RIMPAC war games start this week, Sierra Club endorses Ige, vaping cannabis coming, $44M bonds for Honolulu rail, volcano just won't stop, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson departs San Diego in preparation for the ship’s participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2018. PC: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers

Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise coming to Hawaii, along with participants from 26 nations. The world's largest international maritime exercise kicks off this week, and large vessels will be sailing to Oahu as soon as Monday. Hawaii News Now.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii on Sunday endorsed Gov. David Ige for a second term during a sign- waving event at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii announced Sunday their endorsement of Governor David Ige for a second term. KHON2.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii announced it's endorsing Governor David Ige for re-election. KITV.
Marijuana dispensaries are preparing to sell cannabis oil cartridges starting next week so that patients can legally take the drug through vaping. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Campaign violations dim Kaniela Ing’s once-bright future. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Caldwell Wants To Sell $44 Million In City Bonds For Rail. The Honolulu mayor said there’s a tight time line to gain council approval and start funneling city money to the project’s construction. Civil Beat.

A $1 billion radar to track what are expected to be increasingly complex ballistic and hypersonic missile threats to Hawaii may be positioned high on Kaena Point, prompting questions about its visual impact and access to hiking trails. Star-Advertiser.

Retired General’s New Mission: Prepare Central Oahu For Disaster. Braden Sakai thinks it’s time for Mililani to catch up with other communities that have emergency plans. Civil Beat.

Department of Parks requests to hire temporary grounds keepers to help maintain city parks. KHON2.

A proposal for two more 400-foot-tall buildings next to the Pacific Guardian Tower at Kapiolani Boulevard and Keeaumoku Street is the latest project in the area to seek approval from the Honolulu City Council to build higher than currently allowed. Star-Advertiser.

Civil War guns spark Hawaii classroom conflict. Mililani Middle School teacher Garret Ogata likes to make history feel real, so when he covers the American Civil War, he shares relics dating from that conflict: letters penned by soldiers on the battlefield, photographs, even antique firearms. Star-Advertiser.

‘Slap On The Wrist’ For The Diamond Head Hawker. Park officials said the small fine is still a good step because it means prosecutors are taking illegal park activities seriously. Civil Beat.

Providing homeless people with rides to shelters played a key role in a new effort that got 56 people from Waikiki to Chinatown off of the streets between April 4 and June 13. Star-Advertiser.

Special court helps direct homeless to services rather than jail or fines. Honolulu’s 18-month-old Community Outreach Court — aimed at low-level, nonviolent offenses committed by homeless people — doesn’t have the feel of a typical criminal proceeding. Star-Advertiser.

Why This Highway Plan Is The ‘Holy Grail’ Of Bicycle Safety Projects. Some residents question whether the benefit of wider shoulders between Mililani and Waipio outweighs the loss of a traffic lane. Civil Beat.

Law Enforcement’s Struggle To Help Honolulu’s Mentally Ill. Even with assistance from police psychologists, some emotionally disturbed residents keep officers returning again and again. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

There were two collapse explosions at Kilauea’s summit this weekend that released high energy but very little ash, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Star-Advertiser.

No end in sight: Explosions, eruptions continue rattling the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Lava has blocked road access to favorite shoreline sites. Star-Advertiser.

State parks chief: ‘Pele is in control now’. Lava Tree State Monument and MacKenzie State Recreation Area “are closed and will likely remain so for a very long time,” the state parks chief said Sunday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Eruption – The Tourism Tumult. When 2018 began, Hawaii Island's visitor industry was projecting big numbers. But then in May, everything changed. Big Island Video News.

With lava flows imploding the county budget, there’s a lot to worry about back home. But that hasn’t kept six of the nine County Council members from taking a few days off for the annual Hawaii State Association of Counties conference, held Thursday through Saturday in Waikiki. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: State leaders should be devising plans now to help volcano-affected businesses recover. Star-Advertiser.

Construction of a permanent federal inspection station at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is expected to get underway next spring — and for substantially less than anticipated. West Hawaii Today.

Officials to discuss elevated risk cesspools pose, gather community feedback. West Hawaii Today.

An agreement between government agencies and a Hawaii private school system aims to protect and aid the recovery of 32 endangered plant and animal species on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Panel Discusses Quality of Life Issues Ahead of 2018 Election. Maui Now.

A new senior center and living and rehabilitation facilities could be in the works at the Kahului Community Center Park. Maui News.

Kahului Airport work in progress. Maui News.

Hearings on Young Brothers rate hikes set. The Public Utilities Commission will be holding public meetings next month on Maui, Molokai and Lanai to gather public testimony as it considers its final decision. Maui News.

Six Maui County companies received a share of $930,680 in grants awarded through the Hawaii Technology Development Corp. Manufacturing Assistance Program. Maui News.

