Coral reef damage and global warming alarm Hawaii scientists, Oahu environmental activist attacked, opposition mounts to military man heading University of Hawaii, Dems changing rules on filling vacancies in Legislature, hula STD app changes name, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fourspot butterflyfish with rice coral © 2014 All Hawaii News

Armed with mounting evidence that the disease attacking Kauai's coral reefs is spreading, state aquatic officials Tuesday said they're stepping up their response to the problem. What's more, officials said they want everyone in Hawaii to be on the lookout for the black-band coral disease and report any discoveries to its "Eyes of the Reef" website. Star-Advertiser.

Access Eyes of the Reef website here.

A year and a half after a U.S. Geological Survey report described Kauai’s coral disease outbreak as an “epidemic,” the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Tuesday it will lead an investigation to identify research and treatment options. Garden Island.

Coral disease

Hawaii needs to prepare for diminishing supplies of freshwater, dying coral reefs, stronger storms, rising sea levels and fewer native species, according to the third U.S. National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive report on the long-term effects of climate change on regions throughout the country. Civil Beat.

A federal report released Tuesday says Hawaii and other U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands are at risk of climate changes that will affect nearly every aspect of life. Associated Press.

Scientists and state officials are continuing to monitor a coral disease that’s quickly spreading across the north shores of Kauai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Which Hawaii Senators Got the Most Bills Passed? Civil Beat.

Retired Lt. Gen. Frank Wiercinski's decades-long military career was top of mind for students who protested a forum where he made his first public appearance Tuesday night as one of two finalists vying to be the next president of the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

There were protestors and pointed questions at the first of several "talk story" public forums with the finalists for the President of the University of Hawai'i system. Two men in the running for UH's top position, Interim President David Lassner and Lt. General Francis Wiercinski. Hawaii News Now.

A veteran former University of Hawaii administrator who wanted to be UH president said she might still be a candidate for the job if the Board of Regents hadn't changed the rules during the search process. Hawaii News Now.

The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission certified more than 125,000 people on its official register, completing a major first step for Native Hawaiians to form their own independent government that could seek federal recognition and the return of land to the Hawaiian people. Associated Press.

A mobile app called “Hula,” which is used to provide information about sexually transmitted diseases, will change its name after complaints that the use of the word was culturally insensitive to Hawaiians, the app’s owner said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz continues to use his significant money advantage over Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to inundate Hawaii airwaves with messaging that he hopes will keep him in office well beyond 2014. Civil Beat.

Are Hawaii hospitals among the nation's best or worst for patient safety? It depends on which study you choose to believe. Pacific Business News.

Could HECO Fade Like Evening Newspapers and Ma Bell? Civil Beat.

Oahu

Environmental activist Carroll Cox was attacked Tuesday by two masked men armed with pipes in the Kalaeloa area not far from a property that he has been investigating for illegal use and improper dumping, Cox said. Star-Advertiser.

Environmental activist Carroll Cox said he was attacked by two masked men armed with a metal pipe as he investigated illegal dumping and questionable leases in Kalaeloa. Hawaii News Now.

More gaming machines could be deemed “illegal” through a City Council bill that is scheduled for a hearing Wednesday morning at Kapolei Hale. Bill 30 is scheduled for second reading, so it’s still a ways off from becoming law.  But it does open the floor for discussion. KHON2.

Oahu's housing market has been on a four-year upswing in sales volume, but that trend is now flirting a bit with a slowdown as relatively low inventory and high prices take a toll on buyers. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: The Senate confirmed Brian Tamamoto to one of HCDA's two "small business" seats on April 24. The thing is, Tamamoto's company is a subsidiary of Kobayashi Group, a major developer ($3 billion worth so far) and anything but a small business. Hawaii Independent.

Within the next month the University of Hawaii and the Aloha Stadium Authority hope to get a better picture of future stadium prospects from two disparate studies. Star-Advertiser.

Whole Foods Market is the newest addition to the Ward Village redevelopment. The upscale grocer said Tuesday it has signed a lease to open another Hono­lulu store, which will be built as part of a mixed-used project at the site of the former Nordstrom Rack, existing Office Depot and a surface parking lot. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Democratic Party leadership has unanimously approved new rules governing how to fill vacancies in the Legislature, following a controversy last year filling the District 5 post vacated by former state Rep. Denny Coffman. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hawaii Tribune-Herald Publisher Jim Wilson filed last week to run in the District 6 election, starting his first foray into politics since leaving the fourth estate more than a decade ago.

