Thirty Meter Telescope almost 20% done, UH Board of Regents approves group to study Mauna Kea management, money in politics, police salaries, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Depression Flossie at 5 a.m. Aug. 5 NOAA

Tropical Depression Flossie Continues to Weaken. At 5 a.m., Tropical Depression Flossie was located about 155 miles E of Hilo and 225 mile ESE of Hana, Maui (near latitude 19.7 North, longitude 152.7 West). Maui Now.

Tropical Depression Flossie expected to bring high surf, heavy rain and thunderstorms. KHON2.

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TMT almost 20% done: Despite ongoing protest on Maunakea, work continues around the world. Although no construction equipment has been able to ascend Maunakea for three weeks due to the ongoing protest by some Native Hawaiians, the Thirty Meter Telescope is nearly 20% complete. Tribune-Herald.

UH Board of Regents Approve Forming Investigative Group For Mauna Kea. A new University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents group will be investigating the school's role in managing Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fact-Checking Environmental Concerns About The Thirty Meter Telescope. TMT officials say the world’s largest telescope will be a zero-waste facility, while the state has determined  it doesn’t pose a risk to the Big Island’s water supply. Civil Beat.

Claims about TMT’s impact on watershed are just plain false, according to expert, EIS. The most vocal opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope project has come from the perspective of the rights of indigenous people and the cultural significance of the site. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea protests seen as generational shift, pivot point. As they enter their fourth week, the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope are beginning to look like something new and powerful in Hawaii politics, a magnetic and growing movement that has captivated thousands, including even some committed Hawaiian supporters of the TMT. Star-Advertiser.

Mauna Kea Radio Broadcasts Defy FCC. A low power radio station broadcasting from the base of Mauna Kea is just one of the many media efforts supporting the opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope. Big Island Video News.

Conflict on Mauna Kea 'Where it Stands’ mini-documentary. The conflict on Mauna Kea is about to enter its fourth week with no end in sight. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s homegrown teachers step up to the plate as efforts target teacher shortage. As students head back to public schools across Hawaii today, the first cadre of newly licensed teachers in the “Grow Our Own” initiative are stepping to the front of their classrooms. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Efforts To Stop Youth Vaping Stalls As Use Increases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks Hawaii number two among states for children grades 6 to 12 who are vaping. Hawaii Public Radio.

$2.7B Weinberg Foundation re-balancing Hawaii real estate empire. Recently, leaders of the Baltimore-based Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation have made major changes to the organization’s Hawaii operations, leading some local business leaders to worry whether the foundation’s historic role in the state would be diminished. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Councilwoman’s use of city funds to pay PR firm is scrutinized. Honolulu City Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi is using her taxpayer-funded Council contingency account to pay a Honolulu public relations and advertising firm for community and media outreach and marketing. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Faces More Uncertainty As Council Leader Tries To Abolish HART. After years of missteps it’s time for the rail agency to be replaced by city control, Honolulu’s City Council chairman argues. HART says that’ll only make things worse. Civil Beat.

DHHL land deal under fire. Two parties are raising questions about the commission practice of turning over land from the department’s 203,000-acre land trust to nonbeneficiaries, typically through long-term leases or short-term rights of entry. Star-Advertiser.

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In wake of pedestrian crash, state to look at building parking for Laniakea Beach Park. Under pressure from the North Shore community, the state Department of Transportation said it will now look at moving parts of Kamehameha Highway near Laniakea Beach inland to provide limited parking on the makai side of the highway. Hawaii News Now.

Laniakea task force urges state to improve pedestrian safety. Members of the Laniakea Task Force are urging the state to prioritize adjustments to Kamehameha Highway to help avoid future accidents like the one involving a 10-year-old boy just days ago. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Salary Database 2020: We’re Kicking Off This Year’s Report With HPD. A legal challenge by the police union held up release of officers’ names for years but a recent court ruling found disclosure is required under public records law. Civil Beat.

