Vacation rental tax loss creates $33M hole in budget, visitor spending hits new record, assisted suicide bill advances in House, 'monster home' moratorium passes Honolulu council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki tourists and shoppers ©2018 All Hawaii News

Airbnb Revenue Loss Leaves a $33M Hole in Executive Budget. State lawmakers are tallying spending bills to balance the budget. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii tourism kicked off the new year with solid gains in visitor arrivals and spending, which rose to the highest statewide total for visitor spending ever recorded for a single month in Hawaii’s history. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor spending increased 4.9 percent to $1.69 billion in January, the highest statewide monthly total on record, according to preliminary statistics released Wednesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Independent airport authority bill passes Senate Ways and Means Committee hearing with amendments. Senate Bill 2996, which would transfer the operations of Hawaii’s 15 airports from the Hawaii Department of Transportation to an independent agency dedicated to managing and improving Hawaii’s airports, now moves to the House. Pacific Business News.

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Medical Aid In Dying Bill Takes Major Step Forward In Hawaii Legislature. The measure cleared a joint committee after additional safeguards were added. It now heads to a vote of the full House. Civil Beat.

The House Judiciary and Health and Human Services Committees passed the "Our Care Our Choice Bill" Wednesday. KITV.

Two key state House committees voted today to advance a controversial measure that would allow terminally ill patients to request prescriptions for lethal doses of medication. Star-Advertiser.

Two key House committees approved a controversial medical aid-in-dying measure Wednesday, paving the way for the bill to go to a full House vote. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Tourism Authority faces $30M budget cut after 'abusive' spending. Hawaii News Now.

A public hearing Wednesday on a state audit that found the Hawaii Tourism Authority suffered from “lax oversight (and) deficient internal controls” turned into a debate about whether the state’s record-setting tourism performance should override concerns about how the marketing agency operates. Star-Advertiser.

14 years after audit blasted Public Utilities Commission, new report finds not much has changed. Hawaii News Now.

Auditor: PUC Isn’t Keeping its Eye On ‘Big-Picture Matters’. The Public Utilities Commission staff is overloaded and lacks the proper tools and guidance, according to a state report. Civil Beat.

U.S. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa introduced a bill that could give floriculture research in Hawaii a boost. The State Assistance for Tropical Floriculture Research Act of 2018 would allow states to seek grants of at least $250,000 per year to research and develop disease-resistant varieties of tropical flowers. Tribune-Herald.

Tax Dollars May Get Tapped To Fly Homeless Out Of Hawaii. Privately financed relocation programs have already flown hundreds back to the mainland. Now there’s a move afoot to spend public money as well. Civil Beat.

A major construction delay at Halawa Correctional Facility will keep hundreds of Hawaii inmates on the mainland, and cost millions of our tax dollars. KHON2.

Homebuyers in Honolulu have the highest mortgage debt-to-income ratio in the nation, while homebuyers on Maui have a ratio that’s third-highest in the U.S., topped only by San Jose in California’s Silicon Valley, according to a report by the personal finance company SmartAsset. Pacific Business News.

There’s still plenty of opakapaka in Hawaii’s waters, according to a recently released federal assessment of Hawaii’s Deep 7 bottomfish stock. Garden Island.

The State’s monthly test of the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System, coordinated with the test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System, is scheduled for today, Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 11:45 a.m. Maui Now.

Oahu

Moratorium on ‘monster homes’ gets Council approval. After months of discussion, the Honolulu City Council approved a bill on Wednesday that imposes a moratorium on larger-scale houses in residential districts on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

City council passes bill to stop ‘monster homes’ by unanimous vote. KHON2.

Two measures aimed at giving breaks on taxes and fees to high-rise property owners in exchange for installing automated sprinkler systems in their buildings won final approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A 41-story residential tower, which drew criticism for its so-called poor door, won final approval by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday after the developer did away with separate entrances for homeowners and renters. Star-Advertiser.

Coming Soon To Ala Moana: Another 400-Foot Tower. After it nixed its “poor door” entrance, the ProsPac Tower developer gains zoning exemptions from the City Council. Civil Beat.

Rail inches closer to completion as vital operating system is activated. Hawaii News Now.

Former Queen's nurse awarded $3.8 million in racial discrimination suit. It's one of the largest damage awards in state history. Hawaii News Now.

Former Queen's Medical Center nurse, Ellen Harris was awarded more than $3.8 million in damages by a circuit court jury, on Wednesday. KITV.

Project Hiehie Oahu's first mobile shower for the homeless debuted this week. KITV.

The City Council unanimously approved Wednesday a $1 million payment to settle a lawsuit with a Kahala woman who sued the city for injuries she sustained when a coconut tree struck her in 2012 at a Waikiki park. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Lanes supporters rallying to save the Kailua bowling alley delivered a petition with more than 5,000 signatures to the headquarters of property owner Alexander &Baldwin on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Bill would require 4-wheel drive to enter Waipio, ascend Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is considering a Conservation District Use Application for the proposed Infrastructure Improvements at Maunakea Visitor Information Station. Big Island Video News.

