Schatz vs. Hanabusa -- Down to the wire

Colleen Hanabusa, Brian Schatz recent debate screen shot

Only in Hawaii would a challenger to a sitting incumbent be known as the insider, and a race between two seasoned politicians be seen as a fight between a dead senator and President Obama.

But that's apparently the case in the down-to-the-wire showdown between U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Schatz, formerly lieutenant governor and an appointee of longtime Obama friend and supporter Neil Abercrombie, faces challenger Hanabusa in the Democratic primary Saturday in Hawaii.

It's a grudge match for Hanabusa, who viewed as a personal affront Abercrombie's 2012 appointment of Schatz over her despite an apparent deathbed request from the powerful U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Inouye's widow continues to endorse her.

(Abercrombie, it should be noted, is facing his own problems in his reelection bid, posed by fellow Democrat and state Sen. David Ige.)

"On Saturday, Hawaii brings a test of Mr. Obama’s pull in contested Democratic primaries," said a Wall Street Journal political post.

Obama is backing both Schatz and Abercrombie.

There's a lot of history there. Schatz endorsed Obama in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary. Inouye and Hanabusa backed Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Dueling polls show either Schatz or Hanabusa in the lead, and many predict it's going to be a close one. It's an important contest because it's just about a given that the real election in this race is the Democratic duel in the primary.

Hanabusa leads Schatz 50 percent to 42 percent, with 8 percent undecided in a July 21-29 Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll.

A Civil Beat poll July 24-28 of likely Democratic voters shows Schatz with a 49 percent to 41 percent edge on the congresswoman.

But what about those polls?

"Polling in Hawaii— and especially primary polling— is notoriously unreliable. And we don't mean off-by-a-few points unreliable. We mean often vastly different-from-the-final-result unreliable," said a Washington Post blogger in a The Fix posting titled " Hawaii: Where good polling goes to die."

It's trite but true, and it's become a mantra for several candidates these past few days: The only poll that really matters is the one the state tallies up on Election Day.

Schatz-Hanabusa still tied for Senate, GMO could be on Maui ballot, food safety rules tighten, Hanohano meets with speaker, minimum wage opposed, Kauai mulls redistricting, drones on the Big Island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa

Just five months before the first votes are cast, likely Democratic primary voters are evenly split on who to support for the U.S. Senate. A new Civil Beat Poll shows U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa with 40 percent each. Another 20 percent are not sure who they'll vote for. This is the third time Civil Beat has polled the Schatz-Hanabusa matchup in eight months, and there has been very little movement in either direction for either candidate.

Scientists revealed the results of a comprehensive study relating to the levels of radiation in the Pacific Ocean as a result of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. As it relates to Hawaii, the findings were positive. Hawaii News Now.

A new wide-ranging set of food safety rules went into effect Monday for some 10,000 restaurants, lunch wagons and food establishments in Hawaii, but the state Health Department will not begin enforcement until June. Peter Oshiro, state environmental health program manager, said inspectors will visit every food establishment in the state to explain the new rules before enforcing regulations that require everything from gloves for those who handle food to patron notification of the risk of eating raw and undercooked food. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Health Committee held an emotional hearing Monday as senators began vetting Gov. Neil Abercrombie's appointee for director of the Department of Health — a position left vacant when Director Loretta Fuddy died in December after a plane crash off Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Faye Hanohano met privately Monday with House leaders to give her side of the controversy that has swirled around her conduct. Hanohano, who had postponed two previously scheduled meetings with House leaders last week, spoke with House Speaker Joseph Souki, House Vice Speaker John Mizuno, House Majority Leader Scott Saiki and others for about a half-hour. Rep. Marcus Oshiro accompanied Hanohano in what he described as "moral support." Star-Advertiser.

The public may soon see more timely and detailed reports from people who are paid to try to influence policy decisions in Hawaii. That’s good news for a state with lax lobbying laws. A nationwide survey conducted two years ago found Hawaii lagging far behind — especially when it comes to disclosure — and the Legislature has done little since then to address the problem. Civil Beat.

Senate Bill 2609, which raises the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2017 and eliminates the tip credit, has a hearing set for Wednesday in Senate Ways and Means. Civil Beat.

Mentally and physically debilitated prisoners in Hawaii are likely to gain easier access to parole hearings under changes state agencies are making. Associated Press.

