Hawaii women address DNC convention, Chinese ship arrives for exercises, more election fallout in Hawaii County, AG cites Maui Main Street nonprofit, coqui frogs heard on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard addresses DNC convention, courtesy photo

In the course of a minute-long speech, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii was introduced Tuesday to a nationwide audience of Democrats at the party’s national convention. Stephens Media.

Hawaii congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard had a brief but noteworthy moment in the national spotlight Tuesday, one of three women with Hawaii ties to address the opening day of the Democratic National Convention. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C. with one of Hawaii's delegation taking center stage. Hawaii News Now.

"Aloha! I'm Tulsi Gabbard, candidate for congress in Hawaii and a captain for the Hawaii National Guard," began Gabbard at the DNC in Charlotte, North Carolina. KITV4.

Gabbard was one of three women from Hawaii to speak at the convention on Tuesday.  Congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth and President Barack Obama's half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, also spoke at the convention. KITV4.

A total of 38 delegates comprising the Hawai‘i delegation to the Democratic National Convention arrived in Charlotte, N.C., Monday. Garden Island.

Kawika Crowley, GOP nominee for the 2nd Congressional District, knows he’s occupying the underdog slot in the November General Election. West Hawaii Today.

A Chinese Maritime Safety Administration ship made a historic first visit to Honolulu and the United States Tuesday to improve civilian maritime cooperation as disputes continue to roil relations in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has reappointed Ronald Williams as board chairman, and named Patricia Ewing as vice chair. Pacific Business News.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced today that it has hired Kawika Riley, a former spokesman for the federal Transportation Security Administration, as its new Washington D.C. Bureau Chief. Hawaii Reporter.

There are 63 days left until the General Election, November 6th .   Few, if any, state legislative races are polled during the election season … leaving most contests nearly impossible to call. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Board of Education members want school officials to respond to the state auditor's recommendations on ways to fix the district's broken school bus program. Civil Beat.

Over the next several months, the Department of Education hopes to contain student transportation costs and develop a long-term plan for reining in spending, the head of school support services told Board of Education members Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conservation groups have moved more endangered birds from Nihoa Island to Laysan Island to boost the species' chances of survival. Associated Press.

Volta Industries plans to triple the number of free electric-car charging stations in Hawaii by the end of this year, as well as expand nationally, thanks to a $200,000 investment by Hawaii Angels. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Sept. 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

There are three contested races for Honolulu City Council, and each one has a candidate who has spoken out against the $5.26 billion project. Civil Beat.

September 19 Meeting Focuses on Sustainability Plan for East Honolulu. Hawaii Reporter.

A U.S. State Department special agent who shot and killed a Kailua man while in Honolulu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November might not stand trial after all. Civil Beat.

A man who stabbed two hikers at the top of the Koko Crater Trail but was acquitted of attempted murder by reason of insanity continues to attend classes at Windward Community College. Star-Advertiser.

There are new reports of coqui frogs on Oahu -- one frog in Waimanalo, the other in Makaha. KHON2.

Hawaii

The county Board of Ethics is poised to wade into the morass of accusations and recriminations surrounding the county Elections Division. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council on Thursday will discuss legislation addressing the county’s primary election day problems. Tribune-Herald.

Plans for a new apartment complex could help address a shortage of housing for University of Hawaii at Hilo students. Tribune-Herald.

Endangered Hawaiian hoary bat rescued, rehabilitated. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Hawaii Attorney General's office has issued a report accusing the Wailuku Main Street Association of failing to comply with its governing documents and violating its statutory duties. Pacific Business News.

Wailuku Main Street Association's (WMSA) board "violated their statutory duties of care in numerous respects" and should terminate its executive director, according to a state Attorney General Office's report released to requesting media this morning. Maui News.

For the first time in a dozen years, regularly scheduled air service will resume in the remote East Maui town of Hana. Maui Now.

Nearly one-fourth of all living coral in west Maui has been lost in the last 13 years. KHON2.

Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao will speak about his various space missions and his work with Russian, Japanese and European astronauts at a presentation at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13 in the Cameron Center Auditorium. Maui News.

Kauai

The Environmental Protection Agency has recently released a complaint to Tahiti Nui Restaurant and Cocktail Bar for failing to close its three large capacity cesspools. The organization is seeking penalties of up to $177,500, the amount authorized under the Safe Drinking Water Act, in addition to prompt closure and replacement of the cesspools with an approved wastewater system. Garden Island.

The 5-acre Kilauea Farms estate on Kauai’s North Shore is being auctioned on Sept. 20. Pacific Business News.

A Kaua‘i hang gliding outfit is suing two tour-scheduling companies for what it claims are disparaging comments that have led to a loss of business. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail in court, Catholic priest child sex charges hit Hawaii, UH probes Stevie Wonder fiasco, school superintendent gets poor review, Maui hotels at top of sun and fun resort lists, kauai wildfire almost contained, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail project commences, courtesy photo

Federal Judge A. Wallace Tashima heard two hours of arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit that seeks to stop work on the city's $5.26 billion rail project, but gave no clear indication of how he will rule in the case or when. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge from California is now the central figure in a legal fight that could decide the fate of the controversial $5.26 billion rail project and perhaps even determine who will be Honolulu's next mayor. Civil Beat.

The fate of Honolulu’s elevated-rail transit project is now in the hands of a federal judge. Pacific Business News.

Opponents of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project got their final day in Federal Court today and expect a decision in a few weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

A standing room only crowd packed a courthouse inside the Prince Kuhio Federal Building Tuesday as U.S. District Judge A. Wallace Tashima heard oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by opponents of the city's $5.3 billion rail project. KITV4.

Rail had its day in federal court in an environmental challenge that could derail or delay the project. KHON2.

Did the city break environmental laws in the planning of the rail project? A federal judge is considering that right now and his decision could affect the future of the rail. Hawaii News Now.

Will Honolulu’s pricey and controversial rail project ever be built or will it be derailed in court? That could depend on what Ninth Circuit Court Judge Wallace Tashima decides in the next few weeks. Hawaii Reporter.

Rep. Cynthia Thielen and Sen. Robert Kouchi would appear to be the state's wealthiest lawmakers. Civil Beat.

Working Families for Hawaii has spent more than $70,000 supporting Democratic candidate Mazie Hirono, including nearly $34,000 on radio spots bashing former Democratic primary candidate Ed Case. One would think that a super PAC that has emerged as third biggest outside spender in Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race would be anything but anonymous. Civil Beat.

The Board of Education Tuesday gave Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi an overall rating of "fully meets expectations" in her first evaluation since being appointed to the position in September 2010. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of a Board of Regents session to discuss the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco, University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood said Tuesday that athletic director Jim Dono­van was on his way out before the ill-fated venture. Star-Advertiser.

A day before the University of Hawaii Board of Regents meets behind closed doors to discuss the investigation into UH's failed Stevie Wonder concert and Jim Donovan's re-assignment as athletics director, it's unclear how much of the probe UH will make public. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for Aug. 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Honolulu police officer on trial for theft and tampering with government records was found not guilty Tuesday afternoon on all thirteen counts. KHON2.

University of Hawaii-West O‘ahu officials have been giving out the wrong address for their campus for the past six months, but an estimated 1,800 students and 60 faculty still showed up for the first day of classes Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Are public agencies allowed to censor comments on their social media pages and can they be held liable for deleting comments made on their social media pages or for banning users? Hawaii Reporter.

Two gun advocates who run a charity called the Hawaii Defense Foundation are suing the city because they claim the Hono­lulu Police Department has censored, removed and banned their comments from HPD's Facebook page. Star-Advertiser.

A resident of Mayor Wright Homes, who fought to make sure everyone had hot water at the public housing project, is now in hot water himself.  Fetu Kolio is being evicted. KITV4.

