Farms and farmers may get government help, doctor shortage looms, residents buy sex online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market ©2018 All Hawaii News

More than 45,000 acres on Oahu should be designated as important agricultural lands and required to stay that way in perpetuity under a new plan submitted by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers seek federal aid to help local farmers in wake of natural disasters. Hawaii’s congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to Hawaii farmers affected by the Kilauea Volcano eruption on Hawaii island, flooding from heavy rains in April and Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lane last month. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Congressional Delegation is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide direct assistance to Hawaii farmers affected by recent natural disasters. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii facing doctor shortage. Hawaii lost 51 full-time doctors from 2017 to 2018, the first loss since 2014 when 92 left the workforce, according to the latest physician workforce survey by the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Mental Health Care Crisis. The lack of psychiatrists is a particular problem for people who rely on the state’s public health insurance for low-income residents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents dominate in buying sex online, study says. A new study that shines a light on a hidden corner of Hawaii’s illicit sex trade estimates that 1 in 11 adult males here buys sex online. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Transportation says pedestrian fatalities have increased by 84 percent from the same time last year. Associated Press.

The state’s film industry is on pace for a record year. Film and television production in Hawaii could generate in excess of $400 million this year, topping the record mark set in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

UH Wants $600 Million In 2019 To Modernize Its Crumbling Campuses. And that’s just the beginning. The university has a six-year, $1.6 billion plan in the works. Civil Beat.

St. Francis Medical Center Tries To Stop $80M Settlement For Abuse Victims. The center employed the psychiatrist accused of sexually abusing dozens of students at Kamehameha Schools, which reached the settlement with victims. Civil Beat.

Are Hawaii Residents Experiencing Disaster Fatigue? It has been a stressful year for residents of Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines announced late Thursday night that it will be the only carrier to offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Boston when it begins the service in April. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is nearing a pivotal decision on whether to solicit new partners in the development, operation and maintenance of the city’s 20-mile rail line, a proposal that could eventually involve billions of taxpayer dollars. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of Hawaiian Memorial Park has filed a new draft environmental impact study in a bid to add 30,000 more burial sites to the Kaneohe cemetery nearly a decade after a similar effort was rejected by a state commission. Star-Advertiser.

Estate formerly owned by King Kamehameha III up for auction. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom house sits on two acres of land off Nuuanu Pali Drive. KHON2.

UH Manoa gets $1M for microbe research in Waimea Valley. With $1 million from the W.M. Keck Foundation, which funds pioneering research, the UH faculty members will map the microbial communities that underpin the valley’s varied ecosystems and explore how they function. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Manoa professor H. Annamalai is leading a project to improve weather forecasts for US-affiliated Pacific Islands like the state of Hawaii. Maui Now.

Hundreds of volunteers helped Malama the Aina at a cleanup Sunday morning at Ala Moana Beach Park. Volunteers removed trash, plastics, and other debris from the beach and park areas and enjoyed music, snacks, and giveaways.  KITV.

Launch of Hawaii Five-0, Magnum P.I. celebrated by adoring fans in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The National Park Service has produced a new map prior to the reopening of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on National Public Lands Day on September 22. Big Island Video News.

With Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on track to reopen later this month, Volcano businesses are cautiously optimistic about a return to pre-eruption visitors. Tribune-Herald.

The recent purchase of the “Great Crack Property” in Ka'u by the National Park Service concludes a plan 50 years in the making. Tribune-Herald.

Some vacation rental condos, by a quirk of zoning, are being swept up into a vacation rental bill while those just across Alii Drive are not, an issue that has a crowd ready to speak out at the Leeward Planning Commission meeting. West Hawaii Today.

Roadblocks to relicensing push some drivers to illegal behavior. A bureaucratic barrier, a lack of adequate state statutes and the sluggish pace at which county Departments of Motor Vehicles process road tests have created a glitch in the driver’s re-licensing process that’s incentivizing thousands of Hawaii residents to break the law every year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County will float a $109 million general obligation bond to refund outstanding bonds and loans and to refund the county general fund about $45 million for money already spent on new projects, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa announced that three major bond rating agencies awarded Maui County the highest bond ratings in the state last week. Maui Now.

The state Campaign Spending Commission levied a $2,700 fine Wednesday on Maui County Council Member Alika Atay, his campaign and its treasurer for violating Hawaii campaign finance laws, commission General Counsel Gary Kam reported. Maui News.

One in 10 Maui County residents lives below the poverty line, which is lower than the national poverty rate of 12.3 percent for 2017, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Maui News.

Kauai

Controversial sister city? Last Monday, Sara Duterte, the mayor of Davao, a city on Mindanao Island in the Philippines, was on Kauai signing a sister-city partnership with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. She’s the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration has been criticized by Amnesty International and other groups for committing multiple human rights violations. Garden Island.

Shearwaters in the skies. Lights will go on this week for Friday night football on Kauai, marking the season’s first football game within the endangered Newell’s shearwater fledgling season. Garden Island.

Chronic absenteeism in Hawaii schools, Honolulu rents drop, constitutional questions emerge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii classroom, courtesy Department of Education

A quarter of isle public schools have high rates of chronic absenteeism. More than one-fourth of public schools in Hawaii have high or "extreme" rates of chronic absenteeism, according to a new national report. Hawaii News Now.

Panel To Study Constitutional Convention Question Before Election. The citizens group will release a list of pros and cons just weeks before voters decide the issue in November. Civil Beat.