Studying magma before it erupts is a big challenge for geologists for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the molten rock sometimes sits inaccessible miles below the earth’s surface. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After nearly six weeks of deliberations and a clash between Mayor Alan Arakawa and County Council budget committee Chairman Mike White, the council budget committee Monday recommended approval of a $604 million county budget, which includes lower property tax rates but is 8 percent more than the current fiscal budget. Maui News.

The family of a Kihei woman who died in an airplane crash on Lanai is suing the companies that owned and operated the plane and the estate of the pilot, who also died in the crash, for negligence. Maui News.

Kauai

Work began Tuesday morning to remove diseased and termite infested Norfolk trees lining the Haleko Road entrance to the Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiian registry advances, state stops defending old anti-gay law, Justice Department sues over airport sexual harassment allegations, Honolulu rail contracts going out, Maui and Hawaii counties mull budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian protest at governor's mansion file photo © 2014 All Hawaii News

The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission certified more than 125,000 people on its official register, completing a major first step for Native Hawaiians to form their own independent government that could seek federal recognition and the return of land to the Hawaiian people. Associated Press.

State senators expressed excitement Monday for the future of Native Hawaiian nation-building now that a commission has compiled a list of potentially eligible voters. The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission recently announced that 125,631 Native Hawaiians are on the Kana‘i­olo­walu Registry, with an additional 4,500 or so names still needing to be entered. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the Native Hawaiian community are on track to establish a constitution for an independent Hawaiian nation as soon as next January. Representatives from the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, a group charged with enrolling Native Hawaiians in a nation-building effort, told state lawmakers Monday that more than 130,000 people have signed up. The Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee held an informational briefing Monday at the state Capitol to take stock of the group’s progress. Civil Beat.

The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission provided an update for lawmakers today on its progress in registering members of the state’s recognized indigenous people.  The goal is to form a governing entity and self-governance for Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Attorney General David Louie announced on Monday that the state would stop defending its old marriage law barring gay couples from getting married. Star-Advertiser.

GOP Caucuses Struck Out at Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Justice Department is suing the state on behalf of a former Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division employee, alleging that state officials fired her after she filed several complaints of job-related sexual harassment and pressed unsuccessfully for those officials to take proper action. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Shame on the State Legislature for inviting the Prison-Industrial Complex to Hawaii. Hawaii Independent.

State roundup for May 6. Associated Press.

Oahu

After three years and countless hours of investigation, city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro said he's not through in his pursuit of alleged gambling with sweepstakes machines. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of criminal charges were filed after a huge crackdown on sweepstakes machines, and authorities warn customers could be next. KHON2.

New video captured by Hawaii News Now shows three more people being arrested in a crackdown on Products Direct Sweepstakes machines in Honolulu.

About 300 people crowded into the Honolulu Country Club in Salt Lake on Monday to network in advance of a bidding process for $1 billion in Honolulu rail contracts. The first bids are expected as early as this month. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has collected $1.25 billion in revenue to date from the General Excise and Use tax surcharge on Oahu that will help pay for the city's $5.16 billion Honolulu rail project. Pacific Business News.

An estimated 160 University of Hawaii faculty members will likely vacate university housing on Oahu in coming months under a revised policy that enforces time limits on rental leases for the first time in nearly two decades. Star-Advertiser.

It's been three years since new Handi-Vans joined the city's aging fleet of paratransit vehicles, but transit officials hope that a spate of new vans just now starting to arrive on Oahu will help improve the service amid ongoing complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Taking advantage of a modest property value revival and an unexpected bonus from the state, Mayor Billy Kenoi on Monday sent the County Council a revised operating budget that’s 5.7 percent higher than last year. West Hawaii Today.

