Showing posts with label William Aila. Show all posts
Showing posts with label William Aila. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Aila confirmed to head DHHL, first person in Hawaii is quarantined in coronavirus prevention, bill would prohibit Red Hill fuel tanks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Coffee beans on drying floor in Ka'u ©2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii Lawmakers Are Showing A Little Love For Kona Coffee. A bill that would require coffee labeled with a Hawaiian name contain at least 50% Hawaii-grown beans has so far faced no opposition. Civil Beat.

Aila confirmed as head of DHHL. William Aila won confirmation as chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on Monday by a 21-3 vote of the state Senate. He will serve through Dec. 21, 2022. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii panel backs Native Hawaiian reconciliation commission. A panel of Hawaii lawmakers Monday passed a resolution calling for the governor to convene a Native Hawaiian reconciliation commission, a step that comes after protests blocking the construction of one of the world’s largest telescopes. Associated Press.

A Proposed Native Hawaiian Commission Is Already Getting Pushback. Critics say Native Hawaiians, not the governor, should pick the members and the issues it considers. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Spurs Hawaiian Reconciliation Commission Proposal. A State House committee held a hearing Monday on resolution requesting the convening of a blue ribbon commission to examine and formulate a reconciliation with Native Hawaiians. Big Island Video News.

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Why Hawaii Isn’t Competitive In Recruiting Teachers. A recent study found Hawaii teacher salaries don’t go as far when compared to other school districts in high-price areas. Civil Beat.

Early Education To Expand But Lawmakers Grapple With What That Means. State lawmakers have recognized the need for affordable child care in the state, so much so that they’ve made it a part of a joint-legislative package negotiated by the governor and House and Senate leaders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would require public high schools to start no earlier than 8:30. A bill making its way through the state legislature is one that would push back the morning school bell at Hawaii's public high schools. KITV4.

Hawaii House Defers Bill Expanding Police Firearms Searches. The Hawaii House of Representatives has deferred action on a bill that would have expanded police powers to search for firearms without obtaining a warrant. Associated Press.

Decision-Making Hearing Scheduled For Housing Bill. Senate Bill 3104 relates to land development. It authorizes the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to lease real property for a period not to exceed 99 years for the development of certain projects that include affordable housing. Maui Now.

Keiki screen time targeted: Legislation aims to encourage parents to set limits. In order to increase awareness of the problem, a bill currently in the state Legislature calls for public education to encourage parents to set limits on how much screen time to allow their children. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator proposes new vehicle tax to fund car recycling program and curb abandoned vehicles. Kurt Fevella wants an audit on the current highway beautification fee in registration, but a stopgap solution is needed now to help communities. KITV4.

Hawaii attorney general’s office hires nationally-known ethics expert. Hui Chen, an anti-fraud expert who made national news when she resigned from her U.S. Department of Justice job in the wake of the firing of FBI Director James Comey, has been hired by the Hawaii attorney general’s office. Star-Advertiser.

State labor supervisor investigated for other allegations. A supervisor with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations who was recently fined $1,000 by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission also was investigated for accusations that he repeatedly touched a female business owner who was fined $9,400 in 2016 and said he could “fix” the fine if the woman went to dinner with him. Star-Advertiser.

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One Hawaii Resident In Mandatory Coronavirus Quarantine. The man who traveled to Hubei Province in China has not shown any symptoms, but his health will be monitored in quarantine. Civil Beat.

First Person Sent to Coronavirus Quarantine in Hawai‘i. Health officials on Monday ushered the first person into Hawai‘i’s Coronavirus quarantine system at Pearl Harbor. Big Island Now.

Hawaii resident who was in Hubei province is quarantined. The Centers for Disease Control has notified state health officials that a Hawaii resident who visited Hubei Province in China has returned home, and will be quarantined for 14 days at Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii resident placed in mandatory quarantine after returning from epicenter of outbreak. A Hawaii resident who recently returned from the Chinese province that’s been identified as the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak has been placed in a mandatory 14-day quarantine at Pearl Harbor after returning to the islands, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii resident who recently traveled to Hubei province quarantined at facility at Pearl Harbor. Hawaii has its first mandatory quarantine case tied to the Coronavirus. KHON2.

Officials are monitoring 27 people for coronavirus. State health officials are monitoring 27 individuals for the deadly new coronavirus, including a Hawaii resident who returned to the islands Monday after a recent trip to China’s Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii couple among thousands quarantined after Coronavirus outbreak on cruise ship. "We work it out together and continue to uplift each other. KITV4.

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Company fined for ocean pollution. A federal judge in Hawaii has ordered a Singapore-based shipping company to pay $1.75 million in fines for allegedly dumping bilge waste directly into the ocean. Garden Island.

