Showing posts with label bus fares. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bus fares. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Native fishponds threatened by climate change, state budget explained, food stamp decrease on Big Island, police property seizures audit delayed, drones for Maui police, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaiian saltwater fishponds ©2018 All Hawaii News
Climate change poses a looming threat to Hawaiian fishponds, which have undergone a renaissance in recent years, University of Hawaii researchers have concluded. Star-Advertiser.

Sea Level Rise Report Accepted by New State Climate Commission. Maui Now.

Hawaii tourism outlook already looking strong based on airlift numbers. 2018 will come in like a lion for the Hawaii tourism industry, based on how many airline seats will fly here just in January. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Is Still Waiting For An Audit Of Police Property Seizures. A report that was due before the 2017 legislative session is now expected sometime during the 2018 session. Civil Beat.

The new year is pivotal for rail, politics and the TMT. Sudden shifts at the top of the government hierarchy in Hawaii will ripple across the political landscape in 2018, starting with the marquee races for governor and lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

An Inside Look At Ige’s Request For Millions More In Education Spending. It’s far less than the DOE sought, but there’s hope for “more of a focus on education” in state government. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's minimum wage went up up to $10.10 per hour starting New Year's Day. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Trying to understand state budget involves a whole lot of dollars, but little sense. Star-Advertiser.

Strong Close for Hawaii Bank Employees, Not Shareholders. The top five banks in the state are giving their employees bonuses of a thousand dollars or more—and boosting their minimum wages to at least 15 dollars an hour. But for shareholders, it’s a different story. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii to participate in AT&T public safety network. The project, called FirstNet, will provide first responders with their own dedicated network to help them connect to the critical information. Pacific Business News.

In addition to the regular monthly test of the outdoor emergency siren on Tuesday, the state will also be conducting its attack warning siren test for the second time. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kualoa Ranch plans to expand operations. A local ranch popular for its recreational activities and scenic tours wants to expand but needs city approval to lift restrictions on its operations. Star-Advertiser.

The number of building permit requests for large-scale houses on Oahu has grown in the last two months, according to an informal count provided by the city Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Why Isn’t Honolulu Helping Businesses Hurt By Rail Construction? The City Council passed two measures to aid businesses along the rail line but never provided any money. Civil Beat.

Happy New Year! Prepare to pay more in 2018 to register your car, ride the bus. Hawaii News Now.

The price of a city bus ride will rise in the new year. Effective New Year's Day, the one-way fare for adults will go up by a quarter to $2.75. Hawaii News Now.

Petitions are circulating in the community of Kailua to save Pali Lanes, a bowling alley slated for demolition early next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The number of food stamp recipients on Hawaii Island dropped slightly in 2017, continuing an ongoing trend for the federal program. While 37,964 people in on the Big Island benefited from the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program — often referred to as food stamps — by the end of November 2016, only 37,349 did so by the same time in 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Sea level forecast alarming: Report predicts hundreds on Big Island would be displaced, great economic loss. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Police Department received funding from the FY16 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to implement a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems program. Maui Now.

The state Real Estate Commission will hold its monthly committee meetings Jan. 10 on Maui as part of its Neighbor Island outreach program. Maui News.

Kauai

Tiny houses could bring big relief. Tiny houses could be a solution for Kauai’s tense rental market, as both landlords and renters on Kauai are stressed out about keeping a roof over their heads. Garden Island.

Kauai Film Academy opens new training facility. Bright fuchsias and shades of blue are dancing out of the once-empty space next to the Kauai Society of Artists’ gallery at Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Rail bonds approved, Honolulu council hikes bus, parking, weight fees, Big Island gas tax hike advances, interim schools superintendent named, Maui mulls sand mining moratorium, Kauai studies landfill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Rail construction, courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Construction of Honolulu’s beleaguered rail project likely will proceed past January, now that it’s squeaked out a sixth, pivotal City Council vote required to float bonds and help keep the work on track. The Council’s 6-3 decision on Wednesday, which hinged on Councilman Trevor Ozawa’s swing vote, authorizes up to $350 million in city general obligation bonds for rail. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a measure Wednesday to ensure construction of the rail project can continue through June 2018 by issuing up to $350 million in bonds, although there is still no long-term revenue source to finish the $10 billion, 20-mile line. Civil Beat.