Six of the seven announced Democratic candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat stepped up efforts to separate themselves from the rest of the field during a forum Monday, while attempting to make special appeals to a largely older crowd. Sponsored by the Hono­lulu-based Kokua Council, which advocates for seniors, the forum drew about 50 people to Harris United Methodist Church in lower Nuuanu. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates in the crowded race for Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa’s seat met for the first time today in a face-to-face political forum hosted by the Kokua Council in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the months since the Sandy Hook mass shooting that left 26 students and staffers at the Connecticut elementary school dead in December 2012, Hawaii has stepped up its security and safety training at public schools to prevent similar tragedies here, school officials told lawmakers Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers want to help the state’s seniors avoid a situation where they’ve fallen — and can’t get up. The Legislature plan to allocate $80,000 for a new “fall prevention coordinator” position in the state Department of Health’s Emergency Management Division. Hawaii Reporter.

In the last seven years there have been 13 security breaches at Iolani Palace or on the palace grounds. Some of the incidents have resulted in the destruction of irreplaceable treasures. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is trying to make it easier to check whether a professional in Hawaii is licensed. The department said Monday more than 375,000 Hawaii licenses can now be accessed on mobile devices. Associated Press.

State roundup for February 25. Associated Press.

Oahu

Proposed military cuts could have negative impact on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific University has completed a draft environmental assessment for its proposed conversion of Aloha Tower Marketplace into an extension of its downtown Hono­lulu campus sprinkled with some retail and restaurant use. Star-Advertiser.

Walmart plans to hire 150 people for its new Downtown Honolulu store, which will open this summer in the former Macy’s department store, the discount retail giant said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Plan expands types of events OK'd for Stan Sheriff Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Hilo announced Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration granted a Certificate of Authorization for the use of an unmanned aircraft to assess wiliwili trees on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Earlier this month, five men stood outside of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, their gaze locked on what resembled a miniature spaceship hovering above their heads. The object: a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), or drone. Its implications: many. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Pacific University Oceanic Institute’s long-planned $5 million Feeds Research and Pilot Production Facility to be developed at the University of Hawaii at Hilo on the Big Island is finally getting some traction with the filing of a draft environmental assessment. Pacific Business News.

Kamehameha Schools will be buying the Hualalai Academy campus, the closing school’s board president says. West Hawaii Today.

Access to water in dry Kawaihae was one of the top concerns about the state’s proposal to add water lines to the small boat harbor under construction there. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands official noted the draft environmental assessment, issued in December, said the water line and road construction project will increase demand on the region’s water system. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Come November, the citizens of Maui County could be voting on a temporary suspension of all genetically modified crop production in their county. The only thing standing in the way of a public vote on the matter is the collection of 8,500 signatures. Kauai County Councilman Tim Bynum said it is a more comprehensive moratorium than the one proposed in the original version of Bill 2491, which would have placed a moratorium on field expansion. Garden Island.

The battle against genetically modified farming is heating up on Maui, where residents are pushing a citizens’ initiative to temporarily ban the use of such biotechnology. While Hawaii doesn’t allow residents to bring statewide ballot initiatives, the Maui County Charter has a provision for county-level efforts. Civil Beat.

Four Upcountry farms and one farm labor contractor were fined by the United States Department of Labor last year for violating minimum wage and other federal standards for migrant fieldworkers, prompting Maui County to adopt a code of conduct for agricultural employers. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Friday passed a bill to honor raises in five departments and appropriated $864,000 to assist with the costs of landfill operations and refuse collection and Department of Environmental Management compliance with regulations. Maui News.

A total of 24 Maui residents have pulled papers for the upcoming 2014 elections since the candidate filing period began on Feb. 3. Maui Now.

Three people were appointed to the Molokai Planning Commission and a longtime Maui educator was named to the Maui Planning Commission as the Maui County Council approved the mayor's nominees to various boards and commissions Friday. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Water Supply filed a draft environmental assessment for a 1.44 million gallon per day exploratory well in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

A coalition of Kauai residents and public interest groups, represented by the Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice, filed papers in federal district court Monday to intervene as defendants in the legal challenge of Ordinance 960, formerly Bill 2491, which regulates pesticides and GMOs on the island. Garden Island.

