Showing posts with label U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Holiday season tests new fireworks ban, Honolulu council takes free lunch, Gabbard moves to New Hampshire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

New law makes homeowners and renters liable for illegal fireworks on their property. According to the law the fireworks don’t have to be ignited. Just having them in your house is enough for police to bust you. KHON2.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green continues mission to help Samoa battle measles outbreak. After returning from a medical mission to help contain the measles outbreak in Samoa last week, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green is already planning a return trip. KITV.

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Tulsi Gabbard, 1 poll short of qualifying, says she won’t attend presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she won’t attend this month’s presidential debate, even if she were to qualify. Star-Advertiser.

Invited Or Not, Gabbard Will Skip December Debate. The presidential candidate from Hawaii says she will focus instead on primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Civil Beat.

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Deadly Mosquitoes Are Killing Off Hawaii’s Rare Forest Birds. Scientists are racing to eradicate disease-carrying mosquitoes from forests, but to some a solution still feels like forever away. Civil Beat.

Navy releases photo of suspected Pearl Harbor gunman. The Navy’s Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Illinois released the photo of the 22-year-old sailor suspected of fatally shooting on Wednesday two Pearl Harbor Shipyard workers and injuring a third man before shooting himself. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council Voted On Company’s Project Then Let It Buy Lunch. Ethics guidelines advise government agencies against accepting free food if the company has business before the city. Civil Beat.

State agency set to take over Aloha Stadium redevelopment. The Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency primarily focused on facilitating redevelopment in Kakaako is preparing to assume leadership of the effort to replace Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser.

Leaders gather to temper the bonds made after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On Monday on Ford Island, within close proximity to the USS Arizona Memorial, the closeness that now joins the United States and Japan as much as it separated the nations 78 years ago was once again recognized in a remembrance of not only the 2,390 American casualties, but also the death of 65 Japanese service members. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu post gains in November. Sales of single-family homes on Oahu rose 11% in November, compared to a year ago, while sales of condominiums increased slightly and prices remained flat, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Who is taxedtodeath? That was the question of the day Friday, as attorneys for county Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto, former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, the county and the unknown individual faced off in Kona Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers have few options for fighting two-lined spittle bug. County, state and federal agencies are still seeking solutions to an invasive insect that threatens much of the Big Island’s livestock industry. Tribune-Herald.

Kalanianaole work still on track for 2020 completion. Roadwork and safety improvements along Kalanianaole Avenue are still on track to be completed in the latter part of 2020, the county Department of Public Works said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Overlooked county cesspool to cost taxpayers. Oh, poo. The county missed one. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Business Turns Plastic Trash Into Sales. Upcycle Hawaii owner Mattie Mae Larson talks about how she got into the business of repurposing material that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Property tax changes discussed. A community meeting on the real property tax changes recently approved by the Maui County Council will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Maui County Business Resource Center, Suite B-9 near IHOP at the Maui Mall. Maui News.

County inventory for single-family homes descends to new low. Median sales prices for those homes fell by 1.4 percent; Condo prices drop 5.9 percent. Maui News.

Maui home sale prices fell in November. Single-family homes on the Valley Isle sold for $730,000 in November, down 1% from $740,398 in the same month last year, while sale volume slipped 7% to 71 from 76 in the same period. Star-Advertiser.

New South Maui Gym to Take Permit Applications. The county will be accepting requests from the public to use the new South Maui Community Park Gymnasium for the winter/spring 2020 season for a limited period this week. Maui Now.

Kauai


Anahola woman cited for attempting to sell prohibited ivory. This is the first conviction for whale bone in Hawaii under the new wildlife trafficking statute that took effect on July 1, 2017. Garden Island.

Woman is ordered to pay fines for trafficking illegal whale items. 73-year-old Vivian Satow of Anahola was ordered to pay $250 on Tuesday, December 3 due to her trafficking illegal whale items. KITV.

New, $630K fire engine blessed. The Kauai Fire Department held a blessing ceremony on Monday fronting the Historic County Building in Lihue for its new Engine 3 fire apparatus. Garden Island.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Pearl Harbor shipyard gunman identified, Honolulu council passes plastics ban, Kilauea eruption costs $800M in damages, Pier 1 Imports leaving the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Photo By: Justice Vannatta, Public Affairs Specialist
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard PC: Justice Vannatta, Public Affairs Specialist
Gunman in deadly Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting identified as investigation continues. Investigators are still trying to determine why a U.S. Navy sailor opened fire at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on Wednesday, killing two civilian workers and injuring one other before killing himself. Sources have identified the gunman as Gabriel Romero, an active duty sailor assigned to the USS Columbia. Hawaii News Now.

3 Dead, 1 Wounded In Shooting At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam said the shooter, a U.S. sailor, killed himself after shooting three Department of Defense civilian workers. Civil Beat.

Navy sailor fatally shoots two civilian workers, injures another, then kills himself at Pearl Harbor. A sailor from a U.S. submarine shot three civilian employees of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Wednesday afternoon, killing two and leaving another in stable condition, before killing himself. Star-Advertiser.

Shooter identified as U.S. Sailor, kills two before killing self at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, victim identified. In a press conference held Wednesday evening, Rear Admiral Robert Chadwick said that the shooter had been identified as an active-duty U.S. Sailor assigned to the USS Columbia. KHON2.

3 dead, 1 wounded in Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting. Three people are confirmed dead by the US Navy, one of them is the shooter. KITV.