Environmental officials are bracing for local repercussions from a U.S. appeals court ruling that Maui County violated the federal Clean Water Act in handling its treated wastewater. West Hawaii Today.

2 concepts create funding potential for Hawaii Island homeless initiative. West Hawaii Today.

Royal Hawaiian Orchards LP, Hawaii’s largest macadamia farm plans to exit the business of producing and selling packaged retail snacks by selling to a competitor after a six-year effort that failed to become a bigger profit generator. Star-Advertiser.

Acquisition combines Hawaii's 2 largest macadamia nut growers. Hilo-based macadamia nut producer Royal Hawaiian Orchards is selling its brands and macadamia nut snack products business to Buderim Group, the Australian parent of rival macadamia nut producer MacFarms LLC, in a deal that will create the largest retail marketer of branded macadamia nuts in the United States. Pacific Business News.

Maui

New $3-per-visit landfill fees generating $32,500 monthly. People making fewer visits but leaving same amount of trash. Maui News.

A council committee voted Wednesday in favor of allowing Honuaula Partners to build some or all of 250 affordable housing units within its 670-acre, master-planned community south of Maui Meadows. Maui News.

Mayor delivers his final State of the County. Arakawa shows he has no shortage of goals in his last year. Maui News.

Skyline Hawaii announced it has removed more than one ton of rubbish from Maui beaches since December 2017. The clean-up efforts are part of an on-going company campaign to address marine debris called Wipe Out Plastic. Maui Now.

EnSync Energy to deliver over $450K in cost savings to Maui nonprofit incubator space. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Council Chair Mel Rapozo told state transportation officials Wednesday a decision has to be made about the Hanalei Bridge, because it’s inadequate to meet rising traffic demands on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Program targets drug houses. Because Kauai is a small community, Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said it’s easy to know where the drug houses are, but it’s equally as difficult to build a case against a drug trafficking ring. Garden Island.

Ground broken for Koloa mixed-use project. Starting from Koloa Road across the Koloa post office, Koloa Village is scheduled to be completed in two phases. Garden Island.

Kauai sees record January visitor arrivals, spending. Garden Island.

Hee announces gubernatorial bid, medical aid in dying bill draws emotional testimony, Honolulu's homeless hygiene center, councilwoman wants business sponsorship of county facilities, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Clayton Hee Facebook photo

Longtime Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and former state Sen. Clayton Hee has announced he is running for governor, a relatively late entry into the Democratic primary that could dramatically alter the dynamics of the race. Star-Advertiser.

Former Sen. Clayton Hee Is Running For Governor. The longtime Hawaii lawmaker says Honolulu rail has been mismanaged and the money should be spent on other things. Civil Beat.

Former state senator Clayton Hee is joining the race to be Hawaii governor. Associated Press.

Clayton Hee seeks millennial, working class vote in race for governor. He enters the race as an underdog to incumbent Gov. David Ige and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Hawaii News Now.

Former Democratic state Senator Clayton Hee is the latest candidate to enter the race to be Hawaii's next governor. KITV.

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Hawaii’s powerful public-sector unions are bracing for a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could weaken their collective bargaining efforts for tens of thousands of local workers and, ultimately, their sway on the islands’ political landscape. Civil Beat.

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State lawmakers delay vote after hours of testimony on medically assisted death. More than 100 people testified over four hours for and against a bill that would allow terminally ill adults to obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of medication. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Aid In Dying Bill Generates An Emotional 5-Hour Hearing. House lawmakers deferred a vote on the measure until Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The House Health and Human Services and Judiciary Committees heard public testimony today on medical aid in dying legislation. Hawaii Public Radio.

After hours of passionate testimony, lawmakers delay vote on medical aid-in-dying bill. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's "Our Care Our Choice" bill would allow terminally ill patients to end their lives. KITV.

The issue of medically assisted suicide is once again on the table. Lawmakers listened to more than a hundred people testify for over five hours Tuesday morning. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige is supporting a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives if they choose. Tribune-Herald.

Bill on medical aid in dying assessed. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii May Switch To All-Mail Elections In 2020. A bill requiring the conversion in hopes of increasing voter turnout is headed to the House floor. Civil Beat.

Teachers who pay for classroom supplies could soon get tax deductions. A bill moving through the state legislature looks to ease the financial burden for teacher who pay for classroom supplies out of pocket. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Ways & Means Chair is blocking a bill to increase Hawaii's minimum wage. Hawaii News Now.

Consumer debt in Hawaii rose faster than the national average in 2017, increasing 4.1 percent compared with 3.5 percent across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Total consumer debt increased 4.1 percent for Hawaii consumers between the first and fourth quarter of 2017, higher than the 3.5 percent experienced at the national level, according to a report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency confirmed there will be no ballistic missile “attack warning” monthly siren test on Thursday — reversing this month’s practice and going against a recommendation from the state’s deputy adjutant general. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. is now accepting competitive bids to add 300 megawatts of renewable energy production on three islands, after receiving approval from the state Public Utilities Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

Pickups, SUVs and vans ruled the road in 2017 as Hawaii’s new-vehicle registrations increased for the seventh consecutive year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ex-HPD Major Wants Separate Trial In Corruption Case. An attorney for Gordon Shiraishi says he shouldn’t be lumped in with the other defendants in the Kealoha case. Associated Press.

