Iolani Palace vandalized, Kauai cuts budget rather than raise taxes, Maui Mayor Arakawa announces Lt. Gov. bid, DLNR raises rents, Big Island man had 91 dogs, Molokai library celebrates 80 years, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace © 2017 All Hawaii News

A man is in custody for allegedly vandalizing three historic doors at Iolani Palace and a glass door at the state Capitol building Sunday, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Hawaii News Now.

A 57-year-old man has been arrested after Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capitol were vandalized. KHON2.

U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is wasting time and money by conducting a review of more than two dozen federally protected areas — including Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and the Pacific Remote Islands — to determine whether they should be abolished or their boundaries restricted, according to a letter sent to Zinke on Thursday and signed by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and 85 other House Democrats. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has pledged to forgo campaign contributions from political action committees, commonly known as PACs, joining just a handful of other members of Congress who have recently rejected the money from special interest groups. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has increased rents on nearly 300 month-to-month land permits by as much as 27 percent to account for its failure to adjust prices for years despite a 2005 board policy calling for regular reviews. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable housing and homelessness are two of the toughest problems Hawaii faces. A new non-profit is aiming the resources of homebuilders at these challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s incoming education chief says she’s a school reformer who is committed to narrowing achievement gaps — though she’s also garnered some criticism in districts she’s led in the past. Tribune-Herald.

When Hawaii’s public school students return to classes in the fall, the program that serves up chicken burgers, pizza and nachos onto their lunch trays each day will have undergone a few changes. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha program celebrates 50 years of sharing Hawaiian culture with kids. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Valuable but largely underused land along Honolulu’s urban waterfront is being readied for development again by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and this time a controversial element of residential use is not being sought. Star-Advertiser.

A City Council committee last week deferred a bill that would require periodic inspections and mandatory corrective action for unsafe conditions at commercial buildings, condominiums and apartments three stories or higher — a measure introduced in the wake of a fatal Ala Moana Center accident in which a railing collapsed. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu-based Nobscot CEO Beth Carvin launched a new social media platform on Tuesday called JamBios. Pacific Business News.

Martin Pahinui, son of famed Hawaiian musician Gabby Pahinui and a musician, vocalist, and Hoku Award-winning recording artist, died today at his home in Waimanalo, his family said. He was 65. Star-Advertiser.

Slack key guitarist, vocalist and musician Martin Pahinui died in his home Sunday morning after a long battle with cancer, according to family. KITV.

Hawaii Island

If Hu Honua Bioenergy’s long-delayed biomass power plant were to go online by the end of 2018, Hawaii Electric Light Company’s ratepayers would see increases in their electricity bills, according to an analysis HELCO filed Wednesday with the state Public Utilities Commission of a proposed power purchase agreement. Tribune-Herald.

After about eight years of planning, a mixed-use development along Komohana Street is closer to becoming a reality. Tribune-Herald.

A research and education center to be constructed about a mile north of the Puu Waawaa cinder cone moved a step forward this week with the publication of a finding of no significant environmental impact. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii State Department of Education and the University of Hawaii signed a memorandum of understanding with Maunakea Observatories to form an official working group for the Maunakea Scholars program. Pacific Business News.

Owner of 91 dogs praises Humane Society’s efforts to rescue animals. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa, who cannot run for re-election because of term limits, said Friday that he intends to seek the lieutenant governor’s seat in 2018. Maui News.

Maui County officials are baffled that state lawmakers decided to end limited liability immunity for county lifeguards, which “opens the floodgates” to personal injury lawsuits, a Maui County Council member said last week. Maui News.

Principal construction began last week on turning the former 310-room Makena Beach & Golf Resort into 50 condominium units and other structures that will be part of the Makena Golf & Beach Club, a the private beachfront community. Maui News.

Entrance fees to Haleakala National Park will be increasing Thursday to cover costs of improvements at the park. Maui News.

Warrant issued for ex-Potty Boot Camp operator in Hawaii. Associated Press.

A pilot program on Maui looks to use goats to manage weeds on the shoulders of some State Highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

When the Kauai County Council meets Wednesday, it is expected to approve the operating and Capital Improvement Projects budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. submitted a $204 million budget in March. But when he submitted his supplemental budget on May 5, it reflected a $600,000 decrease, bringing it to $203.5 million. Garden Island.

Planning for a full-time Charter Review Commission is under way. Garden Island.

Nakamura reflects on first session as legislator. Garden Island.

Fisher named Kauai program director for The Nature Conservancy. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Public Library celebrated 80 years of service to the community at a ceremony held on the front lawn Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

VP Pence visits Hawaii, Hanabusa downplays Korea fear, big raise mulled for teachers, half of Big Island buses broken down, private sponsorship of Oahu city parks proposed, record high carbon dioxide measured, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pence in Hawaii, courtesy KHON2

Vice President Mike Pence and his family late Sunday evening arrived on Oahu, where he will spend most of his short visit with military personnel. KHON2.

Vice President Mike Pence is on Oahu for a short visit before going back to Washington, D.C., concluding his 10-day, four-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific region. Hawaii News Now.

Vice President Mike Pence is making a shortened visit to Hawaii today before heading back to Washington, D.C., ahead of a busy week for President Donald Trump. Star-Advertiser.

Vice President Mike Pence's office said he would depart Hawaii on Monday afternoon after meeting with U.S. Pacific Command leaders and troops stationed in Honolulu. Plans for a Tuesday visit to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor have been postponed, Pence's office said. Associated Press.

Video: VP Mike Pence Arrives in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

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The fears of a ballistic missile strike on Hawaii from North Korea are overblown, according to U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, speaking at a town hall in Honolulu Saturday. Civil Beat.

3 judges to hear appeal of Hawaii ruling blocking travel ban. Associated Press.

