hotel that has been shut down for more than 20 years. Garden Island.

Hawaii bands entertain at Obama inauguration, Abercrombie's State of the State address at 10 a.m. today, Hawaii Island newspapers subpoenaed in political lawsuit, Honolulu newspaper owner buys Kauai daily, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sens. Schatz, Hirono at Obama inauguration, courtesy photo

Two Hawaii school bands — from Kamehameha and Punahou — marched in the presidential inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday in a historic display that gave hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world a little taste of the sights and sounds of President Barack Obama's birthplace. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie will deliver his State of the State address at the Capitol building at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

HPR-1 will carry Governor Abercrombie's  complete State of the State address on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Hawaii Public Radio.

Keeping tabs on who is trying to influence public policy in Hawaii and how they are going about it is difficult in Hawaii. Unlike many other states, Hawaii requires very little information from those who lobby as well as those who get lobbied. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers have begun this year’s Legislature with a pile of bills targeting biotech industries that produce genetically modified organisms, with measures ranging from mandatory labeling to a total ban of such products in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutusi will head a delegation of more than 40 business executives to the Philippines. Maui Now.

Rep. Karen Awana

Outstanding fines didn’t prevent state Rep. Karen Awana from scoring a top leadership position in the House this session. The four-term lawmaker owes the Campaign Spending Commission $6,800 for failing to keep records and filing false reports dating back to 2008. Civil Beat.

Marijuana use on company time fell in Hawaii last year, but it is still the drug that turns up most often in workplace drug testing. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says after meeting with the governor twice, he intends to resume work on the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial's environmental impact statement. KITV4.

State wildlife officials are trying to preserve an area on Oahu critical to groundwater protection where four native plant species are making their last stand. Star-Advertiser.

It's taken five years to get to the point of breaking ground on what will be known as Halekauwila Place. It needed state land, a private developer and the Hawaii Housing Finance Corporation to finally launch an affordable housing project in Kakaako for singles and families. KITV4.

GUIDED by a long piece of string on the ground and a man with a bullhorn, hundreds of people — residents and visitors, young and old — stood shoulder to shoulder in Kapiolani Park on Monday in an attempt to form the world's largest human peace sign. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The lawyer for a county elections official who was fired and later reinstated has subpoenaed the Tribune-Herald, seeking the identities of six individuals who posted online comments regarding stories about the turmoil surrounding the 2012 elections. Tribune-Herald.

The cost of not paying property taxes on time could be getting lower. The Hawaii County Council’s Finance Committee will discuss a bill today that would cut the penalty for late payment in half, from 10 percent to 5 percent. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County is still mulling whether to expand its hybrid vehicle fleet after putting five new cars on the road last year. Tribune-Herald.

Kaiser Permanente employees and their families pitched in at three sites around Hawaii Island as part of the national day of volunteering Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa spent the weekend in Washington DC, as a participant in the US Conference of Mayors. Maui Now.

After the graduation Friday of 20 members of the Maui Police Department's first Crisis Intervention Team, officers said they're more equipped to respond to emergencies. Maui News.

Organizers of the inaugural Aloha Writers Conference - which is set to wrap up today in Kapalua - say they're cautious of the pitfalls suffered by the event's predecessor, and instead want to maintain a grass-roots conference that can help position Maui as "a literary jewel of the Pacific." Maui News.

Kauai

Oahu Publications Inc., publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, has acquired The Garden Island newspaper from Lee Enterprises, the companies announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Publications, Inc. and Kauai Publishing Co. announced today that OPI has purchased The Garden Island newspaper from Lee Enterprises, of Davenport, Iowa. The expected closing date is February 11, 2013. Garden Island.

Federal prosecutors have leveled more accusations against retired car dealer James Pflue­ger, who faces trial next month on conspiracy and tax evasion charges. Star-Advertiser.

A large crowd circulated through the Kukui Grove Center Monday during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration of Peace, sponsored by the Interfaith Roundtable of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

New tool to detect tsunami debris radiation, no gambling to fix Hawaii budget, state Senate to begin UH probe today, Waikiki Natatorium in Abercrombie's sights, Hamakua fights GMO, 6k Maui residents oppose sugarcane burning, Lingle stumps in Kona, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dead Hawaiian boobies trapped in tsunami debris Hawaii DLNR courtesy photo

A new hand-held radiation detector demonstrated Sunday will help the city of Honolulu respond to any flotsam contaminated by the leak at the Japanese nuclear plant in the wake of last year's earthquake and tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

The Smiths Detection RadSeeker, an advanced radiation detector, arrived  Friday at the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, just days after debris from the 2011 tsunami in Japan was found near our shores. KITV4.

DLNR worker clears tsunami debris

 A large plastic bin is the first confirmed piece of marine debris from last year’s Japan tsunamis to arrive in Hawaii, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday.Associated Press.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is working with its federal partners to locate and track the floating dock last reported north of Molokai. KITV4.

