Hawaii could ban Kona spearfishing, boaters fight licenses, Democrats sue to keep Thielen off the ballot, Pro Bowl returns, Honolulu firefighters fight over mayoral endorsement, bed and breakfasts to be limited on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ornate butterflyfish (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

West Hawaii’s shores could soon be the first in the state to become off limits to scuba spearfishing. Tribune-Herald.

50 Oahu boaters gathered in Aiea for the first of five public hearings on whether boaters should have a safety certificate or license. But the idea didn't go over well. KHON2.

A proposed rule requiring power boat operators to complete a boating safety course faced fierce opposition Wednesday at a packed meeting at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Laura Thielen

State Democrats have authorized the party to file a legal challenge to prevent Laura Thielen, a director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources under former Gov. Linda Lingle, from running for the state Senate as a Democrat. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, filed her nomination papers today for the U.S. Senate race. She's taking on former Congressman Ed Case in the primary, and if successful, will be pitted against former Gov. Linda Lingle or former State Senator John Carroll. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii needs to move away from identity politics, says a former Congressman now vying for the Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination. West Hawaii Today.

The National Football League has given its embattled Pro Bowl a one-year reprieve for 2013, challenging its players and Hawaii to demonstrate how the 73-year-old all-star game can be made viable for the future. Star-Advertiser.

The National Football League said Wednesday that the 2013 Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, and league officials said they were working with the players to make the game more competitive. Pacific Business News.

Nearly a year after Gov. Neil Abercrombie equated a $4 million fee to keep the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii to a "bribe," the governor has changed his tune. KITV4.

In 2011, 26 Hawaii non-profits received needed dollars and cents from the NFL Charities Pro Bowl Grant Program. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu officials abandoned a bus rapid transit system nearly a decade ago after public support waned and a new mayor took office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's job market is improving, but at a slower pace than in the best-performing mainland cities, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A rift between organizations representing firefighters and former firefighters widened Wednesday with Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva joining the finger-pointing. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighter retirees and union membership are at odds over endorsement of Ben Cayetano in Honolulu mayoral race. Civil Beat.

Retired Fire Chief Says Since Political Endorsement of Cayetano for Mayor, He's Received Threats, Retaliation; Current Chief Denies Tie. Hawaii Reporter.

Former teamsters leader Mel Kahele filed papers to run for the Honolulu City Council spot currently held by Tom Berg. KHON2.

The Honolulu Museum of Art received a 346-thousand dollar check from the State today for investing in an energy efficient cooling and ventilation system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii is under fire from the state auditor's office for poor management and lack of transparency. Civil Beat.

Administrators restricted access to Kona Community Hospital Wednesday morning after receiving a threat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Regional Haze Implementation plan for Hawaii will be the focus of discussion during a public hearing on Maui tomorrow (Thursday, May 31, 2012) hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Maui Now.

South Maui residents worried about extra traffic and potential development blurring the boundary between Kihei and Kahului urged Maui County Council members Monday to resist the inclusion of several hundred acres of land in Puunene in the urban growth boundaries of the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News.

A meeting tonight in Lahaina called by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will help shape the restoration of Moku'ula, a political and spiritual center of Hawaii and home of ancient chiefs. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced the release of $250,000 for the planning and design of a community center on two acres of land in Nahiku on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Hanalei Watershed Hui is inviting the public to a  June 6 meeting to address what is going on with Hanalei Bay Watershed. In addition, the hui is reminding the public the Hanalei Watershed Management Plan is ready for review and comment. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i beekeepers could sleep in peace, knowing the Garden Isle is the only major Hawaiian island free of the small hive beetle, a serious pest to honeybees. Until last week. Garden Island.

Molokai

A bill was signed into law last week that establishes new regulations for short-term rentals, also known as transient vacation rentals, in Maui County. Molokai Dispatch.

U.S. Senate candidates face off in Honolulu, campaign in Hilo, mixed economic forecast, Big Island zipline maker at fault, Japan won't dump radioactive waste in Northern Marianna Islands, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Ed Case, Mazie Hirono

U.S. Senate candidates squared off today in the first of only five debates between the Democrats. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday said easing visa restrictions for Chinese visitors could fuel tourism in Hawaii, but former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who also favors the legislation, said the bill's lack of prog­ress in Congress suggests Hirono is not effective. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case did not wait terribly long to try and score debating points against Mazie Hirono at a candidate forum Tuesday on tourism. Civil Beat.

It was a first for the candidates vying for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka's seat. Tuesday, they participated in a forum together at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. KHON2.

Linda Lingle

There aren’t many Republicans in the Democratic stronghold known as Hilo, but almost 200 came out Tuesday for the headquarters grand opening and birthday bash for former Gov. Linda Lingle, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka. West Hawaii Today.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle mingled among her East Hawaii supporters at the opening of her Hilo headquarters. Tribune-Herald.


