Porn industry looks to Hawaii in wake of condom law, unemployment hits 4-yr low, League of Women Voters seeks election investigation, apologies in UH tiff, rail project forgot wifi, Inouye takes fall, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

She hasn't even been sworn in yet, but Congresswoman-Elect Tulsi Gabbard is already trying to get comfortable in Congress. Civil Beat.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye sustained a minor cut to the back of his head following a fall at his home Thursday and was taken to the Bethesda Naval Hospital as a precautionary measure. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye took a spill at his Maryland home Thursday morning, cutting his head and heading to the hospital as a precaution. Civil Beat.

Porn producers may set sights on Hawaii in wake of L.A. condom law. Los Angeles Times.

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii is calling on the Hawaii State Legislature to take steps to remedy problems in voting operations that surfaced in the 2012 elections. Hawaii Reporter.

In its fourth quarter 2012 economic report, the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism projected higher growth of visitor-related indicators and more optimistic growth of most other economic indicators in 2012. KITV4.

Hawaii's unemployment rate fell to 5.5 percent in October, the lowest level in nearly four years, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's diabetes rate soared 117.1 percent from 1995 to 2010, mirroring a disturbing nationwide trend, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study shows. Star-Advertiser.

A lack of judgment, and UH personnel unwilling to take overall responsibility, are to blame for losses from the Stevie Wonder concert scam. An advisory task force group released those findings to the UH Board of Regents Thursday. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents expressed its support for President M.R.C. Greenwood Thursday night, saying they will "work together" after months of turmoil that began with the Stevie Wonder concert debacle. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Regents and President Greenwood announced that their partnership to achieve ever higher standards of academic excellence throughout the UH system will continue and remains strong. Star-Advertiser.

After insulting the state’s political leaders and demanding $2 million from the University of Hawaii regents, today UH President M.R.C. Greenwood took it all back, said she was sorry and kept her job. Hawaii Reporter.

Ecotourism ends at Midway Atoll. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for November 16. Associated Press.

Oahu
State and Honolulu city lawmakers plan to meet today to assess the coordinated response to last month's tsunami warning and coastal evacuation. Star-Advertiser.

Officials with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Thursday that the transit agency has only 27 more trenches left to dig for the archaeological survey work along the planned route of the elevated-rail mass-transit project. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is budgeting nearly $86 million to buy 63 properties in the next fiscal year as part of an accelerating land acquisition program for the 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Board is asking for more than $1.3 billion to spend in 2014 and yet with all that money there is one thing the city didn't think about, wifi for riders.Hawaii News Now.

Roughly 600 teachers, students, parents and community members flanked Fort Weaver Road near Campbell High School on Thursday to send Gov. Neil Abercrombie a message: "Negotiate, not mandate." Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council was looking a little different on Wednesday. KITV4.

Campbell High School teachers and students staged two demonstrations today to express their frustration with the state over stalled teacher contract negotiations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community organizations continued the fight over the future of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial on Thursday night. KHON2.

At Kaimuki High School, 558 photovoltaic panels harness energy from the sun. They were installed in May as part of the Department of Education's five-year plan to dramatically reduce its energy bill. Hawaii News Now.

A freak accident that killed a man who touched a streetlight will cost Honolulu taxpayers $550,000. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

U.S. DOT rejects Hawaiian Airlines Kona-Haneda request. West Hawaii Today.

The long-sought Kealakehe Regional Park could cost more than $85 million, Hawaii County officials and park planners revealed Thursday in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

A local resident who’s “passionate about keeping the pool open” has donated $30,000 to the Hilo YWCA to help keep the solar-heated, salt water swimming pool open through 2013. Tribune-Herald.

Members sought for Game Management Commission. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Public Works now has planning authorization to move ahead on the Laaloa Street extension. West Hawaii Today.

A controversial bill that severely restricts geothermal energy production drilling operations on the Big Island has passed the Hawaii County Council and is headed to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s desk for his signature. Pacific Business News.

After six years of testifying before the County Council, Kohala Councilwoman-elect Margaret Wille will soon take a seat on the other side of the dais. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Public school enrollment in Maui County grew by 1.6 percent to more than 21,000 students this school year as the impact of Kamehameha Schools Maui on the island student population diminishes, according to a state Department of Education official. Maui News.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood will be speaking from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday as part of an ongoing innovation series sponsored by the Maui Economic Development Board. Maui News.