Bob Stout minces few words when it comes to proposals to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage: It’s not a good idea. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai Charter Review Commission will consider five redistricting proposals next month, when its members will decide whether voters will take up the question during this year’s general election. A report released by a special Charter Review Commission committee Monday suggested that the entire governing body reconsider its initial proposal to establish seven geographic districts and elect Kauai County Council members based on the district in which they both reside. Garden Island.

Judges uphold gay marriage, open primaries, Hanabusa challenges Schatz to 12 debates, Kauai council mustering votes for GMO, pesticide bill veto override, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brian Schatz, Colleen Hanabusa

Gay couples in Hawaii are free to marry in December after a state circuit judge ruled Thursday that the state's new marriage equality law is legal. Judge Karl Sakamoto refused to issue a temporary restraining order sought by state Rep. Bob McDermott and a group of Christians who wanted to prevent the state from issuing marriage licenses to gay couples Dec. 2. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii judge on Thursday ruled the state’s brand new gay marriage law is legal, despite a challenge saying voters thought they barred same-sex marriage 15 years ago in the state constitution. Hawaii Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto said the 1998 amendment didn’t force the Legislature to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Associated Press.

Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto today rejected a challenge by GOP Rep. Bob McDermott and others to halt same-sex marriage in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A federal judge on Thursday upheld Hawaii’s open primary election, ruling a lawsuit challenging the system failed to prove it’s “facially unconstitutional.” The Democratic Party of Hawaii filed a lawsuit in June asserting that allowing every registered voter to participate in the party’s nomination process is tantamount to forced political association and is unconstitutional. Associated Press.

A federal judge Thursday upheld Hawaii's open primary election system, rejecting claims by the Democratic Party of Hawaii that allowing all voters to choose the party's candidates is a violation of the First Amendment right to free association. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright ruled that the Democratic Party failed to prove that the open primary places a "severe burden" on the free-association rights of political parties, since some parties might embrace all voters. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge today ruled that the way Hawaii conducts its primary elections is constitutional. The Democratic Party of Hawaii sued Scott Nago, Hawaii's chief election officer, in June, arguing that the state's open primary system infringed on the right of the party and its members to decide who is eligible to vote in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Entering a new phase in Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is challenging Sen. Brian Schatz to 12 candidate forums before the August 2014 special election. Civil Beat.

The Board of Regents' Candidate Advisory Council has submitted three candidates to Gov. Neil Abercrombie to fill, on an interim basis, a vacated Honolulu seat. The candidates include: Peter S. Adler, a planner and mediator; attorney Jeffrey S. Portnoy; and Stanford B. C. Yuen, a former special assistant to the Navy Region Hawaii Commander (admiral), according to a news release issued today. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

It will be up to another year before construction starts on a long-planned and delayed regional shopping center in East Kapolei, but the state agency that owns the mall site remains committed to the project. Star-Advertiser.

A 10-year-old problem with flooding in Mapunapuna is costing Honolulu taxpayers millions of dollars. The city's failure to clear debris and other potential blocks from Maunalua Stream prompted the settlement but officials won't say whether the problems have been resolved. Civil Beat.

Just a year and a half after the state spent $10,000 cleaning trash and debris from an island in Keehi Lagoon, it's full of garbage again, with several homeless people living there. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Human Services is investigating the alleged theft of hundreds of thousands from a leeward Oahu homeless shelter. Associated Press.

People from across the world are drawn to the coastal town of Kailua. Its white sand beaches are among the nation’s best. Some recommend the Honolulu suburb for its laid-back vibe. And President Barack Obama vacations there with his family each Christmas. But now, the neighborhood board is asking a state tourism agency to stop encouraging visitors to stay overnight in their town. Associated Press.

One day after a new state law legalized same-sex marriage, Perfectly Planned Hawaii announced it has received certification as an LGBT-owned-and-operated business through the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. It is the only wedding business in Hawaii to hold the certification. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
First-floor Kamehameha Avenue storefronts running from Mamo Street to Waianuenue Avenue are those in the running to receive new paint jobs as a result of Hilo winning the Benjamin Moore Main Street Matters contest. Tribune-Herald.

Tiny historic Honokaa is poised to become the first totally Wi-Fi town on Hawaii Island, as the business community works with the county to install hardware enabling everyone there to tap into free Internet. West Hawaii Today.

