Showing posts with label birther. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birther. Show all posts

Friday, December 13, 2013

Lawmakers may take over nonprofit Health Connector, Trump, conspiracy theorists grab Fuddy crash debate, Gabbard fights TSA fee hike, Hawaii shipping in price-fixing probe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obamacare
Hawaii Health Connector website
State lawmakers are considering turning the nonprofit Hawaii Health Connector into a state agency nearly two months after it fumbled the start of the online insurance marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are worried about the sustainability and accountability of the Hawaii Health Connector, the state's quasi-government nonprofit agency that's in charge of implementing the Affordable Care Act. Legislators questioned health officials during an informational briefing at the state Capitol on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Connector would need to enroll an estimated 10,000 individuals and 40,000 small businesses in health plans in the current fiscal year for the organization to be sustainable after federal funds dry up in 2015, officials told state lawmakers Thursday. Pacific Business News.

A 2014 defense bill passed Thursday by the House includes more than $400 million in military construction projects for the state, focuses on ballistic missile defense and calls for reviews of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting command, including whether operations should be moved from Hawaii to the mainland. The National Defense Authorization Act is a compromise between previously passed House and Senate versions, and now heads to the Senate for approval. Star-Advertiser.

With Congress poised to approve a budget before the end of the year, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard sent a letter to House Budget Committee leaders Tuesday requesting that Hawaii be exempt from Transportation Security Administration fees that would increase by more than double. Star-Advertiser.

An ongoing price fixing case being prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division that involves most of the nation's domestic shipping companies, has led to a half a dozen senior executives going to prison and fines totaling more than $100 million. Now, industry experts say there are hints that Hawaii shipping routes may also be part of the investigation. Hawaii Reporter.

As the Obama family is likely packing for their annual vacation to Hawaii, the birther movement is pouncing on yet another conspiracy theory about the President's Hawaii birth certificate. HuffPost Hawaii.

Two survivors of the plane crash off Molokai were sitting directly behind Hawaii Department of Health Director Loretta Fuddy when the aircraft went down Wednesday afternoon.  Fuddy died in the crash. KITV4.

A 70-year-old survivor of the Makani Kai crash Wednesday said state Health Director Loretta Fuddy was conscious before he struck out to swim to Kalaupapa. C. Phillip Hollstein Jr. said he helped everyone out of the plane, was the last one off, and recalls seeing Fuddy in the water. Star-Advertiser.

The family of Loretta Fuddy, Hawaii’s Department of Health director who died in yesterday’s Molokai crash, came forward to thank the community and emergency response members, who saved eight other victims in the crash. Civil Beat.

Alan Downer arrived early this month in the Kapolei offices of the State Historic Preservation Division, an agency that has been under the gun over the past several years. Downer, the new SHPD administrator, is contending with the pressures of bringing his office into compliance with National Park Service requirements concerning records management and other issues, so that it would not lose federal funding. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

At dawn, as traffic jams snake through the Koolau mountain range, the Kawainui Marsh offers a soothing respite from the bustle of Honolulu. The state’s largest freshwater wetland spans more than 800 acres in Kailua on the east side of the island. Some residents fear that could change if the state adopts a proposed land use plan that allows for the construction of several buildings and parking lots on the periphery of the marsh. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The West Hawaii Community Health Center at Kealakehe moved one step closer to fruition Thursday as dozens feted its ground breaking. Construction of the medical and dental facility’s nearly 11,000-square-foot first phase within the Lai opua Community Center Complex is expected to get underway next month with a projected opening date to patients of May 2015. West Hawaii Today.

A delayed sale of the Naniloa Volcanoes Hotel in U.S. Bankruptcy Court is expected to be completed next week, though the buyer has alleged that hotel equipment and inventory is missing from the oceanfront Hilo property. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

While the Maui County Council refuses to turn over minutes of a closed session to discuss an investigation into the demolition of the old Wailuku Post Office, the county has gone to court to try to keep the state Office of Information Practices from issuing an opinion about a possible Sunshine Law violation. Maui News.

When Loretta Fuddy took over as director of the state Department of Health, one of the first things she did was help save the Maui County medevac helicopter from falling victim to the budget ax. On Wednesday that same helicopter carried her body and survivors of a commuter plane crash off the Kalau­papa peninsula for further medical treatment. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai
The cost of cars, and dumping, may be on the rise soon. The Kauai County Council is proposing to increase the county’s disposal fees as well as its motor vehicle weight tax, although not every council member is wild about the idea of raising costs. Garden Island.

Molokai

Kalaupapa residents detail Health Director's last day. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Hawaii health director and Birther foe Fuddy killed in plane crash, auditor dings state tourism agency, Maui Council fights Sunshine Law, Honolulu moves to bus advertising, 14th shark attack of the year, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Director Loretta Fuddy and Gov. Neil Abercrombie
State Health Director Loretta Fuddy was killed, but eight other people survived, after a small commuter airplane crashed into the ocean shortly after taking off from Kalaupapa Airport Wednesday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Loretta Fuddy, the director of Hawaii's Department of Health, died in a plane crash off Molokai Wednesday. She was one of nine people aboard a Makani Kai Air flight scheduled to take off at 3:15 p.m. and fly to Honolulu. The flight crashed about a half-mile off the coast of Molokai. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Director dies in plane crash off Molokai. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 8 people were rescued, but Loretta Fuddy, 65, who is the director of the state Department of Health, did not survive. Deputy Health director Keith Yamamoto was rescued.Hawaii Reporter.

Multiple sources tell Hawaii News Now that Loretta Fuddy, director of the state Department of Health was killed in a small plane crash Wednesday afternoon off Kalaupapa.  Eight others survived. The Cessna Grand Caravan operated by Makani Kai Air reportedly went down at about 3:45 p.m. while heading from Molokai to Oahu.

