Hawaii airports authority advances, PUC approves solar farms, paramedics administer expired medications, rental car companies can't charge tourists extra, residents take Puna Geothermal Venture to court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu airport  ©2019 All Hawaii News

A Hawaii airports corporation might finally be approaching takeoff as a bill that aims to improve the efficiency of the state’s airports passes through the Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers Approve $16B Budget For Fiscal 2020, 2021. State House and Senate legislators approved a two-year operating budget today calling for hundreds of millions of dollars for state employee retirement and health benefits and other monies to address major disasters, fight invasive species and maintain highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Push To Increase Spending On Schools Loses Momentum. Policymakers say more transparency about current spending is needed before more public money is earmarked for schools. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s film industry wants to eliminate tax credit cap to keep productions flourishing. Some say the state's newly imposed $35 million per year cap on the tax credits is causing producers to go elsewhere and is putting Hawaii's film industry in jeopardy. Hawaii News Now.

PUC approves 6 additional solar-plus-storage systems in Hawaii. Three projects on Oahu, including one that has generated controversy because part of it is planned on prime agricultural land, one on Maui, and two on Hawaii island, are expected to add 247 megawatts of solar energy with almost 1 gigawatt-hour of storage to the grid. Star-Advertiser.

State regulators approved the first phase of Hawaiian Electric Companies’ plan to manage its grids with the latest technology at a cost of $86.3 million, the utility announced Wednesday. For a typical residential customer, the estimated cost for the first phase would be an extra 24 cents a month on Oahu; 34 cents on Maui; 27 cents on Molokai and Lanai; and 55 cents a month on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

State Reversing Rental Car Fee After Legal Snafu. The State Tax Office has notified 300 rental car companies that a law implemented at the beginning of the year is flawed and that a $2 fee must apply to tourists and residents alike. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Ozawa, Waters dispute campaign mailer. The rematch in the race for Honolulu’s City Council District 4 seat has become even more contentious as the two candidates trade accusations and make counterclaims. Star-Advertiser.

Election officials ask the public to update voter registration. Honolulu's Election Administrator is responding to concerns by voters about ballots being sent to people who no longer live in the area or who've died. KHON2.

Feds Want Testimony From Katherine Kealoha’s Aging Grandmother Before It’s Too Late. Florence Puana, a key witness in both the mail box and financial fraud trials, is 99 years old and now seriously ill and hospitalized. Civil Beat.

State Ohana Zone Money Is Beginning To Produce Housing, Services. Catholic Charities is getting $7.5 million to develop a 78-unit facility to serve the homeless on the Leeward Coast. Civil Beat.

EMS paramedics allowed to use medications that have expired up to a year. EMS paramedics have expressed their frustration with staffing shortages and old ambulances breaking down. KHON2.

Homeless man who assaulted Hawaii sportscaster John Noland is sentenced to 5 years in prison. The homeless man who was found guilty of assault in connection with the death last June of Hawaii sports broadcaster John Noland apologized to Noland’s daughter in state court today. Star-Advertiser.

A man convicted of assault in the beating that led to former sportscaster John Noland’s death was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Committees move forward with plan to audit Hawaiian Humane Society. Resolution calls for audit of Hawaiian Humane Society's management and finances. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Kim seeks 72 new employees. Despite concerns about the growing cost of county employees, Mayor Harry Kim’s proposed preliminary budget adds 72 new positions. West Hawaii Today.

Denied A Hearing, Residents Take Puna Geothermal, State To Court. A group of Puna residents and one environmental group are appealing the denial of their request for a contested case hearing over a Puna Geothermal Venture permit renewal. Big Island Video News.


Maui

Maui schools, roads, airport on track for state funds. Busy hammering out the final details of a two-year, $16 billion state general budget that is expected to be sent to Gov. David Ige this week, Maui County’s state lawmakers highlighted money set to be funneled Maui County’s way for schools, highways, the airport and environmental projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai mayor bemoans collapse of Coco Palms effort. Like many Kauai residents, Mayor Derek Kawakami is not surprised that the latest plan to rebuild the long-shuttered Coco Palms Resort fell through. Star-Advertiser.

