Hawaii County election in the state spotlight, struggling UH athletics program seeks financial support, Thai workers protest trafficking dismissal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Election 'cans' await scrutiny at Hawaii County Clerk's Office (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

An emergency County Council meeting, election challenges and calls for an investigation are coming on the heels of Saturday’s primary election, when many Hawaii County polling places did not open on time. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago will meet with the state’s county clerks today in Hilo for a post-election briefing that will cover slip ups with the Big Island’s primary last Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will hold a special meeting over voting problems that plagued the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

The fallout from primary election delays on the Big Island continues to mount, from a Hawaii County Council hearing to a state election review and a likely Supreme Court challenge. KHON2.

State tries correcting primary election issues. KITV4.

Hawaii's U.S. Senate race is expected to draw lots of national money now that the primary is over as both Republicans fight to take over the Senate from Democrats. Civil Beat.

Before the Hawaii primary becomes a distant memory, there's a few newsworthy items to share that may have gotten lost in the haze of Saturday and Sunday. Civil Beat.

Something should be said about the careers of Democrats Ed Case and Mufi Hannemann. Both answered the bell this year after losing two years ago and not thinking enough about why they lost. Star-Advertiser.

FACT CHECK — Lingle: Hirono Missed 127 Votes In Congress This Year. Civil Beat.

Only 290,724 of Hawaii’s 687,500 registered voters, or 42.3 percent, cast ballots. Of those voters, 148,239 did so in a polling booth and 142,414 submitted absentee ballots.West Hawaii Today.

More than two dozen Thai farm laborers Monday signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder lamenting the dismissal of human trafficking charges against people accused of exploiting them. Associated Press.

Osprey Aircraft Expansion Causes Concern. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for Aug. 14. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin has removed Councilman Tom Berg from the Transportation Committee following a outburst during a July meeting. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Council Member Tom Berg will now face the music for an outburst a couple weeks ago that caused his colleagues to call police to city hall. Civil Beat.

The future of rail may have gotten even murkier following Hawaii’s primary election, with former Gov. Ben Cayetano getting 44 percent of the vote in the Honolulu mayor’s race and advancing to a runoff against second-place finisher Kirk Caldwell. Pacific Business News.

Despite polls showing the majority of the public opposed to the city’s rail project, and broad support for former Gov. Ben Cayetano’s mayoral candidacy, those voters failed him. Hawaii Reporter.

The police officer who pleaded guilty to federal marijuana possession and cultivation charges for running two indoor growing operations with his girlfriend is no longer an employee of the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Work will begin soon on restoring portions of historic Kawaiaha‘o Church's 169-year-old wall that were heavily damaged April 2 when a city bus crashed into it. Star-Advertiser.

Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple said it "isn't realistic" to expect the financially struggling University of Hawaii athletic program to balance its books, and questioned whether the state is "willing to pay the price" to be successful. Star-Advertiser.

Senor Frog’s has closed its only Hawaii location, at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

If former Mayor Harry Kim wants his old job back, he’s got to broaden his support beyond Puna. Tribune-Herald.

“It was a real squeaker, wasn’t it?” That’s how Russell Ruderman characterized his narrow victory over longtime state Rep. Bob Herkes to earn the Democratic nomination to represent Puna and Ka‘u in the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Kahului was the single state House district Mufi Hannemann claimed in his losing bid to Tulsi Gabbard in Saturday's Democratic primary race for the 2nd Congressional District, according to a geographical analysis of voter results. Maui News.

Habitat for Humanity Maui is looking "up instead of out" with its new 16-unit condominium project in Happy Valley. Maui News.

Kauai
After a lengthy discussion, the county Board of Ethics on Friday unanimously found Kaua‘i County Councilmember KipuKai Kuali‘i does have a conflict of interest with regards to matters on the council’s agenda related to the Office of Prosecuting Attorney, Victims of Crime Act funding and appropriations to the Office of Economic Development. Garden Island.

The Board of Ethics on Friday morning shelved without action a request from the Kaua‘i County Council for an investigation of potential ethics violations associated with POHAKU, a diversion program offered by the county Office of Prosecuting Attorney. Garden Island.

Hawaii primary election update

Mazie Hirono and friends (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

It's Democrat Mazie Hirono beating Ed Case and heading to the Nov. 6 General Election against GOP candidate Linda Lingle for the U.S. Senate.

Tulsi Gabbard and fans (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

It's underdog Democrat Tulsi Gabbard beating Mufi Hannemann and heading to the Nov. 6 General Election against GOP candidate Kawika Crowley for the 2nd Congressional District.

Full Hawaii elections results here.

Undersea cable could send Neighbor Island electricity to Oahu, legislators rake in cash during session, Maui clears hundreds of homeless from camps, no doc taxes for state from Lanai sale, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

undersea cable

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill into law Wednesday that lays the foundation for a proposed undersea cable that could transmit to Oahu renewable energy generated on Neighbor Islands. Star-Advertiser.

The ceremony surrounding the controversial undersea cable bill was eclipsed by questions about the sale of Lanai to billionaire Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and what that means for a large-scale wind farm proposed for that island. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers raised nearly a half million for their reelection campaign treasuries in 2011, often by holding fundraisers while the Legislature was in session. And judging by the number of candidates who held fundraisers during this year's session, it looks like it'll be even more this year. Civil Beat.

Former U. S. Congressman Ed Case and former Governor Linda Lingle have already set their first debate after the August 11 primary, even though both have to win their Primary election in the upcoming U.S. Senate race. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii ranked seventh best out of 30 coastal states for beach water quality last year, but failed to have any of the cleanest beaches in America, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council's 22nd annual beach water quality report. Star-Advertiser.

