Confidential patient records in Health Exchange limbo, construction booming, crystal meth still plagues state, three counties pass budgets, Oahu windmills killing endangered bats, Duke Aiona mulls 3 races, coral graveyard found in Pacific, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Construction crane looms over Honolulu © 2016 All Hawaii News

Honolulu was the nation’s third-fastest-growing construction job market during the past 12 months as employment in the local industry hit an April high, according to new analysis from the Associated General Contractors of America. Star-Advertiser.

A former Hawaii Health Connector contractor claims to be holding on to Hawaii state residents' personal health information in what appears to be a favor to the state government, which has failed for months to give the company direction on what to do with the sensitive data. Pacific Business News.

When it comes to financial health, Hawaii ranks 45th. Civil Beat.

Crystal Meth in Hawaii: Demand, Supply and Local Culture. Hawaii Public Radio.

On July 9, the Hawaii Education Summit will be held to discuss the benefits of the new Every Student Succeeds Act, according to a statement released by Gov. David Ige’s office. Civil Beat.

More than 300 people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, primarily on Oahu, received assistance from a portion of the $900,000 in state funds that Aloha United Way distributed to 18 social service agencies in April in an effort to reduce the highest per capita homeless rate in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Under the state’s policy, the Hawaii Department of Public Safety cannot decide where to place transgender inmates based only on their anatomy; it must make an individualized assessment that takes into account each inmate’s gender identity and personal concerns about safety. Civil Beat.

Former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona Jr. pulled papers Wednesday for three different seats. KHON2.

Lei Ahu Isa is running to represent Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. A former state legislator and current trustee with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Isa said she filed her papers Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The NFL said Wednesday its decision to move the Pro Bowl to Orlando, Florida, for the next three seasons is unrelated to funding, Aloha Stadium or Hawaii's ability to host the game. Associated Press.

Federal scientists reported what they’ve dubbed a “coral graveyard” off the coast of Jarvis Island in the Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument on Wednesday, saying an emergency undersea expedition found 95 percent of the coral dead. Garden Island.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a $2.33 billion operating budget and $940 million capital improvements package for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a $2.3 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2017 Wednesday that includes millions of dollars for nonprofits and homelessness initiatives, and a separate rail budget that caps spending at a figure $1.3 billion short of what the federal government estimates the project may cost. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved operating and capital improvements budgets for the city’s troubled rail project, but in doing so slashed funding for the project’s staff and office space, and tightened the screws on construction money. Star-Advertiser.

Rail and disputed Kakaako roads on collision course. KITV4.

The number of endangered Hawaiian hoary bats killed by spinning wind turbines on an Oahu wind farm is on pace to far exceed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service projections. Star-Advertiser.

A group of Kailua neighbors is up in arms after volunteers from two canoe clubs hacked away vegetation from a vacant lot on state land Monday, clearing the way for a canoe launch site along the Kawainui Canal, or Oneawa Channel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. paid about $2.3 million for the historic Honolulu Advertiser building on Kapiolani Boulevard, which it plans to renovate and use as its headquarters. Pacific Business News.

Water problems at Lahainaluna High School have not been ignored. The Department of Education told KHON2 Wednesday that it wasn’t aware of them.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi is adding 14 new positions to the county's $462.9 budget. But even that wasn’t enough for most County Council members, who on Wednesday added one more. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council voted on Wednesday to approve a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Big Island Video News.

Lt. Col. Jacob Peterson relinquished command of Pohakuloa Training Area to Lt. Col. Christopher Marquez in a ceremony Wednesday morning at the Army installation’s theater. Tribune-Herald.

Contaminated soil has halted redevelopment of a Hilo public housing complex. The housing site has been empty for over 10 years. Associated Press.

The County Council’s Finance Committee will get a chance to weigh in on the future of Hakalau Point today as it considers a resolution authorizing the purchase of the nearly 9-acre property, a former home to the Hakalau Plantation Co. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County could soon have its first tenant at the Kapulena Agricultural Park since seeking farming leases in 2012. Tribune-Herald.

Eighteen months later, there is still no answer from the state Office of Information Practices on whether the Commission on Water Resource Management violated the Sunshine Law during Kona site visits in 2014. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee deferred action Wednesday on a proposal that would restrict certain county employees' participation in political campaigns. Maui News.

The Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association today announced the receipt of a $50,000 contract from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to expand their Sustainable Tour Certification Program. Maui Now.

A coalition of social service agencies, Maui County, the Governor's Office and the Realtors Association of Maui is launching a program to encourage property owners and managers to make more housing available to those most in need of shelter. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously finalized the $189 million fiscal year 2016-2017 operating budget Wednesday. Garden Island.

A 20-year-old boardwalk at Kauai’s Kokee State Park is getting replaced with recycled plastic as state officials aim to protect the area’s rare species and improve safety for the thousands of people who visit each year. Associated Press.

A flight plan for a Cessna 182H that crashed and burned last week, killing five people, was never filed, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Garden Island.

Leona Perez, Kauai Independent Food Bank’s programs manager, said school hasn’t been out for a week and they’ve already seen an increase in the number of families coming in for emergency food. Garden Island.

