Voter approval of Ige, Caldwell, drop in poll; Obama spotted on island; iconic farmers market changing; biofuel farm mulled for Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Farmers Market ©2018 All Hawaii News

County gets tough after iconic Hilo Farmers Market fails to fix code violations. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Farmers Market has been ordered by Hawaii County to take down all of its existing tarps and tents because of fire safety and zoning violations. KITV.

Former President Barack Obama is on Oahu following an Asia-Pacific trip that included stops in Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia. KHON2.

Voter approval numbers for Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell have declined in the last two years, according to the latest Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige plans on pushing his administration’s accomplishments to the forefront of his campaign over the next four or five months, saying he’s been “too humble” about his successes. Garden Island.

Five in 7 Hawaii voters support efforts at the state Capitol to legalize medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients, according to the latest Hawaii Poll by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, which found consistent support across younger and older voters, men and women, and ethnic groups statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers call for tougher laws, penalties for child care providers. Under the bill, House Bill 2528, any adult relatives who help daycare operators care for children will be required to get a criminal background check. Hawaii News Now.

Should electric and hybrid car owners pay more to register their cars? It's a proposal being considered by state lawmakers to help fix our highways. KHON2.

Electric utility companies largely unprepared for anticipated EV boom, report says. Though Hawaii has one of the highest EV adoption rates in the county, the total number of battery-powered cars represents less than 1 percent of all passenger vehicles in the state. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s inventory of vacation rental units increased 35 percent to 23,000 from 2015 to 2017, according to a report by The Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice. Pacific Business News.

Some of Hawaii’s major labor unions are gearing up for a tough year ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s Medical Pot Program Struggling To Get Its Act Together. The licensing and inspection programs remain very short-staffed, but pot shop owners are pleased by the state’s recruitment efforts. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu voters overwhelmingly support a ban on so-called monster houses, according to the latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki condo seeks to ban short-term rentals.  fierce battle is brewing at Waikiki Lanais over whether the condominium board has the right to ban short-term vacation rentals at the 160-unit building where the practice has been going on for decades. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers asked to approve sale of Kakaako property for new wastewater facility. A public hearing will be held Tuesday on a resolution to approve the sale of land on Forrest Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard. KHON2.

Cure Oahu begins cannabis sales. Hawaii’s fifth dispensary began pakalolo sales Friday, with a steady flow of medical marijuana patients registering and visiting the Kapahulu retailer. Star-Advertiser.

The number of solar permits issued on Oahu rose in February for the second straight month after declining for two years in a row. Star-Advertiser.

Cardax Inc.’s first full year of revenue from its new anti-inflammatory product produced robust results. The Honolulu-based company, which launched ZanthoSyn in August 2016, was scheduled to announce today that it generated $610,323 in sales last year compared with $35,258 from its product’s limited release the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based accelerator Blue Startups is partnering with Singapore-based venture capital investment platform Hatcher+ to co-invest in its startups. Pacific Business News.

No one was hurt today after a helicopter with four people on board made an emergency landing in a softball field at Koko Head Neighborhood Park. Star-Advertiser.

Mariota expanding role as philanthropist with Motiv8 Foundation. Hawaii News Now.

Monday marked the state holiday celebrating the birthday of a Hawaiian Alii, also known as a citizen prince, Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Many gathered to pay tribute to the Hawaiian monarch at the Royal Mausoleum in Nu'uanu for Kuhio day honors. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Activists erect makeshift checkpoint. About two dozen people calling themselves “kanaka rangers” held an unauthorized checkpoint Monday along the Maunakea Access Road. Tribune-Herald.

With Puu Huluhulu visible in the distance, a group of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries set up an “Aloha Safety Checkpoint” by the Mauna Kea Access Road on Prince Kūhiō Day, part of the next phase of “Aina Mauna Solution”. Big Island Video News.

Group gathers on Kuhio Day to demonstrate alleged DHHL mismanagement. KITV.

Turns out the county’s affordable housing requirements can be pretty affordable for developers. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is looking to establish a Hilo counterpart to the proposed Village 9 homeless site in Kailua-Kona, although plans are still in preliminary stages. Associated Press.

A proposal to fund a cardiac care unit at Hilo Medical Center has nearly made it through both chambers of the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Report: 1 in 7 homes in county a vacation rental. Vacation rental group is disputing statistics. Maui News.

A Maui man who asserted his right to speak Hawaiian in court instead of English, has been granted a Hawaiian language interpreter. Maui Now.

County special use permit sought for Jaws zipline project. Haiku community meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Maui News.

County to remove hundreds of dead eucalyptus trees on Maui. The eucalyptus trees along Piiholo Road will be trimmed down to two-foot stumps to reduce the risk of injury or accident. Hawaii News Now.

Crews from the Maui County Department of Public Works began emergency tree removal along Piiholo Road. Maui Now.


Kauai

The Department of Public Safety is looking to fill several vacancies throughout the state for the position of adult correction officer. Garden Island.

Molokai

New Molokai Ranch Plans Pitched To A Development-Wary Island. An energy company has proposed buying the 55,000 acre ranch, which has been idle since 2008, to farm organic biofuels. Civil Beat.

Future of Maunakea telescopes mulled, more shenanigans in Takai campaign account, Ige touts accomplishments, Maui mayor running for council, not lieutenant governor, Honolulu homeless woes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes atop Maunakea ©2018 All Hawaii News

Kim finalizing Maunakea committee: Mission statement emphasizes Native Hawaiians’ connection to the mountain, exploration. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii is restarting its effort to gain a new master lease for Maunakea that would allow observatories to continue beyond 2033. Tribune-Herald.

Senate Bill 3090, establishing the Mauna Kea Management Authority, will be heard on February 12. Big Island Video News.

Greg Chun has been appointed as senior advisor to University of Hawaii President David Lassner and UH Hilo Chancellor Marcia Sakai in overseeing the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the entire UH System on Maunakea. Hawaii 24/7.