The push to keep the North Shore country has lost one of its chief advocates. Civil Beat.

A local affordable-housing developer has arranged to buy the former Honolulu Advertiser property in Kakaako, and envisions putting up two moderate-priced condominium towers on the site while preserving the historic News Building. Star-Advertiser.

The producers of “Hawaii Five-0” will move from their soundstage at the former Honolulu Advertiser building once the show’s third season wraps production next spring, but exactly where is the question. Pacific Business News.

Carlisle paid price at polls for beefing with Cayetano. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Monday its acquisition of the Gentry Pacific Design Center, located in the 500 block of Nimitz Highway in Honolulu. KITV4.

Hawaii
The child sex abuse scandal surrounding the Catholic Church has hit close to home, with fingers of accusation pointing at a priest revered in the local community. Tribune-Herald.

The family of a New York teen swept out to sea while hiking on the Big Island filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday, claiming tour guides were negligent for leading a group of teenagers to a dangerous area. Associated Press.

The draft environmental assessment for the Kapi‘olani Street extension will be available for comment Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County is moving forward with development of a park in Pahoa village with funds previously set aside for a regional community park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Occupancy at Maui hotels during the first half of the year ranked third-highest among more than 38,000 "island and sun" properties worldwide, according to a new report by Honolulu-based Hospitality Advisors. Maui News.

County of Maui was selected as a finalist for the 2012 Healthiest Employers contest, hosted by the Pacific Business News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho and Deputy County Attorney Justin Kollar squared off Tuesday night at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall for a debate in front of an audience of about 200. Garden Island.

Crews continued to fight high winds and dry conditions to contain the Koke‘e brush fire that is now reported to be 85 percent contained. Garden Island

The Koke‘e State Park Advisory Council will renew its work to review and comment on the Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Parks Master Plan. Garden Island.

Help for Hawaii homeless; Honolulu mayoral race all about rail; Kauai group balks at undersea cable; Hawaiian activist Ritte running for OHA; Land Use Commission approves development on Koa Ridge farmland; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today is scheduled to introduce a new coordinator for state programs on programs addressing homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

(c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Governor Neil Abercrombie will make the announcement Friday afternoon when he signs off on a senate bill that will officially establish the Hawai'i interagency council on homelessness. KHON2.

State Lawmakers established a 9-member Native Hawaiian Justice Task Force last year to examine why Native Hawaiians are overrepresented in our prisons and criminal justice system.   The Task Force is conducting a two-day summit this week to solicit public input and recommendations from community leaders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Laura Thielen is fighting for her identity as a Democrat. But campaign contributions to both Republicans on the ticket for governor in 2010 could undermine her claim. Civil Beat.

More than a year after a tsunami devastated Japan, killing thousands of people and washing millions of tons of debris into the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. government and West Coast states don't have a cohesive plan for cleaning up the rubble that floats to American shores. Associated Press.

New figures show 1 in 6 high school students in Hawaii report being bullied online or via text messages, and 20 percent say they have been bullied while on school property. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for June 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

Oahu single-family homes' median price soared last month to its highest level in nearly five years and is approaching its all-time high. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a home on Oahu rose 11.6 percent year over year to $664,000 in May while sales volume remained unchanged with a total of 243 purchases, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Mayor Peter Carlisle went on the offensive in the race for Honolulu mayor Thursday, criticizing opponent and former Gov. Ben Cayetano for embracing a segment of a Bus Rapid Transit plan Cayetano had dismissed 10 years ago when he was in office. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle Thursday blasted the bus rapid transit plan being pushed by his mayoral opponent, former Gov. Ben Cayetano, as an alternative to rail transit. Hawaii News Now.

Even under Honolulu rail chief Dan Grabauskas' own timeline, a deal guaranteeing $1.55 billion in federal funding might not be done until after the election that could see anti-rail candidate Ben Cayetano elected mayor. Civil Beat.