Large sums of cash help major candidates, but not necessarily those backed by super PACs. The winners of the Democratic and Republican party nominations for governor and lieutenant governor in last month’s primary election all outspent their opponents on their way to victory, with state Sen. Josh Green becoming the first lieutenant governor candidate in Hawaii to spend more than $1 million in the effort. Star-Advertiser.

Brett Kavanaugh No Friend Of Special Rights For Native Hawaiians. Trump’s Supreme Court nominee once called the Office of Hawaiian Affairs a “naked racial spoils system.” Civil Beat.

Norman strengthens to a major hurricane as it continues west toward Hawaii. Packing maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, Norman was about 480 miles east of Hilo and 670 miles east of Honolulu and heading west at 12 mph at 5 a.m. today, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

An ongoing dispute over the use of state-owned beachfront land in Kahala is heading to the Board of Land and Natural Resources next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Erosion at a Makaha shoreline is gobbling up the beach and threatening homes. Hawaii News Now.

Three city and county of Honolulu parks will close beginning Wednesday, September 5. Old Stadium Park, Moilili Community Park and Crane Community Park will shut down for two months. KHON2.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closing an hour early starting Wednesday as it switches over to its winter schedule. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable units make up 20% of new Waikiki rental tower. The developer of a planned rental apartment tower in Waikiki has given the project a name and increased the length of time homes would be affordable to residents earning less than the median income. Star-Advertiser.

A new 455-unit development being built on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki will offer 91 affordable rental units. KITV.

Can A Woman Who Lost Her Arm In A Lab Explosion Sue UH? The University of Hawaii Manoa contends the former postdoctoral fellow must seek relief through the workers’ compensation system. Civil Beat.

United Airlines catering workers in Honolulu and four other cities will vote on whether to unionize this month after gaining federal approval to hold the election. Civil Beat.

Remnants from Lane lengthen timeline for Kuhio Highway emergency repairs. Hawaii News Now.

Babysitter accused of child sex assault found dead in Laie. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki Aquarium’s resident monk seal dies at 34. One of the Waikiki Aquarium’s two resident Hawaiian monk seals has died, aquarium officials announced this morning. Star-Advertiser.

Median rent for 2BR apartments in Honolulu drops 8%. Rents in Honolulu have declined over the past year by between 1 percent and 8 percent, respectively, according to two September market reports by Apartment List and Zumper. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island property owners could end up paying an extra $75 million annually if a constitutional amendment passes that would allow the state to carve off a piece of county property taxes for public education. West Hawaii Today.

Jaggar Museum Artifacts Being Moved to Pahoa. Mainstreet Pahoa Association’s Board of Directors reports that they are in discussions with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, in cooperation with Mainstreet Pahoa Association, in allowing the contents of the world renowned Jaggar Museum in the park to be transferred to Pahoa and be housed for temporary exhibit in the newly renovated building next door to Kaleo’s Restaurant. Big Island Now.

Kilauea’s sulfur dioxide emissions drop to lowest level in 11 years. Between Kilauea summit, the lower East Rift Zone and Puu Oo, sulfur dioxide emission rates have dropped to less than 1,000 tons per day, the lowest since 2007. Tribune-Herald.

Lava access draws tourists, locals. Tourists and locals trickled into the gated MacKenzie State Recreation Area to get a closer look at the cooled aa lava flow during the recent lull in the spectacular lower East Rift Zone eruption. Star-Advertiser.

Input sought for proposed Maunakea rules. Residents will get a chance to weigh in later this month on proposed rules for public and commercial activities at Maunakea lands managed by the University of Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A statue of Queen Liliuokalani will be dedicated Friday morning a the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. Maui News.

Hotel workers rally on Kaanapali Beach for higher wages, contract. Union members working to get a contract: About 200 marched in the Labor Day rally Monday. Maui News.

Professor will detail causes of stress to Maui’s reefs and ways to aid recovery. Maui News.

Seven Airlifted from Iao During Swift Water Rescue. Maui Now.

Young children among those rescued from Iao Valley State Park due to rising water. KHON2.


Kauai

Charter Amendment questions on the Nov. 6 ballot. Taking ownership of your government, means understanding the items upon which you are called upon to vote on. Garden Island.

With the Animal Balance sterilization project in full swing, teams of trappers are canvassing the Lihue and Kapaa areas for community cats. Garden Island.

Goose has been wintering on Kauai for 18 years. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai island continued posting double-digit increases in visitor arrivals and spending in July, a trend that has been ongoing at least since the beginning of this year, Hawai’i Tourism Authority monthly statistics show. Maui News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to reopen, lava stirs in Fissure 8, FBI targets Honolulu city prosecutor, flooding not covered in hurricane insurance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A team including National Park Service Geomorphologist Eric Bilderback log earthquake damage and assess stability along Crater Rim Trail. NPS Photo/Jon Christensen

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ‘can’t wait to welcome the world back’. The plan to reopen Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Sept. 22 remains on schedule, with the park announcing several details of its scheduled reopening. Tribune-Herald.

Just when Kilauea's eruption seemed to be quieting down, new lava has covered the floor of the crater within the fissure 8 cone. Hawaii News Now.

Lava remains weakly active in the Fissure 8 cone in Leilani Estates, and continues to fill the deep crater, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported on Monday morning. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii voters will have the opportunity in November to decide whether to revise the state Constitution for the first time in 40 years, but ongoing fears about what those changes might bring and the potential influence of money and special interests on the process continue to worry some. Star-Advertiser.

