Honolulu homeless dying in the streets, telemedicine for abortion, Honolulu and Hawaii councils pass budgets, Kealoha uncle denies stealing mailbox, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless man sleeps along the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

A ‘startling’ number of homeless are dying on Oahu streets, new numbers show. Exactly 373 in five years. That’s the amount of homeless people who have died on Oahu from 2014 through 2018, according to Honolulu’s Medical Examiner. Hawaii News Now.

373 homeless people died on Oahu from 2014-2018. The combination of drugs, alcohol, poor health, lack of hygiene and medical attention mean Oahu’s homeless population has an average lifespan potentially decades shorter than the population in general. Star-Advertiser.

Over 5 Years, 373 Oahu Homeless People Died. Honolulu’s mayor says the new statistics show the need to help vulnerable populations. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner Warns Homeless Dying Early. Living on Oahu's street leads to early death, the Honolulu medical examiner said Wednesday in releasing a report analyzing the deaths of 373 homeless people over a five-year period. Hawaii Public Radio.

See where Oahu's homeless residents are dying. KITV.

Hawaii Doctors Turn To Telemedicine As Number of Abortion Providers Dwindles. Hawaii was the first state to recognize a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy, but women in rural Hawaii who wish to exercise that right face plenty of hurdles. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council OKs tax hikes for hotels, other properties. Owners of hotels, resorts and most higher-end residential properties will need to pay more in taxes under a budget plan approved by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Approves Hotel Real Property Tax Hike, Budget Increases. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved increases in property taxes for hotels/resorts and residential condos and houses over $1 million not used as primary residences -- all to help cover a $12.8 billion operating budget for the next fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

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City Council OKs Court Challenge Over Louis Kealoha Legal Fees. The council wants to overturn the Police Commission’s decision to pay for the former police chief’s defense in a public corruption trial. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha’s uncle describes his deteriorating relationship with niece. Gerard Puana was convinced that a team of Honolulu police officers was following him — to a party in Kailua, to Manoa Marketplace, and constantly driving around his house. Star-Advertiser.

'We Were The Best Of Friends': Gerard Puana Testifies In Kealoha Trial. The man allegedly framed in a mailbox theft that’s turned into a massive corruption case talks about the ups and downs of his relationship with his niece, Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Uncle Denies Theft In Kealohas' Corruption Trial. U.S. prosecutors say framing Puana was key to a conspiracy by ex-Honolulu chief Louis Kealoha and his wife Katherine Kealoha, a former deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Absolutely not’: Relative who Kealohas alleged stole their mailbox tells jurors he’s innocent. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: More cross-examination is expected Thursday, June 6. KHON2.

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'More ghetto’: Maili residents turn out to protest 52-unit affordable housing project. Maili residents who opposed an affordable housing project in their neighborhood turned out in force at the City Council on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kakaako street dispute headed for hearing. A state board decided Wednesday to retain a legal expert to officiate a dispute over poor pavement conditions and parking restrictions on several privately owned streets in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council passes expanded budget. The County Council on Wednesday added $1.6 million and two more positions to the 93 new positions in Mayor Harry Kim’s $583.9 million spending plan, while moving money around in other accounts to give the legislative body more oversight. West Hawaii Today.

Foes blast Maunakea rules. More than 100 people showed up Tuesday evening at Waiakea Elementary School for a public hearing on a revised draft of administrative rules regulating public and commercial activities on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Parks and Recreation announces the Pahoa Community Aquatic Center is now open 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Panel backs commercial activity ban at Hanakao'o. Canoe clubs say beach last place for them in West Maui. Maui News.

United Airlines CEO on Maui: Terminal Upgrades and Infrastructure Challenges. United Airlines CEO, Oscar Munoz visited with Maui employees on Wednesday, as part of a Hawaii visit that includes stops at major airports across the state. Maui Now.

Fundraising halfway there for Lahaina Fourth of July. LahainaTown Action Committee has “special and exciting” ideas for the annual Fourth of July fireworks and is about halfway to its fundraising goal of $50,000 with about a month left to go. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai condo prices doubled in May. Homebuyers last month shelled out much more money for condominiums on Kauai - so much that it caused the median sale price for such homes to more than double, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Black Pot opening delayed. County officials are now hoping to reopen the park at the end of June. Garden Island.

Low fares, fast ticket sellouts mark Southwest's entry into Hawaii, Legislature nears halfway point, trash pickup fees mulled in Honolulu, medical marijuana mainly used for pain, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Southwest Airlines in Honolulu Feb 5, 2019 courtesy photo

Southwest’s low fares ramp up interisland competition. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Selling Tickets For Hawaii Routes. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Hawaii, here we come!” declared Monday’s news release, announcing that tickets for Southwest Airlines service for the Hawaiian Islands are now on sale. Big Island Video News.

Southwest Airlines began ticket sales for Hawaii destinations on March 4, 2019. The newly-released flight schedule includes California to Hawai‘i, as well as interisland routes. One-way flights from Oahu to Maui were posted as low as $28. Big Island Now.

Southwest selling tickets to/from Hawaii, selling out fast. Southwest Airlines ticket sales and flight schedules are out and selling out. The airline says more services and special offers will be available in the coming weeks. KHON2.

Some travelers excited about $29 one-way Southwest Airlines ticket to neighbor islands. The long awaited airline's arrival is here, and now, you can officially book Southwest flights to and from Hawaii. KITV.

Price Comparison: Southwest Airlines Hawaii Ticket Prices vs. Competitors. Maui Now.

Southwest tickets to Hawaii are now on sale. Pacific Business News.