Federal recognition plans for Native Hawaiians draws mixed reviews-- 10 articles and an opinion. Plus, civil rights lawsuit at Department of Education, Maui coqui frog invasion, Sandwich Isles Communication loses money to tax evader, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Department of the Interior 2014 sovereignty hearing © 2015 All Hawaii News

More than a year after holding hearings in Hawaii where most speakers rejected U.S. government involvement in their Native Hawaiian sovereignty discussions, the Department of the Interior announced Tuesday a proposal to create a procedure in case a unified government comes forward seeking federal recognition. West Hawaii Today.

Proposed rules announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of the Interior emphasize that Native Hawaiians — not the federal government — would decide how to reorganize a Native Hawaiian government and determine any relationship it would have with the United States. Star-Advertiser.

Faye Hanohano © 2015 All Hawaii News

The U.S. Department of the Interior has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding “Procedures for Re-establishing a Government-to-Government Relationship with the Native Hawaiian Community.” Civil Beat.

The U.S. Interior Department is moving forward with a proposed rule that could lead to federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. The announcement comes one year after Department officials led a series of listening sessions across the state and on the mainland. Hawaii Public Radio.

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced Tuesday a proposal to create an administrative process by which a Native Hawaiian government could seek a formal government-to-government relationship with the United States. Garden Island.

The United States Department of the Interior today announced their proposal for “re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with the Native Hawaiian community.” The controversial Notice of Proposed Rulemaking follows a series of public meetings held in the summer of 2014 in which most of those who testified spoke out against the Interior’s involvement in Hawaiian sovereignty affairs. Big Island Video News.

© 2015 All Hawaii News

It will be up to the Native Hawaiian community to create its own government — if it chooses to do so, federal officials said as they outlined a proposal to establish a possible government-to-government relationship. Associated Press.

In a 74-page document, the U.S. Department of the Interior set a framework for a Native Hawaiian government's relationship with the U.S. Government if that's what Native Hawaiians want. Hawaii News Now.

Some say it is all about protecting $450 million worth of programs that support Native Hawaiians against race-based legal challenges. It's about federal recognition and a "special political status"-- government to government. KITV4.

The U.S. government proposed Tuesday a process to reorganize a Native Hawaiian government. The proposal creates a process or procedure that would be followed if Native Hawaiians formed a unified government. KHON2.

Opinion: The casual racism and the more ominous state-sponsored oppression that the TMT episode has brought to the surface are reminders that, like oppressed people throughout America and the world, Hawaiians are still fighting for civil liberties and equality under the law. Hawaii Independent.

A telecom company that serves about 3,600 residents of Hawaiian Home Lands is facing mounting financial difficulties following a Monday ruling by the state Public Utilities Commission that cuts off its federal subsidies through at least March. Star-Advertiser.

Why Can’t the State Make Developers Keep Their Promises? The state Land Use Commission often lacks the power to enforce the conditions that developers agree to. Civil Beat.

The former head of the Department of Education's civil rights office has sued her former bosses, alleging that the DOE suppressed civil rights investigations, improperly shredded important documents and mishandled the department's policy for reporting child abuse. Hawaii News Now.

The former head of the Hawaii Department of Education's civil rights office has filed a lawsuit against her former bosses, claiming the department suppressed civil rights investigations, improperly shredded important documents and mishandled the department's policy for reporting child abuse. Associated Press.

Hawaii is ranked among the worst places to be a teacher in the nation, according to annual rankings by the website WalletHub released this week. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii’s Institute for Biogenesis Research is just 15 years old but has already made a serious impact on the local and national health landscape. The institute, which focuses on reproductive and developmental biomedical research, has attracted $40 million in outside funding over the past decade and a half. Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will host a "Bleachapalooza" event Saturday to spread awareness of the damaging effects of coral bleaching. Maui News.

Bank of Hawaii Corp. is exiting the aircraft leasing business and is disposing of six aircraft and a lease it has on another, according to a company filing Tuesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City officials are proposing zoning changes for about 282 acres around Waipahu’s two rail stations to facilitate development of mixed-use neighborhoods patterned after the city planners’ concept of “live, work and play.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. customers will be on the hook to pay for an increase in internships made available if the $4.3 billion sale of the Honolulu-based utility to NextEra Energy Inc. goes through, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

A state judge is giving former Honolulu police officer Danson Cappo, who pleaded no contest to theft, assault and property damage charges, a chance to eventually clear the offenses from his record. Star-Advertiser.

The fifth phase of the city’s enforcement in Kakaako happened Tuesday, and another block is now clear of what had been a massive homeless encampment. KHON2.

Hawaii

Trial began Tuesday morning over the claims of Native Hawaiians that the state is neglecting its duty to watch over the Army's lease of the huge Pohakuloa training area on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Robert Emmett “Bob” Bethea, a retired attorney and prominent business and community leader, died Sept. 18 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo. He was 85. Tribune-Herald.

Star creation is a messy but spectacular process as an image released by Hawaii’s Gemini Observatory shows. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A heavy infestation of coqui frogs in Maliko Gulch has migrated toward Haliimaile and thousands of the critters have spilled onto neighboring properties, causing at least one homeowner to warn the public. Maui News.

Aided by increased air seats to Kahului, Maui's robust visitor industry continued to grow faster than any other county in the state in August, according to statistics released Monday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

This Thursday, Oct. 1 is the ostensible deadline for the County of Maui to get its act together in regards to Act 136, the new state law that requires county Liquor Commissions to define dancing (since they’re so insistent on enforcing dancing restrictions). MauiTime.