Waikiki stakeholders are growing increasingly concerned that serious criminal activity like murders, youth gangs and prostitution could mar the state’s top tourist district. Star-Advertiser.

The drive to require sprinkler systems in older residential high-rises in the wake of the deadly Marco Polo fire has come down to final City Council votes today that if approved would mean a break on taxes and fees as incentives to defraying what many owners consider unreasonable costs. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s first mobile homeless hygiene center hits the road. A nonprofit group has imported a 26-foot trailer equipped with bathrooms and toilets and is already towing it around Oahu to provide homeless people a place to get clean — and perhaps lead them off the streets. Star-Advertiser.

Injured man says 'booby trap' was set up to deter hikers from Haiku Stairs. Hawaii News Now.

Parents and students rattled by elementary school lockdown. Ahuimanu Elementary School was placed on lockdown for about an hour while police pursued an auto theft suspect, spotted running through the area, police said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Oceanit only Hawaii recipient of federal research grant. Pacific Business News.

H Mart, a Korean grocery chain with several dozen stores in 12 Mainland states, is opening its first Hawaii location in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Colin Nishida, founder and chef at Side Street Inn, a beloved gathering place for many of Honolulu’s top chefs, died Sunday at age 61. Star-Advertiser.

Award winning Hawaii chef Colin Nishida, owner of the Side Street Inn, died on Sunday. He was 61 years old. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Commercial sponsorships of county facilities, programs considered as revenue source. Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy said her intent is to give the county another option as it likely faces tough decisions about making cuts or raising taxes going into the next budget cycle. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii selected three finalists to fill an open Hawaii County seat on the Board of Regents. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to replace an 86-year-old bridge in Waimea are gearing up again. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa gave his state of the county address on Tuesday. He said the county is financially stable, environmentally secure, and tourism is booming. KHON2.

Kauai

Business is booming and consumer confidence is growing — including on Kauai. Garden Island.

A career of service to children and families has led Koloa resident Norma Doctor Sparks to throw in her bid for County Council. Garden Island.

While two landslides have been cleaned from Kuhio Highway on the North Shore and traffic is flowing again, the state is planning some safety measures in the area. Garden Island.

Assisted suicide bill to be heard Tuesday, state tries to recoup $1.4M in salary over-payments, Hawaiian Airlines cuts two summer flights, homeless bills moving through Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2018 All Hawaii News

Proposed legislation that would allow terminally ill adults to end their lives with a lethal dose of prescription medication will get a public hearing Tuesday before the House Health and Human Services and Judiciary committees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House lawmakers are set to hear a medical aid in dying bill at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Capitol auditorium, giving hope to advocates who have sought the law for years. Civil Beat.

A key Senate committee has approved an increase in the state conveyance tax on sales of high-end homes to raise an additional $56 million a year for development of affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

State House rolls out bills on homeless crisis. Out of nine homeless-­related House bills introduced this session, only three remain active. Star-Advertiser.

The state as of Dec. 31 was still trying to reclaim balances on nearly $1.4 million in salary overpayments mistakenly made to public employees over the years — some stretching back as far as the 1990s. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require counties to get abandoned vehicles off public roads will be considered by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means this Wednesday before the proposal can go before the full state Senate for a vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has appointed Ken Kitamura as deputy director of the state Department of Budget and Finance. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Red Cross is sending a volunteer to provide comfort to those affected by the deadly mass shooting at a school in Florida: state Rep. Ryan Yamane. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines has removed two seasonal summer flights between the Bay Area and Hawaii due to an unexpected delay in the delivery of the airline’s new Airbus A321neo fleet. Pacific Business News.

Alexander & Baldwin Acquires Three Hawaii Retail Centers. Maui Now.

Maui restaurant The Banyan Tree was added to the The American Automobile Association Four Diamond list while two Oahu restaurants once again earned the Five Diamond Award. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Conceptual plans showing how Honolulu’s rail project could extend beyond Ala Moana Center to the University of Hawaii in Manoa suggest that any future extension could tremendously alter the shopping center and other properties in the Kapiolani district. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses hurt by rail construction will be able to apply for grants or loans from the city’s transit mitigation fund if the Honolulu City Council passes a measure introduced by Councilman Joey Manahan. Civil Beat.

Amid increasing concerns from state officials, the nearly 200 residents of one of Oahu’s largest homeless encampments welcomed hundreds of curious people inside Sunday with the message that the encampment on state-owned land is a better alternative than another law enforcement sweep. Star-Advertiser.

Dodging Oncoming Cars Is A Way Of Life In Crowded Kaimuki. In many of Honolulu’s older neighborhoods, narrow two-way streets really function as one-lane roads. But there’s little impetus to fix them. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Schools Chief: Threats Against Schools ‘Aren’t Taken Lightly’. Honolulu police say there have been more than a dozen social media posts since January threatening violence at Oahu schools. Civil Beat.