Manny Duenas, outgoing chairman of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, repeatedly challenged federal scientists as they testified during Wespac meetings this week at the YWCA in Honolulu, accusing them of undermining indigenous rights. Civil Beat.

Protection of sea turtles under the Endangered Species Act is helping their populations rebound and some groups say it's gone too far. Hawaii Public Radio.

With the Supreme Court upholding today by a vote of 5-4 the key mandate in the Affordable Healthcare Act forcing Americans to buy healthcare coverage, there will be a variety of statements and editorial opinions issued over the next several days. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

A nearly three-decade quarrel over New Zealand's anti-nuclear posture still prevents the Kiwi frigate Te Kaha and tanker Endeavour from stopping in Pearl Harbor, just as U.S. Navy ships are not allowed to make port calls in New Zealand. Star-Advertiser.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn will not unseal McDonald's surveillance videos of the Nov. 5 shooting of Kollin Elderts by a U.S. State Department special agent in town for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Star-Advertiser.

Racial slurs preceded a deadly encounter at a Waikiki McDonald’s, leaving a U.S. Department of State agent charged with murdering a Hawaii man, the agent’s attorney claims in a request to move the case to federal court. Associated Press.

Occupy Honolulu fights corporate greed, while working for corporate giant. Hawaii News Now.

Wednesday the City's Planning Commission held a public hearing asking residents what they think and the majority of people who testified believe the city needs to slow down on Ewa development. KHON2.

Nearly 80 people affiliated with the University of Hawaii are in Washington D.C this week for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. UH says the trips costs about $230,000. KITV4.

Hawaii

All 20 West Hawaii public schools will likely benefit from the more than $45 million the state is receiving next school year to provide extra support and resources for the neediest of students, said West Hawaii Complex Area Superintendent Art Souza. West Hawaii Today.

More than $500,000 has been targeted for efforts to fight the coffee berry borer on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

A new self-help center for those who represent themselves in court will start operating Monday on the first floor of the state courthouse in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The North Kohala community is celebrating the acquisition of 27 acres of undeveloped coastal land in Halaula by the community non-profit Maika`i Kamakani `O Kohala. KPUA.

Maui

Bulldozers and other heavy equipment cleared 40 acres mauka of Honoapiilani Highway, from Dickenson Street to Kauaula Stream, of "little tent cities" that had housed hundreds of homeless people. Maui News.

Eleven sets of iwi kupuna discovered in the "footprint" of the planned Safeway store at the future Maui Lani Center could be relocated to a large on-site burial preserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Asbestos abatement and disassembly of the former Kekaha Sugar Mill is scheduled to start in July with work expected to take about six months, states a release from Kekaha MS, the property owner. Garden Island.

The Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy sailors aboard the USS Lake Erie successfully completed a flight test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system early Wednesday morning in the mid-Pacific Ocean. Garden Island.

Lanai

When the sale of some 88,000 acres of property on Lanai to Oracle Corp. founder and CEO Larry Ellison closes, it likely won’t include the conveyance tax that is paid on nearly every other real estate transaction in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

On the day Lanai was set to be sold, residents were left wondering whether the sale really took place and how it would alter the future of Hawaii's sixth-largest island. Star-Advertiser.

Elections 2012 Special Report: U.S. Senate race pits Case, Hirono; Lingle in the wings

Sure, Hawaii's the birthplace of President Obama. But with its measly four electoral votes, late poll closing and scant representation in Congress, the Aloha State isn't often relevant on the national political stage.

But there's one race where Hawaii matters this year, and that's the scramble for partisan control of the U.S. Senate. It's the first time in two decades Hawaii has had an open Senate seat, with the retirement of Sen. Daniel Akaka.

Political prognosticators are predicting a razor-thin margin as the Republicans and Democrats battle it out in primary contests leading to the Nov. 6 general election.

As political wag Larry Sabato sees it, "The Senate calculus is now this: If all members not up for reelection return to the Senate next January, and all the seats where we favor one party go that way in November, the Senate is 47-46 Democratic, with seven toss-ups."

Sabato's Crystal Ball as of June 6 pegs Hawaii as "leans Democratic," a far cry from the usual "safe Democratic" or "likely Democratic" this historically blue state generally earns.

This far out from election day, polling has been inconclusive regarding both the Democratic primary race between former U.S. Rep Ed Case and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono (both representing Hawaii's more rural District 2), and in which of the pair has the best chance of beating former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, the GOP frontrunner.

A Jan. 31 Civil Beat automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case had a 13 percentage point margin over Lingle, 46 percent to 33 percent. Hirono had a 7 percentage point margin, 46 percent to 39 percent. In each case, roughly 20 percent of likely voters said they were either undecided or would pick another candidate. A June 12 Civil Beat poll found both candidates with 46 percent in the primary.

A  Feb. 13 poll by Ward Research for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser showed Hirono beating Case by a 20-point margin in the primary, 56-36, and besting Lingle by 20 points as well, 57-27, prompting national observers to call Hirono’s campaign "dominant" and "in control" of the race.

Hirono, who's been endorsed by Hawaii's political king-maker and senior Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, has been waging her campaign as the quasi-incumbent, ducking televised debates and mostly dodging barbs thrown her way by an increasingly aggressive Case.