The state Council on Revenues on Tuesday kept a 12 percent growth forecast for the fiscal year that ends June 30, but lowered the revenue projection for next fiscal year, which will prompt the Abercrombie administration to scale back state spending. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Council on Revenues on Tuesday kept its revenue growth projection for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, at 12 percent. Pacific Business News.

The Council on Revenues revised its State General Fund revenue forecast today…with mixed reviews on what to expect in the months and years ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

A 2011 state law meant to generate as much as $220 million in new tax revenues has fallen far short of target, causing the state Council on Revenues today to forecast a 2.2% drop in next year’s total tax take. Hawaii Reporter.

The Council on Revenues forecasts the state has about $100 million less to work with next year. KHON2.

Japanese investors appear to have abandoned plans to dump millions of tons of debris from last year's tsunami disaster on a pristine island in the Northern Mariana Islands. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

A federal review completed last month found Honolulu has improved its city bus and Handi-Van services since their last federal evaluation three years ago, but there's still work to be done. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Peter Carlisle said Tuesday that his support for the city's rail proj­ect is "unequivocal," drawing a brighter line than former managing director Kirk Caldwell, who has called for a review of the proj­ect's station locations, architecture and visual impact. Star-Advertiser.

Anthony Guerrero Jr., a retired vice chairman of First Hawaiian Bank   and chairman of the board of Oahu Transit Services, has joined the board of Move Oahu Forward, a group of Honolulu business leaders who support the city’s rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

Officials have set their sights on Hawaii's military housing for a new program they hope will cut energy waste and save the government nearly a half-million dollars a year in electricity costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Seven candidates for Hawaii County Council on the Big Island are taking advantage of public financing through a three-election-year pilot program in its second year. Civil Beat.

South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford has big plans for the site of a new community college at Palamanui. West Hawaii Today.

Tradewinds Forest Products LLC recently started harvesting eucalyptus trees planted in Hamakua in the late-1990s to send to Asia. West Hawaii Today.

The builder of a zip line course in Paukaa near Hilo, where one worker was killed and a co-worker critically injured when a tower collapsed Sept. 21, failed to ensure ground anchors and a guy cable system could support the weight of a tower, zip lines and human riders, the state said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The state has accused the builder of an East Hawaii zip line platform that collapsed last year, killing a construction worker, of serious violations of workplace safety laws.Tribune-Herald.

Richard Crowe, co-founder of the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s astronomy program and astronomer-in-residence at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, was killed Sunday in a bizarre Jeep accident near Chinle, Ariz. He was 60. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $250,000 for the Nahiku Community Center. Maui News.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said "the true test of our patriotism" is taking care of our soldiers in battle and at home. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hanalei Watershed Hui is inviting the public to a  June 6 meeting to address what is going on with Hanalei Bay Watershed. Garden Island.

It couldn’t have started in a worse place, said a volunteer who helped fight a brush fire in a remote area in the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve Monday. Garden Island.

Federal court denies reapportionment injunction, Hawaii Democrats work behind the scenes to kill party neutrality resolution, Arizona satisfied with Obama birth certificate, Abercrombie requires union labor on all state projects, Oahu tops in traffic jams, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. District Court Honolulu

Hawaii elections will proceed as scheduled this year as a federal panel of judges Tuesday refused to intervene and stop the state from moving forward with a reapportionment and redistricting plan approved in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's elections can move ahead as planned under political boundaries that exclude nonresident military personnel, a panel of federal judges ruled Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Three federal judges say a constitutional challenge to Hawaii’s redistricting plan isn’t strong enough to go forward and risk jeopardizing the state’s primary and general elections this year. Associated Press.

A three-judge panel, which included U.S. District Judges Michael Seabright and Leslie Kobayashi from Hawaii and U.S. Circuit Judge Margaret McKeown from San Diego, has refused to grant a motion for preliminary injunction that would have forced the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission to redraw its 2012 plan so it included 108,000 non permanent resident military and their dependents and non permanent resident students. Hawaii Reporter.

In a 55 page decision, a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court in Honolulu has ruled against a group of plaintiffs who had sought to delay Hawaii's upcoming elections over a constitutional challenge. KITV4.

See the reapportionment decision here.

The state of Hawaii has verified President Barack Obama's birth records to Arizona's elections chief after a nearly three-month back and forth that Arizona officials said could have ended without the incumbent's name on its November ballot. Associated Press.

A resolution demanding party neutrality until after the primary elections will be debated at the Democratic Party of Hawaii convention this weekend is causing quite a stir among party members – even in the highest political circles. Hawaii Reporter.

Candidates running as Democrats in Hawaii this year must pay $500 a minute to address party delegates at the annual convention this week. Civil Beat.