Regency South Inc. is now aiming to complete a new 100-bed skilled-nursing facility in Hilo this summer. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui member of the state Board of Education resigned effective the end of October. Maui News.

A photographer who spends 250 days out of the year capturing the world's most beautiful places will never forget his time spent a top Haleakala, which means the "house of the rising sun." KHON2.

Maui was the only island to log a hotel occupancy gain, though only a half percentage point, for the first nine months in the Hospitality Advisors and Smith Travel Research report. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council delayed action on a controversial pesticide measure Thursday after failing to line up enough votes to override Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.'s veto. The Council voted to recess until 11 a.m. today. Star-Advertiser.

In yet another bizarre twist in the Bill 2491 saga, the Kauai County Council voted to recess Thursday’s meeting, postponing its vote on an override of Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s recent veto of the bill until Saturday. Garden Island.

Drama hung in the air at the Kauai County Council as members prepared to vote Thursday on whether they would override Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s veto of pesticide and GMO disclosure Bill 2491. Civil Beat.

The Pesticides Branch of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture has completed voluntary pesticide-use guidelines and established the “Kauai Agricultural Good Neighbor Program” to provide more information and education on pesticide use on the island. The voluntary pesticide-use guideline will go into effect on Dec. 1. It will apply to the five agricultural companies mentioned in Kauai County Bill 2491 — Dow AgroSciences, Pioneer, Syngenta, BASF, and Kauai Coffee Company — and assures that adequate buffer zones are in place when restricted-use pesticides are applied. Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is poised to build a second 12-megawatt solar power-generating facility and could begin construction next year when it signs a lease with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Associated Press.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz heads to U.S. Senate as Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie bucks the late Sen. Daniel Inouye's faction of the state Democratic Party

Lt. Gov Brian Schatz named to U.S. Senate, screen capture of Gov. Abercrombie announcement

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, who is expected to be sworn in today as the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's successor, said Wednesday that he understands the magnitude of the appointment and promised the islands: "I won't let you down." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz on Wednesday was appointed the state’s next U.S. senator, bucking the dying wishes of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to win the support of Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Who Is Brian Schatz? Meet Hawaii's New U.S. Senator. Civil Beat.

Ten days after the death of Dan Inouye, Hawaii has a new U.S. senator. And it's not Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

The decision drew an immediate backlash on Twitter and Facebook, but Gov. Neil Abercrombie did not back down when asked why he failed to honor Sen. Dan Inouye's final wish. KITV4.

Just hours after receiving a list of three candidates from Hawaii's Democratic Party to replace U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the appointment of his Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to the position. Hawaii Reporter.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz has been appointed to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat held by Daniel Inouye for the past 50 years. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose his Lt. Gov., Brian Schatz, Wednesday to replace the late U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, rebuffing Inouye's request to appoint U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to the post. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercombie has appointed Brian Schatz to succeed the late Daniel Inouye as U.S. Senator. KHON2.

Governor Abercrombie has selected Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to succeed the late Senator Inouye. Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie picked Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy left by the recent and sudden death of Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai‘i. The governor’s choice denies Inouye’s deathbed wish for Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawai‘i to succeed him in the Senate. Garden Island.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz has been named to replace the late-Sen. Daniel Inouye in the U.S. Senate. Maui News.

Governor Abercrombie Appoints Brian Schatz to fill Senate Vacancy. Hawaii Public Radio.

The late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye's office says it's disappointed Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose not to honor the Hawaii Democrat's last wish that U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa replace him in the chamber. Hawaii News Now.

A series of statements were released in the moments following the appointment of Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to fill the vacancy of the late US Senator Daniel Inouye. Most of the remarks were congratulatory in nature, but at least one, coming from the Hawaii Republican Party, was critical of the governor’s choice. Maui Now.

President Barack Obama returned to Washington on Wednesday night after spending his last day of vacation at the golf course and the beach. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama left Hawaii Wednesday night, cutting short his traditional holiday vacation. Hawaii News Now.

Not only is the State Energy Office looking to grab a bigger piece of the so-called barrel tax. The state Department of Agriculture is hoping state legislators will nearly triple its share of the barrel tax from 15 cents to 42.5 cents of the $1.05 total for every barrel of petroleum that is imported to Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii State Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division is conducting a series of community focus group meetings to solicit input from communities and stakeholders statewide about AMHD services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Hawaii Reporter.

