Public Safety Director Espinda confirmed, no budget surplus tax refunds this year, Maui may withdraw injection well appeal, Kauai officials get raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda, courtesy photo

Hawaii Senate reconfirms Public Safety Department leader Nolan Espinda. Nolan Espinda was confirmed by the Senate to lead Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety for another four years, but he will do so amid numerous internal and external investigations into a recent riot at the Maui jail that took more than three hours to contain, and the fatal shootings of an Oahu jail inmate and homeless man outside the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Senate voted 17-8 on Wednesday to reconfirm Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda for another term. The Senate’s vote came after a tumultuous couple of months for Espinda and his department. Civil Beat.

State Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda was confirmed by the Hawaii Senate Wednesday after critical remarks by several of his opponents. Hawaii Public Radio.

After intense debate, senators vote to reconfirm embattled Public Safety head. Hawaii News Now.

Senate votes to reconfirm Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. KHON2.

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Lawmakers decline to issue budget surplus refunds. State lawmakers have decided to make a modest $5 million deposit into the state’s “rainy day” budget reserve fund instead of issuing taxpayer refunds from the state budget surplus this year. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters, critics of $15 minimum wage make last-minute appeals to lawmakers. The deadline to raising Hawaii’s minimum wage is getting closer and both sides of the debate have strong opinions on the issue. Hawaii News Now.

State To Housing Applicants: Sign Up Online Or Lose Your Spot On Wait List. Nearly 14,000 applicants for public housing in Hawaii must sign up online or risk losing their spot in line for one of about 6,100 federal and state-subsidized low-income housing units. Civil Beat.

Members of AARP urged Hawaii lawmakers to save a bill that would help residents save for retirement. They rallied outside the capitol Wednesday hoping to push Senate Bill 1374, which would create a "Hawaii Saves Retirement Savings Program." KITV.

Lost Your Firearm? You Have To Report It. Hawaii’s governor signed the enabling legislation into law Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Attorney general investigates use of illegal GPS jammers by DOCARE officers. The state Attorney General’s Office is investigating the use of illegal GPS jammers by state conservation officers. Hawaii News Now.

Are Medical Costs Dropping Under HMSA's New Doctor Payment Plan? HMSA now pre-pays primary care doctors with a capped amount per patient. The new system has been in place for two years, and the jury is still out on whether it's met its goal of lowering medical costs and improving the quality of care. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu leads state in population loss, Census finds. Honolulu was the biggest population loser over the eight-year period, having posted a net loss of more than 61,700 residents from domestic migration — residents leaving Oahu for other U.S. counties versus newcomers arriving. Star-Advertiser.

A Nonprofit Honolulu Rehab Center Mixes Taxpayer Support With Lavish Pay. The executive director of the nonprofit Sand Island Treatment Center has been paid as much as $500,000 a year — and many counselors make over $100,000 — far in excess of their peers in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Residents run into red tape in push to tackle squatters’ village in Kalihi Valley. Homeless squatters have built a new village in Kalihi Valley, and the city says they can’t evict them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit filed raises allegations of conspiracy and abuse against HPD and several officers. KHON2.

Public input still open for "Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan". The City and County of Honolulu wants to improve pedestrian safety by creating "Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan" to update streets. It's currently taking public feedback of pedestrian areas that need additional safety measures. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

DLNR Chair Gives Pohakuloa, Mauna Kea, TMT Update. During the nomination hearing before the Senate Water & Land Committee, Sen. Kai Kahele asked DLNR chair Suzanne Case for an update on the hot-button land management issues. Big Island Video News.

Council approves software upgrade. The County Council approved a three-year, $320,000 software license Wednesday that the administration said will fix the problem holding up the county’s $2.3 million building permit system as well as improve geographic information systems at the Civil Defense Agency, Mass Transit Agency and other county departments. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Ige Releases $1.9M for New Waikoloa Public Library. Ige released $1.9 million in Capital Improvement Project funds on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, to buy a 1.750-acre parcel for a new Waikoloa Public Library. Big Island Now.

Maui

Council looks to have final say over injection wells settlement. Chairwoman King wants to see county withdraw appeal from US Supreme Court. Maui News.

Tsuhako approved as housing director. Lori Tsuhako was unanimously approved as director of Housing and Human Concerns on Tuesday by the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

Raises get green light. Raises for some county officials and employees were approved Wednesday. Garden Island.

Homeless camp cleared. In what is the start of an islandwide homeless encampment sweep, government agencies began removing unauthorized property and persons on a parcel of state land along Rice Street Wednesday morning. Garden Island.

Research rockets launched from PMRF. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and Sandia National Laboratories launched two research rockets this week from the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

Water concerns linger at Legislature, Maui mayor reveals past sex assault, DOE accelerates school repairs, tobacco tax hike snuffed out, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pipe brings water down from the mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News

State Senate leaders say they don’t intend to revive water bill. Leaders in the Senate say they have no plans to revive a controversial bill that would extend the deadline for Alexander & Baldwin and other water users to convert their water permits into long-term leases, contrary to a flurry of concerns from the bill’s opponents that the Senate might attempt a last-ditch maneuver to ram the measure through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Possible Resurrection Of Water Bill Has Capitol Abuzz. Lawmakers supporting the measure to extend rights to divert stream water — including for Alexander & Baldwin — play hardball behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

All eyes were on House Bill 1326 at the Legislature on Monday, even though the Senate Committee on Ways and Means deferred it last week, effectively killing the measure. Garden Island.

Gathering at the State Capitol rotunda over water rights bill. The sound of chanting and pahu drum echoed through the state Capitol Monday night. KITV.