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Hawaii public school teachers would see multiyear pay raises totaling nearly 14 percent under a tentative four-year contract deal reached with the state. Star-Advertiser.

A crucial vote for thousands of Hawaii's public school teachers is coming up this week. They'll have a chance to learn more about a tentative contract agreement during statewide meetings that start on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

After nine months of negotiating, beginning public school teachers across Hawaii could see their salaries jump by nearly $10,000. For the first time by the end of the contract, beginning teachers in Hawaii will be making over $50,000 a year. KITV.

Tentative agreement goes to teachers to ratify. KHON2.

Corey Rosenlee, president of the 13,500-Member Hawaii State Teachers Association, announced that the HSTA Board is recommending a tentative agreement for four-year contract. Maui Now.

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Tom Gorak, Gov. David Ige’s controversial nominee to the state agency that regulates Hawaii’s utilities was dealt a preliminary setback Friday when he was narrowly rejected by a Senate committee. Star-Advertiser.

A state Senate committee recommended Friday to the full Senate to reject Gov. David Ige’s nomination of current Hawaii Public Utilities Commission commissioner Thomas Gorak. Pacific Business News.

A state House-Senate conference committee has recommended final passage of a bill that would budget $250,000 in state money to help fund a physician student loan repayment program for doctors who practice in underserved areas in Hawaii. Maui News.
http://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2017/04/funding-for-student-loan-repayment-program-advances-in-state-legislature/

Atmospheric carbon dioxide measurements from Mauna Loa Observatory last week topped 410 parts per million for the first time in modern history. Star-Advertiser.

More than 600 students joined activists at the state Capitol rotunda Thursday in support of a bill that sets a goal of having all ground transportation in Hawaii run on renewable fuel by 2045. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers tussle with bill to fight painkiller addiction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are still considering several bills designed to make life easier for condominium owners and stem complaints about the boards that oversee their buildings, but some owners say the legislation doesn’t go far enough. Civil Beat.

The state’s Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee advanced a resolution Tuesday calling for a national constitutional convention to claw back the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial Citizens United decision, which has increased the influence of corporate money in political campaigns. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii, last year ranked the healthiest state in the nation, has scored below average in a report measuring public health preparedness — or the ability to respond to natural disasters, disease outbreaks and other public health crises. Star-Advertiser.

As state health officials try to balance public education with preventing panic, some critics believe the state should have addressed rat lungworm disease more vigorously earlier. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Ige’s administration lacks needed victories. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A bill that would allow private sponsorship of city parks and other facilities is drawing the ire of the Outdoor Circle and others worried that it would clear the way for billboards and other outdoor advertising despite the strong insistence by the bill’s author that that won’t happen. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Commission votes down Haleiwa house lots plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The wheels on the bus aren’t going round and round for almost half the Hele-On fleet. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. and its parent companies, Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawaiian Electric Industries, are asking a judge to dismiss a federal antitrust lawsuit against them by Hu Honua Bioenergy and compel arbitration of all claims. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County’s 2017-18 spending plan was hit with a double whammy Thursday, when a legislative conference committee deadlocked on the county share of the hotel tax and firefighters were awarded a more than 2 percent pay increase. West Hawaii Today.

Invasive spittlebug attacks Kona grazing land. Tribune-Herald.

The Ka‘u Community Development Plan is nearing completion. Tribune-Herald.

Not cleared for takeoff: DLNR confusion puts model flying club in holding pattern. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui surrounded by history. A team of divers is documenting state’s underwater wreckage. Maui News.

Signs have been posted warning people against trespassing near a crop of sunflowers on Maui that is being grown as part of an experiment to produce biofuel. A growing number of visitors have been attracted to the yellow flowers that started blooming weeks ago. Associated Press.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department is requesting nearly $900,000 from the County Council to lease 15 marked patrol Ford Explorers. Garden Island.

The gigantic pension plan that serves Los Angeles County government employees is putting up for sale the St. Regis Princeville Resort and Makai Golf Club in Princeville, which have been part of the fund’s assets since 2005. The decision has major financial and other ramifications for Kauai. Garden Island.

Fishing limits could raise ahi prices, Superferry redux, theft charges for Maui employee who built kitchen, coffee picker shortage, more physical exams for schoolkids, Gorak PUC conflict investigated, Royal Hawaiian Gold Club must clean up, sugar plantation equipment heads to auction, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Suisan Fish Market

While prices for ahi are relatively stable this holiday season, some say they could rise next year as fishing limits tighten. Hawaii News Now.

Superferry dreams face cost, public opinion hurdles. Lawmakers approved $50,000 in May to study a possible inter-island ferry, and the state Department of Transportation received a $500,000 grant from the federal Maritime Administration to hire consultants to explore potential routes and boats. Associated Press.

It’s been almost 10 years since protesters rallied against the Superferry in Nawiliwili, but some Kauai residents have their reservations and optimisms about an interisland ferry system that may reemerge, pending a state study. Garden Island.

A new law will take effect this upcoming school year that will double the number of physical examinations Hawaii students will need to get in order to keep attending public school. KHON2.

Two state lawmakers are raising red flags over the legal work Tom Gorak was doing on the side while serving full-time as general counsel of the state Public Utilities Commission. Civil Beat.

Newly elected U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has decided to get closer to her constituents by moving out of the federal building complex across from Honolulu Harbor. Civil Beat.

Hawaii No. 8 For Electoral Integrity. The integrity of America’s electoral system lags far behind other Western democracies, according to a new report. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige gave his support Thursday to two young men who want to make the world a better place. Andrew Tisba and Manuel Frederick of Let’s All Connect say they are on a journey to visit all 50 states. Civil Beat.