Lanai

The original Longhi’s Italian and seafood restaurant with its open doors and signature black and white tiles along Lahaina’s Front Street closed Tuesday after 43 years. Maui News.

Longhi’s Lahaina closes its doors after more than 4 decades in business. After 43 years in business, a Lahaina restaurant has decided to close its doors. Hawaii News Now.

Education tax hike rejected by House, California Roundup cancer lawsuit could affect Hawaii, Kauai tops state for unvaccinated schoolchildren, Ozawa-Waters campaign heating up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii grocery clerks ©2019 All Hawaii News

A proposal to increase the state excise tax to boost funding for Hawaii public schools and the University of Hawaii will not get a hearing in the state House and appears to be dead for this year. Senate Bill 1474 would have increased the state excise tax to 4.5 percent from 4 percent to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in extra funding each year for higher and lower education, but House Finance Chairwoman Sylvia Luke said Thursday she will not consider the measure. Star-Advertiser.

A jury verdict linking Roundup to a California man’s cancer could help bring large payoffs to Hawaii residents. Five former and current Hawaii residents have sued agribusiness giant Monsanto, saying repeated exposure to the weedkiller caused their cancer. Hawaii News Now.

State Historic Preservation Division to Implement “I Mua Mondays”. On all Mondays, SHPD offices statewide will be closed to the public and SHPD will not accept meetings, phone calls, emails or “walk-ins”. SHPD’s Library will also be closed on “I Mua Mondays.” Maui Now.

State jobless rate remained at 2.7% in February. Hawaii’s gradually rising unemployment rate paused in February amid a slowing growth trend that local economists have been forecasting for the state. Star-Advertiser.

Local coffee: Boosting blends to 51 percent? Under the coffee labeling bill moving through the legislature, there could be a dramatic increase in the amount of local coffee in the blends you drink at restaurants and buy at the store. KHON2.

Prison reform frustrations: Bills to address overcrowding stalls in Senate. Overcrowded jails in Hawaii is a problem that has at least one State lawmaker claims the legislature this session is doing nothing about. KITV.

Micronesian official to plead guilty in bribery scandal. A government official from the Federated States of Micronesia is scheduled to plead guilty in U.S. District Court next month to conspiring to launder bribe money he solicited from a Honolulu engineering contractor. Star-Advertiser.

Turtle conservation rules cut Hawaii’s swordfish season short for 2nd year in a row. Swordfish season typically run through the month of June. But the 15 boats that make up Hawaii’s shallow-set longline fleet are sidelined for now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's rent supplement initiative funds expected to run out later this year. KITV.

Oahu

Ozawa-Waters battle heating up. With the special election for City Council District 4 fast approaching, Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters are seeking to draw voters’ attention to each other’s perceived weaknesses. Star-Advertiser.

Car racing fans push for a track at Barbers Point. A state Senate committee will hold a hearing today on a resolution “expressing support” for a racetrack on 220 acres at the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station that backers want initially for coned-course driving but could expand to quarter- mile, oval and dirt bike racing. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police officers Thursday morning rolled into the Walgreens parking lot on Young Street and ordered three homeless people to leave the private property — part of an ongoing effort to remove a particularly stubborn group of five to 10 chronically homeless people from the area. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine and University of Hawaii Cancer Center is hosting a panel on medical cannabis for cancer from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at 651 Ilalo St. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Highway 132 Restoration Funding Bill To Go Before Council. The Highway 132 recovery project that lava-locked residents of Puna have been clamoring for will be added to the Hawaii County Capital Budget, if the Hawaii County Council approves Bill 46 during its meeting in Kona on March 28. Big Island Video News.

Proposed UH-Hilo cuts called ‘devastating’. While proposed budget cuts throughout the University of Hawaii system, recently recommended by the state Senate, would largely reduce unfilled positions at UH-Hilo if approved, a proposal to trim $300,000 from the school’s athletics budget would devastate the program, university officials say. Tribune-Herald.