A new poll shows Ed Case and Mazie Hirono neck-and-neck in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. KHON2.

The fight to represent the Democratic Party in the upcoming November elections for Hawai‘i’s second U.S. Senate seat is stuck on a technical tie, according to the latest poll results by a private company. Garden Island.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday that U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has not adequately outlined her public-policy positions and is avoiding debates in their Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Republican Rep. Barbara Marumoto, the second most senior member of the state House of Representatives behind Speaker Calvin Say, will not return to the chamber after her term expires this year. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie issued a directive to use project labor agreements for major state projects. KHON2.

Scientists at the University of Hawaii have created a new type of anti-cancer drug that's taken orally. Hawaii News Now.

An environmental group on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service to force a decision on whether it will put a population of rare dolphins living near Hawaii on the endangered species list. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu had the worst traffic congestion among American cities in 2011, with drivers wasting an average of 58 hours stuck in gridlock, according to a study released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

City attorneys worry that a bill designed to ban commercial activity at two beach parks in Kailua might violate the separation of powers doctrine and be vulnerable to legal challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell is calling for a "critical last look" at the downtown and Kaka­ako portions of the city rail proj­ect, including possible last-minute design revisions to answer residents' concerns about the elevated rail guideway. Star-Advertiser.

Former acting mayor and longtime rail proponent Kirk Caldwell called reporters to his Nimitz Highway headquarters Tuesday afternoon for what his campaign promised would be a "major statement" on the proposed 20-mile system. Civil Beat.

Eight years of continuous war in Iraq and Afghanistan are over for the 3rd Marine Regiment's 3,000 Marines at Kaneohe Bay, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Surveillance videos at a Waikiki McDonald's restaurant show a State Department special agent identifying himself as a law enforcement officer before he was attacked by the man he's charged with murdering, the special agent's lawyer said Tuesday in urging a state judge to make public the video and defense court documents. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu city officials have repeatedly fined Kahala's most famous real estate investor for violations at his Kahala Avenue properties. Civil Beat.

State officials on Tuesday granted the developer of a proposed 12,000 home master-planned community in Ewa extra time to file legal documents, pushing back what was supposed to be a major decision on the controversial development's fate. Civil Beat.

Hoku Corp. said Tuesday that it halted construction at its Idaho polysilicon plant last month and laid off 100 employees there as it explores “restructuring alternatives.” Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Drilling at Puna Geothermal Venture is almost done. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly 9,400 acres of pristine Paauilo ranch land is up for sale at an asking price of $16.8 million. Tribune-Herald.

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is taking up the cause of local game hunters who are feeling increasingly pushed aside as wilderness is fenced off and game animals are shot from the sky. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s Mass Transit Agency estimates that its $1 bus fare enacted last July will raise about $500,000 this fiscal year, down slightly from original projections. Tribune-Herald.

Even if the trend of a quiet Central Pacific hurricane season continues in 2012, forecasters are again cautioning residents not to be complacent. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa is set to sign a bill establishing new regulations for short-term rentals. Maui News.

Community groups and a South Maui resident have filed appeals with state and county agencies to put the brakes on two megamall shopping complexes planned in Kihei, mauka of the Piilani Highway-Kaonoulu Street intersection. Maui News.

The state Land Use Commission voted 6-1 Monday to approve a reclassification of a little more than 545 acres in Central Maui to make way for A&B Properties' plans to develop the Wai'ale master-planned community. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Mike White filed nomination papers Monday for re-election to his Makawao, Haiku and Paia residency seat. Maui News.

Kauai

After reviewing the results of water quality tests on Kalapaki Beach over the last four days, state Department of Health officials have approved a partial reopening of the beach. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced Tuesday the appointment of Frederick Kamuela Cobb-Adams, a former executive with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), as the county’s new housing director effective June 1. Garden Island.

Arizona comes looking for Obama birth certificate, Hirono ducks debates, Honolulu parking meters accept credit cards, EPA to cap utility emissions in shadow of Kilauea, wetter weather next winter, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama birth certificate White House courtesy photo

Two men who identified themselves as being from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Phoenix arrived at the state Department of Health on Monday, requesting verification of President Barack Obama's birth certificate, a state spokeswoman said. Star-Advertiser.

The so-called "birther" movement did not die off completely when President Barack Obama placed his "long-form" birth certificate on the White House website in April 2011. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Monday declined an offer from Hawaii Pacific University to participate in a forum on Thursday with former congressman Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case has accepted an invitation by Hawaii Pacific University to debate Mazie Hirono this Thursday (May 24), with time and place yet to be determined. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has picked up the endorsement of some Maui County executives, past and present. KHON2.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard is officially seeking higher office. KHON2.

The deadline for the next round of campaign spending reports could move up a couple of weeks from the existing July 31 due date. Civil Beat.