Fort Street Mall satellite city hall relocating to bigger location. The city says the location will close this coming Friday and will reopen Monday around the corner at the Chinatown Gateway Plaza. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Money in politics: Lawmakers fundraise during legislative session. Elections are more than a year away — and for some senators three years away — but that hasn’t kept state lawmakers from holding fundraisers during the legislative session and collecting money from the very people who are trying to influence their votes. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR declines settlement offer for grave damage. More than a year after the state Department of Land and Natural Resources sought to fine the Edwin C. Olson Trust No. 2 for damage allegedly done to a plantation camp cemetery by heavy machinery, a settlement still has not been reached. Tribune-Herald.

New marketplace to open next year. A larger Safeway being built as part of the Niumalu Marketplace is on track to open up in summer 2020, the project’s developers said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

More than the mountain: New tours offered to fill stargazing gaps. Big Island tour companies are increasingly learning not to put all their eggs in one basket, as even temporary closures of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Maunakea summit play havoc with tour groups’ plans. West Hawaii Today.

University of Washington starting physician assistant program in Hawaii. The UW School of Medicine’s MEDEX physician assistant program is investing up to $1 million to open a training center at the former Kaiser Permanente Clinic in Kailua-Kona. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

HIOSH ordered Maui Police Department to conduct internal investigation. The letter states that MPD had until July 30th to conduct an internal investigation. KITV.

New Partner Joins Maui-Based Consulting Firm. Skog Rasmussen LLC, a Maui-based consulting firm, announced that Melissa Unemori Hampe has joined the firm as a partner. Maui Now.

Fire fully contained; work to quell hot spots in 5,300-acre Pukalani blaze will continue. Maui News.

Kauai

An infrastructure project to replace the Hanapepe River Bridge is well behind schedule, and construction has been at a virtual standstill for months. Garden island. Construction on a replacement for the 80-year-old bridge began earlier this year, and already the project has been delayed five or six months, said Larry Dill, district engineer with the state Department of Transportation. Garden Island.

Bridge meeting set. The state Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and WW Clyde and Co., has scheduled a public meeting to provide an update on the construction of the Hanapepe River Bridge replacement. Garden Island.

One tropical storm down, one to go, Honolulu vacation rental law spurs lawsuits, wildfire scorches 2,500 acres on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Flossie 5 a.m. Aug. 2 NOAA

Tropical Storm Erick passes south of Big Island as Flossie nears Central Pacific. though Tropical Storm Erick continued to weaken overnight on its path south of the islands, it brings with it a plethora of adverse weather conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Flossie maintained strength as a tropical storm and is expected to cross into the Central Pacific on Friday, forecasters say. At 5 a.m. Friday, the National Hurricane Center said Flossie — still packing winds of 70 mph or higher — was about 1,145 miles east of Hilo and moving west-northwest near 17 mph. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical Storm Erick weakens while Tropical Storm Flossie maintains strength. KHON2.

Tropical Storm Flossie moving fast but will slowly weaken as it approaches the islands. Flossie has winds at 70 mph. KITV.

Erick rapidly weakening south of the Big Island. Moisture associated with Erick will spread over portions of the Hawaiian Islands through Saturday. KITV.

Experts say look long term when taking precautions for upcoming storms. That will keep you prepared for the long hurricane season. KHON2.

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‘Success’ bonus sparks criticism about use of taxpayer money. The board of the Hawaii Strategic Development Corp. approved a “success bonus” of at least $52,827 for the government agency’s outgoing President Karl Fooks in June, raising concerns in the Legislature as to whether the unusual payment for a public-sector worker was an appropriate use of government funds. Star-Advertiser.

Head Start Preschool Program In Hawaii Gets Federal Boost. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will award nearly $10 million to three Hawaii nonprofits that operate the Head Start preschool program. Civil Beat.

Thirty Meter Telescope supporters Thursday rallied at the state Capitol for the second week in a row, and like last week, they were greeted by a sizable group of TMT opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City’s new vacation rental law faces at least 2 legal challenges. The city’s new law regulating the vacation rental industry went into effect Thursday and is already facing two legal challenges. Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rental operators file suit against the city. The Hawaii Vacation Rental Owners Association filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court today against the city over its new law prohibiting advertising of unpermitted short-term vacation rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu new law in effect, banning unpermitted short-term vacation rentals. A group of vacation rental owners calls the rule 'unconstitutional' and filed a lawsuit against the city. KITV.

