New faces lead GOPs in Hawaii Legislature, governor's administration, Honolulu City Hall, Obama library competition intensifies as Obama Hawaii vacation nears end, Puna senator seeks lava relief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol © 2015 All Hawaii News

House Republicans have organized behind Rep. Beth Fukumoto Chang as minority leader for the upcoming legislative session. New Rep. Andria Tupola was chosen as minority floor leader, the caucus announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Just in time for 2015, Gov. David Ige has announced seven new members of his Cabinet. The governor named Col. Arthur “Joe” Logan from the Hawaii Army National Guard as adjutant general. Nolan Espinda, the warden at the Halawa Correctional Facility, is the new director for the Department of Public Safety. Carty Chang, an engineer from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, will serve as the acting director for department. Civil Beat.

Snorkeling and shave ice filled the first family's 13th day of their holiday vacation Thursday. President Barack Obama and his family began the New Year under mostly sunny skies as they left their rental home in Kailua for a snorkeling excursion. Star-Advertiser.

In the contest to host his presidential library, two public universities that serve needy communities are pitted against a pair of elite, private schools with seemingly endless money. Associated Press.

Two Chicago universities competing to host President Barack Obama’s presidential library are scrambling to address major concerns raised by the foundation picking the future site, with Chicago’s mayor stepping in to ensure his city stays competitive. Associated Press.

Medical marijuana production centers and dispensaries could become part of the Hawaii landscape as soon as 2017, under recommendations a task force is sending to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

The Affordable Care Act's temporary payment-increase program for Medicaid physicians is set to expire nationwide on Jan. 1, but Hawaii plans to extend the primary care rate beyond Dec. 31, according a study released by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Pacific Business News.

Bigeye Tuna Remains on Hawaii’s Menu — But for How Long? There's been a lot of talk among power players about dangerously declining fish stocks in the Pacific, but action has been insubstantial. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Incoming Honolulu City Councilman Trevor Ozawa will head the Executive Matters and Legal Affairs Committee, and fellow freshman Councilman Brandon Elefante will lead the remixed Business, Economic Development and Tourism Committee under new committee leadership assignments announced in a memorandum this week by Council Chairman Ernie Martin. Star-Advertiser.

A longtime city refuse worker alleges that employees at the Pearl City baseyard were allowed to drink at the workplace during holiday events. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has released a request for proposals for a contractor to replace approximately 52,000 low pressure sodium (LPS) city streetlights with light-emitting diode (LED) streetlights.  A 2013 pilot project by the city demonstrated that retrofitting streetlights to LEDs provides significant cost savings, greater efficiency and increased visibility. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Legislation to provide insurance relief for Puna homeowners and emergency funds for Puna Community Medical Center and two charter schools are among the lava-related bills state Sen. Russell Ruderman says he will pursue this session. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A judge Wednesday dismissed all claims except one brought by a group of Maui Lani homeowners who sued over development of the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex. Maui News.

This was a year of great storms, both political and climatic. Maui Time.


Kauai

The calendar has turned to 2015, and County of Kauai officials are looking at the new year with a list of fresh — and sometimes ongoing — goals. Tackling drug use, citing a new landfill, creating more job opportunities, funding sustainable transportation alternatives and reforming the county’s real property tax system are just a few that individual officials say they want to tackle over the next year. Garden Island.

Kauai will host 900 of the world’s leading information technology specialists this week as they converge for the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. Garden Island.

Ige tours Puna lava flow, Honolulu rail $700M over budget, state Supreme Court mulls gay marriage law, e-cig ban coming to Hawaii County, Kauai auditor sues county, environmental workers face job cuts, University of Hawaii wants $70M more, alcohol at Ward theater, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige lava flyover, courtesy Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige toured the lava flow Thursday by air and on the ground. Ige also spoke at a community meeting Thursday night in Pahoa. Ige, while speaking with reporters, said it helps to see the flow with his own eyes. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige on Thursday met with civil defense officials, stopped by area schools, and visited the Pahoa Recycling and Transfer Station where the public may view a cooling lava flow. Star-Advertiser.

The State’s Chief Executive paid a visit to the Puna district Thursday. Governor David Ige’s schedule included a briefing with Hawaii County Civil Defense Chief Darryl Oliveira, a meeting in Kea’au with teachers from schools affected by the Puna lava flow, and a personal look at the lava flow. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige made his first visit to Puna to see the lava flow first-hand Thursday as Hawaii County officials prepare to open a detour on Railroad Avenue. Hawaii News Now.

The state Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a lawsuit challenging Hawaii’s gay marriage law, more than a year after same-sex couples were allowed to legally marry on the islands. Associated Press.

With legal opinion nationally shifting toward marriage equality, justices on the state Supreme Court on Thursday took a skeptical view of a state House lawmaker's challenge to Hawaii's marriage law. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of state workers who protect our environment could lose their jobs because of something that's good for the environment. The state Department of Health says the funding to pay for workers who ensure Hawaii's drinking water is safe, investigate illegal dumping and respond to oil spills and other environmental disasters could run out in less than three months. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's economy is showing steady improvement, with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reporting a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4 percent for the month of November, falling from 4.1 percent in October. Star-Advertiser.

Groups affiliated with Pacific Resource Partnership, an advocacy group for union carpenters and contractors, were fined $3,100 by the state Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday for failing to report expenses and other information. The commission voted 4-0 to levy penalties on the Hawaii Carpenters Market Recovery Program Fund, Forward Progress and PRP executive director John White. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii System presented its 2015 to 2017 biennium budget proposal to state lawmakers Thursday morning, asking for an additional $35.5 million in general funds for the 2016 fiscal year and nearly $39 million for the 2017 fiscal year, in addition to the $405 million already appropriated by the Legislature for the current fiscal year. Pacific Business News.