Navy: Sailor Shooter Dead After Killing Two, Injuring One At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. A sailor killed himself after shooting three male civilian workers, two of whom were dead, at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Wednesday afternoon, the Navy said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sailor kills 2 civilians, self at Pearl Harbor shipyard. An active duty U.S. sailor whose submarine was docked at Pearl Harbor opened fire on three civilian employees Wednesday, killing two and then taking his own life just days before dignitaries and veterans descend on the base for the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack. Associated Press.

Three Confirmed Dead in Shooter Incident at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Three people are confirmed dead following what was described as an active shooter incident at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Wednesday afternoon. Maui Now.

Shipyard workers play key role in U.S. defense. With more than 6,000 employees, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is one of the busiest places to work in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

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Feds: Chinese Industrial Spies Have Great Interest In Hawaii. U.S. Justice Department officials this week are briefing Hawaii business and academic leaders on Chinese espionage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Delegates Complain About $17M COFA Funding Error. The four members of Congress say the state was significantly under-compensated to help Micronesians. Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard maintains her permanent residence in Hawaii. Despite recent reports of her moving, Hawaii US Representative and Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard's permanent residence remains here in Hawaii. KITV.

Craig Hirai appointed to lead Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance. Gov. David Ige has appointed Craig Hirai to lead Hawaii’s Department of Budget and Finance, replacing Neal Miyahira who will return to his prior position as the department’s budget division administrator. Star-Advertiser.

2020 U.S. Census to be accessible online, and your response is key. For the first time, the upcoming U.S. Census will be online. And there’s added effort to make sure Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are counted. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii one of worst states in distracted driving deaths. Let’s Talk, made up of a team of writers and editors that covers phone plans, found that the state ranks fifth in the category, behind Louisiana, Kentucky, Kansas and New Mexico, which had the highest rate of deaths for distracted driving. Star-Advertiser.

Pier 1 Imports closing all its stores in Hawaii. Pier 1 Imports is pulling out of Hawaii and closing all seven of its remaining stores. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council passes ban on single-use plastics in 7-2 vote. The Honolulu City Council today voted 7-2 to pass a bill that would bar the distribution of single-use plastic plates, bowls, and other foodware and serviceware in Oahu restaurants by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Council Passes Landmark Bill Restricting Single-Use Plastics On Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signaled he supports the bill. Its restrictions on food-vendor plastics would roll out in the next two years. Civil Beat.

Single-use plastics on Oahu on-track to be outlawed after a council vote. After several changes and hours of testimony, the Honolulu City Council approved a sweeping ban on single-use plastics on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Strict Oahu plastic ban will start to take effect in 2021. A stricter ban on plastic will become law on Oahu after it has seen its fair share of revisions. KHON2.

Bill 40 banning single-use plastic passed by Honolulu City Council. Bill 40 which bans plastic takeout containers and utensils is now headed for Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's desk. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Roy Takemoto confirmed as new managing director. It was rough going for a while, but the County Council on Wednesday ultimately unanimously confirmed Roy Takemoto as Mayor Harry Kim’s second in command. West Hawaii Today.

Eruption did nearly $800M in damage. Last year’s Kilauea volcano eruption cost the county nearly $800 million in economic damage, according to an estimate from the Kilauea Eruption Recovery Team. Tribune-Herald.

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$31 Million UH-Hilo College Of Pharmacy Building Opens. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy celebrated the dedication of its permanent building on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Dignitaries gather to celebrate completion of College of Pharmacy building. A misty rain came down Wednesday morning as hundreds gathered for the blessing of Kiho‘iho‘i, the new home of the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. Tribune-Herald.

UH-Hilo Dedicates Permanent Pharmacy School Building. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) dedicated the college’s new permanent building in Hilo’s University Research Park on December 4. Big Island Now.

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State: Hawaii County not affected by new food stamps rule. The state Department of Human Services administrator for the division in charge of Supplemental Nutrition Program, known as SNAP benefits, said Wednesday that fewer than 1,000 people in Hawaii — all on Molokai — will be affected by a new Trump administration order that will tighten work requirements for recipients. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Holiday Express may be on its last tracks. Owners are trying to work out deal to run Lahaina train full time. The Sugar Cane Train’s “Holiday Express” may reach the end of the line after this year with the owners saying they currently are unable to secure a deal from a major landowner to keep the train running. Maui News.

Maui Electric Seeks Renewable Energy Projects on Moloka‘i, Lana‘i. The company is issuing a request for proposals for renewable energy paired with energy storage from developers locally and globally. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai police double down on ‘No-Shave November’. After participating in “No-Shave November” to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Kauai branch, the Kauai Police Department is extending the drive during “Double-Down December.” Star-Advertiser.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants vote to strike, Big Island council bans herbicides, Gabbard attacks Democratic Party in debate, acting Honolulu prosecutor subpoenaed in FBI probe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Association of Flight Attendants-CWA AFL-CIO
Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picket PC:Association of Flight Attendants-CWA AFL-CIO
Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants vote to authorize strike. The union representing Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants said today that members have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air flight attendants vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike. After three years of negotiations and no deal, Hawaiian Airlines’ flight attendants Wednesday approved their first-ever strike authorization vote. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Air strike possible over holidays. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants voted to strike on Wednesday, making history with 99.9 percent of votes authorizing the strike and 95.1 percent of flight attendants participating. Garden Island.

How will the Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant vote to strike impact your upcoming travel plans? Negotiations are ongoing. If that fails, they will go to mediation, then possibly arbitration. The only time a strike could happen is if the national mediation board gives the flight attendants permission to strike. KHON2.

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Tulsi Gabbard’s fiery exchanges stand out in ‘good-natured’ debate. Tulsi Gabbard sparred with Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg during Wednesday evening’s presidential debate, adding tension to what was a generally collegial event among the top 10 Democratic presidential candidates and highlighting a growing unease among the party with her candidacy. Star-Advertiser.

