NOAA probes grant fund misuse in efforts to delist green sea turtle, University of Hawaii could lose deep-sea submersibles, cost of militarization, affordable housing mulled for Honolulu, lava forces plans for new road routes, new sirens for Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green sea turtle in Hawaii © 2014 All Hawaii News

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has directed the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Wespac) to investigate the extent to which federal grant funds might have been misused by council staff members involved in preparing the pending petition to remove the Hawaiian green sea turtle from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is in danger of losing its two deep-water submarines unless the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory, the program that runs the subs, can come up with $3 million in the next month. Pacific Business News.

Opinion: The true cost of Hawaiʻi’s militarization. A thorough examination of the costs and benefits of housing the U.S. military dispels the mythos that Hawaiʻi would not survive without it. Hawaii Independent.

Creating homeless encampments to alleviate the state’s growing problem of homelessness is a bad idea, according to a 2012 report submitted to the Legislature by the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness, a 24-member task force created by Gov. Neil Abercrombie and composed of state and city officials, homeless providers and community leaders. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants to revamp the city’s affordable housing policy to provide more rental spaces and more units that low-income people can afford. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's ambitious plan to bump up Oahu's affordable-housing count by more than 4,000 in the next five years is already generating myriad questions and a lot of discussion from City Council members and homebuilders alike, just as he predicted. Star-Advertiser.

14 years of disciplinary data compiled and analyzed by Civil Beat shows the Honolulu Police Department has a long history of leniency with cops found to have threatened, beat or otherwise hurt significant others and family members.

A group of lawmakers chided the Honolulu Police Department on Thursday for its handling of a possible domestic abuse case involving a police sergeant that was captured on video. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Water Supply is getting heat after a city audit report said rates should go down. KHON2.

The State Department of Health is investigating the underground release of thousands of gallons of oil on Sand Island. It was found in a construction trench on the street that leads to the Keehi Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Crews started building two alternate routes Thursday as a lava flow continued its advance toward Pahoa and Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

Lava concerns on Hawaii's Big Island are shifting from it reaching a sparsely populated subdivision to it crossing over a heavily used highway. Associated Press.

Work crews began clearing the first of two little-used dirt roads on Hawaii island that may be pressed into service if lava should overrun the main highway into and out of the lower Puna district, where 8,000 people would otherwise be trapped. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County officials are considering issuing an evacuation notice for Kaohe Homesteads after the June 27 lava flow changed direction Wednesday. Kevin Dayton, executive assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi, said Thursday morning such an order could come within the next 24 hours. Tribune-Herald.

As the lava flow from Kīlauea Volcano’s Pu’u ‘O’o Vent continues to advance toward Ka’ohe Homestead and Pāhoa Village, Hawai'i County Civil Defense is addressing some basic infrastructure needs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Marijuana ministry advocate Roger Christie emerged from four years in federal custody Thursday and said he's looking forward to his first hit of marijuana -- "when I'm legally allowed to do so." Star-Advertiser.

Saturday’s grand opening of the new Hilo High School gymnasium has been put on hold as one of the final parts of the project has yet to be completed. Big Island Now.

Maui

A group that supports GMO farming on Maui has filed a lawsuit in Second Circuit court seeking the removal of a GMO initiative from the November ballot. Maui Now.

Kauai

Timeshare owners on Kauai will receive a temporary reprieve from higher property taxes, at least for the next year. Garden Island.

Kauai has nine new civil defense sirens thanks to a statewide modernization program. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless activities outlawed in Waikiki, medical marijuana dispensaries sought, Honolulu police secrecy explored, Maui and Kauai GMO fights mulled, Big Island merchants fear lava advance, pot minister freed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki homeless © 2041 All Hawaii News

The Honolulu City Council approves bills targeting homeless. The "sit-lie" measure and "urination-defecation" ban await the mayor's pen. Bills designed to clean up Waikiki sidewalks were approved Wednesday by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to prohibit sitting or lying on Waikiki sidewalks at all times was approved by the Honolulu City Council on a 7-2 vote Wednesday. Council members also voted in favor of two bills to prohibit urinating and defecating in public. One bill applying just to Waikiki passed unanimously, and a second bill to make the ban island-wide passed 8-1. Civil Beat.

