Congressman Kahele shuns Washington for Hawaii, House-Senate Mauna Kea showdown looms, Maui officials get 5% raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep Kai Kahele ©2022 All Hawaii News

Has US Rep. Kai Kahele Given Up On Washington? The Hawaii congressman, who hasn’t been to the nation’s capital since January, has been having other members cast his votes for months. Civil Beat.

Working in Legislature gives Sylvia Luke a leg up in lieutenant governor’s race. State Rep. Sylvia Luke has a clear advantage over the four other candidates running for lieutenant governor as the only one currently serving in elected office and, especially, as chairwoman of the powerful House Finance Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Big state budget proposal moves forward with anticipated record surplus. The state Senate is ready to vote on a draft budget that increases spending — thanks to higher than expected revenues that have resulted in a big surplus. Lawmakers said a lot of the anticipated record surplus will go toward restoring critical programs and services, many of which were stalled during the COVID lockdown. But some watchdog groups are cautioning against boosting the budget too quickly. Hawaii News Now.

State budget proposal has significant allocations for child welfare programs. The state Senate Ways and Means Committee approved a version of Gov. David Ige’s proposed fiscal year 2022-2023 operating budget on Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Patients Are Dying Before They Can Get Help To Kill Themselves. Advocates hope House Bill 1823 will lower barriers to medically assisted suicide by making it easier for  doctors to prescribe medications and lowering wait times. Civil Beat.

A group of chemicals found in nonstick cookware and firefighting foam could soon be banned from some products in Hawaii as a growing body of research shows they’re polluting the environment and suspected of causing health problems, including cancer. Hawaii House Bill 1644 would prohibit the manufacture and sale of certain items that contain PFAS: wraps and liners, plates, food boats and pizza boxes. Civil Beat.

For the first time in more than two years, The Pride of America Cruise ship has relaunched their inter-island sailings. Hawaii DOT officials say for the initial trips, the Norwegian Cruise liner will only be at 50% capacity, which is just over 1,000 passengers and crewmembers aboard. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hot, dry summer could bring mandatory water restrictions on Oahu. If conditions continue to trend drier going into the hotter summer months, water customers from the Aiea-Halawa area to Hawaii Kai could face mandatory water restrictions and the potential for periods of low water pressure and water outages due to the problems linked to the Red Hill crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirms pledge to defuel Red Hill. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated Thursday the Defense Department’s pledge to defuel the Red Hill fuel storage facility, but did not give a timeline for doing so. Hawaii Public Radio.

Students, staff at schools affected by Red Hill fuel leak remain wary of tap water. The caution tape finally has been stripped off nearly all the sink faucets and drinking fountains at Red Hill Elementary School, now that the fuel contamination warnings have been lifted. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu developers face fallout from the Navy’s Red Hill water crisis. The potential water shortage facing urban Honolulu is already threatening to hold up hundreds of units of affordable housing, new residential and commercial projects in Kakaako and a major environmental upgrade to a sewage treatment plant, among other planned developments — a predicament that could have far-reaching effects on the island’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Upstart company wants to establish garbage-to-energy power plant to rival Oahu’s power facility. An upstart Hawaii company aims to establish a second garbage-to-energy power plant on Oahu using technology proclaimed as superior to the city’s long-running H-POWER facility. Star-Advertiser.

City: New modular complex could be model for future affordable housing projects. The complex is made out of modular units built in Canada. Two years ago, the City Council urged leaders to consider this kind of construction to speed up the process. Hawaii News Now.

Why More Apartment Buildings May Not Be The Answer To Oahu’s High Housing Costs. A Canadian asset management company is stepping into a void with more than 1,000 apartments built or planned for Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Sticker shock: Businesses beg for property tax relief. Hawaii Island business groups, facing steep increases in property values, are clamoring for relief from taxes set forth in a record high $689.9 million budget proposed by Mayor Mitch Roth. West Hawaii Today.

State House and Senate on a collision course over future of astronomy on Mauna Kea. Change to Maunakea bill gives joint authority to UH, new state entity. After a Friday meeting of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, House Bill 2024, which is intended to transfer authority of the Maunakea summit lands to a newly formed state entity, passed with additional amendments that allow the University of Hawaii to retain control of astronomy on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Army seeks input on PTA lease. The U.S. Army is requesting public feedback on a draft environmental impact statement that will determine whether part of the Pohakuloa Training Area will remain under Army management. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Waipio Valley Road Closure Prompts Community Organizing, Legal Action. The road closure, which took many by surprise, has provoked emotional divisions among diverse groups of people who use the valley. Civil Beat.

Maui

Panel awards pay raises to mayor, council. Five percent salary increase to take effect July 1. Reversing a decision four months ago to defer pay raises for the mayor and County Council, the Maui County Salary Commission voted Friday to give 5 percent salary increases to the elected officials. Maui News.

Two longtime West Maui politicians aim to change course. Cochran shifts from county to state politics, McKelvey pulls papers for state Senate. Two longtime West Maui politicians are looking to head in a new direction, with one venturing from county to state politics and the other hoping to move from the state House to the state Senate. Maui News.

Hula advocates urge full support for Maui’s proposed Hālau of ʻOiwi Art. Many of the more than 50 people who testified during a budget committee meeting on Friday voiced support for funding of Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art, a center dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and various ‘ōiwi arts connected to hula. Maui Now.

Maui County seeking applications for Recycling Grant Program. The Maui County Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division is soliciting grant applications for the recycling grant program for fiscal year 2023. Maui Now.

