Showing posts with label Ted Sakai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ted Sakai. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Green touts tourism on Japan trip, state arts funding, free school meals in jeopardy, second phase of Honolulu Skyline on track, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green in Japan to help boost tourism. Gov. Josh Green, who is in Japan this week meeting with Japanese officials and business leaders, is working on lowering barriers to travel between Japan and Hawaii through a “Travel Corridor” that expands Global Entry, beefs up biometric screening and pursues “preclearance” status. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii State Arts Programs Could Be On The Chopping Block In The Legislature This Year.
A 59-year-old program that pays for art in public spaces is facing significant changes and budget cuts under a bill being considered Tuesday in the Senate. Civil Beat.

Legislative deadline looms over universal free school meals bill. A bill to provide universal free school meals in Hawaiʻi is once again in jeopardy at the state Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Corruption Offenders Are Getting Reduced Sentences — With One Notable Exception.
Changes to federal sentencing guidelines mean dozens of Hawaii prisoners, including those in high-profile corruption cases, are now eligible for early release. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Advance Bill To Stabilize Soaring Insurance Costs For Condo Owners. Hawaii lawmakers are seeking to stabilize Hawaii’s condominium insurance market against sharply rising premiums and a declining availability of hurricane insurance that has sent ripples through Hawaii’s housing market. Civil Beat.

Dangerous dogs bill advances: Measure would create harsher penalties for their owners.
A proposal to strengthen state laws regarding vicious dogs will reach another milestone today following weeks of overwhelming public support. Tribune-Herald.

Bill advances allowing pedestrians to safely jaywalk. Legislators appear willing to make jaywalking legal across the islands — when safe — arguing in a Senate bill that pedestrians’ judgments are better at reducing injuries and deaths than traffic lights and traffic markings. Star-Advertiser.

UH Hopes To Retain Authority Over Construction Projects. University of Hawaii officials are pushing for passage of a bill that would reinstate the authority of the UH president over construction and related professional services. Civil Beat.

Advocates rally for stalled ‘clean elections’ bill
. More than a dozen advocates from the Clean Elections Hawaii Coalition gathered Monday at the state Capitol rotunda to urge legislators to reconsider implementing a comprehensive public financing program for Hawaii’s political candidates, commonly referred to as “clean elections.” Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

2 Finalists Will Interview For Top Job At Law Enforcement Standards Board. The candidates for the position of administrator of the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board will have their final job interviews in public, the board determined during a meeting Monday.  Civil Beat.

Longtime Hawaii Public Safety Official Ted Sakai Dies at 77.
Former Hawaii Department of Public Safety Director Ted Sakai died Monday after a long struggle with lung cancer, corrections officials said. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island Press Club celebrates retired judge, dishonors Hawai‘i emergency administrator.
The Big Island Press Club has awarded its annual meritorious Torch of Light Award to retired Intermediate Court of Appeals Judge Daniel Foley, and its Lava Tube Dishonor Award to Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Col. (Ret.) James Barros. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council could receive 3% salary hike. The proposed pay jump comes less than a year after the city’s top elective panel received a controversial 64% salary increase while the Honolulu mayor’s nearly 12.6% pay jump ultimately surpassed similar compensation granted to Hawaii’s governor. Star-Advertiser.

Second segment of Skyline gets one step closer to test phase as track work gets underway. Work is happening on the rail tracks that Skyline is not yet using between Aloha Stadium and Middle Street. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Department plans to buy neighboring property to its headquarters. HPD currently leases several off-site office spaces and warehouse properties for evidence and vehicle storage. KITV4.

‘We can’t sit idly,’ Mayor Blangiardi addresses affordable housing
. Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the creation of the Department of Housing and Land Management, which combines the Office of Housing with the Department of Land Management. KHON2.

Acid attack suspects plead not guilty in ‘murder for hire’ case. Two men, charged Tuesday in a superseding indictment for the Jan. 23 “murder for hire” acid attack on Chinese-language teacher Danying Zhang, pleaded not guilty this morning to all charges including conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder and/or attempted second-degree murder and/or first-degree assault. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

More housing, hotels for Kona: Lili‘uokalani Trust plans to develop nearly 70 acres. A draft environmental assessment for the Lili‘uokalani Trust Makalapua Project details plans for a mixed residential/hotel/commercial development on land adjacent to the Old Kona Industrial, Kona Commons and Old Kona Airport Park. West Hawaii Today.

