Felonies charged in FBI probe of Honolulu police, no source determined in Marco Polo condo fire, helicopter crashes off Molokai, Navy says sonar didn't cause whale beaching, Oahu prepares for Trump visit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Police file photo, courtesy HPD

A current police officer and a retired police major were both released from federal custody on $50,000 signature bonds Monday, a day after they were arrested in connection with a public corruption case tied to the investigation of the alleged theft of retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s mailbox. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu police officers have been charged with felonies in connection with the ongoing federal corruption investigation into the Honolulu Police Department, its former chief and his deputy prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu police officer and a retired major are among those who participated in framing a man for stealing a mailbox from the home of the department's former chief, federal prosecutors said Monday. Associated Press.

Unpaid leave for officer charged in mailbox case. Associated Press.

A Honolulu police officer and retired major appeared in court Monday after being charged as part of the years-long federal investigation into public corruption at some of the highest levels of Oahu's law enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

Attorneys claim arrests made to compel cooperation in alleged corruption investigation. A retired Honolulu police major and current officer are out on bond after being arrested as part of an alleged corruption investigation involving Honolulu’s former chief of police. KHON2.

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President Donald Trump’s first official trip to Hawaii and Asia will include a stop at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, the White House said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Pro-Rail Groups Spent $200K On Special Session Lobbying Blitz. Most of the money came from developers, laborers and contractors with a stake in the Honolulu rail project. Civil Beat.

Astronomy’s ‘discovery of the century’ helps explain ‘cosmic bling’. Confirmation of the collision, the first ever detected kilonova, was announced Monday following a blitz of science throughout two months. Tribune-Herald.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii were part of a major scientific discovery, after they were able to confirm the observation of a binary neutron star merger and resulting kilonova explosion. Pacific Business News.

Pan-STARRS Observatory captures cosmic event. On the evening of Aug. 17, astronomers atop Haleakala were preparing to train the world’s largest digital camera onto a spot in the sky where, hours earlier, teams on the U.S. Mainland and in Chile had detected strange bursts of energy. Maui News.

'An example of aloha': Akaka reflects on his legacy, retirement and staying active. Surrounded by family and friends, former U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka last month celebrated his 93rd birthday at Chef Chai. Hawaii News Now.

Island Air, which brought in a new fleet of larger aircraft this year amid its aggressive expansion strategy, filed Monday for Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air announced Monday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. KHON2.

Honolulu-based Island Air said Monday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to continue normal operations while dealing with legal challenges recently presented by the airline’s aircraft lessors. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Investigators have been unable to determine the cause of the Marco Polo condominium complex fire, city officials announced today, more than three months after the July 14 blaze, which left four people dead and caused more than $100 million in damage. Star-Advertiser.

Three months after a fire swept through the upper floors of the landmark Marco Polo condominium in Moiliili, killing four people and causing more than $100 million in damage, city officials still cannot say precisely what caused the largest structural fire in Honolulu history. Civil Beat.

Fire investigators have not been able to determine the source of the deadly Marco Polo fire. Hawaii Public Radio.

After an exhaustive analysis, the mayor says the cause of the massive, Marco Polo blaze continues to elude investigators.  Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Fire Chief Manuel Neves say the cause of a deadly, seven-alarm fire at the Marco Polo high-rise building could not be determined. KHON2.

The cause of the 7-alarm fire at the Marco Polo is still unknown following a three-month investigation. Pacific Business News.

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Questions Surface Over Integrity Of HPD Chief Candidate. A well-known former Hawaii judge is raising a red flag about Honolulu police chief finalist Tommy Aiu. But no one will talk about what’s behind it. Civil Beat.

At least 180 squatters living under Nimitz viaduct prepare to move out. More than a dozen outreach workers canvassed the area beneath the Nimitz viaduct Monday morning alerting squatters to an upcoming sweep. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police are increasing patrols in Waikiki after a recent string of crimes in the area. KITV.

A former high-ranking FBI official in Honolulu is under fire after a local nonprofit accused him of stealing more than $33,000. Hawaii News Now.

Weather delays salvage efforts for grounded fishing vessel in Waikiki. The Coast Guard made another attempt Monday to remove a fishing vessel that's been stuck in shallow waters off Waikiki for about a week, but salvage efforts will be delayed again. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Economic Association Panel: International Cargo Ships Too Big for Honolulu Harbor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines has finished tens of millions of dollars in fixes to “defects, deficiencies and incompletions” in a new maintenance and cargo hangar at the Daniel K. Ino­uye International Airport in Honolulu, and its chief executive officer, Mark Dunkerley, is calling for a state investigation to determine how the long-delayed project got so far off track. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. said Monday that the typical HECO bill in October for an Oahu household using 500 kilowatt-hours was $139.91, or 25.9 cents a kilowatt-hour, up 17 cents from $139.74 in September when the effective rate was also 25.9 cents a kilowatt-hour. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County’s Camp Kikaha was offered as an example of a successful homeless safe zone at a meeting in Honolulu last week of a state panel charged with studying the concept. The camp is the only government-sanctioned temporary homeless neighborhood in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

An individual at Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School in Hilo has been infected with the mumps virus, the school confirmed in a letter Monday. Forty-two documented mumps cases in Hawaii County have been confirmed since Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

A fire at the old Hilo jail building at the corner of Waianuenue Avenue and Komohana Street was extinguished Monday evening and one man was arrested, according to the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Drug Court graduates 13. The drug court program continues to increase the number of graduates since its inception in 2011. West Hawaii Today.

