Ige, legislative leaders announce minimum wage hikes in affordability package, bomb scare at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Big Island has about half the doctors it needs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige, legislative leaders press conference PC:Hawaii Legislature

Minimum Wage, Preschool, Housing Top Rare Legislative Platform. In an unusual display of pre-session unity, top state officials and business leaders have largely agreed on a plan aimed at bringing down Hawaii’s high cost of living. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers and Ige back bills for housing and tax relief and for working families. In a sharp break with political tradition, Gov. David Ige joined leaders from the state House and Senate at a news conference Tuesday to announce a complex package of tax relief, affordable-housing plans and a preschool development program, all designed to provide cost-of-living relief to Hawaii’s low-income and working-class residents. Star-Advertiser.

Governor, lawmakers announce legislative package aimed at easing Hawaii’s cost of living. Governor David Ige and leaders from both chambers of the state legislature announced a major deal Tuesday that will see an increase in the state’s minimum wage, among other measures. Hawaii News Now.

‘A good first step’. Hawaii House and Senate leaders, with the support of Gov. David Ige, on Tuesday unveiled a long list of measures to boost housing, early childhood education and incomes with a particular focus on alleviating the struggles of Hawaii’s working families and poor. Associated Press.

‘Cycle of poverty’ targeted: Lawmakers, Ige unveil legislative package that aims to make Hawaii more affordable. As the Hawaii Legislature gears up for the 2020 session, leaders from the state House and Senate, along with Gov. David Ige, announced on Tuesday a legislation package to tackle critical economic issues that have long-plagued Hawaii’s residents: income inequality, affordable housing and early education. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige unveils legislative package aimed at tackling income inequality, raising minimum wage. Joined by state senators and the House of Representatives, Governor David Ige made public a plan that he hopes will take center stage at the upcoming legislative session. KITV4.

Governor Ige along with leaders from the state house and senate unveiled a package of economic bills. This is the first joint house and senate legislative bill package since 2004. KHON2.

What Will Be The Defining Issue Of The 2020 Legislature? Problems abound but no single issue appears to have yet united Hawaii lawmakers as the opening of the 2020 legislative session approaches on Wednesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Leaders Back An Ambitious Plan To Rapidly Expand Preschool. The immediate goal of the five-year plan is to increase the number of pre-K classrooms in the state by 100 a year. Civil Beat.

Teacher pay differential plan comes under fire by lawmakers. A bold move by the schools superintendent and Board of Education to give a big boost in pay to teachers in hard-to-staff positions — even before lawmakers appropriated the funds — came under fire Tuesday at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Farmers ask for funding to fight pasture pest threatening Hawaii’s third largest commodity. The beef and milk industry brought in $43 million to Hawaii in 2017. However, many of the fields where those cattle graze are losing grass and ranchers aren't even sure how to stop it. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Joint Pearl Harbor Hickam (Nimitz Gate) reopened after an overnight bomb scare. Joint Pearl Harbor Hickam security forces reopened the Nimitz gate just before 4 a.m. Wednesday, after an overnight bomb scare. KHON2.

Lockdown lifted at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after security scare. A security scare closed the gates at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam late Tuesday into early Wednesday. Officials said around 10:30 p.m., security forces responded to a vehicle at Nimitz Gate that did not have authorized access to the base. Hawaii News Now.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam gates are back open following reports of an alleged bomb threat. Officials say, a car that did not have authorized access drove up to the base around 10:30 Tuesday night. KITV4.

=====

Powerful Hawaii defensive radar is delayed. A more than $1 billion missile defense radar for Hawaii has been significantly delayed, with Native Hawaiian cultural concerns emerging at one possible site on Kuaokala Ridge at Kaena Point and community worries about overdevelopment at two other candidate sites at Kahuku Training Area. Star-Advertiser.

Legal group to analyze spike of deadly officer-involved shootings around Hawaii. A recent rash of fatal officer-involved shootings is prompting a group at the University of Hawaii Law School to review the deadly trend. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Educator Mandado Announces Run For City Council. The race to replace a term-limited councilman now has three candidates. Civil Beat.

Under proposal, 3 urban schools would see dramatic redevelopment. With huge maintenance backlogs and obsolete school facilities, public schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto is considering an ambitious redevelopment and modernization of three schools in urban Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Health opens a new homeless shelter in Moiliili. Waikiki Health, which operates Kakaako’s Next Step Shelter, began welcoming formerly homeless tenants this week into a three-story shelter it now operates in Moiliili. Star-Advertiser.

Transportation crews receive tons of asphalt to mend state roadways on Oahu. State Department of Transportation crews Monday delivered two to three tons of asphalt patch material to maintenance base yards to continue patching potholes on state roads around Oahu through the rest of the week. Star-Advertiser.

An off-leash dog park is coming to Central Oahu. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday morning at the makai end of the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park. Hawaii News Now.

Central Oahu leaders joined city officials Tuesday to break ground on a 12,800-square-foot off-leash dog park at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Doctor levels critically short. The state’s southernmost island is short 230 doctors — or 44% — of the 528 physicians demanded by the population as of November, a University of Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project report submitted earlier this month to the 2020 Legislature shows. West Hawaii Today.

Waste plan meetings set for next week. The newest iteration of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, which is required to be updated every 10 years, was unveiled in December and makes 82 recommendations for changes to the county’s waste management system. Tribune-Herald.

Crews continue snow removal, erosion repair on Maunakea Access Road. Crews continued to work Tuesday to repair and clear the Maunakea Access Road, which has been closed to the public since Friday because of the first snowfall of the decade. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawmaker priorities include schools, jail, highways. Maui County lawmakers hope this session to fund the first stages of the relocation of Maui Community Correctional Center, to get the ball rolling on long-promised school improvement projects and to tackle climate and environmental concerns. Maui News.