Emails Show City's Rail PR Firm Personally Targets Council Member Cachola in Lobbying Efforts, Ad Campaigns. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu's pro-rail mayor is accusing anti-rail challenger Ben Cayetano of knowing key components of Cayetano's revived bus rapid transit plan will not work. KHON2.

A call to accommodate population growth with more housing won out over a desire to protect farmland Thursday, as the state Land Use Commission approved the bulk of the planned Koa Ridge community with 5,000 houses, a hospital and a commercial center in Central Oahu between Mililani and Waipio. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Judge's Redactions Hide APEC Shooting Details. Civil Beat.

On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council passed an operating budget for fiscal year 2013 that contains $100,000 for Chinatown to repair or replace broken security cameras. KITV4.

Hawaii

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has announced plans to construct a 40,000-square-foot medical office building in Honokhau, North Kona, to replace its existing clinic in Kailua-Kona that services 22,000 Big Island members. Pacific Business News.

Promised for early 2014, Kaiser Pemanente Hawaii will open a new state-of-the-art clinic in North Kona, officials announced Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on a public shooting range at Puuanahulu could begin as early as 2014, a consultant told about 50 West Hawaii residents Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Environmental group Friends of Lana'i wants the state to require that Hawaiian Electric Co. complete a long-range statewide energy plan before being allowed to seek bids for an undersea cable developer and other large renewable projects. Maui News.

The state Natural Area Reserves System Commission voted Monday on Oahu to recommend a two-year extension of the closure of environmentally sensitive areas of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in South Maui - one year more than an advisory group to the reserve had wanted. Maui News.

Although the Maui County Council's fiscal 2013 budget isn't "all sunshine and apple pie" because it includes hikes in property taxes, water rates and bus fares, council members said Wednesday that they passed a "responsible" $549.9 million budget plan for the county. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaui Hart Hemmings, author of “The Descendants,” is a special guest artist today at the Kaua'i Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach. Garden Island.

Molokai

Longtime community leader and former Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Trustee Walter Ritte has announced his candidacy for the At Large seat for OHA. Molokai Dispatch.

Historic bill transfers ceded land to Native Hawaiians, Maine Rep. Collins stumps for Lingle, Dog the Bounty Hunter wife charged with bullying, Hawaii's traveling mayor, Dalai Lama to visit, Maui News to trim staff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ceded lands bill signing Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

A historic bill signing at Washington Place settles a nearly three-decades-old ceded lands dispute between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Associated Press.

Invoking a famous speech by the Rev. Abraham Akaka, delivered by the late Kawaiaha‘o Church pastor on the day after Congress approved statehood, Gov. Neil Abercrombie spoke Wednesday of the next great transition for the Hawaiian people as he signed into law a settlement of long-standing ceded land claims against the state. Star-Advertiser.

It took many of the state's sharpest legal and political minds months of hard work but the result was the enactment of historic legislation that settles a $200 million tab from the state to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed into law a bill that settles the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’    claims to income from ceded lands by conveying ownership of land in Honolulu’s Kakaako neighborhood valued at $200 million. Pacific Business News.

With the stroke of a koa pen, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2783, and settled a decades-old debt for ceded lands owed the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii News Now.

After nearly 30 years of working toward an agreement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law Wednesday a measure that settles OHA’s unresolved claims to income and proceeds from ceded lands. KITV4.

The law gave the Office of Hawaiian Affairs title this summer $200 million worth of Kakaako Makai parcels and buildings over 25 acres. KHON2.

Governor's Office video of ceremony.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, spoke at a fundraiser for Linda Lingle's U.S. Senate campaign at the Sheraton Waikiki, saying she believes the former governor would work with others in the political center toward bipartisan solutions. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Lingle's Role Model: Susan Collins of Maine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii foreclosure filings remained subdued last month by a problematic year-old law, which the Legislature hopes to improve before the end of this year’s session. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require a performance management system for teachers is not expected to advance today in the Senate, after strong opposition from teachers. But the state says the absence of legislation won't stop efforts to overhaul teacher evaluations. Star-Advertiser.