Hirono must be feeling the heat, however, and in the most recent sally in a June 8 Facebook posting, played both the gender card and the race card, saying "The senate could stand more diversity I bring that diversity, I'm a woman, I'm Asian, I'm an immigrant, I'm a Buddhist. Someone asked me 'But are you gay?' Nobody's perfect!"

About the candidates:

Ed Case, wife Audrey Nakamura

Ed Case
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 888.9997
Website: http://www.edcase.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 2nd District, 2003-2006; state Rep., 1994-2002; legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. and later U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga, 1975-1978,
Other experience: Land-use, commercial attorney at Carlsmith Ball, 1983-2003, law clerk to Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice William Richardson, 1981-1982
Education: University of California/Hastings College of Law, law degree, 1981. Williams College, Mass., psychology degree, 1975.
Personal: Born Sept. 27, 1952 in Hilo, Hawaii. Married to Audrey Nakamura, blended family of four children.

Mazie Hirono

Mazie Hirono
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 536-3292
Website: http://www.mazieforhawaii.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 2nd District, first immigrant woman of Asian ancestry to be sworn into Congressional office, 2007-2012; elected Hawaii Lt. Gov., 1995-2002; state House, 1981-1995
Other experience: Deputy attorney general,1979, some private law practice
Education: Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. law degree, 1978; University of Hawaii at Manoa, Phi Beta Kappa, psychology degree, 1970
Personal: Born in Fukushima, Japan, Nov. 3,1947, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1959, married to Leighton Kim Oshima, blended family of three children.

Linda Lingle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Linda Lingle
Party: Republican
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808.777.8845
Website: http://www.lingle2012.com/
Political experience: Hawaii governor 2002-2010. First woman, first person of Jewish ancestry and first Republican in 40 years elected governor. Mayor of Maui 1991-1999, Maui County Council 1981-1991.
Other experience: Founded and edited the Moloka‘i Free Press community newspaper, 1976.
Education: California State University, Northridge, journalism degree cum laude, 1975
Personal: Born June 4, 1953, native of St. Louis, Missouri. Relocated to Hawaii in 1975. Single, no children.

Other candidates

• Heath Beasley, nonpartisan, Oahu, http://beasleyforhawaii.com/
• John Carroll, Republican, Hawaii, http://carroll4senate.wordpress.com/
• Charles A. Collins, Republican, Hawaii, 808. 965-8448
• Michael Gillespie, Democrat, Oahu, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Gillespie-Election-Committee/339426552774983?sk=info
• Antonio Gimbernat, Democrat, Maui, http://sites.google.com/site/gimbernatforussenate2012/
• Eddie Pirkowski, Republican, Oahu, http://www.wix.com/eddieussenatehawaii2/eddieussenatehawaii#!Our%20Experience/mainPage
• Arturo P. Reyes, Democrat, Oahu, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-P-Reyes-for-US-Senate-2012/324201360932128
• John P. Roco, Republican, Oahu, http://roco4senator.blogspot.com/

Hawaii not complying with EPA pesticide mandates, Case-Hirono debate goes radio, tax collections up, Honolulu sewer project nearing completion, state-based insurance exchange coming, military to use biofuels, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai, Honolulu (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is the only state that isn't complying with new federal regulations that increase oversight of pesticides that are sprayed in and around waterways, according to officials from the Environmental Protection Agency. Civil Beat.

In the liveliest exchanges so far in their Democratic primary campaign, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a liberal, used a Hawaii Public Radio debate to link the moderate former U.S. Rep. Ed Case to national Republicans. Case cast Hirono as an out-of-step progressive who is more of a follower than a leader. Star-Advertiser.

Folks following the contest between Ed Case and Mazie Hirono by know now the familiar contours of this race. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidates square off Ed Case, Mazie Hirono debate one another. KITV4.
http://www.kitv.com/U-S-Senate-candidates-square-off/-/8906042/14840912/-/66ev9sz/-/index.html

Download audio: HPR's political reporter Wayne Yoshioka moderated the live debate between Mazie Hirono and Ed Case. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says Hawaii is the first state to declare its intent to develop a state-based insurance exchange — a key component of federal health care overhaul. Associated Press.

As the U.S. Supreme Court weighs the legality of President Obama’s national health care initiative, a new Hawaii nonprofit agency is spending $15.4 million to put the plan in action here. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii tax collections rose by 8.5 percent for the first 11 months of the state’s fiscal year, with taxes on the tourism industry rising by more than 13 percent, the state Department of Taxation said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Next month, in naval exercises off the coast of Hawaii, five U.S. warships will make history: They will be the first to use biofuels to power their huge turbines, as well as the jet planes screaming off a carrier’s deck and helicopters hovering overhead. Wall Street Journal.

A world without HECO. That’s the vision of a new report out by Henry Curtis, executive director of environmental advocacy organization, Life of the Land. Civil Beat.

Solar installations in Hawaii rose 45 percent in the first quarter of 2012 from the same period a year earlier, according to a report from an industry trade group that is forecasting continued strong growth this year. Star-Advertiser.

Off the Beat: When Hawaii Democrats Eat Their Own. Civil Beat.

A new poll commissioned by the Humane Society of the United States suggests a majority of Hawaii residents support a ban on collecting reef fish for aquariums. Associated Press.

Oahu
Two temporary sewer pipes installed in the Ala Wai Canal after the massive 2006 sewage line break and spill are being removed this week as the city nears completion of a new $46 million pipeline beneath the canal, Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Wednesday. Associated Press.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle Wednesday announced that the Beachwalk Force Main sewer project in Waikiki is nearing completion. Hawaii News Now.

