UH takes hot seat for Stevie Wonder blunder, Oracle racing coming to Lanai, Honolulu mayoral candidates debate, Hawaii SAT scores lag historically low national numbers, Hawaii County elections lawsuit can't find a judge, union settlement at Turtle Bay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 all Hawaii News

University of Hawaii officials were grilled for more than six hours Monday in a hearing that sought answers on a Stevie Wonder fundraising concert that never was. Civil Beat.

Amid tough questions Monday night from state senators, Board of Regents Chairman Eric Martinson pledged greater transparency in tackling the fallout from the botched Stevie Wonder concert and said the body would play a role in making sure a similar debacle doesn't happen again. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood was grilled by more than two hours by a special State Senate committee Monday looking into the botched Stevie Wonder concert and its aftermath. Hawaii News Now.

UH President MRC Greenwood

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood said she felt political pressure to let then-athletic director Jim Donovan keep his job, but instead the school offered him a position that he had neither asked for, nor wanted, at an annual salary of $211,000 for three years. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii's Stevie Wonder concert fiasco was the product of a systematic breakdown and not the fault of a single university official, internal UH documents show. Hawaii News Now.

Presidents of public universities with top-tier intercollegiate football programs must walk a  “very difficult and treacherous pathway,” University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood said as she walked that pathway at a state Senate investigative committee hearing yesterday. Hawaii Reporter.

Senators finally called it a night at seven o'clock this evening, after listening to six hours of testimony regarding the Stevie Wonder concert scam, and the re-assignment of former UH Athletics Director Jim Donovan. KHON2.

Hawaii's SAT scores continue to lag behind the national average. Star-Advertiser.

David “Kawika” Crowley has a lot to say about Tulsi Gabbard, his opponent in Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional race, but it appears he won’t have a chance to say it to her face. Tribune-Herald.

State roundup for September 25. Associated Press.

Oahu
For part of a mayoral forum Monday, candidates Kirk Caldwell and Ben Caye­tano veered away from discussing the city's $5.26 billion rail project and talked about issues on the minds of the largely elderly audience. Star-Advertiser.

During a Monday forum sponsored by the Kokua Council, both candidates for Honolulu mayor said they would support the direct funding of senior services by the city. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayoral Candidates Kirk Caldwell and Ben Cayetano squared off in their first meeting since advancing from the primary election. KHON2.

When it comes to the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, neither of Honolulu’s two mayoral candidates fully support the state’s plan to replace the dilapidated structure with a volleyball arena or concert venue. Civil Beat.

The Kaimana Beach Coalition released more emails this weekend that raises questions about the influence of a group that it is at odds with. KITV4.

The 16 candidates running to fill Tulsi Gabbard’s vacant Honolulu City Council seat range from an English professor to a Department of Transportation office assistant. Civil Beat.

The city of Honolulu will unveil draft proposals for transit-oriented development along the planned rail line in Kalihi and downtown Hono­lulu in public workshops today and Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A tentative settlement was reached Monday night on a new contract covering workers at Turtle Bay Resort. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s new online system for residential solar power system building permits started off with more than 300 permits issued during the first day alone. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu is one of the largest U.S. cities not to put fluoride in its water supply, but it's been nearly a decade since the issue was last up for public debate. Civil Beat.

Robertson Properties Group’s final environmental impact statement for its proposed mixed-use project for the site of the former Kamehameha Drive-in across from Pearlridge Center in Aiea has been accepted by Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting. Pacific Business News.

The Navy's Blue Angels said aloha to Kaneohe in typical fashion Monday — with six jets flying wingtip to wingtip in a diamond pattern and trailing smoke as they screamed by in a low flyover just before 2:30 p.m. Star-Advertiser.

The National Weather Service posted a high-surf advisory throughout the day as waves with faces taller than 20 feet pounded the North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

It’s been little more than two weeks since two fired elections workers filed suit against County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi and Council Chairman Dominic Yagong. But it’s already clear no Hilo judge is going to hear the lawsuits. West Hawaii Today.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi said Monday that she has replaced Arlene Boteilho, made acting elections program administrator after the firing of Pat Nakamoto in January, with Elizabeth Lehua Iopa. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona’s recent spate of burglaries provided ample fodder for debate and marked a bright line between philosophies when the two candidates for prosecuting attorney faced off Friday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

Previous scientific studies of Hawaii Island’s fresh water resources have shown some of what scientists thought they knew about water here was wrong. West Hawaii Today.

A North Hawaii bridge and intersection will get a makeover, under a Department of Transportation proposal that got the environmental go-ahead this week. West Hawaii Today.

Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School faculty, staff, parents and community members elected the school’s first governing board on Sept. 6. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Halting the controversial Kihei shopping centers that have come under scrutiny by the state Land Use Commission could also jeopardize 250 affordable housing units promised to Maui County five years ago. Maui News.

The Mahinahina Water Treatment facility in West Maui was up and running as of early Sunday morning after crews repaired a broken waterline sooner than expected. Maui News.

Kauai
Hundreds of fans are expected to turn out Saturday for "Kauai Remembers Blue Hawaii," a commemorative event sponsored by the Kauai Visitors Bureau and the County of Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Commercial parking lots across from Tunnels Beach are no longer in operation after the state found three land owners to be in violation of land use within the conservation district. Garden Island.

Following the buzz over the statewide Public Land Development Corporation’s series of heated meetings last month, the Kaua‘i County Council will discuss Wednesday a resolution introduced by its rookie council member, echoing what the public present at those meetings has overwhelmingly asked Gov. Neil Abercrombie throughout the state: Repeal Act 55. Garden Island.