Health officials shut down Lahaina restaurant after seeing cockroaches, a cat and a rat. The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch has issued a red “closed” placard and shut down a restaurant in Lahaina due to pests, food debris, grease accumulation and more. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Slight bump in homelessness. The Point-in-Time Count, conducted by Bridging the Gap, a coalition of agencies working to end homelessness on the neighbor islands, showed that there were 444 homeless individuals on island — a 5% increase over the 424 in 2020. Garden Island.

Kamokila future is up in the air as eviction looms. With an eviction deadline approaching, the future of the Kamokila Hawaiian Village in Wailua is hanging in the balance. Garden Island.

New state and county laws kick in on crosswalks, polystyrene, Waikiki mayor's conference draws big names, Maui mayor and council spar over budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers on crosswalk ©2019 All Hawaii News

New crosswalk law takes effect today. A slate of new laws takes effect today on the first day of the new state fiscal year, including one that might startle some pedestrians: Senate Bill 693 makes it quite clear you can be fined for entering a crosswalk once the pedestrian countdown timer has started running. Star-Advertiser.

Improvements Made To Hawaii Capitol Website. They include the addition of Session Laws of Hawaii going back to statehood. Civil Beat.

DOE seeking feedback on public education for the next decade. The State Department of Education proposed a new 10 year strategic plan for the state's public school system called the 2030 Promise. KITV.

Hawaii inmate data tracking system review costs near $1.4M, takes 4 years. After paying a company close to $1.4 million over four years to evaluate its data needs and recommend a replacement for its software system for tracking and managing information on inmates, Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety has yet to replace the system. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Names New Budget And Finance Director. Neal Miyahira worked at the Department of Taxation as deputy director. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Medical Aid In Dying Law Eased Patient’s Anxiety. Steve Johnson was the second person to die under the state’s new assisted suicide law. The state reports eight patients so far have received prescriptions for lethal drugs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Hospital Dispute Could Prove Costly For Patients. Kaiser recently filed a federal lawsuit against Queen’s after the two sides failed to negotiate a payment rate for emergency services.  Civil Beat.

Feds may take lead on future missile alerts. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s attempt to give the federal government responsibility for alerting the public of a missile threat was passed by the U.S. Senate as part of a $750 billion National Defense Authorization Act for 2020 that focuses on evolving threats from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. Star-Advertiser.

Second Lady Pence, Caroline Kennedy among notable speakers at national mayor conference. When the United States Conference of Mayors last met in Honolulu in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was the featured speaker. Today, it was Caroline Kennedy’s turn. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard says missile alert mistake motivated her to run for presidency. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Sunday that Hawaii’s 2018 false missile alert motivated her to run for president in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard addresses mayors conference, says foreign policy affects cities. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made her first trip back to the islands since appearing in the first Democratic presidential candidates debate last Wednesday, addressing the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kealoha verdicts highlight need for ethical leaders in law enforcement. The felony convictions of the retired police chief, his once high-ranking prosecutor wife and two officers picked by the chief for a secretive squad he supervised exposed gaps in the oversight of the law enforcement system but mostly are a reflection of dishonest individuals holding positions of power, according to attorneys, former judges and others. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha Is Sent To Jail Until Sentencing. A federal judge revoked her bail Friday after she was found guilty of federal conspiracy and obstruction charges. Civil Beat.

Owner-built houses at Waianae subdivision nearly finished. On a hillside in Waianae with picturesque views of Pokai Bay, a dozen families have expelled a lot of sweat building their own homes for more than a year. Star-Advertiser.

Navatek II fails to sell at auction. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources impounded the vessel in March after owner Miraclei LLC, a trust that includes Shane Lawler, maxed out the Navatek II’s temporary permit at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Inside island’s hydrogen future: Researchers at Rogers’ Puu Waawaa ranch explore top energy solutions. Tucked among the old-time paniolo ranches in North Kona is a cutting-edge ranch of a different kind. West Hawaii Today.

‘Vision Zero’ program aims to reduce traffic fatalities. Gov. David Ige passed a bill this week codifying a policy to eliminate traffic fatalities statewide through better traffic engineering and emergency response strategies. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island’s ban on polystyrene — or Styrofoam — food containers goes into effect on Monday. That means all food service vendors — meaning restaurants, food trucks, farmer’s markets — as well as supermarkets will no longer be able to serve takeout or plate lunches in single-use containers made from polystyrene foam. Hawaii News Now.

Group from Micronesia explores possibilities of aquaculture. Fisheries officers from Kosrae, Micronesia, recently toured the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center to learn more about aquaculture efforts in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

UH-Hilo, Navy using oysters to boost water quality. On a recent sunny morning at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center in Keaukaha, research manager Daniel Wilkie showed off a spat of small but growing oysters, each not much bigger than a pebble. Tribune-Herald.

As Mauna Kea Conflict Looms, Both Sides Dispute Information. State officials and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope project went back and forth Friday, disputing each other’s information regarding the response to the situation on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mayor gets council’s budget details at last minute. There still could be issues with information provided, according to administration officials. Maui News.

Potential Water Outages in Waikapu, Kehalani Mauka & Upper Wailuku Heights. The Department of Water Supply continues to experience very high consumption in the Waikapu/Wailuku area and Department of Water Supply water tanks are being depleted. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai police investigate alleged cheating, cover-up in ranks. Police on Kauai investigated allegations officers were involved in cheating on a proficiency test and covering it up, a report said. Associated Press.

Last native lowland bog ‘thriving’. A flesh-eating plant stretches sticky fuchsia tentacles into the balmy air of Kauai’s Kanaele Bog. Garden Island.

