Pay transparency advances in Legislature, Clintons visit Big Island, Honolulu City Council passes shoreline setback bills, Kagawa elected to Kauai County Council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Companies May Be Required To Disclose Pay In Job Ads. Senate Bill 1057 would require employers to list their hourly rates and salary rates on job listings. Civil Beat.

Former lawmaker Kaniela Ing prosecuted for missed deadline. Former state Rep. Kaniela Ing is in trouble again with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission, and this time he’s facing criminal prosecution and possible jail time for allegedly failing to file a mandatory campaign spending update on time. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Gene Ward: ‘Reform Proposals Will Be Very Disappointing This Session’. The veteran GOP lawmaker thinks the one-party dominance of Democrats is a hindrance to efforts to bring more transparency to the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Preschool plan plagued by Hawaii’s teacher shortage.  Momentum is growing for Hawaii’s plan to create statewide access to preschool — but so are anxieties over how quality teachers for 465 new classrooms would be found amid a pervasive teacher shortage, as well as how private preschool providers would be able to attract more workers with higher salaries without pricing out tuition-paying families.  Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

After-school programs eye additional REACH dollars, in part to lower rates of juvenile drug use and crime. After-school programs could be getting a boost in funding after a bill unanimously passed the House Committee on Finance on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council unanimously passes 2 bills to combat rising sea levels. Bills 41 and 42 will increase the shoreline setback rules for new buildings. Hawaii News Now.

DOE Hopes A $35 Million Kitchen In Wahiawa Will Improve School Lunches And Give Farmers A Boost. The DOE plans for a centralized kitchen concept but local advocates say it's better to increase cooking capacity at individual schools. Civil Beat.

Kamalani Academy Charter School Expected To Close In June After Commission Vote. Kamalani Academy, a public charter school in Wahiawa, is expected to permanently shut its doors by the end of June after the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission voted 5-1 Wednesday not to extend the school’s contract for several violations. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

National Guard to test Waiawa wells, spigots for ‘forever chemicals’.  The Army National Guard wants to test drinking water in parts of Waiawa for toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.” It’s investigating to see if residential water wells were contaminated from firefighting foam years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Pokai Bay Beach comfort station project to start. The state will be working on improving the security to the comfort station (bathroom building) at Pokai Bay Beach Park. KHON2.

Rocky’s monk seal pup born on Waikīkī beach gives birth to her own pup Uʻi Mea Ola. On Jan. 28, 2023, Kaimana gave birth to the first pup of 2023 in the main Hawaiian Islands.  Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4

Hawaii Island

State seeks public feedback on proposed location for HVO.  Big Island residents are encouraged to provide feedback for a proposed new facility for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at the University of Hilo campus. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Failing infrastructure threatens future of only hospital that serves West Hawaii. Leadership at Kona Community Hospital is asking the Legislature for nearly $19 million — money to fix utilities that are falling apart. Hawaii News Now.

Proposal to release wasp to fight CBB advances. The release of a parasitoid wasp from Africa to assist in the fight against the invasive coffee berry borer moved one step closer to taking place Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Council Advances Animal Control & Protection Agency Bill. Bill 22 - which will create a new “Animal Control And Protection Agency” - passed first reading at the Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Clintons attend blessing of new parish center on Hawaii Island. Former President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton are in Hawaii. The Clintons attended the blessing of a new parish center at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Kailua-Kona. Hawaii News Now.

Merrie Monarch Ho’ike tickets on sale Sunday. Tickets for this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival Ho‘ike will go on sale at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium box office in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Military Contracts Honolulu Company To Clean Up Haleakala Fuel Spill. The military is still in the process of working to clean up 700 gallons of diesel spilled at the summit last month. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Maui News.

Maui Paves The Way For Organic Section At Kula Agricultural Park. The Maui County Council is setting aside 260-acres of the county's agricultural park for organic farming. Civil Beat.

Maui man accused in alleged $146M Ponzi scheme. A 25-year-old Wailuku man is accused of defrauding investors of more than $2 million through his role in a $146 million Ponzi scheme that took money from investors who thought they were buying futures in foreign currency or gold exchange rates, according to a federal civil enforcement action alleging fraud and misappropriation. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Ross Kagawa fills in vacant Kauaʻi County Council seat.  After a trickle down of vacancies, the Kauaʻi County Council voted in former Councilmember Ross Kagawa to round out the seven-person body. Hawaii Public Radio. Kauai Now. Garden Island.

Hawaii Spent Decades Developing Community-Managed Fishing Areas. Lawmakers May Undo That. When overfishing badly depleted stocks off Kauai’s northwestern shore, subsistence fishermen and their families teamed with environmental regulators to draw up new rules designating Haena as Hawaii’s first Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area. Civil Beat.

