Showing posts with label Pro Bowl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pro Bowl. Show all posts

Thursday, June 2, 2016

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

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
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.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

University of Hawaii cleared to import zika virus, Department of Education seeks contractors for $100M school cooling project, biggest RIMPAC yet coming to Hawaii, most ocean debris not from Japan, tourism chief laments Pro Bowl loss, solar capacity varies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dr. Vivek Nerurkar, chairman, Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, courtesy University of Hawaii
The Board of Agriculture voted unanimously Tuesday to allow University of Hawaii scientists to import the Zika virus to Hawaii for vaccine trials, paving the way for local researchers to join the growing clamor among companies and scientists worldwide to develop methods to control the virus, which is linked to devastating birth defects in newborns. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education has reopened its request for contractors to prequalify to bid on cooling projects, including the installation of air conditioners at public schools, as part of the state’s $100 million initiative to cool 1,000 classrooms this year. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy says 27 nations will participate in the world’s largest maritime exercises in coming weeks. This is an all-time high for the Rim of the Pacific exercises, which date to 1971. They drills are held every two years. Associated Press.

A study of the eight main Hawaiian Islands shows that ocean debris regularly accumulates around the archipelago, and that most of it is not linked to the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, state officials said Tuesday. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders
has picked up a superdelegate vote in Hawaii, but he still faces a steep uphill battle in his quest to overtake Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Industries and Florida-based NextEra Energy each have until Friday to walk away from their $4.3 billion merger deal without paying a $90 million termination fee and up to $5 million in related expenses. Civil Beat.

Oahu is half full. Maui County is 70 percent full, and the Big Island is 38 percent. That’s how close each county is to reaching its capacity for residential solar systems that can export excess power to the grid and receive credit. Star-Advertiser.

The head of Hawaiian Electric Co., the state’s largest utility, had some choice words aimed at some in the solar photovoltaic industry, a sector that was once one of the fastest-growing industries in the state but has slowed since the ending of net energy metering. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: For the second time in just six years, a class action lawsuit brought by a group of retired state and county employees challenging what they say were unconstitutional cuts to their health benefits upon retirement is back before the Hawaii Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Jimmy Borges, Hawaii’s gentleman of jazz, died Monday at age 80, having faced his recurring cancer with the same gutsy attitude that propelled him from hardscrabble Kalihi to the glittering stages of Las Vegas. Star-Advertiser

Hawaii jazz singer Jimmy Borges died of cancer Monday, two days before his 81st birthday and two days after he won four Na Hoku Hanohano awards. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The president of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association said Tuesday the departure of the NFL’s Pro Bowl for Orlando, Florida, is a black eye to the state’s sports tourism sector. Mufi Hannemann said it will be difficult to get the game to return. Associated Press.

The Pro Bowl’s relatively low return on the $5.2 million price of bringing it to Hawaii sparked years of debate about whether the money would be better spent elsewhere. According to HTA statistics, the 2016 Pro Bowl generated $26.2 million for the state’s economy, second only to the PGA Tour, which brings in $55 million. Star-Advertiser.

Planning the future of a popular Honolulu park, by looking to its historic past. Thomas Square is set to get a major makeover, but after unveiling improvements to the public -- city leaders got an earful Tuesday evening over the plans. KITV4.

Oahu’s busiest satellite city hall and driver licensing operations at City Square will relocate two blocks to the new Kapalama Hale in the coming weeks, about nine months later than originally anticipated. Star-Advertiser.

The distributor of arcade machines, deemed gambling devices by a federal judge, and two former arcade owners pleaded not guilty Tuesday to state racketeering and gambling promotion charges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
More than two dozen people and groups filed to intervene in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case by Tuesday’s deadline. The motions are scheduled to be considered during a June 17 hearing in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Abandoned vehicles littering the sides of Mamalahoa Highway and elsewhere throughout the island are slowly disappearing, thanks to new contracts inked last month by Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

A much-anticipated mauka-makai connector along Alii Drive is one step closer to reality, following final publication last month of a finding of no significant environmental impact. West Hawaii Today.