Kauai

CCK to host election forums. The Community Coalition Kauai, in co-sponsorship with the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, announces its series of candidate forums that will start Thursday. Garden Island.

Kekaha resident and retired Army Ranger Harold Vidinha is running for Kauai County Council because he said people discuss problems among themselves, but nothing ever happens to bring forth change. Garden Island.

Kauai is expected to approach 70 percent renewable generation by the end of 2019 after receiving approval this week from the state Public Utilities Commission for development of a 19.3-megawatt solar facility along with a 70 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system. Star-Advertiser.

An estimated $6.5 million in Capital Improvement Project funding was authorized by the Hawaii Legislature for fiscal year 2019, including three critical projects on Kauai that will protect approximately 4,000 acres of priority watersheds through fencing. Maui Now.

The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation recently awarded $930,680 in Manufacturing Assistance Program grant funds to 29 Hawaii- based manufacturing companies. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail progressing, Coco Palms occupiers to be evicted, Honolulu council bans 'monster homes,' Schatz plans false missile alarm hearing, Ige teased over Twitter, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rail construction Sept. 15, 2017 PC:HART

Redevelopment opportunities abound for state land near rail line. Ideas and objectives for making better use of roughly 1,900 acres owned by the state near 21 planned city rail stations on Oahu have been laid out in a new report by a council formed a little over a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Is Honolulu Rail Agency Too Quick To Condemn Property? Landowners argue HART jumps the gun when it starts condemnation proceedings before negotiations are finished. Civil Beat.

Rail officials still don't know how to get the route to UH Manoa. Officials with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) say they are focused on building the 20-mile rail system from West Oahu to Ala Moana, and they don't have the ability to develop plans for extensions of the rail line. Hawaii News Now.

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US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) will convene a Senate field hearing in Honolulu on the state’s emergency alert system to look into the false emergency missile alert that went out across the state on Jan. 13, 2018. Maui Now.

The false ballistic missile alert earlier this month put much of Hawaii in a state of fear and panic, but it didn’t seem to have much of a mental health impact overall, according to the state Department of Health. Hawaii News Now.

National press roasts Ige after he blamed Twitter login troubles for missile alert response. Hawaii News Now.

Three Bills Aim To Clear Obstacles For Injured Workers. Giving injured workers a say in which doctor is used to examine them is one of the key issues on the table this year. Civil Beat.

DLNR's drone use may have violated federal rules — on several occasions. A drone that flew over a large crowd at the Onipaa Kakou event at Iolani Palace last week is now the subject of a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii easily remained No. 1 last month for the lowest unemployment rate in the country amid a strong economy and an exodus of work-seeking residents to the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii unemployment rate drops to record low in December. Pacific Business News.

Young Brothers draws opposition to shipping rate hike. The state consumer advocate is opposing an application by Young Brothers Ltd. to raise interisland shipping rates 13.3 percent after less than a year ago the state Public Utilities Commission rejected a 4.4 percent increase. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Temporary ban on super-size houses advances. In a move designed to keep in check the increasing number of large-scale houses on Oahu, a Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a temporary ban on building permits for houses with more than 3,500 square feet of living area. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Committee Advances "Monster Homes" Bill. The Honolulu City Council Planning Committee advanced a measure today calling for a moratorium on so-called Monster Houses. Hawaii Public Radio.

Construction of monster homes could soon come to an end on Oahu. KITV.

Temporary ban on ‘monster’ homes put on fast track at Honolulu Hale. KHON2.

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State Hospital fence could run up to $24M. The state Department of Health says it would cost the state an estimated $17 million to $24 million to erect a fence around the Hawaii State Hospital campus to satisfy a permit condition imposed by the Honolulu City Council that the facility be “fully secure.” Star-Advertiser.

State working with the public to figure out how 'Pillboxes' trail can be managed. Dozens packed the cafeteria at Ka'ohao Elementary School in Kailua Tuesday night to voice concerns over a popular east Oahu hiking trail. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Is Stuck With Cars Abandoned By Military Personnel. The city has been storing them in golf course parking lots because federal law prohibits them from being auctioned off. Civil Beat.

Massive highway project will require closures through early next year. KHON2.

Robertson Properties plans to spend $85M to turn former Waikiki Niketown into hotel. Pacific Business News.

The Point-In-Time Count survey of Oahu’s homeless population is happening this week. The count is the basis for all homeless policy for the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Police chief’s request to use notification system not received after missile alert. The Police Department’s notification service, known as Nixle, wasn’t activated during the incident, Chief Paul Ferreira acknowledged to the Tribune-Herald on Tuesday, though dispatch was informing panicked callers the warning was false within minutes. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council Committee On Public Safety & Mass Transit discussed the January 13 false alarm that panicked the entire state. Big Island Video News.