The National Weather Service says Kauai and Oahu are more likely to recover from drought during the upcoming rainy season from October through April. Associated Press.

Rainfall during Hawaii's wet season was definitely wet for the western part of the state, but most areas of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island of Hawaii had below normal rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. Hawaii News Now.

Drought lingered in West Hawaii through another dry winter and is returning this summer to more deeply ravaged, already water-stressed places. These next five months aren’t expected to bring any real reprieve, especially for leeward areas, said Kevin Kodama, senior hydrologist for the National Weather Service. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

A state judge is scheduled to hear a request today by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and other news organizations to argue for the release of defense documents and surveillance tapes filed by a State Department special agent charged in a fatal shooting at a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

New parking meters that accept credit and debit cards along with coins will be installed next month around the Civic Center, part of a pilot project to replace all meters on Oahu with the technology. Star-Advertiser.

No one can put up a tent in City parks on Oahu without a permit, under a law that went into effect last year. But a Honolulu City Council member is pushing for an exemption at Hanauma Bay. KHON2.

The developer of a proposed 12,000-home master-planned community in Ewa has asked state officials to delay Tuesday’s final decision on whether its project can move forward by a month. Civil Beat.

Schuler Homes LLC will ask the Hawaii Land Use Commission    for more time on its Hoopili project case. The LUC is expected to make a decision on Tuesday on the planned 11,750-home subdivision on 1,554 acres of land in Ewa. Pacific Business News.

More than 500 hotel workers at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki are in their second year of working without a contract. Hawaii Public Radio.

Charles Alan Pflueger, head of Pflueger Auto, one of the state’s largest auto dealerships, pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court to tax fraud after he cut a deal with prosecutors. Hawaii Reporter.

The Missile Defense Agency's 280-foot-tall Sea-Based X-Band Radar returned to Ford Island on Monday after being at sea during North Korea's failed April 13 rocket test. Star-Advertiser.

A state work crew on Monday began picking up large and tiny remnants of a floating dock system that washed ashore at Kalaeloa last weekend and turned a leaf blower into a vacuum cleaner to collect the smallest bits of Styrofoam from endangered plants and tide pools. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources mobilized quickly Monday to remove large amounts of Styrofoam that washed ashore on Feedlot Beach at Campbell Industrial Park about a week ago. KITV4.

Hawaii has known of Genshiro Kawamoto for nearly a quarter century now, but still little is known about the famously reclusive real estate mogul. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposes to cap emissions at three Hawaii Island electrical plants to improve visibility at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, even as Kilauea continues to be the largest contributor to haze on the island. West Hawaii Today.

A renewable energy company that plans to burn locally grown eucalyptus trees to generate 10 percent of th Big Island's electricity needs signed an agreement Monday to sell the power to Hawaii Electric Light Co. Star-Advertiser.

Hu Honua Bioenergy took another big step toward the start of operations with the announcement Monday that it has signed a power purchase agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island and State briefs. Associated Press.

Maui

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals plans to return to Maui for its annual conference in August, but unlike its 2010 meeting this one is raising eyebrows on the heels of the General Services Administration scandal over a lavish 2010 conference in Las Vegas. Star-Advertiser.

An upcoming conference on Maui involving federal judges from throughout the western U.S. and its island territories has two Republican senators trying to disrobe the event as being too lavish for taxpayers. Civil Beat.

On average, Maui residents can expect to pay about 4 percent more for water under a proposed rate increase for the county Department of Water Supply, department Director Dave Taylor said Friday. Maui News.

Mokulele Airlines is expanding its interisland operations by returning service between Honolulu and Kapalua Airport in West Maui for the first time in three years. Star-Advertiser.

A $26 million project to widen Piilani Highway from two to four lanes between Kilohana and Wailea Iki drives is moving ahead as a collaboration between the state Department of Transportation and developers of the Makena Resort and Honua'ula projects in South Maui. Maui News.

Kauai and Maui will receive $400,000 to create 20 temporary positions dedicated to the cleanup and repair of public structures, homes and land damaged by the heavy rains that inundated Hawaii in March, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today. Hawaii Reporter.

Kauai
Agriculture is alive and well on the Garden Isle. Pacific Business News.

Officials announced on Monday that Kaua‘i and Maui will get a combined $400,000 to clean up damage from heavy storms that hit Hawai‘i in March. Garden Island.

United States Coast Guard Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Buddy Gilbert never realized how fast four years would pass. Garden Island.

Hawaii Historic Preservation in danger of federal decertification, rail transit campaign gets nasty, Maalaea Small Boat Harbor expansion halted, Honolulu city ethics questioned, Ka'u gym advances, Molokai group fights interisland cable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for smartphone and web

Kawa bay historic hale (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Despite improvements in some areas, the state agency that protects Hawaii's historic and cultural sites still is plagued by major shortcomings and continues to face the possibility of decertification and loss of federal funding, according to a recent assessment by the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

Who's Giving Big Bucks to Our Senate Candidates? A snapshot of contributions to Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono and Ed Case. Civil Beat.

