Ige pledges $12M in volcano relief, lava tally reaches 600 homes and 2,000 acres as earthquakes, ash plumes, rattle Big Island, unions endorse Ige, Tokuda, Honolulu council squabbles over rail, Kauai seeks temporary housing for flood victims, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$12M lava bailout agreement signed by Ige, Kim ©2018 All Hawaii News

600 homes confirmed destroyed on Big Island as state pledges new aid. Hawaii News Now.

The state today released $12 million to Hawaii County to support its response to the volcanic eruption in Lower Puna. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim have signed a letter of agreement releasing $12 million in state funds to support the county’s response to the active volcanic eruption occurring on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim signed a Letter of Agreement releasing $12 million to support the county’s response to the active volcanic eruption occurring on Hawaii Island, along the East Rift Zone in Lower Puna. Big Island Now.

Prospects for Hawaii island to rebound from the loss of what is now about 600 homes destroyed by lava rose significantly Thursday with a group hug and a $12 million down payment. Star-Advertiser.

The State has pledged to give Hawaii County $12 million to help respond to the lava disaster that's claimed hundreds of homes. KHON2.

=====

Hirono gets free ride as Dems dominate Hawaii Congress races. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono appears guaranteed of reelection as not a single opponent capable of mounting a statewide campaign is running against her. Hawaii News Now.

One of Hawaii’s largest labor unions representing blue-collar workers endorsed Gov. David Ige today in this year’s gubernatorial race. The United Public Workers union represents about 14,000 members employed at facilities such as schools, hospitals and correctional facilities throughout the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest union, the Hawaii Government Employees Association announced its endorsement in the Lt. Governor's race. The HGEA is supporting Senator Jill Tokuda. KITV.

Trump Plan Would Cost Planned Parenthood In Hawaii $830,000. A rule change proposes to halt all federal funding to health care organizations that provide abortions. Civil Beat.

After Sen. Will Espero’s retirement from the Senate effective June 1, 2018, Sen. Kaialii Kahele who previously served as the Senate Majority Whip, will now serve as the new Senate Majority Floor Leader. Big Island Now.

Suicide rates in Hawaii on the rise. In Hawaii, rates went up about 18-percent from 1999 to 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Squabbles Over HART Budget, Again. The 2019 construction budget for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project almost got derailed today at the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Uber threaten to cease operations in Hawaii? The question being discussed by ride share drivers. KHON2.

USS Arizona repairs are complicated, but harbor tours remain. Since May 10 none of the thousands of people who show up daily to see one of the most revered spots in American battle history have been able to disembark on the walkway memorial that straddles the grave for over 900 men who gave their lives on Dec. 7, 1941. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the summit of Kilauea on Friday morning, but there was no tsunami threat, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Hawaii News Now.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning System reports a 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook at the summit of Kilauea Friday morning, there is no tsunami threat for Hawaii. KHON2.

Another small explosion occurred early this morning at Kilauea’s summit and generated a moderate ash plume. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Norwegian Cruise Line announced Thursday that it will resume port calls to Hawaii island — a move state officials said will be a major linchpin in shoring up tourism losses for the hard-hit island. Star-Advertiser.

The Pride of America cruise ship will make her return to Hawaii Island next week, days after it was announced that the island had been removed from the ship’s itinerary. Tribune-Herald.

State elections officials hope to avoid a repeat of 2014, when a natural disaster wreaked havoc on Puna elections and sent a candidate in a tight election to court. West Hawaii Today.

Temporary housing for those displaced by Kilauea volcano will be built later this week, with eligible evacuees to move in soon. Tribune-Herald.

Preliminary ground preparation is underway in Pahoa for a project that will hopefully provide emergency transitional sheltering for some residents impacted by the volcanic eruption. Big Island Video News.

Fissure 8 Continues to be "Very Active". Hawaii Public Radio.

Lava from the Kilauea volcano that flowed into Kapoho Bay has created nearly a mile of new land and officials with the U.S. Geological Survey said today the flow is still very active and there’s no way to know when the eruption will end or if more lava-spewing vents will open. Associated Press.

Lava claims nearly 600 homes in Lower Puna; select curfews lifted for residents. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: Kilauea Eruption Update. KITV.

Additional loitering citations issued in active eruption zone. Seven more people were cited Wednesday night by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement for loitering in a closed area. KHON2.

Volcanic activity burns biggest economic driver for Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

The traumatic events associated with the new events on Kilauea Volcano have taken an emotional toll, not only on the community directly impacted by the eruption, but on the scientists charged with monitoring the fissures and lava flows, as well. Big Island Video News.

Eruption Threatens Future Of Some Big Island Charter Schools. The ongoing volcanic lava flow is raising many issues for students and their families. Civil Beat.

Color 'em confused: A guide to accessing and understanding air quality reports online. West Hawaii Today.

'Pele's Path: The People of Puna,' an HNN digital documentary. Hawaii News Now.

Amid ongoing explosive eruptions at Kilauea's summit, new images show the incredible extent of damage at the former Halemaumau Crater overlook. Hawaii News Now.