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Bills Lighten Up On Pot Possession, But Add Penalties For Drugged Driving. A Senate committee passed a measure to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, while a House committee voted to add penalties for drugged drivers. Civil Beat.

There will be no increase to the tax on cigarettes and little cigars after a measure that initially sought to increase the cost of a pack of cigarettes by $1 was snuffed out. West Hawaii Today.

Sen. Kai Kahele says he’s raised $250K for run at U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s seat. Kahele is running for the U.S. House of Representatives’ seat currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The seat represents rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case’s ‘Talk Story’ Has Aged Well. The Hawaii congressman perfected constituent forums when he was in office 10 years ago. Now he’s taking that show on the road again. Civil Beat.

Moving Hawaii’s Technology Out Of The Dark Ages. The Legislature is considering bills that would help modernize decades old and outdated systems. Civil Beat.

State Initiates Audit Of School Impact Fees On Developers. The fees on new residential developments in certain areas have proven controversial since they were authorized by the Legislature in 2007. Civil Beat.

DOE finds quick fix for school roofs. Previously, each roof repair for a public school had to go through the traditional design-bid-build process, which typically takes several years. The new approach, known as job-order contracting, instead relies on several companies chosen through competitive bidding to perform common repair projects at fixed prices under a multiyear contract. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Education using new contracting method to clear backlog of repair projects. KHON2.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha loses fight to keep personnel file secret, but questions remain. Circuit Court Judge Edward Kubo has reviewed Katherine Kealoha’s employment records from the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office, but hinted in court Monday that it didn’t provide all the information requested. Hawaii News Now.

The state is soliciting developers again to revitalize its run-down Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor in Waikiki 11 years after making a similar attempt that failed amid much public criticism. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources published a request for proposals Friday seeking competitive bids to redevelop 11 acres that include parking areas, public restrooms, a former fuel dock, a former boat repair site and submerged lands extending off the fuel dock and boat repair sites. Star-Advertiser.

Longtime television anchor Marisa Yamane is leaving KHON2 to join the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Yamane, 40, who co-anchors newscasts three times a day, will be director of communications and public relations at the HTA, where she will oversee a contract with PR firm Anthology Marketing Group. Star-Advertiser.

Solar permits issued on Oahu continued their downward trend and plunged 14 percent in the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Verizon Tower For Lower Puna Planned. The Windward Planning Commission has some concerns about the placement of the tower near Highway 130, although they agree the service in needed in the area. Big Island Video News.

Waimea-Kohala Airport subsidy moving forward. Continuation of commercial air service from Waimea-Kohala Airport is on solid footing for the next two years, based on an agreement Hawaii County plans to sign with the U.S. Department of Transportation. West Hawaii Today.

The planning for the removal of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory from Mauna Kea is underway, but an event that occurred at the facility in 2009 sparked some discussion at the Maunakea Management Board meeting on April 2 in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Thirty Meter Telescope has green light, but protesters aren’t giving up fight. On Monday, Native Hawaiians gathered at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus to honor the season of Ku -- and honor those who stand for Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

The future of marijuana: Island cannabis industry reps talk hurdles, economic woes. The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce Medical Cannabis Forum brought business owners together to participate in a panel discussion about medical marijuana on the island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Breaks Silence on Sex Assault. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today, recounted a very personal account of sex assault that he shared for the very first time as joined in offering a proclamation to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Maui mayor reveals haunting personal details of an incident from teenage years. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor to announce decision Tuesday on corporation counsel. There have been calls for the mayor to dismiss Patrick Wong. Maui News.

Maui mayor faces mounting pressure to oust appointee after abuse arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Make way for Southwest. Inaugural flight of Maui service touches down at Kahului Airport. Maui News.

Kauai

A Kekaha woman was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay back hundreds of thousands of dollars she stole from the federal government while working as a clerk at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

Hawaii feeling the shutdown strain, sole GOP state senator affirmed by Supreme Court, Gabbard criticizing Democratic colleagues, bacteria closes Oahu beaches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

Shutdown strain could lead to longer airport lines. Working without pay for weeks. While the battle over the partial government shutdown takes place in Washington D-C, it's putting a strain on people here in Hawaii. KITV.

Impact in Hawaii likely to worsen as shutdown continue. The number of federal civilian employees in Hawaii that are either furloughed or working without pay 20 days after the government partially shut down has been tallied at some 2,741, according to website governing.com, which focuses on state and local government. Star-Advertiser.

Day 19: Federal workers in Hawaii take on side jobs, loans as shutdown drags on. Hawaii News Now.

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The State’s General Fund forecast for the current fiscal year was lowered less than one percentage point today, meaning there’s less money to spend in the upcoming legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a challenge filed by defeated state Senate candidate Matt LoPresti, clearing the way for Kurt Fevella to be the state’s only Republican senator. Star-Advertiser.

Minimum Wage And Marijuana: What To Expect In The 2019 Hawaii Legislature. Lawmakers will tackle familiar issues like public school funding. They’re also likely to raise the minimum wage and might even legalize recreational marijuana. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard took aim at Democratic colleagues, including U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, accusing them of religious bigotry in their questioning of Brian Buescher, a nominee to the U.S. District Court of Nebraska, in an opinion piece published by The Hill yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Childhood sexual abuse, drug use, violence and fractured families are among the common threads in the victim stories told to researchers examining the scope of sex trafficking in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

High bacteria levels at various beaches lead to closure of a popular spot. Due to the elevated levels, a city spokesperson said Hanauma Bay would be closed on Thursday. The upper viewing area, parking lot, and visitor center will remain open. Hawaii News Now.

Hanauma Bay will be closed Thursday after testing showed elevated levels of bacteria in the water. It's one of six separate areas of Oahu where high bacteria levels were found. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Chief increases patrol staff for the next few years. KHON2.

