Gov. Ige heads to Japan, Honolulu homeless measures don't work -- bills to be heard today, Hawaii Island mulls electricity options, Kauai wants disobedient hikers to pay for own rescue, Maui plans land purchase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Jibanyan, official Kids Spokesperson of Hawaiʻi Tourism Japan, visits Gov. Ige in March, courtesy Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige will travel to Japan this week to promote Hawaii tourism. He will meet with Japa­nese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Cabinet ministers to discuss the possible pre-clearance of flights from Japan to Hawaii, according to a release issued Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is scheduled to travel to Japan this month to meet with government officials and members of the travel industry. The goal, says his office, is “to promote and expand travel from Japan to the Hawaiian Islands.” Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige is spending the next week in Japan discussing Hawaii as a tourism destination with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other government officials and members of the travel industry, the governor’s office said Saturday. Pacific Business News.

Medical marijuana promoters say dispensaries in Hawaii could create a lucrative new market with up to 800 jobs and $65 million a year in sales. House Bill 321 — which allows for 16 dispensaries to open in Hawaii on July 15, 2016, and potentially many more the following year — is now in Gov. David Ige's hands. Star-Advertiser.

A measure that will provide a temporary state income tax credit for the cost of upgrading or converting a cesspool to a septic or aerobic treatment system or of connecting to a sewer system was signed into law by Gov. David Ige on Friday. Maui News.

Oahu

A new wave of sit-lie bills and other homeless-related measures will get their first airing before the City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee at a special meeting at 9 a.m. Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s “sit-lie” ban and other ordinances underpinning Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s “compassionate disruption” program are doing little to curb homelessness in the city, according to a University of Hawaii study being released Monday. Civil Beat.

Earlier this month, when Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell unveiled his long-anticipated plan to use a plot of vacant land on Sand Island to house the homeless, he did it with a little twist. Instead of opening a tent-based homeless encampment, as he originally envisioned, Caldwell announced that the city would build a “modular” facility using up to 25 “modified shipping containers” to temporarily house 75 to 100 people. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee has scheduled a special meeting today at 9 a.m. at Honolulu Hale to hear public testimony on five proposed bills that seek to expand or amend the language of the City's sit-lie law that impacts Oahu's homeless populations on public sidewalks. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the Honolulu City Council should consider providing "shallow subsidies" to homeless families and individuals who simply need a few hundred dollars more a month to be able to put a roof over their heads, the leaders of two advocacy groups say. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The pending $4.3 billion sale of Hawaiian Electric Industries to Florida-based NextEra Energy has put Hawaii Island’s energy future at a crossroads. The two paths being discussed: Takeover by a mainland-based, investor-owned corporation, or public, local ownership in the form of a cooperative. Tribune-Herald.

Following a four-month reprieve, Hawaii County has set July 1 as the date commercial haulers must register and pay tipping fees to dump green waste at the Puuanahulu and Hilo landfills rather than dumping it for free at transfer stations. West Hawaii Today.

In anticipation of future growth in Keaau, Hawaii County planners are proposing to change land use designations for much of the town. The amendment would apply to 587 acres makai of Highway 11 and designate most of Keaau as medium density urban, a classification currently limited to 52 acres of land in the commercial area. Tribune-Herald.

Veteran Dale Medcalf said he was amazed recently when he found himself being evicted from Reed’s Bay hotel because of his service dog, 3-year-old Milan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council Vice Chairman Don Guzman is urging Mayor Alan Arakawa to quickly consider the council's $3 million appropriation to purchase 267 acres near the "Jaws" surf spot on Maui's north shore. Maui News.

Judge’s decision favors Honua Kai developers. No fraud, unfair and deceptive practices, yet both sides seek changes to judge’s ruling. Maui News.

Governor David Ige was on Maui last week to sign a historic bill about local health care. The measure will allow Maui's three public hospitals to partner with a private healthcare provider. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

A Kauai County councilmember is proposing a measure that would require hikers in need of rescue — who disregard warnings — to pay the county for recovery missions. Garden Island.

A proposed measure in Kauai County would require rescued hikers who disregarded warning signs to repay the government for recovery missions. Associated Press.

The Kauai County Council has voted to narrow the definition of a bed-and-breakfast operation to require that the owner live in the same dwelling. Otherwise it's a transient vacation rental, subject to a different set of rules, permits and fees. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Molokai’s future is being weighed as a local committee reviews the island’s Community Plan update, a blueprint for the next 20 years. Molokai Dispatch.

Japanese visitors spark tourism rise, animal quarantine harms pets, Honolulu councilman wants men's room diaper tables, shipping declines, Office of Hawaiian Affairs forms sovereignty committee, Kauai animal shelter kill rate disputed, USS Arizona Memorial to reopen in a week, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

visitor learns Hawaiian hula © 2015 All Hawaii News

April was the second month of 2015 that experienced a year-over-year climb in visitor spending and arrivals, largely due to a gain in domestic travelers and visitors from Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hosted more visitors last month than in April 2014, and they spent more, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. For the year, visitors are up but their spending is about the same as last year. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority says the number of travelers visiting the islands climbed 2.3 percent in April over the same month last year as more tourists arrived from the western part of the United States. Data released by the state agency Thursday showed nearly 680,000 people visited the islands in April. Visitor spending rose 5.4 percent to $1.2 billion. Associated Press.

