Showing posts with label Rep. Kaniela Ing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rep. Kaniela Ing. Show all posts

Friday, April 20, 2018

Honolulu rail funding disagreement, vendors to be ousted from lava viewing area, congressional candidate exaggerates education, Maui ex-policeman pleads guilty to theft, jobless rate remains low, Carvalho surveys Kauai's damaged North Shore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Rail through Waipahu PC: HART
Auditor disagrees with HART on rail reimbursements. As work gets underway on a far-reaching audit of the multibillion-dollar rail project, state Auditor Les Kondo warned officials that his office has already identified potential red flags. Star-Advertiser.

How Will Honolulu Pay To Run Rail Once It’s Built? The City Still Doesn’t Know. Many other rail transit systems rely on special sales taxes to pay what passenger fares don’t cover. Civil Beat.

Congressional candidate didn't finish master's degree his LinkedIn page said he had. For years, congressional candidate Kaniela Ing's LinkedIn page said he received a master's degree in public administration from the University of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Isle jobless rate steady at 2.1% for sixth month. Hawaii’s unemployment rate, the lowest in the nation, held firm in March at 2.1 percent for the sixth month in a row as employers added 200 jobs. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers could ban sunscreens with toxic chemicals that are damaging reefs. KHON2.

Scientists Warn Plastic Could Soon Out-Weigh Fish in the Ocean. Maui Now.

Businesses are tightening policies on emotional support dogs. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. on Thursday released its 11th annual Sustainability Report for 2017-2018 describing the utility's efforts to address climate change and contribute to community sustainability. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is attempting to close loopholes in some of the city’s ordinances. And, they’re targeting sidewalk vendors and golfers. Hawaii Public Radio.

E-bus struggles to make the grade. The city is restating its characterization of how an electric bus on loan performed in February tests around Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Tension High Over Airport Rideshare Pilot Program. Long simmering tensions between the local taxi companies and transportation network companies, Uber and Lyft, erupted again. Hawaii Public Radio.

Erosion taking toll at Haleiwa Beach Park. Severe erosion is forcing the closure of makai entrances to the bathrooms and removal of outdoor showers at Haleiwa Beach Park, safety precautions announced Thursday by city park officials. Star-Advertiser.

Gaping sinkhole growing with each wave makes for dangerous situation in Haleiwa. Hawaii News Now.

Nanakuli Village Center: Big Plans But Few Results So Far. After more than a decade of planning, construction could begin this month on a commercial center — or it might not. Civil Beat.

State seeks to cancel lease with Olomana Golf Club. Fears of vandalism and homeless squatters are among the new concerns for former staff at a Kailua golf course. KITV.

Elite Pacific Properties has acquired a vacation rental management company that manages 29 Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore. Pacific Business News.

Power restored to entire UH-Manoa campus after large transformer fire. Hawaii News Now.

Transformer fire at UH Manoa causes widespread power outage. Honolulu Fire Department personnel battled a large fire at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s lower campus this evening. Star-Advertiser.

A Florida man was sentenced today to two months in jail and four months home confinement for his role in scamming the University of Hawaii out of $200,000 for Stevie Wonder concert that never happened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Vendors face relocation: County responding to safety concerns near lava viewing area in Kalapana. Hawaii County is clamping down on vendors near its designated lava viewing area at the end of Highway 130 in Kalapana. Tribune-Herald.

County Explains Kalapana Vendor Crack-Down. Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno told the council Thursday that the county will "strictly enforce" the law beginning July 1st. Big Island Video News.

The Kohala Swimming Pool and a room in the North Kohala Senior Center are closed following a set of recent mishaps. Big Island Video News.

A second lieutenant will soon join the ranks of the Kona unit of the Department of Public Safety’s Sheriff Division, pending the governor’s approval of the state’s budget. West Hawaii Today.

Logistics of cesspool conversion bring financial burden. Last year, legislators passed a law requiring Hawaii homeowners do away with the state’s estimated 88,000 cesspools by 2050. West Hawaii Today.

Peter Kema Sr. must serve a minimum of 18 years in prison for the killing of his son, Peter Kema Jr., aka “Peter Boy,” the Hawaii Paroling Authority announced today. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Department of Health recently identified several cases of ciguatera fish poisoning from ingestion of the giant trevally (ulua) recreationally caught off the northwest coast of Hawaii Island. Big Island Now.