An erased crosswalk renews calls for safer roads after elderly man’s death. It was Oahu’s first traffic fatality of the year. Hawaii News Now.

"Put the crosswalk back on Hawaii Kai Drive," residents urge the city after a man dies in the area. KHON2.

The tail section of a crashed Hawker Hunter fighter jet -- with its engine and "black box" -- was recovered in about 265 feet of water Monday off Kewalo Basin, the Coast Guard said. Star-Advertiser.

Non-Profits Contribute Funds, Staff to Keep Pearl Harbor Open During Shutdown. Hawaii Public Radio.

The International Market Place — more than two years after opening a glitzy $500 million shopping complex in the heart of Waikiki — is redesigning its Kalakaua Avenue entrance to improve the flow of customers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Despite perennial complaints about the cumbersome process of getting building permits, the head of that county division was elevated Wednesday to director of the Department of Public Works. West Hawaii Today.

David Yamamoto, a long-time County engineer, was confirmed as the new Director of Public Works by the Hawaii County Council during a meeting in Hilo on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

A pair of bills that appropriate millions of federal dollars to recover from 2018’s disasters passed their first readings by the County Council on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

A priority list of Kilauea Volcano eruption recovery projects was provided to the Hawaii County Council today, as a bill to appropriate an early round of Federal Emergency Management Agency funds passed first reading. Big Island Video News.

Big Island officials are asking state lawmakers for $155 million to fund repairs and losses due to the Kilauea eruption. That’s on top of more than half a billion dollars in federal funding sought by the county and Big Island residents. Hawaii News Now.

When the new legislative session opens next week Hawaii County will ask the state for $155 million dollars to help with the Kilauea eruption recovery. KITV.

County Council members Wednesday held their noses and advanced a sewer rate hike few seemed to like, sending it to the council for two more votes. West Hawaii Today.

Federal class-action suit claims Lloyd’s, underwriters, defrauded Puna homeowners. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply employees at a public meeting in Holualoa Wednesday evening fielded inquiries on a new 16-inch transmission line set to span 5,240 feet of Mamalahoa Highway between Water Pipe Road and Kamila Place. West Hawaii Today.

Other Spaceport Plans Crashed — Will This One Fly? The site of a proposed launch pad in Puna has not been revealed, but a preliminary possibility is described as “east or northeast of the macadamia nut farm.” Civil Beat.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission has approved a settlement agreement between Maui County and the Kapalua Resort Association, which dismantled a rock wall on its property without permits in June 2017. Maui News.

The state Health Department said this morning it has ordered Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to pay a penalty of $230,000 for 15 wastewater effluent violations from the Haliimaile waste stabilization ponds on the Valley Isle. The company must also build a new wastewater treatment plant. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Health issued a Notice of Violation and Order against the Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. for 15 alleged wastewater effluent violations from the Haliimaile waste stabilization ponds on Maui. The company has been ordered to pay a penalty of $230,000 and construct a new wastewater treatment plant. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple fined for wastewater violations. KHON2.

Department of Taxation special agents and state Deputy Sheriffs arrested today a former tax preparer in Lahaina for tax violations. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

On Kauai, election officials are preparing for a big experiment: All mail-in voting. Last year, Governor David Ige signed a law that allows Kauai County to distribute mail-in ballots to all registered voters for the 2020 primary and general elections. Hawaii News Now.

Knee-deep in keawe and spiders, about 15 sailors at the Pacific Missile Range Facility were on the hunt for albatross nests Wednesday morning, under the guidance of the base’s natural resource team and members of federal and state wildlife and land management agencies. Garden Island.

The opening of Kuhio Highway on the North Shore remains uncertain. In an update on emergency repairs to the road damaged in the April flooding, the Hawaii Department of Transportation said Wednesday there have been “unavoidable extensions in the project schedule.” Garden Island.

FBI closing in on Honolulu prosecutors, Ige outlines biosecurity plans, man swims from Japan to Hawaii, Maui mayor-elect names top staff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kaneshiro Honolulu prosecutor meeting, from city website

Honolulu City prosecutor shows no signs of stepping aside after getting formal notice that he’s a target of federal probe.  City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro has received a Justice Department target letter informing him that he’s under investigation in the federal public corruption probe that has already led to two indictments against his former top deputy, Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

Kaneshiro

Federal Investigators Are Digging Deeper Into Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. The Justice Department inquiry into Honolulu police corruption has lasted four years and resulted in numerous indictments. But Keith Kaneshiro isn’t talking. Civil Beat.

Keith Kaneshiro is serving his fourth term in the elected position of Honolulu’s prosecuting attorney. And according to the city charter, it doesn’t take much to start the process of impeachment. Hawaii News Now.

Three top city prosecutors, including Keith Kaneshiro, should go on leave because of a taint created after the three reportedly received letters from the federal government linking them to a wide-ranging public corruption probe, according to criminal defense attorneys, a City Council member and a California law professor. Star-Advertiser.

City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is reportedly under federal investigation. He could be the next high-profile target in the corruption case involving former Chief of Police Louis Kealoha and his wife former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. KITV.

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Gov. David Ige wants biocontrol center to tackle invasive species. Gov. David Ige wants biocontrol center to tackle invasive species. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige outlined approach to combating invasive species. At the center of his philosophy, strength in numbers. KITV.

Ige talks biosecurity at Western Governors Association Winter Meeting. A contingent of governors from 19 states and three U.S. territories convened at the Fairmont Orchid Monday on the first day of the Western Governors Association Winter Meeting. The topic of note was biosecurity, an initiative for which Hawaii has considerable ambitions. West Hawaii Today.