Lanai

ORACLE Racing is proposing the use of Kaumalapau Harbor on the island of Lāna‘i as a temporary base of operations for sea trials, training, and related research to support  the development of a high-performance boat for competitive sailing events. Maui Now.

Honolulu poised to sell $300M bonds to fix sewers, Hawaii County Ethics Board probes union politicking, state lawmaker fined for campaign reports, Chinese golfers new tourism target, Oahu farmworkers to get container homes, good year for mac nuts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai canal (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The City and County of Honolulu is preparing to sell up to $300 million in Wastewater System Revenue Bonds to help pay for a variety of important repairs and upgrades. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says the state has allotted $147 million in capital improvement spending for various state projects, including $75 million to fix roofs, plumbing and electrical systems in Hawaii schools. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission slapped state Rep. Karen Awana with a $6,800 fine Wednesday after she failed to report contributions and expenditures or respond to the office's requests for more information. Civil Beat.

What Does Tulsi Gabbard's Rising Star Do For Hawaii? Civil Beat.

Chinese visitors, long seen as the next growth market for Hawaii tourism, soon may be hitting the islands' links in growing numbers with the help of a Chinese entrepreneur and one of the most recognizable golfers in the world. Star-Advertiser.

Production of macadamia nuts in Hawaii rebounded last season after a two-year decline, with a 23 percent gain over the previous season, according to a federal report. Stephens Media.

Oahu

An owner and a manager of two small businesses in Aiea that are being displaced by the Honolulu rail project say the city is pushing them out without paying them fair compensation, and both businesses are expected to close. Star-Advertiser.

It could soon be easier for West Oahu farmers to use retrofitted shipping containers or trailers to house their agricultural workers on their property under legislation passed unanimously by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council wants to kill a controversial recycling subsidy that has saved a single scrap yard millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council is attempting to restore bus service on O’ahu … in light of many routes being cut to save 6-7 million dollars in overhead. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city of Honolulu said cuts to bus service needed to be made to save money. Now the City Council is talking about giving away bus rides to senior citizens and the disabled. Hawaii News Now.

The playgrounds, located at a public housing complex, were demolished with large equipment pieces left behind. KHON2.

University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple has only been on the job two months, but he's already apologizing to the faculty and staff for his lack of communication. Hawaii Reporter.

A state circuit judge has rejected the third request by the former manager of a Waimanalo puppy mill to reduce his bail of $200,000 on 153 counts of animal cruelty. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Over the objections of one member who said the county Board of Ethics has no jurisdiction over union activity, the board voted 3-1 Wednesday to look into a complaint about union-endorsed politicking on county time at county facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council candidates are spending their publicly funded campaign contributions in some interesting ways this election. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics meeting erupted into a flurry of gavel-pounding and raised voices Wednesday when Hawaii County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong defended himself against an anonymous complaint that he’s inappropriately involved in the operations of the county Elections Division. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island residents will get a chance to shape Hawaii’s future energy policies this week. Tribune-Herald.

Work on the deteriorating 101-year-old Umauma Bridge along Highway 19 will get under way in a matter of months, following an announcement Wednesday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie that funds have been released for the $37.2 million project. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday cleared Windward Planning Commission Chairman Zendo Kern, who won the Puna District 5 County Council seat in the Aug. 11 primary, of any wrongdoing when he voted to allow the Hawaii Volcano Circus to continue operations after it violated its special use permit. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaiian Homes Commission will hold its annual Big Island meeting Monday in Hilo and Tuesday in Naalehu. Big Island Now.

Maui

Dozens of high-paying science and research jobs as well as the construction jobs needed to build a massive $300 million solar telescope on Haleakala could hinge on the outcome of a Friday hearing with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Board. Pacific Business News.

A combined $13 million was released today for Capital Improvement Projects at Maui’s Kahului Airport and the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

A Maui helicopter pilot faces sentencing for illegally flying deer to the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

The median price of a single-family home jumped 26.8 percent in Maui County in August compared to the same month last year, while sales volume dipped 7.4 percent, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Journalist Edwin Tanji, who covered the protests and eventual return of the military target island of Kahoolawe and other historic events on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for decades, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 65. Star-Advertiser.

Edwin Tanji, the former city editor for The Maui News and longtime Honolulu Advertiser Maui bureau chief, has died. He was 65. Maui News.

Kauai

The county of Kauai announced Wednesday it has secured the boundaries of all three Hanalei River lots previously owned by Mike Sheehan and Hanalei River Holdings LLC. The administration’s action was the culmination of an 18-month condemnation process, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Carolyn Larson, the librarian at the Lihu‘e Public Library, is concerned about the public, especially the students, who visit the library for study or to “hang out” after school. Garden Island.

Hawaii Tax Commission seeks General Excise Tax hike, solar companies want lower China tariffs, Lanai group fights golf course irrigation, Kauai remembers Iniki, Big Island tour company faces license loss, Molokai burial site upgraded, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mai Tai bar (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

As one state advisory panel is predicting lower-than-expected tax revenues in coming years, another is recommending that the state increase the general excise tax rate by a half-percentage point. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Tax Review Commission report recommending increase in General Excise Tax.

Companies seeking to develop projects on state lands aren’t required to go through a competitive bidding process under recently proposed rules that would govern Hawaii’s controversial Public Land Development Corporation. Civil Beat.

Coconut bras aren’t Hawaiian. Neither are grass skirts. Tiki bars? They’re from California. Yet they’re all among the most recognizable symbols of a Hawaiian vacation. Associated Press.