Hawaii wins 3 of 10 TripAdvisor top spots, ballot issues plague Honolulu election, pay raises for state, Kauai, volcano alert lowered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii luau dancers 2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii makes TripAdvisor top 10 Travelers' Choice Destinations in the U.S. Three Hawaii islands were named among the top destinations in the country to travel to. According to TripAdvisor, Maui was the second top choice, followed by Oahu at third, and the Big Island as 10. KHON2.

HDOT audit finds discrepancies. The Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Highways Division in fiscal year 2018 did not review capital improvement projects in a timely manner, incorrectly classified federal expenditures and violated cash management requirements by drawing funds from a federal agency prior to paying a subcontractor, according to a report issued by the Hawaii State Auditor’s Office. Garden Island.

Our Care, Our Choice Act Part 2: Some patients are pushing to get the law changed. The assisted suicide bill passed in the Legislature and became law, in order for patients to get their life-ending prescription they need to request it from their doctor on three separate occasions. KITV.

State commission proposes pay raises for elected officials. Some leading lawmakers are supporting new recommendations by the state Salary Commission that would grant all members of the Legislature raises of 10 percent in 2021 and would further boost lawmakers’ salaries in additional steps over the following three years. Star-Advertiser.

Recruitment begins today for Conservation and Resource Enforcement Officers to fill vacancies across the state.  The positions do not require any previous law enforcement experience, however, there are limited spaces available. Maui Now.

Public Safety admits less-lethal options are on hand — but not for use in the field. The state has purchased at least 35 less lethal guns and eight pepperball guns in the last two years. But none of the less lethal options are available for use by deputies on patrol. Hawaii News Now.

Amid growing concerns that a new crisis is brewing between China and Taiwan, independence-leaning Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is in Honolulu for an always controversial yet short visit. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Residents report more ballot abnormalities in hotly contested City Council race. The special election for east Honolulu’s City Council seat is causing confusion after several ballots were mailed to people who no longer live in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Rocky start to Special Election mail-in ballots raises eyebrows with some voters. Residents we spoke to are concerned because if extra ballots were to be in the hands of the wrong person, there might be an opportunity for some to vote twice. KHON2.

'Gross incompetence or worse’: Rail purchase of reinforced steel questioned. The federal grand jury that’s investigating the rail project is looking into how the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation spent millions of dollars to buy reinforced steel. Hawaii News Now.

Some West Oahu residents push for a bypass road to help ease traffic troubles. The alternate route would also be a lifeline in times of accidents or emergencies. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

We’re another day older and deeper in debt. The lyrics to the song made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford continue to hold true today, as Hawaii County finds its debt load continuing to creep upward. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea volcano is now the quietest it has been in about four decades. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory lowered the volcano’s alert level Tuesday from “advisory” to “normal,” noting it has returned to a noneruptive, background state following last year’s lower East Rift Zone eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Today, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory officially lowered the Kilauea Volcano Alert Level for ground-based hazards from ADVISORY to NORMAL, and the Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to GREEN. Big Island Video News.

Project leaders review draft EIS for wastewater treatment plant with public. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Pacific fights back against commission’s findings. A Kealakekua charter school is demanding the state commission that oversees charter schools rescind a vote kicking off a process that could close the school. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino proposed Monday a $781 million no-frills budget for the next fiscal year, which includes property tax, trash pickup and water rate increases; additional property tax money for affordable housing; and opening the Central Maui Landfill one Sunday per month, but it contains no new major capital improvement initiatives. Maui News.

Maui Car Rental Facility, Electric Train on Schedule to Open May 15. A major project at Maui’s Kahului Airport in less than two months from completion. Maui Now.

New Paia Elementary building up for environmental review. Structure would be located at the front of the school next to the cafeteria. Maui News.

Kauai

The county’s top officials might be getting a raise. Kauai County Councilmembers today will consider a proposal to increase their own salaries along those of 30 county executives, including the mayor, the managing director, the police and fire chiefs. Garden Island.

A federal jury on Friday awarded over $700,000 in damages to a Kauai resident who sued Wilcox Memorial Hospital after an incident in which hospital employees injected the man against his will with a high-dose cocktail of strong antipsychotic drugs that left him incapacitated for months after the incident. Garden Island.

Kauai Family Demands New Policies, Protections for Kuleana Landowners. In the wake of a closely watched kuleana land auction of part of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's estate last week, one faction of the family caught up in the property dispute is calling for change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Coco Palms resort for sale again. Coco Palms, featured in the 1961 Elvis Presley movie “Blue Hawaii,” has been closed since Hurricane Iniki slammed into Kauai in 1992, causing extensive damage to the property. Star-Advertiser.

Coco Palms Resort is up for sale again. The property is owned by Coco Palm Hui LLC, who had planned to re-open the resort after it closed due to damages caused by Hurricane Iniki. KHON2.

Nude photos link Big Island firefighter to Honolulu deputy prosecutor's phone, lobbyist first to get medical aid in dying prescription, Honolulu Council in disarray, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Jesse Ebersole, Katherine Kealoha

Feds recover nude photos on Kealoha’s phone. When Hawaii County firefighter Jesse Ebersole pleaded guilty last July to lying about his relationship with former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, the federal prosecutor said investigators found Ebersole’s name on some of Kealoha’s credit card charges and had records of phone conversations between the two. Star-Advertiser.

Evidence of affair between Katherine Kealoha and firefighter included sexually explicit photos. The affair between ex-police chief Louis Kealoha’s wife and a Big Island firefighter was already one of the more salacious aspects of the ongoing case against the Kealohas. Hawaii News Now.

