Hirono paints Lingle with the Romney brush, hotel industry urged to treat Chinese like Japanese, Honolulu sewer work 5x estimates, Lanai residents say Ellison flouts boating law, Hawaii County election spurs ethics complaint, state fights public records penalty, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono focused on Linda Lingle’s ties to Republicans in a televised U.S. Senate debate Tuesday night, linking the former Hawaii governor to Mitt Romney and other GOP figures whenever given the chance. Associated Press.

Three weeks before the Nov. 6 general election, Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono are still trying to convince voters they are the most able to work with the other party — even if they can't get along with each other. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle said Tuesday that she, like most people in Hawaii, was proud of Hawaii-born President Barack Obama but that the president has not done enough to improve the economy. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Mazie Hirono and former governor Linda Lingle squared off in the KITV studio in a live debate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Daniel Akaka. KITV4.

Link to full debate video.

The almost $70,000 awarded to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for attorney fees and costs for prevailing in its lawsuit seeking the release of the names of judicial finalists from Gov. Neil Abercrombie should be reduced, state lawyers said in an appeal of the award. Star-Advertiser.

It looks like it will be try, … again for the Public Land Development Corporation. Maui Now.

LETTER: Former Senator Explains Legislative Subterfuge of PLDC. Big Island Now.

The Hawai‘i State Association of Counties at its monthly meeting Friday voted to approve a resolution requesting the repeal of Act 55 to be submitted to each of the Hawai‘i’s four counties for approval. Garden Island.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said it has fired 20 management and nonunion workers in an effort to streamline operations at the state's largest health maintenance organization. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Board of Education members spent hours Tuesday grilling Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi and Chief Financial Officer Amy Kunz over the district's proposed operating budget for the next two years. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii faculty unhappiness with President M.R.C. Greenwood is on the agenda of a Manoa campus faculty senate meeting tomorrow and Greenwood “is tentatively planning” to attend the session, her office said today. Hawaii Reporter.

The Senate Special Committee on Accountability, chaired by Sen. Donna Kim, created a fascinating spectacle with its public probe of “the operational and financial management” of the University of Hawaii, triggered by the athletic department’s failed Stevie Wonder concert and the suspension of popular former athletic director Jim Donovan. Civil Beat.

If the Hawaii tourism industry wants to grow the China market, it needs to start catering to Chinese the way it does for Japanese visitors. Pacific Business News.

The state is taking steps to catch up on elevator inspections, but says it will take another year to do so. KHON2.

State roundup for October 17. Associated Press.

Oahu

Three major sewage construction projects the City & County of Honolulu administration planned to complete for $88 million, actually cost the taxpayers $473 million. Hawaii Reporter.

An oversized load on a truck trailer tore down a 30-foot, 5-ton section of a pedestrian overpass in Aiea, just a half-hour before dozens of schoolchildren would have been walking home on it. Star-Advertiser.

The community of Hawaii Kai has been almost completely developed over the last 60 years. But venture just a little bit off of Lunalilo Home Road and you'll find one of the last remaining farms in the area, owned by 74-year-old Edwin Otsuji. Civil Beat.

Immigrants accounted for almost one of every five residents in Honolulu and in Kapaa on Kauai last year, according to a new analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Two Puna residents have filed an ethics complaint against Puna Councilman Fred Blas, alleging he lied about a polling place not opening on time for the Aug. 11 primary. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers on Tuesday punted on a bill that would allow Big Island residents to raise hens in residential areas, ensuring that the proposed law’s fate will rest with the new Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island police will hold a second South Kona community meeting to update area residents on actions to defuse a rash of property crimes and burglaries there. West Hawaii Today.

The trail to Papaikou Mill Beach took another step toward becoming public on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Fifteen Big Isle species could receive federal protection based on a proposal expected to be published today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Tribune-Herald.

New video from the U.S. Geological Survey shows the lava lake at the Kilauea summit at it's highest level ever. KITV4.

Maui

The humpback whales are back in Maui waters. Maui News.

West Maui state Rep. Angus McKelvey is hoping to pool state and federal funding to acquire Lipoa Point from landowner Maui Land & Pineapple Co. in an effort to preserve the coastal land in perpetuity. Maui News.

Readers of the Conde Nast Traveler magazine have named Maui the number one island in the world for the 18th year in a row. Maui Now.

Kauai

Matson Navigation recently donated two 40-foot shipping containers to the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity. Garden Island.