Invasive Species Talks Held Before Western Governors’ Meeting. The day before the Western Governors’ Association 2018 Winter Meeting, a workshop is held, focused on the impacts of invasive species, pests and pathogens. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii Tourism Authority fills 2 more top leadership positions. The Hawaii Tourism Authority today named two more hires marking the first time since March that the state agency has had all three of its top positions filled. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has filled two vacant leadership positions about two weeks after appointing Chris Tatum as its new CEO. Pacific Business News.

OHA Elects Officers and Look to the Future. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs conducted its first meeting following the November 6th election of new members. Hawaii Public Radio.

Colette Machado of Molokai has been unanimously re-elected to lead the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Star-Advertiser.

Man swims from Japan to Hawaii to raise awareness on ocean pollution. Ben Lecomte was originally supposed to swim from Japan to San Francisco, but bad weather forced him to make a quick stop in our islands. KHON2.

The Fight Against Flight At Hawaii’s Public Middle Schools. Educators know they have to persuade parents that this isn’t the time to send their kids to private school — or a different public school. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Education is looking for a vendor to provide beef to schools as it continues efforts to locally source food for student lunches. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture reports the selection of Kevin Michael Hoffman, Ph.D. as the administrator for the Plant Industry Division and as the State Plant Regulatory Official effective Wednesday, Jan. 16. Big Island Now.

Oahu

After years of planning and prep, church opens igloos-shaped shelters to the homeless. More than two and a half years after an Oahu church made international headlines for its plan to build igloo-shaped shelters for the homeless, families are finally moving in. Hawaii News Now.

New tower brings more affordable units to urban core. A predominantly affordable-housing condominium tower in urban Honolulu began filling up Monday with an initial group of new homeowners moving in. Star-Advertiser.

SamKoo's mostly affordable Kapiolani Residence condo tower opens to residents. Kapiolani Residence, SamKoo Pacific’s mostly affordable 484-unit condominium tower near Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, opened to residents on Monday, nearly two years after the project sold out. Pacific Business News.

More Burglaries, Fewer Rapes Reported At UH Manoa. Newly released statistics show the number of reported rapes dropped from 13 in 2016 to seven in 2017. Civil Beat.

City announces weeks-long, partial closure of another urban park. The city is shutting down parts of Aala Park for maintenance from Wednesday through mid-January. Hawaii News Now.

Work for Honolulu's rail project will require lane and sidewalk closures around the intersection of Queen and Waimanu streets. KHON2.

Oahu solar PV permits down 16% in November. Hawaii's largest solar market experienced a double-digit decrease in the number of solar photovoltaic permits last month, compared to November 2017, bringing the total number of PV permit issued on Oahu below last year's record low, new county data shows. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Navy seeks additional comment on planned special ops exercises. Residents can still comment on the U.S. Navy’s plans for joint special operations training off the West Hawaii coast and elsewhere in the state. West Hawaii Today.

Local boat captains are keeping a weather eye on new rules that increase fees at the state’s small boat harbors. The rules, proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, raise mooring, utility, facility, storage, ramp and commercial permit fees. West Hawaii Today.

Maunakea Observatories on Monday launched a new website: www.maunakeaobservatories.org. The image-rich site is designed to enhance the community’s connection to the collaboration of observatories atop Maunakea, offering visitors insights into the observatories’ mission, community impact, environmental stewardship, cultural heritage and valuable contributions to science, as well as up-to-date access to news and career opportunities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor-Elect Michael Victorino announced 12 intended appointments to his incoming administration during a press conference this afternoon at his Wailuku headquarters. Maui Now.

From a desk job to fire captain. A trailblazing woman takes charge among a band of firefighting brothers. Garden Island.


Median prices of condos rocket up in Nov. Supply issues a factor in increase in values. Maui News.

Sale volume and prices for homes sold on Maui last month were mostly higher, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. The trade association recently reported that the biggest change was a 32 percent jump in the median sale price for condominiums, to $528,650 in November from $399,500 a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

US successfully shoots down intermediate-range ballistic missile in test off Kauai. The U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency successfully shot down an intermediate-range ballistic missile Tuesday during a test off Hawaii. The MDA said the Navy launched the interceptor from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai using the Aegis Ashore system. Hawaii News Now.

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is inviting Kauai residents to submit applications for positions on a community council to advise the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program. Garden Island.

Coworking space launched at HA Coffee. HA Coffee just celebrated its five-year anniversary, and instead of hosting a party, they’re taking on a new coworking space venture — Kuleana.work. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai activists warn they’ll protest if Navy goes through with military exercises offshore. The Naval Special Operations Training is proposed for next year at sites statewide and the Navy wants public feedback on the plan. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige and Lt. Gov. Green inaugurated to four-year term: media coverage, speech text, videos, GOP response, more. Plus inaugurations on neighbor islands, more top news

Swearing in of Gov. David Ige PC: Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige stresses ‘moving forward together’ at second inauguration. Gov. David Ige stressed the need for unity after being sworn in for his second term as governor in the rotunda of the Hawaii State Capitol on Monday, and suggested that the state is at a crossroads as leaders look to build a more diversified and sustainable economy driven by technology. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Begins Second Term With Call To ‘Move Forward, Together’. The governor said he is “eager and excited about the prospect of tackling all that is before us” after being sworn in for another four years. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige, Lt. Gov. Josh Green sworn into office. Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green were sworn in Monday at a ceremony that took place in the State Capitol Rotunda. KHON2.