A crowd of mostly tourists cheered as President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrived at a Waikiki restaurant Thursday night. Associated Press.

Oahu

The owners of the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club must provide bathrooms, parking and trash receptacles for hikers of Maunawili Falls Trail or face losing their permit to operate the 18-hole course, the city said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

A community association that owns the private marina in Hawaii Kai wants to more permanently inhibit sand from migrating off Portlock Beach into the boat entry channel by constructing a $2 million rock groin. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu building that houses the now-infamous restaurant that posted a sign in its window saying that voters of President-Elect Donald Trump couldn't eat there is up for sale, the broker handling the sale confirmed to Pacific Business News Thursday.

Hawaii

A bumper crop is usually good news for Big Island coffee farmers, but this year, many are facing a severe shortage of pickers. Businesses in both Kona and Kau are losing thousands of dollars. Hawaii News Now.

This past July, Governor David Ige signed a new law that creates a 10-year marine reserve across a three and a half mile stretch of coastline in North Kona. That came as a huge relief to the community leaders and residents in the area who have been fighting to protect the shoreline and its resources for decades. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tamar Elias, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist, will present “Volcanic Air Pollution: The What, Where, and How of Vog in Hawaii” at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 at Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Gates Performing Arts Center on the Upper Campus. The event is free and open to the public. West Hawaii Today.

A 17.73-pound taro corm grown by a group of farmers and cultural practitioners is being submitted to Guinness World Records. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Theft charges have been filed against a former Maui county employee accused of building a fancy kitchen on the taxpayers’ dime, without permission. KHON2.

A 59-year-old former Maui County Public Works district supervisor was charged with second-degree theft Tuesday, police records show. Maui News.

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.’s 36,000-acre plantation on Maui, which closed last week and effectively ended the era of the sugar industry in Hawaii, is auctioning off its equipment and items, Pacific Business News has learned.

The state Real Estate Commission will hold its standing committee meetings on Maui in January and will take comments from residents on current and future programs. Maui News.

Kauai

The entrance to the Princeville at Hanalei resort community will get a new Hawaiian landscaped feature as well as rebuilt roads under projects announced by Princeville Development Company’s president and CEO, Jeff Stone. Garden Island.

Services today for late state Rep. Tsuji, attorney general whittles rape test kit backlog, Hanabusa to lead freshman class, Obama nixes Pearl Harbor visit, direct Japan flights coming to Kona, Maui homeless rousted, Kauai inaugurates council members, Honolulu streets condemned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rep. Clift Tsuji © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii lawmakers and residents are gathering to remember the late Big Island lawmaker Rep. Clift Tsuji, who died last month. Associated Press.

A memorial service for the late state Rep. Clift Tsuji  will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 in the House chamber at the state Capitol. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a short program at 10:30 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

As a mark of respect for the late Hawaii State Representative Clifton Tsuji, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawaii shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai'i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, Dec. 2, and from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, Dec. 4. KITV.

The attorney general’s office says a working group has come up with a timeline to whittle down a backlog of untested rape kits. The plan is to test as many as 50 kits each month starting next year. KHON2.

Hawaii will receive $5.74 million to fund preschool in the state’s public charter schools, including Hawaiian language immersion programs. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii public schools will aim to graduate more students, enroll more graduates in college, retain more teachers, improve test scores and educate more special-education students in regular classes by 2020 under a revised strategic plan that officials say is designed to better support student success. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama is no longer expected for the 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration, an 11-day series of events to mark Dec. 7, 1941. Star-Advertiser.

Freshmen Democratic House members Tuesday unanimously elected U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii as their class representative, a new position that is part of a change in the House Democratic leadership structure. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city has a green light to proceed with condemning eight streets in Kakaako that are a tangled mess of competing ownership claims and parking rights. Star-Advertiser.

The city can now initiate action to claim eight private Kakaako streets that have generated complaints about traffic being blocked by parking spots a company has rented out. Civil Beat.

Activists Fear Thomas Square Could Become A ‘Revenue Cow’. The downtown Honolulu park has long been the site for political and cultural events, as well as free services for the needy. Civil Beat.

To honor the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio will soon bear the congressman’s name. Star-Advertiser.

A police officer escorted former congressional candidate Angela Kaaihue out of a Honolulu City Council meeting Thursday after she loudly protested the renaming of an aquatic center in honor of the late Congressman Mark Takai. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council on Thursday approved four resolutions authorizing the payment of up to $150,000 to retain the services of three outside law firms to represent Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha in four lawsuits. Civil Beat.

Manoa Botanicals LLC, one of eight Hawaii firms licensed to open medical marijuana dispensaries, has raised $5 million in its second round of equity financing, bringing the total amount raised for the Oahu company to $10.9 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Gov. David Ige Thursday announced from Honolulu the reopening of the federal inspection service at the Kona International Airport at Keahole, paving the way as the state’s second international gateway. West Hawaii Today.

Customs and immigration checks are being set up at Kona International Airport in time for Hawaiian Airlines to begin operating nonstop flights there from Japan. Associated Press.

Kona International Airport will once again service flights from Japan on Dec. 20 with the re-establishment of a U.S. Customs station, a move that Gov. David Ige says will improve the overall health of the state of Hawaii by restoring direct flights from Tokyo to a Neighbor Island. Pacific Business News.

The State announced the re-establishment of the Kona International Airport yesterday with the arrival of the first foreign flight from Japan scheduled in less than 3 weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

It was a brisk, windy, rainy day at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area on Thursday, but it was nice and cozy inside after several dozen people crowded into the newly renovated dining hall to celebrate the grand opening of the county’s overhaul of the former state park. West Hawaii Today.

Officials unveiled the latest round of improvements to the Hawaii County-managed Mauna Kea Recreation Area Thursday. Big Island Video News.