In Hawaii's popular Waikiki neighborhood — a renowned destination for surfing and mai tais — people were lying down near the entrance to Macy's, human waste was on the sidewalk, and parents had to explain to their children why people were begging for money. Associated Press.

The number of U.S. gubernatorial elections that are too close to call has nearly doubled over the past few months, and they include Hawaii’s. That’s according to Governing Magazine. Civil Beat.

Honolulu residents will have a chance to voice their opinion on establishing a statewide system to dispense medical marijuana during a public hearing before the Hawaii Medical Marijuana Dispensary Task Force. Hawaii Reporter.

Alan Oshima has been named president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Electric Co. Oshima, 67, will take over Oct. 1 for Dick Rosenblum, 64, who has served as CEO since 2009. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Why Does Hawaii Government Fail So Often? As you listen to our political candidates, remember how little they accomplish. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Newly released campaign spending data show the Pacific Resource Partnership did not report more than $360,000 in expenditures during the 2012 election. Almost all of that money — about $260,000 — went to three consultants who were instrumental in taking down former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who was running for Honolulu mayor on an anti-rail platform. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is proposing what he calls a "game-changing" shift in the way city officials determine how many and what type of affordable housing units developers and landowners must provide. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Transportation has been fined $1.2 million and ordered to correct federal Clean Water Act stormwater violations at Honolulu and Kalaeloa harbors, it was announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Several community members criticized city plans to build a homeless "transition center" at Sand Island, accusing officials at a public meeting Wednesday of poor planning. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of people crowded into a small cafeteria at Puuhale Elementary School in Kalihi Wednesday evening to hear city officials discuss recently announced plans to relocate as many as 100 of the city’s most troubled homeless people to a vacant parcel of land on Sand Island.  Civil Beat.

A groundbreaking and blessing ceremony was held Wednesday for a historic building in Kakaako that will be transformed into a senior community resource center. Star-Advertiser.

The accidental shooting by an off-duty police officer inside a Target store brings up questions regarding what police are telling the public. KHON2.

A Kalihi police sergeant has been stripped of his gun and badge after restaurant surveillance video surfaced showing him apparently attacking his former girlfriend. Star-Advertiser.

How do police handle abuse cases when the suspect is one of their own? Police chief Louis Kealoha reiterated Wednesday that there is specific protocol for when an officer is a suspect in any crime. But is that protocol always followed and what are the consequences when it’s not? KHON2.

Hawaii

Medical marijuana patients told a legislative task force Wednesday evening in Hilo they want a safe, legal, economical way to procure their cannabis. About 60 attended the first public hearing of the Medical Marijuana Dispensary System Task Force chaired by state Rep. Della Au Belatti, an Oahu Democrat, at the Aupuni Center. Tribune-Herald.

Businesses in a small Hawaii town are facing a slow-motion disaster as lava from Kilauea volcano oozes toward roads connecting them to the rest of the Big Island. Associated Press.

Pahoa merchants were assured Wednesday that efforts will be made to maintain some sense of normalcy should the June 27 lava flow cover Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii island cannabis advocate Roger Christie, who pleaded guilty in September 2013 to federal charges of marijuana trafficking and failing to file tax returns, is being released to a halfway house. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A group of Maui County residents and organizations are suing in an attempt to stop a county voter initiative to ban GMO farming from appearing on the November ballot. Civil Beat.

A lawsuit seeking to remove the proposed genetically engineered organism farming moratorium from the Nov. 4 ballot has been filed in 2nd Circuit Court. Maui News.

With the primary over, Maui County voters are getting a clearer picture of their choices in the Nov. 4 election, which is less than eight weeks away. If the trends set by the primary are any indication, more than half of the votes cast will come in absentee ballots or early walk-ins and Maui will finish dead last in voter turnout. Maui Weekly.

Pro-development interests are flooding the West Maui county council race with political cash, hoping to topple incumbent Elle Cochran. The Carpenters union's super PAC, Forward Progress, has spent more than $50,000 on the race while the Maui Timeshare Ohana PAC's spending has topped $80,0000. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa joined Council Chair Gladys Baisa today in announcing the immediate restoration of regular and holiday landfill hours and trash pickup operations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Billionaire Thai-Chinese businessman Chanchai Ruayrungruang’s Reignwood International has purchased 1,103 acres at the Princeville Resort in Hanalei, including the Prince Golf Course, on the North Shore of Kauai for $343 million. Pacific Business News.

