Hawaii poll: Dems likely to keep U.S. Senate seat, tourism bounces back, election nominations start Wednesday with no legislative maps, Oprah Winfrey mulls Maui move, Georgia woman pleads guilty to stealing Sen. Inouye's Identity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polynesian Cultural Center (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is seeing a solid recovery in tourism with increases in both arrivals and tourist spending. Associated Press.

An improving global economy and more air service helped boost tourist arrivals and spending in Hawaii to near-record levels last year. Star-Advertiser.

The month of December 2011 reached $1.298 billion in visitor spending, the highest single month on record. Hawaii Reporter.

Both Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate have the edge over former Gov. Linda Lingle, according to the latest Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The 2012 election season in Hawaii officially gets underway on Wednesday, February 1, with the commencement of the candidate filing period. Maui Now.

The State Office of Elections is unable to start establishing polling locations and assigning the roughly 600-thousand Hawaii residents to polling locations across the state. KITV4.

Under a best case scenario, the Technical Committee of the Reapportionment Commission would start redrawing political districts as early as Feb. 9. Civil Beat.

Candidates for state House and Senate races will not be able to file for election when the season officially kicks off this Wednesday. But fundraising can get underway. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A Georgia woman pleads guilty to being involved in stealing the identity of a U.S. Senator from Hawaii Monday. KITV4.

The teachers union is calling bills before the state House and Senate that would nullify teacher tenure protections a "direct attack on our membership." Star-Advertiser.

Although Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration has made much of its need for the Hawaii State Teachers Association's cooperation in reaching federal Race to the Top grant targets, a veteran labor attorney says the grant is not dependent on the teachers union, thanks to a loophole in state labor law. Civil Beat.

Retired Washington Army National Guard Lt. Col. Doug Mayne will assume the duties of vice director of state Civil Defense in March, the state announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers cleaned up and advanced a bill Monday that would require motorists to move over and slow down when approaching and passing stopped emergency vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

Restaurants going to the dogs: Senate Bill 3032 would allow dogs in restaurants at the restaurant owner’s or manager’s discretion if certain conditions are met. Garden Island.

Several protests have been filed with the Hawaii Republican Party over the selection of Ted Liu as the party’s new national committeeman. Civil Beat.

A half-hour television special illustrating the importance of Hawaii’s watershed and its protection will be airing on local stations this month and next. Molokai Dispatch.

State roundup for Jan. 31. Associated Press.

Oahu
Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle collected $53,000 in campaign donations in the second half of 2011, less than 20 percent of his haul from the first half of the year, according to a filing Monday with the Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

The closure of two Hawaii Medical Center emergency rooms on O’ahu has prompted State lawmakers to pass legislation that could provide additional funds for county ambulance service island-wide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Doubling the rate for parking meters outside public parks like Kapiolani and Aala would help raise money for park maintenance, but it's a move that opponents say could spread beyond Waikiki and downtown and keep people out of public parks and beaches. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor announces new smart phone reporting system. KHON2.

The swell was big Monday evening at Waimea, as surfers -- and spectators -- tried to catch the last waves before sunset. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Just who would be responsible for building the Mamalahoa Highway bypass remained unclear Monday, following a court hearing on a motion to enforce a recently reached settlement. West Hawaii Today.

A Honokaa woman said Monday she's running for mayor. West Hawaii Today.

There's some buzz about a bill seeking $10,000 in funding from the Legislature to establish new bee hives for the University of Hawaii at Hilo's beekeeping program.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns hundreds of acres of land on Maui, is thinking about making Hawaii her home. Pacific Business News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii held a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony Friday morning for the completion of the expansion and renovation of its pharmacy at its Maui Lani Clinic. Maui News.

Kauai

An audit of the Kilauea Gym project suggests that loss of experienced staff is hindering the ability of the Department of Public Works’ Building Division to execute capital projects. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i saw strong growth in both visitor arrivals and spending in 2011, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority reported Monday. Garden Island.

