DOE fumbles education impact fees, HECO seeks greenhouse gas cap changes, cop pleads guilty for role in forcing man to lick urinal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii school ©2019 All Hawaii News

Audit: Over a decade, DOE has collected just $5M in school impact fees. Over a decade ago, the state Education Department was given the authority to set up developer fees in areas where significant residential growth is expected. Hawaii News Now.

Public safety trainer a ‘no show’ at hearing to question her qualifications. The controversial head of training for more than a thousand state deputy sheriffs and adult correctional officers did not show up Wednesday for a hearing to defend her qualifications. Hawaii News Now.

Court Affirms Ethics Panel Ruling On Rowena Akana. The former OHA trustee was penalized for multiple ethical violations. Civil Beat.

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HECO wants to modify greenhouse gas caps. Hawaiian Electric Co. wants to combine the annual greenhouse emissions caps for 13 power plants in Hawaii, a move some believe would allow Hawaii’s lone coal-fired power plant to increase greenhouse gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Climate Change Is Hurting Oceans — And Us — More Than Expected. The first ocean-specific report by a prestigious international panel underscores the urgency of taking action now to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming. Civil Beat.

Time is running out for Hawaii's share of federal disaster mitigation funds. Now is the chance for residents to alert emergency planners of potential problems in their communities. KITV.

This Facebook Campaign Is Teaching Tourists How To Behave In Hawaii. Officials believe visitors will follow local customs if they simply understand them. Civil Beat.

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Kaiser Permanente reaches tentative contract covering 85,000 workers. Kaiser Permanente said Wednesday it reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract with unions for 85,000 of the health care giant’s workers, averting a potential strike planned for next month. West Hawaii Today.

Kaiser, nurses OK tentative contract. Kaiser Permanente has reached a tentative agreement on a national, four-year contract with the union representing nearly 1,000 Hawaii nurses. Star-Advertiser.

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Young Brothers propose rate increase; what this could mean for consumers. Young Brothers, one of the state’s largest shipping companies, is asking regulators to allow it to raise its revenue by $27 million, a rate of 34 percent overall rate increase. KHON2.

AG Fights Proposed Changes to SNAP Food Assistance Program. Hawaiʻi Attorney General Clare Connors joined a coalition of 24 Attorneys General in opposing proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Maui Now.

Oahu

Co-defendant: Officer accused of forcing homeless man to lick urinal has done it before. A Honolulu police officer who’s accused of forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal to avoid arrest had done it before, according to a former Honolulu officer who pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to trying to cover up the alleged 2018 incident. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-Cop Pleads Guilty To Role In Forcing Man To Lick Urinal. Another Honolulu police officer has pleaded not guilty in the case. Civil Beat.

HPD officer agrees to testify against fellow officer in urinal licking case. One of the HPD officers accused in the case of a man forced to lick a public restroom urinal has agreed to testify against the other officer. KHON2.

Homeless man forced to lick urinal: Former HPD officer pleads guilty for failing to report incident. Reginald Ramones John Rabago were indicted back in April for depriving a man of his civil rights. KITV.

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Honolulu Is Slashing Crosswalks As It Touts Pedestrian Friendly Policies. The city has plans to remove 45 crosswalks deemed unsafe instead of making them safer. But pedestrians can still legally cross at those spots. Civil Beat.

Ala Moana seeks 400-foot height limit. The new majority owner of Ala Moana Center wants to take the state’s largest shopping mall to a higher level. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Corruption Probe Is Why Honolulu Is Paying A Mainland Law Firm To Fight The Feds. Federal agents seized a “very broad” set of emails in connection with an investigation that is now before a grand jury, according to Honolulu City Council member Ron Menor. Civil Beat.

Keep The Change: Honolulu Won’t Try To Recover Almost $100,000 It Overpaid Workers. Despite a state law that says governments “shall” recover overpayments, Human Resources Director Carolee Kubo says it’s too late and, besides, the city made the mistake. Civil Beat.

A majority of Hawaii voters polled believe homelessness has gotten worse. A majority of registered Hawaii voters across all islands believe homelessness has gotten “worse” over the last year — but they’re split on whether homeless sweeps are “worthwhile,” according to the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell feeling confident of financing toward rail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is adamant that the city’s financial picture is in good shape and that warnings raised by opponents that the now $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana Center rail project will drive the city into bankruptcy are unfounded. Star-Advertiser.

City's Share Of $772M Blaisdell Redevelopment Cost Still Unclear. The city is planning a major $772 million redevelopment of the landmark Neal S. Blaisdell Center in partnership with the private sector but the city's share of the cost remains unclear. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore 'Overcapacity' Says Honolulu Council Member. Honolulu City Council Member Heidi Tsuneyoshi made the assessment on Tuesday at a hearing covering North Shore issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

Crews left with 5 tons of garbage (and counting) after Diamond Head sweep. Crews worked through the rain Wednesday morning to start clearing a massive homeless camp that had taken over a large part of the beach below Diamond Head. Hawaii News Now.

Build the Track LLC holds press conference to announce vision for new motorsports facility. Build the Track LLC held a press conference earlier today to discuss their vision for the future of Hawaii motorsports, including the possibility of a new race facility on Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Puna nonprofit contracted to help those recovering from 2018 eruption with still unmet needs. Neighborhood Place of Puna was awarded a case management contract to help individuals and families recovering from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano address still unmet needs. Tribune-Herald.

Largest Cruise Ship Ever To Make Kailua-Kona Port Call Anchors Sunday. The average cruise ship that calls on Kona typically has 2,500 passengers. But this one will have 4,000. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona to welcome largest cruise ship to ever make a port call in the bay. The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced today that the largest cruise ship to ever make a port call to Kailua-Kona will anchor in Kailua Bay on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Public servant, medical miracle and island treasure Virginia Isbell remembered. Virginia Isbell, a former politician, public servant and pillar of the Kona community, died Sept. 19 on Oahu. She was 87. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Family, Friends Mourn Loss of Danny Mateo, Longtime Maui Councilmember and Former County Clerk. Longtime Maui County Councilmember from Molokai and recently retired County Clerk, Danny Mateo, died Tuesday in the company of family members. Maui Now.