Appellate court sends Hu Honua back to planning commission. A state court ordered Hawaii County’s Windward Planning Commission to address public shoreline impacts with regard to repairing or replacing a damaged outfall for cooling water and storm water from the Hu Honua Bioenergy power plant under construction in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Consultant: Hele-On needs buses, personnel, money. West Hawaii Today.

Manager-Chief Engineer Keith Okamoto and Deputy Kawika Uyehara of the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply both received pay raises after what was arguably the department’s most tumultuous year in recent memory. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A proposed campground in Lahaina for homeless people received a special use permit from the Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday, triggering tearful hugs among supporters who have been trying to push the project forward for almost three years. Maui News.

Soon to fade from Maui’s business landscape is J.S. Kuge & Sons, the longtime custom jewelry and repair shop on Lower Main Street in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms occupiers have 5 days to leave. District Court Judge Michael Soong ruled in favor of development company Coco Palms Hui on Tuesday and ousted a group that has claimed interest in a plot of land in Wailua for nearly a year. Garden Island.

Coco Palms at defining moment. This may well be a defining moment in the contemporary history of Kauai and the splintered, often ineffectual, movement for Hawaiian sovereignty. Kauai’s governing establishment — and, most likely, a large majority of regular residents — don’t want this controversy to blow up and bring the island to the center of one of the most vexing issues in Hawaiian history. Garden Island.

Kauai’s Crackdown On Airbnbs Is Backfiring. While one county is mired in disputes, legislators ponder their next moves regarding illegal vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tourism setting records, audit blasts Health Department handling of disease outbreaks, U.S. Appeals Court rules fishery feds erred in allowing turtle takings, minimum wage increases, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula on Waikiki beach ©2017 All Hawaii News

State visitor arrivals to break 9 million mark for year. With just three days left in the year for visitors to step off planes, it’s expected that about 9.3 million tourists — a record — will have come to the state this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii visitor spending increases to $1.3B in November. Visitor spending in Hawaii increased 4.5 percent in November to $1.29 billion, while year-to-date spending rose 6.6 percent to $15.2 billion, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii visitor spending, traveler numbers went up this November. Whether it's to escape the cold on the mainland or just to relax on the beach, travelers continue to choose Hawaii as their vacation destination. KITV.

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The state auditor is slamming the Health Department for failing to properly communicate with its own divisions, health responders and the public during three major disease outbreaks in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Hawaii Needs To Get Its Act Together In Responding To Outbreaks. When it comes to communication and record keeping, the Health Department seems to start from scratch with each disease outbreak. Civil Beat.

Audit blasts outbreak responses. A breakdown in communication reported throughout the dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii Island between October 2015 and April 2016 were included in an audit of the Department of Health’s Disease Outbreak Control Division that was critical of several issues in the way the agency handled that and other outbreaks across the state. West Hawaii Today.

State Health Officials Criticized For Dengue Outbreak Response In Audit. The State Auditor details confusion and discord in the Department of Health during the 2015 Big Island dengue fever outbreak, as well as other outbreaks. Big Island Video News.

Audit slams state's fumbled response to 3 major outbreaks. The state Health Department experienced "communication breakdowns" and "inconsistent processes and procedures" in its response to three disease outbreaks in 2015 and 2016, a scathing new audit found. Hawaii News Now.

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Report: Most sirens worked during Hawaii warning test. A report on a Hawaii siren test that drew international attention amid a North Korea missile threat shows that 28 sirens statewide played the wrong sound or had other technical problems. Associated Press.

Come Jan. 1, Hawaii's minimum wage workers will earn more. Hawaii's minimum wage will go up to $10.10 per hour starting on New Year's Day. Hawaii News Now.

Swordfishing permit review ordered. Environmental groups that sued to protect migratory birds and endangered sea turtles are claiming victory in their challenge to the federal government’s authorization to expand the swordfish fishery for Hawaii-based longline fishing vessels. Star-Advertiser.

US Appeals Court: Feds Erred In Hawaii Fishery Expansion. Conservation groups had challenged a rule that doubled limits on how many endangered sea turtles could be accidentally hooked. Associated Press.

Hawaii Looks To Spur School Creativity With ‘Innovation Grants’. Up to $250,000 will be available for the right idea and a two-year plan to implement it. Civil Beat.

Kamehameha Schools invests $24M in community programs. Kamehameha Schools has awarded $24 million in community investment grants to support collaboration partners in more than 100 programs and projects during current fiscal year, which began July 1. Pacific Business News.

USS Wasp with F-35B makes stop on way to Japan. The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp pulled into Pearl Harbor on Thursday for a port visit on its way to Japan and the introduction of an F-35B ship-based joint strike fighter capability in the highly charged region that includes North Korea and China. Star-Advertiser.