Spring has sprung: Hawaiian monk seal welcomes pup at North Kona beach. It’s said spring breathes new life into the world around us — and that was certainly true this year when Hawaiian monk seal RA20 welcomed her second pup Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui is one of the fastest growing communities in Hawaii, but it faces numerous challenges including water rights, high cost of living, and a high rate of homes being used as short term rentals. Tackling those challenges will be the job of newly elected county mayor Mike Victorino. Hawaii Public Radio.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater is one of the most popular things to do while visiting Maui—but is it becoming too overcrowded? The Department of Land and Natural Resources aquatic division has been studying impacts at Molokini for a decade. KHON2.

Kahoma Stream is blocked by debris, dries up. Community members worried about efforts to restore marine life. Maui News.

The Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management issued a response today concerning low stream flow reported in Kahoma Stream on Maui this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Tops State For Percentage Of Unvaccinated School Kids. For the first time, the state Department of Health has released statistics on vaccination rates for individual public and private schools. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit: Zuckerberg backed Andrade. The dispute over kuleana lots on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s estate in Kilauea has spawned another lawsuit. Garden Island.

The Chan Zuckerberg family is building on their support of Kauai Community College students with a new donation to support the Waialeale Project and Early College Program. Garden Island.

Convention contention. The Kauai Republican Party is gathering Saturday for the county convention and recent infighting between a district chairman and the chairman points to a controversial convention. Garden Island.

Ozawa-Waters rematch election set, Hawaiian Airlines reports $233M profit, telescope opponents take fight to California, DHHL bribery scandal hits Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trevor Ozawa, Tommy Waters campaign photos

A rematch between Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters to represent Honolulu City Council District 4 is set for Saturday, April 13. Hawaii News Now.

Ozawa-Waters rematch scheduled for April. The “all mail” election for the District 4 City Council seat will be mailed out March 21, city Clerk Glen Takahashi said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ozawa-Waters Rematch Coming Up April 13 In City Council District 4. Gov. David Ige and election officials announce plans for the special election after the November results were invalidated by the Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council District 4 Special Election Dates Announced. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki mark your calendars, the special election for the open Honolulu City Council District 4 seat will be held on Saturday, April 13th. KITV.

Gov. David Ige issued a special proclamation for a special election as required by state law.  KHON2.

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Gabbard’s Claims Of ‘Religious Bigotry’ Draw Cheers From The Right. A $1.5 million ad campaign from a group that wants to stack the courts with conservative judges features the Hawaii congresswoman’s recent attacks against Senate Democrats. Civil Beat.

Gabbard denies her presidential campaign is in ‘disarray’ after online report. Hawaii News Now.

Disaster planning to be required for new condos. A new bill by state Representative Cynthia Thielen, co-signed by Representative Gregg Takayama, would require new condominiums to create disaster preparedness plans before the beginning of next year. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines reports $233M profit in 2018. Higher fuel prices, increased competition, aircraft delivery delays, the Kilauea eruption and severe weather events didn’t prevent Hawaiian Holdings Inc. from carrying the most passengers of any year ever or surpassing analyst’s expectations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A veteran Honolulu police officer was placed on administrative leave Tuesday after he shot and killed a 51-year-old Ewa Beach man who apparently sped his vehicle toward the officer at a traffic stop in Kalihi. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Drove Toward Officer. The suspect was pulled over early Tuesday near Kamehameha Shopping Center for a traffic violation. Associated Press.

Ancient Hawaiian site in Kalaeloa threatened. On Oahu’s arid Ewa plain, amid a kiawe tree forest, remnants of an ancient Hawaiian settlement are a cultural treasure anchoring a heritage park. Star-Advertiser.

Driver of truck that plowed into group of pedestrians, killing 3, faces manslaughter charges. Alins Sumang, the 27-year-old driver accused of hitting the pedestrians in a traffic island, is believed to have been speeding and was likely under the influence of alcohol when he struck the pedestrians. Hawaii News Now.

Fatal crash highlights pedestrians’ vulnerability. At a time when private developers and public policymakers are encouraging people to leave their cars behind and hit the streets on foot, Hawaii pedestrians likely have never felt more vulnerable. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu and Molokai public libraries to close February 7 for Library Institute Day. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Leaders of a fight against building a giant telescope on Mauna Kea are in California trying to convince a financial backer of the project to withdraw support. Associated Press.

Bill seeks ambulances for Makalei, Puna areas. West Hawaii Today.