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Hawaii Expected To Join Other States To Block Trump Abortion Rule. Hawaii Public Radio.

This week marks the half-way point of the 2019 legislative session. This session has already seen every single marijuana bill introduced in the Senate die. KITV.

A controversial ban on single-use plastics is up for a vote at the state capitol. As the zero waste movement catches on, a key vote is set for Tuesday on a proposal to ban single-use plastics that are common in the food and beverage industry. Hawaii News Now.

Medical Marijuana is being used to treat a common problem in Hawaii. The state Health Department, which administers the medical cannabis registry program, said there were 24,070 valid registered medical cannabis users in Hawaii as of Jan. 31. The vast majority -- 20,426 -- said they were using the drug for “severe pain.” Hawaii News Now.

Legislature Considers Sex Abuse Investigation Of Catholic Church. The Hawaii House and Senate are also voting on separate proposals to eliminate the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims. Civil Beat.

Ban fizzles; bill now addresses proliferation of illegal fireworks. A bill that would have banned nearly all consumer use of fireworks has gone up in smoke. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Prisons: ‘You Can’t Have A System Policing Itself’. A bill to establish an independent commission to oversee the state’s jails and prisons clears the House and heads to the Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Hospital administrator departing in May. The state Health Department announced today that William May, Hawaii State Hospital administrator, is leaving his post in early May. A national search is underway to find May’s successor. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New proposal seeks to charge Oahu residents for trash pick up. Honolulu is the only county where residents don't have to pay for trash pick up. That may change with a new proposal in the city council. KHON2.

Killing of escaped OCCC inmate draws scrutiny. The Department of Public Safety director failed to explain why DPS personnel placed a wounded inmate, shot Friday on a Kalihi street by a corrections officer, into a van and returned him to jail rather than render aid and wait for an ambulance. Star-Advertiser.

Annual homeless census’ leader resigns. Just a week after releasing early data on Oahu’s annual homeless census, the head of the organization that oversees the island’s annual Point in Time Count abruptly resigned, cryptically citing “undermining behaviors.” Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief says ‘temporary refuge areas’ could help Oahu’s homeless problem. With new data showing the number of people living on the streets of Oahu at a 10-year high, Honolulu police chief Susan Ballard is speaking out, offering new solutions aimed at helping the island’s homeless. Hawaii News Now.

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Trial postponed for Kealoha’s treatment. Former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha has gotten another trial delayed for medical reasons. This time it is to undergo treatment for an undisclosed cancer. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas’ Trial Delayed Until May For Medical Reasons. The successful effort by Katherine Kealoha attorney to move the trial back to May was the latest in a series of attempts to delay the legal proceedings. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha's request to delay trial granted. KHON2.


The Honolulu City Council is poised to take a vote on whether to approve footing the legal bill for the impeachment petition for City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii Public Radio.

HART board and City Council hold off on forensic rail audit. The board tasked with building Oahu’s $9.2 billion rail project voted Thursday to tell the Honolulu City Council to ask off on initiating a forensic audit of the agency until after a federal investigation into the project is settled. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Southwest Airlines’ first flight to the Big Island is set to touch down in May at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. West Hawaii Today.

The Kona Community Aquatic Center has closed indefinitely. The facility shut down Friday after one of the sand filters stopped operating. West Hawaii Today.

Costco corrects DOH food temperature violation. West Hawaii Today.

The landlord of a property in Hakalau was found to have discriminated against a caretaker based on her gender identity, the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission decided. West Hawaii Today.

Three Kona coffee farmers have sued the world’s biggest retailers and several coffee suppliers for allegedly flooding the market with fake Kona coffee. Tribune News Service.

Maui

Barnes &Noble makes its Kahului home permanent. One-year event, cafe coming soon. Maui News.

Kauai

County to talk bus shelters, potholes. The County Council will host a public hearing on March 13 at 1:30 p.m. in the council chambers to amend the capital budget for the fiscal year July 1 through June 30. Garden Island.

Breathing room for TVRs. Dozens of transient vacation rentals that operate legally in the Wainiha-Haena area closed to the public since last April’s disastrous storms got a one-year reprieve on Monday that will permit them to go back into business when Kuhio Highway reopens — projected for later this year. Garden Island.

Recreational marijuana legalization bill advances; 100-year-old smoking age, anti-abortion bills die, court protects Airbnb records from government, heiress Kawananakoa releases video claiming competency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Marijuana PC:Pixabay Commons

Bill to legalize pot in Hawaii passes state Senate committee. A bill to legalize marijuana passed a significant legislative hurdle with a surprisingly quick approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Star-Advertiser.

Marijuana legalization bill clears committee hurdle. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday became the first legislative committee in Hawaii to pass a bill that would legalize recreational adult use of marijuana. Tribune-Herald.

A bill that would legalize recreational marijuana is moving forward at the state Legislature. On Thursday morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to support the measure. It’s now headed to at least two more committees. Hawaii News Now.

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DUI bill moves forward in wake of fatal Kakaako crash. State lawmakers advanced a measure Thursday that would allow judges to prohibit drunken drivers from purchasing or publicly consuming alcohol for three years after their conviction, among other increased penalties. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmaker drops plan to ban cigarettes until age 100. A lawmaker who wanted to restrict the sale of cigarettes to people who are 100 years old or older backpedaled from his proposal today, suggesting instead that his bill be amended to limit cigarette sales to people who are age 25 or older. However, the bill failed anyway. Star-Advertiser.

House Health Committee Tables Anti-Abortion Bill. The first anti-abortion bill in 20 years was heard today by the state legislature in a standing-room only committee room. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed measures could weaken service animal law. While a law prohibiting people from falsely claiming an ordinary dog is a service dog successfully passed last year, two bills recently introduced in the Legislature would broaden the definition of service dogs to include emotional support animals. Tribune-Herald.