Oahu

HART Board Member Most Critical Of Rail’s Handling Resigns. John Henry Felix has repeatedly called to pause rail construction at Middle Street. Civil Beat.

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Bill would prohibit Red Hill fuel tanks in 2028. The Navy would no longer be able to operate its massive underground fuel tanks at Red Hill after January 2028 under a bill that moved out of a Senate committee Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Senate bill looks to protect Honolulu’s primary aquifer from Navy fuel spills. Senate Bill 2774 would relocate the Red Hill Underground Storage Facility away from the Moanalua-Waimalu aquifer, which sits just 100 feet below. KHON2.

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Businesses at Dillingham Airfield hold out hope for a flying future. Dillingham Airfield tenants — including skydiving, glider and ultralight operators — are hoping a white knight will step forward to prevent the North Shore airport from shutting down civilian operations June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Walkway access to beach parks restored. The Leahi fence and a matching barrier put up at the makai boundary of Makalei Beach Park were erected by the city Department of Parks and Recreation due to public safety concerns, and after settlement of a lawsuit by a Honolulu resident who claimed she was injured while stepping between Leahi Beach Park and the walkway. Star-Advertiser.

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City opens affordable rental complex in McCully. The city Monday held a blessing for a 30-unit affordable rental project at what had been a dormitory in McCully for international students. Star-Advertiser.

City converts McCully building to affordable rentals for single-parent families. The city held a blessing Monday for a new affordable housing complex for single-parent families in McCully. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing for single parents opens on Oahu. A blessing ceremony was held Monday to celebrate the completion of a new affordable housing project. KHON2.

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Some in Waikiki are relieved a key source of parking won’t be restricted overnight. The proposed overnight closure of a valuable Waikiki parking lot won’t be happening anytime soon, leaving some relieved — but the city is still exploring their options. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

High court vacates conviction in Kamehameha statue vandalism. The Hawaii Supreme Court has vacated the conviction of a man accused of vandalizing the statue of King Kamehameha the Great on the Hilo Bayfront during the Labor Day 2015 weekend. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Work to begin on dune restoration at Kamaole I.  Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be temporarily impacted this week as work begins on sand dune restoration at the southern end of Kamaole Beach Park I in Kihei. Maui News.

Crews to Remove Hazardous Trees in Makawao, Waihou. About a dozen pine and eucalyptus trees as tall as 70 feet in the Makawao State Forest Reserve will be assessed and flagged for removal from Feb. 16 to Feb. 29. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hanapepe: ‘This Is The Town That Keeps Refusing To Die’. The Kauai town has its flash points, but a shared sense of pride continues to hold this community together. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i’s gas prices stable, high. While the average price of regular grade gasoline dropped 7 cents nationwide per gallon, Kaua’i is still 0.28 cents more than the average price in Hawaii and cost $1.46 more than the national average gasoline price. Garden Island.

Friday, January 31, 2020

Legislature seeks to ban more sunscreen ingredients, Aila confirmation moves forward, Honolulu backs off rail plan, Willie K says cancer is terminal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii beachgoers ©2020 All Hawaii News
Proposal tightens rules on sunscreen ingredients. Stricter rules are being proposed for what goes into sunscreen. On January 30, Hawaii lawmakers announced plans to ban more than a dozen additional chemicals that the FDA deems unsafe to humans. KHON2.

Bill would ban harmful sunscreens. Hawaii legislators Thursday announced the introduction of bills that restrict the sale of sunscreens with anything other than those deemed safe for coral reefs as well as human health in the state. Star-Advertiser.

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In a 3-2 vote, the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee recommended the full chamber approve Gov. David Ige’s nominations to lead the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. William Aila, the acting director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands since May, secured a recommendation from a key senate panel Thursday to make his position permanent. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Consider Red Light Photo Enforcement Pilot Program. The latest proposal involving a red light photo program in Hawaiʻi, will get a hearing before the House Committee on Transportation on Friday. Maui Now.

‘It’s not just a Kona problem’: Another year, another fight over coffee-labeling law. The latest effort to change labeling requirements for Hawaiian-grown coffee blends is making its way through the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Looks To The Philippines For Its Newest Teacher Recruits. In an effort to plug the teacher shortage, the Hawaii Department of Education sent two officials to Manila on its first-ever international recruiting effort. Civil Beat.

Hawaii saw more than 10M visitors last year, but not everyone is celebrating. For the first time in 2019, Hawaii saw more than 10 million visitors to its shores ― a widely-expected milestone that’s drawn concerns about over-tourism. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines posts earnings jump while keeping eye on China virus. Hawaiian Airlines’ earnings soared 57.2% in the fourth quarter despite increased capacity that included additional competition from newcomer Southwest Airlines. Star-Advertiser.