Loretta Fuddy
Loretta Fuddy, 65, became acting health director in January 2011, after Gov. Neil Abercrombie's first nominee, Dr. Neal Palafox, withdrew his name at the governor's request. Just after being appointed and confirmed as the permanent health director, Fuddy made news in April 2011 when she verified the authenticity of certified copies of President Barack Obama's birth certificate proving that he had in fact been born in Hawaii. Obama had requested the release to end years of so-called birthers' claims that he was born in Kenya and not eligible to be president. Star-Advertiser.

Even after Hawaii took over the top spot as the healthiest state in one national report, state Health Director Loretta Fuddy was advocating for even more services for the disadvantaged. Hawaii News Now.

KITV4 has confirmed from two state government sources Hawaii's Health Department Director Loretta Fuddy died in the plane crash off Molokai Wednesday.

The news is hitting close to home for those who worked with Department of Health Director Loretta Fuddy as well as those she helped. People who knew her say she was a genuine person who always cared for others. KITV4.

Governor Neil Abercrombie appointed Loretta Fuddy to her position more than two years ago. In her role as state health director, she also served as the mayor of Kalawao County on Molokai. KHON2.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority plans to ask the state Legislature to make changes to a law outlining the requirements for a single tourism marketing plan and will implement other internal improvements after a critical state audit. The audit accused the HTA of poor stewardship of the public money that supports Hawaii's $14.4 billion visitor industry, which accounts for 20 percent of Hawaii's economy. Star-Advertiser.

The state agency that is supposed to help academic researchers secure grants from government institutions and private funding sources is under scrutiny by Hawaii lawmakers who say it's being used to facilitate projects completely outside of its purview. The Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii is attached to the UH for administrative purposes only and is exempt from a range of state regulations, including the procurement code and certain civil service laws. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would allow advertising on the exteriors of city buses. Bill 69 now goes to the Council Budget Committee for further discussion. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council members shelved two resolutions that could have forced the city to either cancel or postpone the planned sale of 12 affordable housing complexes to a private group but also rejected a proposal to reaffirm support for the $143 million plan. Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who has been pushing Council members to support the so-called Honolulu Affordable Housing Preservation Initiative deal first reached by his predecessor, former Mayor Peter Carlisle, said he and his staff will meet with officials from Honolulu Affordable Housing Partners LLC today to try to salvage the deal. Star-Advertiser.

A $142 million business deal that would transfer ownership of a dozen of Honolulu’s public housing complexes to a private developer was left on the verge of collapse Wednesday night. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilmember Ikaika Anderson will announce his plans Thursday regarding a homeless community under the Nimitz viaduct. Anderson's plan will involve using a state-owned vacant lot adjacent to the viaduct to provide temporary shelter and basic sanitary services for the homeless. He said he would like the city and state to work together in finding better shelter. The press conference takes place at 12:30 p.m. at the Makai lot of Nimitz Highway. Hawaii News Now.

Current and former faculty of the University of Hawaii's Cancer Center are imploring the Board of Regents to support a change in leadership at the research center, citing a host of alleged offenses by embattled director Michele Carbone, including mismanagement of funds and retaliating against employees. Star-Advertiser.

King's Village Shopping Center, a retail complex in Waikiki designed to resemble Honolulu around 1900, may be redeveloped into a luxury condominium hotel. A local development partnership that bought the center last year announced its redevelopment idea Wednesday, saying that planning is in a preliminary phase and that more details will be made public as they are finalized. Star-Advertiser.

Organizers of this past weekend’s Honolulu Marathon say nearly 31,000 people signed up for this year’s race. As usual, about half of them came from Japan, many bringing relatives and friends. It’s simply the latest statistical reminder of the importance of the Japanese tourism market to the state’s economy. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii recorded its 14th shark attack of the year Wednesday as a 29-year-old Captain Cook man reported being bitten by a 10- to 12-foot tiger shark off Punaluu on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A Captain Cook man is recovering from wounds to his hand and leg following an apparent shark attack Wednesday morning in waters near Punaluu Beach Park in Ka‘u. West Hawaii Today.

Parker Ranch on the Big Island, one of the largest private landowners in Hawaii, could become a major energy player following the University of Hawaii’s recent discovery that the Waimea ranch’s land might have potential for geothermal resources, Parker Ranch CEO Dutch Kuyper told Pacific Business News on Tuesday.

The county Board of Ethics, concerned that some Finance Department employees have a say about how their own property is valued for tax purposes, has scheduled a fact-finding hearing for next month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council has gone to court to keep the state's public information agency from forcing the county to turn over minutes from a closed-door executive session. It's a case that could have significant ramifications for the state's ability to crack down on violations of the state's Sunshine Law, which requires meetings to be held in public.  Civil Beat.

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously rejected appeals Tuesday that were aimed at challenging permits for the Rock & Brews restaurant, with project partners that include KISS hard rockers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of land-use changes that would allow expansion and greater development flexibility for the Maui Research & Technology Park in Kihei. Maui News.

After a total of eight shark incidents in Maui waters this year, two of them fatal, Mayor Alan Arakawa shared with us his thoughts about mitigation and ocean safety. Maui Now.

The Maui Highways Division will resurface Kahekili Highway starting Monday and continuing through April 30. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai's auditor is claiming he's being retaliated against for an audit that reported a high-ranking elected official was improperly using a county gas card. Associated Press.