In two weeks, county taxpayers will have a say in renewed property tax reform efforts. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved the first step of five separate measures that aim to provide relief to some residents who saw noticeable increases on their real property tax bills for the current fiscal year. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council will take another week to weigh its options before voting on whether to appeal a federal judge’s recent ruling that Ordinance 960 (formerly Bill 2491) related to pesticides and genetically modified crops is preempted by state law. Garden Island.

Hawaii researchers probe mercury in fish, Deedy jury was leaning to acquittal, health costs climb, special session for gay marriage would cost $25,800, solar may get more pricey, Honolulu has bad drivers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii fishermen (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii and Michigan researchers say they've discovered how large quantities of toxic mercury end up in the fish we eat — and their work suggests that levels will rise in the coming decades. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i took an especially hard hit during the recession, and families with children are among those who suffered the most, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A new report using data from the American Community Survey and Current Population Survey released Tuesday indicates the number of unemployed parents trying to raise a family in Hawai'i skyrocketed by 95% from 2005 to 2011. Hawaii News Now.

Malama Solomon and other members of Hawaii's Senate Water and Land Committee say the state should sue the U.S. Navy for roughly $100 million because it didn’t clean up all the ordnance that it dropped on the small island of Kahoolawe. Civil Beat.

A State Senate Committee conducted a hearing today on the impact of federal cuts on departmental operations and state jurisdiction over Hawaiian waters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health care costs in Hawaii have grown 6.2 percent annually for nearly the past two decades but are still rising at a slower rate than the national average. Statewide costs rose to an average of $6,856 per person from 1991 to 2009, according to a study due out today by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. That compares to the national average of 6.5 percent and health spending per person of $6,815. Star-Advertiser.

A special session to consider same-sex marriage legislation would cost Hawaii taxpayers about $25,800 — or about 1.9 cents for each of the 1.39 million men, women and children in the state. That cost estimate, provided to Civil Beat from state House Chief Clerk Brian Takeshita, assumes that a session would last just five days. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii Democratic Party and numerous special interest groups are pushing lawmakers to hold a special session to legalize gay marriage. The governor, a long time proponent of gay marriage, can call lawmakers into session, but first wants to ensure he has the votes. Hawaii Reporter.

A proposed rule change that would allow only licensed electricians to install solar photovoltaic panels may increase the cost of installations in Hawaii and limit the number of companies that install projects, according to several sources within the solar PV industry. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for August 28. Associated Press.

Oahu
Honolulu is among the worst when it comes to safe driving, ranked at 128 of 200 cities in Allstate America's Best Drivers Report. Island drivers aren't as bad as those in New York; Oakland, Calif.; New Orleans; Buffalo, N.Y.; Pittsburgh; San Jose, Calif.; Los Angeles; Miami; Dallas; San Francisco; and last-place Washington, D.C., the report shows. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu ranks among the worst cities for road conditions and traffic congestion, but a new study by Allstate Insurance gives Oahu drivers a bad rating as well. Honolulu comes in a No. 128 of 200 U.S. cities in the newly released 2013 “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” and is considered one of the least safe cities for drivers. Hawaii Reporter.

People who work in town and drive through Central Oahu to get home can easily easily spend an hour in pau hana traffic. But the State Department of Transportation is working to ease afternoon commute times by creating a PM zipperlane, and the project is about to ramp up. KHON2

About 40 workers within the Athletics Department at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus have been forced to forgo overtime compensation after a memorandum of agreement with the state’s largest public worker union expired June 30. KITV.

A Circuit Court jury reached an impasse at 8-4 in favor of acquitting State Department special agent Christopher Deedy of murdering Kollin Elderts in the 2011 shooting at a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant, the foreman of the jury said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro was unapologetic Tuesday for how his office handled the Christopher Deedy murder trial that ended Monday in a hung jury. Civil Beat.

Next summer Christopher Deedy will be retried on second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Kollin Elderts. Hawaii News Now.

