Lava continues toward Big Island neighborhood, volcano spawns earthquakes, ethics complaint filed in Honolulu City Council race, 2014 GMO controversy ignites Maui political races, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava fountain Sunday night PC: Kai Kahele

VIDEO: Lava flow from helicopter Sunday night. By Sen. Kai Kahele.

Growth in tourism is affecting Hawaii residents’ quality of life. The unprecedented arrivals growth means that about 1 in every 8 people statewide are now visitors. On Oahu more than 1 in 10 people are tourists and on Hawaii island it’s about 1 in 7. On Kauai and Maui, more than 1 in four people are visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Isle bankruptcies keep rising despite economic growth. Statewide filings in May soared 10.5 percent to mark the fourth time in five months they have exceeded the previous year’s total, according to data released Friday by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How Much Hawaii CEOs Make Compared To Their Employees. The gap between CEO pay and the median salaries of their employees for Hawaii’s publicly-traded companies is narrower than nationwide. Civil Beat.

Lobbying On Both Sides Of Medical Aid In Dying Bill Cost More Than $34K. Opponents spent nearly twice on lobbying and public relations as much as supporters in a failed attempt to derail the measure, according to state reports. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Councilman Trevor Ozawa has filed an ethics complaint alleging that one of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s appointees used city resources to give Ozawa’s political rival a boost in the upcoming election. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed revisions to rules governing nearshore water events off city parks — anxiously awaited and debated in recent months by the North Shore community, surf meet organizers and the surfing public — were released Saturday by the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Star-Advertiser.

The city will be hosting a meeting in early July to discuss changes to permitting rules for surf and shore water events on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Some grave-site space opens at Punchbowl. Star-Advertiser.

Rents for two-bedroom apartments in Honolulu have significantly declined over the past year, but still rank among the highest in the nation, according to two new reports from Apartment List and Zumper. Pacific Business News.

Accidentally removed crosswalk in Hawaii Kai raises safety concerns. KHON2.

HPD: Suspect lunged at police with a large knife moments before deadly shooting. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The leading edge of flow front is nearing the ocean as it moves through Kapoho on Sunday evening. Big Island Video News.

Lava is advancing along a half-mile-wide front toward the ocean at Kapoho Bay between Kapoho Beach Road and Kapoho Kai Drive, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of homes in peril as Kilauea lava flow nears Kapoho Beach Lots, Vacationland. A wide lava flow fanned out Sunday over farm lots as it edged closer to Kapoho Bay and threatened to bury hundreds of homes in Vacationland and Kapoho Beach Lots. Tribune-Herald.

Lava Traveling Through Kapoho Beach Lots, Moving Towards Ocean. Hawaii Public Radio.

A helicopter crew saved three Puna residents from the ravages of Kilauea on Sunday, hours before a magnitude-5.5 earthquake below the volcano’s summit sent an ash plume 8,000 feet skyward. Star-Advertiser.

Evacuation order came suddenly for Kapoho residents. Star-Advertiser.

Mandatory Evacuations Strain Residents and Responders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three people trapped by lava from the isolated areas of Kapoho and Vacationland in lower Puna were airlifted out by county rescuers. Hawaii News Now.

The vent inside Halemaumau Crater is blocked with debris, preventing more large ash plumes for the time being. Kyle Anderson, a geophysicist with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said it’s not known if this spells the end for the summit eruption or could lead to another explosion. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers cited an additional eight people Saturday for loitering in a disaster area. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers cited seven people Friday for violating area restrictions in order to get close-up views of lava flows in Lower Puna. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island man arrested after going around a road block, crashing truck in cooled lava. Hawaii News Now.

Residents affected by lava flow grateful for Hawaii National Guard. KHON2.

Record number of earthquakes recorded at Kilauea summit. More than 500 earthquakes were reported at the summit of Kilauea volcano in a 24-hour period ending at 11 a.m. today, according to a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory seismologist. Tribune-Herald.

There is NO tsunami threat to Hawaii after a 5.5 (preliminary magnitude 5.8) earthquake reported at 3:51 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, 2018, in the summit region of the Kilauea volcano, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Maui Now.

Lava flows reignite debate over safety and future of Puna Geothermal Venture facility. Star-Advertiser.

Forestry managers on Hawaii island report one-third to one-half of the total acreage of the Malama Ki Forest Reserve has been impacted by the month-long East Rift Zone volcanic eruption. KITV.

Norwegian Cruise Lines suspends Hawaii Island ports indefinitely. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A political movement born in the 2014 genetically modified organism moratorium vote has been gathering strength of late, inspiring a new group of candidates to run for elected office and perhaps upset the status quo in Maui County politics. Maui News.

Candidates file nomination papers. Maui News.

For the first time since deploying NARCAN kits to their front-line officers, the Maui Police Department recorded its first documented use of the kit in the field by one of its officers. Maui Now.

Fish stocks could increase by 250 percent on Maui and 350 percent on Molokai if fishing were not allowed in certain areas of the islands, according to a recently released study. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Fire Department Chief Robert Westerman, 62, will hang up his hat and hose at the end of the year. Garden Island.

Kilauea resident Adam Roversi, 49, a deputy county attorney for the County of Kauai in the office’s litigation division, has filed to run for the County Council. Garden Island.

