Popular tourist attraction to reopen following dengue scare, inter-island ferry bill advances, police power at issue in Honolulu, $37.5M for Maui high school, researcher loses arm in UH lab explosion, lifeguards to get watercraft on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waipio Valley lookout © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii County officials are considering reopening Waipio Valley to the public as the Big Island’s dengue fever outbreak continues to subside. Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said he might know today whether the valley is safe to reopen after two months of limited access. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawai’i Democratic Presidential Preference Poll is less than 10 days away.   Mainland campaign organizers are now in town to help with the last minute push to get more votes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s hotel industry ushered in the new year by setting a trifecta of monthly records for revenue, average daily rate and revenue per available room. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is one step closer to getting serious about an interisland ferry system again. Senate Bill 2618, which would require the Department of Transportation to look into the feasibility of bringing back a ferry, cleared the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

It appears that Hawaii will continue to lag behind the rest of the country when it comes to setting minimum training requirements for state and county law enforcement officers. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs employs 164 people to help it achieve its mission of improving the conditions of Native Hawaiians. Ten of those employees earn salaries in the six-figure range. Another four earn from $91,000 to $99,000. Civil Beat.

Dozens of public school employees remain under investigation by the Hawaii Department of Education over allegations of misconduct, with some cases having been open for longer than a year. Associated Press.

The Big Island Press Club‘s Lava Tube dishonor this year goes to DLNR Chair Suzanne Case for “setting up roadblocks to the media who have tried to gather information and gain access on matters large and small.” Civil Beat.

Civil Beat was at the Capitol on Thursday for Apathy and Influence, a panel discussion on how good government bills are faring in the legislative session.

Whether it’s utility executives or state regulators who are to blame, renewable energy projects often take years to come to fruition in Hawaii, something that’s deterring investors and hampering efforts to stop producing electricity from oil and coal. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A Honolulu Charter Commission subcommittee wants Oahu voters to decide whether the Police Commission should be given more authority over the Honolulu Police Department and its chief. Star-Advertiser.

The agency overseeing Honolulu’s rail project has agreed to help out the state by replacing outdated traffic signals along the future transit system’s western half, as construction proceeds there. Star-Advertiser.

The Air Force unit that defends Hawaii skies will get experimental energy technology that uses trash to generate power and relies on its own small electrical grid — a system intended to keep the unit operating if a bomb, cyberattack or natural disaster knocks out the local utility. Associated Press.

A longtime, local musician says he felt surprised and embarrassed after he was told to stop playing his guitar at Honolulu International Airport. KHON2.

Residents in a densely packed Ewa Villages neighborhood would be able to park less than 4 feet from their driveways under a pilot project approved by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A structural engineer deemed the 20-year-old ocean sciences building at the University of Hawaii at Manoa safe Thursday, a day after an explosion rocked the basement laboratory, badly injuring a researcher, according to a UH official. Star-Advertiser.

Post-doctoral fellow Thea Ekins-Coward lost an arm and suffered other injuries in the explosion, which happened about 6 p.m. Wednesday in a basement lab at the Pacific Ocean Sciences and Technology Building. Hawaii News Now.

The state has agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle a lawsuit involving an eighth-grade science teacher at Kailua Intermediate School who accidentally drove his truck over a student on campus in 2012. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Two West Hawaii battalion chiefs who said they were stripped of their badges after they publicly criticized their boss failed in their appeal for lost overtime pay and benefits. West Hawaii Today.

A permit issued a quarter century ago to construct six 18-hole Championship golf courses, a golf teaching academy and five clubhouses at Aina Lea on 3,000 acres in South Kohala is no more after Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to revoke the document. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Proposed hikes in water rates and fees are coming, and a shortage of five engineers in the Department of Water Supply will probably mean there won't be faster movement of applicants off the Upcountry water meter list, Water Director Dave Taylor told Maui County Council members Wednesday. Maui News.

The House Finance Committee voted to appropriate $37.5 million for the second phase of construction on the upcoming Kīhei High School, marking the single largest Department of Education appropriation in the House Budget. Maui Now.

The state House of Representatives approved a $13.5 billion supplemental budget Wednesday that included $37.5 million for construction of the Kihei high school and $200.7 million for a new Maui jail. Maui News.

Maui County was dethroned as the healthiest county in Hawaii, but retained its five-year run of providing the best quality of life, according to an annual study released Wednesday by a national health foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Maui News.

Maui and Hawaii are at the forefront of a nationwide "energy revolution," but everyone will have to evolve - consumers in their behavior, businesses in their practices and governments in their policy to continue to be leaders in the energy field, said experts on the opening day of the Maui Energy Conference on Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

In a speech marked by energy and optimism, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. delivered his eighth State of the County address Thursday, acknowledging strides made in the past year and looking ahead to a vibrant future. Garden Island.

Three roving Jet Skis designated to preventing drownings could be on waters around Kauai next year. In his State of the County speech on Thursday, Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. said the Jet Ski patrols would perform daily periodic checks on unguarded beaches with relatively high rates of incidents. Those beaches include Lumahai, Anini, Larsen’s, Wailua, Kalapaki, Shipwreck’s, Mahaulepu, and Kekaha. Garden Island.

Lawful Hawaiian Government fights for signs. After losing court battles, DLNR has not released evidence. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiian group bows out of ratification vote, House passes $30.7B budget, Honolulu pays $4.7M to settle police cases, $200M for Maui jail, hearing officer to be picked for Thirty Meter Telescope, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Rep. Faye Hanohano at 2014 Hawaiian recognition hearing © 2016 All Hawaii News

The Na‘i Aupuni board announced Wednesday that it will forgo bankrolling the ratification vote for the newly adopted Native Hawaiian constitution and instead let the convention participants take on that responsibility. Star-Advertiser.