The isle building boom’s downside is a trio of disputes over workmanship. Honolulu's  construction industry received three big black eyes in the last year from high-profile project defect disputes: a state airport maintenance facility, a city traffic management center and a luxury condominium tower. Star-Advertiser.

Poor aircraft maintenance, including lack of grease in a vital drive shaft, was pegged as the probable cause of a helicopter crash near the USS Arizona Memorial that killed a 16-year-old boy in 2016, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser.

A wallaby that sought refuge at the Halawa Correctional Facility on Friday after it was hit by a car in the area is OK, according to city officials. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Thirty Meter Telescope manufacturing continues despite legal setbacks. The TMT International Observatory board of directors, representing the five partner countries, is expected to decide in April whether to stay in Hawaii or move to Spain’s Canary Islands. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island Tourism Director Crunches Visitor Numbers. Big Island Video News.

Measures seek to extend ag theft and vandalism pilot program on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Plan for Kona coffee megafarm raises concerns. Kona Hills LLC, recently sought state permission to import 1.5 million coffee seed embryos from Costa Rica as part of an effort to establish what would be the largest Kona coffee farm in history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County has tossed out the bids for a sewer project in Lono Kona and plans to rebid the project next week. West Hawaii Today.

A project to widen 2.8 miles of Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea is back on the road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran made her candidacy for mayor official Friday, filing her nomination papers and becoming the third current or former council member to jump into the race to succeed Mayor Alan Arakawa, who can’t seek re-election because of term limits. Maui News.

Age discrimination complaint advances in federal court. Ex-county employee claims termination was retaliation. Maui News.

In light of constant traffic, frequent rescues and the occasional tragedy, East Maui residents have been working to increase safety and awareness along the road to Hana. Maui News.

Officials survey aftermath of Waihee River flood. Maui News.

Kauai

Improvements to a $670,000 Poipu Beach Park project are complete, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Garden Island.

Both lanes of Kuhio Highway in Wainiha were opened just after 3 p.m. Sunday. Landslides caused by heavy rains completely blocked the highway Friday morning. Garden Island.

The 14th Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon will be the last one for Bernard Carvalho Jr. as the mayor of Kauai. Garden Island.

Jobs for homeless, taxes, green fuel and Oahu ferry on Legislature's agenda, Haleakala rules rile native practitioner, Abercrombie blasts committee for killing aid in dying bill, coffee season promising, Kauai trail to open, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo homeless man reads up on money-making © 2017 All Hawaii News

A measure before state lawmakers would launch a day laborer program to give Hawaii’s homeless alternatives to panhandling. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie is blasting a House committee for shelving a high-profile bill that would allow terminally ill patients to obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of medication and says lawmakers should resurrect the measure through a rarely used clause in the state Constitution that would allow for a full floor vote on the bill. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are exploring progressive taxes, green fuel and a potential Oahu ferry route in the upcoming week at the Legislature. Associated Press.

The state Public Utilities Commission is giving the solar industry more time to add customers who are looking to get credit on their electrical bills for the excess energy their rooftop systems produce. Star-Advertiser.

The 2016-17 Hawaii coffee season looks promising statewide with preliminary estimates calling for an increase in production, yield and value. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii may not often appear as itself in movies but as a shooting location, it has been on a hot streak. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines and its 670 pilots agreed on a 63-month contract amendment, resulting in a one-time cash payment of $55 million to $60 million, according to a filing the airline made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines’ pilots, ending more than two years of contentious negotiations, have ratified a new 63-month contract worth 42 percent more than the existing agreement. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Hawaii’s ailing GOP won’t grow more popular while riding the coattails of Trump. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A year and a half after Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed the accessory dwelling unit ordinance into law, interest has been growing, with more than 1,280 homeowners submitting “pre-check” forms to see whether their lot qualifies for the addition. Star-Advertiser.

The city is proposing several short-term projects in Waipahu, some of which are already funded, in an effort to build on existing transit-oriented development plans and to prepare the area for rail’s arrival. Star-Advertiser.

Using your cellphone while behind the wheel is against the law, but one Honolulu City Council member is looking to take that a step further. His proposal would make it illegal for pedestrians to use an electronic device while crossing the street. KHON2.

The state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch reported that the its water quality alert notification for Sans Souci Beach in Waikiki has been cancelled. Star-Advertiser.

A multi-million dollar Honolulu safe house meant to be used by victims of domestic violence is being criticized by advocates at both the local and national levels for failing to live up to its mission. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Saturday marked the first-ever East Hawaii Republican County Convention, where party members gathered to select committee officers and delegates for the upcoming state party convention, to be held in May on Kauai. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council and Mayor Harry Kim remain at odds over the canceling of a composting contract. Tribune-Herald.

Lack of state funds threaten to discontinue Veterans Treatment Court. The Big Island Veterans Treatment Court is now facing an unknown future as funding to continue the program has not yet been determined. West Hawaii Today.