Joe Booker, Deputy Director of Corrections in the state Public Safety Department, is resigning effective Friday to take a job in New Mexico. Hawaii Reporter.

Friday will mark the Dalai Lama's fourth official visit to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

National pharmacy giant CVS Caremark is expanding its Hawaii presence next year — armed with plans to build four new MinuteClinics in the Islands along with a new deal with the state’s largest commercial health insurer. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A popular outdoor Sunday event on Oahu's North Shore is in jeopardy after the state issued a notice to vacate to the operators and owners of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market. Hawaii News Now.

Organizers and supporters of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market said they are seeking ways to keep the popular Sunday market open, following an order by the state to vacate the site because of a state law that prohibits selling from public highways. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu attorney alleges bullying by bounty hunter Beth Chapman. KHON2.

A 13-year-veteran of the Honolulu Police Department is free on bail after making an appearance in court on federal charges in a marijuana growing operation. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi has cut back on his county-paid travel since his first year in office, but he still has spent almost $100,000 of taxpayer money on trips since becoming mayor in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

Concerned about a consultant’s report that says it’s cheaper to haul East Hawaii’s garbage to West Hawaii than expand the Hilo landfill, Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is drafting an ordinance to prevent it. West Hawaii Today.

The state Board of Education is planning three community meetings on the Big Island this month. Tribune-Herald.

The discovery of a used motor core in Arizona will speed up the repairs for a broken Keei well. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county took a step closer to acquiring nearly 64 acres of open space in Paukukalo on Tuesday, in a purchase many said would preserve a place of cultural and community significance in Central Maui. Maui News.

Maui County Council members voted Tuesday to give initial approval to a bill that would establish new regulations for short-term rentals. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to revisions that would soften the county's "Show Me the Water" ordinance. Maui News.

The Maui News plans a workforce reduction of 14 to 18 employees, with a portion expected to leave in a voluntary separation agreement, and the rest to be cut through layoffs. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission granted a special management area permit and planned development approvals Tuesday for the Grand Wailea to proceed with its $250 million project to renovate and expand the resort. Maui News.

Kauai

In what was called a rare event on Kaua‘i, members of the House leadership in the state Legislature were at the Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria Wednesday to listen to what island residents had on their minds. Garden Island.

A structural engineer was on Kaua‘i Wednesday to inspect Kapaia Swinging Bridge, a deteriorating historic footbridge near Lihu‘e that appeared to have partially collapsed following storms in March. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday recognized Kaua‘i Police Department dispatchers and the county’s public safety telecommunications personnel as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week under way through Saturday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A Molokai resident who has volunteered thousands of hours to fishpond restoration was honored by the Hawaii State Teachers’ Association (HSTA) with the 2012 Friend of Youth Award. Molokai Dispatch.

Bright Hawaii outlook for tourism, jobs; Maui telescope hearing officer fired, Pearl Harbor cutting three ships, no tax cut for Kauai, Abercrombie touts progress to Kona group, TSA workers implicated in drug ring, state leads nation in electric vehicle charging stations, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web browsing

Coconut climber (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Some 626,367 visitors came to Hawaii last month and spent $1.09 billion, or about $183 per person per day, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. February was the seventh consecutive month of arrivals growth for Hawaii's visitor industry and the 23rd month of spending rises. Star-Advertiser.

Total expenditures by visitors who came to Hawai'i in February 2012 rose 8.5 percent, or by $85.7 million, to $1.099 billion, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. KITV4.

Hawaii's unemployment rate fell in February for the fourth consecutive month to its lowest level in three years, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has fallen to the lowest level in three years. KHON2.

A group trying to mount a novel third-party presidential campaign has gained a spot on the Hawaii general election ballot this fall. Associated Press.