A new proposal is taking aim at pet owners who don't pick up after their animals. The law would consider it littering and would carry a hefty $500 fine. KHON2.

Bestiality Is Still Legal In Hawaii. It’s not a crime to have sex with animals. Legislation aims to right that wrong. Civil Beat.

Judge Denies Hawaii’s Move To Get Airbnb Host Records. The state sought the records to find out which hosts haven’t been paying taxes involving their vacation rental listings. Associated Press.

Court sides with Airbnb; state to appeal. Hawaii’s Department of Taxation plans to appeal a Honolulu judge’s ruling Thursday that denied the state’s attempt to subpoena rental records from online vacation rental booking site Airbnb. Star-Advertiser.

In new video, heiress Kawananakoa says she can run her $200 million trust. The descendant of Hawaiian royalty defends wife who is suspected of manipulating her. Hawaii News Now.

Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa says in video that she’s mentally fit. During the eight-minute, edited interview, the 92-year-old Campbell Estate heiress also says she has an obligation to the Hawaiian people but that her hands are tied. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian heiress Abigail Kawananakoa in her own words. For the first time we're hearing from 92-year-old Hawaiian heiress Abigail Kawananakoa. This video of an interview recorded last month was released by public relations firm Comm-Pac Thursday. KITV.

Oahu

City rejects plea to delay homeless sweeps. City rejects plea to delay homeless sweeps. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless camp to city: Stop the sweeps and let us come to the bargaining table. A group of homeless people who typically try to avoid media attention sought it out Thursday morning, inviting cameras inside the tents they call home. Hawaii News Now.

The hui "Ka Poe o Kakaako" or The People of Kakaako announced Thursday that it will conduct weekly clean ups around the Children's Discovery Center. The group is made up of houseless residents in the area focused on improving the cleanliness of area parks. KITV.

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HPD plans to speed up rollout of body cameras. The Honolulu Police Department’s body camera program is going so smoothly that Chief Susan Ballard is aiming for full implementation by the end of the year, eight months earlier than projected. Star-Advertiser.

Deployment of body cameras to all officers ahead of schedule. The Honolulu Police Department said Thursday that it was making plans to speed up the implementation of body cameras on the remainder of its police officers after the success of initial field tests. Hawaii News Now.

Faster roll-out of body cams. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard wants a faster roll out for body cameras to police officers in all districts. KHON2.

Fighting To Keep The Kealoha Case Open To The Public. As the trial nears in a high-profile case involving widespread corruption in Hawaii law enforcement, a silent legal battle is being waged in the background over courtroom transparency. Civil Beat.

City Leaders Unveil Plan to Encourage Affordable Housing Development. Officials with the City and County of Honolulu want to build more affordable rental housing. But rather than directly fund construction, they have prepared a package of incentives to make those type of projects more appealing to developers. Hawaii Public Radio.

At heated meeting, residents clash over future of popular Ewa Beach park. Oneula Beach Park, also known as “Hau Bush,” has been overridden with illegal dumping, homeless encampments and crime for years. Hawaii News Now.

City hopes to install security cameras at Ala Wai Boat Harbor. KHON2.

State puts Falls of Clyde up for auction after decade of waiting. State transportation officials have officially put the 140-year-old Falls of Clyde up for auction. Star-Advertiser.

DOH fines trendy Kakaako bar for failing to get food permit. WorkPlay, a coffee and cocktail bar on Ilaniwai St., was found to have been operating a food establishment without a state permit. Hawaii News Now.

'Secret’ yakitori restaurant now open to the public. For about a year after opening in late 2017, Toridokoro Matsumoto operated solely as an exclusive eatery — you could only make a reservation if someone who was invited to dine there previously gave you a referral and vouched for you. But recently, the secret restaurant opened its doors to the public, and its locale on Kalauokalani Way has been published for all to see. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Planning Puts Off Piilani Partners Water Bottling Permit. The Windward Planning Commission once again took up the permit application for a water bottling facility in Hilo, and once again the applicant failed to receive a recommendation. Big Island Video News.

Residents air concerns about spaceport proposal. A draft EA could be complete in three to six months, followed by a public meeting on its findings. Tribune-Herald.

Long-term relief sought for Hawaii Island. The eruption on Hawaii Island last year destroyed some 700 homes, not including businesses, farms and schools. KHON2.

Prosecutors seek additional funds for Career Criminal Unit. Hawaii County prosecutors are now seeking an additional $365,000 from the Legislature for the office’s unit for fiscal years, 2019-20 and 2020-21. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

$350,000 pact reached in Maui Police Department discrimination suit. Retired captain sues over not being promoted to assistant chief. Maui News.

Goodfellow Bros., LLC has issued a notice to motorists that they will be performing construction along Kulanihakoi Street for installation of underground utilities as part of the infrastructure work for Phase 1 of the Kihei High School project. Maui Now.

Class to raise new crop of Master Gardeners. A new Master Gardener class has begun at University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

Talk Story With Mayor Kawakami Of Kauai. It’s been two months since Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami was sworn into office. The Garden Isle lawmaker traded his seat in the State House for the top county job. Hawaii Public Radio.

Woman missing for 7 days on Kauai found safe in ravine behind homes. She’d lost 30 pounds and was very dehydrated, but was otherwise OK. Hawaii News Now.

A Kauai woman who was missing for a week in Kalaheo has been found alive. According to Kauai Police Emi Oka had been yelling for help from a ravine Thursday morning behind homes on Kakela Makai Drive. KITV.