Maui Efforts Creating Replicable Ways To Recycle And Reduce Waste. Organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation and Sierra Club are active in addressing broad environmental issues at the local level, including on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Drifting ‘ghost net’ threatens island sea life and reefs. Mariners, pilots or people near the ocean are being asked to be on the lookout for a massive “ghost net” that was spotted two weeks ago off Maui and might remain a threat to humpback whales and other sea life. Star-Advertiser.

Officials, Nonprofits Seek Ghost Net Drifting Along ʻAuʻau Channel. A ghost net that was located about a mile west of Molokini in December has not been recovered yet. Maui Now.

Kauai

Annual PMRF albatross project turns up nothing. Pacific Missile Range Facility Air Operations department, the PMRF Environmental Program and US Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services enlisted volunteers for the annual PMRF Laysan albatross egg sweep on Saturday. Garden Island.

Erosion worries rising. A foundation left over from a 2017 project to remove the Kapaa Beach Park pavilion is now cracked in half and falling into the surf after weekend waves and weather caused damage on the east side. Garden Island.

Interisland fares drop as price wars continue, state Senate bill bans plastics, red light cameras catch on, Public Safety director faces confirmation battle, Maui jail in lockdown following riot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines main cabin ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaiian Airlines matching Southwest fares means lower prices for interisland flights. Hawaiian Airlines dropped airfares Monday to as low as $98 for round-trip flights between Oahu and Maui starting in April as competition from Southwest disrupts the interisland market — at least temporarily. Star-Advertiser.

Boeing 737 Max 8 used for Hawaii flights. A number of countries have grounded their Boeing 737 Max 8 planes following Sunday's deadly crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight. We found out Air Canada uses the Max 8 on its flights from Honolulu to Vancouver, Canada. KHON2.

=====

Senate Passes Bill To Ban Certain Single-Use Plastics. A bill that prohibits the purchase, use, sale, or distribution of plastic beverage bottles, utensils, stirring sticks, polystyrene foam containers, and straws by state and county agencies has passed out of the Hawaii State Senate and is now in the House of Representatives. Big Island Video News.

Proposal to install cameras that catch red light runners gaining steam. In an effort to make Hawaii roadways safer, the state Senate is supporting the installation of cameras at intersections to document and cite drivers who run red lights. And now the House Transportation Committee is holding a hearing on the idea later this week. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to install cameras to catch red-light-runners, has widespread support from the community and it is rolling through, at the state Capitol. KHON2.

Gov. Ige’s Re-Appointment Of Public Safety Director Is Meeting Resistance. A key senator says it’s still “an open question” whether the nomination of DPS director Nolan Espinda will clear the full Senate. Civil Beat.

Cost to transport, house Hawaii inmates on the mainland is skyrocketing. Hawaii taxpayers spent almost $2 million last year to move prisoners back and forth from Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kaneshiro’s paid leave approved by his appointee. The decision to pay Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro his full $170,712 annual salary and benefits while he is on leave during a federal corruption investigation was made by the man Kaneshiro appointed to replace him. Star-Advertiser.

Attorney says he'll subpoena police chief to testify against Kaneshiro. Police Chief Susan Ballard could provide key testimony against prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro if an impeachment trial takes place. KHON2.

New Hearing Date Set For Kaneshiro Impeachment Petition. Judge Jeff Crabtree held a hearing on a petition created by businessman Tracy Yoshimura calling for the impeachment of Kaneshiro. Hawaii Public Radio.

City attorney to help hammer out how process for impeachment petition works. Hawaii News Now.

Shining Sunlight On The Honolulu Police Chief’s Performance. In contrast to past practice, the police commission solicited input from a wide range of groups and the chief OK’d releasing the details of her annual review. Civil Beat.

When it comes to the ex-police chief’s legal defense, things just got more complicated. Last week, Honolulu attorney Kevin Sumida appeared before the Honolulu Police Commission for a contested case hearing over whether city taxpayers should pay for the defense for Louis Kealoha, the former police chief. Hawaii News Now.

Lieutenant who investigated financial crimes pleads guilty to tax charges. A Honolulu Police Department lieutenant who investigated financial crimes for decades pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of filing false and fraudulent tax returns. Hawaii News Now.

No jail for retired HPD officer accused of tax fraud. A former Honolulu police officer pleaded guilty Monday to filing fraudulent statements with his state income tax returns but as part of a plea agreement is not expected to spend any time behind bars. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Portlock property owner plans to fight city. The landowner at the center of the Portlock gate controversy said he plans to fight the city’s move to establish a public beach path over his property. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Beach Park users voice concerns on city planned park changes. For years now, the City and County of Honolulu has been planning to make some changes and upgrades to the "People's Park," but not everyone is happy about the latest ideas being floated. KHON2.

No dog park. No “world-class playground.” And no changes to parking. That was the overwhelming sentiment of attendees at a community meeting Monday on the future of Ala Moana Regional Park, known as the “people’s park.” Hawaii News Now.

Cheers and jeers during Q&A meeting over proposed changes at Ala Moana Regional Park. Residents for and against changes to the park pack McCoy Pavilion to talk with city officials. KITV.

Dredging of Nuuanu Reservoir preceded flood of muddy water into thriving stream. The Board of Water Supply had been dredging its largest reservoir in Nuuanu since January before it opened its floodgate last month, emptying millions of gallons of water into the Nuuanu Stream. Hawaii News Now.