Brian Schatz Has Become A Big Shot In Campaign Fundraising. Hawaii’s senior senator isn’t on the ballot again until 2022, but he’s raised more than $2 million for fellow Senate Democrats in recent years. Civil Beat.

In Governor’s Race, Ige Has Huge Cash Advantage Over Tupola. The incumbent emerged from a bruising primary battle with more than $206,000 on hand. The Republican challenger has $11,700. Civil Beat.

Why The Hawaii Elections Office Doesn’t Do More To Encourage Voting. Federal voter-education dollars can’t be used to promote voting, and state elections officials say it’s not their job anyway. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Turns To Military In Search For More Teachers. The state received a $600,000 grant to help recruit current and former service members for new careers in island classrooms. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Be honest about schools tax before it goes on ballot. The four counties make a fair point in their lawsuit trying to stop a poorly written constitutional amendment that would allow the state to raid real property taxes purportedly to finance public education. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines, the No. 1 airline flying to Hawaii, plans to invest $200 million in upgrades to Hawaii airports through 2027. Star-Advertiser.

F-22 alternative would save taxpayers money. When Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors fly out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam at $62,000 per hour on training missions, that effort is hampered by a multitude of inefficiencies, a recent government report said. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City prosecutor appears to now be focus of federal corruption probe. In a sign that the federal grand jury at the center of a years-long corruption probe is once again focusing on Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, multiple current and former employees of his office were called to testify last week. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an election complaint against state Rep. Romy Cachola that alleged election fraud and vote tampering in the District 30 primary. Civil Beat.

Rape Reports Spike On The UH Manoa Campus. University of Hawaii officials said the increase in reports wasn’t surprising because of new federal policies and heightened awareness. Civil Beat.

Opponents of The Kahala Hotel &Resort’s use of the beach for commercial purposes are ramping up efforts to protect the public shoreline. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako road owner violating new law, state agency says. A 4-month-old Hawaii law aimed at resolving a vexing issue over the use of private streets in Kakaako is being put into action. Star-Advertiser.

The construction boom in Kakaako now appears to have shifted to Ala Moana. The already busy area near the shopping center could be seeing as many as eight new high rises in the coming years. KHON2.

Petitioners want Haseko’s lagoon opened to ocean. It was planned as a boat marina. Then it became a recreational lagoon with no swimming allowed. Star-Advertiser.

City to remove sand plug at Maili Stream at Ulehawa Beach Park. The city will be removing the sand plug at the mouth of Maili stream at Ulehawa Beach Park on Tuesday. KHON2.

Instead of spending the Labor Day holiday picnicking at the beach, thousands of hotel employees picketed the streets of Waikiki on Monday demanding better wages. Hawaii News Now.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa have received a grant to study a new species of limu found only in the Hawaiian archipelago’s deep and dimly lit waters. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

More than 9 million gallons of waste and storm water was released from three sewer pumps as rainfall from Hurricane Lane caused them to overflow. Tribune-Herald.

Insurance won’t cover Hurricane Lane flooding, homeowners told. Flood coverage generally must be purchased from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, and it can be pricey. Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners told hurricane insurance won’t cover flooding from Lane. Tribune-Herald.

Vacation rental bill: 16 tweaks recommended as bill heads to Planning Commission. Planning Director Michael Yee is asking the commissions to send a favorable recommendation on the bill with 16 suggestions for changes, some administrative in nature and some more substantive. West Hawaii Today.

Army training effects up for comment. A programmatic agreement that officials say will streamline and improve management of historic resources at two Army installations on the Big Island is up for public comment. West Hawaii Today.

Water bottling plant proposed. The proposed facility, located at the intersection of Piilani and Mililani Streets, will extract groundwater via 1,050-foot-deep wells and package such water for local distribution, according to a project assessment filed with the Hawaii County Planning Department. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Options mulled to reduce sediment flowing to reefs. Working to stem ocean runoff: West Maui residents favor natural alternatives over some man-made solutions. Maui News.

A candidate night hosted by the Haiku Community Association and Paia Town Association has been rescheduled to Wednesday, the association announced. Maui News.

County luxury hotels outperform rest in state. HTA reports average daily rate of $674.89 for luxury rooms in July. Maui News.

Volunteers are being sought for the 14th Annual Lahaina Town Clean Up to be held Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. Maui Now.

Kauai

The County of Kauai, Office of the County Clerk, recently received a 2018 achievement award from the National Association of Counties “Engage, Educate and Enlighten the Community in the Legislative Process” Program. Garden Island.

Kauai United Way has secured $25,000 in federal funds for emergency food and shelter for our island, said Scott Giarman, executive director for the Kauai United Way. Garden Island.

Surfrider celebrates 34 years of service. In 2017 alone, volunteers with Surfrider Kauai retrieved enough litter from Kauai’s beaches to match the weight of two adult humpback whales. Garden Island.

Cat 4 Hurricane Lane bears down on Hawaii, state and counties governments closing, supplies running low at stores, what you need to know to be prepared, plus news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Lane 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Hurricane Lane weakened slightly overnight but continues its march toward the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Clocking in with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, Hurricane Lane was located around 315 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 460 miles south-southeast from Honolulu and was headed west-northwest at 9 mph at 5 a.m., according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

More islands under watches, warnings as Lane bears down on state. Hurricane Lane has weakened slightly, but forecasters warn the massive Category 4 Central Pacific cyclone remains a threat to the entire island chain.  Hawaii News Now.