=====

The presumably dormant re-election campaign for the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai has paid out close to $5,000 over the past year to purchase data from a Washington, D.C.-based campaign software vendor that tracks voter information. Star-Advertiser.

Five candidates for lieutenant governor who took part in an early forum at Democratic Party of Hawaii headquarters Saturday vowed to make the job more meaningful for the people of the state. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates for Lieutenant Governor face off in public forum. KITV.

Ige opens campaign offices. Supporters often praise Gov. David Ige, 60, for his soft-spoken, humble leadership style. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige uses launch of campaign headquarters to highlight success of term. Hawaii News Now.

Political candidates react to #MeToo sexual harassment issues in Hawaii. KITV.

Another Delay Sought For Surprise Care Home Inspections. Advocates for the elderly say unannounced inspections are long overdue but state officials foresee problems. Civil Beat.

Proposal to reduce frequency of safety checks works its way through Legislature. KHON2.

It might be game over for certain video games in Hawaii after state lawmakers introduced legislation to limit the implementation of electronic gambling systems within the popular pastime. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Resistance To Trump Enters Cyberspace. A bill to encourage net neutrality envisions the possibility of a taxpayer-owned internet service provider. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii’s visitor industry, caught flat-footed in the aftermath of the false missile alert on Jan. 13, is partnering with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to prepare for future situations that could impact visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly a month after a Hawaii Emergency Management Agency employee sent out an alert that a ballistic missile was headed to Hawaii, the agency is still trying to correct the record about what really plunged the isles into 38 minutes of needless panic and fear. Star-Advertiser.

One thing that was clear following the Jan. 13 missile scare in Hawaii is that the state does not have enough hospital capacity to handle a nuclear attack, which could involve mass casualties. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian Electric Cos. are asking the state Public Utilities Commission for approval to seek new renewable projects for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Modernizing Hawaii’s Electric Grid For Less Than $1 A Month. Hawaiian Electric Co. needs to upgrade its distribution system to accommodate mushrooming rooftop solar. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Growing Waianae homeless camp at center of dispute at harbor. State and city lawmakers once looked at one of Oahu’s biggest homeless encampments — Puuhonua O Waianae next door to the Waianae Small Boat Harbor — as a potential model for what government-sanctioned homeless “safe zones” could look like across the islands. Star-Advertiser.

State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials believe the state-owned land beneath the Puuhonua O Waianae homeless encampment contains ancient burial sites, pre- and post-contact rock walls that have been destroyed, and a rare “Waianae lineage” of half-inch-long shrimp living in an underground cave system. Star-Advertiser.

City officials have received complaints that homeless people from a large encampment are dumping human waste into Pokai Bay, among other issues. Associated Press.

There are strict rules regulating daily life inside Puuhonua O Waianae — and those who repeatedly violate them are kicked out. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Cries over ‘poor door’ ignore worse segregation in affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable housing: Like all Hawaii real estate, it’s gotten more expensive. It’s also getting incredibly smaller. Star-Advertiser.

Woman receives $72 ticket after honking her horn at a police vehicle. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

North Kona Councilwoman Karen Eoff, the primary sponsor of a bill limiting vacation rentals on the island, has come under fire for her ownership of a vacation rental condo in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Picking fruit on some West Hawaii farms is more than just precarious. As soon as the trees start shaking, farmers and field workers are as likely to get an armful of little fire ants as a handful of coffee berries. West Hawaii Today.

Kona coffee farmers want label law expanded. Star-Advertiser.

Funding for Big Island Veterans Treatment Court is making headway in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

The opening of the Big Island’s first medical marijuana dispensary has been delayed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa has submitted a candidate organizational report to the state Campaign Spending Commission showing his intention to run for the County Council’s Kahului residency seat. Maui News.

Maui County mayoral candidates file campaign spending reports. Guzman has the most cash on hand, with Victorino and Cochran next in line. Maui News.

Essential air service contract to expire. Anxiety in Kalaupapa rises as feds take new round of bids, including one with no subsidy. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park will hold a public meeting on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, to outline a proposed fee increase for the tri-park annual pass. Maui Now.

Maui’s only neurosurgeon, Dr. Thomas Rogers, has been unavailable for the past few months because of a health-related issue, forcing all patients needing examination or surgery to fly to Oahu for treatment, Maui Memorial Medical Center officials said. Maui News.

Kauai

Kani Wildlife Control offers solutions for eradicating unwanted wildlife. Garden Island.

Bikes on Rice begins monthly rides Tuesday around Lihue. Garden Island.

Molokai

A tangle of fishing nets the size of a large SUV washed ashore on the Northeast side of Molokai in Halawa Valley. KHON2.

Hawaii Legislature opens session as thousands commemorate 125th anniversary of overthrow, Ige praises Big Island false missile alert while officials call for statewide investigation, Chin defends campaign manager, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

125th anniversary of Hawaiian overthrow observed PC: Treena Shapiro

Palace And Capitol: Hawaiian Event Bridges Two Worlds. On the same day the ruling government reconvened its Legislature, thousands noted the 125th anniversary of the former government’s overthrow. Civil Beat.

January 17 was the opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature. But the day also marked the 125 anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Big Island Video News.

125 years later, overthrow of Hawaii's last monarch marked with tears, reflection. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of Native Hawaiians marched through the streets of Honolulu Wednesday and then rallied at Iolani Palace and the Capitol rotunda to mark the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of Hawaii’s last monarch. Star-Advertiser.

Onipaa Kakou - Observing 125 years since Hawaiian Kingdom overthrow. KITV.

A look back at the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. KITV.