Heavy rains cause 100,000 gallons of wastewater to spill at Kauai treatment plant. The state Department of Health said heavy rains earlier this week caused thousands of gallons of wastewater to spill at the Poipu Water Reclamation Plant. Hawaii News Now.

Candidates make last-minute pitches ahead of Saturday primary, tax breaks for accessory dwelling units, Land Board member contacted TMT judge, taro shortage looms following Kauai floods, no swag at Maui Jim invitational, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

No vote no grumble file photo

Candidates running in this year’s primary made their final pitches to voters this week ahead of election day on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

In the final days before Saturday's primary election, candidates are trying to get a little creative to get attention from voters. Hawaii News Now.

Primary settles most races in Democrat dominated Hawaii. That's because the Democratic Party continues to overwhelmingly dominate Hawaii politics. The Republican Party isn't even fielding candidates in most state legislative districts. Associated Press.

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Sign Wave to the Finish Line. Precinct voting sites are due to open Saturday and the Democratic contenders for Governor are making their final push to the finish line. Hawaii Public Radio.

False missile alert plays key role in Hawaii governor race. Hawaii Gov. David Ige wants voters to look at his four years of accomplishments, including his handling of Big Island’s erupting volcano, as reasons to give him a second term. But U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, his main opponent in Saturday’s Democratic primary in the heavily blue state, wants voters to look at 38 minutes in January as reason enough to send Ige packing. Associated Press.

Wannabe voters for the first time will be able to register to vote — and vote — on the same day at all 235 polling places across the islands Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

It Looks Like Voter Turnout Will Be As Low As Ever For Saturday’s Primary. The pattern of absentee voting is similar to the 2016 primary, which ended up having the lowest turnout in state history. Civil Beat.

Rising Democratic star rallies for isle candidate. The special guest, and a major draw, was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, an emerging progressive leader in the Democratic Party, who flew into Honolulu to lend some last-minute support to Rep. Kaniela Ing’s campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Ocasio-Cortez Brings Her Star Power To Hawaii To Boost Kaniela Ing. The democratic socialist who recently scored a big upset in New York appears at a rally for Ing’s congressional candidacy. Civil Beat.

Congressional candidate Kaniela Ing gains support from rising Democratic star. Hawaii News Now.

What's at Stake in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Race? While a lot of attention is focused on the Governor’s race, there’s a lot at stake for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as well. Hawaii Public Radio.

Take The Civil Beat 2018 Primary Election Quiz. Think you’re a political whiz? Test your knowledge of top candidates running for office in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

=====

Health Department to begin enforcing new food handler certification rule. Section 11-50-20(c), Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), requires that the person in charge of a food establishment during normal work hours (including during food preparation) complete training in proper food handling in order to obtain certification. KHON2.

The former Love’s Bakery in Kalihi, a billion-dollar Maui hotel and about 1,500 rental homes in Ewa Beach have put Hawaii commercial real estate sales this year on a blistering pace that already has topped last year’s total, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii to receive funding to remove more than a ton of debris from coastlines. NOAA will give $231, 660 to Hawaii Wildlife Fund for the project to remove debris from the coastlines of Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui and Lanai. KHON2.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will award more than $230,000 to the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to remove 112 metric tons of abandoned fishing gear and marine debris from the coastlines of the Big Island, Kauai, Maui and Lanai. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The state Office of Election said around 400 volunteers are still needed for polling sites across Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu homeowners who want to build accessory dwelling units would get annual tax breaks of about $200 under a bill proposed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

There could be more incentive for homeowners who build an accessory dwelling unit. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell introduced a new bill, that would give homeowners a $60,000 exemption on the value of their property. KHON2.

A state board gave the go-ahead Thursday for Howard Hughes Corp. to develop its sixth condominium tower at Ward Village in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Crews complete repairs to 16-inch water main break in Haleiwa. Crews completed repairs Friday to a 16-inch water main break that shut down a major thoroughfare in Haleiwa and resulted in a school closure. Hawaii News Now.

Despite the initial threat of a hurricane bringing wind and rain, marine wildlife artist Wyland finished restoring a whale mural late Thursday afternoon that originally was dedicated 23 years ago by the late actor Pat Morita. Star-Advertiser.

Saint Francis School will be led by a male head of school for the first time in its 94-year history following the ouster in June of Sister Joan of Arc Souza. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A member of the Board of Land and Natural Resources who supports the Thirty Meter Telescope tried to contact state Supreme Court Justice Michael Wilson in violation of court rules. Star-Advertiser.