The city said it is investigating why some outdoor emergency sirens sounded this morning in what officials called a malfunction. No emergency exists, the city Department of Emergency Management said. Star-Advertiser.

This is the year that Oahu's future could literally be set in concrete. Hawaii Independent.

The Department of Transportation is going ahead with its restriping project, which would add a fourth lane in both directions to a portion of the H-1 and lower the speed limit by five miles per hour. KHON2.

Helen Geracimos Chapin, a retired Hawaii Pacific University professor who chronicled the history of newspapers in Hawaii, died Saturday in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Mall developer DeBartolo Development LLC has named a few retailers that will occupy the initial phase of an envisioned $350 million regional shopping center in East Kapolei, though construction of the project called Ka Makana Ali‘i has been pushed back to early next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Lance Armstrong was banned from competition in triathlons Wednesday after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency brought formal doping charges against the former cyclist, who was planning to compete in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii this fall. Pacific Business News.

This election year, Big Island voters may see a few more new names than usual on their ballot. Tribune-Herald.

Questions over jurisdiction are keeping a requested update on the status of the county Elections Office off the County Council agenda, at least for now. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa is reviving plans to build a beachfront parkway along West Maui's coastline from Puamana to the pali. Maui News.

Owners of Pukalani Superette voiced their opposition Tuesday to the proposed Upcountry town center near their store, saying that the development would create more traffic and that their preference was for the land to be used for agricultural purposes. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Museum’s Living Treasures program was created so people have an opportunity to appreciate and honor the individuals selected for the Living Treasures program while they are here to know how much difference they make to our island’s quality of life. Garden Island.

Molokai

Tucked away inland among the forests in Waialua Valley exists a farm that claims no fields, no pests, no weeds and yet still produces over 50 varieties of produce on only one acre of land. Molokai Dispatch.

Native Hawaiians on Molokai will get an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at a community forum as well as a regular Board of Trustees meeting. Molokai Dispatch.

Sea turtles in jeopardy, Case and Hirono debate Social Security, Cayetano slipping in poll, Maui judge appointed, disappointed, military drops Upolu airport for training, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green sea turtle grazing (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Officials are reminding the public that green sea turtles remain protected in Hawaii, despite a petition by Native Hawaiian groups to remove them from the endangered species list. A decision is expected soon on the petition, which could launch a yearlong study of the proposal to change the status of the turtles or could simply be denied. Star-Advertiser

A government agency tasked with regulating commercial fishing in Hawaiian waters wants to let longliners ensnare twice as many endangered sea turtles. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case vowed Tuesday to preserve Social Security and Medicare for future generations, but Case said he would consider raising the retirement age under Social Security for younger workers to help keep the program solvent, while Hirono ruled out that option. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are both vowing to protect Social Security and Medicare if elected to the U.S. Senate. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidates Mazie Hirono and Ed Case faced off on Maui on Tuesday. The AARP Hawaii debate focused on issues concerning Hawaii's seniors. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Now video of the entire debate.

HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO HOSTS HIRONO/CASE LIVE BROADCAST DEBATE ON JUNE 13TH; Political Reporter Wayne Yoshioka Will Moderate Hour-Long Session from 7 to 8 p.m. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Democrats will not file a legal challenge to block Laura Thielen from running for state Senate as a Demo­crat, but might attempt to expel her from the party for not following internal rules. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday that his appointment of attorney Peter T. Cahill to be a judge in the 2nd Circuit Court for Maui County was made two days late. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday made an appointment to fill a Maui Circuit Court judge vacancy — two days too late. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie waited too long to appoint Maui lawyer Peter Cahill to the Circuit Court bench. Hawaii Reporter.

The appointment of attorney Peter T. Cahill as judge to the 2nd Circuit Court on Tuesday has been derailed because Gov. Neil Abercrombie made the appointment two days late. Maui News.

Oahu

With election day approaching, Ben Cayetano's massive early lead in the 2012 Honolulu mayoral race is shrinking. Civil Beat.

Rising fuel oil prices pushed residential electricity bills higher on Oahu in June, Hawaiian Electric Co. reported Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor: Federal Agent Started Fight That Led to Shooting. Civil Beat.

Oahu's largest brush fire this year swept through Wai­anae and Lua­lua­lei valleys charring almost 1,200 acres, but leaving 100 acres near the Wai­anae Kai Forest Reserve mostly untouched — except for a nearly 3-decade-old, 30-foot Hawaiian grass hale. Star-Advertiser.

The extremely popular Kapiolani Community College Farmers' Market is expanding. KHON2.

Hawaii

North Kohala’s Upolu Airport is no longer being considered for use as a tactical training area, U.S. Marine Corps officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Underwater sonar use and detonations, and their potential harm to marine mammals top the list of concerns Hawaii and California residents have about a Navy training plan for the Pacific Ocean between the two states. West Hawaii Today.

Eight alala — the world’s most endangered crow — have hatched so far this year in a captive Hawaii bird breeding center, bringing the entire population to more than 100 birds. West Hawaii Today.

The dilapidated two-story building, jokingly referred to as the Pink Palace, is one of the few structures still left from the old Hilo hospital. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island police said they are investigating damage to papaya trees in Puna. KITV4.

Maui
A man allegedly carrying a knife and threatening to kill the Maui mayor came as close as his reception area Tuesday morning, leaving only after being told the mayor was not in the office. Star-Advertiser.

Police arrested a 25-year-old Wailuku man for allegedly threatening the life of Mayor Alan Arakawa this morning.Maui News.