Five captive-reared alala, or Hawaiian crow, were released into the wild last week, part of conservationists’ second attempt in the past year to replenish the population of the critically endangered bird in its native habitat. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Eleven East Maui residents have filed a petition to intervene in the Nahiku Community Center project, which currently is undergoing permit and land use change reviews by the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Navy rules out sonar use as cause of mass whale stranding on Kauai. In a statement, the Navy confirmed it does not have any reports of any sonar use within five nautical miles or 24 hours of Friday's incident that left five whales dead at Kalapaki Beach. Hawaii News Now.

A conservation official says Hawaii's plan to eradicate a small crescent-shaped island's rat infestation via air drops of poison has worked, with no signs of negative impact on marine life. Associated Press.

The County of Kauai has scheduled an eight-hour water shutdown for customers in the Kalepa Village Apartments on Kalepa Circle and Kale Place in Hanamaulu on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Coast Guard is continuing to search for two people from a downed helicopter off of Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

Rescue crews continue searching for missing helicopter off Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical Storm Guillermo stays north of Hawaii, astronomers convention faces protests, turtles close USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii county council takes up Roundup regs today, Native Hawaiians to vote on governance, Kauai group mulls marijuana dispensary, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tuesday 5 a.m. Tropical Storm Guillermo, courtesy Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Tuesday 5 a.m. update: Weakened Tropical Storm Guillermo expected to stay north of Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii and Maui counties remain under tropical storm watch. Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

An international gathering of astronomers began in Honolulu on Monday, a two-week event that University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy Director Gunther Hasinger described as “the Olympic Games of our discipline.” Star-Advertiser.

Election Details Going Out to Native Hawaiian Roll Voters. It’s in order to participate in the process of a future constitutional convention for kanaka maoli self-governance. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Connector insurance exchange has issued a request for proposals for an IT vendor to archive its data and dismantle its system as it winds down operations. After spending approximately $130 million on the Connector system build-out, the state has opted to move to the federal healthcare.gov exchange, instead of the Hawaii Health Connector, which was established as a nonprofit entity in 2011. Pacific Business News.

Amid dismal voter turnout numbers, state leaders will speak in the courtyard of the state Capitol on Thursday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the federal Voting Rights Act and kick off a local effort to encourage more residents to vote. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Tour Marijuana Stores in Colorado. A dozen of our legislators were reported to be in Vail last week for the Council of State Governments West annual convention. Civil Beat.

Hawaii regulators are calling on a nationally known expert in "Demand Response," a program that gets consumers to shift their electricity use during peak periods, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's average mortgage closing costs of $2,163 are the highest in the nation, according to a new comparison. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty boats left Hawaii this weekend on a unique mapping mission: To record the size and location of the plastic garbage over 1.4 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Associated Press.

Oahu
The state Public Utilities Commission said Monday it approved four of seven utility-scale solar projects on Oahu, placing conditions to make sure residents won’t have to pay if developers miss out on a federal tax credit. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co.’s current controversial rooftop solar photovoltaic program, which has been major driver responsible for the record amounts of residential solar being integrated into the utility’s grid, has some serious issues, according to a new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Pacific Business News.

Protected sea turtles with a newfound interest in the floating dock for the USS Arizona Memorial have resulted in about 7,000 people not being able to set foot on the memorial since Wednesday, the National Park Service said. Star-Advertiser.

Homelessness was one of the issues taken up at the National Association for Rural Mental Health conference in Waikiki over the weekend. Hawaii Public Radio.

While new places to relocate homeless people were being talked about at the Capitol on Monday, more of them were displaced a few miles away — this time, from an encampment under the H-1 freeway by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Transportation on Monday cleaned out a small but troublesome homeless encampment across from the Market City Shopping Center — and Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell hours later said they’re still working on a plan to clear out the expanding homeless encampment in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

City officials are ending a long-time deal that was designed to help protect an East Oahu nature preserve while also providing access to fishing clubs. Hawaii News Now.

About 40 tons of contaminated soil from Radford High School wound up in the backyard of a home in the exclusive Haiku Plantations community in Kaneohe. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu's planned rail line drew significantly fewer state tax dollars than expected this past quarter. The project received $52.3 million in rail taxes during the quarter that ended June 30. That's more than $8 million short of the amount that had been projected. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille is making good on her vow to ease the island away from Roundup and similar herbicide applications at county parks and along county-maintained thoroughfares. Wille’s Bill 71, to be heard by the council Committee on Environmental Management on Tuesday, would ban a long list of herbicides, including Monsanto Co.’s glyphosate-based Roundup. West Hawaii Today.

Six scientists will spend a year together in isolation on the Big Island as they embark on the longest Mars habitat simulation ever attempted in the United States. Starting Aug. 28, the crew of three men and three women will lock themselves in a small dome on Mauna Loa’s north flank, to venture outside only in hazmat or space suits. Tribune-Herald.

Following discussions with the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation and other county officials earlier this month, backers of the proposed Kona Motorsport Park say they’re placing the concept of a fairgrounds and dirt bike raceway front and center and putting a controversial plan for a drag strip on the far back burner. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Trade ministers from a dozen Pacific Rim nations meeting on Maui failed to reach a deal on a new trade agreement that would cover nearly 40 percent of the global economy, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said. Associated Press.

Unresolved legal challenges to construction of the Daniel K. Inouye Telescope atop Haleakala were cited Sunday by a protesters' group as fueling the outrage that led to 20 arrests late Thursday and early Friday at the Central Maui Baseyard. Maui News.