Learn about the impact cesspools are having on drinking water and sensitive surface waters at a Hawaii State Department of Health meeting scheduled for Aug. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kapaa Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

Gawkers cited as lava marches on, defense secretary warns China to halt military buildup, Ige signs gay 'conversion therapy' ban, flood money for Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava fountains PC:USGS See 'Hawaii Island' category for full volcano update

Gov. David Ige signed SB270 into law, which prohibits therapists from offering “sexual orientation change efforts” or “conversion therapy” to patients under the age of 18. Maui Now.

The U.S. will continue to confront China’s militarization of manmade islands in the South China Sea, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said today in Honolulu, arguing that Beijing hasn’t abided by its promise not to put weapons on the Spratly Islands. Associated Press.

Defense Secretary Mattis arrives in Honolulu for change at U.S. Pacific Command. Hawaii News Now.

SHOPO has endorsed Ernie Martin in the Democratic primary race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines is debuting nonstop daily service starting Thursday between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Long Beach Airport. Star-Advertiser.

AirAsia to increase flight frequency from Honolulu to Malaysia via Japan. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A 200-year-old carving of the war god Ku has returned home to Hawaii after spending untold years abroad and in the hands of private collectors. Associated Press.

The State Department of Health is fining the developer of the exclusive Olomana Heights project in Kailua $28,000 over allegations of illegal storm water discharges. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa announced today that it ranked 306 out of 18,000 universities worldwide in the 2018–19 Center for World University Rankings, the largest academic ranking of global universities. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is now ranked within the top 1.7% of universities worldwide according to the latest academic ranking of global universities. Maui Now.

A long-lost World War II aviator soon will be going back to his family for burial after his remains were recovered in 2016 from mountainous terrain near Kahuku Point, and he was positively identified. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lava Crosses Highway 132, Destroys 400 Utility Poles. Power to some areas has been knocked out for the foreseeable future. Associated Press.

Lava from fissure 8 severs Highway 132, knocks out power, further isolates lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

On a day when new Hawaii island communities lost a major highway, electricity and cell service because of expanding lava flows, Mayor Harry Kim told a gathering that included many of those affected that they will get through this ordeal. Star-Advertiser.

Eruption Meeting – Mayor Harry Kim. The mayor said a restricted area will be established in sections of Leilani Estates. No one will be allowed in, according to a new policy. Big Island Video News.

Puna residents air concerns over housing, overnight curfews amid ongoing eruptions. Hawaii News Now.

Lava flows are threatening several wells at the Puna Geothermal Venture plant, after earlier cutting off the primary access road to the facility. Hawaii News Now.

Making a bad situation worse: Lava evacuees are running into rental scams. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is cracking down on lava gawkers who violate closures in disaster areas associated with the current eruption of Kilauea. Star-Advertiser.

Three cited by DLNR for lava-related offenses. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward anyone who violates closures in the disaster area associated with the current eruption of Kilauea. Tribune-Herald.

A New York state couple was cited after bypassing a security checkpoint in attempts to view an active lava flow Monday evening, state officials confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Air quality reaches ‘unhealthy’ levels in Kona. Hualalai was shrouded in vog as air quality reached “unhealthy” levels for some West Hawaii residents Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Incandescent Blocks Expelled from Volcano, Land Along Crater Rim. Maui Now

The recent eruptions at Kilauea’s east rift zone have sent fine strands of volcanic glass, also known as Pele’s hair, over Pahoa. Hawaii News Now.

The Pride of America resumes its weekly Wednesday visit to Kailua-Kona today. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Coastal hazards specialist Tara Owens will talk about the impacts of sea level rise at a Maui County Council Planning Committee meeting Thursday. Maui News.

Vietnam War Monument unveiled on Memorial Day. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawaii Board of Agriculture on Tuesday approved parameters for emergency low-interest agricultural loans for farmers suffering damage due to the heavy rain and flooding on Kauai and Oahu in April and the current eruption phase at Kilauea volcano on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

It’s been nearly six weeks since Kauai was hit by record flooding. And the recovery continues to be a slow process. Hawaii Public Radio.


Roy Saito has called Kauai home for several decades, but over the years, he’s seen a lot of changes on the island, and that’s why he decided to run for County Council. Garden Island.

Starbucks holds racial-bias training for employees. Garden Island.

Lava nears geothermal plant, Ige closes Hanabusa's lead in poll, teachers union backs Gabbard's opponent, tight race for lieutenant governor, Big Island taxes could increase to pay for volcano response, Section 8 housing opens on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Active lava flow from Kilauea volcano PC:USGS

Workers at the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant found themselves in a race against nature Monday as they attempted to seal off a particularly troublesome, deep geothermal well while lava from Kilauea Volcano advanced from the south to a point uncomfortably close to the well pad area. Star-Advertiser.

As lava breached the southern boundary of Puna Geothermal Venture on Monday, the head of a task force created to mitigate potential hazards at the power plant said efforts were underway to neutralize the last “active” well on the property. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Lava Flows Reach Site Of Geothermal Plant. A naturally occurring berm has so far halted the flow’s advance, but officials warn if the lava does hit the plant’s underground wells it could trigger the release of poisonous gases. Civil Beat.

As active lava begins to encroach on the Puna Geothermal Venture property, officials are working to finish quenching, and hopefully plugging, wells on the site. Big Island Video News.

Lava flow enters Puna Geothermal Venture power plant on Hawaii's Big Island as authorities attempt to kill active wells (Video). Pacific Business News.