Fulfilling a long-standing obligation, the state House is expected to vote today for a $200 million settlement between the state and the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs over OHA's share of revenue from former crown lands since 1978. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers are looking for guidance from the Abercrombie administration on controversial environmental legislation, but top officials are giving very mixed signals. Civil Beat.

Legislation aimed at streamlining Hawaii’s construction permitting process could have broad environmental and cultural consequences, some state officials worry. Associated Press.

There are about a dozen bills advancing in the legislature that waive environmental requirements for state and public projects.  Members of the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee summoned key department directors today to ask them what was going on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Staff Turnover Doesn't Bother Abercrombie. Civil Beat.

With federal officials watching, state lawmakers are demonstrating their commitment to keep $75 million in Race to the Top money to reform Hawaii's ailing educational system. Civil Beat.

More young people are taking up farming in Hawaii, and consumers are moving toward sustainable and locally-grown food choices. Those were among trends at the annual "Agriculture Awareness Day" at the State Capitol. KHON2.

More than 200 new electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at more than 80 public locations in Hawaii, putting the state in the lead for the number of public charging stations, the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Navy plans to decommission three Pearl Harbor ships in fiscal 2013 — a move that would drop the surface fleet to eight, affect ship repair jobs and take millions from Hawaii's economy. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano said Thursday the city's Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Board of Directors, who were appointed to oversee the construction and maintenance of the city's $5.3 billion planned 20-mile elevated steel on steel rail system, "had better get a lawyer if he is elected mayor" this fall, "because he will go after them for malfeasance." Hawaii Reporter.

Kailua residents are organizing to prevent commercial activities at area beaches. Hawaii Independent.

Five people have been arrested in a major drug trafficking ring between Hawaii and California.  It's an inside job as investigators say some of the suspects work for Delta Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Two Puna residents have filed suit in 3rd Circuit Court, seeking to stop the implementation of a new county building code that went into effect Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie

Gov. Neil Abercrombie took on a triumvirate of state touchstones Thursday, criticizing “self-designated” Hawaiian activists, challenging environmental protection regulations and touting his labor bonafides while criticizing the state teachers’ union. West Hawaii Today.

Ka‘u County Councilwoman Brittany Smart announced Thursday she plans to run for the state House seat being vacated by Rep. Bob Herkes, a fellow Democrat, in his run for state Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A controversial solar telescope atop Haleakala suffered a setback Thursday when the hearing officer was fired and his recommendation to approve the project was thrown out by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has discharged a hearings officer and his recommendations about the proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope on Maui to avoid "even the appearance of impropriety" due to unauthorized communications with the permit applicant for the project, Chairman William Aila announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui parents will soon get a chance to help save lives by donating their babies' cord blood. Maui News.

Kauai

County council members Tim Bynum and JoAnn Yukimura lost their battle to lower property taxes for Kaua‘i residents Thursday, with their opposition citing economic uncertainty. Garden Island.

Morgan’s ponds at Lydgate closed as Health Department takes water samples. Garden Island.

Nonprofits join up to care for Kaua‘i’s land, culture. Garden Island.

Environmental exemption bill to be heard today, Maui seeks waste-to-energy plant, bid protest costs state $1.2M, cheaper to rent than buy in Honolulu, HART gets grilling, new AP chief at Hawaii helm, Hawaiian land bill advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ka'u coastline (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Environmentalists, clean energy advocates, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a few lawmakers are among those who vehemently oppose Senate Bill 755 — a measure to be heard Thursday that gives the governor and county mayors latitude in exempting state and county projects from regulatory review. Civil Beat.

Environmental Bills Criticized by GOP lawmakers. Hawaii Public Radio.

A “must-pass” priority of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration this legislative session – transfer of $200 million worth of land to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs  -- has survived unscathed to date and has just a few more hurdles to clear before enactment. Hawaii Reporter.