A protest on behalf of shooting victim Kollin Elderts was held in Waikiki Tuesday. Protesters are angry about the mistrial and believe Christopher Deedy is guilty of murder. KHON2.

Oahu fishermen will get an opportunity to air their concerns before the chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. DLNR Chairman William Aila Jr. will listen to fishermen and answer questions at an informal "talk story" session on Sept. 4. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Hawaii County will pay another $400,000 for a water tank completed in 2004 that hasn’t yet been put into use. West Hawaii Today.

Jessica R. Walsh and Victoria C. Fiore testified in U.S. District Court on Tuesday in a hearing to determine whether the court will allow marijuana advocate Roger Christie and his wife, Sherry­anne, to use the religious defense in their upcoming trial for marijuana possession, distribution, manufacture and conspiracy charges. The trial is scheduled for early October. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island led the way in the state during the first half of 2013 in new car sales, according to the latest Auto Outlook scorecard from the Hawaii Auto Dealers Association. Big Isle new retail light vehicle registrations increased by 16 percent through the end of June this year, compared to the same period last year, when a total of 2,517 new registrations were filed. Tribune-Herald.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved a plan to construct 22 miles of fencing to protect a key watershed in Ka`u from the negative impact of pigs and other ungulates. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said he believes most shark bites are accidental in nature, and does not personally like the idea of hunting sharks or setting up barrier fences off shore. Maui Now.

Jeff Bagshaw's first visit to Haleakala National Park was a "light bulb experience." On that 1988 hiking and camping trip with his college group from Washington state, he saw more endangered wildlife in three days than he had in months on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

After months of searching, Kauai County officials are still looking for a vendor to set up shop in a vacant Wailua Golf Course clubhouse concession area. “The county has not received any bids on the operation of the Wailua Golf Course restaurant to date,” County of Kauai spokeswoman Mary Daubert said in an e-mail. “Our hope is to find an operator and get the concession running as soon as possible.” Garden Island.

For the second time in a week, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard returned to the Garden Isle Tuesday, with a jam-packed schedule. Garden Island.

A juvenile Hawaiian green sea turtle found entangled in a fishing line or netting off Kauai's north shore was euthanized Monday after it suffered irreparable damage to its flippers. Star-Advertiser.

A coalition of 35 volunteers removed more than 1,500 pounds of marine debris from Hanamaulu Beach on Saturday. Garden Island.

Hawaii House kills marijuana decriminalization, Senate panel guts shield law, feds threaten state over lights, sea creatures' futures mulled, Kaiser Permanente workers stop work, Hawaii worst state to make a living, senator supports pot minister, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The state House on Wednesday discarded a bill that would have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana after House leaders concluded they lacked the votes to advance the legislation. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House has killed a bill that would have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii House has killed a bill that would have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. Associated Press.

The state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee on Wednesday made substantial revisions to a media shield law, removing bloggers and other nontraditional journalists and deleting the protection for unpublished information, like notes, unless it would lead to the identity of confidential sources. Star-Advertiser.

Media: Shield Law Bill 'Worthless' After Senate Committee Amendments. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to remove protections for online news media in Hawaii and limit a journalists' ability to protect confidential sources. KITV4.

The state House Finance Committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would give teachers a state tax credit for their out-of-pocket classroom expenses. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Justice says that Hawaii's street lights are killing endangered birds, turtles and moths — and it's threatening criminal action to get the state to fix the problem. Civil Beat.

Scientists say they are months away from finishing a report that could help determine whether green sea turtles in the state retain their threatened status. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to protect marine mammals from death and injury caused by Navy training exercises in Hawaii and Southern California have gotten a boost from the California Coastal Commission, which recently rejected the plan. Honolulu Weekly.

For the third year in a row, the website MoneyRates.com ranked Hawaii the "Worst State in the Nation to Make a Living." KITV4.

Hawaii has the support of key members of the U.S. Senate to continue federal funding for a host of initiatives championed by the late Sen. Dan Inouye, ranging from the Honolulu rail project to Native Hawaiian education and health care, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Many people in Hawaii are expressing concern about increasing threats from North Korea, but so far, those threats haven't pushed residents to take action, such as stocking up on supplies. Hawaii News Now.

