University of Hawaii AD quits, Tulsi Gabbard stalker sentenced, Honolulu food trucks compete for space, Maui GMO law could be decided this week, Kauai law to restrict coastline construction, students tour lava flow, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Photo courtesy Hawaii Wildlife Fund

The Hawaii Wildlife Fund ended its 2014 marine debris season Friday by loading 4.5 tons of net and line, most of which was collected from the southeast Ka’u coast, into a container for shipment to Oahu. The 40-foot trailer was provided by Matson Navigation’s Ka Ipu Aina program. The container will be shipped to Honolulu, where Schnitzer Steel will chop it into pieces and then be burned at the Covanta H-Power plant. West Hawaii Today.

Strong investment returns and steps taken over the past four years by the pension plan's trustees, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the state Legislature, helped increase the fund so as of June 30 it was at 61.4 percent of where it needs to be to pay all the pensions promised, according to an independent actuarial report by Dallas-based Gabriel Roeder Smith & Co. That's up from 60 percent as of June 2013 and 59.2 percent as of June 2012. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge is dismissing a lawsuit by a former nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate that said Hawaii television stations discriminated against her for not allowing her to appear in a televised debate. Associated Press.

University of Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay will resign Tuesday, sources told the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser. The resignation is expected to be made at a news conference on campus, along with the decision to retain football coach Norm Chow for a fourth season. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Athletic Director Ben Jay will resign from his position Tuesday, sources have confirmed with Hawaii News Now.

The man who had stalked U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard since she was on the Honolulu City Council has been sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading no contest to two counts of transmitting threats. Civil Beat.

Former Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee talks about problems at agency. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Transportation announced Monday the appointments of former DOT interim director Ross Higashi as Airports Division deputy director and Ed Sniffen, current executive assistant to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, as Highways Division deputy director. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved, with certain conditions, a joint plan for the administration of the Feed-In-Tariff program queues to address important issues and promptly move shovel ready projects to completion, according to a media release issued Monday. West Hawaii Today.

A University of Hawaii professor said the recent announcement that American Savings Bank will be spun off by parent company Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. will make operations and goals clearer for both the bank and analysts. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Oahu food truck operators will need to bid for one of 10 on-street "super stalls" at five locations in order to operate in the Honolulu Capital Special Design District during lunch hours under a two-year pilot project expected to begin soon. Star-Advertiser.

A city plan calls for revitalization near future station sites, especially around Kapalama Canal. Some people fear rising rents and displacement. Civil Beat.

The popular Route E CountryExpress! that starts and ends in Ewa Beach is once again traveling as far east as Wai­kiki as part of restored and expanded bus service that began Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Days after being put into use, the King Street cycle track is already a hit with cyclists. KHON2.

Opinion: Vacation Rental Scofflaws, Beware. There are hundreds of illegal vacation rentals in Honolulu. The city is discussing a new effort to shut them down. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

There was a soft, rhythmic crunching of the glassy crust underfoot as the group of about 20 journalists trudged their way across the stalled lava flow. Having crossed Apa‘a Street just south of the Pahoa transfer station Oct. 25, the flow crusted over and inflated from its original height of 1 foot to between 6 and 10 feet, and even higher in some places. Tribune-Herald.

Crackling sounds resonated underfoot while geologists walked along the stalled lava flow along the fence line of the Pahoa Recycling and Transfer Station on Monday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

State officials and gun enthusiasts are hoping the third time’s a charm to persuade dubious neighbors that a shooting range at Puuanahulu won’t be within earshot. West Hawaii Today.

NextEra Energy, a Florida-based company that agreed to purchase Hawaiian Electric Industries for $4.3 billion, is finding a lot to like about the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists say an emerging infectious disease is afflicting a forest bird native to the Big Island. The University of Hawaii said Monday the disease sometimes called scaly leg was first detected in the Hawaii amakihi in 2007. Associated Press.

Maui

A federal judge is scheduled to rule as early as Friday on the legality of a Maui County ballot initiative that calls for a moratorium on Genetically Engineered Crops. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Old Kahului Railroad Building, one of the last remnants of Maui's rich plantation past, is one step closer to being immortalized in the state and nation. Maui News.