Saturday’s nerve­wracking missile alert was top of mind as lawmakers opened the 2018 session of the Legislature Wednesday, with House and Senate leaders vowing to investigate what led to the false alarm, and to make sure the problem gets fixed. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Convenes Amid Buzz Over False Missile Alert. Lawmakers highlight housing and education priorities while addressing public concerns over the Saturday panic. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers want to boost housing, prevent false alarms. State lawmakers opened the 2018 Legislative Session on Wednesday with vows to tackle the housing crisis and homelessness. Associated Press.

False Missile Alert and Homelessness Highlighted in Opening Day Remarks. Maui Now.

Counties push for bigger TAT share again. On the heels of a tumultuous summer special session that raised the transient accommodations tax by 1 percent, the state’s local governments and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim are pushing for a bigger slice of the pie. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Federal responsibility in nuclear attack alerts is unclear. The astonishing error and dismal response has prompted both state and federal investigations and left one of the state’s U.S. senators wondering aloud if top brass at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency should be replaced. Associated Press.

Schatz: Missile-Alert System Is Still Hawaii’s Kuleana. State and federal officials aim to fix the warning system — and hopefully, rebuild the public’s trust — by this summer. Civil Beat.

FEMA confirms state’s delay in call for guidance. It took Hawaii emergency management 23 minutes to connect with the Federal Emergency Management Agency after a state employee triggered a false ballistic missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

Tick Tock Of Terror: Timeline Of False Missile Alert. The sequence of events involving the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s infamous Saturday morning. Associated Press.

Not an ‘oops’ button: Missile alert took many clicks, long scroll state never mentioned. KHON2.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Briefed On False Emergency Alert. Maui Now.

Parents of Hawaii public school students have been told not to pick up their children at school during a missile attack. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Doug Chin’s Opponents Pile On Criticism Of Candidate’s Campaign Manager. Kaniela Ing will file an ethics complaint with the FEC, while Chin’s other foes for a congressional seat also criticized him. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines and Jetstar Group launched a new interline partnership on Wednesday that offers travelers from cities in New Zealand and Japan convenient flight connections to Hawaii and the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines expands Japan, New Zealand service through interline agreement. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City received 29 medical calls within 1 hour after alert. That’s substantially up from the average of between eight to 15 calls an hour. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens, if not hundreds, of volunteers are still needed for next week’s census of Oahu’s homeless population — but the head of the annual Point in Time Count isn’t concerned. Star-Advertiser.

Final public meeting set for Ala Moana Park project. The city will hold a final public meeting on the Ala Moana Regional Park Master Plan at 6 p.m. Jan. 29 at the McCoy Pavilion Auditorium. Star-Advertiser.

Family demands answers after state hospital patient drowns in shower. KHON2.

Biki ridership holds steady. Bikeshare Hawaii says Biki ridership in the second three-month period of the program matched the first three months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige praises Big Island response. Gov. David Ige praised Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County’s swift response to correct Saturday’s erroneous ballistic missile threat alert that was issued to the public statewide. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit filed in fatal police shooting in Hilo. A woman shot by police in Hilo almost two years ago is suing the county, alleging the officers who shot and killed her husband and injured her used excessive force. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakala National Park updated the public and gathered community input last night on its Environmental Assessment for sunrise visitor management at the summit of Haleakala. Maui Now.

Teenage mom programs crowded out at Maui High. School faces space crunch with record 600-plus freshman class expected next year; ‘hard decisions’ had to be made, says principal. Maui News.

Goode heading to Kaupo to hear about the impacts of bridge closure. Residents seeking access while Waiopai Bridge repairs are ongoing. Maui News.

All county HI5 redemption centers operated by Aloha Recycling have been closed temporarily, beginning Wednesday, while the company waits for reimbursement from the state, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai lawmakers talk session priorities. Garden Island.

The first-ever hackathon to improve Hawaii agriculture using computer technology has produced a smart camera prototype that could be valuable to the state’s biggest coffee farm. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai solar permits fell 12% in 2017. Kauai posted the smallest drop-off among Hawaii counties for solar permits issued in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Celebrating the vision of Queen Liliuokalani. Garden Island.

Full text: House Speaker Scott Saiki's opening remarks as the Hawaii Legislature begins its 2018 regular session

OPENING DAY REMARKS  2018 LEGISLATIVE SESSION  SCOTT SAIKI  HOUSE SPEAKER  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES  JANUARY 17, 2018    

These are tumultuous times.     

This year, we must step up to the plate.     

The State of Hawaii requires leadership now and the House of Representatives can and should provide that leadership.                

Unfortunately, one need only look to the past weekend to see a glaring instance of the inability of government at various levels to manage major issues facing our state.                

Saturday's events reinforce the importance of the role of government. It also shines light on the role of the Legislature as the policymaker and as the check on the other branches of government. It is our duty to ensure that the three branches abide by their respective constitutional duties so that we all do our jobs well.     

We rely on the executive branch to competently and efficiently implement our laws and to administer programs. This begins with basic functions. Some of these functions must be carried out without mistakes because, when mistakes happen, the public loses confidence in all of us.     

We also rely on the Judiciary to fairly adjudicate and dispense justice. It is not the role of judges to make policy decisions from the bench. It is the Legislature's duty to set policy, and we do this with the benefit of broader public input and context.    

The legislative branch, and particularly we as the House of Representatives, begin this session with a renewed sense of purpose.                

The House is in a unique position to provide leadership. Part of the reason is our composition. Our 51 members are diverse, experienced, and energetic. We represent some of the smallest units of government. Our members have a pulse on what real people actually think, what they do, and what they want. 

This collective insight is very powerful and should not be taken lightly. We should use this insight to be bold and creative. We should always be thinking of how to make things better.     

There are two painfully obvious challenges that confront our state – the lack of affordable housing and the increasing homeless population. They are full of complexity and competing interests that make them hard to solve. They will require commitment and courageous action, sustained over several years.

But the time to start is now.    

HOUSING

There is a shortage of 65,000 housing units in Hawaii. The State has set a goal of building 22,500 affordable rental units by the year 2026, and encouraging the development of housing for all income levels.    