A planning process that will guide development from Wainaku to Waipio Valley is nearing its final stretch after seven years of meetings and talk-story sessions. Tribune-Herald.

An attorney for an off-duty police officer acquitted of assaulting his 72-year-old upstairs neighbor is considering taking legal action against the county. West Hawaii Today.

Jaylin Kema pleaded guilty to manslaughter Thursday morning in the death of her 6-year-old son, Peter Kema Jr. The case is the most notorious missing child-turned-murder investigation in the state’s history, and Peter Boy became the statewide poster child for abused and missing children. Tribune-Herald.

Jaylin Kema pleaded guilty to manslaughter today in connection with the 1997 death of her 6-year-old son, “Peter Boy” Kema. Big Island Video News.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter storm warning for the summits of Hawaii’s Big Island as wind and snow engulf the high peaks. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

State Department of Transportation crews cleared out a homeless encampment in the Kahului Harbor breakwater area Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Five incumbents, one returning councilmember and one new face to the Kauai County Council were inaugurated Thursday. Garden Island.

Hawaii Dairy Farms and Friends of Maha’ulepu met Thursday on Oahu to discuss a settlement to a pending Clean Water Act violation lawsuit. Garden Island.

The Kauai Visitors Bureau’s annual meeting and luncheon is scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Kauai Marriott Resort at Kalapaki Bay. Garden Island.

Hawaii congressional seat could go to GOP, Schatz spends to prop up Dems, gubernatorial candidates make last-minute push, lava stalled as government cracks down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mark Takai for Congress campaign photo

In Hawaii, the home state of President Barack Obama, Democrats are in danger of losing a seat in the U.S. House. Republican Charles Djou has been working to convince voters it would be wise to send a Republican to Washington so the state has a voice in the majority party, and his message is striking a chord among some voters who are hungry for change. Associated Press.

It promises to be a down-to-the-wire race. Right now it's a battle for the undecided votes. Charles Djou and Mark Takai are using these last couple days to get up close and personal with the voters who will decide this election. KITV4.

Charles Djou for Congress campaign photo

In the past two months, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has given more campaign cash away to help fellow Democrats seeking office than former state Rep. Cam Cavasso — the Republican trying to unseat him Tuesday — has raised in the entire race. Civil Beat.

Money from outside Hawaii has poured into what's become a close fight between gubernatorial candidates David Ige and James Duke Aiona, making Hono­lulu the top spot for political action committee ads in the weeks before Election Day, according to spending tracker politicaladsleuth.com. Associated Press.

Aromas of fried chicken and fish sauce wafted through a high school library as state Sen. David Ige, laugh lines showing, shook hands with supporters and neighborhood residents on a quiet evening in Honolulu. The tone of Ige’s “stew-and-rice” event was a contrast to the attack ads outside super PACs have created, dominating Hawaii’s airwaves as Democrats and Republicans fight over which party will control the governor’s office. Associated Press.

It’s a novelty that’s caught the national eye. Hawaii’s gubernatorial contest is billed as a three-way race with nary an incumbent involved. Garden Island.

Commentary: An Interview With Hawaii Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. As she prepares to leave office, the congresswoman reflects on her election loss, her career and her future in this exclusive interview. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is the only state that prohibits government funding of private preschools, but that may change Tuesday. Hawaii’s voters will be asked whether the state constitution should be amended so taxpayers can subsidize private preschool education. Hawaii Reporter.

Opinion: Fear + manipulation = ease of privatization. How the campaign to convince Hawaiʻi voters to authorize the routing of public funds to private preschools threatens equity in our schools, and what we need to do to get back on track toward a successful public school system. Hawaii Independent.

Concern over the reliability and fairness of using a brand-new standardized test to evaluate teacher performance is prompting the state Department of Education to consider delaying the use of test scores for high-stakes personnel decisions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Department of Education is touting a new national study that says the state is in the top 10 for afterschool programs. Associated Press.

A glitch in state law allows candidates to attach absentee ballot applications but not voter registration forms to their campaign materials. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: Who Is Andrew Walden? The controversial, outspoken editor of Hawaii Free Press has now formed a PAC "to undermine the culture of political impunity." Civil Beat.

The state Public Utilities Commission is making far-reaching decisions that will shape Hawaii's energy future with a workforce that is nearly 40 percent understaffed. Star-Advertiser.

A team of 17 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration divers sailing aboard NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette has returned from a 33-day mission to remove marine debris from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a World Heritage Site and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. West Hawaii Today.

Tourism officials are looking at ways to get visitors to look beyond the beach by promoting Hawaii’s history and culture. The Historic Hawaii Foundation and the Hawaii Tourism Authority are promoting the islands’ history and culture to get travelers to return and also bring in first-timers who aren’t interested in the beach. Associated Press.

Oahu

A tiered system of property rates for homeowners in the controversial new Residential A tax classification as well as owners of commercial property are among the more wide-ranging proposals that the city Real Property Tax Advisory Commission is poised to make when it meets for a final time next week. Star-Advertiser.

The design of a pair of luxury apartment buildings planned for one of the last large sites approved for residential development in Hawaii Kai is rankling members of the area neighborhood board, though it appears the 10-story towers have all necessary approvals to rise. Star-Advertiser.

One of the state’s major homeless shelters is working to get the message out that Hawaii is not a hospitable place if you are homeless, particularly in Waikiki, the state’s major tourist hub. The Institute for Human Services plans to embark on a public relations campaign to discourage homeless people from the mainland from moving to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

New site for injured soldiers. Schofield's Warrior Transition Battalion offers military members a refuge. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

After stalling for more than three days at its front, the June 27 lava flow continued to burn vegetation and consume a macadamia nut orchard along its edges Sunday while keeping its distance from nearby homes. The front remained about 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road Road where it has been cooling and hardening since Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Overnight rain has reduced the smoke that's coming from a lava flow that remains stalled after slowly creeping toward a small town on Hawaii's Big Island, a responder said Sunday. Associated Press.

