Showing posts with label Osprey helicopters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Osprey helicopters. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Firefighter indictment alleges Honolulu deputy prosecutor Kealoha used stolen money for affair, Ige signs tougher gun laws, city council advances 400-home development, homes lost to lava now at 700, charter school loses contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

file photo
Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor Katherine and ex-Chief Louis Kealoha leave court (file photo)
Kathrine Kealoha allegedly used stolen funds for affair. Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha paid for the hotel and airline tickets to fly her boyfriend to Honolulu from Hilo with money she is charged with obtaining illegally, according to the latest document filed today in the federal case against Kealoha and her husband, retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighter allegedly lied to grand jury about affair with ex-HPD chief's wife. A Big Island firefighter has been charged with conspiracy to obstruct after allegedly lying to the federal grand jury that eventually indicted Honolulu's ex-police chief and his deputy prosecutor wife. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County firefighter indicted for allegedly lying about Kealoha affair. KHON2.

Big Island firefighter indicted for lying about affair with Katherine Kealoha. KITV.

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Governor Signs Two Bills Tightening Hawaii’s Gun Laws. The measures ban bump stocks and decrease the amount of time people disqualified from gun possession have to turn in their weapons. Associated Press.

Governor signs new laws to tighten gun laws in Hawaii. Gun owners with bump stocks have 30 days to turn them over to the police. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige signs bills directed toward reducing opioid overdoses. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers Channel Frustrations Into Political Campaigns. Union leaders say the four teachers seeking House seats are the highest number of teacher-candidates in recent years. Civil Beat.

The Marine Corps in Hawaii is about to double the number of tilt­rotor MV-22B Ospreys it has to deliver Marines in a hurry to far-flung locations where fixed-wing aircraft can’t land. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Inspires Hope — And Disillusionment — For Hawaiians. Created out of the idealism of the 1970s Hawaiian Renaissance, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been bogged down by scandal and infighting. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's first-ever marine highway named after late Sen. Daniel Akaka. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's first marine highway named in honor of late US Senator Daniel Akaka. KHON2.

University of Hawaii researchers have found that rat lungworm is poised to expand its range under the spell of climate change, a fact that could leave more people than ever vulnerable to the infectious disease. Star-Advertiser.

Is Wireless Phone Giant Using Hawaii To Greenwash Its Image? An environmental group says a national ad by Verizon Communications misleads viewers about the company’s policies. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City fires contractor for $54M traffic center citing months of issues, delays. Hawaii News Now.

Problems keep expensive traffic management center unfinished. KHON2.

A plan that would allow up to 400 additional housing units in Laie won a preliminary 5-0 approval from the Honolulu City Council Planning Committee this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable housing bill for Laie advances in city council. KITV.

Public safety officials submit plan for relocating, replacing OCCC. The statement names the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa as the best choice for relocating OCCC. Hawaii News Now.

The city has revised its improvement plans for Ala Moana Regional Park to address issues brought up at a community meeting in January, and is now accepting public comments on it for the next month and a half. Star-Advertiser.

Close to 1,000 people have applied for low-cost mortgage pre-approvals from a nonprofit at an event that began in Honolulu on Friday, according to the event’s organizer. Star-Advertiser.

Mortgage Program Aims to Overcome Home-Buying Obstacles for Hawaii Residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

700 and counting: Number of homes officially destroyed since lower Puna eruption began increases. Tribune-Herald.

Cinder Road Residents Advised to Prepare for Evacuation. Big Island Now.

The ongoing lava flow has swallowed most of a $2.7 million parcel the county is buying for open space. West Hawaii Today.

Intense, hot air from the ongoing Kilauea eruption — combined with a drop in tradewinds — triggered 9.22 inches of rain containing sulfur dioxide to drench an isolated portion of the lower East Rift Zone in the 24 hours that ended at 8 Monday morning. Star-Advertiser.

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State Revokes Charter Of Big Island School. Parents will have to find new schools for 93 students after the Ka'u Learning Academy is closed by the Charter School Commission. Civil Beat.

The state Public Charter School Commission on Monday unanimously voted to revoke Ka'u Learning Academy’s charter because of multiple violations. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission today voted to revoke the charter contract for Ka'u Learning Academy "due to multiple contract violations", the state commission says. Big Island Video News.