There is a huge gap between what our working families are able to pay and the cost of building new housing in Hawaii. The state and counties must continue to partner with private and nonprofit developers to add to the affordable housing inventory and make these projects pencil out.     

To address the financing gap, we should consider increases to programs such as the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, and the Rental Assistance Revolving Fund.     

These programs will subsidize rents, infrastructure, and construction costs. 

For the very low income, elderly and disabled, we should upgrade our public housing inventory. We should also invest in infrastructure in areas that are conducive to such housing, including areas near the proposed rail stations.

HOMELESSNESS

There are now over 7,000 homeless persons throughout the state, including 667 families.      

The approach to homelessness is multifaceted and requires short and long-term action. But there is a model that we can adopt. That model is Kahauiki Village.     

Kahauiki Village is an example of a successful public-private partnership that included the combined work of the state, the city, nonprofits, and the private sector, some of whom had not interfaced before.    

It is a self-contained community that is comprised of 153 transitional homes, a preschool, a market, and a police meeting room. It also operates from a PV-generated battery system and is off the electric grid.    

This model can be extended to homeless populations with substance abuse and mental health conditions.    

One important takeaway is that Kahauiki Village represents what is possible if people and agencies at different levels work towards a common goal.     

And even as we develop more transitional housing, we must also increase law enforcement to avoid encroachment into public spaces. This encroachment affects the quality of life for all, and we must find ways to divert it.

PRESIDENT OBAMA    

These are the kinds of issues that our residents are counting on us to solve. But leadership is more than solving issues.     

A year ago, President Obama said something in his Farewell Address to the Nation that reminds me of Hawaii's situation today.     

He spoke of the youth, diversity, and drive of Americans, and the potential that these traits offered to our country.    

But the President also offered this warning:     

"[T]hat potential will be realized," he said, "only if our democracy works. Only if our politics reflects the decency of our people. Only if all of us, regardless of our party affiliation or particular interest, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now."    

The people of Hawaii are looking to us for more than problem solving.      They are also looking to us to articulate and demonstrate a sense of shared purpose that calls others, calls on everyone, to join in.     

The House will play a critical role in calling people together in common purpose, but to do it, I believe that each of us must embrace three things. 

First, let’s be open to reform and to challenge the status quo. We can still honor the past, but build upon the foundation that was left for us. It is okay to do things differently.     

Second, let’s view challenges through the lens of those who are impacted by them. Some of the most contentious issues in Hawaii arise when people believe that government does not consider their perspective or history. We need to do better at reconciling these differences – by drawing on the knowledge of all our people – including those impacted by the policies we create – to shape the path forward.     

Third, let's take a global approach to decision-making. Sometimes government is too focused on jurisdiction and turf. We need to move beyond that.

CONCLUSION     

Members, we are at a moment in history where we cannot just be stewards. This legislative session is a call to broader involvement and decisive action.    

We must be courageous activists because the issues facing our state are too urgent to wait.     

I know that we are up to the challenge.     

This year, we will rebuild a foundation that will help many residents throughout our state.    

And by doing so, we will advance Hawaii’s tradition of pioneering justice, fairness, and opportunity for all.    

Thank you and best wishes for a productive session.

Ige confident facing Hanabusa challenge, black Hawaiian Airlines employee files suit after noose found near locker, Legislature gets extra $13M to spend, almost half of residents struggle to make ends meet, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Japanese training sailing ship Nippon Maru visits Hilo, PC: Hollyn Johnson, Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Hawaii Gubernatorial Candidates Up to the Challenges. Governor David Ige won a lopsided victory in the 2014 primary election.  He says it wasn’t a fluke. It was a voters’ mandate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials are bracing for at least $6.2 million in federal cuts to state programs that cover everything from emergency preparedness and immunizations to water-quality testing, air-pollution control, children’s health and hazardous waste. Civil Beat.

Legislature Gets An Extra $13M To Spend This Session. The Council on Revenues slightly upgraded its growth projection for this fiscal year to 4.5 percent. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will announce its annual homeless grant awards in support of thousands of local housing and service programs across the U.S. Thursday. Garden Island.

Nearly half of Hawaii’s households earn too little to cover their basic needs, even though many are holding down more than one job, according to a study released Tuesday by Aloha United Way. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly Half Of Hawaii Residents Struggle To Make Ends Meet. Finding affordable housing and a job that pays enough on the same island is tough, according to a new report. Civil Beat.

According to a new report from Aloha United Way, nearly half of Hawaii’s households can’t make ends meet. KITV.

Officials acknowledged Tuesday that connecting houseless or at-risk people with the services they need is paramount to solving Hawaii’s homeless crisis. Garden Island.

A Hawaiian Airlines employee stationed in Kona has filed a racial harassment and discrimination suit against the carrier, saying that his life was threatened by colleagues who placed a noose and a lynching rope near his locker. Hawaii News Now.

Trump Immigration Plans Would Hit Hawaii’s Filipino Families Hard. Filipinos have become the state’s largest ethnic group, in part because of family-friendly immigration policies. Civil Beat.

Results are in from a new state study: The ferry isn’t going to happen. There’s more hype than actual interest. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state identification cards will be issued with a new “star in a gold circle” marking starting Tuesday, Jan. 16. Tribune-Herald.

The PGA Tour and the Hawaii Tourism Authority signed a $2.1 million contract Tuesday extending their marketing partnership through 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

 The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is planning to build 800 units of affordable senior rentals as part of a $370 million mixed-use development on the six-acre site of its current administrative campus in Honolulu under a public-private partnership with Retirement Housing Foundation. Pacific Business News.