Over half of all marine debris on Hawaii Island shores is plastic, according to the results of a state wide aerial survey, and is concentrated on the southeastern tip of the island, particularly around Kamilo Point. Big Island Video News.

On Hawaii Island, 2,200 pieces of marine debris were mapped during the August to November 2015 time period. Fifty-two percent of that was plastic. Most was concentrated at Kamilo Point in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Workers are concerned about the water coming out of the faucet at a school on Maui.KHON2.

The cost of the yet-to-be-built Iao water treatment plant has grown more than 43 percent from an estimated $15 million to nearly $21.5 million. Maui News.

Mayor to discuss ongoing projects.Ongoing county projects will be discussed on the TV show “Your County with Mayor Arakawa” at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Akaku Channel 55. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii’s voters have chosen the people they will be sending to the Republican and Democratic national conventions this summer and Kauai has a few of her own who will be visiting the mainland to cast their votes. Garden Island.

The waters in the United States are relatively safe for swimming, according to the 2015 Clean Water Report released Thursday by the Surfrider Foundation. Garden Island.

Marine debris on the coastlines of Hawaii is predominately plastic, according to an aerial survey of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. On Kauai, the imagery analysis identified 2,878 pieces of marine debris. Nearly half of it was plastic, and most of the debris was concentrated on the eastern shores of the island. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Department of Hawaiian Home Land's refusal to pay a $15,000 bill could wind up costing taxpayers hundreds of thousand of dollars. Back in July, the DHHL hired Red Dirt Construction to build a dirt road through six miles of rugged terrain in Hoolehua on Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Niihau

More discarded plastic, stray fishing nets and other marine debris is washing up on Niihau than on any of the other eight main Hawaiian Islands, according to a recent, first-of-its-kind study by state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Pro Bowl to move to Orlando, University of Hawaii seeks to import zika virus, Kauai police chief has no official job description, Hawaii Democrats oppose super delegates at rally, new judge coming to Thirty Meter Telescope case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Bobak Ha'Eri
Aloha Stadium, courtesy Bobak Ha'Eri
It's official: The Pro Bowl is moving from Hawaii to Orlando. Hawaii News Now.

Three people with knowledge of the negotiations have told The Associated Press that the NFL is moving the Pro Bowl from Honolulu to Orlando this season. Associated Press.

The Board of Agriculture is expected to vote today on whether to grant the University of Hawaii a permit to import the Zika virus to Hawaii for animal vaccine trials as concerns mount locally and internationally over the spread of the virus and its ability to cause microcephaly, a devastating birth defect.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats sent a message to their national party to stop using super delegates for the presidential election. KITV4.

Bernie’s Backers Prevail At Democratic State Convention. Despite party elite’s support of Hillary Clinton, Hawaii Democrats elected a party chair who supports Bernie Sanders. Civil Beat.

Despite the growing evidence that something is chronically amiss, the Legislature has repeatedly failed to act on police reform. Civil Beat.

At least one prominent Democrat has opted out of the race for the urban Honolulu congressional district now that Colleen Hanabusa has confirmed she is running. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission has suspended Young Brothers Ltd.’s request to increase its general rate on Thursday, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

State regulators said they plan to host public hearings in July as part of an investigation of Young Brothers Ltd.’s application to increase interisland shipping rates by roughly 4 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is poised to reject funding for a plan to upgrade and renovate Thomas Square that has drawn mixed reviews from community members. Star-Advertiser.

A nonprofit effort to purchase and preserve the last major freshwater spring in Honolulu with a surface connection to the ocean has run into a jam after neighboring homeowners expressed concerns over their privacy. Star-Advertiser.

Dr. Randall F. Holcombe, chief medical officer for cancer in the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, has been chosen as the next director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Civil Beat.

A state agency has fined a Honolulu hotel, the Kahala Hotel & Resort, for a New Year's Eve fireworks show launched from state land. Associated Press.