Nai Aupuni said Wednesday it will not be conducting a ratification vote on the proposed Native Hawaiian constitution produced by a convention process, or aha, last month. Instead, Nai Aupuni — a private nonprofit organization supported through funds from the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs — said it believes that it is the aha participants that can “best advance the ratification vote and conduct the important process of educating our communities about the constitution.” Civil Beat.

The group that organized a gathering of Native Hawaiians to draft a constitution for self-governance said Wednesday it won't hold a vote to ratify the document, in an apparent move to avoid further legal rulings against its efforts. Associated Press.

The organization that convened a gathering of Native Hawaiians last month to draft a constitution document announced Wednesday that the delegates themselves will be responsible for finding a way to arrange a ratification vote. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed the state’s $30.7 billion two-year spending plan, after a heated debate about which schools should get construction funding and how much money should go to Hawaiian Home Lands. Associated Press.

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed a $13.5 billion budget bill  Wednesday for the operating expenses of the executive branch for the supplemental fiscal year that begins July 1. Civil Beat.

The state House Transportation Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill that would prohibit smoking in a motor vehicle when a minor is present. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council has approved a subsidy for recycling firms that’s estimated to cost taxpayers $600,000, overriding a veto by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Civil Beat.

More than 300 uniformed Hawaiian Airlines pilots, carrying signs that read “Fully Qualified, Partially Paid!” and “Mr. Dunkerley, What does Ohana mean to you?” picketed at Honolulu Airport’s interisland terminal Wednesday to bring public awareness to the slow pace of labor negotiations with the company. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine dropped off U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 list of the top medical schools in the nation after moving up last year, while the William S. Richardson School of Law dropped 10 places from last year’s list. Pacific Business News.

Lloyd Pendleton, known for his no-nonsense efficiency in addressing homelessness in Utah, is in talks with Mayor Kirk Caldwell about a move to Oahu to help reduce the highest per capita homeless rate in the country. Star-Advertiser.

A dispute over the overcrowded Campbell High School flared up again during debate on the floor of the state House of Representatives on Wednesday, with Rep. Bob McDermott saying House Democrats were guilty of a “grotesque misfire” for funding a new high school on Maui instead of a new Kapolei high school. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council has approved spending $4.7 million to settle two lawsuits brought by three city police officers who alleged they were victims of racial and sexual discrimination, retaliation and a subsequent cover-up by top police brass. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu police officer Roddy Tsunezumi testified in U.S. District Court on Wednesday that he and officer Landon K. Rudolfo negotiated the sale of a stolen SUV while they were on the job at the Honolulu Police Department’s main headquarters. Star-Advertiser.

A female graduate student was in serious condition tonight after a blast in a basement laboratory at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

With several high-rise condominiums on the way, Kaka‘ako is a place in transition. As many as 30,000 new residents are expected to move in to the developing area over the next 15 years, with Honolulu’s rail project running right through the neighborhood. But there’s a problem with one basic piece of infrastructure: its roads. Hawaii Public Radio.

Saks Fifth Avenue is planning to open a second department store in Hawaii in a building originally built for Nordstrom at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
Selection of a hearings officer to oversee the next contested case for the Thirty Meter Telescope’s land use permit will not be brought before the state’s Land Board. Instead, Suzanne Case, who leads the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, will make the decision based on the recommendations of a screening committee, according to Dan Dennison, DLNR spokesman. Tribune-Herald.

Crops and livestock are so plentiful on the Big Island, one councilor thinks it should have its own Department of Agriculture. West Hawaii Today.

A proposal to create a department of agriculture under the County of Hawaii was postponed after getting a lukewarm reception from the Hawaii County Council. Big Island Video News.

The Panaewa play court is not even 4 years old, but it’s already having its floor replaced after some users complained of cuts and scrapes from a surface described as a “cheese grater.” Tribune-Herald.


Maui

The state House of Representatives has inserted $200 million in capital improvement funds into the 2017 fiscal year budget for a new Maui jail — a project that dates back to 2004. Star-Advertiser.

The state house today approved more than $200 million in funds for renovations at the Maui Community Correctional Center in Wailuku, according to an announcement from the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives. Maui Now.

Officials with the company that conducted the audit on the county's Solid Waste Division said Tuesday that they would be "hard pressed" to find the $1 million a year in cost savings the county says exists in a proposed waste-to-energy project. Maui News.

Maui farmers are ramping up opposition to a bill in the state Legislature that they maintain would allow Alexander & Baldwin to continue accessing millions of gallons of stream water from East Maui watersheds, despite its recently invalidated permits. Maui News.

Vision met reality on the first day of the Maui Energy Conference, which featured a series of panel discussions on how Hawaii can — or can’t — reach its goal of getting 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2045. Civil Beat

Kauai

University of Hawaii officials are considering a tuition hike of up to 2 percent that would affect Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Anybody who has attended Kauai County municipal meetings or watched them on television recently is most likely familiar with Matt Bernabe. Garden Island.

The Kauai Humane Society is now offering feral cat surgeries six days a week, and the extra day is appreciated by the trap, neuter, release operations on the island. Garden Island.

Ige pushes early inmate release, 16% pay raise for lifeguards, Honolulu mayor, council battle over recycling fees, Big Island lead cleanup to cost $6M, Kauai mayor seeks 3.4% budget bump, federal money for displaced Maui sugar workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

ohia flower © 2016 All Hawaii News

In years past, hula students would make pilgrimages into ohia forests on Hawaii’s Big Island to gather blossoms and leaves from the trees to adorn dancers’ lei, hair, hands and feet for the world’s most prestigious hula competition. But at this year’s upcoming Merrie Monarch Festival, the red and yellow blossoms that normally adorn dancers will be missing. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige is asking legislators to allow the state correctional system to grant “early release” to misdemeanor criminal offenders as a way to ease overcrowding in Hawaii jails. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of Hawaii inmates could be released from jail to help ease overcrowding issues. That’s if a bill making its way through the State Legislature becomes law. KHON2.