North Korea has moved a missile with "considerable range" to its east coast, South Korea's defense minister said Thursday (Wednesday in Hawaii), but he added that there are no signs that the North is preparing for a full-scale conflict. Associated Press.

The union representing 1,900 Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers has called for a one-day work stoppage Thursday to protest increased employee workloads and other impacts from last month’s closure of the Honolulu Clinic Urgent Care Center. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Much of Mayor Kirk Caldwell's first State of the City speech was devoted to reiterating goals he had announced during the first three months of this administration, but two relatively unpublicized ideas were also highlighted Wednesday: a plan to push a "housing-first" initiative to battle homelessness and a proposal to make Honolulu an "age-friendly city" to help the island's growing elderly population. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell hopes to accomplish something no one else before him has been able to do. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is finally moving ahead with its long-awaited redevelopment of the 90-acre Kapalama Military Reservation at Honolulu Harbor, which is currently home to roughly 100 businesses. Pacific Business News.

The College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has been ranked 65th out of 177 graduate schools of education by U.S. News & World Report. Star-Advertiser.

A long awaited renovation project at the University of Hawaii's Hamilton Library is expected to provide much needed climate control. KHON2.

Hawaii

Improving the county’s technology to make government more efficient topped the list of priorities for two County Council members interviewed Wednesday as they tackle another tight budget year. West Hawaii Today.

The way the federal government is treating a Big Island man who has been in federal custody for three years is outrageous, a Hawaii Island senator says. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Ocean safety officials reopened waters off Kaanapali at noon Wednesday after the area was ordered off limits to swimmers and surfers because of a shark attack Tuesday morning. Maui News.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high surf advisory for north- and west-facing shores of Molokai and north-facing shores of Maui, in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday. Maui Now.

Kauai

The proposed AT&T cell phone tower in Kilauea should be reconsidered to another possible location, said nearly 70 residents at the Kilauea Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday. Garden Island.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed Local Area Plan for July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017, that was developed by the Kaua’i Workforce Investment Board. Garden Island.

A blocked sewer line was the culprit of a sewage spill in Hanama‘ulu Wednesday, which resulted in a partial closure of the Kuhio Highway and slowed traffic in the area. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature kills GMO labling bill, more seats on the train, firearm registrations up, gun crimes down, $1.25M boost for Thirty Meter Telescope, state Senate seeks marijuana minister's release, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Senators Thursday afternoon deferred for this session a bill that calls for genetically modified imported produce to carry labels, opting instead to pass a resolution that requests several state groups study the issue in more detail and report back to the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Three Senate committees tabled a measure that calls for labeling imported genetically engineered produce or else bans its distribution in the islands. Civil Beat.

After a packed joint hearing between multiple Senate committees, members voted to kill House Bill 174 in a session today at the state Capitol. Maui Now.

The state Senate committee on public safety has approved two resolutions urging the federal government to release a pro-marijuana reverend from federal prison until his trial. Roger Christie has been in federal prison without bail since his arrest three years ago for growing and distributing marijuana. Associated Press.

A bill that would provide more information about misconduct of county police officers still has life, but there’s little guarantee it will survive the legislative session. Civil Beat.

Hawaii firearms registrations shot up more than 70 percent in 2012, while gun violence continued a four-year decline, according to a new state Department of the Attorney report. Hawaii Reporter.

The number of firearm registrations in Hawaii reached a record high of 50,394 last year, matching a national trend toward more gun ownership as the nation's leaders debate stiffer laws. Star-Advertiser.

The state recorded a record high for personal firearm permit applications processed in 2012.  The findings were detailed in the annual Firearm Registrations report released by the Department of the Attorney General this week. Maui Now.

The state Department of Education this school year paid more than $12.7 million to independent education consulting companies to help revamp underperforming schools. But most of the money has gone to one mainland company that critics say has been largely ineffective. Civil Beat.

In a letter to an accrediting body Thursday, the University of Hawaii acknowledged rocky relationships with legislators in the wake of last year's Stevie Wonder concert debacle but said the situation is improving. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges had warned earlier this month that the episode had included inappropriate external interference from government officials and "revealed the fragility" of the university's autonomy. Star-Advertiser.