D.G. “Andy” Anderson reopened the former Jameson’s by the Sea restaurant in March as Haleiwa Beach House despite warnings from the city not to because renovation work was done without building permits. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii

The University of Hawaii released a progress report last week regarding implementation of Gov. David Ige’s 10-point plan for Mauna Kea. Ige gave UH, which manages 11,288 acres on the mountain, the directives a year ago following large protests against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County’s wastewater treatment plant in Hilo has a mold problem. An administrative building, which includes a laboratory and break room for wastewater employees, has been mostly vacated after mold was found behind the walls and ceiling. Tribune-Herald.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources gave final approval Friday for a marine reserve at Kaupulehu, where a 10-year moratorium will be placed on the harvest of fish along a 3.6-mile stretch of coastline. West Hawaii Today.

State considers permanent ohia transport ban. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan is seeking $5.5 million to put a park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Ilagan will ask the rest of the council this week to add the project to the county’s capital budget. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Democratic Rep. Lynn DeCoite has filed as a candidate to retain the 13th House District seat she was appointed to in February 2015 to fill the remainder of the term of the late Rep. Mele Carroll. Maui News.

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a defense spending bill for fiscal 2017 that includes $11.7 million for the Maui Space Surveillance System, according to an announcement from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui News.

Kauai

It was revealed by Kauai police commissioners on Friday that three job descriptions for the chief of police are unofficial. Garden Island.

The Planning Commission sided with North Shore residents Tuesday, unanimously voting to change the proposed location of two classroom portables at Hanalei Elementary School. Garden Island.

The fate of two transient vacation rentals operating in Kekaha will not be decided until June. During a Planning Commission Tuesday, commissioners unanimously voted to defer taking action on two TVRs to give the operators, Ian and Anna Cronshaw, time to argue their case. Garden Island.

Aaryl Kaneshiro, elected to the Kauai County Council in 2014, filed his nomination papers for re-election. Garden Island.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Takai's decision not to run leaves rare vacancy in U.S. House, Maui study shows shallow ocean shelf attracts sharks, Pro Bowl likely moving to Orlando, medical marijuana scores released, Kauai bans smoking in cars with minors, National Park Service fights to limit Kona water use, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy office of the governor
Gov. David Ige, left, with U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, courtesy governor's offie
Saying he needs to focus on recovery instead of re-election, U.S. Rep. Mark Takai announced Thursday he will not seek a second term in Congress. Takai was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer seven months ago, and his decision to step down touched off much speculation about who will run to succeed him. Star-Advertiser.

Citing health concerns, U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, the Democrat of Hawaii, announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election this year. Civil Beat.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Mark Takai said Thursday he will not seek re-election this fall and will step down when his term ends, because his cancer has spread. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai has announced he will not seek a second term in Congress due to health problems. Associated Press.

US Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01) today announced his decision to step down after serving out the remainder of his term due to health concerns. Maui Now.

===============================

Consumers and businesses in Hawaii risk getting ripped off in routine business transactions because the state agency tasked with inspecting gas pumps, weight scales such as those at supermarkets, and taxi meters still isn’t inspecting those devices as often as it should, according to a new state report. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has yet to receive a single application from anyone interested in replacing Les Kondo as executive director. The commission has been advertising for the position since May 3. Civil Beat.

The economy in Hawaii’s four counties has been strong in recent years and prospects remain good for the near future, although growth rates will start trending lower, according to the annual county-by-county forecast released Friday by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Pacific Business News.

The president of Hawaii’s Local 5 Unite Here, Hernando Ramos Tan, filed a lawsuit Thursday morning in U.S. District Court against the labor union’s secretary-treasurer, Eric Gill. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Health has released the application scores for the eight companies who were awarded licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines unveiled its new seating that allows passengers to lie down completely flat and drift to sleep. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Once more Orlando, Fla., thinks it has won the tug-of-war with Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, only this time others are saying so as well. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is moving one its busiest satellite city halls after more than a year delay. Hawaii Public Radio.

With the cost of Honolulu’s rail project doubling, transit officials are scrambling to figure out how much more of it they can afford to build, where it will have to stop short, and what to do from there. KHON2.