If the county truly supports sustainable agriculture, says Fred Housel, it will lower the tax rate on agricultural property. Now the highest rate in the state, the agricultural rate was increased by 31.5 percent in 2010. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. says in its latest filing to the state Public Utilities Commission that it can achieve the state’s goal of 100 percent renewable energy, possibly even before the state-mandated deadline of 2045. Tribune-Herald.

The cost of your future electric bill rests, once again, with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Tribune-Herald.

More Big Island high school students enrolled in college and participated in dual-credit programs last year, but four-year high school graduation rates dropped slightly. Tribune-Herald.

The contractor in charge of a project to provide aeration pump upgrades and sludge removal at the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant has defaulted, and dredging of the facility’s sludge ponds has come to a temporary halt, according to the Department of Environmental Management. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Haleakala National Park ranger and a teacher from an Oahu public charter school got into a heated argument over cultural practice conflicting with park safety, and a video of the recent exchange is going viral on social media. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Medical Cannabis Dispensary to Open this Summer. Nearly 100 well-wishers attended Friday’s blessing of Maui Grown Therapies, one of two medical cannabis dispensaries on Maui. Maui Now.

Maui County’s unemployment rate continues to tick downward. Maui News.

UH-MC students swap coral-killing sunscreens for ‘reef safe’ versions. Maui News.

Kauai

Council OKs use of trail to Koloa shoreline. Kauai residents will soon be able to legally access a dirt trail in Koloa to get to the shoreline. Garden Island.

Kapaa High School saw one of the highest increases in student enrollment in dual-credit courses in the state, from 8 percent to 23 percent. Garden Island.

Department of Water officials announced the completion of the Halewili Road Main Replacement Project in Kalaheo, and recently held a dedication ceremony at the project site. Garden Island.

Assisted suicide bill dies in Legislature, Trump judge threatened, 24/7 alcohol purchases now allowed on Maui, bacteria at Waikiki beach, fuel tax bill killed, hope for coral reefs, utilities model mulled by potential buyers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ornate butterflyfish with damaged coral © 2017 All Hawaii News

New information could be on the horizon for the world’s declining coral reefs, as well as a more complete picture of their health. Garden Island.

The FBI says authorities are aware that the federal judge in Hawaii who ruled against President Donald Trump’s travel ban has received threatening messages. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers defeat a bill allowing terminally ill patients to end their own lives.The action comes after decades of debate, which culminated in hours of testimony Thursday morning.  Associated Press.

A bill that would allow terminally ill patients to obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of medication is dead for the year after the House Health Committee deferred the measure, saying, in part, that there were too many kinks to be worked out before the legislative session ends in May. Star-Advertiser.

A lack of specifics in the current draft of the controversial 'Death with Dignity' bill is partially the reason some lawmakers decided to table the issue. Hawaii News Now.

The House Health Committee killed a bill Thursday that would have made it legal for Hawaii adults diagnosed with a terminal illness to take medication that would end their lives. Garden Island.

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The state House and Senate separately — and unanimously — passed bills earlier this month to extend and expand tax credits for low-income people while raising taxes on the wealthy. Civil Beat.

A bill that would have increased Hawaii’s fuel tax to fund state highway improvement projects is dead. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii legislative committees have passed new versions of bills addressing vacation rentals. Lawmakers have been keen to devise ways to make sure vacation rental operators are paying transient accommodation taxes just like hotels. Associated Press.

Another attempt to consolidate management and planning for Hawaii’s airports is making its way through the state House of Representatives. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a proposal to hire an independent certified public accounting firm to conduct a wide-ranging financial audit and management review of the agency and its subsidiaries. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighters’ meal allowance among points of discussion as contract negotiations continue. KHON2.

Companies are lining up to possibly buy Hawaiian Electric Co. subsidiary Maui Electric Co., the mayor of Maui County confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Washington D.C.-based Twenty First Century Utilities, a company looking to own and operate regulated utilities, proposed a business model that could be used in Hawaii at the Maui Energy Conference. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Energy Conference: ‘What Type Of Place Are We Trying To Create?’ Experts discussed Hawaii’s move away from fossil fuels amid buzz about another potential buyer for Hawaiian Electric. Civil Beat.

The Maui Energy Conference, which is currently underway in its fourth year, reports the highest amount of attendees in its short history, a conference organizer confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The state Health Department is warning the public about elevated bacteria levels at popular Kaimana Beach in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials are warning beach lovers in Waikiki about a spike in an “indicator bacteria” in the waters off Sans Souci Beach that could lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Star-Advertiser.

Sick beachgoers say 'cesspool' at Pokai Bay is source of infections. Hawaii News Now.

Some City Council members are trying to block transferring oversight of Thomas Square to the Department of Enterprise Services from the Department of Parks and Recreation amid concerns the move could commercialize the historic site. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers discuss homeless concerns as retailers prepare to open in Iwilei. KHON2.

If you park in front of your own driveway, you could get a ticket.  But, a proposal from Honolulu Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi could change that. KITV.

A scary encounter involving two female city workers and a homeless man is highlighting the need for increased security at Honolulu Hale. Hawaii News Now.