Presidential Debate Puts Gabbard At Odds With Harris, Buttigieg. In addition to candidates, she took on her own party. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard joined nine other Democratic candidates for the White House on Wednesday for the fifth presidential debate in Atlanta. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto is expected to appear before a federal grand jury today after being subpoenaed by the FBI earlier this week. Star-Advertiser.

Top Honolulu Attorney Served With Federal Subpoena. Acting City Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto, who received a federal subpoena on Monday, said on Thursday that he has done nothing wrong and intends to comply with it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Acting city prosecutor gets FBI subpoena to testify in ongoing criminal probe of his boss. City Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto confirmed Wednesday that he’s received a subpoena to testify before the federal grand jury investigating his boss: Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii News Now.

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Delivery of Kahuku wind turbine parts complete. The last of the large turbine parts for the planned Na Pua Makani wind farm project in Kahuku arrived Wednesday, developer AES Corp. announced. Star-Advertiser.

Transport of wind farm equipment wrapped up ahead of schedule. The company behind a controversial wind farm project says they’ve finished the transport of equipment to the North Shore a week early. Hawaii News Now.

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New Snags Hold Back Ala Wai Flood Control Project. Both the city and a state court judge have issues with the environmental impact reports, halting the controversial flood control project. Civil Beat.

Short-staffed and overcrowded. And for the state’s largest jail, that’s just the start. Oahu Community Correctional Center is the state’s largest jail facility, with more than 1,000 detainees. And like the state’s other jails, it’s over-capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Community Calls For Red Hill Tanks To Be Moved Now. Members of the public packed Moanalua Middle School cafeteria last night, many calling for the Navy to move its Red Hill fuel tanks away from drinking water aquifers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Finally, satellite city halls on Oahu start taking credit and debit cards. “Cash or checks only” is a thing of the past at Oahu’s satellite city halls. Hawaii News Now.

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Shawn Ching to depart as Hawaii News Now 5 p.m. co-anchor. Emmy Award-winning news anchor Shawn Ching is departing Hawaii News Now to return to his law practice and spend more time with his wife and young son, General Manager Rick Blangiardi announced Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

News anchor Shawn Ching leaving Hawaii News Now to spend more time with ohana. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council bans county herbicide use. Urged on by new mothers, beekeepers, organic farmers and a soccer coach, the County Council on Wednesday passed a bill banning the county’s use of herbicides on public property, making Hawaii County the first local government in the state to do so. West Hawaii Today.

Council Passes Ban On County Herbicide Use. A bill that prohibits the use of herbicides in Hawaii County parks, roads, and waterways was approved by the Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday, after it passed by a 6-3 vote. Big Island Video News.

County to Ban All Herbicide Use by 2024. The Hawai‘i County Council voted Wednesday afternoon to ban the use of herbicides on any County managed or maintained property — including parks, roadways and waterways — beginning in 2024. Big Island Now.

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Roy Takemoto appointed county managing director. Roy Takemoto has been selected managing director effective Dec. 2. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim Appoints New Managing Director. Roy Takemoto is set to replace Managing Director Wil Okabe, who announced his resignation Monday. Civil Beat.

Roy Takemoto Named Managing Director After Okabe Departure. Takemoto, appointed by Mayor Harry Kim, will be before the Hawaiʻi County Council for a confirmation hearing on December 4. Big Island Video News.

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6K+ Mauna Kea citations called ‘misconduct’ by retired officer. A retired Hawaii county police officer has launched a complaint against his ex-boss, Chief of Police Paul Ferreria, because of beefed up traffic enforcement at Mauna Kea. Police have issued 6,585 citations since August 15 according to HPD. Hawaii News Now.

Council passes resolution urging collaboration on waste reduction strategies. The Hawaii County Council passed a resolution urging county agencies to work together to reduce waste and generate more clean energy. Tribune-Herald.

Kawaihae Excluded From North Kohala Enterprise Zone. The Hawaiʻi County Council is advancing the renewed Enterprise Zone designation for North Kohala, before the previous designation expires in April 2020. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Dengue fever confirmed in Kahului resident. Person no longer infectious, but mosquito control still encouraged. Maui News.

Eighteen inmates penalized in March fire, riot at Maui jail. Repairs from the disturbance at MCCC are almost complete. Maui News.

Mahi Pono, hui reach water pact. Officials: Plan may create new chapter in ag history. Maui News.

Kauai

More dead birds found. Another seven wedge-tailed shearwaters have been found dead along the Maha‘ulepu coast, about a week after 35 birds were killed on the cliffs above Shipwreck Beach. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Hawaii pushes new road usage charge, ex-Schofield Army range director pleads guilty in bribery scandal, Kauai giving affordable rental tax breaks, relocated rare Maui birds die, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights rerserved
Hawaii roadwork ©2019 All Hawaii News
Survey: Hawaii’s Roads Third Worst To Drive. Only South Carolina and Louisiana scored worse than the Aloha State. Civil Beat.

Survey shows Hawaii has third worst roads in the country. A survey released Tuesday by Consumer Affairs, shows Hawaii has the third worst roads in the country. KITV.

HDOT Continues Study on Road Usage Charge. Beginning this month, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will mail driving reports to thousands of vehicle owners across the state in an effort to research the feasibility of adjusting to a per-mile road usage charge. Big Island Now.

Check your mail: HDOT sends out info on proposed road usage charge. Starting this week, thousands of vehicle owners across Hawaii will be receiving driving reports in their mailboxes. Hawaii News Now.