UH-Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple plans to ask the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to forgive the athletic department's $11.3 million — and escalating — accumulated net deficit as part of a major restructuring effort. Star-Advertiser.

Debris from the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 continues to accumulate on Hawaii’s shores, including oyster buoys, refrigerators, driftwood and a 28-foot fishing boat. Honolulu Weekly.

State roundup for March 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell released a report Thursday that identifies sites that pose rockfall hazards to city property, and announced that the city has warned about 1,000 private property owners whose land is at high risk of rockfall. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday approved funding for additional passenger seats on the train cars for the city’s elevated-rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

A joint proposal by owners of the locally owned Foodland supermarkets and landowner Kamehameha Schools to build a new strip mall on 4.5 acres of preservation land in east Oahu has many Hawaii Kai and Niu Valley residents concerned. Hawaii Reporter.

Nearly two years after Foodland closed its Koko Marina location, Hawaii Kai residents turned out in huge numbers Thursday night to hear plans that could move the supermarket back into the neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

A corrections officer at the Women's Community Correctional Center in windward Oahu has been indicted on four counts of alleged sex assault against an inmate.KITV4.

Upon his graduation from the University of Hawaii, Edwin S.W. Young entered the auditing profession through the arm of Congress that investigates the performance of the federal government. Many years later, he has returned to Honolulu as the city auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Four years into the job, Police Chief Harry Kubojiri continues to get rave reviews from the Hawaii County Police Commission. West Hawaii Today.

The international Thirty Meter Telescope project on Hawaii’s Big Island is getting support from the United States in the form of a $1.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Pacific Business News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks will host a public information meeting to discuss parking and entry fees at Hapuna Beach State Recreational Area. West Hawaii Today.

All appeared well at the Waiopae tide pools on Thursday following a die-off of marine life earlier in the week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui fishermen are invited to "talk story" with the chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, William J. Aila Jr., 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Maui Waena Intermediate School in Kahului. Maui News.

Maui's northern coast would be one of three Hawaii areas studied as possibly being nationally significant sites to include in the National Park System, under the first bill formally introduced in Congress by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui News.

Unlike their first legislative briefing during the holidays last December, South and West Maui Sen. Roz Baker (D) and South Maui's freshman Rep. Kaniela Ing (D) presented issues and answered concerns to a full and lively house. Maui Weekly.

Kaiser Permanente will build a new home for its rehabilitation specialty services on Maui next to its Maui Lani facility. Maui News.

Officials dedicated Maui County's first double-decker bus on Wednesday, March 14. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members still have time to vote for three seats at the co-op’s Board of Directors. Voting began March 1, and will end Saturday at noon. Garden Island.

After spending hours under fire at a Kaua‘i County Council meeting Wednesday morning and afternoon, state officials and researchers went to Waimea and faced more than 150 Westside residents who were not convinced that Cleome gynandra, locally known as stinkweed, was what made students sick at Waimea Canyon School years ago. Garden Island.

Users of the public Kapa‘a Swimming Pool could be faced with the possibility of having to use “interim toilets” for several years — or until the pool is relocated elsewhere — according to county officials. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism hits record, Honolulu rail condems land on route, Kona dolphin asks diver for help, Molokai preserve finalized, marijuana minister trial delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's tourism industry had a record-breaking year in 2012, with 7.99 million visitors to the Islands spending $14.3 billion, according to preliminary statistics released on Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

A recovering global economy, strong yen, stable oil prices, more flights and marketing campaigns helped bring a record number of tourists to Hawaii last year, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Thursday. Associated Press.

Lawmakers in both chambers of the state Legislature want to charge a 10-cent fee for paper and plastic shopping bags, and four representatives are sponsoring a bill to ban single-use checkout bags altogether. Associated Press.

A renewed gun-control debate is sweeping the country — and Hawaii is no exception. Lawmakers here have introduced at least six gun-control bills. Civil Beat.


Hawaii residents want state lawmakers to stop diverting the barrel tax from its original purpose in order to cover shortfalls in the General Fund. Pacific Business News.