Supreme Court’s appeal of injection well case in murky waters on Maui. Members of the Maui County Council majority and their attorneys insist it is over. Mayor Michael Victorino and attorneys with the county’s Department of the Corporation Counsel say otherwise. Star-Advertiser.

Hui files complaint over water levels from Waihee River. State hydrologist says stream flows are being met. Maui News.

Kauai

Malama Pono opens new clinic. Malama Pono Health Services is hosting a grand opening of its new clinic from 3 to 5:30 p.m. today. Garden Island.

Annual Kauai County vehicle and equipment auction begins. County officials today announced that its annual vehicle and equipment auction begins Wednesday, Sept. 25. KHON2.

OHA records subpoenaed over TMT Thirty Meter Telescope, tourism expected to drop with vacation rental crackdown, new HART board chairman selected, Kealoha sentencing delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Protest sign at Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Subpoena issued to learn how OHA is helping protesters. The state Attorney General’s Office has slapped a subpoena on the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs demanding detailed infor­mation about support that OHA has provided to the Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who are blocking Mauna Kea Access Road, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser has learned. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kim Previews Path Forward On Mauna Kea. The Hawaii County Mayor testified before the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees during a meeting held Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Mayor Kim says his plan includes building TMT, but that is a nonstarter for protesters. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim confirmed Thursday that his long-awaited blueprint for the future of Mauna Kea will include a plan to build the Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit, but the TMT opponents said that is still unacceptable to them. Star-Advertiser.

OHA trustees meet with protesters, offer support. Three trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs met with protesters at Maunakea Access Road Thursday in support of their opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Kaleikoa Kaʻeo, one of the leaders in the movement opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, gave passionate testimony at Thursday's Office of Hawaiian Affairs meeting. Big Island Video News.

TMT enforcement effort nets 547 citations, 11 arrests. Officers assigned to the Thirty Meter Telescope protester blockade and encampment on Maunakea Access Road issued 547 traffic citations and arrested 11 suspects in the week between Sept. 12-18, police said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii economy approaching standstill, report finds. Brace yourselves, Hawaii residents. The state economy is expected to slow to a near “standstill” for the next three years, according to a new University of Hawaii analysis. Star-Advertiser.

Pay Increase Approved For Hawaii School Officials. The salary adjustments impact three leadership tiers below the top-level superintendent and will help with recruitment challenges, according to the DOE. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Permanente study reveals healthy Hawaiians still at higher risk of developing diabetes. Kaiser's study found even at a normal weight, Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have a rate of diabetes three times higher than Caucasians. KITV.

Why The Growing Demand For AC Threatens Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Goals. Far more residents now have air conditioning to deal with a warming climate.Civil Beat.


Oahu

Federal Judge Postpones Sentencing Of The Kealohas For Two Weeks. The couple will now be sentenced on Oct. 31. Civil Beat.

Kealoha Conspiracy Sentencing Re-Scheduled For Halloween. Associated Press.

Sentencing for Kealohas delayed until Halloween. District Chief Judge J. Michael Seabright agreed Thursday to delay the sentencing of Katherine and Louis Kealoha for their conspiracy and obstruction convictions while settlement talks continue related to the couple’s upcoming trial on bank fraud charges and a later drug-related trial involving Katherine Kealoha and her brother. Star-Advertiser.

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HPD: No one will be disciplined after emergency sirens were mistakenly set off. Honolulu’s police chief says no one will disciplined after an employee participating in a training exercise at the main station Wednesday accidentally set off emergency sirens on Oahu, sending people scrambling for information on what was going on. Hawaii News Now.

Faster corrections and training changes called for after latest false emergency scare. Figure out how to tell the public immediately that there is no danger after false alarms. That’s what the mayor and lawmakers want from anyone able to trigger emergency sirens and alerts. KHON2.

Economists: Airbnb Crackdown Will Likely Cause Big Drop In Oahu Tourism. The expected decline could cost the island more than $30 million per month in direct spending, based on state tourism data. Civil Beat.

Caldwell: Delay Of Dillingham Rail Plan Reaching ‘Crisis’ Level. Rail officials admit progress on a utility relocation plan has been too slow. Civil Beat.

Caldwell voices frustration over rail’s utility relocation. Honolulu rail officials are now wrestling with what they’ve said all along is the most difficult part of the $9.2 billion, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana mass transit project: the relocation of a multitude of utility lines along the congested and key commuting corridor known as Dillingham before actual rail construction begins. Star-Advertiser.

HART Gets Its First New Board Chair In About Three Years. Toby Martyn joined HART as a state appointee. Now, he’s the agency’s board chairman. Civil Beat.

Manahan’s Chief Of Staff Running For City Council Seat. Radiant Cordero wants to represent the greater Kalihi area at Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

City Unsure of Trees Already Planted To Reach Its 100,000 Goal. Despite having an ambitious goal to plant 100,000 trees by 2025, the city has been unable to keep count of exactly how many have already been planted. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Committee signs off on Mass Transit multi-year contract request. Finance Committee members on Tuesday gave favorable recommendation to Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira’s request to fast-track approval for a multi-year contract for Hele-On bus service with no financial information attached. West Hawaii Today.

Council mulls electric buses. Members of the Hawaii County Council met with a representative of an electric bus manufacturer Tuesday to discuss the possibility of converting the county’s bus fleet to electric vehicles. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor: Injection well settlement could cost county $800 million. Supporters of ending suit call this ‘Chicken-Little’ predictions. Maui News.

An ethics complaint has been filed against Maui County Council member Tamara Paltin, alleging that she should not be voting on the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility injection wells case – because she was once on the board of one of the plaintiff organizations which originally filed the lawsuit. Maui Now.

Maui siren was not supposed to be triggered by Honolulu Police. KHON2.

DOE seeks input on teacher compensation Wednesday. Two meetings to discuss changes to the teacher compensation system, staged by the state Department of Education, will be held on Maui from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Baldwin Auditorium. Maui News.

Kauai

Judge rules for Water Department. Kia‘i Wai O Wai‘ale‘ale is well on its way to losing its lawsuit against the county Department of Water, but a lawyer representing the water-rights organization said the legal battle over a proposed 18-inch water main in the Wailua watershed has broader implications, and believes the case will ultimately be settled in the Hawaii Supreme Court. Garden Island.