PGV to remain offline for at least 18 months. Ormat Technologies, owners of Puna Geothermal Venture, revealed in a Wednesday earnings call that reopening the power plant would take at least 18 months. Tribune-Herald.

A new restriction is in place for Hawaii Community Correctional Center inmate releases as Public Safety officials probe a July blunder that resulted in an accused murderer being erroneously released into the community. West Hawaii Today.

Aquarium fish industry says no significant impact in resuming netting. West Hawaii Today.

Queen Kaahumanu Highway Widening Celebrated In Kona. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Ethics board warns against accepting tournament gifts. For years swag from the Maui Jim Maui Invitational basketball tourney has been given to county officials. Maui News.

Maui ethics board warns against accepting tournament gifts. The Maui ethics board is advising county employees and elected officials to not accept swag or tickets from college basketball tournament officials, warning the gifts could be seen as intent to influence or reward in the performance of their official duties. Associated Press.

C-SPAN Bus Visits Maui August 21-23. C-SPAN, the Washington, D.C.-based public affairs network, in coordination with Spectrum, is heading to Hawaii August 15-25 as the next leg of the network’s 14-month 50 Capitals Tour. Maui Now.

Kauai

Early voting polls closed at 4 p.m., but voters still have an opportunity to cast their ballots Saturday. This election will decide which two Kauai mayoral candidates will move on to November’s general election. It will also decide the 14 council candidates who advance. Garden Island.

Could Hawaii face a taro shortage? Farms still fighting after April's floods. Taro farms along the North Shore of Kauai still have not recovered from the record rainfall and flooding back in April. Their setbacks could lead to a state-wide taro shortage. KITV.

Community cats are next in line for sterilization as September draws closer and with it the next step in the Animal Balance FIX Kauai project. Garden Island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park forever changed, Ing fined $15k for campaign violations, Ige signs bike, boats, vehicle bills into law, landmark decisions restores Maui streams, patient with Legionnaires' disease dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

During the helicopter overflight on June 18, crews captured this image of the growing Halemaumau crater viewed to the southeast. With Hawaii Volcano Observatory and Jagger Museum sitting on the caldera rim (right side, middle where the road bends to the left) it is easier to comprehend the scale of subsidence at the summit. The estimated total volume loss is about 260 million cubic meters as of June 15 PC:USGS

National Park Service staff moved its collection of artifacts and exhibit features from Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Tuesday due to all of the dramatic changes taking place at the summit of Kilauea. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission fined Hawaii Rep. Kaniela Ing more than $15,000 today for filing 23 false reports detailing his campaign contributions and expenditures dating back to 2011, using campaign funds to cover personal expenses and other violations of Hawaii campaign spending laws. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Kaniela Ing will have to pay more than $15,000 for violating the state's campaign finance law. In a hearing Wednesday, the Campaign Spending Commission determined the Congressional District 1 candidate committed 32 violations. KHON2.

Commission approves $15K fine against Kaniela Ing for campaign spending violations. Hawaii News Now.

Here’s The Spending That Got OHA Incumbents In Trouble. A state audit said Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees used their $22,200 per year personal allowances for questionable purposes. Civil Beat.

Officials from all four Hawaii counties will meet today through Saturday for the annual conference of the Hawaii State Association of Counties at the Sheraton Waikiki and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Garden Island.

Boat owners required to register vessels under new law. Governor David Ige signed HB 2596 (Act 48) into law, which requires certain vessel owners to apply for certificates of title within 20 days of becoming an owner, or establishing Hawaii as the state of principal use for the vessel. KHON2.

Governor David Ige signed HB 2215 (Act 46) into law, which requires drivers to allow at least three feet of separation between the driver's vehicle and the bicycle when passing or overtaking the bicyclist. KHON2.

Drivers beware: New law sets wide buffer zone for cars passing bikes. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige will sign a bill today that invests $500,000 into computer science education in public schools and creates opportunities for students to learn STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. Tribune-Herald.

Governor David Ige signs a bill into law to rid public roads of abandoned vehicles. HB 2442, (Act 47), requires counties to take into custody any abandoned vehicle on a public roadway within 10 business days. KHON2.

In an effort to improve Hawaii’s public roads, Gov. David Ige signed a bill Wednesday that requires counties to remove abandoned vehicles within 10 days of their abandonment. Tribune-Herald.

Remains of U.S. service members missing from fighting in North Korea soon may be headed to Hawaii for testing and identification as part of early steps following the historic June 12 summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Star-Advertiser.

UH Scientist Reports Promising Development In Alzheimer’s Research. His discovery is leading to ongoing efforts to produce a drug that could reverse the effects of the disease. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Patient with Legionnaires’ disease dies. Health officials are scrambling to find the sources of bacteria that caused four cases of Legionnaires’ disease over the past month and resulted in one death in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Patient with Legionnaires' disease dies, others may have been infected at hospital. KHON2.