State commission revokes Ka'u Learning Academy's charter amid criminal investigations. Hawaii News Now.

Kau Learning Academy contract revoked by charter school commission. KHON2.

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From plaques to peanuts: Council members report gifts. West Hawaii Today.

Laaloa Beach Park renovations to begin soon, will include parking lot reduction or removal. West Hawaii Today.

'A slow death': Waipio Valley residents concerned as mysterious illness kills wild horses. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The Realtors Association of Maui will host a mayoral debate on Thursday, July 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku. Maui Now.

A housing development arm of Catholic Charities Hawaii announced Monday that it plans to start building half of a $48 million rental housing complex for low-income seniors on Maui by the end of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Land Purchase Complete for Proposed Kahului Senior Affordable Rental Housing. Maui Now.

Land sale final for affordable senior rental housing project. Maui News.

Two pieces of Maui’s housing market moved in opposite directions in June, with declines for single- family houses and gains for condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a Maui condominium jumped 20 percent in June, compared to a year ago, while single-family home prices dipped, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

The light at the more than century-old McGregor Point Lighthouse along the coastline near Maalaea will be out until September as the U.S. Coast Guard repairs the navigational aid for boaters. Maui News.

Kauai


The Kauai Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Mayor’s Luncheon is set for noon July 17 at Koloa Landing Resort. Garden Island.

The public is advised that the outermost southbound lane of Kuhio Highway at the intersection with Ehiku Street will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. tonight through Thursday. Garden Island.

Friday, October 7, 2016

Marine Corps plans Osprey training on Kauai, state Supreme Court approves Maui telescope, Red Hill fuel spill meeting draws concerned crowd, union calls for ouster of Honolulu fire chief, huge jury pool summoned for Kenoi trial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A U.S. Marine MV-22 landing on flight deck of aircraft carrier Nimitz, public domain photo
So quietly it almost went unnoticed, the Marine Corps has floated a plan to conduct training with three types of aircraft, including one critics say is prone to crashes, on Kauai and The Forbidden Island. Civil Beat.

An estimated 41,000 Hawaii residents will see a substantial jump in their Obamacare health insurance premiums in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

This Group Is Looking For Better Ways Hawaii Can Limit Painkillers. Once a leader, Hawaii has fallen behind on ways to identify doctors who overprescribe as well as patients who shop around for opioid pain pills. Civil Beat.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 8 general election is Oct. 10 — that’s Monday by 4:30 p.m. (Note: Effective this year, qualified Hawaii residents who are not registered may go in-person to any early walk in voting location within their county to register and vote. That’s Oct. 25 through Nov. 5.) Civil Beat.

Securing a future for Hawai’i’s keiki. That was the focus of a conference on emerging technologies today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Nearly three years after one of the Navy’s massive underground fuel tanks at Red Hill leaked 27,000 gallons of fuel, the military has yet to clean up the spill or commit to long-term remedies for improving the 18 active World War II-era tanks that sit just 100 feet above a critical aquifer that supplies Oahu drinking water. Star-Advertiser.

The Environmental Protection Agency says millions of gallons of fuel stored in a military facility under Red Hill is unlikely to reach the water supply. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens filled the Moanalua Middle School cafeteria Thursday evening for a public meeting on the US Navy's fuel tank facility at Red Hill. KITV.

The union for Honolulu firefighters is calling for Fire Chief Manuel Neves to step down following recent safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s mayor is calling on the Honolulu Fire Commission to ask for a review of the fire department’s training and safety procedures in the wake of two accidents in the past few months. KHON2.

The state Agribusiness Development Corp. has received $31.5 million to buy nearly 900 acres of agricultural land in Central Oahu to be used as part of the Whitmore farming project in the area, Pacific Business News has learned.

Kakaako Waterfront Park's temporary shorter hours took effect Thursday night. But dozens of park users were unaware of the early closure because of the short notice, and officials took it easy on enforcement as a result. Hawaii News Now.

Incumbent state Rep. Bob McDermott and the Democratic challenger Rose Martinez share the same desire to ease traffic gridlock, relieve overcrowding at Campbell High School and find upgrades to all of the schools in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano’s United Laundry Services, which a few months ago joined Las Vegas’ PureStar Linen Group, has sold its properties for a total of $44.5 million, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Summons have been sent to 1,600 potential jurors for Mayor Billy Kenoi’s theft trial, which is scheduled to start Monday in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Over the objections of some local businesses, the County Council on Wednesday advanced a bill closing the parking lot between Kuakini Highway and Likana Lane from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. West Hawaii Today.