HTA rolls out campaign to educate visitors. Sharing the dos and don’ts with visitors for their time in the Hawaiian Islands is the goal of a campaign launched through a partnership between the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. Garden Island.

Ige declares state of emergency amid Hawaiian protests, 33 arrested, Kealoha civil suits could cost Honolulu $40M, Maui wildlife arson suspect arrested, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope protest camp during quieter times ©2019 All Hawaii News

Ige issues emergency edict as number of TMT protesters balloons. Gov. David Ige issued an emergency proclamation on Wednesday afternoon as the number of people gathered at the base of Mauna Kea to protest the Thirty Meter Telescope swelled to roughly 1,000 and crews were blocked for the third day in a row from accessing the telescope construction site. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Issues Emergency Proclamation For Situation On Mauna Kea. Governor David Ige signed an emergency proclamation, saying it will give law enforcement the additional tools that they need on the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea under state of emergency as TMT protest stretches into 4th day. Thirty-three people were arrested on day three of the TMT protest. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige issues emergency proclamation in response to Mauna Kea events. Hundreds gathered Wednesday morning as it was anticipated that there would be movement on the third day of the standoff between state officials and kanaka maoli. KHON2.

Dozens of kupuna arrested on third consecutive day of TMT protest. Thirty-three opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope were arrested Wednesday on the Maunakea Access Road during an ongoing protest that prompted Gov. David Ige to sign an emergency proclamation. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Ige signs emergency proclamation amid protests, arrests near TMT site. Despite the large presence in opposition to TMT construction, officials continued operations, with about a dozen large trucks toting construction equipment heading to Mauna Kea from a staging area in Waikoloa. Pacific Business News.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's emergency proclamation. Governor's Office.

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Highway closed, 33 arrested as TMT protests ratchet up. Protesters forced the closure of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Hawaii island for more than three hours Wednesday and 33 kupuna, or Hawaiian elders, were arrested in a sit-in intended to block construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Another ‘Truce’ After A Day Of Arrests On Mauna Kea. After 33 kupuna were removed and cited, police in riot gear descended on the scene of the TMT protest. But they later backed off. Civil Beat.

Latest Developments On TMT Protests At Mauna Kea. State officials estimated 1,000 people gathered near the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road Wednesday as the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope ramped up following the arrests of over 30 native Hawaiian elders and others opposed to the observatory project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kupuna Arrested, Saddle Road Closed – Mauna Kea Update. Big Island Video News.

Astronomers: ‘We’re sort of dead in the water’. The protests surrounding the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea and the closure of the Maunakea Access Road affects not only the future of astronomy, but its present, as well, according to astronomers who use the telescopes already in place on the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

OHA trustee arrested at TMT protest on Mauna Kea. Among those arrested was Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Carmen Hulu Lindsey, who has represented Maui since January of 2012. KITV.

In wake of TMT arrests, scores gather to call for UH president’s resignation. Students, faculty, and staff at UH-Manoa who oppose the Thirty Meter Telescope held a rally Wednesday to call for President David Lassner’s resignation. Hawaii News Now.

UH faculty demand Lassner resign after 33 kupuna arrested on Mauna Kea. Tensions ran high after the state reported at least 33 kupuna were arrested by police on Mauna Kea early Wednesday morning. Emotions exploded on Oahu and triggered cultural practitioners to organize a rally at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. KITV.

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Hawaii Governor Keeps His Official Visitor List Under Wraps. David Ige’s office says he does not keep track of his visitors, raising transparency concerns. Civil Beat.

Climate Change Proposals Headed For Second Round In Hawaii Legislature. State officials are fine-tuning proposals that aim to mitigate the effects of climate change in the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric makes push toward renewable energy. The Hawaiian Electric Companies announced Wednesday its plans to put out requests for proposals for its largest and most ambitious push for renewable energy ever. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Company said they’re preparing to kickstart the largest-ever renewable energy push in the state as they close down coal and oil-fired power plants. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Oahu activists demonstrate after TMT arrests. Oahu experienced a taste of Hawaii island’s Thirty Meter Telescope protest Wednesday as Native Hawaiian sympathizers demonstrated at the state Capitol courtyard, held a sit-in at Gov. David Ige’s office and slowed traffic on the H-1 Freeway and at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, among other actions. Star-Advertiser.

Ethics Commission, former director spar over handling of Kealoha probes. The Honolulu Ethics Commission met Wednesday to “set the record straight” about how it handled the Kealoha investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Former Ethics Commission leader rips members for lack of support. The former director of the Honolulu Ethics Commission told the panel’s members Wednesday that they violated the public’s trust by pulling him and his staff off from their investigations of ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, then-Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Defiant Ethics Commission Defends Decisions On Kealohas. The chair of the Honolulu Ethics Commission pushes back on criticism that the commission short-circuited a probe of the former police chief, his wife and other cops. Civil Beat.

Attorney: 4 Kealoha era lawsuits could cost city up to $40 million. The attorney for the man framed by the Kealohas in the so-called mailbox theft case said four civil rights violation lawsuits against the couple and HPD could cost the city up to $40 million. Hawaii News Now.

Canoe club: Homeless camp is putting young paddlers’ safety in jeopardy. Canoe clubs at Keehi Lagoon are growing more frustrated with a relatively small group of squatters they say are a danger to families who use the park. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council members report gifts, trips. County Council members reported gifts ranging from a $100 Southwest Airlines card to a trip to Portugal in their most recent gift disclosures. West Hawaii Today.

Rat Lungworm Disease’s Silent Victims: Cats, Dogs, Centipedes, Toads, Coqui Frogs and Horses. So far this year six people have contracted rat lungworm disease. But researchers on the Big Island have also begun to study the presence of the infection in animals. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui police arrest arson suspect in massive wildfire. Maui police on Monday arrested a 28-year-old man suspected of setting the 9,000-acre wildfire in South Maui, resulting in the evacuation of thousands of residents. Star-Advertiser.

Man arrested in connection with 9,000-acre wildfire. Holden Bingham was arrested Monday night in connection with a wildfire that burned 9,000 acres in Central Maui and north Kihei. Maui News.