University of Hawaii officials want state taxpayers to help the 10-campus system pay its electric bills and unfunded federal mandates like the gender-equity dictates of Title IX that they project will cost more than $70 million over the next two years. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii will wait until after the legislative session to decide whether to raise tuition in the fall, officials told lawmakers Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

An international team led by University of Hawaii scientists says they have set a record for observing the deepest fish during an expedition to the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific. The scholars said Thursday they saw the fish more than 5 miles underwater. Associated Press.

Opinion:  Obama does not represent Hawaii. When it comes to the Obama Presidential Library, we're better off without it. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

The transit system could cost as much as $700 million more than projected, and officials may push to extend a tax surcharge. Facing lagging revenues and soaring costs, Oahu's rail transit system — the largest public works project ever built in Hawaii — finds itself at yet another crossroads. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s $5.2 billion rail project could go over budget by as much as $700 million, causing Mayor Kirk Caldwell and top transit officials to seek more funds elsewhere. Officials blame lawsuit delays, a lag in tax collections and higher-than-expected construction bids. Extension of a tax surcharge may be sought. Civil Beat.

O’ahu’s 5.3 billion dollar rail transit project is facing harsh financial challenges and probably will not be built on budget or on time. Hawaii Public Radio.

It wasn't exactly the news rail supporters wanted right before the holidays, but after crunching all the numbers the cost for rail could come in $500 to $750 million more than expected. Hawaii News Now.

Consolidated Theatres filed an application with the Honolulu Liquor Commission to serve alcohol at its Ward location. The application cleared its first hurdle, but barely. KHON2.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard said it plans to hire 731 workers this fiscal year, a significant boost for high-paying jobs at the state's largest industrial employer. The shipyard has 4,523 civilian workers and 462 military members. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County will likely start the new year as the only county in the state banning electronic cigarettes at parks, beaches and other public places. A 5-4 council majority late Wednesday passed Bill 302, prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes anywhere smoking traditional cigarettes is banned. West Hawaii Today.

The Leeward Planning Commission on Thursday joined its east side counterpart with a vote to place the approval process for PUDs with the commissions rather than solely with the planning director. West Hawaii Today.

The $80 million project to widen Queen Kaahumanu Highway is awaiting sign-offs from the parties that have a stake in how construction is aligned. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island’s unemployment rate decreased for a third straight month in November, the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Haleakala National Park officials are warning drivers to slow down for nene, which are more active along Crater Road with the arrival of breeding season. Maui News.

Opinion: The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii elevated Christopher J. Benjamin, Alexander & Baldwin‘s President and Chief Operating Officer, to chairman of their Board of Trustees. Maui Time.

Kauai

The county auditor’s civil case against the County of Kauai is back in state court. Kauai County Auditor Ernesto Pasion, of Kalaheo, filed a complaint claiming common law retaliation of the Hawaii Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, negligence, and declaratory relief in 5th Circuit on Nov. 25, 2013. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council voted Wednesday to confirm Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s nomination of two-year Kauai resident Allan Parachini to the Charter Review Commission. Garden Island.

Hawaii pitches Obama library, Honolulu mulls 300-sq-ft micro-apartments, whale freed from fishing line, Hawaiians sue over Pohakuloa munitions, Omidyar dairy spurs Kauai community opposition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Allied Works Architecture conceptual design of Obama presidential library

Hawaii's formal pitch to win the Barack Obama presidential library was submitted Thursday in a bid that projects between $25 million and $40 million in tax revenue and more than $2 billion in economic activity over its first 10 years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hopes it has an offer Honolulu-born President Barack Obama won't be able to turn down. It hopes to build him a presidential library on the ocean, with a dramatic view of his hometown's famed Diamond Head volcanic crater. The state's abundant sunshine would generate solar power and support vegetable gardens on site. Associated Press.

On Thursday, Hawaii officials submitted a written proposal to host the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Honolulu. The effort was coordinated by the University of Hawaii with the full backing of the State of Hawaii, the City and Council of Honolulu and numerous community partners, including the nonprofit group, Hawaii Presidential Center. KHON2.

A Journey Into the Basement With Hawaii Tech Chief Keone Kali. The chief information officer talks about the precarious state of information locked in outdated equipment in the bowels of downtown Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii wildlife officials freed a young humpback whale from fishing line that was wrapped around its tail. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary said Thursday the line had cut deep wounds into the 30-foot whale. The weakened animal also had parasites and shark bites. Associated Press.

The Land Use Research Foundation convened its 2014 Housing Summit today. The goal is to develop policies and strategies to build more affordable rental and for sale units throughout the state. Star-Advertiser.

Allowing Aloha United Way to solicit donations from state workers gives the charity an unfair advantage over other nonprofits and violates the state ethics code, Hawaii's state Ethics Commission has concluded. Associated Press.

If Ben Jay had known the depth of the task confronting him at the University of Hawaii, he said Thursday, he might not have taken the job as its athletic director. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Micro units, or small efficiency apartments, are seen as one part of a solution to Hawaii's housing shortage, and the state agency regulating development in Kakaako is looking to build more of them. Star-Advertiser.

Park Lane Ala Moana, the $300 million luxury condominium project being built on what was once a parking area at Ala Moana Center by a trio of Honolulu firms — Kobayashi Group, The MacNaughton Group, BlackSand Capital — and landowner General Growth Properties Inc., plans to price the units between at least $1 million and at least $20 million. Pacific Business News.

The City Council postpones a vote on Bill 62, which would ban sitting and lying on sidewalks and planters in five downtown Honolulu and Chinatown malls. Civil Beat.

Federal, state and city officials on a task force asked to evaluate the effects of the January fuel leak at the Navy's Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility recommended Thursday that the giant tanks be double-lined to prevent groundwater contamination. But the Navy continues to have serious objections to that approach. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council has agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by a man police pulled out of a car window and kicked in the torso, and $165,000 to the mother of a boy who cut his leg on an irrigation valve at a Liliha park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Two Native Hawaiians are suing the Department of Land and Natural Resources, saying the state has breached its duty to protect ceded lands at the Pohakuloa Training Area. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner and John Morton, vice president for community colleges, sketched their vision for the new Hawaii Community College — Palamanui at a forum Thursday evening in Kealakehe. The forum was attended by about 170 people. West Hawaii Today.