A report on sea level rise vulnerabilities and adaptation has been released by the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, known as the Climate Commission, and the 304 pages are available online.  Garden Island.

Climate Change's Impact on Hawaiian Fishpond Aquaculture. New research is shedding light about what needs to be done as the cultural resource is under threat by climate change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Young Brothers names Gas Co. executive to take over as president. Young Brothers Ltd., the state’s largest interisland cargo carrier, said today it has selected Joseph Boivin as its new president. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New Year’s means higher taxes, fees, bus fares and minimum wage. The state and city are ringing in the new year by lightening your pocketbooks through new laws or rule changes that take effect Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Rush is on to prepay property taxes. Dozens of people waited in line for more than an hour Thursday at Honolulu Hale trying to beat an end-of-the-year deadline to save money by paying their 2017 property taxes early. Star-Advertiser.

City and County of Honolulu says bond refinancing saves taxpayers $20.7M. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Budget and Fiscal Services said it closed on $253 million of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds last week that will be used to refinance existing debt for improvements to Oahu’s wastewater system. Pacific Business News.

Leaky roofs still a problem at Honolulu airport, some say it’s getting worse. KHON2.

Kualoa Ranch plans include expanding visitors center, new buildings. Kualoa Ranch, a Windward Oahu visitor attraction that has also served as a filming location for such movies as “Jumanji” and “Jurassic World,” is planning to build a number of improvements, including an expanded visitors’ center, a new retail building, new tour depots and more than 7,000 square feet of office space. Pacific Business News.

Diamond Head Theatre redevelopment moves ahead with revised plan, new architect. Two years after launching a capital campaign to fund a redevelopment, Diamond Head Theatre is moving ahead with plans to build a new 500-seat theater building and has hired a Houston-based architecture firm that specializes in theater design. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Did Hawaii Really Try To Thwart CNN’s Homelessness Report? The DLNR explains its reasons for not granting a permit for access to an encampment near the Waianae Boat Harbor. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Allure of isle boosts tourism. Tourism numbers were strong in November — and for the year overall statewide — particularly for the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools Invests Nearly $7M in Hawaii Island Programs. Big Island Now.

An endangered seabird is nesting 7,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Visitor Spending and Arrivals Surpass 2016 Numbers. Visitor spending on Maui rose (+2.7% to $359.4 million) in November 2017, boosted by growth in visitor days (+5.8%), and visitor arrivals (+9.3% to 215,266), according to preliminary data released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Maui close to record-breaking visitor arrival, spending totals. Maui visitor arrivals by air were up 9.3 percent in November to 215,266 and up 3.7 percent to 2,483,686 for the year’s first 11 months. Maui News.

Reef Safe Sunscreen on Maui. There’s now a movement in Maui County to ban sunscreen containing chemicals that scientists say are harming the reefs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kamehameha Schools Invests $1.7 M in Maui Programs. Kamehameha Schools has awarded more than $1.7 million in community investment grants to support collaboration partners on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for the current fiscal year which began July 1. Maui Now.

November home sales sizzle with strong demand. Low inventory makes it a hot sellers’ market. Maui News.

More fish, lower sashimi prices predicted. Retailers say there should be plenty for New Year’s parties. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitor spending continues climb. Kauai saw 95,900 visitors in November, an increase of 9.8 percent over November 2016. Through the first 11 months of 2017, Kauai has had 1.16 million visitors, a 7.5 percent increase over the same time frame last year. Garden Island.

Canines latest tool in effort to curb avian botulism. Avian botulism has been dropping ducks in outbreaks that have been sweeping the population since 2011 — and it’s not just koloa ducks. Garden Island.

State mulls homeless problem, Kakaako park suffers $500K damage, Maui mayor's wife drawn into campaign spending investigation, DOT Director Director Fuchigami moved to Governor's Office, raises coming to Hawaii County officials, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless igloo demonstration in Hilo ©2017 All Hawaii News

A legislative working group tasked with recommending possible sites for “safe zones” for homeless encampments on state land in Honolulu will expand its search islandwide — and potentially statewide — after ruling out a few vacant parcels in the city’s urban core. Star-Advertiser.

A growing number of state and county officials are talking about safe zones, designated areas where homeless people could camp legally. Civil Beat.

Just days after closing Kakaako Waterfront Park indefinitely, state crews are assessing the damage left by homeless campers. And they say it's worse than they expected. Hawaii News Now.

Officials show off park damage blamed on homeless campers. Repairs to dozens of broken fixtures and other vandalism throughout Kakaako Waterfront, Gateway and Kewalo Basin parks will total an estimated $500,000. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Community Development Authority's decision to close Kakaako Waterfront Park to the public has frustrated park users. On Thursday, HCDA took local media on a tour of the state park to point out why the closure was necessary. The state agency manages the park and said illegal campers racked up at least $500K in hazardous damage. KITV.