Maui police arrested 28-year-old Holden Bingham on Monday on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire that sparked 9,000 acres on Maui last week. Maui Now.

Battling 9,000-acre blaze cost $400K. Mahi Pono lands suffer the bulk of damage with about 5,000 acres burned. Maui News.

Kauai

In an emotional meeting Wednesday, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and new police chief Todd Raybuck called an impromptu “listening meeting” at the County Civic Center Rotunda, after recent protests over the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Garden Island.

Crosswalks to be added near Kekaha School. The council went over several agenda items including a resolution that would establish two crosswalks on Kekaha Road and repeal an existing crosswalk near Kekaha School. Garden Island.

Hundreds attend vigil as Thirty Meter Telescope construction to commence today, arson investigation in Maui wildfires, security cameras going up in Oahu parks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiians chant, prepare on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

With TMT construction set to begin, protesters lie on ground to block potential vehicles. At least seven protesters were lying on the ground, chained to a cattle guard on Mauna Kea Access Road early Monday, just hours before construction was set to start on the controversial project. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents on Mauna Kea in attempt to block construction. State and local officials will try to close a road to the summit of Mauna Kea Monday morning to allow trucks carrying construction equipment to make their way to the top to begin construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on land that some Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Associated Press.

Hundreds of Native Hawaiian activists encamped Sunday at the bottom of Mauna Kea were determined to stand their ground against the launching of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope — unsure of how law enforcement would intervene or what the morning would bring. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kim Makes Surprise Visit To Puuhonua At Base Of Mauna Kea. Mayor Harry Kim made a surprise visit to Puu Huluhulu on Sunday, where he told the Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who have established a puuhonua at the location that he supports what they have done. Big Island Video News.

Hundreds gather for prayer vigil. A 12-hour prayer vigil Sunday drew hundreds opposed to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea to Pu‘u Huluhulu, across from the intersection of Saddle Road. Tribune-Herald.

Crowds gather on Maunakea prior to TMT project start. With less than 24 hours before the Maunakea summit access road was expected to close in anticipation of the start of construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope, hundreds gathered here over the weekend offering oli, mele and prayers as part of a peaceful yet determined demonstration at the base of Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Hundreds gather to protest TMT, construction begins Monday. Hundreds gathered at the base of Maunakea to peacefully protest the Thirty Meter Telescope, which is scheduled to begin construction Monday morning, July 15. KHON2.

Hundreds of TMT protestors gather at Maunakea. Hundreds of protestors are already gathered at the base of Maunakea on the eve of the start of telescope construction. KITV.

Anxiety, Rumors And Prayers Before TMT Construction Begins On Mauna Kea. Officials are committed to escorting construction vehicles for the Thirty Meter Telescope up the mountain Monday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige addresses concerns ahead of the start of TMT construction. Gov. David Ige held a news conference Sunday to address the mounting tensions over the start of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Attempts to Tamp Down Tensions As TMT Opponents Gather At Mauna Kea. Hawaii Gov. David Ige sought to quell rumors of a planned sweep to clear out protesters gathering at Mauna Kea as construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the mountain begins this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige Says No Sweeps Planned. “There is no sweep planned for 8 p.m. this evening,” Governor David Ige told media during a Sunday news conference on Oahu. “There’s no sweeps planned at this point.” Big Island Video News.

Full Video: Gov. Ige holds press conference day before TMT ground break. Hawaii Gov. David Ige held a press conference the day before the ground break of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea on Sunday. KHON2.

OHA demands TMT halt until Native Hawaiian concerns, safety issues resolved. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Colette Machado and OHA Trustee Dan Ahuna are demanding a halt to construction of the long-stalled Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea “to avoid harm to Native Hawaiians” and ensure public safety. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Chair Demands Governor Halt TMT Construction. The chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has demanded a halt to construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope that is scheduled to start next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

The DOE’s Chief Financial Officer Is Leaving For UH. Amy Kunz’s appointment to the University of Hawaii system was tucked in a recent meeting agenda item from the UH Board of Regents. Civil Beat.

Court Rejects Feds’ Withholding Of Info In UH Biolab Inspection Report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention heavily redacted a report that found safety infractions at the facility. Civil Beat.

Shawzy Cann is one of the 82 people with confirmed cases of rat lungworm disease from 2007 to 2017. A review of the cases was published last week in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State agency to study transferring control of Kakaako to city. One day after Ige issued his veto Tuesday, board members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority overseeing Kakaako voted to spend up to $100,000 for a private consultant to produce a study on transferring the agency’s Kakaako responsibilities to another entity or entities, despite concerns that such a transfer would be premature and unwise. Star-Advertiser.

Council’s office move to Alii Place hits a snag. The Honolulu City Council’s plan to temporarily move into offices at the downtown Alii Place tower has hit a snag that likely will push the renovation of Council offices at Honolulu Hale into 2021. Star-Advertiser.

More improvements are coming to Ala Moana Beach Park. Up next: Repaving. Work to resurface the main road in Ala Moana Regional Park is scheduled to begin next month. Hawaii News Now.

To curb vandalism, nearly 200 security cameras will be installed in Oahu parks. The City and County of Honolulu plans to install nearly 200 more security cameras at its busiest parks under a partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha diagnosis raises questions about her city job. After a jury convicted former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha of multiple felony counts, the lead federal prosecutor described her as a chronic malingerer, someone who feigned medical ailments to avoid accountability for her actions. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Officials 'Not Pleased' With West Oahu Land Transfer Mandate. A dispute is brewing over a parcel of land in West Oahu designated as the site of a new state film studio. Hawaii Public Radio.

Changing Habits Yields Health Benefits At MA’O Farms In Waianae. Early data from a UH study shows interns at the farm lowered their diabetes risk by altering eating habits and lifestyles —  with a ripple effect of health benefits for friends and families. Civil Beat.

Turtle Bay Resort offers community garden plots. The resort owner is offering 500-square-foot plots adjacent to its resort property as a community garden for employees, North Shore residents and neighborhood organizations including nonprofits and schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Zoning change would allow cinder quarry to expand. A cinder quarry south of Leilani Estates may be expanded in the next few years after a petition was filed by Kamehameha Schools last month. Tribune-Herald.