City officials Monday held a blessing ceremony for Honolulu’s newest off-leash dog park, at Aala Park. Star-Advertiser.

Dog park a draw at one of Honolulu’s most problem-plagued public spaces. Hawaii News Now.

Off-leash dog park now open in Chinatown. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A series of projects to curb albizia growth along county roadways are awaiting additional funding before they can be completed. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee recently completed most of a project to eradicate the invasive albizia trees lining five miles of the Puainako Street extension. Tribune-Herald.

Contractor given go-ahead for Alii Drive culvert replacement project.  Isemoto Contracting has been given the go-ahead to begin preparation work for a year-long project to replace a culvert on busy Alii Drive. West Hawaii Today.

Honokaa Improvements Include Rodeo Arena, Mamane Street. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Community Correctional Center remains on lockdown Tuesday morning, hours after a riot and standoff at the facility ended. Officials said the situation — in an inmate module — was resolved about 6:26 p.m. Monday. Hawaii News Now.

A disturbance by inmates in a module at the Maui Community Correctional Center has been brought under control. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Police Respond to Disturbance at MCCC. Maui Now.

Disturbance at Maui Community Correctional Center under control. KHON2.

=====

First Deputy Corporation Counsel Edward Kushi has taken over management of the Department of the Corporation Counsel while department head Patrick Wong is on administrative leave, Mayor Michael Victorino announced on Monday. Maui Now.

County plans to turn over Wong case to state AG. Maui police working to collect evidence, complete investigation. Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong, 53, was placed on administrative leave Saturday after being arrested on physical abuse charges. Maui News.

State will handle domestic abuse case against Maui County’s top civil attorney. The physical abuse case against Maui County’s top civil attorney will be turned over to the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino said Monday. Hawaii News Now.

=====

The Maui Food Bank’s stocks are running low following a spike in demand during the federal government shutdown and the usual rush of the holiday season. Maui News.

Proposed improvements at Iao Valley State Monument that include a new entry, water and sewer system upgrades and expansion of parking areas will be discussed at a meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kahului Ranks in Top 10 Hottest Secondary Home Markets in Nation. A new study from financial technology company, SmartAsset, uncovered the hottest secondary home markets nationwide, and a section of Maui ranked in the eighth spot. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai is still waiting for Southwest Airlines to announce flights into Lihue Airport, and airline representatives say that will happen soon. Garden Island.

While laysan albatross chicks on Kauai are just about to starting to outgrow their nests, 25 of their cousins are getting used to something new far from their own birthplaces — about 1,300 miles away, according to researchers who recently translocated a group of black-footed albatross chicks from Midway Atoll to the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu. Garden Island.

Ozawa-Waters rematch election set, Hawaiian Airlines reports $233M profit, telescope opponents take fight to California, DHHL bribery scandal hits Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trevor Ozawa, Tommy Waters campaign photos

A rematch between Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters to represent Honolulu City Council District 4 is set for Saturday, April 13. Hawaii News Now.

Ozawa-Waters rematch scheduled for April. The “all mail” election for the District 4 City Council seat will be mailed out March 21, city Clerk Glen Takahashi said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ozawa-Waters Rematch Coming Up April 13 In City Council District 4. Gov. David Ige and election officials announce plans for the special election after the November results were invalidated by the Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council District 4 Special Election Dates Announced. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki mark your calendars, the special election for the open Honolulu City Council District 4 seat will be held on Saturday, April 13th. KITV.

Gov. David Ige issued a special proclamation for a special election as required by state law.  KHON2.

=====

Gabbard’s Claims Of ‘Religious Bigotry’ Draw Cheers From The Right. A $1.5 million ad campaign from a group that wants to stack the courts with conservative judges features the Hawaii congresswoman’s recent attacks against Senate Democrats. Civil Beat.

Gabbard denies her presidential campaign is in ‘disarray’ after online report. Hawaii News Now.

Disaster planning to be required for new condos. A new bill by state Representative Cynthia Thielen, co-signed by Representative Gregg Takayama, would require new condominiums to create disaster preparedness plans before the beginning of next year. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines reports $233M profit in 2018. Higher fuel prices, increased competition, aircraft delivery delays, the Kilauea eruption and severe weather events didn’t prevent Hawaiian Holdings Inc. from carrying the most passengers of any year ever or surpassing analyst’s expectations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A veteran Honolulu police officer was placed on administrative leave Tuesday after he shot and killed a 51-year-old Ewa Beach man who apparently sped his vehicle toward the officer at a traffic stop in Kalihi. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Drove Toward Officer. The suspect was pulled over early Tuesday near Kamehameha Shopping Center for a traffic violation. Associated Press.

Ancient Hawaiian site in Kalaeloa threatened. On Oahu’s arid Ewa plain, amid a kiawe tree forest, remnants of an ancient Hawaiian settlement are a cultural treasure anchoring a heritage park. Star-Advertiser.

Driver of truck that plowed into group of pedestrians, killing 3, faces manslaughter charges. Alins Sumang, the 27-year-old driver accused of hitting the pedestrians in a traffic island, is believed to have been speeding and was likely under the influence of alcohol when he struck the pedestrians. Hawaii News Now.

Fatal crash highlights pedestrians’ vulnerability. At a time when private developers and public policymakers are encouraging people to leave their cars behind and hit the streets on foot, Hawaii pedestrians likely have never felt more vulnerable. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu and Molokai public libraries to close February 7 for Library Institute Day. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Leaders of a fight against building a giant telescope on Mauna Kea are in California trying to convince a financial backer of the project to withdraw support. Associated Press.

Bill seeks ambulances for Makalei, Puna areas. West Hawaii Today.