The city's controversial rail project survived a crucial vote Wednesday at Honolulu Hale -- one that could have shut down all construction and operations within a couple months. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu's financially troubled rail transit project will be able to issue bonds to keep it afloat through the end of the year. KITV.

The city council voted on a number of measures Wednesday night that could bring in much needed funding to the Honolulu rail project. KHON2.

Hawaii’s newly appointed schools superintendent says she has her sights set on raising student achievement in the islands above the rest of the country’s public schools. Star-Advertiser.

The future superintendent of Hawaii schools — and the high school principal who will serve as interim schools chief for a month until she starts her job Aug. 1 — spoke briefly to the media Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Keith Hayashi, Waipahu High School’s principal who has been serving as interim deputy superintendent since March, has been tapped to lead the public school system as interim superintendent until Aug. 1, the Department of Education announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A new report from Pew Research Center shows that Hawaii had the most multiracial and multiethnic births in the nation at 44 percent in 2015. Civil Beat.

Only four restaurants from the entire state of Hawaii were recognized on OpenTable's 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America, a list of the best outdoor dining restaurants in the country. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Motor vehicle weight taxes, bus fares and parking rates will go up under a 2018 budget package approved by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.


Honolulu residents will have to pay more to drive and park as the result of City Council action Wednesday to balance the 2018 fiscal year budget. Civil Beat.

In Wednesday's Honolulu City Council meeting, the council approved a bill for a one-time increase on city bus fares. KITV.

The City Council voted Wednesday to override Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto on a bill that would block the transfer of Thomas Square to the Department of Enterprise Services from the Department of Parks and Recreation, citing concerns that the move could commercialize much-needed green space. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council advanced a measure Wednesday that would allow a Waikiki nonprofit group to set transportation policies, handle curb and parking enforcement, and build parking garages and other transportation-related structures in the state’s No. 1 tourist destination. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council chose not to pass a bill Wednesday to close a loophole in the city’s plastic bag ban. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council has decided it needs more time to decide whether to strengthen Oahu’s plastic bag ban. KHON2.

A controversial measure to ban all plastic shopping bags has been shelved by the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council has again deferred action on a bill that would require retailers to charge a fee for checkout bags and ban so-called compostable plastic bags. Star-Advertiser.

Libraries are popping up across the country, but they’re not lending books. They’re lending tools. The HNL Tool Library is part of a nationwide movement prioritizing access to tools over ownership. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

A gas tax hike is probably coming to a pump near you, but there will be less of an immediate sticker shock following the County Council’s 8-1 vote Wednesday to spread Mayor Harry Kim’s requested increase more evenly throughout the next three years. West Hawaii Today.

The Hilo landfill isn’t closed yet, but Hawaii County already was approached about using it for a solar farm once it’s capped, officials told the County Council on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Council members on Wednesday rejected for a second and final time a controversial resolution claiming historical discrimination against low-income and Native Hawaiian residents of Puna and Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Millions of dollars will be spent upgrading Hilo International Airport throughout the next two years. Tribune-Herald.

As Hawaii’s congressional delegation rallies around Kona coffee farmer and undocumented immigrant Andres Magana Ortiz as he faces deportation to Mexico, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard took the effort a step further on Wednesday, taking the cause to the floor of the House and urging Congress to pass a ‘private bill’ she introduced this week to help Magana Ortiz. Big Island Video News.

The Waimea family and community man facing deportation was given 45 days to take care of his affairs before he has to leave Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council is taking steps on a sand mining moratorium. KHON2.

Department of Liquor Control Director Glenn Mukai said Wednesday that the department isn’t changing any of its rules for nonprofit liquor licenses — it’s just complying with state laws that have been in place since 2008. Maui News.

Members of the Maui Police Department Traffic Section along with assistance from patrol officers conducted a two week operation from May 22 to June 4, 2017 targeting seatbelt, child restraint and pick-up truck restriction violations. Maui Now.