Hawaii lifeguards are set to receive a 16 percent pay raise starting July 1 under a new two-year union contract. Negotiations between the Hawaii Government Employees Association and state and county officials reached an impasse, but a neutral arbitrator took up the matter and issued an award in February. Civil Beat.

Industry experts say there are a lot of chemicals that could contaminate Hawaii's medical marijuana. Dispensaries are set to open in Hawaii in July, and state lawmakers are pushing a broad bill to address many of the obstacles the industry is facing. One is how to regulate marijuana testing. Associated Press.

A statewide series of public hearings will be held from March 28 to May 5 on proposed University of Hawaii tuition increases of up to 6 percent over three years. Star-Advertiser.

The number of public school employees on leave after being accused of misconduct has dropped substantially after a push to ensure cases are resolved faster and discipline is appropriate. Star-Advertiser.

Three major problems with the ʻAha Native Hawaiian constitution. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday again urged the City Council to stop a bill that he describes as a form of “corporate welfare” because it would largely help one recycling company: Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Co. The Council is scheduled to hold an override vote today on Bill 50, which would give metal recyclers a 25 percent discount on refuse disposal fees at the landfill or the city’s HPOWER waste-to-energy incinerator plant. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants the City Council to consider a proposal aimed at helping locally owned recycling companies instead of overriding his veto of another measure that would subsidize all recycling businesses that bring large amounts of solid waste to the landfill. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail project's chief architect departs, warns of project's future. Pacific Business News.

Across the board, Oahu residents have fewer preventable deaths than the rest of the state — especially compared to Hawaii County. Civil Beat.

Rising Seas Could Displace Thousands Of Ewa Beach Residents. A new report demonstrates the vulnerability of the Oahu coastline from climate change and beach erosion. Civil Beat.

The State is relocating its Data Center from the flood-zoned Kalanimoku Building in Downtown Honolulu to one on higher ground. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 200 emergency planners and government officials from across the Pacific are attending a conference on natural disaster planning this week at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has announced the 2016 season of its Creative Lab Hawaii Accelerator Program after receiving $550,000 in funding. Pacific Business News

Hawaii

According to the monitor of a bid process for a Big Island geothermal facility, poor planning by Hawaiian Electric may have undermined the idea from the start. Pacific Business News.

The bad news is, it’s going to cost at least $6 million to clean lead from the Kealakehe scrap yard. The good news, Hawaii County can borrow the money at a 1 percent interest rate. West Hawaii Today.

A former county employee who embezzled more than $30,000 from the Department of Finance Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division will serve a short jail sentence and her conviction will be wiped clean if she stays out of trouble for five years. Tribune-Herald.

State and federal wildlife agencies are creating an “encyclopedia” of sorts they hope will guide future efforts to control invasive mongooses and rodents in Hawaii and better protect native species. But first, they want input from the public. Tribune-Herald.

The man involved with the “Freedom Ride” movement, which holds that licenses and registration are not needed for private vehicles, did not show up to court regarding his traffic ticket on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa called the state of Maui County "one of perpetual change" Monday night, as he lauded recent developments in parks and transportation and laid out plans for dealing with new issues, such as the end of the sugar industry, as well as recurring issues such as affordable housing. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa delivers his 2016 State of the County Address tonight before a full house at the McCoy Studio Theater at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center saying the state of Maui County “is one of perpetual change.”  The address highlights the County’s achievements in 2015, as well as plans for the coming year. Maui Now.

In Monday night's State of the County address, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa highlighted the Valley Isle's growing homeless problem. Help for some could be on the way---a proposal to purchase housing units is awaiting council approval. KITV4.

Millions in federal dollars are expected to be available soon to displaced Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. workers to help them support their families while they train and educate themselves for new jobs, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and Gov. David Ige announced Monday. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co.'s fossil-fuel generation costs, lowered by declining oil prices worldwide that have benefited customers, have dipped below the fixed price the utility pays for wind power. Maui News.

Kauai

A preliminary 2016-17 county budget released this week by Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. proposes a $188.8 million spending plan — an increase of about 3.4 percent from the current $182 million budget. Garden Island.

Island Air bid farewell to Kauai nine months ago amid a companywide restructuring. On Tuesday the state’s second-largest carrier returned with a new ownership group to a festive welcome. Star-Advertiser.

Welcome Flight 109. Cheers, praise greet Island Air’s return to Kauai. Garden Island.

Hawaii legislators may loosen campaign spending law, grand jury to mull Hawaii mayor's pCard use, Honolulu Ethics Commission director put on leave in investigation, secret Kauai committee meeting focuses on feral cats, Maui water rights spurs Capitol rally, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Money in politics

Hawaii law prohibits political candidates from using their own campaign funds to support the campaigns of other candidates. But some state legislators and other officeholders have long gotten around the ban through a loophole that lets them buy up to two tickets to another politician’s fundraiser for an amount often equal to the maximum allowable individual campaign contribution. Now the Legislature is considering a bill that would remove the need to hold a fundraiser and simply allow direct campaign donations between candidates — something critics contend amounts to buying influence. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige promised in January his administration would install air conditioning and other equipment to cool 1,000 classrooms before the end of 2016, but state lawmakers apparently aren’t moving quickly enough on that initiative to suit the governor. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority repeated Monday its stance against legislative measures that could reduce its $82 million annual budget. Star-Advertiser.

Recycling snafu: 1.2 million Kirkland water bottles mislabeled. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Ethics Commission executive director Chuck Totto is on leave following an internal personnel investigation and won’t be back until April 4. Chairwoman Victoria Marks said the commission received an internal complaint regarding Totto’s management of staff and hired an outside investigator to evaluate the situation. Civil Beat.

The latest report from traffic-data firm INRIX will likely leave many Oahu drivers scratching their heads: In the past couple of years, the company found, Honolulu has gone from having the second-worst traffic in the United States to having the 10th worst, just behind Atlanta. Star-Advertiser.

The application from a company seeking to bring a 400-megawatt floating wind farm with up to 50 turbines to a site 15 miles off Oahu’s South Shore is available for public review. Star-Advertiser.