The head of the local electrical workers union is now the target of dueling investigations. Earlier this week, criminal investigators with the state Attorney General's office subpoenaed financial records from the IBEW Local 1260. That follows a separate federal investigation that was launched after the union was placed under trusteeship and its Business Manager Brian Ahakuelo was put on leave. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The National Park Service didn’t provide a requested gallon figure for how much water it needs at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to sustain its ecosystems and the cultural practices that surround them. But the Park Service did bring the state Commission on Water Resource Management up to speed Thursday on the species that it feels would be threatened by any changes in water salinity due to future pumping of the Keauhou aquifer, which drains to the sea beneath it. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuits against the county over a Kawa Bay police action and a zip line death are on their way to being settled, with votes earlier this week by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC, the developer of a $225 million biomass plant on the Big Island of Hawaii that is about 50 percent complete, is asking state regulators to investigate a Hawaiian Electric Co. subsidiary’s attempts to cancel the power purchase agreement with the two companies. Pacific Business News.

Dust, noise, health problems, lower property values and lawyers. Mix prime real estate and subdivisions with a plan for a commercial gravel crushing operation, and that’s what you get, said 20 residents who testified against a Bolton Inc. plan for that activity off of Hualalai Road above Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

There’s a reason Maui sees more shark attacks than any other Hawaiian island, according to the results of a new study: It’s the large and protected shallow ocean shelf that acts as a magnet for tiger sharks near and far. Star-Advertiser.

Tiger shark bites peaked in 2012 and 2013, including two fatal attacks that spurred the state Department of Land and Natural Resources — working with the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, a data collection project — to commission a nearly $200,000 two-year study of shark spatial behavior on Maui. The University of Hawaii’s Institute of Marine Biology conducted the research, which culminated this week in a report finding that the spike most likely isn’t due to changes in what humans are doing. Civil Beat.

New research released Thursday shows tiger sharks naturally favor waters near Maui that are close to some of Hawaii’s most popular beaches for humans. Associated Press.

A spike in shark bites off Maui in 2012 and 2013 prompted the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with additional support and funding from the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, to commission a two-year-long study of shark spatial behavior on Maui. Maui Now.

Scientists are getting a better idea of how sharks behave and why so many attacks have occurred off Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

A rising tide of shark bites off the Maui coast over the previous two decades appeared to indicate that sharks in the area had acquired a disturbing affinity for the taste of human flesh. West Hawaii Today.

=============

Buildings are being eliminated and the color scheme and other aesthetics are being altered in development plans to address public opposition to the Makena Resort's proposed 47-acre, 158-home and commercial project. Maui News.

A day after a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals order temporarily halted work to transfer Maui public hospital operations from state to private control, administrators first had to stop the momentum of what's been a "massive" effort to make the transition as of July 1, said Wesley Lo, Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Maui Region chief executive officer. Maui News.

Days after the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a preliminary injunction to halt the transfer of Maui hospital operations from the state-operated hospital system to private contractor Kaiser Permanente, Maui Memorial Medical Center’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Ron Boyd, characterized the delay as an “unfortunate expectation.”  Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Council unanimously voted Wednesday to approve a bill that prohibits smoking in cars with children under the age of 18. Garden Island.

A resolution that seeks to institute a county manager was postponed until June 15 during the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Genetically modified food has been cleared of connections to health problems in a 388-page report released Tuesday from the National Academies of Science. Garden Island.

The Board of Education’s vote to change a policy that required principals to consider test results in teacher evaluations is a win for educators, said several local teachers. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Hawaii top retirement state, Hawaii could lose Pro Bowl, online travel booking firms freed from hotel taxes, Cayetano sues over negative ads, federal agent wants murder charge dismissed, Kauai OHA candidate off life support, Big Island plastic bag ban rules released, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaiian hula (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii was rated the best state for retirement in a study done MoneyRates.com, a financial information website. Star-Advertiser.

Travel booking companies that sell Hawaii hotel rooms online do not have to pay the state hotel room tax, a state judge ruled Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The NFL will consider dropping the Pro Bowl if the level of play doesn't improve, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday night. Associated Press.