Maui County protests against Haleakala telescope, TPP are really heating up. MauiTime.

A proposed 60-megawatt wind farm can bring hundreds of thousands of dollars to Kahikinui homesteaders and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, but some residents say the windmills would desecrate the area. Maui News.

After Oahu spill, HC&S molasses now shipped from Maui to Mainland. Matson no longer ships molasses; alternative shipper found. Maui News.

Kauai

The U.S. military says it has successfully tested an interceptor that can shoot down ballistic missiles as well as airplanes. The Missile Defense Agency said Monday the destroyer USS John Paul Jones tested the technology during a series of flight tests off Kauai over the past week. Star-Advertiser.

The fight over how much money to set aside for the county’s Open Spaces Fund is not over. On Wednesday, Councilman Gary Hooser will introduce a resolution that, if approved, will ask voters in the 2016 election to decide whether to amend the county charter in order to permanently increase the amount of money specifically earmarked for the fund. Garden Island.

A group of Kauai stakeholders plans to apply for a medical marijuana dispensary on the island, and hopes to make it 100 percent locally funded and operated. Garden Island.

Astronomers to gather amid Mauna Kea protests, military kids shortchanging school system, Hawaii Health Systems Corp. workers on Kauai lose jobs, Maui neighbors oppose homeless camp, Honolulu mulls charter changes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Stars over Mauna Kea, courtesy Case Western University

Forget the lei and mai tai greeting. When more than 2,500 astronomers from around the world converge on Honolulu for their triennial convention Aug. 3-14, they are likely to be welcomed by demonstrators. Star-Advertiser.

The International Astronomical Union will hold its triennial general assembly in Hawaii next month, attracting astronomers from around the globe to discuss science and international collaboration. The 11-day assembly will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu and will attract roughly 2,500 to 3,000 people from more than 75 countries. Pacific Business News.

Convention center preparing security plan for possible protests at upcoming astronomy conference. Ian Lind blog.

Hawaii Schools Missing Out on Aid They’re Due for Serving Military Families. The state relies on federal funding to partially offset the cost of educating the children of service members, but difficulties with tracking how many such students are enrolled could be costing it millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Oahu
Oahu residents interested in making the government of the City and County of Hono­lulu operate better are asked to participate in the work of the 2015 Honolulu Charter Commission. Star-Advertiser.

The Save Ka Iwi Coast Coalition has raised more than half of the remaining funds needed by Aug. 30 to purchase 182 acres above the seven-mile Ka Iwi coast. The coalition has raised $268,000, or 54 percent of private funding required from the community to protect and preserve the south shoreline on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority gave its final approval Wednesday on The Howard Hughes Corp.’s Kakaako residential project at 988 Halekauwila St. Pacific Business News.

It's not permanent housing, but people who are homeless in Kakaako may finally be getting a place of their own. KITV4.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has rescinded its restrictive news media policy, and adopted a new version that allows its executive director to speak to the press without needing permission and to comment on the potential impact of advisory opinions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Plans to fast-track changes to the county concurrency law to accommodate a Hilo judge’s rezoning have come to a screeching halt. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Councilman Greggor Ilagan plans to introduce legislation aimed at further clarifying the county law prohibiting the use of public funds for personal purposes. The bill was drafted in response to a recent audit report detailing misuse of county purchasing cards, or pCards, by Mayor Billy Kenoi’s office and the county Department of Liquor Control. Tribune-Herald.

After years of planning and months of lava-related postponement, construction work on a roundabout at one of the most dangerous intersections in the county is set to begin in August. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui-based outreach organization is proposing to build a new campground facility in Lahaina as a way to help with the island's growing homeless population, but residents are fighting the project. Associated Press.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. may be open to the possibility of serving a third term in office, but councilmembers aren’t planning to give him that chance. Garden Island.

Thirty employees in the Hawaii Health Systems Corp., Kauai Region were notified of their pending layoffs on Friday. Garden Island.

A new ordinance allows the Kauai County Fire Department to bill reckless hikers who have to be rescued. But Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman said it’s unclear whether the department ever will do so. Star-Advertiser.

Cayetano files FEC complaint on 2012 election, possible measles on Maui, Ige mulls first 100 days, most oppose Ching at DLNR, officials still optimistic about Obama library, snow delays Thirty Meter Telescope construction, laser beam could shine atop Haleakala, Hawaii County changes land purchase rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market © 2015 All Hawaii News

Lawmakers Struggle to Boost Hawaii’s Food Production. The Hawaii Legislature is looking at easing restrictions, reconfiguring taxes and mandating recommendations from past studies to decrease dependence on imports. Civil Beat.

It's the measuring stick that all governors face, the first 100 days of a new administration. It often sets the tone for the years that follow. So what does Gov. David Ige think of his early performance? KITV4.

A controversial nominee is defending his ability to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources. In a newly-released questionnaire, Carleton Ching responds to growing concerns about his experience and a potential conflict of interest. Hawaii News Now.