Maui Police found that 43% of truck drivers did not have their cargo loads properly covered and secured during a three hour educational effort held at the Central Maui Landfill on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014. Maui Now.

Kauai

A new, more stringent Kauai law aims to protect the island's coastline by folding erosion data into calculations used to set limits on shoreline construction. A shoreline setback bill was signed into law last week. Star-Advertiser.

Friends of Mahaulepu will host its second meeting in as many months on Thursday opposing Hawaii Dairy Farms’ proposed $17.5 million, 578-acre dairy in Mahaulepu Valley. Garden Island.

Creepy Crawlers. Employees miss work after being bitten by reclusive island spider. Garden Island.

Ige Hawaii's next governor, Maui GMO ban passes, Democrats hold congressional delegation, voter turnout low, big money PAC candidates and issues defeated, all the top election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor-elect David Ige courtesy photo

State Sen. David Ige coasted to a win as Hawaii’s next governor Tuesday night, allowing Democrats to hold on to the state’s highest office after voters resoundingly ousted incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the primary. Associated Press.

State Sen. David Ige, riding disenchantment with Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the primary and party loyalty among Democrats in the general election, was elected Hawaii's governor on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat David Ige has been elected governor of Hawaii. Hours after the polls closed, Ige was ahead of Republican Duke Aiona by a wide margin — 49 percent of the vote compared with 37 percent for the former lieutenant governor. Civil Beat.

Democratic candidate David Ige has been elected as the next governor of Hawaii, defeating Republican candidate James "Duke" Aiona and Independent candidate Mufi Hannemann. Hawaii News Now.

David Ige, who defeated incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the primary election for the Democratic nomination, held off Republican and Independent challengers Tuesday to be elected Hawaii's next governor. Pacific Business News.

BLUE HAWAII: While change sweeps country, Hawaii remains the same. Hawaii Reporter.

Democrat Brian Schatz easily won Hawaii's U.S. Senate race, holding on to the seat he was appointed to after the 2012 death of longtime Sen. Daniel Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat Mark Takai has defeated Republican Charles Djou in the race to represent urban Oahu in Congress for the next two years. Civil Beat.

Largely unknown outside of his own state House district when he launched his campaign more than a year ago, Mark Takai rode a surge of momentum in the final stretch of the campaign and turned out the Democratic vote in the hotly contested race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. Star-Advertiser.

In the closest of the top races decided Tuesday, Hawaii state Representative Mark Takai, a Democrat, defeated Republican Charles Djou in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District with 51 percent of the vote. Pacific Business News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was sailing smoothly into a second two-year term Tuesday night, leading Republican Kawika Crowley in the race to represent rural Oahu and the neighbor islands in the U.S. House. Civil Beat.

Hawaii voters rejected the idea of using public funds for private preschool programs, defeating a proposed amendment that pitted early learning advocates against the public teachers union. Star-Advertiser.

For now, it looks like the state won’t be able to tap into private providers if it wants to develop a comprehensive preschool system accessible to all of the state’s 17,500 4-year-olds. Civil Beat.

Oahu will continue to hold all the at-large seats on the Board of Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, according to final returns Tuesday that showed the sole neighbor island candidate running fourth. West Hawaii Today.

The power of incumbency carried the day as three current Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees retained their seats Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Three incumbents running for re-election to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees fared well in Tuesday’s election. Civil Beat.

Even the high stakes of this year’s general election were not enough to get many Hawaii voters to the polls. Once again, voter turnout appeared to be abysmally low Tuesday, continuing a trend that has given the state the distinction of being worst in the nation. Civil Beat.

Tuesday's general election may have set a Hawaii record for voter apathy with a turnout of 52.2 percent, as of the fourth printout at 11:30 p.m. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Carol Fukunaga was re-elected and Trevor Ozawa narrowly beat Tommy Waters in their Honolulu City Council races Tuesday night. Civil Beat

Political newcomer Trevor Ozawa beat former state Rep. Tommy Waters by just 47 votes for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat to represent East Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

First-time candidate Andria Tupola, a music educator and Maili resident, ousted state Rep. Karen Awana, whose career was tarnished by four fines for campaign finance violations. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Billy Kenoi hugs  Daniel Paleka

Hawaii

Daniel Paleka defeated Tiffany Edwards Hunt in the Hawaii County Council District 5 race. With all precincts reporting Tuesday, Paleka had 2,294 votes, or 53.2 percent. Edwards Hunt received 2,015 votes, or 46.7 percent. Tribune-Herald.