Kauai

The Hanalei Farmers Market will resume business on Saturday, with management and vendors saying they are pleased with the county’s assistance in a quick resolution of a legal threat. Garden Island.

Since January, online surfers have been able to learn how to grow food in water, thanks to a program offered by the University of Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Hawaii celebrates King Kamehameha Day; U.S. Supreme Court rejects Obama birther case; Case-Hirono debate set for Wednesday; Oahu recycling program at risk; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Kamehameha statue draping (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The King Kamehameha Celebration Commission started a week of statewide celebrations in honor of King Kamehameha I. KITV4.

Kamehameha Day festivities on Maui will kick off Monday morning with a march in Kahului by Native Hawaiian royal societies and culminate with a parade and hoolaulea Saturday in Lahaina. Maui News.

The sunny weather Saturday was a welcome sight for thousands who lined the streets of Honolulu to take part in a colorful tradition, the 96th Annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade. Hawaii News Now.

Hula at Coconut Island (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

King Kamehameha celebrations: Hawaii News Now.

The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal challenging President Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship and his eligibility to serve as commander in chief. Associated Press.

Politically influential local attorney Andrew Winer is at the  top of the three-name list of nominees to fill a federal court judicial vacancy here. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Public Radio will host and broadcast a live debate between Mazie Hirono and Ed Case, the Democratic candidates who are in the primary for the open U.S. Senate seat. Hawaii Public Radio.

After spending $2 million to restore and refurbish one of its Manoa studios, which was destroyed by a fire seven months ago, PBS Hawaii will air its first broadcast from the new facility tonight. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Senate candidate, Linda Lingle, will be added to Oceanic Cable's digital lineup on Monday, June 11. KHON2.

Hawaii school officials may get some help meeting a legislative mandate to cut rising bus costs by hiring a consultant to explore sustainable solutions to the state's escalating student transportation troubles. Civil Beat.

A scientific team exploring the beginnings of the universe through telescopes on Hawaii island has found the oldest, most distant galaxy yet detected — about 12.91 billion light-years away. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed legislation Friday that creates the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness as part of the state Department of Human Services. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii human resource firms say they're perplexed by proposed legislation that would impose tens of thousands of dollars in added operating costs and require companies be backed by a bond of up to $1 million in an effort to regulate the local industry. Maui News.

Hawaii-based commercial longline fishers would be able to take a larger number of endangered sea turtles under a proposal from the National Marine Fisheries Service. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

The first of many columns for Honolulu's multi-billion dollar rail transit system is finally finished. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council inserted $2.4 million into the city's $1.96 billion operating budget last week to restore and expand the city's "white bin" community recycling program at Oahu schools, but that doesn't mean Mayor Peter Carlisle will continue it. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest charter school has been directed to come up with a plan to be financially self-sufficient in its dealings with a mainland corporation as the next step in its recovery from a turbulent year that saw its principal fired and its money management faulted by auditors. Star-Advertiser.

The State Land Use Commission voted Friday to approve the controversial development Ho'opili, which hopes to add 11,750 homes on 1,500 acres of the Ewa plain over a 20-year span. KITV4.

The state land use commission approved D.R. Horton’s Ho‘opili project this afternoon. Hawaii Independent.

The fate of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market has been in limbo since April. After several extensions, Sunday, June 10, is technically the last day they are allowed to operate on state property. But they have no plans of leaving just yet. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County has spent $646,407 purchasing homes near Puna’s geothermal power plant, but that number could soon be about to rise. Tribune-Herald.

Officials that operate Hawaii's largest ocean science and technology park said they are taking steps to tackle a long list of deficiencies cited in a state audit that criticized the facility in Kona for failing to achieve its potential after nearly 40 years in existence. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The median price of single-family homes in Maui County dropped last month to its lowest level in at least five years, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui that goes back to 2007. Maui News.

Kauai

The growing movement of pop-up restaurants using locally produced food continues with a Father’s Day steak house night at the Eastside restaurant in Kapa‘a. Garden Island.

Ed vs. Mazie battle intensifies, Hawaiian Airlines starts nonstop flight to NYC, 5-year-olds to evaluate their teachers, Hanalei farmers market closes, 400lbs kalua pork recalled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for smartphone and web

Democratic Senate candidates Ed Case and Mazie Hirono

U.S. Senate Democratic candidates Mazie Hirono and Ed Case have a lot in common. But Case and Hirono are two very different people with different backgrounds, personal and professional, and starkly different personalities. Civil Beat.

Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate, Ed Case and Mazie K. Hirono, will participate in an hourlong debate, sponsored by AARP Hawaii, on June 12 in the Maui Beach Hotel Elleair Room. Maui News.

Hawaii is being billed as one of the best vantage points in the world for viewing the transit of Venus tomorrow because the entire transit will occur before the sun sets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will be one of the best spots to see the transit of Venus this Tuesday. KITV4.

Hawaiian Airlines is about to be the only carrier offering year-round flights between Honolulu and New York City. Associated Press.

According to Hawai`i’s constitution protecting and preserving Hawai`i’s best farmland is the duty of state leaders. Decades after rules were written, what makes up the state’s top farmland remains ambiguous. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public school students as young as 5 are being asked to consider their classroom experiences in surveys that will soon become one of the high-stakes measures used to evaluate teachers.Star-Advertiser.

Just over half of Hawaii’s public school teachers cast ballots in the re-vote last month on the tentative January contract agreement with the state, according to the results certified late Saturday. Civil Beat.

The chancellor of Kapiolani Community College says he is committed to ensuring instructors in its noncredit program are paid on time and has asked anyone who is overdue paychecks to call the administration. Star-Advertiser.