An anonymous donor has committed to a $9.2 million gift to the University of Hawaii to fund scholarships and support programs and projects in the sciences and culinary arts, the UH Foundation announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Big, potentially dangerous waves are hitting the north shores of several islands, including Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Laurel Stricklin knows firsthand what it takes to be compassionate to complete strangers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County residents can expect improvements in roads, parks and garbage management, modernization of civil defense sirens and a commitment to agriculture, according to 2013 priorities cited by Mayor Billy Kenoi and Council Chairman J Yoshimoto. West Hawaii Today.

Starting Wednesday, Kealakekua Bay is closed for business to kayaks, standup paddlers and boogie boarders. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park plans to challenge an application for a helicopter landing pad in the former Royal Gardens subdivision, according to the Hawaii County Planning Department. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park expects to begin using two hybrid battery/hydrogen-fueled visitor shuttles this spring. Tribune-Herald.

The public is invited to a memorial service today in Hilo for the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will hire both the exiting Council Chair Danny Mateo of Molokai, and the exiting Vice Chair Joe Pontanilla of Kahului. Maui News.

Maui County's call for a developer to build and operate a waste-to-energy plant has attracted some of the nation's top names in waste-conversion technologies. Maui News.

A service for the late Sen. Daniel Inouye will be held Saturday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater, it was announced Monday as another prominent elected leader applied to be considered to fill the seat. Maui News.

Kauai

In an effort to make Makaweli Poi Mill more self-sufficient and increase projects supporting the Hawaiian language on Kaua‘i, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Wednesday it is transferring the poi mill to a local nonprofit group. Garden Island.

Rep. Derek Kawakami’s schedule precluded him from joining everyone else Wednesday at the M. Kawamura Farm Enterprises shop in Pua Loke. Garden Island.

Obama cuts vacation short, Hirono tried to delay Senate seniority, Schatz could be top pick for Senate seat, Inouye to be honored on each island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama and first lady visit Hawaii Marine Base, White House courtesy photo

President Barack Obama is cutting short his traditional Christmas holiday in Hawaii, planning to leave for Washington on Wednesday evening as lawmakers consider how to prevent the economy from going over the so-called fiscal cliff. Associated Press.

In what has become a Christmas Day tradition, President Barack Obama shared holiday cheer Tuesday with members of the military and their families at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Mazie Hirono allies lobbied Democratic officials to hold back the appointed senator's swearing in until the same day as Hirono, even though the delay would cause the state to lose vital seniority in the U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Monday that she is qualified to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death last week of Daniel Inouye. Associated Press.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz remains the candidate most likely to be chosen by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to replace Inouye, who died Dec. 17, in spite of Inouye's request for U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to replace him. Hawaii News Now.

Before Gov. Neil Abercrombie selects a successor for the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, the Democratic Party of Hawaii's State Central Committee will be the primary vetting chamber. Civil Beat.

The Democratic Party expects by this time Wednesday, 14 candidates to fill the U.S. Senate seat of Daniel Inouye will be narrowed down to three. KHON2.

County governments on Hawaii island, Kauai and Maui are holding memorial services this week for U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye, who died Dec. 17 at age 88 of respiratory complications. Star-Advertiser.

Voter ID laws were one of the most contentious issues of the past election season. Civil Beat.

The military family financial services organization First Command is warning that many service members are cutting back on their spending this holiday season as concerns about the country falling off the “fiscal cliff” mount. Pacific Business News.

State roundup 12.26. Associated Press.

Oahu

Continued high-surf conditions and the annual crush of holiday beachgoers combined to keep North Shore lifeguards "extremely busy" on Christmas Day, an official said. Star-Advertiser.

Monster waves with up to 25-foot-faces hit the islands, injuring some surfers and attracting numerous onlookers. KHON2.

Hawaii

Plans to build a Mars-like habitat on Mauna Loa are now in the hands of the state’s Office of Environmental Quality Control. West Hawaii Today.

From food safety to expanding solar power, the Big Island’s state legislators are planning to tackle a wide range of issues during the next session in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Elections top 2012 stories. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A recent study confirms liquid flows through wells used by a Maui wastewater plant into the ocean via underwater springs close to shore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Friday. Associated Press.

Oceanic Time Warner Cable held a grand opening and blessing of its new facility in the Maui Lani Village Center last week. Maui News.