Vigorous lava flows continue to cascade into the ocean in lower Puna, creating large plumes of "laze" — clouds of toxic gas, steam and tiny glass particles — that could force nearby residents to evacuate at a moment's notice, authorities warned Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Explosions continue at the summit of Kilauea, prompting authorities to warn area residents about the threat of ashfall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that a new explosive eruption at Kilauea summit at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday. KHON2.

=====

Civil Beat Poll: Hanabusa Leads Ige By 6 As Primary Draws Closer. The congresswoman had a narrower gap than earlier polls showed but the governor is still in trouble. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Carvalho Ahead In Lieutenant Governor Race. It’s a close contest in a crowded field, with many voters still undecided. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Teachers Union Backs Gabbard Opponent For Congress. In its endorsement of challenger Sherry Campagna, the union sharply criticized Gabbard’s human rights record because of her stance on Syria. Civil Beat.

State Supreme Court upholds use tax. CompUSA had challenged the state’s use tax as unconstitutional since it applies only to out-of-state sellers. Star-Advertiser.

A key Domestic Violence bill failed to pass in the State Legislature this session and supporters want to know why. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii has a shortfall of nearly 30,000 licensed child care slots, according to a study by Child Care Aware of America. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

State reopens section 8 housing waitlist for the first time in 4 years. The voucher program waitlist for section 8 housing on Oahu will be opened next month for the first time in more than 4 years. Hawaii News Now.

The City and County of Honolulu is opening the wait list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. KHON2.

A company trying to build what would be the third wind farm on Oahu’s North Shore has obtained its last discretionary state approval after a contentious proceeding and almost five years of work. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of trees in Manoa to get the ax as part of stream dredging project. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii leadership is resurrecting efforts to recombine the University of Hawaii Travel Industry Management School with the Shidler College of Business Administration, a move that has been heavily debated over the last decade. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists are waiting for lab results to help determine what caused the recent death of three Hawaiian monk seals on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Property tax hikes could be back on the table, as county expenses increase even as property values erode, thanks to lava inundation in Puna. West Hawaii Today.

Lava prompts election officials to mail absentee voting applications. Tribune-Herald.

Cruise ship Pride of America cancels Hawaii Island visits for second week. West Hawaii Today.

Puna farmers affected by the volcanic activity on Hawaii Island were set to meet Monday night to learn about the assistance programs that are being available to them lava damages their crops – and their bottom line. Hawaii News Now.

Poverty, illness compound problems for Puna community. Star-Advertiser.

Volcanic emissions drive up ER visits on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

As the Kilauea eruption continues to make national headlines, organizers of the Ironman are urging triathletes not to cancel their travel plans. Hawaii News Now.

Prosecutor talks challenges law enforcement faces. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County’s jobless rate dropped to 2 percent in April, the same as the state’s overall rate, a record low, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Maui News.

Kauai

Medical marijuana is now available for the first time on Kauai. The new dispensary in Kapaa opened Monday and is called Have a Heart, operated by Green Aloha Ltd. Garden Island.

Flood, volcano ‘postpone’ popular Taste of Hawaii. Garden Island.

New fissure spews lava and gas as Kilauea activity continues, Senate bill to improve volcano monitoring, 12k ash masks issued. Plus, congressional candidate to be fined for campaign finance violations, judge rules against Waikiki beachboys, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Fissure Opens In Leilani Estates, Lava Flows Generated. Big Island Video News.

A new lava fissure opened Thursday in Leilani Estates after a day of heavy air pollution in Pahoa and other parts of lower Puna that prompted closures of schools and a post office. Tribune-Herald.

Several fissures still actively spewing lava, emitting dangerous gases. Hawaii News Now.

A total of 21 fissures have appeared since May 3rd in Leilani Estates. The eruption has destroyed at least 25 homes, and lava has covered more than 115 acres of land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Here's where all of the fissures in lower Puna have opened up. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea Eruption Prompts US Senate Action On Volcano Monitoring. The U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday to upgrade the nation’s ability to monitor volcanoes and provide early warnings to those living in the shadows of their summits. Civil Beat.

Senate bill would unify all U.S. volcano monitoring activity. U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono announced today that she and fellow U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) have secured the Senate passage of a bill that improves the nation’s volcano monitoring and early-warning capabilities. Star-Advertiser.

Senate passes bill to upgrade volcano monitoring system. Tribune-Herald.

=====

In the last six months, the Department of Education opened 59 investigations into worker misconduct. Right now, 55 workers have an open case that's either being investigated or in the decision making process. KHON2.

State Rep. Kaniela Ing, a Democrat running in the 1st Congressional District of Hawaii, faces new allegations of misusing funds donated to his campaigns for the state House, including using campaign money for personal expenses. Hawaii News Now.

The staff of the state Campaign Spending Commission is recommending that state Rep. Kaniela Ing be fined more than $15,000 over an extensive list of violations he is attributing to clerical or bookkeeping mistakes — including misuse of campaign funds, filing false spending reports and exceeding campaign spending limits — going back three election cycles. Star-Advertiser.

Giant mounds of plastic waste wash up on Hawaii's beaches statewide, and it's usually coming from far away. What can be done to tackle this problem? KHON2.

The biggest potential public-schools win during this year’s legislative session is a proposal asking voters whether to establish a surcharge on investment real property to serve as a funding stream for Hawaii’s statewide system. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate has fallen to an all-time low of 2 percent — again. Star-Advertiser.