Short-Term Rental Owners Consider Options: Lease, Sell Or Leave It Vacant? Early indications suggest the legislation is working as intended to limit tourists in residential areas and make units available to residents. Civil Beat.

Measuring Tourism Impacts in Windward  Oahu. University of Hawaii researchers are asking how precisely are visitors affecting local neighborhoods – like those in Windward Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

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City and state officials missed a Wednesday deadline to reach an agreement that would have given them access to $220 million in federal funding to shore up the Ala Wai Canal and its watershed to protect Waikiki and several other Oahu neighborhoods from flooding. Star-Advertiser.

Moderately priced units in a planned Kakaako condo is attracting many buyers. All the affordable condos — one- and two-bedroom units with 511 to 799 square feet of living space — are reserved for Hawaii residents with moderate incomes and are priced from $312,600 to $657,100. Star-Advertiser.

Hale Nani health care workers to strike Friday. About 200 health care workers at Hale Nani Rehabilitation & Nursing Center are expected to participate in a one-day strike Friday over low wages and understaffing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH regents to discuss Maunakea group. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is expected to hear a motion this morning to consider the formation of a group that would advise the board on issues related to the university’s governance of Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner has been one of the Thirty Meter Telescope’s most vocal supporters. But in a recent interview Lassner said he’s struggling with how the project is dividing the university and broader community. Hawaii News Now.

Puna community mulls six possible bus hub sites. More than two dozen people gathered Wednesday night in Pahoa to discuss the merits of six locations identified around the community for a proposed bus hub. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Pukalani Fire Scorches 2,500 Acres, Pulehu Still Closed. Maui Now.

Maui firefighters were battling flames and difficult weather conditions Thursday night as they scrambled to bring a large brush fire in Pukalani under control. Hawaii News Now.

Brush fire near Pukalani, more than 2,500 acres burned. Pulehu Road is closed at Hansen Road and at Omaopio Road due to the fire. KITV.

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All 19 West Maui beaches sampled are ‘impaired’. All 19 sampled beaches in West Maui are “impaired” and exceed the state standard for allowable amounts of sediment and potentially harmful runoff nutrients in coastal waters, according to data collected by the Hui O Ka Wai Ola program. Maui News.

County is now taking applications for its first-time homebuyers program. The County of Maui currently is accepting applications for its First-Time Home Buyers Down Payment Assistance Program. Maui News.

Kauai

14 Days Of Emergency Supplies? Who Has That? Health department surveys provide the most detailed assessment yet of how people are responding to new state preparedness recommendations. Civil Beat.

King Tides, black moon. Another set of the year’s highest tides reached the archipelago Wednesday and Thursday, combined with swells from incoming Tropical Storm Erick and the beginning of a “black moon.” Garden Island.

Flossie downgraded after flustering Hawaiian Islands, schools lose high-risk status, Maui News erecting paywall, Hanabusa aide allegedly broke campaign law, artists sought to honor Mink, Inouye, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County emergency operations center, courtesy Mayor Billy Kenoi

The worst of what is now Tropical Depression Flossie has now passed through most of the state, bringing thunderstorms and dangerously high surf but sparing most islands from serious storm related damage. Hawaii News Now.

Strong wind and heavy rain from Tropical Depression Flossie resulted in more than 80 flight cancellations to and from the islands Monday, preventing some visitors from starting their Hawaii vacations and keeping others from going home. Star-Advertiser.

Airlines have canceled flights in and out of Hawaii due to Tropical Storm Flossie. Powerful winds and heavy rains have left many visitors stranded or unable to get here. Hawaii Public Radio.

Even as Flossie drifts away and dissipates to a remnant of a tropical storm, she leaves behind ample moisture to cause thunderstorms this afternoon and heavy rain Wednesday in Honolulu, forecasters said. Star-Advertiser.