In a move to maintain its neutrality, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is handing off responsibility for the final stage of its nation-building campaign to a new group that will independently administer an election of delegates, convention and final ratification vote. Na'i Aupuni, a group of five volunteer and unpaid directors with ties to Hawaiian royalty, has been given nearly $2.6 million originally earmarked for the effort aimed at moving Native Hawaiians a step closer to self-determination as authorized by the state under Act 195. Star-Advertiser.

Despite vocal opposition and community concerns raised at OHA board meetings in late April, 2015, the board has decided to go forward with a nation building process spearheaded by a new organization: Na‘i Aupuni. Hawaii Independent.

Complaints of overheated and underfed animals getting sick at the state-run Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa have prompted the Legislature to take a closer look at how pets are housed and treated at the facility. Civil Beat.

In a private sector economic indicator, Young Brothers Ltd. reports a 1.9% decline in cargo shipments between islands during the first quarter, compared to the same time last year. Hawaii News Now.

The East-West Center, which has faced big funding threats in recent years as federal support for its programming dwindled, is about to start head-hunting for its first new president in nearly two decades. Longtime center President Charles E. Morrison is planning to leave his post in August 2016, at the end of his current contract. Civil Beat.

An ongoing dispute over the results of a recent Hawaii State Teachers Association election for president and other officers to lead the teachers union has made its way to the courts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city's top civil attorney said it's not up to the Honolulu Ethics Commission staff to determine the potential ramifications of a settlement agreement reached by the commission and former City Councilman Nestor Garcia. Star-Advertiser.

Time for a change? Lawmaker wants diaper changing tables in men’s restrooms. KHON2.

Punahou School has begun construction on a campus-wide overhaul project that is expected to be completed during the next decade, which includes building four two-story studios for elementary school students and a 20,000-square-foot learning commons for kindergarten through eighth grade. Civil Beat.

The National Park Service and the Navy aim to resume taking visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial in a week, after a dock damaged by a wayward vessel is repaired. Associated Press.

The Navy said Thursday that it is uncertain if a hospital ship hit the dock of the USS Arizona Memorial as was initially reported. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Health Systems Corporation continues to develop plans to meet a budget shortfall of 50 million dollars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s selection of Ormat Nevada Inc. to build the next geothermal power plant in Puna received a positive recommendation this month from an independent observer. Tribune-Herald.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants to slice into Hilo Municipal Golf Course funds to hire three new transfer station attendants to help promote recycling programs. In a budget amendment to be considered Monday, Wille is asking that golfers and the community do more to augment the greens fees at the county’s only publicly funded golf course instead of relying on taxpayer bailouts. West Hawaii Today.

A new class-action lawsuit claims Hawaii Community College fraudulently collected “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in student fees throughout the past decade. Tribune-Herald.

A dangerous and crowded North Kona beach will have to wait at least another year for lifeguards. A push for funding to install ocean safety officers at Kua Bay fell short this past session. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ever since Samuel Thomas Alexander and Henry Perrine Baldwin planted their first sugarcane crop in 1870, there have been cane fires on Maui. But on Wednesday morning, a fire that was set near Kamali’i Elementary School by Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. inundated the campus and left some residents wondering whether a state permit system is working. KITV4.

Iao Stream will likely have its name restored to "Wailuku River," which dates back more than a century, following the state Board on Geographic Names' unanimous vote Wednesday night in favor of the move. Maui News.

Kauai

No more than 10 B&B permit applications will be reviewed per year under an ordinance change approved during a Kauai County Council committee hearing Wednesday. Garden Island.

The Kauai Humane Society has underreported the percentage of cats and dogs it euthanized for the last five fiscal years, a fact that has become the crux of a campaign launched by employees to oust the organization’s executive director. Garden Island.

Kauai was the leader of the four larger Hawaiian Islands when it came to visitor growth and spending through April. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, per person per day spending on the Garden Isle rose to $179, up 2.7 percent, and total expenditures reached $533 million, up 6.2 percent. Garden Island.

Prosecutor fights sex trafficking bill, Thirty Meter Telescope work ongoing behind the scenes, lawmakers scrutinize work furlough program, 90 Big Island hospital workers face layoffs, governor signs stormwater fee, B&Bs buck Kauai law, Honolulu Handi-Van woes continue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki at night © 2015 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is urging Gov. David Ige to veto a bill that would establish "sex trafficking" as a crime in Hawaii, while supporters of the same measure are mobilizing to persuade Ige to sign it into law. Star-Advertiser.

A Senate committee looked into the state’s work furlough program for prison inmates today.   The focus was on the increasing number of inmates who walk away from the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

While the state's work furlough program for prison inmates has proved to be successful, a recent rash of nearly two dozen prisoners walking away from custody has lawmakers considering tweaks to improve the system. Star-Advertiser.

Some high-profile escapes unresolved, work furlough program scrutinized. KHON2.

Governor signs 'rain tax' bill into law. Bill gives counties power to impose new stormwater fee. KITV4.