Here are all the active weather alerts associated with Hurricane Lane. Hawaii News Now.

Weather service details potential life-threatening impacts from Lane, and how to prepare. Star-Advertiser.

The governor has issued an emergency proclamation to speed up the state's response to potential impacts from Hurricane Lane. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation this afternoon in advance of the arrival of Hurricane Lane, the Category 4 storm approaching the state from the southeast. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige isn't taking any chances when it comes to preparing for Hurricane Lane. Ige said Tuesday that Hurricane Lane is behaving unlike any other hurricane he's seen before. KITV.

State emergency officials: Identify a safe room in your home now. Hawaii News Now.

Ahead of Lane, Young Brothers cancels sail of barges to most neighbor islands. Hawaii News Now.

As Hurricane Lane strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane Tuesday, the state’s visitor industry prepared to care for 270,000 tourists in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Closures, cancellations due to threat of Hurricane Lane. Hawaii News Now.

All University of Hawaii campuses and all non-essential university operations on Hawaii island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai will be closed today until further notice due to the approach of Hurricane Lane. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County, Hawaii island courts closed for the rest of the week. KHON2.

Governor David Ige has granted administrative leave for non-essential state employees in Hawaii and Maui counties, as the state prepares for severe weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Lane. State offices on Hawaii Island and Maui will be closed from Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018 through Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. Maui Now.

Red Cross looking for volunteers in light of approaching hurricane. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii doesn't have enough hurricane shelter space to meet the "estimated demand" of the population. Hawaii News Now.

Outreach workers across the Hawaiian Islands are going to homeless encampments near streambeds and along coastlines to inform homeless people about Hurricane Lane. Civil Beat.

The State Department of Transportation makes Statewide preparations. KITV.

Film Industry Fears Tax Credit Cap Will Drive Away Future Business. Last year was a big one for the film industry here in the island-- generating more than $300 million into the economy according to state’s own business figures. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines, which expected great promise from China and spent about a decade trying to get the green light to initiate service, has suspended its only route there after about four years due to low demand. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City releases extensive ‘Hurricane and tropical storm preparedness’ guide. Star-Advertiser.

Tour boats to the USS Arizona Memorial have been suspended, and ships and planes at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam are expected to be moved from the harbor and airport ahead of Hurricane Lane. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane preparedness just got real. Costco Hawaii Kai shoppers wiped out 21 pallets of water in 20 minutes just before 6 p.m. Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Shorthanded Honolulu Police Department Tries To Speed Up Hiring. The HPD streamlines its application process and revamps recruitment messages to get more people to consider a career in law enforcement. Civil Beat.

Hawaii-based Army soldier to plead guilty in terrorism case. Birney Bervar, one of Sgt. 1st Class Ikaika Kang’s attorneys, told the AP that Kang will plead guilty as charged in the indictment, which accuses him of providing material aid to terrorists. Associated Press.

Some changes, some resistance in hindsight report on Marco Polo fire. More than a year after the deadly Marco Polo blaze, KHON2 has obtained the fire department's internal review. KHON2.


Hawaii Island

Puna Councilwoman Jen Ruggles was twice asked to leave council committee meetings Tuesday, after she abruptly announced she would not be voting because of her concerns over Native Hawaiian sovereignty and whether her votes constitute war crimes. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Councilwoman Jen Ruggles surprised her fellow councilmembers Tuesday, when she announced before a committee hearing that she “will be refraining from participating in the proposing and enacting of legislation” until county lawyers are able to assure her that she “is not incurring criminal liability under international humanitarian law and U.S. law.” Big Island Video News.

Four additional people have been charged in connection to assisting a man who evaded capture for three days after reportedly killing a Hawaii Police officer last month. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park could reopen parts of the park by September 22, which is also National Public Lands Day, “as long as the current pause in earthquakes and collapse-explosion events at the summit of Kilauea continues”, officials announced today. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hopes to reopen by next month. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has set a goal to reopen parts of the park by Sept. 22, about four months after it closed as a result of volcanic and seismic activity. Pacific Business News.

Maui

The Office of Council Services and Office of the County Clerk will remain open on Wednesday and the scheduled Land Use Committee meeting will start at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the 8th Floor of the County Building as planned, Council Chair Mike White announced today. Maui Now.

Update 6:45 p.m.: Public schools, UH-MC close Wednesday; Haleakala National Park, county offices shut too. State trails, parks close Wednesday, Thursday. Maui News.

Maui County urges all residents to be prepared for Hurricane Lane as a Hurricane Watch travels closer to our islands. Maui Now.

Enrollment is down 285 students from last year as the fall semester began Monday at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

People rush to buy gasoline, supplies. It was overcast with a slight breeze as people lined the aisles at Home Depot, buying plywood, ducttape, flash lights, batteries and other necessities. Garden Island.

North Shore digs in for storm. As Hurricane Lane approaches, on the North Shore in Wainiha and Haena there’s more than just regular preparation necessary due its isolation. Garden Island.

