Libraries face funding cuts, GOP nominates 3 to fill Rep. Ward's House seat, Army releases EIS for Pohakuloa Training Area, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed Funding Cuts Could Reduce Access To Hawaiʻi Libraries. The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System is poised to lose nearly 25 staff positions and $27 million in funding for the maintenance and construction of its facilities, according to the most recent version of the state budget that lawmakers are considering.  Civil Beat.

Police records will answer questions for victims’ families. Families of victims like Andrew Nakoa Jr. — who died of a stab wound 21 years ago blocks from his home — now will be able to get a copy of the closing report from Hawaii law enforcement under a new law designed to answer lingering questions that haunt them. Star-Advertiser.

Watered Down Property Seizure Bill Moves Forward. Lawmakers are backing away from requiring someone be convicted of a felony before seizing their property. Civil Beat.

State fund eyed for workforce housing subsidies. State lawmakers are considering diverting a state fund used almost exclusively to develop low-income rental housing to build apartments for residents with higher incomes — topping out well above what most people earn. Star-Advertiser.

Could Hawaiʻi go nuclear? Some lawmakers want the option investigated. Hawaiʻi lawmakers are advancing a resolution to study whether nuclear power can help Hawaiʻi meet its green energy goals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Hawaii Republican Party announces nominees to fill East Oahu House seat. The party nominated Michel Gedeon, Alexander Malabey, and Tara Gregory for consideration to represent House District 18, which covers Portlock, Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley. Hawaii News Now.

State is asked for millions to preserve Waikiki beach. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association is collaborating with local government agencies and stakeholders to develop an interim beach restoration and mitigation plan for the state to save Waikiki’s beaches. Star-Advertiser.

Parts of Hawaii are sinking — Chronic beach loss and infrastructure risks loom. The urgency to address the sinking is greater in some parts of Hawaii like Waikiki, which is sinking faster than other places.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers still working on torture bill. Recent high-profile cases of child torture and neglect that led to the deaths of two children on Oahu have sharpened the focus for police officers and prosecuting attorneys pushing Hawaii lawmakers to pass a bill that would codify torture and outline punishment. Star-Advertiser.

Animal cruelty bill in Hawaii Legislature gains momentum. A bill advancing through the state Legislature to increase penalties for animal cruelty has gained fresh momentum following the circulation of a graphic video depicting the violent abuse of a dog in Wahiawa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Army releases final EIS for Pohakuloa Training Area. The Army has released its finalized environmental impact statement on the prospect of retaining 22,750 acres of state-owned land at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island after its lease expires in August 2029. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi County Moves To Adopt Nepotism Rules For Government Employees. A lot of people know each other on the Big Island, and thatʻs all the more reason to be above reproach, a council member says. Civil Beat.

Settlement talks ongoing in Pohoiki Road condemnation suit. Hawaii County still anticipates construction to restore lava-ravaged Pohoiki Road in lower Puna will begin before the end of June. Tribune-Herald.

Virtual meeting to introduce draft stewardship plan for Ka‘u parcel. The plan being introduced regards the stewardship of the Kaunamano property, which covers 1,363 acres between Pohina Pali and the Maniania Pali below the Na‘alehu Police Station. Tribune-Herald.

State’s high court visits Hilo to give students a closer look at legal system. About 250 students from five East Hawaii High Schools were present Thursday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center to hear oral arguments before the Hawaii Supreme Court as part of the Judiciary’s “Courts in the Community” program. Tribune-Herald.

Merrie Monarch Festival kicks off with Ho‘olaule‘a. The 62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival kicked off on Sunday with the Ho‘olaule‘a at Hilo’s Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

County’s updated plan for $1.6 billion in fire recovery funds includes help for first-time homebuyers, rebuilding homes. Office of Recovery Administrator John Smith said Wednesday that the county is working to send in its plans to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development by Monday, and that the programs could start taking applications by this summer.  Maui Now.

Lahaina Fire Stole Their Dream Home. Plans To Rebuild Reveal Deep Divides. The Deals are the first oceanfront property owners on Front Street to try rebuilding in an area that scientists say is at risk due to sea level rise. Neighbors see it as a test case. Civil Beat.