The National Weather Service Employees Organization on Sunday endorsed U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono for U.S. Senate, citing her opposition to House Republican budget cuts in 2011 that could have diminished operations at facilities such as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. House candidate Tulsi Gabbard weighed in on Republican "obstructionism," the influx of outside funding to Hawaii races, the future of the U.S. military in Af­ghani­stan and other topics during a two-hour appearance on the MSNBC program "Up w/ Chris Hayes" on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

An official from Hilo-based ProVision Solar plans to join dozens of other businesses at a hearing in Washington, D.C., next month to testify that tariffs being levied on imported Chinese solar panels are doing more harm than good to the U.S. economy. Star-Advertiser.

Between 2007 and 2009, Hawaii Tech Support boosted revenues by almost 300 percent, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
The Hawaii Supreme Court has given Native Hawaiian Paulette Kaleikini, the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against the Honolulu rail project, a week to respond to a motion submitted by the City and County of Honolulu that asked the state high court to reconsider its ruling. Pacific Business News.

A U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in a Los Angeles case it is unconstitutional for the government to seize homeless people's temporarily unattended property could influence Honolulu's homeless ordinance. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii medical students have treated homeless shelter patients more than 7,600 times in the six years since the university started its homeless outreach program. KHON2.

The Honolulu City Council has a solution in mind to offer farmers on the Leeward Coast the opportunity to place as many as five retrofitted shipping containers on their land to serve as workforce housing. Hawaii Reporter.

Ben Cayetano and Kirk Caldwell talk journalism and politics at high school journalism day forum. Civil Beat.

Harriet Natsuyama said she can run her fingers along the Japa­nese characters etched into decades-old gravestones at the Moiliili Japa­nese Cemetery and know whether her grandfather's hands worked to carve them. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Board of Realtors says the Oahu real estate market ended with summer with strong numbers. Hawaii News Now.

In preparation for the Kaneohe Bay Air Show "Wall of Fire" pyrotechnics display, a rehearsal was conducted Saturday at 10 a.m. and lasting less than five minutes, according to Marine Corps Base Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii

Complaints against the chairman of the Windward Planning Commission, the chairman of the Hawaii County Council and union-endorsed candidate forums on the taxpayers’ dime: The county Board of Ethics has a full plate of issues when it meets Wednesday in County Council chambers. West Hawaii Today.

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of publicly financed County Council campaigns in erasing the advantage of big money in elections. Tribune-Herald.

A Kealakekua Bay kayak tour company may lose its ability to take visitors to the Captain Cook monument. Tribune-Herald.

August produced a bumper crop of burglaries on the Big Island, with 142 reported islandwide, up from the previous month’s 95 burglary reports. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii Community Health Center — a nonprofit working to provide health care to the underserved and underinsured — anticipates a new clinic at Lai Opua will open in April 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Some Maui candidates who lost their primary election bids wound up spending more money per vote than their winning opponents. Maui News.

A broken pump at the Kaupakalua Well led to a water conservation advisory in the Haiku area for the weekend by the Department of Water Supply. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety will begin installing smoke alarms at high risk homes in October, under the federally funded Smoke Alarm Maui Program. Maui Now.

Kauai

Since Hurricane Iniki barreled over Kauai 20 years ago Tuesday, the county's communication system has vastly improved, but the island still has too few shelters able to with­stand gale-force winds, emergency planners say. Star-Advertiser.

How did Kaua‘i Community Radio (KKCR) come to be linked to the emergency system tower in Princeville? The Category 4 Hurricane ‘Iniki played a part in it. Garden Island.

A proposal to give Kaua‘i Community College students substantial savings in Kaua‘i Bus fares has a trade off: All students would pay for it, regardless of who rides the bus. Garden Island.

County Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo on Wednesday unveiled to the Kaua‘i County Council the administration’s plan to work with the skateboarding groups on Kaua‘i to design and build two skate parks, one in Lihu‘e and another in Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Lanai

A legal dispute over the water source for a Lanai golf course that has spanned more than two decades has been kept alive by a state appeals court ruling that could mean more litigation for months, if not years. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Translations of letters written by the earliest Hawaiian Hansen's disease patients exiled to Molokai in the late 1800s paint a much different picture of early life in the settlement than the brutal image perpetuated by English-speaking, mostly Caucasian authorities at the time. Star-Advertiser.

Thanks to $438,000 in federal funding, two new columbaria, or vaults to hold urns containing ashes, were installed last month at the Molokai Veterans Cemetery in Ho`olehua. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii women address DNC convention, Chinese ship arrives for exercises, more election fallout in Hawaii County, AG cites Maui Main Street nonprofit, coqui frogs heard on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard addresses DNC convention, courtesy photo

In the course of a minute-long speech, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii was introduced Tuesday to a nationwide audience of Democrats at the party’s national convention. Stephens Media.

Hawaii congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard had a brief but noteworthy moment in the national spotlight Tuesday, one of three women with Hawaii ties to address the opening day of the Democratic National Convention. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C. with one of Hawaii's delegation taking center stage. Hawaii News Now.

"Aloha! I'm Tulsi Gabbard, candidate for congress in Hawaii and a captain for the Hawaii National Guard," began Gabbard at the DNC in Charlotte, North Carolina. KITV4.

Gabbard was one of three women from Hawaii to speak at the convention on Tuesday.  Congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth and President Barack Obama's half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, also spoke at the convention. KITV4.

A total of 38 delegates comprising the Hawai‘i delegation to the Democratic National Convention arrived in Charlotte, N.C., Monday. Garden Island.

Kawika Crowley, GOP nominee for the 2nd Congressional District, knows he’s occupying the underdog slot in the November General Election. West Hawaii Today.