UH rules would restrict Mauna Kea access, Hawaii on alert as Hurricane Lane to shift northwest, officials tackle vacation rentals as resort home sales hit records, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea looms over Hilo town ©2018 All Hawaii News

UH requests public input on Mauna Kea land management. The University of Hawaii is asking for public input on proposed administrative rules for public and commercial activities on land its manages on Maunakea. The current draft rules would prohibit camping, as well as construction or activities involving more than 10 people without a permit. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Lane expected to take northwest turn; forecasters warn of heavy rain, flooding. Star-Advertiser.

At 5 a.m. Monday, Lane maintained intensity from earlier in the day, packing sustained winds of 125 mph with higher gusts. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Lane was centered about 615 miles southeast of Hilo — or 825 miles southeast of Honolulu — and moving west at 14 mph. Hawaii News Now.

As Hurricane Lane continues its track through the Central Pacific basin, forecasters plan on flying into the eye of the storm to better determine its path — and whether or not it'll hit the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

State forgoing millions in federal reimbursements. The state each year misses out on potentially tens of millions of dollars in federal reimbursements because it fails to aggressively pursue claims related to teaching Medicaid-insured special education students, according to a review of federal data and interviews with legislators and state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Uninsured affected in federal funding feud. Health care clinics that largely serve low-income, uninsured women and college students may have to cut services or absorb losses if Hawaii forgoes more than $2 million in annual federal funding for family planning services. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation rental bans firmly in place on Kauai and the Big Island. The shutdown of vacation rentals on Kauai and Hawaii island remains in effect, despite improvements to flood-damaged areas of the Garden Island and an easing of the lava flow on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

Resort home sales rise sharply. The market for vacation homes at Hawaii resorts rebounded last year to its highest level of sales in nearly a decade, according to a recent report. Star-Advertiser.

Should Hawaii Convert To Ranked Choice Voting? Maine and several U.S. cities allow voters to rate candidates in order of preference. Civil Beat.

Studying limu species in the deep. A team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bishop Museum and the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife were awarded $792,021 by the National Science Foundation to describe the new species of limu, or marine algae, from Hawaii’s deep waters. Garden Island.

Oahu

How Caldwell’s Airbnb Bill Could Ease Honolulu’s Housing Crunch. The mayor would crack down on absentee owners who rent entire houses to tourists, but allow anyone to rent out a room in their home. Civil Beat.

Opposition to Honolulu's Biki in Makiki neighborhood. One Honolulu neighborhood is opposed to the popular bikeshare program Biki adding more docking points. KITV.

A bridge linking Waipio and Mililani had to shut down again on Sunday, this time for emergency work. The state has been working on the Kipapa Stream Bridge for more than a year now, but it just found a major problem in one of the supports. KHON2.

North Shore residents hold peaceful protest at Laniakea. Parking at Laniakea Beach on the North Shore was near impossible today. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County nearing purchase of Waikapuna. The county is poised to acquire a large Ka‘u tract that one official calls the “poster child” of lands purchased for preservation. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island mayor pushes his limits amid disaster. Many people worry that leading Hawaii island through the volcanic eruption disaster that began in May could kill Mayor Harry Kim. Star-Advertiser.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a new Volcanic Activity Notice on Friday, announcing that the Alert Level for Kilauea Volcano was being lowered from WARNING to WATCH. Big Island Video News.

Drought in West Hawaii increases risk of wildfires running rampant already. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Not ready for prime time. Ohana candidates unlikely to gain council majority, pundits say. For Ohana Coalition-backed candidates to upset the current 5-4 majority of “establishment” members of the Maui County Council on Nov. 6, they’ll each need to get at least 23,000 votes, based on 2014 and 2016 general election ballot totals for winning council candidates. Maui News.

The Haiku Community Association and Paia Town Association are hosting a candidate’s night forum on Wed., Aug. 22, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Haiku Community Center. Maui Now.

Rooting out, cracking down on illegal short-term rentals. County reviews its options; firm hired to catch scofflaws. The county Planning Department hopes that a company that specializes in rooting out illegal short-term rentals will help them crack down on the problem over the coming months. Maui News.

Lawsuit: Did ADHD Treatment Lead To A Maui Boy’s Suicide? The malpractice suit is one of several filed nationwide in recent years alleging ADHD medication caused violent or suicidal behavior. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Monitoring the melon-heads. Melon-headed whales, rough-toothed dolphins and bottlenose dolphins have all crossed the path of the Cascadia Research Collective boat that’s currently cruising through Kauai’s western waters. Garden Island.

Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant still rebuilding. Four months after torrential rains caused flooding on Kauai’s North Shore, one business is still closed and renovating. Garden Island.

Hurricane Lane strengthens, B-2 stealth bombers deployed, foster mom arrested in toddler death, Maui affordable housing fast-tracked, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Batwing B-2 stealth bombers at Hickam AFB  (Facebook photo)

Three batwing B-2 stealth bombers are in Hawaii for their first deployment to the state, Pacific Air Forces said. Star-Advertiser.

Lane quickly intensifies into a Category 2 hurricane in East Pacific. Hurricane Lane has rapidly increased into a Category 2 storm and is expected to strengthen even more as it approaches the Central Pacific, according to officials with the National Weather Service. Hawaii News Now.

Lane strengthens to Category 2 hurricane as it continues westward march. Star-Advertiser.

Isle jobless rate in July steady at 2.1%. Hawaii’s nation-low unemployment rate held at 2.1 percent in July for the second straight month as the state’s labor market remained on solid footing. Star-Advertiser.