Prescribing Hope: A small Hawaii team is helping the hardest to house. There are more than 200 homeless people who suffer from severe mental illness on Oahu. They are among the hardest to help off the streets. But the state’s only psychiatric street medicine team, launched in January, is seeing successes with these seemingly impossible cases. Hawaii News Now.

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State Transportation Director Ford Fuchigami will leave his job for the new post of administrative director for Gov. David Ige beginning Nov. 1, the governor’s office announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has hired Department of Transportation Director Ford Fuchigami as his administrative director. Civil Beat.

The state is hosting a Telehealth Summit this week with the goal of developing statewide coverage. Telehealth connects a patient and a doctor using computer technology through the internet. Hawaii Public Radio.

The U.S. military’s love-hate relationship with China was recently on display with the Pearl Harbor destroyer USS Chafee at the center of it all. Star-Advertiser.

There’s space for Southwest at isle airports, state says. A state Department of Transportation official said Thursday the previous day’s announcement that Southwest would begin selling tickets to Hawaii next year “is already generating tremendous excitement." Star-Advertiser.

Glenn Hong, head of Young Brothers Ltd., the state’s largest interisland cargo carrier, is leaving the position to join parent company Saltchuk on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has established a hotline accessible from any island to take reports of Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins and whales in need of emergency assistance. The 24-hour number is (888) 256-9840. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Contractors continued work Thursday to safely remove fuel and other pollutants from a grounded 79-foot fishing vessel off Kaimana Beach in Waikiki — and the Coast Guard aims to have the entire craft removed from the area today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police teamed with Hawaii Pacific University Thursday night to spread the message of safety. KHON2.

A popular new Waikiki restaurant in the International Market Place voluntarily closed today due to suspected norovirus, Department of Health spokeswoman Janice Okubo said. Star-Advertiser.

The popular Waikiki eatery Herringbone shuttered its doors on Thursday after several diners reported falling ill after having patronized the restaurant. Hawaii News Now.

The second Hawaii Embassy Suites by Hilton, hotel which opened three weeks ago, aims to accommodate business travelers and individuals looking for another lodging option in Kapolei. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Why Is It So Hard To Find Police Commissioners? The Caldwell administration says people are turning down the offer but some commissioners say the mayor isn’t willing to fully open the selection process. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Raises are coming to top county officials, but exactly how much was a topic of some debate at a Salary Commission meeting Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Students and faculty are protesting the prospect of cuts to the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s performing arts and humanities programs, which they say includes a proposal to eliminate the campus’ popular jazz orchestra. Tribune-Herald.

Despite a heavy downpour, more than 300 people came out Thursday for the Puna Kai shopping center groundbreaking in Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Bongs And Bare Breasts Outnumber Cellphones At This Beach. A drum circle is only one of the Sunday attractions at a Big Island beach where millennials and ageless hippies mingle. Civil Beat.

Maui

A Campaign Spending Commission complaint against Mayor Alan Arakawa alleges that his wife, Ann Arakawa, contacted nonprofit and community groups to get them not to cooperate with the commission’s two-year investigation into the mayor’s campaign expenditures from Nov. 5, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2016. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa is accused of breaking campaign spending laws by misrepresenting more than $6,000 in advertisements that his campaign bought. Associated Press.

Maui Electric proposed a 9.3% increase in base rates, or $30 million, to help pay for operating costs, including system upgrades to increase reliability, integrate more renewable energy, and improve customer service. Maui Now.

Maui Electric Co. is proposing a 9.3 percent increase to its base power rates — its first such increase in nearly six years — to help pay for operating costs, including system upgrades to increase reliability, integrate more renewable energy and improve customer service, the utility announced. Maui News.

The State Commission on Water Resource Management heard final arguments on a petition to establish minimum flow standards for more than 20 streams diverted by Alexander & Baldwin subsidiary East Maui Irrigation. Maui Now.

Kauai

A sewage spill released about 50,000 gallons of wastewater in an unoccupied area off Keoniana Road on Wednesday, and some could have gotten to the shoreline. Garden Island.

DMK & Associates LLC will resume roadwork in the Ulu Mahi Subdivision from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, from Oct. 16 through Nov. 17. Garden Island.

Back to nature. Huleia refuge tour one of many events during National Wildlife Refuge Week. Garden Island.

Lanai

The Lanai Landfill will be closed at 1 p.m. today and Saturday because of insufficient staffing, the Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division said. Maui News.

Legislative session ends, Saiki takes over as House speaker, no deal reached on rail, state schools superintendent finalists meet public, economy to grow more slowly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol, courtesy Henry Curtis, Ililani Media

The Hawaii Legislature concluded with a sudden change in leadership in the state House of Representatives, ending a session marked by a failure to pass a major bill to fund Honolulu’s troubled rail transit project and the death of many other significant proposals. Associated Press.