It might only be a temporary grass lawn, but construction of a “central plaza” at Ward Village in Kakaako is slated to move forward by the end of this year with the demolition of several warehouse buildings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Planned upgrades at the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant won’t only offer recycled water to irrigate growing Kona developments, they can also drastically reduce the discharge of nitrogen and phosphorus — two nutrients that can be harmful if they get into groundwater. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Residents on Maui can now purchase alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Maui is the first county in the state to relax existing liquor laws that restrict the sale of alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County is the first in the state to allow stores to sell alcohol any time of the day. KHON2.

The Department of Liquor Control on Maui has lifted the time restriction on the sale of alcohol at retail locations and hotels in Maui County. Maui Now.

In addition to eliminating dry hours for alcohol sales at retail stores and hotels, the Maui County Liquor Commission approved rule changes allowing home delivery of alcoholic beverages and removing the more than three-decade-old cap on the number of hostess bars in the county. Maui News.

Work has begun on buildings in the first phase of Alexander & Baldwin’s Kamalani project in Kihei with the first affordable units expected to be completed in the summer, an A&B official said Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The blessing of Koloa Landing, Phase III marked the completion of the $100 million expansion project on 25 acres leading to the rocky coastline adjacent to the Koloa Landing small boat launch site. Garden Island.

A claim filed by Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry was discussed in executive session during the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii set to be first to challenge Trump's travel ban, state Senate passes assisted suicide bill, Honolulu may charge for checkout bags, Kona beach closed after high bacteria counts, Kauai searches for entangled humpback, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 Feb. 10, 2017, rally, courtesy Muslim Association of Hawaii

Hawaii is expected to become the first state in the nation to challenge President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is poised to challenge President Donald Trump’s new executive order on immigration as early as Wednesday — more than a week before the travel ban is set to take effect. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is not wasting any time challenging President Donald Trump's new travel ban. KITV.

A day after President Donald Trump signed a revised travel ban, attorneys for Hawaii said the state plans to challenge that order as well. Associated Press.

As Hawaii Muslims offered mid-day prayers Tuesday, the president of their association talked about recent anonymous hate messages directed at the Oahu mosque and its members via social media posts, emails and voicemail messages. Hawaii News Now.

Statement of Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin can be found here.

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Hawaii’s full Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to advance a bill that would let terminally ill patients obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of drugs after an emotional debate on the floor that included one senator’s personal story about his battle with pancreatic cancer and why he opposed giving patients the option to end their own lives. Star-Advertiser.

Aid In Dying Bill Clears Senate Despite Emotional Appeal. On a big day at the Capitol, senators also passed a rail tax bill while the House voted to decriminalize drug paraphernalia possession. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate passed a bill to allow terminally ill patients to receive medical aid in dying, one of hundreds of bills lawmakers passed Tuesday ahead of a legislative deadline. Associated Press.

The state Senate passed a medical aid-in-dying bill and a bill to ban vaping and smoking on all University of Hawaii campuses. The two measures were among hundreds of bills lawmakers passed Tuesday ahead of a legislative deadline. Tribune-Herald.

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Growth in visitor arrivals has outpaced hotel usage in Hawaii, according to a recent survey commissioned by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which shows consumer demand for alternative accommodations is growing. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education promises to be open and transparent regarding its search for a new superintendent. KHON2.

The ideal candidate to be Hawaii’s next schools superintendent will be a “transformational leader” who encourages innovation and risk-taking, inspires teamwork and demonstrates a deep commitment to helping students maximize their potential, according to a list of job characteristics endorsed by the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health said today that Meadow Gold Dairies may resume selling 2 percent reduced-fat milk processed at its Honolulu plant after sales were suspended more than a week ago because of signs of potential contamination. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of public school teachers across Hawaiʻi waved signs to motorists before school this morning, Tuesday, March 7, and then walked into schools together before classes began. Maui Now.

Oahu

The state Senate passed a proposal to deal with Oahu’s troubled transit project Tuesday, but not before several members vented about the city’s handling of rail and called for more accountability. Star-Advertiser.

A bill expanding the city’s controversial “sit-lie” ordinance into Iwilei and additional parts of Kapalama moved out of a City Council committee Tuesday after receiving passionate testimony from area merchants and residents. Star-Advertiser.

Paper or plastic? Either way, you’d have to pay under a proposal to make Honolulu’s plastic bag ban even stricter. KHON2.

A leading surfers group, with a track record for stopping projects, turned out in full force Tuesday to make waves against a plan to replace Waikiki’s aging Royal Hawaiian Groin with a design that has a much larger footprint. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Foodbank expects to save about $2.1 million over the next 25 years on its newly installed rooftop solar energy system, the Honolulu-based nonprofit said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's residents take the top spot in terms of the country’s happiest and healthiest, but those who call urban Honolulu home appear to be below the state’s average. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: The Honolulu Ethics Commission last month concluded it lacks legal authority to apply the conflict of interest prohibitions and disclosure requirements of the ethics code to City Council members who receive significant campaign support from special interest groups. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued a beach advisory for Kona Coast Beach Park Tuesday, citing elevated levels of enterococci bacteria in the water. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Public Works is instituting new procedures — such as requiring tools to be checked in and out each day — in response to an audit that found too much inventory unaccounted for. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the U.S.-Japan Council, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit educational organization, will host the first ever Japan-Hawaii Economic Summit in Kona from May 9-11. Pacific Business News.