Kim’s budget it is: Council fails to approve amended version. West Hawaii Today.

Monty Richards, a fifth-generation kamaaina and guiding force of Kahua Ranch who was known for his leadership in the community, died Monday in San Francisco. He was 88. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Debate gets heated over managing director amendment. Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran pressed for answers Wednesday about the extent to which county directors, including Managing Director Keith Regan, contributed money to Mayor Alan Arakawa’s campaign. Maui News.

An informational meeting Wednesday night helped quell some fears from West Maui residents and farmers worried about losing water to new in-stream flow standards set earlier this year for four West Maui streams. Maui News.

Maui Aquatics Facilities Master Plan Recommendations to be Unveiled. Maui Now.

Fair officials seek relief from high shipping costs. Event scheduled for Oct. 4 to 7; entertainment contract still not inked. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County officials looking for temporary housing for flood victims. Almost two months after the historic flooding disaster, Kauai County officials estimate as many as 50 residents are still displaced from their homes. Hawaii News Now.

The Hanalei Dolphin is expected to reopen on July 16 following a three-month closure. Pacific Business News.

Eighty bicycles were given away in celebration of Wilcox Health Center’s 80th anniversary during the annual Kids Summer Fest at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

New hazards as lava enters ocean, Ige, Hirono, visit Big Island, Akaka memorialized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava flow snakes to the sea PC: USGS

 Lava from active fissures near the Leilani Estates subdivision has completed a nearly 4-mile crawl to the coast of Hawaii Island and is pouring into the ocean at two separate points. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige returned to the Big Island on Sunday for an update about the emergency situation in lower Puna after lava from Kilauea volcano crossed Highway 137 and entered the ocean Saturday night. Tribune-Herald.

On Sunday, May 20, 2018, Sen. Mazie K. Hirono visited with Hawaii Island residents who have been displaced by volcanic activity in lower Puna. Big Island Now.

===MORE VOLCANO NEWS AT HAWAII ISLAND CATEGORY===

The late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka was remembered Saturday not only as a national political figure but as a devoted father, a man of musical talent and a person of deep spirituality.  Star-Advertiser.

Akaka

'An amazing life': Hundreds gather to say aloha to the late Sen. Dan Akaka. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds gather for US Senator Daniel K. Akaka's celebration of life at Kawaihao Church. KHON2.

The late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka was memorialized Friday at the state Captiol in Honolulu, where was scheduled to lie in state for 24 hours. Pacific Business News.

SLIDESHOW: Hawaii Bids A Final Aloha To Sen. Daniel Akaka. Civil Beat.

Flooding renews interest in climate-change planning. Recent flooding in East Oahu and North Kauai, which sustained an estimated $20 million in damage, not including homes and businesses, has provided a glimpse of what climate change could look like and could add to the sense of urgency across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State bans swimming at Haseko lagoon. The water quality of a 52-acre basin at Hoakalei Resort residences in Ewa Beach is better than at popular swimming spots including Magic Island, Lanikai and Ko Olina. Star-Advertiser.

Work on beach groin awaits state funding. The crumbling Royal Hawaiian groin, between the Waikiki Sheraton and Royal Hawaiian hotels, is all that is keeping a prime section of Hawaii’s most visited beach from being swept away. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Vanishing Crosswalks: Why The City Is Taking Them Out. The city has removed 34 crosswalks since September 2016, despite protests from some neighborhood groups. Civil Beat.

Lime said it is temporarily suspending its electric scooter-sharing service in Honolulu on Friday, following the city’s announcement that the company is in violation of state and city laws for failing to register the scooters as mopeds. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed a bill Friday that would have prohibited the administration from implementing bulb-outs, essentially curbside extensions, at five Chinatown locations. Star-Advertiser.

Several dozen people lined the sidewalk near the Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki Saturday to protest the city’s awarding of a contract to run concession stands offering surf lessons and outrigger canoe rides to a new vendor, ousting a longtime business providing beachboy services. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines Resists Honolulu Workers’ Effort To Unionize. Most employees in the Honolulu catering department are from islands in Micronesia and rely on flight benefits to go home. Civil Beat.

Three monk seals mysteriously die on Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Early morning eruption belches more ash from Kilauea. Star-Advertiser.

Explosions continue at the summit of Kilauea, prompting warnings about the threat of ashfall that could reach nearby communities. Hawaii News Now.


On Sunday the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a new Kilauea Volcano air quality warning — this time about “laze,” short for lava haze. Star-Advertiser.

“Laze,” the noxious, potentially deadly gas caused by hot lava hitting the ocean, could have a potentially widespread effect in lower Puna, according to a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory official. Tribune-Herald.

A volcano that is oozing, spewing and exploding on Hawaii’s Big Island has gotten more hazardous in recent days, with rivers of molten rock flowing into the ocean and flying lava causing the first major injury. Associated Press.

Volcano enters ocean, causes new health hazard of "laze". KITV.

The idea that Kilauea is normally a docile volcano that erupts lava flows has been altered due to recent research, scientists say. Big Island Video News.