Just seven days before a lava flow erupted that’s now threatening a wide swath of lower Puna, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law a bill giving the state and counties broad new powers in emergencies and disasters. The new law, known as Act 111, is hitting close to home for Puna residents, visitors, businesses and the media striving to report on a slowly unfolding natural disaster the likes of which is not often seen in the United States. West Hawaii Today.

While the lava continued to stall over the weekend, USGS geologists stressed the flow is far from over, leaving residents and business owners in Pāhoa preparing for the possibility they may be cut off. Hawaii Public Radio.

And to think, he came out of retirement for this job. In just three months, Darryl Oli­veira has dealt with three natural disasters and is now the high-profile face and voice of the Kilauea lava flow response as the head of Hawaii County Civil Defense. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Board of Registration will not hear a challenge to the residency status of District 9 County Council hopeful Ron Gonzales, saying the paperwork arrived too late. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

GMOs or no GMOs? 2014 Election: That is the voter initiative question. Maui News.

Maui County has finalized a deal with A&B Properties to relocate the Maui County Service Center from the Maui Mall to the A&B Business Park II in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

Voters will have a variety of decisions to make when they cast their ballots in the general election. On Tuesday, all of the island’s 16 polling places will open at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Garden Island.

Discovery Land Co., which has ties to several high-end resort developments in Hawaii, has been chosen to manage 1,103 acres of the Princeville Resort in Hanalei on Kauai's North Shore, as well as the Prince Golf Course, starting Jan. 1. Pacific Business News.

Brian Schatz beats Colleen Hanabusa in Hawaii Democratic primary -- 11 media takes on the race

Brian Schatz celebrates Democratic victory in Hawaii, courtesy Big Island for Brian

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz held off U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in a turbulent Democratic primary for Senate that concluded Friday after the storm-battered voters of Puna finally had their say. Schatz claimed a 48.5 percent to 47.8 percent victory over Hanabusa. The senator expanded his narrow lead over the congresswoman after the two Puna precincts that cast ballots in an extraordinary makeup vote on Friday at Keonepoko Elementary School and previously undiscovered ballots on Maui were counted. Star-Advertiser.

Incumbent Brian Schatz clinched the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate as the Hawaii Elections Office released results of Friday’s late voting in storm-damaged Puna, plus 800 previously uncounted Maui ballots. Schatz picked up 1,601 votes in results announced Friday, while U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa got 1,467. That gave him 48.5 percent of the vote to Hanabusa’s 47.8 percent. The total vote count as of Friday evening was 115,401 for Schatz to 113,632 for Hanabusa — a difference of just 1,769 votes. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz claimed victory over challenger U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa after a postponed primary was held for two Puna precincts on Friday. Schatz received 1,326 Puna votes Friday, bringing his statewide total to 115,401 in the Senate Democratic primary. Hanabusa received 1,126 votes from Puna Friday and 113,632 votes in the final count. The tally also included about 800 ballots from Maui that were not transmitted to the state immediately following the Aug. 9 primary. Tribune-Herald.

Incumbent Sen. Brian Schatz beat U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Hawaii late Friday, closing out a tight, emotional race that went into overtime after a tropical storm kept some voters from the polls. Schatz extended his slim lead, gained in voting across the rest of the state, through a makeup election for more than 8,000 voters in two remote precincts that couldn't cast ballots during Saturday's primary because of blocked roads and power outages. Associated Press.

After nearly two years of campaigning, millions of dollars spent and one tropical storm that delayed voting in this easternmost corner of Hawaii for nearly a week, Senator Brian Schatz won the Democratic nomination for his seat on Friday, bringing one of the longest and most acrimonious primary contests in the state’s history to an apparent end. New York Times.

Incumbent U.S. Senator Brian Schatz has narrowly won Hawaii's Democratic U.S. Senate primary. After two special election printouts which included 800 ballots from Maui, Schatz finished with 115,401 votes to Hanabusa's 113,632. Friday's special election was scheduled after Tropical Storm Iselle forced the closure of two Puna precincts on election day last week, while the rest of the state voted. Out of the 6,782 registered Puna voters who could have voted today a little more than 1,500 actually went to the polls. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz was named the Democratic nominee over Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the Puna Special Election. KITV4.

Despite several setbacks in the primary election process, Sen. Brian Schatz has won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat. After the first printout Friday night, Schatz received 115,397 votes or 48.5% versus challenger Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s 113,628 votes or 47.8%. KHON2.

A controversial chapter in Hawaii’s primary election history seemingly came to a close this evening, as Senator Brian Schatz edged out Representative Colleen Hanabusa in a special election held in Puna for residents impacted by some of the worst effects of Hurricane Iselle. Big Island Now.

The HGEA office building on Manono Street in Hilo played the role of Honolulu campaign headquarters for one night, as U.S. Senator Brian Schatz stopped in to celebrate his primary election victory following a special election in Puna. Big Island Video News.

Key races remained unchanged after Friday night’s make-up election for two precincts on Hawaiʻi Island that were impacted by Tropical Cyclone Iselle, and the addition of 800 absentee ballots on Maui that were unaccounted for in Saturday’s Primary. The margin of victory widened for Senator Brian Schatz who held onto the democratic party nomination, with 1,769 votes more than Representative Colleen Hanabusa. Maui Now.

Judge to hear Hanabusa election postponement lawsuit today - read the lawsuit here, Honolulu rail bids 75% over budget, John Kerry pushes China cooperation, Abercrombie visits storm-ravaged Puna, Kauai pumps more money into GMO lawsuit, Larry Ellison stimulates inter-island shipping, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanabusa election lawsuit

Download a copy of the Hanabusa complaint for an emergency temporary restraining order here (.pdf).