Teachers rally for better wages. West Hawaii Today.

A woman wearing a full-face snorkel mask died at Pohoiki Bay. Her husband thinks the new style of mask may be to blame, but no one keeps track of the equipment being used when someone drowns. Civil Beat.

Maui

Teachers out in force. Maui News.

Overnight receiving kennels for strays and owner-surrendered animals at The Maui Humane Society shelter in Puunene will be closed on April 1 in a decision made for “the welfare of the animals,” said the nonprofit organization’s chief executive officer. Maui News.

Kauai

A search continues for an entangled humpback whale last seen near Koloa Landing on Kauai’s south side at 9 a.m. Monday by a kayaker about a mile off-shore. Garden Island.

Educators push for progress in contract talks. Garden Island.

Kauai Women’s Caucus aims to bring social change. Garden Island.

Assisted suicide bill clears Senate panel, property taxes could rise to pay for income tax cut, Caldwell's State of the City tonight, Maui may allow advertising at county facilities, firefighters union seeks insignia on uniforms, fewer whales entangled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise © All Hawaii News

Hawaii bill would allow medical aid in dying. Associated Press.

Senate Bill 1129, the “medical aid in dying” bill, which would allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to self-administer medication to end their own lives, with an amendment to allow advanced practice registered nurses in addition to doctors to prescribe lethal drugs, passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health  on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Aid In Dying Bill Stays Alive In Hawaii Senate. The proposal, which didn’t even receive a hearing last year, has cleared one committee and its prospects seem good in a second. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health voted 6-0 Wednesday to recommend passing a “death with dignity” bill after testimony poured in during an emotional hearing Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

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A bill that could force Hawaii’s four counties to raise property taxes was passed Tuesday by the House Tourism Committee. Maui News.

House Bill 1586 aims to reduce income taxes on low-income and middle-income families, as well as seniors, by eliminating the counties' share of the transient accommodations tax on hotels and short-term rentals. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers have advanced hotly contested bills this month that would allow Airbnb, and similar online vacation rental platforms, to collect taxes on behalf of the state. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to deploy high-tech cameras for traffic enforcement by photographing the license plates of motorists who run red lights has been approved by two committees in the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Tightening The Rules For Lobbyists. Lobbyists spent millions trying to influence lawmakers last year. Civil Beat.

Operators of Hawaii’s wind farms are poised to spend more than $4 million on efforts to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, and may eventually spend up to $6 million. Civil Beat.

The federal government has filed a lawsuit against Discovering Hidden Hawaii Tours Inc., alleging that the company’s president sexually harassed male employees for more than a decade. Star-Advertiser.

A man who controls three related Hawaii tour companies subjected male employees to sexual harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Associated Press.

If, as the classic 1980s TV commercial advises, you’re looking for the union label, you’re not likely to find it on Hawaii firefighters uniforms any time soon. West Hawaii Today.

The number of whales getting tangled up in fishing gear in Hawaiian waters has been on the decline. Associated Press.

Not a single whale entanglement has been reported almost four months into whale season in Hawaiian waters. Maui News.

Kelvin Taketa, who has led the Hawaii Community Foundation for nearly 20 years, said Wednesday that he will step down as soon as the board names a new CEO. Pacific Business News.

Gary Caulfield, First Hawaiian Bank vice chairman and chief information officer, is retiring after 34 years at the bank. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s fifth State of the City address tonight will focus on a revamped plan to give incentives to housing developers in exchange for providing more affordable rentals to those most in need — and keeping them affordable longer. Star-Advertiser.

Bills that would extend Oahu’s rail tax easily advanced in both Legislative chambers Wednesday, but the measures now face tougher scrutiny in the House and Senate’s money committees. Star-Advertiser.

Most of the action so far regarding finding more money for Honolulu’s rail project has taken place in the state Senate, but now the House of Representatives is getting involved. Civil Beat.

There were a few key junctures in the long, convoluted story of Honolulu’s rail project.  Getting the point five percent general excise tax increase was one, and the decision to go with an elevated system is another. Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic and affordable housing are the most pressing issues for Island residents according to a statewide survey for the Hawaii Association of Realtors, though less than half of Oahu respondents support extending the general excise tax beyond 2027 to fund rail completion beyond Middle Street. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu International Airport could lose one of its runways under a plan to improve runway safety. KHON2.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner has recommended suspending for two years the search for a chancellor for the Manoa campus, following an unsuccessful nationwide search to fill the position. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission is aiming for the department's new chief to be sworn-in this summer. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Police Department may reopen a criminal case involving the suspected assault of a toddler at a day care run by the wife of a Honolulu police officer in response to a Civil Beat story that uncovered serious flaws in the investigation.

A former student at Pearl City High School has filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Education in a case where she was sexually assaulted by a special needs student in 2012. Hawaii News Now.