Cigarette use among island children ages 12 to 17 has dropped, according to a new federal study, and health officials hope that a bill that would make Hawaii the first state to raise the legal smoking age to 21 will further cut young people's cigarette use. Star-Advertiser.

Nelson Doi, a self-acknowledged political maverick, was remembered Tuesday as among the best political orators in Hawaii after World War II and a staunch supporter of the economically underprivileged. Star-Advertiser.

Nelson Kiyoshi Doi, former lieutenant governor, judge and state senator, died earlier this month in Waimea. He was 93. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Some seven months after the Handi-Van system was upgraded with badly needed new vehicles and real-time scheduling software, Oahu transit officials acknowledge that the big fixes they'd hoped to see aren't taking hold yet — and riders still have plenty of horror stories to share. Star-Advertiser.

Can Honolulu’s Sit-Lie Ban Pass Constitutional Muster? What started with a push by the mayor to get the homeless out of Waikiki is now an ever-expanding effort by the City Council in the face of a migrating homeless population. Will a legal challenge put a stop to it? Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is expected to sign a rezoning bill Wednesday for the contentious 11,750-home Ho‘o­pili project in West Oahu, but opponents say their fight is far from over. Star-Advertiser.

At least one classroom at James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach will be getting air conditioning later this year, after a student-run fundraising campaign raised $21,710. Civil Beat.

For the third time in the past three decades Hawaii will once again play host to the Asia-Pacific Real Estate Congress, with more than 300 attendees expected to attend this fall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Nearly 90 employees will be laid off and some services will be cut at Hilo Medical Center, Ka'u Hospital and Hale Ho'ola Hamakua because of a projected $7 million deficit in the fiscal year starting July 1. The hospitals comprise the East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, the state funded hospital system which is facing a $50 million shortfall overall for fiscal 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Despite the ongoing standstill atop Mauna Kea, those behind the Thirty Meter Telescope are moving forward with the $1.4 billion project. Tribune-Herald.

A new law allowing hospital privatization will likely lead to a public-private partnership between Kona Community Hospital and The Queen’s Medical Center within five years, and the construction of a free-standing emergency room near the Kona International Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Geothermal Venture finished drilling a new well earlier this month intended to offset a drop in production at the 38-megawatt power plant outside Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority has improved its transparency and accountability to the public, but some problems remain, the state auditor said in a report issued Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development announced that it was issuing a new Request for Proposals (RFP) on a proposed Maui County municipal utility or co-op. MauiTime.

Slowly, more bits and pieces of a former home of Hawaiian royalty are becoming visible to archaeologists, researchers and a group trying to restore a West Maui gem. Maui News.

Phase I of the bypass road between Hana Highway and Puunene Avenue is expected to be completed by July. Maui News.

Kauai

“The Planning Department’s tactics are bullying tactics.” That comment from Greg Allen gave voice to the anger and frustration many B&B operators are feeling after the county sent cease-and-desist letters telling them they had two weeks to shut down or risk facing $10,000-a-day fines. Garden Island.

Waikiki businesses to help pay for beach widening, police bills DOA, iconic Coco Palms coming down, Nago to remain elections chief, Hawaii shines at foster care, Maui wants dancing defined, Big Island mulls Roundup ban, Kauai takes up B&B bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach © 2015 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed two city ordinances Monday that will tax Waikiki commercial property owners and raise millions of dollars to combat beach erosion and shore up coastal infrastructure in the state's top tourist destination.Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signed two bills creating a special improvement district in Waikiki to require commercial property owners to subsidize the restoration of the eroded beach. Civil Beat.

Waikiki Beach loses tons of sand each year and obtaining funding from the state legislature to replenish it takes at least a couple of years.  Today, two City and County ordinances were signed into law to enable surrounding businesses to contribute to maintaining the beach. Hawaii Public Radio.

This year, state lawmakers introduced a record number of bills aiming to modernize and restore trust in Hawaii’s county police departments, yet only one of the police reform bills passed. Civil Beat.

Children in foster care in Hawaii are far likelier than those in other states to live with a family, rather than in a group setting, and to be placed with relatives, new data show. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Elections Commission voted Monday to keep Scott Nago as Chief Election Officer for another four years, according to the commission's head William Marston. KITV4.

Inmate escapes have nearly tripled in Hawaii over the past few years and every time it happens, officials say there will be consequences. KHON2.

Living Hawaii: Our Retirement Boom May Cost Us Dearly. People live longest in the country's most expensive state. They're putting off retirement or planning to work until they drop. It all comes at a price. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds the public that the moi fishing season is closed June 1 through Aug. 31. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A military plane crash that killed a Marine and injured several other service members during a training exercise in Hawaii has renewed safety concerns about the Marine Corps' new airplane-and-helicopter hybrid. Associated Press.

Toraki Matsumoto served his beloved Central Oahu community with distinction during his 17 years on the Honolulu City Council. Matsumoto, 86, died May 2 at Kuakini Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The County Council is poised to strike the word “Roundup” from its budget, but it remains to be seen if substituting “vegetation management” on paper will make a big change on the ground. Just one dollar out of every $14,627 in the county budget is spent on roadside spraying for weed control. That, however, didn’t stop opponents from devoting the greater part of Monday to asking it be struck from the $438.8 million budget. West Hawaii Today.