Distressed that a state Supreme Court ruling that halted construction of the Honolulu rail project could also sidetrack state highway projects, the Abercrombie administration wants the state to be able to review in phases the potential impact of construction on burials or other historic sites. Star-Advertiser.

A pair of bills before the state Legislature would expand counties’ authority regarding development on agriculture land, impose a maximum size for farm dwellings and increase the minimum lot size for agricultural land. Rep. Clift Tsuji, D-Hilo, introduced the bills this month. West Hawaii Today.

A bill introduced at this year’s Legislature proposes to amend of the state Constitution “to provide that the freedom of speech shall be extended only to natural persons, and not to a business entity.” Garden Island.

Hawaii workers could soon see the first raise in the minimum wage in six years. Tribune-Herald.


Long-overdue performance evaluations for Hawaii public school principals will be rolled out next school year, with half of a principal's rating based on student achievement, the union for school administrators announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Judiciary Committee of the state House of Representatives will hear today a bill that could make it a petty misdemeanor to lie down across a bench at a bus stop. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s newly appointed U.S. Senator Brian Schatz is supporting a highly controversial proposal called “filibuster reform” that being pushed by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada. Hawaii Reporter.

A team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Cornell University are asking people to enter a recipe contest for meals they'll serve during a simulated mission to Mars. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu rail transit officials took their first steps Thursday to use eminent domain to acquire two privately owned properties they need to help build the 20-mile project — and the owners of those properties aren't happy with the move. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation wants to use eminent domain to acquire two properties along the rail route. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's board of directors voted Thursday to use eminent domain to acquire pieces of two properties totaling nearly 10 acres in West Oahu that are needed to build the city's $5.16 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

The new chief of the Honolulu Fire Department said Thursday he will consider a merger of its functions with those of the Department of Emergency Services. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu City Councilmember Gary Okino has angered the gay community after making inflammatory comments during a council committee meeting.  All while he is trying to be confirmed as a member of the city Ethics Board of Appeals. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Moana Shopping Center isn't just the state's largest mall, but it's also one of the most dangerous areas when it comes to the number of pedestrian accidents. KHON2.

UH Students: We Had No Idea Our Dorm's Security Cameras Were Broken. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Telcom plans to work with police and state authorities to beef up security in an area frequented by the homeless where telecommunications cables have been damaged twice in the past 10 days, company officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Limited-service" hotels would be allowed in low-density, mixed-used areas of Hono­lulu, West Oahu and Central Oahu under a bill that got a preliminary approval Thursday from the City Council Zoning and Permitting Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Developers of a planned Waikiki hotel-condominium won a preliminary approval Thursday from a key City Council committee that would allow the high-rise to have a height of 350 feet, 50 feet more than is currently allowed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A West Hawaii dive instructor’s aid to a bottlenose dolphin off the Kona Coast has become an Internet sensation. West Hawaii Today.

Dolphin video here.

 Bond rating agencies have affirmed Hawaii County’s solid financial standing as the county schedules the sale of $97.2 million in bonds. West Hawaii Today.

Trial has again been delayed for marijuana advocate Roger Christie and prosecutors have filed additional charges against him as well. Tribune-Herald.

Several Hawaii Island businesses have been fined by the Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch for violating air permit and pollution rules. West Hawaii Today.

The Hilo store is one of 300 Blockbusters nationwide that parent company DISH Network announced this week that it is closing, leaving the Big Island without a Blockbuster. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A bill introduced today by Maui Senators Gil Keith-Agaran and Roz Baker seeks approval to rename the Mokulele Highway to honor the legacy of late US Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Maui Now.

More than a dozen Native Hawaiian Maui boys began their three-year journey of self-discovery and maturation Wednesday night at Hale Nanea. Maui News.

Maui Planning Commission members approved a permit Tuesday for the Aloha Aku Inn to operate a six-bedroom, bed-and-break-fast business near St. Theresa Church in Kihei. Maui News.

Maui planner Chris Hart will be honored posthumously with an environmental award issued by the Maui chapter of the Sierra Club during their annual meeting on Feb. 2. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i leaders are taking a cautious look at a proposed legislation that would legalize marijuana. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Land Trust has received the deed to Mokio Preserve, 1,719 acres of some of the most pristine and environmentally sensitive land on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.