Employee behind false missile alert outed, officials react to Trump v. Hawaii travel ban loss, state abortion info law in jeopardy, public-private rail partnership mulled, lava viewing area likely, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HI-EMA informational briefing © 2018 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has “inadvertently” released the name of the so-called button pusher, Scott Harrison, the employee they blamed for the incident and later fired, who sent a false ballistic missile alert Jan. 13 that plunged Hawaii residents and visitors into 38 minutes of uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

Five months after a false missile alert was sent to all Hawaii cellphones, the state has released a trove of emails related to the incident. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Votes To Give Missile Alert Authority To Feds. Legislation being pushed by Hawaii’s federal delegation would take the task of warning about incoming missiles away from the state. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii’s congressional and government leaders reacted with dismay at the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Donald Trump’s third version of a travel ban for individuals from several mostly Muslim countries. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Tuesday decision in the case of Trump v. Hawaii, which affirmed broad executive powers to restrict or prohibit travel from majority-Muslim countries for national security purposes, inspired universal rebuke among Hawaii politicians and activist groups. West Hawaii Today.

Lt. Gov. calls U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Trump travel ban "hurtful". Hawaii led the nation contesting President Donald Trump's revised travel ban. KITV.

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A Hawaii law aimed at making religious-based pregnancy centers give women information about abortion as an option could be deemed unconstitutional, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision Tuesday that said a similar law enacted in California likely violates the First Amendment’s protection of free speech. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court rules in favor of pro-life groups; The decision may apply to Hawaii laws. Hawaii News Now.

How Hawaii Governor Candidates Would Handle Burgeoning Pension Debt. Whoever wins the race for governor will have to balance a budget that includes billion-dollar payments for retired state workers. Civil Beat.

The two leading Republican candidates for governor of Hawaii will square off Wednesday night in a Hawaii News Now debate. The event will feature state. Rep. Andria Tupola and former state Sen. John Carroll, and touch on a host of issues facing the islands. Hawaii News Now.

RIMPAC expected to boost Hawaii's economy. The big guns have arrived for Rim of the Pacific exercises known as RIMPAC. KITV.

Thousands of sailors streamed off warships Tuesday while tons of food was loaded back on as Pearl Harbor continues to fill up ahead of big Rim of the Pacific war games. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel performance in May helped keep industry growth strong during the first five months of 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertain Future for High Speed Internet Access in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Farm-to-school program to be implemented at all 256 public schools. Hawaii News Now.

New law requires change to public school curriculum. Lawmakers and educators want more students to learn about computer science, so they will be better equipped in the future. This also means teachers need to be trained in the field. KHON2.

Why Hawaii Doesn’t Publish An Official Voters’ Guide. In many other states, pamphlets with information about candidates and issues on the ballot are sent to voters before an election. Civil Beat.

A new report says Hawaii is one of the best states in the nation for LGBTQ families to live in. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is inching closer toward finding a private partner to help complete the $8.165 billion rail project despite lingering reservations by some HART board members. Star-Advertiser.

New Dialysis Clinics Finally Open. The facilities have been mainly idle for years while waiting for state inspections. Civil Beat.

An Oahu family of four bringing in $93,300 or less this year is considered "low income" under newly-released U.S. Housing and Urban Development guidelines. These guidelines are used to determine who can qualify for affordable and subsidized housing programs. Hawaii News Now.

The state is investigating the death of 50 to 100 baby hammerhead sharks found on land near the La Mariana Sailing Club at Keehi Lagoon, according to officials. Star-Advertiser.

Experts ask for tougher laws after baby hammerhead sharks found dead near Keehi Lagoon. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Lava viewing area on the table; county also receives requests to reopen roads. As the lower Puna eruption continues, the county is evaluating ways to safely reopen roads in the area and even allow people to view the lava. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Residents Set Up This Awesome Center For Volcano Refugees. With no end to the disaster in sight, the “Hub” serves up food, supplies, hot showers, massages and a chance to talk story. Civil Beat.

The Bodacious Women of Pahoa are living up to their name by running a relief center and other services for Puna residents affected by the Kilauea eruption, while making sure their own community is prepared for the next calamity. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Labor has given the State of Hawaii  permission to offer Disaster Unemployment Assistance in Hawaii County as part of the joint state-federal response to the ongoing seismic activity and volcanic eruption on Hawaii Island. Maui Now.

Incumbent state Sen. Lorraine Inouye and challenger Heather Kimball faced off Monday night in a wide-ranging forum touching on repairing the Big Island’s post-eruption economy, shortages of doctors and teachers, cesspools, money in politics and making government more efficient. West Hawaii Today.

Glenn Gray, principal of Holualoa Elementary School, will take over as principal of Kealakehe High School on July 2, the Department of Education confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo will establish a new academic college when the Division of Natural Sciences, School of Nursing and Department of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences merge to become the College for Natural and Health Sciences on July 1. Tribune-Herald.

Temporary canopies approved as Hilo Farmers Market makes progress to comply with codes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Rep. Kaniela Ing Apologizes for Campaign Violations, Vows to Move Forward. Maui Now.

Charges are pending against an alleged poacher of rare Haleakala silversword plants. Star-Advertiser.

Charges are pending against two visitors to Haleakala National Park after they were accused of picking the rare silversword plant. Hawaii News Now.

Haleakala National Park Law Enforcement Rangers and Maui Police Department recovered rare Haleakala silversword plants or “ahinahina” that had been removed by a visitor from Haleakala’s summit.  Maui Now.

