Hawaii officials fear impact of canceled North Korea summit, lava flows continue to impress, Gabbard most popular Hawaii politician in poll, new indictment in Honolulu police corruption case, money flows to Kauai, Maui has #1 beach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USGS map. See Hawaii Island category below for latest lava news

Canceled N. Korea summit may leave Hawaii vulnerable to attack. President Donald Trump’s decision Thursday to cancel his summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un was more than just a blow to peace in the Korean Peninsula. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat Poll: Tulsi Gabbard Is Hawaii’s Most Popular Politician. Only former President Obama gets higher marks than the Hawaii congresswoman. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Voters Seem Ready For A Constitutional Convention. A solid majority of those surveyed support the idea of holding the first such event in 40 years. Civil Beat.

April is a traditionally off-peak travel month, however, Hawaii hotels statewide reported solid increases in revenue per available room, average daily rate and room occupancy, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report issued by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

After seven years of growing Hawaii auto sales, the state could see a decline this year. New-vehicle registrations in the state fell 4.3 percent in the first quarter and are projected to drop in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is co-sponsoring a bill to suspend newly imposed tariffs on Canadian newsprint that is driving up business costs for domestic newspapers, book publishers and commercial printers. Star-Advertiser.

Beachgoers are being advised of elevated bacteria levels at three beaches across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A federal grand jury returned a new indictment today against retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

A second superseding indictment against Honolulu's ex-police chief and his deputy prosecutor wife offers new details on the bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and obstruction charges against them. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Cop Fired For Domestic Violence Gets His Job Back. But a labor board panel has temporarily blocked Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard’s effort to release information explaining the decision. Civil Beat.

Police union blocks release of details about officer's contentious reinstatement. Hawaii News Now.

Bill 30: Buy Rail "Remnant" Properties. The Honolulu Rail Transit Project is scheduled to start construction on the final city center segment through downtown Honolulu next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fate Of Popular Swimming Cove In Kahala Remains Uncertain. A rocky breakwater creates a unique attraction known as Cromwell’s, but it’s been a liability for owners of an oceanfront museum. Civil Beat.

Two Honolulu-based commercial fishing companies have been ordered to pay civil fines after they discharged oily bilge waste into the Pacific Ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Elevated walkways connecting condominium towers in Kakaako were a state vision decades ago. Now the developer of the biggest master-planned community in the area wants to put some in place. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lava From Kilauea Enters Ocean From Three Flows. The U.S. Marine Corps sends two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters to help if more evacuations become necessary. Associated Press.

A third lava flow was entering the ocean in Lower Puna, the latest hitting the water between Pohoiki Bay and Mac­Kenzie State Park, Hawaii County Civil Defense officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Blue flames from methane vents surprise scientists. Associated Press.

No sign of increase or decrease in amount of lava; ash plumes persist. Three weeks into the lower Puna eruption, volcanic activity remains high but stable along Kilauea’s East Rift Zone. Tribune-Herald.

Spectacular, but destructive, lava fountains were active in the northeast section of Leilani Estates on Wednesday. The fissures were producing huge ponds of lava and feeding flows that were covering roads in the Puna subdivision. Big Island Video News.

Kilauea volcano’s ongoing eruption is destroying or damaging farms through the air, on the ground and from beneath the Earth’s surface. Civil Beat.

At least six separate fissures are erupting in lower Puna, pumping out an incredible 40 to 60 cubic feet of lava per second, spewing fountains of lava into the air and creating flows that are cascading into the sea some three miles downslope. Hawaii News Now.

NASA uses powerful instruments to help monitor eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Lava, Loss of PGV Capacity Create Electricity Challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Puna family still in shock; others hold on, hoping they’ll be spared. Eruptions from Kilauea Volcano have displaced thousands of Puna residents, devoured at least 50 structures and threatened dozens of others in its path. Star-Advertiser.

Another Eruption at Kilauea's Summit Sends Ash 10,000 Feet High. Hawaii Public Radio.

With one highway severed and another one threatened, officials continue to be frank about the possibility of lava flows isolating residents in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

With regular explosive bursts at Kilauea’s summit, ash continues to drift over Pahala, covering everything in a fine layer of charcoal-colored dust. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii mayor Harry Kim giving back to the community since 1977. KITV.

The state Department of Transportation on Thursday began its scheduled inspection of Wailuku Bridge, known as the Singing Bridge, in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bill that includes $3 million to protect Hawaii coffee and maintain agriculture research facilities in Hilo, as well as $32 million to support agricultural inspection stations in airports. Pacific Business News.

With a ceremonial passing of the colors, outgoing Lt. Col. Christopher M. Marquez relinquished command of Pohakuloa Training Area to Lt. Col. Loreto V. Borce Jr. West Hawaii Today.

Mass Transit's cash handling process was inadequate and ineffective to ensure that revenue is properly controlled and deposits are timely and accurate, the auditor found. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Kapalua is Dr. Beach’s No. 1 pick. A crescent-shaped beach on Maui got the top slot Thursday on the list of best beaches issued annually by a Florida professor known as Dr. Beach. Associated Press.

Maui County hotels defy usual April doldrums. Higher average daily room rates and revenue reported. Maui News.

Telescope protester’s trial put on hold. Motion filed in Hawaiian seeking dismissal for lack of a speedy trial. Maui News.

Kauai

As parts of Kauai continue to rebuild from last month’s record rain and flooding, county officials estimate they will need an initial $31.2 million for 90 road, bridge and park repair projects. Star-Advertiser.

Residents of Wainiha and Haena gathered as a community Thursday to discuss what kind of future they envision for Kauai's north shore as the island continues to rebuild. Garden Island.

More than a hundred people gathered in downtown Honolulu Thursday night to raise money for flood victims on Kauai. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige spent Thursday morning learning about the impacts of April’s flooding on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Hawaii has committed to boosting coastal fisheries, and a new study identifies east Kauai as one of the highest-potential fisheries for population recovery. Garden Island.