On the mainland, big farms can find ways to sell their produce to small school districts, but with the situation reversed in Hawaii, local farmers sometimes find it difficult to get their products to the state’s large public district, says Nancy Redfeather, program director of Hawaii Island School Garden Network. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island coffee growers welcomed Monday the news that $700,000 in federal funding had been secured to continue efforts to battle the invasive coffee berry borer. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A council committee has approved a $604 million budget for Maui County, and it’s $18.5 million lower than the one Mayor Alan Arakawa proposed. Associated Press.

The Maui County Council's Budget and Finance Committee approved a $604 million budget for fiscal year 2015 - $18.5 million lower than Mayor Alan Arakawa's proposed budget - late Saturday, according to an announcement from Committee Chairman Mike White. Maui News.

The Maui Budget and Finance Committee today completed its review of the fiscal year 2015 budget and recommended passage of a $604 million budget, that includes a 3.1% reduction in real property tax rates across the board, according to an announcement from Committee Chair Mike White.Maui Now.

Maui County's proposed fiscal 2015 budget will be discussed by Mayor Alan Arakawa and members of his administration at 7 p.m. Wednesday on his one-hour television show. Maui News.

Carl Bonham of the University of Hawaii's Economic Research Organization will be the guest speaker at the Maui Small Business Administration Awards and Economic Update Luncheon, beginning at noon Friday at the King Kamehameha Golf Club in Waikapu. Maui News.

The sister of one of two Maui County Planning Department employees who died in a plane crash on Lanai in February is suing the airline, the company that owns the crashed aircraft and the estate of the pilot, who also died in the crash. Star-Advertiser.

Patricia Rabellizsa fell 150 feet while working at the Pi'iholo Zipline course in upcountry Maui. Police sources say Rabellizsa was not tethered to the platform or wearing any type of safety harness.  There is no law requiring employees be attached to the platform but most companies require their employees to wear a harness. Hawaii News Now.

A scattering of mice carcasses along the Honoapiʻilani Highway in recent weeks, has some on Maui wondering if the island is experiencing another mice population boom. Maui Now.

Kauai
The Department of Land and Natural Resources is beginning a project to protect rare birds and their native forest habitat in Kauai’s Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve. The natural area reserve stretches from sea level along the picturesque Na Pali coast up to the Alaka‘i plateau in the Hanalei and Waimea districts. Garden Island.

As a former pastor, Thomas “Butch” Kahawai admits that he did not think that he would ever go into politics. Kahawai, a Democrat, officially filed his nomination papers on Friday to run in this year’s election for a state House District 16 seat now held by fellow Democrat Daynette “Dee” Morikawa. Garden Island.

Molokai

Incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie visited Molokai last week to tour local schools, agricultural programs and talk story with residents during his campaign for reelection. At a lunch event held at the Molokai Community Health Center on Monday, Abercrombie shared his accomplishments, as well as discussed some of Molokai’s challenges. Here, we have presented a summary of his speech in the form of questions and answers, some of which were added for clarity in this format, and some of which were asked by Molokai Dispatch staff in an interview afterward.

Hawaii Democrats kick off campaign season, two UH president finalists to tour campuses, Senate committee hears Native Hawaiian roll update, Honolulu mulls plastic bag ban, $15M shortfall could cut Maui medical services, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County Democratic convention © 2014 All Hawaii News

Two days after the Hawaii Legislature concluded its 2014 session, another big political story of the year entered a new phase: the primary election. On Saturday, island chapters of the Democratic Party of Hawaii held conventions on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. (Kauai held its convention last month.) It was the first time for many party members to see most of the major candidates all in one setting. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa used brief stops before Oahu Democrats on Saturday to make politics personal, but they took different approaches that offer insight into their campaign strategies. Star-Advertiser.

Abercrombie and Kokubun

Few candidates running for office in Hawaii fail to mention the V-word — values — when appealing to local voters. Gov. Neil Abercrombie is actually using the word in the title of his second television commercial for his re-election campaign: "Neil Abercrombie: Values." Civil Beat.

Beginning Tuesday, the two finalists for president of the University of Hawaii System — current interim President David Lassner and retired Army Lt. Gen. Francis Wier­cin­ski — will spend a month visiting UH campuses throughout the state, meeting with students, faculty and community members and participating in forums and receptions open to the public. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents released Saturday the final report by the Committee on Presidential Selection. The committee recommended David Lassner, the university’s interim president, and retired Lt. Gen. Frank Wiercinski, former commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, as its top candidates. KHON2.