Developer to seek city concessions for Waikiki condo. OliverMcMillan, the company developing approximately 500 rental units on Queen Emma trust land, told the Waikiki Neighborhood Board on Tuesday that it plans to ask the city for variances to increase density, height and transitional setbacks in exchange for providing affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric looks to unplug from longtime operating base. Hawaiian Electric Co. is offering up one of its biggest real estate assets for sale in an effort to consolidate operations, and the opportunity could result in more condominium towers in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

OliverMcMillan Inc. expects to submit a draft environmental assessment later this month for what will be the first new high-rise apartment project in decades, a 500-unit market-rate and affordable mixed-use rental project in the center of Waikiki on 2.5 acres of land owned by the Queen Emma Land Co. Pacific Business News.

Homeless shuffle to avoid Kakaako park closures. More than a dozen homeless encampments returned to the mauka Kakaako Gateway Park as state and city officials continue to close and reopen parks overrun by homeless people in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu ranch to re-establish native forest. An Oahu ranch operated on land owned by an affiliate of the Mormon Church has partnered with its landlord and a nonprofit to re-establish a native forest on most of the 750-acre property in Laie and Malaekahana. Star-Advertiser.

New Chinatown bus schedule draws complaints from businesses. Hawaii News Now.

About 500 gallons of fuel oil leaked from a Hawaiian Electric underground pipeline in Pearl City Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Conspiracy Charges Up The Ante For Kealohas. The former police chief and his prosecutor wife could be punished for crimes that were committed by other defendants. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board policies, procedures under review. Two 2016 ethics complaints against the Hawaii County Building Division have resurfaced in a complaint about the procedures of the Board of Ethics itself. West Hawaii Today.

As of this morning, the 25 percent mandatory North Kona water restriction, that has been in effect since Jan. 12, 2017, is officially downgraded to a 10 percent voluntary water conservation. West Hawaii Today.

Forty-seven attorneys were honored during the Hilo Self-Help Center Recognition Awards on Monday for providing free legal information to more than 1,000 people on Hawaii Island who sought assistance at the Hilo Courthouse Self-Help Center in 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawyers to mayor: Let Dave Taylor go back to work. Attorneys for Water Supply director hand Maui County Mayor Arakawa an ultimatum. Maui News.

Senior housing project clears a hurdle. The Maui Planning Commission granted a special management area use permit Tuesday for a 164-unit affordable senior housing project near the Foodland Kaahumanu store and the Kahului Public Library. Maui News.

Smoke-Free Vehicles with Minors Passes Through Committee. Maui Now.

Maui home prices set new record. It took 11 years, but Maui’s real estate market finally eclipsed a prior record for the annual median sale price of single-family homes. Star-Advertiser.

Kihei Charter School Construction Two-Thirds Complete. Maui Now.

Kauai

Testimony continued Tuesday in the Coco Palms civil trial, with the defendants maintaining direct lineage to Hawaiian royalty and their right to occupy the land. Garden Island.

Hawaii scientists prepare for sea level rise, Ige girds for gubernatorial battle, public transportation use drops, Maui school bus shortage reaching resolution, Kaui seeks landfill site, builder backs out of $734M Big Island affordable housing project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

King tide floods Queen Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo, photo: K.t. Cannon

Scientists say the sea is rising faster than first thought. At a public information meeting Thursday evening, the prognosis was mostly grim from the scientists working on a report in conjunction with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources presented a draft Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report to a room of about two dozen people. When completed, the report will be submitted in anticipation of the 2018 Hawaii State Legislature. Big Island Video News.

Another round of king tides rolls in, setting record high sea levels. Hawaii News Now.

King tides make appearance on Oahu. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige plans to ramp up his political fundraising efforts to raise $1 million before the end of the year to prepare for what could be a bruising Democratic primary next year. Star-Advertiser.

Compared to several years ago, the number of people using public transportation is dropping. That’s according to a study that finds the pattern to be true on the mainland—and also here in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

State resumes reviews of child fatalities. For a few years, Hawaii had the dubious distinction of being the only state — or possibly one of two — that did not regularly review child deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Will More Nurses in Hawaii Schools Help Keep Kids In Class? The Legislature provided $2.8 million to expand the Hawaii Keiki program, which places nurses in schools. Civil Beat.

With a new school year kicking off, some parents say they aren’t fans of state guidelines based on federal recommendations, that let kids found to have ukus, or head lice, return to school right after treatment has started. West Hawaii Today.

A major ocean cargo carrier has announced plans to expand operations to Hawaii, in a move that could significantly increase the state’s fleet of container ships. But whether new competition will reduce shipping costs – and ultimately the cost of goods for consumers – isn’t clear. Civil Beat.

Army officials have spent days sifting through chunks of Black Hawk helicopter debris in turbulent Pacific waters off Hawaii but have yet to see any signs of life in their search for five soldiers missing since the aircraft crashed during nighttime training on Tuesday. Associated Press.

Oahu

The developer of the latest Ala Moana-Kapiolani area high-rise in need of permits from the Honolulu City Council will bring along a unique feature — its own senior affordable rental building. Star-Advertiser.

The Kahala Hotel &Resort, which last week withdrew a controversial request to use the public shoreline fronting the hotel for commercial enterprises, has now said it will not resubmit the request unless all stakeholders agree. Star-Advertiser.

An 81-year-old retired librarian, who had been trapped in her Marco Polo condo on the 32nd floor during the July 14 inferno, died 20 days later. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An Ohio company that won a state award to develop a $734 million Hawaii island affordable-housing project has pulled out of the deal, leaving the mostly unbuilt community’s future in limbo after more than $20 million invested by the state. Star-Advertiser.

A senior housing facility and veterans center at least a decade in the making is closer to coming to fruition. Tribune-Herald.

The replacement motor for the Honokohau Deepwell does not work. Back to the drawing board as five wells remain out of service in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Event draws pot patients, professionals: Many dismayed with status of marijuana dispensaries. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Some Lahaina routes restored. Driver shortage down to 11 as Roberts, DOE engage in public battle over school bus woes. Maui News.

Welcome Hokulea. Famed voyaging canoe makes Maui first stop on ‘Mahalo’ sail around state. Maui News.