A patient died from Legionnaires' Disease on Oahu. KITV.

Here’s A New Twist In The Honolulu Corruption Case. Recently unsealed court documents point to a questionable link between a suspect in a drug case and the Honolulu prosecutor’s office. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Military is considering Kuaokala Ridge near the U.S. Air Force Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station or one of two sites at the U.S. Army's Kahuku Training area for its new Homeland Defense Radar - sensory radar designed to detect and classify radars. KITV.

Community Hears Proposals for New Missile Defense Radar. Hawaii Public Radio.

Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor receives a $38,000 security camera from NBCUniversal. Star-Advertiser.

Heads up, hikers! The popular Lanikai Pillbox trail will be closed for 2 months. Hawaii News Now.

Simon Treacy, president of the Howard Hughes Corporation in Hawaii, announced the appointment of three industry veterans to new leadership roles at Ward Village, a 60-acre master-planned community in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

More than 1,000 Big Isle residents affected by Kilauea eruption register with FEMA. Star-Advertiser.

Eruption shows no signs of slowing. Preliminary estimates show it has produced about 145 million cubic meters of lava — more than the last two eruptions in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Lava 'bergs,' rapids and flows part of a bizarre new normal on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Things aren't getting any easier for the thousands of Big Island residents who have been displaced by eruptions and lava flows in lower Puna. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County officials continue to look for a safe way for the public to see firsthand the 2,000-degree river of lava racing 8 miles to the sea — a lava “viewing platform” that Gov. David Ige hopes would boost Hawaii island tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to host free events amid eruptions, ash falls. Hawaii News Now.

Eruption Digest For June 20: More Vog Meetings, Citations, and Support. Big Island Video News.

About $1 million has been redirected within the Hawaii Police Department to cover overtime hours piling up as lava continues to flow in Puna. West Hawaii Today.

Lava’s ravages take a toll on residents’ mental health. Star-Advertiser.

While government is still talking about how to house people displaced by the eruption, a Big Island church has already broken ground on a new village for evacuees. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Health advises West Hawaii residents build clean air rooms inside homes. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in an appeal of a decision to grant a construction permit for a giant telescope planned for the state's tallest mountain. Associated Press.

The Hawaii County Council is considering a bill that would change the ethics code to state that officers and employees of the county government "shall be truthful." Big Island Video News.

Nearly $2 million will be coming to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority as part of a U.S. Department of Energy program funding efforts to improve desalination technologies using solar power. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Department of Energy will award over $1.9 million in federal funding to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority to test the viability of solar-thermal desalination on a commercial scale. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Landmark decision restores flow in 10 Maui streams after more than a century. A landmark decision was made Wednesday in the largest water rights case in the state. KHON2.

State Issues Decision on East Maui Interim Instream Flow Standards. Maui Now.

Taro growers, practitioners elated with E. Maui water rights decision. ­17 streams restored by commission to full, near-full flows for farming, habitat. Maui News.

On July 1st, a new law goes into effect in Maui County that makes it illegal to smoke or vape in vehicles with children under the age of 18 present. Maui Now.

Fire Chief Jeff Murray is retiring at the end of the month, ending more than 29 years with the department, including the last decade as chief. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai watersheds are getting a boost thanks to $6.5 million in Capital Improvement Project funding from the Legislature. Garden Island.

Stream diversions are the topic for a meeting tonight at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center as the Commission on Water Resource Management meets with the public in a Wailua watershed fact gathering mission. Garden Island.

Starting today, the County of Kauai Transportation Agency will be operating two electric bus demonstrations on the Kekaha and Hanalei mainline routes free of charge. Garden Island.

RIMPAC battle lines forming. Garden Island.

Lava takes more homes on trek to the sea, Case running for Congress, Hee bows out of gubernatorial race, councilman files ethics charge against Honolulu mayoral staff, more top news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ed Case and wife Audrey during 2012 campaign ©2018 All Hawaii News

Ed Case Prepares To Enter Hawaii Race For Congress. The former congressman pulled papers to run Monday, the day before the filing deadline. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Congressman Ed Case is again vying to serve in the House of Representatives. Hawaii News Now.

Former Congressman Ed Case files papers to run for U.S. House. KHON2.

=====

Longtime Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and former state senator Clayton Hee is pulling out of the governor’s race due to financial considerations but is setting his sights on other political offices. Star-Advertiser.

Clayton Hee Withdraws From Hawaii Governor’s Race. The former state senator will instead seek his former legislative seat or make another bid for lieutenant governor. Civil Beat.