DOT looks to switch from gas tax to road usage charge for road maintenance funding. One third of the state’s funding for road and bridge maintenance comes from our 16 cents-per-gallon gas tax. KHON2.

DOT has a long-term fix for Hawaii’s roads. The Department of Transportation has a solution that could double the life of their roads. It’s called stone matrix asphalt, a stronger and more flexible aggregate that could last up to 25 years.  KHON2.

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Companies Vie to ‘Accelerate’ Clean Energy Transition. The Hawaiian Electric Companies have received more than 75 proposals after its call for more renewable energy resources to “accelerate the state’s transition off fossil fuels used for generations of electricity.” Maui Now.

Public Safety Deputy Director For Corrections Is Retiring. Jodie Maesaka-Hirata is leaving in December and will be replaced by a top DPS administrator. Civil Beat.

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State consumer office warns of email phishing scam. The state Office of Consumer Protection warns local businesses about fraudulent emails that have been going out with its letterhead and a spoofed account. Star-Advertiser.

Phishing scam imitating state agencies sent to local businesses. The fraudulent email says a claim has been submitted against the business and provides a link for the business to reply. KHON2.

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Mazie Hirono Gets A Book Deal To Tell Her Life Story. The U.S. senator from Hawaii will detail her upbringing as an immigrant, her recent bout with kidney cancer and her political life in the Trump era. Civil Beat.

Gabbard enlists high-profile law firm with roster of colorful clients in claims against Clinton. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is being represented by the law firm Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht in her claims that Hillary Clinton defamed her by making comments about Russian support for Gabbard’s presidential bid. Star-Advertiser.

White Nationalists Try To Claim Aloha Spirit As Their Own. David Duke endorsed an ultra-right radio show on social media with the caption “the aloha spirit will set you free.” Civil Beat.

Museums and archives are often celebrated as rich repositories of culture and history. But for the communities whose culture and history are on display, having a say over what should become of these items is an ongoing battle – one that some native Hawaiian advocates and scholars are tackling head on. Hawaii Public Radio.

UFO? Satellites? Aircraft? Some across the islands saw strange lights in the night sky. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Proponents of plastics-ban bill hold rally before committee vote. With smiles and cheers beneath a bright morning sun, supporters of Bill 40, which seeks to ban Styrofoam and single-use plastics in the City and County of Honolulu, gathered Tuesday for an educational rally on Honolulu Hale’s front lawn. Star-Advertiser.

Scaled-down version of single-use plastics ban finds support from some businesses. After pushback from food industry leaders, a City Council committee is set to consider a revised version the bill that would target Oahu’s single-use plastics. Hawaii News Now.

Some O'ahu businesses support revised bill of "plastic ban". It's a proposal working it's way through the city council that has many businesses upset. KITV.

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Former Schofield Army range director pleads guilty in bribery scandal. The U.S. Department of Justice says 67-year-old Victor Garo of Mililani admitted to accepting over $100,000 in bribes to steer federal contracts worth more than $18 million to a specific contractor. Hawaii News Now.

Former US Army Range Director Pleads Guilty of Conspiracy. Victor Garo is the third public official to plead guilty as a result of an ongoing investigation into fraud and bribery at Schofield Barracks. Big Island Now.

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Kealoha Drug Plea Results In New Claim Of Prosecutorial Misconduct. Accused drug dealer Tiffany Masunaga wants charges against her dropped because Katherine Kealoha admitted manipulating the case. Civil Beat.

Controversial Ala Moana Playground Is a ‘Gift’ City Council May Refuse. A recent vote suggests the proposal may lack the Honolulu City Council support it needs to proceed at Ala Moana. Civil Beat.

New homeless services hub is expected to open in Waipahu next month. A pilot project involves inflatable, portable tents and the opportunity for unsheltered homeless people to receive medical and counseling services, housing help, hygiene and laundry services, and, if needed, a temporary place to sleep. KITV.

Honolulu City Council considers shortening time Hawaiian Humane Society must keep stray dogs, cats. A Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would require registered pet dogs and cats to be microchipped and would shorten the minimum time that strays need to be held by the Hawaiian Humane Society to five days from the current nine. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii thieves target cars’ catalytic converters at huge cost to motorists. At least a dozen vehicles, mostly Honda Elements, have had their catalytic converters stolen in the last six weeks because they contain precious metals such as platinum. Star-Advertiser.

Thieves target a part under cars that could be a costly fix. There is a warning from auto repair shops about an expensive new crime. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Study of Hilo Bay breakwater expected to begin in early 2020. A state and federal study to determine whether the Hilo Bay breakwater should be modified likely will begin early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Ormat Gives Puna Geothermal Update In Latest Earnings Call. Ormat hopes to have the Puna Geothermal Venture plant in Puna back in full operation by the end of the second quarter of 2020, and has also filed suit against insurers. Big Island Video News.

Kierkiewicz disclosure, Ethics Board presentation planned. It’s been almost three months since the Board of Ethics approved an advisory opinion requiring Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz to file an after-the-fact written disclosure of a possible conflict of interest stemming from a vote she took earlier this year. West Hawaii Today.

‘There’s many laws I don’t like’: Mayor Kim seeks neutrality in dealing with Mauna Kea conflict. During a high-stakes interview with Harry Kim, the 80-year-old Hawaii County mayor repeatedly referred to his commitment in finding a peaceful way forward despite, what appears to be an impossible impasse. Hawaii News Now.

HVO updates webcam network at Kilauea’s summit. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has updated its Kilauea webcam network, adding new cameras and decommissioning old ones that are no longer useful for monitoring purposes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Nine Rare Kiwikiu Birds Die Out of 13 Translocated at Maui’s Nakula Forest. The Kiwikiu or Maui Parrotbill birds were part of a larger group of 13 that were translocated from captivity and the wild to the Nakula Natural Area Reserve on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā in East Maui. Maui Now.