The state's highest court took the extraordinary step last month of abandoning its earlier stance on eyewitness identification. Misidentification, the court said May 17, is "one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions." Star-Advertiser.

The Rising East: Pacific Command Theme Might Be 'On the Road Again' Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will receive a $6 million federal grant to continue its work to convert grass and other biomass into biofuel. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

If elected, Cayetano has plan for killing rail. Pacific Business News.

Several bus routes on Oahu were changed or eliminated Sunday as the city tries to meet increased fuel costs without raising fares. Hawaii News Now.

Part of the Pagoda Hotel in Pawaa could become a residential condominium under a plan by Kamehameha Schools and developer Peter Savio to satisfy an affordable-housing requirement tied to building new condo towers in nearby Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa is known as the Gateway to the famous North Shore but the town's reputation has been an infamous one. KHON2.

About 400 pounds of Keoki's Lau Lau 12 and 48 ounce tubs of kalua brand pork are being recalled due to possible listeria contamination.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

On the heels of an intense state Elections Commission inquiry into the readiness of the Hawaii County Elections Office, Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi is now seeking to have the county clerk and elections administrator update the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is poised to make this year’s mayoral race a lot more interesting. West Hawaii Today.

The governing board of a Mauna Kea telescope says it is “very disappointed” with the decision of the United Kingdom to cease funding after September 2013. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Co. have launched an upgraded computer system to maintain customer records and manage billing. Tribune-Herald.

Just outside Kailua-Kona there’s a place where a short walk can take you back to Hawaii old. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A federal scientist said Maui residents shouldn't be too concerned about the risk of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and officials are looking to expand the network of monitoring stations on the island in the next few years. Maui News.

More than likely, there will be no body parts or radioactive materials among the Japan tsunami debris that may begin washing up along the main Hawaiian Islands this year, federal officials said last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Vendors at the Hanalei Farmers Market got a shock Saturday when the board of Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei, which operates the market, announced the market would close immediately until permitting issues could be resolved. Garden Island.

A new generation is taking control of Kauai's struggling Maka­weli Poi Mill with the dream of inspiring young taro farmers to continue producing a brand of poi they consider more appealing to traditional Hawaiian tastes throughout the islands. Star-Advertiser.

The LEED green building certification program, a nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of green buildings held its first Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design training workshop on Kaua‘i in April with another planned for June. Garden Island.

Molokai

Residents participate in Historic Preservation Plan update. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii historic preservation agency may have misspent state funds, federal panel could decide reapportionment injunction today, Kapiolani Community College instructors miss paychecks, Hana Highway to be fixed soon, elections Commission to consider Big Island complaints, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

King Kamehameha statue, Hilo (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's historic preservation agency was given more than $600,000 by the Legislature in the past year to beef up staff in order to avoid losing its federal certification. But the State Historic Preservation Division didn't spend any of that money on new hires. Instead it bought iPads and new cars and extended the contract of a private company. Civil Beat.

A three-judge federal panel could decide as early as Monday as to whether to grant an injunction stopping new legislative maps in the upcomng election. Even if they don’t, the case will still move to trial after the 2012 election, potentially impacting elections in 2014. Hawaii Reporter.

Deputy Attorney General Brian Aburano predicts chaos if a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court throws out redistricting maps for Hawaii's House and Senate precincts. KITV4.

A new state program to begin this fall will offer people an alternative route to public school leadership, allowing those who have strong management skills but perhaps no classroom experience to serve three-year "residencies" as vice principals before becoming eligible to apply to be principals. Star-Advertiser.

After the Democratic Party of Hawaii "postponed" the first and long-awaited U.S. Senate candidate primary debate between Congressman Ed Case, D-HI (2002-2007) and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-HI, this Friday, Case said told Hirono he still wants to debate on Thursday as scheduled. Hawaii Reporter.

Three well-known leaders remain mum on the issue of same-sex marriage: U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a Democrat, and Republicans Linda Lingle and Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

Elvis may have left the building 40 years ago, but he will be remembered in January at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center where he originally performed the first concert ever broadcast globally via satellite to an audience estimated at 1.5 billion. Star-Advertiser.

Research shows a drastic drop in the numbers of reef sharks around populated islands -- including Hawaii. KITV4.

Oahu
Some instructors who teach noncredit courses at Kapiolani Community College say they have not been paid in several months and are owed as much as $4,000 each, but have hesitated to speak out because as "casual hires" they have no job security. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Energy is providing $500,000 to a project testing wave energy in Oahu's Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii News Now.

It may be one of the most coveted ZIP codes in Hawaii, but many of the houses there are abandoned. The man who owns them is rarely seen in the neighborhood. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser said Friday that it will begin printing a Hawaii edition of USA Today next week that will condense the newspaper’s usual four sections into two and include two pages of local news. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
Hawaii County is planning its first evacuation drill for a disaster at Puna’s nearly two-decades old geothermal power plant. Tribune-Herald.

The state Elections Commission will hear concerns about Hawaii County’s Elections Office at its May 30 meeting, according to one of its commissioners. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii’s pristine coastal waters are home to an estimated 200 manta rays threatened more by entanglement in fishing line and gear than hunting thanks in part to a 2009 state law, said Keller Laros, a local diver and Manta Pacific Research Foundation co-founder. West Hawaii Today.

A challenge has faced Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ever since it acquired the 115,653-acre Kahuku unit in 2003. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

East Maui residents are pleased that finally next month more than $10 million in repair work will begin along portions of Hana Highway and its surrounding areas that suffered damage from soil erosion and landslides from severe stormy weather in March. Maui News.