Read the report here.

The Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs will hold an informational briefing Monday morning to receive an update on the progress of the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. The Roll Commission was established by the Legislature three years ago “to certify and publish a roll of Qualified Native Hawaiians for the purpose of organizing a Native Hawaiian governing entity that is recognized by the State of Hawaii, and can be recognized by the United States,” according to a press release from the Senate. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers adjourned the session on Thursday after reviewing hundreds of bills. Here is the status of some of the most significant bills. Bills that have passed have been sent to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his signature or veto. The governor also can allow bills to become law without his signature. Lawmakers can override vetoes by a two-thirds’ vote in each chamber. Star-Advertiser.

Many Hawaii legislators hold campaign fundraisers during the four-month period in which they also hear bills of interest to lobbyists. Civil Beat.

House Majority floor leader Rida Cabanilla, D-Ewa, controls a non-profit that was awarded a $100,000 grant on April 25 from her peers in the Hawaii state legislature while the organization was out of compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. Hawaii Reporter.

Sam Slom, party of one in Hawaii’s Senate. L.A. Times.

Insurance companies in Hawaii are required to cover fertility treatment only for married women, not for their single counterparts. And in vitro fertilization treatments must use sperm from the patient's spouse. Associated Press.

An organic certification is a way for customers to make sure the food they’re buying fits certain standards. But that can be challenging for many farmers here in Hawaii, especially since the state has no locally-based certifier. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for May 5. Associated Press.

Oahu
The federal indictment of Waste Management of Hawaii and two of its top officials last week over their handling of Oahu's landfill has Hono­lulu City Council members seeking answers and at least one questioning whether the city should continue its 20-year operating contract. Star-Advertiser.

The question of whether shopping bags can be both plastic and biodegradable has thrown a possible wrench into plans to ban the bags on Oahu next year. Star-Advertiser.

New bill could delay Oahu’s plastic bag ban. KHON2.

Could Ads on City Buses Help Sustain Honolulu's Transportation System? Civil Beat.

Two thousand homes a year. That's roughly how much Oahu's housing market is losing ground each year as the growth in population outstrips the production of new homes. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen’s Medical Center West Oahu is wrapping up final touches and conducting practice medical scenarios among staff in preparation for its May 20 grand opening. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric is seeking bidders to provide one or more large-scale energy storage systems on Oahu. Associated Press.

Hawaii

If, as Woody Allen claims, “80 percent of life is showing up,” the Hawaii County Council is getting there. The current County Council has a much better attendance record than previous councils, but there’s still room for improvement for certain members. West Hawaii Today.

Complaints from Hawaii Community College students alleging misuse of student fees spurred state Senate President Donna Mercado Kim to request a review by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is supporting the efforts of a state senator's family to subdivide a DHHL homestead parcel leased to her mother, a move that could rectify violations at least a decade old of having too many residences on the property. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A projected $15 million shortfall will force Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital administrators to consider cutting patient services or laying off employees next fiscal year, said Wesley Lo, Maui region chief executive officer of Hawaii Health System Corp. Maui News.

The search to replace longtime University of Hawaii Maui College Chancellor Clyde Sakamoto has begun as a 17-member, all-Maui Chancellor Search Advisory Committee has been formed. Maui News.

Honokahua Bay, which includes the popular D.T. Fleming Beach Park, has been murky brown for months - but Friday may have been the worst. Maui News.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate approved a supplemental budget bill that calls for more than $500 million in funds for more than 80 capital improvement projects in Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai

Voters may decide in November who should serve on the county’s Cost Control Commission — some government employees or none at all. Garden Island.

Provided Gov. Neil Abercrombie signs the legislative-approved funding, the Kauai Museum will begin a major renovation project by June. Garden Island.

The public will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the two remaining University of Hawaii presidential candidates Thursday. Garden Island.

Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, Turtle Bay protection approved, Cabanilla in trouble again, list narrowed for UH president, Hawaii council kills ethics bill, not enough oversight for $1B Honolulu rail contracts, Maui and Kauai battle budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Legislature closed its 2014 session Thursday with long, if not particularly lively, floor sessions in the House and Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers approved a historic land-preservation deal Thursday after a last-minute debate on the final day of the 2014 legislative session. Associated Press.