State To Offer New Option For Rural Residents Struggling To Access Health Care. Living on Hawaii’s least populated islands means specialized medical care is not readily available, a growing challenge as the number of air carriers servicing Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi has dropped. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Surf's up: Recycled surfboard scraps could be part of Maui’s housing solution. Styrofoam waste from surfboard building usually ends up in the landfill. And there’s a huge need for fire-resistant housing materials on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Soil sampling at former Kekaha Sugar Mill Lot B will determine if contaminants exist. Kauai’i County Office of Economic Development is notifying the public that its contractors will conduct soil sampling from April 21 to May 2 at the former Kekaha Sugar Mill Lot B property. The county is conducting the sampling — with permission from property owner Aloun Farms — to determine whether the property’s soil is contaminated before it moves forward with any future economic development of the property. Kauai Now.

Changes to coastal permits in the works, interisland shipping costs could increase by 20% or more, huge raises coming to Maui officials, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State considers changes to permit process for coastal single-family homes. Lawmakers are advancing a bill to amend the permitting process for certain coastal residences despite pushback from some conservation groups and community members. House Bill 732 would increase the cutoff for a Special Management Agency minor permit to $750,000 for single-family homes no larger than 3,500 square feet, which the supporters say would streamline the permitting process and account for inflation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian homestead development plans questioned amid funding request. On July 11, 2022, a historic bill to reduce the number of Native Hawaiians waiting for homesteads became law, but nearly three years later it can be hard to grasp how many homesteads will be produced from the $600 million Waitlist Reduction Act. Star-Advertiser.

Bills drive union challenge of Hawaiian Electric. Both Hawaiian Electric and the carpenters union argue that their positions for and against earlier versions of House Bill 982 would be best for Hawaii when it comes to recovering from future wildfires in the aftermath of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, which killed 102 people and all but obliterated Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

Bill advances to support film, TV productions. Abill passed out of the House Committee on Finance Wednesday with amendments, would create the Island Film and Media Production Investment Fund, expand tax incentives for hiring local workers and extend support to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers looking to raise shipping costs by at least 20%. Members of the public are invited to weigh in on shipping cost increases proposed by Young Brothers, the shipping company responsible for all interisland cargo shipping. Should the raise be accepted, container shipping will cost 20% more, with shipping to Hilo rising 35%. Shipping a car would rise 30%, and refrigerated items would increase 40%. KHON2.

Cost of raising a child in Hawaiʻi surges to $362,891—the most expensive in the US. Raising a child in Hawaiʻi now costs an estimated $362,891 over 18 years, making it the most expensive state in the country for families, according to a new LendingTree analysis. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Is Failing Special Education Students. Federal Cuts Could Make It Worse. Families and researchers say possible funding cuts and reduced federal oversight could make it harder for special education students to receive the services they need in schools.  Civil Beat.

National Endowment for the Humanities terminates grants awarded to local organizations. The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency is demanding deep cuts to a federal agency that funds humanities-focused organizations across the country, according to officials from the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nonprofits face uncertainty under Trump funding freezes. Nonprofit leaders across the state are warning that cuts to technical assistance, staff reductions in federal housing offices and the anticipated loss of millions of dollars in grants under the Trump administration are creating ripple effects — threatening the long-term stability of Hawaii’s social safety net. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran GOP state lawmaker Gene Ward served with distinction, fervor. Former state Rep. Gene Ward was remembered Friday for nearly 30 years of service in the Legislature and other accomplishments that included helping Native Hawaiians and people in poor countries around the world. Ward, 82, died Friday morning after prolonged health issues kept him sidelined from the state Capitol since January and led him to resign Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council questions Honolulu transportation director about rail audit. At a Planning Committee meeting Wednesday, Council members shared their concerns over perceived limits on access to rail stations for the disabled, the public’s difficulty in using station lavatories, and reports that the city’s HOLO cards, which allow ridership on public transit, were in short supply. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Outdoor Dining Pilot Program Made Permanent. Oʻahu eateries are now on solid legal ground if they want to set up tables outside on city sidewalks, thanks to a measure signed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Friday. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Convention Center’s 2-year repair schedule risks millions in lost group trade. The planned closure of the Hawai‘i Convention Center in 2026 for $64 million in repairs to the rooftop terrace deck is now expected to extend into 2027, putting at risk millions of dollars in group tourism bookings. Star-Advertiser.

Marines bring fallen comrades home from Guadalcanal 80 years later. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency sends teams around the world to find the remains of missing serv­ice members and bring them to Hawaii where experts at the world’s largest forensic skeleton lab work to identify them using a mixture of science and historical detective work. Star-Advertiser.