Kauai

A 5th Circuit grand jury on Wednesday indicted a county department head on charges relating to the alleged abuse of a county gas credit card, according to a county news release issued Thursday. Garden Island.

A Kauai grand jury has indicted the county’s Human Resources Manager Janine Rapozo on charges relating to alleged misuse of a county gas credit card. Star-Advertiser.

Workers’ Compensation awarded in county case. Garden Island.

Hawaii teachers union unhappy with new contract, Native Hawaiian nominated federal judge, new poverty rate takes high cost of living into account, former UH AD Donovan finalist for Cal State job, Maui telescope to move quickly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Abercrombie meets with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, courtesy photo

A new federal calculation that takes into account Hawaii's high cost of living significantly boosts the state's poverty rate — from the 18th lowest in the nation to the seventh highest. Star-Advertiser.

A negotiating team for the state has given a 103-page contract offer to the Hawaii State Teachers Association as talks began Wednesday on a new contract for 2013-2015. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Education says a state negotiating team and the teachers union are resuming contract talks. Associated Press.

The state's new contract for teachers offers little hope. according to the teachers' union, which met with the state on Wednesday to resume negotiations. KHON2.

At Campbell High School, the signs are being painted and the T-shirts are being distributed for a teacher protest weeks in the making.KITV4.

Enrollment at public schools has increased slightly in all districts, except on Hawaii Island, which experienced a 1.6 decrease, according to data released Wednesday by the state Department of Education. West Hawaii Today.

The state’s official public school enrollment for the 2012-13 school year increased by more than 2,000 students. The total 183,251 enrollment at the state’s 254 DOE schools and 32 charter schools, translates to a total 1.1% increase. Maui Now.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Derrick Kahala Watson has been nominated by President Obama to serve as Hawaii’s next federal judge. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal attorney who graduated from Kamehameha Schools and spent most of his legal career on the mainland before returning to Hawaii five years ago was nominated Wednesday by President Barack Obama as a U.S. district judge. Star-Advertiser.

A hearing over the ballot shortage across Oahu on Election Day was almost pushed into December, past the deadline for candidates to challenge election results. KHON2.

It cost taxpayers at least $11.5 million to close state and county government offices, schools and the University of Hawaii on Election Day. Civil Beat.

Former University of Hawaii athletics director Jim Donovan has been named one of four finalists for the AD position at Cal State Fullerton, according to the school's website. Hawaii News Now.

Former University of Hawaii Athletic Director Jim Donovan has been named a finalist for the Athletic Director position at California State University, Fullerton. KHON2.

The president of the National Rifle Association visited the islands this week to advocate for development of shooting ranges and expansion of hunting opportunities. Civil Beat.

The value of seed crops in Hawaii managed a slight rise to a record this past season, according to a new government report, though the industry appears to have plateaued after rapid growth over much of the past decade. Star-Advertiser.

RealtyTrac reports that the number of foreclosures in Hawaii plummeted 62 percent in October when compared to the same month a year ago, as the effects of a state law forcing most foreclosures to go through the courts continues to push the state’s ranking down. Pacific Business News.

State news roundup for Nov. 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Navy said Wednesday it is considering not basing 18 P-8A Poseidon jets at Kaneohe Bay to save $300 million by consolidating the aircraft in Washington state and Florida instead. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Safety Chairman Nestor Garcia said he would entertain the idea of expanding a proposal to ban smoking at some of Hono­lulu's most popular beach facilities to include all city-run parks. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council considered a measure to ban smoking at certain beaches and parks on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Honolulu City Councilman Rod Tam has been fined $813.53 by the city Ethics Commission for misusing city funds to buy city employees "appreciation lunches" and for a Chinese dinner for foreign delegates. Star-Advertiser.

A human skull fragment turned up in an archaeological survey trench dug into a parking lot near Ward Avenue last weekend, marking the sixth time human remains have been found in the path of the $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

An old hand is returning to the helm of the Hawaii County Council. J Yoshimoto, a three-term councilman from Hilo, was selected chairman Sunday in a closed-door session. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. must take measures to cap emissions from three East Hawaii oil-fueled boilers by 2018 to reduce visibility impacts on the state’s two national parks, according to a rule rolled out Oct. 9 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tribune-Herald.