UH Projects A $28 Million Deficit In A Billion-Dollar Budget. The spending plan approved by the Board of Regents won’t shrink an $848 million maintenance backlog. In fact, that will keep growing. Civil Beat.

Funding for public education will be a Constitutional Amendment question on the General Election Ballot, November 6. Hawaii Public Radio.

How A Tight-Knit Pacific Island Community Is Saving Its Culture. There are now more people of Tokelauan descent living in Hawaii than in the tiny island nation, which is threatened by rising seas. Civil Beat.

Hawaii researchers are working to identify new types of deep-water limu from across the islands, and they've already found two new species. Hawaii News Now.

Woman speaks out, says she was abused by priest in Hawaii. KITV.

Former Land Board chairman, WWII hero William Paty dies. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Waiting for documents from the DMV? You might want to check your mailing address. While delays continue to frustrate people trying to get new drivers licenses or state IDs, city officials say thousands of IDs are being bounced back by the U.S. Postal Service because of invalid addresses. Hawaii News Now.

Your Hawaii State ID or driver's license may not be accepted by airport security officers after October 2020. Under the Federal Real ID Act, states are required to verify certain personal information for those ID cards to be considered valid by federal authorities. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city of Honolulu's master plan for Ala Moana Regional Park has been years in the making, but portions of the plan are leaving some longtime park users feeling that their voices haven't been heard. Hawaii News Now.

Residents gather to offer input on new Ala Moana Beach Park designs. KHON2.

A collegiate rental housing tower in Moiliili opened Thursday without a tussle over tenants using a neighboring property owner’s private road to get into or out of the new building’s parking garage. Star-Advertiser.

Kualoa Ranch sets visitor growth goals. Kualoa Ranch last year shared broad strokes of a plan to expand tourism on its Windward Oahu property popular for movie site tours, and now has a goal of attracting up to 2,000 visitors a day. Star-Advertiser.

Lanikai Pillbox trail reopens after two month closure. The Kaiiwa Ridge or "Lanikai Pillbox" hike will re-open on Monday, August 20 after a 60-day closure to rehabilitate the two observation stations, commonly called "pillboxes."  KHON2.

Sand Restoration Begins at Sunset Beach. The North Shore Community Land Trust has partnered with the City to complete the Sunset restoration project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County police arrest foster mom in July 2017 death of 3-year-old boy. Star-Advertiser.

Woman arrested in connection with toddler's death in foster care. Hawaii News Now.

A toddler from East Hawaii is the fifth known victim this year of rat lungworm, a disease that is expected to continue to spread with climate change. Star-Advertiser.

An East Hawaii toddler was diagnosed with rat lungworm disease, the state Department of Health said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island residents fed up with constant tour helicopter noise over their homes spoke out at a meeting held in Hilo on Tuesday, as government officials and Hawaii Helicopter Association representatives listened to the heated testimony. Big Island Video News.

Leilani residents want more transparency in decisions affecting neighborhood. Leilani Estates residents have had a front-row seat to the Kilauea eruption that has destroyed hundreds of homes and upended their community. Tribune-Herald.

As Fire And Lava Diminish, Volcano Village Still Struggles. Transportation questions loom large as residents and the national park try to navigate a return to normalcy. Civil Beat.

Developer proposes more development at West Hawaii Business Park before Kamanu Street is extended. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Two affordable housing projects are moving forward under a new fast-track permitting process. Maui Now.

Former Maui police officer Chase Keliipaakaua is going to jail for four months for taking part in a scheme to bribe a witness against a fellow officer. Star-Advertiser.

Charter school scrambles as it awaits new campus. Completion expected early next month. Maui News.

A reef-safe sunscreen swap event will be held this Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 at Hi Tech Kahului from noon to 4 p.m. Maui Now.

Former Maui County corporation counsel Fred Rohlfing dies at 89. Prominent Republican and former state lawmaker was loved by many, including Democrats. Maui News.

Kauai

Treatment center on schedule. The site where the Adolescent Drug Treatment Center will be located has always been a special place for kahu Jade Waialeale Battad. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules in favor of Thirty Meter Telescope in first of two key pending cases, state starts new psychiatric hospital, Hurricane Hector spares Hawaii, who owns aloha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

File photo of Thirty Meter Telescope protester PC:Occupy Hilo

 Hawaii Supreme Court Ruling Is A Win For The Thirty Meter Telescope. The ruling prevents another contested case hearing, but a construction permit appeal is still pending before the court. Associated Press.

The state Supreme Court handed the Thirty Meter Telescope project a lifeline Wednesday by ruling that a contested case hearing is not required for a sublease with the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

In a triumph for the Thirty Meter Telescope, the state Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously ruled against a TMT opponent who was seeking an additional contested case hearing for the stalled Mauna Kea project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has overturned a lower court decision to vacate the state’s consent to the sublease between the TMT International Observatory and the University of Hawaii, ruling that the appellant, E. Kalani Flores, was not entitled to a separate contested case hearing on the matter. Big Island Video News.

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Billionaires Boost Hawaii Republican Party’s Finances. Even though Democrats dominate the islands, the state GOP has more money than in recent years thanks to a few big donations. Civil Beat.

Women's Issues in Hawaii 2018: Evolution or Revolution? Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association has endorsed Lt. Gov. Doug Chin for U.S. Congress, saying Chin is a fighter for education and “someone who is going to work to improve the lives of our children and our workers.” Star-Advertiser.