Maui

Former Maui Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Theft, Witness Tampering. Former Maui police officer Anthony Maldonado, of Kahului, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering. Maui Now.

Former Maui police officer pleads guilty to traffic-stop theft. He also is charged with bribery, faces up to 21 years in prison, $350,000 in fines. Maui News.

Maui vegetable farmers fighting Mother Nature. Recent heavy rains, flooding ruin crops, breed pests. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. completed a site visit Thursday to communities in Lumahai, Wainiha and Haena. Garden Island.

Lifeline To Kauai’s North Shore Must Be Rebuilt Now, Relocated Later. Officials don’t know when the Kuhio Highway, smothered by mud and debris, will be completely reopened. Meanwhile, the state will speed up a $33 million plan to rebuild a series of old bridges. Civil Beat.

More and more respond to need for help on North Shore. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources conducted a helicopter survey of its lands, and found most of the vast acreage of lands it manages to have relatively less damage than originally thought due to last weekend’s historical flooding. Star-Advertiser.

In flood-devastated Hanalei, a beloved cemetery is covered under a mountain of mud. Hawaii News Now.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are donating $1 million to assist flood-relief efforts on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Ocean Safety personnel on Kauai have closed Keoneloa Bay to swimming after a 29-year-old male visitor was apparently bitten by a shark while body boarding at around 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018. Maui Now.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Gov. Ige seeks to double food production by 2020, homelessness as medical condition, Honolulu bill would strengthen plastic bag ban, state could tighten drunk driving laws, activists plan march on Zuckerberg property, Kim injury keeps him from important hearing, Rep. Ing pleads no contest to citation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hilo Farmers Market © 2017 All Hawaii News


BREAKING: Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan: 'We are dropping our quiet title actions' Garden Island.

Money Sought To Protect Watersheds And Grow More Food. Hawaii Gov. David Ige joins department heads asking legislators to approve funds for his Sustainable Hawaii Initiative. Civil Beat.

Doubling Hawaii's local food production by 2020 is one of Governor Ige's marquee promises, and the state's Department of Agriculture is tasked with making it become a reality. But with the deadline just three years away, many are asking whether that number is still realistic. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is considering measures to increase public transparency in the wake of criticism from the visitor industry and state lawmakers that it isn’t forthcoming about how it spends tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to market the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bill would classify homelessness as medical condition. Associated Press.

Measures Aim To Help Domestic Violence Victims Get Help. The Hawaii Women’s Legislative Caucus is also backing bills to ensure access to health care and to keep kids safe. Civil Beat.

The chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy said Thursday she would not consider bills about Hawaiian Electric Co. if the utility was not included in the process. Star-Advertiser.

The state is looking into tightening drunk driving laws. Right now, the legal limit is 0.08, but an effort is underway to lower that threshold to 0.05. KHON2.

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald says lawmakers have advanced some troubling bills in recent years to make dramatic changes in the selection, retention and pensions of state judges but that he doesn’t know if the measures were designed to convey some message of disapproval to the state Judiciary. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public schools look to lessen food waste. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to put Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamana‘opono Crabbe on paid leave while the Board of Trustees works on a deal to buy out his employment contract failed Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

In a dramatic moment Thursday, Native Hawaiian activist Bumpy Kanahele called for an investigation into OHA's finances, throwing a handful of salt onto the group's meeting table and suggesting the board invite federal authorities to examine its business its dealings. Hawaii News Now.

Stephen Schatz, deputy superintendent for the state Department of Education, is leaving his post for a job at the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A bill to make Honolulu’s plastic bag ban more stringent has been languishing at the City Council despite concerns that the existing law isn’t doing enough to protect Oahu’s environment. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City council member Brandon Elefante has introduced a bill that would make it illegal to use your cell phone while crossing the street, or highway. KITV.

State Health Department officials have issued a public advisory for one of the lagoons at Ko Olina, saying there are high levels of a dangerous bacteria in the water. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Commission violated state law when it met behind closed doors to discuss Chief Louis Kealoha’s employment, including agreeing to allow him to retire with an added payment of $250,000, a lawsuit filed Thursday alleges. Civil Beat.

City regulators in Honolulu on Thursday ordered the owners of the shuttered Polynesian Plaza hotel in Waikiki to immediately stop construction work on the property until a new general contractor and plumber are found, Pacific Business News has learned.

Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp., doing business as AFC Sushi at Safeway Kapahulu, was fined $6,000 Thursday by the state Department of Health for food-safety violations and removing a health inspection placard from public view. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu, where the median price of a single-family home rose 5 percent last year, was one of the coolest spots in the U.S. for house flipping in 2016, when compared with other metropolitan areas. Pacific Business News.

Three utility-scale solar farms that Hawaiian Electric Co. terminated last year are going to be revived. Star-Advertiser.

The architects who favor street-level rail from Middle Street to Ala Moana Center have launched a website. KITV.

Ledcor Construction Hawaii LLC is suing the owners of the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, claiming the contractor wasn't paid for doing nearly $1 million of work on the hotel’s redevelopment project, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Mayor Harry Kim injured his arm and missed an important hearing in Honolulu on Monday, sparking renewed concerns about his health. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island state lawmakers introduced an ambitious long-term plan to revitalize Hilo’s urban core during the ongoing legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

The county Planning Department wants input on a draft version of its Downtown Hilo improvement plan, which recommends converting multiple roads from one-way to two-way and more than doubling off-street public parking spaces. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo’s state senator has introduced a bill to unlock the economic potential of his district’s urban core. Big Island Video News.

Two years ago, the State Legislature appropriated $90 million dollars to build a new judiciary building in Kona.  Now, Hawai‘i State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald is asking for more funding. Hawaii Public Radio.

After threats to historic trails halted construction on Queen Kaahumanu Highway late last year, the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced Thursday plans to resume the second phase of the highway widening project beginning next week. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Saying “I was mistaken” when he made earlier statements about his citation for not having vehicle insurance, state Rep. Kaniela Ing pleaded no contest Wednesday to the traffic crime. Maui News.

Maui Criminal Case Filings Increase 50% in Five Years. Maui Now.

Maui’s two licensed medical marijuana dispensaries are weeks away from beginning to grow their first crop, but it may take another four to five months before residents can get their hands on products. Maui News.

Kauai

More than 200 people on Kauai are planning a protest on Saturday near Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 700-acre property in Kilauea. Hawaii News Now.

A California couple is asking $7.5 million for a 552-square-foot, one-bedroom home set on three-quarters of an acre within Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 700 acres of oceanfront property on the island of Kauai’s North Shore, Pacific Business News has learned.

A store providing free school supplies for teachers on Kaua‘i will open its doors this weekend.  An organization called Kumu’s Cupboard in the Kukui Grove Center will provide resources for local teachers who would otherwise be using their own money to buy basic school supplies. Hawaii Public Radio.

Settlement in polygraph suit may cost state $400K. Star-Advertiser.

Alakai O Kauai Public Charter School is enrolling students. The school unanimously approved by the Hawaii State Charter School Commission is on track to open in August with 165 students. Garden Island.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Hawaii solar panels nearing grid capacity, lobbying law finally comes to Kauai, Department of Education rebuffs lawmaker, tourism up, 3 Honolulu mayoral candidates debate, rail chief under review, Maui rep apologizes for arrest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Solar panels in Hilo © 2016 All Hawaii News
Oahu and the Big Island are closing in on the total capacity the state allows for residential solar systems that can export excess power to the grid and receive credit. Oahu is at 70 percent of its total limit, and the Big Island is at 70.6 percent, according to Hawaiian Electric Co. numbers released last week. solar applicants on Maui hit the limit in June. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s visitor industry achieved its best midyear performance ever, putting it on pace to achieve its fifth consecutive record-setting year. Star-Advertiser.

A state lawmaker concerned about hot classrooms in his district was rebuffed when he tried to attend a meeting Thursday morning with school officials and contractors involved with an expedited $100 million air-conditioning project. Civil Beat.

The applications for three startup charter schools will be recommended to the state Public Charter School Commission for approval, while three others got a thumbs-down Thursday from the agency’s Applications Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Federal researchers returning from a 30-day expedition to study whales and dolphins around the Hawaiian Islands said Thursday they are looking for clues to help sustain healthy populations of the marine mammals. Associated Press.

Oahu

At the KITV and Civil Beat mayoral debate Thursday night, candidates were asked about Honolulu Police Department mismanagement, homelessness, neighborhood boards — and, of course, rail.

With just over two weeks remaining before the Aug. 13 primary election, the three major mayoral candidates attacked one another’s positions on rail transit and personal backgrounds in their first televised debate. Star-Advertiser.