Kauai

Life’s Choices Kauai, which is part of the Office of the Mayor, is conducting a survey about services for an adolescent treatment and healing center (ATHC) that will be built off Maalo Road in Kapaia. Garden Island.

Environmentalists seek tougher tuna rules, Maui mulls tax breaks for affordable housing, butterfly arrives in Hawaii, IRS probe shows Hee's political spending, charter changes coming to Honolulu, trial on Pohakuloa munitions cleanup, Supreme Court seeks lawyer rules on medical marijuana dispensaries, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii fish market © 2015 All Hawaii News

Environmentalists on Friday asked a federal judge to stop the National Marine Fisheries Service from allowing Hawaii-based fishermen to attribute some of the bigeye tuna they catch to U.S. territories. They argue the agency is enabling the fishermen to circumvent international agreements aimed at controlling the overfishing of a popular tuna species known as ahi. Associated Press.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii say they’ve identified a tiny newcomer to Hawaii that’s been settling across the islands with “remarkable” speed. The Sleepy Orange, a butterfly commonly found across the Americas — from the Southern United States all the way to Brazil — was first spotted on Oahu in 2013. It has since become common on Maui, and also spotted on Kauai, Molokai, Hawaii Island and even Kahoolawe. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Supreme Court is seeking public input on whether to amend its rules to allow attorneys to help clients who are applying for high-stakes licenses to run medical marijuana dispensaries. The court’s Disciplinary Board issued a formal opinion last month saying lawyers shouldn’t provide legal services to help establish or operate medical cannabis businesses because that would assist in committing a federal crime. Civil Beat.

The IRS investigation into Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. also exposed some eye-popping spending in a politically connected corner of Hawaii’s business community that benefited from hundreds of millions of dollars in federal subsidies and contributed generously to the campaigns and causes of many of the state’s leading politicians. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers have confronted the issue of how to allow charitable giving by candidates in a way that creates a public benefit but doesn't give incumbents an unfair advantage over those seeking to challenge them politically. Maui News.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. has given the green light to nearly 10,000 rooftop solar systems on Oahu this year, and still the rush of applicants outpaces what the utility can approve. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents have until Oct. 31 to submit proposals to the Honolulu Charter Commission for improving the city and county government. As of Friday only six proposals have been submitted, but the commission chair still anticipates that the ultimate response will be similar to 2005, when 180 proposals were made. Civil Beat.

Is the City Violating the Law in Destroying Homeless People’s Property? As the ACLU launches a legal battle against Honolulu’s sweeps of homeless encampments, it points to a case in Los Angeles in which that city’s sweeps were ruled unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A lawsuit claiming the state breached its duties to protect public lands used for the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area will go to trial this week. Filed by Big Island residents Clarence Ching and Mary Kahaulelio, the suit says the Department of Land and Natural Resources failed to ensure that munitions are cleaned up after military exercises as the Army’s existing 65-year lease for the lands between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa requires. Tribune-Herald.

Flooding that turned coffee fields into wastelands of rock this week has Kainaliu coffee farmers asking how the water can be managed in a way that doesn’t pit neighbor against neighbor. West Hawaii Today.

Only one Hawaii County Council seat will be open because of term limits next year, and two political neophytes are already planning to run for it. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui developer is seeking to create a largely rural residential subdivision near Lahaina on 271 acres of land zoned for agricultural use. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would provide a $75,000 property tax assessment exemption for landowners who rent to lower-income residents in the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development voucher program was introduced Thursday by Maui County Council Member Robert Carroll. Maui News.

After 2nd Circuit Court implements its upgraded security system for Hoapili Hale on Oct. 9, all courthouse visitors will go through a single screening location on the first floor before they can enter the building. Maui News.

Kauai

A Navy-funded project landed five scientists on a research boat in the waters between Kauai and Niihau earlier this month in an effort to learn more about the effects of sonar on whales and dolphins. Garden Island.

A group of homeless people in Lihue have set up a semi-permanent tent city in the forested lot between Walmart and Wilcox Memorial Hospital. The owners of the lot are in the process of clearing it and have given the homeless people who live in tent city three weeks to vacate the premises. Garden Island.

Molokai

After dangerous winds and huge swells led to the cancellation of a world-renowned canoe race, stranding competitors on Molokai, some say Hawaiian Airlines increased fares in the rush to fly off the island. About 750 paddlers were left looking for flights off the island Saturday when race officials called off Na Wahine O Ke Kai, which is sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines. Associated Press.

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

Allied Works Architecture conceptual design of Obama presidential library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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


Kauai

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

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

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

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

Lawsuit over Pohakuloa, election day voter registration passes, Legislature passes $12.1B budget, HECO told to lower electric rates, 8% raises for Honolulu officials, Turtle Bay money delayed, no more sex with prostitutes, Supreme Court ponders records retention, public hospitals face cuts, Kauai town goes styrofoam-free, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area © 2014 All Hawaii News

Two Hawaii Island residents are suing the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and its director, William Aila, for allegedly failing to protect trust lands at Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday that will allow voters to register at polling places on the same day they vote. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers have passed a bill that will end an unusual exemption in state law that allowed police to have sex with prostitutes. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Legislature on Tuesday approved a $12.1 billion state budget that reduces spending to reflect lower revenue and wrapped up work on hundreds of bills as the session drew near its close. Associated Press.