A wastewater force main that ruptured in 2017 sending sewage into Kailua Bay will soon be replaced, if the County Council approves a measure increasing the cost to $1.7 million. West Hawaii Today.

Digital kiosks allow quick vehicle registration renewals at Safeway stores across Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Kulana Foods’ decision to cease slaughter of small animals concerns some ranchers. Tribune-Herald.

Interactions between humans and honu in the waters off Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park have become more complicated as the protected species grow in numbers. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Has 26% of State’s Visitor Accommodation Units. Maui has the second highest percentage of visitor accommodation units in the state according to a new 2018 Visitor Plant Inventory Report filed by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

The Maui Police Department reports that its forensic facility currently has five unclaimed remains. Maui Now.

A training exercise is planned this Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 in Central Maui for members of the Hawaii National Guard, Maui police officers and state and county firefighters. Maui Now.

Haleakala’s Pan-STARRS offers lots more space data. ‘World’s largest digital sky survey’ available for public and astronomers. Maui News.

Tech entrepreneur to speak at February Maui TechOhana. He created concept of YouTube Channels. Maui News.

Kauai

Engineer’s bribery scandal involves awarding of lucrative DHHL contract. Jim Lyon, owner of the Honolulu-based company Lyon Associates, pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy charges in the alleged bribery scheme. Multiple sources say the bribe helped land a $2.5 million DHHL engineering contract on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has installed blue light bulbs in public bathrooms at some parks to discourage illicit drug use and loitering. Garden Island.

A lottery for a rare hunting opportunity on Kauai is coming up. The Department of Land and Natural Resources is opening a special session from April to August to track down feral goats in the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. Hawaii News Now.

The humpback whale calf found dead on Kekaha Beach Monday didn’t die of starvation and it wasn’t killed by sharks, according to Researchers from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology’s Marine Mammal Stranding Lab. Garden Island.

A little, fuzzy chick has hatched in Princeville, signaling the beginning of that area’s Laysan albatross chick season and hailing the incoming of many more seabird babies throughout the North Shore. Garden Island.

Hawaii second-worst for driving, sprinklers for Honolulu high-rises, University of Hawaii faculty holds anti-Thirty Meter Telescope press conference, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu traffic file photo

No surprises here: In a new study, Hawaii is ranked the second-worst state for drivers. The study, conducted by Bankrate, gave Hawaii some of the worst numbers in several areas related to safety, cost and driving quality. It analyzed commute time information, traffic fatality data, road condition reports and gas prices — all of which Hawaii drivers deal with on a daily basis. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii placed 2nd for worst drivers across the nation, according to study. Personal finance site Bankrate.com has ranked the best and worst states for drivers related to cost, safety, and driving quality. KITV.

Commuting Oahu: ‘It Takes Your Time And It Gives You Back Stress’ Some of us live closer to our jobs than ever. But it’s taking longer to get there. And the cost in lost time, dollars and home life is heavy. Civil Beat.

=====

 Former carpenters’ union official is Green’s chief of staff. Lt. Gov. Josh Green appointed a former carpenters’ union official to be his chief of staff months after a super PAC funded by the union spent more than $1 million supporting his candidacy in the Democratic Party primary. Associated Press.

Bravery of USS Vestal crew saved many lives. History focuses most on the cataclysmic explosion on the USS Arizona and sunken battleship memorial — still a tomb for over 900 crew — in remembering the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian monk seal has eel removed from its nose. On Monday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program posted to its Facebook page a photo of a juvenile monk seal with what appears to be a spotted eel in its nose. Star-Advertiser.

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross reputed to be the world’s oldest known bird in the wild, has returned to Midway Atoll and laid another egg, federal wildlife officials confirmed earlier this week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Sprinkler extension denied. At its last meeting of 2018, the Honolulu City Council failed to override Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto of a bill easing condo fire safety rules, but gave the final green light for Waikiki’s first, large-scale rental complex in decades and moved forward with proposals regulating vacation rentals and “monster” houses. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council failed to override the Mayor’s Veto of an important fire sprinkler bill. Bill 72, allows high-rise condominiums without fire sprinkler systems an additional 2 years to complete a life system evaluation and retrofit. Hawaii Public Radio.

High rise fire inspections to remain at three years vs. five, post-Marco Polo fire. The Honolulu City Council voted five-to-three on Bill 72. This keeps high rise building fire inspections to three years instead of five. KITV.

City Ethics Commission Is Investigating Far Fewer Cases Than 2 Years Ago. Director Jan Yamane, who took over from Chuck Totto, is emphasizing training over investigation in an effort to change the culture. Civil Beat.

Legal community urges action against Honolulu prosecutors mixed up in federal criminal probe. There is growing pressure on the city Prosecutor’s Office after a Hawaii News Now investigation revealed First Deputy Chasid Sapolu was sent a subject letter from the Department of Justice. Hawaii News Now.

Islandwide Homeless Restrictions Approved — But Are They Legal? A recent federal court ruling has some cities pulling back their bans on homeless people camping in public places. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

With the legal fight against the Thirty Meter Telescope appeared to be over, University of Hawaii faculty, staff and students took their case to the public Wednesday in a press conference on the UH Manoa campus. Star-Advertiser.

Energy experts discuss grid resiliency, redesign against external threats. The components of the concept were part of a panel discussion Wednesday at a conference on energy storage trends and opportunities convened by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and held at the Sheraton Kona at Keauhou Bay. West Hawaii Today.

As checkpoints come down inside Leilani Estates, Hawaii Island residents face uncertainty for future. KHON2.

Puna’s New Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz Looks Ahead. Big Island Video News.