The Hanalei Plantation Resort project has entered a new phase with the publication Monday of its environmental impact statement preparation notice. Garden Island.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Big revenue jump predicted, birther lawsuit halted, six vie for Maui Senate seat, Hawaii council to mull Public Land Development Corp., Lt. Gov. Tsutsui sworn in, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Chief Justice Mark Rectenwald
Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui sworn in by Chief Justice Mark Rectenwald, photo courtesy Governor's Office
The state Council on Revenues upgraded the state's tax collection forecast Thursday, predicting that the housing and construction sectors of the economy will follow tourism into the recovery. Star-Advertiser.

The state Council on Revenues raised its tax revenue growth forecast for Hawaii’s current fiscal year by 0.2 percentage points to 5.1 percent during its meeting Thursday, and raised the revenue forecast for the following fiscal year by nearly $400 million. Pacific Business News.

The state is expected to generate $172.6 million more in tax revenue over the next 18 months if a revised general fund forecast by the Council on Revenues holds true. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today responded that the Council of Revenues forecast revisions for FY14 and FY15 are consistent with the Abercrombie Administration analysis of the overall economy. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii may have dodged the fiscal cliff, but there's a bigger looming threat that state budget officials say they don't know how to begin to prepare for: the economic vacuum created by the loss of Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. Civil Beat.

The death of longtime U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has created an economic cliff in Hawaii that’s far worse for the state than the federal fiscal cliff, Hawaii’s state finance director said Thursday. Associated Press.

The number of individuals and businesses filing for bankruptcy in Hawaii last year fell to the lowest level since 2008 amid an improving economy and declining consumer debt loads. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge rejected a challenge by so-called "birthers" seeking to halt Friday's scheduled counting of Electoral College votes for President Barack Obama in their latest attempt to overturn Obama's presidency. Associated Press.

President Obama spent time with his daughters Thursday, taking them bowling at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe and then heading for shave ice at their regular spot, Island Snow in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama chose to spend part of Thursday afternoon bowling and eating shave ice with his daughters, a departure from the daily rounds of golf this vacation. Star-Advertiser.

As the 113th Congress was sworn in on Thursday, the four members of Hawaii's delegation pledged to work as a unified group to begin rebuilding the all-important seniority that was lost recently following the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye and the retirement of U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. Star-Advertiser.

The nation's 113th Congress began today with the swearing in ceremonies of two of Hawaii's four delegates. Hawaii News Now.

The remaining three members of Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation were sworn in on Thursday in Washington, D.C., sealing a renovation that started two years ago, with the election of U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to the House. Sen. Brian Schatz was sworn in last week. Garden Island.

When he died, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye had more than a quarter-million dollars in his main campaign account and another $50,000 in his leadership PAC, a political action committee he called DANPAC. What will become of it now? Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui was sworn in Thursday morning by Hawaii Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald on Oahu. Maui News.

The Navy’s use of sonar in Hawaiian waters is getting increased scrutiny as a federal agency documents and maps human-caused noise pollution in the oceans in an attempt to dim the din for the sake of marine mammals. Honolulu Weekly.

Climate Change in Hawaii: It’s Here. A new report brings together all the science and concludes it’s time to act. Honolulu Weekly.

State roundup for January 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

There's still a lot of gray area when it comes to regulating how Honolulu City Council members spend their yearly allowances, according to the city auditor. Civil Beat.

Downtown Honolulu will lose its only major department store next month, and what fills the void left by Macy's will go a long way in determining the future of the city's core. Star-Advertiser.

Macy’s announcement Thursday morning that its Honolulu store was one of six on the chopping block this year opens the door for a prime downtown block to be reborn as something other than a department store. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Pacific University's plans for redeveloping Aloha Tower Marketplace are on hold for at least another week, as its development partner is trying to maintain control of the project. KHON2.

A dispute over control of Aloha Tower Marketplace has escalated between the developer who bought the downtown waterfront retail complex about a year ago and his financial partner, Hawaii Pacific University. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police arrested and cited two women for prostitution at a King Street massage parlor and arrested and cited a third woman at another massage parlor on Keeaumoku Street Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Public Land Development Corp. hasn’t finalized its administrative rules, but Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants Hawaii County to be prepared in the event those rules infringe upon Hawaii County’s home rule powers. West Hawaii Today.

A suspect is in custody after two Hawaii County police officers were shot and injured Wednesday night in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A $4 million gas collection and control system for the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill in Puuanahulu needs to be working by mid-December or Hawaii County could face fines. West Hawaii Today.

The Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal has welcomed the new year with a new look. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
The Maui County Democratic Party has received six qualified applications for the Central Maui state Senate seat vacated by Shan Tsutsui, who became lieutenant governor. Maui News.

Maui County Council members officially organized behind Gladys Baisa and Bob Carroll, unanimously electing them chairwoman and vice chairman, respectively, of the newly seated council on Wednesday. Maui News.

Kalbert K. Young, the Director of Budget and Finance for the State of Hawai’i, and former finance director for Maui County, delivered the keynote address for the 2013 Maui Council Inauguration today. Maui Now.

Hawaii's recent shifts in political leadership - in Congress and at the state Capitol - heighten the need for Maui County to partner with state government to ensure continued services and to foster economic growth, state Budget and Finance Director Kalbert Young told the newly seated Maui County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

A Kauai landowner who caused a catastrophic mudslide on November 26, 2001, which destroyed a rare coral reef and polluted a pristine bay at Pilaa, Kauai, must pay a $4 million fine to the state, according to the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals. Hawaii Reporter.

After years of controversy, construction of the Wailua Beach portion of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae, or “the path that goes along the coast,” began Wednesday night. Garden Island.