Property sales catapult American Savings’ earnings 30%. The state’s third-largest bank, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., reported today that its net income increased to $28.2 million from $21.8 million in the year-earlier quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Performer Willie K shares that his lung cancer is now terminal. The multi-Na Hoku award winner has been battling lung cancer but has continued to perform on a limited basis. KHON2.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell warns of another rail delay. Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city is “not yet confident” the first 11-mile segment of the Honolulu rail line will open at the end of this year, and told the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation that it should stop promising the public that rail will open even earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Feds: HART Shouldn’t Promise To Have Rail Ready In October. Rail’s federal partners in Washington aren’t confident “at all” that the trains will be ready to run in October for interim service and they want local rail officials to “step back” from that promise, according to the city’s top leadership. Civil Beat.

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Councilman Ron Menor opts out of mayoral race. Honolulu City Councilman Ron Menor said Thursday that he has decided not to run for Honolulu mayor this fall after all. Star-Advertiser.

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Crowds lined the streets to honor fallen Honolulu police officer Tiffany Enriquez. Fallen Honolulu police officer Tiffany-­Victoria B. Enriquez, Hawaii’s first female police officer to be killed in the line of duty, was remembered Thursday as a warm person with an infectious smile that brought people together. Star-Advertiser.

Moving service, ‘final roll call’ honor fallen Officer Tiffany Enriquez. After a moving service in which she was remembered as someone who always put others before herself ― until the very end ― fallen Officer Tiffany Enriquez was honored Thursday with a poignant procession and “final roll call" fronting HPD headquarters. Hawaii News Now.

SLIDESHOW: Emotions Run High At Memorial Service For Slain HPD Officer. Tiffany Enriquez, shot to death on Jan. 19 while responding to a call in the Diamond Head area, was honored by law enforcement, family and friends Thursday. Civil Beat.

Touching tribute for fallen HPD officer Tiffany Enriquez. She was a role model, a loving mother, and a hero. That’s how family and friends are remembering Honolulu Police Officer Tiffany Enriquez at her funeral service. KHON2.

Date set for memorial services of fallen HPD Officer Kaulike Kalama. The date has been set for memorial services of HPD officer Kaulike Kalama, who was killed in the line of duty in the Diamond Head tragedy. The family announced Kalama’s services are planned for March 7. It will be open to the public. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii accuses HPOWER of exceeding pollution limits and fines company nearly $20,000. The Hawaii Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch has fined HPOWER nearly $19,700 for exceeding the allotted amount of dissolved solids in the recirculation water it uses in its cooling towers. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Lanes faces another challenge: It’s been put on a month-to-month lease. The property lease between landowner Alexander & Baldwin and Pali Lanes will change to month-to-month on Feb. 2. Hawaii News Now.

A&B says it still wants bowling for Pali Lanes — for now. The head of Alexander &Baldwin Inc. said Thursday he remains hopeful Pali Lanes bowling center can stay in business but conceded he has his eye on a different type of development for the Kailua property if a viable business plan or bowling alley operator doesn’t materialize in the coming months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Police discipline detailed: Five officers terminated in 2019 in unrelated cases. Five Hawaii Police Department officers were terminated in 2019 and seven were suspended for disciplinary reasons, a department official said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Lawmakers Weigh In On Joint Economic Package. Big Island state representatives are promoting affordable housing, expanded child care, and tax relief as part of the legislative package of bills introduced this session to reduce income inequality. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lahaina Front Street Improvement Project Community Meeting, Feb. 13. County officials say wave action and saltwater spray have deteriorated street elements on the makai side of Front Street in two locations: between Dickenson Street and Lahainaluna Road and between Papalaua and Baker streets. Maui Now.

Former House candidate is sentenced to 5 years in prison. Chayne Marten pleads no contest to endangering a minor in 2016 sexual abuse case. Maui News.

Biolab, built on Maui, headed to the space station. HNu Mobile SpaceLab set to blast off Feb. 9. Maui News.

Kauai

CBS News reports that a Federal Aviation employee is blowing the whistle on a lack of critical inspections. CBS said the whistleblower, Joseph Monfort, said he was prevented from inspecting the tour helicopter that crashed on Kauai back in December, killing all seven people on board. Hawaii News Now.

Property tax bill fails. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday killed a proposal to increase property taxes for around 200 Kauai residents with rental properties. Garden Island.

County backs Hawaiian homesteaders. The County Council on Wednesday passed unanimously a resolution to urge the state Legislature to fix defects in laws that govern the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands that have led to stubbornly high mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates among Native Hawaiians living on DHHL lands. Garden Island.