Trinity Merger Corp., a Hono­lulu-based special-purpose acquisition firm, said it raised $345 million through an initial public offering that closed Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said on Wednesday that Square Inc. executive Kevin Burke has been appointed to its board of directors. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Judge denies TRO in Waikiki beach concession dispute. Losing bidder Star-Beachboys Inc. will have to move out to make room for the winning bidder of the Waikiki beach concession contract. Star-Advertiser.

Judge refuses to protect Waikiki beach boy concessions. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today he may impose up to $1,000 fines or jail time for the owner or users of Lime electric scooters for illegally parking the rental vehicles on public sidewalks. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is classifying Lime’s electric scooters as mopeds, and says the company is violating state and city laws by failing to register the vehicles. Pacific Business News.

These Blue Beach Chairs Are Riling The Ala Moana Regulars. When a luxury condo promises to “prepare the perfect beach day” for residents, some locals fear more commercialization of a favorite park. Civil Beat.

Toxic Lot In Maili May Finally Get Cleaned Up. PCBs have been awaiting cleanup for years at a contaminated lot near a residential neighborhood in West Oahu. Civil Beat.

State and city officials urged renters and homeowners who sustained flood damage to their homes in the mid-April deluge to report it by today to their respective county emergency management agencies. Star-Advertiser.

Farm and homeowner, Michael Tsuruda, says the April flood destroyed his irrigation system, 5,000 potted plants and caused $25,000 in damage to his farm. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Alarmingly high levels of volcanic gases early Thursday triggered closure of a half-dozen Puna schools, and authorities began distributing protective face masks in Puna and Kau in the wake of explosive Kilauea Volcano ash eruptions. Star-Advertiser.

More than 12,000 particulate-blocking masks were distributed to Puna and Kau residents in a six-hour span Thursday, thanks to a gift from Scotch Tape maker 3M, with swift help from Hawaii County Civil Defense, the American Red Cross Hawaii chapter, community volunteers and Hawaii’s famous coconut wireless network. Star-Advertiser.

Bigger belch at summit: Residents given masks to protect against ash. Tribune-Herald.

Vog symptoms showing up: Medical providers seeing more patients in recent days. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Pacific Southwest Region has deployed emergency responders and air monitoring equipment as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s federal response to the Kilauea volcanic eruption on Hawaii Island. Big Island Now.

Progress made in securing Puna Geothermal Plant, but work is 'not done yet'. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists study lava for clues to how volcano will behave. Associated Press.

Lava leaves Leilani Estates looking like a ghost town. New York Times.

New photos show dramatic widening of cracks in lower East Rift Zone. KHON2.

Vog hung heavy in the skies over Kailua-Kona Thursday — a trend likely to continue, based on all relevant data. West Hawaii Today.

It’s Nearly Impossible To Find A Place To Rent These Days. Lava refugees, forced from their homes by the volcano, are squeezing into every available space. Civil Beat.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee recommended approval Wednesday of a bill aimed at more enforcement of bed-and-breakfast operations. Maui News.

A public hearing on the Maui County Council’s proposed fiscal 2019 budget will be held at 9 a.m. Friday in the eighth-floor Council Chambers of the Kalana O Maui Building in Wailuku. Maui News.

The Commission on Water Resource Management, in a public meeting Tuesday, fined the Olowalu Water Company, Inc. of Maui the maximum allowable fine of $1,500 for construction of a concrete dam/spillway on the Olowalu Stream without a permit.  Maui Now.

Commission fines water company for unpermitted structure. Haiku landowner found in violation of water code. Maui News.

Kauai

As of Thursday, the state needs 58 more homeowners from Oahu and Kauai to report flood damage to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order for the state to receive any money. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism takes a hit, cruise ships cancel Big Island ports, officials seek to plug geothermal well, air condition red in Puna; Honolulu rail seeks partners, Waikiki beach boys fight for survival, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cruise ship docked in Hilo in better days ©2018 All Hawaii News

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it won’t make calls in Big Isle ports this week, widening tourism losses for the hard-hit island. Star-Advertiser.

Cruise ship Pride of America cancels Big Island visits. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism losses mount across the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

==more VOLCANO news below at Hawaii Island category==

Beth Fukumoto Takes Her Hunt For Campaign Cash To DC. The Republican-turned-Democrat is banking on outside help from disgruntled Never Trumpers and progressives. Civil Beat.

Hawaii faces additional challenges to its standing as one of only two states to reject all forms of gambling after Monday’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court opened wide the door to sports gambling. Star-Advertiser.

New EIS, EA procedures: Public hearings for rule changes set this month. A complete rewrite of the procedures that agencies and developers use for environmental assessments and environmental impact statements is the subject of statewide public hearings later this month. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii state pension fund commits to impact investing. Pacific Business News.

The Japanese government has announced Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko will visit Hawaii for the first time next month. Associated Press.

The widow of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye attended the keel-laying ceremony Monday for the future USS Daniel Inouye in Bath, Maine. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HART Looking For Private Partners to Complete Last $1.6B City Center Rail Segment. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation – HART – wants to partner with private businesses to complete and sustain the city’s rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

An $11.4 million settlement with an injured pedestrian indicates the city’s crosswalk policies are breaking the law, and endangering pedestrians. Hawaii News Now.

The two longtime operators of separate Waikiki beachboys stands say they intend to continue offering surf lessons, canoe rides, beach umbrellas and other services despite orders from the city to vacate their concessions today. Star-Advertiser.