A Chinese Maritime Safety Administration ship made a historic first visit to Honolulu and the United States Tuesday to improve civilian maritime cooperation as disputes continue to roil relations in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has reappointed Ronald Williams as board chairman, and named Patricia Ewing as vice chair. Pacific Business News.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced today that it has hired Kawika Riley, a former spokesman for the federal Transportation Security Administration, as its new Washington D.C. Bureau Chief. Hawaii Reporter.

There are 63 days left until the General Election, November 6th .   Few, if any, state legislative races are polled during the election season … leaving most contests nearly impossible to call. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Board of Education members want school officials to respond to the state auditor's recommendations on ways to fix the district's broken school bus program. Civil Beat.

Over the next several months, the Department of Education hopes to contain student transportation costs and develop a long-term plan for reining in spending, the head of school support services told Board of Education members Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conservation groups have moved more endangered birds from Nihoa Island to Laysan Island to boost the species' chances of survival. Associated Press.

Volta Industries plans to triple the number of free electric-car charging stations in Hawaii by the end of this year, as well as expand nationally, thanks to a $200,000 investment by Hawaii Angels. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Sept. 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

There are three contested races for Honolulu City Council, and each one has a candidate who has spoken out against the $5.26 billion project. Civil Beat.

September 19 Meeting Focuses on Sustainability Plan for East Honolulu. Hawaii Reporter.

A U.S. State Department special agent who shot and killed a Kailua man while in Honolulu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November might not stand trial after all. Civil Beat.

A man who stabbed two hikers at the top of the Koko Crater Trail but was acquitted of attempted murder by reason of insanity continues to attend classes at Windward Community College. Star-Advertiser.

There are new reports of coqui frogs on Oahu -- one frog in Waimanalo, the other in Makaha. KHON2.

Hawaii

The county Board of Ethics is poised to wade into the morass of accusations and recriminations surrounding the county Elections Division. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council on Thursday will discuss legislation addressing the county’s primary election day problems. Tribune-Herald.

Plans for a new apartment complex could help address a shortage of housing for University of Hawaii at Hilo students. Tribune-Herald.

Endangered Hawaiian hoary bat rescued, rehabilitated. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Hawaii Attorney General's office has issued a report accusing the Wailuku Main Street Association of failing to comply with its governing documents and violating its statutory duties. Pacific Business News.

Wailuku Main Street Association's (WMSA) board "violated their statutory duties of care in numerous respects" and should terminate its executive director, according to a state Attorney General Office's report released to requesting media this morning. Maui News.

For the first time in a dozen years, regularly scheduled air service will resume in the remote East Maui town of Hana. Maui Now.

Nearly one-fourth of all living coral in west Maui has been lost in the last 13 years. KHON2.

Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao will speak about his various space missions and his work with Russian, Japanese and European astronauts at a presentation at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13 in the Cameron Center Auditorium. Maui News.

Kauai

The Environmental Protection Agency has recently released a complaint to Tahiti Nui Restaurant and Cocktail Bar for failing to close its three large capacity cesspools. The organization is seeking penalties of up to $177,500, the amount authorized under the Safe Drinking Water Act, in addition to prompt closure and replacement of the cesspools with an approved wastewater system. Garden Island.

The 5-acre Kilauea Farms estate on Kauai’s North Shore is being auctioned on Sept. 20. Pacific Business News.

A Kaua‘i hang gliding outfit is suing two tour-scheduling companies for what it claims are disparaging comments that have led to a loss of business. Garden Island.

Hawaii hearts Obama, Gabbard to speak at DNC today, Oracle's Ellison foresees new yacht harbor for Lanai, worst students improve, Ritz-Carlton struggles on Maui, book highlights Mormons in Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2008 DNC convention scene (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Although President Barack Obama faces a tough re-election, nothing has dulled his popularity in his native state, says former Hawaii County Mayor Dante Carpenter. Stephens Media.

Tulsi Gabbard will speak at DNC 2012. KITV4.

Congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard is among the speakers at the convention which starts tomorrow. KHON2.

Hawaii hotels set a statewide record for July monthly room revenue as the surging visitor industry remained on pace to establish full-year highs for both arrivals and spending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Mormons: 'Chosen People, Promised Land' Civil Beat.

The percentage of Hawaii students "well below" proficiency in reading and math fell in the 2011-12 school year in all tested grade levels, proof that schools are making gains in helping students who are struggling the most academically, school administrators said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's 2012 election is about a lot of things: about how many Democrats will control the Hawaii Legislature, whether Republicans can pick up any seats, whether there will be enough dissidents to overthrow the House speaker, whether the Big Island will stick with its current mayor or go back to its former one. But on Oahu, it's mostly about one issue: rail. Civil Beat.

School Bus Transportation Services Audit Blasts Hawaii Department of Education. Hawaii Reporter.

Over the past two weeks, hundreds of Hawaii people spoke out against the Public Land Development Corporation (and a handful spoke in favor). Hawaii Independent.

DOH: Most local produce vendors not under permit, inspection program. KITV4.

State roundup for Sept. 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

From the minute boater Ed Meixsell drove in to Heeia Kea Boat Harbor Sunday morning, he knew it wasn't going to be a typical three-day weekend at the former party spot known as the Kaneohe sandbar. Star-Advertiser.

Traffic fatalities are on the rise on Oahu and three-fourths of the deaths involved a victim who was either on a motorcycle or mo-ped, or was walking. Star-Advertiser.

More elderly pedestrians are killed in Hawaii than anyplace else in the country. Now, several efforts are coming together to try to make the streets safer for all pedestrians — no matter their age. Civil Beat.