A divided state Legislature closed out the turbulent 2017 session and headed home Thursday without approving any bill to provide more funding for rail, but Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he plans to press lawmakers for a new rail funding agreement that could be ratified in a special session later this year. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Adjourn Without Deal To Pay For Rail. Civil Beat.

With nerves raw and no clear timeline for future talks, state lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session Thursday without reaching a deal on funding for Honolulu's beleaguered rail project. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Legislature adjourned Thursday after passing a total of 233 bills this session, including a state budget of $14.1 billion for fiscal year 2018 and $14.3 billion for fiscal year 2019. Pacific Business News.

House Speaker Joe Souki has officially resigned from that post effective immediately in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s House leadership reorganization. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Joseph Souki has resigned as speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii House Speaker Joe Souki resigned from his leadership post on Thursday, the final day of the Hawaii legislative session, citing “disappointments” during the session that included a failure to reach a deal with the Senate over funding for Honolulu’s rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

The highest-ranking elected Republican in Hawaii also wants to lead the state party. State Rep. Andria Tupola said Wednesday that she was officially running to be chairwoman of the Hawaii Republican Party. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s economy is expected to keep growing at a slower pace even as tourist arrivals head for a sixth straight record year and the construction industry remains busy. Star-Advertiser.

In their first public remarks in Hawaii on Thursday, the two candidates vying to be the next superintendent of public schools emphasized a commitment to ensuring equitable access to a high-quality education. Star-Advertiser.

The two finalists for Hawaii schools superintendent made statements and fielded questions from reporters Thursday, and one of the two could be offered the job next week. Civil Beat.

The two women vying to become Hawaii public schools' next superintendent have made their first public remarks. The candidates are 48-year-old Christina Kishimoto and 46-year-old Linda Chen. Kishimoto and Chen have been selected from an initial candidate pool of 92 applicants. Associated Press.

Linda Lingle to join panel of ex-governors at Harvard. Associated Press.

State regulators approved a 0.12 percent increase in Young Brothers Ltd.’s interisland shipping rates, denying the company’s request for a 4.36 percent increase. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

With legislative session over, councilwoman demands tough rail decisions be made at city level. KHON2.

If the rail project continues, taxpayers may be left to pick-up the tab, and that's not likely to go over well. KITV.

Affordable-housing advocates maintain that a city proposal for interim housing requirements for projects with zoning exemptions in transit-oriented development areas does not go far enough to meet Oahu’s housing shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Immigrant Investor Project Gets Rocky Reception From City Council/ A developer is using a federal cash-for-greencards investment program designed for economically distressed areas to finance a condominium project near Ala Moana Center. Civil Beat.

Inmates become farmers at the Waiawa Correctional Facility. KITV.

The wife of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” reality TV star Duane “Dog” Chapman should have a role in helping select the next chief of the Honolulu Police Department, the Police Commission’s chairman said. Associated Press.

Police Commissioner Cites Another ‘Failed Investigation’ Of Possible Abuse. Civil Beat.

There's more turnover at the top of the Honolulu Police Department as another high-ranking officer is leaving. Deputy Chief Jerry Inouye announced his retirement after 30 years with the force. Hawaii News Now.

A rehabilitation project by the Hawaii Department of Transportation Highways Division will close Kipapa Stream Bridge (Roosevelt) over the weekend. KHON2.

Alexander &Baldwin Inc., one of Hawaii’s largest landowners, reported net income Thursday of $7 million, or 14 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter, compared to a loss of $7 million for the same quarter last year. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Astronomers say the best place on earth to practice their science is on Hawai‘i Island: Mauna Kea. The mountain is also important to cultural practitioners, hunters, hikers and sightseers. The mayor of Hawai'i County has been sharing his vision for the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three Big Island airports are slated for lighting improvements, the state Department of Transportation announced this week. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Ethos — one of the two medical marijuana-licensed entities permitted on Hawaii Island — hopes to have its cultivation site up and running later this year. West Hawaii Today.

About 45 Volcano residents met Wednesday at Cooper Center with Puna police commanders and community policing officers to express concern about a spike in crime, especially burglaries. Tribune-Herald.

The old Keauhou Beach Hotel is coming down. West Hawaii Today.

It took only five minutes for nearly the entire delta to disappear into the sea on May 3, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Matt Patrick said. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Environmental and cultural preservation groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to invalidate the Maui Planning Commission’s approval of the proposed $354.5 million, mixed-used Makena Resort project. Maui News.

Maui County Councilmember Elle Cochran has coordinated a series of events that includes county, state and private property managers, in what is being called Maui’s first-ever large scale training series on alternatives to landscape pesticides. Maui Now.