Lava flow T-shirts a hit for Pahoa merchant. Tribune-Herald.

The June 27 lava flow was continuing to follow a path of steepest descent Thursday morning that could take it through Pahoa Marketplace. Hawaii County Civil Defense said the flow front was 1.9 miles from the intersection of Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road after advancing 340 yards within 24 hours. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former Maui County mayoral candidate Beau Hawkes, who was Tasered as he ran from a police officer in a viral video, was found guilty as charged Wednesday for disregarding the officer's orders and driving away from a traffic stop. Maui News.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is seeking a special management area permit and a shoreline setback variance as part of an estimated $55 million in master plan improvements that call for, among other things, a new four-level parking garage and more ballroom and spa space, according to a final environmental assessment. - Maui News.

AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch metro area report for Wailuku showed the price of a gallon of regular gas at $4.05 today, down six cents from last week, 20 cents from last month, 12 cents from last year, and down 93 cents from the high of $4.98 reported on May 9, 2011. Maui Now.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Ka‘ala Buenconsejo became the new County of Maui Parks Department Director, according to an inter-office email sent out by the department’s interim director. Maui Time.


Kauai

A set of annual audit reports found that Kauai County officials are still struggling to address longstanding financial and record-keeping deficiencies that were raised as red flags over the past several years. Garden Island.

The lush Mahaulepu Valley on Kauai's South Shore is the setting of a growing environmental battle pitting local residents against Hawaii's richest man. About 200 people packed the Koloa Neighborhood Center Thursday night to voice their concerns about billionaire eBay founder Pierre Omidyar's plans to build a high-tech dairy there. Hawaii News Now.

A promising outlook for attracting visitors to Hawaii was evoked by a host of speakers at the Kauai Visitors Bureau annual luncheon Thursday. Garden Island.

Real property owners that believe their properties were given the wrong tax classifications for the 2014 tax year can apply for reclassification if the application is received no later than Dec. 31. Garden Island.

Charter schools lag in 3R's, Honolulu police chief causes mistrial, Kauai newspaper offers $10k reward in monk seal bludgeoning, Pearl Harbor officials blasted for selling free tickets, Waikiki merchants could pay fee for beach upkeep, Pahoa merchants eye lava flow, land use mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Hawaii Charter Schools Network

Public school students as a whole performed better than charter school students in math, reading and science last year, according to the Charter School Commission's annual report released this week. Star-Advertiser.

An internal report from the National Park Service, which operates a visitors' center for a memorial at the USS Arizona, said tour companies sold tickets with the knowledge of park officials even though tickets are supposed to be free. Associated Press.

The state of Hawaii has implemented a "cloud first" policy across all state departments for all new information technology projects and migrating existing applications, the governor's office announced Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Three U.S. cities that President Barack Obama once called home are trying to outdo one another as the competition to host his future presidential library comes to a close. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Attorney General’s office and Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism failed to report millions of dollars from certain accounts, hindering the Legislature’s ability to monitor the money, a state audit has found. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted unanimously Thursday to approve Kalbert Young as chief operating officer and vice president for budget and finance. Young had been state budget director the past four years under former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, helping craft the state's roughly $10 billion operating budget and develop long-term financial strategies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s FBI agency received $1.2 million worth of equipment in the form of three mine-resistant vehicles. Civil Beat.

The head of the Florida company buying Hawaiian Electric Industries said Thursday he plans to lower electric bills in the islands by switching power plants to liquefied natural gas, adding large-scale solar and wind farms and making use of smart grid technology. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The lawyer for the man who was on trial for allegedly stealing Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha's mailbox is accusing Kealoha of intentionally causing a mistrial. Star-Advertiser.

Inappropriate testimony from Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha caused a federal judge to declare a mistrial in what has become a high-profile case involving a mailbox stolen from his house and an ongoing family feud between his wife and her estranged uncle over money. Civil Beat.

It was only in its second hour and on the second witness, when the federal trial for the man accused of stealing the mailbox of the Honolulu Police chief, abruptly ended. Hawaii News Now.

If two new city bills aimed at maintaining iconic Waikiki Beach are adopted, commercial property owners in the area will have to contribute to beach restoration projects. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Drivers traversing the intersection of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Makala Boulevard in Kailua-Kona may need to adjust their driving pattern, and more changes are ahead. West Hawaii Today.

On Monday, a group of students and activists took down the American flag flying at main entrance of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, instead raising the Hawaiian flag that was beneath it. The action was related to what they say is the continued illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom by the United States. Big Island Video News.

A bill aimed at increasing transparency and public input in the process of creating planned unit developments was reluctantly endorsed Thursday by the Windward Planning Commission. West Hawaii Today.

The lava flow on the Big Island has shifted in recent weeks. That means new neighborhoods threatened and lots of questions, which community leaders attempted to answer Wednesday night. KITV4.

The new leading edge of the June 27 lava flow moved 170 yards between Wednesday and Thursday, bringing it within about 435 yards of a fork in its predicted path. Tribune-Herald.

Twenty-one people attended a state Planning Office meeting Wednesday at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, where officials gathered input about the state’s land use process, specifically district boundary amendment procedures. West Hawaii Today.

East Hawaii residents might have a harder time finding a Christmas tree this year after shipments to one major retailer were sent back to the mainland. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Target has already attracted 1,100 applicants online, and had hundreds of interested job seekers attend the first day of a four-day job fair on Maui today. Maui Now.

Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel Technologies has signed a contract with Hawaiian Electric to supply the utility with biodiesel processed from waste cooking oil and other local feedstocks for use at HECO's 110-megawatt Campbell Industrial Park generation facility. Maui News.