A huge infusion of outside money wasn’t enough Tuesday to propel Council District 9 challenger Ron Gonzales over first-term incumbent Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille. With all precincts reporting, Wille led Gonzales by 1,005 votes, or 3,154, to his 2,149. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s Democratic candidates for state Senate seats all appeared to be smoothly sailing to victory Tuesday evening, with all precincts reporting in shortly before 10 p.m. Tribune-Herald.

There were no shakeups in the Big Island House races this election season. West Hawaii Today.

Voters Tuesday approved three proposed state constitutional amendments and the sole Hawaii County charter amendment. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui voters have approved an initiative that places a moratorium on GMO cultivation in Maui County. Maui Now.

A Maui County ban on genetically modified crops pulled off a stunning turnaround late Tuesday night. After trailing by 19 points in the first two printouts, the ballot initiative took the lead, passing by more than 1000 votes. Hawaii Public Radio.

A controversial Maui County Charter amendment temporarily banning genetically engineered crops passed Tuesday night, but just barely. About 50.2 percent of voters -- the minimum needed to pass the initiative -- voted in favor, while 47.9 percent voted against. Supporters are expecting a lawsuit by corporations opposed to the bill. Star-Advertiser.

A Maui County initiative that would ban the growing of genetically modified organism garnered support late Tuesday. The controversial measure had a slight edge of 50 percent to 48 percent as of the third printout of results with 22,647 votes supporting the ban of GMO crops and 21,807 votes against the ban. Associated Press.

Maui County voters approved a ballot initiative calling for a moratorium on genetically engineered organisms. Maui News.

Alan Arakawa has won re-election and will retain his seat as mayor of Maui County. Hawaii News Now.

In the West Maui Council race, incumbent Elle Cochran is reelected after a very close race early on in which her opponent, Ka’ala Buenconsejo led after the first printout. Maui Now.

Kauai

Bernard Carvalho Jr. will serve as mayor of Kauai and Niihau for another four years. With his re-election, he will become the first person to serve 10 years in the position. Garden Island.

Two challengers won seats to the Kauai County Council Tuesday night. Arryl Kaneshiro and KipuKai Kualii earned victories by finishing third and fourth, respectively, bumping incumbents Tim Bynum and Jay Furfaro off the seven-member board. Garden Island.

The incumbent Kauai state representatives won big on Tuesday night. Garden Island.

Al Gore in Hawaii for Tuesday climate conference, Honolulu seeks to curb gambling machines, Kauai GMO law in federal court today, Hawaii County bill targets homeless, Monsanto could pay $3k for polluting Molokai, emergency powers coming to governor, mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ka'u freshwater stream meets the sea (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

House, Senate Disagree on Budget to Protect Hawaii's Clean Water Sources. Environmental groups, large landowners, ranchers and developers are calling on the Legislature to spend more money to protect a steady supply of fresh water. Specifically, they want funding for “The Rain Follows the Forest”, a Department of Land and Natural Resources initiative. Civil Beat.

Former Vice President Al Gore and U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer will be in town Tuesday to headline a conference about Hawaii's sustainability, clean energy and smart growth initiatives. Star-Advertiser.

Former Vice President Al Gore and other national environmental leaders will be scuttling around Honolulu this week. But don't expect the glitz and glamour that surrounds most other visiting dignitaries. The relative austerity underscores the theme of the conference: to help build a secure water and energy future for Hawaii in the midst of global warming and threatened natural resources. Civil Beat.