Now in its second year, Ka‘u Learning Academy is readying for a growth spurt. West Hawaii Today.

Cory Harden called the Puna geothermal power plant a "dragon in the backyard that can wake up at any time," following recent steam releases at the Pohoiki facility. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Hawaii Supreme Court handed down two opinions Thursday that upheld government approvals for the advanced-technology solar telescope under construction at the summit of Haleakala. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed a permit to build a solar telescope on a Maui mountain. The ruling denies a challenge by a group seeking to protect the sacredness of the summit of Haleakala. The University of Hawaii followed proper procedure for an environmental assessment, the Supreme Court also ruled in a separate ruling. Associated Press.

President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for Hawaiʻi on Thursday, which triggers the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred Sept. 11-14, 2016. Maui Now.

Heavy rains and flooding in September caused no more than an estimated $1 million in damage to  Maui County’s water system, and about 3 million gallons of water per day continues to be lost as crews continue repairs. Maui News.

Proceedings before the state water commission involving stream flow standards and diversions in East Maui and Central Maui, which will be impacted by the closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co., are expected to commence at the end of this year and into early 2017. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii has been dubbed the endangered species capital of the world, and the state’s Department of Agriculture is partnering with other agencies to create a plan to protect the biodiversity of the archipelago. Garden Island.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Just half of Hawaii visitors stay at hotels, state gives cheap land leases to well-connected, Hawaii County mulls 'Styrofoam' ban, Maui philanthropist Mary Cameron Sanford dies, plenty of blame in May 17 Osprey crash, Go-Go's rock star seeks animal protection, dengue emergency, state to release medpot names, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki street scene © 2016 All Hawaii News
There were approximately 212,953 visitors in Hawaii on any given day in 2015, and approximately 53 percent of them, or 113,203 visitors, stayed in a Hawaii hotel last year, according to a new report by Hospitality Advisors and STR, Inc. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii lawmakers are heading into their fifth week of the 2016 legislative session, and they are scheduled to take on bills relating to marijuana, police oversight and pesticide buffer zones. They are up against a deadline Friday, when all bills must be in their final committee. Associated Press.

Tenants ranging from a global agricultural conglomerate to the state’s most exclusive private school have been leasing land from the Department of Land and Natural Resources for decades, paying as little as pennies per acre monthly under a program that operates with no formal rules and is limited by law to temporary, month-to-month uses. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR program controversy echoes flaws found at DHHL. After the Honolulu Star-Advertiser exposed a deeply flawed revocable permit program at the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in 2013, then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed a task force to recommend ways to improve the program.

Recent political action committee filings with the state Campaign Spending Commission provide a peek into the election year ahead when it comes to how money influences campaigns. Civil Beat.

A bill that would establish “continuous background checks” to alert police when Hawaii gun owners have been arrested in another county or state is advancing at the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed constitutional amendment to allow the public to elect Hawaii’s attorney general advanced a step forward in the state Senate on Wednesday over the objections of current Attorney General Douglas Chin. Star-Advertiser.

Judges and lawyers came out in strong opposition this week to legislation that would let Hawaii voters elect their state attorney general and judges instead of the current appointment process. Civil Beat.

Responding to pressure from the news media and the public, the Hawaii Department of Health has agreed to release the names of the people who are on a review panel for applications to grow and sell medical marijuana. Civil Beat.

Some Hawaii lawmakers and advocates say medical marijuana dispensary applicants could be at a disadvantage because health department rules don’t allow greenhouses. Associated Press.

A 1980s female rock musician is teaming up with state Sen. Russell Ruderman to tackle to what they believe is a widespread problem in Hawaii — animal cruelty. Ruderman, a Democrat who represents Puna, introduced Senate Bills 2263, 2273 and 2270 upon request from his friend, Jane Wiedlin, a musician and member of the band, The Go-Go’s. Tribune-Herald.