The public is invited to participate in safe beekeeping events at Kaua‘i Community College starting Friday. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison’s luxury yacht has no boundaries, including, apparently, prohibited nature preserves. Some angry Lanai residents say the island’s new billionaire owner dropped anchor in the Hulopoe Bay nature preserve this past weekend, but skipped out before state boating enforcement officers got out there. Civil Beat.

Hawaii drought lingers, Alaska Republicans stump for Lingle, voter rolls swell, elevators go uninspected, free flu shots for keiki, military to inspect for efficiencies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii drought (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Farmers and ranchers, especially in parts of Maui and Hawaii island, are hunkering down to survive a prolonged drought as federal weather officials forecast drier-than-normal weather through early 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii added 18,168 voters to its rolls between the Aug. 11 primary and the Oct. 8 general election registration deadline, a 2.6 percent increase that brings the number of registered voters to 705,668. West Hawaii Today.

Alaska Congressman Don Young, who endorsed Mazie Hirono in the Democrat primary, is now endorsing Governor Linda Lingle, for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat. Hawaii Reporter.

Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, Monday endorsed fellow Republican Linda Lingle for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat in the general election Nov. 6. The Alaska representative previously endorsed Democratic U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono in Hawaii's Democratic primary. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Monday that a bipartisan approach to governing is possible despite the political gridlock in Washington, D.C. The moderate Alaska Republican is campaigning in Hawaii for former Gov. Linda Lingle's Republican drive for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has kept her fundraising advantage over former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou in their campaigns for Congress. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Rarely Prosecutes for Campaign Spending Violations. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Association of Counties reports receiving more than 800 emails in opposition to the state’s Public Land Development Corporation. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo and Kapaa residents are the most stable people in Hawaii in terms of where they live, while residents of the Kahului and Wailuku area on Maui are slightly more transient, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

There are up to 5,000 elevators, escalators and similar equipment in Hawaii that haven't undergone safety inspections this year. That’s more than 70 percent of the 7,000 such machines that the state is supposed to check annually for compliance with safety regulations. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i traffic laws have not kept pace with technological advancements to develop zero-emission vehicles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's Department of Health is once more offering free flu vaccinations at hundreds of public, private and charter schools. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Health expects to vaccinate more than 60,000 students through its Stop Flu at School program, which began Monday and continues in more than 300 schools statewide through Dec. 7. West Hawaii Today.

The Faculty Senate at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is considering a no-confidence vote on UH President M.R.C. Greenwood at its meeting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Miss a payment on your solar electric bill? You could be slapped with a bill for $28,000. That’s what Vivint Solar can charge customers who miss a payment on the electricity generated by a typical 4,000-watt solar system installed on their roof. Civil Beat.

Military installations’ electrical systems in Hawaii, Alaska, the mainland and U.S. Territories will be evaluated for efficiency, and recommendations for conservation will be made under new contracts awarded today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's time-share industry is growing despite the severe visitor industry downturn from 2007 to 2009, according to Howard Nusbaum, CEO of the American Resort Development Association, who will present an overview of the time-share industry today at the Waikiki 20/20 planning conference at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu lost about $366,000 in camping permit fee revenues because it installed an online camping system last March that is not capable of collecting fees, according to an audit of the Department of Parks and Recreation's camping operations. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano says he would use revenue from the state general excise tax surcharge currently designated for rail to fund a new Bus Rapid Transit system, and do it without seeking special permission from the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council wants the authority to create special funds to ensure fees and taxes paid by the public are spent for the proper purposes, such as requiring fuel tax revenue to pay for road improvements. Star-Advertiser.

New wrinkle in natatorium volleyball plans. Land ownership of lands mauka of arch may limit state options. KITV4.

A drab low-rise office building put up 52 years ago in Kakaako is almost done being transformed into modern apartment lofts as the first major piece of a master plan by Kamehameha Schools to redevelop 29 acres in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Three executive positions need to be filled at the University of Hawaii. The UH Manoa Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs started the formal search for the appointment of the Director and Publisher of UH Press; Dean of the School of Pacific and Asian Studies/Assistant Vice Chancellor for International and Exchange Programs; and University Librarian. KHON2.

Hawaii

The National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences, also known as CEROS, announced Monday it had ended operations at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. West Hawaii Today.

Work to finish the Mamalahoa bypass should begin in fall 2013. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island is expected to see at least some relief this winter from the ongoing drought conditions that have produced lower than average rainfall since at least 2008. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii residents will have a chance Oct. 24 to weigh in on a six-year-old Ocean Resources Management Plan to see how to limit the impacts growth will have on the state’s marine areas. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Some drought recovery is expected on the Big Island of Hawai’i and in Maui County, but a full recovery may not occur due to the intensity and longevity of existing drought conditions, forecasters said. Maui Now.