Anti-Musk movement reaches Hawaii with Waikiki Tesla protests. Twice a week, protesters take to the sidewalk in front of the Tesla dealership in Waikiki to speak out against President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO billionaire Elon Musk and their policies. Star-Advertiser.

$28,500 To COFA Migrant Denied Gun Permit By HPD. The Micronesian plaintiff sued the state, arguing he was denied fundamental rights protected under the U.S. Constitution. Civil Beat.

Thousands across Hawaii join 'Hands Off' protest against Trump and Musk. As part of a national response, reportedly involving over a thousand demonstrations across the U.S., an event called "Hands Off!" hit the streets Saturday outside the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

About 1,000 people in Hilo participate in nationwide ‘Hands Off’ protest of Trump, Musk. People with signs gathered at the Ross Dress For Less on Kanoelehua Avenue when the protest began at 10 a.m. As the crowd swelled throughout the three hours of the demonstration, it stretched from Makaala Street to Pohaku Street. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Waiakea Intermediate robotics team heading to world championships. Four students from Waiakea Intermediate School will be the only team representing the Big Island in May at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas. Tribune-Herald.

Laupahoehoe Transfer Station to close until 2026. The Laupahoehoe Transfer Station will close for up to 10 months starting Monday, April 21, so significant improvements can be made to the facility. Tribune-Herald.

Work on Goodwill campus progresses. The consolidation of Goodwill Hawaii’s Hilo stores and social service programs to the 67,000 square-foot campus at 17 Makaala St. acquired in late 2023 should be completed by the end of 2026. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Salary Commission boosts pay for mayor, council members, department heads. The Maui County Salary Commission has given Pay raises as high as 89% to elected and appointed executive and legislative branch public officials, based on a “classification and compensation report” carried out by government consultant MGT. Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui Council To Take Up Bill Phasing Out Vacation Rentals This Summer. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s plan to convert thousands of temporary vacation rentals into long-term housing for locals may start moving forward again as soon as next month. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Helicopter Company Wants New Flight Rules Amid Public Opposition. Blue Hawaiian has petitioned federal regulators for a rule change but community members, worried about safety and noise, say they need more time to study the proposal. Civil Beat.

‘Hands off!’ message goes out. A crowd that one member estimated to be about 2,500 people braved blustery weather conditions on Saturday to express their displeasure and objections over recent actions and announced plans by the President Trump administration. Garden Island.

Rep. Gene Ward retiring due to health reasons, Legislature scrutinizes tax credits, COVID pandemic effects still felt after 5 years, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State Rep. Gene Ward is retiring due to health concerns. Ward, a Republican, has been the longest-serving member of Hawaiʻi's House of Representatives, after being in public service for more than three decades, including more than 27 years working for his constituents in District 18 that encompasses Hawaiʻi Kai, Kalama Valley and Portlock. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4.  Spectrum News. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii tax credits scrutinized by state lawmakers. Hawaii lawmakers have been busy this year assessing whether there should be more or fewer ways to earn state income tax credits, a year after approving historic tax cuts that ramp up through 2031. Star-Advertiser.

More of Hawaii’s House members juggle family and work. An unusually high number of state House members — Rep. Chris Todd counts “at least” 14 out of 51 — are juggling long days and often long nights this legislative session while raising infants and elementary school-age children, sometimes inside the state Capitol itself. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii poised to significantly expand amount of red light/speed cameras across the islands. The total cost of the expansion is expected to cost between $10 million to $15 million, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. These intersections are located on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. KITV4.

Hawaii’s economic growth has been stunted since recovering from pandemic. It’s been five years since Hawaii’s economy got broadsided by COVID-19 impacts, and about 18 months since state economic health surpassed its pre-pandemic level. Yet corona­virus aftereffects continue to play out. Star-Advertiser.

COVID changes still disrupt lives across Hawaii. As Hawaii marks the five-year anniversary of the start of COVID-19 outbreaks in the isles and health-related shutdowns, for some the pandemic was a blip, a small notation in their medical charts. But others view their COVID-19 experience as a deep wound that has yet to heal and is forming scars.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Camera system warning phase for speeders in urban Honolulu starts Monday. The state Department of Transportation will begin issuing warnings Monday for speeding violations detected by newly implemented safety camera systems. The cameras, installed at 10 urban Honolulu intersections where red-light cameras are already operational, will begin citing speeding motorists in September or October, according to DOT Director Ed Sniffen. Star-Advertiser.