Two-story lava wall cuts off parts of Highway 137, impacting thousands. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable rents will bring some Lower Puna residents back home. Star-Advertiser.

Three weeks after Mayor Harry Kim suffered his fifth heart attack, he’s moved behind the scenes but remains unapologetic about a comment he made during his last public appearance Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala Councilman Tim Richards is attempting something that rarely happens in Hawaii County government — he wants to lower taxes. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala Councilman Tim Richards wants to zero out Mass Transit’s general fund budget, leaving county officials wondering how they will keep the buses running at all, much less on time. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Gov. David Ige will be the third speaker in the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center Leadership Series of talks on June 9. Maui News.

Affordable housing is topic of forum. Maui News.

The state Department of Taxation reports that a Maui physician was arrested on Thursday for alleged tax violations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai’s first medical marijuana dispensary got the green light Friday to begin sales on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

The Quest To Rebuild An Old Russian Fort On Kauai — And Meet Putin. But a UH archaeologist says the Russian presence was minimal — and any plan should focus on the fort’s place in Native Hawaiian history. Civil Beat.

Staff, board sought for new school. Garden Island.

Molokai

Friendly Isle residents cope with seed company closure. Loss of 78 Molokai jobs equivalent to nearly 2,500 on Maui, over 14,000 on Oahu. Maui News.

Former Sen. Daniel Akaka dies, governor signs medical aid in dying legislation, congressional delegation wants military control over emergency warning system, Caldwell mulls islandwide sit-lie ban, coffee production drops 15%, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Late U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, 2012 file photo ©2018 All Hawaii News file photo

Daniel Kahikina Akaka, the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the U.S. Senate and a fixture for decades on Capitol Hill, where he became known as the “ambassador of aloha,” has died Friday, his family said. Hawaii News Now.

Former U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, the humble and gracious statesman who served in Washington with aloha for more than three and a half decades, died Thursday night at the age of 93, sources tell the Star-Advertiser. He had been hospitalized with an illness. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Beginning Jan. 1, terminally ill residents will be eligible to begin requesting prescriptions for life-ending medication, following Gov. David Ige’s signing today of the “Our Care, Our Choice” Act into law. Star-Advertiser.

After 2 decades of debate, medical 'aid in dying' bill signed into law. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii became the latest liberal-leaning state to legalize medically assisted suicide Thursday as the governor signed a measure into law allowing doctors to fulfill requests from terminally ill patients to prescribe life-ending medication. Associated Press.

The “Death with Dignity” legislation was signed into law in Hawaii today. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

All four members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation urged the U.S. military Thursday to take responsibility for alerting the public about any future ballistic missile attacks, taking that role away from the state, which botched the job in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Wants Feds To Take Over Missile Alerts. State emergency officials were grilled at a U.S. Senate committee hearing as lawmakers try to rebuild public trust in the warning system. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency began implementing its plan for responding to a ballistic missile attack before it was entirely drafted, a senior state official said Thursday at a hearing on why the agency mistakenly sent cellphone and broadcast alerts across the islands in January. Associated Press.

U.S. Pacific Command acknowledged it, too, made mistakes on the day of the false missile alert. Hawaii News Now.

At a Senate Committee hearing at the East-West Center on Thursday, all members of Hawaii's congressional delegation questioned why it's not the military taking the lead in issuing missile alerts. KITV.

=====

Hawaii Supreme Court Rules Some Extra-Long Sentences Unconstitutional. Several offenders who were given extended sentences for their crimes by a judge, rather than a jury, may have to be resentenced. Civil Beat.

Bid for back taxes on car rentals goes before Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers are taking up two bills today, one making the University of Hawaii a tobacco-free zone and another to restrict access to e-cigs to those under 21. Hawaii Public Radio.

Several bills that would improve working conditions or wages across the state are on the home stretch to being passed into law. Tribune-Herald.

Former principal appointed to serve as chair of Board of Education. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is facing a critical shortage of doctors, and it's expected to get worse. KHON2.

The state’s coffee production dipped 15 percent to 24.3 million pounds of cherry in the 2017-2018 season despite an increase in bearing acreage from 7,000 to 7,300 acres, according to estimates compiled in January by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. West Hawaii Today.

All the major parts of two neighbor island housing markets moved in unison last month with sale volumes and prices rising on Hawaii island and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Vietnamese worker saved lives as Hawaii fishing boat sank. Associated Press.

Oahu

Caldwell Wants A Sidewalk Sit-Lie Ban Everywhere On Oahu. If it’s approved, the proposal to move more homeless people out of public spaces could face a legal challenge. Civil Beat.

By the end of this year or so, a pavilion built to dry commercial fishing boat nets in Honolulu should be transformed into a job training and community center by a nonprofit helping at-risk teens and young adults. Star-Advertiser.

Beginning next week, unexploded ordnance experts will use underwater metal detectors to search for military munitions off Makua Beach, focusing on a 22-acre area. Hawaii News Now.

Developer Exploring Giant Wind Farm in West Oahu. The plan includes building up to 16 turbines in the Waianae mountains to pay for a massive land restoration project. Civil Beat.