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Officials Confirm 9th Case Of Rat Lungworm Disease. An adult resident of Kauai is believed to have caught the parasitic disease during a December trip to the Big Island, making the individual the sixth Hawaii resident to fall ill. Civil Beat.

DOH Confirms Ninth Case of Rat Lungworm. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) verified the presence of angiostrongyliasis, or rat lungworm disease, in an adult on the island of Kaua‘i. Big Island Now.

New case of rat lungworm disease confirmed in Hawaii. On Thursday, the Department of Health said the disease was found in a Kauai resident. Hawaii News Now.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Aila DHHL confirmation hearing contentious, Honolulu rail board mulls new contractor, multiple firearms found in ashes at tragedy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Aila presides over Oct. 21, 2019 DHHL hearing ©2020 All Hawaii News
DHHL chief nominee draws disagreement. The state Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Thursday decided to defer for a week a vote on the nomination of William J. Aila as Department of of Hawaiian Home Lands chairman after a nearly eight-hour-long hearing Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Delay Vote After Grilling Aila As Head Of Hawaiian Home Lands. The governor’s nominee was applauded for projects he’s moved forward but concerns remain over the agency’s continued backlog. Civil Beat.

State senate panel defers decision on Aila nomination to helm DHHL. William Aila’s nomination to chair the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands hit a speed bump Thursday as a state senate panel deferred a decision on his confirmation until next week. Hawaii News Now.

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Amid rematch bid, Republican Sam Slom accuses incumbent of ‘socialist agenda’. Sam Slom, former Republican senator from East Honolulu, wants his longtime seat back. And he’s coming out swinging, accusing the incumbent of having a “socialist agenda.”.  Hawaii News Now.

12 presidential candidates will appear on Hawaii’s Democratic primary ballot. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will be among 12 other presidential candidates on Hawaii’s Democratic primary ballot. Hawaii News Now.

In the wake of the deadly rampage in Diamond Head, Honolulu’s police chief says she wants to tighten loopholes in Hawaii’s already tough gun laws. There are now 38 gun proposals moving through the Legislature ― and more than a dozen were introduced since the weekend shooting. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Measure Aims To Encourage Guilty, No Contest Pleas In Domestic Violence Cases. Advocates for victims in Hawaii domestic violence cases are backing a proposal to reduce certain domestic violence cases from felonies to misdemeanors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill package addresses wind farms in Hawaii. A host of bills looking to address utility-scale wind energy projects near residential areas in Hawaii has been introduced for this year’s legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department is warning local companies that make, distribute or sell flavored cartridge or pod-based e-cigarettes to stop, or risk enforcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes are smaller, according to the department, and are often called “pods,” “vapes,” or “JUUL,” a popular brand. These hi-tech e-cigarettes are popular with middle and high school students because they are easy to conceal, and users do not emit large plumes when exhaling. Star-Advertiser.

Public Safety’s New Alert System Requires Sign Up. The Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety is transitioning to a new public notification system called AlertSense, effective Feb. 1, 2020. All alerts that were on the Nixle Alert system will end Jan. 31. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Caldwell Talks Homelessness, HUD and Honolulu Rail In Washington DC. The Honolulu mayor is in the nation’s capital this week for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He’s also meeting with federal officials about the city’s largest ever public works project. Civil Beat.

With rail work running late, city might hire new contractor. Critically important utility work in the city center segment of the Honolulu rail line is still running behind schedule, and the rail authority is preparing to hire a second contractor to ensure the work is finished on time and does not delay construction of the last portion of the 20-mile rail system. Star-Advertiser.

HART Struggles To Keep Critical Utility Work On Schedule. The rail agency is eager for crews to work on Dillingham during the day, but the move is sure to take a heavy traffic toll on Kalihi. Civil Beat.

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Guns found at Hibiscus Drive not registered to homeowner or late husband, Chief Ballard says. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said today that multiple firearms have been recovered from the debris at 3015 Hibiscus Drive, but checks of the names of people who lived at the Diamond Head home showed that the weapons were not registered to the homeowner or her late husband. Star-Advertiser.

Multiple firearms recovered from Sunday’s shooting, arson incident. According to the Honolulu Police Department, multiple firearms were recovered at 3015 Hibiscus Drive. KHON2.

Multiple firearms found in charred remains of the homes along Hibiscus Drive. More evidence surrounding Sunday's tragic events in Diamond Head is being found during the ongoing investigation by Honolulu Police. KITV4.

Possession of guns key to potential lawsuits. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard’s announcement Thursday that multiple firearms were recovered from the debris at 3015 Hibiscus Drive might serve as a linchpin in the likely litigation of a Sunday crime spree that left two police officers dead and seven homes destroyed by fire. Star-Advertiser.