A wastewater force main that ruptured in 2017 sending sewage into Kailua Bay will soon be replaced, if the County Council approves a measure increasing the cost to $1.7 million. West Hawaii Today.

Digital kiosks allow quick vehicle registration renewals at Safeway stores across Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Kulana Foods’ decision to cease slaughter of small animals concerns some ranchers. Tribune-Herald.

Interactions between humans and honu in the waters off Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park have become more complicated as the protected species grow in numbers. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Has 26% of State’s Visitor Accommodation Units. Maui has the second highest percentage of visitor accommodation units in the state according to a new 2018 Visitor Plant Inventory Report filed by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

The Maui Police Department reports that its forensic facility currently has five unclaimed remains. Maui Now.

A training exercise is planned this Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 in Central Maui for members of the Hawaii National Guard, Maui police officers and state and county firefighters. Maui Now.

Haleakala’s Pan-STARRS offers lots more space data. ‘World’s largest digital sky survey’ available for public and astronomers. Maui News.

Tech entrepreneur to speak at February Maui TechOhana. He created concept of YouTube Channels. Maui News.

Kauai

Engineer’s bribery scandal involves awarding of lucrative DHHL contract. Jim Lyon, owner of the Honolulu-based company Lyon Associates, pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy charges in the alleged bribery scheme. Multiple sources say the bribe helped land a $2.5 million DHHL engineering contract on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has installed blue light bulbs in public bathrooms at some parks to discourage illicit drug use and loitering. Garden Island.

A lottery for a rare hunting opportunity on Kauai is coming up. The Department of Land and Natural Resources is opening a special session from April to August to track down feral goats in the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. Hawaii News Now.

The humpback whale calf found dead on Kekaha Beach Monday didn’t die of starvation and it wasn’t killed by sharks, according to Researchers from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology’s Marine Mammal Stranding Lab. Garden Island.

A little, fuzzy chick has hatched in Princeville, signaling the beginning of that area’s Laysan albatross chick season and hailing the incoming of many more seabird babies throughout the North Shore. Garden Island.

UH tuition cuts proposed, more on Gabbard's past, Ozawa-Waters battle heats up, Maui newspaper editor moves to mayor's office, Kauai seeks $130k fine for illegal vacation rental, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii at Manoa ©2019 All Hawaii News

UH proposes tuition cuts and freezes for students at all campuses. KITV.

University of Hawaii proposes holding off on tuition hikes for all students. Hawaii News Now.

UH proposes tuition decrease, then freeze. The UH administration is seeking to increase affordability, improve price competitiveness and reverse enrollment declines by instituting a tuition decrease that would apply to nearly all students at the 10-campus system for this academic year and then freeze those lowered rates through 2023. Star-Advertiser.

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A New Public Corruption Scandal Looms For Hawaii. A Honolulu engineer admitted paying $400,000 in bribes, but secrecy still surrounds the state employees and Micronesian officials who allegedly accepted payoffs. Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard’s run for president brings questions about her past. Star-Advertiser.

When the Honolulu Star-Advertiser began reporting on a story about Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and the Science of Identity Foundation, a religious organization founded by a local spiritual leader named Chris Butler, the organization began aggressively arguing that the newspaper was using religion as a “political weapon” and was fomenting religious bigotry. Star-Advertiser.

Not All Hawaii Lawmakers Embrace Gut-And-Replace. At least five senators and two representatives oppose the practice of inserting whole new language and often a different purpose into legislation with little public notice. Civil Beat.

Bail reform on tap in Legislature. A task force established to examine pretrial detention for criminal defendants has recommended eliminating bail for nonviolent offenders charged with misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors but stopped short of eliminating cash bail altogether. Tribune-Herald.

A lawmaker is pushing to add fluoride to the state's public water system to promote oral health in Hawaii. KITV.

We Have To Move Our Homes And Businesses Away From The Shoreline. But How? Hawaii lawmakers will confront major policy questions this session as they grapple with looming problems from a warming planet. Civil Beat.

168 Whales Sighted in 15 Minutes During Whale Counts. More than 572 volunteers gathered data from the shores of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i islands during the first event of the 2019 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, and on Maui with the Great Whale Count by Pacific Whale Foundation. Maui Now.