Sanctuary bill advances in Hawaii Legislature, medical marijuana for tourists, $15 minimum wage mulled, Chinatown cancels Chinese New Year fest, corrections officers call in sick to watch Super Bowl, police union strikes back at new Honolulu chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii road ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii still ranks at the bottom when it comes to road conditions given the amount of money the state pours into them. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers advance ‘sanctuary’ bill akin to California. A bill to prohibit Hawaii law enforcement agencies from honoring most federal immigration holds or sharing certain types of information with immigration authorities has won preliminary approval from state Senate and House committees. Star-Advertiser.

A number of bills addressing homelessness are being considered by the Hawaii Legislature. A bill to establish safe zones for homeless campers, complete with hygiene facilities and social services, does not have the support of the administration. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii May Allow Tourists To Buy Medical Marijuana. Lawmakers also may add vaporizers, more potent products and edibles to dispensaries’ product repertoire. Civil Beat.

Should "Home Inspectors" in Hawaii be licensed or regulated by the state? The idea is being talked about in the inspection industry and at the State Capital. KITV.

A Hawaii state representative has proposed a law that he says would help reduce the islands’ overwhelming number of discarded vehicles. Associated Press.

Measures intended to boost the state’s economy by increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next two years and to create a family leave plan to help family caregivers were advanced on Tuesday by the Senate Committee on Labor. Maui Now.

Ige taps former union executive to head Hawaii's labor department. Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Wednesday appointed Leonard Hoshijo to head the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Pacific Business News.

The state is seeking to hire out-of-state contractors to help clear a backlog of health inspections of dialysis centers and other medical facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 30 percent of Hawaii’s prison guards called in sick on Super Bowl Sunday, state officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

One third of corrections officers assigned to work on Super Bowl Sunday called in sick. Hawaii News Now.

OHA Demands Financial Details From Its Own Companies. Organizations created by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will have to provide documents for an internal audit. Civil Beat.

Legislature Keeps Written Testimony Under Wraps Til The Last Minute. The common practice of not releasing testimony to the public until an hour before a hearing has one Republican lawmaker pushing for change. Civil Beat.

Hundreds send in ideas to improve missile alert system. Star-Advertiser.

Why We Didn’t Name Hawaii’s ‘Button Pusher’. Numerous media outlets agreed to publish interviews with the man who sent out the false alert without saying who he was. Civil Beat.

PUC approves HECO demand response programs, allowing the utility to control customers' equipment. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Ranks No.4 for Highest Density of Millionaires. Hawaii  previously held the number one ranking in 2010.  In 2017, Hawaiʻi ranked #4 behind #3 Connecticut, #2 New Jersey and #1 Maryland. Maui Now.

Oahu

Hawaii Police Union Strikes Back At Chief Ballard Over Reassignments. SHOPO files a complaint alleging the Honolulu police chief made “false and disparaging remarks” about union leaders. Civil Beat.

SHOPO president Tenari Maafala has filed a complaint against Chief Susan Ballard with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. KHON2.

The state Department of Health issued a high level of bacteria advisory this afternoon for Hanauma Bay, resulting in the closure of the popular snorkeling spot. Star-Advertiser.

The city has closed Hanauma Bay after high bacteria levels were detected Wednesday, and the popular preserve won't reopen until Friday at the earliest. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has rejected a World Surf League request to swap permits for two contests on the North Shore — a decision the organization says could force it to pull its championship tour competitions from Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Permit issues could jeopardize high-profile North Shore surf contest. KHON2.

State lawmakers are taking another crack at resolving a flap over two brothers charging for parking along Kakaako streets to which they claim ownership despite decades of public use. Star-Advertiser.

The Chinatown Merchants Association has abruptly canceled Saturday’s “Night in Chinatown Festival and Parade” to celebrate the Year of the Dog due to lack of funding. Associated Press.

Community members and event organizers are shocked and disappointed that a popular event that attracts thousands to Chinatown to celebrate Chinese New Year was canceled at the last minute due to a lack of vendors. Star-Advertiser.

How a vending machine packed with food and toiletries could help the homeless. Hawaii News Now.

After months-long repair project, new security Kakaako Waterfront is a new park. Hawaii News Now.

The newly minted Honolulu Climate Change Commission met for the first time Wednesday, electing a chairman and vowing to make addressing the impact of sea level rise on Oahu its first order of business. Star-Advertiser.

Kupuna in an affordable housing complex in Kakaako were given quite the scare last week. They received notices that their rent would soon increase – some would even double. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Shack Hawaii Kai announced it will be closing its doors after 26 years in business. KITV.

Hawaii Island

An attempt by the County Council to regulate vacation rentals is drawing a lot of interest — and concern — from part-time residents who rent out their homes and condos to help pay the bills. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would establish a one-half percent general excise and use tax surcharge on the Big Island was heard by the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Feb. 6. Big Island Video News.


The county planning director has recommended that a proposal to build a roughly 5,800-square-foot 18-hole golf putting course next to Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa be approved. West Hawaii Today.

Emotions ran high at a recent meeting about the possible closure of a Big Island charter school. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Ten drownings in three weeks on Maui have grabbed the attention of Hawaii lawmakers who want the state to step up ocean safety efforts in the isles. Civil Beat.


Anaergia Services plans to meet with Maui EKO Systems once a month about possibly continuing to process the county’s green waste at the Central Maui Landfill, while the energy company moves forward with its proposed renewable energy project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility, officials from both companies said. Maui News.

Commercial waste haulers need to pay fees. Maui News.

The County Department of Environmental Management announced that as of Tuesday Feb. 20, 2018, microwave ovens cannot be accepted for recycling at E-Cycling, Maui County’s Electronic Recycling Program. Maui Now.