Sen. Daniel Inouye took a quick trip to Alaska last week to help Alaska Sen. Mark Begich raise some money for his re-election campaign. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines is flying 13 percent more passenger miles than last year, after expanding capacity by the same amount. Hawaii News Now.

A new documentary explores the causes of obesity, and some of Hawai`i’s top experts will discuss both causes and challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for May 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

A temporary black sewer pipe surfaced Saturday in the Ala Wai Canal, but the pipe is not leaking or posing a health risk, the city's Environmental Services Department said in a release. Star-Advertiser.

According to the Environmental Services Department, an air bubble lifted a section of the 5,000-foot long pipe, exposing 100 feet on the surface of the canal near the Hawaii Convention Center Saturday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

The archery range at Kapiolani Park will remain closed for at least another month until the city Parks Department can conduct a public hearing to determine whether it should be closed permanently. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to stop nearly all commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park has Windward Oahu deeply divided. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu ethics officials say in the past three years, they've investigated more than 240 allegations of ethical misconduct by city employees. That's more than one complaint a week. Civil Beat.

The PR campaign being waged by rail supporters and opponents of Honolulu’s $5.17 billion project has gone into a kind of ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all’ mode. Pacific Business News.

Idaho-based Mountain West Research group has been calling Oahu residents in recent weeks from a 213 area code, spreading nasty rumors about Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano and Council Member Tom Berg. Both Cayetano and Berg oppose the city’s $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

Deputy attorney general Kevin Takata announced his decision to run for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney. Takata is a career prosecutor and has dedicated his life serving the public and prosecuting crimes. Hawaii Reporter.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the whole Disney gang pulled into port in Honolulu Sunday as part of the Disney Wonder's inaugural voyage to the Hawaiian Islands. KHON2.

The Royal Hawaiian Band will receive the 2012 Industry Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

For several Big Island lawmakers, Hawaii’s $11.2 billion budget could be boiled down to one word: jobs. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Planning’s Coastal Zone Management Program is conducting two listening sessions this month on the Big Island to accept comments on the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan, currently being updated. West Hawaii Today.

The Ka‘u District Gym and Shelter recently moved a step closer to fruition with the release of a final environmental assessment finding the project will likely have no significant impact. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Federal and state agencies are ending a decadeslong project that would have expanded Maalaea Small Boat Harbor, citing costs as well as opposition from community groups that maintained that the proposals would fail to protect the harbor from surges while destroying acres of coral and affecting the "Freight Train" surf break. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has withdrawn plans to extend the breakwater in Ma’alaea Harbor, citing costs and community and enviromental  concerns as the reason for the termination. KITV4.

Hana High and Elementary School is one example of how Hawaii's per-pupil funding formula seems to hammer small schools. Civil Beat.

The county Liquor Control Adjudication Board disciplined four Maui businesses Thursday, two for serving alcohol to minors and two for having employees unlawfully drinking while on the job. Maui News.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has issued a final decision for a 2010 rate case involving Maui Electric Company. Maui Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono rallied Maui Democrats on Saturday in a sometimes impassioned speech that recalled her impoverished beginnings as a Japanese immigrant, unapologetically acclaimed liberal ideals and took some shots at former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle. Maui News.

Financial challenges facing Maui Land & Pineapple Co. are raising a "substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern," the company reports in its latest filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i joined the rest of the nation in the National Day of Prayer Thursday, hosting two observances in the rotunda of the Mo‘ikeha Building. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary announced last week that it is seeking to fill eight primary and nine alternate seats on its advisory council. Garden Island.

Three Civil Air Patrol cadets were promoted to Airman First Class and eight cadets, including the three promoted cadets, earned their Certificates of First Flight Tuesday night during the Civil Air Patrol meeting at the T-Hangers where the CAP planes are hangered at the Lihu‘e Airport. Garden Island.

Molokai

Big Wind opponent I Aloha Molokai has unleashed a petition to stop the multi-billion interisland undersea cable from being built. Pacific Business News.

The senate floor discussion on SB2785 centered on opposition from Lanai and Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

'Exceptional' trees get tax breaks, Honolulu seeks $450M line of credit for rail, Green Party certified for state ballot, Kauai daily newspaper goes to 6-day schedule, Hilo newspaper hit with labor ruling, electric company makes big profits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mynah bird on African tulip tree (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The focus of some ridicule is a state law that allows Hawaii residents to claim up to $3,000 in personal income tax deductions for qualified expenses related to maintaining "exceptional" trees on their private property. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal headed to the state Senate could help Hawaii double its locally grown food supply by 2020. Associated Press.