Maui’s Energy Future Comes Into Focus. Maui Now.

Kauai

The fate of the Hanama‘ulu branch Post Office was to be decided by May 15, but no decision has been issued yet. Garden Island.

A new flight school is now operating at the Lihu‘e Airport. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai’s Kanemitsu Bakery is appealing $90,000 in fines from the Department of Health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii mulls school bus route cuts, state upgrading weather radar, state pension fund moves back to black, women sue to marry Hawaii prison inmates, Kauai horse cruelty case dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

School bus courtesy photo

The state says it hopes to know by early June which school bus routes will likely have to be cut in the coming school year to cover a $16 million shortfall for student transportation. Star-Advertiser.

School will be over in a week and district officials still can't tell parents how their kids will get to and from school next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s school system has yet to decide on an alternative to cutting bus service next year for thousands of students in order to make up a $17 million transportation budget shortfall. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii will have two acting governors this week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's teacher union members begin voting this week on a contract they rejected earlier this year, despite warnings from the state that the agreement is no longer valid. Associated Press.

The state's largest public pension fund moved back into positive territory for the fiscal year as it soared 8.3 percent last quarter to boost its total assets to a near-rec­ord $11.5 billion. Star-Advertiser.


Come July 1, any overtime earned by new hires in state and county government will not count toward their pension benefits. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association recorded a $12.8 million profit in the three months ended March 31, its highest first-quarter gain since 2004. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's biggest HMO and its biggest health insurer both report profits from the first quarter, signs of good financial health for the two nonprofits. Hawaii News Now.

Who's Making Big Bucks Working for Hawaii's U.S. Senate Candidates? Civil Beat.

When severe weather strikes Hawaii, flash flooding is a big concern. But an upgrade to the state's radars could help pinpoint problem areas before the rain falls. KITV4.

The Hawaii Air National Guard was waiting on orders Tuesday to see whether its F-22 Raptor fighters would be affected after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta imposed new flight restrictions — the latest setback for the costly and controversial jet. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard

A progressive veterans political action committee that seeks to elect Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans to Congress has committed $75,000 for ads in Hawaii supporting Tulsi Gabbard in her bid for the 2nd Congressional District. Star-Advertiser.

Four women who want to marry men who are state prison inmates are suing state Public Safety Director Jodie Mae­saka-Hirata and two other Public Safety officials for repeatedly denying their fiances’ marriage applications. Star-Advertiser.

A lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Honolulu by the ACLU of Hawaii, alleges that Public Safety Director Jodie Maesaka-Hirata, mainland prison branch administrator Shari Kimoto and mainland prison contract monitor Jeanette Baltero discriminated against four women who applied numerous times to be married but were denied being allowed to wed their fiancés. Civil Beat.

Four women are suing the State because they've been told they cannot get married to their fiances, who are in prison. KHON2.

The Hawaii Environmental Council will consider loosening regulations on geothermal exploration Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

The Omidyar Fellows program, a leadership development program sponsored by eBay founder turned philanthropist Pierre Omidyar, was launched yesterday under the newly created Hawai‘i Leadership Forum. Maui Now.

Oahu

The 800-member Honolulu Fire Department Retirees Association has endorsed former Gov. Ben Cayetano in the race for Hono­lulu mayor, while campaign rival Kirk Caldwell picked up another union endorsement. Star-Advertiser.

Construction on Honolulu's rail system is now underway, with proponents promising 10,000 jobs ahead from the project and trickle-down spending. KHON2.

A 10-page memo on the city's planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project, created by the city's rail authority, and distributed by the Department of Planning and Permitting to city employees, has some council members and rail opponents questioning the city administration's motives. Hawaii Reporter.

Wayne Yoshioka visited a congested Mo’ili’ili neighborhood today…to see what’s being done to make streets safer for children. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Amid a discussion about the best way to deal with the threat of a Hilo landfill closure, the Hawaii County Council voted 8-0 to prohibit hauling of East Hawaii garbage to West Hawaii, except under an emergency declaration by the mayor. West Hawaii Today.

Two proposed amendments to the county charter received just enough votes Tuesday to survive another round of County Council action, when each passed with the minimum six votes needed to keep it alive. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council slashed a $75,000 Food Basket donation to $50,000 and then killed it, opting instead to spend the scarce funds on new computers and for the legislative branch. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Adrianne Heely was praised for her legal skills as well as for her volunteer work in the community, as she was sworn in Monday afternoon as a 2nd Circuit District Family Court judge. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council Committee of the Whole approved the administration’s budget for Fiscal Year 2013, reflecting more than $166.4 million in operational expenses and $78.3 million in capital improvement projects. Garden Island.

After nearly two years of litigation in the 16-count animal-cruelty case involving horses, a 5th Circuit Court judge ruled the state has exceeded its time to bring the case to trial and dismissed the case, which was set for jury trial on May 29. Garden Island.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Tuesday that its non-profit subsidiary, Hi‘ipoi LLC, will transition ownership and management of Makaweli Poi Mill to a Kaua‘i community organization. Garden Island.

In a 3-2 ruling the Hawaii Supreme Court has upheld the petty misdemeanor conviction of a man who contended that he was entitled as a Native Hawaiian practitioner to live in a closed area of a state park in Kala­lau Valley on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will conduct a public information meeting in Kaunakakai on Wednesday, May 16, to provide information on planned construction activities for improvements to the commuter ferry (Molokai to Maui) and the impact to harbor operations. Molokai Dispatch.