Symposium highlights need for more local produce. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Public school enrollment in Maui County grew by 1.6 percent to more than 21,000 students this school year, according to the state Department of Education. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii plans to swiftly begin construction on a cutting-edge solar telescope atop Haleakala Volcano on Maui following a long-awaited ruling by the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources that reaffirms approval of a critical permit. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its approval of a key permit for a controversial solar telescope to be built atop Haleakala, essentially giving the University of Hawaii the green light to proceed with the $300 million project. Maui News.

Kauai

It was standing room only at Hanalei School’s cafeteria Tuesday evening as more than 400 Kaua‘i residents turned out to hear a presentation by developers of the Hanalei Plantation Resort. Garden Island.

The owner of a transient vacation rental which was denied a non-conforming use permit will likely take his case to a higher court after a contested case didn’t go his way, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Kurt Matsumoto

Lanai

Hawaii hotel industry executive and Lanai native Kurt Matsumoto has been tapped to oversee all of Larry Ellison's business operations on the island of Lanai. Maui News.

Hawaii Public Land Development Corp. new rules aired, DLNR in fish fight, Elections Commission to mull ballot problems, state pension fund hits record, Kauai Hanalei development meets resistance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Upolu Point (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Public Land Development Corp. heard another torrent of criticism Tuesday as it attempts to adopt administrative rules that would allow the new agency to launch projects. Star-Advertiser.

A hearing Tuesday to determine administrative rules for the Public Land Development Corporation turned into a call for repeal, as an overflow crowd descended upon a tiny board room at the Department of Land and Natural Resources. KITV4.

The Public Land Development Corporation conducted a public hearing yesterday following a contentious round of state-wide hearings in August. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nearly four hours of public testimony was received today at a statewide hearing on Oahu to discuss proposed administrative rules for the Public Land Development Corporation. Maui Now.

The Attorney General’s office late Tuesday filed a brief response to a lawsuit brought against DLNR last month asking that a complaint filed by environmental groups, divers and fishermen that it failed to follow the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act be dismissed. West Hawaii Today.

Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom, R-Hawaii Kai-Diamond Head, is the only Republican in the 25-member state Senate. But Democrats want him to feel the love. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Elections Commission will meet next month to discuss ballot problems on election day that led to long lines and frustrated voters across Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

It took five years, but assets in the state's largest pension fund have returned to record levels. Star-Advertiser.

New rules issued by the Hawaii Department of Taxation last week aimed at clarifying how solar tax credits should be calculated are pitting solar companies against each other, angering environmental groups and forcing legislative leaders to grapple with how to manage an increasingly hostile debate this upcoming legislative session. Civil Beat.

A lawyer for University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood sent the UH Regents a demand letter last month, saying she had been "severely defamed" after the Stevie Wonder blunder and would be willing to leave the university for a payment of $2 million, a demand her lawyer has since withdrawn. Hawaii News Now.

In a letter that prompted discussions by the Board of Regents on the future of University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood, her attorney asked the regents for a $2 million settlement — and offered text messages and a recording that he said showed inappropriate political pressure from the governor and top lawmakers to reinstate former athletic director Jim Donovan. Star-Advertiser.

A legal letter claims Greenwood blew the whistle on threats to the school. KITV4.

Members of two special University of Hawaii committees have been advised they must file personal financial disclosures with the State Ethics Commission as the result of amendments to the state ethics code passed by the Legislature earlier this year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for November 14. Associated Press

Oahu

A broken pipe in Manoa Tuesday caused an estimated 1,275 gallons of untreated wastewater into a storm drain which leads to the Ala Wai canal, according to state health officials and city environmental officials. KITV4.

A new park play ground on Oahu's North Shore that was supposed to be opened by now remains off limits. KHON2.

Unite Here Local 5 workers rallied in front of the Ilikai Hotel on Tuesday, protesting the latest contract offer from management and possible conversion of the property's remaining hotel rooms into condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

Charles E. "Chuck" Frankel, a passionate newsman who was devoted to the Hono­lulu Star-Bulletin, died Tuesday at age 84 after suffering an aneurysm. Star-Advertiser.