The proposed West Maui Hospital and Medical Center appears to be arising as promised after the project was shelved about a year ago when the economic meltdown knocked down the hospital's champion. Maui News.

The Pacific Cancer Institute on Maui began use of a new form of radiation treatment today. Maui Now.

Kauai

During the next two days, elementary school students will release protected Hawaiian seabirds back into the wild. Garden Island.

With energy prices continuing to rise on Kaua‘i, businesses are committing to reduce their energy footprint in various ways. Garden Island.

Kilauea volcano rumbles, Hirono and Lingle prep for Tuesday debate, Kauai fights GMO, Monsanto donates $200k to Nature Conservancy, Public Land Development Corp. and University of Hawaii woes continue, Big Island looks to allow chickens in residential districts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Volcano (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

On trade wind days, which prevail much of the year, visitors to Kilauea’s summit are greeted by the majestic sight of a towering eruption plume that drifts to the southwest. At night, the deep red glow of the lava lake’s overturning surface is reflected by the fume above the vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Tribune-Herald.

Health officials insist the possibility is remote that radioactive debris will wash up on Hawaii shores from the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan, but some residents maintain the state isn't doing enough to monitor the situation. Star-Advertiser.

With the 2012 general election just over three weeks away, the state will begin mailing absentee voting ballots on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat campaigning for U.S. Senate, voted for the Budget Control Act because she thought it would stabilize the nation's fiscal situation and avoid plunging the economy into a double-dip recession. Former Gov. Linda Lingle, the Republican candidate, said she would have voted against the law because of the potential for "dangerous cuts" to the military and other federal spending that could harm Hawaii's economy. Star-Advertiser.

No bill sponsored by three-term Democratic congresswoman Mazie Hirono has ever become law, and just one of the 49 measures she's introduced has even passed the House of Representatives, according to GovTrack.us, a legislative research site. Civil Beat.

The Public Land Development Corp., the controversial new state agency designed to increase revenues from state lands using public-private partnerships is continuing its efforts to establish its administrative rules.Big Island Now.

The PLDC is looking to bring a combination of prosperity and protection to publicly owned land, but many concerned residents say this can’t be done without conflicts of interest. Hawaii Public Radio.

J.N. Musto, executive director of the University of Hawaii faculty union, looks at the hiring of former UH President Evan Dobelle in 2001 as the point when Hawaii joined the rest of the nation in granting high salaries and benefits to top public university executives. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Regents met behind closed doors to discuss the future of UH President M.R.C. Greenwood but adjourned after 90 minutes, saying the discussion would continue next week. Hawaii Reporter.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents held a special meeting at the School of Medicine Friday to talk about President M.R.C. Greenwood. KITV4.

State roundup for October 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

Supporters of mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano are fighting back against the $1 million barrage of advertising by pro-business and pro-labor groups that favor the rail transit project and Kirk Caldwell, Cayetano's opponent. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate and former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano gave more details about his bus-rapid-transit plan during an exclusive interview with PBN Friday. Pacific Business News.

It's been just over a year since the owners of Aloun Farms were on trial for human trafficking. Their names have since been cleared and now their business is booming. KHON2.

Questions about bidding procedures taint a $142 million affordable housing deal that is the crowning achievement of Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration. Civil Beat.

Hawaii
Hawaii County voters will consider whether county redistricting commission members should be able to run for council office the year after they redraw the council district lines. West Hawaii Today.

It’s a chicken and egg debate: Should people in residential districts be allowed to raise a few chickens for fresh eggs? West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's local and grass-fed beef industry will get a boost this week when Hawaii County breaks ground on renovations to a state-owned slaughterhouse on the Hamakua Coast. Associated Press.

Hilo Councilman Donald Ikeda is proposing $500,000 be spent on designing a new stadium. Tribune-Herald.

After months of political sparring and passionate testimony, opponents and supporters of geothermal energy may soon find themselves sitting at the same table. Tribune-Herald.

State public schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said the Department of Education is “working hard on a lot of things,” but she stressed the need for partnerships outside of the DOE to prepare Hawaii students for entry into colleges and job markets. Tribune-Herald.

This school year, Kealakehe Elementary began using a new system that allows students to use their finger to check in and pay for their meals, rather than holding up the line and searching for their meal tickets. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Wailuku Main Street Association and its board chairman have come under fire again by the state Department of the Attorney General after the organization and its top officer failed to comply with an order to provide additional financial and organizational records in an ongoing investigation into the nonprofit's operations and governance, a court filing details. Maui News.