Repairs to the Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool in Wailuku continue, with re-opening tentatively set for June of 2013, barring any obstacles. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Fire Department officials are reminding residents that a permit from the fire department is required to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Garden Island.

Kadomatsu, a traditional New Year’s display in Hawai‘i, are now available at various places in time for a New Year’s celebration. Garden Island.

Mazie Hirono, Tulsi Gabbard, Colleen Hanabusa, Kirk Caldwell, Billy Kenoi and a host of others elected to Hawaii offices as low turnout, ballot shortages plague polls

Hawaii vote counting center (c) Robert D. Harris

Despite lower voter turnout compared with 2008, at least 21 polling places on Oahu ran out of paper ballots Tuesday, making for long lines and long waits for hundreds of voters, some of whom decided the wait to cast a ballot wasn’t worth the time. Star-Advertiser.

Several polling places on Oahu ran out of paper ballots Tuesday, causing long lines at electronic voting machines and forcing many people to walk away in frustration without casting a vote. Associated Press.

A combination of higher than expected turn out and poor management, 19 polling places on the island of Oahu ran out of paper ballots on Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii Reporter.

Hot races including a tight contest involving our own homegrown presidential contender couldn't shake Hawaii voters' continued apathy toward elections. Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama may be the leader of the free world, but here in Hawaii, in the place he calls home, he’s something more special than that. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama may be the leader of the free world, but here in Hawaii, in the place he calls home, he’s something more special than that. Star-Advertiser.

Mazie Hirono (c) 2012 all Hawaii News

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono defeated former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday night to become Hawaii’s next U.S. senator, prevailing in a race many believed key to shifting power dynamics in Congress. Associated Press.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono claimed victory over former Gov. Linda Lingle Tuesday night, becoming the first Asian-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Mazie Hirono will be the first Asian-American woman to hold a U.S. Senate seat after she soundly beat another former governor Linda Lingle with 63 percent of the vote. KITV4.

With a 107,000 votes lead, Democrat Mazie Hirono defeated Republican Linda Lingle for the U.S. Senate seat. Hawaii News Now.

Mazie Hirono has defeated Linda Lingle for the U.S. Senate. Civil Beat.

Democrat Mazie Hirono defeated former Gov. Linda Lingle Tuesday in the race to succeed retiring Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka in the U.S. Senate. Pacific Business News.

Democratic U.S. Rep Colleen Hanabusa won re-election to Hawaii's 1st Congressional District, holding off Republican Charles Djou. Pacific Business News.

Democrat Tulsi Gabbard won the race for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District Tuesday with an overwhelming lead over her Republican challenger. Pacific Business News.

There’s little doubt that Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii’s “it girl,” is heading to Washington D.C. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard won an easy victory over little-known Republican Kawika Crowley tonight to take the U.S. House seat for Congressional District 2. Star-Advertiser.

Riding the strength of President Obama’s re-election, the Democrats strengthened their dominance at the state Legislature, picking up one seat in the House while maintaining their 24-1 stronghold in the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

State constitutional amendment proposals allowing state court judges to serve temporarily after age 69 and easing the financing of repairs to high-risk agricultural reservoirs and dams were narrowly defeated in Tuesday’s general election. Star-Advertiser.

 Oahu
Starting from a distant third place behind two well-known challengers at the start of the year, Kirk Caldwell completed his surge Tuesday by topping former Gov. Ben Cayetano in the race for Hono­lulu mayor and earning the right to continue overseeing the progress of the city's $5.26 billion rail transit project. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu managing director Kirk Caldwell rolled to victory Tuesday night, defeating former Gov. Ben Cayetano to become Honolulu’s next mayor. Civil Beat.

Kirk Caldwell was elected Honolulu mayor Tuesday, defeating former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano in a contest that was centered on the city's $5.16 billion rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

With nearly 85% of voters in a recent Hawaii News Now poll saying that the rail issue would have an impact on their vote for Honolulu mayor, the 2012 general election showed that Hawaii voters favored the candidate who is committed to seeing the project continue. Hawaii News Now.

City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro defeated former Honolulu city Deputy Prosecutor Kevin Takata for a four-year term to head the office that prosecutes most of the criminal cases on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Voters were rejecting the outspoken and sometimes controversial Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg tonight, and instead appeared to be choosing state Rep. Kymberly Marcos Pine as the new councilwoman to represent the Leeward Coast, Kapolei and parts of Ewa. Star-Advertiser.