Despite an increase of $200 for a fine for driving while on a cellphone, Big Island motorists are still using their electronic devices while navigating local roadways. According to the Hawaii Police Department, there have been 824 citations issued so far this year for use of a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle. West Hawaii Today.

Nelson Doi, who served as lieutenant governor from 1974 to 1978 with Gov. George Ariyoshi, died Saturday at his home in Waimea, Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

It remains to be seen when a section of the Haleakala Trail that used to take people to the summit will be open to unguided hikes even if a tentative settlement giving the state ownership of the trail is confirmed next month, a state official said Monday. Maui News.

Opinion: After something like a decade of earnest testimony and moneyless lobbying, it looks like the Maui Dance Advocates may finally–FINALLY!–win their fight to force the Maui County Department of Liquor Control to do something they’ve steadfastly refused to do: define “dancing.” MauiTime.

The second annual Startup Weekend Maui proved that it is possible to create a startup - and a pretty good one - in just 54 hours. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council will meet at 1:30 p.m. today to listen to comments from the public regarding possible zoning ordinance changes that deal with permits for bed-and-breakfast operations. Garden Island.

Demolition of Kauai’s long-shuttered Coco Palms Resort is scheduled to begin in the next 30 or 60 days, clearing the way for the redevelopment of the iconic property into a Hyatt-branded hotel. Pacific Business News.

Newer and more reliable transportation is coming to transit riders in Kauai County. The county purchased 20 new buses that will be used to replace older ones in the Kauai Bus fleet. The total number of buses will remain unchanged at 56. Associated Press.

Kauai County has purchased 20 new buses that will be used to replace older vehicles in the aging Kauai Bus fleet. The total number of buses in the fleet will remain unchanged at 56. Garden Island.

Legislators from Kauai will recap the recently completed session at the May 28 meeting of the Lihue Business Association. Garden Island.

Top elected officials popular with Hawaii voters, contrite Kenoi pitches county budget, raises for teachers, white-collar public employees, B&B big hassle for Kauai, Maui celebrates tobacco-free parks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Sens. Brian Schatz, Mazie Hirono, courtesy photo

Hawaii voters are generally quite content with their top elected officials but the support varies by island, age, gender and income, a new Civil Beat Poll shows. We surveyed 780 registered voters April 7-9, asking their opinion of U.S. Reps. Mark Takai and Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, Gov. David Ige, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and President Barack Obama.

Newly negotiated contracts that would award raises of 4 percent per year over a two-year period to about 15,240 unionized state and county employees are being put to statewide ratification votes this week, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association, which represents 13,500 public school teachers, announced late Wednesday night that it had reached an agreement with the state for increased salary and benefits for the remaining two years of the teachers' current contract. Star-Advertiser.

As Gov. David Ige wends his way through his fifth month in office, there’s growing concern over who his administration will choose to fill several key positions guiding land and water use policy, environmental protection, longterm planning and development — all of which can literally shape Hawaii’s future. Civil Beat.

When Hilo resident Charlotte Kaide read about an elderly Oahu couple that, after 67 years of marriage, is being forced to live in separate care homes, she felt as if she was reliving a nightmare. Tribune-Herald.

The Thirty Meter Telescope isn't even on the agenda, but Thursday's meeting of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees likely will be overwhelmed by the controversial $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is warning Honolulu City Council members that efforts to expand the city's sit-lie sidewalk ban could make the existing law vulnerable to legal challenges. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Senate has confirmed a district court judge nomination. William Domingo was confirmed Tuesday as a judge for Oahu First Circuit District Court. Associated Press.

About 5 p.m., pau-hana commute times were running more than two hours on H-1 from downtown to Kapolei because of a pedestrian death. Star-Advertiser.

Free parking at Honolulu Zoo to end soon. KHON2.

Hawaii

A subdued and outwardly contrite Mayor Billy Kenoi came before the County Council on Wednesday to talk about the budget, but first on his plate was a serving of humble pie. West Hawaii Today.

Embattled Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday morning made his first apology on Hawaii island for more than $129,000 in charges he billed to the county, including trips to Honolulu hostess bars. Star-Advertiser.

If everyone in the room didn’t already know about the state-wide controversy surrounding the Hawaii County mayor’s spending habits, they might have thought Billy Kenoi was apologizing for his proposed budget. Big Island Video News.

A handful of community members sounded off Wednesday on the recent government purchase card spending fiasco plaguing the office of Mayor Billy Kenoi. Big Island Video News.

A council briefing on the Hawaii County budget was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding embattled Mayor Billy Kenoi Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi appeared before the County Council Wednesday to begin a series of budget briefings. However, the hearing was dominated by the mayor's improper use of his county issued credit card, or pCard. KITV4.

Google Maps will soon offer transit directions for the Hawaii County’s bus system, Hele-On Bus, as part of a new community project. West Hawaii Today.

Of the more than 10,000 animals euthanized by the Hawaii Island Humane Society last year, only 3 percent fell into the category of adoptable, according to Hawaii Island Humane Society Executive Director Donna Whitaker. Tribune-Herald.