The Honolulu-based concrete production company that has been moving sand from Central Maui to other places off-site, including Oahu, has stopped transporting sand, following a formal notice from Maui County regarding permit issues on Monday. Maui News.

There’s been a major breakthrough in the fight to stop sand shipments from Maui to Oahu. KHON2.

The Waiehu Golf Course driving range will be closed for repairs starting Monday, May 8, and will reopen again on Friday, May 19. Maui Now.

Kauai

Water flow will more than double in the Waimea River system once all of the diversions in the Kekaha and Koloa ditch systems are addressed, and some if it is already back in the watershed. Garden Island.

John Lydgate was a family man, a teacher and a historian who invested the last two decades of his life to building a park for the Kauai community. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Darby leaves Hawaii, state Democrats split at convention, new marijuana magazine begins, cost of Maui special session, hot classrooms to greet returning students, audit find sloppy records at Big Island Parks&Rec, pollster predicts Kim lead for mayor, OHA threatens Mauna Kea lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Darby cleanup in Puna, courtesy Sen. Russell Ruderman

Darby swept through the state over the weekend as a tropical storm, but it weakened to a depression early Monday. The Tropical Storm Warning has been dropped for all islands as it moved away from Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The 70-foot Spirit of Kona vessel grounded and sank early Sunday near Kukailimoku Point in Kailua-Kona. The coastline was closed from King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel to Kukailimoku Point until further notice. West Hawaii Today.

Political conventions usually strive to project an image of unity, but Hawaii’s rough-and-tumble primary race this year caused a rift in the party that is reflected in the divided Hawaii delegation. Based on vote totals, Sanders secured 17 Hawaii delegates while Clinton won eight. That means most of the Hawaii delegates traveling to Philadelphia prefer Sanders, including newly elected Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Tim Vandeveer, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Democratic National Committeeman-elect Bart Dame. Star-Advertiser.

A new statewide publication called The New Leaf aims to provide comprehensive information on all aspects of Hawaii’s emerging cannabis industry. Pacific Business News.

Next Monday, Hawai‘i public school students will return to classrooms across the state. And chances are, many of those school rooms will be hot. Hawaii Public Radio.

According to dockets filed with the Hawaii state Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday, NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE: NEE) has filed to withdraw from its ongoing projects in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Big Risks Led To Big Losses For Hawaiian Electric. Hawaiian Electric leaders tried to turn an electric utility into an investment powerhouse. It didn’t quite stick. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Federal Transit Administration has agreed to give city officials more time to come up with a plan to either find the money to finish the Honolulu rail project as originally planned or end it at Middle Street. Civil Beat.

Although the Federal Transit Administration has granted an extension until the end of the year for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and the city to develop a recovery plan for the Honolulu rail project, it's not as much time as Mayor Kirk Caldwell had requested. Pacific Business News.

The state is moving forward with plans to build a community of more than 200 affordable housing units in Honolulu as part of an effort to address Hawaii's homelessness problem. KITV.

Frustrated Hawaii health officials say they have faced a number of challenges trying to identify the source of a hepatitis A outbreak that has affected at least 74 people on the island of Oahu. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Department of Parks and Recreation has plugged a leak in its cash-handling procedure following an audit that pointed to lax security. It’s not known how much money might not have found its way into the county coffers that should have been deposited there. West Hawaii Today.

It may not be the most scientific survey, but George Yokoyama said his political polling hasn’t been wrong in the 40 years he’s been doing it. Yokoyama’s latest poll, mailed to 3,000 Big Island households in early June, showed former Mayor Harry Kim leading former county Managing Director Wally Lau by double digits, Yokoyama confirmed this week. West Hawaii Today.

Accusing the state and University of Hawaii of having “grossly mismanaged” Mauna Kea, the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been working behind the scenes for months in a move to gain some control over the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Now, having been rebuffed in its attempts, OHA is threatening to go to court over the issue. Star-Advertiser.

Now, it’s time for Hilo voters to decide who will be their state senator. The District 1 seat is up for grabs after the death of Sen. Gil Kahele last January at age 73.  Tribune-Herald.

Greggor Ilagan, a Hawaii County councilman, is seeking to unseat state Sen. Russell Ruderman in the Democratic primary. And the race is getting heated. Tribune-Herald.

Democrats voting in the District 2 state House primary race have three vastly different choices. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The dollar amount to help public employees at three Maui-area hospitals is not yet known, but the cost to taxpayers to hold a special legislative session was at least $10,000. Civil Beat.

A cascading waterfall surrounded by vibrant green grass and palm trees at the airport will be the new gateway for visitors arriving and leaving Maui starting today. Maui News.

Young Brothers is proposing a 4.4 percent general increase to its shipping rates that the company says would make up for rising expenses and low cargo growth, but some Maui County residents fear it would create hardships on agriculture and small businesses. Maui News.