Neighbors have been complaining of what one calls the "earthquakelike noise" of construction of a 28-unit, four-story affordable rental complex in Wailuku's Sand Hills area, but a Maui County spokesman said that Friday was expected to be the last day of the disruptive work. Maui News.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced Friday that nationwide funding of more than $10 million in research grants will include a project on Maui to study the Haleakala silverswords. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai’s small, member-owned electric utility is quickly becoming a leader when it comes to renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Paul Massey, Kaua‘i Community Seed Bank manager and event coordinator, said the 10th Kaua‘i Community Seed and Plant Exchange focuses on GMO education and the impact to growers and to everyone as consumers. Garden Island.

The state Campaign Spending Commission at its meeting Wednesday dismissed a complaint against the re-election campaign of Kaua‘i County Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Monsanto Fund awarded a $20,000 grant to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of Hawaii for watershed protection at Kamakou Preserve on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Four months after a fire in June destroyed Hotel Molokai’s kitchen, rebuilding is scheduled to begin in January, according to the hotel’s General Manager Michael Drew. Molokai Dispatch.

Mother Marianne's road to sainthood started at a Syracuse church. Hawaii News Now.

Surf's up! Hirono and Lingle debate heated, UH West chancellor retiring, protests around Hawaii against Land Development Corp., Honolulu rail PAC funds Big Island candidates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii resort pool party (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A high surf warning starting at noon today has been issued by the National Weather Service for the north and west shores of all islands. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Senate candidates Lingle, Hirono

Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle went after each other Monday night in their second of five debates before the Nov. 6 election, and the first debate broadcast on television statewide. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle said Monday that U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has attacked national Republicans during their U.S. Senate campaign because she does not "have a record of her own to stand on." Hirono countered that Lingle's bipartisan theme is a facade and that had she been in the Senate, there would be no federal health care reform law. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic and Republican nominees for US Senate squared off in a live televised debate Monday night in our KHON2 News studio. KHON2.

US Senate candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono have been challenging each other on the airwaves for weeks, and faced off on live television Tuesday. KITV4.

New online tools may soon help the public determine how well state agencies comply with records requests filed under the Uniform Information Practices Act. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed former congressional candidate Esther Kia'aina to be the deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Associated Press.

Leaders of the Hawaii State Teachers Association will be heading to schools soon to talk to teachers about the union's next steps in attempting to end a protracted labor dispute. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple sent a campus-wide letter on Monday calling the past few weeks rough times for the university. KHON2.

Amidst Controversy Over Management, UH Chancellor Assures Faculty, Students. Hawaii Reporter.

We’ve got the last quarter moon, three major planets on view, another meteor shower to look for and a discovery over at the Mauna Kea summit as HPR’s Dave Lawrence speaks with Shawn Laatch from the Imiloa Astronomy Center for this week’s Stargazer report. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for October 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Gene Awakuni, the man in charge of the newest campus in the University of Hawaii system, plans to retire months after opening the UH West Oahu campus which suffered a "cash-flow" problem because of change orders to the project. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano has a knack of getting people to come to his defense. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning plans to take deep ocean water through pipes that will chill the city's downtown high rises. The plan calls for driving about 100 piles about a quarter to a half mile offshore. KITV4.

Waikiki resident Richard Perez found out the hard way that using a city restroom in a closed park at night is serious business. Star-Advertiser.

Tourists: Little Action Taken On High Rate Of Oahu Rental Car Theft. Civil Beat.

The median price of a single-family home on Oahu rose 12 percent in September on higher sales, while prices of condominiums were flat on lower sales, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Several Hawaii County Council candidates are receiving unexpected, but nonetheless welcomed, support from a Honolulu political action committee mostly associated with Oahu’s rail dispute. Tribune-Herald.

County Council Candidates talk trash and more. West Hawaii Today.

Teachers, family and supporters came out Monday morning along Palani Road and Queen Kaahumanu Highway intersection for the Hawaii State Teachers Association Kona Chapter’s Unity Day rally. West Hawaii Today.

The Public Land Development Corporation is a terrible mistake that should be abolished, protesters across Hawaii said in sign-waving demonstrations Monday. Tribune-Herald.

A first-of-its-kind demonstration project to stabilize the Big Island electric grid while creating hydrogen for public transportation could be off and running by the first quarter of 2013. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is looking for answers to two important questions regarding the giant yellow metal object that recently washed ashore four miles south of Naalehu on Hawaii island: Where did it come from? Where is it going? Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island home prices rose substantially in September with the price of single-family homes up a whopping 13%. Big Island Now.