Commentary: Abercrombie’s preschool actions then are the building blocks for Ige’s program today. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

If Honolulu City Council candidate Trevor Ozawa thought Hawaii Supreme Court justices had conflicts of interest with his opponent Tommy Waters, he could have objected before they participated in deciding on Waters’ election challenge, the state Judiciary said. Star-Advertiser.

A new Honolulu City Council District 4 election will be held within four months, with the council planning to appoint an interim representative for now. Civil Beat.

Trevor Ozawa, Tommy Waters split over high court’s ruling. Star-Advertiser.

"Dirty politics": City Council candidate Trevor Ozawa considering legal action after Supreme Court ruling. The Supreme Court invalidated Trevor Ozawa's win over Tommy Waters for the district four seat Friday. KITV.

War of words as battle for Honolulu city council seat continues. KHON2.

Ozawa: Conflicts of interest tainted state Supreme Court’s judgement. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu police officers volunteered to testify in Kealoha case. Lower-ranking police officers asked to be subpoenaed for the Honolulu Ethics Commission’s investigation into then- Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his then- deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha, according to documents the Kealohas recently disclosed in their upcoming federal conspiracy and obstruction trial. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Gregg Takayama hopes to convince the federal government to sell the Federal Detention Center next to the Honolulu airport to the state to use as a replacement for the aging Oahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi. Star-Advertiser.

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For the first time in a decade of discussion about the future of rapidly deteriorating Aloha Stadium, bills before the Legislature propose a by-the-numbers financial blueprint and define a process for ancillary redevelopment of the 98-acre parcel. Star-Advertiser.

The future of Aloha Stadium might not include the beloved swap meet. Hawaii News Now.

Some lawmakers want more than new Aloha Stadium. KHON2.

Lawmakers look at building parks, condos, even hotels in Aloha Stadium district. The idea for redevelopment is to reel in money for the state's economy. KITV.

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New allegations surface against a former trustee of Heiress Kawananakoa. Attorneys for Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa are accusing her former trustee of taking money from her the day he was fired. Hawaii News Now.

The city prosecutor has filed papers in Honolulu District court to dismiss charges against five men who were arrested in a failed attempt to seize the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Members of the county Charter Commission are having second thoughts about a ballot measure reducing how much of the county’s budget must be used to buy land for preservation. West Hawaii Today.

The CEO of Alaska Aerospace Corp. said the organization will have some homework to do after a contentious meeting with Department of Hawaiian Home Lands residents Friday about its proposed small satellite launch facility. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools, which owns 54 acres at Keauhou Bay, is developing a management plan intended to move traffic and commercial operations away from historic sites and reduce pressure on the bayfront’s resources. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless numbers in Hawaii vs public perception. West Hawaii Today.

A study to determine whether the Pohoiki boat ramp can reopen may happen in months or in mere weeks. Tribune-Herald.

Lawyers discuss Lloyd’s of London lawsuits at meeting. Tribune-Herald.

Council advances Kaupulehu project. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state has agreed to pay $585,000 to settle a lawsuit by two former foster children who were sexually molested by a state-licensed Maui foster parent. Star-Advertiser.

Hana Highway group looks to make road safer while raising cultural awareness. KHON2.

Lawmakers mull ways to deal with fire risk, relief. State and local lawmakers are looking for ways to provide relief for West Maui residents still working to rebuild their homes and crops after fires in August. Maui News.

South Maui park options presented. Three concepts for the undeveloped portion of the South Maui Community Park will be presented from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Kenolio Recreation Center, 131 S. Kihei Road. Maui News.

Colleen Uechi named assistant city editor. Her appointment comes amid a newsroom reorganization brought on by the departures of City Editor Brian Perry and reporter Chris Sugidono to the mayoral administration of Michael Victorino. Maui News.

Kauai

Commission recommends $130,000 fine. The owners of a vacation rental property on the Wailua River may be fined $130,000 for violating county zoning ordinances. Garden Island.