A breathtaking, oceanfront mega-mansion on the Big Island is back on the market and it can be yours for $8.2 million. The 9-plus acre "Waterfalling Estate" was originally listed in 2014 for $26.5 million. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Today marks the one-year anniversary of a bill that effectively banned the use of tobacco at county parks, beaches and recreational facilities in Maui County. Maui Now.

A 40-foot fishing boat that ran aground two weeks ago and spilled 50 gallons of diesel fuel offshore of Koki Beach in Hana is expected to be removed in the next few days, U.S. Coast Guard and Maui County officials said. Maui News

Opinion: The saber-rattling between Maui County’s hospitals and their many friends in the county and state Legislature on one hand and Governor David Ige and the powerful Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) that backs him on the other is getting serious. MauiTime.

The Maui region of the quasi-public body that runs Maui Memorial Medical Center has called a public meeting for Tuesday to discuss cuts in services and personnel to meet a projected $28 million shortfall for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council’s effort on Wednesday to regulate homestay and bed-and-breakfast operations islandwide was met with resistance. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and the county’s budget team, Nadine Nakamura, Ken Shimonishi, and Sally Motta, will present a financial overview at the Wailua-Kapaa Neighborhood Association meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kapaa Library. Garden Island.

Protesters used Earth Day to rally against the delayed Thirty Meter Telescope project on Mauna Kea on the Big Island Wednesday at Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Kauai chickens boast pre-contact DNA, Maui garbage crisis nears, Hawaii House urges audit of public hospital system, undersea cable a NextEra plan, rail review back before council, Big Island mayor uses county credit card at hostess bar, B&B crackdown on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai feral chicken © 2015 All Hawaii News

Kauai chickens, pre-contact fowl have same DNA. Star-Advertiser.

A controversial measure that would have required monthly disclosure of pesticide use in Hawaii has died in the Legislature, essentially ensuring that the public won’t be able to find out details about what pesticides are being sprayed in the state and where. Civil Beat.

The House Health Committee is calling for a management and financial audit of the corporation that operates the state's network of private hospitals, citing concerns that the network that includes the Hilo and Maui Memorial medical centers is in a "financially perilous" situation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii legislators will consider a bill that would ban sex trafficking and treat people who are forced into prostitution as victims instead of criminals. Associated Press.

State lawmakers have made an initial push to bring Brazilian jiu-jitsu into Hawaii’s schools. Tribune-Herald.

According to the Department of Accounting and General Services, there’s no policy that forbids Hawaii government employees from using personal email accounts – like Gmail or Yahoo! – for official government business. But if a private email account is used for work, those emails can become public records that may need to be saved or potentially released through public records requests. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s chief academic officer is leaving the state Department of Education next month for a job in Washington, D.C. Ronn Nozoe, Hawaii DOE deputy superintendent since 2010, has been appointed to serve as deputy assistant secretary for policy and programs in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. DOE, school officials announced Friday. Civil Beat.

Undersea cable project sparked NextEra Energy's interest in buying Hawaiian Electric Co. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council has scheduled a special session for April Fools' Day to consider measures that would signal its support for extending the rail tax, if that's what's needed to complete the island's 20-mile public transit project. Star-Advertiser.

Officials at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation like to tout transparency, but City Councilman Trevor Ozawa thinks they can do more. This week Ozawa introduced a resolution to encourage HART to televise its public meetings through Olelo Community Media or other public access channels. The meetings could also be streamed online. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Despite strict rules against using county-issued credit cards for personal purposes, and a prohibition against purchasing alcohol with them, Mayor Billy Kenoi charged $892 on his county card at a Honolulu hostess bar one December day in 2013. Kenoi said Friday that he reimbursed the county for the expense on his purchasing card, or pCard, in March 2014. West Hawaii Today.

If a set of bills in the Legislature continue on their present course, Makalei will have an advanced life support ambulance and personnel to fill a critical gap in emergency services in that fast-growing North Kona area. West Hawaii Today.

The county has put Puna traffic cameras online at punatraffic.com, which monitors traffic monitoring service for the lower Puna to Keaau area, according to a statement. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The threat of another Maui County trash crisis surfaced Friday when Department of Environmental Management officials renewed a request for $700,000 for the department's Solid Waste Division. Maui News.

Maui’s only acute care hospital is considering eliminating cardiology and a birthing unit to cope with a $28 million cut to the state hospital system’s budget for the Maui region. Associated Press.

Randall Brokaw knows the clock is ticking for a possibly century-old Chinese wall, with ties to the venerable Dr. Sun Yat-sen, before it is destroyed or crumbles away in old Wailuku town. Maui News.

While the state Department of Defense is attempting to achieve "shrine status" with its ambitious expansion and improvements to the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao, the existing cemetery was showing signs of wear and tear last week. Maui News.

Maui residents want lower energy bills, greater regulation of electric utilities and transparency and open communication with the public, according to a recent study by the Maui Economic Development Board. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County has been telling owners of illegal short-term rentals to cease operations. The county sent notices to 320 people operating vacation rental, bed and breakfast and homestay businesses without proper permits. Associated Press.