Testimony against Carlton Ching nomination running 9-1. Controversial appointment draws close to 1,000 pieces of testimony. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii fell in its national rank for rooftop solar as residential installations slowed because of Hawaiian Electric Co.'s backlog of system approvals, a new study showed. Hawaii's ranking for residential rooftop photovoltaic installations plunged to fifth in the nation last year from the second spot in 2013, despite 2014 marking the largest year to date for national growth in solar installations and a consistent national increase of home solar across the U.S., according to data from GTM Research, a division of Greentech Media that provides solar market analysis. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials say they remain optimistic Honolulu will end up with at least a part of the Barack Obama presidential library despite recent signs that the president's foundation is working with Chicago to help put its best foot forward. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are on track to add new insurance requirements to the ride­ sharing services Uber and Lyft. The bill, Senate Bill 1280, attempts to address what many see as an “insurance gap.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii's retail trade industry reported sales of $18.9 billion in 2012, according to data recently released by the U.S. Census. Pacific Business News.

Astronomy in Hawai’i generates more than 88 million dollars in revenue for all 4 counties.   That, according to UH Economic Research Organization.   Now, the state also has an opportunity to pioneer in the next generation of space communications technology. Hawaii Public Radio.

An endangered or threatened species listing may be warranted for the common thresher shark, the National Marine Fisheries Service says. West Hawaii Today.

A retired state Supreme Court justice and his wife have endowed a new scholarship at the University of Hawaii's law school. The university announced Monday the scholarship by Simeon Acoba Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Acoba, will go toward tuition payments at the law school, with a preference for students who attended public high schools. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano has escalated his battle against the political action committee that opposed his unsuccessful anti-rail 2012 mayoral campaign by filing a federal complaint alleging campaign law violations by the current chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and others. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is taking his fight with the Pacific Resource Partnership to the Federal Election Commission, and this time he’s dragging U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono into the mix. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers are considering whether to require the University of Hawaii Board of Regents lease or sell the UH Cancer Center campus in Honolulu's Kakako neighborhood. Pacific Business News.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has extended the University of Hawaii at West Oahu's accreditation for seven years and removed a so-called "notice of concern" imposed in 2012 just before the university welcomed students to its new Kapo­lei campus. Star-Advertiser.

Even though it paid $1 million dollars to settle federal criminal charges over one of the Hawaii's worst-ever environmental spills, Matson Inc. still faces a state civil investigation into damages to coral and other natural resources. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s director of planning and permitting is contemplating the creation of a new rural land development standard to make it easier and less expensive to build new homes in rural parts of Oahu. That is among many ideas George Atta is exploring as he ponders ways to address the needs of a growing population without changing Oahu’s urban boundaries. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Labor says a restaurant at Ala Moana Center illegally required servers to share tips while paying them less than minimum wage. The department announced Monday 68 employees at Tsukiji Fish Market restaurant are owed nearly $50,000 in tips and more than $5,000 in back wages. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige will participate in a town hall Thursday with residents of Aiea and Pearl City. It’s set for 7-8:30 p.m. at Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Frustrated by recent end runs by the Hawaii County Council, the commission charged by the county charter to prioritize public land for open space purchase is tightening the rules. The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission on Monday changed the rules to require properties to earn at least 50 percent of the criteria points to be placed on the priority list for purchase. West Hawaii Today.

A Kailua-Kona woman who applied to be a legal clerk for Hawaii County contends she should not have had to disclose her medical history and undergo a physical examination and drug test before she starts the government job. Rebekah Taylor-Failor filed a class-action lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court against the county, claiming the county's pre-employment requirements violate her constitutional rights against illegal searches and seizures, and invasion of privacy. Star-Advertiser.

The start of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea is being delayed by blizzard conditions on the mountain’s summit. Tribune-Herald.

The state is moving forward with plans to construct a much-anticipated science and technology building that will provide enhanced classroom space for middle school pupils in Waimea. The 25,177-square-foot building will provide nine modern science classrooms and laboratories for students, according to a draft environmental assessment released Saturday for the $12.7 million Waimea Middle School project. West Hawaii Today.

The building that has been home to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald for more than six decades is up for sale. The 24,000-square-foot facility, located at 355 Kinoole St. in downtown Hilo, has an asking price of $4.25 million.

The owners of the Hilo Naniloa Hotel are aiming to show off their completed renovations as early as November, nearly two years after they acquired the Banyan Drive hotel, according to plans submitted to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Health officials are investigating a possible new measles case on Maui, but say there are no “confirmed” cases so far for 2015. Maui Now.

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory is proposing to develop a $3 million orange laser beam aimed at helping scientists see better through a telescope atop Haleakala. Maui News.

A federal judge will hear arguments over how a lawsuit challenging Maui's ban on the cultivation of genetically modified organisms should proceed while state lawmakers consider bills that could affect the outcome of the case. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway is scheduled to hold a hearing in federal court in Honolulu on Tuesday. Associated Press.

The Department of Parks and Recreation District Permit Offices will be closed for several days in March and the first week of April as the department implements a new software permitting system. Maui News.

Kauai

The public is invited to attend the State of the County address by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. on Monday. The mayor will provide an overview of his fiscal year 2016 budget submittal. Garden Island.

A Kauai County spokeswoman is headed for a new job as community outreach manager for global agribusiness company Syngenta. Beth Tokioka's last day with the county will be Monday. She starts a week later at Syngenta on Kauai. Associated Press.

J Robertson, chair of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, will be the interim director of the Kauai Chamber. Garden Island.

Hawaii libraries go digital, Maui land-use permit fees to skyrocket, opposition rises to Hawaiian Homelands appointee, pension plan a rocky investment, feds to fix Kona wetlands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

In its bid to remain relevant in the digital age, Hawaii's library system appears to be making some gains, new figures show. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle would gradually raise the payroll tax cap for Social Security so workers with higher incomes would pay a greater share, a position that mirrors the approach U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, her Demo­cratic opponent for U.S. Senate, would take to help stabilize the federal retirement program. Star-Advertiser.