Grubhub is the newest addition to Honolulu’s food delivery scene, joining other Mainland-based competitors Postmates, Uber Eats and Bite Squad. Pacific Business News.

Tax preparer Guillermo Dahilig of Waialua pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A mural on the wall of a Hilo business has drawn controversy for its depiction — and subsequent redaction — of a firearm in the midst of a tableau celebrating the Merrie Monarch Festival. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy won’t need to conduct an environmental review for a damaged storm water outfall along the coast near Pepeekeo since it no longer plans to use it for its biomass power plant. Tribune-Herald.

Neighbors praise new South Kona KTA on store’s first day. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An application deadline has been set for Wednesday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m. for individuals seeking consideration to fill the remaining term for the District 8 State House seat left vacant by Representative Joseph Souki. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige said Thursday that he’s asked Maui County Democratic Party officials to move as quickly as possible to provide him with three names from which to appoint a new representative for the 8th District House seat. Maui News.

Former Maui County Council Member Don Couch is seeking the Democratic nomination for the South Maui state House seat held by Rep. Kaniela Ing, who has announced he’s a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Maui News.

Maui County lifeguard and former mayoral candidate Tamara Paltin has filed nomination papers to seek the West Maui residency seat on the County Council, she said in an announcement. Maui News.

A blessing for the embattled southern phase of the Lahaina bypass will be held at 2 p.m. April 15, Gov. David Ige’s office said Thursday. Maui News.

Garrett Marrero, the owner of Maui Brewing Co., is up for another national award. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Raising awareness of different types of homes available for purchase is why the Kauai Board of Realtors is hosting its third annual Islandwide Open House on Saturday. Garden Island.

Home sales on Kauai rose by more than 25 percent last month, compared to March of last year, and the median price of a single-family home rose 13 percent, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hirono says cancer battle won't keep her from Senate duties, state ballot order set, Souki apologizes for sexual harassment, gut-and-replace proliferates in Legislature, thieving employees sink Molokai credit union, Maui police chief gets high marks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hirono announces re-election bid, courtesy photo

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono says her ongoing cancer treatment has not affected her Congressional duties, and that she’s running for re-election to continue fighting for Hawaii’s families and kupuna. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Hirono Fired Up To Take On Cancer And Trump In Campaign. As her re-election bid begins, the Hawaii senator says immunotherapy will not prevent her “from doing my job” and speaking out against the president. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono officially launched her re-election campaign on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) made it official on Wednesday morning, with her husband and supporters at her side, she filed the paperwork for re-election. KITV.

=====

Luck puts Constitution Party at top of Hawaii's primary election ballot. On Wednesday, the state Elections Office held a random drawing (think plucking names from a lauhala basket) to decide the order of political preferences on the ballot. Hawaii News Now.

Former House Speaker Joe Souki has paid a fine and submitted a letter apologizing for his behavior after several women including former state Director of Human Services Rachael Wong accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. Star-Advertiser.

Full text of Souki's short apology letter to the speaker can be found here.

What’s Up With All The Gut-And-Replace Trickery At The Legislature This Year? More and more dramatic last-minute changes in bills are being made with a minimum of public notice this legislative session. Civil Beat.

The governor is set to sign a bill legalizing medical aid in dying. Not everyone is happy about it. Over 18,000 people signed a petition to try to deter him from signing the bill, which he said he would do Thursday. KHON2.

A group of church and community leaders hand delivered a petition opposing physician-assisted suicide to Governor David Ige on Wednesday. More than 18,000 people across Hawaii signed the petition. KITV.

Ige bypasses lawmakers to pay for HI-EMA plans. More than a month after Gov. David Ige announced he would ask lawmakers for millions of dollars to upgrade the state’s emergency preparedness systems in the wake of the statewide false missile alert, the administration has decided it does not need that extra money after all. Star-Advertiser.

New chorus of voices questions plan to block sale of some sunscreens. A bill that would ban the sale — but not the use — of sunscreen with chemicals believed to kill coral reefs is advancing at the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Feral Cat-Friendly Measure Dies In The Senate. The Humane Society supported the bill to maintain cat colonies, but opponents pointed to the damage they do to other species. Civil Beat.

Bill Calls For Hawaii To Protect Students Who Allege Harassment. The measure would establish a state corollary to the federal Title IX law prohibiting gender discrimination. Civil Beat.

Ige appoints three members to Hawaii State Board of Education. Pacific Business News.

Solar permits up on Big Isle, down in Maui County. The number of solar permits issued in Hawaii and Maui counties moved in opposite directions during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Critics warn plan to turn over Kakaako parks to city opens door to commercialization. A state plan to transfer Kakaako’s parks to the city ran into resistance at a Hawaii Community Development Authority board meeting Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Neighbors concerned by development carving into Waialae Iki hillside. At the base of Waialae Iki in East Honolulu, a hillside has been undergoing a dramatic re-contouring with excavators cutting deep benches and leaving scarred rock faces visible from Kalanianaole Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Calls for Legalization and Regulation of Transient Accommodations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mixed reactions Wednesday after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposed a plan that could turn virtually any home on Oahu into a bed and breakfast. KITV.

