Obama to visit expanded Papahanaumokuakea marine monument, malnourished monk seals sent to hospital, dog rescued from crack in Kilauea volcano, Honolulu denies fault in mudslide, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Papahanaumokuakea and the Hawaiian Islands

The White House says that President Barack Obama will expand a national monument off the coast of Hawaii, creating the world’s largest marine protected area. Obama’s proclamation will quadruple in size a monument originally created by President George W. Bush in 2006. The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument will contain some 582,578 square miles, more than twice the size of Texas. Obama will travel to the monument next week to mark the designation and cite the need to protect public lands and waters from climate change. Associated Press.

In what's being called a historic step toward protecting global ocean resources, President Barack Obama has approved a significant expansion of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands marine national monument and will discuss the designation in Honolulu next week at a global conservation conference. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama will expand the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument by hundreds of thousands of square miles, creating the world’s largest marine reserve and permanently protecting coral reefs and deep-sea marine habitats from activities such as commercial fishing and mineral mining, the White House announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA

President Barack Obama will create the world’s largest protected marine area Friday by expanding Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, White House officials said Thursday. Civil Beat.

On Friday, President Obama will expand the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument off the coast of Hawaii, creating the world’s largest marine protected area. Maui Now.

President Barack Obama has announced plans to expand the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, more than quadrupling its current size. That will make it the largest marine protected area in the world. Hawaii Public Radio.

The president of the United States will be in Hawaii within the next few days. He is scheduled to arrive here ahead of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress, which starts next week Thursday at the Hawaii Convention Center and Neal S. Blaisdell Center. KHON2.


After Friday, it will be the worlds largest marine protected area.  President Obama will expand the area around Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. KITV4.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige said he supports expanding a marine monument in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Ige's office said Thursday he sent a letter to President Barack Obama declaring his support for enlarging the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Associated Press.

© National Marine Fisheries Service

Four malnourished Hawaiian monk seals are recovering at a Big Island hospital for the mammals after being moved from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. West Hawaii Today.

Four malnourished Hawaiian monk seals were brought to Ke Kai Ola, the Marine Mammal Center’s monk seal hospital in Kona, after being transported from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Big Island Video News.

© National Marine Fisheries Service

First Circuit Judge Edwin Nacino heard arguments Thursday in a case that boils down to the meaning of two words: “vacancy” and “qualified.” Former Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Chair Mina Morita is challenging Gov. David Ige’s interim appointment of Tom Gorak to the state utilities commission. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige’s administration is offering some quick cash to up-and-coming software code writers who think they can develop solutions for some of the state’s vexing computer challenges. Star-Advertiser.

True World Foods announced Thursday that it has been cleared of allegations it distributed tainted scallops to sushi restaurants in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Ten people have filed their candidacies to run in a Nov. 8 special election to fill out the remainder to fill out the remainder of the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai’s term representing the 1st Congressional District through Jan. 3. Civil Beat.

John White, who leads Pacific Resource Partnership, which represents the largest construction union in Hawaii, is leaving his post after about six years on the job, Pacific Business News has learned.

Oahu

Plans for a 36-story hotel-condominium tower across from the Hawai‘i Convention Center won a key approval from the City Council Planning and Zoning Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

We’re learning more about who’s getting paid to do what for Honolulu’s multibillion-dollar rail project. For the first time in the project’s history, there’s a public list of subcontractors hired, what they’re being paid, and what they’re doing. KHON2.

City denies fault in Nuuanu landslide. Star-Advertiser.

Over the past three years, the hillside above Eugene Garrett's home has slowly given away, sending thousands of tons of dirt, boulders and trees toward his backyard. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu city councilman Ikaika Anderson has been trying to limit commercial activity at Waimanalo beaches. KITV4.

Hawaii

Dozens of East Hawaii teachers, principals, complex area administrators and community members gathered Wednesday to discuss ways to improve Hawaii’s education system. The town hall meeting was among several scheduled around the state this summer to compile input on the Every Student Succeeds Act. The new federal education law is replacing No Child Left Behind. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park rangers on Wednesday rescued a dog that had fallen 30 feet into a ground crack. The Hawaii Island Humane Society took the female dog, which was “very famished and very scared” but otherwise not injured, to the Keaau shelter, said Jessica Ferracane, park spokeswoman. Tribune-Herald.

Heading north from Keauhou Bay on Thursday morning, Capt. Erika Swenson briefed the passengers on the rules of the Dolphin Discoveries cruise. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Changing fisher behaviors over the last three years has allowed officers with the North Maui Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit to spend less time writing citations and more time on education and outreach. Maui Now.