Just as they did four years ago, delegates to the Republican National Convention dialed down the enthusiasm for the first official day of events as a tropical storm bore down on the Gulf Coast. Star-Advertiser.

The new head of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is facing mounting opposition to her leadership that could derail her confirmation by the Senate next year. Civil Beat.

Investors who buy bonds issued by the state of Hawaii are not being compensated adequately given the risk presented by the state’s high unfunded pension liability and debt load, according to analysis by Barron’s, a weekly financial newspaper. Star-Advertiser.

A new report says Hawaii is one of the least affordable states for daycare for infants, with parents spending nearly 15 percent of their income each month on child care. Pacific Business News.

The federal government has given Hawaii millions of dollars to help ensure the state is ready to launch a new online health insurance marketplace by January 2014. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Aug. 28. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city on Monday agreed to temporarily halt construction on the $5.26 billion rail project apart from some short-term tasks required for an orderly shutdown, according to statements from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. Star-Advertiser.

As expected, Friday’s Hawaii Supreme Court ruling has resulted in the city and county of Honolulu temporarily halting construction on its $5.26 billion rail project. Civil Beat.

The City and County of Honolulu has stopped construction on its $5.16 billion elevated-rail mass-transit project following last week's Hawaii Supreme Court ruling against the project. Pacific Business News.

The state will spend $2 million to study the H-1 Freeway and other major roads to find out what improvements are needed and how to prioritize those needs. KHON2.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has dismissed the election complaint filed Aug. 16 by Honolulu City Council candidate Martin Han. Civil Beat.

A community group says block parties and events including "First Fridays," which were meant to help revitalize Chinatown, is leaving the historical area trashed. Hawaii News Now.

The Battle of the Islands Pacific Roller Derby Tournament is coming up on O’ahu next month, and the Paradise Roller Girls from Hawai’i Island are hoping to be there. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

One of the two naturally occurring brackish wetlands on the Kona Coast is due for major restoration work, which National Park Service officials hope will help improve conditions for endangered bird species within the park. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s troubled Hoku Kea telescope is still in pieces and is on its third director, with extensive problems that have included an improperly shaped primary mirror, a damaged secondary mirror and no operating system to control the telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii residents will be among the first to get their hands on a new quarter featuring a Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park design. Star-Advertiser.

A Big Island blogger has been ordered to stop posting salacious cartoons and false comments about an online news publisher. Hawaii Reporter.

The U.S. Geological Survey says surface flows remain active on the pali and coastal plain, but have not made significant progress toward the ocean. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The cost of various Maui County land-use permit application fees could go up significantly - some by as much as 450 percent - as county officials look to realign fees with actual processing costs. Maui News.

Gary Toth of Project for Public Spaces will present “Principles of Great Streets” and “Why Streets as Places” in a three hour interactive workshop scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, August 31. Maui Now.

Kauai

Island School broke ground on a solar project Monday. When completed, it should take care of its daytime power needs. Garden Island.

The Charter Review Commission on Monday addressed a couple of grammar mistakes in the proposed amendments to the Kaua‘i County Charter it had transmitted Aug. 9 to County Clerk Ricky Watanabe. Now, it’s all up to the voters to decide at the Nov. 6 General Election on eight proposals to amend the charter. Garden Island.

Hawaii filing deadline reveals instant winners, paired incumbents; Supreme Court justice named; school bus plan stalls; Kaiser Permanente named safest hospital; all out for transit of Venus; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former state Sen. Lorraine Inouye checks election maps (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Democratic candidates for the Hawaii Legislature are fielding more than double the number of Republican candidates in the 2012 elections — 121 to 56. Civil Beat.

Incumbents are facing off in redrawn districts. Several Democratic leaders are competing against either each other or former lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Statewide candidate filing report from the Office of Elections.

Citing his reputation as a "judge's judge," Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed Circuit Judge Richard Pollack on Tuesday to a 10-year term on the Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Circuit Judge Richard Pollack has been appointed to the Hawaii Supreme Court by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Hawaii Reporter.

Judge Richard W. Pollack has been nominated to the Hawaii Supreme Court by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants to change the state law that requires Hawaii judges and justices to retire at age 70. Civil Beat.

More than half of Hawaii hospitals were rated average or worse in a new patient-safety survey that already is under attack by the industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii school board members on Tuesday rejected the Department of Education's plan to plug a $17 million shortfall for student transportation services that includes eliminating 190 buses. Civil Beat.

The Board of Education is asking schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi to dig deeper to cover a shortfall for student transportation and wants service cuts to affect no more than 4,300 student riders. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal from the state Department of Education for the state Board of Education to discontinue certain school bus routes hit a wall Tuesday, and will now be revisited in an upcoming board meeting. Garden Island.

Yesterday the Islands provided one of the best places to view the rare Transit of Venus. Hawaii Public Radio.

The daylit side of the world paused Tuesday to mark the transit of Venus across the sun, an event that won’t be seen again for 105 years. Tribune-Herald.

Hundreds of people seized their last chance in a lifetime to watch Earth’s sister planet do its slow march across the sun Tuesday in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council plans to hammer out operating and capital improvement spending plans Wednesday, and there are several items that could stir debate. Civil Beat.