State Civil Defense officials will conduct siren maintenance testing at several locations on Oahu on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems on Tuesday received a $2.3 million boost in funding officials hope will make the state agency more appealing to NASA and other space agencies. West Hawaii Today.

NRA president speaks in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The Queen Liliuokalani Trust will be going out for a new environmental impact statement, likely early next year, its Vice President, LeeAnn Crabbe, said. West Hawaii Today.

Man convicted in axis deer case feels unjustly targeted. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The University of Hawaii announced Tuesday the state has reaffirmed its support for the school to build the world’s largest solar optical telescope on Maui’s Hale­akala. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina Bypass Now, a group formed in March 2006 to kick-start the long-awaited highway, will dissolve at the end of this year because it has accomplished what it set out to do. Maui News.

About $300,000 of volunteer work and donations were unveiled today when the Lahaina Public Library reopened its doors after a three-month renovation made possible by community organizations and volunteers. Maui News.

The state is bringing back a popular volunteer program in which people help educate visitors and residents about South Maui's fragile and almost pristine Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, which was established in 1973. Maui News.

Kauai

Hanalei Plantation Resort developers Ohana Real Estate Investors were met with strong resistance from a standing-room-only crowd Tuesday night as hundreds of community members crowded into Hanalei School to voice their opinion on the proposed development. Garden Island.

Hundreds Pack School Cafeteria to Protest Hanalei Ridge Development. Civil Beat.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission’s Subdivision Committee took about an hour to decide that the fate of a 2,029-acre proposed development across from Kealia Beach wouldn’t be decided Tuesday. The three-member committee reluctantly pushed the decision back another month. Garden Island.

Brennecke’s Beach Broiler has paid a fine of more than $47,000 to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to close two large capacity cesspools in Po‘ipu, the agency announced Tuesday. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison has tapped a local resort industry executive to run the day to day business operations on Lanai. Hawaii News Now.

Billionaire Larry Ellison has tapped a Lanai native who once was in charge of the two hotels there to be the top executive on the island Ellison bought in June. Star-Advertiser.

It was quite telling that the Oracle Corp. CEO decided to hire Lanai native and Hawaii hotel industry veteran Kurt Matsumoto to oversee the island's business operations, which include the two Four Seasons resorts, the economic drivers of the Pineapple Island. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii to limit solar tax breaks, indictments in UH 'Wonder blunder,' NFL football combine coming, grounded vessel damaging coral, some Big Island cattle have STD, Maui ends Main Street grant, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

solar panels on Honolulu building

The state tax department is set to come out with new rules that would limit the number of tax credits solar companies can claim on a solar array. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii officials applauded the federal fraud prosecution of two mainland men charged in the botched Stevie Wonder concert, but it wasn't clear whether any of the $200,000 that UH lost will be recovered. Star-Advertiser.

Sean Barriero, one of two men accused of scamming the University of Hawaii out of $200,000, pleaded guilty in federal court today and will testify against co-defendant Marc Hubbard. Hawaii Reporter.

North Carolina resident Marc Hubbard and Miami resident Sean Barriero have been indicted on federal charges in connection to the botched Stevie Wonder concert at University of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The National Football League announced Thursday that it will have a “Super Regional Combine” in Honolulu in January 2013, just days before the annual Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium. Pacific Business News.

The Public Land Development Corp. Schedules New Public Hearing But Will Anyone Be Able To Go? Civil Beat.

For Hawaii Governors, Second Acts Are Tough. Civil Beat.

A final review of the public files shows that candidate and noncandidate committees spent more than $13.8 million total airing political TV ads on local airwaves this election season. Civil Beat.

Hawaii fishermen and seafood lovers may have a new reason to heed the long-standing warnings about the serious impacts of climate change, according to federal scientists in Honolulu. The latest research shows global warming and ocean acidification will have a significant effect on large pelagics, such as tuna and swordfish, over the 21st century. Civil Beat.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. tripled its profit in the third quarter, primarily due to the timing of a bulk sugar shipment by subsidiary Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for November 9. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

City Councilman-elect Joey Manahan, who in August won the election to succeed outgoing member Romy Cachola, could take office next week instead of Jan. 2, when Council terms officially begin. Star-Advertiser.