Kymberly Pine has beat Tom Berg in the race for the Honolulu City Council District 1 seat. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi will serve another four years, after slapping away a spirited challenge from his old boss, former Mayor Harry Kim. West Hawaii Today.

Billy Kenoi narrowly won another four years as mayor Tuesday in a nailbiter election against his challenger and former boss, Harry Kim. Tribune-Herald.

Mitch Roth, a deputy prosecuting attorney, bested Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida by just 94 votes Tuesday evening to become the county’s next prosecutor. West Hawaii Today.

Ford returns to council; Wille defeats Shimaoka. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County voters expanded their support for public land purchases Tuesday evening, embracing two measures that increased the minimum set aside to buy those lands and creating a fund to maintain the property. West Hawaii Today.

Voters OK five Charter changes, reject state amendments. Tribune-Herald.

Third returns, all precincts reporting. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County voters rejected four-year terms for council members, keeping the two-year term status quo. But voters approved all 10 other proposed amendments to the Maui County Charter. Maui News.

Maui has a new state representative and two new council members following yesterday’s 2012 general election. Maui Now.

Voters and election officials on Maui are reporting a smooth opening of polling places in Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai

Voters and election volunteers said Tuesday’s general election went smoothly, with large turnouts and short lines, if any at all. Garden Island.

Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau, easily won re-election Tuesday, topping his Republican challenger William Georgi by 12,748 votes. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council will have a slightly new formation as of Dec. 1, with math teacher Ross Kagawa and former state Sen. Gary Hooser replacing council members Dickie Chang and KipuKai Kuali‘i. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i voters said “yes” Tuesday to five amendments to the Kaua‘i County Charter and turned down three amendments. Garden Island.

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

U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono

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

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

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

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

Link to full debate video.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State roundup for October 17. Associated Press.

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Lanai

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

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

Hawaii drought (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Rarely Prosecutes for Campaign Spending Violations. Civil Beat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State roundup for October 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Solar panel credits dim Hawaii recovery, Hirono-Lingle debate shows strategies, rail proponents ask Supreme Court to reconsider, Hawaii County sued for defamation, Honolulu PD opens Facebook site to comments, Kauai settles discrimination claim, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu solar panels courtesy photo

In a sobering message to Gov. NeilAbercrombie and the state Legislature, the state Council on Revenues on Thursday downgraded the state's revenue forecast because of the cost of a renewable-energy tax credit. Star-Advertiser.

It's a case of "green," turning the bottom line "red." Or at least that's a fear of number-crunching economists on the Council of Revenues. KITV4.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono says former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is key to Republican plans to take over control of the Senate, while Lingle says Hirono hasn’t mastered issues she’d need to vote on as a U.S. senator. Associated Press.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle on Thursday depicted U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono as ineffective in Congress and unprepared for a role in the U.S. Senate, while Hirono said Lingle is campaigning as bipartisan but would vote with national Republicans who do not share Hawaii's values. Star-Advertiser.

In their first meeting since winning their party's nomination Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono squared off in a face to face debate that at times got testy. Hawaii News Now.

Mazie Hirono, the Democrat, talked a lot about Republicans while Linda Lingle, the Republican, said very little about either party in the first of five debates in their U.S. Senate race. Civil Beat.

A forum hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Thursday grew contentious as Democratic U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono squared off against her Republican rival for U.S. Senate, former two-term Gov. Linda Lingle. KITV4.

Hawaii's candidates for U.S. Senate faced off this afternoon in the first of several showdowns between now and November's general election. KHON2.

The first U.S. Senate candidate forum for the General Election was conducted today by the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fired up and ready to go four years ago, Hawaii delegates to the Democratic National Convention were just as enthusiastic Thursday night after President Barack Obama laid out his vision for the next four years in accepting his party's nomination for another term in the White House. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is an important, quasi-state agency with a huge kuleana — protecting Hawaii's native people and environmental resources and a growing financial portfolio. OHA's nine trustees have a great deal of autonomy. On Nov. 6, five of those seats are up for election. Civil Beat.

Initial unemployment claims in Hawaii decreased by 22.4 percent last week, according to data released Thursday by the Department of Business, Economic Developments and Tourism. Pacific Business News.