Maui

Scientists have confirmed that a whale found stranded in East Maui in 2010 was of a species that is among the rarest and least known in its family. Prior to 2010, scientists had little information about the Longman's beaked whale in Hawaii, said researchers with Hawaii Pacific University. Star-Advertiser.

New research from Hawai'i Pacific University on a rarely documented whale has central Pacific scientists on alert for a disease which may affect the mortality rate of dolphins and other marine mammal species. KHON2.

Kauai

For a few hours Monday afternoon, the entire state connected through simultaneous events linked by one moving force: Repeal Act 55. Community members on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu and Big Island got together from 2 to 4 p.m., and on Maui from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to protest against the controversial act. Garden Island.

The Hawai‘i Army National Guard announced members of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will be conducting Small Arms Live Fire Exercises on Saturday between 6 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. at the Kekaha Rifle Range. Garden Island.


Molokai

Thousands of Molokai residents were without power for more than seven hours Sunday night and early Monday morning after an islandwide power outage that began at 10:04 p.m., Maui Electric Co. officials said. Maui News.

With the upcoming Oct. 21 canonization of Mother Marianne at the Vatican, and their numbers dwindling, the remaining 17 leprosy patients banished to the remote peninsula of Kalaupapa are eager to make sure their stories are recorded and their home preserved. Associated Press.

Akaka tells Native Hawaiians to cling to values, Lingle takes offensive as poll standings slip, teachers union ends mediation, rail transit to eat fifth of Honolulu budget, Abercrombie talks tech, bad state for entrepreneurship, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian poi pounding (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka told a crowd at the Native Hawaiian Convention in Honolulu that it's important to remember to live Hawaiian values and draw courage from those that came before. Associated Press.

The Cook Political Report on Thursday shifted its rating in the Hawaii U.S. Senate race from "toss up" to "lean Demo­crat," concluding that former Gov. Linda Lingle's campaign would need a big break to prevail over U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle on Thursday escalated brewing political tensions with U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye by saying the longtime lawmaker thinks he should be able to hand-pick the state’s next U.S. Senator. Associated Press.

Democrats Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard hold leads over their Republican opponents and appear likely to keep Hawaii's congressional delegation blue for at least the next two years, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association, representing more than 12,000 public school teachers, has ended mediation with the state in its continuing contract dispute, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

More than a month after both sides entered federal mediation, the Hawaii State Teachers Association has informed the state it is no longer participating in contract negotiations. Hawaii News Now.

Federal mediation between the state and public school teachers has failed after the governor said the union broke off talks with the mediator. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Sanjeev "Sonny" Bhagowalia, who was hired last summer as Hawaii's first chief information officer, unveiled the state’s Business and Information Technology/Information Resource Management Transformation Plan Thursday at the Hawaii Convention Center. Civil Beat.

The state of Hawaii fell four spots to No. 45 in the newly released State Entrepreneurship Index (SEI), a nationwide analysis and ranking system that compares how states stack up in terms of business formation and innovation. Maui Now.

Compassion & Choices Hawaii, a nonprofit organization working to improve care and expand choice at the end of life, received 31 local inquiries in its first year of service. Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

City taxpayer subsidies of transit operations in Honolulu will climb to 19 percent of overall city tax collections after the new rail system launches operations, and that extra cost will require that Hono­lulu limit its spending on other city operations, according to a new report from a federal consultant. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials said Thursday that an independent review of their financial plan by the Federal Transit Administration is proof that it is “reasonable and able withstand and successfully address risks” of building and operating the city’s elevated-rail project. Pacific Business News.

Mayoral contenders Kirk Caldwell and Ben Caye­tano continued to poke holes in each other's mass transit plans during a final forum on live television Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu's mayoral candidates squared off at a forum in Waikiki Thursday. KHON2.

The developer of a $250 million system using cold seawater to provide energy-saving air conditioning to downtown buildings is almost ready to start drilling tunnels and laying pipe for the project. Star-Advertiser.

City officials are pushing for a project in which in a three-mile-long tunnel, about ten to 13 feet in diameter, would be built to carry wastewater from Kaneohe to Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

The state Intermediate Court of Appeals has ordered Kawaiahao Church to stop any work that could lead to the disinterment of more burials. Honolulu Weekly.

Drug and liquor violations at dorms and other campus residences at the University of Hawaii's flagship Manoa campus soared last year, while campus-related burglaries and aggravated assaults also rose. Star-Advertiser.