Kaniela Ing Faces More Campaign Finance Questions — This Time From Feds. Already accused of misspending state campaign funds, he now must answer to the Federal Election Commission regarding congressional campaign filings. Civil Beat.

Three landmark bills to combat climate change were signed into law today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. David Ige signs 3 bills combating climate change into law. Star-Advertiser.

The prince and princess of Japan are in Hawaii this week to mark the 150th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the islands. Hawaii News Now.

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.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii criticized the state Department of Health on Thursday for its proposal to allow the Navy up to 20 years to upgrade underground storage tanks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Honolulu Parks Could Save Millions By Reducing Potable Water Use. Water usage increased 13 percent over three years, and there are formal plans to install more nonpotable fixtures at city parks. Civil Beat.

Arizona retiree Tom Askland believed so much in the unique design of a proposed tour boat that he invested more than $100,000 in the prototype vessel and the affiliated company created to build, market and sell the concept to customers around the world. Star-Advertiser.

A 20-year-old man arrested for allegedly beating two Japanese tourists in a Kakaako park bathroom is charged with two counts of first-degree assault. Star-Advertiser.

Bikeshare Hawaii, the non-profit behind Honolulu’s Biki bikeshare program announced today it is conducting a nationwide search for a new executive director to replace Lori McCarney. Star-Advertiser.

Jim Leahey, who painted a vivid word picture of Hawaii sports for listeners over 60 years as the state’s most recognizable radio and television broadcaster, confirmed his retirement. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lava Has Now Destroyed 117 Big Island Homes. New helicopter footage shows lava entering the ocean at Kapoho Bay. Associated Press.

Lava from Kilauea volcano consumed dozens of additional homes and a beloved island destination Monday as the flow filled in Kapoho Bay and destroyed Champagne Ponds. Tribune-Herald.

'No stopping it': Lava claims dozens of homes as it flows to the ocean. Hawaii News Now.

Lava Enters Ocean in Kapoho Bay. Hawaii Public Radio.

Laze Hazard: Ocean Entry Plume at Kapoho Laden with Hydrochloric Acid. Maui Now.

The county’s second highest-ranking official said there are people remaining in Kapoho who have refused to evacuate despite a large lava flow nearby. County Managing Director Wil Okabe said this morning he saw a picture of a guy “still working in his yard.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Civil Defense continues to coordinate the effort to evacuate, and in some cases rescue, the residents in the lava-inundated area of Kapoho, as Fissure 8 is sending a robust lava channel downslope to the ocean. Big Island Video News.

Two men arrested in unrelated incidents in areas of lower Puna inundated by lava made their initial appearances Monday in Hilo District Court. Tribune-Herald.

Website to centralize Big Island air quality reporting. Hawaii County, Hawaii County Civil Defense, the state Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency are working on a website where residents can check levels of sulfur dioxide being measured at air monitoring stations throughout Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Vog continued to blanket West Hawaii on Monday and forecasters say the area is unlikely to see reprieve until Thursday, at the earliest. West Hawaii Today.

Volcano Byproducts Impact Solar Panels. Hawaii Public Radio.

Research says indoor plants improve air quality, combat vog. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to remain closed. West Hawaii Today.

Geothermal Plant And Its Neighbors Have Clashed For Decades. Lava flows threaten the plant’s destruction along with the property of many who have complained about the facility. Civil Beat.

Military’s Live-Fire Training Ignites Resistance From Some Big Island Neighbors. Pohakuloa Training Area, an Army-controlled site the size of Guam, is the largest U.S. military training ground in the Pacific. Civil Beat.

Maui

A pair of environmental groups filed suit Thursday to block a proposed Kahului sludge farm and power plant. Star-Advertiser.

The Sierra Club Maui Group and Maui Tomorrow are challenging Maui County and Anaergia Services’ proposed sludge farm and power plant along the Kahului shoreline by filing a lawsuit in Maui’s Environmental Court on Thursday. Maui Now.

Maui County has a set of old college dorms in mind for low-income housing. Star-Advertiser.


Kauai

The Kauai County Council approved an operating budget of $218 million for fiscal year 2018-19, while the Capital Improvements Project Budget is set at $40 million. Garden Island.

Concern for many of the issues facing Kauai is why Eleele resident Victoria Franks is running for the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayoral candidate Derek Kawakami opened his campaign headquarters on Rice Street on Friday. Garden Island.

Blue flames the latest show from Kilauea volcano as National Guard prepares for air evacuations, Pentagon withdraws China's RIMPAC invite, slightly more active hurricane season predicted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Blue flames from burning methane are the latest natural phenomena being seen at the eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Associated Press.