County officials report a mobile chair, which is used for people with disabilities, was damaged at the Waimea public swimming pool. Garden Island.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

NASA tests moon exploration in Hawaii, tax collections up, Arizona sheriff says Obama birth certificate forged, Hawaii pushes for Obama library, students improve, still lag on Adequate Yearly Progress, $12.7M HUD funding for Native Hawaiian housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii lava field (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
NASA is conducting a nine-day field study in Hawaii to evaluate new techniques for exploring the moon. Associated Press.

NASA is conducting a nine-day field test starting Tuesday outside Hilo, Hawaii, to evaluate new exploration techniques for the surface of the moon. PR Newswire.

Hawaii public school students made big reading and math gains in all tested grades last school year, growth that U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan called an "encouraging sign" for continuing improvement. Star-Advertiser.

More than half of Hawaii schools have not met the so-called Adequate Yearly Progress goals required under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the preliminary 2012 results released Tuesday show. Civil Beat.

The latest test scores under the federal mandate known as No Child Left Behind should provide a shot in the arm for Hawaii educators. KITV4.

Statewide test scores are in for public schools and they're being hailed as a year of unprecedented improvement. KHON2.

Investigators for an Arizona sheriff’s volunteer posse say President Barack Obama’s Hawaii birth certificate is definitely fraudulent. Associated Press.

Controversy in Chicago could help Hawaii land the next presidential library. Hawaii News Now.

State tax collections were up 14.9 percent through the end of the fiscal year in June, according to the state Department of Taxation, but the revenue growth dropped to 10.2 percent when the delay in income tax refunds from 2010 is factored out. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle thinks Congress has lost its way. Star-Advertiser.

The economy and job creation were key priorities several U.S. Senate and House candidates listed during the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce moderated forum Monday evening. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will receive $12.7 million in federal funding to develop affordable housing for Native Hawaiians. Pacific Business News.

The renewed emphasis on Asia and the Pacific has heightened the importance of military engagement with old partners such as Singapore as the United States seeks to create new training and basing opportunities where it can. Star-Advertiser.

The state is out tens of millions of dollars in harbor work and barges for the failed Superferry. KITV4.

Oahu

With their positions on major issues already established in previous debates, the three main candidates for Hono­lulu mayor took turns Tuesday swiping at each others leadership style, abilities and accomplishments in office during a debate broadcast live. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s pro-rail business community is backing Kirk Caldwell over incumbent Peter Carlisle in the race for mayor, throwing more money toward his campaign than to either of the other candidates. Civil Beat.

In an effort to save the city government and Oahu residents time and money, Hono­lulu will soon accept and store construction plans electronically, Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health is on the verge of taking an official position against the politically charged proposed merger of Honolulu's Fire and Emergency Services Departments, according to the DOH division chief. Civil Beat.

A group of three people has created the Honolulu Affordable Housing Partners and is in final negotiations to purchase all of the city’s affordable housing units. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

A Florida couple say they plan to file a claim against Hawaii Volcanoes National Park after receiving fines totaling $625 on a recent trip to the Big Island attraction. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian cuts neighbor island fares. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

State regulators on Monday granted Lana'ians for Sensible Growth limited participant status in the ongoing review of whether transferring Lanai's public utilities to the island's new owner, Larry Ellison, is in the public interest. Maui News.

The state Office of Planning says it believes that the California landowner developing two Kihei shopping malls "has failed to substantially comply with its representations" of the project now under construction. Maui News.

The Department of Water Supply has released an updated version of its Upcountry Water Meter Priority List. Maui Now.

Kauai

About a 120 people attended Tuesday’s forum for council candidates, and many more were able to hear it live on KQNG AM 570. Garden Island.

In the face of several supporters of a community center honoring one of the largest cultural and ethnic groups on the island, Kaua‘i County Council members leaned favorably to grant land for a Filipino community center. Garden Island.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Hawaii celebrates King Kamehameha Day; U.S. Supreme Court rejects Obama birther case; Case-Hirono debate set for Wednesday; Oahu recycling program at risk; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hilo Kamehameha statue draping (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The King Kamehameha Celebration Commission started a week of statewide celebrations in honor of King Kamehameha I. KITV4.

Kamehameha Day festivities on Maui will kick off Monday morning with a march in Kahului by Native Hawaiian royal societies and culminate with a parade and hoolaulea Saturday in Lahaina. Maui News.

The sunny weather Saturday was a welcome sight for thousands who lined the streets of Honolulu to take part in a colorful tradition, the 96th Annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade. Hawaii News Now.


copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hula at Coconut Island (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

King Kamehameha celebrations: Hawaii News Now.

The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal challenging President Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship and his eligibility to serve as commander in chief. Associated Press.

Politically influential local attorney Andrew Winer is at the  top of the three-name list of nominees to fill a federal court judicial vacancy here. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Public Radio will host and broadcast a live debate between Mazie Hirono and Ed Case, the Democratic candidates who are in the primary for the open U.S. Senate seat. Hawaii Public Radio.

After spending $2 million to restore and refurbish one of its Manoa studios, which was destroyed by a fire seven months ago, PBS Hawaii will air its first broadcast from the new facility tonight. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Senate candidate, Linda Lingle, will be added to Oceanic Cable's digital lineup on Monday, June 11. KHON2.

Hawaii school officials may get some help meeting a legislative mandate to cut rising bus costs by hiring a consultant to explore sustainable solutions to the state's escalating student transportation troubles. Civil Beat.

A scientific team exploring the beginnings of the universe through telescopes on Hawaii island has found the oldest, most distant galaxy yet detected — about 12.91 billion light-years away. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed legislation Friday that creates the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness as part of the state Department of Human Services. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii human resource firms say they're perplexed by proposed legislation that would impose tens of thousands of dollars in added operating costs and require companies be backed by a bond of up to $1 million in an effort to regulate the local industry. Maui News.