Both houses of the Legislature overwhelmingly approved the State Budget today which was less than what the Governor asked for but more for some state departments, including public schools and the University of Hawai’i system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public hospitals to cut services to make up $48M shortfall. The financially struggling 12-member system, which acts as the safety net for communities where medical care is lacking, had hoped for legislation to partner with or be purchased by a local nonprofit provider such as Hawaii Pacific Health, The Queen's Health Systems or Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are making kindergarten mandatory for children starting in the fall. Star-Advertiser.

The House approved a bill Tuesday (SB 2768) that compels children who turn 5 years old before July 31 of a school year to attend kindergarten. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s counties will receive a total of $10 million more in annual hotel tax revenue under a plan state lawmakers have approved. Associated Press.

The state Senate voted Tuesday to confirm state Rep. Jessica Wooley as director of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control, finding the attorney and environmental advocate qualified and capable for the post. Star-Advertiser.

A flurry of final votes as lawmakers also weighed in on an important political nomination. KITV 4's Paul Drewes spent all day in the Senate and has the latest from the state capitol.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday ordered Hawaiian Electric Co. to reduce energy costs and accommodate more solar power and other renewable energy on the grid. Hawaiian Electric must submit its plans for carrying out the orders within four months, said Michael Champley, one of three commissioners who announced the orders with Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

The Public Utilities Commission sent a strong message to Hawaiian Electric Companies Tuesday, saying the company is not moving fast enough to lower utility rates and connect more photovoltaic systems into the grid. Backed by the governor, the commission laid out an action plan on what the goals should be for the utility company. KHON2.

A handful of reporters gathered in Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Ceremonial Room on Tuesday morning awaiting an announcement about four major energy policy decisions and taking bets on what they would be. Abercrombie soon took the podium, flanked by the three leaders of the Public Utilities Commission, and announced that Hawaii has "turned the corner" in its shift to renewable energy. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Jessica Wooley will head the Office of Environmental Quality Control and Brian Tamamoto will serve on the Hawaii Community Development Authority despite last-minute objections from some lawmakers. Civil Beat.

The Center for Food Safety is a well-funded nonprofit that spends millions of dollars on litigation, community outreach and politics to support organic and sustainable agricultural practices. It opposes GMOs, pesticides and other technologies that it worries might be harmful to humans or the environment. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann publicly announced at the end of last week that he will indeed run for governor again this year. But unlike his last two runs for public office, when he suffered crushing defeats in Democratic Party primaries, this time Hannemann says he’s running as an “Independent.” Civil Beat.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 30. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings, meetings and events for Wednesday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Uncertain about whether they have the votes, state House leaders have put off a decision on whether to finance $40 million in bond money for a conservation easement at Turtle Bay Resort until Thursday, the last day of session. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Salary Commission voted 5-1 Tuesday to give the mayor, City Council members and most city department heads raises of 8 percent next year. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii-Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple is proposing to eliminate six to eight mostly-vacant dean and director positions and consolidate departments to save more than $1 million a year. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu's housing market is  becoming even more expensive, and recruiters say that the high cost of living here is a  major hurdle in attracting employees. Pacific Business News.

Some of Honolulu's homeless are moving off the streets and into secluded tree houses. Hawaii News Now.

Outrigger Enterprises Group plans to cap off its Waikiki Beach Project with another $100 million investment, which would add meeting space and a 350-foot hotel tower to the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

More than a decade after Geoffrey Molfino bought — and sold — a 49-acre parcel of Hawaii Island land, the case he brought against the county for allegedly failing to maintain accurate records was heard before the state’s highest court. In an unusual move — for the first time on record — the Supreme Court justices met in West Hawaii, in a courtroom convened in the Kealakehe High School gym, to allow Molfino’s attorney, Peter Esser, and Deputy Corporation Counsel Laureen Martin to make their oral arguments. West Hawaii Today.

A state Senate bill seeking funds for a proposed flight-training center at Hilo International Airport was deferred last week. The state House of Representatives passed SB 3092 earlier this month, but the measure did not make it out of conference committees last week. Tribune-Herald.

The leases for three Banyan Drive properties will expire next year, leaving hotel operators and residents little certainty about their future. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island minister Roger Christie learned his legal fate Monday, and his case has invigorated lawmakers and advocates who believe, as Christie does, that marijuana should be made legal. Christie was held for 3 years and 9 months in Hawaii’s Federal Detention Center without bail and or a trial on charges related to growing and distributing marijuana. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

A recent study tested five Maui Meadows residences that had opted to install smart meters in 2012 and found that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the devices is not enough to present a hazard to residents in the area. Maui News.

Despite not getting the share of the hotel room tax he anticipated, Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa told council members Monday that he doesn't want to increase property taxes, as there are other ways the county can make up for lost revenue. Maui News.

Maui County Council's Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Mike White wants to cut current property tax rates by 3.1 percent as well as maintain rates for trash collection fees, reduce county overtime pay and eliminate any new county positions. Maui News.

Kauai

Styrofoam free. Kilauea takes big step to become even more green friendly. Garden Island.

County officials across the state may have to wait a little longer to get more of their share of tax revenues charged to most visitor accommodations throughout the state. Garden Island.