Owner of alleged 'monster house' in Manoa fires back at neighbors. Tensions have been escalating over the home built in 1919 for the founder of Straub Clinic since Grant Shen purchased it in 2016. Neighbors say he has illegally converted the single-family residence into an apartment building with as many as 15 to 20 people living there. Hawaii News Now.

A Kailua home is turning a lot of heads lately. A shipping container has been installed above it. KHON2.

Workers at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Hotel cast their votes Tuesday to make the property the first Hawaii hotel to join the Unite Here Local 5 union through a National Labor Relations Board election in two decades. Star-Advertiser.

HTA balks at UFC’s $6M price for isle title card. The Ultimate Fighting Championship made the Hawaii Tourism Authority an offer it could refuse, leading to the collapse of talks that had been aimed at bringing a UFC card starring Max Holloway to Aloha Stadium this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism officials in Hawaii say that the UFC demanded a $6 million sponsorship fee in order to host a pay-per-view fight card at Aloha Stadium this summer – an amount even higher than what the agency once paid the NFL in order to host the Pro Bowl. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu tops the nation for solar capacity per capita. The new report released by Environment America found Honolulu also ranks third in the nation for total solar installed in a city. KITV.

No other city in the United States has more installed solar photovoltaic capacity per capita than Honolulu, according to a new report from Environment America. Pacific Business News.

Oahu condo prices jump 10% in March to new record. The median price of a condominium on Oahu rose 10 percent in March, compared to last year, to reach a record $440,000, while the median price of a single-family home nudged up by 1 percent. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Lance Niimi, executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County’s homeless coordinator, has resigned his post. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless housing fast tracked. Roy Takemoto, executive assistant to Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, was in Honolulu Wednesday meeting with Ford Fuchigami, Ige’s administrative director, and others to discuss an emergency proclamation Kim requested from the governor in March. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s beleaguered bus system is getting a little boost from the federal government, thanks to a $576,000 grant announced Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala Hospital will receive much-needed renovations following the release of capital improvement project funds that were recently released by Gov. David Ige, an April 4, 2018, press release announced. Big Island Now.

Hilo mural with armed hula dancer painted over amid complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Dispute leaves DirecTV customers without hula coverage. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police chief receives high marks in annual evaluation. KHON2.

Kaiser expands footprint on Maui. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has acquired 6.2 acres under its Wailuku Medical Office for $22 million. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii paid $22 million to buy the 6.2 acres of land beneath its Wailuku Medical Office on Maui from Alexander & Baldwin. Pacific Business News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has purchased 6.2 acres of land under its Wailuku Medical Office on Maui. Maui Now.

Two “Meet and Greet” events will be held to discuss the Waiehu Clubhouse Master Plan & Feasibility Study. Maui Now.

It’s the end of the road for Maui Downhill. Pioneer of mountain downhill bike tours calls it quits. Maui News.


Kauai

The state’s spotlight has swung toward Hanalei because of recent landslides, but locals say it’s the streets, not the slopes, with the major problem. Garden Island.

The question of what makes a community was the center of a heated discussion about the West Kauai Community Plan during the County Council’s Planning Committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Dogs have joined the fight against invasive rats on Lehua Island. The Department of Land and Natural resources started a project in 2017 to get rid of the rats by dropping rat poison in phases. KHON2.

Monitoring teams are observing more albatross on Lehua Island than they have in a long time, according to a Wednesday press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Molokai

Workers’ thefts sank Molokai credit union. The government says over at least nine years, two employees stole more than $1 million from the credit union, leading to First Hawaiian Homes Credit Union’s insolvency, closing and liquidation. Star-Advertiser.

Auditor says state tourism authority wastes taxpayer money, Coco Palms occupiers ousted, rail authority may be fined $4 million for federal infractions, state budget $45M short, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diamondhead surfers courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority PC: Tor Johnson

State lawmakers are calling for better oversight of the Hawaii Tourism Authority — maybe even budget cuts — in the wake of a scathing state audit released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority audit revealed ‘environment of loose oversight’. Pacific Business News.

Audit: Tourism authority has 'lax oversight' over contracts, reimbursed lavish expenses. Hawaii News Now.

The State auditor says the Hawaii Tourism Authority has been wasteful with state funds, and in many cases disregarded its own policies and contracts. KITV.

Audit claims Hawaii Tourism Authority spends extravagantly with little accountability. KHON2.

Hawaii Tourism Authority Responds to Audit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Read the full audit report of the Hawaii Tourism Authority here.

Hawaii’s hotel industry kicked off the year with solid growth in average daily rate and revenue per available room in January, according to a hotel performance report released Thursday by Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island hotels lead off 2018 with strong results. Hawaii's hotels began 2018 with strong results, reporting a 5.4 percent statewide increase in revenue per available room in January, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s monthly hotel report released Thursday. Pacific Business News.