Coral reefs bouncing back. On Kauai, corals battled black band disease from 2004 to about 2015 and did experience some impacts of bleaching, but in the last year, divers reported an increase in coral growth at Anini Beach on Kauai’s northeast side in March — a March report from underwater photographer Terry Lilley mentioned healthy and disease-free corals that “continue to grow at a rapid rate.” Garden Island.

Kauai Beach Resort has undergone many transformations since its construction in the 1970s, and April 1 another hospitality company is taking over management of the resort. Garden Island.

Inspector General report urges changes to Hawaii's missile alert system, high surf, high seas spur Honolulu action, two election lawsuits filed over close votes, humpback whale no-shows cause concern, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii missile alert info session ©2018 All Hawaii News

Missile alert report urges FEMA to make vendors change software. The report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General urges FEMA to require that software used by local authorities to access and operate the emergency alert system include features such as the ability to preview or cancel alerts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii False Missile Alert: New Problems Found In Federal Warning System. A recent inspector general report highlights shortcomings in FEMA’s oversight of the emergency warning system. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has recommended changes to the nation’s emergency alert system after Hawaii officials in January mistakenly warned the public about an incoming ballistic missile. Associated Press.

Read full inspector general emergency alert system report here.

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New Tax System Targets Cash Economy. The state’s Tax System Modernization or TSM will cost $60 million when completed. Rollout 4 was launched earlier this month to enable electronic filing for individual income tax returns. Hawaii Public Radio.

From school custodian to the sole Republican in the state Senate. For Kurt Fevella, the results of the general election are still sinking in. The former school janitor is now hiring staff for his office, as the newly elected lone Republican in the Hawaii state Senate. Hawaii News Now.

Every vote counts, but not all get counted. Thousands of votes statewide were invalidated, mostly on Oahu, and most affected voters won't necessarily know if theirs was counted. KHON2.

Black Market Babies. The Republic of the Marshall Islands, a string of low-lying coral atolls halfway between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea, had no law governing international adoptions in the 1990s. Hawaii quickly turned into a hub for what American judges and newspapers widely described as “black market adoptions.” The flow of babies soon spread to other states. Civil Beat.

Hawaii AG Demands Civil Rights Protections for Transgender People. Attorney General Russell A. Suzuki joined a coalition of 20 state attorneys general urging the Trump Administration to abandon efforts to adopt a definition of “sex” that would exclude transgender and gender nonconforming individuals from the protections of federal civil rights laws. Maui Now.

Clues sought for decline in Hawaii humpback whale sightings. Researchers are gathering to compare clues on the reasons behind a significant decline in the number of sightings of North Pacific humpback whales in their traditional breeding grounds in waters around Hawaii. Associated Press.

Auction brings more broadband funds to Hawaii’s rural areas. Hawaiian Telcom will receive more than $18 million to deploy broadband in approximately 4,000 new areas across our state over the next six years. These areas include parts of Hawaiian Acres, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Kohala, Laupahoehoe, Orchidland and Pepeekeo on Hawaii island; parts of Haiku, Hana and Olowalu on Maui; parts of Kaunakakai and Ualapue on Molokai; part of Lanai City; parts of Hanapepe, Kekaha, Kilauea, Kokee and Waimea on Kauai; and parts of Kahuku and Malaekahana on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Sears to sell off most of its Hawaii stores. Sears Holdings Corp. listed four Hawaii outlets — at Pearlridge Center, Windward Mall, Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo and an appliance store at Ala Moana Center — among 505 of the company’s most profitable locations to be sold or auctioned off as part of its bankruptcy, according to court documents. Star-Advertiser.

Retail giant Sears announced Monday that its putting four of its Hawaii stores on the auction block. Hawaii News Now.

SBA opening disaster loan centers this week on Maui, Hawaii's Big Island. The U.S. Small Business Administration will open disaster loan outreach centers on the Big Island and Maui on Tuesday to help Hawaii businesses apply for low-interest loans to recover from damage caused by the floods and wildfires that occurred during Hurricane Lane in August. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The city is taking steps to prepare for the significant impacts of global climate change, but moving the route of Honolulu’s rail line more inland is not one of them, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

‘Perhaps we retreat:’ City predicts major changes as Hawaii faces coastal erosion. Following the release of a new national climate assessment, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell predicted Friday that Hawaii will see major changes in infrastructure as ocean levels rise in the decades ahead. Hawaii News Now.