The city's "white bin" program, which allows schools and clubs to earn money for programs by inviting neighbors to dump their recyclables at specially marked containers, will continue under the City Council's $1.95 billion operating budget up for a final vote today. Star-Advertiser.

For the second straight budget, a sewage treatment project is a major source of friction between Mayor Peter Carlisle and the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

Officials said Tuesday that federal firefighters acted quickly Monday to contain a small brush fire at Naval Magazine Lua­lua­lei that got away from firefighters and grew to a 1,200-acre brush fire that likely affected endangered plants, possibly damaged structures and forced Wai­anae Valley residents to evacuate two days in a row. Star-Advertiser.

Former award-winning journalist Gregg Takayama today filed as a Democratic candidate for the State House representing Pearl City’s new 34th District (Momilani-Pacific Palisades). Hawaii Reporter.

Experts predict fewer storms than usual in the Central Pacific during this year's hurricane season. That is good news for Hawaii, but emergency response teams are still preparing for a potential disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Kahala residents say they've been noticing more homeless people living on the beach and squatters taking over vacant mansions. KHON2.

Hawaii
The election is over before it even began for two Big Island state representatives and two County Council members who won their respective races as of the 4:30 p.m. Tuesday filing deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Seven East Hawaii school bus routes affecting a total of 158 students are likely to be discontinued this academic year. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Commerce Department is awarding a $3 million grant to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority to support the development of alternative energy sources and biotechnology. Associated Press.

Family members cried as a federal judge told Cannibus Minister Roger Christie that he'd have to remain behind bars. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island single-family home and condominium sales were down slightly in May, but median sale prices for both rose when compared to the same period last year, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Maui

A County Council committee Monday approved removing eight sites in Makena from protected area designation, after the Planning Department cited the potential for legal issues and county reimbursements for the impediments to development with the designation. Maui News.

More than a handful of residents and property owners of Anuhea Place near the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani asked County Council committee members Monday to place their land in a rural growth boundary so that they could freely put up homes for themselves and their children. Maui News.

A remake of the 1980 movie classic, “The Blue Lagoon,” which was filmed partially on Maui, is scheduled to air on June 16th on the Lifetime Network. Maui Now.

Kauai

Single-family home sale prices dropped 19 percent on Kauai in May, to a median price of $483,750. But condominium prices were up 22 percent to $264,500 last month when compared to the same period last year, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service Inc. Pacific Business News.

The Hawai‘i National Guard and a unit from Nevada are on Kaua‘i this week for the Makani Pahili 2012 disaster communications exercise in support of the County of Kaua‘i and County Civil Defense. Garden Island.

Ed vs. Mazie battle intensifies, Hawaiian Airlines starts nonstop flight to NYC, 5-year-olds to evaluate their teachers, Hanalei farmers market closes, 400lbs kalua pork recalled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for smartphone and web

Democratic Senate candidates Ed Case and Mazie Hirono

U.S. Senate Democratic candidates Mazie Hirono and Ed Case have a lot in common. But Case and Hirono are two very different people with different backgrounds, personal and professional, and starkly different personalities. Civil Beat.

Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate, Ed Case and Mazie K. Hirono, will participate in an hourlong debate, sponsored by AARP Hawaii, on June 12 in the Maui Beach Hotel Elleair Room. Maui News.

Hawaii is being billed as one of the best vantage points in the world for viewing the transit of Venus tomorrow because the entire transit will occur before the sun sets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will be one of the best spots to see the transit of Venus this Tuesday. KITV4.

Hawaiian Airlines is about to be the only carrier offering year-round flights between Honolulu and New York City. Associated Press.

According to Hawai`i’s constitution protecting and preserving Hawai`i’s best farmland is the duty of state leaders. Decades after rules were written, what makes up the state’s top farmland remains ambiguous. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public school students as young as 5 are being asked to consider their classroom experiences in surveys that will soon become one of the high-stakes measures used to evaluate teachers.Star-Advertiser.

Just over half of Hawaii’s public school teachers cast ballots in the re-vote last month on the tentative January contract agreement with the state, according to the results certified late Saturday. Civil Beat.

The chancellor of Kapiolani Community College says he is committed to ensuring instructors in its noncredit program are paid on time and has asked anyone who is overdue paychecks to call the administration. Star-Advertiser.

The state's highest court took the extraordinary step last month of abandoning its earlier stance on eyewitness identification. Misidentification, the court said May 17, is "one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions." Star-Advertiser.

The Rising East: Pacific Command Theme Might Be 'On the Road Again' Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will receive a $6 million federal grant to continue its work to convert grass and other biomass into biofuel. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

If elected, Cayetano has plan for killing rail. Pacific Business News.

Several bus routes on Oahu were changed or eliminated Sunday as the city tries to meet increased fuel costs without raising fares. Hawaii News Now.

Part of the Pagoda Hotel in Pawaa could become a residential condominium under a plan by Kamehameha Schools and developer Peter Savio to satisfy an affordable-housing requirement tied to building new condo towers in nearby Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa is known as the Gateway to the famous North Shore but the town's reputation has been an infamous one. KHON2.

About 400 pounds of Keoki's Lau Lau 12 and 48 ounce tubs of kalua brand pork are being recalled due to possible listeria contamination.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

On the heels of an intense state Elections Commission inquiry into the readiness of the Hawaii County Elections Office, Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi is now seeking to have the county clerk and elections administrator update the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is poised to make this year’s mayoral race a lot more interesting. West Hawaii Today.