Effort to help endangered Maui bird on hold following multiple deaths. A multiagency campaign to establish a second population of one of Hawaii’s most critically endangered birds got off to a dreadful start, with at least nine of 13 kiwikiu apparently succumbing quickly to avian malaria, officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mosquitoes are threatening the population of rare birds on Maui. Mosquitoes are having a negative impact on the efforts to save the Kiwikiu in the forests of Haleakala, the state said. Hawaii News Now.

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Protesters unhappy with mayor, injection well case. Maui News.

Kula Community Association to discuss tax proposals. Proposed changes to Maui County Council’s real property tax system will be among the topics at the Kula Community Association meeting Wednesday night. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor signs rental bills. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami signed five Additional Rental Unit bills on Tuesday that would waive permitting fees on additional rental units deemed affordable. Garden Island.

Dive finds healthy corals and plenty of fish. A recent diving outing on the south side of Kauai found an array of colorful corals and fascinating fish. Garden Island.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

UH Board of Regents approves Mauna Kea rules, Gabbard qualifies for DNC debate, Honolulu lifeguard hours extended, Big Island to ban county herbicide use, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Tourists view Mauna Kea telescopes ©2019 All Hawaii News
Controversial rules passed to protect Mauna Kea’s natural resources. The proposed Mauna Kea administrative rules were battered and bruised over eight hours of testimony Wednesday, but the University of Hawaii Board of Regents unanimously approved them anyway, with one substantial provision. Star-Advertiser.

UH Board of Regents Approve Mauna Kea Resolution and Rules. The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents approved the latest draft of rules yesterday governing activities on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH regents amend, approve draft administrative rules for Maunakea. After eight hours of impassioned opposition from community members, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents ultimately voted Wednesday to amend and approve a draft of administrative rules governing Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

UH Regents approve stewardship resolution, rules on management for Mauna Kea. The guidelines aim to limit the amount of vehicles and commercial activity on the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

UH regents approve resolution on Mauna Kea stewardship, proposed administrative rules. The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents approved the latest draft of the administrative rules for University of Hawaiʻi-managed lands on Maunakea at a special meeting on November 6 on the UH Hilo campus. KHON2.

UH Board of Regents passes Mauna Kea administrative rules with one change. The UH Board of Regents has passed administrative rules related to Mauna Kea but has made one change: removing the section regarding group use registration. KITV.

UH Regents Approve Mauna Kea Admin Rules. The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents voted unanimously in favor of the rules with one amendment after a marathon meeting in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Regents agenda and rules (page 627) can be found here.

Mayor on Maunakea impasse: ‘If we work on it, we can do it’. Mayor Harry Kim remains steadfast in his commitment to finding a way forward as the standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea continues. West Hawaii Today.

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Tulsi Gabbard qualifies for November presidential debate, defying predictions. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has qualified for the November presidential debate, defying predictions that her performance last month in Westerville, Ohio, would mark the last time she would be on the national debate stage. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard Qualifies For November DNC Debates. She has yet to meet the criteria for December, however. Civil Beat.

Gabbard meets criteria to participate in next Democratic presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has met the qualifying criteria for the next Democratic presidential debate and is poised to join nine other candidates on stage later this month. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard Says She Won't Mount 3rd-Party 2020 Presidential Bid. Longshot presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard says she will not launch a third-party bid for the White House if she fails to secure the Democratic nomination. Associated Press.

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Judge Considers Whether To Allow Hawaii To Subpoena Airbnb. A judge on Wednesday ruled Hawaii tax authorities may subpoena Airbnb for records of its hosts as part of an investigation into whether operators of vacation rentals have been paying their taxes. Associated Press.

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Singapore Is An Affordable Housing Model, But Can Hawaii Follow? Hawaii’s challenges include divided state and county governments and no overall coordination. Civil Beat.

Housing experts weigh in on affordable housing plan based on Singapore’s model. State Sen. Stanley Chang wants to take a page from Singapore's public housing playbook and apply it to Hawaii's affordable housing shortage. Hawaii News Now.

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DOT has a long-term fix for Hawaii’s roads. The Department of Transportation has a solution that could double the life of their roads. It’s called stone matrix asphalt, a stronger and more flexible aggregate that could last up to 25 years. KHON2.

Flying into the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Midway Atoll appears out of the vast blue Pacific as a tiny oasis of coral-fringed land with pristine white sand beaches that are teeming with life. But on the ground, there’s a different scene: plastic, pollution and death. Associated Press.

Political Feuding Over The Border Wall Is Stalling Military Housing Reform. Grim housing conditions on military bases in Hawaii and elsewhere remain as Congress continues to argue over diverting military dollars to pay for Trump’s proposed border wall. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council OKs extending workday of lifeguards. Lifeguard service on Oahu beaches will be extended to sunrise-to-sunset from the current 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. hours under a measure adopted by the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Council votes to extend lifeguard hours, but the change won’t go into effect immediately. On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council voted to pass Bill 39. It begins the process of extending lifeguard hours from sunrise to sunset. Hawaii News Now.

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New Ala Moana Pedestrian Bridge Planned Near Fatal Crash Site. Kakaako developers hope the new bridge will also serve as a “linear park” for pedestrians, similar to New York City’s High Line park. Civil Beat.

State awarded $20M in federal funds for Ala Moana pedestrian bridge. Federal transportation officials have committed to $20 million in funding to help the state build a pedestrian bridge over Ala Moana Boulevard, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Star-Advertiser.