The annual construction budget for the Honolulu rail project would peak at $1.34 billion in the 2014 fiscal year under a new spending plan given preliminary approval Thursday by a committee of the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Another human bone has been found at the site of the rail project. But rail officials don't expect it will cause any further delays. KHON2.

Teachers at Campbell High School will picket and work only the hours their contract requires Thursday to protest the lack of progress in getting an agreement. Star-Advertiser.

A vessel aground in Kaneohe Bay has already done considerable damage to a portion of the barrier reef about a half-mile from shore, according to officials with the conservation group the Nature Conservancy. Star-Advertiser.

Two former students are suing Damien Memorial School and the Catholic Church of Hawaii.  They claim the school covered up tortuous sex abuse by a longtime teacher three decades ago. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Eight Big Island cattle ranches are under a quarantine, following an outbreak of a bovine venereal disease. West Hawaii Today.

Decision delays further stall Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

State Department of Human Services officials confirmed Thursday a Kona caregiver’s care home certification was revoked in September following the death of an 82-year-old patient, but declined to provide further details. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s College of Pharmacy is currently undergoing an in-depth self assessment of its Doctor of Pharmacy program. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County officials have terminated the remainder of a grant with the embattled Wailuku Main Street Association, following repeated warning letters seeking compliance with an ongoing probe of the nonprofit's operations. Maui News.

A new faculty member at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College is being credited with helping in the development of software that supports the Hawaiian language. Maui Now.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle lost all of Maui County's 35 precincts, including tiny Kalaupapa, on Tuesday as Democratic Congresswoman Mazie Hirono rolled on to win the seat being vacated by Sen. Daniel Akaka. Maui News.

Kauai
County officials are inviting members of the public to weigh in on the county’s budget priorities for the next fiscal year. Garden Island.

Kauai County Council advanced a legislative package opposing the Public Land Development Corp. in the face of opposition from Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Garden Island.

Tsutsui remains Senate president, Hawaii ballot shortages widespread, Inouye defends UH president, HECO posts profit, Maui council keeps 2-year terms, Hawaii County Council gets 6 newbies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

State Sen. Shan S. Tsutsui from Maui has been re-elected president of the state Senate. Maui News.

Shaun Tsutsui

A major election-day snafu led to a ballot shortage across Oahu that has some calling for an investigation. KHON2.

State elections officials acknowledged Wednesday that they failed to order enough paper ballots for Oahu, causing long waits for a turn at electronic voting machines and leading many people to walk away in frustration without casting a vote. Associated Press.

The state Office of Elections will change how it calculates the number of ballots needed at individual polling places and consider keeping reserve ballots on hand at precincts after an Election Day failure that had 70 polling places on Oahu running short or running out of paper ballots and hundreds of frustrated voters waiting hours to vote. Star-Advertiser.

The State Office of Election said at least 23 Oahu polling places ran out of paper ballots. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said Wednesday that the state did not give precincts enough paper ballots on Election Day because of an error in the formula used to determine the number of ballots. KITV4.

Scott Nago (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hundreds of voters on O’ahu were delayed on Election Night because a number of polling stations ran out of ballots. Hawaii Public Radio.

One thing is perfectly clear: Hawaii remains just about the bluest of the blue states, despite decades of talk that a GOP resurgence is just around the next electoral corner. Civil Beat.

Four more years in office potentially means more visits home to Hawaii for the First Family. Most of the reaction to their trips is positive, and many are hoping the President's next term will help open even more doors to the Asia-Pacific market. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono's landslide victory over former Gov. Linda Lingle for U.S. Senate was built on a coordinated get-out-the-vote campaign by Democrats that exceeded expectations.Star-Advertiser.

Republican Senate candidate Linda Lingle, a two-term governor, carried just one of Hawaii's 51 state House districts, while GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney failed to do even that, a Civil Beat analysis of general election results shows. Civil Beat.

After trouncing former Gov. Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono is embracing her standing as the state’s first woman — and the nation’s first Asian-American woman — to serve as senator. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s powerful Senior Senator Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, showed he still has control of state politics. Hawaii Reporter.