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa filed a motion Wednesday to stop Friday’s election on the Big Island until power is restored, roadblocks are removed and proper notification is given to voters in the two affected precincts. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to postpone the Friday makeup election for two Puna precincts. The lawsuit will be heard by 3rd Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura at 10:30 a.m. today in Hilo. It argues voting in precincts 04-01 and 04-02 is scheduled too soon since the recovery from Tropical Storm Iselle continues. Tribune-Herald.

Voters in storm-damaged Puna would be deprived of their constitutional right to vote if the state Office of Elections moves forward with a unique makeup election on Friday, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa alleges in a legal challenge filed on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa filed for an emergency temporary restraining order Wednesday morning, asking a state judge on the Big Island to delay Friday’s make-up election in two precincts hard hit by Tropical Storm Iselle last week. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii is asking a court on the Big Island to delay a makeup election for more than 8,000 voters, saying they should have more time to recover from a tropical storm before casting ballots in a primary that includes her running for U.S. Senate. Associated Press.

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa has requested a state court postpone Friday’s election in Puna rather than conclude the Primary Election. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has officially filed a lawsuit against chief elections officer Scott Nago to stop Friday’s primary election on the Big Island. KHON2.

In Hawaii Visit, John Kerry Presents Vision for ‘Asia-Pacific Engagement. The Secretary of State says U.S. focused on sustainable growth, clean energy, regional cooperation and empowering people. Civil Beat.

The "great powers" relationship China is seeking with the United States "is not going to happen simply by (China) talking about it," Secretary of State John Kerry said at the East-West Center on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The lowest bid for the construction of the first nine westside stations for Honolulu's $5.16 billion rail project came in at $294.5 million Wednesday, nearly 75 percent higher than the amount the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation had budgeted for the stations. Pacific Business News.

Oahu homeowners who qualified for owner-occupant tax breaks by last Sept. 30 but did not get them will be eligible for a one-time tax compromise from the city under a plan approved by the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The jury in the Christopher Deedy murder retrial completed 4 1⁄2 days of deliberation Wednesday without reaching a verdict. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As he made his first tour Wednesday of some of the storm-ravaged areas of lower Puna, Gov. Neil Abercrombie pledged to do “everything necessary” to secure federal funding for Hawaii Island families recovering from Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday toured neighborhoods damaged by Tropical Storm Iselle as county and state civil defense officials gathered information that could go into an application for a federal disaster declaration. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s arrival on the Big Island on Wednesday to address the fallout from Tropical Storm Iselle added a layer of normalcy to what so far has been surreal political theater. Civil Beat.

More than 200 homes, too many utility poles to count and half of the state's papaya crop were damaged by Tropical Storm Iselle last week based on preliminary reports that provide an emerging big picture of devastation centered in Hawaii island's Puna and Kau regions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi wants the residents of Puna to know there is an army of strategic and passionate people working around the clock to restore services in the areas hit hardest by Iselle. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Iselle last week provided more evidence of a link between vog from Kilauea and unusually powerful lightning first observed during Tropical Storm Flossie that rolled over Maui last July, according to a University of Hawaii researcher. Maui News.

Puna, a district on the island Big Island of Hawaii, is described by the Lonely Planet travel blog as “a new, eclectic population of mainland retirees, nouveau hippies, off-the-grid minimalists, funky artists, New Age seekers, Hawaiian sovereignty activists, organic farmers and the odd pakalolo (marijuana) grower.” Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

The Kula Forest Reserve and Polipoli State Park on Maui remain closed following Tropical Cyclone Iselle, while damage assessment continues. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines today announced plans to launch non-stop service between San Francisco International Airport and Kahului Airport on Maui, starting Nov. 20, 2014. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council postponed a measure on Wednesday that would establish a new waste management program and create an incremental fee structure based on how much residents throw away. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council authorized the Office of the County Attorney Wednesday to spend another $50,000 to defend the county’s law regulating pesticides and genetically modified organisms, Ordinance 960, in federal court. Garden Island.

Lanai

First billionaire Larry Ellison purchased most of Lanai, then he bought Island Air, and most recently he acquired Hotel Lanai. Now the fifth-richest person in the world — with a net worth of $48 billion according to Forbes magazine — is making his presence felt with Young Brothers Ltd., the state's largest interisland cargo shipper. Star-Advertiser.

Candidate, groups, try to delay election to decide Democratic victor for U.S. Senate, Native Hawaiians want Kerry to talk sovereignty on Honolulu visit today, $150M Honolulu rail bids to be opened, fired Maui trash chief appeals, Kauai mulls pay as you throw trash plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in Puna, photo by Tim Wright

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday that she is considering legal action to stop Friday’s scheduled election on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa on Tuesday asked the state Office of Elections to delay Friday's vote in two Puna precincts that will decide the Democratic Senate primary battle with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and also warned that she will likely go to court to try to postpone the vote. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says she plans to file an injunction to stop Friday's election. She is running in a tight Democratic primary race for Senate against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Associated Press.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says she will file a lawsuit to stop the election from taking place in storm-ravaged areas this Friday. Her office confirmed the move late Tuesday. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in Puna, photo by Michael S. Zola

With power and communications still out in some Puna neighborhoods, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa says that now is not the time to hold an election. Hanabusa, who trails Sen. Brian Schatz by 1,600 votes in Hawaii's U.S. Senate race, said she plans to file a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court no later than Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to open a polling place Friday for two storm-damaged precincts in Puna were moving ahead Tuesday despite a threat of a legal challenge from U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and criticism from other politicians and both major political parties. Tribune-Herald.