New City And State Homeless Directors Face Monumental Task. Roy Miyahira and Jun Yang have just stepped almost simultaneously into a pivotal moment in the landscape of homelessness in Hawaiʻi. Each is the third person to hold their position in as many years.  Civil Beat.

Outdoor dining is set to become a permanent option for Oʻahu restaurants. Dining al fresco may become more common at Oʻahu restaurants with the Honolulu City Council's passing of Bill 1 to make the outdoor dining services program permanent. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council OKs Ewa Beach affordable rental project. Kaleimao Village, a ublic-private partnership to convert a vacant city-owned property in Ewa Beach into 127 units of affordable rental housing has advanced. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu attorney who was part of a black market pipeline offering babies from the Marshall Islands for adoption has been barred from practicing law. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court put Laurie Loomis on inactive status last month “due to incapacity.”  Civil Beat.

Youth Facility Can Spend Up To $80,000 On Fast Food. For the third year in a row, the Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility’s kitchen is understaffed, so it is turning to plate lunches for emergency meals. Civil Beat.

Free state program helps Oʻahu residents rid little fire ants from their homes. If you're an Oʻahu resident and have a problem with little fire ants, you can get some help for free. The state Department of Agriculture has launched a $1.1 million program to help eradicate infestations of the ants, treating around 600 homes on the island. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State commission delays decision on rate increase for private utility company on Big Island. After hearing more than two hours of online testimony on Thursday evening, the Public Utilities Commission decided to seek more written testimony before deciding whether to approve temporary rate increases requested by the privately-owned Punalu‘u Water and Sanitation utility. Big Island Now.

County Council passes pilot program to allow mobile vendors along a stretch of highway in Kona. The Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday voted for a pilot program that would authorize special activity permits for commercial vendors on the ocean side of Ane Keohokālole Highway in Kailua-Kona. Big Island Now.

Trailhead Management Plan Published For “Overly Loved” Pololū. The management plan “aims to preserve its cultural, historical, and environmental resources while ensuring accessibility for future generations.”  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Uncertainty over federal funding cuts hangs over the upcoming budget talks for Maui County. Mayor Richard Bissen will deliver the fiscal year 2026 budget to the council on Tuesday, giving the nine members about three months to hammer out a final product that will balance the wildfire recovery in Lahaina and Upcountry with other pressing needs of Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi.  Maui Now.

Maui Humane Society program helps dogs shine, creating a national model for success. The shelter's Kama’āina Beach Buddies and Dogs on Demand programs give dogs a chance to escape the stressful kennel environment — and help them meet potential adopters along the way. It's so popular it’s often booked out months in advance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community-led coral restoration effort launches in South Maui. A new Community-Based Coral Restoration Area (CBCRA), established in South Maui, is offering damaged corals a chance to recover from rising ocean temperatures, sediment pollution and human activity. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mālama Kaua‘i partners with Bette Midler on 87-acre agricultural park to help farmers. Mālama Kaua‘i is working on an agricultural park on the East Side of the Garden Isle that will offer affordable, sublicensed farm plots on 87 acres fronting Olohena Road between Kapa‘a and the Wailua Homesteads. Kauai Now.

New affordable housing on Kauai to begin accepting applications. The project called Kai Olino Family Apartments in Eleele began accepting applications Thursday for its first building, with the deadline being set for Monday.  Hawaii News Now.

New Kuleana.work space dedicated. The Kuleana AI Lab was dedicated by Kumu Sabra Kauka and the Kuleana leadership team on Saturday morning at the site of the former First Hawaiian Bank, Kukui Grove branch. Garden Island.

Big Island sites threatened by sea level rise, Hawaii has nation's second-highest tax burden, most lead-free water, Honolulu has trust issues with Police Commission, Ethics Commission, Maui SHAKA leader files for county council, single-member council districts dies again on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park © 2016 All Hawaii News

Reports by the National Park Service and others have found that rising sea level rises threaten archaeological sites at various historic places in Hawaii. Those include ancient fish ponds at Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site and a “Great Wall” at a sacred site in Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. It is considered the best-preserved such wall in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Hawaii has second highest tax burden in the United States. Wallet Hub.