Hibiscus Drive violence could have been prevented, landlord’s friend says. Thursday morning on Hibiscus Drive, after the reopening of the street and restoration of power to homes for the first time since Sunday’s violence and raging fire, a woman and man stood at a window overlooking the field of ashes left where the blaze burned seven homes to the ground, where a few charred fragments and a sturdy white fence remained standing. Star-Advertiser.

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Prosecutor’s office arresting witnesses, victims with warrants ahead of them testifying. Prosecutors recently started looking for warrants of witnesses and victims who are set to testify in upcoming trials. Hawaii News Now.

‘Point in Time’ survey tallies Oahu’s homeless. Outreach workers fanned out across Oahu on Thursday — starting at 4 a.m. — to survey the island’s homeless population in a one-day, compressed census as part of the nationwide Point in Time Count. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa is tops in people surveyed wanting to move elsewhere. 5% of the people in the Ewa area who plan to move over the next few years say they want to relocate to a different part of the island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County working on new deal for state reimbursement for TMT-related costs. More than a month after the Hawaii County Council rejected a $10 million deal with the state to reimburse police costs related to the standoff at Maunakea Access Road, a new agreement has still not been finalized. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona homeowner facing fine for illegal vacation rental. A South Kona homeowner is facing thousands in fines for reportedly operating an illegal vacation rental a stone’s throw from Pebble Beach. West Hawaii Today.

County wants to seize, sell site of former homeless camp. The former site of a homeless camp in downtown Hilo may be sold off to pay for fines the owners owe the county. Tribune-Herald.

Van Pernis confirmed to Leeward Planning Commission. Mark Van Pernis endured a second round of grilling Wednesday before being confirmed to the Leeward Planning Commission by a 6-3 vote. West Hawaii Today.

Feedback sought on hazard mitigation plan. A small group of individuals turned out Wednesday to learn more about the pending update to the county’s multi-hazard mitigation plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Plan aims to improve South Maui watersheds. Proposed projects would curb polluted runoff, help to protect plants from livestock. Maui News.

‘Most Hawaiian hotel’ gets makeover: KBH to undergo $65M ‘renewal’. Beachfront restaurant, more parking on tap. The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel will undergo a $65 million “property enhancement project” this spring that will include a new beachfront restaurant, redesign of its 180-room Kauai wing and an additional floor of parking. Maui News.

Former Boys & Girls Club employee gets year in jail. Victoria Satoafaiga sexually assaulted girl when she was assistant director. Maui News.

Kauai

County dumps need work. The County of Kauai is continuing work to get the Kekaha Landfill up to state Department of Health standards after receiving a warning letter from the DOH in November. Garden Island.

Garden Island editor moves on. After nearly seven years on Kauai, we’re returning to our home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Garden Island.

Friday, May 17, 2019

Caldwell: Feds won't pull rail funding, plus University of Hawaii tuition freeze, Zuckerberg lawsuit continues, Aila as DHHL chairman, state Supreme Court hears Pohakuloa Training Area case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Crews working on Waiawa rail station PC: HART
Honolulu Mayor Confident Feds Won't Pull Rail Funding. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city's $9.2 billion rail project isn't in danger of losing federal funds, so long as it builds all 20 miles of the planned transit line. Hawaii Public Radio.

No Link Between Honolulu, California Rail Troubles, Local Leaders Say. Federal officials just cut nearly $1 billion for California’s ambitious high-speed rail project, but local leaders say Honolulu is better poised to secure its remaining cash. Civil Beat.

Contractor must improve fireproofing of rail cars. The company building train cars for the Honolulu rail line must retrofit 24 cars that have already arrived in Hawaii to make them more fire resistant, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

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University of Hawaii to collect oral histories of Barack Obama’s early years in Hawaii. The University of Hawaii announced today that it is collecting oral histories of President Barack Obama’s early contacts in Hawaii for the Obama Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Tuition freeze gets nod. The University of Hawaii has approved a three-year freeze of undergraduate tuition rates at all 10 campuses and a reduction of graduate tuition at UH Manoa, starting in the fall of 2020. Star-Advertiser.

UH Board of Regents approves tuition freezes, cuts. In a bid to reverse enrollment declines, the University of Hawaii will freeze tuition for undergraduates for three years and cut graduate tuition rates. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige has appointed William Aila as chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, effective Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Iolani Palace names KITV anchor Paula Akana its executive director. The board of directors for Friends of Iolani Palace chose her to succeed Kippen de Alba Chu, who left the position in January after 12 years. Star-Advertiser.