Home sales on Maui rose in January, led by a 25 percent increase in condominium sales, while prices were mixed, compared to the same month a year ago, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The public had a lot to say at Wednesday’s Kauai County Council meeting, after a resolution was introduced urging the United States to conduct diplomatic talks with North Korea with the goal of signing a peace treaty. Garden Island.

Kauai Humane Society hasn’t found a permanent leader for the facility, three months after the former executive director handed in his resignation. Garden Island.

Lanai

A community meeting to hear public comments on the proposed design guidelines and standards for the Lanai City Country Town Business District will be held Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, at the Lanai Senior Center at 5 p.m. Maui Now.

Molokai

Maui Electric Co. has inked an agreement to purchase power from Maui County’s first grid-scale solar and battery energy storage system on Molokai that could lower electric bills, the utility announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Gabbard endorses Hanabusa for governor, legislator loses chairmanship in failed House coup attempt, arrest warrant issued for Native Hawaiian who refused to speak English in court, U.S. and South Korean defense ministers come to Hawaii to negotiate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Democratic U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard PC: Gabbard campaign

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard endorsed her Democratic colleague U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa for governor Wednesday, saying Hana­busa has a “proven record of leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard Shakes Up Governor’s Race By Endorsing Hanabusa. The congresswoman takes the unusual step of backing her D.C. colleague in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Gabbard backs Hanabusa for Hawaii governor. Associated Press.

Citing her “proven record of leadership”, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard today endorsed fellow Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa for Hawaii governor. Big Island Video News.

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Longtime state Rep. Ken Ito was removed as chairman of the House committee that deals with veterans and military affairs on Wednesday in fallout from an aborted attempt to reorganize the power structure of the state House. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Ken Ito was removed as chair of a House committee on Wednesday and he says it was his signature on a petition supporting Rep. James Tokioka as Speaker of the House of Representatives that cost him the title. Garden Island.

State lawmakers introduce bills dealing with helmets, passengers in pickup truck beds. Tribune-Herald.

Sex-trafficking advocates will be at the state Capitol for the "hotline poster" bill. KITV.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis will meet Friday in Hawaii with his South Korean counterpart, Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo, to discuss issues on the Korean Peninsula. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz plans to introduce legislation giving the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security the responsibility to notify the public of an incoming missile attack instead of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, which sent a false alert that panicked island residents and visitors for 38 minutes on Jan. 13. Star-Advertiser.

How does Hawaii’s Emergency Management System work? That was the focus at the Legislature today. Hawaii Public Radio.

This Is What Hawaii’s Missile Defense System Looks Like. The basic principle involves shooting a missile with a missile. But some want more assurance that the missiles don’t miss. Civil Beat.

State kicks off annual recruitment blitz for Hawaii teachers. Every year, Hawaii needs to hire from 700 to 1,200 public school teachers to fill vacancies — left by departures and retirements. Hawaii News Now.

DOE Official Fined For Using State Resources On Her Doctoral Work. The Department of Education has now opened its own investigation of Suzanne Mulcahy. Civil Beat.

The Study Hawaii Consortium is working to grow Hawaii’s international education market into a billion dollar industry. Hawaii Public Radio.

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement actions this year in Hawaii resulted in closures of 19 large capacity cesspools and over $500,000 in fines. Maui Now.

New study declares Hawaii the worst state to drive in. KHON2.

Oahu

Plan to burn recyclables at HPower placed on hold. The Honolulu City Council’s Public Works Committee voted to defer the resolution which would allow the city to divert recyclable materials it picks up at residences to the HPower plant in Kapolei where it would be burned to generate electricity. Hawaii News Now.

Owners of older high-rise residential buildings would be able to opt out of installing sprinklers under a draft fire safety bill approved by a Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

HART board defers decision to give HECO $20M to purchase special trucks. The board in charge of the city’s $8 billion-plus rail project decided Wednesday night to hold off approving $20.3 million in change orders for Hawaiian Electric Co. to purchase 15 specialized vehicles to deal with ongoing utility-line clearance issues. Star-Advertiser.

HART board approves order that could save millions, then takes it back. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens filled the cafeteria as Pearl Ridge Elementary School for Wednesday night's community meeting to learn about changes in the Aiea-Pearl City Neighborhood Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan Station area. KITV.

Pearl Harbor soon will have two warships named USS Missouri. The Navy said the attack submarine USS Missouri will arrive Friday to become the sixth highly capable and much-coveted Virginia-class submarine based in Hawaii — the only location for Virginia subs in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

NRG Energy breaks ground on 3 grid-scale solar projects in Hawaii. NRG Energy Inc. on Wednesday broke ground on what it calls the largest block of grid-scale solar power ever installed in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

One year from now, the sun over Oahu should be generating enough new electricity to power 32,000 homes from three solar farms being resurrected by a subsidiary of Houston- based NRG Energy at a cost of over $300 million. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako tower developer to seek state assistance. A developer aiming to build a condominium tower in Kakaako plans to seek state financing assistance in return for making half the project affordable to residents with moderate incomes. Star-Advertiser.

$64 million project to improve Pali Highway. KITV.

An employee email security breach at the University of Hawaii at Manoa last fall potentially exposed the names, Social Security numbers and other sensitive information belonging to about 2,400 faculty, staff and graduate student applicants, according to a report to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ag chief still willing to support state Health Department oversight efforts of Ookala dairy. Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s director is no longer offering to help pay for expanding environmental quality tests near a dairy farm accused of polluting gulches in Ookala. Tribune-Herald.

Subcontractor sues Naniloa’s general contractor, developer. A subcontractor who worked on the Grand Naniloa Hotel construction project is suing the hotel, its developer and the project’s general contractor, claiming nonpayment of $754,000 for work it performed during the Banyan Drive property’s makeover. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui judge issues arrest warrant over refusal to speak English. A Maui District Court Judge on Wednesday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Kaleikoa Kaeo, a University of Hawaii Maui College assistant professor of Hawaiian studies, after he refused in court to acknowledge himself in the English language. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Telescope Protestor Battles Over Hawaiian Language Use in Court. Hawaii Public Radio.