By weight, Hawaii’s honeybees may be the state’s most valuable export as farmers struggle to replenish bee populations suffering from colony collapse. Associated Press.

The Green Party of Hawaii announced that it has been certified to be included on Hawaii partisan election ballots. Tribune-Herald.

The Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter on Sunday endorsed U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono for U.S. Senate, giving the congresswoman an edge in the environmental community to go with her support from labor unions and traditional Democrats. Star-Advertiser.

Consumer advocates are pushing Hawaii senators to pass a bill that excludes health insurer representatives from holding voting positions on a state board. Associated Press.


Cuts in the number of inspectors who check cargo and passengers entering Hawaii have some worried that more pests will get established in a state that is especially vulnerable because of its subtropical weather and few natural predators. Associated Press.

State roundup for April 23. Associated Press.


Oahu

The Navy wants to cover Ford Island's historic runway with photovoltaic panels — an addition the service said would "define and interpret" the original runway while providing environment-friendly power. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration has formally asked the City Council to approve a $450 million city-backed line of credit that could be used to complete the rail line in the event of a "catastrophic, unforeseen event" that causes the project to run out of money. Star-Advertiser.

Construction of the elevated portion of Oahu's rail project starts Monday, as more groups step forward to support the City's transit plan in court. Hawaii News Now.

The city's $5.7 million, 500-day Waikiki sewer project has been backed up for a couple of months but is expected to get moving in May. Star-Advertiser.

Keeping Kakaako-makai free from residential development was the motivation behind a loud rally held earlier today in an effort to stop a bill that would allow high rises on one of Honolulu's last public oceanfront land. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s landfill advisory committee has named a site in the Windward Oahu town of Kailua as the top choice for the location of a landfill to replace the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu’s monopoly newspaper has again slashed advertising rates in the face of new government objections to the charges as well as competition from a newcomer to the market. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

An average Hawaii Electric Light Co. customer doles out around $225 every month for 500 to 600 kilowatt hours of electricity, a far cry from the nation’s average of $63 for the same usage. West Hawaii Today.

While the electric grid itself may not be operating at peak efficiency, shareholders in the investor-owned corporation aren’t feeling the pinch. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii isn’t well-known for consumer advocacy, said Jack Gillis, public affairs director for the Consumer Federation of America. West Hawaii Today.

A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a National Labor Relations Board's decision that two reporters fired from a Hilo newspaper should be reinstated with back pay. Associated Press.

Maui

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Maui Economic Development Board. Maui News.


Kauai

The Garden Island newspaper on Kauai will be combining its Friday and Saturday publications into a weekend edition starting May 4. Pacific Business News.

Construction is expected to begin during the second half of this year on a second Kaua‘i Safeway supermarket and retail center. Garden Island.

Meeting the demand of an increase in felony cases was among concerns expressed by Office of the Prosecuting Attorney staff members during a Kaua‘i County Council fiscal year 2013 budget hearing Friday. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Friendly Island will be well represented at the 35th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. The Awards Show, hosted by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts (HARA), is an annual event held to celebrate “the connections between music, our culture, and the spirit of aloha,” according to their website. Molokai Dispatch.

Case-Hirono debates not so great, groups rally for solar energy tax credits, plastic bag fee, $3.2M award in Maui cliff death despite alcohol, marijuana use, state financial securities enforcer demoted after probe into his past, Hawaii councilors wonder whether tax hike was necessary, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ed Case, Mazie Hirono

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono will appear with former U.S. Rep. Ed Case at five joint forums and debates before the Demo­cratic primary for U.S. Senate in August, but she agreed to only one televised forum and bypassed debates offered by the state's major news outlets. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono's decision not to accept any debates on major television networks has prompted her opponent to call the decision "an insult to Hawaii voters." Civil Beat.

After months of prodding from Congressman Ed Case (D-HI, 2002-2007), Congresswoman Mazie Hirono has finally agreed to debate him. Hawaii Reporter.

Mazie Hirono and Ed Case are at odds over the number of debates and joint appearances scheduled before the primary election in their race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. Hawaii News Now.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono will participate in five debates with former Congressman Ed Case leading up to Hawaii's Primary Election, in her bid for the U.S. Senate. KHON2.

Seeking elected office means defending your positions against your rivals' — including within your own party. But when U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono refused any debates on network TV with her Democratic primary opponent Ed Case, she did a disservice to the people of Hawaii. (commentary) Civil Beat.

With Earth Day just days away, environmentalists and retail merchants made a last-ditch effort Thursday to convince state lawmakers that a bill that would impose a statewide 10-cent fee on disposable plastic and paper checkout bags deserves to be heard and voted on. Star-Advertiser.