Hawaii-based commercial longline fishers would be able to take a larger number of endangered sea turtles under a proposal from the National Marine Fisheries Service. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

The first of many columns for Honolulu's multi-billion dollar rail transit system is finally finished. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council inserted $2.4 million into the city's $1.96 billion operating budget last week to restore and expand the city's "white bin" community recycling program at Oahu schools, but that doesn't mean Mayor Peter Carlisle will continue it. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest charter school has been directed to come up with a plan to be financially self-sufficient in its dealings with a mainland corporation as the next step in its recovery from a turbulent year that saw its principal fired and its money management faulted by auditors. Star-Advertiser.

The State Land Use Commission voted Friday to approve the controversial development Ho'opili, which hopes to add 11,750 homes on 1,500 acres of the Ewa plain over a 20-year span. KITV4.

The state land use commission approved D.R. Horton’s Ho‘opili project this afternoon. Hawaii Independent.

The fate of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market has been in limbo since April. After several extensions, Sunday, June 10, is technically the last day they are allowed to operate on state property. But they have no plans of leaving just yet. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County has spent $646,407 purchasing homes near Puna’s geothermal power plant, but that number could soon be about to rise. Tribune-Herald.

Officials that operate Hawaii's largest ocean science and technology park said they are taking steps to tackle a long list of deficiencies cited in a state audit that criticized the facility in Kona for failing to achieve its potential after nearly 40 years in existence. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The median price of single-family homes in Maui County dropped last month to its lowest level in at least five years, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui that goes back to 2007. Maui News.

Kauai

The growing movement of pop-up restaurants using locally produced food continues with a Father’s Day steak house night at the Eastside restaurant in Kapa‘a. Garden Island.



Thursday, May 24, 2012

GOP urged to support Native Hawaiian rights, Arizona secretary of state apologizes in Obama birth certificate issue, teachers approve contract but Abercrombie says too late, 2nd lawsuit in prison deaths, Honolulu mayoral debate features rail, mongoose captured on Kauai, more Hawaii news

copyright All Hawaii News
Native Hawaiian protest in Honolulu file photo (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, the only Native American in Congress, said Wednesday that Republican opposition to federal recognition for Native Hawaiians is based on misunderstanding and arrogance. Star-Advertiser.

The Pele Defense Fund, a group that led a successful legal fight in the 1990s to win Native Hawaiians access to private land for hunting, is now rallying hunters together for a class action lawsuit against the state to stop its efforts to eradicate game animals and fence off land. Associated Press.

Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett has apologized for any embarrassment he caused his state when he revived a widely discredited conspiracy theory about President Barack Obama’s birthplace by requesting verification that the president was born in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Hawaii teachers have approved by a 2-to-1 margin a contract agreement they had previously rejected, even though the governor has said the offer is no longer valid. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii teachers voted two-to-one in favor of the tentative contract agreement they rejected by the same margin in January, according to results released by the union Wednesday afternoon. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association said Wednesday that two-thirds of its members have ratified a January labor agreement the state has said is no longer valid. Pacific Business News.

The family of another Hawaii prison inmate murdered in his Mainland prison cell has sued the state and private prison operator Corrections Corporation of America. Hawaii Reporter.

Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, Human Rights Defense Center and a private law firm in San Francisco filed a wrongful death lawsuit in state court Wednesday on behalf of the family of Clifford Makaio Medina against the state of Hawaii and private prison operator Corrections Corp. of America. Star-Advertiser.

The number of tropical cyclones predicted for Hawaii this year is down, but preparations for them are up under new building standards adopted by the state last month. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Restaurant Association is working on a guide designed for people who are interested in opening a restaurant in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Candidate for Congress Esther Kiaaina filed nomination papers Wednesday morning. KHON2.

State roundup for May 24. Associated Press.

Oahu

The two candidates who support the city's planned rail system saved most of their barbs for each other as the three hopefuls vying to be Honolulu mayor faced off Wednesday night in the first live televised debate of the campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral Hopefuls Sharpen Attacks in First TV Debate. Civil Beat.

Campaign spending violations are being raised this election season. Some call for a closer look into the past campaign of former Gov. Ben Cayetano. KITV4.

On the eve of the first televised debate in the 2012 mayoral campaign, the Pacific Resource Partnership on Wednesday launched a two-pronged attack against anti-rail candidate Ben Cayetano. Civil Beat.

Three candidates for Honolulu mayor traded jabs during Hawaii News Now's televised debate on Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now.

A new poll shows more people are still against the rail project than are for it. KHON2.

It's common for surfers to jockey for position at the many world famous surf breaks on Oahu's North Shore. But competition is also heating up on land, as lunch wagons flock to the 7-mile stretch of sand and surf. KITV4.

Recently released home and condo statistics for Oahu and statewide provide insight into a dynamic housing market that continues to show movement in a variety of aspects. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Will he run, or won’t he? Even Harry Kim doesn’t know. The former two-term mayor said Wednesday he’s undecided over whether he would seek a third term. Tribune-Herald.

Acting Environmental Management Director Dora Beck on Wednesday confirmed that the administration put a stop to hauling Hilo garbage to the West Hawaii landfill after it became public, not because of a predetermined schedule for what she called a “pilot project.” West Hawaii Today.