A University of Hawaii professor on Maui says a warrant was issued for his arrest because he spoke Hawaiian to a judge in a Wailuku courtroom. Hawaii News Now.

Arrest warrant issued for man who refused to address Maui judge in English. KITV.

Judge issues warrant after man responds in Hawaiian instead of English. KHON2.

Use of Hawaiian in court leads to warrant. Haleakala telescope protester, refuses to identify himself in English. Maui News.

Warrant Issued for Man Who Spoke Only Fluent Hawaiian in Maui Court. Maui Now.

Kauai

After a heated debate at Wednesday’s county council meeting, a resolution inviting the City of Davao, Philippines into a sister city relationship with the County of Kauai was approved. Garden Island.

New workshop series helps ag businesses succeed. Garden Island.

AG Chin preparing for congressional race, Hawaii slips to second healthiest state, worker's comp fails workers, mayors pledge to ban fossil fuels in vehicles, Honolulu cop hits pedestrian, basalt fiber plant planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Attorney General Doug Chin with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, file courtesy photo

State attorney general eyes Congress. State Attorney General Douglas Chin is laying the groundwork for his first political campaign, which will be a run for the U.S. House seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, sources said. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat Poll: Support Is Still Strong For Medical Aid In Dying. Proponents of the legislation outnumber opponents by a 3-to-1 ratio. Civil Beat.

Hawaii slips to second healthiest state in the nation in annual report. After five consecutive years in the No. 1 spot, the Aloha State has fallen to second place behind Massachusetts, according to the America’s Health Rankings 2017 report by the United Health Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is no longer the nation's 'healthiest state'. Hawaii News Now.

Recent Court Decisions Beneficial For Injured Workers. The Hawaii Supreme Court made two rulings in 2015 in favor of workers who had been denied treatment for their injuries. Civil Beat.

Part 2 of an ongoing series about Hawaii’s workers’ compensation system. Hawaii’s workers’ comp system developed over more than a century, allows insurance companies to pay doctors of their choosing to examine injured workers. Civil Beat.

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Using the worldwide-traveling Hokulea docked at Pokai Bay as inspiration, leaders from all four major counties Tuesday signed pledges to eliminate the use of fossil-fuel-powered ground transportation vehicles by 2045. Star-Advertiser.

The leaders of Hawaii’s four counties have pledged to eliminate all fossil fuels from ground transportation by 2045. Pacific Business News.

Mayors pledge 100% ground transportation powered by renewable energy by 2045. KITV.

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New Ag Department Pesticides Manager Appointed. Hawaii Entomologist John McHugh, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new program manager of the Pesticides Branch of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Big Island Now.

Cannabis Cardholders Increase, But They Aren’t Flocking To Dispensaries. A by-the-numbers look at the medical marijuana landscape now that dispensaries have opened on Oahu and Maui. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Assurance Association, which provided the majority of the health services rendered to Island Air employees in November, said Tuesday it will absorb the more than $137,000 in costs incurred during the month even though the now-bankrupt airline did not pay its premiums for the month. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A state effort to partner with a private developer to overhaul several sites in the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor has prompted community skepticism from those who fear redevelopment could leave them with a soaring tower on prime public land intended for recreation. Star-Advertiser.

Political candidate with history of incendiary remarks sparks new controversy. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless return to popular bike path despite major cleanups. After two large-scale cleanups along a popular bike path in Aiea, homeless campers are starting to return. KHON2.

HPD vehicle strikes pedestrian during morning rush. KITV.

Products made by Hawaii inmates will be featured in the Hawaii Correctional Industries Holiday Showcase Sale. KHON2.

Worst erosion in years on Sunset Beach forces tough decisions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Officials still making rounds urging vigilance for N.Korean attack. It’s an emergency message no one wants to hear: “The U.S. Pacific Command has detected a missile threat to Hawaii. A missile may impact on land or sea within minutes. This is not a drill”. West Hawaii Today.

Isle lava could be source of high-tech building materials. A state research organization wants to know if turning volcanic rock dust on Hawaii island into a versatile, high-strength building material can become a new local industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii aerospace center seeks proposals for basalt fiber manufacturing feasibility study. Pacific Business News.

Back out to bid for Waimea Highway project. About a month after Hawaii County scrapped a bid solicitation for the Mamalahoa Highway widening project amid concerns about fairness, the county is once again soliciting bids for the work. West Hawaii Today.

Mobile spay, neuter clinic down the road for HIHS. The Hawaii Island Humane Society is raising money to purchase a vehicle for a mobile spay and neuter clinic. Tribune-Herald.

Police, HDOA say parasites may be playing role in Ka'u cattle deaths. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sand Mining Moratorium Resolution to Resurface in Council. A resolution recommending a moratorium on sand mining in Central Maui surfaces again for first reading at the council’s next meeting on Dec. 15 after the item was deferred earlier this month. Maui Now.

No support found for lifeguard tower move. Testimony calls for the funding of new tower at popular tourist beach. Maui News.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui increased by more than 8 percent last month, compared to last year, even as the number of sales dropped 21 percent, while condominiums recorded increases in sales and prices for November, according to the monthly report by the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KIUC plans changes to Wailua River diversions. Water is going to be returned to the North Fork of the Wailua River, at the Blue Hole and Waikoko diversions. Garden Island.

Hokua Place may face fight. Members of the community are expected to show up in force at a county meeting today in opposition to a development that would be located behind Kapaa Middle School. Garden Island.