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He Fought For Hawaii’s Aid In Dying Law. Now He Wants To Use it. Prominent Honolulu lobbyist John Radcliffe, whose colon cancer has spread, became the first state resident Wednesday to start the application process. Civil Beat.

John Radcliffe became the first Hawaii patient with terminal cancer to request a lethal prescription to end his life under the state’s new medical- aid-in-dying law. Star-Advertiser.

Cancer patient John Radcliffe poised to be come first to use medical aid-in-dying law. KHON2.

Terminal cancer patient and medical aid-in-dying advocate John Radcliffe, today went on record as Hawaii’s first individual to request a prescription for aid-in-dying medication under a new law that took effect on Jan. 1. Maui Now.

It’s now law, but ‘Death With Dignity' still faces opposition while supporters push for acceptance. The day after Hawaii’s ‘Our Care, Our Choice Act' went into effect, supporters of the controversial medical aid in dying law said they’re making progress in getting hospitals to honor patients’ end of life decisions. Hawaii News Now.

Medical-aid-in-dying law gets a web page. State DOH sets up site to answer questions, provide required forms. Maui News.

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Masagatani, Aila Retained To Lead Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Governor David Ige on Wednesday announced that he is reappointing the director and deputy at Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Big Island Video News.

A Hawaii delegation recently returned from the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland. Despite President Trump’s announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, Hawaii and 16 other states committed to abide it. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Attorney General is opposing a change that a 92-year-old Native Hawaiian princess has made to her trust to ensure her wife receives $40 million and all her personal property. Associated Press.

The state is looking for information on how to operate housing programs over the next 20 years. To gather data, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation will be calling homeowners and conducting phone surveys for the Hawaii Housing Planning Study. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines has moved one step closer to starting its long-promised service from the Mainland to Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Council delays picking leaders, assignments and schedule. The turmoil is caused by legal challenges against the election of Trevor Ozawa, who won re-election to the Council District 4 seat by beating former state Rep. Tommy Waters by 22 votes. Star-Advertiser.

Most of Honolulu’s city council has been sworn in, but one seat is still open (technically). That's because the Hawaii Supreme Court is still reviewing Trevor Ozawa's 22-vote victory over opponent Tommy Waters. Hawaii News Now.

City Council meeting in recess, Supreme Court issues another order. District 4, from Hawaii Kai to Ala Moana Beach Park, will have to wait longer for a City Council representative. The Supreme Court issued another order Wednesday that gives election challengers more time. KHON2.

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Honolulu Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga wants to crack down on people who abandon their cars on Oahu, but city officials say her proposed solution wouldn’t work. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police and prosecutors declined to press charges against Bobby Curran following the local sports broadcaster’s Dec. 27 arrest for allegedly assaulting his 15-year-old son. Star-Advertiser.

The Ritz-Carlton’s ocean-facing skyscrapers are glaring bright all night, every night. For more than two years, the residents of the Four Paddle condominiums on Kuhio Avenue have been blinded by the light. Civil Beat.

One project that will get more attention in the new year in Honolulu is a plan to build a bridge over the Ala Wai canal. The proposal would include room for pedestrians and for cyclists, but not for cars. Hawaii Public Radio.

It was business as usual for most federally funded tourist attractions in Hawaii Wednesday despite the partial government shutdown continuing for the 12th day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Leilani Estates Community Association plans to drop its lawsuit against Hawaii County over control of Leilani Avenue. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island residents have the opportunity to participate in a series of training courses later this month to assist the county in responding to emergencies, in case 2019 proves as turbulent as 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Public access lacking – Kaupulehu project coming to County Council. It’s taken 20 years to get this far, but full build-out of the 1,079-acre Kaupulehu project in North Kona may need 20 more. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

During the first half of fiscal year 2019, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development issued more than $9 million in grant funds to various local organizations. Maui Now.

Kapalua Golf's Plantation Course on Maui, which regularly ranks as one of the best golf courses in the world, will temporarily close on Feb. 11 to undergo a multimillion-dollar enhancement project aimed at revitalizing the 27-year-old sports facility. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Recent rains didn’t damage or delay the rebuilding project on Kahiliholo Road and the project is on schedule, according to county officials. Garden Island.

State officials are gearing up to extend trial pig hunting on Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) after a six-month trial hunt yielded 13 harvests, and more archers are signing up. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism depends on vacation rentals, Honolulu council leadership questioned in election dispute, new laws in effect, Molokai mule trail closed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach scene ©2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

Addicted To Airbnb: Hawaii’s Tourism Economy Depends On Illegal Vacation Rentals. While calls for a crackdown on short-term rentals grow louder, their rapid expansion accounts for a big chunk of the recent growth in the state’s largest industry. Civil Beat.

When the final numbers roll in for 2018, it's likely to be another record year for visitor arrivals to Hawaii. But as people consider what that sector may look like in 2019 and beyond, there may be a developing niche: medical tourism. Hawaii Public Radio.

Medical aid in dying law takes effect. For the first time, certain terminally ill patients in Hawaii will have the right to end their lives, but it won’t be easy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Medical Aid In Dying Law Now In Effect, Guidance Issued. Big Island Video News.

Fake service dogs, foam food containers and equal pay: These laws took effect Jan. 1. Hawaii News Now.

New laws address pay gap, sexual assault. Beginning today, employers are prohibited from asking prospective hires about their salary and wage history under a new law that seeks to help bridge the gap between how much men and women earn. Star-Advertiser.