Sean Barriero, a principal in the Miami, Florida-based organization Epic Talent LLC, who claimed he could organize a Stevie Wonder concert at the University of Hawaii, but disappeared with the University's $200,000 deposit after the real Stevie Wonder agent contacted the school, may be on the run. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The Windward Planning Commission adjourned Thursday still looking for answers on how to allocate funds for a geothermal health study. Tribune-Herald.

Fearing urban sprawl could begin creeping down the Highway 11 corridor, the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday nixed an Ocean View man’s plan to put a coffee shop on his Aloha Boulevard corner lot. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Thursday thanked voters for their patience after the mishaps of the August primary and said she would work collaboratively with the state to ensure a "fair and well-run election" in November. Star-Advertiser.

Problems that plagued Hawaii County’s primary election Aug. 11 have been resolved, and the focus has shifted to running a smooth general election on Nov. 6. That was the consensus among Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi and state Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago Thursday, after a nearly two-hour meeting at the state Attorney General’s office in downtown Honolulu. KITV4.

A culmination of community, police and administrative collaboration resulted in the apprehension of almost a dozen people allegedly involved in a rash of burglaries and car crimes in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Staffers working for Sen. Daniel Inouye have been helping state and university officials make sure that a $300 million solar telescope on Maui gets built, according to internal government emails. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Republican Party has filed a second campaign finance complaint against Democratic candidate Kaniela Ing, who is running for the South Maui state House district against incumbent Republican Rep. George Fontaine. Maui News.

Kauai

The public is invited to attend a meeting and provide comment on a study being conducted by the Department of Water for the Lihu‘e–Kapa‘a water system. Garden Island.

The public is invited to honor U.S. Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka for his service to Hawai‘i at a dinner Oct. 10 at the Kilohana Carriage House starting at 4:30 p.m. Garden Island.

Hirono tops Lingle in poll, Navy backs off solar plan, Kauai begins shipping container housing, Maui wages sugar-burning battle, Hawaii County council to continue elections scrutiny, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senate candidates

Mazie Hirono has a double-digit lead over Linda Lingle in the first independent survey of the U.S. Senate race since the August primary election. The Civil Beat Poll shows Hirono, a Democratic congresswoman, with a 55 percent to 39 percent advantage over the two-term Republican Hawaii governor. Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama and his family have taken a $4 million vacation in Kailua, Hawaii, each Christmas, since 2008, courtesy of the nation’s taxpayers. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii’s abysmal voter turnout rate is getting national attention. This time from CNN.com which is making it part of an interesting new project called “Change The List.” Civil Beat.

Oahu Democrats on Saturday (Sept. 29) voted overwhelmingly to reject a complaint against state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Commerce Department says it will grant Hawaii $1.3 million to upgrade its disaster preparedness system and build new tsunami warning sirens. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is beginning its annual evaluation of UH President M.R.C. Greenwood, the fourth since she was hired in 2009 and the first since the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco. Star-Advertiser.

What exactly happened with the Stevie Wonder concert deal intended to raise money for the University of Hawaii Athletics Department? Civil Beat.

The first checkpoint for the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is just three years off, and the plan appears on track to reach its short-term goals for the use of alternative energy sources to replace oil in electricity generation. Star-Advertiser.

Most people who ended up in Honolulu Immigration Court removal proceedings last year came from three countries: China, Mexico and the Philippines. Star-Advertiser.

Debris from the March 2011 Japanese tsunami is now reaching Hawaii shores, and scientists expect that it will continue to wash up through the winter and into spring. Tribune-Herald.

State roundup for October 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

In the face of opposition from historic preservation groups, the Navy has eased off plans to install photovoltaic panels on the historic Ford Island runway in Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

An anti-rail group is setting up its own "super PAC" to counter what it says are "lies" and "mudslinging" attacks on candidate Ben Cayetano by pro-rail groups. Hawaii News Now.

City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro faces a challenge in the November general election from a former veteran deputy prosecutor who lost his job when Kane­shiro took office two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Family hopes for tougher punishment for Donaldson Enterprises, the company allegedly responsible for Waikele fireworks bunker explosion. KITV4.

Local fishermen donated more than 650 pounds of fish to help feed Hawaii's hungry to kick off Hawaii's 7th Annual Fishing and Seafood Festival. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council will take a closer look at the operations of the county Elections Division on Wednesday, when it will consider two resolutions directing how the office should operate in the wake of a primary election that saw many polling places open late. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island fishermen on Saturday got an in-depth look at new federal annual catch limits and the Marine Mammal Protection Act and how such regulations affect local fisheries. West Hawaii Today.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Honolulu led a groundbreaking ceremony for a new St. Michael The Archangel Church, replacing the building damaged beyond repair in the October 2006 earthquakes. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A roadside sign-waving rally by the Stop Cane Burning group was countered Saturday by a demonstration by a larger group in support of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. Maui News.