Hawaii is the only U.S. state that didn't exceed federal testing limits for lead in drinking water during the last three years, and the Hawaii Department of Health says it's because the state's lucky to have lots of volcanic soil and few lead pipes. KITV4.

Hawaii lawmakers are up against a major deadline as they head into the final month of the legislative session. Bills dealing with homelessness, sugar workers and a slew of other topics need to pass out of the second chamber by Thursday. Otherwise, those policy ideas will die. Associated Press.

Breastfeeding mothers in Hawaii could be excused from jury duty for up to two years if Hawaii lawmakers approve a bill that’s being considered this session. Hawaii lawmakers in the House passed the bill Friday. It now faces approval from the Senate. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is co-sponsoring a bill to require the Federal Aviation Administration to set minimum seat sizes on airplanes. The Senate bill calls for standards that ensure safety and a minimum level of comfort for passengers. It addresses seat width, legroom, padding and aisle width on all commercial passenger planes. The bill follows a Hawaii state Senate resolution on the same topic that passed in March. Associated Press.

Lawmakers are advancing a bill to allow the University of Hawaii system to hire members of the state Legislature, a change that would reverse a university ban on employing lawmakers that has been in place at UH since at least 1966. Star-Advertiser.

Employees, visitors and patients at Hawaii Health Systems Corporation hospitals would be prohibited from smoking anywhere on the premises under a bill that is headed for Gov. David Ige’s desk after it was approved 21-0 on the Senate floor on Friday. Civil Beat.

The percentage of students who learned about HIV and AIDS in school dropped to a two-decade low in Hawaii in 2015, according to a statewide health survey slated for release later this spring. Civil Beat.

Hawaii workers’ use of drugs in the workplace, including cocaine and synthetic urine, has leveled off compared to rises seen over the past couple of years, Diagnostic Laboratory Services Inc. reported Friday. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Health says it’s planning to release the names of Hawaii’s first medical marijuana dispensary owners next week. The state Health Department says the five-member selection panel is scheduled to release the names April 15. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s medical marijuana dispensary applicants were hit with a last-minute request on Thursday which could push back the date to announce selections — originally slated for Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige on Thursday announced his nominations for the state Board of Education and the Land Use Commission. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate. Civil Beat.

Insurance plans for thousands of Hawaiian workers will run out next month following a liquidation order issued Thursday for Family Health Hawaii, a health insurance provider for employers and organizations. Civil Beat.

Insurmountable challenges posed by the Affordable Care Act were the root cause of Family Health Hawaii’s liquidation, the company’s CEO, J.P. Schmidt, told Pacific Business News.

Oahu

After suspending Executive Director Chuck Totto for, among other things, allegedly fostering a stressful work environment, the Honolulu Ethics Commission now wants its attorneys and investigators to complete daily work time sheets detailing their tasks in six-minute increments. Star-Advertiser.

‘A Bum Job:’ Trust In Honolulu’s Police Commission Crumbles. Amid ongoing Police Department scandals, Mayor Kirk Caldwell must decide whether to reappoint three police commissioners whose terms are up. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has banned city officials from taking “non-essential publicly-funded” trips to North Carolina and Mississippi in protest of the states’ recent laws that condone discrimination against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Civil Beat.

Amid rail’s rising costs, Honolulu’s City Council chairman wants the transit project’s two top executives to resign, and he’s asking his political rival — the mayor — to follow his lead in supporting that move. Star-Advertiser.

Ernie Martin Tests Honolulu’s Mayoral Waters. The City Council chair still says he’s not running against Kirk Caldwell. But he sure sounds like he’s running. Civil Beat.

A trio of state senators wants the state to buy about 8,000 acres of Dole Food Co. land between Central Oahu and the North Shore to preserve the property for agriculture — angling to earmark more than $107 million in next year’s budget to complete the purchase. Star-Advertiser.

Kunia Loa Ridge Farmlands, an off-the-grid 854-acre development that’s supposed to be restricted to agriculture, has become a hub for unregulated construction. Star-Advertiser.

A petition to take out an apparently dormant volleyball court in front of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium for badly sought public parking for beachgoers does not appear to be swaying the Caldwell administration. Star-Advertiser.

Some 61 of the World War II veterans were in attendance at the Pacific Beach Hotel for the 73rd-anniversary banquet Sunday commemorating the establishment of the unit, said event co-chairman Irvin Yoshino. Star-Advertiser.