For political and emotional drama, it's hard to top this: U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, the most beloved and respected figure in Hawaii state history, makes a deathbed request to name his successor in Washington. But now Gov. Neil Abercrombie has challenged that much-told narrative, implying that it had been manufactured to pressure him into choosing Colleen Hanabusa. He questioned whether Inouye even wrote the letter, marked "personal" and dispatched just before he died, seeking Hanabusa's appointment. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz sure has good timing. He released a new campaign ad last week saying he finds the pay disparity between men and women to be “outrageous.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers will be doing some heavy lifting this week as they meet to tackle the trickiest bills. Both chambers have passed hundreds of measures, but the finer details of many proposals will be hashed out in conference committees, which will begin popping up this week. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s governor and four county mayors may be granted unprecedented emergency powers during a crisis, such as a natural disaster like the 1992 Hurricane Iniki that hit Kauai and Oahu or a terrorist attack. The bill, HB 849, is designed to bring Hawaii’s emergency management plan to federal standards. It renames the state civil defense agency the "Hawaii Emergency Management Agency" and houses it under the state Department of Defense. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate advanced a list of more than 170 bills ahead of the legislative second crossover deadline, including a measure that would remove the cap on the transient accommodations tax revenues to be distributed to the counties. Maui Now.

A new, multifaceted evaluation system has sparked plenty of controversy since it went into development two years ago. Under the Educator Effectiveness System, teachers are evaluated on a range of rigorous metrics designed to assess the quality of their instruction and its impact on student achievement. To comply with each of five metrics, educators have to devote significant time over the course of the year collecting data, designing and implementing goals and meeting with administrators outside of class, among myriad other requirements. Teachers' performance on all of these requirements will ultimately affect their pay. Civil Beat.

A measure aimed at reducing the threat of identity theft and credit card fraud goes before three state senate committees Monday. Hawaii News Now.

A federal judge is not inclined to dismiss a lawsuit alleging Hawaii discriminates against those with limited English skills by making it difficult for them to obtain a driver’s license. Associated Press.

The value of Hawaii’s seed industry is estimated at $217 million for the 2012-13 season. This preliminary estimate represents an 10 percent decline from the 2011-12 revised estimate of $242 million, which was a record high. This decline is attributed to operating and organizational changes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service — Pacific Region. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii residents will be treated to two total lunar eclipses this year, the first one Monday night. Roy Gal, assistant astronomer and outreach coordinator at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Institute for Astronomy, said it is uncommon for Hawaii to get two total lunar eclipses in one year. Star-Advertiser.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 14. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Monday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A bill before the Honolulu City Council would make it illegal to own, operate or use a simulated gambling machine on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

How many years does it take to repair a public restroom? At least one case – at Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai - it took the City & County of Honolulu about four years to repair the public restroom facilities. Hawaii Reporter.

It started with a Boys & Girls Club several years ago. Recently, affordable rental housing was added. Next year the first piece of a retail center could be built, followed by a community services and education complex. These projects — planned for nearly two decades in Nanakuli — are helping crystallize a community vision to create a piko, or central gathering place, for residents in a region of Oahu often neglected by public improvement work. Star-Advertiser.

A handful of inmates indicted on charges of being part of a prison gang have waged a hunger strike to protest conditions at Honolulu’s Federal Detention Center. Associated Press.

Crumbling concrete along a walkway of famed Kuhio Beach has some local residents concerned. The walkway is the one behind the statue of Prince Kuhio, and divides the two enclosed swimming areas at Kuhio Beach, which draws thousands of visitors every day. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council is preparing to tackle an issue that’s generated a great deal of controversy in Honolulu — clearing public areas of possessions owned by homeless people. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council’s Finance Committee will discuss purchasing 1,264 acres in Ka‘u for public use Tuesday. The lands mainly run from Mamalahoa Highway to the coastline near Naalehu. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is making one last push to increase participation in its nation-building efforts. With the passing of Act 195 in 2011, OHA and the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission have sought to register Native Hawaiians to allow them to participate in the selection of delegates for a constitutional convention. But participation has been below expectations and the deadline to register has been pushed back several times. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: OHA Nation Building Meetings Begin. Keaukaha Hawaiians speaks out. Big Island Video News.

Some Hawaii Island residents are concerned that a dry summer could increase the risk that fires set by lava could eat through the thick forest behind their houses. But Kilauea's sluggish Kahaualea 2 flow, less than two miles from some Puna homes, poses no imminent danger to residents, Hawaii County Civil Defense and community leaders are emphasizing. Star-Advertiser.

If you’re looking for an ultra-ritzy neighborhood in Hawaii, don’t bother with the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Maui

An audit filed with Maui Land & Pineapple's annual report says there is "substantial doubt" the company can continue as a going concern, as the company prepares for its April 23 annual shareholder meeting and a May 1 maturity date approaches on two loans totaling $50 million. Pacific Business News.