County plans project to install better performing streetlights around the island.  Tribune-Herald.

Waiaka Stream Bridge project gains traction. Sen. Lorraine Inouye said the state’s effort to replace the 87-year-old bridge, located near the intersection of Kohala Mountain and Kawaihae roads in Waimea, “is moving along except for … the stall of needing additional property.” Tribune-Herald.

Dairy wastewater lagoons in process of being removed. The removal of wastewater lagoons at Big Island Dairy is currently underway, the state Department of Health said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Victorino Urges Vigilance: Wildfires Burn 9,200 Acres. Mayor Michael Victorino asked residents and visitors to exercise caution Sunday in the wake of wildfires that have kicked up clouds of dirt and ash from Upcountry Maui to Kaupo and South Maui. Maui Now.

Attention shifts to arson investigation as crews gain upper hand in Maui wildfires. Officials on Maui remained on high alert as a raging wildfire --believed to be the largest in the county’s history -- continued to burn out of control in Central Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Firefighting focus turns toward hot spots, flare-ups. Both blazes nearing containment, county says. Maui News.

Maui Fires Kick Up Dust, Ash As Mop-Up Continues. Maui residents and visitors were advised to drive carefully and stay indoors, if needed, as dust and ash from two brush fires lowered road visibility as well as air quality in parts of the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

New police chief visits North Shore. Several North Shore residents were invited to meet and greet new Kauai Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck, as well as Lt. Todd Tanaka, acting North Shore captain, and Capt. Mark Begley, patrol captain for the entire island. Garden Island.

Housing market holding strong. The real estate market on Kauai remained relatively strong through the first half of 2019, but overall sales figures across the island are down from this time last year, and the market could be in for a substantial downturn, Realtors said. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe watershed rehabilitation project is bearing fruit. The formerly bare, red-dirt slopes of Hakioawa watershed on the northern slopes of Kahoolawe island are now festooned with green through the labors of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission and 199 volunteers from around the state. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial repairs continue, Kealoha lawyer quits, 2020 census to be online, Maui residents return after wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Arizona Memorial PC:NPS

Key progress made in Arizona Memorial access. A more than $2.1 million project to restore walk-on access to the USS Arizona Memorial is getting closer to completion, with a 105-foot floating concrete dock repositioned next to the memorial and a new anchoring system in place beneath it. Star-Advertiser.

New Pre-K Locations Announced After Expansion Bill Becomes Law. The 10 classrooms will be at the following schools: on Oahu, Aiea Elementary, Haleiwa Elementary, Nanaikapono Elementary, Waianae Elementary, Palolo Elementary and Waimanolo Elementary & Intermediate; on Big Island, Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary, Hilo Union Elementary and Honaunau Elementary; and on Maui, Pukalani Elementary. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha Loses One Attorney While A Second Seeks A Retrial. The former city prosecutor’s publicly funded defense lawyer was allowed to withdraw from the case on the same day her privately paid attorney made new claims. Civil Beat.

Kealoha attorneys seek new trial — and claim they’ve found Alison Lee Wong. Katherine Kealoha says her court-appointed attorney was ineffective, inexperienced and uncooperative during the trial. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha appears in shackles. Deputy prosecutor- turned-felon Katherine Kea­loha shuffled into federal court Thursday wearing an off-white, short-sleeve prison jumpsuit, navy blue boat shoes and shackles around her ankles. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha will get a new lawyer. Cynthia Kagiwada filed a motion to withdraw and the judge approved it Thursday. KHON2.

State backs affordable-housing towers. A state agency is inclined to provide $130 million for a developer to build two apartment towers near Aloha Stadium for low-income households despite contentious community meetings over much of the project earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Astronomers express anxiety, excitement at TMT construction site atop Mauna Kea. The construction site for the Thirty Meter Telescope is on the mountain’s northern plateau, about 400 feet below the summit. Hawaii News Now.

Institute for Astronomy to continue managing telescope. The University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy was awarded a contract by NASA to continue to manage its telescope on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Cracking down on ag theft: New law provides counties with an enforcement officer. Legislation recently signed by Gov. David Ige aims to address agricultural theft and vandalism on Hawaii Island and Maui. Tribune-Herald.

Preparing for the 2020 census: People will be able to fill out their forms online for the first time. But challenges remain in making sure every person in every community, in every state, is counted accurately, Census Bureau representatives told the County Council earlier this week. West Hawaii Today.

Supreme Court to weigh in on police shooting accomplice case. Prosecutors are seeking relief from the Hawaii Supreme Court in the case of four of the seven defendants accused of aiding accused cop killer Justin Waiki. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Liquor panel finally approves rules changes. Maui County brewpubs will be able to serve their industry standard 16-ounce beers and provide multiple sample-size beers to customers, according to rule amendments approved Wednesday morning by the Maui County Liquor Commission. Maui News.

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Officials lift evacuation order but warn that fire is still ‘an active threat’. All evacuation orders triggered by a massive wildfire in Central Maui were lifted Thursday night, but the mayor of Maui County warned residents to remain on alert because the fire is still posing a threat. Hawaii News Now.

Evacuees allowed to return home after brush fire scorches 3,000 acres. KHON2.

All evacuees may return home, Maui County says. KITV.

UPDATE 10:20 P.M.: Motorists allowed back into Kihei amid fire; airport, Kuihelani Highway open. Shelter, road updates. Maui News.

Maui Brush Fire Forces Evacuations. The blaze was still uncontained Thursday evening, and two shelters had been opened. Civil Beat.

An enormous wildfire swept across 3,000 acres of mostly fallow former sugar cane fields Thursday, forcing thousands to evacuate, closing down highways, trapping some residents for hours and diverting flights from Kahului Airport to Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A brush fire that prompted evacuations and diverted some flights on the Hawaii island of Maui remained uncontained, officials said Thursday night. An evacuation notice was sent to the cellphones of residents in the town of Maalaea and in parts of Kihei, a Maui County official said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Illegal Parking Fees Rise From $35 To $235 On Kauai’s North Shore. The steepened penalty is expected to deter problematic illegal parking near popular beaches, trailheads and attractions on Kauai’s secluded North Shore. Civil Beat.