The state plans to pay $35,000 to settle a lawsuit against the Department of Public Safety for an attack at Halawa Correctional Facility during which the assailants gained access to an inmate’s living area. Star-Advertiser.

How Did A Man Lose His Fingers And Feet To A Jailhouse Infection? The state is on the hook for more than $7 million for neglecting a former inmate’s severe blood infection at the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Civil Beat.

Aloha Akbar? Lawmaker Promos Event With ISIS Flag Over Waikiki. Hawaii state Rep. Gene Ward splashes a fear-mongering graphic to advertise his public safety and counterterrorism forum next week. Civil Beat.

A Navy flight officer who spoke in Honolulu in 2008 about his journey to become an American citizen has been charged with espionage for allegedly passing secrets to China and patronizing a prostitute, according to a U.S. Naval Institute news story. Star-Advertiser.

Catherine Shen, the first female Asian-American newspaper publisher in the U.S., died March 31 of pancreatic cancer. She was 68. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The race for a Hawaii state Senate seat representing a Big Island district was the topic of a debate Saturday at the University of Hawaii Hilo — even though there’s still two months to go before the candidate filing deadline. Civil Beat.

A Hamakua neighborhood group is suing the county Department of Parks and Recreation, its director and the mayor over proposed improvements to Kukuihaele Park. Tribune-Herald.

Ten years after an employment complaint alleged former Hilo Councilman and mayoral candidate Stacy Higa sexually harassed an aide, the case has taken on new life in the Intermediate Court of Appeals. West Hawaii Today.

$6 Million For Lead Contamination Clean-Up In Kona. Big Island Video News.

A lawsuit to recover what three former Hawaii Community College students say is hundreds of thousands of dollars of wrongfully collected student fees is slated to be heard in May. Tribune-Herald.

Parks officials say they are about ready to reopen the Panaewa play court after giving a new synthetic surface there a final inspection. Tribune-Herald.

The state’s first mobile slaughterhouse unit is in its final phases of certification. Tribune-Herald.

Come fall, a steering committee made up of birding enthusiasts, an outdoor group and eco-tour operators will officially open a 90-mile cross-island trail for bird viewing. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Alika Atay, one of the leaders of the SHAKA Movement, has pulled nomination papers to seek the Maui County Council's Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat, one that will be without an incumbent this election year with Wailuku Council Member Mike Victorino bowing out because of term limits. Maui News.

Boeing has supported Maui Space Surveillance Complex operations for the Air Force for the last 25 years and will continue do so under a new $275 million contract, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Education officials have proposed an $8 million elementary school expansion to accommodate west Maui’s growing student population. Associated Press.

An $8 million two-level classroom building and outdoor learning area is being proposed for Princess Nahienaena Elementary School to accommodate enrollment growth in West Maui, according to the state Department of Education. Maui News.

Representative Lynn Decoite praised the governor’s recent announcement indicating that he is supporting a funding increase for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, to the highest level on record. Maui Now.

Early and full landfill closures countywide that are expected to reach 275 by June 30 are slated to decrease by more than 75 percent in the coming fiscal year beginning July 1, officials from the county Department of Environmental Management said Wednesday. Maui News.

An affordable housing project has been proposed in Hana on eastern Maui. GTH Land Co. wants to build two dozen homes estimated to cost between $250,000 and $445,000 apiece. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Separate proposals on whether to divide Kauai County Council seats into individual voting districts and stagger terms lengths have died — again — but the matters will be revisited in May. Both issues could face voters for the fourth time in 2018. Garden Island.

The Kauai Police Department plans to reorganize its bureaus by converting nine of its 15 school crossing guard positions to training officers, safety monitors and background investigators. Garden Island.

A public meeting will be held to inform people about a proposed management plan for the Haena Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

On Thursday, a hearings officer appointed by the Kauai Planning Commission issued a recommended ruling in favor of the Planning Department’s decision to revoke a Transient Vacation Rental (TVR) permit for a Seacliff Plantation condominium in Kilauea. Garden Island.