Reef at Olowalu now a ‘hope spot’. The goal is to bring awareness, support to places Mission Blue deems “critical to the health of the ocean” Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation announced that both Waihe‘e Beach Park and the driving range at Waiehu Golf Course have been closed due to hazardous trees along the park driveway and driving range. Maui Now.

Emergency Rescue: Endangered Sea Turtle Nest on Maui Relocated. Maui Now.

Kauai

Has Kauai Finally Found A Site For A New Landfill? After a decade of effort, the county has located a preferred site for a new $65 million facility. But the plan will likely face NIMBY opposition. Civil Beat.

Researchers encountered something new off the coast of Kauai during an 11-day August field project — a probable hybrid between a melon-headed whale and rough-toothed dolphin. Garden Island.

Those involved in the Lehua Island rat eradication project are meeting with members of the community one-on-one instead of holding a community meeting to answer questions. Garden Island.

The water at Hanalei Bay Landing, known as Hanalei Pier, still has a high amount of bacteria and officials recommend staying out of the water in that area until at least Tuesday. Garden Island.

Activists angered by proposed Waipouli path. Garden Island.

Hokulea begins statewide mahalo tour, red flags in Honolulu rail audit, Maui police say cams justify actions during telescope protest, marijuana dispensaries reopen, census to count Micronesians, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hokulea farewell stop at Hilo Bay © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hokulea, the traditional Polynesian canoe replica left Sand Island on Wednesday afternoon for Maui’s Honolua Bay, kicking off its “Mahalo Hawaii” statewide sail. Star-Advertiser.

The Mahalo, Hawaii sail kicks off this afternoon, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society has a lot to mahalo. For most of its 40 plus years in existence, PVS has been a small budget operation until now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hokulea set off on a brand new voyage Wednesday afternoon. The canoe left O'ahu bound for the Valley Isle in what's being called its 'Mahalo, Hawai'i Sail.' KITV.

The Hokulea departed the Marine Education Training Center at Sand Island today, Aug. 16, to begin the six-month Mahalo, Hawaii Sail. Maui Now.

Hokulea’s arrival at Honolua Bay today will mark the start of the voyaging canoe’s Mahalo, Hawai’i Sail and kick off a weekend of events celebrating the canoe’s return after a three-year world tour. Maui News.

=====

Two federal agencies announced Wednesday that they will conduct a census of Micronesians living in Hawaii and three island territories. Civil Beat.


A Joint Legislative Committee conducted another informational hearing on Affordable Housing today. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is facing a crisis because of a lack of affordable housing. So lawmakers met with a number of developers to find out what they can do get construction going. KITV.

Days after of running out of supply due to high demand, the state's two medical cannabis dispensaries have reopened. Hawaii News Now.

State revives program to review child deaths, inspire changes to reduce them. KHON2.

=====

The search for five crew members from an Army Black Hawk helicopter that went down off Oahu’s Kaena Point on a nighttime training mission stretched into a second night Wednesday as the Coast Guard remained on the scene and soldiers held out hope that the missing would be found. Star-Advertiser.

A multi-agency team scoured the ocean off Hawaii on Wednesday for five soldiers aboard an Army helicopter that went down during a nighttime training exercise. Associated Press.

After more than 30 hours, the massive air and sea search continues for five missing soldiers who were on board an Army chopper that crashed late Tuesday off Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Two pilots and three crew members were on board an Army helicopter that crashed off Hawaii. Associated Press.

Search and rescue crews from the U.S. Coast Guard, Army, Honolulu Fire Department, and Ocean Safety have entered their second day in looking for a downed Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter approximately two miles west of Kaena Point, Oahu, Thursday. KHON2.

=====

A state representative is speaking out after receiving a strongly worded, vulgar letter from a person who she says is a self-proclaimed Trump supporter. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association reported net income of $6.3 million for the quarter ending June 30, a 48 percent decrease from 2016’s comparable period, which saw net income of $12.3 million. Pacific Business News.

Depending how the legal fight over Abigal Kawananakoa’s $215 million fortune turns out, the 91-year-old princess’s foundation could enter the pantheon of Native Hawaiian trusts that today wield tremendous wealth and power on the islands. Civil Beat.

Scholarship money from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will be going only to students at the University of Hawaii system this academic year, officials said. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige will provide opening remarks at the 2017 Hawaii Annual Code Challenge (HACC) Kickoff on Aug. 26, welcoming hundreds of anticipated computer programmers, software developers and tech-minded innovators to launch the four-week, hackathon-inspired competition. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s household debt per capita was $68,500 in 2016, the highest among the 50 states but lower than the District of Columbia, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News.

According to data released by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, international students had an estimated direct, indirect and induced impact of $484 million during academic year 2017. This is 25 percent less than 2016, when international students contributed $649 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a more than $200 million industry, according to a study released by Americans for the Arts. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Auditor says probe of rail agency raised ‘red flags.' While he found no evidence of fraud while conducting an audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation last spring, “the red flags were there” to suggest there may have been. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council's Budget Committee on Wednesday approve a resolution calling for a follow-up audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, whose management was slammed by a similar audit last year. Hawaii News Now.

Smaller units, more housing, less space. That's the idea behind a new micro-unit apartment building proposed for Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

A state board overseeing development in Kakaako is one step closer to overhauling its affordable-housing production requirements after a hearing Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Concrete removal mixed with high tides lead to brown water in Waikiki. The water near the Duke Kahanamoku statue raised concerns from environmentalist and beach goers this week after murky clouds were seen just off shore. Hawaii News Now.

Servco Pacific Inc. and Toyota have partnered to launch a smartphone-controlled car rental service in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Kailua Village Design Commission Tuesday deferred taking action on a proposed four-story hotel on Henry Street after commissioners raised concerns about the building’s color scheme and topography of the area where it would be built. Tribune-Herald.

Former police officer pleads no contest in road rage incident, receives 6 months probation. West Hawaii Today.