Employers in Hawaii no longer will be allowed to inquire about prospective employees’ salary histories thanks to a law passed in July. Tribune-Herald.

Some road shoulders to open for motorcycles. In the new year, motorcyclists in Hawaii might have their travel time reduced by a law that will designate the shoulders of some roads as traversable by motorcycle. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers: After a noisy start to the new year, it’s time to crack down on illegal aerials. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: No, Killing A Special Fund Doesn’t Kill People. Some state agencies need to understand that the money in these funds isn’t “their” money. It comes from taxpayers. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Three topics sure to grab headlines in 2019 are the city’s rail project as construction moves through the congested downtown corridor; the housing crisis as policy makers wrestle with vacation rental laws and monster home rules; and the federal investigations involving Honolulu’s former police chief, his ex-prosecutor wife and the city prosecutor.  Star-Advertiser.

Council leadership remains in question. City Council members and their aides on Monday were trying to figure out ways to deal with the possibility that Councilman Trevor Ozawa may not be sworn in for a new term on Wednesday, the same day he had been expected to be voted Council chairman by his colleagues. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of inauguration day for the Honolulu City Council, there's a big question mark hanging over the District 4 seat. The Supreme Court is weighing in after an opponent filed a challenge. With that Supreme Court decision pending, and the race not certified, Councilman Trevor Ozawa may not be sworn into office. KHON2.

Honolulu City Councilman Trevor Ozawa may miss being sworn in to another term on Wednesday along with his colleagues if the Hawaii Supreme Court is still undecided on a legal challenge to his election win. Civil Beat.

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The state attorney general is opposing a change made to Abigail Kawananakoa’s trust that ensures her wife will receive $40 million and all of her personal property. Star-Advertiser.

Community leaders in Leeward Oahu are voicing opposition to the Palehua Wind project proposed for the Waianae range above their homes. Star-Advertiser.

Watch your water bills. That's the warning from some Pearl City residents who caught the Board of Water Supply billing them for more water than they used. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

The owner of the Hilo Farmers Market submitted plans last month for permanent canopies over the open-air market in an attempt to comply with the county’s fire, building and zoning codes. Tribune-Herald.

The long-discussed East Hawaii Organics Facility will be constructed on the north side of the W.H. Shipman Business Park in Keaau, and will have no significant impact according to the final environmental assessment document published for the project. Big Island Video News.

A discharge of about 66,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater was discharged into the ocean this weekend at the county’s Kulaimano wastewater treatment plant in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

The Vog Is Gone — For The First Time In Decades. Kilauea didn’t just stop spewing lava. It ceased emissions that have been constant since 1983. Civil Beat.

Maui

Since securing support from her colleagues, Council Member Kelly King has been the de facto chair of the incoming Maui County Council, making decisions on the inauguration ceremony, proposing committees and even moving into the chair’s office on Monday. Maui News.

A year of climate and political change 2018. Storms of all persuasions, even an actual firestorm, descended upon the county. Maui News.

Unlike past government shutdowns, Haleakala National Park is still open. Access to most areas continues, services limited. Maui News.

Maui County’s purchase of 262 acres of A&B agriculture land in the lower Pulehu/Omaopio area of Kula has closed escrow, according to information released today by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Maui Now.

Maui County purchases 262 acres from Alexander & Baldwin. Maui County closed on a $6 million purchase of 262 acres of Alexander & Baldwin’s agriculture land in the lower Pulehu/Omapio area on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Reopening the Road to Haena. This past April, Kuhio Highway on Kauai’s North Shore was devastated by heavy flooding. Road repairs are now nearing completion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Though the U.S. Navy recently announced it was moving forward with testing and training in the Hawaii-Southern California training area, the public still has a chance to weigh in on some other pending training. Garden Island.

Molokai

A steep trail to the remote Kalaupapa settlement in Hawaii has been closed indefinitely after a landslide took out a bridge along one of the switchbacks. Associated Press.

Assisted dying law kicks in Jan. 1, Honolulu rail costs climb, legislators pan Ige homeless plan, audit clears Mauna Kea management, Hanabusa, Gabbard look to future, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dawn ©2018 All Hawaii News

Preparing For Hawaii’s New Medical Aid In Dying Law. The state estimates around 40 people will use the new law to seek medical assistance to end their lives next year. Civil Beat.

Health care industry prepares for ‘Our Care, Our Choice Act’ New law that takes effect Jan. 1 will allow terminal patients to end their lives. Maui News.

University of Hawaii economists are forecasting that the state’s expansion has more room to run, but their outlook for the Asia-Pacific region is less rosy in the wake of the U.S.-Chinese trade war and a weakening global environment. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Releases $17.3 Million For ‘Ohana Zones’ On Oahu And Big Island. Counties and nonprofits will use the money to build permanent housing for the homeless and create more shelter space. Civil Beat.

Legislators pan governor’s $17M plan for homeless ‘ohana zones’. Just ahead of a deadline, the governor on Friday announced plans to spend millions of dollars on so-called “ohana zones” for Oahu and Big Island homeless residents. But legislators who set aside $30 million for the special zones say the governor isn’t doing enough. Hawaii News Now.

Timeshare visitors to Hawaii decreased in the third quarter, and occupancy was flat, according to the Hawaii Timeshare Quarterly Report released Friday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard’s birthplace could create political fodder in national campaign. Gabbard needed only one of her parents to be a U.S. citizen to gain automatic citizenship. But the question, if she’s to run for president, is not whether she is a citizen, but whether she’s a “natural-­born citizen,” the definition of which is a matter of legal debate. Star-Advertiser.