A downtown Honolulu office building affectionately known as the “Pimple Building” is about to get a new life as a dormitory for students from Hawaii Pacific University. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii County spent $8.8 million in overtime in the fiscal year that ended June 30, an average of $2,959 extra for each of the 2,976 positions in county departments under Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration. West Hawaii Today.

Should a proposed electricity rate increase of 4.2 percent in 2013 be approved by the state’s Public Utilities Commission, Big Island low-income families will be among those hardest hit by higher power bills. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island voters will have more decisions to make at the ballot box this November than just for whom to vote. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has tossed an election challenge filed by U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka’s granddaughter. Civil Beat.

Group wants to put telescope on moon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The ultra-luxury Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay - touted as "destined to become Maui's most cherished luxury homes" when it opened in 2009 - is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by homeowners who allege the developer and management company have "allowed the project to fall into disarray." Maui News.

The Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula is under assault - like most Upcountry agricultural operations - because of unyielding and costly drought conditions for the past several years, the dairy owner said. Maui News.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the nonprofit Pacific Islands Fisheries Group will join up to speak with Maui bottom fish fishermen about research activities Wednesday at Maui Waena Intermediate School. Maui News.

Kauai

A unit of the U.S. Strategic Command is conducting classified Global Positioning System tests in waters off Kauai that could disrupt civilian GPS systems on land and sea. Star-Advertiser.

Two Hawai‘i economists were optimistic for Kaua‘i’s slow but steady growth, and see recovery in most sectors with more immediate progress in tourism. Garden Island.

Stuart, Jillian and Ava Collison of Perth, Australia, never fully understood the depth of breakfast until they visited the annual Labor Day Breakfast Monday at Lihu‘e United Church. Garden Island.

Lanai

Is Larry Ellison planning a new yacht harbor for Hawaiian island of Lanai? Pacific Business News.


Molokai

“It is dangerous to put public lands in private hands,” said Molokai resident Kauhane Adams. Yet it seems that this is exactly what legislature created the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) to do when they passed senate bill Act 55 in 2011 that established the corporation. Molokai Dispatch.

Grover Cleveland's grandson honors Queen Liliuokalani's birthday, rail stoppage to cost another $7.2M, Hawaii residents get speaking parts in national conventions, Hawaii delegation heading to Korea to promote conservation sessions, Oahu farmworkers may get shipping container homes, Hawaii County seeks lower electric rates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

In honor of Queen Liliuokalani's Sept. 2 birthday and the 150th anniversary of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii, President Grover Cleveland's grandson is coming to town. Star-Advertiser.

Queen Liliuokalani considered him a friend -- U.S. President Grover Cleveland. On Thursday, Cleveland's grandson visited the final resting place of the Queen. KITV4.

A Hawaii committee seeking to host a large international nature conservation gathering in 2016 will spend about $220,000 of private and public funds to market the state at this year's event in South Korea. Star-Advertiser.

Media outlets and First Amendment advocates are already gearing up for a fight next legislative session over a state law that protects journalists from being forced to reveal sources and turn over notes. Civil Beat.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) has posted a draft copy of the October 2012 to October 2017 State Historic Preservation Plan on www.historichawaiipreservation.com  to provide opportunity for public review and input. Hawaii Reporter.

Where were state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and the Public Land Development Corporation’s board members Wednesday night? More than 100 angry Oahu residents showed up at a downtown Honolulu meeting room to testify on proposed rules to govern the agency — rules that the board members are responsible for approving. Civil Beat.

Researchers at the UH Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) made a discovery that challenges a major theory in the field of coral reef ecology. Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. House candidate Tulsi Gabbard plans to speak at the Democratic National Convention next week. Associated Press.

Hawaii got a moment in the spotlight at the Republican National Convention on Thursday when a military veteran from Hilo led the audience of thousands in the Pledge of Allegiance. Stephens Media.

U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono is back in the political TV ad game. Civil Beat.

First Circuit Judge Steven Alm launched HOPE three years after joining the bench in 2004. Since that time, the program has received international recognition, a made-in-Hawaii model for reducing recidivism and crime. Civil Beat.

As part of the largest multi-state settlement with a pharmaceutical company, the Office of Consumer Protection says Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will pay Hawaii nearly $2.7 million in settlement claims. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation approved a rail project delay claim worth $7.2 million Thursday in a development that underscores the potential for costly new change orders now that rail construction has been shut down by a lawsuit. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board members voted unanimously Thursday to approve a $7.2 million change order for Kiewit Building Group Inc. for delays in giving the contractor a notice to proceed for design and construction of the city’s $5.16 billion rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

If Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials know how much a six-month delay in construction on the $5.26 billion rail project costs they’re not saying. Civil Beat.

A former state representative and the son of another former lawmaker are among those who have joined the ranks of candidates for the City Council's District 6 open seat. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council committee approved a pilot program today to provide low cost housing out of shipping containers for farm workers in West O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some students at the new UH West Oahu campus are being left in the dark. The bus runs past the campus 24-7 but after 5:30 it no longer stops. KHON2.

Members of the City Council's Transportation Committee joined Handi-Van riders on Thursday in criticizing the way the transit service for people with disabilities has operated in recent years, and warned that the situation will only worsen with the recent cuts to TheBus. Star-Advertiser.

City of Honolulu joins state in regulating roadside memorials. KITV4.

The state Supreme Court dismissed Tuesday a primary election challenge filed by a losing candidate for City Council, saying the complaint lacked specific evidence to back its claims. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

County Councilman J Yoshimoto wants Hawaii Electric Light Co. to more aggressively renegotiate its power purchase agreements in order to lower rates to electric customers by delinking costs of alternative energy from the price of fossil fuel. West Hawaii Today.