Election Day 2012 was a big win for the Pacific Resource Partnership and its membership of unionized carpenters and contractors. Civil Beat.

As the University of Hawaii regents held their third closed-door meeting on the future employment of UH President M.R.C. Greenwood, Hawaii's senior senator is expressing support for the embattled leader. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents has approved the deal that removed Jim Donovan as UH athletic director and created a new communications position in the office of Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Intercollegiate Athletics Office lacks proper controls for handling cash and ticketing to certain events and activities, an internal audit has found. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. reported a third-quarter profit of $47.7 million, or 49 cents per diluted share, compared to a profit of $48.4 million or 50 cents per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2011. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
From the city standpoint, the election of Kirk Caldwell as Honolulu’s next mayor means that the rail transit project is back on track ­— never mind the federal and state lawsuits holding it up. Pacific Business News.

Support for the city of Honolulu's controversial $5.3 billion rail project has grown since voters first agreed to build a steel-on-steel transit system in November 2008. KITV4.

The State Transportation Department unveiled new plans Wednesday night to transform the section of roadway, between Middle Street and Pensacola. KHON2.

Former city Managing Director Kirk Caldwell beat former Gov. Ben Cayetano in 24 of 35 House districts on his way to winning the mayor's seat Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

An influx of newcomers is giving the Hawaii County Council an unusual opportunity to have all nine elected members meet behind closed doors to choose a new chairman and vice chairman. West Hawaii Today.

If there’s a lesson learned from Tuesday’s mayoral election, it may be that money goes a long way in politics, but it’s not everything. Tribune-Herald.

Kenoi strong in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

There still exists a split between East and West Hawaii, if votes from the mayor’s race are any indication. Tribune-Herald.

Work on the long-awaited Hawaii Community College at Palamanui campus is expected to begin next year with the hope of opening to West Hawaii students in autumn 2014. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

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

Councilmember-elect Don Guzman is among three new faces that will represent Maui after winning respective races in last night’s general election. Maui Now.

Maui Democrat Kaniela Ing unseated Republican incumbent George Fontaine to win the state House seat representing South Maui in Tuesday's general election, pulling in 61 percent of votes in the hotly contested race. Maui News.

Kauai

The latest development in the Kapaia Swinging Bridge project brings its price tag right back to its original estimate of seven figures, as federal funds are being courted. Garden Island.

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

Alaska Airlines launched the inaugural direct flight from Lihu‘e to Portland, Ore. Garden Island.

Hawaii DOE proposes a computer for every student, Maui cane-burning opponents seek study, OHA candidate Pomroy dies, Big Island roads twice as deadly, UH gets low rankings, Hawaiian Airlines' profits fly high, more news from all the Hawaian Islands

Gov. Abercrombie at K-9 retirement, courtesy photo

A special ceremony was held today at Washington Place for one of the Public Safety Sheriff Division’s finest canines. Sheriff Deputies along with other law enforcement officials gathered for the retirement of Deputy Canine Drikus who served in the Sheriff Division from 2002 until last month. Hawaii Reporter.

The Department of Education wants to provide every public school student with a laptop or computer tablet by 2015 as part of an initiative that would also include training teachers on the devices and buying digital materials that reflect new national Common Core standards for math and reading. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and mixed-race youth are disproportionately represented in Hawaii's juvenile justice system, a recent study concludes. Civil Beat.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i Foundation (“ACLU”) has filed an amicus curiae brief (also known as a “friend of the court” brief) in United States District Court supporting the Constitutional rights of attorneys and their clients to speak privately, without monitoring and eavesdropping by prison personnel. Hawaii Reporter.

Early walk-in voting for the general election began on Tuesday. KHON2.

Voter apathy in Hawaii is getting national attention with a new CNN report that places the state rock-bottom when it comes to election day turnout. Hawaii News Now.

Fund for Freedom Committee, a Washington, D.C.-based super PAC, has reserved television advertising time in Hawaii to help former Gov. Linda Lingle's Republican campaign for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case loaned his campaign $50,000 in the final days leading up his loss in the Aug. 11 primary election, then used that money to refund contributions earmarked for the general election run that never happened. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Holdings Inc., parent of Hawaiian Airlines, reported a third-quarter profit Tuesday of $45.5 million, or 86 cents per diluted share, which was a 77 percent increase over the same quarter in 2011, when the airline posted a profit of $25.6 million, or 50 cents per diluted share. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for October 24. Associated Press.