The governing board of a Mauna Kea telescope says it is “very disappointed” with the decision of the United Kingdom to cease funding after September 2013. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Co. have launched an upgraded computer system to maintain customer records and manage billing. Tribune-Herald.

Just outside Kailua-Kona there’s a place where a short walk can take you back to Hawaii old. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A federal scientist said Maui residents shouldn't be too concerned about the risk of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and officials are looking to expand the network of monitoring stations on the island in the next few years. Maui News.

More than likely, there will be no body parts or radioactive materials among the Japan tsunami debris that may begin washing up along the main Hawaiian Islands this year, federal officials said last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Vendors at the Hanalei Farmers Market got a shock Saturday when the board of Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei, which operates the market, announced the market would close immediately until permitting issues could be resolved. Garden Island.

A new generation is taking control of Kauai's struggling Maka­weli Poi Mill with the dream of inspiring young taro farmers to continue producing a brand of poi they consider more appealing to traditional Hawaiian tastes throughout the islands. Star-Advertiser.

The LEED green building certification program, a nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of green buildings held its first Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design training workshop on Kaua‘i in April with another planned for June. Garden Island.

Molokai

Residents participate in Historic Preservation Plan update. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii inmates released without supervision, tax department not keeping up, four same-sex couples to inaugurate new civil unions law, Maui PD shows off morgue, Kauai mayor to talk story, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu city lights (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

While Honolulu residents may marvel at the brilliant glow of the city's night skyline, it's not a welcome sight for astronomers atop Haleakala. For them, it's light pollution that's interfering with their scientific studies. Civil Beat.

Hawaii inmates considered at high risk for committing new offenses increasingly have been released from prison without any supervision -- a trend that experts say is not only out of sync with national practices, but increases the safety risk to the public. Star-Advertiser.

Antiquated technology at the Hawaii Department of Taxation is hampering efforts to perform effective and timely audits of Hawaii taxpayers. Civil Beat.

Four committed couples from Hawaii will become the first in Hawaii to enter into civil unions on January 1. Hawaii Independent.

Thirty-seven programs that help homeless people in Hawaii have received a total of $10.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Star-Advertiser.

Bouncing back from homelessness is a challenge confronted by more than 10-thousand adults in Hawai`i over the past year. Hawai`i’s high cost of housing and the dominance of service industry jobs makes it particularly challenging for many people to rent or own a home they can call their own. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of Hawaii residents filing for unemployment benefits has fallen sharply since hitting historic highs during the recent recession. Star-Advertiser.

State officials are bracing for a federal review of Hawaii's public school system early next year that could determine whether the state continues to receive millions in competitive education grants. Associated Press.

State roundup for Dec. 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

President Barack Obama had an active Monday, starting with a morning workout and a late-morning hike with his family in Lanikai, followed by a golf outing with friends in the afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

City May Need $1 Million From State For Extra Ambulances. KITV4.

Fireworks ban dampens New Year plans for some. KHON2.

A vocal proponent of the Honolulu rail project has asked the IRS to look into alleged tax violations by a nonprofit suing to stop the train. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is asking a national education research group to pay about $28,800 for UH to fulfill an open-records request from the group, which is compiling a controversial ranking of teacher preparation programs. Star-Advertiser.

An area that's been a magnet for illegal dumping continues to attract everything but the kitchen sink. KHON2.

Hawaii

New Year's celebrations and fireworks have been synonymous on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The temperature in the walk-in refrigerator at the Maui Police Department's new morgue and forensic facility is maintained between 36 and 38 degrees. Inside, there are racks of steel slabs. Maui News.

The nuns who have been researching the life of Mother Marianne Cope have discovered a woman who was a tough, capable, caring administrator. Maui News.

In an effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration, officials with the Maui Fire Department are urging the public to take proper precautions. Maui Now.

Kauai

Robert Kawamura, a junior at Kaua‘i High School, said he’s been pounding mochi for a long time, Monday in Wailua. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. will meet with community members in Hanapepe, Kapa‘a, Kekaha and Koloa in January as part of his pledge to meet with communities throughout the island annually. Garden Island.

Molokai

The studio structure is being constructed by Molokai Habitat for Humanity (MHFH) through a Habitat for Humanity International and Lowe’s Home Improvement program called Hammers for Heroes, which funds home improvements for veterans. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Civil Defense chief quits in protest, Honolulu preps for APEC, still clearing homeless, state seeks inventory of land, natives, Hawaii County pushes vote by mail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea telescopes courtesy photo

This is the first time that a Nobel Prize has been awarded for astronomy on Mauna Kea. Associated Press.

Sen. Daniel Inouye confirmed to Civil Beat Tuesday that he hopes that Rep. Mazie Hirono will defeat former Congressman Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate next year. Civil Beat.

Ed Teixeira, who served as state Civil Defense Division vice director for 12 years through seven federally declared major disasters and under three governors, said a proposed organizational change and complaints about his management style are the basis for his sudden resignation Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Vice Director of Hawaii State Civil Defense abruptly resigned Tuesday morning. KITV4.

The state will put on hold a statewide review of schools for possible consolidation while the Board of Education studies the best way to determine whether a campus should be considered for closure. Star-Advertiser.

What was supposed to be a routine revote on Hawaii's graduation policy Tuesday turned into a showdown between school board members and the Department of Education. Civil Beat.

As part of the latest efforts to fight bullying, a series of student-produced public service announcements promoting safe schools will be hitting the airwaves. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii prisoners are growing 25 percent of the produce consumed at the state’s seven prisons. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz isn't surprised that the state of Hawaii does not have an accurate inventory of lands in the public trust. Tribune-Herald.