=====

Hawaii Lawmakers Are Scrambling To Find Another $45 Million. A rare mid-session public meeting is planned by the Senate Ways and Means chairman to assess the state’s financial picture. Civil Beat.

Hirono On Her Cancer Battle: ‘My Voice Remains Strong’. The Hawaii senator discusses her stage 4 diagnosis and decision to remain in politics at an annual cancer event. Civil Beat.

In an effort to tackle the growing opioid crisis, lawmakers are looking to crack down on so-called "pill mills" and improve how prescription drugs are tracked and disposed of. Hawaii News Now.

Admitted ‘Wonder Blunder’ con man wants to change plea. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday admitted that it may have overpaid for relocating people in the path of the Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail line and violated a federal relocations law in the process. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail May Have To Give Up Nearly $4 Million to Feds. HART officials say a review of compensation payments to property owners has turned up possible violations of federal law. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced the official names of all nine rail stations on the Ewa side of Oahu Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Sunday’s heavy downpours resulted in roughly 8.8 million gallons of rain-induced sewage spills in Windward Oahu, keeping city crews busy and resulting in numerous state Health Department advisories for the area. Star-Advertiser.

Last weekend's rainstorm caused nearly nine-million gallons of sewer water to spill on the Windward side of Oahu. KITV.

Kamehameha Schools assistant band director James Maeda allegedly had sex on the Kapalama campus with a 14-year-old student over an eight-month period, Deputy Prosecutor Ayla Weiss told a state judge Thursday after an Oahu grand jury returned an indictment charging Maeda with multiple counts of sexual assault. Star-Advertiser.

Police: Kamehameha Schools faculty member had sex with student on campus, at home. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha faculty member accused of having sex with student appears in court. KHON2.

Waianae’s Community Gym Is Finally On The Mend. Classes in the facility’s upper level have been affected ever since a leak was discovered three years ago. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker pushes to stop Olelo channel move. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The University of Hawaii will conduct its own internal audit of its Maunakea-related activities, a response to “public concerns that have emerged … regarding the university’s operational and financial management” of the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

During a special meeting, regents were given a presentation by Mayor Harry Kim and voted on a financial management audit of Maunakea activities. Big Island Video News.

Coming off a critical audit that ended with the sudden resignation of the former Human Resources director, the county Merit Appeals Board and the newly appointed director put reestablishing trust at the top of the agenda. West Hawaii Today.

In about another month, Hawaii County’s Department of Environmental Management expects delivery of the first three trucks and trailers it will use to haul rubbish across the island following closure of the Hilo landfill. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Upcountry residents continued to angrily question officials with the state Department of Health this week about recent studies that identified their neighborhoods as a top priority area for cesspool contamination of drinking-water wells. Maui News.

The owner of a Maui apartment complex where tenants did maintenance and landscaping work has run afoul of federal labor regulations and will pay $84,136 to 22 workers, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Continues to Lead State with Revenue Per Available Room, Daily Rates. Maui Now.

Longtime Hawaii Realtor Mary Worrall has sold her interest in Island Sotheby’s International Realty to her nephew, Ryan MacLaughlin, who is now a part owner of the Maui-based firm with his father, Paul MacLaughlin. Pacific Business News.

Maui will be getting a new bowling alley as Island Bowling is set to open at the Outlets of Maui in Lahaina next week. Maui Now.

Police have closed an arson investigation into a fire that burned Kahului Elementary School classrooms, after identifying a 17-year-old Oahu boy as a second juvenile suspect in the case. Maui News.

Kauai

State sheriffs on Thursday removed protesters from the ruins of a Kauai hotel where they have been squatting since last year in an attempt to block redevelopment of land where Hawaiian chiefs once lived and where Elvis Presley’s character got married in the movie “Blue Hawaii.”  Associated Press.

Authorities Oust Protesters From Coco Palms Resort Land. A Native Hawaii group has been camping on the site where developers are planning a $135 million project. Civil Beat.

Authorities clear occupiers from historic Coco Palms property. Hawaii News Now.

Protester arrested as deputies serve eviction notice to Coco Palms’ occupiers. Star-Advertiser.

One person was arrested Thursday morning in Wailua, where the famed Coco Palms Resort once stood, as last month’s court-ordered ejectment was enforced. Garden Island.

Occupiers at the site of historic Coco Palms were ordered off the property Thursday. That comes about one month after a judge ruled they have to leave. KITV.

Security guard sent to protect Coco Palms declines to do so. Garden Island.

Hirono says spreading cancer won't keep her from her post, Ige seeks Airbnb tax deal, steep hikes in local Obamacare premiums, F-35A stealth aircraft flying through, disaster declared in Maui drought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono courtesy image

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and had a kidney removed in May, announced Tuesday that she has “some small spots in my thyroid gland.” Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Mazie Hirono has a video update on her fight against cancer. KITV.

Gov. David Ige’s administration is pursuing a private tax agreement with Airbnb Inc. that would allow the vacation rental company to collect taxes from its hosts and send the money to the state. Star-Advertiser.