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City Plastics Ban Bill Undergoing Changes But Businesses Want Statewide Approach. A bill banning single-use plastic items on Oahu has been moved back to a City Council committee for more discussion but that’s not stopping business owners from wanting a statewide approach to the issue.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Major project begins to tackle erosion hotspot on Oahu’s most famous shoreline. Crews have started working on a new fix for an erosion hotspot in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Herbicide ban advances. A ban on the county’s use of weedkillers in parks and along its highways advanced Wednesday on an 8-1 vote, although some members of the County Council asked for more clarification before its final vote later this month. West Hawaii Today.

Food Basket to receive nearly $1M to help low-income families. The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, will receive nearly $1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help more low-income families throughout Hawaii access locally grown produce and healthy food, it was announced Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Farmers market canopy to be constructed ‘soon’. While the actual building of a permanent canopy over Hilo Farmers Market’s produce area hasn’t yet started, a sign was posted saying construction will start soon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

US Supreme Court Hears Maui Pollution Case As Mayor, Council Fight Continues. The high profile case is now in the hands of the justices, but if the Maui County Council gets its way a decision may never come. Civil Beat.

Justices Seem Uncertain About Reach Of Clean Water Act In Maui Case. The justices heard arguments Wednesday about whether a sewage treatment plant needs a federal permit when it sends treated wastewater deep underground, instead of discharging the sewage directly into the Pacific Ocean. Associated Press.

Supreme Court hears debate in Maui injection well case. Maui County Council members who tried to stop a case involving wastewater injection wells from being heard before the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday say they still hope Maui Mayor Michael Victorino will withdraw the case before justices can come out with a ruling sometime next year. Star-Advertiser.

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Water supply impacted by redirection of river. County says plant shutdown coincides with fish kill incident. Damage to diversions and redirecting of stream flow in the Wailuku River reduced water intake to the county treatment plant to the point that it had to shutdown three times since Oct. 28, the county water director said. Maui News.

Special Counsel Sought in County’s Climate Change Lawsuit. The County of Maui is seeking to hire special counsel in a lawsuit that alleges fossil fuel companies are responsible for the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels. Maui Now.

Kahului Airport terminal expansion project under way. DOT submits SMA application for 27,300 square foot, 400 seat growth. Maui News.

DLNR completes new Maui annex building. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources held a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to mark the completion of its new 8,000-square-foot Maui annex building, which will house four divisions. Maui News.

Two meetings on Pulelehua project set for Saturday. Community open house for the 304-acre Pulelehua community in West Maui will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Princess Nahienaena Elementary School Cafeteria. Maui News.

Kauai

Bringin’ back the ‘o‘opu. For three years, hydrologist and water resources engineer Matt Rosener has been heading up a stream-restoration project in the North Shore Waipa watershed. Garden Island.

Molokai

CEO of Molokai’s only health center not stepping down despite residents’ demands. Tempers flared on Molokai Wednesday night at a meeting about the island's only health center. The CEO of the Molokai Community Health Center is resisting demands for her to step down. Hawaii News Now.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Kahuku wind farm project lacks environmental review, Land Use Commission rejects Mauna Kea petition, drug companies paid Hawaii doctors $4.3M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Choon James
Kahuku wind farm arrests PC:Choon James
PUC’s Former Lawyer Says Approval Of Kahuku Wind Farm Violated Law. A former Public Utilities Commission counsel said regulators needed to complete an environmental review before approving the controversial project. Civil Beat.

Kahuku wind farm ‘arrestables’ say breaking the law is their last option. Over the last two weeks, 111 people volunteered to be arrested for protesting a controversial wind energy farm in Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

Wind farm demonstrators out in Kalaeloa again Sunday night. Wind turbine construction materials are scheduled to move again on Sunday night, leaving from Kalaeloa for the Na Pua Makani wind farm site in Kahuku. KITV.

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Drug companies paid Hawaii doctors $4.3M last year. Hawaii doctors received $4.29 million in total payments from drug companies for promotional talks or consulting work in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Dispensaries stop selling vapes with outside ingredients. Five out of eight Hawaii medical marijuana dispensaries that had been warned by health officials to stop selling vaping products made with outside ingredients say they are now in compliance with state law. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants prepare to vote on a possible strike. Starting Monday, more than 2,100 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants will begin voting on whether they should authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii kids hit median on Smarter Balanced Assessment. A new analysis shows that Hawaii’s public school students rank in the middle of the pack in both English and math proficiency among the states that use the Smarter Balanced Assessment. Star-Advertiser.

Want a selfie with a Hawaiian monk seal? Don’t get too close. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers recently conducted a study of how social media can play a role not only in monitoring the public’s interaction with endangered monks seals in Hawaii, but in research, education and conservation. Star-Advertiser.

Feds To Audit Wespac’s Handling Of Pacific Tuna Fund. The move by the inspector general comes after a Civil Beat investigation and request from four congressmen. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement late Thursday that she won’t seek reelection to Congress so she can focus on her presidential bid turns what early challenger Kai Kahele saw as a likely mano-a-mano contest into a political free-for-all. But it’s up for debate whether this makes it more or less difficult for the relatively new state senator from Hilo to win the congressional seat. West Hawaii Today.

Tulsi Gabbard’s decision not to seek reelection to Congress and instead focus on her presidential campaign opens an opportunity for familiar and lesser-known potential candidates who might want to run in 2020 to represent rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Why Tulsi Gabbard Should Quit Congress Right Now. The presidential wannabe can show true aloha for the people of the 2nd District by letting them have proper representation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Feds Demanded Rail Information From Honolulu City Hall. Officials investigating the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation have either seized or requested information from the city, the mayor’s communications director Andrew Pereira confirmed. Civil Beat.