Kauai

While people on Oahu set to the streets on Tuesday opposing the Supreme Court’s decision backing President Donald Trump’s travel ban, Kauai folks say it’s more fodder for Saturday’s Families Belong Together rally. Garden Island.

All systems were restored at the County of Kauai’s Drivers License Division and Motor Vehicle Registration Tuesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui Electric crews have restored all power to customers on Molokai after an outage Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

HI-EMA employee not cooperating in false missile alarm probe, Judge rescinds arrest warrant for Hawaiian-speaking defendant, bill would change Mauna Kea management, record hotel revenue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach PC: Danny De Gracia III

State hotels set revenue, daily-rate records in 2017. The impetus behind the record-breaking performance was an increase in visitor arrivals and spending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel revenue per available room increased 5.4 percent in 2017 compared to the year prior, setting a new state record, according to a report by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

‘Button pusher’ not cooperating with multiple investigations. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency “button pusher” who sent a bogus missile alert that triggered panic across the islands Jan. 13 is not cooperating with either a Federal Communications Commission investigation or two internal investigations and has not returned to work. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state employee who mistakenly sent an alert warning of a ballistic missile attack has refused to cooperate with federal and state investigators, officials said Thursday. Associated Press.

Official: Missile alert employee not cooperating in probe. KITV.

Investigators say HI-EMA worker who sent false alarm refuses to cooperate. KHON2.

Surveillance footage during false missile alert won’t be released, because it doesn’t exist. KHON2.

This Is What Hawaii’s Missile Defense System Looks Like. The basic principle involves shooting a missile with a missile. But some want more assurance that the missiles don’t miss. Civil Beat.

Amid ongoing spats between China and the United States in the South China Sea, Beijing confirmed Thursday it will participate in this summer’s big Rim of the Pacific exercise off Hawaii from June 27 to Aug. 2. Star-Advertiser.

Governor's Proposal to Transfer Sheriff Deputies Opposed by HGEA. The State Airports Division wants to have more control over the State Sheriffs assigned to work there. Hawaii Public Radio.

One Year Under Trump: Hawaii Republicans. Hawaii Public Radio.

A package of bills from the Hawaii Women’s Legislative Caucus includes a measure to require health insurers and health maintenance groups to provide comprehensive coverage for reproductive services such as abortions. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers are trying again to close a loophole in Hawaii’s “100 percent renewable energy by 2045” policy that allows the state to meet that goal even if half of the electricity being consumed comes from oil-burning power plants. Civil Beat.

Bill aims for tighter restrictions on aquarium fishing. Garden Island.

In what is believed to be the first case of its kind, the state Department of Health has fined the former operator of an unlicensed care home $325,000. Star-Advertiser.

A new state website will give parents a chance to see temperatures in classrooms at 62 public schools. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest to launch Hawaii flights as early as December. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A 41-story residential tower at Keeaumoku and Makaloa streets, which had been criticized for its so-called “poor door,” was given a thumbs-up Thursday by the City Council Zoning and Housing Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Group starts petition to keep makai parking at Ala Moana Regional Park.  proposal that would eliminate parking on the makai side of the drive through the Ala Moana Regional Park is drawing opposition from a group of park users, who've started gathering signatures on a petition, both in person and online. Hawaii News Now.

Time’s up, strip of businesses on Kuhio Avenue told. About 10 businesses in a complex of several small buildings mainly fronting Kuhio Avenue are asked to vacate. Star-Advertiser.

Upcoming Pali Highway repairs will result in lane shifts and overnight closures. The $64 million project will repair or replace street lighting from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway and the first phase of resurfacing from Waokanaka Street to Castle Junction. Star-Advertiser.

Behind The Scenes of Hawaii's 2018 Homeless Count. It’s five o’clock on a Tuesday afternoon in Chinatown. Dozens of volunteers are on a mission to survey as many homeless people as they can. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

A coalition of state senators has introduced a bill to dramatically change the management of Mauna Kea, the dormant Hawaii Island volcano that is a sacred place to some Native Hawaiians and one of the world’s premier sites for astronomy. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers will have several options to consider during the current session of the state Legislature for revitalizing Hilo’s Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

Anaehoomalu Resort Proposal Withdrawn By Developers. Big Island Video News.

Former County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Thursday got her law license back. West Hawaii Today.

A bill making its way through the state Legislature seeks to increase ambulance services in Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii solar installers and washing machine retailers might see a less successful year than anticipated after President Donald Trump approved tariffs on all imported solar cells and washing machines. Tribune-Herald.

Highway hawking: West Hawaii vendors push limits with roadside retail. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A judge has rescinded a bench warrant for a University of Hawaii professor who spoke Hawaiian in court, in an incident that sparked outrage among Native Hawaiian activists. Hawaii News Now.

A bench warrant for a Haleakala telescope protester was recalled Thursday, a day after being issued when he spoke only in the Hawaiian language at a court hearing Wednesday. Maui News.

Arrest warrant recalled for man who refused to address Maui judge in English. KITV.

Warrant Recalled for Hawaiian Man Who Refused to Speak English in Court. Maui Now.

Six people have drowned in the past two weeks on Maui, prompting ocean safety advocates to ramp up efforts to warn visitors about the dangers of snorkeling and to study new types of masks that have become increasingly popular. Civil Beat.

An environmental court judge is reversing a decision that denied a Native Hawaiian fisherman’s petition to stop Hawaii officials from issuing commercial fishing licenses to those who aren’t legally admitted into the United States. Associated Press.

Judge sends fishing license petition back to land board. An environmental court judge is reversing a decision that denied a Native Hawaiian fisherman's petition to stop Hawaii officials from issuing commercial fishing licenses to those who aren't legally admitted into the United States. Associated Press.