In its efforts toward efficiency, the Transportation Agency will be implementing changes to several Kaua'i Bus routes, beginning Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Subdued opening day for Hawaii Legislature, leaders' speeches promote austerity, public records, plastic bag fees, gambling among top topics, teachers union votes today, more government and politics news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

State House and Senate leaders, on a spartan opening day of the legislative session, said they would avoid new taxes and major spending increases but may invest in bond-financed construction projects to upgrade  Hawaii’s aging infrastructure and hopefully create jobs. Star-Advertiser.

Slideshow: Hawaii Legislature's 2012 opening day. Pacific Business News.

Opening remarks

Senate President Shan S. Tsutsui
So, let us unite and move forward “Pupukahi I Holomua” with “The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012,” the Governor's New Day initiatives, and all of the Senate's priorities to create a better Hawaii for today and the future. Text.

House Speaker Calvin Say
Let us be confident that our unselfish work of today will lead tomorrow to the Hawaii that we all dream about. Text.

Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom
Every day is a “new” day; it is time we make it a BETTER DAY for all of Hawaii’s people. Text.

House Minority Leader Gene Ward
We're world class and this session has the potential to prove it. Text.






The state Capitol came alive Wednesday as lawmakers, lobbyists and interest groups anxious to be heard gathered for opening day at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

State Senate leaders expressed bipartisan support for the "Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012," which sets forth an aggressive, $500 million capital improvement project package aimed at stimulating the economy. Associated Press.

In austere and abbreviated fashion, the Hawaii House of Representatives opened for business this morning, with Speaker Calvin Say stressing economic issues in his opening address.Hawaii Reporter.

The 26th State Legislative Session convened today at the Capitol. Celebrations this year were scaled back in both Houses to observe the continued slow economic recovery in the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

The 2012 state Legislature opened Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the state Capitol in Honolulu without much of the pagentry of previous years. Garden Island.

A bill introduced last year in response to Civil Beat's publishing of state and city government salaries has resurfaced and will receive a hearing Friday. Civil Beat.

Protecting the state's water resources and imposing fees on plastic bags are already gaining attention from lawmakers and environmental groups this session. Civil Beat.

Gambling at top of opening lesiglative session issues. KHON2.

A task force assigned to perform an extensive review of Hawaii foreclosures presents its 2012 findings to state lawmakers Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The public school teachers union says it might prepare for a strike vote or continue a legal challenge to a contract offer imposed in July if members do not ratify a proposed six-year pact today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public school teachers are preparing to vote on a proposed six-year contract to end a labor dispute that has contributed to placing a $75 million Race to the Top grant on "high-risk" status. Associated Press.

Hawaii's public school teachers will be voting on a proposed 6-year contract that includes moving to a performance-based compensation system. Associated Press.

State roundup for January 19. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu rail planners are unlikely to request an extension to the general excise tax surcharge that's paying for the bulk of the project. Civil Beat.

Enforcing limits on chromium-6, a naturally occurring toxic chemical found in Oahu's drinking water, is a priority on the environmental health agenda for the state Legislature this session. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle proclaimed Wednesday "Hire Our Heroes Day" in support of a nationwide initiative to hire veterans and military spouses. KITV4.

A University of Hawaii at Manoa building is the first research laboratory in the state to receive the highest level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is facing a fourth straight year of lowered property tax collections, which will force additional cuts, Mayor Billy Kenoi wrote in a letter presented Wednesday to the state Legislature's two money committees.  Tribune-Herald.

Bids for a long-anticipated roof repair in Honokaa have come in more than three times higher than county officials expected. West Hawaii Today.

The most recent results from Hilo Medical Center's patient satisfaction surveys show that the hospital continues to lag behind state and national averages in most key areas. Tribune-Herald.

Food grown in Hawaii has more than just perfect farm-fresh flavors, a visiting chef said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council members endorsed more than $16 million in water infrastructure projects Tuesday, including plans to replace the aging Waikamoi flume. Maui News.

An old Navy landing craft broke loose from its mooring line and washed onto Sugar Beach in north Kihei on Tuesday morning. Maui News.

More than two dozen Hana residents reacted with enthusiasm and hope in helping shape an income initiative aimed at improving the economic well-being of Native Hawaiians in the area. Maui Now.

Kauai

Monk seal hospital closer to reality. Garden Island.

Kauai County workers won't accept green waste  at the Hanalei, Kapaa and Hanapepe transfer stations due to safety concerns caused by muddy conditions in the drop-off areas caused by Tuesday's heavy rains. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Tsunami Debris Exploration Uncovers New Theories, More Questions. KITV4.