The state House, swallowing deep misgivings, voted Thursday to give final approval to a bill that would authorize $40 million in state bonds to help preserve 665 acres of bucolic Turtle Bay Resort from future development. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature ended its 2014 session today.  But there was a critical last minute vote on a measure to preserve undeveloped North Shore land for future generations. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Rep. Rida Cabanilla said Thursday that she hopes her close ties to a nonprofit that received a $100,000 grant from the state Legislature do not jeopardize the release of the money, which would be used for the upkeep of the Ewa Plantation Cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

House Majority floor leader Rida Cabanilla, D-Ewa, controls a non-profit that was awarded a $100,000 grant on April 25 from her peers in the Hawaii state legislature while the organization was out of compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. Hawaii Reporter.

Following a nearly yearlong search, the University of Hawaii has identified two finalists in the running to be the next president of the 10-campus system: the university's longtime information technology executive, who is serving as interim president, and the retired commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

As of this coming school year, all 5-year-olds will be required to attend kindergarten in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday marked the deadline for people to register with the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission to participate in forming a sovereign governing entity for Native Hawaiians. And this time, it's final. More than 121,000 people of Native Hawaiian ancestry have signed up and been verified since the effort launched in the summer of 2012. The signature drive is called Kanaiolowalu, for the sound of people gathering. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Health Connector, the online marketplace responsible for implementing President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act in Hawaii, enrolled 9,800 residents as of Wednesday’s final deadline for its first year of providing coverage. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional contender Mark Takai has joined the political candidates vying for your attention during your favorite TV shows. Takai, who's running in the crowded race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat, recently bought his first 10 TV spots at a cost of $3,250. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

With the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation poised to dole out about $1 billion in contracts for the Honolulu rail project this year, the city Ethics Commission is worried that there isn't enough government oversight to ensure that private companies aren't given sweetheart deals. Civil Beat.

An Oahu business has shut down its Products Direct Sweepstakes machines after a federal judge ruled that use of the machines is gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu workers and residents are getting excited about the Walmart store that will open soon in the former Macy’s department store, especially since a couple of new signs have appeared on the building at the corner of King Street and Fort Street Mall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A County Council 4-4 deadlock Thursday killed an ethics bill that Mayor Billy Kenoi has pushed since taking office in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

The state budget approved by lawmakers provides $1 million toward extending Saddle Road to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Tribune-Herald.

Two million dollars of state funds will go toward upgrading and renovating the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy at the Keaukaha Military Reserve Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Conservation Alliance this week launched conservationconnections.org, what organization leaders hope will become the comprehensive, go-to site to find volunteer opportunities and conservation projects across the state. West Hawaii Today.

An election held last week for positions in the University of Hawaii at Hilo student government has been nullified and will be redone, university officials confirmed today. Big Island Now.

Maui

With a battle brewing over how to handle the county's fiscal 2015 budget, only 11 individuals showed up to testify on property tax rates during a public hearing Wednesday night before the Maui County Council. Maui News.

To save their homes from bright lights, noisy ball games, congested traffic and decreasing property values, Maui Lani residents proposed Tuesday that the state consider developing its Central Maui Regional Sports Complex in another location, but state officials said that would delay the project another seven to 10 years. Maui News.

Michelle Del Rosario, chairwoman of the Hawaii Independent Party. The co-founder of Hawaii's newest political party hopes to attract independent thinkers. Star-Advertiser.

A 20-year-old Maui woman fell approximately 150-feet to her death during a zipline accident near the Piʻiholo Ranch this morning, fire officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tough decisions, county officials say, lie ahead as they try to balance the county’s budget without an anticipated windfall from increased state tax revenues charged to visitor accommodations. Garden Island.

You could say that politics runs in Arryl Kaneshiro’s blood. His father, Daryl Kaneshiro, after all, served on the Kauai County Council for six terms between 1998 and 2010. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will install a fence to protect Kauai forest from the Na Pali Coast up to the Alakai plateau. The project in the Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve will control invasive weeds like Australian tree ferns and remove pigs and goats. Associated Press.