For nearly 23 years, Alexis Boilini and Michael Levy have welcomed people from all over the world into their home. Garden Island.

Hawaii is healthiest state, health exchange faces $2.5M shortfall, lobbyist laws lacking, Honolulu police chief to be questioned after mistrial, waste-to-energy incinerator delayed, Molokai fishermen attack Oahu boat, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii kupuna hula © 2014 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is the healthiest state in the country, claiming the top spot for two years straight in America's Health Rankings, released annually by United Health Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

In a place where sunshine and the outdoor lifestyle have long been treasured, it’s no surprise that Hawaii once again comes out on top of the rankings for the healthiest state. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Health Connector's top executive confirmed that the state's online health insurance exchange currently faces a $2.5 million budget shortfall during the fiscal year that ends in June 2015. Pacific Business News.

CGI Group Inc., the embattled information technology vendor for the Hawaii Health Connector, will continue its contract with the state's health insurance exchange for at least another year. Star-Advertiser.

NextEra: Efficiency, Expertise and a Penchant for Getting What it Want. The company looking to buy Hawaii's electric utilities will likely seek to own and operate sustainable energy projects, experts say. But that will require the approval of state regulators. Civil Beat.

Robert K. Lindsey Jr. of Hawaii island was unanimously selected chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees on Tuesday, and he didn't waste any time responding to criticism leveled at the agency by a former member. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay resigned Tuesday after a two-year tenure marked by failed efforts to stop the university’s athletic department from losing money. Associated Press.

Aniruddha Sherbow, 44, was sentenced Monday to 33 months in federal prison after threatening to “beat” and “decapitate” U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii.Hawaii Reporter.

Opinion: The Problem With Lobbyists — and Their Regulators. The state's lobbyist law still falls short of providing accountability and transparency. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Embattled Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha should face tough questions next week from the people who control the fate of his job. If he doesn’t, state lawmakers are poised to rewrite the rules to ensure there’s more accountability for him and his department. Civil Beat.

Officials with the Honolulu Marathon say security will again be increased for the race that has already attracted nearly 30,000 entrants. Associated Press.

Hawaii

A planned waste-to-energy incinerator for Hawaii County is almost five months behind schedule, after the three finalists for the project asked for more time to complete their proposals. West Hawaii Today.

An intersection that has been a thorn in the side for South Kona drivers is showing signs of the transformation to come. West Hawaii Today.

‘It’s been a long time coming’; Hilo High’s new gym open for competition Tribune-Herald.

The June 27 lava flow advanced another 225 yards as of Tuesday morning but it wasn’t clear yet which path of steepest descent it might favor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Makila Land Co. is seeking to develop 11 agricultural lots on 214 acres north of 186 acres of oceanfront at Launiupoko that the landowner sold to Maui County for $13 million earlier this year. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously approved Tuesday a special management area permit for the Cove Beach Village project, a 32-unit apartment complex located on an acre along Kanani Road in Kihei. Maui News.

The Federal District Court in Hawai’i will decide if the Maui County ballot initiative on Genetically Engineered Crops is legal. In his ongoing series, Hawaii Public Radio’s Wayne Yoshioka asked Maui residents on both sides what actions can be taken to resolve this issue.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has nominated two-year Kauai resident Allan Parachini for the county Charter Review Commission. Garden Island.

A Hanalei man fined by the county for running a non-permitted bed and breakfast pleaded no contest to the criminal charges Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court. Ed Ben-Dor, 63, received a second fine for illegally operating a single family transient vacation rental outside of a visitor destination area. Garden Island.

Kauai residents and visitors may have to wait a little longer before they can see the Hokulei Village shopping center in Lihue come to fruition. Garden Island.

Molokai

A growing dispute between Oahu and Molokai fishermen leads to arrests and indictments. Four Molokai men are out on bail Tuesday night accused of boarding a Honolulu boat and attacking everyone on board. Hawaii News Now.

Friends of a Molokai fisherman are scrapping plans for a memorial service now that he was rescued after being missing at sea for nearly two weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could ban Kona spearfishing, boaters fight licenses, Democrats sue to keep Thielen off the ballot, Pro Bowl returns, Honolulu firefighters fight over mayoral endorsement, bed and breakfasts to be limited on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ornate butterflyfish (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

West Hawaii’s shores could soon be the first in the state to become off limits to scuba spearfishing. Tribune-Herald.

50 Oahu boaters gathered in Aiea for the first of five public hearings on whether boaters should have a safety certificate or license. But the idea didn't go over well. KHON2.

A proposed rule requiring power boat operators to complete a boating safety course faced fierce opposition Wednesday at a packed meeting at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Laura Thielen

State Democrats have authorized the party to file a legal challenge to prevent Laura Thielen, a director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources under former Gov. Linda Lingle, from running for the state Senate as a Democrat. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, filed her nomination papers today for the U.S. Senate race. She's taking on former Congressman Ed Case in the primary, and if successful, will be pitted against former Gov. Linda Lingle or former State Senator John Carroll. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii needs to move away from identity politics, says a former Congressman now vying for the Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination. West Hawaii Today.