While iconic island company Maui Land & Pineapple made strides in reducing its financial liabilities in 2013, a May 1 maturity date on two loans totaling about $50 million looms over the company as an auditor said there is "substantial doubt" about ML&P's ability to continue as a going concern. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. is asking the Public Utilities Commission to approve a proposed change in what consumers are charged for the utility's "Revenue Balancing Account." Civil Beat.

Kauai
A hearing is scheduled on Monday in Hawaii’s U.S. District Court in the lawsuit filed by Syngenta and other biotech companies challenging Kauai County Ordinance 960. The court will hear oral arguments regarding the pending motion to intervene filed by Center for Food Safety, Surfrider Foundation, Pesticide Action Network North America and Ka Makani Ho‘opono seeking status as intervenor-defendants. The nonprofits, jointly represented by counsel from CFS and Earthjustice, seek an order granting them participation in the lawsuit in order to defend the County of Kauai’s pesticide and GMO disclosure law. Garden Island.

A plan to build the state's first grass-fed dairy, Hawai‘i Dairy Farms, on former Kauai sugar lands has heated up into a big-money battle pitting powerful — and somewhat unlikely — opponents over environmental and economic concerns. Star-Advertiser.

The County of Kauai sees no reason to intervene with Hawaii Dairy Farms’ proposed $17.5 million, 582-acre dairy in Mahaulepu. On Friday, County Engineer Larry Dill responded in writing to concerns voiced by a group of local biologists and residents. The group recently requested that the county step in and reconsider any decisions it has made or permit exemptions it has granted to HDF. Garden Island.

A civil rights lawsuit filed nearly two years ago against the County of Kauai by current Councilman Tim Bynum may be coming to a close soon. The County Council agreed Friday by a 4-2 vote to accept a $290,000 settlement for Bynum that was reached by Everest National Insurance Company, the county’s insurance carrier. Garden Island.

Molokai

Monsanto Co. would pay the state $3,000 to settle a case involving air pollution violations in 2012 at its Molokai operations, according to a proposed settlement. Maui News.

Tagging Kioea: Learning about Molokai’s Rare Shorebirds. Molokai Dispatch.

Gay marriage special session resumes today, Hawaii agency seeks Roundup regs, state knew a year about molasses leak, GMO debate simmers on two islands, Abercrombie tapped for climate change panel, OHA chief recovering from stroke, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

A state House Republican has asked for a temporary restraining order to block Gov. Neil Abercrombie from signing a same-sex marriage bill into law and prevent the state from issuing marriage licenses to gay couples. Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto has set a hearing for Thursday on the request, which raises separation of powers issues between the branches of government. Star-Advertiser.

It was a historic week in Hawaii. Governor Neil Abercrombie called a special session of the Hawaii State Legislature to review SB1, a bill that would make Hawaii the 15th state to allow same sex marriage. HuffPost Hawaii.

After early speculation that the Legislature's special session to legalize same-sex marriage could be wrapped up in as few as five days, democracy is proving to be not so tidy — and that's a good thing. Star-Advertiser.

Suspicious activity during Saturday night's public hearing on a controversial same-sex marriage bill has prompted officials to change their procedures. Capitol officials confirm they're investigating who took a list of registered names and numbers from the check-in desk Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

500 people yet to testify on same-sex marriage bill. KHON2.

Civil Beat is hosting a live blog and chat for the special legislative session convened to address same-sex marriage.

Hawaii’s Environmental Council, the advisory arm of of the state’s Office of Environmental Quality Control is proposing mandatory sampling of, and studies on, glyphosate, the key ingredient in Mosanto's Roundup herbicide. Civil Beat.

In spite of the ongoing budget battles in Washington, the federal government appears to have spent more than $20 billion in Hawaii for the third straight year in 2012. Civil Beat.

The $10 Billion Question: How Much Does D.C. Really Give Hawaii? Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama has appointed Gov. Neil Abercrombie to serve on the President’s Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience. Hawaii Reporter.

Nani Coloretti, a 1987 ‘Iolani School graduate, was nominated last week to a top U.S. Treasury job. Coloretti, whose nomination needs U.S. Senate confirmation, was picked by President Barack Obama Wednesday to be chief financial officer in the Department of the Treasury. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Colette Machado is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a stroke Friday night. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for November 4. Associated Press.