Senia, long-planned and recently opened by chefs Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush, and Vino, run by master sommelier Chuck Furuya, have been nominated for 2017 James Beard Awards in separate categories. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The third try might be the charm for securing legislative funding for rat lungworm disease research. Tribune-Herald.

A state Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer on trial for the alleged sexual assault of a then-16-year-old girl on a Hilo beach on New Year’s Day 2016 admitted Wednesday he kissed the girl but testified she initiated it. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County is seeking more income through a bill that would allow businesses and nonprofits to advertise at county parks, sponsor an event or allow an entity to become an exclusive provider for things such as soft drinks at county concessions. Maui News.

Saying “nobody here wants this,” angry residents voiced overwhelming opposition to TEACH, the group that plans to turn Old Maui High School into a center for agriculture, housing and education. Maui News.

Kauai

Increasing tourist traffic, adding user fees and allowing people to book tee times online are just some suggestions to drum up business at the Wailua Golf Course. Garden Island.

County officials hope an audit of the Kauai Humane Society, paired with new leadership, will help steer the organization in a positive direction. Garden Island.

Gary Hooser, former Kauai County councilman, is joining Kauai Community Radio. Garden Island.

Motorcyclists seek to weave in traffic; minimum wage, commercial fishermen, pesticide, assisted suicide, prostitution bills mulled by Legislature; Park Service loses Keauhou aquifer protection bid; Waikiki bacteria level high, Roth cleared in ethics charge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mutt on a motorcycle © 2017 All Hawaii News

Motorcycle rights advocates are pushing to pass a law that would allow bikers in Hawaii to ride in-between vehicles while in traffic. Hawaii News Now.

Minimum Wage Hike Clears Hawaii Senate Committee. Supporters call the current wage woefully inadequate in such an expensive state. Businesses argue $15 would be devastating. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers to hear 'death with dignity' bill today. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday calling for more oversight of the commercial fishing industry after an Associated Press investigation found hundreds of foreign fishermen confined to boats and some living in subpar conditions. Associated Press.

There’s one bill before the legislature this session that is focusing on an alternative to criminalizing prostitution. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Hawaii Restrict Pesticides, Require More Disclosure From Big Ag? After a federal court shot down the efforts of individual counties, advocates of more regulation have only the Legislature to turn to. Civil Beat.

A bill that would help families fight lawsuits like recent ones filed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to acquire ancestral lands in Hawaii by forced sale took its first step forward at the state Legislature on Tuesday, buoyed by Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals. Star-Advertiser.

The teachers union’s property tax proposal to generate more funding for public schools advanced another step at the state Capitol on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Committee on Housing advanced a bill that would have real estate investment trusts, or REITs, pay Hawaii corporate income taxes on income the companies pass to their shareholders. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the board of the Hawaii Tourism Authority is calling on state Sen. Glenn Wakai to either produce some evidence of wrongdoing by HTA or apologize to the agency’s leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s profit rose 5.5 percent in the fourth quarter as the company rebounded from costs related to its failed sale to Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., the parent of Hawaiian Electric Co. and American Savings Bank, on Tuesday reported a profit of $248.3 million, or $2.29 per diluted share, for all of 2016, compared to $159.9 million, or $1.50 per diluted share in 2015. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

An autistic high school student raped a classmate while the adult assigned to monitor him was taking a nap, said a federal lawsuit accusing Hawaii’s statewide school district of negligence. Associated Press.

The Department of Health is issuing an advisory after high levels of bacteria were detected in waters off Waikiki. KHON2.

Many miss out on Brown Water Advisory message. KITV.

Hawaii

After hours of testimony before a packed hearing room at the West Hawaii Civic Center, the state Commission on Water Resource Management Tuesday denied the National Park Service’s petition to declare the Keauhou Aquifer system a state ground water management area. West Hawaii Today.

It was standing room only Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center for the meeting of the State Commission on Water Resource Management, as they voted to deny the National Park Service its request to take over managing part of West Hawaii’s water. Big Island Video News.

County Prosecutor Mitch Roth was cleared Tuesday of allegations he violated the county ethics code when he testified about perceived corruption in the Department of Land and Natural Resources at an Oct. 28 Land Board hearing in Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is fining a landowner for building an illegal seawall on Lalakea pond after state officials declined to levy a penalty. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Organizers of a community meeting in Pāʻia were met with heavy opposition from area residents to plans for leasing the Old Maui High School campus to TEACH Development LLC, a company that is looking to use the 23 acre campus. Maui Now.

Pono Life Sciences Maui LLC received a notice to proceed to acquire and cultivate medical marijuana from the Hawaii State Department of Health on Tuesday, making it the fourth dispensary to get the approval and the second Maui licensee to meet the requirements. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Two bills that could affect quiet title law, kuleana land ownership and a historic trail on the island unanimously passed legislative committee on Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Hawaii State Department of Health is allowing an extension of the decision-making period for the Hawaii Dairy Farms Final Environmental Impact Statement. Garden Island.

The recently released Kauai Humane Society audit will be presented at today’s Kauai County Council meeting. Garden Island.

The Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely detonated a live hand grenade at a remote location in Kalaheo Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported. Garden Island.