KITV Island News and Civil Beat hosted a debate with the top candidates running for mayor of the City & County of Honolulu.   Incumbent mayor Kirk Caldwell, former mayor Peter Carlisle and former Congressman Charles Djou participated in the debate.

Honolulu’s policy of moving homeless people out of sight of tourists isn’t likely to change anytime soon, because it’s supported by all three of the best-known candidates for mayor. Civil Beat.

The board overseeing Honolulu’s rail project will hold a special meeting early next month to continue its behind-closed-doors assessment of the executive director’s job performance. Star-Advertiser.

Congressman K. Mark Takai passed away last week with nearly 6 months left in his term. Takai’s chosen successor is now gearing up her campaign to regain her seat. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Navy said it is working on placement of a new $500,000 groundwater monitoring well near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Facility to check water quality and evaluate how groundwater moves in the vicinity. Star-Advertiser.

Four days after Tropical Storm Darby dumped about a foot of rain on Oahu, some businesses in Kalihi are still suffering from the storm’s impacts. Hawaii News Now.

The muddy, garbage-infused muddle of junk left behind by Tropical Storm Darby in the waters and along the shoreline of Keehi Lagoon is threatening the state sport of outrigger canoe paddling’s largest annual event. Star-Advertiser.

Costco has confirmed a worker at its Hawaii Kai store tested positive for hepatitis A. The employee worked in the store’s bakery department and, according to a Costco spokesman, may have inappropriately handled food products. KHON2.

Hawaii

There’s a dustup in the local Democratic Party over an official’s endorsement of a candidate in a nonpartisan County Council race. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island race to represent the poorest Senate district in the state pits a lifelong environmentalist and successful businessman against the youngest person to ever be elected to the Hawaii County Council. Civil Beat.

Having made a series of broad sketches over the past months, the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency and the Hawaii County Planning Department are beginning to tweak details for the ambitious long-term project that will renovate one of Hilo’s most recognizable areas. Tribune-Herald.

Political hopefuls went on the record Wednesday night in regard to one of Hawaii’s most divisive issues. 8 of the 11 Hawaii County mayoral candidates present for a forum held at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale in Hilo declared their support for the Thirty Meter Telescope project planned for Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, the American Bird Conservancy and the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project have created the Palila Forest Discovery Trail — a one-mile, interpretative loop trail located in the game management area of Kaohe, which falls within the boundaries of the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Representative Kaniela Ing of Maui was apologetic for missing a court date and being served a subsequent bench warrant for failure to appear in court for a vehicle insurance violation. Maui Now.

Last night, state Representative Kaniela Ing, D–South Maui, released a statement on his July 26 arrest on a $250 traffic infraction bench warrant issued back in February of this year. MauiTime.

State Rep. Kaniela Ing was arrested by Maui police Tuesday on a warrant for failing to appear in court for a vehicle insurance violation that the South Maui representative described as "a human mistake." Maui News.

The closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is costing parent company Alexander & Baldwin less than expected, and the company now expects the cessation of operations to be "a cash positive event" for the full year, A&B said in its second quarter report released Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Lobbyists have to register with the Office of the County Clerk, effective Thursday, thanks to Ordinance 999, passed by the County Council in March. Garden Island.

For more than a decade, county leaders have been working toward a treatment and healing center for Kauai’s youth. On Thursday night, about 50 people gathered at the Lihue Civic Center for the unveiling of the draft environmental assessment of the proposed center. Garden Island.

A measure that would allow vending on county-owned streets was deferred Wednesday to an Oct. 12 Kauai County Council committee meeting. Garden Island.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

EPA warns Hawaii about beach bacteria, Takai remembered at DNC convention, Hirono's name misspelled, bird-flipping delegate won't apologize, Kaupulehu marine reserve established, Maui Rep. Ing arrested, Kauai additional rental units bill advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Anini Beach on Kauai
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has sent the Hawaii Department of Health a stern letter warning state officials to do a better job protecting the public’s health when it comes to posting signs at beaches known to have unsafe levels of fecal-waste bacteria in the water. The EPA also wants the state to do more thorough investigations into the sources of enterococcus at certain sites, such as Waiopili Stream on the south shore of Kauai. Civil Beat.

The Environmental Protection Agency is calling on the state to post warning signs at Kauai's Mahaulepu Beach, just upshore from the Garden Isle's gold coast. Hawaii News Now.

Health care providers have been slow to embrace the medical marijuana industry even though July 15 was the legal opening date for the state’s first dispensaries. The number of doctors certifying medical cannabis patients climbed only slightly over the past six months. Star-Advertiser.