No aloha for ukulele, GMO fervor brings campaign cash, final week for Hawaii Legislature, election day voter registration advances, Pohakuloa could get military money, Maui airport improvements bring runway closure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ukulele player in Merrie Monarch parade © 2014 All Hawaii News

Sorry, ukulele. Hawaii won’t spurn the steel guitar to sound its love for you. Bills in the state Legislature that would’ve declared the friendly little guitar the official instrument of Hawaii both died near the end of the legislative session. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers are heading into the last week of the 2014 Legislative session, preparing to clear the decks on hundreds of bills before the action ends Thursday. Associated Press.

Chad Blair: Why I Hate Conference Committee. Civil Beat.

The fervor surrounding genetically engineered crops in Hawaii is expected to spill into this year's elections, as a number of candidates have already begun framing their campaigns around an anti-GMO sentiment. It's also anticipated to lead to increased spending on particular races that will pit opponents of genetically modified organisms against those who believe that large agribusiness and chemical companies, such as Monsanto, Syngenta and BASF, are a boon to the local economy and global food production research. Civil Beat.

A bill that would ban smoking in and around Hawaii Public Housing Authority units is headed for passage by the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are considering a measure to downward voter turnout reverse the trend by allowing same-day voter registration. Hawaii News Now.

A state board has issued long-awaited licensing guidelines covering workers who install solar panels — a move that will result in a greater involvement of licensed electricians in the installation process. Star-Advertiser.

The influential Sierra Club of Hawaii is urging people to ask state senators to vote in favor of Jessica Wooley's appointment as director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s elevator standards are on their way up — but they have further to go. Two years ago, Hawaii's elevators were on a downward trajectory. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) was way behind on elevator and boiler inspections, and working with an “archaic” code that some experts said was a threat to public safety. More than 5,000 of the more than 7,000 elevators in the state required inspecting, meaning that no one knew for sure how many needed repairs. Civil Beat.

Heart of tourism industry lies in hana hou visitors. Problems with the homeless and increases in travel costs could keep some from coming back, officials say. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for April 28. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Salary Commission is recommending raises of 8 percent for many of the city’s top officials – a rate that’s almost five times the annual inflation rate. That might seem like a steep increase, but for many of the positions — such as the police and fire chiefs and Honolulu City Council members — salaries would still lag far behind those of their counterparts in mainland cities of comparable size. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Bill would upgrade Pohakuloa. A measure set to be introduced in Congress would assess security in Asia and the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

There’s a good chance three former or current council members will be running for the Puna District 4 County Council seat, following the addition this week of former Councilwoman Emily Naeole. West Hawaii Today.

House and Senate conferees have agreed to include funding in the state budget for two major Big Island projects — the planned $90 million Kona Judiciary Complex and the planned $55 million University of Hawaii Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy building. Pacific Business News.

The state Legislature’s budget conference committee has agreed on a proposal to fund a permanent building for the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, legislators and university officials said Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Council members tapped their district contingency funds for $525,354 during the last 10 months, with a majority of expenditures going to park facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Two students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo have filed a federal lawsuit against the school, alleging their First Amendment rights were violated on campus. The lawsuit claims U.H. Hilo staff prevented them from passing out copies of the U.S. Constitution. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

The House Finance Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee put finishing touches on the state budget, approving funds for several key capital improvement projects in Central Maui, including funds for: the widening of Puʻunēnē Avenue; planning and design of a new middle school in Central Maui; and design and construction of a Central Maui Regional Park and Sports Complex. Maui Now.

Repair and reconstruction of the taxiway for Kahului Airport's main runway that begins Wednesday will force the closure of the runway during nighttime hours most days through the end of the year and will increase air traffic over Kahului and Wailuku, the state Department of Transportation said. Maui News.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved a request to restrict hunting dogs for at least two years in Molokai's Puu Alii Natural Area Reserve and in portions of reserve areas in East and West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Several nonprofit organizations are supporting a charter amendment petition to regulate pesticides and the growth of genetically modified organisms on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

It’s a question of in-house versus outsourcing. A cost-saving proposal by the Office of the County Attorney to create a litigation team within the County of Kauai department is being met with some resistance by officials who question how the team would be assembled — and whether the extra attorneys would be financially worth it. Garden Island.

State and county representatives are celebrating the passage of a measure that pushes back the sunset clause on a law that allows county lifeguards to operate on state beaches. Garden Island.

El Nino predicted, ethics complaint filed over trail liability bill, minimum wage bill goes to conference committee, Kauai group fights dairy, laptop plan falters, Kakaako fight gets personal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dawn (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

A warm-water mass churning across the tropical Pacific points to the development of El Nino, a periodic phenomenon that typically brings destructive weather across far reaches of the planet, two University of Hawaii scientists warn. Star-Advertiser.

The chances are growing that a weather-altering El Nino will develop in the Pacific Ocean later this year, the U.S. Climate Prediction Center said. Bloomberg.

Climate change is a critical development for anyone living on an island.  On Hawaii Island, it's not just a matter of concern, it's a topic of study.  And that will be highlighted as part of an upcoming television series. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rock climbers, mountain bikers and other outdoors enthusiasts filed an ethics complaint Thursday against a state House lawmaker over changes her committee made changes to a bill that could help expand public access to Hawaii's mountains and trails. Associated Press.