Hanabusa reflects on time in Congress, talks future in politics. During both of Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa’s stints in the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats have been the minority party. As she wraps up her time in Washington, there’s one key lesson learned: relationships matter. KITV.

Seven of the 76 confirmed cases of large whale entanglements documented along U.S. coasts in 2017 were in Hawaii waters, and all seven involved humpback whales, according to a recent report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as whale season in the state gets underway. Star-Advertiser.

Study: Chuukese Patients In Hawaii Often Face Discrimination. Micronesian patients face language and cultural barriers when seeking medical care, and are far less likely to have insurance coverage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii cuts price for state's affordable housing portfolio by $40M. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Oahu voters resoundingly rejected a proposed charter amendment that would have made it easier for the Honolulu rail authority to conduct its business, and one member of the rail board says the election loss was a sign that there is “no public trust in our organization.” Star-Advertiser.

The Cost Of Honolulu Rail’s Westside Stations Keeps Going Up. HART had boasted of savings from its decision to build the nine stations three at a time. But those savings have disappeared. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Law Center Files To Unseal Secret Kealoha Court Documents. Even if the documents refer to Katherine Kealoha’s medical condition, other information should be made public, the center says. Civil Beat.

Defense attorneys question cases prosecuted by deputies facing federal corruption probe. The attorney for convicted murderer Dae Han Moon sent a letter to the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, requesting information about the federal public corruption investigation that has widened to include the prosecutor’s office. Hawaii News Now.

HECO customers see big spike on their bills. Some residential electric customers on Oahu got sticker shock when they opened their power bills over the last few months. A few even claim their bills doubled or tripled between October and December. Hawaii News Now.

An owner of a Canadian thrill-ride company wants to build an aerial tramway and a zip line in the hills above Waialua as part of an “agribusiness” on land zoned for agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable Home/Studio Rentals. For Artists. In Kaka'ako. Wha?! Hawaii Public Radio.

Hanauma Bay reopens after bacteria levels in the water return to normal levels. KHON2.

Kamehameha Schools plans to build a community learning center in Nanakuli next year, with educational programs focused on teens and young adults. Star-Advertiser.

Two Windward churches that began hosting monthly fairs this year to attract homeless people in their communities have seen dramatically different results, underscoring the complexities of addressing island homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A financial audit to be presented to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents found no irregularities in how the various entities involved in use and management of Maunakea lands account for their revenue and expenses. Tribune-Herald.

A proposed ballot measure reducing the county land fund from a minimum of 2 percent of property tax revenues to a minimum of 1 percent was advanced Friday by the Charter Commission, over objections from fund supporters. West Hawaii Today.

HELCO Proposes Rate Increase Of 3.4%. The power utility says grid modernization, storm resilience, and renewable energy work are driving costs up. Big Island Video News.

HPM could be first to take advantage of redevelopment bill. Tribune-Herald.

HI-SEAS 2.0: Mauna Loa dome to get re-purposed for moon simulations. A small dome on the slopes of Mauna Loa used for the past five years as a NASA-funded Mars simulation is being given a new mission. Tribune-Herald.

Group offers $10,000 for Ireland case DNA testing. A retired judge and his group has offered $10,000 to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to have genetic genealogical research performed on DNA left on a key piece of evidence in the Dana Ireland murder case. Tribune-Herald.

Round the clock security ends at HOPE Services campus in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Two hotly debated bills for a community plan amendment and parking lot project at the north end of Keawakapu Beach have passed the first of two readings, and now the measures are en route to a public hearing before final action by the Maui County Council. Maui News.

A county-state land exchange paving the way for Maui County to build a new bus hub near Sears in Kahului passed on first reading Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami reflects on first two weeks in office. It's been 2 weeks since Derek Kawakami took on the role of Mayor of Kauai. Kawakami succeed Mayor Bernard Carvalho, who reached his term limit. KHON2.

The county is seeking volunteers to assist with an annual count of the area’s homeless population in January. Garden Island.

Mauna Kea Trask, who served as county attorney from December 2014 to November 2018, has joined a new firm on Kauai. Garden Island.

Hawaii retirement home balks at assisted suicide, Hawaii legislative leadership to stay the same, more teachers flee the state, Honolulu bus fares and Hawaii Island sewer fees, to rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay ©2018 All Hawaii News

Are people loving Hanauma Bay to death? A new study is trying to answer that question. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislature: Leadership Will Stay The Same Despite New Faces. The House and Senate plan to install new judiciary chairs but keep the current heads of each chamber and their respective money committees. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii retirement home says residents in its independent living wing may take advantage of the state’s new medically assisted suicide law if they wish. But Kahala Nui told residents this week that those in its assisted living and nursing center may not do so. Associated Press.

Kahala Nui retirement community has sent a clarification to its independent-living residents saying that they can indeed take advantage of a new law allowing the terminally ill to obtain medication to end their life. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund began its new fiscal year with a solid 2.5 percent first-quarter return that put it on an early pace to exceed its annual investment target. Star-Advertiser.

It’s not just that Hawaii can’t hire enough teachers. Schools also can’t convince them to stay. In 2013, Hawaii schools hired 907 teachers. Five years later, just 467 of them remained in Hawaii public school classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

More immunizations and changes to health exams could be required for school. The list of required immunizations for school-aged children may be getting a little bit longer. The Department of Health said they haven't revised the examination requirements and vaccination list since 2001. KHON2.

Naval Special Warfare plans to triple the amount of small-unit intermediate and advanced training conducted by SEALs and other special operations forces on nonfederal lands in Hawaii, with overall training expanding from Oahu and Hawaii island to Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command has proposed tripling the number of training events allowed on non-federal lands in Hawaii for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. Associated Press.