For weeks, Minerva Martinez dreaded Wednesday, a day of reckoning for the 47-year-old Mexican immigrant who was ordered to report for possible deportation. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Consulting group presents findings on makeup of Kekaha Landfill. Garden Island.

Sen. Brian Schatz has a list of items he wants to help fund on the Garden Isle. Garden Island.

Two important ocean safety communication pieces are available to businesses on Kauai. Garden Island.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Hawaii Senate passes budget, Hawaii could be drone testing ground, state addresses Oahu prison problems, Ellison holds briefings for Lanai residents, property tax hike for Kauai, bus fare hike for Hawaii County in the works, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News
Waikiki tourists (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
Hawaii hotels had a strong week for room rate increases last week when compared to the same week last year, while occupancy rates had modest increases on most of the major islands, according to the latest report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

The state Senate passed its version of the two-year budget Thursday, restoring funding slashed by the House for some of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's initiatives on early childhood education, cash incentives for entrepreneurs and information technology upgrades. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state Senate on Thursday approved a $24 billion budget for the next two fiscal years, setting up talks with the House to work out differences in the proposals that fall short of what the governor wants. Associated Press.

Nearly two dozen individuals made personal contributions totaling at least $20,000 to dozens of candidates in the 2012 election, according to an analysis of newly available data provided by the Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

Fewer than 2 out of 10 Hawaii homeowners who are considering installing solar photovoltaic panels said they would do so if the availability of state renewable-energy tax credits was "reduced considerably or eliminated," according to a survey published Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Clayton Hee says online journalists will be protected from being forced to reveal their sources — but only if their publications meet the definition of a magazine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s law is considered by media advocacy groups and working journalists as one of the best in the country. However the battle between Senate Judiciary Chair Clayton Hee and local journalists to keep the Journalism Shield Law in place did not end well for journalists at a Wednesday committee hearing. Hawaii Reporter.

FAA wants some more information on domestic drones and Hawaii could be a testing ground. Hawaii News Now.

Fracking may seem like a mainland issue, but in fact it could have major implications on Hawaii's plans to import liquefied natural gas as a way to lower electricity costs. Civil Beat.

State roundup for April 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

State corrections officials plan to install surveillance cameras in the security holding cell area at Oahu Community Correctional Center where a detainee allegedly killed another earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Recent incidents force Hawaii public safety officials to review policies and procedures to prevent more embarrassing incidents. Civil Beat.

A contract for a 12-hour-a-day ambulance service operating out of Halawa has been cut for budgetary reasons, but city Emergency Services Director Mark Rigg said he expects the void to be filled by next month. Star-Advertiser.

After more than two years shut down, the former Hawaii Medical Center West, and the people who want to fill its halls, is itching to reopen. KITV4.

Sears Portrait Studios close without warning to workers, customers. KHON2.

Navigation device maker TomTom found Honolulu to be the third-most traffic-congested city in North America, in its 2012 Congestion Index, released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Late-night spots blamed for Ala Moana crime surge. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A hike in county bus fares may be “unavoidable,” a transit official said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said Thursday during a tour of Hilo that he and Sen. Mazie Hirono are working well together to fill the void left after the death of longtime Sen. Daniel Inouye. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

It's a matter of guesswork to foretell the impact of pending public employee union negotiations and arbitration proceedings on Maui County's fiscal 2013-14 budget. Maui News.

The march to protest the agricultural practices of agribusiness giant Monsanto Corp. drew an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 activists to the street on Saturday, March 23. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

County Finance Director Steven Hunt presented Thursday to the Kaua‘i County Council the administration’s proposal to raise property tax rates to every class of taxpayers, except for homesteaders, who have a Permanent Home Use cap in place. This alone would bring nearly $12 million in additional revenues to the county. Garden Island.

Plans for a caretaker residence situated on a Kilauea property controlled by an easement are being opposed by the Kilauea Neighborhood Association. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison’s expansion plans for Lanai will be detailed in community meetings on the Pineapple Isle on Thursday and Saturday nights. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

The main streets of Kaunakakai were closed Saturday morning as people young and old marched through town, carrying signs and shouting protests aimed toward Monsanto and calling for clear labeling of food made with genetically modified organisms (GMO). Molokai Dispatch.