A new date has been set for voting in remote Hawaii precincts that were closed on election day by a tropical storm that clobbered the area, but it's unclear how thousands of voters will find out in time to cast ballots Friday. Associated Press.

Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa may feel it’s necessary to be on the ground in Puna this week, but the other two members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation have no immediate plans to visit the disaster area. Civil Beat.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visits Honolulu Wednesday where he will give a speech at the East-West Center in Manoa and meet with military leaders at U.S. Pacific Command headquarters. Star-Advertiser.

Kerry’s Visit a Chance to Answer Questions on Native Hawaiian Recognition. Will the Secretary of State address the single most important question raised in Hawaii since 1898. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is coming off a crushing defeat in the Democratic primary, but he is still head of state for four more months.  Now he's taking some heat for using a personal day Monday in the middle of a crisis in Puna following Hurricane Iselle. Governor Abercrombie was in meetings today and decided he will go to the Big Island Wednesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Perusing the Financial Disclosures of Hawaii Gov Candidates. Ige and Aiona are boring compared to Hannemann. Civil Beat.

Primary Candidates Spent Over $3.4 Million on TV Ads Since May. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz was the biggest spender at more than $1 million, followed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie at nearly a half-million. Civil Beat.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds beneficiaries of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamps) that beneficiary households may request reimbursement for the actual dollar value of food destroyed by storm related power outages. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Wednesday plans to unseal bids submitted by contractors who want build the first nine westside stations for the city's $5.16 billion rail project. Pacific Business News.

Officials with the city and United Public Workers union announced a new agreement Tuesday that allows paramedics and emergency medical technicians to work longer shifts in exchange for shorter workweeks. Star-Advertiser.

Most of the Ward Warehouse retail center in Kakaako could be demolished in the second half of 2015 to make way for two condominium towers as part of a second phase of residential development at Ward Centers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As a nation turns its eyes to a rural community on the Big Island that will decide a U.S. Senate race, residents here sometimes struggle to name the candidates vying for their votes. Part of this has to do with the Aloha State’s aversion to electoral politics. A majority of residents don’t vote. And this is Puna, a place where people come to disappear. Civil Beat.

As officials assess the damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Iselle, it’s evident the Big Island’s agriculture industry has sustained a severe blow. Tribune-Herald.

Crews continue to make progress on restoring power to customers affected by Tropical Storm Iselle. An estimated 6,800 – or about eight percent – of customers remain without power, down from an estimated 8,100 on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hurt by wind damage and power problems caused by Tropical Storm Iselle, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory nevertheless continues to operate with the help of distant U.S. Geological Service outposts. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island forestry and invasive species experts have been warning for years that albizia trees are a major threat to residents’ safety and property. Now, after seeing the devastation wrought by falling trees in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle, they say they have irrefutable proof. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Former Maui County Solid Waste Division Chief Tracy Takamine is appealing a decision upholding disciplinary action that led to his firing last year, alleging that an investigation by the county was improper and unfair. Maui News.

The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management has announced that beginning Aug. 1, budget constraints are anticipated that will curtail refuse pickup scheduling and landfill hours. This will affect all Maui County refuse account holders, refuse haulers, contractors and all those utilizing Maui County landfills. Maui Weekly.

The next phase of the Lahaina bypass project will build the roadway farther south, extending it from Hokiokio Place to a southern terminus near the former Olowalu landfill, state Department of Transportation officials said at a meeting in Lahaina last week. Maui News.

The much-discussed 600-unit housing project proposed by Alexander & Baldwin in North Kihei was approved by a unanimous vote of the Maui County Council on Friday, Aug. 1. Maui Weekly.

Maui Electric Company announced today that it is deploying boom trucks and other equipment to Hawai‘i Island today to assist Hawai‘i Electric Light in restoring power to customers affected by Tropical Cyclone Iselle. Maui Now.

Today is the deadline set to apply for the chief of police vacancy on Maui. The recruitment notice indicates that the job pays $135,000 per year. Maui Now.

Kauai

A measure now being considered before the Kauai County Council, Bill 2551, would implement a new waste management program, called pay as you throw, which aims to divert some waste from the Kekaha landfill and bolster recycling practices. It would charge residential and commercial customers incremental rates based upon how much they choose to throw away.  Garden Island.

A Kauai firefighter’s discrimination case was given a jury trial date on Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court. Bruce Chapin filed a civil complaint alleging discriminatory compensation and retaliation claims against Kauai Fire Department on May 9, 2013.Garden Island.

Lawsuits likely as Hanabusa-Schatz U.S. Senate Democratic contest to be decided Friday, officials say more polls should reopen, GMO foes flounder at polls, Maui highest, Kauai lowest, voter turnout, big profits for HECO electric company, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Island voting © 2014 All Hawaii News

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who’s trailing in the too-close-to-call Hawaii Democratic Senate primary against incumbent Brian Schatz, warned Monday of voting “irregularities” in precincts crippled by a massive tropical storm last week and said she’s speaking with campaign lawyers about a potential recourse. Politico.

Elected officials at the state and county level are crying foul over the selection of only two Puna precincts for a special election, when many voters in precincts from Pahoa to Volcano were unable to get to the polls Saturday in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle. Hanging in the balance is a close contest between U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa for the Democratic nomination for Senate, as well as a state House and County Council race. West Hawaii Today.

What about those blocked from polls, but not in delayed precincts? KHON2.

The U.S. Senate Democratic primary battle between Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa could be decided Friday as election officials open a polling place for voters of two storm-damaged precincts in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Several thousand voters in Puna on Hawaii island will get the rare opportunity Friday to settle a close election, but U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who trails U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in the Demo­cratic primary for Senate, questioned whether holding the vote so soon is realistic. Star-Advertiser.