Oahu

The number of Oahu early walk-in voters Tuesday — 1,729 — topped first-day totals for the August primary and the 2010 general elections, which were 983 and 1,261, respectively. Star-Advertiser.

A day after Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano sued a third-party business and labor group for libel, opponent Kirk Caldwell said he's also seen enough of negative campaigning and wants to focus on issues affecting the city. Star-Advertiser.

Off the Beat: New Low In Political Ads. Civil Beat.

QS World University Rankings has the University of Hawaii at Manoa No. 283 out of 400 top universities for 2012, an improvement from its ranking of 295 last year. Pacific Business News.

Canoe paddlers rallied at the Capitol to speak out against a proposed development on Sand Island. KITV4.

Before a recall had been issued for ground beef from Higa Foodservice due to concerns about possible E. coli contamination, two elementary schools on Oahu had served students the suspect meat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Thirty-five people have been killed on Big Island public roads through Tuesday — more than double the 16 fatalities recorded during the first 297 days of 2011. West Hawaii Today.

The Army said it is considering basing Stryker armored vehicles at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island as part of a larger plan to pre-position equipment, on land or on ships, around Asia and the Pacific to improve training, engagement and response times, and to keep costs down. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is reviewing offers by two of its power producers to stop tying energy costs to the price of oil. Tribune-Herald.

Ka‘u residents and island hunters took the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to task earlier this year during meetings to discuss the proposed Ka‘u Forest Reserve Management Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Naniloa Volcanoes Resort owner Ken Fujiyama is in default of a $10 million loan he used to purchase the hotel in 2006. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

As anti-cane burning activists don gas masks during protests and sugar workers line roadways in support of the industry, Maui’s district health officer is pushing to finish what he feels could be a definitive look at the health effects of cane smoke on the island. Maui Now.

The Krausz Cos. plans to build a 250,000-square-foot multiuse community on Maui adjacent to the Safeway-anchored Piilani Village Shopping Center in Kihei, which the California company acquired nearly a decade ago. Pacific Business News.

A fourth-generation member of Hana's iconic Hasegawa General Store that soon will be rebuilt at the site of a fire that claimed the storied establishment years ago was honored Saturday with the Tiny Malaikini Mea Kokua Award, the community's recognition for public service. Maui News.

After a criminal complaint against former police officer Christopher Kealoha was received at the Maui Police Department in February, the document went missing before it was served on him more than five months later. Maui News.

Kauai

Sharon Pomroy passed away Tuesday morning. She never regained consciousness after suffering a seizure and heart attack last Wednesday during a candidates meet and greet event in Wailua. Garden Island.

Hawaii flower sales at 14-year low, ballot problems spread to Oahu and state, OHA candidate collapses at Kauai meet and greet, Hannemann endorses Caldwell for Honolulu mayor, Maui opens self-help justice center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii ginger flowers at farmers market (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Sales of flowers and nursery plants grown in Hawaii dipped 2 percent last year, but the small slip marked a fourth consecutive year of decline to a 14-year low. Hawaii's 970 flower and nursery plant farms reported $69.6 million in sales last year, down from $71.1 million the year before, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Star-Advertiser.

The value of Hawaii’s flower and nursery products sector fell 2 percent to $69.6 million in 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Hawaii Field Office. Pacific Business News.

A pair of ballot blunders are surfacing with less than three weeks to go until the general election. KHON2.

A "significant" number of registered voters in upper Manoa who requested absentee ballots were mailed two of them erroneously, city elections officer Glen Takahashi said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The weeks are winding down to Election Day, and some Oahu voters are scratching their heads why they received two absentee ballots in the mail instead of one. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has asked one of his closest political advisors to head a working group created to fend off attacks on the controversial Public Land Development Corporation. Civil Beat.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by environmentalists and says it will issue new rules aimed at preventing Hawaii fishermen from accidentally hooking a rare dolphin species when they’re fishing for tuna and swordfish. Associated Press.