The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel will become The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort next year after Mauna Kea Resort LLC signed a franchise agreement with Westin Hotels &Resorts. West Hawaii Today.

Officials with the Hawaii Electric Light Company gave a presentation to the Hawaii County Council’s Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability Committee on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

A preliminary review of police body camera footage during a protest against a convoy of telescope materials headed to the Haleakala summit shows officers followed procedures and acted properly, Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu said Wednesday. Maui News.

The county water department’s call for voluntary water restrictions Upcountry moved into its fourth week this week with the department reporting Wednesday that “there has been no noticeable decline in consumption overall.” Maui News.

Kauai

The state is looking into a mysterious, tar-like substance reported in the tidepools on the eastern side of Mahaulepu. Garden Island.

Hawaii to send minimal voter list to Trump commission, rat lungworm hits Oahu, Kaui rodenticide drop to go forward, experts downplay North Korea threat, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai boat harbor © 2017 All Hawaii News

The memory of the state’s failed public-private partnership at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor was still fresh enough to elicit strong opposition Tuesday in Waikiki to any attempt at a new partnership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s county election officials will send President Donald Trump’s election advisory commission their public voting lists by the end of this week. West Hawaii Today.

Isle expert dismisses ‘barking’ by N. Korea, U.S. The ongoing frenzy spread fears in Guam and rekindled an ongoing discussion over whether Hawaii needs missile interceptors in the state to better protect against a growing North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile threat. Star-Advertiser.

Hot Talk Between Trump, North Korea Could Put Hawaii On The Front Line. How might growing tensions affect Hawaii? In addition to risks of missile attacks, local military bases would likely serve as staging areas in a conflict. Civil Beat.

Why Hawaii Won’t Join Battle Against Trump’s ‘Sanctuary City’ Crackdown. While Hawaii has led the legal charge against the administration’s travel ban, Gov. David Ige is not supporting the sanctuary movement. Civil Beat.

Hanabusa Rethinking Pro-Israel Bill After Taking Heat At Town Halls. Vocal opponents of the Israel Anti-Boycott Bill say it threatens free speech and is being pushed by an influential pro-Israel lobbying group. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian royalty descendant and Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa’s recent medical problems are triggering a legal battle over her $200 million trust, and some say that's placing her charitable and social causes for Native Hawaiians in jeopardy. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is getting $90,000 in federal funding to help bring back the Native Hawaiian language. KITV.

Oahu

Medicinal marijuana users thrill to ‘historic day’ on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A medical cannabis dispensary is now open on Oahu. KHON2.

A bill that would require older residential high-rise towers to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems received the first of three necessary approvals Wednesday from the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

City lawmakers are taking action to update Honolulu's fire code in light of a devastating and deadly high-rise fire last month. Hawaii News Now.

An adult is hospitalized with rat lungworm disease on Oahu, the first case of the disease reported on the island since 2010, the Health Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health announced Wednesday that a case of rat lungworm disease was confirmed on Oahu for the first time since 2010, bringing the year-to-date total of the parasitic infection statewide to 16. Civil Beat.

Rat lungworm disease may affect Hawaii farmers following Oahu confirmed case. Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Health has confirmed its first rat lungworm disease case on Oahu in 2017. KITV.

Resolution to remove controversial sidewalk extensions passes city council. The Honolulu City Council unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday that would remove eight of the bulbouts on Pauahi Street, between Mauna Kea and Smith Street. Hawaii News Now.

Some cemeteries on Oahu are running out of space, but the Honolulu City Council took action Wednesday that may provide some relief. Civil Beat.

The Hale Mahana Collegiate Apartments, the first new-construction student housing project in Honolulu, is rising from a site at the corner of South King Street and University Avenue, just down the street from the University of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Cardax Inc. is going national with its new anti-inflammatory dietary supplement ZanthoSyn. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Higher fuel taxes that began this month are expected to generate an additional $4.6 million for the rest of the fiscal year, according to a report from the Hawaii County Department of Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

The beloved blond zebra at Kailua-Kona’s Three Ring Ranch Animal Sanctuary died peacefully at the age of 19 early Sunday morning from old age, officials confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ground Transport Inc., the state’s new school bus contractor on Maui, says it’s slowly making progress in hiring bus drivers on the island, but hundreds of Maui students still will need to find alternative rides to school for at least a few more weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Facing a shortage of school bus drivers on Maui, state education officials say the company that operates many of the island’s routes is working on a fix: bringing drivers in from Oahu. Civil Beat.

A Maui lawmaker is weighing in and asking the governor to step in and solve a school bus service shortage on neighbor islands. KHON2.

Pointing out that the disputed liquor rules had already been reversed, a judge ruled in favor of the county Liquor Control Department and Liquor Control Commission on Tuesday in a lawsuit that challenged the transparency of the rule changes. Maui News.

Hawaii’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened for business on Maui yesterday. The dispensary is one of two licensed to serve patients in Maui County. But what about patients living on Molokai and Lanai? Hawaii Public Radio.

Seventeen years from law to dispensaries. Maui News.

Patients rejoiced with smiles and shouts Tuesday after making the first legal purchases of medical cannabis at a licensed dispensary in the state at Maui Grown Therapies in Kahului. Maui News.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. earned a $6.5 million profit in the second quarter on the value of land improvements tied to some real estate the company sold to a developer nearly a decade ago. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s moving forward with the plan to drop more than 10 tons of rodenticide on Lehua Island, as soon as permits are approved. Garden Island.


County Council approves tax break for long-term affordable housing. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council and administration plan to be in sync the next time money to fund the Climate Action Plan is made available. Garden Island.

To help maintain its idyllic setting, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to renew its request for permanent on-site staff at Kalalau Valley within the 6,175-acre Napali Coast park to help deter illegal camping and reduce heaps of rubbish left behind. Star-Advertiser.