Maui EKO Systems, which has processed the island’s green waste and county sewage sludge into compost for nearly 23 years, could be put out of business as early as the end of next year because of a proposed renewable energy project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui News.

County hotels outperform state in 2 of 3 key metrics. Maui News.

HDOT Update on Honoapiilani Realignment & Improvements at Keawe St. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawaiian language spoken during Coco Palms trial. Garden Island.

Work on 17 homes for the Kauai Habitat for Humanity Eleele Iluna, Phase 2A started Wednesday with the arrival of Team Currie-Kauai 2018 Global Village group. Garden Island.

Audit blasts state energy office, Hanabusa more popular among business leaders, new U.S. attorney named, dialysis clinics vacant as inspections awaited, rats return to Lehua Island, Kealoha accused of coercing witness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki king tides July 2017, courtesy UH Sea College Grant program

For the past two years, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program has been recruiting citizen scientists from across the Pacific. They were trained to document high water levels or King Tides in an effort to understand and adapt to sea level rise. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Auditor’s report blasts energy office. The Hawaii State Energy Office awarded a contract for more than $250,000 to plan a “state-of-the-art” energy innovation center last year, and then seven months later commissioned another consultant to assess whether that center is actually needed, according to an audit of the office. Star-Advertiser.

Read full audit here.

Auditors couldn't figure out what this state office does — or plans to do. Hawaii News Now.

Audit: State Energy Office ‘Is Not Doing Its Job’ A scathing report cites the office’s failure to document what it’s doing to help Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy resources. Civil Beat.

Why Colleen Hanabusa Can’t Sit Still. The Hawaii congresswoman talks about ambition, office-hopping and her quest for the Hawaii governor’s office. Civil Beat.

BOSS Asks Business Leaders: Ige or Hanabusa? Hawaii Business.

Kenji Price — a former federal prosecutor and Army Ranger who is now a director at the Honolulu law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing — has been appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for Hawaii by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Army Ranger Named Temporary US Attorney For Hawaii. Kenji Price has been focusing on white collar criminal defense and commercial litigation at a Honolulu firm. Associated Press.

Delays in clinic inspections hurt dialysis patients. Lawmakers are trying to find solutions to a three-year delay in inspections for some dialysis clinics that largely remain closed as the number of residents with kidney failure continues to climb. Star-Advertiser.

One aspect of the homeless crisis: State realizes policing encampments is pricey. DLNR is requesting $330,000 in related funds. Gov. David Ige's administration also wants $419,302 to pay for eight new deputy sheriffs that could respond to complaints about illegal camping and trespassing on state lands. There is also a $5 million lump sum request in the state Department of Human Services' budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii joins 'tele-abortion' pilot amid debate about procedure's safety. Hawaii is one of only four states taking part in a "tele-abortion" pilot project, and the politically-charged issue is riling up abortion foes. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool Open Door Program Open for Enrollment. Low and moderate-income families in Hawaii can tap a state subsidized program to give their keiki a head start in early learning. Hawaii Public Radio.

No end in sight for mumps outbreak. In addition to containing clusters of mumps cases, the state is gearing up for the peak of flu season. KITV.

Mumps booster needed to avoid virus. Even if you had a mumps vaccination, you are being urged to get a booster shot. KITV.

Foreign fishermen settle human trafficking suit. Two Indonesian fishermen who say they were enslaved on an American fishing boat have settled their lawsuit against the vessel’s owner seven years after escaping and receiving special U.S. visas as victims of human trafficking. Associated Press.

Kmart to pay over $84K for overbilling Hawaii Medicaid customers. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines awarded share of $227M federal contract. Hawaiian Airlines Inc. on Friday received a share of a $227 million federal contract for international commercial scheduled air cargo transportation services. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha coerced man to lie to grand jury, charges say. The deputy city prosecutor wife of a Honolulu police chief convinced a man whose trust she allegedly stole from when he was a child to lie for her before a grand jury looking into corruption allegations against the couple, according to court documents filed today. Associated Press.

An alleged victim in the case against former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine, is now a suspect. KHON2.

Police Commission Loosens Rules On Legal Fees For Officers. For years, city attorneys have been strict when it comes to paying an officer’s attorney fees in lawsuits and criminal complaints. Civil Beat.

Rise in attacks by state hospital patients prompts call for change. KHON2.

Medical Pot And Veterans: Groups Offer Free Evaluations. The cost of getting evaluated usually far exceeds the price of the actual registration process for cannabis users. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS announces the need for more money. KHON2.

Warning signs posted after big sewage spill into Kaneohe Bay. The public is being told to stay out of Kaneohe Bay after a spill sent 30,000 gallons of sewage into the water. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimana the monk seal is hooked again. Kaimana the monk seal got hooked — a second time. This time, she needed help getting it out. Star-Advertiser.

$500K-plus micro condo units to hit Kakaako market. About 200 studios range from 277 square feet to 373 square feet, with the smallest of those starting between $500,000 and $600,000. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes to open sales office for new Honolulu tower. Pacific Business News.

Petitioners want to preserve monkeypod trees at Manoa Marketplace. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige releases additional $1.3M for outreach, research in battle against rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim’s lobbyist to the state Legislature appeared before a more local body Wednesday, where he defended his track record and pledged better communication with the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The traffic signals are in place, but it may take until the end of the month before intersection improvements at Shower Drive and Highway 130 in Puna are complete. Tribune-Herald.

A former driver for The Arc of Hilo who sexually assaulted a physically and mentally disabled woman last year in a van owned by the nonprofit organization was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Makawao is Highest Priority Area for Cesspools, Public Meeting Announced. Maui Now.