Kauai

The Garden Island newspaper is putting up a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the bludgeoning death of a female Hawaiian monk seal pup in Anahola, on Kauai’s northeast coast. The award matches a $10,000 award offered by the Humane Society of the United States, Conservation Council of Hawaii, Center for Biological Diversity and the Monk Seal Foundation.

The county will not change the designation of a Poipu neighborhood after many residents and property owners objected. County planning officials, in response to concerns from Whalers Cove residents, said they will keep the active residential zoning designation for the area. Garden Island.

Hawaii a finalist for Obama library, out-of-state deep pockets power gubernatorial candidates, counties want more tax revenues, lava enters subdivision, misses homes, Kauai law firm works free to defend anti-GMO law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed site for Obama library, courtesy Barack Obama Foundation

Hawaii officials have three months to submit a formal bid to host Barack Obama's future presidential library following Monday's announcement that the University of Hawaii is one of four institutions selected to compete for the center. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii is one of four universities chosen to compete for the site of President Barack Obama’s presidential library, the Barack Obama Foundation said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Chicago, New York and Honolulu have made the short list to host Barack Obama's future presidential library. The Barack Obama Foundation, which is developing and raising money for the massive legacy project, announced Monday that it has selected four universities to compete for the library, culled from an initial list of 13 applications submitted earlier this year. Associated Press.

David Ige may have dethroned an opponent who raised 10 times the amount of campaign cash in the primary election. But, finding himself in a four-way general election contest for governor, the Democratic nominee for governor has kicked up his fundraising schedule. Civil Beat.

GOP Wants Hawaii Voters to Believe Ige, Abercrombie Are ‘Good Partners’ The Republican Governors Association is targeting David Ige in new ads to help Duke Aiona. Civil Beat.

County officials agree on at least one thing as they prepare to lobby the Legislature next year: They want more funding for local government services ranging from roads to rescues. But Kauai, Maui, Big Island and Honolulu council members and mayors have different ideas on how to go about boosting their revenues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's middle class are the third-most overtaxed in the U.S., and the 20 percent of residents with the lowest incomes are the fourth-most overtaxed, making Hawaii's tax system second-worst in the nation, according to a study released Monday by the personal finance site WalletHub.com. Star-Advertiser.

The Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit convened today in Honolulu.  Attendees are learning about the latest innovations that will transform electrical power generation and usage in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

The grade is in on Hawaii's Renewable Energy Report Card. While the Aloha state has improved a bit from last year's 'C-', it was raised only to a 'C' by the Blue Planet Foundation. KITV4.

Classes Off to a Hot Start in Schools Without Air Conditioning. Lessons are taught in sweaty, smelly conditions where sweltering students have a hard time concentrating. Civil Beat.

Oahu

With the release of final environmental documents, the state is moving closer to constructing a $266 million container terminal designed to handle the surge of overseas cargo expected at Hono­lulu Harbor in the next few decades. Star-Advertiser.

Relocation of a facility geared toward helping homeless adults with mental illnesses to the city's Pau­ahi Hale housing complex in Chinatown should be completed by the end of the year, officials with the city and the Safe Haven project say. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell will sign into law Tuesday bills that make it illegal to sit and lie on public sidewalks in Waikiki, and two separate laws prohibiting urinating and defecating in public in Waikiki and across Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A preliminary hearing will be held Tuesday in District Court for a homeless man who was arrested after being warned last week to stay away from a Hawaiian monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. Star-Advertiser.

Halawa Correctional Facility’s recent decision to put inmates in striped uniforms, instead of in solid colors, has been derided by prison reform advocates, but was a decision largely based on safety, according to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Striped uniforms are very distinct and help separate inmates from members of the public and prison staff. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The lava flow approaching Pahoa advanced about 300 yards into the northwest section of Kaohe Homesteads on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Lava from Kilauea's East Rift Zone has entered the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Parker Ranch has named former Hawaiian Electric Co. executive Jose Dizon general manager of Paniolo Power Co. LLC, in charge of leading the ranch’s renewable-energy efforts, Parker Ranch President and CEO Dutch Kuyper said Monday. Pacific Business News.

A Hilo grand jury indicted a former supervisor at the state Department of Human Services for allegedly stealing about $45,000 in public assistance, or welfare, benefits from the office. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea Middle School officials did a little math last year and calculated they could save about $60,000 a year by purchasing their two school buses, rather than contracting for transportation services through the state Department of Education. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Attorneys for the nonprofit Maui Lani Neighbors, Inc. filed additional complaints against state, county and federal agencies over the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex, currently under construction in Waikapū. Maui Now.

A Japanese-run planetary observatory atop Haleakala that replaces a facility in Sendai damaged by the destructive 2011 earthquake was blessed Tuesday. Maui News.

A new exhibit at Kahului Airport will help travelers understand the meaning behind the Maui airport’s three-letter OGG code. Associated Press.

Kauai

To appeal a federal judge’s ruling that Kauai County Ordinance 960 related to pesticides and genetically modified crops is pre-empted by state law would cost the county no more than $12,750 — start to finish. The law firm hired by the county to defend the controversial ordinance has offered to waive all legal fees moving forward, and only charge for direct costs. Garden Island.

Obama seeks Pacific Ocean protections, UH gets $40M oceanic research grant, Kauai ex-police commissioner pleads guilty to gambling ring, Aiona offers homeless plan, Hawaii teens improve health habits, Maui mayor trims budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilo Moana, courtesy NOAA

The University of Hawaii will take the lead on a global oceanographic research project that comes with $40 million in funding — representing the largest-ever philanthropic gift to the university. David Karl and Edward DeLong, professors in UH-Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, were awarded the funds by the Simons Foundation to lead the newly launched Simons Collaboration on Ocean Processes and Ecology, or SCOPE. Star-Advertiser.

A private foundation is awarding two University of Hawaii scientists $40 million to research microscopic organisms in the ocean. The award from the Simons Foundation is the largest private foundation gift ever received by the university. Associated Press.