Political analysts say the mayor should ask the police chief to put himself on administrative leave during an ongoing FBI probe, or risk appearing weak during an election year. Hawaii News Now.

Nestor Garcia Returns To KHON2. The former Honolulu City Council member who was fined thousands of dollars for ethical violations will be the TV news station’s assignment editor. Civil Beat.

Residents of the Waikiki condominium Canterbury Place have been declared the winner in a fight against the tower’s developer over disputed utility and maintenance fees. Star-Advertiser.

Pete Cooper, the former top executive for SolarCity in Hawaii, plans to develop a six-home project that will be located in a private gated community in Windward Oahu, he confirmed to Pacific Business News.

The last piece of a more than 30-year-old vision to build affordable housing on state land in Pearl City has been completed in tribute to Hansen’s disease patients forcibly removed from their state-run care home on the same site in 1983. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of a Hawaii jewelry and gift retail business pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal conspiracy charge, admitting he smuggled Alaska ivory to the Philippines, where they were carved into fish hooks then shipped back and passed off as made in Hawaii by local artisans. Associated Press.

Hawaii

A Hilo grand jury will meet March 23 to investigate potential theft charges against Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi. Hawaii News Now.

A statewide ban on new cesspool construction approved Friday by Gov. David Ige came despite protests from seven Hawaii Island legislators, who claimed the ban would place undue financial burdens on local homeowners who might not be able to afford more expensive sewage systems. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii sublease to the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea is being sent back to the state for reconsideration. Judge Greg Nakamura of the Environmental Court of the Third Circuit Court remanded the sublease back to the Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. Big Island Video News.

A modified version of a massive condominium plan has resurfaced for 43 acres of culturally significant land above Kahaluu Beach Park. Should it come to fruition, the timeshares project by Ocean Villas at Kahaluu Bay, LLC would have 306 units in multiple three-story buildings mauka of Alii Drive and Kahaluu Beach Lots. West Hawaii Today.

It’s been two dozen years of false starts and lawsuits for Aina Lea, where a series of massive development plans have come and gone for 3,000 acres in South Kohala. Now, the latest rendition of the struggling project is set to lose the permits that would have theoretically allowed the development of six 18-hole championship golf courses on the land. West Hawaii Today.

Police are asking that residents tell them how well the department is doing. There is an anonymous Community Satisfaction Survey for the department running through the end of this month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
More than 50 farmers, lawyers, Native Hawaiians and conservationists rallied Monday morning to call on state lawmakers to reject a bill related to water rights. Civil Beat.

About 60 people, including farmers, Native Hawaiian advocates, attorneys and environmentalists, gathered at the state Capitol on Monday to voice their opposition to a bill advancing at the Legislature that would allow Alexander &Baldwin to hold on to the rights to millions of gallons of water that it diverts daily from East Maui streams even as it plans to shut down its water-intensive sugar cane plantation and lay off more than 600 workers. Star-Advertiser.

A statewide coalition came to the State Capitol today to demand lawmakers restore East Maui streams. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawai‘i House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass a highly contested measure that would allow former sugar giant Alexander and Baldwin to continue diverting up to 400 million gallons of water per day from East Maui streams, notwithstanding a court order that found it in violation of state laws relating to revocable permits and water licenses. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. employees who lose their jobs will be able to get money through a federal program to help replace lost wages, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced today. Associated Press.

Mayor Alan Arakawa laid out his vision for Maui County in his State of the County address Monday night. KHON2.

Mayor Arakawa: State of the County is “One of Perpetual Change” Maui Now.

Increasing environmental management efforts and a growing staff have prompted the Department of Land and Natural Resources to propose the development of a new baseyard for its Division of Forestry and Wildlife operations on Maui. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee voted Thursday, March 10 to defeat a controversial proposed measure that would have drastically restructured the way agricultural properties on Maui are assessed and raised taxes on agricultural home sites. The legislation also   added multiple layers of paperwork, dedication requirements and a substantial increase in government authority to regulate and control the business of farming here. Maui Watch.

At least two of Maui's Democratic state House members will face primary challenges Aug. 13, while potential challengers in a third House race pulled nomination papers but had not filed them officially as of Friday. Maui News.

Kauai
A Kauai committee tasked with coming up with solutions for the island's feral cat problem has been holding its meetings behind closed doors, which Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura says allows members to express their ideas more freely. Hawaii News Now.

$700,000 repair work on the state Department of Health Kauai District Health Office involved reflooring the entire building, new disabilities development facilities, a secured entryway to the building as well as the DD area, new bicycle racks, handicapped parking and draining of the exterior landscaping. Garden Island.

Kauai County officials share residents' hopes about recycling and would like to hear from residents during a public meeting Wednesday on construction of an estimated $10.9 million Materials Recycling Facility near the county’s resource center by the Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

On the heels of winning a guilty verdict for a sexual assault case, Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar on Monday announced his plans to file for a second term in officer with more than a dozen suporters on hand. Garden Island.

Lanai

Maui County Council members failed to reach agreement Saturday on the final wording of the Lanai Community Plan update. Maui News.

New octopus discovered, prison corporation wants federal court to clarify Native Hawaiian religious practices, Legislature enters crossover week, gun control advances, Kona courthouse delayed by bid protest, Kauai seeks gas tax hike, Maui coffee comes to fore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Octopus, courtesy NOAA

Scientists say they have discovered what might be a new species of octopus while searching the Pacific Ocean floor near the Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press.

Corrections Corporation of America is asking the federal court to force a final settlement in a class-action lawsuit over religious rights of Native Hawaiian inmates in Arizona. Civil Beat.

Despite heavy opposition from federal recognition advocates and an agenda deliberately primed to produce a federal recognition-friendly constitution, Hawaiian independence advocates at the Native Hawaiian Convention, better known as the ʻAha, succeeded in planting a stake in the ground for the “pursuit of independence.” Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii lawmakers are heading into a busy week when bills have to be passed out of the House and Senate and sent over to the other chamber. Those that don’t make it over the hurdle will die. Associated Press.