State lawmakers want to move some long-term tenants out of Hawaii’s public housing complexes to make room for new occupants to help solve the state’s homeless crisis, but they are finding that strategy won’t be easy to implement. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor David Ige on Friday signed an emergency proclamation to mobilize efforts against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and the Zika virus. Pacific Business News.

The state's growing illegal fireworks problem is prompting legislation targeting smugglers. A measure now making its way through the state Senate calls for random inspections of cargo containers and the use of explosive sniffing dogs on the state's waterfronts. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A long-running dispute over reserved parking along privately owned roads in Kakaako has literally spilled from the streets — as well as from a state courthouse and a city advisory panel — into the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

A Marine Corps investigation into the May 17 fatal crash of an MV-22 Osprey at Bellows, after consecutive landing attempts in the same severe brownout conditions, apportioned blame all the way around but said pilots could have picked an alternative flight profile or alternative landing site when it became clear the engulfing sand and dust were far worse than expected. Star-Advertiser.

To last for more than a century, an organization has to reinvent itself. That’s what Bishop Museum president & CEO, Blair Collis, has been doing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Democrats have selected three nominees to succeed the late Gil Kahele in his state Senate seat. The senator’s son, Kai Kahele, former Lyman Museum executive director Dolly Strazar and county Office of Housing and Development division chief Kaloa Robinson were chosen via precinct balloting Saturday during an open process conducted at Keaukaha Elementary School. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Democratic party has chosen three names to fill the 1st district senate seat of the late Gilbert Kahele. Kahele’s son, Kaiali’i Kahele, joins Dolly Strazar and Kaloa Robinson as the candidates who will go before Governor David Ige. One of them will be chosen as the governor’s nomination to represent Hilo in the state senate. Big Island Video News.

Almost three weeks after state Sen. Gil Kahele’s death, friends, family and colleagues have been busy — carrying out what they say was the Hilo Democrat’s political vision. Tribune-Herald.

Those old foam to-go containers might soon need to be gone. A bill banning polystyrene foam food containers in Hawaii County is scheduled to be heard Tuesday by the County Council Environmental Management Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Two women who run a small Native Hawaiian group dedicated to the protection of whales and other marine animals face a $5,000 fine for violating the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act during their response to a stranded whale in 2014. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii developer Peter Savio has closed on his purchase of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel and has renamed the 145-room Big Island hotel the Pagoda Hilo Bay Hotel. Pacific Business News.

Kumu call for kapu on ohia harvest. West Hawaii Today.

Bids to build the University of Hawaii’s new pharmacy school in Hilo are at least $2.5 million more than expected. Associated Press.

A sewage treatment plant is the best option for keeping human waste off a fragile and environmentally significant reef at Puako Bay. That’s according to an engineering report that recommends the treatment plant over the more expensive option of building a sewer line so the community of around 160 homes can connect to a treatment plant at Mauna Lani. West Hawaii Today.

A company that lost a bid to build the next geothermal power plant on Hawaii Island filed a complaint with the state Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday — the day before Hawaii Electric Light Co. announced talks with Ormat Nevada Inc. had ceased. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

"The Last Harvest" series chronicles the various aspects of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.'s final harvest as it shuts down at the end of the year after a 145-year run. The shutdown of HC&S represents the end of sugar in Hawaii. The installments will run periodically throughout the year. Today's story is the first in the series. Maui News.

Seventeen candidates had checked out nomination papers as of Friday for Maui County Council or state House seats serving county districts, according to a Hawaii Office of Elections report. Maui News.

Mary Cameron Sanford, a beloved philanthropist whose family roots go back five generations on Maui, died Sunday afternoon at The Queen's Medical Center on Oahu at age 85. Family members said that she died of heart failure. Maui News.

Around 70 Ka'anapali Beach Club workers rallied Thursday afternoon to protest expired labor contracts. Maui News.

Kauai

More than 50 citizens, including employees of Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, took to the streets for picketing along Hofgaard Park to bring awareness to the Legislature about funding cuts resulting in the hospital’s downsizing. Garden Island.

Kani Blackwell hopes the third time is the charm for the approval of a new charter school on Kauai. Garden Island.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Waikiki businesses to help pay for beach widening, police bills DOA, iconic Coco Palms coming down, Nago to remain elections chief, Hawaii shines at foster care, Maui wants dancing defined, Big Island mulls Roundup ban, Kauai takes up B&B bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki Beach © 2015 All Hawaii News
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed two city ordinances Monday that will tax Waikiki commercial property owners and raise millions of dollars to combat beach erosion and shore up coastal infrastructure in the state's top tourist destination.Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signed two bills creating a special improvement district in Waikiki to require commercial property owners to subsidize the restoration of the eroded beach. Civil Beat.