The PFM Group — the mainland firm that produced The Study of the State Tax System — also advises that Hawaii not approve a lottery or other forms of gambling. The Hawaii Tax review Commission will meet Wednesday to discuss proposed recommendations to the Hawaii Legislature later this year. Civil Beat.

A special state Senate committee will hold its initial briefing on concerns about how finances are handled at the University of Hawaii. Associated Press.

As the State Senate's Special Committee on Accountability prepared to hold its first briefing Monday afternoon into the University of Hawaii's Stevie Wonder concert fiasco, UH President M.R.C. Greenwood tried to minimize criticism of UH leadership during private meetings, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Former University of Hawaii Athletics Director Jim Donovan plans to testify before state lawmakers Monday that UH offered him a "take it or leave it" deal for his controversial new job, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

For the first time, Hawaii high school students in expository writing, biology, U.S. history and Algebra I classes will take standardized end-of-course exams this school year to test their mastery of the subjects. Star-Advertiser.

As the school year gets rolling, the state Ethics Commission is reminding public school teachers and coaches that they may not give their students private lessons for pay, as the longtime tennis coach at Mililani High School recently learned the hard way. Star-Advertiser.

State Department of Agriculture officials and a Seattle nut and chocolate treat manufacturer are trying to interest local farmers in growing cashews, saying Hawaii’s climate is well suited for the kidney-shaped nut, which can fetch hefty prices. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists using advanced mathematical models to examine the distribution of open-ocean animals in the North Pacific have concluded that rising ocean temperatures could lead to a significant shift in critical ocean habitats. Star-Advertiser.

With more visitors and more residents across the Hawaiian Islands there are also more people hiking. That also means -- more search and rescue missions for hikers who are lost, injured or otherwise in distress. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Hawaiian artwork is on display in the hearing room of a Senate committee in Washington, D.C. Associated Press.

State roundup for September 24. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Gov. Neil Abercrombie decided to take the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium back from the city in July to build a volleyball arena. The challenge for top city officials was how to keep the media and public from finding out about it. Civil Beat.

For months, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has intended to take the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium back from the city to build a world-class volleyball arena. Civil Beat.

"Hawaii Five-0" kicked off its third season Sunday in true Hawaiian style — with the beauty and warmth of the ocean, sky, breezes and beach matching the spirit and exuberance of the fans and actors. Star-Advertiser.

Community support is sought for Waikiki 20/20, an upcoming planning conference aimed at setting a vision for the next two decades in the district, which is one of the most densely populated communities in the state as well as its top tourist destination and economic center. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Budget Chair Ann Kobayashi hoped to receive a thorough briefing on the financial picture for the city’s $5.2 billion rail project from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation department on Wednesday, but instead she and other committee members were left with more questions. Hawaii Reporter.

After sitting down with Honolulu mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano on Friday, I got some more insight into how they think when it comes to mass transit to help ease the city's traffic woes. Pacific Business News.

National campaign adopted on Oahu hopes to reduce homelessness. KHON2.

Hawaii

Lingle attempts to woo West Hawaii voters at forum; Hirono a no-show. West Hawaii Today.

An Idaho dairyman who bought the largest dairy in the state is growing genetically modified corn on state leasehold land in Hamakua, and a number of residents are upset about it, saying it violates the Hamakua Agriculture Plan. Tribune-Herald.

A hefty group of community members, many frustrated by intermittent or restricted access to a trail heading to Papaikou Mill Beach, voiced support at a public meeting Friday for a resolution that would have Hawaii County acquire the privately held path through eminent domain. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. wants to renegotiate its power purchase agreements with renewable energy providers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A group of Maui residents who oppose sugar cane burning has circulated a petition to more than 6,000 people asking Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and the state Department of Health to stop allowing smoke to pollute the air in publicly accessible areas, an announcement said. Maui News.

Maui County Council members voted 8-0 Friday to adopt a resolution asking state lawmakers next year to consider a bill requiring the labeling of genetically modified food products. Maui News.

West Maui residents and visitors are being asked to conserve water until Monday after a broken waterline shut down the Mahinahina Water Treatment Facility, a county Department of Water Supply spokeswoman said. Maui News.

Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday to a bill to establish new zoning for restricted industrial uses. Maui News.

Kauai

University of Hawaii students, engineers and faculty are building a satellite that will be controlled by UH students on the ground and will serve as the key payload on a rocket lifting off from Kauai's Barking Sands in September 2013. Star-Advertiser.

‘Being Out At Work On Kaua‘i’ community forum scheduled for Oct. 4. Garden Island.

Ground for the Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai Hawaiian Homes Subdivision, Phase II was celebrated Wednesday and was attended by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and a host of dignitaries. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Department officers were busy, monitoring traffic and doing free infant car seat safety inspections along Olohena Road fronting the Kapa‘a Middle School Friday afternoon. Garden Island.