Breeani Kobayashi announces candidacy for Big Island mayor.
Hilo native Breeani Kobayashi has announced her candidacy for Hawaiʻi County mayor, joining Kimo Alameda and current mayor Mitch Roth in the 2024 race for leadership of the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Experts: Take rat lungworm disease seriously. Franny Brewer, program manager at Big Island Invasive Species Committee, hosted an information session Saturday in Hawaiian Paradise Park about rat lungworm as part of BIISC’s education series. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiʻi Attorney General to release ‘Phase One’ report on Maui wildfire investigation, April 17.  The Phase One report analyzes how the fire incident unfolded, based on science, during the first 24 to 72 hours of the fire and its aftermath, and includes a comprehensive timeline of events. Maui Now.

Over 60 subpoenas served in probe of Maui disaster response. The findings from the first phase of a state investigation into how government agencies handled the Maui wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and killed at least 101 people have been delayed and won’t be released until April, but 64 subpoenas have been issued in the probe since November. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

5 more candidates check out nomination papers for Maui County Council seats. Since early February, five new candidates have checked out nomination papers from the Hawaiʻi Office of Elections for Maui County Council seats. Maui Now.

Company buys historic Maui sugar mill, 300 acres with eye toward potential redevelopment. An Oahu-based construction company has bought the Puunene Mill on Maui. The new owner, Nan Chul Shin, purchased approximately 300 acres from Alexander & Baldwin in Central Maui last Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

New fishing rules for Kīpahulu are based on traditional practices, driven by community. Kīpahulu on Maui is now officially home to Hawaiʻi’s third community-based subsistence fishing area. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Kauai

Pacific Biodiesel expands fuel crop project to Kauaʻi, eyes building 2nd refinery. For close to three decades, Pacific Biodiesel has been plugging away in Hawaiʻi using crops for fuel and recycling cooking oil waste from restaurants. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Court kicks Ala Wai project back for an EIS, Kauai councilman arrested, accused of assaulting traffic cop, state pays Honolulu to take over Kakaako parks, Maui mayor to sue fossil fuel companies over climate change, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Kayakers on the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Injunction stops funding for Ala Wai flood control project. A judge Tuesday issued an injunction stopping the city and state from funding a controversial flood control project that would build walls and berms around the Ala Wai Canal and put huge flood-control structures in the upper reaches of the watershed. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of $350M Ala Wai flood control project secure a win in court. On Tuesday, state Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Crabtree ruled that no money can be committed to the project until an Environmental Impact Statement is completed, which could take quite a bit more time. Hawaii News Now.

Judge's decision puts funding for controversial Ala Wai flood control project on hold. Opponents of the project said they're not against flood mitigation of the Ala Wai Canal, but they think there are alternative ways to go about it. KITV.

=====

‘Nation’s Report Card’ shows improvement for Hawaii students. Fourth graders in Hawaii’s public schools have caught up to the national average in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, but eighth graders still lag their peers nationally. Star-Advertiser.

Why Hawaii Teens Have Some Of The Highest Vaping Rates In The Nation. Researchers say it’s a mixture of marketing and economics, plus Hawaii getting a head start on a trend that started in Asia. Civil Beat.

=====

Gov. Ige appoints former prisons director Ted Sakai to corrections oversight commission.  Gov. David Ige appointed former prisons director Ted Sakai to the new Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission. KHON2.

Ige Makes Appointment To Prison Oversight Panel. Ted Sakai has some 30 years of experience at the Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

=====

Federal Regulators Announce Rules for Commercial Hemp. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new rules that help clear the way for commercial cultivation of hemp in the country, Hawaii  included. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

State pays city $2.25M to take over Kakaako parks with troubled reputation. After three years of back and forth, the Hawaii Community Development Authority has agreed to pay the city $2.25 million to take ownership of three troubled parks in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

HCDA To Transfer Kakaako Parcels To City. The makai land includes the Gateway and Waterfront parks. Civil Beat.

City takes over Kakaako parks; mayor says big fixes and funding preclude playground. The City and County of Honolulu officially takes over Kakaako makai parks this week, in one of Hawaii’s largest such land transfers. KHON2.

Kaka‘ako land transfer to be realized November 1. The historic transfer of public lands and facilities in one of the fastest growing areas of the state will be finalized and take effect on Friday. KITV.

=====

Mayor says no other target or subject letters from feds; city cooperating with subpoenas and warrants. Federal investigations have intersected with Honolulu Hale quite a bit recently, from the Kealoha case to the rail project.  KHON2.

Police outnumber demonstrators at Kahuku, Kalaeloa wind-farm protest sites. Demonstrators against the planned Na Pua Makani wind farm project remain resolute as the nightly transport of turbine parts to Kahuku continue. Star-Advertiser.