Governor David Ige was sworn in for a second term by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald.  In his address, the governor repeated the inauguration theme of moving forward together.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige sworn in for a second term. Gov. David Ige took the oath of office Monday for a second term as Hawaii’s governor, saying this generation’s legacy will rest on how well it prepares children for a technology-driven future. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green were sworn-in today, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 at the State Capitol Rotunda. During his inaugural address, Gov. Ige focused on three specific areas–Education, Housing and Sustainability–saying, “I believe our legacy will rest on how well we meet the challenges of the 21st century, and how well we begin to transform our economy.” Maui Now.

In laying out his plan for the next 4 years, Ige condemns Trump administration for ‘troubling’ direction. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige's inauguration speech full text.

Gov. David Ige's inauguration speech video.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green speech video.

Hawaii Republican Party inauguration speech response. Hawaii Free Press.

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Path to the presidency may be tough: political analyst weighs in on Gabbard's chances. Hawaii U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said she's seriously considering making a run for president. KITV.

Hawaii Does Fine Raking In Federal Dollars Without Earmarks. There’s talk in Congress of resurrecting the system for bringing home the bacon. But lawmakers say it’s questionable how much that would help the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii soldier to be sentenced for trying to provide material support to ISIS. Associated Press.

International Students Continue To Fuel State's Economy.  A new study recently released by the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism shows International students help to contribute close to a billion dollars to our state coffers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Tuna Fishermen Want Higher Quotas. Stable ahi prices are expected during the holidays, but environmental groups are concerned about the longterm health of fish stocks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings for 2018 jump to 3-year high. Hawaii bankruptcies surged last month amid a slowing state economy and are now guaranteed to finish the year with the worst outcome since at least 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Electric vehicle push to provide Hawaii with over $700M in economic benefits, HECO predicts. Hawaiian Electric estimates that transforming the Islands' transportation sector from fossil fuels toward electricity could result in economic benefits of more than $700 million over the next 27 years. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

7 vacation rental bills before the Council. Seven bills that try to both regulate and legitimize Oahu’s short-term vacation rentals get their first airing before the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Program For Domestic Violence Victims Stalls. Two years after advocates convinced Honolulu police officers to implement a threat assessment form for victims, its use has dropped by half. Civil Beat.

10-cannon salute at governor’s inauguration sent students at Honolulu school fleeing from classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

The city is a step closer to initiating a condemnation action to acquire an easement for a long-­discussed public beach right of way to the ocean ­ in East Honolulu’s ritzy Portlock Road area. Star-Advertiser.

It’s ‘twilight’ for Pearl Harbor survivors. It’s extra noteworthy that Everett Hyland, a Dec. 7, 1941, attack survivor who was on the USS Pennsylvania, will return the salute of a passing Navy warship at Friday’s anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Foodland Farms to open as part of new Kahala retail center. The project called Kuono Marketplace at Kahala will provide about 50,000 square feet of commercial space for about 20 tenants in a contiguous complex fronted by about 150 parking stalls and a gas station on the corner of Waialae Avenue and Hunakai Street where a Shell station once stood. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A new County Council was seated Monday, with its chairman pledging renewed cooperation between county and state governments and a session without distractions from the serious issues of the day. West Hawaii Today.

Aaron Chung, the newly elected chair of the Hawaii County Council, said he plans to make recovery from the 2018 Kilauea eruption a top priority in the coming year. Big Island Video News.

Big Isle dispensary rebrands with new name. Lau Ola LLC, one of two licensed medical marijuana companies on the island, said Monday that it will operate under a new name: Big Island Grown (B.I.G.) Dispensaries. Star-Advertiser.

Lau Ola LLC, one of the two permitted medical cannabis providers on Hawaii Island, is announcing a company rebrand, changing its name to Big Island Grown Dispensaries. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Discussing an audit critical of the county liquor department and commission, Maui County Council members Monday called for increased oversight of the independent entities and expressed dismay at some of their practices. Maui News.

A 2nd Circuit Court judge determined Monday that shoreline hardening plans for the Hololani condominiums should have required an environmental assessment, and that county officials did not take that into account when approving changes to the condos’ plans. Maui News.

Women’s March Founder From Maui Declines Participation in Anniversary Event. Teresa Shook, the Hawaii woman who founded the Women’s March, publicly called for the four leaders of the Women’s March Inc. to step down. Maui Now.

Not much left of Makena hotel. After starting this summer, demolition of the old Makena Beach & Golf Resort, formerly the Maui Prince Hotel, looks to be nearing an end. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Derek Kawakami has big plans for his first 100 days in office — among them, a round of internal audits to improve government performance, the creation of a new office to address problems facing the community and improving the government’s approach to customer service. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami sworn into office. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and members of the 2018-2020 Kauai County Council were sworn into office by Judge Randal G. B. Valenciano at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall on Monday. KHON2.

Council, in 5-2 vote, elects Kaneshiro chair. Arryl Kaneshiro was appointed Kauai County Council Chair, with Ross Kagawa as vice chair at the newly-elected council’s inaugural meeting Monday, despite pleas from some residents in attendance that Councilman Mason Chock be selected for one of those positions. Garden Island.

Inauguration attendees look forward to future. Garden Island.

Woman accused of stealing nearly $365,000 from Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. Court documents reveal Rowenalynn Yorkman carried out the scheme while working as a travel clerk for the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Barking Sands on Kauai. KHON2.

False missile alert aftermath: employee fired, HI-EMA chief resigns, administration shaken; House speaker not interested in being lieutenant governor; one-way tickets for homeless; Kauai missile test, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HI-EMA missile presentation in Hilo, December 2017 ©2018 All Hawaii News

News of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency shakeup and release of the Federal Communications Commission’s preliminary findings into Hawaii’s Jan. 13 false missile alert left many wondering Tuesday how much faith people will have in the credibility of the next warning. Star-Advertiser.