Paradise Helicopters expands Big Island service. Kona-based Paradise Helicopters is expanding its service to the Waimea-Kohala Airport on the Big Island with the launch of a new tour. Pacific Business News.

Home sales drop on Hawaii's Big Island, prices flat. The median price of a single-family home on the Big Island in November was $358,000, which was a decline of 3.57 percent from $371,250 during the same month last year. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Upcountry skate park just needs a fence. While not popular, county says it’s needed for safety. The Pukalani community will get its gift of a skate park probably early next year, and it will come with what some may call extra wrapping — a fence. Maui News.

Tourism on Maui appears to have weathered storms. October visitor arrivals, spending up, HTA data show. Tourism officials appeared to downplay the impacts of storms Lane and Olivia that arrived weeks apart in August and September following the release of October tourism data last week. Maui News.

Kauai

A bill that proposed to reform the county’s affordable housing policy did not pass a second hearing at the Kauai County Council meeting last week, losing in a 6-1 vote. Garden Island.

Former PMRF worker accused of wire fraud. The U.S. Pacific Fleet on Oahu is still putting together the pieces of how a woman allegedly stole nearly $356,000 from the Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices jump 35% in November. The median price of a condo on Kauai last month was $550,000, an increase of 35.47 percent from $406,000 in November 2017. Pacific Business News.

UH pay hikes questioned, Honolulu suffers sewage spills, renters may purchase solar power, former state officials join HMSA, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii at Hilo ©2017 All Hawaii News

Lawmakers question big pay hikes at UH. Some lawmakers are blasting a decision by the University of Hawaii to award $800,000 in pay raises and merit-based bonuses to university executives. Star-Advertiser.

End of tax write-off for premium seats may hit hard at UH. In good years UH has grossed as much as $4.4 million annually from its premium seat contributions and parking initiatives, or as much as 10 percent of the revenue it takes to run the 21-team athletic program in Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education is thinking up new ways to attract teachers to the state to address an ongoing teacher shortage, starting with looking at teacher-exchange programs with other countries. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association has hired two high-profile former state employees. Kathryn Matayoshi, former superintendent of the Department of Education, was hired to lead the sales team, and former state representative Pono Chong is joining Hawaii’s largest health plan as a lobbyist. Star-Advertiser.

A new Community-Based Renewable Energy program is designed to open the door for people previously shut out of the solar market. Hawaii’s long-awaited Community-Based Renewable Energy Program is designed to let residents, including renters, buy their electricity from off-site producers of renewable power. Civil Beat.

Rental Housing Report. A recent study that tracks rental housing across the country throws some light on the plight of families in Honolulu and Hilo as they struggle to make rent spending more than a third of their salary for housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Filing error overvalues Island Air's assets. Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: HA), the parent of Hawaiian Airlines, last week agreed to pay $750,000 for the assets of its now defunct competitor. Due to the filing error, Hawaiian will now only have to pay $625,000. Pacific Business News.

The Rat Lungworm Task Force. The State Department of Health has created a Rat Lungworm Task Force to look at this daunting disease. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Suits Against Honolulu Cops Cite ‘Culture Of Silence’ At HPD. An attorney says the incidents that injured his clients could have been prevented if officers had been disciplined in the past. Civil Beat.

About 6,200 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Honolulu Harbor today after a clogged pipe caused waste water to seep out of a manhole near Pier 38, a Department of Environmental Services spokesman said. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu grapples with 3 large sewage spills over 2 days. Hawaii News Now.

Homeowner at center of Portlock beach access debate suffers stroke and wife blames city. Hawaii News Now.

A former employee at Waianae's largest medical facility has been indicted for the alleged theft of thousands of boxes of diabetic test strips that were later sold on the black market. Hawaii News Now.

A 69-year-old woman accused of stealing millions of dollars from an Oahu non-profit pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday. Lola Jean Amorin is accused of taking $7 million from stealing millions of dollars from an Oahu non-profit pl The Arc in Hawaii, a non-profit that provides services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. KITV.

Efforts are underway to save the Falls of Clyde. A year and a half after she was impounded by the state Harbors Division, the historic Falls of Clyde may be heading home to her birthplace of Scotland this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DLNR

Albatross colony at Kaena Point gets new life. Conservationists last week teamed up with the U.S. Navy to translocate 21 Laysan albatross eggs to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

For aircraft safety (and theirs), 21 albatross eggs relocated to Oahu. Twenty-one fertilized Laysan albatross eggs have been taken from a colony on Kauai, where the protected birds are an aircraft strike hazard. Hawaii News Now.

One of the state’s largest charities is worried it will have less money to help those in need next year because of tax changes that take effect next month. KHON2.

Honolulu-based Hawaiian Islands Land Trust will honor Henk Rogers and Blue Planet Foundation, the clean energy nonprofit he founded, at its 17th annual Buy Back the Beach: Malama Kipuka Benefit Luau on Jan. 20. Pacific Business News.

Paradise Park founder had knack for numbers and real estate. James Wong is probably most known for establishing Paradise Park in Manoa Valley. But he also developed real estate on Oahu, taught accounting at Chaminade College and in recent years lobbied for bills at the Legislature to improve affordable-housing production. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Five Big Island regions are especially vulnerable to contamination from cesspools, a state report says. The Dec. 19 report to the Legislature by the Department of Health says the Big Island is home to more than half of the state’s 87,900 cesspools, and has five of the 14 areas prioritized for cleanup. West Hawaii Today.