A consent order between Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and the state Health Department over air quality and reporting violations that calls for the sugar plantation to pay $600,000 in fines and other remedies has been finalized. Maui News.

Kauai

Former state land surveyor Thomas Oi is challenging incumbent state Rep. James Tokioka for the District 15 seat. Star-Advertiser.

In March, something unexpected happened. State Rep. Derek Kawakami gave up his secure spot in the House after a five-year stint and decided to run for the Kauai County Council. The rare open seat has spurred a three-way race to represent District 14, which runs from Wailua on the east side through Hanalei on the north shore. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell in June to 3.3 percent, down from 3.6 percent during the same month last year. However, Lanai saw a tripling of its unemployment rate. Pacific Business News.

Pro Bowl to move to Orlando, University of Hawaii seeks to import zika virus, Kauai police chief has no official job description, Hawaii Democrats oppose super delegates at rally, new judge coming to Thirty Meter Telescope case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aloha Stadium, courtesy Bobak Ha'Eri

It's official: The Pro Bowl is moving from Hawaii to Orlando. Hawaii News Now.

Three people with knowledge of the negotiations have told The Associated Press that the NFL is moving the Pro Bowl from Honolulu to Orlando this season. Associated Press.

The Board of Agriculture is expected to vote today on whether to grant the University of Hawaii a permit to import the Zika virus to Hawaii for animal vaccine trials as concerns mount locally and internationally over the spread of the virus and its ability to cause microcephaly, a devastating birth defect.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats sent a message to their national party to stop using super delegates for the presidential election. KITV4.

Bernie’s Backers Prevail At Democratic State Convention. Despite party elite’s support of Hillary Clinton, Hawaii Democrats elected a party chair who supports Bernie Sanders. Civil Beat.

Despite the growing evidence that something is chronically amiss, the Legislature has repeatedly failed to act on police reform. Civil Beat.

At least one prominent Democrat has opted out of the race for the urban Honolulu congressional district now that Colleen Hanabusa has confirmed she is running. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission has suspended Young Brothers Ltd.’s request to increase its general rate on Thursday, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

State regulators said they plan to host public hearings in July as part of an investigation of Young Brothers Ltd.’s application to increase interisland shipping rates by roughly 4 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is poised to reject funding for a plan to upgrade and renovate Thomas Square that has drawn mixed reviews from community members. Star-Advertiser.

A nonprofit effort to purchase and preserve the last major freshwater spring in Honolulu with a surface connection to the ocean has run into a jam after neighboring homeowners expressed concerns over their privacy. Star-Advertiser.

Dr. Randall F. Holcombe, chief medical officer for cancer in the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, has been chosen as the next director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Civil Beat.

A state agency has fined a Honolulu hotel, the Kahala Hotel & Resort, for a New Year's Eve fireworks show launched from state land. Associated Press.

D.G. “Andy” Anderson reopened the former Jameson’s by the Sea restaurant in March as Haleiwa Beach House despite warnings from the city not to because renovation work was done without building permits. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii

The University of Hawaii released a progress report last week regarding implementation of Gov. David Ige’s 10-point plan for Mauna Kea. Ige gave UH, which manages 11,288 acres on the mountain, the directives a year ago following large protests against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County’s wastewater treatment plant in Hilo has a mold problem. An administrative building, which includes a laboratory and break room for wastewater employees, has been mostly vacated after mold was found behind the walls and ceiling. Tribune-Herald.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources gave final approval Friday for a marine reserve at Kaupulehu, where a 10-year moratorium will be placed on the harvest of fish along a 3.6-mile stretch of coastline. West Hawaii Today.

State considers permanent ohia transport ban. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan is seeking $5.5 million to put a park in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Ilagan will ask the rest of the council this week to add the project to the county’s capital budget. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Democratic Rep. Lynn DeCoite has filed as a candidate to retain the 13th House District seat she was appointed to in February 2015 to fill the remainder of the term of the late Rep. Mele Carroll. Maui News.

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a defense spending bill for fiscal 2017 that includes $11.7 million for the Maui Space Surveillance System, according to an announcement from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui News.

Kauai

It was revealed by Kauai police commissioners on Friday that three job descriptions for the chief of police are unofficial. Garden Island.

The Planning Commission sided with North Shore residents Tuesday, unanimously voting to change the proposed location of two classroom portables at Hanalei Elementary School. Garden Island.

The fate of two transient vacation rentals operating in Kekaha will not be decided until June. During a Planning Commission Tuesday, commissioners unanimously voted to defer taking action on two TVRs to give the operators, Ian and Anna Cronshaw, time to argue their case. Garden Island.

Aaryl Kaneshiro, elected to the Kauai County Council in 2014, filed his nomination papers for re-election. Garden Island.