The proverbial “tip of the spear” is about to get sharper in Asia with 10 of the Air Force’s advanced F-35A stealth aircraft transiting through Hawaii on their way to the first operational deployment for the attack planes to Japan. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA and Kaiser to raise Obamacare rates Jan. 1. The state approved an average 19.8 percent rate hike for Hawaii Medical Service Association and a 24.1 percent increase for Kaiser Permanente’s Obamacare health plans. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian Health Task Force Isn’t Giving Up The Fight. After racing to craft legislation in just five days last session, the group’s members want to continue addressing ethnic health disparities. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Longline Association may join the court battle over foreign fishermen and whether they should be licensed to fish in Hawaii waters despite being barred from stepping on U.S. soil. Star-Advertiser.

Lost-at-sea saga marked by inconsistencies, changing stories. The dramatic story of two Honolulu women who were lost at sea for nearly six months before being rescued by the U.S. Navy played out on front pages and websites worldwide. Associated Press.

A locations assistant on “Hawaii Five-0” sued CBS, alleging an employee harassed her repeatedly for over a year by pursuing unwanted sexual contact and threatening to light her and her desk on fire, among other things. Tribune News Service.

Medical Cannabis vs Prescription Opiate Pain Killers. More than 33,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses last year.  Local medical cannabis proponents say many of these deaths can be prevented. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

It’s Hard To Say Where Homeless People Go After Sweeps. City and state data on their whereabouts is spotty. Advocates say permanent housing is the only true solution. Civil Beat.

Tenants, landlord clash at Kewalo Basin harbor. Two small businesses operating charter boats in Honolulu have been caught up in a dispute with the contractor running a state-owned harbor. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii’s Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building in Downtown Honolulu has re-opened after being vacant for more than a dozen years, following an extensive $27 million renovation that included asbestos abatement. Pacific Business News.

Former charter school director charged with theft. Laara Allbrett, who was the director of Halau Lokahi, was charged Monday with four counts of second-degree theft. KHON2.

The city levies big fines against homeowners — and then waives most of them. For the past eight years, the former owners of a Waikiki property on the corner of Kalaimoku and Kuhio streets have been accruing fines at a rate of $100 per day, for a variety of land use violations. Hawaii News Now.

Owner of Kapolei oil refinery celebrates first anniversary in Hawaii. Island Energy Services LLC, the company that took over the Hawaii-based assets of Chevron Corp., is celebrating its one-year anniversary in the Islands on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Bikeshare Hawaii CEO pleased by growth, says Biki is evolving. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Momi Medical Center on Monday opened its Hawaii Pacific Health Cancer Center, the first of its kind in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Mum’s the word: DWS explains silence on two North Kona deep well failures in October. For at least a couple of days in the heart of October and during the thick of the Ironman World Championship, Hawaii County was down five of its 13 deep wells in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Resurfacing project on Waianuenue Avenue to begin Nov. 13. For nine days, Waianuenue Avenue will be reduced to one lane only between Kamehameha Avenue and Kaiulani Street as workers repair the road’s deteriorated surface. Tribune-Herald.

The recently vacated Keaau Village Market will be replaced by a Longs Drugs location, building permits have revealed. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator Lorraine Inouye, State Representative Chris Todd, and Representative Mark Nakashima were featured speakers at Monday’s Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii general membership meeting. Big Island Video News.

Authorities on the Big Island are cracking down on agricultural theft by attempting to eliminate the market for stolen produce. Associated Press.

Maui

Drought-stricken Maui farmers eligible for federal loans. The United States Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County as a Primary Disaster Area because of the drought that's plagued the Valley Isle and neighboring islands for years. Hawaii News Now.

The US Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Maui Now.

No Additional Fee for “Private” Postpartum Rooms at Maui Hospital. Effective Nov. 1, 2017, Maui Health System we will no longer collect additional fees for private postpartum rooms at the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

The Maui News has reversed course and will use carriers for newspaper home delivery after all. It also will retain its Sunday edition after announcing in a front-page publisher’s note to readers Tuesday that it is rescinding its recent decision to use the U.S. Postal Service for home delivery instead of newspaper carriers. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

A program that helps landlords get paid and helps to keep tenants from being evicted has expanded to Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai renters and landlords have a new resource at their fingertips now that the state Judiciary has expanded an aid program for tenants and landlords. Garden Island.

This week, 13 elders from indigenous tribes around the world are gathering on Kauai to hold ceremonies and talk story about the condition of the planet. Garden Island.

Self-resetting rat traps are turning out to be the firepower conservationists needed to help control rat populations on Kauai. Garden Island.

Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge is closed tonight due to flooding on Kauai, and a shelter at Hanalei Elementary School has been opened. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail $2.4B bailout passed by Senate, advances in House; Kauai missile test successful; Hawaii's last princess; Big Island judges appointed, Maui judge sought; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.s. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin at 'Dreamer' press conference, courtesy Chin

Hope For Legal Status In the US Turns To Uncertainty For This ‘Dreamer’. President Trump is considering ending a program that granted temporary legal status to young undocumented immigrants, including more than 500 in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

=====

A $2.4 billion Honolulu rail bailout bill clipped quickly down the fast track Wednesday, easily clearing the Senate and its only House committees midway through a week-long special session. West Hawaii Today.