State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim has refused a University of Hawaii Board of Regents request to postpone a Sept. 24 hearing into the Stevie Wonder concert debacle. Star-Advertiser.

State Senator Donna Kim expects University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood and former UH Manoa Athletics Director Jim Donovan to appear before a special senate committee that is looking into the “Wonder Blunder” fundraising fiasco at Manoa. Hawaii Reporter.

The 22nd Annual Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference kicks off September 13-16 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus on Oahu and continues with a free mini gathering on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Maui Now.

Hawaii tourism goes authentic: What's not Hawaiian. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Department has changed its Facebook posting policy after a federal lawsuit claimed the department arbitrarily deletes posts and bans those who make comments that are unfavorable to the department. Associated Press.

Lawyers for the city of Honolulu are asking the Hawaii Supreme Court to reconsider its unanimous decision that shut down construction on the city's $5.26 billion rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys for Honolulu are asking the Hawaii Supreme Court to reconsider its recent ruling that effectively halted construction on the $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project and could result in millions of dollars in added costs. Civil Beat.

The City and County of Honolulu has filed a motion for the Hawaii Supreme Court to reconsider its August ruling on the rail project. Pacific Business News.

An opponent of a construction project that has displaced close to 600 burials at Kawaiaha‘o Church is seeking a court injunction to stop work given the recent Hawaii Supreme Court decision that halted the city's rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against an appeal by the owners of the Pacific Beach Hotel of unfair labor practice charges, an enforcement order, and a second injunction. Hawaii News Now.

In a one-minute commercial that hit the airwaves this week, Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell's wife Donna Tanoue gets personal. Civil Beat.

Dozens of artists, musicians and street performers in Waikiki have been arrested in recent weeks in response to numerous complaints. KHON2.

Hawaii

Two fired elections employees have filed defamation lawsuits against Hawaii County, the county clerk, the chairman of the County Council and a county-contracted private investigator, alleging information was leaked about an investigation into drinking parties and a private business operation at the elections warehouse that led to their termination. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County elections administrator and a former senior elections clerk, who were fired in January, have filed separate defamation and negligence lawsuits against County Clerk Jamae Kawa­uchi, Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, the county and a private investigator. Star-Advertiser.

Elections Administrator, Patricia Nakamoto, and former Senior Elections Clerk, Shyla Ayau, filed separate defamation and negligence lawsuits. Hawaii Reporter.

Two employees fired by embattled Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi filed defamation lawsuits against her, County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, and the county on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Two former Big Island election workers have filed lawsuits against the county and county officials alleging defamation and negligence. KHON2.

The state should establish a “mechanism” to monitor the readiness of the counties to conduct an election and to intervene if necessary, the Hawaii County Council declared on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will revisit its electricity code later this month to address complaints from contractors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Airlines has the weight of several elected officials — including Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Sen. Daniel Inouye — behind its application for a direct Kona-Haneda, Japan, flight, an official said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Land Use Commission on Thursday unanimously approved allowing three parties to intervene in the commission's review of whether or not the landowners developing two proposed shopping centers in Kihei have violated land-use conditions placed on the property. Maui News.

A former Wailuku Main Street Association board chairman said he felt "vindicated" Wednesday after the release of a scathing state attorney general's report confirmed the organization had failed to produce pertinent information to its directors, as he originally alleged. Maui News.

A 2nd Circuit Court judge granted a motion Wednesday to lift parts of a temporary restraining order in the ongoing case over operations at the troubled Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay. Maui News.

Kauai

The County of Kaua‘i has agreed to another settlement with a former deputy prosecuting attorney. Garden Island.

Kauai County paid $120,000 to settle a claim by a former prosecutor who said she was racially harassed because she is Caucasian, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

A federal civil rights agency says Kauai County Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho likely harassed a white lawyer who worked for her based on her race. Civil Beat.

The Office of the Kaua‘i County Auditor released the results of a county road maintenance program audit on Wednesday, noting deficiencies in management and non-permitted use of roads resources. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department on Wednesday received unanimous approval from the Kaua‘i County Council to go ahead with a one-time federal grant to temporarily address a shortage of firefighters in the Lihu‘e Fire Station. Garden Island.

Many local residents may not realize this, but Kaua‘i is the headquarters of the only congressionally chartered botanical gardens in the nation. Garden Island.