A state Department of Land and Natural Resources plan would enclose 12,000 acres of Ka‘u forest, allow for the reintroduction of the Hawaiian crow and find ways to add more public access to the area, according to a draft environmental assessment released Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on the Saddle Road extension, which would take the cross-island route from Mamalahoa Highway to Waikoloa Beach Drive, could begin as soon as 2017, according to an environmental impact statement preparation notice released Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The electricity bill for a typical household on Maui will rise by $6.60 a month starting June 1 under an interim rate increase announced Wednesday by Maui Electric Co. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air said Wednesday it will add two flights a day between Honolulu and Kapalua Airport on Maui starting June 15, bringing its total daily flights to 12. Star-Advertiser.

A council committee Tuesday concluded its review of the draft Maui Island Plan's growth boundaries for the Wailuku-Kahului region, one of several regions the committee has to review before the end of the year. Maui News.

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa deflected criticism of an upcoming conference for federal judges that is to be held at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, saying Tuesday that it is Hawaii's turn to host the gathering for the appeals court circuit that includes the state and that "Hawaii has proven itself as a place to hold serious face-to-face meetings and conferences." Maui News.

An 18-year veteran of the Maui Police Department was arrested Tuesday accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, according to Maui police. KITV4.

Kauai

A live mongoose, believed to be the first captured on Kaua‘i, was caught in a mongoose trap Wednesday by the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee at the Marriott Kaua‘i Lagoons. Garden Island.

The organization fighting invasive species on Kauai said Wednesday a live mongoose has been captured on the island for the first time, raising concern the animals may already be established on the island and could jeopardize endangered species there. Associated Press.

A small but concerned and vocal crowd brought many questions about a proposed landfill to a Hanama‘ulu meeting on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Molokai
Pier cruisers and ferry boarders can expect some changes over the next year as the state Department of Land and Natural Resources improves upon Kaunakakai’s existing ferry facilities. Construction is slated to start next month, and will last about a year. Molokai Dispatch.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Federal court denies reapportionment injunction, Hawaii Democrats work behind the scenes to kill party neutrality resolution, Arizona satisfied with Obama birth certificate, Abercrombie requires union labor on all state projects, Oahu tops in traffic jams, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. District Court Honolulu
Hawaii elections will proceed as scheduled this year as a federal panel of judges Tuesday refused to intervene and stop the state from moving forward with a reapportionment and redistricting plan approved in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's elections can move ahead as planned under political boundaries that exclude nonresident military personnel, a panel of federal judges ruled Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Three federal judges say a constitutional challenge to Hawaii’s redistricting plan isn’t strong enough to go forward and risk jeopardizing the state’s primary and general elections this year. Associated Press.

A three-judge panel, which included U.S. District Judges Michael Seabright and Leslie Kobayashi from Hawaii and U.S. Circuit Judge Margaret McKeown from San Diego, has refused to grant a motion for preliminary injunction that would have forced the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission to redraw its 2012 plan so it included 108,000 non permanent resident military and their dependents and non permanent resident students. Hawaii Reporter.

In a 55 page decision, a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court in Honolulu has ruled against a group of plaintiffs who had sought to delay Hawaii's upcoming elections over a constitutional challenge. KITV4.

See the reapportionment decision here.

The state of Hawaii has verified President Barack Obama's birth records to Arizona's elections chief after a nearly three-month back and forth that Arizona officials said could have ended without the incumbent's name on its November ballot. Associated Press.

A resolution demanding party neutrality until after the primary elections will be debated at the Democratic Party of Hawaii convention this weekend is causing quite a stir among party members – even in the highest political circles. Hawaii Reporter.

Candidates running as Democrats in Hawaii this year must pay $500 a minute to address party delegates at the annual convention this week. Civil Beat.

A new poll shows Ed Case and Mazie Hirono neck-and-neck in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. KHON2.

The fight to represent the Democratic Party in the upcoming November elections for Hawai‘i’s second U.S. Senate seat is stuck on a technical tie, according to the latest poll results by a private company. Garden Island.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday that U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono has not adequately outlined her public-policy positions and is avoiding debates in their Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Republican Rep. Barbara Marumoto, the second most senior member of the state House of Representatives behind Speaker Calvin Say, will not return to the chamber after her term expires this year. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie issued a directive to use project labor agreements for major state projects. KHON2.

Scientists at the University of Hawaii have created a new type of anti-cancer drug that's taken orally. Hawaii News Now.

An environmental group on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service to force a decision on whether it will put a population of rare dolphins living near Hawaii on the endangered species list. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu had the worst traffic congestion among American cities in 2011, with drivers wasting an average of 58 hours stuck in gridlock, according to a study released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

City attorneys worry that a bill designed to ban commercial activity at two beach parks in Kailua might violate the separation of powers doctrine and be vulnerable to legal challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell is calling for a "critical last look" at the downtown and Kaka­ako portions of the city rail proj­ect, including possible last-minute design revisions to answer residents' concerns about the elevated rail guideway. Star-Advertiser.

Former acting mayor and longtime rail proponent Kirk Caldwell called reporters to his Nimitz Highway headquarters Tuesday afternoon for what his campaign promised would be a "major statement" on the proposed 20-mile system. Civil Beat.

Eight years of continuous war in Iraq and Afghanistan are over for the 3rd Marine Regiment's 3,000 Marines at Kaneohe Bay, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Surveillance videos at a Waikiki McDonald's restaurant show a State Department special agent identifying himself as a law enforcement officer before he was attacked by the man he's charged with murdering, the special agent's lawyer said Tuesday in urging a state judge to make public the video and defense court documents. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu city officials have repeatedly fined Kahala's most famous real estate investor for violations at his Kahala Avenue properties. Civil Beat.

State officials on Tuesday granted the developer of a proposed 12,000 home master-planned community in Ewa extra time to file legal documents, pushing back what was supposed to be a major decision on the controversial development's fate. Civil Beat.