Visitors to 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve and the Keone'oi'o (La Perouse Bay) area can expect limited parking and traffic delays from Monday through Sept. 30 during a parking lot renovation, according to an announcement from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui News.

Future phases of the Lahaina and Paia bypass roads and other long-awaited Maui highway projects are being deferred while the state concentrates more on maintaining existing roads. Maui News.

The major walkway along the coastline of Wai‘ānapanapa State Park in East Maui will be replaced beginning on Sept. 6, 2016. Maui Now.

Sugar operations at HC&S on Maui are winding down. Back in January, the state’s last sugar plantation announced plans to close down by the end of the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Water was restored to Kalaheo residents on Thursday. Garden Island.

Researchers find schools of endemic fish at Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Kure Atoll, Department of Education to submit draft transgender plan today, Honolulu council chair not running for mayor, Ala Wai Harbor plan founders, Big Island police officer kills man and his pit bull, Maui twins crash plot thickens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Male Hawaiian Pigfish (Bodianus bathycapros)at Kure Atoll, courtesy NOAA

A study documenting deep coral reef fish communities composed exclusively of fish unique to Hawaii, which represents a globally significant reservoir of biodiversity, was recently published in the scientific journal Marine Biodiversity. Associated Press.

Scientists have discovered a new locale in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands with a truly astounding level of endemism. Kure Atoll is the northernmost coral atoll in the world, situated at the other end of the Hawaiian Islands about 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

The study: 100% endemism in mesophotic reef fish assemblages at Kure Atoll, Hawaiian Islands. Marine Diversity

Sharks are eating onaga and other fish faster than fishermen can reel them in, compromising the quality and amount of fish that can be harvested in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, according to the territory’s acting governor, Victor Hocog. Civil Beat.

Conservationists and others are crying foul over letters that state lawmakers recently sent President Obama that urged him to not consider expanding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. Civil Beat.

Experts have a good handle on the issues surrounding coastal hazards — like sea level rise and climate change – but what to do about these problems is another animal. In order to help address these coastal hazards, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program has created a new center for excellence. Garden Island.

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The state Department of Education plans to submit draft transgender student guidelines to the Board of Education today. Tribune-Herald.

The Aloha State has again received failing grades for manufacturing and logistics, according to a report from Ball State University. Pacific Business News.

The cost of a private school education in Hawaii is on the rise again as the state’s largest independent schools are charging 3 percent more in tuition, on average, for the upcoming school year, according to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser analysis.

The head of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is running for an at-large trustee seat on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou and former Mayor Peter Carlisle are the seasoned politicians so far who will challenge incumbent Mayor Kirk Caldwell for the city’s top electoral post. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has officially filed his candidacy for his old job, but City Council Chair Ernie Martin is staying out of the race. Civil Beat.

City Council Chairman Ernie Martin announced Monday that he will not run for the office of Honolulu mayor. KITV4.

A floundering plan to build retail, boating and wedding facilities on state land at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor received another blow in U.S. bankruptcy court Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State and city officials are ramping up efforts to alleviate traffic woes along Oahu's Leeward coast. Hawaii News Now.

The city is in the running for a grant to get a fleet of all new electric buses. KHON2.

A helicopter will ferry a work crew to the top of the Haiku Stairs this morning to remove a makeshift swing from the ridgeline, where hikers have been swinging over the edge of a cliff that soars thousands of feet. Star-Advertiser.

Of 11 pharmaceuticals commonly found in sewage, University of Hawaii graduate student Jeffrey Murl has recently determined that seven of them have the potential to leach into Oahu’s groundwater, one poses an uncertain risk, and the remaining three — which are perhaps the most likely to impact humans and animals at low doses — are unlikely to leach into Oahu aquifers. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A police officer shot and killed a man and his dog late Monday afternoon at a home near the corner of West Kawailani Street and Kanoelehua Avenue in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A state Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer accused of a New Year’s Day sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl at a Hilo beach was granted a postponement of his trial. Tribune-Herald.

Kona dentist Cliff Kopp plans to pound the pavement in the name of homelessness one final time. Kopp’s fourth walk around Hawaii Island is slated to begin June 12 and is scheduled to end around June 20. West Hawaii Today.

The owner of Hakalau Point says he is sticking to his last offer after the Hawaii County Council advanced a resolution last week seeking to preserve the site, formerly part of the Hakalau Sugar Plantation Co. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Travel Plaza Transportation is converting its entire fleet to zero emission commercial tour buses by 2020 in an effort to set a new clean air standard and fulfill a goal to be Hawaii’s leader in offering tour vehicles that promote sustainability. MauiTime.

Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday to a bill to designate Sept. 15 as the deadline for claimants to file for a remnant parcel exemption for the tax year ending June 30, 2017, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Paving work will cause alternating lane closures on Mokulele Highway this week, according to the state Department of Transportation. Maui News.

Maui prosecutors have charged 37-year-old Alexandria Duval with second-degree murder in the death of her identical twin on May 29. According to witnesses, the sisters were arguing in a parked Ford Explorer when the driver accelerated the vehicle through a retaining wall and down a 200-foot cliff. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Plastic-free dining. Surfrider announces campaign to certify restaurants as Ocean Friendly. Garden Island.

Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura wants to make life better for the citizens of Kauai. Garden Island.

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

Abercrombie and his dog sign bill, file photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

Lanai

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

Hawaii Senate considers broad tax hike and delaying refunds, Hawaii council members call for furloughs, office buildings, Maui Ritz-Carlton on the block, more news

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

An initial assessment of damage at Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands) shows the tsunami that hit late on the evening of March 10 and early in the morning on March 11 did "tens of millions" of dollars in damage to infrastructure. Hawaii News Now.

Tsunamis generated by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off Japan earlier this month swept up a one week-old Hawaiian monk seal pup and separated her from her mother at a remote atoll northwest of the main Hawaiian islands, but a state wildlife worker managed to reunite the pair shortly after. Associated Press.

Hawaii senators on Monday discussed raising taxes on everyone by increasing the general excise tax, the state's version of the sales tax that's paid on most transactions. Associated Press.

Closing this fiscal year's budget gap could include delayed tax refunds for the second year in a row. KHON2.

Facing lower tax collections due to falling Japanese tourism, the state Senate must cut deeper and potentially raise taxes on more residents than was proposed just three weeks ago by the state House.KITV4.

The senator in charge of finalizing the state's budget says Hawaii lawmakers have just two options to balance this year's budget: raid special funds or "completely shut down spending." Civil Beat.

State senators, growing impatient with the lack of budget details from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, asked yesterday when the governor plans to fulfill his campaign promise to restructure state government to help with the fiscal crunch. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s short and long-term fiscal crises appear to be …in one lawmaker’s words … pretty dismal. Hawaii Public Radio.

Representatives from all state departments and major agencies came before the senate ways and means committee to plead their cases for their share of state spending. KHON2.

Reality check. That is what Hawaii Senate Ways and Means committee members, and state administration officials, got today during an exchange between senators and the state budget director, Kalbert Young. Hawaii Reporter.

The poker bill going through the capitol is not a lottery or casino. Hawaii News Now.

The decision by Japan Airlines to slash flights to Hawaii by one-third adds to the challenges faced by the state's leading industry since the earthquake, tsunami and radiation scare crippled its No. 3 visitor market. Star-Advertiser.

Former Congressman Charles Djou said Sunday he's waiting to learn if fellow Republican Linda Lingle will run for U.S. Senate in 2012 before plotting his own political future.Tribune-Herald.

A resolution that urges the salary commission to forgo raises for city council members was passed unanimously Monday in committee. KHON2.

Three Hawaii County Council leaders said Monday during an hour-long back-and-forth with Mayor Billy Kenoi they think employee furloughs should continue, with Finance Committee Chairwoman Brenda Ford calling for a 4 percent reduction in force if they don't. West Hawaii Today.

In its continuing efforts to encourage the public to provide input on the future of Kaua‘i’s parks, officials said in a news release Monday that the county is conducting a survey through May 31. Garden Island.

Mayor Alan Arakawa released the Maui County budget for fiscal year (FY) 2012 to the Maui County Council for review a few weeks ago – $632 million. Arakawa also presented revenue of $686.7 million, an increase of $59.9 million compared to FY 2011. Molokai Dispatch.

The largest owner of office buildings in Honolulu is considering selling its portfolio of six properties, a move that could result in a new dominant landlord controlling nearly 10 percent of the market. Star-Advertiser.

The Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua will be sold at a foreclosure auction in May. Pacific Business News

Hawaii's highly decorated Japanese-American veterans of World War II prepared on Monday to receive what will likely be their final official commendation: the Congressional Gold Medal. KITV4.

The Honolulu Zoo's three tiger cubs had new homes lined up, but now those plans have changed. Hawaii News Now.

A recent AARP Hawaii survey of employed adults age 50 and up shows two thirds of them say they’ll work much longer if the economy doesn’t improve. Hawaii Independent.