State to raise fines for illegally-parked cars along parts of Kauai’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

The North Shore community showed up in force at the Waipa Foundation Center Wednesday evening to take part in an Office of Hawaiian Affairs public meeting. Garden Island.

The salt beds are flooded on Kauai’s Westside, thanks to a combination of king tides, high surf and blocked drainage. Garden Island.

Hot, hot, hot! Record temperatures, warming seas. Plus, news on Honolulu rail, OHA, U.S. Conference of Mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii wilts under sweltering temps and there’s little relief in sight. Forecasters say the state has broken or tied 35 heat records since mid-May. The reason: Warmer sea surface temperatures and weak tradewinds. Hawaii News Now.

Blistering heat keeps setting records for Honolulu and Kahului. More record high temperatures have been set in early June, including 92 degrees on June 10 in Honolulu that broke the record set in 1982, according to weather officials. Star-Advertiser.

No end in sight to the sunshine and light trade showers for the islands. High pressure north of the islands will keep light to moderate trades in place through the remainder of the work week, with showers favoring windward and mauka areas, mainly at night and through the early morning hours. KHON2.

The world’s oceans will likely lose about one-sixth of their fish and other marine life by the end of the century if climate change continues on its current path, according to a new study. Associated Press.

Molokai, Kauai Groups Recognized For Restoring Sustainable Fisheries. This is the first time the prestigious Equator Prize has been awarded to indigenous communities in the United States. Civil Beat.

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Deaths in Hawaii from suicide, alcohol and drugs have spiked over the past 12 years. Deaths from suicide, alcohol and drugs have climbed substantially over the past 12 years in Hawaii, though the state tops the nation for overall health care, a new study shows. Star-Advertiser.

The Problem With Hawaiian Homestead Land? Much Of It Can’t Be Developed. Some senators question why the agency charged with providing homes for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries must also manage so much land where building can’t occur. Civil Beat.

Homestead Leaders Applaud OHA for Housing Program Investment. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs awarded a 2-year grant of $484,114 to the nonprofit, Homestead Community Development Corporation also known as the Homestead Housing Authority. Maui Now.

OHA trustee in trouble for alleged disloyalty. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Board of Trustees has a code of conduct policy that requires trustees to publicly support a board decision even though he or she might disagree with it personally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu is prepping for a national gathering of mayors. But who’s footing the bill?  The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be held on Oahu later this month. It’s expected to cost the city about $5 million to put on. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell and Anderson optimistic after FTA meeting about rail funding. Following a meeting with federal transit officials Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Mayor Kirk Caldwell and City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson said they’re optimistic that a recovery plan for the city’s over-budget $9.2 billion rail project will be approved. Star-Advertiser.

Some council members concerned with cost of Blaisdell renovations. After gathering input and ideas for years, the Final Environmental Assessment for the Blaisdell Center Master Plan is out. However, will construction be put on the back burner because of rail? KHON2.

City-funded domestic violence shelter that was barely used is slated to close down. The decision came after the City Council rejected a funding request for the facility, a pet project for embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, who has since gone on leave amid a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents Wary Of Subdivision After Bulldozers Damage Cemetery. They say some burial sites may remain undiscovered in the 1920s-era plantation graveyard near where a residential development is proposed. Civil Beat.

Complaint served to ‘two main individuals’ involved with problem homeless commune in Hilo. A lot located between Ponahawai and Mamo streets behind Agasa Furniture and Music Store near Hilo Farmers Market has become a fenced-off community of tents and other temporary structures, in defiance of multiple orders by county agencies to clear the lot. Tribune-Herald.

Injured hiker rescued on Maunakea. A 68-year-old grandfather from Arizona who suffered a broken thighbone while hiking off a Maunakea trail below the W.M. Keck Observatory was rescued Monday night. Tribune-Herald.

Man With Broken Leg Rescued From Mauna Kea Summit. Rescue crews located the injured man - said to be in his 60's, with an apparent femur fracture - approximately 1 mile from the nearest trail at the 12,500 foot elevation. Big Island Video News.

Charges dropped against former Hilo doctor accused of drug trafficking. Federal prosecutors are dropping all 40 charges against a Hilo doctor accused of ordering fake opioid prescriptions. Court-appointed doctors say Dr. Ernest Bade is not mentally competent to stand trial. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Victorino issues line-item vetoes to council budget. Mayor displeased spending not kept in check, requests more information. Maui News.

Hotel official: Time to ‘diversify tourism’. Hannemann says there is no other industry offering as many jobs. Maui News.

Warm oceans, no trades lead to heat wave on Maui. There have been 16 record-breaking days since May 16. Maui News.

Kauai

County attorneys push courts on TVR issue. County attorneys are taking increasingly aggressive legal action against the owners of short-term vacation rental properties who failed to renew annual permits on time. Garden Island.

A wedding at an off-limits area on Kauai’s North Shore is now under investigation. On Kauai, as the county continues to recover from last year's historic flooding, it has opened an investigation after an apparent wedding ceremony was held illegally at a popular North Shore beach park. Hawaii News Now.

Crabbe stepping down from Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kealoha trial day 11, Ige extends disaster relief as Haena State Park reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe PC:OHA

Crabbe stepping down as OHA’s chief executive officer. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe, who survived political upheaval and controversy over seven years, announced Thursday he will be stepping down from his post at the end of the month. Star-Advertiser.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Crabbe To Leave Post. After more than seven years on the job, his resignation takes effect June 30. Civil Beat.

OHA CEO's Contract Not Renewed, Leaves At End Of Month. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe is stepping down at the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Stepping Down. A joint statement was issued today from Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair Colette Machado and the outgoing Kamanaopono Crabbe. Big Island Video News.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO announces he’s leaving agency. Hawaii News Now.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Announces He Will Resign. Maui Now.