A national grocer said it has changed its label on packages of Kona coffee blends, making good on a promise it made last year to a group of Hawaii coffee farmers. Associated Press.

Three members of the Hawaii County Police Department's Special Response Team received the Silver Medal of Valor on Thursday for building a protective wall around a grenade in February and preventing a shutdown of Hilo's main power plant that would have resulted in rolling blackouts over Super Bowl weekend. Star-Advertiser.

The events leading to the Lai Opua Blitz Build have left Aloha Kekauoha “speechless, forever thankful and in awe of everything.” West Hawaii Today.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi will meet next week with suspended Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto about restoring her to her job, County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said. Big Island Now.

Maui

The Maui County Council's Planning Committee unanimously recommended passage Tuesday of a revised bill detailing the implementation of the county's General Plan. Maui News.

More than 400 supporters and well-wishers gathered at the Makena Beach and Golf Resort to celebrate the career and accomplishments of US Senator Daniel K. Akaka. Maui Now.

Legal notices published Wednesday in The Maui News and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser listing people, churches, and commercial and other entities with claims to kuleana water rights in the Na Wai Eha surface water management area are part of a "historic" effort by the state water commission to recognize those appurtenant rights. Maui News.

The federal contract to run a supercomputer center on Maui that the University of Hawaii lost to a mainland defense contractor could be worth at least $70 million over the next ten years, according to a federal procurement website. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued an enforcement action against the owner of the landmark Tahiti Nui Restaurant and Cocktail Bar on Kauai, which was featured in the film “The Descendants,” for failing to close three large-capacity cesspools on the property in Hanalei. Pacific Business News.

Kaua‘i County Department of Water convened Tuesday to discuss a board approval to join as a class member in the class action case City of Greenville v. Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc and Syngenta AG. Garden Island.

Kauai’s Water Department can proceed with drilling for an exploratory well and construction of two water tanks to address a water storage problem. Star-Advertiser.

Will Honolulu rail project stall while Supreme Court ruling mulled? Lingle bucks GOP on abortion, undersea fiber-optic cable among projects in new CIP release, Chinese tourism surges, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail route, courtesy map

Monday is a pivotal day in the Honolulu rail project. If the City of Honolulu does not stop construction, critics will try to obtain a restraining order based on Friday's ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), the agency charged with constructing and managing the project, has no intention of stopping the rail construction – at least not yet. Dan Grabauskas, executive director of HART, said he will rely on the 9 board members and city attorneys who will meet Thursday to determine what should be done next.   In the meantime, construction will continue on Monday through Thursday of this coming week and possibly longer, depending on what board members decide. Hawaii Reporter.

Rail construction is likely to stop, at least temporarily, given a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling Friday that found the city and state didn't follow the law when surveying Native Hawaiian burial sites. Civil Beat.

Ben Cayetano said Friday that he felt vindicated by the Hawaii Supreme Court’s opinion that said the city and state should have conducted an archaeological study of the $5.16 billion Honolulu rail transit project’s entire route before starting construction. Pacific Business News.

The state Supreme Court ruled Friday in favor of a Native Hawaiian woman suing to protect ancient Hawaiian burial sites along Honolulu’s planned light rail route. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Friday ruled that state and city officials shouldn’t have proceeded with construction on Honolulu’s $5.16 billion rail transit project without conducting an archaeological study of the entire 20-mile route, overturning a lower court decision from last year that sided with the city and state. Pacific Business News.

A ruling Friday by the Hawaii Supreme Court will likely result in construction of the city's controversial $5.3 billion rail project being stopped. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released about $52.5 million for capital improvement projects that will include an interim car rental facility at Hono­lulu Airport, an underwater fiber-optic cable, an electrical distribution system at Kalaeloa and other projects. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, and former Gov. Linda Lingle, the Republican, have embraced renewable energy to help break Hawaii's $4.5 billion-a-year dependence on imported oil. But they disagree on the route. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, called on the Republican National Committee to consider the diverse opinions of Party members related to a woman’s right to choose before adopting a proposed platform plank calling for a constitutional amendment banning abortion. Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono got a surprise endorsement Friday in her Senate campaign against former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle: Lingle’s opponent in the Republican primary. Associated Press.

On November 6th, 2012, 10 years after their fight for the governor’s office, Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle will battle to become Hawaii’s first female US Senator. Maui Now.

Only one person stands between Tulsi Gabbard and the U.S. Congress, but many people in Hawaii probably never heard of him. But Gabbard's general election opponent, David "Kawika" Crowley, is not conceding anything. Civil Beat.

The number of Chinese travelers to Hawaii surged 43 percent during the first half of this year, making China the fastest growing market for the state’s visitor industry. Associated Press.

State roundup for Aug. 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

City Council members, residents and preservationists are questioning a city decision to lease prime oceanfront space in Kapiolani Park to a food concessionaire at below market rates and outside of prescribed public bidding and auditing standards. Star-Advertiser.

The Public Land Development Corporation, under pressure from community groups, has agreed to allow the state's public access TV channel to broadcast its Honolulu meeting. Civil Beat.

It's a problem that grows by the day. Bulky items are piling up along our streets and sidewalks.KHON2.

Manufacturing photovoltaic panels in Hawaii might seem like a risky proposition given the competition from low-cost producers on the mainland and in Asia and Europe. Star-Advertiser.

The popular Manoa Falls Trail got a makeover this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Growing coffee in Kona just isn’t what it used to be. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiians are more likely than any other race to be arrested on marijuana charges. Tribune-Herald.