In brief | State 11-4-13. Associated Press.

Oahu

The fact that both the state and Matson had known about a leaking molasses pipeline for more than a year would quickly become a public embarrassment for the DOT. It turned out the state knew the leak had never been fixed shortly after the spill was reported, but lied to the media and lawmakers about it. DOT officials later said they misled the public because they weren't sure what they were legally allowed to say. Still, the misstep has worked to undermine the credibility of the very state agency that is supposed to oversee shipping. Civil Beat.

More than 30 families living in the former plantation camp known as Kahuku Village V have been told they may be evicted. Star-Advertiser.

A judge is expected Monday to consider a North Carolina man's claim that he can't get a fair trial in Hawaii because of negative publicity over a bungled Stevie Wonder concert. Associated Press.

Residents in Kakaako are urging developers to slow the pace of new building plans. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu is talking to other landowners in West Oahu about acquiring property for a new high school and church campus after a deal with the University of Hawaii West Oahu could not be worked out. Pacific Business News.

Over nearly a quarter century at Punchbowl, cemetery Director Gene Castagnetti was an ambassador for veterans and host to three U.S. presidents, three South Korean presidents, two Japanese prime ministers, the emperor and empress of Japan, the president of the Philippines, prime minister of Australia, a U.S. secretary of defense and multiple consuls general. Star-Advertiser.

A Connecticut family wants the return of the remains of a family member killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor nearly 72 years ago. The New Haven Register reports that Tom Gray is fighting the Navy to retrieve the remains of his second cousin, 3rd Class Fireman Edwin Hopkins.  Associated Press.

Longtime surfer Buttons Kaluhiokalani has died after a battle with lung cancer. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Farmer: Transgenic corn is key to dairy’s survival. Tribune-Herald.

There’s more than one way to slice the debate over genetically engineered food. The introduction of transgenic crops into the food supply 17 years ago has produced an abundance of opinion on the controversial issue, with the gulf between the two sides often seeming as immense as the Pacific Ocean. Tribune-Herald.

The Ka‘u District Gym and Shelter — a $16.9 million state-funded project — is taking shape in Pahala. West Hawaii Today.

Pahoa Cash & Carry to close after 75 years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council gave its initial approval Friday to spend $1.5 million on the design of a new building on the site of the Old Wailuku Post Office on the corner of Wells and High streets. Maui News.

Maui County Council members gave initial approval Friday to a bill lauded by animal lovers and animal rights organizations to clarify and strengthen animal control requirements. Maui News.

Much has been written about Moku'ula, the sacred royal island once moated by the 17-acre Loko o Mokuhinia freshwater fishpond with its archaeological treasures now buried under a former baseball field in Lahaina. Maui News.

Kauai

Officials declined to elaborate Saturday on details of the investigation regarding the mayor receiving threats following his veto of Bill 2491 on Thursday. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday to officially receive the mayor’s veto. From there, the council will decide on the fate of Bill 2491, including whether or not the six-member board will consider overriding the mayor’s decision in as early as two weeks. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has received approval to charge additional fees for about 3,000 customers who opted not to use a standard smart meter on their home or business. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire landowner Larry Ellison's plan to build a third luxury hotel on the undeveloped windward side of Lanai has drawn great community concern but nevertheless made it into the island's draft plan finalized Sept 30. Maui News.

Honolulu mayor to unveil homeless plan, another priest molestation lawsuit, Hawaii ranks 15th in hospital safety, Oahu jail deaths spur investigation, Kauai mayor seeks budget hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The first draft of a sweeping plan to battle homelessness heads to the Honolulu City Council from Mayor Kirk Caldwell today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii was ranked 15th in the nation for hospital safety, according to Hospital Safety Scores from The Leapfrog Group, which assigned a top grade of “A” to a third of the Isle hospitals on its list. Pacific Business News.

Hospital charges vary widely within Hawaii. Medical institutions say the disparities result because patients get individual treatment, depending on their health. Star-Advertiser.