A blue-burning flame of methane gas was observed in the cracks on Kahukai Street during the overnight hours in Puna just before midnight on May 22, 2018. Tribune-Herald.

National Guard prepares for air evacuations if lava cuts off key Puna highway. An air evacuation of the portions of Lower Puna that are threatened by the Kilauea volcano eruption could be accomplished within four hours if that becomes necessary because of damage to ground transportation routes, according to Hawaii Army National Guard commander Brig. Gen. Kenneth Hara. Star-Advertiser.

Number of structures claimed by lava rises to 50 as eruptions continue. Hawaii News Now.

Officials Expect New Lava Flow to Enter Ocean. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kilauea Volcano on the Island of Hawaii, though best known for its frequent quiet eruptions of lava flows, has erupted explosively many times in its history—most recently in 2011. USGS Report.

=====

The Pentagon on Wednesday withdrew an invitation to China to participate in a major Pacific naval exercise, citing Beijing’s “continued militarization” of the South China Sea, adding another irritant to relations between the two nations as they jostle over trade and North Korea. Tribune News.

Forecasters Predict Central Pacific Could See Up To 6 Hurricanes This Season. Weak El Nino conditions — water warming on the surface of the ocean along the equator — could make the next few months stormier. Associated Press.

Forecasters are calling for normal to above-normal tropical cyclone activity within the Central Pacific this hurricane season. West Hawaii Today.

Hurricane Season in Hawaii officially starts next month and forecasters are expecting above normal activity. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Decision Delayed On Hawaii Legislator’s Alleged Campaign Violations. Rep. Kaniela Ing faces more than $15,000 in fines for 31 counts connected to prior campaigns. Civil Beat.

The state Campaign Spending Commission this morning postponed hearing a complaint against state Rep. Kaniela Ing until next month. Star-Advertiser.

The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration today to ban two  chemicals from sunscreens and other personal care products that they say are killing precious coral and damaging reefs. Maui Now.

Oahu

The city plans to erase seven crosswalks along busy South King Street. Hawaii News Now.

Ride-hailing apps face price caps under City Council plan. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Despite Kilauea’s worsening volcanic activity, May visitor arrivals are up 25 percent over last year on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

The County is once again distributing free masks for ash protection at various locations, today through Friday. Big Island Video News.

No water restriction yet: New deep well starts pumping in North Kona as 4 remain offline. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui Police Department is the first in the state to be equipped and trained to use a nasal spray that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Maui News.

A Makena family’s request to continue holding weddings on its property is headed to the Maui County Council after the Maui Planning Commission recommended approval of an after-the-fact permit Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. signed a second emergency proclamation on Wednesday, effectively extending the order prohibiting the operation of vacation rentals in flood-affected areas. Hawaii News Now.

Kahiliholo Road in Kilauea has collapsed after being damaged by Kauai’s April floods, and has created a dam, blocking the waterfall along Kuhio Highway, just before the Kalihiwai River. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai Recycling Office announced a free electronic waste recycling event for residents and businesses set for Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Anaina Hou Community Park behind Kauai Mini Golf in Kilauea. 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.

Legislature bans gay conversion therapy, conference committees advance sunscreen and pesticide bans, new money for homeless housing, pot sales to tourists, Land Board rejects Shangri La plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo gay pride parade ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii becomes 12th state to ban gay conversion therapy for minors. Hawaii News Now.

From homelessness to agricultural issues, conference committees on Friday worked to reach final deals on bills before they advance in the legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Want To Spend $30M On Legal Homeless Encampments. Three “ohana zones” would be built on Oahu, and one each on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Offer Hawaii Developers Big Tax Break To Build Apartments. But critics question a proposal that would subsidize rents as high as $3,000 for a one-bedroom unit. Civil Beat.

Out-of-state marijuana patients visiting Hawaii soon may be allowed to buy their medicinal pot at local dispensaries, a potential boon to the fledgling cannabis industry. Star-Advertiser.

Sunscreen ban one step closer to becoming law. KHON2.

Bills regulating pesticide use and protecting Hawaii’s coral reefs advanced in conference committee ahead of Friday’s final decking deadline. Maui Now.

Pesticide Compromise Reached As Conference Committee Time Expires. Measures on medical marijuana and all-mail voting are moving forward before the session wraps up next week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is one step closer to buffering the use of several pesticides around schools, while outright banning the use of another throughout the state. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers have tentatively agreed to amend state law to position Hawaii to quickly begin collecting excise taxes from online sales if the U.S. Supreme Court authorizes the states to do so. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers agreed last week to trim the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s funding but lessened the impact by agreeing to forgive its debt on the Hawaii Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

A renewed call from a national hotel group asks state and local government leaders to start taxing Airbnb and other short-term rental sites with the same oversight and transparency as hotels. KITV.