In time for Tokyo Olympics, Hawaiian Airlines wins another Haneda flight slot. Hawaiian Airlines has been tentatively awarded a new flight slot at Tokyo Haneda airport. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

3 warships, 4,500 sailors and Marines visit Pearl Harbor during deployment. Three San Diego-based Navy warships and about 4,500 sailors and Marines stopped in Pearl Harbor for training and replenishment at the start of a deployment to the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Liquor Commission votes to revoke controversial store's license. Maunakea Liquor & Grocery in Chinatown is on the verge of losing its liquor license. KITV.

Thousands of Local 5 members will rally at the world’s largest Hilton Friday. UNITE HERE Local 5 members who work at Hilton Hawaiian Village will rally at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Side on Paoa Place near Tropics Friday. KITV.

Safety concerns arise regarding other crosswalks in Pearl City. The crosswalk where 17-year-old Victoria Arellano was hit, isn't the only one in Pearl City residents are worried about. There are concerns about others on Waimano Home Road. KHON2.

Next month Biki turns two, and operator Bikeshare Hawaii says they have found a “sweet spot” by anticipating rider demand and opening docking space at key locations during crucial times of the day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Supreme Court to determine whether state did its job to oversee Pohakuloa Training Area. The Hawaii Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in a case in which the state is being accused of not doing enough to ensure the U.S. Army isn’t trashing the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island under the terms of its 65-year lease with the state. Star-Advertiser.

State’s highest court hears challenge to live-fire training on Big Island ceded lands. In a case that echoes the battle to stop bombing of Kahoolawe, the state Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday over the Army’s live-fire training at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

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To raise or not to raise? Salary Commission punts until next month. With union-negotiated raises for county rank-and-file workers averaging 2% to 3% annually, the county Salary Commission is grappling once again with whether to raise salaries for the top 40 county officials during a tight budget year. West Hawaii Today.

Two retired Hawaii Police Department officers indicted Monday on criminal charges by a Kona grand jury appeared in Hilo Circuit Court Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Even as the University of Hawaii is moving forward with administrative rules to govern public and commercial activities on UH-managed lands on Mauna Kea, the president of the university is contemplating some changes to the Mauna Kea management structure. Big Island Video News.

Scientists consider raising Mauna Loa alert level. Mauna Loa was at an “advisory” level from September 2015 to June 2018 due to increased seismic activity. Since then, it has remained at “normal,” which suggests a background state. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bill would restrict use of plastic foodware. Vendors point to high cost of compostable alternatives. Maui News.

The three Rotary clubs of Lahaina recently installed 33 yellow rescue tubes at nine West Maui county beach parks. The rescue tubes are to provide assistance to swimmers in distress. Maui News.

Kauai
Zuckerberg lawsuit moves on. A Fifth Circuit judge on Thursday said he intends to allow attorneys to move forward with a lawsuit contesting the sale of several land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s North Shore estate, although that may change if the land changes hands next month. Garden Island.

County agency food drive falls short. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami was obviously disappointed and frustrated Wednesday morning while watching the collection of food come together at the Moikeha Building. Garden Island.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

State population continues downward trend, Aila confirmed to DHHL, Honolulu cracks down on monster houses, Maui mayor names Honolulu rail engineer as Public Works deputy, new Honolulu-Princeville air route, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Population estimates as of July 1, data from U.S. Census Bureau
Big Island leads the state in population gains. While people continue to leave Oahu, dragging the entire state’s growth rate into the negative zone, people are still moving to Hawaii Island, according to estimates released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

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Senate OKs deputy director of DHHL. The full Senate voted 19 to 5 Wednesday to reconfirm William Aila as deputy director of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Votes To Keep Aila As Deputy DHHL Director. Five senators voted “no” on the renomination, saying the department needs to go in a new direction. Civil Beat.

Senate votes to reconfirm head of DHHL to another 4-year term. The full Senate voted Tuesday to reconfirm William Aila as the Deputy Director of Hawaiian Homelands. Hawaii News Now.

State Senators confirmed William Aila to serve another term as Deputy Director of DHHL. KITV.

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Two Ethics Reform Measures Clear House-Senate Conference Committee. But a campaign finance measure is on hold after the Campaign Spending Commission complains that amendments would result in less transparency rather than more. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers push to reduce number of unnecessary hospital visits from homeless. Helping the homeless and saving money. The state is trying to do both by addressing the issue of unnecessary hospital visits.  KITV.

Who owns aloha? Hawaii eyes protections for native culture. A resolution calls on state agencies and Native Hawaiian organizations to form a task force to develop a legal system to “recognize and protect” Native Hawaiian cultural intellectual property and traditional cultural expressions. Associated Press.

Few local contributors to Gabbard’s presidential bid. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has attracted little financial support locally for her presidential bid, with just 3% of the $1.95 million she raised in the first quarter of this year coming from residents of her home state. Star-Advertiser.