Tourism ticks up, U.S. tests new weapon from Kauai, Hawaii Supreme Court allows Hawaiian Homelands to sue for state funds, Honolulu voters won't get to decide rail transit, Maui bus system struggling, Big Island marijuana advocates lose in court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii will host a record 7.8 million tourists this year, leading to 2.2 percent growth in the state's economy, according to a recalibrated government forecast released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s state economists have revised their forecast upward for tourism in the state, predicting the number of visitors to the Islands will increase by 6.5 percent to top 7.7 million by the end of 2012. Pacific Business News.

The state, in violation of the Hawaii Constitution, has failed to adequately fund the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, according to a unanimous ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Native Hawaiians can sue the state to provide sufficient funding for administrative and operating expenses for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, but not for the development of homestead lots. Star-Advertiser.


President Barack Obama's announcement Wednesday that he supports same-sex marriage — and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's response that marriage is for heterosexuals — is rippling through Hawaii politics. Civil Beat.


For the second time in four months, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has bought television ad time in Hawaii to support former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle's run for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Lingle

 Former Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat, released the following statement today regarding the endorsement she has received from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Hawaii Reporter.


With Hawaii's Aug. 11 primary election three months away, several candidates in state and local races have stockpiled sizable campaign war chests, according to a Civil Beat analysis of campaign finance data. Civil Beat.


The state's chief negotiator is asking the teachers union to return to contract talks, and says the state "remains committed" to reaching a new agreement. Star-Advertiser.

After months of what's often been characterized as tedious and difficult hearings, the Hawaii Labor Relations Board finally heard from the union's most critical player in the convoluted negotiations over the famously failed teachers contract. Civil Beat.

Hawaii was among 16 states whose eighth-graders saw gains on a national science test in 2011, but students in the islands continued to score well below their peers nationally, results scheduled for release today show. Star-Advertiser.


Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $37.5 million to address highway damage caused by stormy weather in March. Associated Press.

Donne Dawson has returned to State service as Film Industry Development Manager for the Hawai‘i Film Office. KHON2.

The U.S. Postal Service announced Wednesday it is set to cut hours at 13,000 rural facilities -- 12 of them in Hawaii -- instead of closing thousands of post offices across the country. KITV4.

The Marine Corps in Hawaii is officially transforming its Sea Stallion helicopter squadron into an Osprey aircraft squadron. KHON2.

Oahu

A proposed ballot question to ask voters whether the year-old Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation should be abolished failed Wednesday to win approval from the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Attempt to Dismantle HART Fails. Hawaii Public Radio.

The City and County of Honolulu is thinking about setting aside 0.5 percent of its budget for charity, now that the Honolulu City Council has put a proposed charter amendment on the ballot for November despite objections from Mayor Peter Carlisle. Civil Beat.

A bill banning all commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park got the second of three needed approvals from the City Council Wednesday evening. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced a new City effort to address homelessness in urban Honolulu by creating specially focused transitional housing. Hawaii Independent.


Hawaii

Five Big Island post offices could see a reduction in their operating hours under new cost-saving measures proposed by the United States Postal Service. Tribune-Herald.

Patients spending time within Kona Community Hospital’s medical and surgical unit will rest a little more comfortably with the addition of 30 state-of-the-art beds this summer. West Hawaii Today.


One company has survived and is on track to serve the island with up to 5.5 million gallons of biodiesel per year, or 16,000 gallons a day. Tribune-Herald.

Keauhou mauka Kona coffee farmer Dave Bateman has announced he will run for the state House District 5 seat, representing Kona and Ka‘u. Bateman pulled papers May 9 making his official entry into the House 5 race. West Hawaii Today.

A Third Circuit judge has rejected a lawsuit filed against a host of county officials that accuses them of not fulfilling the requirements of a 2008 ballot initiative making the personal use of marijuana the “lowest law enforcement priority.” Big Island Now.


The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has closed the remote Muliwai Trail in North Kohala for public safety, effective yesterday through Friday May 11 and Monday May 14 through Thursday, May 17, while it conducts annual trail and campground maintenance and repair. Associated Press.


Maui

Maui County's public transit system is straining to meet the growing demand of bus riders. Maui News.

A forum on flooding in South Maui titled "Stormwater: Can a Problem Become a Resource?" will be held Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Maui News.

The funds released by Gov. Neil Abercrombie include $2 million for improvements to the Hana Highway between Uakea Road and Keawa Place.  The CIP project includes widening to provide two-way traffic flow, facilitating emergency vehicles responding from the nearby Hana Fire Station. Maui Now.

Kauai

missile courtesy NAVAIR Photo Point

The United States destroyed a target missile near Hawaii in the first successful test of a new defense tool. Hawaii News Now.

Starting today, the Kaua‘i County Council begins a four-day review of the supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2013 submitted Tuesday evening by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Garden Island.

The Kauai Planning Commission is approving a plan to nearly double the size of the Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe. Associated Press.

Representatives of RSVP, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions programs took to the street following a visit with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. to bring their traffic safety messages to the public, traversing along Rice Street fronting the Kaua‘i Museum and First Hawaiian Bank’s Lihu‘e Branch. Garden Island.

Molokai

Construction of the new Kawela Bridge is scheduled to continue through January 2014, according to a statement from Goodfellow Bros., the Molokai company contracted to complete the work. The $8.4 million project is being paid for with $6.5 million in federal funds, $1.6 million in state money, and some additional funding, according to DOT spokesperson Michael Moscati. Molokai Dispatch.