After focusing on homelessness and affordable housing last year, BIA-Hawaii is tackling building permits, financing and other issues affecting the state’s housing shortage at the organization’s annual housing summit this week. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Bus Fares Will Likely Increase For The Second Year In A Row. Seniors and other adults would see the largest fare jumps, but Handi-Van fares would rise only slightly. Civil Beat.

Homeless continue to skirt Kakaako sweeps despite agreement intended to end cat-and-mouse game. Despite countless sweeps, park closures and even an agreement to let the city take action on both city and state property, homeless encampments continue to spring up in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Transportation is updating the Oahu Bike Plan and they are hosting a community meeting at the Blaisdell Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hawaii Suites. KITV.

Tariffs, Technological Change Led to Hagadone Hawaii Layoffs. The announcement that Hagadone Commercial Printing will layoff 92 workers and close its Hawaii printing operations is still rippling through the community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kokua Market needs some kokua. The natural foods store and cooperative in Moiliili is seeking help after suffering financial difficulties in recent months largely attributed to disruptions from a new neighboring property owner. Star-Advertiser.

A new analysis prepared by the Maui-based Pacific Disaster Center estimates how much wreckage Lane would have caused if it had hit Oahu’s southern shore as a Category 1 hurricane instead of breaking apart hours before landfall. The impact, it found, would have been devastating to many Honolulu homeowners. Civil Beat.

With the spotlight on Aloha Stadium, improvements considered for aging facility. With several high-profile entertainers heading to Aloha Stadium next month, plans for the future of the aging facility are slowly coming together, according to stadium officials. Hawaii News Now.

Cardax Inc.’s revenue jumped 71 percent in the third quarter as sales of its new anti-inflammatory product remained strong in Hawaii and accelerated in California, Nevada and New York. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County to stop recycling certain types of plastic rubbish starting Dec. 1. The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management announced that, because of changes to global recycling markets, the county no longer can accept No. 5 plastics, plastic grocery bags or any type of clamshell-shaped plastic products in the mixed recyclable bins at the county’s transfer stations. Tribune-Herald.

Closure of Hilo landfill to commence next year. Hawaii County recently advertised the bid process for the closure contract, with bids set to open in late January. The project is estimated to cost about $20 million. Tribune-Herald.

Sewer fees will almost double during the next three years if the County Council agrees with a rate plan submitted by the Department of Environmental Management. West Hawaii Today.


Wood Burning Power Plant May Generate Sustainable Energy, But Environmental Concerns Remain. The State Department of Health is holding a public hearing in Hilo on Wednesday regarding the future of a new power plant. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Two Maui schools that were forced to close Tuesday due to a water main break will be back open Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hoapili Hale Closed Due to Wailuku Water Main Break. Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald issued an order extending deadlines on the court matters that are affected. Maui Now.

Maui County offices at the One Main Plaza are closed along with the rest of the offices in the building due to a watermain break on Central Avenue today. Maui Now.

Haleakala National Park needs volunteers for invasive plant removal. Haleakala National Park and the Pacific Whale Foundation are recruiting local volunteers for Waele ma Haleakala twice-monthly invasive plant removal project. KHON2.

A home on nearly a half acre of beachfront land in Makena on Maui has gone on the market for just under $30 million, the second-highest listing this year on the Valley Isle. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

How The Island’s ‘Hyde Park’ Became A Magnet For Protests. Demonstrations like the March for Science and the Women’s March sometimes attract more than 500 participants at a grassy spot outside the airport. Civil Beat.

Two of the 10 large capacity cesspools targeted for closure by the Environmental Protection Agency are located in Koloa, and both have been fined and ordered to switch over to a wastewater treatment plant. Garden Island.

Starwood Capital Group’s purchase of the St. Regis Princeville Resort and the Makai Golf Club for $225 million is expected to close this week, leading to a renovation and rebranding of what was Hawaii’s only St. Regis property. Pacific Business News.

ACLU challenges retirement home's medically assisted death ban, design flaws may delay Honolulu rail, purring crickets on Molokai, Leilani residents just want to go home, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise ©2018 All Hawaii News

The American Civil Liberties Union is accusing a Kahala retirement community of illegal religious discrimination by warning its residents that they cannot take advantage of a new “morally repugnant” law that allows the terminally ill to obtain medication to end their life. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Challenges Retirement Home’s Ban On Medical Aid In Dying. A state law allowing certain terminally ill people to end their lives takes effect in January, but residents at Kahala Nui were told it doesn’t apply to them. Associated Press.

Senior living community faces discrimination claims involving new ‘death with dignity’ law. ACLU Hawaii is calling out one of Oahu’s biggest senior living communities for telling its residents they won’t be able to use the state’s new law allowing medically assisted suicide. Hawaii News Now.

ACLU accusing retirement home of discrimination. The local chapter of the non-profit sent a "demand letter" to Kahala Nui to stop engaging in "illegal and discriminatory housing practices". KITV.

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Data show fewer homeless vets in isles. Hawaii outperformed most West Coast states and the nation overall — percentage-wise — in getting homeless veterans off the street this year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department wants to expand its immunization program for school-age students. Currently, the Health Department requires all schoolchildren to be immunized by six types of vaccines. Under the proposed new rules, it wants to add three more types of vaccinations. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials to conduct survey to better understand foodborne illnesses. The Hawaii Department of Health is rolling out a statewide survey to learn more about food habits of Hawaii residents and visitors, and find out if there are any behaviors associated with possible risks for foodborne illnesses, including rat lungworm disease. KHON2.