With the Legislature set to adjourn in just two weeks, supporters of solar energy tax credits are ramping up their efforts to hang on to incentives they say are needed to ensure the industry's continued success.Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s renewable energy tax credits, which are credited with helping the state’s solar energy industry to reach new heights, are now backed by a report saying that they yield a clear, significant net fiscal benefit to the state. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii lawmakers are on the verge of lopping off some $22 million from the Department of Education's school bus budget, which officials say will force thousands of students to find new ways to get to class. Civil Beat.

House Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro said the state Department of Education's repeated warnings about possible massive cuts of school bus service are "irresponsible fear-mongering." Star-Advertiser.

House and Senate conference committee members have just over a week to reach agreement on measures they want to see passed this legislative session. Associated Press.

Three Board of Education members have been confirmed by the Senate for terms through June 30, 2015. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate has confirmed the appointment of four new members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, effective July 1, and renewed the appointment of two others, effective immediately. Tribune-Herald.

Peter Hsieh, the newly-hired head of enforcement in the state office that regulates financial securities, has been demoted following news stories in Hawaii Reporter about his serious personal financial problems, the state said today. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal grand jury yesterday indicted a Correctional Officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, on five counts of sexual abuse of a prison ward. Maui Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $34 million to upgrade state facilities. KHON2.

Oahu

The first mayoral debate of 2012 is scheduled for less than two weeks from now, when Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano all participate in what organizers are calling “pupus and politics” at the Plaza Club. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Senate appropriations committee is supporting a bill allocating $250 million for a rail line in Honolulu.  Associated Press.

A major rail contractor won approval for a $15.9 million change order Thursday to cover increasing prices for steel and other materials for the 20-mile Hono­lulu rail system. Star-Advertiser.

More than a dozen Traffic Division officers with the Honolulu Police Department left the state Capitol disappointed Thursday after House and Senate negotiators failed to reach a compromise on the so-called "Move Over" bill. KITV4.

City transportation officials want to make changes to 21 of Oahu's 100 city bus routes this summer, giving riders until May to have a say in the final plan. Star-Advertiser.

You could tell who was at the Kaimuki Community Park Thursday night by the dozens of bicycles that were parked and locked all over the park and surrounding areas. Hawaii News Now.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is calling an emergency meeting for authorization to enter private property where boulders rolled down a Honolulu mountainside and crashed into houses. KHON2.

Hawaii

Two West Hawaii council members are asking why Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration had urged the County Council to raise property taxes in 2010 to the tune of $23 million when the county ultimately ended that year with a $24 million surplus. West Hawaii Today.

Three County Elections Office employees who say they were wrongfully terminated and publicly humiliated by county of Hawaii officials have made their Settlement Offer with the county public. Hawaii Reporter.

The attorney representing three fired election workers stood outside council chambers Thursday, blasting the “gang of four” inside who denied his offer to settle their claims without a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s Fire Department will soon be getting at least five new trucks, free of charge. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A dangerous scenic Maui overlook remains open despite a $3.2 million court decision that found the state liable for the death of a 16-year-old in a car that plunged off the cliff, according to the teenager's mother. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Circuit Court Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled this week that the state was entirely at fault, writing: "The court finds and concludes that the condition of the accident site, and not the presence of alcohol and/or marijuana in Denis Callo's body, was the sole cause of the accident." Civil Beat.

A Maui judge found the state was liable for the deaths of two people in a car that plunged 150 feet from a scenic overlook in 2005 and must pay more than $3.2 million in damages. Associated Press.

Board members of the embattled Wailuku Main Street Association appealed to the Maui County Council on Wednesday to restore their $243,000 county grant, saying they had been "good stewards" of taxpayer dollars. Maui News.

The Walmart Foundation today donated a $115,000 refrigerated food truck to the Maui Food Bank in Wailuku as part of the Feeding America campaign. Maui Now.

Kauai

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. and the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative on Thursday jointly broke ground on what will become the largest solar energy facility on Kaua‘i, a 6-megawatt utility-scale solar photovoltaic facility at Port Allen. Garden Island.

Lingle, Hirono, rake in millions, Honolulu City Council trims rail budget, Department of Education seeks to divert $20M school funds to buses, Hawaii retreats on farmers market stance, Kauai horse cruelty case advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono

Former Gov. Linda Lingle raised more than $1.3 million in the past quarter for her Republican campaign for U.S. Senate, outpacing U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who brought in more than $1 million for her Demo­cratic campaign. Star-Advertiser.


Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann led all 2nd Congressional District candidates in fundraising in the first quarter of 2012, but City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard was close behind. Star-Advertiser.

Campaign spending numbers for the the first quarter of this year are coming in. KHON2.

Like quarrelsome cooks, state Representatives debated all day and into the evening yesterday on a diverse recipe of bills to be thrown into the final round of sausage-making in this year’s legislative session. Hawaii Reporter.