Waikiki Beach loses tons of sand each year and obtaining funding from the state legislature to replenish it takes at least a couple of years.  Today, two City and County ordinances were signed into law to enable surrounding businesses to contribute to maintaining the beach. Hawaii Public Radio.

This year, state lawmakers introduced a record number of bills aiming to modernize and restore trust in Hawaii’s county police departments, yet only one of the police reform bills passed. Civil Beat.

Children in foster care in Hawaii are far likelier than those in other states to live with a family, rather than in a group setting, and to be placed with relatives, new data show. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Elections Commission voted Monday to keep Scott Nago as Chief Election Officer for another four years, according to the commission's head William Marston. KITV4.

Inmate escapes have nearly tripled in Hawaii over the past few years and every time it happens, officials say there will be consequences. KHON2.

Living Hawaii: Our Retirement Boom May Cost Us Dearly. People live longest in the country's most expensive state. They're putting off retirement or planning to work until they drop. It all comes at a price. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds the public that the moi fishing season is closed June 1 through Aug. 31. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A military plane crash that killed a Marine and injured several other service members during a training exercise in Hawaii has renewed safety concerns about the Marine Corps' new airplane-and-helicopter hybrid. Associated Press.

Toraki Matsumoto served his beloved Central Oahu community with distinction during his 17 years on the Honolulu City Council. Matsumoto, 86, died May 2 at Kuakini Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The County Council is poised to strike the word “Roundup” from its budget, but it remains to be seen if substituting “vegetation management” on paper will make a big change on the ground. Just one dollar out of every $14,627 in the county budget is spent on roadside spraying for weed control. That, however, didn’t stop opponents from devoting the greater part of Monday to asking it be struck from the $438.8 million budget. West Hawaii Today.

Despite an increase of $200 for a fine for driving while on a cellphone, Big Island motorists are still using their electronic devices while navigating local roadways. According to the Hawaii Police Department, there have been 824 citations issued so far this year for use of a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle. West Hawaii Today.

Nelson Doi, who served as lieutenant governor from 1974 to 1978 with Gov. George Ariyoshi, died Saturday at his home in Waimea, Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

It remains to be seen when a section of the Haleakala Trail that used to take people to the summit will be open to unguided hikes even if a tentative settlement giving the state ownership of the trail is confirmed next month, a state official said Monday. Maui News.

Opinion: After something like a decade of earnest testimony and moneyless lobbying, it looks like the Maui Dance Advocates may finally–FINALLY!–win their fight to force the Maui County Department of Liquor Control to do something they’ve steadfastly refused to do: define “dancing.” MauiTime.

The second annual Startup Weekend Maui proved that it is possible to create a startup - and a pretty good one - in just 54 hours. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council will meet at 1:30 p.m. today to listen to comments from the public regarding possible zoning ordinance changes that deal with permits for bed-and-breakfast operations. Garden Island.

Demolition of Kauai’s long-shuttered Coco Palms Resort is scheduled to begin in the next 30 or 60 days, clearing the way for the redevelopment of the iconic property into a Hyatt-branded hotel. Pacific Business News.

Newer and more reliable transportation is coming to transit riders in Kauai County. The county purchased 20 new buses that will be used to replace older ones in the Kauai Bus fleet. The total number of buses will remain unchanged at 56. Associated Press.

Kauai County has purchased 20 new buses that will be used to replace older vehicles in the aging Kauai Bus fleet. The total number of buses in the fleet will remain unchanged at 56. Garden Island.

Legislators from Kauai will recap the recently completed session at the May 28 meeting of the Lihue Business Association. Garden Island.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Osprey safety concerns Japan as military games begin in Hawaii, Honolulu Osprey crash kills one, injures 21, bill closes more government records, teacher's union tosses votes, Kauai, Maui wrapping up county budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Elizabeth Merriam, U.S. Navy.
U.S. Marine Corp amphibious assault vehicle splashes into the sea, Department of Defense photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Elizabeth Merriam, U.S. Navy
Amphibious military capabilities are on the agenda as the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy host defense leaders from around the Pacific in Hawaii this week. The first-of-its-kind meeting comes as territorial disputes over islands are growing more heated in the region. U.S. treaty allies Japan and the Philippines are expected to attend along with U.S. partners like Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether, 23 nations will join the meeting. Associated Press.