Disagreeing with the wishes of state Senate leaders, senators Thursday opted for conference committee negotiations with the state House over the minimum wage. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to raise Hawaii's minimum wage to $10 an hour by 2018 will go to conference committee after the state Senate decided to disagree with amendments made by the House. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has picked Edmund Aczon of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters to join the state Land Use Commission, one of the most influential boards managing land use in Hawaii. The Senate Committee on Water and Land will take up his nomination on Monday afternoon. Civil Beat.

The future of a pilot program eyed as a model to eventually put laptops in the hands of all Hawaii public school students and teachers is uncertain now that lawmakers have zeroed out funds to continue supporting the initiative. Star-Advertiser.

EDU committee defends, confirms Don Horner. Concerns raised by the LGBT community and its supporters over Horner's ability to keep his faith out of his job backfire. Hawaii Independent.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 11. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Friday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

State roundup for April 11. Associated Press.

Oahu

In a rare public outburst, state Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria on Thursday lashed out at state House Majority Leader Scott Saiki for implying that a bill that would allow the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs to pursue residential development near the waterfront in Kakaako is dead before conference committee negotiations have started. Star-Advertiser.

The majority leader of the state Senate is upset with the majority leader of the state House of Representatives over a bill regarding residential development in Kakaako. Sen. Brickwood Galuteria said on the Senate floor today that he was "incensed" about Rep. Scott Saiki reportedly saying that Senate Bill 3122 was "dead on arrival," even though the House on Tuesday voted 41-10 in favor of the bill's passage. Civil Beat.

A 21-year-old woman accused of breaking into Iolani Palace in February has been charged with criminal felonies. An Oahu grand jury returned an indictment Thursday charging Drew Paahao with criminal property damage and burglary. Star-Advertiser.

The City of Honolulu is facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines every day it fails to comply with stricter environmental controls at its Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Every day, up to 15 million gallons of treated sewage and other waste is discharged from the plant into the coastal waters off Kailua and Mokapu Peninsula. Civil Beat.

Honolulu city officials are entering the second phase of a cleanup of toxic chemicals at the Waipahu Ash Landfill, which will focus on evaluating the long-term health and environmental risks at the site, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said. Star-Advertiser.

City to roll out nearly 100 Handi-Vans this year. KHON2.

Residents fed up with condition of Wahiawa District Park. Hawaii News Now.

Drone (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Hawaii

Pohakuloa Training Area would host drone training flights for up to 12 weeks a year under a proposal to relocate a squadron of the unmanned aircraft from California to Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Construction of Hawaii Community College at Palamanui is moving ahead, with the pouring of concrete columns and foundations. This foundation work began last week and is expected to be completed at the end of April by the project’s general contractor F&H Construction, said Thatcher Moats of Hawaii Community College’s external affairs and relations. West Hawaii Today.

If the company is successful in its attempts to raise capital, one day the majority of the electricity on the leeward side of Hawaii Island could be produced by newly founded Parker Ranch subsidiary Paniolo Power Co. Tribune-Herald.

With the help of a new Big Island-based media program, local filmmakers, television producers and other entrepreneurs in the creative industries will now get to develop their projects in Hawaii, rather than having to take them to the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

A Kona woman and her newborn daughter are doing well, three days after roadside delivery by the father, a Hawaii Police Department officer. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A wall in Pāʻia that was repeatedly vandalized and plagued by weeds, bottles, and trash, was transformed into a mural by youth from Maui Economic Opportunity. Maui Now.

Kauai

A budget proposal by Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. to shift nearly $1 million in future tax revenues for public access and open space initiatives to an emergency fund is causing a stir among some county officials. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council approved a measure that would let voters decide if county officials and employees may represent private interests before boards, commissions and agencies they are not employed by. Garden Island.

A group of biologists and local residents are calling for the County of Kauai to reconsider allowing Hawaii Dairy Farms to move forward with its proposed $17.5 million, 582-acre dairy in Mahaulepu. Garden Island.

Pflueger's Sentencing for Ka Loko Dam Deaths Delayed Again. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii growth slows, state seeks $8.8B for military, Obama vacation costs taxpayers $4M, Kauai to comply with lobbying law, Pasha ends interisland shipping, Haleakala Trail settlement nears, Oahu dentist investigated in toddler death, HIPP ag labels considered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

A new airstrip at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island, a return to live-fire training at Makua Valley on Oahu, a stronger state-military-business partnership, and military “liaisons” in Hawaii and Washington, D.C., are being pursued as the state seeks to maintain $8.8 billion in annual military expenditures amid defense budget cuts. Adm. Harry B. Harris, head of U.S. Pacific Fleet, called Hawaii the “gateway” to America’s re-balance to the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

The state Council on Revenues on Tuesday lowered the state's revenue forecast for this fiscal year, expressing some doubt about the rate of Hawaii's economic growth. The council projected 3.3 percent revenue growth for fiscal year 2014, down from 4.1 percent in September, an estimated $43 million loss to the state. The council was unusually divided — the vote was 4-3 — because some members wanted to drop the forecast even lower, given signs that the economy is slowing. The council voted unanimously to keep the projection of 7.4 percent revenue growth for fiscal year 2015, when construction is expected to accelerate. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Senate panel began its probe into safety conditions at the state mental hospital Tuesday, raising serious questions about dysfunction at the facility. The investigation, led by Sens. Clayton Hee and Josh Green, stems from reports of severe assaults on staff members by patients housed at the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe. Civil Beat.