A driver’s insurance policy should cover the cost of replacing approximately 15 headstones damaged or destroyed after a vehicle plowed into Hilo’s Alae Cemetery last week, according to the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation. But the department is still asking family members to call so they can help replace the grave markers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Adult Correction Officer Recruitment Opens on Maui. Maui Now.

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

Lost funding has put brakes on local Read Aloud program. Cost cutting has led to loss of vans, use of U-Haul vehicles. Maui News.

1,275 Rocks Returned to Haleakala in 2017. Letters of apology to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, often accompany these rocks. Maui Now.

Kauai

Coastline changes. While geologists say shifting sands aren’t unusual, it’s a prediction of what could be coming in the next few decades and scientists say long-term studies of the area are necessary. Garden Island.

Expedia Travel featured Lihue as one of the best vacation destinations in America to escape the winter, mainly because its average temperatures in January reach a warm 78 degrees and drop to a comfortable 65 degrees. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Telcom takeover, special session set, Bruno Mars seeks to save Waikiki Natatorium, Kona coffee farmer deported, defending Hawaii from missile strikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Courtesy Hawaiian Telcom

Hawaiian Telcom, the state’s largest telecommunications company, and Cincinnati Bell are merging in a cash-and-stock deal worth $650 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Telcom shareholders have voted to merge with a telecoms firm on the mainland, but the company says there will be “no material change” to local jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Cincinnati Bell Inc. agreed to buy Hawaiian Telcom Holdco Inc. for $650 million and OnX Enterprise Solutions for $201 million as the Midwestern landline carrier joins the race to build bigger fiber networks to handle soaring internet traffic. Bloomberg.

=====

Congressional delegation at odds with experts on defending isles from missiles. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators announce special session to hash out rail funding. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Legislature has scheduled a special session Aug. 28-Sept. 1 to try again to reach a deal on funding the remainder of Honolulu’s 20-mile rail project, now estimated to cost $10 billion. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill Thursday that's aimed at assuring elderly couples will be able to stay together in community care homes. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal would ban new permits for commercial aquarium fishing and it’s sitting on the governor’s desk awaiting his decision. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige has reappointed three members of the Hawaii Land Use Commission, the governor's office said Friday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s marijuana dispensaries received another set-back this week when a key insurer pulled out of their market. Hawaii Public Radio.

A year-round career guidance and college-preparatory program that Kamehameha Schools runs for high school students outside of its three campuses is being recognized today with a national counseling award. Star-Advertiser.

Water catchment systems need to be properly maintained. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Growing homeless encampments prompt proposal for armed park rangers. Star-Advertiser.

Is This Kahala Man’s Pitch To Help The Homeless For Real? Some people are skeptical of a man with a criminal past who says he wants to sell his multimillion-dollar Kahala home and give $200,000 to a foundation to help working homeless families. Civil Beat.

The state Land and Natural Resource’s Division of Boating and Ocean Resources division will be hosting a public meeting Monday night to gather input on the community's vision for the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Bruno Mars wants his fans to give him their attention for one of Hawaii’s landmarks, the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu restaurants and other food-related businesses won’t be required to donate leftover or surplus food to the needy — at least not for the time being. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed plan could either require or recommend restaurants to donate leftovers to families who struggle to get food on the table. KITV.

The state has opened up a public comment period for a solar project set to be built in Kalaeloa near Hawaiian cultural sites. Star-Advertiser.

The Friday night fireworks show that the Hilton Hawaiian Village has been putting on for the public for more than two decades is now subject to rent closer to that imposed on all other fireworks shows for the portion of the public beach designated as a safety zone around the launch area. Civil Beat.

An online petition urging New York University administrators to expel a student from Hawaii recently convicted for his part in the destruction of more than a dozen federally protected Laysan albatross and their nests at the Kaena Point Natural Reserve has garnered more than 28,000 signatures since it was posted on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has been selected, along with 21 universities across the country, to receive grants from NASA for research and technology development projects in areas critical to the agency's mission. Pacific Business News.

Residents in Lanikai are banding together following a violent dog attack in the neighborhood earlier this week. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A respected Kona coffee farmer who lived illegally in the United States for nearly 30 years said goodbye to his wife and three children Friday night before boarding flights he paid for to San Francisco, Houston and finally, Morelia, Mexico, ahead of an immigration deportation order, his daughter said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County’s updated flood zone maps are now available after a yearslong revision effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Tribune-Herald.

More than 60 hikers were either cited or warned Saturday for trespass into the closed Kohala Forest Reserve on Hawaii, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a press release Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

The Division of Conservation & Resources Enforcement cited or warned over 60 hikers for trespass, and the state recorded video. Big Island Video News.

Bolstered by the passage of a similar measure on Maui, the Hawaii County Council on Friday moved an amended version of a bill banning polystyrene foam food containers to the Environmental Management Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A serious and lingering water shortage in North Kona came to a new head earlier this month with the failure of a fifth county well — leaving residents in the west side’s population center confused, angry and wondering when the problem is going to get a real fix. Civil Beat.

Are Puna and Kau being discriminated against? Jen Ruggles thinks so, especially when it comes to basic human services. Civil Beat.

Changes to Kealakekua Public Library schedule add hours, end Saturday access. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

While saying he’s open to “all options” to raise more money needed for Oahu’s troubled 20-mile rail mass transit project, Gov. David Ige expressed support for raising the state’s transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point while maintaining the counties’ share of hotel room taxes at $93 million. Maui News.

Water quality staff members still aren’t sure what caused E. coli in Ualapue well samples in December and June, but county Department of Water Supply Director Dave Taylor assured residents that the water is “absolutely” safe to drink. Maui News.

More than 100 trees will be removed from the county right of way on Piʻiholo Road due to hazardous conditions. Maui Now.