Hawaii already has some of the toughest gun control laws in the nation, but state House and Senate lawmakers are advancing a half-dozen new proposals this year to further restrict access to firearms for people who have criminal records or are being treated for mental illnesses. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would prevent known and suspected terrorists from purchasing a firearm is moving forward in the House. Star-Advertiser.

Opposition is mounting to bills that would let the online vacation rental giant Airbnb and similar companies arrange to collect general excise and transient accommodations taxes on behalf of hosts and pay the money to the state. Star-Advertiser.

Some lawmakers at the Hawaii Legislature think the state could do more to attract major national and international sports and entertainment events. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The University of Hawaii-Manoa campus is now accredited internationally as an arboretum, a designation that recognizes its more than 500 species of trees as an important collection. Star-Advertiser.

The number of single-family homes sold on Oahu jumped 19.4 percent to 240 homes sold in February, from 201 homes sold during the same month in 2015. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Recent tourism statistics suggest Hawaii Island’s dengue fever outbreak hasn’t had the overall negative impacts some feared. Tribune-Herald.

A bid protest on the new $90 million judiciary complex means that West Hawaii might have to wait a bit longer for justice to be served in a secure setting. A protest letter filed late last month by contractor Nan Inc. alleges that two lower bidders failed to respond to all of the requirements of the project. West Hawaii Today.

Sales of single-family homes on Hawaii’s Big Island soared in February as prices dropped, while sales of condominiums dropped and prices soared, according to statistics from the Hawaii Island Realtors via Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Maui

While much of the focus of Hawaii's coffee industry centers on the Big Island's Kona brand, Maui farmers are proving it's not the only coffee from the Aloha State worth tasting. Maui News.

Kaanapali's hotel and condominium owners are baffled by a proposed 33 percent increase of their water bill for this year. Maui News.

A random sampling of Maui County residents will receive a mailed Department of Parks and Recreation survey seeking help in prioritizing future parks facilities, programs and services. Maui News.

Single-family home sales soared 15 percent to 69 homes sold, compared to 60 homes sold in February 2015. The median price of a single-family home in February was $595,000, an increase of 6.5 percent from $558,625 during the same month a year ago. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday will consider a proposal to increase the gas tax by 15 cents per gallon beginning Jan. 15. Garden Island.

Single-family home sales on Kauai jumped in February, even as condominium sales and prices dropped, according to statistics from the Kauai Board of Realtors via Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Huge Hawaii surf competition slows Internet, interrupts workday, Big Island senator's residency questioned, rail conflict of interest lawsuit dismissed, 25% cigarette tax hike advanced, rocker Hagar helps Maui school, China to join RIMPAC, Native Hawaiian convention wraps up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Screengrab World Surf League ‏@wsl  Ross Clarke-Jones on an amazing wave!

The waves at Waimea Bay rose like angry, 60-foot monsters Thursday, ripping surfboards from their leashes and sending spectators scrambling out of the wash as the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau finally went off for only the ninth time in 30 years. Star-Advertiser.

Was your Internet connection downright sluggish on Thursday? You can probably blame it on the Eddie big-wave contest. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday was an unofficial holiday for many Hawaii workers who were glued to their screens watching big-wave surfers take off on monster swells. Star-Advertiser.

A key state Senate committee advanced a bill Thursday to increase the state’s cigarette tax despite objections from smokers who say that extra tax burden will weigh most heavily on low-income residents. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of the last day of the Native Hawaiian constitutional convention, foes held their own aha on Oahu on Thursday night to speak out against the Maunawili gathering. Star-Advertiser.

The Other Aha: Hawaiian Independence Backers Make Their Case. Aha Aloha Aina 2016 rejects the Nai Aupuni process for self-governance and insists on pushing for “real” independence. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are pushing a bill to ban employers from accessing employees’ personal social media accounts. So far, more than 20 states have banned employers from snooping in employees’ personal accounts. About a dozen others are considering similar bills this year. Associated Press.

Two victims’ rights measures are still alive this session at the Hawaii Legislature, and one of them was passed with amendments by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Wednesday.Civil Beat.

China, while criticizing the U.S., says it will participate in RIMPAC. Star-Advertiser.

The legislature is advancing a bill to crack down on illegal mopeds.  Some lawmakers say this could be the year for passage of strict requirements. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Hawaii economic group says the state’s expansion remains on track thanks to a bustling construction sector, but global conditions this year could derail growth. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents are more likely to have a college degree than their mainland counterparts, but may not be reaping the same economic benefits of higher education, according to statistics analyzed by the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Circuit Court Judge Virginia Crandall tossed a lawsuit Thursday that sought to invalidate a number of Honolulu City Council votes on the municipality’s controversial $6.6 billion rail project that were made under questionable ethical circumstances. Civil Beat.

A lawsuit that sought to invalidate key Honolulu City Council votes cast for the rail project was dismissed in state Circuit Court this morning. Star-Advertiser.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to invalidate Honolulu City Council votes on the city's $6 billion rail project over conflict of interest claims. Associated Press.

Hanauma Bay will reopen to the public on Friday now that the preserve’s bathrooms have been fixed, according to the City and County of Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

The city and HART broke ground today on the first group of rail stations for the Honolulu Rail Transit System -- the Don Quixote store, West Loch and Leeward Community College. KITV4.

The mother of a boy who disappeared from school and was found hours later in Waikiki, is suing the Department of Education. KHON2.

Hawaii Electric Co.s' top half-dozen executives all earned more than a half-million dollars in salary and other remuneration in 2015, with the head of the company taking in nearly three times that amount, according to Hawaiian Electric Industries’ recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Kai Kahele, recently appointed by Gov. David Ige to fill the Hilo state Senate seat of his late father, Sen. Gil Kahele, holds a low-cost state land lease for oceanview property in West Hawaii that is legally required to be his primary residence. But Kahele, 41, instead listed the Keneki Place, Hilo, home he now co-owns with his mother as his residence when he entered his name for consideration for the nomination to the seat vacated by his father’s passing. West Hawaii Today.