In an attempt to clear up confusion and inaccuracies, the county Department of Water Supply has decided to hold a meeting this week on the new Hawaiian Ocean View Estates Water System. West Hawaii Today.

Applications for solar power are on the rise and so is the amount of time it takes to get a permit. Tribune-Herald.

Five houses for low-income families are scheduled to be constructed in 10 days by hundreds of volunteers next month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Hawaii Republican Party filed a complaint last week with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission, alleging that the Friends of Kaniela Ing has violated campaign spending laws. Maui News.

South Maui's Makena State Park could finally be in for upgrades that would add recreational spaces, landscaping, parking and public facilities, while maintaining it as a wilderness park. Maui News.

Kauai

The excitement over recent reports of outside interests looking at a Coco Palms redevelopment has officials giving tempered but optimistic updates. Garden Island.

While the accomplishments of the Kaua‘i legislative team have already been inked, Lihu‘e Business Association members and members of the public were treated to a more personal approach of the legislative team Thursday at Duke’s at Kalapaki Beach. Garden Island.

The state of Hawai‘i and the individual Hawaiian Islands achieved high rankings among their global competitors during the first six months of 2012, according to the Hawai‘i Competitive Global Rankings released last week by Hospitality Advisors LLC. Garden Island.

Molokai

One of the year’s biggest National Park Service projects in the country is taking place now in Molokai. The Kalaupapa pier, which allows the settlement’s annual barge delivery to dock safely, is getting $5 million in repairs. Hawaii Public Radio.

The University of Hawaii (UH) Maui College, Molokai Education Center will be able to expand their facilities and services now that Molokai Properties Ltd., also known as Molokai Ranch, sold them a 3.2-acre parcel of land surrounding the current campus in Kaunakakai. The final purchase price has not been disclosed, though the Dispatch reported in 2011 an agreement had been made for $500,000. Molokai Dispatch.

Those who are frustrated by long wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office on Molokai to renew vehicle registration or drivers licenses may see improvement by the end of this year. Molokai Dispatch.

Abercrombie wants to save Natatorium, four file election protests with Supreme Court, 500 Big Island school employees await DOE clearance, UH apologizes for Stevie Wonder fiasco, Keauhou Beach Hotel to close, candidates file to replace Gabbard on Honolulu Council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Natatorium (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is considering taking the Waikiki Natatorium back from the city to pursue his own plans for the dilapidated memorial that jets out into the shallow waters of Oahu’s south shore. Civil Beat.

The administration of Gov. Neil Abercrombie appears ready to regain control over the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and then try to restore its crumbling facade and bleachers, reversing a direction taken by the city in recent years to clear the structure from the valuable piece of Waikiki Beach. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former Gov. Linda Lingle have agreed to five debates before their November general election for U.S. Senate, sources say. Star-Advertiser.

The media's job is to help voters better understand whom they are voting for. But, far more often than not, reporters are blocked from speaking directly to the candidates and most often have to settle for canned quotes distributed via their staff. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Republican Party is $66,000 in debt but has about $71,000 cash on hand, according to the party’s most recent FEC report covering the month of July. Civil Beat.

After a private meeting of almost eight hours, the Board of Regents backs the University of Hawaii president's shifting of Jim Donovan to a new job. Star-Advertiser.

A heavily redacted University of Hawaii report on how it lost $200,000 on its cancelled Stevie Wonder fundraising concert said UH officials never properly investigated the promoters of the event, failed to obtain cancellation insurance for it and took no steps to safeguard the money after it was wired to a Mainland “escrow account.” Hawaii Reporter.

Officials at the University of Hawai‘i say there was “no criminal wrongdoing” by UH employees and that the university was “most likely a victim of a fraud in a failed effort to raise money for the athletic department through a concert. Maui Now.

Almost a month and a half after the Stevie Wonder Concert fiasco, the University of Hawaii released an official accounting of what went wrong -- along with several apologies. KITV4.

In spite of pleas from state lawmakers and some members of the public, the UH Board of Regents did not re-instate Jim Donovan as athletics director Wednesday and instead concurred with his transfer to a new UH communications job. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C Greenwood called a press conference Wednesday and was quick to apologize to U.H. faculty, students and supporters saying that the botched Stevie Wonder concert was a mistake. KHON2.

State roundup for Aug. 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

A lawsuit against the Honoulu Police Department over deleted posts on the department’s Facebook page could set a legal precedent, a First Amendment scholar told the Associated Press. Associated Press.

Less than an hour after Tulsi Gabbard said her farewell to the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday, former Councilman Jon Yoshimura was signing up to run for the seat. Two other urban Honolulu residents had joined him by the end of the day, while several others continued to voice interest. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates running for the seat vacated by Tulsi Gabbard can start filing for the General Election after Wednesday's Honolulu City Council meeting. KITV4.

First Wind company says independent tests sat the damaged Kahuku wind farm how soil and air quality levels are safe, and residents were never in danger. KHON2.

The nonprofit Pacific Housing Assistance Corp.’s plans to build a 15-story, 160-unit affordable senior housing project in Honolulu has been delayed. Pacific Business News.

The Defense Commissary Agency purchases more than $40 million in local products each year for sale at stores for military members, retirees and families.   The American Logistics Association hosted its annual taste-testing Hawai’i Show today in Waikiki in an effort to add to their list of Hawai’i-made products. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz said Wednesday that the Abercrombie administration would monitor preparations in Hawaii County before the November general election, but urged the county clerk to work with the state Office of Elections to prevent a repeat of the irregularities that marred the primary. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka’s granddaughter wants a do-over in the Aug. 11 primary. If that doesn’t work she at least wants a recount. Civil Beat.