Kilo Moana

President Obama on Tuesday will announce his intent to make a broad swath of the central Pacific Ocean off-limits to fishing, energy exploration and other activities, according to senior White House officials. Washington Post.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday will announce his intent to make a broad swath of the central Pacific Ocean off limits to fishing, energy exploration and other activities, according to senior White House officials. Associated Press.

With a congresswoman out for his head and a U.S. senator calling for an investigation, the new director of the Hawaii VA vowed Monday to stay on the job and, within three months, dramatically reduce the time it takes military veterans to see their doctors. Star-Advertiser.

The Veterans Affairs director in Hawai’i wants to assure veterans and the public that he is working hard to provide better access to primary care. Hawaii Public Radio.

Republican candidate Duke Aiona placed homelessness at center stage in Hawaii gubernatorial campaign Monday by proposing two novel ideas. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii National Guard would reach out to homeless veterans and guide them toward counseling and services under a proposal by Republican gubernatorial candidate James "Duke" Aiona to reduce homelessness in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Today, at Kaka‘ako Makai Gateway Park, Duke Aiona outlined a plan to address the houseless crisis in Hawai‘i. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii tea party leaders are outraged over the news the Internal Revenue Service has lost emails of its former director, Lois Lerner, during a critical time when the agency admitted to targeting conservative groups for additional scrutiny. Hawaii Reporter.

During an interview with Keahi Tucker on Hawaii News Now, Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson, a Democrat, said his No. 1 priority representing the First Congressional District of Hawaii will be to focus on middle-class families.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is appointing two Oahu executives to state boards. Kailua resident Wesley Furtado is being appointed to serve on the Board of Land and Natural Resources.The governor is appointing Sean Dee of Honolulu to the Hawaii Tourism Authority board of directors. Associated Press.

Hawaii's newest medical insurer is ramping up to gain more market share as the bulk of small businesses renew health plans in July. Family Health Hawaii, which launched Oct. 1 as a nonprofit mutual benefit society, has roughly 4,000 employees so far on its rolls, or about half of its annual enrollment goal, said former state Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt, who is heading the startup insurance firm. Star-Advertiser.

Teenagers are smoking less, fighting less and having less sex than a decade ago, a Hawaii Department of Health report indicates. Civil Beat.

Innovate Hawaii, a program of the High Technology Development Corp., has given a total of $248,310 to four local companies as part of the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research matching-grant program. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

An Obama presidential library located in Hawaii would generate $556 million in economic activity and create 2,130 new jobs, in the construction phase alone, according to officials who submitted a bid by Monday's deadline. Star-Advertiser.

Two escapes in one week from the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Daniel Skelton, the inmate who escaped from the Oahu Community Correctional Center on Monday morning, is still on the loose. That’s two escapees for OCCC in as many weeks. KHON2.

Some Ewa Beach residents are fed up with the plane noise from Honolulu International Airport. That's because a construction project is diverting planes from one runway to another that's in line with homes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii County middle school students were more likely to try smoking cigarettes last year than students anywhere else in the state, according to new findings reported Monday. Tribune-Herald.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization spent nearly $8 million last year lobbying federal officials, making it one of the top 50 spenders on national lobbying, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Now the influential global trade group that includes more than 1,000 biotechnology companies has turned its sights on Hawaii. The organization joined nine local groups and individuals from the Big Island last week to challenge Hawaii County’s ban on genetically modified farming. Civil Beat.

Produce thefts have some isle farmers on edge. West Hawaii Today.

Surrounded by chain link fence is a little pond fringed by greenery. The pond is fed by a white pipeline, from which water gushes out at a rate of about 1.5 million gallons daily. This site, not far from the Kealakehe Police Station, is the destination of the sewage treated at the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kona and one West Hawaii resident is hoping to see it closed down sooner rather than later. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa on Monday issued eight line-item vetoes, cutting $29.7 million in capital improvement projects proposed by the County Council. Star-Advertiser.

No state has a worse voter turn out than Hawai'i, and no districts have more apathetic voters than South and West Maui. Recent reports rank them right at the very bottom of the list, but this year both areas have become a hotbed of political activism. Maui Weekly.

The county Public Works Department submitted a final environmental assessment for the final phase of the North Shore Greenway . Maui Now.

A final environmental assessment has been submitted for the final phase of the proposed North Shore Greenway, a pedestrian and bike path that would connect Kahului to Paia. Maui News.

The county Department of Housing and Human Concerns submitted a Final Environmental Assessment for the 64-unit Kulamalu affordable housing project in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Kauai

A Department of Corrections program manager and former Kauai Police Commissioner pleaded guilty to federal gambling charges on Monday in U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii. Garden Island.

A Kauai police commissioner who resigned in the midst of an FBI gambling investigation admitted in U.S. District Court on Monday that he ran a sports betting operation from his home and lied on his taxes. Bradley Chiba, 37, pleaded guilty to owning and running an illegal gambling business with eight others and to failing to report to the Internal Revenue Service that he earned $39,779 in 2012 from the business. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii vies for Obama presidential library, Waikiki homeless rousted, Thirty Meter Telescope permits delayed, more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama reflecting, courtesy White House

The state of Hawaii submitted a bid Friday to become the home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library, officials said. The "request for qualifications" submittal ­­— the first step in what's expected to be a heated competition for the library — included such information as site details, transportation access and community information designed to demonstrate a capacity to successfully build and maintain a presidential library. Star-Advertiser.

While 43 states and the District of Columbia experienced drops in the number of low-income residents receiving federal food stamps, Hawaii and six other states saw their food stamp enrollments increase between March 2013 and March of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Two new bills being proposed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell would give his administration further ammunition to conduct his "compassionate disruption" campaign to remove the homeless from the sidewalks of Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Nightly Migration: Homeless Chased From Waikiki — for a Few Hours. Recent sweeps by city crews disrupt street people's lives and clear out the parks in the early morning hours, but are they effective? Civil Beat.

Civil Beat reporter Nick Grube talks about covering the homeless situation in Waikiki for his current story.