An answer to the question “Who won Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race?” is likely to come Friday, according the State Elections Office. The plan is to run an election at Keonepoko Elementary School for the two Puna precincts on the Big Island that were closed because of Tropical Storm Iselle. Civil Beat.

Both Hanabusa and Schatz are already on the Big Island. Schatz was helping unload supplies in Nanawale and met with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army National Guard today. Hanabusa took an aerial tour of the damage. Hawaii News Now.

Two voting precincts in the region hardest hit by Iselle were closed during Saturday's primary, affecting some 8,000 registered voters, who would be able to cast their ballots on a new voting day to be held Friday, the Office of Elections said Monday. The emotional Democratic contest between U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is still too close to call. Associated Press.

A special walk-in election will be held Friday for Big Island residents who were unable to vote in Saturday’s primary due to damage from Tropical Storm Iselle. That decision is drawing criticism from folks in Puna, who originally thought they would have 21 days to mail in an absentee ballot. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chief Election Officer Scott Nago, in consultation with the State Attorney General, Department of Defense and the Office of the County Clerk, announced today that an election will be held on Friday, August 15th at Keonepoko Elementary School for the two polling places whose election was postponed due to Hurricane Iselle. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii’s Primary Election Turnout Likely Near All-Time Low This Year. Preliminary numbers show it to be about 41 percent of registered voters. Civil Beat.

Opinion: A Pidgin Guide to Neil Abercrombie’s Downfall. The Hawaii governor's blunt talk may have been the straight truth but his bedside manner left much to be desired. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. reported a profit of $34.2 million in the second quarter, a $5.5 million increase from the same time period last year, mainly due to its recovery of costs for clean energy and reliability investments, the Honolulu-based utility said Monday in its latest earnings report. Pacific Business News.

After the heavy rains and high winds of two rare, large storms, Hawaiian botanists are hoping the islands’ rarest plants have come through unscathed. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu
State Rep. Mark Takai displayed solid support from Kapolei to Mili­lani to Hawaii Kai as he cruised to the 1st Congressional District's Democratic nomination Saturday night over six other candidates. Star-Advertiser.

Officials with the city have apparently reached an agreement with the United Public Workers union that would allow paramedics and emergency medical technicians to work longer, four-day weeks. Star-Advertiser.

The marble shrine room wall at the USS Arizona Memorial inscribed with the names of 1,177 sailors and Marines killed in the Dec. 7, 1941, attack will be undergoing replacement over two months, possibly starting in early September, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The Matson container ship Manukai, with master John Blomindale, leading a crew of 22, docked at Sand Island Pier 22, carrying three survivors of a disabled sailboat rescued from hurricane seas.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As clean-up and power restoration efforts continue in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle, assessment of the cyclone’s damage, especially in Puna, has just begun, according to the county. Tribune-Herald.

Forget Tropical Storm Iselle. The people of Hawaii island's storm-ravaged Puna district have since singularly focused their anger on the forests of fast-growing and foreign albizia trees that fell like giant pick-up sticks on their homes and across power lines, keeping them in the dark and without water since Iselle blew through the Big Island five days ago. Star-Advertiser.

Puna Still Struggles as Politicians Parachute In. The rural Big Island community was hit hardest by Tropical Storm Iselle, and now it's the focal point of the race for U.S. Senate. Civil Beat.

Deep in the seaside jungle of Government Beach Road, the Leo family has been stuck behind a pile of fallen albizia trees since Tropical Storm Iselle hit Puna on Friday morning. On Monday, help arrived. Hawaii County, the Hawaii National Guard, and community volunteers helped dig a path to freedom for the family. Big Island Video News.

Stunning video was taken by drones over the Puna area that gives a closer look into the damage left behind by Iselle. KITV4.

Electricity. Water. Ice. Cellphones. These are some of the staples of modern life that residents in lower Puna say they took for granted until Tropical Storm Iselle thrashed their communities. Tribune-Herald.

Only one Hawaii Island candidate made it to the runoff in the race for an at-large seat on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. West Hawaii Today.

Kamehameha Schools officials are proposing demolishing the Keauhou Beach Hotel from the top down. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County had the lowest primary election voter turnout in the state Saturday, with only 32.2 percent of the county's 85,581 registered voters casting ballots in person or by absentee. Maui News.

Maui County continues to have the lowest voter turnout in the state with just 32.2% of the county’s 85,581 registered voters turning out to cast ballots. Maui Now.

Maui Electric crews restored power to all customers Sunday evening after crews worked around the clock since late Thursday to repair and replace electrical equipment damaged by Tropical Storm Iselle's heavy rain and strong winds. Star-Advertiser.

Profits nearly doubled for Alexander & Baldwin from $5 million to $9.2 million, thanks to recent acquisitions and improvements in the company's development and sales and leasing segments, according to A&B's second-quarter report, which was released last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Councilmen Mel Rapozo and Ross Kagawa, the lone members to oppose the county’s controversial GMO disclosure bill last year, are now more popular than ever among voters. Civil Beat.

Some believe the hot-button issue of genetically modified crops and pesticide use played a role in Saturday’s primary election results, while others say apparent trends in the voting have more to do with where candidates call home. Garden Island.

County of Kauai had the highest primary election turnout rates, according to preliminary state election reports. It is that fact that, some county officials and election watchers say, can be partly attributed to several important factors, including the debate on genetically modified organisms and pesticides and tax raises. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Real Property Assessment Division is offering assistance to residents who want to understand changes to their real property tax bills. Star-Advertiser.

The Kapaa Business Association wants the public to add its voice to providing a solution for traffic through the Kapaa and Wailua corridor. Garden Island.

NASA will return to Kauai next year for more tests of technology that could be used in flights to Mars. Associated Press.