ANA completes first A380 test flight at airport. All Nippon Airways brought the state’s largest airport one step closer to accommodating the world’s largest passenger airliner with the completion of the first of two test flights of its colorful A380 “Flying Honu” Wednesday.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council passes bill to crack down on monster homes. A bill aimed at addressing the issue of monster houses in the long term won final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Tensions rose at a Windward Oahu meeting held to discuss a controversial road usage tax Wednesday night. The state transportation department is considering taxing drivers by the mile, rather than by the gallon. Hawaii News Now.

Road closures begin as rail construction reaches the airport. According to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transport or HART, closures began on Monday. The closures will mostly take place at night. KHON2.

Landfill decree will cost city about $233,000. The city will pay a $125,000 fine and spend about $108,000 in upgrades and improvements for its role in the spillage of contaminated storm water from the only municipal landfill into the ocean in December 2010 and January 2011. Star-Advertiser.

A ‘Vicious’ Battle Over The Future Of Koko Crater Stables. Two sides are feuding over what type of riders the nearly 60-year-old stables should serve — and whether the city is awarding the contract fairly. Civil Beat.

A once impressive boat seen in Hollywood productions now sits in disrepair. The state recently impounded the Navatek II for back rent. Hawaii News Now.

Low-income status extended for senior housing. A mid-rise apartment building in Moiliili recently turned 40, but today is commemorating the next 45 years as affordable housing for seniors with low incomes. Star-Advertiser.

Some parts of Oahu see double-digit drops in home sales in March, others double-digit gains. Some of Oahu’s largest single-family home neighborhoods recorded double-digit drops in home sales last month, while the Waipahu neighborhood saw a 31 percent increase, according to the local market report from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Changes To Proposed Mauna Kea Rules Explained. The Office of Maunakea Management wants to hold a second round of public hearings on a new draft of proposed administrative rules. Big Island Video News.

Airport-Style Security Comes To Hilo Hospital After Stabbings. A man attacked four employees last month, and now the emergency room has adopted measures usually found in bigger cities. Civil Beat.

State launches aquaculture accelerator program at NELHA. A three-year aquaculture accelerator pilot program the state hopes will make Hawaii a bigger player in the global aquaculture industry is poised to kick off this summer. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Aquaculture Accelerator Launched. HATCH, the world's first sustainable aquaculture accelerator, will operate the accelerator and run the investment fund. Big Island Video News.

County to dismantle two homeless encampments in Kailua Village. In the wake of a substantial state effort to clear a sprawling homeless encampment near a busy Kona intersection, Hawaii County on its own is addressing two smaller campsites in Kailua Village. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo launches its own food bank. The goal of Hale Pai Ai is to help students who have “food insecurity,” said Kalei Rapoza, interim vice chancellor for administrative affairs. Tribune-Herald.

Specialty License Plates A Big Moneymaker For Damaged Park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and, to a lesser extent, Haleakala National Park, are benefitting from the state-authorized program. Civil Beat.

Maui

Victorino taps engineer who worked on Oahu rail. Welling is named Public Works deputy. Maui News.

Water Conservation Extended to April 24 in West Maui. A water conservation advisory has been extended for West Maui customers as crews continue ongoing construction at the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Facility. Maui Now.

Economist: Maui ‘maxed out’ of housing units. There is not enough affordable housing, said Brewbaker. Maui News.

Condominium supply tight with a median price at $525,000. Homes were $735K in the first quarter. Maui News.

Kauai

Highway reopening dominates Schatz town hall. The May 1 reopening of Kuhio Highway on the North Shore was the main topic at Wednesday’s town hall meeting held by Sen. Brian Schatz at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

Starting next month, Makani Kai Air will begin air service between the Princeville Airport and Honolulu. Garden Island.

Makani Kai offering Princeville-Honolulu flights. Direct air service between Princeville and Honolulu will begin next month after a nearly 25-year hiatus. Star-Advertiser.

Direct flights from Honolulu to Princeville set to begin next month. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Hawaii population decline spells trouble, Tiger Woods golf course planned, confirmation hearings draw controversy, electric rate hikes looming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Eating at the food court Ala Moana Center ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii’s Population Decline Signals Future Economic Challenges. Hawaii is one of just nine states that lost population in 2018, reflecting a level of out-migration far deeper than the brain drain of past years. Civil Beat.

Senate Committee Confirms DHHL Deputy William Aila. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supporters of Public Safety director engage in questionable tactics ahead of confirmation hearing. As embattled Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda prepares for tough questions from lawmakers Thursday at his long-awaited confirmation hearing, his strongest supporters are engaging in last-minute — and questionable — tactics in a bid to save his job. Hawaii News Now.