Since 2009, delays from awarding contracts too early and court-ordered halts on construction have already cost taxpayers at least $116 million to help build Oahu's rail transit line. Now, rail officials find themselves in yet another race against time to avoid yet another round of costly delays — this time heading into 2015, when construction on the 20-mile rail line is supposed to ramp up in the heart of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Department of Public Safety canceled visitation hours at the Women's Community Correctional Center in Kailua on Sunday. Officials say visitations were canceled at WCCC due to staffing shortages. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants the county administration to yank a bid solicitation for a waste reduction facility, saying the specifications were written to favor a waste-to-energy plant. West Hawaii Today.

The outgoing commander at Pohakuloa Training Area called the 133,000-acre facility “an amazing place to work.” Lt. Col. Eric Shwedo made the comment as he relinquished command to Lt. Col. Jacob Peterson in a ceremony Friday morning at the Army installation’s theater. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources deferred a key decision for a $1.3 billion telescope project, saying the state needs more time to explore legal issues. Associated Press.

OHA CEO Kamana‘opono Crabbe offered testimony to the Board of Land and Natural Resources concerning the TMT project on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Independent.

Connections New Century Public Charter School is taking its battle to build a Kaumana campus to court. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Clerk Danny Mateo has until Tuesday to determine whether there's merit to objections to the mayoral candidacies of Neldon Mamuad and Nelson Waikiki Jr. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa has endorsed Hawaii Independent Party gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann, the candidate's campaign announced Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

JoAnne Georgi has had enough. The Eleele resident, who ran unsuccessfully for a state House District 16 seat in 2006 and state Senate seat in 2008, said she is now running for a Kauai County Council seat to bring a new voice to the seven-member board. Garden Island.

Repeal of a junior kindergarten program and a change in age requirements for entering kindergarten are contributing to a shortage of open slots at Kauai preschools. Associated Press.

Hawaii students not ready for college, University of Hawaii unpopular, centers for Inouye, Obama, mulled, GMO labeling group opens Honolulu office, bus ad bill delayed, UH presidential candidates speak, Jones shipping act panned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Workers put finishing touches on University of Hawaii at Manoa campus center © 2014 All Hawaii News

Amid educational reforms to better prepare Hawaii public school students for college and careers, the number of college-going graduates last year remained flat, and nearly a third of those who enrolled at the University of Hawaii weren't equipped to take entry-level math and English courses, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is one of the least popular schools in the country, according to an analysis by eCollegeFinder.org, an online resource for prospective college students. Civil Beat.

David Lassner says that while he's never aspired to be president of the University of Hawaii in his nearly 40-year career at the university, he thinks UH has the potential to be the leading public higher education system in the nation and welcomes the opportunity to try to make that happen. Star-Advertiser.

The future Daniel K. Inouye Center for Democratic Leadership will be more than just a museum and a space to house the late senator's congressional papers, including those from the Watergate and Iran-Contra scandals. Star-Advertiser.

Plans for President Barack Obama’s official library are years away from being finalized but the first request for qualifications has been announced by his foundation and Hawai’i’s team is putting together an initial proposal due next month. Hawaii Public Radio.

A national consumer advocacy and environmental group has opened an office in Honolulu in its efforts to pass a law in Hawaii that would require labels to be put on genetically-modified foods. Hawaii News Now.

A 30-member task force convened by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to address energy security in Hawaii says the state needs an exemption from the 1920s-era Jones Act that requires all goods shipped within the United States be transported by American-made and American-manned ships. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are following a national trend and challenging Gov. Neil Abercrombie to consider whether children convicted of first-degree murder should be treated differently from murderous adults. Star-Advertiser.

With campaign season in full swing, we’ll soon be hearing the usual well-meaning but ineffective admonishments and pleas about low voter turnout in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

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

Among major climate change concerns and challenges already being felt in Hawai‘i and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands are damage to coral reefs, decreasing freshwater supplies, increasing temperatures and greater stresses on native marine and terrestrial ecosystems, according to the 3rd U.S. National Climate Assessment released by the White House today. Hawaii Independent.

Strong earnings growth at its utility subsidiary was the main driver behind a 36 percent gain in Hawaiian Electric Industries' first quarter net income, the company reported Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

About 6 a.m. on Nov. 2, 2012, some 30 Honolulu police officers armed with rifles, handguns and shields broke down the side door of Kaneohe resident Paul Tam's home and searched for marijuana plants that officers claimed to have seen from a helicopter. After going through two houses on the property for about two hours destroying lights, doors and personal property, and ordering residents to lie face down on the ground, the officers discovered the suspected marijuana was actually a cluster of bamboo trees. That case, resolved for $70,000, was among several that the Honolulu City Council unanimously agreed to settle Wednesday at a cost of $3.67 million to taxpayers. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police are investigating an assault on Oahu environmental activist Carroll Cox while he was looking into the alleged toxic dumping and misuse of land under the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of a mayoral proposal Wednesday to place advertisements on the outside of city buses. The potential ad revenue, which could total million of dollars, is slated for bus service improvements. But Bill 69, which still needs further approval, could still be delayed for at least a year. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council members will likely defer until next year a final decision on Mayor Kirk Caldwell's controversial plan to raise money for bus routes by selling advertising on the sides of city buses. Star-Advertiser.

A new law aimed at reforming the Hawaii Community Development Authority, the state agency that manages development in Kakaako, is a victory for Kakaako residents who spent months protesting the approval of new high rises in their neighborhood last year. But despite their legislative success, development in Kakaako is likely to equal or exceed last year's pace, when the agency approved six new projects in the 600-acre district. Civil Beat.

Coral Crater Adventure Park, featuring a zipline course, off-road rides and a climbing wall, is being built in a 23-acre former Navy coral quarry owned by Hunt Cos. in Kalaeloa in West Oahu, the developer of the park told Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Folks are getting wired in Ka‘u. Ten days worth of celebrations are ongoing on the smoky south flank of Mauna Loa as residents, visitors and growers celebrate the region’s budding coffee industry. West Hawaii Today.