A new scooter sharing program called Lime-S launched in Honolulu over the weekend. Pacific Business News.

Electric rental scooters hit sidewalks despite city prohibition. California-based Lime dropped about 200 electric scooters onto sidewalks in the Ala Moana, Waikiki and Kakaako areas Saturday and said about 1,500 riders took a spin over the weekend by paying $1 plus 15 cents a minute. Star-Advertiser.

City of Honolulu says new scooter pilot program operating illegally. KHON2.

Beretania Street was closed in the westbound direction from Ward Avenue for about an hour today after a member of the public dropped off possible military ordnance at the Honolulu Police Department headquarters. Star-Advertiser.

The Fight To Save A Sacred Owl In West Oahu. A nonprofit group based in Ewa Beach is concerned future development will destroy the habitat of the Hawaiian short-eared owl. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Effort Underway To Kill Puna Geothermal Wells. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Administrator Tom Travis talks about the effort to secure PGV as lava erupts nearby. Big Island Video News.

Officials to kill active wells at Puna geothermal plant as lava creeps closer. Hawaii News Now.

Sulfur dioxide levels at ‘condition red’ in Lanipuna Gardens, county officials warn. Star-Advertiser.

Residents warned of dangerously high sulfur dioxide levels in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

'Red' air quality alert issued for areas near several active fissures. Hawaii News Now.

Condition RED Air Quality Danger Due To Eruption. Big Island Video News.

High sulfur dioxide levels from fissures prompt condition-red warning for residents. KHON2.

Fissures Near Lanipuna Gardens Releasing Dangerous Levels of Sulfur Dioxide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Escape road threatened, geothermal wells to be killed as lava approaches. Star-Advertiser.

Officials seek to shore up Pahoa lifelines, Mayor Kim says. Star-Advertiser.

The Time They Bombed Mauna Loa And Other Lava-Stopping Schemes. Diverting a lava flow is not as easy as some people — including then-Lt. Col. George Patton — once thought. Civil Beat.

Highway 130 opens Tuesday for local traffic only. KITV.

A man who lives near the large volcanic fissure that opened up Sunday and spewed lava near Halekamahina Loop Road in lower Puna called the event “absolutely deafening.” Tribune-Herald.

State eyes 'lava bridge,' other fixes to keep key roadways open. Hawaii News Now.

Schools react, respond to lava emergency. KHON2.

With smiles from ear to ear and exclamations of glee and awe, the 18 preschoolers from Kua O Ka La Public Charter School in Puna got up close and personal with the coastal bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Quest at Hilton Waikoloa Village. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Health reminds the public that its Crisis Line of Hawaii is available for residents, visitors and anyone affected by the Kilauea eruptions seeking help in coping with mental or emotional effects. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Prosecutor’s Office will remain on the case involving an ex-police officer accused of fatally striking a bicyclist in 2015. West Hawaii Today.

A crime of laziness: Public warned about poisoned prawns. West Hawaii Today.

The state has issued cease and desist orders to four Hawaii County men for the unlawful removal of tons of lava rock from the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Hana’s only gas station has shut down for 10 days, though a Maui Oil truck will provide gas at the site for a limited time each day, general manager Marni Aina said Monday, the first day of the closure. Maui News.

Kauai

Peace, Quiet And A Revived Sense of Community. For those living beyond Hanalei, it’s tough to get to jobs or shop, but many feel liberated with the tourist mobs gone. Civil Beat.

The Kauai Emergency Management Agency is urging Kauai residents affected by the April 14-15 flooding to submit any unreported damages of homes and businesses. Garden Island.

Polihale State Park opened today, after nearly a month of work to restore the entry road damaged in the April flooding on Kauai. Garden Island.

Molokai

With parts of the Molokai landfill expected to reach full capacity in coming years, Maui County is proposing expansions on the property to allow for the island’s future disposal needs. Maui News.

Explosions expected at summit of Kilauea volcano, national park closing Friday, governor asks Trump for more help as geothermal plant at risk, Supreme Court sets Thirty Meter Telescope arguments, Kealoha trial scheduled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Visitors at Kilauea volcano PC: J. Wei

The USGS issued an ominous warning Wednesday about Kilauea: Eruptions at the summit crater could trigger explosions so violent they fling 10-ton boulders as far as a half mile away and send ash columns miles into the sky. Hawaii News Now.

Geologists say the Big Island’s Kilauea volcano could erupt explosively and send boulders, rocks and ash into the air around its summit caldera in coming weeks. Associated Press.

Scientists with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory told a packed Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that explosions are likely to occur at the summit in the near future. Big Island Video News.

Scientists update residents near Volcano on lurking dangers at Kilauea. KITV.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will close Friday and until further notice because of the possibility of an explosive eruption that could blast steam, rock and ash from the Halemaumau lava lake crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are warning that the steady lowering of the Halemaumau lava lake at Kilauea volcano’s summit overlook crater indicates that explosive eruptions are possible in the coming weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will close Friday. Officials say it's possible for a steam-induced explosion to occur at the summit of Kilauea Volcano due to the receding lava lake. KHON2.

Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Wednesday that a steady lowering of the lava lake at Kilauea volcano’s Overlook crater within Halemaumau “has raised the potential for explosive eruptions” that could happen as soon as next week, while officials from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park said they would close the majority of the park on Friday in anticipation of such an event. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige has asked President Donald Trump to declare a disaster declaration on the Big Island, which continues to grapple with ongoing quakes and lava flow from the Kilauea volcano. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed a presidential disaster declaration request, in which he asked U.S. President Donald Trump to declare the state of Hawaii a major disaster as a result of the ongoing eruptions of Kilauea volcano. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige has issued a supplemental emergency proclamation for the 2018 Kilauea eruption that, among other emergency management functions, establishes lines of authority that will enable a more comprehensive response to changing and unpredictable risks posed by the current eruption. Big Island Now.

With some 50,000 gallons of potentially explosive solvent still sitting at the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant, Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed an emergency proclamation giving him the authority to do what’s necessary at the plant to protect the community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed a supplemental emergency proclamation due to the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island that will, among other things, include the removal of hazardous material for Puna Geothermal Ventures. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige issued a new emergency declaration Wednesday to move 60,000 gallons of high flammable chemicals from Puna Geothermal Venture by the end of tomorrow. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige took action Wednesday to mitigate risks to Puna Geothermal Venture in light of Kilauea Volcano's latest eruption. KHON2.

After helping with relief efforts following two major disasters in the past month, the Red Cross of Hawaii is dealing with complaints about the way it manages donations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha will stand trial on bank fraud charges in November, then stand trial again in March with four former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit on charges accusing them of staging the theft of their mailbox and lying about it. Star-Advertiser.

Taxi Companies vs Uber and Lyft Showdown at Honolulu City Council. The Honolulu City Council is considering a measure to regulate ridesharing companies. Hawaii Public Radio.

New law enacts tougher penalties for drift racing. Star-Advertiser.

A bill stopping the city from installing bulb-outs at two key Chinatown intersections won a narrow 5-4 approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s largest shopping center had been warned about unsafe conditions on its property 11 years before one young man was killed and another severely injured there in 2016, but it chose to do nothing about it, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The families of two men who fell through a railing at Ala Moana Center in 2016 are now suing the property owner for ignoring concerns they say could have prevented the incident. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit filed against Ala Moana in deadly railing accident. KHON2.

Honolulu police are on the verge of launching an urgent care clinic in Chinatown, where homeless people can see a doctor for free. Hawaii News Now.

Why This Church Breaks The Law Every Sunday. South Shore Christian Fellowship is racking up daily fines for operating in an agricultural area. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

There will be no county surcharge on the state general excise tax this year, following action Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on June 21 regarding the appeal of the conservation district use permit for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the summit of the Big Island’s Mauna Kea. Pacific Business News.

Water system again down four wells, no restriction yet in effect for North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

State Representatives and Senators to visit Puna lava flow areas. KHON2.

Volcanic activity subsided in Puna on Wednesday evening, but there was little hope for a length reprieve amid new warnings about the potential of explosive eruptions at Kilauea's summit crater the likes of which Hawaii hasn't seen in nearly a century. Hawaii News Now.

A 15th fissure brought lava to the doorstep of Lanipuna Gardens on Wednesday while an ash cloud at Kilauea’s summit warned of more dangers to come. Tribune-Herald.

In addition to the threat of explosive eruptions at Kilauea’s summit, new vents and the wrath of lava, Hawaii island residents also have acid rain to worry about. Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners Face Insurance Dilemma in Lava Prone Areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island police arrested a Pahoa man in connection with the burglary of a home in the Leilani Estates Subdivision, which is an area covered by an Emergency Proclamation declared by the Mayor's Office as of May 3. KHON2.

5 Tips to Protect Your Lungs From Volcanic Ash. Maui Now.

A number of relief efforts are ongoing to support residents affected by the Kilauea volcano eruption in Leilani Estates. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Community Foundation, together with Anderson-Beck Fund, Jack’s Fund and the Darrin & Darien Gee Family Fund, established the Hawaii Island Volcano Recovery Fund to aid Big Island residents impacted by the recent Kilauea volcano eruption. Pacific Business News.

A charter school near Leilani Estates is relocating to escape lava and fumes like the rest of its neighbors, and another charter more than 25 miles away in Hilo also decided to pick up and move because of the threat of tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Haleakala Visitors Generated $69.8 Million for Maui Economy in 2017. Maui Now.

Too much of a good thing becomes invasive. Related to the common soybean, glycine was introduced to Hawaii after a massive kikuyu grass dieback in the 1970s, according to the Maui Invasive Species Committee. Maui News.

Kauai

The public had a lot to say Wednesday evening during a public meeting regarding improved bus service and the installation of new charging stations for electric cars across the island. Garden Island.

Renters and home and business owners with National Flood Insurance Program insurance have four chances to get questions answered about policies and claims starting Monday during meetings scheduled throughout Kauai. Garden Island.

The mid-April deluge that damaged hundreds of homes and halted tourism on the farthest reaches of Kauai’s North Shore has revived a red-hot debate over whether vacation rentals should be allowed to operate in hazardous zones. Civil Beat.

A man has been arrested for allegedly killing a green sea turtle on Kauai.  Hawaii News Now.

Volcano update: more homes destroyed, lava outbreaks, sulfur dioxide threat continue as anxious residents flee; Hawaii Republicans plan election strategy; Schatz announces $2.6B military money; vacation rental regulations falters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava flow aerial PC: Mick Kalber/Tropical Visions Video

Growing eruptions in the Big Island's Leilani Estates on Sunday night prompted officials to issue an emergency alert urging any residents remaining in the lava-ravaged subdivision to "go now" and stoking fears that the toll of homes claimed by lava — at 26 so far — would undoubtedly grow. Hawaii News Now.