Honolulu medical marijuana users told to surrender guns, nuclear attack warning sirens to be tested Friday, Russian billionaire yacht turned back from Molokai harbor, public forum set for new Oahu jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HPD medical marijuana gun letter circulating on Facebook

HPD tells medical marijuana patients to turn in their guns. The Honolulu Police Department is ordering legal cannabis patients to “voluntarily surrender” any guns they own because pot is still considered an illegal drug under federal law. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Tell Medical Marijuana Patients To Give Up Their Guns. Some say the department’s policy of sending letters to patients is an escalation of efforts to deny gun permits. Civil  Beat.

North Korea’s test launch Tuesday of what could be its longest-range intercontinental ballistic missile yet seems to add further justification to the state planning for what officials are still calling the “extremely unlikely” possibility of a strike on Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Announcement of Attack Warning Siren. Gov. David Ige, Director of Emergency Management Major General Arthur J. Logan and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Administrator Vern Miyagi presented the tone and discussed the need for the Attack Warning Signal, how it will be used and what their agencies are doing to prepare our state for a nuclear threat. Big Island Now.

Get ready, Hawaii. For the first time since the Cold War, an "attack warning" siren with a wavering tone will sound Friday across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii readies ‘attack warning’ siren tone in event of unlikely nuclear attack. KHON2.

A new website can now show you the economic impact the U.S. military has in the islands. The U.S. military is the second biggest driver to Hawaii’s economy…with approximately 2 billion dollars being spent annually in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hotel rate increases drive October performance. A higher average hotel rate drove up hotel performance in October, offsetting flat statewide occupancy, according to a Hawaii hotel performance report distributed Tuesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

RevPAR, or revenue per available room, for Hawaii hotels increased 3.8 percent in October to $189 compared to last year, with Hawaii Island reporting the largest gain, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report released Tuesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hotels across Hawaii earned more revenue per available room in October at $189 (+3.8%) compared to a year ago, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Pledge to investigate Kamehameha Schools sex abuse went unfulfilled. Hawaii News Now.

Former trustees: 'Wall of secrecy' at Kamehameha Schools helped sex abuse stay hidden. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Public forum tonight on plan for new jail. The public will have an opportunity to comment on state plans for a proposed new jail on what is now the site of the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa Valley at a public meeting tonight. Star-Advertiser.

20 companies to vie for former Island Air employees at job fair. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless move into cemetery, frustrating efforts to clean it up. Hawaii News Now.

Mormon Church North Shore Housing Plans Hit Roadblock. A City Council bill to preserve ag land in Koolauloa could restrict a proposed 550-unit housing and commercial development. Civil Beat.

Malaekahana development to be discussed in meeting. Hawaii Reserves Inc. is expected to present publicly for the first time an alternative to its contentious Envision Laie plan at a meeting of the Honolulu City Council’s Planning Committee at 6:30 p.m. today at Hauula Elementary School. Star-Advertiser.

Did Honolulu Police Go Too Far In The Case Of This Man’s Death? Sheldon Haleck died after a struggle with police in 2015. He was on meth. He refused to get out of the road. Police say they took appropriate actions. Civil Beat.

A first look of Kapiolani Medical Center's new ER space: Slideshow. The Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children will open a new emergency room next month. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Commercial haulers and others taking garbage to the landfill will be paying more to toss their trash, if the County Council agrees with a Department of Environmental Management request to raise tipping fees 33 percent over five years. West Hawaii Today.

County seeks members for boards, commissions. A number of boards and commissions, made up of private citizens, have had trouble getting quorum at meetings. Some have difficulty even getting enough members to make a quorum. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Salary Commission on Monday approved double-digit raises for some of the county's top officials. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Police Department and its Neighborhood Watch division will be sharing public information on emergency guidelines for a possible nuclear event, as recommended by Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Hospital Goes It Alone With Rat Lungworm Treatment. Many of the disease’s more severe cases are popping up on the Big Island, where the resident expert prefers an aggressive approach. Civil Beat.

Maui

New Law Would Ban Smoking in Cars with Minors. A bill that would make it illegal to smoke in a vehicle with a minor present will be reintroduced in a special Maui County Council committee meeting on Jan. 5. Maui Now.


West Maui condo fined $100,000 for unpermitted structures. Unpermitted items include barbecue grills, a stairway, an eating area and a seawall. Maui News.

A woman who survived a crash near Hana that killed her twin sister waived her right to a jury trial on a murder charge and will be tried by 2nd Circuit Judge Peter Cahill beginning Jan. 29. Maui News.

Maui ranch pegged for housing back in bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Metro Area Named “Drunkest City” in Hawaii. A new report lists the Maui County metro areas of Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina as the “Drunkest City” in Hawaii. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lawmakers suspicious on whale beachings. The five pilot whales that died on Kalapaki Beach after the Oct. 13 stranding weren’t diseased and some are questioning whether there’s a connection with the state’s Lehua Island rat poisoning project or military sonar. Garden Island.

Marine scientists investigating the mass stranding of five pilot whales on Kauai’s Kalapaki Beach last month have ruled out disease as causing the event, and say something sudden must have triggered the stranding. Garden Island.

Mainland real estate investment firm Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP said Tuesday that it placed acquisition financing of $32.3 million with a Mainland investor for Epic Real Estate Partners’ $43.55 million purchase of the Safeway-anchored Kauai Village Shopping Center. Pacific Business News.

The new owner of the Safeway-anchored Kauai Village Shopping Center has hired Honolulu-based Commercial Consultants Inc. to handle leasing at the center and has plans to remodel the buildings’ exteriors. Pacific Business News.

Fugitive captured on Kauai. William Lawrence, 41, had been on the run since 2006, when he was convicted of forcible sexual abuse and forcible sodomy, a third-degree felony, according to a press release. At the time of the alleged abuse, Lawrence worked as a correctional officer for the Utah Department of Corrections. Garden Island.

Molokai

Billionaire’s massive yacht turned away at Molokai harbor. A billionaire was blocked from docking at a Molokai harbor after he tried to visit the island with his massive yacht. Garden Island.