Acting city prosecutor faces heat over failure to act in wake of scandals. Acting city Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto continues to dodge questions about the suspected cover-up of crimes by ex-deputy Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

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Pro-Labor Bill Becomes Law Without Mayor’s Signature. Caldwell informed the council he wants to work on “legal concerns.” Civil Beat.

Labor bill favoring unions becomes law without the mayor’s signature. Union workers will essentially get priority for all city projects over $2 million thanks to a bill that is now law. Hawaii News Now.

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Ala Wai harbor redevelopment effort falls short — again. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation has come up empty-handed after a committee reviewed proposals for redevelopment of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor — rankling some Waikiki residents and boaters who fear the state will never get it right. Star-Advertiser.

State goes ‘back to the drawing board’ for Ala Wai harbor development. Many people consider the area near the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor to be the gateway to Waikiki. But for years, that area has included a fenced-off vacant lot. Hawaii News Now.

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Kirk Caldwell, developer of Ala Moana playground reject idea of different site. Moving the site of a proposed inclusive children’s playground from Ala Moana Regional Park to Kakaako Waterfront Park will cause suffering to children with special needs by making them wait longer to enjoy the first such playground in Hawaii, said Tiffany Vara, executive director of Pa‘ani Kakou, a nonprofit that has pledged to build the playground with private money and give it to the city. Star-Advertiser.

Support for an inclusive playground is there. But where should it be built? Dozens on both sides of the controversy over a proposed, privately funded playground at Ala Moana Park attended a rally at the park today. Hawaii News Now.

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Bill 25 standoff reveals difficulty in requiring greener energy as part of Oahu’s building code. Improving energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings is a key element to reducing global climate heating. And on Oahu, there’s plenty of room for improvement, as our built environment is responsible for some 35% of the island’s carbon pollution, according to the city’s recently established greenhouse gas inventory. Star-Advertiser.

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Financial affairs of Abigail Kawananakoa may be overseen by conservator. A hearing will be held to determine whether a conservator will be appointed to oversee the financial affairs of Abigail Kawananakoa outside of her $215 million trust, a judge ruled Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian royalty descendant rejects calls for appointment of a conservator. Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa was back in court Friday, rejecting claims she can’t handle her own financial affairs and medical needs. Hawaii News Now.

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Waikiki residents concerned by bikers on sidewalks. Riding a bike on the sidewalk is illegal. KITV.

This Run Down Shopping Center In Hawaii Kai Has Neighbors Begging For Repairs. It’s not the only shopping center in Hawaii that is showing signs of decay. But this community, fueled by a neighborhood social media discussion, is fighting back. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Land Use Commission rejects Mauna Kea petition. A petition that challenged the density of development of astronomy observatories on Mauna Kea was denied Friday by the state Land Use Commission, with a majority of the commissioners declaring they have no jurisdiction over the issue. Star-Advertiser.

Land commission votes 5-2 to deny request by two Hilo residents. The state Land Use Commission voted Friday to deny a petition that requested a declaration that the use of land at Maunakea summit is improper for its current zoning. Tribune-Herald.

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Sirens in tsunami-prone areas now ‘highest priority'. Prioritization of emergency warning siren maintenance, repair and installation across the state has changed. West Hawaii Today.

Final review of proposed dolphin swimming ban continues. Federal officials are still working to finalize a rule three years in the making that’ll render it illegal to approach or swim with Hawaiian spinner dolphins in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui continues to discuss how to meet Hawaii’s renewable-energy goals. The months-long, record-breaking heat wave that has caused spikes in Maui’s electricity use underscores why the island — and the state as a whole — has such ambitious renewable-energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Column: Tax reform legislation moves to the full council on Nov. 8. Five months ago, the Maui County Council’s Economic Development and Budget Committee decided to study options for more equitable taxation by creating a temporary investigative group, or TIG, on real property tax reform. Maui News.

Local Businesses Open Up Shop at Wailea Village. Wailea Village, a new shopping center in South Maui that promises a “different” and “outdoor-focused” retail experience, is now the home of several locally owned stores. Maui Now.

Kauai

Police Chief Calls For New Procedures In Wake Of School Threats. Responding to recent threats against island schools, Kaua'i Police Chief Todd Raybuck described school lockdowns and evacuations as appropriate when the threats are active and imminent, but said they may not be when unconfirmed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai’s police chief urges parents to remind kids about seriousness of making threats. In light of recent threats against DOE schools, Kauai’s Police Chief Todd Raybuck is strengthening the call for the community to work together to prevent future incidents. Hawaii News Now.

Eyes on the reefs. The sediment in Anini’s shallow lagoon could be saturated with heavy metals, according to results from a study conducted through volunteers with the nonprofit Reef Guardians Hawaii. Garden Island.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Hawaii 2nd Congressional seat wide open as Gabbard announces she won't seek reelection, Maui families sue Monsanto, Honolulu advances plastic ban, LUC hears TMT case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and early challenger state Sen. Kai Kahele ©2019 All Hawaii News
Gabbard won’t seek re-election to Congress so she can focus on White House run. The news opens the door to a highly competitive race for her seat representing Hawaii’s Congressional District, and likely has repercussions for other local races. Hawaii News Now.

Tulsi Gabbard Won’t Run For Re-Election To US House. The Hawaii Democrat will focus instead on her presidential campaign. Civil Beat.

She's all in: Tulsi Gabbard gives up congressional seat. In a six minute video posted to her campaign page, Tulsi Gabbard announced that she will not seek re-election for her congressional seat to focus on her 2020 presidential campaign. KITV.