Domestic violence victims decry legislative inaction. Star-Advertiser.

2018 Legislative Wrap Up. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Campaign Spending Commission is taking a close look at state lawmaker and Congressional Candidate Kaniela Ing's campaigns for his state House seat. Hawaii News Now.

UH campuses take the lead with solar power. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Agriculture announced earlier this month that it is accepting applications for state licenses to grow hemp. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ballard Promises Aggressive Recruitment To Fix Cop Shortage. Honolulu’s police chief offers blunt assessments of homelessness and the scandal that tarnished her predecessor. Civil Beat.

City officials plan to send Honolulu police into state-owned Kakaako Waterfront Park and adjacent parks starting at 11 p.m. Monday to sweep an estimated 80 — mostly chronically — homeless people. Star-Advertiser.

State rejects plan to remove breakwaters near Doris Duke's Shangri La. KHON2.

The state Health Department said the Weinberg Foundation must conduct lead abatement at the former site of the Swat Gun Club in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Olomana Golf Links reopened Friday, two weeks after shutting down operations at the 18-hole Windward Oahu golf course, and has paid more than $100,000 in back rent to the state of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

After two decades in service, the Hawaiian Airlines Drive-Thru Check-In will say goodbye to its final guests. The full-service check-in opened in the summer of 1998 on the ground level of the inter-island terminal. KHON2.

Hawaii-based Wi-Fi service provider Sun Global Broadband signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japanese Wi-Fi service provider NTT Broadband Platform for services in Waikiki on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim recuperating at home. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would create a sprawling redevelopment district for Hilo under a 10-year pilot program is headed for a vote in the state House and Senate. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii State House and Senate conference committee approved a bill on Thursday that would give Hilo a needed economic boost, according to the senator who introduced it. Big Island Video News.

Lawmakers Wednesday signed off on $69 million to construct a permanent federal inspection station at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. West Hawaii Today.

The future of the Na Hoa Holomoku of Hawaii Yacht Club might be scuttled after the county Department of Parks and Recreation ordered the club to move its boats off of Hilo Bayfront shores. Tribune-Herald.

The Days Are Numbered For These Lava Flow Vendors. Hawaii County looks to clear out roadside businesses and relocate the parking lot for its lava flow viewing area. Nearby residents are unhappy. Civil Beat.

Police have charged a 32-year-old South Hilo patrol officer with misdemeanor assault for an incident that occurred on duty. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii Police Department officer has been charged with assaulting a boy who ran away from the Salvation Army Interim Home in Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools completed construction Tuesday on a produce processing facility in East Hawaii for farmers to prepare crops for sale. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State bill mulls condemnation of land under Front Street Apartments. Compromise measure also sets aside $30 million for affordable housing in Lahaina. Maui News.

A Maui County Council committee rejected a draft settlement agreement earlier this month that was aimed at resolving a lawsuit over Mayor Alan Arakawa’s termination of Department of Water Supply Director David Taylor. Maui News.

Japanese training ship to anchor at Kahului Harbor. Visit of tall ship to celebrate the 150th anniversary of first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. Maui News.


Kauai

Disaster worsens rental housing, labor pool woes; can General Plan help? Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and county officials continued his tour on Saturday visiting residents in Koloa and Hanalei affected by the recent flood. KITV.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe Bill Passes: Reestablishes Cultural Resources Coordinator. Maui Now.

Bump stock ban, other bills, pass state Legislature, Honolulu bill lets high-rises opt out of sprinkler law, new life for county GET surcharge, Kauai council passes $5M for flood recovery, more on Trump v. Hawaii Supreme Court hearing, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol PC: Charles Freedman

With the Hawaii State Legislature set to adjourn in a week, lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to several significant bills, including a measure that would make it illegal to sell or own “bump stock” devices, like the ones used last year by a gunman to spray gunfire into a Las Vegas crowd. Star-Advertiser.

Bump Stock Ban Passes Hawaii Legislature In Wake Of Las Vegas Massacre. The state is poised to prohibit the manufacture, sale and ownership of devices used to increase firearms’ rate of fire. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday in Hawaii’s challenge to President Trump’s latest travel ban. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lt. Gov. Doug Chin said the discussion and questions by U.S. Supreme Court justices during oral arguments Wednesday have not dampened his optimism that the country’s highest court will strike down President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

FULL AUDIO: U.S. Supreme Court Hears Trump v. Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

The federal government is trying to foreclose on the assets of Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. to recover $128 million in principal and interest the company owes on delinquent U.S. Department of Agriculture loans, according to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser.