When things go wrong in a big way, it is usually the top leadership that takes a beating, which means Gov. David Ige may now be in deep trouble in the wake of the frightening Jan. 13 ballistic missile attack false alarm, according to political observers. Star-Advertiser.

There are concerns over staffing at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of the resignations of two top officials and the firing of the unnamed worker who set off the Jan. 13 bogus nuclear missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

False Missile Alert Investigation Released: Miyagi Resigns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tick Tock Of Terror: New Details In Missile Alert Timeline. Associated Press.

HI-EMA’s Miyagi resigns, ‘button pusher’ fired in aftermath of false missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

Employee terminated, HI-EMA head resigns after false missile warning. Hawaii’s emergency management leader has resigned and a state employee who sent an alert falsely warning of an incoming ballistic missile has been fired, officials said Tuesday, after the mistake caused widespread panic earlier this month. KITV.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency worker who triggered panic by sending a false ballistic missile alert to phones across the state on Jan. 13 believed the state was actually under attack, according to a preliminary investigation released today by the Federal Communications Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Man Who Sent Out False Missile Alert Was ‘Source Of Concern’ For A Decade. Civil Beat.

Worker who sent false missile alert had problems but kept job. Associated Press.

Fired employee had previously confused drills. The fired employee had previously confused drills for real events, once for a fire and once for a tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency management employee had ‘history of confusing drill and real-world events’. KHON2.

In a stunning revelation Tuesday, state investigators said the emergency management employee who sent out the false missile alert to Hawaii phones — triggering 38 minutes of panic until a correction could be sent — believed the threat of an incoming missile was real and had a history of confusing drills with real-world events. Hawaii News Now.

State fires employee who issued false missile alert, Hawaii EMA chief resigns following state probe. Pacific Business News.

FCC Report: Day Shift Warning Officer Believed the Missile Threat Was Real. Maui Now.

Full text: FCC report on false missile alert. All Hawaii News.

Full text: State report on false missile alert. All Hawaii News.

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House Speaker Scott Saiki today announced he is not interested in becoming the state’s next lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Telling The Public A Little Less About What It Pays Its Workers. House Speaker Scott Saiki finds Civil Beat’s salary database too specific when it comes to “legislative employees.” Civil Beat.

Hotel taxes are eyed for 1-way tickets for homeless. House Bill 2012 would set aside up to $2 million a year in transient accommodations tax, or TAT, revenues to fund homeless initiatives in “tourist and resort areas.” Star-Advertiser.

Tearful testimony at the Capitol over Hawaiian language translation bill. A push to provide a Hawaiian language interpreter at court proceedings is gaining momentum at the State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Medical Aid In Dying: ‘The Political Risk Is Not Passing It’. With polls consistently showing public support for the concept, legislators look to give the issue another go this session. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers and prison advocates raising questions on suicides at Hawaii correctional facilities. KITV.

State disease database hacked. The state Department of Health is investigating a potential breach of private medical information of disease test results. Star-Advertiser.

The mayors of Honolulu, Kauai and Maui today pledged to help make our island state more climate resilient at a key leadership forum presented by Hawaii Energy and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, titled “A Resilient and Renewable Hawaii: How Hawaii’s Mayors are Innovating to Create the Counties of the Future.” Maui Now.

Chick-fil-A is scouting locations for the chain’s first Hawaii restaurant, one of three restaurant chains, along with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Japan’s Yoshinoya, looking to break into the isle market. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A state judge has ordered the developer of Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort to pay homeowners $20 million for the company’s decision to change the main feature of the Ewa community from a marina to a lagoon. Star-Advertiser.

A state judge has ordered developer Haseko to pay homeowners $20 million, in one of the largest consumer protection awards in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The city is testing its first electric bus during a six-week pilot project for Honolulu's fleet. Hawaii News Now.

The city unveiled its first fully electric bus on Tuesday that will be tested in a six-week pilot project. KITV.

The Hawaii State Department of Health has received a $339,269 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a clean energy project on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Defense contractor BAE Systems Hawaii has received a $14.2 million modification for a previously awarded contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for repair work of the USS Port Royal, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. Pacific Business News.

Momilani Elementary School has put one of its teachers on leave after learning that two former Punahou students, who are now adults, have accused him of sexually abusing them between 2005 to 2006. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council, county attorney at odds over contingency funds. Tribune-Herald.

Surf school management proposal raises concerns. West Hawaii Today.

The state should return to federal court to seek an amendment to existing orders mandating the eradication of ungulates on Mauna Kea, according to hunting enthusiast Richard Hoeflinger. Big Island Video News.

Brad Bennett, superintendent of the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area, is under investigation by the state Department of Education and is on leave until further notice. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Liquor Director Glenn Mukai said Tuesday that a visit by an FBI agent to its Wailuku offices Monday was a “routine audit” of the department’s fingerprinting operations. Maui News.

The nearly 500-acre Waikapu Country Town project has received unanimous approval from the state Land Use Commission for critical changes. Maui News.

The Paia relief route, Kihei collector road and Hana Highway bridges are among the major projects vying for a share of $124 million in funding over the next four years. Maui News.

Kauai

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the Navy conducted a missile test off Kauai early Wednesday, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Occupiers remain at Coco Palms. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 86th Winter Meeting. The mayor met with federal agencies and the Congressional delegation to discuss priorities for the County of Kauai. Garden Island.

DLNR considers allowing feral pig hunting on Kauai's Sleeping Giant mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Navy holds first Hawaii hearing on missile test proposal, Honolulu police begin bodycam testing, Hagar selling Maui estate, Big Island bus ridership drops 30%, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B interceptor missile is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) during a Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy test in the mid-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo)

Some seek to block Navy's bid to continue training in Hawaii waters. In a public meeting Monday evening at the Oahu Veterans Center, the community had a chance to weigh in on the Navy's Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Hawaii News Now.