Molokai residents send message to billionaire Russian boater: Go away. After protesters blocked a cruise ship from docking at Kaunakakai Harbor several years ago, residents set a protocol for luxury ships and large groups of visitors wanting to come to Molokai. Maui News.

New $60M tax system has problems, Kauai assistant police chief put on leave, Maui mayor seeks to fire water chief, money for Hawaii in defense bill, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Medical marijuana sign © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s Marijuana Business: Room for Growth. It’s been two and a half years since Hawaii’s legislature approved a dispensary program for medical marijuana, and about four months since the first dispensary opened its doors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Employees warn of problems with new tax system. The state’s largest union and workers in the state Department of Taxation are warning that the $60 million project to modernize the tax department’s computer systems has gotten seriously off track, and have written to Gov. David Ige to warn that the project could be “severely compromised” unless changes are made. Star-Advertiser.

The $700 billion defense policy bill just passed by Congress states that North Korea nuclear and missile tests “constitute a grave and imminent threat” to Asia-Pacific security and calls for expansion of radar systems and a “sequenced approach” to the defense of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Russian surveillance plane flies unchallenged over isles. The Russian overflight conducted Oct. 4-6 was sanctioned by the United States as part of the Treaty on Open Skies, which has been in effect since 2002 to verify arms control agreements and promote stability through transparency of military forces and activities. Star-Advertiser.

Disabled Job Seekers Left In Limbo By Agency’s Cash Crunch. Hawaii’s vocational rehabilitation program insists the problem is temporary, but some clients fear they’ll lose their support. Civil Beat.

Study on state ferry awaited. A study looking at the viability of a state-owned ferry system will be presented to the state Legislature next month, according to the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

Analysts, competitors cast doubt on prospects for third shipper to isles. Star-Advertiser.

Some State Hospital staffers regularly break rules, worker alleges. A social worker on disciplinary leave from the Hawaii State Hospital since October said employees regularly help patients leave the hospital out of sympathy, pick on patients they don’t like — and even turn on one another while security guards look the other way. Star-Advertiser.

Little Fire Ants Are On The March In Hawaii. They’re already established on every island except Molokai, and experts say a concerted effort is required to stop their spread. Civil Beat.

Oahu residents will see their electrical bills dip slightly this month while customers in Maui County and on Hawaii island are facing continued sharp increases due to higher fuel costs. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former rail CEO gets $32,000 bonus pay. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board voted Friday to reward its former interim executive director and CEO, Krishniah Murthy, with a $32,000 bonus. Star-Advertiser.

Paying The Rent Just Keeps Getting Tougher In Honolulu. Nearly 60 percent of Honolulu renters spend at least 30 percent of their incomes on housing, a study shows. Civil Beat.

New proposal to alleviate DMV lines with weekend hours pilot already on chopping block. KHON2.

Community group wants rescue tubes across Oahu. The tube, a flotation device, can and has been used to help save lives when people get in trouble in the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu solar permits declined 16 percent in October. Star-Advertiser.

Don’t be alarmed if you hear loud noises, such as gunfire, in Central Oahu this week. The U.S. Marines will conduct demolition training at Schofield Barracks on Monday and Tuesday. KHON2.

Commentary: State’s new role over city’s bloated rail project amounts to huge hill of bean(counter)s. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Feds to end subsidy for service to Waimea airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation in January will end a subsidy for air service at the Waimea-Kohala Airport following unsuccessful efforts to negotiate sharing the subsidy’s cost. West Hawaii Today.

Retiring local police leave vacancies tough to fill. Upcoming retirements add to the increasing number of vacancies impacting the Hawaii Police Department, officials reported to the Hawaii County Police Commission Friday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Police Department prepares for 20-plus retirements. Associated Press.

A mainland applicant has accepted an offer to become the county’s mass transit administrator. West Hawaii Today.

Final Waiaha Transmission Waterline EA Published. The 16-inch transmission water line will provide "critical redundancy in case there are problems with another part of the system", water officials say. Big Island Video News.

Big Island resort to include crossfit studio following $46M renovation. he Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel will convert to the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort following a $46 million renovation in March. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Mayor Seeks Removal of Water Director, Dave Taylor. Maui Director of Water Supply Dave Taylor has been placed on paid administrative leave while Mayor Alan Arakawa seeks his removal as head of the department. Maui Now.

Iao Valley State Monument to Re-Open Nov. 22, Ahead of Schedule. Maui Now.

Threat assessment of eruption at Haleakala crater is moderate. The 10,000-foot East Maui mountain erupts every 200 to 500 years. Maui News.

Hokulea says a hui hou to Hana as they head to next neighbor island stop. Hawaii News Now.

Indoor trampoline park to open on Maui after leasing space. Ultimate Air LLC, an Arkansas-based company that operates indoor trampoline parks, recently signed a lease for a 25,000-square-foot space on Maui for its first Hawaii trampoline park. Pacific Business News.

Food preservatives might throw off the balance of “good” bacteria in the human gut, which could have implications for health, according to a new study by faculty and students at University of Hawaii Maui College. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

KPD's assistant chief placed on leave after complaint. An internal investigation has led to Kauai's Assistant Police Chief being placed on leave. Hawaii News Now.

Report cites ‘loss of control’ in fatal Kauai plane crash. The National Transportation Safety Board says the defining event in a crash that killed five people aboard a skydiving flight on Kauai was “loss of control in flight.”  Garden Island.

NTSB releases cause of 2016 plane crash on Kauai that killed 5. Dramatic video recently released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the skydiving plane crash on Kauai that killed all five people on board last May. Hawaii News Now.

New video released by the National Transportation Safety Board gives a better view of what happened when a Skydive Kauai plane crashed while leaving Port Allen Airport in Hanapepe. KITV.

NTSB investigators use GoPro videos to assist in investigation of deadly plane crash on Kauai. KHON2.