Water Director Taylor remains at home. Water Department leadership in limbo following council vote in support of director. Maui News.

Kauai

Rats! signs of life. A rapid assessment team flew to Lehua Island Tuesday after checks of motion-detecting field cameras showed the presence of two rats. Garden Island.

Housing crisis lingers as additional rental unit bill deferred. A bill aimed at allowing homeowners to build small rental units on their land in order to help meet an affordable housing shortage was deferred to the end of February during a Kauai County committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Kakaako park to close for homeless sweep as Ige touts successes, Honolulu police chief selection hearing today, Kauai doctor sues over abortion pill, Big Island council critiques hiring audit, flight disruptor saw butterfly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kakaako homeless, Hawaii News Now screen grab

Kakaako Waterfront Park will be closed to the public indefinitely — starting at 10 p.m. Sunday — because park officials say they can no longer ensure the safety of park users following a recent series of dog bites, fires and vandalism attributed to an estimated 180 homeless people living along the Kakaako shoreline. Star-Advertiser.

Following a series of dog attacks, fires and vandalism blamed on homeless people lining the waterfront, state officials plan to indefinitely close Kakaako Waterfront Park and the adjacent Gateway and Kewalo Basin parks starting at 10 p.m. Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday touted the state's success housing homeless families — in a Kakaako park overrun with squatters. And a half hour before the news conference, workers plastered Kakaako Waterfront Park with signs saying that come Sunday night the area (including parking for Point Panic) will be off limits to the public — indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

Kakaako Waterfront Park will be closed for clean-up and to clear out homeless campers. That is also the same park, where a state shelter was showcased for its high rate of success re-housing Hawaii's homeless residents. KITV.

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Republican lawmaker hints at run for Hawaii governor. It's a hot question in Hawaii politics: Is Representative Andria Tupola running for Governor? Well, she sure is hinting at it. Hawaii News Now.

Congressman Blasts Fishery Council For ‘Improper Lobbying’ The Northern Marianas lawmaker demands an investigation of the Hawaii-based Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, in partnership with the State Office of Planning, will hold the first-ever Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission meeting in mid-October. Maui Now.

A Turkish man pleaded guilty today to interfering with a flight crew and blamed his inflight behavior that prompted fighter jets to escort the plane to its Honolulu destination on a hallucination that he was chasing a butterfly. Associated Press.

New routes in works as Hawaiian Air beefs up fleet. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is back on Singapore’s radar for the first time in 25 years. Scoot, the low-cost, long-haul subsidiary of the Singapore Airlines Group, said Tuesday it plans to fly to Honolulu at the end of this year to mark its first foray into the United States.  Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Dental Association launched the Hawaii Dental Association Foundation on Tuesday. The HDA said planned programs for the foundation include scholarships for individuals who wish to enroll in the oral healthcare field, free oral care events for children and community disaster relief assistance. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City Must Find $160 Million To Pay For Rail Agency’s Employees. Those costs had been covered by general excise tax revenue, but the legislative bailout requires that money to be used only for construction. Civil Beat.

The recovery plan for the embattled rail project was approved Tuesday by the Honolulu City Council’s budget and transportation committees. Hawaii News Now.

The final phase of the search for a new Honolulu police chief begins at 2 p.m. today when the Honolulu Police Commission takes public testimony on its seven finalists. Star-Advertiser.

Police commissioners are meeting Wednesday afternoon to take public testimony on the seven finalists they are considering to become the next Honolulu Police Chief. Hawaii News Now.

Generators running 24/7 to power parts of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. KHON2.

Investor Shidler’s gift could bring UH business school $7 billion over time. Jay Shidler has donated a collection of mainland commercial properties to UH, representing the largest single gift ever made to the 110-year-old university. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of condos on Oahu last month hit $425,000 — up 10 percent from a year earlier. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu's housing market is so tight, developer D.R. Horton says people have camped out overnight for a chance to buy market priced homes at Hoopili. A single family home at Hoopili starts at about $640,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Legislative auditors on Tuesday defended their report sharply criticizing county hiring practices before a County Council committee that said the audit doesn’t go far enough. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council is poised to become the third in the state to send a resolution to the Legislature, asking that body to comply with the state Sunshine Laws governing open meetings. West Hawaii Today.

Council members agreed on Tuesday that state lawmakers should be subject to the same open meeting requirements and sanctions that they are subject to at the county level. Big Island Video News.

After nearly two months of severe water restrictions, the Department of Water Supply has turned the taps back on in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The Hualalai and Palani Wells have been repaired, water officials announced Tuesday, but a 25% reduction in water use remains in effect. Big Island Video News.

A Hilo legislator who underwent surgery Sept. 27 to remove a cancerous testicle was told Tuesday the surgery was successful. Tribune-Herald.

Inaugural MoonBase Summit brings cutting edge science minds together at Mauna Lani. West Hawaii Today.

Eighteen stories of tsunami victims and survivors are the centerpiece of a new exhibit at the Pacific Tsunami Museum highlighting Hilo’s relationship with the natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

A tricky mission is underway to free an ocean predator entangled in rope near Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island. The 12-foot female tiger shark was first spotted a couple of weeks ago. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A man and woman were released pending further investigation after being arrested in a police raid Monday at Temple of the Pharaohs video arcade in Maalaea, according to police records. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii Maui College is looking for ways to boost enrollment by two groups that show promise as potential students: returning adult students between the ages of 25 to 44 and high schoolers who want to enroll early. Maui News.