Less than a week after fielding questions about his academic record, state Rep. Kaniela Ing is facing a new controversy over a failure to report thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state agency responsible for Hawaii’s tourism marketing, just announced another high-ranking personnel departure. Leslie Dance, HTA’s vice president of marketing and product development, has resigned from her position effective May 15. Star-Advertiser.

Leslie Dance is stepping down as vice president of marketing at the Hawaii Tourism Authority next month, the tourism agency announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Central Pacific Financial Corp., the parent company of Honolulu-based Central Pacific Bank, reported net income of $14.3 million, or 48 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 9.1 percent compared to last year’s first quarter earnings. Pacific Business News.

Southwest reveals plans to serve 4 Hawaii airports amid slow ticket sales. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A bill passed by the Honolulu City Council requires about 150 older high-rise condominiums to be retrofitted with automated sprinkler systems — except it really doesn’t. Star-Advertiser.

A bill outlawing drifting and drift racing on city roads was approved unanimously by the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The city is taking steps to make sure roads like Tantalus Drive will be safe from drivers who drift or drift race. KHON2.

A motorcyclist will get $3M after a settlement with the city over a 2014 collision with a Honolulu Police Officer. Hawaii News Now.

The City and County of Honolulu has received $300,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to transform contaminated properties in need of environmental cleanup along the rail transit corridor. Pacific Business News.

Big changes may be ahead for the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility as legislators make last-minute adjustments to Governor David Ige's bill. Hawaii News Now.

After less than four months of selling condominiums in the seventh tower permitted for Ward Village, the developer of the community in Kakaako is seeking a permit for an eighth tower. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to build a wind farm in the hills above Makakilo is running into opposition from area residents. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson denied a request by U.S. State Department special agent Christopher Deedy to block the state from prosecuting him for manslaughter pending a decision on whether his constitutional rights would be violated, but the judge said Wednesday that he expects to rule well before trial in October. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu food pantry buys warehouse with $3.5M city grant. Pacific Business News.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has sold, or contracted to sell, more than 1,500 homes at its Ward Village master development in Hawaii since 2014, representing more than $2 billion in revenue for the Dallas-based developer. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A House-Senate conference committee breathed new life Wednesday into Mayor Harry Kim’s request for a general excise tax surcharge by extending the deadline for the County Council to approve the measure. West Hawaii Today.

House and Senate negotiators Wednesday agreed to a bill that would authorize the hiring of four extra social workers to help address a crisis in the child-welfare system on the east side of Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A state House-Senate conference committee on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill that will establish a five-year pilot program to fund four more full-time Child Welfare Services case workers in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

An adjustment to the state budget that would fund a new medium security unit at Hawaii Community Correctional Center was sent to Gov. David Ige for final approval Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Financial relief: County finds money to continue Banyan Beach lua. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The project with the heftiest price tag — the $81.2 million Wailuku civic complex — made the cut in Budget and Finance Chairman Riki Hokama’s proposed budget, though other projects like the Maui Lani roundabout got the ax. Maui News.

Medeiros: Funding cut puts paratransit rides in jeopardy. Hundreds of disabled people rely on curb-to-curb rides for doctor visits, physical therapy, shopping. Maui News.

The state House passed a $14.4 billion state budget Wednesday that includes $40 million for construction of the Kaanapali leg of the Lahaina bypass, $49 million for construction of the Paia bypass and $40 million for building the new Kihei high school. Maui News.

A recent report by the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice states that vacation rental units put pressure on Hawaii’s already-stressed housing market by reducing homes for Hawaii residents and driving up rents. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. lost $1 million in the first three months of this year with no asset sales that the company has been relying on for profits in recent years. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council approved a $5 million emergency ordinance Wednesday to help pay for recovery from flooding that devastated much of the North Shore. Garden Island.

Nearly two weeks after historic flooding caused major damage on Kauai, council members were briefed by county employees on preliminary damage assessments. Preliminary numbers show 66 homes with major damage. KHON2.

Torrential rainfall in north Kauai that ravaged homes and businesses about a week and a half ago may have set a national record, according to the National Weather Service. Star-Advertiser.

The National Weather Service says Waipa, just outside Hanalei on Kauai, recorded 49.69 inches of rain over a 24-hour period from April 14th to 15th. KITV.

Floods Have Left Behind ‘A Different World’ On Kauai’s North Shore. The storm’s toll in Hanalei and more remote areas includes destroyed homes, lost jobs and vanished tourist dollars. Civil Beat.

Hanalei taro farmers urge public to 'stay away' as farms recover from floods. Hawaii News Now.

Effects of flood on coral unclear; fears rise that damage could be extensive. Garden Island.