A Hilo Circuit Court judge officially remanded the Thirty Meter Telescope’s land use permit this week, setting the stage for another review by the state Land Board and a new contested case hearing for the proposed project on Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

A bill to raise the speed limit on Saddle Road cruised past the state Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Thursday the selection of Lino Kamakau as Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Hawaii Island branch chief. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Rocker Sammy Hagar Helps Longtime Montessori School Expand. Maui Now.

Maui County has agreed to pay $7,500 to settle a lawsuit brought by a man who served more than 20 years in prison for a sexual assault conviction that was later dismissed. Associated Press.

At least for now, open agricultural burns by Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. will go on as planned after a 2nd Circuit judge granted the state Department of Health's request Wednesday to strike a motion by a Maui group and Maui residents to immediately halt cane burning while a lawsuit on the matter is pending. Maui News.

The state Land Use Commission ruled Wednesday that the proposed construction of a homeless campground near the entrance of Lahaina town would require a district boundary amendment, which would undo the project's current application for a special use and conditional permit before the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

Shipments between Honolulu Harbor and the three Maui County ports were down in 2015, compared to the previous year, according to intrastate shipper Young Brothers. Maui News.

Kauai
Kauai police evacuated a Lihue home and neighboring properties this morning after a man found a 60 mm mortar round at his father’s home, Kauai County police said in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Police gave the “all clear” Thursday night after a bomb scare in a Lihue neighborhood. Garden Island.

The Kauai Community Alliance outlined plans Wednesday to help about 350 homeless people on the island. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiians arrested for protesting Native Hawaiian convention, 46% profits for Matson shipping, bill tackles abandoned pets, homeless emergency extended, Honolulu employees fill Caldwell campaign coffers, reprieve for Coco Palms, dengue session slated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Woman is arrested Monday at Native Hawaiian convention, photo courtesy Ryan Sonognini

Honolulu police have arrested eight people for trespassing at a golf club where Native Hawaiians are gathered to discuss self-governance. Associated Press.

A video posted to Facebook by user Kaukaohu Wahilani shows several Hawaiian activists, including Kaleikoa Kaʻeo and Kahoʻokahi Kanuha allowing themselves to be arrested by Honolulu police officers in protest of the Naʻi Aupuni ʻAha on Monday, Feb. 22. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui on Tuesday extended a emergency declaration proclamation to address homelessness statewide — the third extension to the proclamation on homelessness that Gov. David Ige first declared four months ago. Civil Beat.

Acting Gov. Shan Tsutsui on Tuesday again extended the state’s emergency proclamation to address homelessness on all islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has extended the state's emergency declaration to fight homelessness. Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui announced the move Tuesday. It's the state's third extension since Gov. David Ige declared a state of emergency in October. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers are expected to make a decision on House Bill 2773 on Thursday.  The bill would allow prisoners to retain their right to vote, even while incarcerated. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii already has the lowest gun death rates in the nation, but state lawmakers are looking to take gun control a step further. House Bill 625 aims to prohibit firearm and ammunition sales to people who have been convicted of misdemeanor stalking or sexual assault. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers are considering a bill to plug the insurance gaps for drivers who use personal vehicles to haul paying riders. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill that will be heard Friday at the Hawaii State Capitol calls for punishing people who desert or abandon Fluffy and Fido. Civil Beat.

Lawyers for the company that had its three solar farm contracts terminated by Hawaiian Electric Co. said state regulators should investigate whether NextEra Energy Inc., the firm looking to buy HECO’s corporate parent, influenced the utility’s decision. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo transportation company, Matson Inc., earned a record profit last year despite fourth-quarter net income being a bit lower than the same quarter a year earlier. Honolulu-based Matson announced Tuesday that it earned $103 million last year, up 46 percent from $70.8 million in 2014. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. President and CEO Alan Oshima received total compensation of $1.4 million in 2015, according to a year-end filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Boost sub force to keep China in check, Pacific chief says. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii officials are proposing another round of tuition hikes to help deal with a deferred maintenance backlog of $503 million. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has received large chunks of cash from his own employees at Honolulu Hale as well as from those involved in major construction and development projects around town, a Civil Beat analysis of Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission data shows. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell got mixed news as he walked through Chinatown with reporters to survey the streets of Oahu’s oldest neighborhood at lunchtime Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

With another round of high surf on the way to the north shore on Thursday, homeowners along the coastline are concerned for their property. KITV4.

As rates of erosion increase along Hawaii’s coastlines, policymakers are grappling with what to do with the hundreds of seawalls that line coasts and pose a potentially daunting liability risk to the state. Star-Advertiser.

The first Honolulu Biennial, set for spring 2017, is expected to have a $49.7 million impact on the Hawaii economy, the foundation behind the festival said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Patrick Sullivan, chairman and founder of the Honolulu-based engineering firm Oceanit, thinks Honolulu is brimming with talent and has enough capital for now. If that’s the case the stage is set for Startup Paradise to thrive. However, the city has a flaw, in his view — a lack of confidence. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Chairman Dru Kanuha has called a special meeting of the County Council for 9 a.m. March 2 to receive an update from local and state officials on efforts to control the dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

The spread of dengue fever on Hawaii island appears to be slowing, but keeping up the fight is crucial on all fronts to ward off the mosquito-borne disease and others like it, officials say.Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo wants to put the brakes on its rapidly increasing tuition. Members of the UH Board of Regents will hear a new proposal Thursday for tuition hikes that would begin in 2017. Tribune-Herald.

A former Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee aide is joining the Office of Mauna Kea Management team as its new Cultural Resource Program Manager. Big Island Video News.

Maui

A group seeking to generate a voter initiative that would allow Maui residents to trigger the power of the county to convert farmland from private to public ownership will be holding a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Haiku Community Center. Maui News.