Work on a $1.1 million repair project to the Kapaia Tunnel will start in September, said David Hinazumi, vice president of the Grove Farm Company. Garden Island.

Superferry project still costing taxpayers millions, Hanabusa war chest dwindles, Police Commission won't pay officer's legal tab, Big Island condo development yanked after public opposition, Tropical Storm Fernanda weakens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Superferry docked in 2010 in Honolulu © 2017 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Superferry has been kaput for about eight years, but a new audit shows the state won’t finish paying off its more than $70 million in harbor upgrades and interest for the privately owned service until 2028. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s interisland ferry was shut down eight years ago, but the state still owes $33 million for the costly failure. Associated Press.

Eight years after the Superferry ceased operations in Hawaii, the state is still paying off more than $70 million it incurred from harbor improvements and interest, according to a recent report by the State Auditor’s office. Pacific Business News.

Eight years after the Hawaii Superferry shut down, the State Office of the Auditor says Hawaii must pay $32.6 million in expenses for the ship that once traveled between islands. KITV.

The Hawaii Superferry stopped operations over eight years ago and yet, the state auditor says, Hawaii continues to pay the exorbitant costs incurred to support it. KHON2.

=====

Tulsi Gabbard Rakes In Far More Campaign Cash Than Colleen Hanabusa. The latest federal campaign finance reports indicate very different strategies by Hawaii’s congresswomen, and reinforce the notion Hanabusa may run for governor. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Health expects to certify Hawaii’s first medical marijuana testing laboratory by the end of the month. Star-Advertiser.

Groups have filed a human-rights complaint that aims to jump-start an investigation into conditions among foreign workers in Hawaii’s commercial fishing industry. Associated Press.

International students studying in Hawaii spent $225 million in the 2016-17 school year, a 25 percent dip from the year before, according to a report released Wednesday by the state’s resource center for economical and statistical data. Civil Beat.

A new report has found that international students have contributed more than $225 million to Hawaii's economy during the 2016-17 school year. Pacific Business News.

A state agency is seeking a buyer for 1,221 affordable rental apartments in an effort to improve the quality of the homes and maintain affordability for most of the existing tenants. The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. published a request for proposals last week to solicit bids from private investors for its portfolio of six rental projects on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

New Database Of Severe Worker Injuries In Hawaii. The federal government began requiring reporting of certain severe injuries in 2015, in hopes of improving worker safety. Civil Beat.

More than 1,300 people are taking part in the 3-day World Conservation Conference in Honolulu this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tropical Storm Fernanda continues to weaken as it inches closer to the Central Pacific. The cyclone, which has maximum sustained winds at 65 mph, is forecast to become a tropical depression by Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Since a city task force looked at the issue in 2005, estimating that about 300 residential high-rises did not have automatic sprinkler systems, not a single one of those projects has voluntarily installed the equipment, according to an informal survey of industry officials and a review of city building permit records. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission voted 4-2 Wednesday against providing legal counsel to a police officer who’s named in a high-profile civil lawsuit. Star-Advertiser.

Police commission votes against covering officer’s legal fees in lawsuit involving former chief’s wife. KHON2.

Police Commissioners Clash Over “Unconstitutional” Secret Hearings. Despite vehement objections from a former federal prosecutor and retired supreme court justice, the commission voted to hold hearings behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

Two Oahu-based community health centers will receive a combined total of nearly $3 million in federal grants to expand their health services. Pacific Business News.

State officials say a video of monk seal “Rocky” on Kaimana Beach protecting her pup from a nearby male monk seal should serve as a caution to ocean-goers to stay clear of Waikiki’s latest residents. Star-Advertiser.

 The number of homes sold at $1.5 million or higher decreased 16 percent in June, though sales were up 18 percent during the first half of 2017, according to a luxury Oahu housing report by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

SolarCity cofounder Peter Rive has quit Tesla Inc., just one month after his brother, Lyndon, exited the company. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A plan to build a 306-unit condominium in Kahaluu died Wednesday after the developer withdrew its application for a needed permit. Ocean Villas at Kahaluu Bay LLC filed its official withdrawal of their special management area permit application with the county’s planning department, bringing to an end all efforts to develop the 42-acre parcel. West Hawaii Today.

A controversial 306-unit condo development planned for Kahaluu has been terminated. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County is not going to fight an appeals court ruling invalidating a South Kona development and requiring the county to treat Community Development Plans as law. West Hawaii Today.

A developer recently shut shoreline access through their property at Pepeekeo Point following a dispute with Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

A Marine officer was critically wounded after being shot during night live-fire training this month at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The public is invited to a launch event today to learn more about the Hawaii Island Business Plan Competition, an islandwide contest designed to help small businesses get started and/or grow. Tribune-Herald.

A residential estate on the slopes of Hualalai Mountain has been named the Best Outdoor Retreat in HGTV's 2017 Ultimate House Hunt. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

State Land Use Commission members heard from more than three dozen testifiers Wednesday afternoon, and testimony ran roughly 3-to-1 against approving the Pilani Promenade’s final environmental impact statement. Maui News.

Authorities with the Maui Emergency Management Agency say waves generated by distant Hurricane Fernanda are expected to lead to increasing surf along east facing shores the next couple of days, and this may lead to greater wave run-up along exposed windward coastlines. Maui Now.

Applications continue to be accepted for the one- and two-bedroom apartments at the County of Maui’s 56-unit Kulamalu Hale apartment rentals in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Maui veterans, who fought for years to consolidate medical, psychological and administrative services into a single location to reduce confusion, travel and overcrowding, claimed a significant victory Wednesday with the announcement of the approval of a new lease for a facility near Maui High School in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

An experiment in community-based fishery management is underway on Kauai’s north shore. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kumano I Ke Ala, a nonprofit group whose aim is to empower a sustainable West Kauai and restore its resources, is hosting a community work day to remove the slit that has built up in the middle of the Waimea River. Garden Island.

Rotary Club names new president. Garden Island.