A fatal crash of a U.S. Marine Corps Osprey in Hawaii has renewed safety concerns in Japan, where more of the hybrid aircraft are to be deployed. Gov. Takeshi Onaga on the southern island of Okinawa said Monday that flights of Ospreys should be suspended until the cause of the crash is found. Associated Press.

One Marine died after an MV-22 Osprey aircraft crashed in a "hard-landing mishap" at Bellows Air Force Station in Wai­ma­nalo during a routine training exercise late Sunday morning. Twenty-one others were sent to three Oahu hospitals with varying degrees of injury following the 11:40 a.m. incident. Star-Advertiser.

A Marine Corps Osprey aircraft made a hard landing on Bellows Air Force Station near Waimanalo, Oahu on Sunday, killing one Marine and sending 21 other people to hospitals as dark smoke from the resulting fire billowed into the sky. Associated Press.

Honolulu firefighters and emergency crews are responding to a downed military aircraft at Bellows Air Force Station in Windward Oahu that killed one person and injured several others. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers have approved a new exemption to the state open-records law that allows government records to be withheld from the public if releasing that information "would create a substantial and demonstrable risk of physical harm" to a person. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association's board of directors has rejected the results of ballots cast for a new union president and other state officers, and says it will redo the elections. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teacher's Association held an election and then a runoff vote for union leadership positions, but the board decided not to certify either set of results. Some members are questioning the union's credibility. Civil Beat.

Oahu
The state said it’s close to identifying the source of what appears to be a chemical spill that led to a large fish kill in Pearl City discovered Friday. KHON2.

Robert ‘Bobby’ Bunda Stepping Down from HART Board. The former lawmaker has been overseeing the Honolulu rail project since 2011. He says he's leaving to spend time with family. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Opposing sides have agreed to come together to discuss the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope project during a series of informational meetings beginning Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

The Commission on Water Resource Management will be in Kailua-Kona next week to take up the petition to designate the Keauhou aquifer a state water management area. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County residents will see lower property tax rates, but may be still paying more in taxes with rising property valuations. Maui News.

A tentative settlement has been reached in the Haleakala Trail lawsuit that will hand the state ownership of the old path to the summit, which runs through the middle of Haleakala Ranch lands. Maui News.

The 2nd Annual Startup Weekend Maui kicked off on Friday, May 15, with nearly 30 entrepreneurs pitching business startup ideas in front of an enthusiastic audience of 80-plus like-minded individuals at the Maui Economic Development Board’s Malcolm Center in KÄ«hei. Maui Now.

Two Maui startups got the chance to pitch their ideas to Silicon Valley investors during the third annual MaiTai Maui Tech Night at Maui Tropical Plantation on Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai County Council wrapped up its decision-making process on Friday with a unanimous vote to cut $314,000 from the mayor’s proposed budget for the upcoming 2016 fiscal year. Garden Island.

James Pfleuger, the Kilauea property owner who was convicted for his role in the Ka Loko Dam break that killed seven people is now a free man. Garden Island.

Celebrity real estate deals on Kauai's North Shore abound: Slideshow. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

A bill to give the ailing Molokai ferry a subsidy to stay afloat for a little more than a month passed out of a Maui County Council committee Friday afternoon. Maui News.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Hawaii tourism slows, Maui mulls time-share ban, alleged Tulsi stalker arrested, gay marriage doesn't cause teen suicide, sneak peek at Health Connector on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News
Waikiki beach (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
July is historically one of the best months for Hawaii's visitor industry. But tourism slowed last month as price sensitivity to the increasing cost of a Hawaii vacation, rising oil prices, a fragile world economy and the strengthening of the dollar affected arrivals. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotels charged an average daily room rate of $234.69 last, a 12.3 percent increase compared to the same week last year, while the statewide hotel occupancy rate decreased by 1.2 percentage points to 78.8 percent, according to the latest report by Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

A former Maui man who authorities believe stalked Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for two years and in early August threatened to brutally kill her was arrested in Mexico earlier this week. Aniruddha Sherbow, 43, was being held in San Diego in connection with the threat on the congresswoman’s life. Civil Beat.