A new $6 million round of venture capital funding will provide a major push in the campaign to develop commercial applications for research being done at the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is set to decide on whether to install surveillance cameras across Oahu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Associated Press.

State officials spent $180,000 in manpower and an additional $20,000 in disposal fees to clear 90 homeless people and more than 60 truckloads of their belongings from the H-1 freeway viaduct in August through September. Star-Advertiser.

The city cleared out a homeless camp in Haleiwa on Monday, a move they say will only force them to another area where they'll likely be more visible. KHON2.

If Honolulu City councilmembers approve turning over the city traffic cameras to Police to help with APEC security, city officials are planning to use other tools to get information out about traffic tie-ups. KITV4.

Boaters at the Ala Wai harbor have some big decisions to make in the next few weeks. Hawaii News Now.

The dismissal of criminal charges against topless protestors Jamie and Tess Meier shows the need for improved police training in advance of expected protests at the APEC conference next month, the ACLU said today. Hawaii Reporter.

Professional Training Hawaii LLC was issued a notice of violation and order from the state Department of Health for multiple violations of Hawaii’s asbestos training and certification regulations. Pacific Business News.

The Army's study of live-fire training effects on marine life harvested for food near Makua Valley "was a meaningful evaluation" except for two ways, a federal judge in Honolulu ruled. Associated Press.

The non-profit Kanu-Hawaii conducted its Eat Local Challenge last month. Nearly 600 people signed up to choose island grown over imported food …even if it costs more. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

A resolution seeking a pilot vote-by-mail program for Hawaii County advanced in a County Council committee Tuesday over the objections of a minority worried it would limit voter choices. West Hawaii Today.

Having already banned transgenic taro, smoking in parks and texting while driving, the County Council now has deer in its headlights. Tribune-Herald.

Drought conditions in most of West Hawaii are likely to continue, a hydrologist at the National Weather Service said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

With the nisei veterans of World War II slowly passing into history, those who care about them have focused their efforts on honoring their legacy and chronicling their fight for their country and Japanese-Americans everywhere so that future generations will remember their "go for broke" heroism and their impact on the nation and the world. Maui News.

Kauai
Last year former Kaua‘i County Council Chair Kaipo Asing, finishing his last term as a council member after 28 years of public service, noted that some real estate developers are clever in the ways they find loopholes in laws. Garden Island.

Tuesday was a time of thanks and aloha at the site of the former Kekaha Sugar Mill. Garden Island.

Planet discovered, Aiona not walking the talk, charter school faces challenges, voters yawn at BOE ballot, lots of millionaires here, coral bleaching, airport bird kill draws fire, more Hawaii news

Astronomers used Mauna Kea's Keck 1 telescope to discover an Earth-like planet that could contain water and possibly even life, a finding likely to reinvigorate the search for extraterrestrial life and inspire Hawaii's next generation of space explorers. Star-Advertiser.

 Our state, the smallest  in the nation has the biggest number of millionaires living in it per capita. KHON2.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials have met with their Big Island neighbors to discuss the continuing drought that could lead to wildfires.  Associated Press.

Broad areas of the Big Island continue to suffer from severe drought, and relief appears to be months away. Tribune-Herald.

The head of Hawaii's largest union says he will seek to alter the state open records law in the coming legislative session to limit access to information about public employee salaries. Civil Beat.

Corals at remote atolls northwest of the main Hawaiian islands suffered some bleaching this summer as ocean temperatures rose to higher than normal levels for a couple of weeks. Associated Press.

NOAA: Papahanaumokuakea coral bleaching not as bad. KHON2.

The mysterious brown stuff found in the ocean Tuesday off Kailua Beach has been revealed. KITV.

Gov. Candidate Aiona Refuses To Get Flu Shots. KITV.

It's not setting sail but the trash meant for the mainland is finally on the move. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools is evaluating whether to reacquire city-owned parcels in Haleiwa, part of the same property that D.G. "Andy" Anderson wants for a boutique hotel. Star-Advertiser.

What a federal wildlife official termed a "shotgun control operation" Monday afternoon in Keaukaha was aimed at stopping cattle egrets from endangering aircraft at nearby Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii has been ranked among the world's top 200 universities in a recent publication. Hawaii News Now.

Big reforms planned for Hawaii public schools and lingering anger over teacher furloughs weren't enough to boost low voter participation in Board of Education races. Star-Advertiser.

The proposed Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School has one last bureaucratic hurdle to clear before preparing for an August 2011 opening, but it's a big one -- acquiring a charter from the state. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to convert Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School on the Big Island to a charter school are continuing, thanks to an extension of a federal grant. Associated Press.

Young Brothers officials are threatening to ask for rate increases for their interisland shipping services if the state's Public Utilities Commission allows another shipping company to "cherry pick" the most profitable routes. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers will file for reconsideration of last week's Public Utilities Commission decision to allow Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines to move vehicles and heavy cargo interisland on its ship, MV Jean Anne. Maui News.

A crowd of applicants greeted Transportation Security Administration employees at a job fair Wednesday at the Lihu‘e Civic Center. Garden Island.

Big Island police are asking for the public's help in finding military commemorative and presidential coins with sentimental value stolen yesterday in a burglary of an 82-year-old man's Pepeekeo apartment. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai Properties Water Rate Hikes Finalized. Molokai Dispatch.