Real estate prices continue climbing. The median sales price of a home on Kauai was $713,000, up nearly 9 percent from last month and more than 14 percent since October 2016. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor warships drill with South Korea, North Korea threat not scaring Hawaii tourists, Trump to visit Hawaii, FBI makes first arrests in Honolulu Police probe, gubernatorial candidates gather endorsements, chicks and not rats on Lehua, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Beached pilot whales on Kauai PC:DLNR

No additional pilot whales beached at Kalapaki Beach Friday night or Saturday, reported the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Five pilot whales died after several beached themselves Friday morning at Kalapaki Bay. A strong volunteer response to push them back to deep water may have saved others. Garden Island.

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A sizable number of Pearl Harbor warships will be heading to the Western Pacific or are already in the region that’s being bulked up with Navy firepower amid an ongoing showdown with North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

South Korean and U.S. troops began five days of naval drills on Monday after North Korea renewed its threat to fire missiles near the American territory of Guam. Associated Press.

North Korea Nuclear Threat: Viral Headlines Aren’t Scaring Hawaii Visitors Away. But a defense industry lobbyist wonders if Hawaii is waiting too long to raise the alarm. Civil Beat.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are scheduled to stop in Hawaii during an upcoming trip to Asia in November. Hawaii News Now.

President Trump will travel to Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hawaii, from November 3-14. KHON2.

Council resolution to Trump, Kim seeks peace with North Korea. All they are saying is give peace a chance. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Hawaii’s preparation for possibility of North Korea nuclear bomb is MADness. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii’s elder statesmen are choosing sides in what is shaping up as a hard-fought gubernatorial primary next year between Gov. David Ige and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hana­busa, and those early endorsements seem to signal a splintered Democratic party. Star-Advertiser.

‘Aging in place’ facilities trigger debate. Over the past two years, dozens of unlicensed residential facilities offering elder care have opened in neighborhoods around Hawaii, embracing a new model that its proponents herald as safe, effective and the wave of the future. Star-Advertiser.

New HMSA rules cut back women’s cancer screenings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines, which has survived two bankruptcies during its 88 years of operation, caught the investment public by surprise Friday when it announced plans to offer its first-ever dividend. Star-Advertiser.

A group of former Hawaii residents who now make their homes in Las Vegas on Saturday joined others who still live in the islands to bring the city’s people a special lei braided with leaves from a plant they consider sacred in a gesture they hope will bring peace and healing after the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Associated Press.

Commentary: Big Questions About Hawaiian ‘Princess’ Coverage. Is the media telling you the real story of Abigail Kawananakoa or a fawning fairy tale? Civil Beat.

Oahu

The FBI has arrested a Honolulu Police Department officer and a retired HPD major who have connections to a federal probe surrounding retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, his wife, Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, and other officers. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police officer and retired major were arrested by the FBI on Sunday in relation to an ongoing federal corruption investigation into Hawaii law enforcement. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu Police officer and former Honolulu Police major have been arrested in the much anticipated federal investigation into public corruption at some of the highest levels of law enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

A retired Honolulu police major and a current Honolulu Police Department officer are in federal custody. KHON2.

The FBI on Sunday arrested one current and one former police officer in connection to a probe into the Honolulu Police Department. Associated Press.

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Honolulu police to increase presence in Waikiki. While crimes against visitors reported to the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii fell 6 percent during the first nine months of the year from the same period in 2016, some violent categories — including assaults and robberies — rose. Star-Advertiser.

A multimillion-dollar cleanup aims to address health and safety concerns under the Nimitz Highway viaduct. KHON2.

Three dead shearwaters were found at a Windward Oahu beach on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki eatery Herringbone is cleared to reopen. At least 45 people became ill after dining at a popular Waikiki restaurant at the International Market Place, state Department of Health officials said Friday. Star-Advertiser.

An affiliate of developer Coastal Rim Properties opened applications for 77 affordable studio units at The Block 803 Waimanu on Sunday, while 10 market-rate units in the Honolulu condominium project also went on the market for sale. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved a management right of entry for Hawaii County onto a parcel of land known as Village 9, which Mayor Harry Kim plans to use first as a temporary homeless camp before developing it into a long-term housing site replete with social services for Kona’s homeless population. West Hawaii Today.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday dismissed a proposed $10,000 fine against Sean “Peaman” Pagett, whom the department said was in violation of state rules for races he hosted in Kailua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to dismiss the fine against Kona resident Sean Pagett, who was in hot water for organizing alleged "unpermitted fitness swimming events in Kailua Bay." Big Island Video News.

The state Land Board has dismissed a $10,000 fine against Peaman Biathlon promoter Sean Pagett. Former Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi testified on Pagett's behalf as his lawyer. Hawaii News Now.

A problematic banyan tree that was recently trimmed next to Honomu Park fell over Sunday morning, covering the road, engulfing a vehicle, and knocking out power for 286 HELCO customers. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Mayor In Political Hot Water Over Money To Nonprofits. The state’s campaign finance watchdog says Mayor Alan Arakawa gave thousands of dollars to nonprofits in violation of state law. Civil Beat.

Normal school bus service has been restored to two previously consolidated routes that were disrupted earlier this year when bus routes were suspended because of a shortage of drivers with commercial driver’s licenses, the state Department of Education reported Friday. Maui News.

Contrary to rumblings in the community, Maui County itself is not moving to privatize its swimming pools or charge for their use, a county spokesman said Thursday. Maui News.

Sea turtle biologist Cheryl King has been hired to direct the Turtle Island Restoration Network’s Hawaii program, the marine conservation organization announced. Maui News.

Maui condominium sales and prices surged in September as homebuyers pursued more affordable housing options. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Some of Kauai’s homeless are finding homes. Kauai Economic Opportunity has successfully repatriated four homeless individuals to their family on the Mainland and is working on returning two more. Garden Island.

Rat-less? Lehua update: No rats, plenty chicks. Not a single live rat has been reported on Lehua since the rat eradication project’s three aerial applications of rat poison in August and September. Garden Island.