Despite mounting criticism, governor stands by reappointment of Public Safety head. The governor is standing by embattled Public Safety director Nolan Espinda ahead of what’s certain to be a tough confirmation hearing Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Coffee labeling measure deferred. A measure originally intended to change labeling requirements for coffee blends died quietly with a few passing words Tuesday morning in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Plan to allow solar farms on top-rated agricultural lands dealt setback. State lawmakers on Wednesday halted a proposal that would allow large solar projects on the state’s most valuable agricultural lands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii considers reforming bail system called unfair to poor. Lawmakers are considering allowing defendants accused of non-violent offenses to be released on bail without paying cash up front. Associated Press.

State Criticized For Cutting Services For The Developmentally Disabled. Agency representatives say they’ve gotten more efficient with the help of a new budgeting tool, but advocates for patients are filing more complaints. Civil Beat.

Amid push to unionize, UH grad students say their voices aren’t being heard. Hawaii News Now.

Micronesia Official Pleads Guilty To Bribery In Hawaii. Authorities said he accepted a bribe from a Honolulu company in exchange for $7.8 million in government contracts. Associated Press.

HEI seeks renewable options as end nears for 2 plants. In an effort to prepare for the closure of two fossil-fuel plants in the state — the coal-fired AES Hawaii plant on Oahu and the oil-fired Kahului Power Plant on Maui — Hawaiian Electric Companies is seeking more renewable energy projects. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More than one-third of registered voters in Honolulu City Council District 4 have already cast votes in the special election between Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters. The official election day is April 13. Star-Advertiser.

Council members oppose Kealoha fees. Key Honolulu City Council members want the city Police Commission to reverse its approval of the use of taxpayer money to pay for former Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal expenses. Star-Advertiser.

Council leadership: Taxpayers shouldn’t pay for ex-police chief’s legal defense. In a strongly-worded letter to the Honolulu Police Commission, Councilman Ron Menor is expressing his concerns over the body’s decision to have taxpayers foot the bill for ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal defense. Hawaii News Now.

Defendant Wants To Stop Early Testimony Of Katherine Kealoha’s 99-Year-Old Grandmother. Federal prosecutors want to get the testimony of Florence Puana in a videotaped deposition before the Kealohas’ trial starts because she’s fallen ill. Civil Beat.

Whistleblower tells police commission concerns about upcoming promotions. The retired Honolulu Police Department lieutenant who recently received a $550,000 payout from the city spoke on Wednesday before the Honolulu Police Commission. KHON2.

Critics Renew Calls To Stop Honolulu Rail At Middle Street. While shortening the line could save hundreds of millions of dollars, rail leaders argue the system would lose nearly half its projected ridership. Civil Beat.

UH Researcher Skeptical of Housing Proposal To Build $300,000 Units. A proposal at the state capitol to address the lack of affordable housing in Hawaii's largest population center has garnered significant community attention in recent weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tiger Woods is designing the newest luxury golf course on Oahu. Oahu’s Leeward Coast will soon boast a golf course that’s been re-shaped by one of the game’s greatest players. Hawaii News Now.

Tiger Woods to design golf course in Makaha. Golf superstar Tiger Woods will design his first golf course in Hawaii as part of a $300 million master-planned development that aims to establish a new resort in Makaha Valley. Star-Advertiser.

New solar PV panels expected to reduce Honolulu airport’s electric bill by nearly half, state says. Hawaii Department of Transportation officials said an additional 2,980 solar photovoltaic panels have been installed on the 5th floor of the Terminal 2 parking garage at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The state Public Utilities Commission has scheduled public hearings next week to determine whether a 3.4 percent rate increase for Hawaii Electric Light Co. is “fair and reasonable.” West Hawaii Today.

Plan To Drive Tourism To Hawaii Island Announced. State officials held a press conference on Oahu today to announce $2.5 million has been allocated to bolster marketing efforts in the U.S. mainland and Japan. Big Island Video News.

Tourism authority to launch major ad campaign to woo visitors to Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Albizia abatement measure heads to governor’s desk. A bill that would allow property owners to enter neighboring properties to remove dangerous albizia trees needs only the governor’s signature to become law. Tribune-Herald.

15 possible names for fissure 8 already submitted; nominations still being accepted. The state Board of Geographic Names formalized a committee for naming one of the most prominent features from last year’s Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Report: Maui County comes in second in Hawaii health rankings. Higher numbers for alcohol abuse and housing shortage are among state’s worst. Maui News.

New medevac chopper blessed. Crew responds to incident in Hana at end of ceremony. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami met with the residents of the Courtyards at Waipouli Apartments on March 28, along with Managing Director Mike Dahilig, Housing Director Kanani Fu and Councilman Mason Chock. Garden Island.