Report: DOE Has Mostly Fixed Flaws In Its Bus Transportation System. A 2012 state audit had faulted the department for allowing costs to skyrocket as competitive bidding for contracts ceased. Civil Beat.

Attorney General Russell Suzuki announced today the establishment of the Electronic Smoking Device Retailer Registration Unit within the Department of the Attorney General. Maui Now.

A Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers strike marked its 25th day Thursday, making it the union’s longest-running hotel strike in nearly three decades. Star-Advertiser.

“Extra” utility poles going away under $45M Hawaiian Telcom, HECO deal. In a move that will eliminate 14,000 unsightly poles, Hawaiian Telcom agreed to let Hawaiian Electric Cos. have sole ownership of about 120,000 utility poles on Oahu, Hawaii island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island Elections Remain Competitive Ahead of Election Day. Both Maui and Kauai have open races for county mayor and several contested seats on the County Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Design Flaws May Delay Rail’s Interim Opening Set For 2020. “Major challenges” with station canopies could stall the planned December 2020 launch of interim service for Oahu’s rail line, project leaders revealed Thursday. Civil Beat.

Caldwell signs bill allowing city funds for rail construction. Mayor Kirk Caldwell broke precedent Thursday, signing a bill that will provide $44 million in city general funds to pay a share of the $8 billion-plus, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell signs 'historic' bill allowing $44M in city funds to go to rail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 42 into law on Thursday, the legislation earmarks $44 million from the city’s general fund to be used for the construction of the 20-mile rail project. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu mayor signs bill to use city money to fund rail. For the first time, city funds will be used to help pay for the rail. KHON2.

City will be using its own general fund to help pay for rail. Mayor Kirk Caldwell made it official Thursday by signing Bill 42. KITV.

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‘Bad blood’ drives City Council rematch for east Honolulu seat. The race could shift the balance of power on the council. One of the few general election races that is too close to predict is the east Honolulu rematch between incumbent City Councilman Trevor Ozawa and challenger Tommy Waters. Hawaii News Now.

Police Commission: Why Is It So Hard To Get A Permit To Carry A Gun In This City? In the wake of a federal court decision challenging Hawaii’s restrictive gun laws, the commission wants a deeper look at HPD’s process for denying gun carry applications. Civil Beat.

Short Term Rental Restrictions Approved by Planning Commission. The Honolulu Planning Commission has unanimously approved a proposal from Mayor Kirk Caldwell to regulate short term rentals on Oahu.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Navy seeks to reassure water is safe from tanks at Red Hill. Navy officials worked to reassure members of a task force and the public Thursday that they are taking every precaution to ensure that 18 massive underground fuel tanks at Red Hill near Pearl Harbor won’t contaminate Oahu’s drinking water supply. Star-Advertiser.

Navy points finger of Red Hill fuel on human error, community uneasy over future problems. A back-and-forth discussion over the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility is approaching its 5th year. KITV.

Kaiser Permanente to develop $60 million facility in Kapolei. Kaiser Permanente is investing in expanding care options for residents of West Oahu with the development of a $60 million medical office in Kapolei. KHON2.

Kaiser to build medical office building on Kapolei land bought in 2012. Kaiser Permanente plans to build a $60 million medical office in Kapolei on a five-acre parcel the health care organization bought nearly seven years ago. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is close to finalizing a contract with the Los Angeles Rams for a preseason game to be held on Oahu next year. The game, to take place at Aloha Stadium, would be the first NFL preseason game in Hawaii in more than 40 years. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Too busy to spend money: County crises boosted budget savings. Hawaii County departments were so busy with natural disasters this year, they didn’t get a chance to spend all their budgets. West Hawaii Today.

Council advances Puna roads resolution. A room full of people displaced by the eruption in lower Puna had one request for Hawaii County on Thursday — help them get home. Tribune-Herald.

Many in Leilani Estates hope the county will keep providing 24/7 security. What do you do when your neighborhood is on the verge of becoming a tourist attraction? KITV.

Telescope Officials Maintain Alternative Site in Spain Even As Hawaii Court Gives Go-Ahead. The Thirty Meter Telescope may have been given the go-ahead by the Hawaii Supreme Court. But there’s still a lot that needs to happen before construction can take place on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Curious residents gathered Thursday at Hilo International Airport to look at four Hawaii Air National Guard fighter jets conducting training exercises on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Air National Guard will be operating and repositioning four F-22 Raptors at the Hilo International Airport from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Shoreline repair solutions sought. Residents oppose seawalls; other options considered for Lower Honoapiilani Road. Maui News.

Proposed Maui Solar-Plus-Storage Project Meeting. AES will host a community meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15, to share information and gather community feedback on a proposed solar-plus-storage project near Waikapu, Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Electric Company, in partnership with the County of Maui’s Department of Public Works, will begin installing approximately 4,800 new energy-saving fixtures for county-funded streetlights in November. Maui Now.

Kauai

County Council candidate: KipuKai Kualii. One thing is clear about KipuKai Kualii: He does not let disappointing defeats keep him from trying again. Garden Island.

Students take over county council. Kauai Council Chair Mel Rapozo said most of the students were unaware they could testify at the Council meetings Thursday when nearly two dozen students at the Kapaa High School American Problems class assumed various roles during the mock council meeting at the historic County Building. Garden Island.

Molokai
Scientists studying crickets on Molokai stumbled across a pretty incredible discovery recently, which they detailed in a new journal article. The upshot: Some crickets on the island are now purring. Hawaii News Now.