The National Football League has given its embattled Pro Bowl a one-year reprieve for 2013, challenging its players and Hawaii to demonstrate how the 73-year-old all-star game can be made viable for the future. Star-Advertiser.

The National Football League said Wednesday that the 2013 Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, and league officials said they were working with the players to make the game more competitive. Pacific Business News.

Nearly a year after Gov. Neil Abercrombie equated a $4 million fee to keep the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii to a "bribe," the governor has changed his tune. KITV4.

In 2011, 26 Hawaii non-profits received needed dollars and cents from the NFL Charities Pro Bowl Grant Program. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu officials abandoned a bus rapid transit system nearly a decade ago after public support waned and a new mayor took office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's job market is improving, but at a slower pace than in the best-performing mainland cities, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A rift between organizations representing firefighters and former firefighters widened Wednesday with Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva joining the finger-pointing. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighter retirees and union membership are at odds over endorsement of Ben Cayetano in Honolulu mayoral race. Civil Beat.

Retired Fire Chief Says Since Political Endorsement of Cayetano for Mayor, He's Received Threats, Retaliation; Current Chief Denies Tie. Hawaii Reporter.

Former teamsters leader Mel Kahele filed papers to run for the Honolulu City Council spot currently held by Tom Berg. KHON2.

The Honolulu Museum of Art received a 346-thousand dollar check from the State today for investing in an energy efficient cooling and ventilation system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii is under fire from the state auditor's office for poor management and lack of transparency. Civil Beat.

Administrators restricted access to Kona Community Hospital Wednesday morning after receiving a threat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Regional Haze Implementation plan for Hawaii will be the focus of discussion during a public hearing on Maui tomorrow (Thursday, May 31, 2012) hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Maui Now.

South Maui residents worried about extra traffic and potential development blurring the boundary between Kihei and Kahului urged Maui County Council members Monday to resist the inclusion of several hundred acres of land in Puunene in the urban growth boundaries of the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News.

A meeting tonight in Lahaina called by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will help shape the restoration of Moku'ula, a political and spiritual center of Hawaii and home of ancient chiefs. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced the release of $250,000 for the planning and design of a community center on two acres of land in Nahiku on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Hanalei Watershed Hui is inviting the public to a  June 6 meeting to address what is going on with Hanalei Bay Watershed. In addition, the hui is reminding the public the Hanalei Watershed Management Plan is ready for review and comment. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i beekeepers could sleep in peace, knowing the Garden Isle is the only major Hawaiian island free of the small hive beetle, a serious pest to honeybees. Until last week. Garden Island.

Molokai

A bill was signed into law last week that establishes new regulations for short-term rentals, also known as transient vacation rentals, in Maui County. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii the most Democratic, Abercrombie extols unions in Vegas while fighting them at home, Honolulu B&B squabble draws 300, Maui medical plaza advances, Big Island gets new Internet connection, flood maps, more Hawaii news

Corpse Plant Hawaii County Courtesy Photo

The flies were buzzing around the owl enclosure on Wednesday, and for good reason. The "corpse flower," or Amorphophallus titanum, was in full bloom at the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie stood on a Vegas stage Wednesday extolling the importance of fair wages, collective bargaining and solidarity among workers, while back home, battles with the state's unions continue. Civil Beat.

A new Gallup poll shows that Hawaii is the most Democratic state. Hawaii News Now.

Hearings in the teacher's union challenge of the state's unilaterally imposed contract got started on Wednesday. KHON2.

The teachers union expressed disappointment Wednesday after the Hawaii Labor Relations Board decided to take more time to consider the union's motion seeking relief from imposed wage reductions and higher medical premiums. Star-Advertiser.

Negotiations between Hawaii’s teachers union and the state reached a new level of tension on Wednesday as legal counsel for both sides battled in front of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Hawaii Reporter.

A planned dinner for Hawaii legislators and staff attending a conference in San Antonio, Texas was cancelled this week after Ethics Commission director Les Kondo said the event would violate the state Ethics Code. Hawaii Reporter.

More than eight months after state officials warned that he could face high fines for failing to file any campaign finance reports for the 2010 election cycle, former Maui County Council Member Bill Medeiros still has not filed the reports. Maui News.

A majority of those who testified at a Honolulu Planning Commission hearing Wednesday spoke against a city proposal that would make it more difficult for unlicensed bed and breakfasts and transient vacation rentals to advertise. Hawaii News Now.

The controversy about unpermitted vacation rentals in residential areas continued to flare Wednesday, with more than 300 people attending a public hearing on a proposal to tighten the enforcement of laws barring them. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Vacation-Rental Controversy Heats Up. Civil Beat.

Lenders restrained by Hawaii's new foreclosure law processed relatively few foreclosures in July, the second month of a temporary reprieve for many local homeowners with delinquent mortgages.Star-Advertiser.

Visitor Industry Expects To Benefit From Market Freefall. KITV4.

Hawaii County administrators say they're monitoring the national economic scene, but they're confident recent cost-cutting measures will help the county weather the uncertain times. West Hawaii Today.

Local farmer says prisoners can grow their own food. KHON2.

Hawaii Dumps 1,000s of Gallons of Water into Maxed-Out Sewage System. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau on Wednesday named Brian Miyamoto as its new chief operating officer and Joy Gold as its new interim executive director. Pacific Business News.