A committee considering a new form of government for Maui County may take a vote Thursday on whether a County Council-county manager system would be an improvement over the current council-mayor system. Maui News.

Commentary: It’s pretty wonkish, but some pretty far-reaching local government reforms will be up for discussion at a public meeting this Thursday, Feb. 25. Yes, it’s time for yet another gathering of the county’s Special Committee on County Governance. MauiTime.

Hawaii regulators have conditionally approved the power purchase agreement between Maui Electric Co. and Lahaina-based Kuia Solar LLC for a planned 2.87-megawatt project in Lahaina near Lahainaluna School, which would be the first project of its kind on the Valley Isle, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

The state Public Utilities Commission approved Maui's first two "utility scale" power purchase agreements last week between Maui Electric Co. and two Maui-based companies for a total of 5.75 megawatts of solar power from facilities in Kihei and Lahaina that could be online by the end of the year. Maui News.

The Haleakala Visitor Center at the 9,741-foot elevation that overlooks the crater rim will be closed for repairs for several weeks beginning Wednesday. The repairs are expected to take four weeks, according to a park news release Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

The redevelopment firm seeking to rebuild Coco Palms has a bit more time to get their ducks in a row, even though they’re going to be past deadline for demolition. Garden Island.

If elected to serve another term on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative board of directors, Calvin Murashige wants to explore ways to inspire people to be more energy efficient. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Electric sale faces June deadline, rift in Native Hawaiian constitutional convention, Wasserman Schultz rallying Hawaii Democrats tonight, doctors needed stat, county probe finds Maui tires missing, homeless have great view atop Diamond Head, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu lights up at night © 2016 All Hawaii News

NextEra Energy Inc. is likely to pull the plug on its proposed purchase of Hawaii’s largest electric utility if state regulators do not approve the sale by June, according to analysts. Star-Advertiser.

NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Co. say they hope the Florida utility giant’s $4.3 billion proposed acquisition of Hawaii’s largest utility is finalized by March 14, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

The monthlong Na‘i Aupuni constitutional convention moved into its final two weeks Monday with a consensus to draft formal documents establishing a Native Hawaiian government. Star-Advertiser.

A hui calling itself Aha Aloha Aina 2016 plans a series of meetings on Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui later this month “to identify the very broad movement in the Hawaiian movement for Independence and educate the community on the various initiatives.” Civil Beat.

Hawaiian activist Bumpy Kanahele has walked away from the Hawaiian Constitutional Convention, saying the process is rigged. Hawaii News Now.

A growing number of Hawaii voters — 56 percent in the last primary — already request early ballots so they can vote from the comfort of their own homes and then mail in their ballots. But now there’s legislation, Senate Bill 2496, to phase in all-mail balloting in the islands. Civil Beat.

House Higher Ed Leader Takes Aim At the University of Hawaii. The nearly two dozen bills introduced by Rep. Isaac Choy may be indicative of a larger sense of frustration with the university. Civil Beat.

Home-growers can breathe a sigh of relief: A bill that would have prohibited patients from growing their own medical marijuana is essentially dead. The measure, HB 1680, had not been heard by the House Committee on Health by Thursday, which was the filing deadline for bills referred to at least three committees. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian and English are both official languages in the state but as of the 2010 Census only 3% of the islands' population actually speak Hawaiian. The push to increase the number of Hawaiian language speakers topped the agenda at the 2nd annual 'Aha Kumu at Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa on Monday. KITV4.

The state has hired the private company Securitas to provide security at all of Hawaii’s airports for at least three more years, despite recent allegations of bribery. The state says the new contract takes effect this week. KHON2.

Oahu
The Honolulu Traffic Code says street parking isn’t allowed within 4 feet of a driveway. A bill moving through the Honolulu City Council would allow an exception, under a pilot project, to that law in one tightly packed Ewa Villages neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

A bill expected to be heard Wednesday at the Hawaii State Capitol calls for $1.5 million to restore part of Waikiki Beach. Civil Beat.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz will lead a fundraiser at The Plaza Club in Honolulu Tuesday evening. Civil Beat.

They live on the best real estate in Hawaii, perched on cliffs above $10 million dollar oceanfront mansions on Diamond Head Road. The homeless of Diamond Head pay no rent or property taxes but enjoy postcard ocean views and the balmiest weather in the islands. Civil Beat.

When traffic is moving smoothly, it takes about six minutes for drivers to get from Maili to Nanakuli. On Saturday, it took drivers 90 minutes or more to travel that stretch. Hawaii News Now.

The Howard Hughes Corp. officially began construction Thursday on its third mixed-use condominium tower in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, with a groundbreaking ceremony for Aeo, which includes what will be Whole Foods Market’s flagship Hawaii store. Pacific Business News.

The federal government will soon list the endangered Oahu elepaio as a bird species distinct from other elepaio in what environmentalists describe as an attempt to better protect them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A bill amendment to be introduced in the state Senate today would undo Hawaii County’s nighttime drilling ban for geothermal power projects and further restrict — if not entirely prohibit — efforts by counties to enact similar regulations. Tribune-Herald.

The chances of the majority of sitting County Council members facing opposition this election year is increasing, with new potential challengers pulling nomination papers last week. West Hawaii Today.

Calling all orthopedic surgeons, pediatric specialists, obstetricians and psychiatrists: Hawaii Island needs you. Those specialties and more have been identified as pressing needs on the Big Island, according to the latest assessment of the state’s physician workforce. Tribune-Herald.

A humpback whale can stretch more than 50 feet from nose to tail, but sometimes it takes a 45-foot Coast Guard station boat to keep it safe. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than $73,000 were spent in just over one year on nearly 200 tires, none of which can be accounted for, and they’re not to be found on any county cars and trucks. KHON2.

Coast Guard crews with Hawaiʻi Department of Natural Resources conservation officers conducted joint patrols off Maui Thursday in conjunction with Operation Koholā Guardian.  Maui Now.