Women said they found renewed focus and hope after being taken in at Women Helping Women's domestic violence shelter. Maui News.

Kauai

A state law enforcement conference, salaries of executive appointees and the status of a lawsuit against the mayor were among the topics discussed at a Police Commission meeting Friday. Garden Island.

On Friday, ground was broken in the footprint of a shipping container, which will form the basis of a Ho‘ouluwehi Affordable Sustainable Living House Prototype at the Kaua‘i Community College campus. Garden Island.

Molokai

For years, there have been talks about bringing back the sovereign nation of Hawaii, for Hawaii to become socially, economically and politically independent of the United States. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii short qualified teachers, Lingle-Hirono race going negative, Hawaii residents not so fat, 23 Oahu plants, flies, added to protection list, Hawaii Shield Law working, HECO eases solar installation rules, Marine helicopter squadron activated, Kauai fights GMO, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren at play (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Eighty-five percent of Hawaii secondary school classes are taught by teachers rated as "highly qualified," up 20 percentage points from five years ago but still short of the state's goal of having a fully certified teacher in every classroom, new figures show. Star-Advertiser.

Federal mediation between the state and public school teachers has been under way for weeks. KHON2.

The increasingly negative campaign for Hawaii's U.S. Senate seat rose to a new level Monday, with Democrat Mazie Hirono accusing Republican Linda Lingle of deception and a possible coverup in producing its latest television spot. Civil Beat.

Republican Senate hopeful Linda Lingle says opponent Mazie Hirono can't make up her mind. Civil Beat.

Many homeowners and some small businesses installing solar photovoltaic systems will face fewer obstacles under new procedures announced by Hawaiian Electric Co. Star-Advertiser.

A record amount of solar power systems were installed in Hawaii in the second quarter of the year. Associated Press.

Hawaii's 2011 adult obesity rate is the second-lowest in the nation, but that could change dramatically for the worse in 20 years, according to a report released today by two public health groups. Associated Press.

Hawaii's law protecting journalists from being forced to reveal their sources and notes hasn't been tested much in court, but that may be a sign it's working. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Monday that it will issue a request for proposals for its 2013 Product Enrichment Program on Oct. 1. Pacific Business News.

In the 1990s, bullying was prioritized as a serious problem for the Hawaii Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Excavation continued today at the site where the first human bone was found along the rail route. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is newly classifying 23 Oahu plants and flies as endangered or threatened. Associated Press.

Two new types of Marine helicopters were outlined against Kaneohe Bay on the flight line Monday as the service activated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, which goes by the call sign "Scarface." Star-Advertiser.

The city of Honolulu is holding a series of public meetings to create regulations for commercial activities at all of its parks. Hawaii News Now.

The passage of two bills (Bill 5 and Bill 11) that restricted or banned commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama beach parks, has also created the need for a permitting structure at 288 city parks across Oahu. KITV4.

The 100-Thousand O’ahu Homes Project was launched in Waikiki yesterday. Hawaii Public Radio.

The members of a long-running "Occupy" movement have a new name — (de)Occupy Hono­lulu — and new objectives as they prepare to enter their second year of existence. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
With millions of dollars worth of water and sewer projects on the line, Hawaii County stands to benefit from an almost $20 million federal infusion into the state’s clean water and drinking water revolving funds. West Hawaii Today.

Fifteen years after they were first cited for a building code violation, the owners of a ramshackle three-story “house of cards” in Kalapana Seaview Estates are being taken to court. Tribune-Herald.

Space for doctors and patients of Kaiser Permanente’s North Kona clinic will nearly triple in 2014, when the group practice is slated to open its new office space, mauka of Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Barely two months after it opened, the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well is partly out of commission. West Hawaii Today.

Connections Public Charter School’s plans for a new campus are coming closer to reality. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian scientist takes on cancer. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui residents will have an opportunity tonight to weigh in on a key environmental document the U.S. Department of Energy and state officials plan to draft to help meet the ambitious goals of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. Maui News.

The US Department of Energy hosts a public scoping meeting in Kahului tonight to discuss alternative energy projects that support the state in its goal of achieving 70% clean energy by 2030. Maui Now.

Plans to convert the landmark Aston Maui Lu Resort in Kihei into time-share condominiums could be revived as the hotel's owners actively seek a buyer for the 27-acre property. Maui News.