The two women running to replace Dan Akaka in the U.S. Senate faced off in their fifth and final live broadcast debate Monday night on Hawaii News Now. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono said Monday that she supports President Barack Obama's jobs initiative to help spur economic recovery, but former Gov. Linda Lingle said it would further expand the national debt. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has spent about $1 million to convince people not to vote for Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. Hawaii News Now.

Monday night, the Democratic and Republican nominees for Hawaii's First Congressional District squared off in a live televised debate, in our KHON2 News studio. KHON2.

Hawaii is getting a turn in the national limelight, but CNN's latest project calls attention to a glaring lowlight: the state's voter turnout rate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gas wants to bring liquefied natural gas to Hawaii to help lower the cost of energy. But environmental groups oppose the move and are working to prevent it for environmental reasons. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service are looking into the possible misuse of a federal solar rebate program by at least one mainland solar company that operates in the Hawaii market. Star-Advertiser.

After receiving more than 800 emails from residents in three days last week, the Hawaii State Association of Counties joined the chorus of opponents asking for the repeal of Act 55, the law that established the Public Land Development Corp. Maui News.

State roundup for October 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

Attorneys for mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano said the former governor's libel lawsuit against Pacific Resource Partnership aims to stop not just one group from its current campaign, but to prevent organizations from mounting similar attacks in the future. Star-Advertiser.

Ben Cayetano said he always knew he’d be fighting big money in the race for the Honolulu Mayor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano filed a lawsuit Monday accusing the Pacific Resource Partnership, its executive director, John White, the Hawaii Carpenters Union Market Recovery Fund and the CEOs of several Hawaii general contractors of defamation over advertisements the PRP has run against his campaign for Honolulu mayor. Pacific Business News.

Ben Cayetano, a candidate for Honolulu mayor and former two-term Democratic governor, filed a libel suit Monday against a trade group that hopes to sway next month's election where rail transit has become the central issue. KITV4.

Candidate for Honolulu Mayor Ben Cayetano filed a lawsuit Monday morning accusing The Pacific Resource Partnership of attacking his character and reputation. KHON2.

Political candidates all across the country are targets of negative advertising from third parties that want to influence the November general election. Hawaii Reporter.

Candidates for Honolulu Prosecutor Attack Each Other's Motives. Civil Beat.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn has set Jan. 22 for a hearing on federal agent Christopher Deedy’s request asking for the dismissal of his murder charge in the shooting of a Kailua man at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kailua last year. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki's public restrooms have been a long course of complaints. The city is now responding with a almost $1 million dollar makeover. KITV4.

Hawaii
With just under three months before Hawaii County begins phasing out plastic bags at the store checkout, the Department of Environmental Management has created new rules for retail merchants and the public to follow. West Hawaii Today.

The Connections Public Charter School is facing fines for its new proposed campus in Hilo and what its attorney calls “harassment” and “bullying” tactics by some of its opponents. Tribune-Herald.

Island resident pitches hotel give-back program. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
The star of "Iron Chef" and "Iron Chef America" will be opening a restaurant at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa when the hotel opens in the summer. Maui News.

After dozens of witnesses saw a shark attack a sea turtle, Maui County ocean safety officers closed a portion of Kanaha Beach Park on Monday afternoon. Maui News.

Kauai

Sharon Pomroy, a candidate for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kauai and Niihau trustee, has been taken off life support after her collapse at an OHA meet-and-greet event on Kauai last week, her family has confirmed. Star-Advertiser.

Family continued to sit in vigil Sunday as they made the decision to take Sharon Pomroy off a respirator. Garden Island.

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will begin early voting services today in the Historic County Annex building in Lihu‘e. Until Nov. 3, properly registered voters of the County of Kaua‘i will be able to cast their votes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Garden Island.

Work began earlier this month to identify and restore sections of a popular nine-mile section of Kalalau Trail. Garden Island.



Thursday, May 31, 2012

Hawaii could ban Kona spearfishing, boaters fight licenses, Democrats sue to keep Thielen off the ballot, Pro Bowl returns, Honolulu firefighters fight over mayoral endorsement, bed and breakfasts to be limited on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ornate butterflyfish (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
West Hawaii’s shores could soon be the first in the state to become off limits to scuba spearfishing. Tribune-Herald.