"Fear and rhetoric" distorted the intentions of bills that would have moved public school teachers to a performance management system, and led to defeat of the measures, Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Jill Tokuda said Thursday in a passionate speech to her colleagues. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education is looking at whether funds from other programs could be diverted to student transportation to cover an expected shortfall of about $20 million. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would overhaul Hawaii's charter school system is headed to conference committee after approval by the House, despite strong resistance to a provision that would exempt such schools from the state Ethics Code. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation aimed at regulating the harvest of opihi has been revived after dying in committee last month. Tribune-Herald.

Cuts in the number of inspectors who check cargo and passengers entering Hawaii have some worried that more pests will get established in a state that is especially vulnerable because of its tropical weather and few natural predators. Associated Press.


The state has filed seven lawsuits against banks and credit card companies that allegedly charge Hawaii customers for payment protection programs they don’t want or can’t qualify for. Associated Press.

Dalai Lama Visit Inaugurates Peace Program. Civil Beat.


The Dalai Lama will talk to students and participate in a panel discussion with Native Hawaiian leaders during a visit to Honolulu this weekend. Associated Press.

Oahu

The City Council Budget Committee on Thursday chopped more than $291 million from next year's construction budget for the rail system before approving preliminarily the budgets for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Despite some posturing, some threats and lots of questions for new rail chief Dan Grabauskas, the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday advanced three budget bills for the controversial project. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rapid Transit

At a meeting that was more pep rally than political theater, mayoral rivals Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell joined U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to meet with construction workers anxious to begin work on the city's $5.27 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The senior senator from Hawaii came to Waipahu on Thursday to assure anxious construction workers that Honolulu's rail project is on track and has solid federal support. The only thing that can stop it, he said, is World War III. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell made a joint pro-rail appearance this afternoon before construction workers on the project. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayor Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell made a joint appearance Thursday with Hawaii Sen. Dan Inouye at the Waipahu offices of rail contractor Kiewit Construction Co. to discuss the importance of the city's $5.3 billion project with dozens of construction workers. KITV4.

New Rail Chief Sees Himself as Intermediary Between Council, Feds. Civil Beat.

No more coloring books, T-shirts, hats, lanyards, pens, pencils, backpacks and water bottles will be distributed by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation courtesy of city taxpayers to promote the city’s planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

The Haleiwa Farmers' Market will be allowed to operate at its current site until the end of the month after getting a reprieve from state orders to leave. Star-Advertiser.

The state is granting permission to continue the Haliewa Farmers Market through the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Boulders tumbled down a Kalihi mountainside Thursday, smashing into three houses on Kula Kolea Place and narrowly missing four people in one of the houses. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to replace the International Market Place, the Waikiki Town Center and the Miramar at Waikiki Hotel in the center of Hawaii’s main tourism district with a new retail, dining and entertainment complex will add 1,800 jobs, according to a draft environmental impact statement for the project. Pacific Business News.

Chinatown business owners, neighbors, meet with police to discuss area’s drug problem. Hawaii Independent.

Chinatown merchants demand answers after attack. KITV4.

A state sheriffs deputy stationed at the District Court cellblock was indicted Thursday on sexual assault charges. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply crews have completed work to fix a broken water main in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaiian protestor Abel Lui

Mayor Billy Kenoi and his staff plan to meet next week with Abel Simeona Lui and others who claim Native Hawaiian title to almost $6 million worth of Kawa Bay property Hawaii County has purchased for an oceanfront park. West Hawaii Today.

Voters can expect to receive cards informing them of their voting districts in early summer, the Hawaii County Clerks Office announced Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Rising fuel oil prices pushed residential electricity rates higher in April on all islands except for Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A recent Public Utilities Commission decision has resulted in slightly lower electric rates. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The University of Hawaii says it will begin construction of a controversial $300 million telescope atop Haleakala as soon as next month even though a critical permit has been challenged and a state board hasn't ruled on the case yet. Civil Beat.

Crews from the Community Work Day Program on Maui plan to assess reports of large tangled piles of netting and debris reported along the shoreline of the Waiehu Golf Course. Maui Now.

More than a year after county officials first announced that four monkeypod trees would be removed along South Kihei Road, sparking a back-and-forth battle with tree lovers who wanted to see them saved, officials confirmed that they would accept the recommendation of the Kihei Community Association and leave the trees in place. Maui News.

First-quarter real estate statistics released by the Realtors Association of Maui don't draw a clear picture of what's happening with the buying and selling of homes and condominiums in Maui County. Maui News.

Kauai

A 5th Circuit judge is considering a dismissal motion in a horse cruelty case as an attorney general’s appointed prosecutor takes over. Garden Island.

Responding to safety concerns of county officials and the Kaua‘i Police Department, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution establishing a “no-parking” zone on the southerly shoulder of the County Access Road, by Vidinha Stadium soccer fields in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.