A legislative appropriation of $618,000 has been released for the planning and design of a new campus for a charter school in Volcano Village. Big Island Now.

Maui

The long-awaited launch of Maui’s own Polynesian voyaging canoe, the Moʻokiha o Piʻilani, has been set for Friday, July 11, 2014, at Māla Wharf Boat Ramp in West Maui, according to a Hui o Waʻa Kaulua announcement. Maui Now.

Kauai
More than $80 million in capitol improvement project funding was secured for the island on the final day of the legislative session Wednesday at the state capitol, Kauai lawmakers said. Garden Island.

A divided Kauai County Council committee approved a budget proposal by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. that could lower the amount of property tax revenues set aside for public access and open space projects next year. Garden Island.

GMO still hot Hawaii topic, Honolulu cops have sex with prostitutes, UH presidential finalists to be public, Kauai mayor seeks 3rd term, Hawaii wants piece of Obama library, birth control for chickens and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii store sign (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

 Honolulu police officers have urged lawmakers to keep an exemption in state law that allows undercover officers to have sex with prostitutes during investigations, touching off a heated debate. Associated Press.

An effort to require labels on genetically modified foods in Hawaii was brought back to life in the state Legislature, but it died in committee on Thursday almost as quickly as it was revived. Associated Press.

State Rep. Jessica Wooley on Thursday unsuccessfully attempted to resurrect a proposal to require labeling for genetically modified food sold in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

In an attempt to get a GMO-labeling bill heard this session, Rep. Wooley turned to a legislative strategy that most would agree is, usually, a less-than-savory tactic. Hawaii Independent.

GMO’s and Pesticides in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii lawmaker introduces chicken birth control measure. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii may end up working with Chicago as the process moves forward to choose a site for the Barack Obama Presidential Library. Hawaii officials Thursday acknowledged meeting with their counterparts from the Windy City regarding possible ways to collaborate in the building of the library complex. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz visited Civil Beat on Tuesday for a wide-ranging discussion on everything from climate change and college affordability to local values and his race against U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who is challenging him in the Aug. 9 Democratic primary.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted today to make public the names of its top three presidential candidates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's lone Republican senator is preparing to ask the federal government to investigate the state's use of $204 million in Affordable Care Act grants meant to fund the troubled Hawaii Health Connector. Star-Advertiser.

Another Dental Nightmare Renews Call for Stronger Oversight in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A federal appeals court is giving a Hawaii man another chance to argue that he should be allowed to have a rarely given license to carry a gun in public. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Co. expects a cost-savings of up to $500 million each year for its customers when it begins utilizing liquefied natural gas as a replacement fuel for power generation on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai, a top official from the state’s largest electric utility said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has put online graphs that show how much solar and wind power is being generated on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island throughout the day and how much the renewable sources contribute to total power consumption. The utility wants consumers to understand the variable nature of solar and wind power and the important role of the so-called "firm" power generated at HECO plants. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines is looking at outsourcing neighbor island ground operations, which could result in the layoff of 223 employees at the Kona, Kahului and Lihue airports. Star-Advertiser.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 21 A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Friday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu


A bill making it easier for shoreline property owners to put up retaining walls and other structures is advancing through the Honolulu City Council, although some members said they want more information before they'll give it final approval. Star-Advertiser.

A controversial bill that would make it easier for homeowners to build retaining walls along their shoreline properties passed out of the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Renovations at Honolulu Hale are drawing major health concerns. There’s fear that city leaders and the general public may have been exposed to asbestos. KHON2.

State and city officials announced plans on Thursday to protect the Hāwea heiau complex and Keawawa wetland in East Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Construction on Farrington auditorium to start in summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has received a second $5 million grant to study how plants, animals and microbes respond to climate change. Associated Press.

From courts to classrooms to Kona tourists, the Big Island stands to gain lots of funding from the budget passed last week by the state House of Representatives. Big Island Now.

Finance Department officials say a regular review cycle of all Hawaii County parcels, developed and unimproved, would realistically take at least 7.3 years. West Hawaii Today.

The first students could graduate from Hawaii Community College at Palamanui in 2017. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
House lawmakers from Maui today issued an announcement saying they have secured more than $460 million in capital improvement project funds, including $130 million for the construction of the long-awaited Kīhei High School in South Maui. Maui Now.

The library at Paia School is scheduled to reopen today after being used primarily as storage space for the last five years. Maui News.

Kauai

On the west side of Kauai, many acres of former sugar cane fields have been converted to a major testing area for genetically modified seeds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two-term incumbent  Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who was first installed in 2008, made good on that promise Thursday, when he filed his nomination papers with the Office of the County Clerk’s Elections Division. Garden Island.

‘A desire to be of service’ U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard honored at ‘Women of Inspiration’ Garden Island.

Drones coming to Hawaii, noted taxpayer advocate Kalapa dies, Bloomberg fundraiser for Schatz irks Hanabusa, SHOPO aims to keep police discipline confidential, sinkhole swallows pickup, Obama hikes, golfs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NASA Global Hawk drone, courtesy photo

Hawaii has been selected to be a test bed for increased drone flights as the Federal Aviation Administration seeks to create rules of the air and incorporate an ever-expanding number of the flying robots into the nation's airspace. Hawaii, Alaska and Oregon are part of a partnership that was picked to become one of six groups nationwide for the effort, with backers hoping the Aloha State will become a mecca for unmanned vehicle research, testing and certification, creating science jobs and adding millions to the economy along the way. Star-Advertiser.

The Federal Aviation Administration included Hawaii as part of a partnership with the University of Alaska and the State of Oregon as one of six test sites that will allow drones to share airspace with commercial aircraft. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiʻi has been identified by the Federal Aviation Administration as a test site range location for unmanned aircraft systems research. Maui Now.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a drone? It could be. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday six institutions where researchers will develop and test drones to fly. KHON2.