Kauai

Dr. Graham Chelius, who estimates he has delivered 820 babies on Kauai over the last nine years, filed a lawsuit Tuesday in federal court in Honolulu against the Food and Drug Administration that he hopes will prevent unwanted pregnancies around the country by giving everyone access to the so-called abortion pill that’s currently unavailable on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit representing a Kauai doctor that challenges restrictions on the drug known as Mifeprex. KHON2.

The Kauai Fire Department is reminding the public to keep drones away from emergency situations. KHON2.

Too many tourists, not enough doctors; lawsuit over abortion choices; Honolulu police chief drama drags on; Hawaii County hiring questioned; black band coral disease resurfaces, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Spam Jam © 2017 All Hawaii News

Too many tourists? Sustainability was the theme of this week’s “global summit” put together by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii anti-abortion pregnancy centers went to court to argue that a new law violates their right to free speech and religion. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s doctor shortage is worsening, except on the island of Kauai, according to the most recent data by the University of Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Commission is expected to whittle its list of police chief candidates down to a handful when it meets Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Morale a major problem at embattled police department, some say. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: It rankled when former police Chief Louis Kealoha, facing a federal corruption investigation for allegedly involving the department in a family legal dispute, was paid $250,000 by the Police Commission to go away. It stings even worse to see that while the taxpayer money went away, Kealoha really didn’t. Star-Advertiser.

Sgt. Kim Buffett, one of the high-profile faces of the Honolulu Police Department as the head of CrimeStoppers, will retire at the end of the month after 29 years and 10 months on the job and take her experience dealing with criminals, cops and journalists to Hawaiian Airlines as Hawaiian’s new head of guest services operations. Star-Advertiser.

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Ten years and $1 billion. That’s what it likely will take to replace the state’s aging Mayor Wright Homes low-income public housing complex in Kalihi with seven times as many rental apartments in a new high-rise community for residents earning a broad range of incomes. Star-Advertiser.

The trick, says Sharon Schneider, is to keep Kaimuki “cool and funky, but not scruffy.” So some merchants are sprucing up the storefronts along the community’s Waialae Avenue business district — in some cases, beautifying those strips of land between sidewalks and curbs that belong to the city. Civil Beat.

Could permits to park on the street help curb trespassers entering the Haiku Stairs trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven? KHON2.

Kiewit Construction has won the bid contract for the first construction phase of Honolulu Harbor’s Kapalama Container Terminal. Pacific Business News.

Oahu is booming with murals, but two recent disputes have highlighted the legal issues and bad feelings that can arise when building owners that originally allowed artwork later decide to do something different with their property. Star-Advertiser.

Aiea Intermediate will be closed Monday, Sept. 25, due to a power outage. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

‘POI’ creates sticky situation for HR: Merit Appeals Board to take up critical audit. For some county job seekers, the word “POI” — short for “person of interest” — represents their worst fears come true. The acronym on a request-to-fill form means there’s already a preferred candidate for the job, even before the position is advertised in an open recruitment. West Hawaii Today.

A recent federal court ruling allows criminal defendants who have not been proven guilty to appear in court without shackles, saying the restraints go against their constitutional rights. West Hawaii Today.

The state has fined a businessman who claims to have pioneered commercial sales of the bitter fruit noni, after he bulldozed a road to harvest a noni orchard planted illicitly on state land while claiming to own the property under authority of a nonexistent federal court. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim plans to sign a bill passed by the County Council that would ban the use of polystyrene foam food containers on the island in two years. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer Hawaii Island public school students met grade-level standards on state tests last year than their counterparts statewide, according to new data from Hawaii’s Strive HI Performance System. Tribune-Herald.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is close to finding solutions for housing hula halau displaced after Mayor Harry Kim informed the festival the troupes would no longer be allowed to sleep in county gyms. Tribune-Herald.

The friends and family of Peter Boy Kema got some closure on the Big Island this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A little over 200 snails from a dozen sites in West Maui, Upcountry, Kihei and Hana are being tested for rat lungworm disease in an attempt to track and combat the mollusks that caused an unparalleled outbreak on the island earlier this year. Maui News.

About 200 snails on Maui Island are being tested for rat lungworm disease in an attempt to track the mollusks that caused an unparalleled outbreak on the island this year. Associated Press.

Baldwin Beach – ‘back to its natural state’ With homeless camp gone, beach is available for parkgoers — but work is still needed. Maui News.

NOAA Fisheries announced it had released the 1,000th sea turtle (honu) that was rescued and rehabilitated in Hawai‘i at Tavares Beach on Maui’s North Shore. Maui Now.

Federal fisheries officials released the 1,000th sea turtle rehabilitated in the Hawaiian Islands, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife will have application forms for the 2018 Lanai axis deer hunting season available at all DOFAW offices statewide beginning Monday, Oct. 2. Maui Now.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz will be the keynote speaker at the 11th annual Hui Holomua Business Fest, which will take place Oct. 11 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club in Waikapu, the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Black band disease is once again spreading through some corals around Kauai, according to Hanalei researcher Terry Lilley. Garden Island.

Retail Shops On Hawaii Farmland: Kauai Dispute Could Set A Precedent. A company points to a 2012 state law as it sues for the right to sell its coffee beans and cigars on agricultural land. Civil Beat.

Proposed changes to commercial marine license fees will be explained by the Department of Land and Natural Resources in public hearing meetings set for Oct. 5 and Oct. 10 on Kauai. Garden Island.

Crime statewide lowest since 1975. Rape rises on Kauai; unclear if due to reporting change or actual increase. Garden Island.

The Deadliest Beach On Kauai Might Surprise You. A researcher analyzed drownings over 42 years. The beach with the most fatalities isn’t considered the most hazardous. Civil Beat.