City and County of Honolulu to take action on climate change. KHON2.

North Shore Beach Erosion 45-foot waves pound island. A powerful northwest swell pounded the islands Monday, bringing to some northwest-facing locations towering waves between 35 and 45 feet. Star-Advertiser.

'Nuts’: Monster waves pummel Oahu’s North Shore, trigger safety warnings. Monster surf topping out at 45 feet rolled into Oahu’s North Shore on Monday, triggering safety warnings and keeping lifeguards busy. Hawaii News Now.

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Two Losing Candidates Ask For Election Recounts. City Council candidate Tommy Waters and state Sen. Matt LoPresti both lost their races by razor-thin margins. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council candidate Tommy Waters, who lost to incumbent Councilman Trevor Ozawa by 22 votes in the general election, wants the Hawaii Supreme Court to either declare him the winner, order a recount of the votes or to demand that the results be invalidated and a new election be held. Star-Advertiser.

Police Security Cameras May Soon Blanket Waikiki. Tourism officials believe heightened surveillance will make visitors feel safer, but the Hawaii ACLU says it poses “grave concerns” for privacy. Civil Beat.

HPD Wants Inflatable Tents In City Parks For Temporary Use By The Homeless. Police have a $3 million plan to create “lift zones” in Honolulu parks, where the homeless can sleep in inflatable tents and receive services when shelters fill up. Civil Beat.

City launches unclutter street gutters initiative. The city is trying to get residents to take responsibility for their neighborhood's storm drains. KHON2.

The Board of Water Supply is taking a second shot at generating additional revenue by pursuing the redevelopment of part of its Beretania Street site. Hawaii News Now.

Nan Inc. wins $267M contract to expand Oahu sewage plant. The City and County of Honolulu has awarded Nan Inc. a $267 million contract to expand the secondary treatment system at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in in Ewa. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County Council names Chung chairman. Aaron Chung, a longtime councilman from Hilo, will be the new County Council chairman under an organization plan filed Monday. West Hawaii Today.

A new Hawaii County Council Chair, County Clerk, and Council Committee leadership has been nominated as the next council prepares to take office. Big Island Video News.

Hurricane Lane Disaster Recovery Center Opens Tuesday In Hilo. The U.S. Small Business Administration will open a temporary Disaster Recovery Center in Hilo at the Hawaii County Building, from November 27 to December 6. Big Island Video News.

What to name fissure no. 8? A state board is taking up the issue. The Hawaii Board of Geographic Names meets Wednesday to discuss a plan to review potential new name proposals for Kilauea volcano’s features, including fissure no. 8 in Leilani Estates. Hawaii News Now.

After gathering more than a third of a million pounds of oceanborne waste from Hawaii shores, one marine waste cleanup program will continue its work for a third year. Tribune-Herald.

Over the last week, a scabies outbreak has run rampant through the ranks of Kona Community Hospital, sidelining several employees. And hospital officials say more cases are likely to appear. West Hawaii Today.

County seeks bids for Alii Drive culvert replacement project. A contractor is being sought to replace a rapidly deteriorating culvert on Alii Drive. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hearings begin to update Maui island water plan. Twenty-year blueprint helps guide the management of water resources. Maui is working to update its 20-year plan for islandwide water uses at a time when major decisions by the state’s water panel are slowly restoring streams in the wake of big sugar. Maui News.

County of Maui DPR announces closure of Baldwin Beach Park all day Tuesday. Major flooding has resulted from high surf and has caused safety concerns to the County facility. KITV.

The Lanai Community Health Center has launched a more user-friendly website. Maui News.

Kauai

Meeting set today on council chair selection. A meeting is set for 3:30 p.m. today at the Historic County Building for the members elected to the Kauai County Council for the term commencing Dec. 3 to discuss their organizational structure for the 2018-2020 council term. Garden Island.

Settlement likely in civil suit. A tentative settlement has been reached in a civil lawsuit filed against the Kauai County Police Department by the family of a 19-year-old Hanapepe man killed by a speeding police cruiser, according to court documents and a county spokesperson. Garden Island.