Hoku Corp. said Tuesday that it halted construction at its Idaho polysilicon plant last month and laid off 100 employees there as it explores “restructuring alternatives.” Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Drilling at Puna Geothermal Venture is almost done. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly 9,400 acres of pristine Paauilo ranch land is up for sale at an asking price of $16.8 million. Tribune-Herald.

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is taking up the cause of local game hunters who are feeling increasingly pushed aside as wilderness is fenced off and game animals are shot from the sky. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s Mass Transit Agency estimates that its $1 bus fare enacted last July will raise about $500,000 this fiscal year, down slightly from original projections. Tribune-Herald.

Even if the trend of a quiet Central Pacific hurricane season continues in 2012, forecasters are again cautioning residents not to be complacent. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa is set to sign a bill establishing new regulations for short-term rentals. Maui News.

Community groups and a South Maui resident have filed appeals with state and county agencies to put the brakes on two megamall shopping complexes planned in Kihei, mauka of the Piilani Highway-Kaonoulu Street intersection. Maui News.

The state Land Use Commission voted 6-1 Monday to approve a reclassification of a little more than 545 acres in Central Maui to make way for A&B Properties' plans to develop the Wai'ale master-planned community. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Mike White filed nomination papers Monday for re-election to his Makawao, Haiku and Paia residency seat. Maui News.

Kauai

After reviewing the results of water quality tests on Kalapaki Beach over the last four days, state Department of Health officials have approved a partial reopening of the beach. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced Tuesday the appointment of Frederick Kamuela Cobb-Adams, a former executive with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), as the county’s new housing director effective June 1. Garden Island.


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Arizona comes looking for Obama birth certificate, Hirono ducks debates, Honolulu parking meters accept credit cards, EPA to cap utility emissions in shadow of Kilauea, wetter weather next winter, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

White House courtesy photo
Obama birth certificate White House courtesy photo
Two men who identified themselves as being from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Phoenix arrived at the state Department of Health on Monday, requesting verification of President Barack Obama's birth certificate, a state spokeswoman said. Star-Advertiser.

The so-called "birther" movement did not die off completely when President Barack Obama placed his "long-form" birth certificate on the White House website in April 2011. Civil Beat.


U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Monday declined an offer from Hawaii Pacific University to participate in a forum on Thursday with former congressman Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case has accepted an invitation by Hawaii Pacific University to debate Mazie Hirono this Thursday (May 24), with time and place yet to be determined. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has picked up the endorsement of some Maui County executives, past and present. KHON2.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard is officially seeking higher office. KHON2.

The deadline for the next round of campaign spending reports could move up a couple of weeks from the existing July 31 due date. Civil Beat.

The National Weather Service says Kauai and Oahu are more likely to recover from drought during the upcoming rainy season from October through April. Associated Press.

Rainfall during Hawaii's wet season was definitely wet for the western part of the state, but most areas of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island of Hawaii had below normal rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. Hawaii News Now.

Drought lingered in West Hawaii through another dry winter and is returning this summer to more deeply ravaged, already water-stressed places. These next five months aren’t expected to bring any real reprieve, especially for leeward areas, said Kevin Kodama, senior hydrologist for the National Weather Service. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

A state judge is scheduled to hear a request today by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and other news organizations to argue for the release of defense documents and surveillance tapes filed by a State Department special agent charged in a fatal shooting at a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

New parking meters that accept credit and debit cards along with coins will be installed next month around the Civic Center, part of a pilot project to replace all meters on Oahu with the technology. Star-Advertiser.

No one can put up a tent in City parks on Oahu without a permit, under a law that went into effect last year. But a Honolulu City Council member is pushing for an exemption at Hanauma Bay. KHON2.

The developer of a proposed 12,000-home master-planned community in Ewa has asked state officials to delay Tuesday’s final decision on whether its project can move forward by a month. Civil Beat.

Schuler Homes LLC will ask the Hawaii Land Use Commission    for more time on its Hoopili project case. The LUC is expected to make a decision on Tuesday on the planned 11,750-home subdivision on 1,554 acres of land in Ewa. Pacific Business News.

More than 500 hotel workers at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki are in their second year of working without a contract. Hawaii Public Radio.

Charles Alan Pflueger, head of Pflueger Auto, one of the state’s largest auto dealerships, pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court to tax fraud after he cut a deal with prosecutors. Hawaii Reporter.

The Missile Defense Agency's 280-foot-tall Sea-Based X-Band Radar returned to Ford Island on Monday after being at sea during North Korea's failed April 13 rocket test. Star-Advertiser.

A state work crew on Monday began picking up large and tiny remnants of a floating dock system that washed ashore at Kalaeloa last weekend and turned a leaf blower into a vacuum cleaner to collect the smallest bits of Styrofoam from endangered plants and tide pools. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources mobilized quickly Monday to remove large amounts of Styrofoam that washed ashore on Feedlot Beach at Campbell Industrial Park about a week ago. KITV4.

Hawaii has known of Genshiro Kawamoto for nearly a quarter century now, but still little is known about the famously reclusive real estate mogul. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposes to cap emissions at three Hawaii Island electrical plants to improve visibility at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, even as Kilauea continues to be the largest contributor to haze on the island. West Hawaii Today.

A renewable energy company that plans to burn locally grown eucalyptus trees to generate 10 percent of th Big Island's electricity needs signed an agreement Monday to sell the power to Hawaii Electric Light Co. Star-Advertiser.

Hu Honua Bioenergy took another big step toward the start of operations with the announcement Monday that it has signed a power purchase agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island and State briefs. Associated Press.

Maui

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals plans to return to Maui for its annual conference in August, but unlike its 2010 meeting this one is raising eyebrows on the heels of the General Services Administration scandal over a lavish 2010 conference in Las Vegas. Star-Advertiser.