The state Senate will form an investigative panel with subpoena power to probe whether poor management at the Hawaii State Hospital has left workers at extreme risk of assaults by patients. The Senate will also investigate claims of nepotism among supervisors at the Kaneohe psychiatric hospital and whether workers who have spoken out about hospital conditions have been marked for retaliation. Star-Advertiser.

Ted Sakai, director of the agency that oversees Hawaii's prison system, rattled off his wishlist for the department. Among other things, he wants to add $4.6 million to his budget to pay for an additional 69 employees and cover an array of other expenses. Civil Beat.

More than 130 Family Court misdemeanor cases have been dismissed by state judges, and at least another 100 more will be tossed out, as a result of a recent Hawaii Supreme Court decision. Star-Advertiser.

The Obamas’ vacation cost taxpayers more than $4 million for travel, staffing, security, housing, car rentals and transportation of vehicles and a helicopter. But the expenses continue. First Lady Michelle Obama extended her own vacation, flying to the island of Maui, where she is spending time with family friend Oprah Winfrey. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii workers testing positive for marijuana dropped 7 percent in 2013 compared with the previous year, new data from Diagnostic Laboratory Services Inc. show. The use of marijuana, known locally as pakalolo, fell 11.5 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii could receive as much as $10 million in a one-time state "boost" to help buoy its financially struggling athletic department under a measure to be proposed by state Rep. K. Mark Takai. Tuesday, Takai (D-Aiea) said he will propose a bill that would allow the state to provide $2 in assistance for each $1 of new money raised by the athletic department up to $10 million. Star-Advertiser.

Living Hawaii: Priced Out of Paradise — Where $600K Is a Bargain Home. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu is the second-most sought-after travel destination for 2014, according to the first State of Travel Report by online travel site Hotwire.com. Las Vegas was top-ranked.Star-Advertiser.

New year, new prices. Local residents are starting off 2014 with an expensive bang, paying more for their home. The cost for homes and rent is going up and so is the value of your property. KHON2.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has begun an investigation of Kailua dentist Dr. Lilly Geyer after a 3-year-old girl fell into a coma while she was in the dentist's chair and later died. Star-Advertiser.

Negotiations on the $142 million affordable housing deal that would sell Honolulu’s 12 leasehold public apartment complexes to a private group will continue until at least the end of March, city officials said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

The city is offering to finance the sale of its affordable housing units. Chinatown tenants say this is a bad idea. Hawaii Independent.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority is planning to meet on Wednesday to vote on a proposal for a new 7-story residential building in Kakaako. The application by MJF Development Corp. is the second time the company has sought approval for a new building at 803 Waimanu St. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Most County Council members are hip to the idea of a special label for local produce and products, but they’re not sure HIPP — Hawaii Island Produce and Products — is the way to go. And they definitely don’t like HIPP-O as a brand name for organic produce. West Hawaii Today.

Last year was a safer year on Big Island roads than 2012, which was the deadliest year on our streets and highways since 2004. There were 25 official traffic fatalities on Hawaii Island in 2013 compared to 38 the year before, a decrease of 34.2 percent. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council’s Finance Committee gave a nod Tuesday to funding for Puna road projects and a community park for one of the district’s large subdivisions. In three 8-0 votes, the committee gave its support to adding the road and park projects to the county’s capital budget. Tribune-Herald.

A small group of Konawaena High School students gathered at Julian Yates Field Tuesday morning for a demonstration that sought to raise awareness about potential cuts made to the school’s library. West Hawaii Today.

Dozens of divers get rare opportunity to swim with whale shark. KITV4.

A Hawaii County councilwoman is introducing a bill to ban all genetically modified crops on Hawaii island, despite new limits already being implemented through a bill passed a month ago. Associated Press.

Maui

With ownership of Haleakala Trail still disputed, the state and Haleakala Ranch are hoping to resolve the matter with an out-of-court settlement that would allow the ranch to keep the trail private in exchange for open public access to the Na Kula area on the south slope of the dormant volcano, which for years has been accessible only by helicopter. Maui News.

Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines discontinued its interisland shipping service at the end of the year with the lapsing of its more than three-year interim authority. Maui News.

Thirty-six programs and events in Maui County were selected to receive support through the Hawaii Tourism Authority's Product Enrichment Programs. Maui News.

Kauai
A Kauai County Council committee will consider a bill today aimed at closing a loophole that has allowed lobbyists appearing before the governing body to operate unchecked. Other local governments, including Maui and Hawaii Counties as well as the City and County of Honolulu, have lobbying laws that require lobbyists to register with respective county or state offices but no such law exists on Kauai County’s books. Garden Island.

Kauai’s Pacific Missile Range Facility and the island of Niihau have been selected by the University of Alaska Fairbanks as one of 13 range sites for future drone research and testing. Garden Island.

A Kauai private investigator has filed suit against the Department of Public Safety for violating the procurement process in contracting out polygraph testing work. Garden Island.

Veterans honored throughout Hawaii, state prepares for same-sex marriage, schools lag on digital learning, Kauai hit by invasive bingabing trees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Soldier at Pohakuloa Training Area @2013 All Hawaii News

Events across the state have been planned for Monday to celebrate Veteran's Day and honor the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. Hawaii News Now.

Today, on Veterans’ Day, we recognize the 110 thousand veterans in Hawai’i.  Most are living happy productive lives, but service providers here say housing is the biggest challenge.  The U.S. Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, Eric Shinseki, has set a goal of ending homelessness among veterans by 2015. Hawaii Public Radio.