Environmental and cultural concerns expressed over proposed US Navy training exercises. The US Navy officials hosted the first of several public meetings in Hawaii regarding its Environmental Impact Statement on testing and training operations in the waters off Hawaii and Southern California. KITV.

A rare joint exercise of three U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups — a combination wielding massive firepower — will occur in coming days in the Western Pacific as part of a pressure campaign on North Korea by the Trump administration. Star-Advertiser.

Nuclear shelter-in-place plan could keep parents, students separated for days. As nuclear rhetoric and missile tests continue from North Korea, Hawaii emergency officials say be ready to “Get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned.” KHON2.

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Two months after U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced her plans to run for governor, candidates looking to fill her seat in Congress are starting to emerge. Star-Advertiser.

Events to mark 100th anniversary of the death of Hawaii’s last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. Hundreds of churches around the state are expected to toll their bells 100 times at 8:30 a.m. — the time of day Liliuokalani died on Nov. 11, 1917. Star-Advertiser.

Ancient Hawaiian Tradition Threatened by Invasive Bug. The hala or pandanus tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and is characterized by its long, sharp and spiny leaves. Those trees are now being attacked by an invasive predator. And the cultural practitioners whose traditions depend on hala are feeling the impact. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Seventy-seven Honolulu police officers Monday began testing body-worn cameras in a 30-day pilot project, making the Honolulu Police Department the last in the state to use the cameras. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Officers Begin Testing Body Cameras. HPD has outfitted dozens of officers with the technology as part of a 30-day pilot program. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Department started testing body cameras Monday. KITV.

Criminal Case Against Kealohas Puts Brakes On Uncle’s Suit. The lawsuit filed by Gerard Puana will have to wait while the case against his niece and her husband continues, a judge rules. Civil Beat.

Defense attorneys in Kealoha corruption probe face heat over questionable practices. Legal experts say questions surrounding the attorneys for the former police chief and his deputy prosecutor wife are extremely troubling. Hawaii News Now.

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Waialua sunflower farm to hold open house. DuPont Pioneer, which recently merged with the Dow Chemical Co., held a media tour Monday at its 2,000-acre Waialua property, one of Hawaii’s largest farms. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Tent-Dwellers: A Different Kind Of Homelessness. People living in a roadside encampment receive an unusual amount of community support, because many of them are longtime residents. Civil Beat.

Carbon monoxide poisoning linked to 2 Marco Polo deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home prices creep higher. For single-family houses, October’s median sale price edged up 1.3 percent to $752,000 from $742,000 in the same month last year. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu saw a “healthy uptick” in the number of sales in October, compared to the same month last year, as the median price of a single-family home and condominium nudged up slightly, according to a report by Honolulu-based real estate firm Locations LLC. Pacific Business News.

Ward Village condo sales aid developer’s profit. Howard Hughes Corp. earned $27 million from condominium sales at Ward Village in the third quarter, according to a financial report the company published Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has sold nearly 90 percent of the 1,381 condominium units the developer is building at its Ward Village community in Honolulu and last month repaid a $195.3 million construction loan on the Waiea and Anaha towers there, the company said Monday in its third quarter earnings report. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

House Finance Committee checks in on state investments in West Hawaii. Members of the state House of Representatives Finance Committee were in town Monday to take a closer look at some of the projects they’ve recently funded throughout West Hawaii, including the major overhaul at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island bus ridership has dropped by almost a third over the past four years, mostly due to unreliability of an aging fleet, consultants said Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Talks Vacation Rental Rules. Local and state lawmakers discussed possible regulations for the growing vacation rental industry during last week's county council committee meeting. Big Island Video News.

Demolition of Uncle Billy's Pagoda Hotel uncertain. A hotel sitting vacant in Hilo will remain that way for at least the near future. Hawaii News Now.

October home sales soar on Hawaii's Big Island. Home sales on Hawaii’s Big Island soared in October, with increases of more than 25 percent from a year ago for both single-family homes and condominiums, but the median price of a condo fell by more than 25 percent, according to data provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Cyanotech earns $475K in second quarter. Hawaii island microalgae producer Cyanotech Corp. more than quadrupled its fiscal second-quarter profit in large part through a $900,000 reduction in legal fees. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Victorino to run for mayor. Former Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino officially announced his intention on Monday to run for mayor in what is shaping up to be a competitive battle in 2018 to succeed Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Kaanapali development met with resistance from Maui residents. Hundreds of people packed Lahaina Intermediate School Monday night to question the landowners and developers behind the Kaanapali Golf Courses Revitalization Project. Hawaii News Now.

Puunene Shopping Center filling up. Planet Fitness, Massage Envy and Ulta Beauty to open outlets on Maui. More retailers are flocking to the Puunene Shopping Center with pet store Petco opening its doors Monday and farm-to-table restaurant Fork & Salad slated to open early next year. Maui News.

Rocker Sammy Hagar is selling the 10-acre Maui estate he bought more than 20 years ago after searching for a place to relax in Hawaii following a world tour with Van Halen. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KIUC issues request for qualifications for solar-hydro project on Kauai's west side. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative last week issued a request for qualifications for its Puu Opae Energy Project on the Garden Isle's west side. Pacific Business News.

Kauai condo sales nearly double in October, median prices up by double digits. The number of condominiums sold on Kauai in October nearly doubled, when compared to the same month last year, while sales of single-family homes rose by more than 30 percent and median prices in both categories increased by double digits, according to data provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Kids can earn money, recognition on the floor of the state House of Representatives, and a chance to mingle with legislators through a statewide contest running now through Jan. 31. Garden Island.