An upcoming conference on Maui involving federal judges from throughout the western U.S. and its island territories has two Republican senators trying to disrobe the event as being too lavish for taxpayers. Civil Beat.

On average, Maui residents can expect to pay about 4 percent more for water under a proposed rate increase for the county Department of Water Supply, department Director Dave Taylor said Friday. Maui News.

Mokulele Airlines is expanding its interisland operations by returning service between Honolulu and Kapalua Airport in West Maui for the first time in three years. Star-Advertiser.

A $26 million project to widen Piilani Highway from two to four lanes between Kilohana and Wailea Iki drives is moving ahead as a collaboration between the state Department of Transportation and developers of the Makena Resort and Honua'ula projects in South Maui. Maui News.

Kauai and Maui will receive $400,000 to create 20 temporary positions dedicated to the cleanup and repair of public structures, homes and land damaged by the heavy rains that inundated Hawaii in March, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today. Hawaii Reporter.

Kauai
Agriculture is alive and well on the Garden Isle. Pacific Business News.

Officials announced on Monday that Kaua‘i and Maui will get a combined $400,000 to clean up damage from heavy storms that hit Hawai‘i in March. Garden Island.

United States Coast Guard Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Buddy Gilbert never realized how fast four years would pass. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Abercrombie battles low ratings, Perry stirs Birther issue, Solomon chided for grading historic site, Inouye victim of ID theft, Native Hawaiian recognition in appropriations bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie in Okinawa courtesy photo
Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday accepted blame for his administration's missteps and said he would use his low job approval rating as a spur to regain the public's confidence. Star-Advertiser.

In a press conference Monday ostensibly about a recent trip to Asia but really about his difficult first 10 months in office, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie acknowledged that the actions of his administration have not been wildly popular. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that he could benefit from explaining issues to the public more clearly, but he otherwise plans to keep his administration on its current track, even after several aides resigned in rapid succession and a recent public opinion poll gave him low ratings. Associated Press.

Governor Abercrombie said he will not change his administration's direction despite the results from a poll indicating that he is the most unpopular governor in America. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said he doesn't take personally recent job approval ratings that make him the least popular governor in the nation, but he expressed regret Monday for not explaining issues to the public more clearly. KITV4

Governor Abercrombie says he will not change his direction after a recent poll suggested he was the least popular governor in the country. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie met with reporters today to recount his success stories from his travels in Beijing, Okinawa and Tokyo over the past two weeks. Hawaii Reporter.

The Governor briefed the media today on what he called was a successful two-week trip to Asia to boost tourism and business. But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … the state’s chief executive also addressed his 30 percent approval rating which is the lowest in the nation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Resuscitating an issue that flared earlier this year, Texas Gov. Rick Perry said in a new interview that he isn’t sure that President Barack Obama’s birth certificate is real. Washington Post.

A new and controversial agency tasked with developing state lands through public-private partnerships will not be grinding to a halt as some state officials had cautioned. Civil Beat.

On October 14, 2011, the Senate Appropriations Committee released a proposed draft of its Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which includes legislation to recognize Native Hawaiians as a federal Indian Tribe. Hawaii Reporter.

A Georgia woman was in court Monday for allegedly stealing Senator Daniel Inouye's credit card information. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

After Monday's cleanup of a homeless encampment along Beretania Street, homeless advocates and government officials are now targeting six to 10 other encampments across Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

As the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) approaches, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Foundation (ACLU) has announced the release of its “First Amendment Toolkit” and a “Know Your Rights” telephone line, 808-522-5906. Hawaii Independent.

A growing group of like-minded citizens called Occupy Honolulu, in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, considers itself a leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders, and political persuasions. And they’ve got a lot on their mind. Hawaii Independent.

As many as 50 homeowners on Oahu seeking building permits have been told by the Board of Water Supply that they can't proceed until they install a fire prevention sprinkler system because their homes are too far from the nearest fire hydrant or the water flow from a hydrant is too low. Star-Advertiser.

A developer has refined plans to develop the former Kam Drive-In theater property next to Pearlridge Center in response to community feedback, though some area residents still feel the project, with three residential towers, is too much. Star-Advertiser.

Robertson Properties Group unveiled its revised plans Monday for the former Kamehameha Drive-in property in Aiea. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A state senator goes before the Board of Land and Natural Resources Friday, following complaints that she damaged archaeological sites on her land and state property. West Hawaii Today.

Monday afternoon marked the blessing that begins the final portion of the Saddle Road realignment project. West Hawaii Today.

The state is moving ahead with plans to reopen Kulani Correctional Facility and relocate the Hawaii National Guard's program for troubled youths closer to Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong wants to give local construction firms a boost while fixing dilapidated Parks and Recreation structures. West Hawaii Today.

The owners of a Big Island zipline attraction that was the scene of a fatal accident last month has suspended all future operations. KHON2.

Maui

Job creation, sustainability and the protection of social services were among the hot topic issues Maui residents brought up with U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono as the congresswoman held "coffee talk" sessions on Maui on Saturday. Maui News.

Ninety-year-old Mary Nicolas can no longer maintain her yard and clean up the rubbish that she says comes from two trees in a next-door county park in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

State election officials should not have allowed a Republican candidate to run in the 2010 election for a Kauai seat in the state House, the state appeals court ruled Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai‘i Intermediate Court of Appeals on Monday overturned a Fifth Circuit Court ruling last year that dismissed a complaint against a Republican Party candidate who filed at the last minute to run in the 14th District state House race against Democrat Mina Morita. Garden Island.

The county will hold six community meetings next month as part of an ongoing planning process to update its Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Garden Island.