Kauai

Genetically modified organisms were the focus of a worldwide Occupy movement on Monday, and demonstrators in Lihu‘e said Kaua‘i is Ground Zero with experimental seed testing. Garden Island.

Ground was blessed and broken for Section B of Ka Ala Hele Makalae, or the multi-use path, Monday morning. Garden Island.

The threats of potential legal challenges that David Arakawa, executive director of the Land Use Research Foundation, made several times a year ago to the Kaua‘i County Council, have become a reality. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai’s new owner, Oracle Corp. co-founder and CEO Larry Ellison, made his billions in the technology field but hasn’t quite taken to the online social networking tool Twitter just yet. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian dascyllus targeted for protection, Abercrombie defends Public Land Corp., Aloun Farms bounces back after human trafficking charges dismissed, alcohol could come to Honolulu zoo, Big Island beekeeper seeks public land, food inspection rules to change, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian dascyllus (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The orange clownfish and seven types of damselfish are headed toward extinction, prompting an environmental group to ask the federal government to protect them. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has launched an enthusiastic defense of the troubled Public Land Development Corp., describing it as a potential catalyst for partnerships with the private sector on modern schools, workforce housing, long-term care and early childhood education. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign for the 1st Congressional District has been under the radar, overshadowed by a once-in-a-generation U.S. Senate race, the Honolulu mayoral runoff and Tulsi Gabbard's new rock star status in Hawaii's other U.S. House race. Civil Beat.

On Sept. 6, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono had voted with the Democratic Party 1,465 times and against it 58 times, meaning that she sided with liberals 96.2 percent of the time. Civil Beat.

Defense budget cuts could hit Hawaii defense contractors. Pacific Business News.

Under a series of proposed new rules, the health department will also begin grading food establishment facilities using “placards” that will be on display for the public to see. Maui Now.

Oahu
Commercial activity at Honolulu city parks from ethnic festivals at McCoy Pavilion to tai chi classes at a neighborhood gym became illegal due to the unintended consequences of a law that took effect July 1. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign for Honolulu mayor, much like the rail project that is at the heart of the debate in the race, is in a holding pattern. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu rail project has fallen behind its own timetable for a federal funding guarantee, and needs to get moving soon to get a deal signed this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Aloun Farms has had its best 12-month period ever, seeing revenue grow by 30 percent following a federal judge’s dismissal of human trafficking charges a year ago. Pacific Business News.

Alcohol sales could soon be coming to the Honolulu Zoo. KHON2.

There are an estimated one thousand unsheltered homeless on the streets of Oahu. Efforts are now getting underway to determine how many of them are the most medically vulnerable and at-risk. Hawaii News Now.

Some lawmakers in American Samoa are questioning the need for the territory’s office in Honolulu.Associated Press.

A new venture that replaced the John Dominis restaurant in Kakaako is creating quite a stir. 53 by the Sea, which includes wedding chapels, a restaurant and a bar, recently held its soft opening. Now complaints have come up about parking problems. Hawaii News Now.

There was a final homecoming Saturday morning for a historic Coast Guard ship that has called Hawaii home for the past four decades. KITV4.

Hawaii

A Big Isle beekeeper known for his top-quality organic honey fears that public opposition to the state’s new Public Land Development Corporation could complicate or derail his plans for a long-term lease of more than 500 acres of state land in South Kohala. Stephens Media.

The Office of Mauna Kea Management is working on a burial treatment plan and intends to take it into the Hawaiian community for review upon completion. Tribune-Herald.

The number of building permits issued on the Big Island is up so far this year, putting it on track to end six years of decline. Stephens Media.

Maui

Three months after Maui County enacted long-awaited legislation to allow permitted short-term vacation rentals in residential areas, Chris and Annie McNeil's five-bedroom Paia Surf rental recently became the island's first permitted property under the new system. Maui News.

Citing concerns about traffic and safety, county officials announced that the county-sanctioned "Fourth Friday" Paia town party is over. Maui News.

Maui Planning Commission members reviewed plans this week for construction of a sloping rock revetment to protect the Hololani Resort Condominiums from erosion in Kahana. Maui News.

Kauai
Wilcox Memorial Hospital has opened Kaua‘i’s first Cardiac Rehabilitation program to improve local access to care for patients with heart issues. Garden Island.

To paraphrase a great American writer: Rumors of our demise have been greatly exaggerated. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Veterans Cemetery has been in need of improvements and upgrades for some time. Now, government officials have taken a series of steps that have led to a better situation. Hawaii Public Radio.

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

Mai Tai bar (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

Lanai

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

Molokai

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

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