Although the state received a drenching and strong winds, Hawaii benefited, as it has in the past, from high-altitude wind shear that took the top off the storm along with some of its dangerous punch, experts say. Star-Advertiser.

A week before most of Hawaii’s students return to school, the state education department was cleared from its “high-risk” status that had threatened a $75 million grant targeted for reforming struggling schools. Associated Press.

The U.S. Department of Education has lifted a restriction on a $75 million federal grant that had raised doubts about Hawaii’s ability to improve low-performing public schools. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Education’s four-year, $75 million Race to the Top grant is no longer considered high risk after a recent evaluation from the U.S. Department of Education, according to a Monday announcement. Pacific Business News.

Hanabusa Aide May Have Mixed Campaign and Congressional Work. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and Arts is putting out an international call for artists to create art in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink. The foundation says the state Legislature passed a measure to commission sculptures honoring Inouye and Mink to go near the state Capitol. The Legislature instructed that $250,000 be spent for each work. Associated Press.

State Rep. Karen Awana still owes $800 in fines for failing to keep campaign spending records and filing false reports dating back to 2008. The four-term Democrat has $16,000 in her campaign account, which she could have used to complete the delinquent payments months ago. Civil Beat.

A Hawaiian Electric Co. report outlining its strategy for meeting the energy needs of its customers fell short in several areas and did not adequately address the impact of the rapid growth of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems on the utility's grid, according to consultant hired by state regulators to oversee the planning process. Star-Advertiser.

The independent expert hired by state regulators to oversee Hawaiian Electric Co.’s energy planning process is refusing to certify the utility's five-year energy plans, saying the company's work was shoddy despite what's expected to be an $11 million effort. Civil Beat.

State roundup for July 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

Paradise lost: Honolulu taxpayers drowning in crystal clear sea of debt. Hawaii Reporter.

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii's Wastewater Treatment Plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam has reported that a clogged sand filtration polishing system touched off two partial bypasses — one last night and one today — at the effluent sand filtration system overflow weir. During the bypass incidents, the plant discharged a total of about 18,000 gallons of fully treated and disinfected secondary effluent through its deep multiport outfall without polishing effluent sand filtration. Star-Advertiser.

A defense attorney suggested Monday that a key prosecution witness knew that State Department Special Agent Christopher Deedy was a law enforcement officer when the witness said he initially thought the agent was carrying a Taser electronic stun gun. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Tropical Storm Flossie is expected to continue to fizzle as it moves westward after barely brushing the Big Island on Monday. Stephens Media.

The threat of Tropical Storm Flossie cost taxpayers more than $350,000 in lost worker productivity and it inconvenienced residents when garbage transfer stations were closed and public bus service suspended, but Mayor Billy Kenoi on Monday afternoon maintained a “better safe than sorry” stance. Stephens Media.

A federal judge indicated she will rule by Wednesday whether she or the jury should allow Hawaii island cannabis advocate Roger Christie to use a religious freedom defense at his marijuana trial. U.S. District Judge Leslie Koba­ya­shi heard arguments Monday by federal prosecutors who want her to rule that the defense under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act doesn't apply. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers at the University of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Agriculture try to resolve vexing questions about how to deal with coffee berry borer beetles, an unwelcome new species that came to the state and quickly began to devastate Kona’s coffee crop. Civil Beat.

It was around 11 p.m. Sunday, and the dozens of families camping in tents at Keaukaha Beach Park had largely packed up and gone home in anticipation of Tropical Storm Flossie’s expected arrival. Stephens Media.

Maui

Maui Electric Company officials say 4,400 customers were brought back online overnight following multiple power outages reported across the island. Maui Now.

The Maui News set to launch all-digital access next month. Nonsubscribers will be able to view the beginning of each story.

Haleakala National Park is in the midst of repairing all seven visitor parking lots after "decades of wear," but the project is creating challenges for those who make the trek up the 10,000-foot mountain. Maui News.