A powerful state senator is blocking efforts to strengthen Hawaii’s ethics and campaign spending laws, state officials and nonprofit leaders say. They point to Sen. Clayton Hee, chair of the Judiciary and Labor Committee, as the major roadblock to good government and political reform laws. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers took modest steps to address the state’s record $25-billion in unfunded liabilities during the 2012 and 2013 legislative sessions. Hawaii Reporter.

A New Jersey man filed a lawsuit Wednesday alleging that he was sexually molested when he attended St. Anthony's parish and school in Kailua from 1978 to 1981 when he was about 10 to 13 years old. Star-Advertiser.

Two lawmakers skipped 10 days of the 60-day session Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

Fifty-four percent of Hawaii's 2012 public school graduates enrolled in two- and four-year colleges — up from 53 percent the year before.  Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat political reporter Chad Blair gets a visit from Office of Hawaiian Affairs Washington D.C. Bureau Chief Kawika Riley, who talks about a new OHA program aimed at putting more Native Hawaiians in federal government.

Over the past several years, the University of Hawaii has shelled out nearly $800,000 to Mainland executive search firms to recruit more than half a dozen top executives. Hawaii News Now.

A young woman was persuaded to board a plane from Oregon to Hawaii with the promise of a job. When she got here, her belongings were taken from her and she was told she would have to be a prostitute. KHON2.

SolarCity has started work on its largest project in Hawaii — the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on 6,500 military homes. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The third inmate death at Oahu Community Correctional Center in two months has prompted state Public Safety Director Ted Sakai to say "we have a crisis on our hands." Star-Advertiser.

A third inmate death in the holding unit at Oahu Community Correctional Center in the past two months is raising serious questions about the Hawaii Department of Public Safety's oversight of the facility. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is receiving $400,000 in federal grants to look for petroleum and hazardous substances on several former industrial sites in Kakaako that are among land parcels the state gave the agency to settle a ceded land claim. Associated Press.

Iwi stalls construction plans for Kailua Target. KHON2.

A helicopter pilot and her passenger walked away from a crash landing on a busy downtown street Wednesday afternoon, and no pedestrians or drivers were injured. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A former county employee who designed the bid specifications and helped choose the contractor for the first phase of the Kaloko Housing program got clearance Wednesday to submit a proposal for an expanded second phase in his new job with the nonprofit organization that won the first bid. West Hawaii Today.

A drug and alcohol abuse treatment program is closing its offices in Kealakekua, Waimea and on Oahu, its CEO said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The state is moving forward with plans to build two water tanks that will feed diptanks for helicopters to use while fighting fires on the southwestern slopes of Mauna Kea. West Hawaii Today.

More Big Island high schoolers are taking Advanced Placement exams, but they’re not scoring as high as in previous years. West Hawaii Today.

A former Department of Environmental Management employee pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to a felony theft charge for allegedly stealing diesel fuel from pumps at the Waimea baseyard. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County police deny that they are investigating five local judges for “war crimes,” as an Oahu attorney asserted in a media release sent to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald on Tuesday.

Maui

Maui County Council members approved a council communications director, changes in land-use conditions for a rock-crushing facility in Kihei and funding for two nonprofit affordable housing projects on Tuesday. Maui News.

Results of a remedial investigation of the ‘Āhihi Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve in South Maui will be discussed during a public meeting tonight, officials said. Maui Now.

The Maui County Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to override Mayor Alan Arakawa's veto of a County Council bill that would target abuse in the "circuit breaker" property tax program developed to help those with limited incomes from being taxed out of their homes due to rising assessments beyond their control. Maui News.

A broken force main sewage line in West Maui on Tuesday afternoon that closed beaches and forced residents to halt dish washing and showers was repaired about five hours later, according to county officials. Maui News.

Kauai
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. sent a revised county budget proposal of $211.2 million to the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday. Garden Island.

False information was presented to the public during a meeting last month regarding the proposal for a high-elevation horizontal well on Kaua‘i, according to the manager of the Kaua‘i Department of Water. Garden Island.

A new bacterial disease off Kauai's North Shore is quickly killing coral, federal biologists say. Star-Advertiser.

Over the last few months, The Garden Island’s editorial team has increased coverage of our island. We’ve hired an editor and reporter to cover more events, meetings and hard news stories both in print and online.

Molokai

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is planning to hold a public hearing this week about a proposal to increase protections for environmentally and culturally important sand dunes in west Molokai. Associated Press.

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.