A man with a history of harassing and threatening Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been arrested after he allegedly sent an email to the FBI and media threatening to decapitate the first-term congresswoman. Associated Press.

Nearly three years after she began receiving vulgar and threatening phone calls, a grateful U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged the work of law enforcement agencies from Washington, D.C., to Mexico after the arrest Wednesday of a 43-year-old man in Tijuana who allegedly said he would decapitate her. Star-Advertiser.

The former Hawaii resident who threatened to decapitate Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was arrested Wednesday in Tijuana, Mexico, by Policia Estatal Preventiva, Baja California State Police Fugitive Unit. Hawaii Reporter.

A former Hawaii resident is under arrest in San Diego, accused of threatening to kill Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva’s claim that kids who have gay parents are more prone to suicide is FALSE. All the respected scientific studies to date have consistently found that children who grow up with gay parents are at least as likely to lead a great life as those with heterosexual parents. Civil Beat.

A new report by the Cato Institute gives Hawaii’s Department of Education an F-minus for financial transparency. Only Alaska ranks worse. Hawaii Reporter.

The former head of the state's embattled State Historic Preservation Division has worked on projects there as a state employee since stepping down from her leadership post last month, officials say. Pua Aiu resigned July 2 as the division administrator days after National Park Service officials reported that "serious problems" remain at the division. As a "high risk grantee," the division could lose its federal funding if those problems aren't fixed within a year. Star-Advertiser.

One of the largest gatherings to focus on Native Hawaiian issues takes place next week, and establishing a more direct relationship with the federal government is expected to be one of the key topics of discussion. U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, who could play a critical role at the federal level in helping guide the process, is scheduled to attend the conference Wednesday and give a keynote address, a conference planner said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
The Marine Corps put on a miniature air show Thursday at Kaneohe Bay to showcase the abilities of the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey while also getting in some training on its first afloat deployment through the Pacific as part of the three-ship Boxer Amphibious Ready Group. Star-Advertiser.

The Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay will eventually be home to two dozen Osprey. But since the Corps announced the aircraft is coming, residents who live alongside K-Bay's flight line have been worried, fearing the Osprey would crank up the noise. Hawaii News Now.

City maintenance crews continued to clear Honolulu sidewalks this week, removing 28 shopping carts and hauling away 2.14 tons of waste from Chinatown, Aala Park, Waikiki and Thomas Square. Star-Advertiser.

Chinatown has had problems with crime before, but now witnesses say a new group of thieves are just little guys, some as young as eight years old. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. State Department special agent Christopher Deedy is a free man, but he still faces the possibility of another murder trial. That's an expensive proposition, not only for Deedy but also for Honolulu taxpayers. Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro has vowed to take the case back to court next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A contractor is gearing up to begin widening a 2.5-mile stretch of Keaau-Pahoa Road. The $15 million project between Shower Drive and Keaau Bypass Road will result in a new 12-foot lane and 8-foot shoulder in the Hilo-bound direction, providing for two lanes open at all times. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is planning a new fence to protect the Manuka Natural Area Reserve from hoofed animals. The 22-mile fence will encompass about 24,000 acres, almost the entire reserve, and will run from sea level to 5,500 feet. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council is considering a bill to prohibit new time-share units or time-share plans. Maui News.

Within a year, the state wants to charge for parking at Maalaea Harbor, much to the dismay of fishermen and those who work on the charter boats in the harbor. Maui Now.

A 45-day period for fast-track consideration has started on the proposed 48-unit Waikapū Gardens-Phase II, affordable housing project in Central Maui, council officials announced today. Maui Now.

The Maui Police Department is encouraging the public to participate in an online survey to help the department improve services to the community. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai was treated to the first public demonstration of the Hawaii Health Connector, the state’s online health insurance marketplace, Thursday. Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative announced that after Sept. 30, it will charge a fee for those who already have a smart meter installed but want it replaced with a “non-standard” meter. Garden Island.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Hawaii remains in drought, Honolulu lame duck mayor loses council clout, Osprey coming to military bases, former Governor Waihee, others settle $1.3M burial plan lawsuit, mail-in ballots raise voter intimidation concerns, Maui ranchland sold, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii cattle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Although frequent rain has returned to parts of Hawaii, more than half the state remains in drought. Star-Advertiser.