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After 6-month deployment, USS Hawaii returns to Pearl Harbor. The USS Hawaii fast-attack submarine returned to Pearl Harbor on Thursday after a six-month deployment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines passenger counts drop; carrier charts course toward greater efficiency. Hawaiian carried 1,006,639 passengers — a four-tenths of a percentage drop compared with 1,o11,175 passengers in May 2018. However, Hawaiian’s load factor— or percentage of seats filled — increased by 1.4 percentage points to 87.3%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Director: When We Got Close The Kealohas Fought Back. Chuck Totto testifies about how he was retaliated against for investigating the Kealohas long before they came to the attention of federal prosecutors. Civil Beat.

Forged signatures allegedly found in trust documents of Katherine Kealoha’s uncle. Star-Advertiser.

Expert testifies signatures on key documents in Kealoha case were likely forged. A handwriting expert testified Thursday in the so-called “mailbox trial” that at least two financial documents that appeared to be signed by Katherine Kealoha’s uncle were likely forged, but the expert couldn’t determine who forged them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer Tries To Distance Ex-Honolulu Police Chief From Wife's Money Feud. The lawyer representing Honolulu's ex-police chief in a corruption trial is trying to show jurors his client wasn't involved in his wife's family financial dispute that U.S. prosecutors say led the couple to frame a relative. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Handwriting analyst testified about Kealoha and Puana signatures. KHON2.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 11: Gerard Puana questioning continues, handwriting and ethics experts take the stand. KITV.

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Vacation rental bills would hurt Hawaii economy, industry advocates warn. Vacation rental operators are warning the Honolulu City Council that two bills it is considering could not only put them out of business, but deliver a severe blow to Oahu’s tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu one step closer to cracking down on vacation rentals. Vacation rental operators and their supporters gathered outside City Hall on Thursday. KHON2.

Canopy cracks may delay rail construction timeline. The scheduled December 2020 opening of the Honolulu rail line’s first segment may be pushed back because of the discovery in late April of cracks found in several prefabricated steel structures that were to be used at West Oahu rail stations. Star-Advertiser.

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Jury rules in favor of Honolulu police in case of man who died after officers used stun gun. A federal jury today found that Honolulu police officers did not use excessive force against Sheldon Haleck, who died after being pepper sprayed and shot with a Taser stun gun multiple times on South King Street in front of Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Jury: No Excessive Force In Sheldon Haleck’s Death. He died hours after police officers used a Taser and pepper spray on him while responding to a disorderly conduct call. Civil Beat.

Jury finds 3 officers didn’t use excessive force during 2015 arrest that left man dead. Hawaii News Now.

Family of man who died after confrontation with HPD unsuccessful in civil suit. The jury has sided with three Honolulu Police Officers in a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force. KHON2.

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City Council to deny funding increase for little-used domestic abuse safe house. Honolulu’s acting Prosecuting Attorney is trying to decide what to do with a Makiki "safe house” for domestic violence witnesses that was a pet project of embattled prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro before he became a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Hawaii News Now.

City-operated safe house for abuse victims to shut down. After nearly three years, an apartment complex for sex trafficking and domestic abuse victims is shutting down. KHON2.

For second night in a row, police crack down on more illegal homeless camps in Honolulu. On Thursday night, police conducted enforcement efforts at Aala Park, Old Stadium Park and Crane Community Park — three parks known for their large homeless populations. Hawaii News Now.

Experts: Lack of drug treatment to blame for surge in homeless dying on streets. Experts in addiction say a severe shortage of drug treatment beds is directly related to the growing number of people dying on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

Some Community Leaders In Kailua Want To Break Up With Honolulu. Neighborhood board members are angry about the city’s failure to control the spread of vacation rentals, tourism and monster homes. Civil Beat.

Some want parts of Windward Oahu to break away from the City and County of Honolulu. Critics say splitting the counties could bring infrastructure problems. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Council takes hands-on approach: Legislative body wants more power over spending. Hawaii County Council members plan to spread a lot of aloha around their districts, even as the county nears the limits of its borrowing power. West Hawaii Today.

Work to restore lava-covered potion of Highway 132 begins Monday. Construction is set to start on restoring lava-covered portions of Highway 132, an approximately 3.2-mile stretch. Tribune-Herald.

Judge to mull ‘unprecedented’ public case. A judge is weighing whether to open or close his courtroom for a motion to dismiss a drug case. West Hawaii Today.

HHSC responds to Kohala Hospital making list of troubled nursing homes. A report released this month by two U.S. senators identified Kohala Hospital among a list of candidates for a program that puts increased scrutiny on nursing homes with a poor record of providing quality care. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council’s Budget Transmitted to Mayor, Affordable Housing Highlighted. The Maui Council’s $823 million budget is about $43 million less than the Mayor’s version and features the expansion of housing opportunities for residents. Maui Now.

A&B Sugar Museum Director Roslyn Lightfoot to retire. She guided staff through mill’s 2016 closure. Lightfoot has led the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, an independent nonprofit, for nearly a decade. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige Extends Kauai Disaster Funds At Park Reopening. Governor David Ige extends disaster relief funds for flood-ravaged Kauai at celebration for the reopening of Haena State Park. Civil Beat.

Haena State Park reopens. At the reopening of Haena State Park Wednesday, Gov. David Ige signed a bill introduced by state Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura to extend disaster relief funds for areas affected by the 2018 floods. Garden Island.

Foreclosure lawsuit filed against Coco Palms. A Utah-based corporation is taking legal action against the real estate developers who defaulted on a loan to restore the former Coco Palms resort. Garden Island.

Family Dispute Over Kuleana Land on Kauai Back in Court. In a lawsuit filed in state circuit court, one faction of the Rapozo family is alleging the other committed fraud and deceit leading up to the forced land auction.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislature kills water permit plan, flavored vape bill dies, Public Safety director confirmation delayed, Maui jail riot evidence missing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flume brings water from the mountain to valley farmland ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senate panel shelves bill on access to public water. A Senate committee Thursday killed a bill that would have allowed an assortment of utilities, landowners, ranchers and farmers to continue accessing public water under revocable permits while they worked to satisfy stringent state requirements for obtaining long-term leases. Star-Advertiser.

Water Rights Bill Goes Down The Drain In ‘Historic Vote’. The land company Alexander & Baldwin is among the big losers after senators can’t agree on a proposal to allow stream diversion to continue. Civil Beat.