Wednesday is last day of "Walk-In" voting for the Primary Elections in Hawaii, but for the first time the state's offering "Same Day" voter registration at the polls. KITV.

Hurricane Hector Skirts South Of Hawaii As It Weakens. Gusty winds on the Big Island but no landfall for the category 3 storm. Associated Press.

For Many Native Hawaiians, Owning ‘Aloha’ Is Not Very Aloha. There are more than 1,000 trademarks using the term, raising broader questions about protecting Native Hawaiian intellectual property. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s medical marijuana industry has made slow but meaningful strides since pot dispensaries opened a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

EPA Administrator Addresses Red Hill, Hawaii Cesspools, Water Protection. The new Environmental Protection Agency Region IX Administrator, Mike Stoker, met with US Representative Tulsi Gabbard on Tuesday to discuss key concerns and environmental threats to Hawaii’s people. Maui Now.

New commander, changing focus at Marine Corps Forces Pacific. The Marine Corps is fashioning a 21st century version of island hopping with new strategies that include a greater distribution of forces and speedy repositioning around Pacific archipelagos in the event of a future conflict that would likely see the United States challenged at sea by long-range missiles. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

GOP Candidate Challenges Citizenship Ruling. Sai Timoteo contends state officials have proceeded improperly, but they say they’ve done everything right. Civil Beat.

The state broke ground Wednesday on a new 144-bed psychiatric facility at the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe. Star-Advertiser.

State breaks ground on new $140M (near escape-proof) State Hospital building. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe broke ground Wednesday on a new four-story, 144-bed forensic psychiatric facility. KHON2.

The developer of a “collegiate housing” tower in Moiliili had the 14-story apartment building blessed floor by floor Wednesday in anticipation of initial renters moving in Aug. 15. Star-Advertiser.

A special blessing took place Wednesday for a new student housing complex near Manoa. Hawaii News Now.

City attorneys are heading to the bargaining table to try and settle a civil lawsuit over a gambling case that failed twice in court and resulted in state judges scolding deputy prosecutors. Hawaii News Now.

Ailing banyan being removed was monument to Moiliili’s first Japanese settlers. A piece of history was lost Tuesday as city contractors began cutting down an ailing, century-old Chinese banyan tree at Moiliili Triangle Park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim, the County Council and two members of the island’s state legislative delegation came closer to an understanding Wednesday about how to ask for money to rebuild island infrastructure in the wake of the volcanic eruption and destructive lava flow. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim is asking for a huge relief package totaling $500 million to $600 million to help his island recover from the months-long Kilauea Volcano eruption, but state lawmakers say they’ve been unable to learn so far how such a package would be financed, or how the money would be used. Star-Advertiser.

Local lawmakers are talking over the county’s heading into a possible special state legislative session that could be convened to address the volcanic eruption on the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii County Council unanimously adopted the Hamakua Community Development Plan on Wednesday, despite some misgivings over a land use designation for Hakalau Point. Tribune-Herald.

All of the county’s absentee walk-in voting sites, including those at the Pahoa and Pahala community centers, will be open today now that the threat of Hurricane Hector has passed, according to the Office of Elections. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran’s decision to give up her West Maui residency seat to run for mayor has left an open seat with three candidates vying to advance from Saturday’s primary to the Nov. 6 general election. Maui News.

Hotels, local businesses and Maui County have agreed to let Maui Electric Co. reduce its power on short notice to help keep the grid stable during periods of high demand. Maui News.

A record for Maui home prices has stood for 13 years, and last month it came close to being brushed aside. The record was set at $780,000 in May 2005 for the median sale price of single-family homes. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

No Island Is Immune From The Opioid Scourge. Authorities routinely recover dirty syringes and other big-city drug paraphernalia. All manner of prescription painkillers are turning up. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Foodbank is asking for emergency food and monetary donations. Garden Island.

A Hawaiian monk seal pup recently rescued on Kauai is in stable condition at Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital and visitor center in Kailua-Kona that is dedicated to the endangered marine mammal. Garden Island.

Kilauea eruption sends ash miles into air, Hawaii County Council advances general excise tax, Honolulu to cap ride-share prices, political races firm up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Volcanic activity on June 6 PC:USGS

An ash eruption at the Kilauea summit sent a plume 10,000 feet above sea level Wednesday to punctuate a devastating 24-hour period in which lava covered the subdivision of Vacationland, leaving hundreds of homes likely destroyed. Star-Advertiser.

An explosive eruption at the summit of Kilauea Volcano sent an ash plume 10,000 ft above sea level at 4:07 p.m. on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano may be disrupting life in paradise with its bursts of ash and bright-orange lava, but it also has scientists wide-eyed, eager to advance what's known about volcanoes. Associated Press.

One U.S. Senate seat in Hawaii and both of our U.S. House seats will be on the Aug. 11 primary ballot. All 51 House seats are up for election along with 13 of the 25 state Senate seats. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly endorsed Beth Fukumoto to represent Hawaii's First Congressional district in the Democratic Primary. Hawaii News Now.

Why Women Lack Power In Hawaii’s Legislature. Men hold most of the leadership positions, setting the agenda and passing legislation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a $2.6 billion executive operating budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Feds May Require Honolulu To Sell Bonds For Rail Project. The City Council’s latest plan to demonstrate a willingness to help pay for rail construction has hit a snag. Civil Beat.