Extremely dry conditions in parts of Hawaii are forcing some ranchers to reduce their herds as they struggle to grow grass to feed cattle. Associated Press.

Former Hawaii Gov. John Waihee and three associates have agreed to pay $1.3 million to settle claims by the state Attorney General that they helped to illegally divert some $30 million from funeral and burial plans sold to thousands of Hawaii residents. Hawaii Reporter.

The public school teachers union plans to wait for the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to decide whether an imposed contract violated members' rights before proceeding with legal or other action. Star-Advertiser.

A CNBC special report named Hawaii the second-to-worst state in the nation for business in 2012. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association continued its profit streak in the second quarter, posting a $9.4 million net gain, up from $5.8 million in the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for Aug. 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council voted 7-2 on Wednesday to override Mayor Peter Carlisle's veto of a bill banning all commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park, putting to rest the controversial subject -- at least for now. Star-Advertiser.

Bill 11 enforcement begins immediately as council passes override. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved two resolutions Wednesday designed to encourage Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration to reverse unpopular cuts of city bus service. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy has completed plans for basing up to 24 tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft and 27 Cobra and Huey helicopters at the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps base, but questions persist over how much noise the aircraft will create for area homes. Star-Advertiser.

Rising electricity and gasoline costs were the main drivers of an increase in consumer prices in Honolulu during the first half of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns Of Voter Intimidation Raised In Cachola Victory. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Republican Party is calling into question the qualifications of Chris (Kalani) Manabat, the Democrat candidate for House District 40, “to serve his community based on his dishonesty with the voters and lack of work experience.” Civil Beat.

Despite denials from Hawaiian Electric Company that customers are being overcharged due to a billing system change, a Nanakuli man went to drastic extremes Wednesday to prove he's being ripped off. Hawaii News Now.

A unique ceremony marked the change of command for a Hawaii based unit. KHON2.

Hawaii

Osprey aircraft tactical training will commence as early as 2014 at Pohakuloa Training Area, a U.S. Marine Corps official said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time on Hawaii Island, more voters opted to vote early, rather than report to their precincts on primary election day. Tribune-Herald.

The artist’s rendering will soon become reality at the long-awaited Hawaii Community College at Palamanui, thanks to the recent release of state general obligation bonds. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council unanimously voted in favor of a resolution putting Ooma atop the list of open space to be purchased next. West Hawaii Today.

The head of Hawaii County elections apologized for voter delays, saying much of the problems were caused by communications breakdowns. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's chief elections officer says Big Island precinct chairs will be interviewed to find out how many primary polls opened late and why. KPUA.

Maui

The Hawaii Supreme Court struck down on Wednesday a 2010 ruling by the state water commission, paving the way for more water to flow through a river and three streams on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court vacated Wednesday a state Commission on Water Resource Management ruling in a dispute over surface waters the so-called Na Wai Eha, or four great waters of Maui. Maui News.

Bio-Logical Capital LLC will acquire the 4,500-acre Hana Ranch in East Maui for an undisclosed price from Hana Ranch Partners LLC, the two companies said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

The owners of Hana Ranch have reached an agreement with Bio-Logical Capital, the company that has been seeking to purchase the east Maui parcel of land for months. Civil Beat.

Bio-Logical Capital -- which describes itself as a land investment, development and conservation company -- has signed a sales agreement to purchase the 4,500-acre Hana Ranch in rural East Maui. Maui News.

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy said Hawaii is an ideal place for federal 9th Circuit judges, lawyers and other court officials to continue learning, as he spoke Tuesday afternoon to a gathering of Maui attorneys. Maui News.

Kauai

There were no shortage of ideas for improving the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor Wednesday when more than 200 people overflowed the Waimea Neighborhood Center at the informational meeting hosted by Sen. Ron Kouchi and Rep. Dee Morikawa. Garden Island.

Approval to release state grant funds to start work on a juvenile restorative justice program was deferred after discussion Wednesday at a special meeting held by the Kaua‘i County Council. Garden Island.

A report on the results of a recent waste assessment conducted in county offices showed a significant increase in waste diversion activities since the last assessment was made in 2009. Garden Island.