President Barack Obama had a full day of activity on his tenth day of vacation, starting with his morning workout before dawn and ending the evening at dinner with friends at Alan Wong's in McCully. The president and first lady were joined by other couples for dinner at one of Obama's favorite restaurants at about 8 p.m. Associated Press

President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, dined with friends at Alan Wong's restaurant Monday night after the family went on a two-hour hike on Makiki Valley Loop Trail. Earlier, the president went for a morning round of golf with friends at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Maunawili. Star-Advertiser.

It doesn't matter that they belong to President Barack Obama -- first family dogs Bo and Sunny had to go through Hawaii's strict quarantine procedures to travel to the islands for their holiday vacation. Associated Press.

Denby Fawcett: A Presidential Obama Center at Point Panic Is a Bad Idea. Civil Beat.

On Thursday evening, a mere 48 hours after he steps down as New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg will arrive in Hawaii to headline a fundraiser for Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) -- an appearance that Schatz's primary challenger, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, is using as political fodder in an already heated race. Huffington Post.

The mayor of New York City will headline a Sen. Brian Schatz fundraiser in Kahala Thursday, something Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is using as political fodder. Hanabusa’s Senate campaign sent out fundraising appeals to supporters today and last week that condemn Schatz for spending time with Mike Bloomberg, a billionaire that “long championed deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Civil Beat.

The state has approved rate hikes for reinstated health plans that were set to be canceled today because they did not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. The state Insurance Division said Monday that Kaiser Permanente Hawaii would be allowed to boost premiums by an average 9.2 percent for individual plans with 11,000 enrollees and by 5 percent for 26,300 small-business policyholders at their contract renewal dates. Star-Advertiser.

Relaxing marijuana restrictions around the country have some hoping there will also be changes to Hawaii's pot policies. KITV4.

The emotionally charged special session of the Legislature that led to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's signing of the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act was the top local news story of the year, but also dominating the headlines were shark attacks, including two fatalities, a massive molasses spill, the Christopher Deedy murder trial and GMO restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

The past year has been a strong one for Hawaii’s economy with tourist arrivals expected to set another record, although the pace of growth slowed. Construction picked up speed helped by a boom in Kakaako condo projects. The most notable property transaction of the year was Alexander & Baldwin’s purchase of most of downtown Kailua. The troubled launch of the Hawaii Health Connector and a slowdown in the growth of residential solar energy systems round out our major business stories of 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Kalapa

Lowell Kalapa, president of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since the 1970s, died Monday of unknown causes. He was 64. A respected economic voice in the halls of both the state Capitol and Honolulu Hale, he preached fiscal restraint by lobbying for fairness and equity in taxes, reduced government spending, and ensuring lawmakers and citizens alike understood the impacts that the measures introduced by state and county lawmakers had on regular people. Star-Advertiser.

Lowell Kalapa, president of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, died Monday. He was 64. The cause of his death was not revealed. Pacific Business News.

Lowell Kalapa, well-known government watchdog who headed the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, died over the weekend, his office confirmed today. Hawaii Reporter.

He never held an elected office but Lowell Kalapa was one of the most influential voices in the state Legislature. Kalapa, executive director of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, died at his home. He was 64. Hawaii News Now.

Remembering My Friend Lowell Kalapa, a personal remembrance of Kalapa from a Civil Beat columnist and close friend. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Castle & Cooke Hawaii said Monday the company has had inquiries from people who want to live in Koa Ridge, the 3,500-home development it will build in central Oahu. In a statement, Castle & Cooke said it will proceed with the development despite a Dec. 23 state Supreme Court decision invalidating a 2010 Land Use Commission approval of the project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s politically powerful police union wants to intervene in a public records lawsuit in order to protect the identities of 12 Honolulu officers who were suspended for 20 days or more after committing serious acts of misconduct. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Zoo Director Jeffrey Mahon announced last week that he is resigning, less than six months after starting the job. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A short list of three candidates to finish state Rep. Denny Coffman’s unexpired term is on its way to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, culled from nine Democrats who submitted applications for House District 5 representing West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Since the newest segment of Saddle Road — also known as the Daniel K. Inouye Highway — opened, letter writers and callers to the Tribune-Herald have complained police are operating a speed trap on the east-west traffic artery. Hawaii Police Department statistics indicate there will be fewer speeding tickets written on the Saddle this year than in 2012, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. Tribune-Herald.

sinkhole

Heavy rains drenched Hawaii island's Windward coast Monday morning, scattering runoff and debris across the area -- and even causing a Paauilo Mauka road to collapse beneath a truck, according to officials. Star-Advertiser.

Sometimes even Mother Nature likes to end the year with a bang. The Big Island’s strongest storm of the season pounded windward areas Sunday and Monday with heavy rain, rolling thunder and countless flashes of lightning that put on a show that could rival even some of tonight’s celebrations. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii woman whose last name is 36 characters long has finally gotten the whole thing to fit on her driver's license and state identification card. Janice "Lokelani" Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele has a surname that consists of 35 letters plus an okina, a mark used in the Hawaiian alphabet. Associated Press.

Maui

Expeditions, which operates the only ferry service between the islands of Maui and Lanai, is seeking to build a new $2.7 million vessel that would replace one of its existing ferries. Maui News.

Despite having an information kiosk burn down in March and then having the former refuge manager leave her post in July, the small four-person refuge staff at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge has dealt with challenges this year and "learned more about the refuge" in the process. Maui News.

Kauai

Storywise, it’s been quite a year. Everyone probably remembers Bill 2491, the back and forth, the Mana March, the veto, the override, the threats. And who can forget Jeff Horton, who punched a shark in the nose and lived to tell about it? Lots of people wanted to hear Horton’s story, too, No. 9 on our list. Media agencies from New York to San Francisco, including Diane Sawyer’s office, called The Garden Island looking to cover the surfer after TGI ran its story. Garden Island.

Molokai
A Woman Attempts to Rebuild Ohana Broken by Fear of 'Lepers'. Civil Beat.