‘We trusted her’: Man explains how Katherine Kealoha abused his trust. Ransen Taito was just a child when he met Katherine Kealoha, a long time family friend who promised to help him and his younger sister after their father died in 2004. Hawaii News Now.

Navy's Proposed Fuel Tank Upgrades Get Cold Reception, Health Officials Seek Tougher Standards. A public meeting is scheduled next month on the U.S. Navy's proposed upgrades to its Red Hill fuel facility while a separate gathering is planned later this year on rule changes that would toughen standards for underground storage tanks. Hawaii Public Radio.

New proposal would require microchipping pets and raise fees for a lost pet. Under a new City Council proposal, pet owners would be required to microchip their dogs and cats. KHON2.

Zippy’s says stricter ban on plastics could cause closures. A stricter plastic ban is headed to a final reading at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2.

Community divided over Kaneohe cemetery’s plan to expand by 30 acres. After selling most of its burial plots, Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery in Kaneohe wants to expand its 156-acre cemetery by about 30 acres. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Puna Senator Puts Governor On The Spot Over Geothermal Reopening. State Senator Russell Ruderman sent a letter to Governor David Ige concerning the reopening of the Puna Geothermal Venture facility in his district. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Police Department looking for 47 new police officers. Think you got what it takes to wear the badge and blue? West Hawaii Today.

Building instability and moisture are resulting in extensive fog, ice and high humidity at the summit, forecasters say. Ice and snow can already be seen on observatory webcams. Ice was starting to cover the summit of Mauna Kea on Tuesday afternoon. Big Island Video News.

TMT official says Hawaii still preferred site, despite Spanish news report. The Thirty Meter Telescope remains committed to building on Maunakea, contrary to reports published in a Canary Islands newspaper. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County announces year-round vehicle disposal assistance program. Hawaii County is resuming an amnesty program to help subsidize disposal costs for residents wanted to dispose of unwanted vehicles. West Hawaii Today.

Geologists sample growing pond in Halema‘uma‘u. U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Saturday collected samples from the growing water pond in Kilauea volcano’s Halema‘uma‘u crater. Tribune-Herald.

County Recycling Cutbacks A Sign Of Global Market Changes. When China and other Asian nations curtailed dirty recycling streams, the county’s recycling contractor saw markets dry up, forcing residents to seek alternatives. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui Mayor Plans To Sue Fossil Fuel Companies For Climate Change Damage. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced plans Tuesday to sue fossil fuel companies that he says are responsible for climate change-related damage to roads and other infrastructure, but there are challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui County Plans Lawsuit Against Fossil Fuel Companies. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today announced his intent for Maui County to file a lawsuit against fossil fuel companies for what he called “mounting impacts of climate change and rising sea levels.” Maui Now.

Maui County to sue fossil fuel companies over costs of climate change. Maui County plans to sue fossil fuel companies to seek compensation for the mounting costs of climate change, which officials say are already being felt. Hawaii News Now.

=====

New Lawsuit Filed In Maui County’s Supreme Court Showdown. The latest legal action asks a state court judge to allow the Maui County Council to settle the case before it has the potential to carve a giant loophole into the Clean Water Act. Civil Beat.

Conservation positions open at park, sanctuary. Kupu is looking for individuals passionate about preserving the natural environment at Haleakala National Park and Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. Maui News.


Kauai

Kauai County councilman arrested, accused of assaulting a police officer. County officials say Arthur Brun was booked Tuesday afternoon. Sources say Brun was wanted for drug-related charges. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai councilmember arrested following traffic stop. Kauai police arrested a Kauai County councilman Tuesday afternoon after he attempted to flee from police during a traffic stop. Garden Island.

Kauai County councilman allegedly hits police officer with car. Kauai police arrested Tuesday afternoon a 47-year-old Waimea man who allegedly struck a police officer with a car while trying to flee during a traffic stop. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai councilman accused of hitting officer with vehicle. Kauai police arrested a county councilman Tuesday afternoon after authorities say he attempted to flee from police during a traffic stop. KHON2.

=====

Spectrum says services fully restored. Kauai got its regular internet, phone and cable TV back Monday night, but exactly what went wrong with the undersea fiber optic cable connecting the island to Oahu and the rest of the world remains unclear, and there is no firm timeline for repairs. Garden Island.

Molokai

Discounted prescription drug program on Molokai in limbo. Contract ends between Molokai health center, only independent pharmacy on island, Molokai Drugs. Maui News.

Lanai

Revamped Lanai hotel ready to welcome guests — starting at $2,700 a day. Lanai is about to be an island anchored by two luxury resorts — again. Star-Advertiser.