The late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye will receive another tribute on Veterans Day -- this time for his service with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. On Monday, the U.S. Postal Service will introduce a new format, the prestige folio: 20 stamps of the Medal of Honor in a four-page design, with the first page highlighting historic photographs of the last 12 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. The two center pages list the names of all 464 medal recipients. Star-Advertiser.

With the state Senate poised to send a marriage equality bill to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's desk Tuesday, the Department of Health says it is ready and willing to implement the law by its Dec. 2 effective date. Dr. Alvin Onaka, the state's registrar of vital statistics, said Friday that his agency, which manages marriage certificate applications, won't need to do too much to enable same-sex couples to apply because of changes that were required when civil unions became legal Jan. 1, 2012. Star-Advertiser.

Garret Hashimoto of the Hawaii Christian Coalition is asking opponents of same-sex marriage to give money to the attorney handling a lawsuit against the state should Senate Bill 1 become law. Civil Beat.

With the state Legislature poised to pass the controversial same-sex marriage bill, gay and lesbian couples are beginning to line up at wedding podium. Hawaii News Now.

The head of Hawaii’s Senate judiciary committee said Saturday he expects an amended bill legalizing gay marriage to pass easily in the Senate next week, with no changes to the measure passed by the House Friday night after two grueling floor sessions and a lengthy public hearing. Senate approval would send the bill to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his signature. He is expected to sign after calling the lawmakers into special session and saying he approved changes to the bill made by the House. Associated Press.

Same-sex marriage legislation is expected to smoothly pass the Hawaii Legislature Tuesday and head to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his expected signature. Clayton Hee, chairman of Senate Judiciary and Labor and the key legislator behind Senate Bill 1, told reporters Saturday that he did not expect a drawn-out Senate floor session along the lines of what happened this week in the Hawaii House of Representatives. Civil Beat.

Eager to avoid the loud and lengthy protests over  same-sex marriagethat disrupted the Hawaii House of Representatives this week, the state Senate may act swiftly on Senate Bill 1. Senators are considering accepting the House's amended version of SB 1 that expands religious exemptions, removes language concerning parental rights and changes the effective date to Dec. 2. Civil Beat.

New House Majority Floor Leader Under Scrutiny for Campaign Spending Violations, After Legislator She Replaced Resigned for Similar Problems. Hawaii Reporter.

Eight schools were selected in July to pilot a digital device program that could eventually put laptops in the hands of all public school students, but students at only two of the schools are learning on the devices. The state Department of Education bought more than 6,700 devices for students and teachers at all eight schools, but teachers at the remaining six schools requested additional time for training before their laptops are delivered. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

As the Army re-evaluates its warrior transition units for wounded soldiers nationwide, five members of Congress have raised alarm at plans to downsize Schofield's Warrior Transition Battalion. Star-Advertiser.

Tommy Tanaka of the Military Order of the Purple Heart congratulated Sgt. 1st Class Takumi Abe of the Hawaii Army National Guard's 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team after Abe received a Purple Heart during a ceremony Sunday at the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Headquarters at Kalaeloa. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department wants to draw $4.2 million in unspent money from a variety of its accounts to help pay for recruit classes this year. Police Chief Louis Kealoha, in a letter to the City Council earlier this month seeking approval of the transfer, said the move is necessary "due to insufficient salary funding for police recruits" and "shortages due to lump-sum vacation payouts for personnel." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

At 102, Pahoa resident Gerald Booken may well be the oldest veteran living on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Monday is Veterans Day — a time to take a moment to stop and not only thank, but honor and remember America’s military personnel for their service and sacrifice. West Hawaii will host several services this year to commemorate those who protected the nation during war and peace. West Hawaii Today.

The Marine Mammal Center of Sausalito, Calif., is on track to open the first phase of its $3.2 million hospital for monk seals in Kona by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Transportation is moving forward with plans for $133 million in improvements at Kawaihae Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Veterans now have a place to call their own with the opening of a resource center at the University of Hawaii Maui College, providing a venue to study, be tutored, network and - best of all - a place to bond with buddies. Maui News.

The state Department of Health has notified the Maui County Department of Water Supply that it has violated drinking water regulations for the presence of E. coli bacteria, the water department announced Saturday morning. Maui News.

State Highway personnel officially broke ground on Phase 1 of the Kahului Airport Access Road, which was designed as a traffic mitigation measure to meet continuing growth in use and demand at the Kahului Airport, enhance traffic circulation, and alleviate congestion. Maui Now.

Safeway affiliate Property Development Centers said Friday that it has completed the purchase of a 24.5-acre parcel of land in Maui that will be the site of the Target-anchored Puunene Shopping Center. Pacific Business News.

Plans for the Maui Medical Plaza hatched nearly eight years ago when doctors sought help from Montana multimillionaire and part-time Wailea resident Ben Brown Sr. Maui News.

Kauai

Life goes on after a solider leaves the service, and some don’t know which way to turn once they hang up their helmets. Garden Island.

The Kauai Invasive Species Committee has a new, and rather large, problem on its hands. More than a dozen Bingabing trees — an invasive, large-leafed plant that chokes out nearby vegetation and can reach heights of up to 30 feet — have been discovered growing on several properties near the mouth of the Hanalei River. Garden Island.