50 Oahu boaters gathered in Aiea for the first of five public hearings on whether boaters should have a safety certificate or license. But the idea didn't go over well. KHON2.

A proposed rule requiring power boat operators to complete a boating safety course faced fierce opposition Wednesday at a packed meeting at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Laura Thielen
State Democrats have authorized the party to file a legal challenge to prevent Laura Thielen, a director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources under former Gov. Linda Lingle, from running for the state Senate as a Democrat. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, filed her nomination papers today for the U.S. Senate race. She's taking on former Congressman Ed Case in the primary, and if successful, will be pitted against former Gov. Linda Lingle or former State Senator John Carroll. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii needs to move away from identity politics, says a former Congressman now vying for the Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination. West Hawaii Today.

The National Football League has given its embattled Pro Bowl a one-year reprieve for 2013, challenging its players and Hawaii to demonstrate how the 73-year-old all-star game can be made viable for the future. Star-Advertiser.

The National Football League said Wednesday that the 2013 Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, and league officials said they were working with the players to make the game more competitive. Pacific Business News.

Nearly a year after Gov. Neil Abercrombie equated a $4 million fee to keep the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii to a "bribe," the governor has changed his tune. KITV4.

In 2011, 26 Hawaii non-profits received needed dollars and cents from the NFL Charities Pro Bowl Grant Program. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu officials abandoned a bus rapid transit system nearly a decade ago after public support waned and a new mayor took office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's job market is improving, but at a slower pace than in the best-performing mainland cities, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A rift between organizations representing firefighters and former firefighters widened Wednesday with Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva joining the finger-pointing. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighter retirees and union membership are at odds over endorsement of Ben Cayetano in Honolulu mayoral race. Civil Beat.

Retired Fire Chief Says Since Political Endorsement of Cayetano for Mayor, He's Received Threats, Retaliation; Current Chief Denies Tie. Hawaii Reporter.

Former teamsters leader Mel Kahele filed papers to run for the Honolulu City Council spot currently held by Tom Berg. KHON2.

The Honolulu Museum of Art received a 346-thousand dollar check from the State today for investing in an energy efficient cooling and ventilation system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii is under fire from the state auditor's office for poor management and lack of transparency. Civil Beat.

Administrators restricted access to Kona Community Hospital Wednesday morning after receiving a threat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Regional Haze Implementation plan for Hawaii will be the focus of discussion during a public hearing on Maui tomorrow (Thursday, May 31, 2012) hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Maui Now.

South Maui residents worried about extra traffic and potential development blurring the boundary between Kihei and Kahului urged Maui County Council members Monday to resist the inclusion of several hundred acres of land in Puunene in the urban growth boundaries of the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News.

A meeting tonight in Lahaina called by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will help shape the restoration of Moku'ula, a political and spiritual center of Hawaii and home of ancient chiefs. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced the release of $250,000 for the planning and design of a community center on two acres of land in Nahiku on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Hanalei Watershed Hui is inviting the public to a  June 6 meeting to address what is going on with Hanalei Bay Watershed. In addition, the hui is reminding the public the Hanalei Watershed Management Plan is ready for review and comment. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i beekeepers could sleep in peace, knowing the Garden Isle is the only major Hawaiian island free of the small hive beetle, a serious pest to honeybees. Until last week. Garden Island.

Molokai

A bill was signed into law last week that establishes new regulations for short-term rentals, also known as transient vacation rentals, in Maui County. Molokai Dispatch.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Abercrombie, NFL skirmish over Pro Bowl, Hawaii lawmakers tackle minimum wage, open meetings, political commmittees, pension fund, GOP seeks candidate for Congress, Honolulu mulls property taxes, Kona coffee labeling proposed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian monk seal, NOAA courtesy photo
A proposal to expand federal protections for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal is facing major push back from the state. Civil Beat.

A bill moving through the state Legislature could increase Hawaii's minimum wage for the first time since 2007, but opinions are mixed as to whether elevating the wage floor would help or hinder Hawaii's economic recovery. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie compared Pro Bowl negotiations to having a gun held to the state's head by the NFL, but later said, "We would like to continue to have (the game) and we're going to do everything we can to make sure that comes about in a fashion that will make everybody very, very happy." Star-Advertiser.