More fissures open, 31 structures destroyed from lava in Leilani Estates. KHON2.

A total of 26 homes have been destroyed by lava from Kilauea volcano in Leilani Estates subdivision, Hawaii County Civil Defense said at a 3 p.m. Sunday briefing. Tribune-Herald.

The number of destroyed homes mounts as molten lava continues to inundate Leilani Estates from a Kilauea Volcano vent that opened up in the Puna subdivision Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The number of homes destroyed by Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano jumped to 26 Sunday night as scientists reported lava spewing more than 200 feet into the air. Associated Press.

Civil Defense: 26 Homes Destroyed, 10 Confirmed Active Fissures. Hawaii Public Radio.

After what appeared like a brief reprieve from a volcanic eruption on Saturday, Kilauea volcano came roaring back with a vengeance overnight Saturday and through Sunday, spewing lava from multiple fissures in Leilani Estates. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: 10 pm Eruption Update – Big Fissure Produces Half Mile Lava Flow. Big Island Video News.

Residents brave toxic fumes and thundering eruption in brief dash to their homes. Star-Advertiser.

Conditions permitting, Leilani Estates residents will be allowed to continue evacuation to check on their property from 7 AM to 6 PM each day until further notice, civil defense says. Big Island Video News.

As lava moves through the Leilani Estates Subdivision, concerned residents are growing anxious over the status of the Puna Geothermal Venture. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County spokeswoman Janet Snyder said Sunday that officials are not sure exactly how many of the estimated 1,800 residents in the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions have actually evacuated. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopened Sunday at 3 p.m. officials say. The park was closed for two days following the sequence of large, violent earthquakes that shook the Big Island on Friday. Big Island Video News.

All public schools on the Big Island will be open for classes on Monday, according to the Hawaii Department of Education. Hawaii News Now.

The lava flow from Kilauea that has destroyed at least nine homes at the Leilani Estates subdivision is exposing a major gap in the homeowners' insurance system. Few Big Island property owners are insured for seismic or volcanic activity. Hawaii News Now.

Hourly updates on the Big Island lava threat. KITV.

LIST: Lava threat forces evacuations, closures. Hawaii News Now.

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U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the Army’s Hawaii Infrastructure Readiness Initiative, a $2.6 billion, 32-year plan to build and upgrade facilities across the state. Maui Now.

How Tulsi Gabbard Is Turning Her National Profile Into Campaign Cash. The Hawaii congresswoman raises a vastly larger portion of her donations from outside the state than her delegation colleagues. Civil Beat.

Banking On Trump, Hawaii GOP Says Its Future Looks Bright. At their state convention Saturday, the islands’ Republicans hear optimistic predictions about the midterm elections. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Do We Really Want To Let The Tax Genie Out Of The Bottle? The teachers union got smart this year and pushed for an education tax measure that didn’t include specific numbers. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s vacation rental proposal to allow for more legal bed-and- breakfast establishments and transient vacation units across Oahu — under stricter guidelines — got a warmer reception from Honolulu City Council members last week than when it was announced last month. Star-Advertiser.

The average price of a single-­family home resold on Oahu last month dipped below March’s record $1 million as the number of new listings increased from a year earlier, according to a report released Sunday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Full video of the 2018 Hawaii County Democratic Party Convention, Saturday, April 28, 2018. Occupy Hawaii.

The state plans to take over maintenance of the statue of King Kamehameha the Great, which has been cared for by a North Kohala community group since 1883. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Health’s Environmental Council will hold nine public hearings statewide — four in Maui County — next month on proposed changes to environmental impact statement rules. Maui News.

Former Gov. John Waihee came to Maui recently to speak of leadership and to honor the legacy of nisei veterans of World War II, but he also brought a call for unity in a time of increasing divisiveness. Maui News.

Kauai

Experts: Think Twice Before Rebuilding In Kauai’s Flood Zone. Kauai has historically allowed development along rivers and in coastal areas vulnerable to flooding. Civil Beat.

Snorkel mask safety gets a closer look. A single full face snorkel mask sat in the half-off bin at Kauai Beach Shop on Friday because the dive shop owners just wanted to get rid of it. Garden Island.

The three vehicles that were buried in sand following the mid-April flood have been removed from the Black Pot Beach Park area. Garden Island.

Less than two weeks after it was established, the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation has received over $1 million in donations from more than 300 generous donors in Hawaii and abroad. Garden Island.

National Guard activated as lava fountains continue on Big Island, sine die for state Legislature, Caldwell signs fire sprinkler bill, judge dismissed Coco Palms title lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Ige activates National Guard, Red Cross opens 2 shelters as lava flows in lower Puna. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has signed an emergency proclamation after an eruption of lava forced the evacuation of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens. Tribune-Herald.

The mayor of Hawaii County, as well as the governor of the State of Hawaii, have signed emergency proclamations due to the new volcanic eruption that began in Leilani Estates subdivision. Big Island Video News.

New eruptions in Kilauea's east rift zone early Friday sent lava soaring more than 100 feet into the air, and Big Island fire officials say two structures have already been damaged from lava creeping through the Puna's Leilani Estates subdivision. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 1,500 residents were ordered to evacuate from their volcano-side homes after the Big Island’s Kilauea volcano erupted, sending molten lava to chew its way through forest land and bubble up on paved streets. Associated Press.