The Attorney General's Office is seeking $1.2 million in state funds to settle a 2008 protest filed against the Office of Elections over the agency's awarding of a contract for electronic voting machines that year. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health has doubled the number of mosquito traps it has at Honolulu International Airport from twenty to forty after a rare species, efficient at spreading disease, was found there early this year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Ambassador of Energy could be a fitting title for Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. Civil Beat.

Former Congressman Ed Case will be filing nomination papers Thursday so he can run for U.S. Senate in Hawaii's August primary. Hawaii News Now.

The number of female-owned businesses in Hawaii has grown by 55 percent over the past 15 years with 39,900 establishments today, accounting for $5.34 billion in sales annually, according to a study released Wednesday by American Express. Star-Advertiser.

Oskar Garcia, a versatile reporter for The Associated Press in Las Vegas and leader in the company's use of social media as a reporting tool, has been named news editor for Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. Associated Press.

Oahu

The City Council grilled members of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit Wednesday on points ranging from spending federal dollars for coloring books to the wisdom of approving preliminarily the sale of bonds they may reject later. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu media entrepreneurs have formed separate independent political committees aimed at helping Ben Cayetano win the Honolulu mayor's race. Civil Beat.

A bill designed to allow lunch trucks more time to sell food along city streets is poised for a final vote after the City Council Wednesday voted unanimously to give Bill 59 the second of three necessary approvals. Star-Advertiser.

United Steelworkers union members at Tesoro Corp’s Hawaii refinery in Kapolei have ratified a new contract. Pacific Business News.

It might be cheaper to rent a home rather than buy in Honolulu, according to Trulia’s Winter 2012 Rent vs. Buy Index. Pacific Business News.

The controversy over a new study analyzing the best site to build new apartments for university professors spilled over into a legislative hearing Wednesday. KITV4.

Several business owners in Kakaako have sent a letter to the city asking that they put an end to a "he said - she said" situation over a stretch of land on Queen street. KHON2.

City should provide cost breakdown of Occupy Honolulu raids. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The Hilo car dealership that had already set aside five electric hybrid vehicles in Mayor Billy Kenoi’s preferred color was the sole bidder on a $234,536 sealed bid solicitation opened earlier this week. West Hawaii Today.

Innovations Public Charter School plans to begin the next school year with eight more classrooms, a soccer field, a covered basketball court and two new grade levels with a $2.9 million federal government loan for expansion. West Hawaii Today.

A West Hawaii councilwoman’s attempt to stop an executive session failed Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The County of Maui plans to covert trash into energy and lighten its carbon footprint by developing a Waste Conversion Plant in Pu’unene. Maui Now.

A spot on the edge of Haleakala National Park overlooking Hana at about 5,400 feet elevation may be the wettest place in Hawaii and among the spots with the most rainfall in the world, said a University of Hawaii climatologist. Maui News.

Maui County officials are scheduled to start Tuesday to rebuild an eroded dirt road that has virtually stranded some 40 residents in a remote, rural area of East Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

County officials are asking residents to submit their ideas about the future of Kaua‘i’s public parks. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on a 5-2 vote Wednesday approved a request from the county’s Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to spend county funds to hire a law office assistant position, but not without delays caused by an ongoing legal feud. Garden Island.

Molokai

Two Molokai natives have achieved one of the highest ranks in the Fire Department. Molokai Dispatch.

Federal funding is available for organic farmers, and now is your chance to benefit from this program. Molokai Dispatch.

U.S. Supreme Court rules against OHA

News Flash!

Tip of the hat to Robert H. Thomas for getting us the opinion fast:

http://www.inversecondemnation.com/files/07-1372-1.pdf

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka issued the following statement today in response to a ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court on Hawaii v. Office of Hawaii Affairs:

“I will continue to monitor the case as it is taken back up by the state courts. I still believe the best way forward is through direct negotiations between the state and federal governments and a federally recognized Native Hawaiian government. For these issues to be resolved, Native Hawaiians need a seat at the table. Mainland indigenous people have this opportunity and Native Hawaiians deserve the same chance.”