A $2.4 billion bailout plan for the troubled Honolulu rail project cleared some big hurdles Wednesday, passing both the full Senate and two House committees despite opposition from lawmakers who say the project’s costs have spun out of control. Civil Beat.

Impassioned pleas to force the House to negotiate and come up with a better rail bill fell on deaf ears. After nearly two hours of debate the Senate closed its side of the deal. KITV.

The bill to bail out Honolulu Rail passed the House Transportation and Finance Committees Wednesday night. Senate Bill 4 would extend the General Excise Tax (GET) and raise the transient accommodations tax (TAT) by 1-percentage point to help pay for rail. KITV.

With all 25 state senators casting votes, legislation aimed at rescuing the city’s cash-strapped rail project by raising state taxes passed the full Senate today with a 16-9 vote and now heads over to the House of Representatives. Star-Advertiser.

The State Senate chamber was emotionally charged today as lawmakers voted on the bill to fund the Honolulu Rail Transit project. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill to fund Honolulu’s rail project passed out of the Hawaii State Senate Wednesday. KHON2.

VIDEO: Senate Advances Rail Bill, Big Island Votes No. Big Island Video News.

A bill that would combine increasing the state’s transient accommodations tax and extend Oahu’s 0.5 percent surcharge of the general excise tax passed the Senate on its third reading on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Mayor’s stress test claim ‘evaporated’ as FTA reaffirms half-billion pad not required. KHON2.

=====

The U.S. military shot down a medium-range ballistic missile during a test off Hawaii, officials said. Associated Press.

Tuesday’s ballistic missile intercept test off Kauai represents another success in the development of missile defense systems that are increasingly in demand, are often tested in Hawaii, and whose development is being ramped up to meet an otherwise vexing threat from North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

A Raytheon Co. missile system was a key part of a successful anti-ballistic test off the coast of Hawaii Tuesday, boosting the company's stock as the saber-rattling between the U.S. and North Korea continues. Pacific Business News.

The US military successfully shot down a medium range ballistic missile target during an interceptor test off of Kauaʻi on Tuesday night. Maui Now.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has approved a five-year Air Force plan for bombing practice at sea off the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. Associated Press.

Updated Hawaii Salary Database: Doctors And Judges Do Well, Thank You. We’ve added tens of thousands of additional workers, including those in the Department of Education, the Judiciary and general state employees. Civil Beat.

There’s an ongoing court battle involving the health and future of the woman some call Hawaii’s last princess. Apart from the legal case itself, it’s a story of royalty….and how that lineage continues to this day. Hawaii Public Radio.

State regulators and the solar industry are seeking more input on Hawaiian Electric Co.’s $205 million grid modernization plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Companies submitted on Tuesday the final draft of its Grid Modernization Strategy for review by the state Public Utilities Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A real estate firm is predicting that investors could spend around $1 billion less acquiring commercial property in Hawaii this year, which if accurate would be a third consecutive year of decline. Star-Advertiser.

New statewide safety rules for food establishments go into effect Saturday. Garden Island.

Oahu

A proposal to substantially increase Oahu liquor license fees is expected to come under heavy criticism during a public hearing today before the Honolulu Liquor Commission. Star-Advertiser.

For the past few months Honolulu police have been trying out a new method of interaction. It's designed to build a bridge with Honolulu's homeless population. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Health advised the public to stay out of the waters of part of Honolulu Harbor after a wastewater discharge Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Supporters of Hu Honua Bioenergy celebrated a new beginning Wednesday as construction continues to ramp up on the once troubled $250 million power plant near Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige on Wednesday announced the appointments of two new judges to the 3rd Circuit Court on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige Wednesday appointed Kealakekua-based Attorney Robert D.S. Kim as judge of the 3rd Circuit Court in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono kicked off a special Facebook event geared towards small business owners in Hilo on Monday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

A settlement has been reached between the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the County of Maui over a complaint filed that alleged denial of reasonable accommodations for a disabled employee. Maui Now.

A disability discrimination case has been settled between Maui County and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, according to an announcement Wednesday. Maui News.

Saying it didn’t appear that information not provided to the defense would have affected the outcome, a judge denied a former Maui Community Correctional Center guard’s request for a new trial on charges that he sexually assaulted an inmate three years ago. Maui News.

Former Maui Corrections Officer Convicted of sex assault, Sentencing Set. Maui Now.

The Department of Water Supply’s new water treatment plant on West Alu Road in Wailuku is about 40 percent complete. Maui News.

The Judicial Selection Commission is accepting applications and nominations to fill a vacancy for 2nd Circuit Family Court judge. Maui News.

When Judge Keith Tanaka retires today, he will end 10 “unexpected” and “invaluable” years on the 2nd Circuit Family Court bench. Maui News.

Kauai

The second drop of rodenticide on Lehua Island happened Wednesday. Garden Island.

The state has administered a second round of rodenticide bait drops to eradicate rats on Lehua Island. Star-Advertiser.