Kauai

A measure scheduled to be heard before the Kauai County Council would restore a lobbying ordinance on the island that was eliminated some 20 years ago. Civil Beat.

Legislature seeks to remove shroud of secrecy surrounding police departments, Honolulu PD promotes cop with criminal record, Ige seeks $5M for United Way to combat homelessness, Honolulu voters oppose rail in poll, money for Native Hawaiians, arguments begin in Maui cane-burning lawsuit, Coco Palms races deadline, new hearings on Thirty Meter Telescope, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police on parade © 2016 All Hawaii News

A bill that could unravel years of secrecy surrounding police officer misconduct in Hawaii  cleared its first hurdle Thursday at the State Capitol. The Senate Public Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 3016, which would change the state’s public records law to allow access to information in the disciplinary files of police officers who’ve been suspended. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige wants Aloha United Way to build on its existing efforts to combat homelessness by funneling $5 million of state money throughout the islands over the next year with the goal of immediately helping 1,300 households get off the streets or avoid becoming homeless. Star-Advertiser.

One in five people in Hawaii qualify for public housing -- but only one in 20 get in. In other words, there's too much demand for affordable rentals and not enough supply. Hawaii News Now.

A House committee this week shelved a proposal to fly homeless people back to the mainland, representing the fourth consecutive year the idea has died in the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

The state agency responsible for improving the well-being of Native Hawaiians is asking the legislature to lift a decade-old funding restriction. Hawaii Public Radio.

After listening to Hawaii residents speak out against vaccines and saying they cause everything from autism to the Zika virus, Hawaii lawmakers killed a bill to speed up the state’s process for adopting federal vaccination guidelines. Associated Press.

Hundreds of Hawaii teachers and their supporters are expected to rally today at the Hawaii State Capitol to support a 10-part education bill that officials believe will improve the state’s school system. Garden Island.

The House Higher Education Committee gave initial approval this week to measures that would impose legislative control over tuition hikes and new construction at the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

With less than five months until medical marijuana dispensaries are up and running, Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill to create an oversight committee for the future industry. Associated Press.

A proposed bill could make intrastate crowdfunding in Hawaii simpler, by easing regulations required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz had $2.6 million in cash on hand as of Dec. 31. According to his year-end filing with the Federal Election Commission, the Democrat raised a hefty $400,000 in the fourth quarter. Civil Beat.

It's been nearly seven years since the Hawaii Superferry shut down. Now there's talk of bringing a similar system back to the islands. KITV4.

Competition from Virgin America is driving down California-Hawaii flight fares. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Three out of four Hawaii voters say they either feel that Oahu’s rail project is a bad idea, or that they are troubled by how it’s progressing. A mere 16 percent of voters say they feel good about the $6.6 billion project, one marked by revenue shortages, construction delays and costs overruns. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha has promoted to assistant chief an officer who was convicted of assaulting a family member in 1994 and has had two temporary restraining orders sought against him in the years since. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha defended the promotion of a major who was arrested in 1994 for domestic violence after a lawmaker complained the selection is bad for the department's image. Associated Press.

Police are trying to cut back on the number of dismissed DUI cases, while courts are moving to clear a backlog of cases. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii-Manoa and two of its faculty members squared off before the Hawaii Labor Relations Board on Thursday in a case that could have implications for the university’s reputation and its ability to attract high-quality faculty. Civil Beat.

Overcrowding stresses Waianae bus routes. Star-Advertiser.

SunEdison Inc.’s planned 50-megawatt solar energy farm on Oahu’s North Shore may be in serious jeopardy of not being developed, according to public documents filed this week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A judge on Thursday cleared the way for a new round of hearings by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

The Windward Planning Commission declared Banyan Drive “blighted” Thursday as it voted unanimously to form a new redevelopment agency. Tribune-Herald.

Two companies seeking to expand quarry operations in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates got a green light Thursday from the Windward Planning Commission, but the go-ahead comes with conditions attached. West Hawaii Today.

Residents in the heart of dengue territory in South Kona are nervous about the disease, and still want more done to address an outbreak that has dragged on for four months now. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island representatives are hoping the third try is the charm for a bill that would bolster ambulance services in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

After using a stun gun and beating a Kona man while he lay incapacitated on the ground, Hawaii County police delayed seeking medical attention for the 39-year-old resulting in his death, a lawsuit filed on behalf of Randall Hatori by his brother claims. West Hawaii Today.

An investigation is underway on the Big Island following a police-involved shooting early Friday, authorities said. Hawaii News Now.

Eighteen months after thousands of albizia trees toppled by Tropical Storm Iselle damaged homes, blocked roadways and knocked out power in lower Puna, multiple bills up for discussion by legislators this session appear poised to tackle the troublesome invasive species. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Arguments begin in Stop Cane Burning lawsuit. If Stop Cane Burning and three Maui residents prevail in their lawsuit, it could impact more than 140 agricultural operations in the state - including taro farmers - and invalidate Hawaii's air pollution controls, said an attorney for defendants in the case, which include the state and Alexander & Baldwin, parent company of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa, Public Works Director David Goode and officials with the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and Maui Police Department will be attending a Makawao community meeting at 6:30 p.m. today in the Makawao School cafeteria. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department reports that their forensic facility currently has 11 unclaimed remains. Maui Now.

Rock work on a large scale progresses along the new Kahului Airport access road near the airport Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The County Council on Thursday waded through details of changing to a council/mayor system of government that employs a county manager. Garden Island.

Developers committed to rebuilding the shuttered Coco Palms Hotel on Kauai are at risk of having their redevelopment permits revoked because of a lag in planned demolition work. Star-Advertiser.

Mount Waialeale, known as one of the wettest spots on Earth, was far from it in January. Garden Island.

Lanai
Maui County Council members will take up the Lanai Community Plan update at their regular meeting Friday and, again, at a public hearing March 12 on Lanai. Maui News.