Celebrating its fourth year of protecting fish along 2 miles of West Maui coastline, dozens of volunteers and officials with the Kahekili Herbivore Fishery Management Area gathered Sunday morning for food, entertainment and a seaweed-eating competition. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s Westside could feel the most of what remains of the diminishing power of Flossie as it passes west of the island today. At about 5 p.m. Monday, the tropical storm was downgraded to a tropical depression, but a flash flood watch remained in effect for Kauai and Niihau. Garden Island.

On the eastern edge of Hanalei Bay, next to the St. Regis Princeville Resort, lies a hidden piece of ancient Hawaiian history — the remnants of a 600-year-old fishpond. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Flossie updates

Tropical Storm Flossie at 10 a.m. Monday., July 29

Tropical Storm Flossie crosses the Hawaiian Islands. See most recent storm maps here.

A full range of maps and more here.

Hawaii braces for Tropical Storm Flossie: Abercrombie issues emergency proclamation, courthouses, government buildings closed, bus service canceled on Hawaii Island, more storm news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Flossie at 2 a.m. Monday

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed an emergency proclamation Sunday in preparation for Tropical Storm Flossie, which is expected to spread rain, wind, flooding and high surf throughout the state over the next two days. Star-Advertiser.

Residents and tourists across Hawaii were bracing for Tropical Storm Flossie, which forecasters said was weakening as it approached the state but still could bring heavy rains, strong winds and possibly even tornadoes. National Weather Service officials said they expect people on the Big Island and Maui to see the brunt of the storm Monday morning, with wind gusts up to 60 mph, possible flooding and waves up to 18 feet high. Associated Press.

Tropical Storm Flossie has weakened since the last update.  As of 5 a.m. on Monday, maximum sustained winds were measured at 45 miles per hour, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Counties.  At 5 a.m., Kauaʻi and Niʻihau were added to the Warning area. Maui Now.

Hawaii iIsland and Maui are in the cross hairs this morning as the isles face the first direct hit from a tropical storm in more than 20 years. Star-Advertiser.

Forecasters at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for Oahu Sunday and a tropical storm watch for Kauai as Tropical Storm Flossie closes in on Hawaii. Big Island and Maui County remain under a tropical storm warning. A statewide flash flood watch is also set to begin at 6 a.m. Monday. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Coast Guard closed ports on the Big Island and Maui and Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed an emergency proclamation Sunday as Tropical Storm Flossie continued on a path that forecast to take it through the Islands on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Here is the text of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's statement for Hawaii on Tropical Storm Flossie. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city Department of Emergency Management is advising Oahu residents that the just-issued tropical storm warning for the island means it is the time to get prepared for Flossie's expected arrival this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As rain began to fall in Hilo, Hawaii island Mayor Billy Kenoi and acting Civil Defense administrator Darryl Oliveira urged residents to stay vigilant as Tropical Storm Flossie began to weaken as it neared the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii island Mayor Billy Kenoi announced all non-essential county workers are to stay home today as Tropical Storm Flossie sets its sights directly on the island. Kenoi made the decision Sunday afternoon after consulting with acting Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira at the Hilo Emergency Operations Center. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Flossie's impending arrival on Hawaii island this morning has forced the closure of the county bus system and state courthouses on the island. Mayor Billy Kenoi decided to shut down the county's Hele-On bus system as of midnight Sunday as a safety precaution. Star-Advertiser.


Tropical Storm Flossie was expected to make landfall along the Hamakua Coast around 6 a.m. today, bringing with it high winds, heavy surf, and torrential rains. Stephens Media.

About 85 families who were part of a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands-sponsored camping event at South Hilo’s Keaukaha Beach Park — many of whom have been there since the first week of June —  were told to vacate Sunday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The County of Maui activated its Emergency Operations Center at 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2013, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Flossie, which is due to reach the Hawaiian Islands on Monday morning. Maui News.

Kauai

State officials are urging residents across the state to be on alert and take immediate storm precautions as Tropical Storm Flossie takes a direct aim at Maui and the Big Island. Garden Island.