Tulsi Gabbard says she will not seek reelection to Congress. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced on her presidential campaign website today that she will not seek reelection to Congress in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard drops congressional race to focus on presidential. Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard says she will focus on her White House bid and not run for reelection to her congressional seat. The congresswoman from Hawaii made the announcement early Friday. Associated Press.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard is going all in on her bid to be the next president, and she says she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Tulsi Gabbard is saying mahalo to Hawaiʻi in a new video, and has announced that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will not seek re-election to the US House of Representatives, the Democratic candidate for President announced on Thursday evening. Big Island Now.

Tulsi Gabbard announces she will not run for re-election in Congress, will focus on the presidency. KHON2.

UH Political Analyst on Gabbard’s Decision, Kahele’s Position. Big Island Now.

Gabbard's full press release and video. Gabbard campaign.

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Survey: Ige Among Most Unpopular Governors. Hawaii’s chief executive has a mere 36% approval rating. Civil Beat.

Corals Are Adapting to Higher Temperatures, But Likely Not Fast Enough. Evidence from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology shows that corals are already naturally adapting to higher temperatures. But the rate of increase may be too rapid for them to keep up. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Despite concerns, proposed ban on single-use plastics advances to full council. A wide-ranging ban on single-use plastic food containers and utensils has advanced in the Honolulu City Council, despite concerns from the restaurant and food industry over alternative materials and their cost. Hawaii News Now.

More plastic, more problems? Bill 40 was introduced with intent to remove single-use plastic, such as bags and utensils, from takeout food orders. Its language is sparking fear in some local business owners. KITV.

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Rail Contractor’s Former Lawyer Alleges ‘Illegal’ And ‘Dishonest’ Activity. A whistleblower lawsuit says Nan Inc. tried to drive up rail construction claims at taxpayers’ expense. Civil Beat.

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Police deny teen’s claim of officer mistreatment at wind farm protest. Honolulu police are vehemently denying a teen’s claims that an officer punched and tased him before his arrest Sunday at a protest of a planned Kahuku wind farm. Hawaii News Now.

Police deny Kahuku wind farm protesters were mistreated. Several people who have been arrested in Kahuku for obstructing the delivery of wind turbine parts this week have said that they were treated with the utmost care and respect by arresting officers. But not everyone. Star-Advertiser.

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Princess Kaiulani tower project moving forward, contingent on several public benefits. Kyo-ya’s plan to raze the existing Princess Kaiulani Hotel to make way for Waikiki’s first all-hotel tower in 40 years took a critical step forward Thursday in obtaining city approval to build. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua residents say city to blame for growing sinkhole that’s threatening homes. A sinkhole in a Kailua’s Keolu Hills neighborhood looked pretty routine at first. But nearly a year later, one former Kailua Neighborhood Board member says homes are being threatened by a growing underground reservoir. Hawaii News Now.

6 tons of ‘ghost nets’ removed from Kaneohe Bay. A nonprofit group and researchers from Hawaii Pacific University have teamed up recently to remove 12,000 pounds of discarded “ghost nets” from Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea telescopes amount to urban development, land commission is told. The state Land Use Commission heard arguments Thursday that the 13 existing Mauna Kea observatories along with their related offices, parking lots and utilities amount to an inappropriate urban development on state conservation lands and that the area must be reclassified as urban before any further development takes place. Star-Advertiser.

Testimony continues for Maunakea land rezoning petition. A meeting of the state Land Use Commission will continue through today as petitioners argue to reclassify land at the summit of Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Why Mauna Kea’s Conservation Land Classification Is Under Scrutiny. Opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope may be at the forefront of Mauna Kea protests, but some native Hawaiian practitioners are questioning the cumulative effects of development on the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant cost increases. Delays and scope expansions have increased the cost by millions to upgrade the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant to produce R1 recycled water. West Hawaii Today.

Legislators hear from Big Island disability community at annual forum. In the mostly rural communities of the Big Island, it’s important for those with disabilities to make sure their voices are heard by the people in power. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Suit blames birth defects in Maui community on Monsanto chemicals. A lawsuit filed on Maui blames birth defects on chemicals from Monsanto corn fields. Hawaii News Now.

Maui mother who’s filed lawsuit against Monsanto: ‘It’s just not right’. Two Maui families with children born with rare illnesses are suing Monsanto and its parent company Bayer.  KHON2.

Lawsuit claims Monsanto caused birth defects in Maui neighborhood. A new lawsuit claims that Monsanto caused birth defects over the course of decades in a Maui neighborhood. KITV.

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Hearing on Rules Relating to Fines for Unpermitted Transient Vacation Rentals. The Planning Department has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Kalana Pakui conference room in Wailuku regarding amending the Department’s rules relating to fines for unpermitted transient vacation rental operations. Maui Now.

Kama Holds Meeting to Discuss Unsheltered Homeless Impacts and Solutions. Concerns surrounding the homeless presence off of East Kamehameha Avenue and Hoʻohana Street in Kahului were heightened following a fatal traffic accident on Sept. 11 and a shooting the following morning involving a homeless altercation at the site. Maui Now.

Officials hope endangered Maui birds find romance. Wild, captive-bred kiwikiu moved, slated for release. Maui News.

Kauai

Rice Street vision quest. Jim Guerber opened Thursday’s Lihue Business Association meeting asking people to share their perspectives on Rice Street. Garden Island.

Kauai Students’ Teacher Housing Proposal Recognized. The Kauai Community College students earned second-place at a national entrepreneurship challenge. Civil Beat.