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Decision on reappointment of public safety director is delayed. The Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday delayed making a decision on whether to advise the full Senate to reconfirm Nolan Espinda as Gov. David Ige’s pick to lead the department after hearing two hours of testimony from both supporters and opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Senators’ Scrutiny Of Public Safety Chief Will Stretch Into Next Week. Nolan Espinda faces two more days of committee hearings before his reconfirmation will be considered by the full Senate. Civil Beat.

Senate Committee Defers Decision On Public Safety Chief’s Confirmation. A state Senate committee deferred a decision Thursday on Governor David Ige’s nominee to head the Department of Public Safety. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public Safety Director fights to keep his job, faces opposition. Senate committee to decide if they'll recommend Espinda for the director position to the full Senate next week. KITV.

Embattled Public Safety director testifies at confirmation hearing. Embattled Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda addressed senators at his confirmation hearing Thursday, saying he’s proud of the progress he’s made at the head of a department that oversees the state’s correctional facilities and sheriff’s division. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii legislative committee kills ban on flavored e-cigarettes. Hawaii lawmakers today killed a proposal that would have banned flavored electronic smoking devices and e-liquids, saying they suspected teenagers would continue to get the products online even if sales were prohibited. Star-Advertiser.

Surprising Support For New Tax On Hawaii’s Powerful Real Estate Interests. Past efforts to tax REITs, which own $18 billion of property locally, have gone nowhere. This session, the proposal has already passed the full Senate and House committees. Civil Beat.

In wake of critical audit, OHA board approves internal reboot. Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees unanimously approved a new governance framework for the agency Thursday in a push to address the results of a critical audit. Hawaii News Now.

Micronesians In Hawaii Still Struggle To Get Health Care. Low-income patients are afraid of going to the doctor and being saddled with co-payments. Unlike U.S. citizens or many green card holders, they aren’t eligible for Medicaid. Civil Beat.

Legislators Seek Ways To Improve Healthcare for Micronesians. Hawaii Public Radio.

Meth, weed use up, cocaine down. Marijuana and amphetamine use is on the rise in Hawaii, according to an analysis of drug test results. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines begins service to Boston. Hawaiian Airlines on Thursday celebrated a milestone in its 90-year history by becoming the only carrier to offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Boston. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Waters Leads Ozawa In Money Raised And Spent In City Council Race. The service workers union AiKea Unite Here raised $170,000 in three months to support Waters. Civil Beat.

Waters out-raising and out-spending Ozawa. Tommy Waters raised more and spent more than Trevor Ozawa through March 29 in their winner-take-all, third-round election duel for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat. Star-Advertiser.

The Special Election for the District 4 seat in the Honolulu City Council is eight days away. Tommy Waters has raised about $97,000 more in campaign contributions than Trevor Ozawa. KITV.

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Unsealed court documents released Thursday show Katherine Kealoha is mentally fit to stand trial. A forensic psychiatrist evaluated Kealoha last November for about two and a half hours. KITV.

Caldwell plan for garbage fee could be trashed. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to impose a $5 monthly curbside trash pickup fee on Oahu households may be tossed into the rubbish heap, Honolulu City Council Budget Chairman Joey Manahan said. Star-Advertiser.

Solvent contamination delays rail work. The discovery of contamination from an industrial solvent in a monitoring well near the Honolulu airport halted drilling for columns on a segment of the Honolulu rail project for more than three months, according to the rail authority. Star-Advertiser.

One year after major flood, repairs to Aina Haina Library finally complete. A year after floodwaters rushed through Aina Haina Library, leaving behind a big mess, the popular community gathering place is set to reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Hippo Louise moves into her newly renovated home at Honolulu Zoo. After the completion of a $3.5 million capital improvement project, the hippo habitat now features an upgraded barn and a filtration system that cycles the 40,000-gallon hippo pond every 20 minutes. KHON2.

Oahu home prices continue to rise despite lower sales. Single-family home prices on Oahu rose over the past 12 months even as overall sales dropped and condominium prices remained flat. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Fish in marine reserve off North Kona coast are recovering, surveys find. Signs that fish populations are beginning to recover at the Ka‘upulehu Marine Reserve off the North Kona coast are giving scientists and community members hope after two years of restrictions on fishing. Star-Advertiser.

Fish Recovering At Kaupulehu Two Years Into Moratorium. Based on surveys conducted in 2018, the Nature Conservancy reported an increase in fish populations at the Kaupulehu Marine Reserve. Big Island Video News.

Open space fund draws most opinion at charter meeting. The Charter Commission afforded West Hawaii residents a platform Wednesday to make their voices heard on potential amendments to the county’s foundational document. West Hawaii Today.

Possible relocation of HVO to Oahu raises concerns. Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno is among those concerned about a potential move of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Farmers Market Permit Revoked, New Permits Sought. A plan to construct a 3-story commercial building at the current Hilo Farmers Market site has been abandoned in favor of a “scaled-down, open-air building concept” that requires different permits. Big Island Video News.

Farmers market’s SMA permit revoked. Long-abandoned plans to build a three-story building at the Hilo Farmers Market have been formally scrapped. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

DOE will build underpass or overpass to Kihei high school. This follows LUC vote reaffirming project condition. The state Department of Education said Wednesday that it will comply with the requirement to build an overpass or underpass across Piilani Highway to Kihei high school — but not until after the school opens. Maui News.

Infrastructure Exploratory Work Begins in Wailuku. The first phase of the Wailuku Civic Complex project includes the full upgrade of roads and utilities on the block of Church Street between Main and Vineyard streets as well as the two blocks of Vineyard between High and Market streets. Maui Now.

Video Evidence from Maui Jail Riot is Missing. The incident remains under investigation but, department officials have pointed toward “extreme overcrowded conditions” as the motivation behind the riot. Maui Now.

Vital piece of evidence in investigation into Maui jail riot is missing. Hawaii News Now.

Phone threat prompts lockdown at Maui hospital. A spokesman from the Maui Police Department says Maui Memorial Medical Center was placed on lockdown Thursday night. KHON2.

Kauai

Recycling facility moves to Ahukini. The certified redemption center accepts all Hi5 products and also will have a buy-back program for aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel scrap metals. Garden Island.