Vacation rental business growing, Honolulu council candidate asks Supreme Court for recount, Western governors to meet in Kona, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach scene ©2018 All Hawaii News

Isle B&Bs, vacation rentals see double-digit growth. Hawaii’s bed-and-breakfast accommodations and vacation rental homes saw double-digit growth in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

State economic growth downgraded. Hawaii’s extraordinary run of economic expansion, now in its ninth year, paused briefly earlier this year, according to a new federal estimate that has led state officials to downgrade their annual growth forecast for the local economy. Star-Advertiser.

School improvements could be completed faster under the DOE’s new plan. With one in every five Hawaii public schools over 100 years old, there has been a significant backlog of repairs needed at campuses across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Government-backed Veterans Affairs purchase loans in Hawaii surged more than 71 percent in financial year 2018, compared to five years ago, according to Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s largest VA lender. Pacific Business News.

Company with ties to Sandwich Isles faces bankruptcy. Creditors of a business called Paniolo Cable Co. that is owned by the adult children of imprisoned telecommunications entrepreneur Albert Hee are trying to force the cable company into bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Oldest US military survivor of Pearl Harbor dies at age 106. Ray Chavez, the oldest U.S. military survivor of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor that plunged the United States into World War II, died Wednesday. Associated Press.

A Hawaiian Airlines flight en route to the mainland was turned around and landed back in Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines Flight 16 was headed toward San Diego from Honolulu Thursday when about an hour in, the pilots decided to turn around. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Oahu politician challenging election results. The election may be over but one candidate is challenging the results. Tommy Waters lost his bid by just 22 votes. KHON2.

Honolulu’s Secret Home Buyers Must Now Reveal Their Identities. New federal rules aimed at cracking down on criminal activity require that shell companies paying all cash for homes report their owners. Civil Beat.

Head of award-winning permitting agency says DPP can change, too. The head of a Washington county permitting department that transformed itself into a nationally recognized exemplary agency says the same thing can happen at Honolulu’s embattled Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Inflatable, mobile homeless shelters could be coming to Oahu. Honolulu Police have a new idea that could temporarily house the homeless who can't get into area shelters because of overflow: portable, inflatable shelters. KITV.

Oahu’s Waianae Range will be the future home of more than a dozen wind turbines after Hawaiian Electric Co. signed a power purchase agreement with EE Ewa LLC for a new 46.8-megawatt wind project on the island’s west side. Pacific Business News.

Wind farm proposed for Waianae range. Wind farm proposed for Waianae range. Star-Advertiser.

A battle over a Portlock gate blocking access to a beach path is far from over. The city council is taking up the matter at next Wednesday's meeting. KITV.

Owner of Honolulu engineering firm convicted of conspiracy to commit tax fraud. A federal jury convicted Wagdy Guirguis, owner of engineering firm GMP Associates Inc. and CPA Michael Higa with conspiracy to defraud the IRS on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Teddy’s Mapunapuna closes for cleaning after video allegedly shows workers grilling rat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Western Governors’ Association will hold their 2018 Winter Meeting Dec. 11-13 at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island. Maui Now.

TMT opponents want high court to reconsider ruling. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope are getting some help from other Native Hawaiian leaders and a former state Supreme Court justice in their request for reconsideration of a recent ruling in favor of the $1.4 billion project. Tribune-Herald.

Recovering lava-inundated areas around Puna’s Highway 132 has been prioritized by the Hawaii County Council. On November 20, the council passed Resolution 732-18, requesting the administration work on getting alternative roads for residents who were isolated during the recent eruption. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Ground broken for new county service center. $25 million project targeted for completion in 2020. Maui News.

The County of Maui today broke ground on a new 60,000 square foot service center on a parcel located at the Maui Business Park in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kuhio Highway opening could be early 2019. The Hawaii Department of Transportation said Wednesday that due to weather-related delays and consideration of environmental and community concerns, it is now targeting early 2019 for reopening of Kuhio Highway on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Seasport Divers is partnering with the Kauai Surfrider Foundation to do an underwater debris cleanup at Koloa Landing, one of Kauai’s popular dive and snorkel locations. Garden Island.