Kauai football schedule for the birds, electric coop pays $11M for bird mitigation, state raids e911 funds to plug budget, Hawaii County plagued by road disputes, Kalihi homeowners hit with big tax bills, Maui councilman says he lives there, more state news

A research ship is due to return from a voyage to the marine monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press.

Shark tour operators who were cited for allegedly chumming off the North Shore say they will challenge the law. KITV.

It turns out the whale that tried to beach itself off Maui earlier this week is an extremely rare species.  Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative has agreed to spend over $11 million on measures designed to minimize chances of its facilities causing deaths of or injuries to endangered bird species. Garden Island.

Kauai, a haven for seabirds, recently unveiled a high school sports schedule that moves popular football games to Saturday afternoons. Civil Beat.

The Army said Thursday it plans to study the environmental effects of using underwater robots to remove munitions it dumped off Oahu's Waianae coast decades ago. Associated Press.

State officials raided $16 million last year from a special fund paid for by cell phone customers to help balance the budget, the Federal Communications Commission reported. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is slightly more optimistic about Hawaii’s economy for this year and next. KITV.

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy said Thursday that most terrorism cases should be tried in civilian courts. Associated Press.

In a recent survey, AARP found 98 percent of its 156, 416 Hawaii members are expected to vote in the upcoming primary and general elections. KITV.

Republican gubernatorial candidate John Carroll is complaining that he's being ignored. Associated Press.

A few dozen South Maui residents went on eight "speed dates" with candidates Tuesday night, and like many first encounters, people went away both excited and disappointed with their future prospects. Maui News.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled for Wednesday its hearing on Gov. Linda Lingle's appointment of Associate Justice Mark Recktenwald as chief justice. Star-Advertiser.

The construction of the new $140 million Mauka Concourse at Honolulu International Airport will cause a bit of pain to both air travelers and local airlines. KHON2.

Putting bulky waste out on the sidewalk too early could result in a fine of up to $250 under a bill passed Wednesday by the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Lingle withholds funding for Waimea water-system fixes. Garden Island.

Kalihi homeowners whose properties were reclassified to industrial or commercial are facing a fourfold property tax jump they describe as unfair. Star-Advertiser.

Slapped with a monster tax hike, Kalihi families are in shock, opening their mail to find their real property tax bills have skyrocketed up to $13,000. Hawaii News Now.

Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala said Wednesday that during the first 10 months of his council term he slept about 40 nights on Lanai, the island where he is claiming residency. Maui News.

The County Council's Finance Committee is going on the road to learn more about, well, a road. Tribune-Herald.

County Council members Wednesday approved a resolution allowing the use of a portion of the county's fuel tax revenues to fund maintenance of private roadways. West Hawaii Today.

We've discovered a major lapse in regulation among Hawaii's dog breeding industry. Hawaii News Now.

Ancient fishponds, indigenous forests, beaches and reefs are just a few of Hawaii’s remaining natural and cultural resources residing in state-owned conservation districts. Molokai News.

Due to extreme fire danger conditions due to a prolonged dry spell the following areas will be closed in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: KHON2.

Twenty-three Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences Kapalua Bay employees have volunteered to tutor at Lahaina Intermediate School, one component of the Lahaina Complex After School Enrichment Tutor Project. Lahaina News.

The tax man cometh, unemployment up again, ethics coming to Hawaii County government

After living 18 days on a remote island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Kekuewa Kikiloi is reveling in the "incredible" experience and still nursing sore feet from the rugged volcanic terrain.

Hawaii businesses to be hit with soaring unemployment tax

Hawaii's unemployment rate crept up to 7.2 percent in August, as the state's economic downturn sliced into jobs and more residents joined the ranks of the unemployed.

The University of Hawai'i said its best and final contract offer to union employees includes a 5 percent salary reduction, a payroll lag of five days at the end of this fiscal year in June and a reduction in the state's contribution to health insurance from 60 percent of premium costs to less than 50 percent.

Union leaders are urging about 3,200 University of Hawaii professors and instructors to reject the administration's latest pay cut offer.

It is too early to predict whether the furlough of all state deputy public defenders three days per month will cause a backlog of court cases, said state Public Defender Jack Tonaki.

Almost a year after promising ethics reforms if he won the top county job, Mayor Billy Kenoi this week proposed a series of changes to curtail county workers' most blatant conflicts of interest.

The Hawaii County Council this week started testing a new security procedure aimed at keeping the peace between lawmakers and the public they're paid to serve.

Hawaii County's coffers are running lower than usual because so many Big Island landowners didn't pay property tax bills due Aug. 20.

Automated trash pickup on its way to Kauai