Motorists can expect intermittent road closures along Piiholo Road beginning Monday morning while crews remove 20 hazardous eucalyptus trees, according to a Maui County announcement. Maui News.

Roadwork will start today in an area near the intersection of Haleakala and Hana highways, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

The Community Coalition Kauai will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at King Kaumualii Elementary School on the county’s General Plan update. Garden Island.

Plan aims to strengthen relations between tourism, community. Garden Island.

Saturday afternoon’s La Hoi Hoi Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day) at Kauai Community College wasn’t just a day of remembrance and celebration of Hawaiian culture and tradition. Garden Island.

Jeff Stone’s project to revamp the Princeville entry on Kauai’s North Shore is almost to its final phase, according to representatives from The Resort Group. Garden Island.

Farmers boost profits by offering tours. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

After years of speculation, wildlife officials have confirmed the presence of an endangered bat subspecies on Kahoolawe Island, located about 7 miles southwest of Maui. Associated Press.

NOAA begins survey of marine life, Hawaii first state in nation to pay family caregivers, federal judge knocks down travel ban challenge, taxes at issue in rail special session, Maui audits pCards, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette off Maui in 2004, NOAA Photo by Ray Boland

A research ship was launched Thursday on the first leg of a six-month mission to survey whales, dolphins and seabirds across the Hawaiian archipelago, a vast expanse of 1.8 million square nautical miles. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists and researchers kicked off the Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey on Thursday. Garden Island.

Using high-powered binoculars, hydrophones and, for the first time, drones, researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will spend the next six months documenting whales, dolphins and other marine life around the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Maui News.

=====

A federal judge in Honolulu on Thursday denied an emergency motion by the state of Hawaii to clarify what constitutes a close family relationship in the rules of President Donald Trump’s partial travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge in Honolulu declined Thursday to second-guess how the Trump administration is implementing the scaled-back version of the travel ban. Civil Beat.

With the Hawaii Legislature poised to hold a special session in July or August to address paying for the over-budget, $10 billion rail project, the question of which tax is best to pay for rail will take center stage. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court hears arguments on constitutionality of city, state rail tax issue. Hawaii News Now.

Free or low cost legal services for residents in need is in jeopardy as funding for civil legal services has been cut from the Hawaii State Judiciary’s budget for at least the next year. Civil Beat.

The Kupuna Caregivers Act passed Thursday, making Hawaii the first state in the nation to offer money to caregivers who also work full-time. Hawaii News Now.

United Airlines has apologized to a Hawaii teacher who was forced to hold her 2-year-old son on her lap for three-and-a-half hours after an employee gave the toddler’s purchased seat to a standby passenger. Associated Press.

Hawaii State Attorney General Doug Chin was among the Democratic attorneys general from 18 states and the District of Columbia who sued U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos today over her decision to suspend rules that were meant to protect students from abuse by for-profit colleges. Associated Press.

The state Health Department announced Thursday that 10 more people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with mumps, including four on Kauai, raising the statewide total to 143 cases. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is awarding more than $4 million in federal to three community health centers in Hawaii. They include the Community Clinic of Maui ($1.3 million); Bay Clinic on Hawaii Island ($1 million); and the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on Oahu ($1.7 million). Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Christian Gutierrez is serving a 45-day state jail term for killing Laysan albatrosses in the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve during his 2015 winter school break from New York University. Star-Advertiser.

Christian Gutierrez, 19, has been sentenced to 45 days in jail and must perform 200 hours of community service and pay $1,000 in restitution for his part in the killing of Laysan albatrosses at Kaena Point. Civil Beat.

A man accused of killing federally protected Laysan albatross birds on Oahu has been sentenced. KHON2.

=====

State fires execs at OCCC as jail's care for mentally ill inmates declines. Hawaii News Now.

The City and County of Honolulu is reviving a plan to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Ala Wai Canal. Hawaii Public Radio.

As of Thursday morning, Bikeshare Hawaii has reported more than 11,000 total rides. KITV.

Honolulu police dispatchers, beset with a bedbug infestation, have left their offices after bedbugs were discovered earlier this week. Star-Advertiser.

Workers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport say dust from construction is causing a health hazard, and we’ve learned some people have gone to the hospital because of it. KHON2.

Single-family houses on Oahu soared to a median price of nearly $800,000 last month, prompting local real estate experts to forecast that the $1 million threshold could be breached within the next five years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu was the only city among major U.S. metropolitan areas to see a decline in construction costs in April, but costs to build in Hawaii's largest city are still among the highest in the nation, according to a comparative cost index compiles by Rider Levett Bucknall. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra celebrated the conclusion of its fifth season, and current fiscal year, by meeting a $150,000 matching challenge by the family of its board chairman, the owner of Hawaii's ABC Stores, with the help of donors. Pacific Business News.

At Hawaiian Hope's tech center in Kakaako, tall stacks of computers wait to be cleaned, tested then repaired. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents planning to build in flood-prone areas will be required to take an additional step to get an exemption, under a bill advanced Thursday by a County Council committee. West Hawaii Today.

The owners of a biomass facility and Hawaii Electric Light Co. have a lot riding on a state Public Utilities Commission decision expected to come at month’s end. Star-Advertiser.

Responding to increased community complaints, the Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation voted Thursday to ban consumption of alcoholic beverages at James Kealoha Beach Park. Tribune-Herald.

Drinking alcohol at James Kealoha Beach Park in Keaukaha could soon be a thing of the past, legally speaking. Big Island Video News.

A farmers market at Hakalau Veterans Park will be allowed to resume its activities. Tribune-Herald.