Hawaii not as tolerant as believed, nuclear attack email sends UH into tizzy, state again fights Trump travel ban, Honolulu Police Commission chairman recused from chief vote, $316.5M Saddle Road completion celebrated, first whale of season spotted off Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waiting for the bus in Honolulu © 2017 All Hawaii News

After decades of tracking socioeconomic and educational statistics and trends, a UH Manoa professor charges that people in Hawaii appear to be quite tolerant of ethnic inequality.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawyers representing Hawaii asked a judge Tuesday to stop the Trump administration from enforcing the latest version of its travel ban. Associated Press.

The state of Hawaii asked U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson on Tuesday to block the Trump administration from enforcing the third version of its travel ban, saying it “replicates all of the legal flaws evident in its precursors.” Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige says a U.S. senator who has been questioning Hawaii’s Medicaid spending under Obamacare is using a “flawed analysis” and has his facts all wrong. Star-Advertiser.

A University of Hawaii email that went out Monday with the subject line, “In the event of a nuclear attack,” generated international media attention and an apology from a school spokesman today. Star-Advertiser.

A University of Hawaii spokesman is apologizing for “needless attention” from an email sent to faculty, staff and students systemwide Monday with the subject line, “In the event of a nuclear attack.” Tribune-Herald.

As N. Korea threat spurs disaster planning, schools and others discuss the unthinkable. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is giving more than $3.5 million to 124 Hawaii programs that perpetuate Hawaiian culture, protect natural resources and showcase community events in 2018. Pacific Business News.

The Last Hawaiian Princess? At 91, Abigail Kawananakoa has been a significant benefactor of Native Hawaiian culture and causes throughout a life of privilege and drama. But controversy still haunts her. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission Chairman Max Sword announced this afternoon that he will recuse himself from the search for a new police chief. Star-Advertiser.

The announcement Tuesday by Honolulu Police Commission Chairman Max Sword that he is recusing himself from the selection process for a new police chief, due to a conflict of interest, means all four other sitting commission members will need to agree on who should lead the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the Honolulu Police Commission has recused himself from the selection process for the new police chief. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Commission Chairman Max Sword announced he will recuse himself from the police chief vetting and selection process. KITV.

The chairman of the Honolulu Police Commission is recusing himself from all proceedings relating to the search for Honolulu’s new chief of police. KHON2.

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Crews rescued 20 fishermen from a boat that ran aground off Kaimana Beach late Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Twenty fishermen were rescued and transported to shore from their boat that grounded about half a mile off Waikiki early Wednesday morning. KHON2.

Food inspections among new security measures at Honolulu airport. KHON2.

Councilman: Contraflow Lane Is Doing More Harm Than Good. Honolulu should stop prohibiting so many left turns during the afternoon rush hour, says Trevor Ozawa. Civil Beat.

Homeless cleared from Kakaako sidewalks. More than a dozen homeless people broke down their tents and tarps on Ohe and Olomehani streets after the crew from the Department of Facility Maintenance, accompanied by police, arrived Tuesday morning near the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. Star-Advertiser.

Surfers balk at state's closure of popular Kakaako parks. The Kakaako homeless sweeps are creating an unexpected conflict on the waterfront, pitting the state’s duty to ensure public safety in its parks with the public’s right to access the shoreline. Hawaii News Now.

A multi-million dollar upgrade is in the works for historic Haleiwa. During a meeting Tuesday, residents weighed in on the city's long-awaited plan to add walkways and other improvements to the town's commercial hub. Hawaii News Now.

Over a year since the state learned of toxic conditions under a Kalihi road, crews are finally addressing the problem. Hawaii News Now.

The main driver’s license center at Kapalama Hale will start opening Saturday mornings to handle a surge in the number of renewals. Star-Advertiser.

Hadley Properties, the Seattle-based owner of the leasehold Airport Industrial Park near Honolulu International Airport, has secured $165 million to refinance the 1.3 million-square-foot mixed-use complex that is home to the headquarters of Hawaiian Airlines. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The late Sen. Daniel Inouye’s vision fulfilled; Officials, community celebrate completion of Saddle Road project. The project culminates years of improvements to the cross-island highway that have spanned 48 miles and cost $316.5 million. West Hawaii Today.

A crowd of dignitaries and project officials gathered under a big white tent placed in the middle of an empty Saddle Road on Tuesday morning to dedicate newly finished east-side leg of the cross island highway. Big Island Video News.

A portable fiberglass shelter on the County of Hawaii lawn, 25 Aupuni St. in Hilo, is on loan from the First Assembly of God in Moanalua on Oahu after a Wednesday faith-based homelessness summit. Tribune-Herald.

The same group that has been caring for the public land area at the Waipio Lookout has again come before the Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission in the hopes of continuing their work. Big Island Video News.

A local entrepreneur is leading the charge in making Hawaii Island the site for an international MoonBase prototype a reality. West Hawaii Today.

Celestial honor: Asteroid named after county traffic engineer. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island real estate sales this year have outstripped last year’s sales figures as the final quarter of 2017 begins. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Group calls for restoration of water to streams. State water panel heard arguments to return to East Maui streams water diverted over decades for sugar. Maui News.

Pacific Whale Foundation had their first humpback whale sighting of the season this morning, Oct. 10, 2017, at 9:32 a.m. off the coast of Kapalua in West Maui. Maui Now.

Some priceless Niihau shell lei return home. Police theft investigation is ongoing. Maui News.

Kauai

A little, cracked boat has washed up near Anini Beach and the life on it could be some of the more than 50 alien species landing on Kauai shores from the 2011 Japan tsunami. Garden Island.

Four adult nene have been killed by cars in the span of four days this month along Kilauea Road. Garden Island.

The Club at Kukuiula has named Nicholas Gold as general manager of the Kauai luxury real estate community. Pacific Business News.