A bill that would lead to a cap on how much Uber, Lyft and other transportation network companies on Oahu could charge during peak hours won a 6-3 approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Votes To Cap Uber And Lyft Prices. The restriction would be the first of its kind in the nation, the ride-sharing companies said. Civil Beat.

New bill caps surge pricing on ride sharing companies. KHON2.

City Council shoots down mayor's plan to change parking at Ala Moana Beach Park. KHON2.

A Waikiki beach stand ordered to explain why it's not complying with its contract. According to the Department of Environmental Services, concessions at Kuhio Beach are required to provide daily canoe rides to customers. KITV.

The U.S. House has approved a measure that includes $199 million for a flood control project in the Ala Wai watershed, including the Ala Wai Canal that borders Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s $4 Million Food Fight. The City Council approved funding for a facility to turn table scraps into compost, but others want the waste used for pig feed. Civil Beat.

Woman faces more than 100 years in prison for stealing millions from non-profit. KHON2.

Staff members and clients of The Arc in Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that provides services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, packed a state courtroom Wednesday to hear Lola Jean Amorin plead no contest to two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of computer fraud, money laundering and 13 tax evasion charges. Star-Advertiser.

Lola Jean Amorin, 70, accused of embezzling nearly $7 million from the local non-profit, changed her plea to "No Contest" Wednesday. KITV.

UH-Manoa rises in another ranking of world’s universities. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is ranked No. 302 in the 2019 QS World University Ranking (QSWUR) by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds, according to the university in a news release today. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii has awarded a $33.3 million design-build contract to general contractor Kiewit Building Group and architecture firm Next Design for the design and construction of the Academy for Creative Media building on the UH West Oahu campus. Pacific Business News.

Oahu housing prices moved up slightly in May but sales continued to lag during the spring homebuying season amid concerns that rising interest rates may be starting to have a dampening effect. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu declined by 8 percent in May, compared to a year ago, as the median price of a single-family home and condominium rose by more than 4 percent, according to separate reports from the Honolulu Board of Realtors and the Locations real estate firm. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Council passes GET-lite. It took a volcanic eruption and a few compromises to convince them, but a majority of County Council members now supports a half-sized version of the previously ill-fated general excise tax surcharge. West Hawaii Today.

A neighborhood called Vacationland had disappeared by Wednesday as lava poured into two oceanfront subdivisions, smothering hundreds of homes and filling an ocean bay, turning it into new land that now juts into the sea. Associated Press.

Mayor reflects on destruction of Kapoho. In the course of three days, hundreds of homes, farms and vacation rentals in Kapoho became buried under a relentless aa lava flow that turned lives upside down and erased an entire community from the map, leaving its iconic tide pools and gentle bay to live on in the memories of those who cherished them. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Lava Flow Swallows 279 Homes In 2 Coastal Subdivisions. An oceanfront subdivision known as Vacationland is the latest to be swallowed by lava flows as the Kilauea volcano continues to reshape the landscape on Hawaii's Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

After taking out entire neighborhoods and hundreds of homes in Kapoho, lava continues to reshape the coastline of the Big Island, cascading into the water and forming new land. Hawaii News Now.

Video Overflight: 300 Homes Destroyed in 48 Hours. Big Island Now.

Psychological Fatigue Sets in as Eruption Continues. Kilauea Volcano has been erupting for more than a month now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tiny houses offer glimmer of hope — and home — for lava evacuees. As Hawaii County and the state discuss what to do about hundreds of lava evacuees, the first temporary housing project is already being built — without government help. Hawaii News Now.

20 micro-unit structures will go along along with some ancillary support facilities - such as restrooms and common area for meeting and dining - to be managed by HOPE Services. Big Island Video News.

Residents feel safe despite lava but chafe at government controls. Star-Advertiser.

Confusion, apprehension and frustration, along with a greater-than-capacity crowd, spilled out the open doors of the West Hawaii Civic Center’s County Council Chambers Wednesday night at a meeting to discuss deteriorating air quality in the region. West Hawaii Today.

A community meeting about volcanic ash and vog will take place today in Volcano. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Cooper Center. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently published a notice of intent to prepare a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement addressing the potential effects of operations and maintenance activities on the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, Hawaiian goose and Hawaiian petrel at four wind farms in the state, including one in Kau. West Hawaii Today.

W. M. Keck Observatory officials on Tuesday disclosed the discovery of an oil leak from the hydraulic system supporting the Keck I telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A Maui committee has approved a charter amendment that would increase the penalty for illegal vacation rentals to $20,000. Associated Press.

A charter amendment to establish a $20,000 penalty for illegal transient accommodations and a proposal to streamline the processing of legal claims against the county were recommended for approval by a Maui County Council committee Tuesday. Maui News.

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

Maui candidates set for competitive election races. Seven vie for mayor’s seat; all council races contested. Maui News.

Gov. David Ige has signed a bill that will provide $700,000 for scholarships to help students attend community colleges in the University of Hawaii system, including UH-Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

Emergency permitting bill passed. Due to April’s historic flooding and landslides that left many homes destroyed or damaged, the Kauai County Council passed an emergency bill Wednesday that would expedite the permitting process for impacted homesteads, residential and agricultural buildings. Garden Island.

Nearly 2 months after historic floods, recovery on Kauai has just begun. Hawaii News Now.

First 2018 Kauai Hawaiian monk seal pup is a female. Kauai’s first monk seal pup of the season has already been weaned and the large pup is learning to forage for her own food on the South Side. Garden Island.