Rail bailout bill up for Senate vote today, grand jury probes Honolulu prosecutor, bombing OK'd off Kauai, Hawaiian homesteaders seek takeover of troubled telecom, prison sex shaming lawsuit revived in appeals court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Royal Kona resort © 2017 All Hawaii News

A bill to fund Honolulu’s financially troubled rail project was advanced by the state Senate and is heading for a final vote by the legislative body. Associated Press.

A package of state tax hikes to bail out the city’s beleaguered rail project appears poised to clear its last major hurdle with a full Senate vote today before moving over to the House. Star-Advertiser.

State Lawmakers are advancing the Honolulu rail transit funding measure this week during a special legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill that would generate almost $2.4 billion to bail out the city’s troubled rail project passed its second reading in the state Senate on Tuesday, and the measure appears to have enough support to make it through the third and final vote. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to bail out Honolulu’s rail project passed a second reading in the Senate Tuesday. KHON2.

A bill raising the statewide hotel tax to pay for the struggling Honolulu rail project cleared another hurdle Tuesday, when the Senate advanced it on a 17-7 procedural vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers are back in for day two of the special legislative session to deal with a rail tax bill. KITV.

When Hawaii industry tourism executives decried a proposal to raise a hotel room tax to help bail out the struggling Honolulu rail project, lawmakers responded with more than a little skepticism Monday. Civil Beat.

Maui Groups Testify Against Honolulu Rail Funding. Maui Now.

Members in the Maui County legislative delegation were of different minds on the proposed measure to help Honolulu fund cost over-runs on its rail transit project, which is being considered in a special session that opened Monday. Maui News.

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The state House of Representatives today adopted a resolution formalizing new committee assignments, which includes more than 50 changes. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige’s nominee to the state agency that regulates Hawaii’s utilities was unanimously approved by a Senate committee today. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has nominated state Rep. Marcus Oshiro as the new chairman of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has nominated state lawmaker Marcus Oshiro for the Hawaii Labor Relations Board as its chairperson and representative of the public. Pacific Business News.

Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott announced today he is withdrawing from the 2018 race for Hawaii governor after learning that another Republican plans to run. Star-Advertiser.

A coalition of Hawaiian homestead associations has declared its intent to purchase the beleaguered Sandwich Isles Communications, which in June lost its exclusive license to provide telephone and internet service to homestead communities statewide. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. submitted final plans to state regulators Tuesday seeking to make $205 million in upgrades to its energy systems on Oahu and Hawaii island and in Maui County over the next six years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest utility company, Hawaiian Electric Cos., has filed its grid modernization plan with state regulators. Pacific Business News.

100-year-old Japanese bible returned to Sen. Inouye's family, archives now public. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A U.S. Justice Department investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power in Hawaii law enforcement has expanded to include a look at a property deal associated with a much-touted safe haven for victimized women created by Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Civil Beat.

A federal appeals court ruling Tuesday revived a woman’s lawsuit that alleges she was subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by being forced to participate in a therapy program involving “public sexual shaming” while incarcerated at a Hawaii jail. Associated Press.

A project in the governor's push to build thousands of affordable homes has been scaled back dramatically because of push back from Kalihi residents. Hawaii News Now.

Some changes are coming to the property tax laws for the City and County of Honolulu. They’re going into effect this Friday. KHON2.

Electric vehicle owners heading to Costco in Iwilei will soon be able to shop and charge their cars car at the same time. Pacific Business News.

Retired Senior Family Court Judge Betty Vitousek, instrumental in establishing the Family Court here as well as the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, died of natural causes Monday in Honolulu. She was 98. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: No One Has Won The Fight Over Fixing This Waikiki Seawall. Both sides claim victory in the legal battle between landowners and the state over who should maintain the “Gold Coast” barrier. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The second theft of a Hele-On bus within a month, allegedly by the same individual, has county officials scrambling to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Tribune-Herald.

Members of the HI-CoP group waved signs at the entrance of Hilo Airport as the mayor met with the tour helicopter industry. Big Island Video News.

Big Island residents fed up with noisy tour helicopters took their message to the streets Tuesday, waving signs calling for the end to noise. Hawaii News Now.

Some residents in North Kona are worried that the region's water crisis will worsen when thousands of visitors arrive soon for the world's largest long distance canoe race and the Ironman triathlon. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island physicians are starting a nonprofit designed to encourage doctors-in-training to pick the Big Island as a place to live and practice medicine. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Businesses and customers in and around the Kahului industrial area report an increase in vandalism and other criminal activity they say is related to the number of homeless people in the area. Maui News.

A bulldozer operator, whom earlier witnesses said was moving sand without an archaeological monitor, testified Monday that he did not need one in the sand mining lawsuit against a Maui Lani developer. Maui News.

Kauai

The National Marine Fisheries Service has given approval to a five-year Air Force plan for bombing practice at sea off Kauai that reduces munitions used and increases monitoring for impacts to whales and dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

People living near the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility might have heard sirens and other loud noises coming from the base Tuesday, and those noises will be continuing today. It’s because of a two-day training exercise. Garden Island.

A Kauai judge declared a mistrial in a case against a former law enforcement officer after jurors deadlocked on 19 counts of sexual assault of a minor and found him not guilty on four counts. Star-Advertiser.

Ulupono Initiative is conducting a telephone survey about Kauai’s economy, and some say the company should be more upfront about its involvement with Hawaii Dairy Farms. Garden Island.

Tuesday water quality tests from the Surfrider Blue Water Task Force show the bacteria level in Hanalei Bay has waned. Garden Island.