Colleagues of the late U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai remembered the Hawaii congressman on stage at the Democratic National Convention today. Star-Advertiser.


Democratic National Convention
Convention bird
Chelsea Lyons Kent, a member of Hawaii’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia has been kicked out of the group after she was shown on television on Tuesday giving the middle finger as U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Hawaii’s delegate count for Hillary Clinton. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii delegate who made an obscene gesture at the Democrats’ national convention in Philadelphia stands by her action. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s delegation saw several Sanders delegates walk out in protest following Tuesday’s state-by-state tally that officially made Clinton the party’s nominee. One delegate, Chelsea Kent of Honolulu, displayed an obscene gesture on national television during the roll-call vote. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii delegate’s credentials were removed after she flipped off the camera on national television during roll call at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday. Garden Island.

Sen. Mazie Hirono’s (D-Hawaii) name was misspelled when she appeared on stage Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention.  The Hawaii senator’s name appeared as “Mazie Mirono” on the giant screen behind the stage inside the Wells Fargo Center as she spoke. The Hill.

With the Zika virus a growing worldwide health threat, the Blood Bank of Hawaii is moving to implement screening of all of its blood donations in an effort to ensure a Zika-free supply. Star-Advertiser.

Why It Took A Republican Governor To Get Blue Hawaii On The Path To Clean Energy. When Gov. Linda Lingle pushed for sweeping renewable energy legislation, Hawaiian Electric pushed back. But Lingle eventually won. Civil Beat.

Island Air announced Wednesday that it has extended agreements with three labor unions that represent most of its employees. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Chuck Totto received two months’ severance pay — or about $18,000 — as part of his deal with the city to walk away from his role as executive director of the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Totto also agreed that he would not sue the commission, and in return the agency would defend him in any litigation stemming from his employment with the city. Civil Beat.

City officials estimate the air-conditioning system at the Fasi Municipal Building will be fixed no earlier than Tuesday, leaving hundreds of city employees and the site’s visitors dealing with the summer heat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

New faces played off against old hands Wednesday evening during the final major mayoral forum before the Aug. 13 primary. Top issues for most of the 11 candidates at the forum were poverty and homelessness, renewable energy, taxation, lagging infrastructure and trust, ethics and efficiency in government. West Hawaii Today.

This is state Sen. Kai Kahele’s first race for elected office, having been appointed to the post by Gov. David Ige in January, and yet it all feels so familiar to him. Civil Beat.

New rules creating a marine reserve at Ka‘Å«pÅ«lehu, and a 10-year ban on near shore fishing, go into effect on Friday, July 29. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige signed a rule last week establishing a marine reserve at Kaupulehu. The rule carries with it a 10-year, near shore rest period, which essentially amounts to a fishing ban with limited exceptions, out to a depth of 120 feet across a 3.6 mile stretch of the West Hawaii coastline. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Democratic state Rep. Kaniela Ing turned himself in to police Tuesday and was arrested on a bench warrant issued in February after he failed to appear in court to answer a citation for failure to have no-fault insurance on his car. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Kaniela Ing was arrested by Maui police Tuesday on a warrant for failing to appear in Wailuku District Court for a vehicle insurance violation in February. Maui News.

Winding down Hawaii’s last sugar plantation cost Alexander &Baldwin Inc. less in the second quarter than previously expected, but still produced a second consecutive quarterly financial loss for the company. Star-Advertiser.

One hundred years ago Monday, the place of myth where the demigod Maui lassoed the sun, the realm of the gods to Native Hawaiians, the 10,023-foot vantage point for crowds awed by the dawning of a new day, and the home to 200 endangered species including the nene and silversword was established as a section of the Hawaii National Park. Maui News.

Kauai

In front of a crowd of about 80 people at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall Tuesday evening, Rep. Jimmy Tokioka (D-15) and Democratic candidate Thomas Oi addressed infrastructure, affordable housing and agriculture on Kauai. Garden Island.

A Kauai County Council committee voted in favor of a bill Wednesday that would allow additional rental units in the Lihue Planning district, passing on the bill to full council on Aug. 3. Garden Island.

A resolution aimed at improving pedestrian safety on Waikomo Road in Koloa was once again deferred in committee by the Kauai Council Wednesday, pushing its next date for discussion to Sept. 28. Garden Island.