A state house candidate from the Big Island has filed a complaint with the Hawaii Supreme Court over primary election day problems on the Big Island. KHON2.

Fired elections warehouse manager Glen Shikuma has died, leaving his friends shocked and grieving, a police investigation in turmoil and a personal injury attorney contemplating the next move. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Councilman Dennis Onishi said he plans to draft a council resolution requiring the County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi to seek help running the General Election. He said that the resolution could be heard as soon as mid-September. Civil Beat.

Five hundred Hawaii Island public school employees still haven’t been brought back to work this fall after the state Department of Education shifted the responsibility for background checks to the island district level. West Hawaii Today.

The Keauhou Beach Hotel will close Oct. 31, leaving 112 employees without a job. West Hawaii Today.

About 112 Hawaii island hotel workers are scrambling to find jobs in the wake of Kamehameha Schools' abrupt announcement that it will shut down and eventually demolish the poorly performing Keauhou Beach Hotel. Star-Advertiser.

The last feature film to come to the Big Island was “Predators” in 2009, and economic activity from film, television and still photography shoots has been down sharply since, said Big Island Film Commissioner John Mason. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Conservationists are upset that sheep were shuttled to Maui. Maui News.

Nine people were charged with gambling offenses last week when police vice officers executed search warrants at a Wailuku residence, police said. Maui News.

Kauai

A request by members of the Kaua‘i County Council for all county parks’ patrons to “show aloha and respect” for non-smokers by refraining from smoking near other patrons is now unanimous. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday met in executive session to be briefed by the county’s legal counsel on a civil suit brought against the administration by mixed martial arts fighter Lebeau Lagmay, who got shot with a stun gun in 2009 by police in the parking lot of  the emergency room of Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

The sand beach at Wailua Beach has been moving — tons of it now relocated to the Aloha Beach Resort end — littered with vegetative debris and creating islets in Wailua River, which never existed before. Garden Island.

Hawaii Blackhawk in fatal Afghanistan crash, Hirono ducks Maui debate, Elections Office blasts Hawaii county clerk, Gabbard steps down from Honolulu city Council, Ellison mum on Lanai plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Blackhawk over Mauna Kea (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A Schofield Barracks Black Hawk helicopter crashed Thursday in southern Afghanistan, and at least some of the seven Americans onboard who were killed were out of Hawaii, sources said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is observing Statehood Day. The third Friday in August marks when President Dwight Eisenhower signed the proclamation that made statehood official in 1959. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's economy is growing at a slower pace than previously estimated despite a stronger-than-expected performance by the visitor industry, according to a report released by the state Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Prices at the gas pump are rising again after 11 weeks of declines, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. Star-Advertiser.

Governor suggests federal mediator to resolve teacher dispute. KITV4.

Many Hawaii high school students say they aren't going to gym class or playing on a sports team, something that could be leading to higher rates of obesity and health problems, a new survey found. Civil Beat.

With the primary election wrapped up, candidates and super PACs have begun to gear up for the next chapter of campaigning. Hawaii's U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono are already laying into each other in a feisty back-and-forth that began even before the primary. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Aug. 16. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard's decision to resign from the Honolulu City Council on Thursday sent the Oahu political community into a frenzy, with at least 10 potential successors putting out their election feelers. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard might be saving taxpayers money with her resignation, but her vacancy on the Honolulu City Council raises many more questions about the future of the government body, the mayoral race and, of course, the $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project. Civil Beat.

Hawaii law prohibits intimidation of voters and interfering with completion of their ballots. Those issues are at the core of allegations made by a Kalihi family against state House candidate Romy Cachola. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu company that develops algae for use in biofuels is receiving a clean technology award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Hawaii News Now.

A one-of-a-kind mountain bike owned by a tireless advocate for bicycle safety was stolen Wednesday outside of Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of people, including Gov. Neil Abercrombie and several lawmakers, were among those who gathered Thursday to celebrate the soon-to-open new campus for the University of Hawaii-West Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Thirteen precincts in Hawaii County failed to open on time for the primary election, a report released Thursday shows, but the delays and other irregularities do not appear legally sufficient to change election results. Star-Advertiser.

The state Office of Elections issued a report Thursday highly critical of Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi’s handling of the primary election. Tribune-Herald.

In a scathing six-page report, the state Office of Elections criticized Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi after several problems at Big Island polling places during Saturday's primary election. Hawaii News Now.

In the months leading up to the primary election, Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago said the office was frustrated by the lack of communication with Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi. KITV4.

There's reaction from the Hawaii County Clerk over a new report that accuses her of poor planning and leadership. KHON2.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. has requested a 4.2 percent rate increase. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former governor and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle on Wednesday evening had the Historic Iao Theater stage to herself when her opponent, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, opted out of a debate saying it wasn't fair. Maui News.

As Debate Rages Nationally Over Taxpayer Expenditures, Ninth Circuit Court Judges and Lawyers Enjoy Maui's Peaceful Sanctuary. Hawaii Reporter.

Bio-Logical Capital - which describes itself as a land investment, development and conservation company - has signed a sales agreement to purchase the 4,500-acre Hana Ranch in rural East Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

The Princeville Community Center was standing room only with about 20 percent raising their hands as burglary victims. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Department of Water has scheduled a public hearing next week regarding proposed amendments to the rules and regulations of the Kaua‘i Board of Water Supply. Garden Island.

Lanai

It’s still a mystery as to what Oracle CEO Larry Ellison plans to do with the island of Lanai. Pacific Business News.