NFL flags Hawaii governor’s Pro Bowl comments . Pacific Business News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie made a surprise visit to the NFL’s Pro Bowl kickoff news conference to speak glowingly about the relationship between Hawaii and the NFL, after criticizing NFL owners earlier in the day. KITV4.

Hawaii political committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of campaign money would be required to disclose the candidates their expenditures are attacking or supporting under a proposal moving through the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are entertaining amendments to the state Sunshine Law to allow board members to attend public meetings, community events and professional association conferences without violating the open meetings law. Associated Press.

Lawmakers will be briefed on the state of the Race to the Top program on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Electric Co., and its subsidiaries on Maui and the Big Island, would no longer be allowed to generate electricity if they wished to sell it under a proposed bill from Rep. Denny Coffman. West Hawaii Today.

A Hollywood hit is shining the spotlight on Hawaii's film industry. "The Descendants," which was shot in Hawaii, has captured five Oscar nominations. Lawmakers hope to cash in on the movie's success by attracting new productions to the islands. Hawaii News Now.

A recent report shows that Hawaii's public pension fund ranked at the bottom among comparable funds for its investment returns over the past decade. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Human Services says it has introduced a new food stamps benefits processing system to address an applications backlog. Associated Press.

House Speaker Calvin Say and Senate President Shan Tsutsui said yesterday they are opposed to tax increases even though the State Council on Revenue lowered its state revenue projects by $130 million. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii GOP Still Looking For CD2 Candidate. Civil Beat.

Obama's Blueprint for Energy, Defense Could Mean Jobs in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Jan. 25. Associated Press.

Oahu

The City Council might consider reforms of some property tax exemptions, but reducing or eliminating the standard exemption for Oahu's 144,000 homeowners would be a tough sell to the public in an election year, the Council's budget chairwoman says. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee conducted a special public hearing yesterday on a controversial recommendation by an Advisory Commission to repeal nearly all of the property tax exemptions for O’ahu owners. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gambling proponents are eyeing the convention center as a possible venue to allow gaming in the state. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle likely will seek Honolulu City Council approval for a "contingency plan" to raise additional funding for the Honolulu rail project if that becomes necessary. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Zoo is under fire over the entrance fee it charges students on school field trips. KHON2.

Hawaii

A group of Kona coffee growers hopes legislators pass a bill that would require businesses to more thoroughly describe the contents of coffee sold in Hawaii -- a change that critics claim would increase the price. Star-Advertiser.

American Motorists Insurance Co. will pay $12.5 million to Hawaii County as part of a proposed settlement agreement a series of lawsuits regarding the stalled Hokulia development. West Hawaii Today.

The jobs are coming back, but so are the job-seekers. Tribune-Herald.

Farmers, agricultural experts and educators gathered Tuesday in Hilo to help map the future of Hawaii's agricultural industry and attract workers needed to run it. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Board of Education cleared the way Tuesday for the Laupahoehoe charter school to open its doors in July.  Tribune-Herald.

The state Board of Education overruled the Charter School Review Panel for a second time Tuesday and ordered that Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School open as a charter school for the 2012-13 academic year. Star-Advertiser.

Maui
A standing room only crowd gathered at the Pomaikai Elementary School Cafeteria on Maui for an evening meeting on Monday to discuss runway rehabilitation options at the Kahului Airport. Maui Now.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations announced today that the non-seasonally adjusted annual unemployment rate for Maui County in December was 7.3% for 2011, down from 7.4% in December 2010. Maui Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie received praise Monday for supporting an extension of television and film production tax credits, alternative energy development and investment in the state's building projects in his State of the State address. Maui News.

Kauai

A Kaua‘i native who prepared oral arguments for the U.S. Supreme Court last November was very pleased to see a unanimous decision in his favor on Monday. Garden Island.

After Jan. 29, Red Box kiosks will be the only way for Kaua‘i movie lovers to grab a last-minute new release on the go. Garden Island.