Just hours after residents in Puna's Leilani Estates subdivision fled with little more than the clothes on their backs Thursday night after an eruption in Kilauea's east rift zone, yet another eruption sent lava soaring into the air early Friday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirms the volcanic eruption continues in Leilani Subdivision in the Puna District. KITV.

Active fountaining of the eruption in Leilani Estates has been confirmed, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Star-Advertiser.

If they got any sleep at all, the people chased from their homes Thursday by a surprise burst of Kilauea lava expected to wake this morning to a future they could not control. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents began evacuating from subdivisions in the east rift zone of Kilauea volcano Thursday afternoon as an eruption began spewing lava along a break in a residential area, hours after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 south of the Puu Oo crater caused a possible additional collapse into the crater, sending a red plume of ash into the air. Pacific Business News.

An emergency proclamation is now in effect at both the county and state levels as Hawaii County Civil Defense responds to a volcanic eruption in the lower Puna area. KHON2.

A volcanic eruption forced the evacuation of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens in Puna on Thursday after fountains of lava burst through cracks in the middle of a residential street. Tribune-Herald.

Thursday's sudden volcanic eruption in Leilani Estates led to an emergency shutdown of independent power producer Puna Geothermal Venture. Big Island Video News.

LIST: Lava threat forces evacuations, school closures. Hawaii News Now.

After eruption, residents fled with little — and didn't know what they'd return home to. Hawaii News Now.

When You Live In A Volcano’s Shadow, You Go With The Flow. Just hours before a new eruption threatened a subdivision, residents and visitors were buzzing with excitement. Civil Beat.

PHOTOS: Lava spews to the surface on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County Civil Defense updates on the lava emergency can be found here.

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The state Legislature wrapped up for the year Thursday as lawmakers called the 60-day session one of the most collaborative and productive in recent memory. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers proud of their work, chilly toward Ige. With Hawaii’s top legislative leaders lined up against him in this year’s Democratic primary, Gov. David Ige must have figured he would be the target of a few snarky comments this week. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige today withdrew his nomination to reappoint prominent Honolulu attorney Rick Fried as Hawaii Tourism Authority board chairman. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, prominent personal injury attorney Rick Fried, suddenly withdrew his bid for a second term on the board Thursday ahead of a potentially contentious debate over his confirmation in the state Senate. Hawaii News Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is set to release a report tomorrow on the health of Native Hawaiian women. Hawaii Public Radio.

The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization forecasts in a report being released today that real personal income will grow by 2 percent in the state this year. Star-Advertiser.

Shares for Hawaiian Airlines were down 6.5 percent at close on Thursday following Southwest Airlines’ announcement that it would offer interisland service. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
 

At the site of a July 14 condo tower blaze that killed four, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 69 into law Thursday, giving incentives to condo associations if they install fire sprinklers. Star-Advertiser.

It's been almost a year since the Marco Polo fire killed four people and caused more than 100 million dollars in damage. On Thursday, the city took a big step forward in preventing another tragedy. KHON2.

Mayor Caldwell signs bill to encourage fire sprinklers in high rise buildings. KITV.

A federal judge ruled this afternoon that former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha will have one trial by themselves and a second one with four former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit. Star-Advertiser.

Are Waikiki’s Public Pavilions Hopelessly Crime-Ridden? “Demolish them,” says Councilman Trevor Ozawa, but the Kalakaua Avenue shelters also offer tourists a respite from the sun or the rain. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Company will invest close to $150 million in two new energy storage projects on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

According to real estate firm Locations, Oahu single-family median home prices reached a new high at $795,000 up 10 percent. KHON2.

The median price of a single-family home on Oahu jumped 10 percent in April to $795,000, the largest percentage increase for any month in four years, according to a new report by Honolulu real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Cash handling at the county Mass Transit Agency was so lax, the legislative auditor can’t tell if any money is missing, much less how much. West Hawaii Today.

Despite objections from a handful of testifiers, the Windward Planning Commission went forward on Thursday with the adoption of a proposed “Second Supplemental Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Decision and Order of the Commission” in the matter of Hu Honua. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui researchers share pollution solutions at international marine debris gathering. Maui News.

It’s hard to miss the vibrant sunflower fields that have been growing in Waikapu since last year. So where do all the flowers go, after their time in the sun? Maui Now. 

Kauai

A motion to dismiss a quiet title case filed against Coco Palms Hui LLC, was granted during civil proceedings Thursday in Fifth Circuit Court, but that’s not the end of the Coco Palms legal battle according to those involved. Garden Island.

A single lane route on Kuhio Highway from Waikoko to Wainiha, is opening to local traffic only, beginning today. Garden Island.

A single-lane route on a two-mile stretch of Kuhio Highway, from Waikoko to Wainiha, will open to local traffic starting Friday, state and Kauai county officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

Public Utility Gets Creative With Plan To Recirculate Reservoir Water. The Garden Island already uses renewable energy sources for 43 percent of its electricity, with more solar and hydropower on the way. Civil Beat.

County dedicates 11th lifeguard tower. A small crowd of dignitaries, including Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau chief Kalani Vierra, Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman, former mayor Maryanne Kusaka, several Kauai County Council members, and curious beach goers watched the county blessed and dedicated the newest lifeguard tower at Nukumoi Point at the Poipu Beach Park. Garden Island.