The entire upper floor of the Lyman Museum is closed until late next year as the museum reconstructs its popular Island Heritage Gallery. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Auditor Lance Taguchi will examine county vehicle use and county employee travel as part of a planned list of audits for the current fiscal year. Maui News.

For the first time in more than a century, land titles held by Hawaii’s former sugar companies are being opened to challenge. At their peak in the 1930s, sugar plantations cultivated approximately 250,000 acres across the island chain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former HC&S equipment being moved. Maui News.

The Community Clinic of Maui will receive $1,350,479 in federal funds as part of a larger $4,069,396 appropriation for three community health centers in Hawaii. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Department of Water has scheduled a water shutdown for select Hanamaulu customers on Hipa Road, Hehi Road and on a portion of Kuhio Highway; mauka side, near Laukona Street. Water will be turned off on Tuesday, July 11 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday July 12; weather permitting. Garden Island.

A Kalaheo woman happily paid $10,000 when she was reunited Wednesday with her dogs that were missing for almost two weeks. Garden Island.

Taking out the trash in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, state House, citing Korea threat, seeks fallout shelter plans, Honolulu airport spending probed, Maui water woes, Kauai police cams protect officers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Monk seal on fish nets, courtesy NOAA

100,000 Pounds Of Debris Hauled Out Of Papahanaumokuakea. The marine junk from the reefs and shores of Midway and Kure atolls was brought to Honolulu, where it will be incinerated. Civil Beat.

Agencies join to ship 50 tons of trash from atolls. The charter vessel Kahana arrived here last week carrying 12 shipping containers filled with derelict fishing gear, old nets, faded plastics and lots of other junk. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA

Derelict Fishing Gear in the Pacific Northwest. NOAA blog.

Approximately 100,000 pounds of marine debris was removed from sites within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Maui Now.

Hawaii lawmakers want state officials to update plans for coping with a nuclear attack as North Korea develops nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles that can reach the islands. The state House public safety committee unanimously passed a resolution Thursday. Associated Press.

State lawmakers introduced a resolution this week urging the state Department of Defense to update disaster preparation plans for Hawaii in the event of a nuclear attack amid escalating political tensions between the United States and North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

Tensions are firing up with North Korea, and the situation is especially concerning for Hawaii given how close we are to the country. KHON2.

Rep. Matthew LoPresti says a revisiting of Hawaii’s disaster resilience plan has been a long time coming and is particularly crucial now in light of escalating threats of a North Korean nuclear attack on the state — or at least the escalating perception of such threats. West Hawaii Today.

=====

The chairwoman of a key committee involved in confirming Gov. David Ige’s controversial nominee for the state’s Public Utilities Commission indicated she will allow the governor’s choice to move ahead. Star-Advertiser.

Why Tom Gorak’s Appointment To The PUC May Be In Trouble. As the legislative session nears its end, a committee hearing has not been scheduled on the nomination. Civil Beat.

A pair of bills that would’ve changed Hawaii law in response to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s “quiet title” actions filed against owners of small pieces of land, or kuleana lands, have been shelved. Pacific Business News.

Eight Hawaii hospitals received a top grade of "A" in the latest national hospital safety report from The Leapfrog Group. Pacific Business News.

More Hawaii public school students are expected to secure internships and apprenticeships during and after high school under a new initiative to better prepare graduates for high-demand jobs and expose them to potential careers. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A consultant tasked with overseeing construction on a long-stalled $90 million maintenance and cargo project at Honolulu airport was later granted a $2.4 million contract extension by the state, and some lawmakers want to know why. Star-Advertiser.

The state will continue community meetings next week to discuss the future of the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KITV.

NRG Energy, the Houston-based company that took over bankrupt SunEdison’s renewable energy projects in Hawaii, plans to start construction on these three projects next year, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Council talks trash: West Hawaii landfill expected to last 150 years. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is employing drones to track the impact of rising sea levels on Hawaii Island shores. Tribune-Herald.

Will Popular Big Island Trail Someday Get Toilets? Big Island activists have for years unsuccessfully prodded officials to install toilets on the ancient Kaawaloa trail to the Captain Cook Monument. Civil Beat.

A massive “tree” is taking root on Kawailani Street in Hilo as a large cellular tower put in place earlier this year is covered with fake green branches. Tribune-Herald.

Report paves way for Peter Boy lawsuit: Probe finds state failed to follow its own rules. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Numbers Behind the Upcountry Water Shortage. Maui Now.

Upcountry water users are using slightly less water several days after the county Department of Water Supply issued a directive calling for voluntary conservation due to recent low rainfall in a watershed. Maui News.

As required by the State Department of Health, the Department of Water Supply is informing the public of the continued use of Wākiu Well C, the new water source for the Wākiu area, Hāna School, Hāna Medical Center, Waiʻānapanapa area, and ʻUakea Road. Maui Now.

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission has tentatively scheduled a special meeting for May 9 to hear public testimony on new liquor rules that allow the retail sale of alcohol 24/7. Maui News.

Charge for threat on mayor dismissed. This is the second time count dropped against Wailuku man. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai police use body cam footage to clear officers of misconduct claims. Hawaii News Now.

The young seal removed from Lihi Canal in Kapaa has returned after being relocated to the Westside late last month, and experts aren’t going to move the seal again. Garden Island.

Kamalani Bridge at Lydgate Park will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday to allow a group of volunteers to spray paint the structure. Spearheading the project is The Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

Lanai

Despite heavy rain, about 100 people sloshed through the puddles to the community center in this tiny town for a chance to hear U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who has become something of a media celebrity on national TV networks. Civil Beat.