As Oil Prices Fluctuate, Matson Hasn't Reduced Oil Surcharge, Investigation Shows. Hawaii Reporter.

The Big Island is getting connected to the Internet thanks to $7.5 million federal grant offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Tribune-Herald.

Not including flood-prone areas of middle Kona and a lack of continuity in the use of maps by lenders were among concerns residents voiced about proposed revisions to Big Isle flood insurance rate maps Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

MoveOn rallies for 'Jobs Not Cuts' West Hawaii Today.

The Kaua‘i County Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee on Wednesday deferred for at least two more weeks its decision on a bill that would allow camping at Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

After five years of planning, revisions and more planning, the six-story medical plaza building next to Kanaha Pond wildlife sanctuary got its special management area permit Tuesday. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo says the first graduates of its pharmacy school have been hired for jobs in 16 states as well as Guam and Washington, D.C. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island will welcome its 14th charter school next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

A species called the small hive beetle has been found bunking with Molokai bees. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu B&Bs under fire, Hawaii Island to get monk seal rehab center, Army sends helicopters to Colorado, teacher hearing today, public employees to get prescription break, Kauai beaches get rescue tubes, three Maui police face suspension, more Hawaii news for your smartphone

Mauna Kea flyer (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The Army, which is completing a third environmental review for high-altitude helicopter training on Hawaii island, said it will have to spend $8 million to conduct most of the training in Colorado because it is running out of time to practice in Hawaii before a January deployment to Afghanistan. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Labor Relations Board holds a hearing today, to consider the State Teachers Associations' challenge to the contract imposed by Governor Neil Abercrombie last month. KITV4.

Hawaii's math standards for fourth- and eighth-graders are higher than most other states, but reading standards are far less rigorous, a new state-by-state comparison of student learning benchmarks shows.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii government workers still feeling the sting of increased health insurance premiums should see some relief from prescription drug costs early next year. KHON2.

Hundreds of illegal bed and breakfasts on Oahu could be shut down under a new proposal. KHON2.

The Sausalito, Calif.-based Marine Mammal Center is planning to build a $3 million rehabilitation center to treat the endangered seals at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. West Hawaii Today.

The first regularly scheduled direct flight from China arrived in Honolulu this morning. Hawaii Public Radio.

Major private landowners along Honolulu's proposed rail line donated more than $75,000 to pro-rail campaigns in the last two elections, a Civil Beat analysis found. Civil Beat.

The good news for drivers is that higher rates for vehicle weight taxes and vehicle registration fees that were expected to kick in July 1 across the islands won't be implemented until next week, giving drivers a one-time, six-week reprieve. Star-Advertiser.

Personal income in Honolulu rose 2.4 percent last year after a stagnant 2009, according to statistics from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis. Pacific Business News.

Use of Roundup spray in Kapiolani Park causes concern. Civil Beat.

Since May, Hawaii’s 90-day first phase of a plan to end homelessness has been in effect and Marc Alexander, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness, says it continues to be successful. Hawaii Independent.

Suspensions of two to 10 days were ordered for three Maui Police Department officers in internal investigations that concluded in June, police reported. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii's 2.2-meter telescope is working again atop Mauna Kea, said its director. Tribune-Herald.

Another two dozen rescue tubes will soon be installed along several unguarded North Shore beaches, but water-safety advocates say that’s not the half of it. Garden Island.

Federal wildlife officials are seeking public input regarding a proposed expansion of the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.Tribune-Herald.

Pier 1 Imports will soon call Kailua-Kona home. West Hawaii Today.

A disabled veteran who wants to create an agricultural and alternative energy park on county land in Hamakua says political bickering is hampering his efforts to get his proposal considered. West Hawaii Today.

Honolulu is changing the way it manages dozens of city vehicles to become more efficient and cost-effective. Associated Press.

The people who run Honolulu's Handi-Van service said customer service complaints have roughly doubled in the past month, after nearly one quarter of its fleet was taken out of service for an electrical problem. KITV4.

The government has ordered a Hawaii fumigation company to pay a $17,000 fine for safety violations. Hawaii News Now.

Free buses continue on Big Island, Lehua rats, Senate ponders special session on furloughs

Mayor Billy Kenoi is asking the Hawaii County Council to extend free countywide bus service for another year.

Lawmakers are considering a special session to end furlough Fridays

The state Senate is responding to the school furloughs by forming a committee.

The Honolulu City Council last night voted 5-3 to approve a bill designed to shield owner-occupants from larger property tax increases by creating a new category just for them.

Is it still “public access” if it goes through privately owned property?

New bed-and-breakfasts would be allowed up to a certain number, with other restrictions in place aimed at preventing communities from losing a residential feel, under a proposal advanced by the City Council.

Habitat-restoration biologists in August discovered more rats on Lehua, an uninhabited island near Ni‘ihau, and plans are to eradicate the feral animals within two to three weeks, a federal spokesperson said Tuesday.

A dentists convention, a string of Japanese holidays and deep discounts on hotel rooms helped propel Hawaii to its third consecutive month of growing visitor arrivals in September.

Inmates, families linked