With less than three weeks to go before Election Day, Linda Lingle's U.S. Senate campaign has released a memo from its pollster saying the race against Mazie Hirono "is a very close race." Civil Beat.

Colleen Hanabusa outraised Charles Djou in the three-month period ending Sept. 30 on the strength of contributions from political action committees on the mainland. Civil Beat.

The faculty senate at the University of Hawaii at Manoa voted Wednesday to delay a vote of no confidence against UH President M.R.C. Greenwood. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood says UH independence is at stake because of the fallout from the failed Stevie Wonder concert. Star-Advertiser.

Before the University of Hawaii Board of Regents talks about President M.R.C. Greenwood’s future at UH and a task group presents its first report on what went wrong in the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco, regents will hear today from an expert on college boards about the best practices in governing a university. Star-Advertiser.

Local, local, local. Here it is: Our first special issue devoted to local food, its importance, its place today and its future tomorrow. Honolulu Weekly.

State roundup for October 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is putting his support behind Kirk Caldwell in the mayor’s race. Civil Beat.

The Pacific Resource Partnership has brought a new level of sophistication to this year’s Honolulu mayoral race, one that is unprecedented in Hawaii politics. Civil Beat.

An effort by a losing rail bidder to overturn the largest contract in city history has been rejected for a second time by the courts. The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that a proposal submitted by Bombardier Transportation (Holdings) USA Inc. in an effort to win a contract to build rail cars for the Honolulu train system was "unresponsive" to city requirements. Star-Advertiser.

A state appeals court is upholding Honolulu's handling of a half-billion dollar contract for the construction of a commuter rail line. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s Board of Water Supply must replace hundreds of miles of pipes connecting Oahu’s 2,100-mile aging water system. Hawaii Reporter.

The state is asking the owner of the vehicle that sheared off a 30-foot section of the Aiea pedestrian overpass on Tuesday to pay for the repairs. Star-Advertiser.

A state judge has permitted a media organization called the Hawaii Guerrilla Video Hui to videotape a petty misdemeanor trial of a woman charged with disorderly conduct at Kapiolani Park on May 1. Star-Advertiser.

At least three surface ships are being retired, a new destroyer named after a Hawaii-based SEAL commando is on its way, a destroyer from San Diego will be traded for one here in a "hull swap," and more of the Navy's latest-generation Virginia-class attack subs will be sent to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members approved several amendments to a bill that would allow agricultural tourism on ag land, including one that would prohibit such tourist activities in Waipio Valley. West Hawaii Today.

A proposal to prohibit geothermal drilling at night ran into a snag Wednesday when the Hawaii County Council opted to hold a public hearing on the issue rather than take a final vote. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii Electric Light Co. official today told the County Council that a second independent power producer may be willing to reduce what it charges the utility for electricity. Big Island Now.

Waikoloa is a working community that can’t afford to see water and sewer rates more than double, scores of residents told members of the Public Utilities Commission Wednesday evening in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Rep. Bob Herkes, a committee member who spearheaded the creation of the Interagency Task Force on Vog, said public turnout has been lower than expected for the quarterly gatherings, possibly leaving the group with little to report when the state Legislature reconvenes in January. Tribune-Herald.

New gun shops open in Hilo as demand for firearms surges. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island based telescopes have confirmed the discovery of a far-off planet that receives light from four stars. KPUA.

Maui

Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald called the opening of a Self Help Center at Hoapili Hale "a huge step forward for the cause of justice" during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the state courthouse building. Maui News.

Kauai

Candidate collapses at OHA meet and greet. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney announced Wednesday that it has updated its website. Garden Island.

Lanai

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has denied a request from PBN reporter Duane Shimogawa for an unredacted copy of the Lanai sales agreement between David Murdock and Larry Ellison. Civil Beat.

Molokai

At the end of Seaside Place in Kaunakakai, tucked behind a string of houses along Molokai’s southern shoreline, is what might appear to be a large, vacant lot. Molokai Dispatch.

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

U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono

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

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

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

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

Link to full debate video.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State roundup for October 17. Associated Press.

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Lanai

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

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

Hawaii drought (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Rarely Prosecutes for Campaign Spending Violations. Civil Beat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State roundup for October 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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