Case and Hirono tied in U.S. Senate poll, Hawaii libraries to get wi-fi, Legislature tinkering with civil union law, Caylee's Law coming to Hawaii, Jeff Corwin dives Kona coast, Maui could get state's biggest outlet mall, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Public Library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Wi-Fi will soon be available at libraries across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Daniel Akaka, according to a new Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case at 41 percent, Hirono at 39 percent, with 8 percent saying neither candidate and 12 percent still unsure.

Hawaii may soon join dozens of other states in banning lawmakers from holding political fundraisers during the four months the Hawaii Legislature is in session under a new proposal. Civil Beat

Legislative "fixes" to the civil unions law that took effect this year are working their way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers have introduced a host of bills in the new legislative session aimed at keeping pace with Hawaii's rapidly evolving energy sector, including one proposal that would force Hawaiian Electric Co. out of the power generation business and have it focus strictly on delivering electricity to customers. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly one-third of Hawaii's 256 public schools will use revamped teacher evaluations next school year in a pilot program that will take into account student academic growth, amid concerns from teachers over how the new rating system eventually will be tied to their pay. Star-Advertiser.

Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate. KITV4.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday released more than $15.6 million for capital improvement projects statewide that are designed to improve the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure. Pacific Business News.

The possibility of another big northwest swell has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Warning that will take effect Monday at 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

"Living in the Moment:" New campaign launches to market Hawaiian Islands. KHON2.

State roundup for Jan. 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

As contract expires, many hope Pro Bowl will stay in Hawaii. KHON2.

Cayetano: Rail A Wall of Concrete Snaking Along Honolulu's Waterfront. Civil Beat.

Prostitution Bust At University of Hawaii Professor's Apartment following website' sting. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The decision to fire four Hawaii County elections workers may soon start costing Big Island taxpayers. Tribune-Herald.

The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with life, a sign world-renowned animal expert Jeff Corwin said Sunday is hopeful and encouraging. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A California developer wants to begin construction this spring on a shopping center that would be the largest outlet mall in Hawaii. Maui News.

The Maui County Council General Plan Committee will conduct an informational meeting this week on the urban-growth boundaries being proposed in the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a complaint letter with the County of Maui this week citing concerns over First Amendment rights of protesters demonstrating near the Monsanto facility along the Pi’ilani Highway in Kihei. Maui Now.

Kauai

State Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, said the March 24 election of board members of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have a “tremendous impact” on diversifying the future economic base of the island. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i volunteers spotted more whales than their counterparts on Hawaii’s other islands during a weekend ocean count coordinated by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island.

Molokai

Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu least affordable city, director named to troubled housing agency, Hawaiian Homes waiting list spans four decades, changes proposed for super PACs, military gears up live-fire exercises, Maui rethinks water laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu high rises (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Honolulu is the least affordable city for renters nationwide, with only 8 percent of middle-class jobs paying enough to afford a two-bedroom apartment. Star-Advertiser.

Political committees in Hawaii that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of campaign money could be required to name the candidates their expenditures are targeting or supporting in the upcoming elections. Civil Beat.

Candidates running for the Hawaii Legislature last year raked in nearly $5 million in total contributions — and spent just as much, according to figures from the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

Supporters of Hawaii’s ignition interlock law are hailing the first year of the program as a huge success. KHON2.

During the last session lawmakers hung their hats on a strategy that they hoped would help generate additional tax dollars without having to adopt an explicit tax increase like an increase in the general excise tax rate or an increase in personal income tax rates. Hawaii Reporter.

Former Gov. John Waihee III received a standing ovation after his 2011 State of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs keynote address, in which he stressed self-governance. Star-Advertiser.

"I stand here in front of you asking all of you to lay your weapons down. Lay your spears down and embrace with aloha," OHA chairperson Colette Machado said. Hawaii News Now.

Hakim Ouansafi, chairman of the Muslim Association of Hawaii and a longtime executive in the hotel industry here, has been selected as the newest head of the state’s public housing agency. Hawaii Reporter.

A study published in the Hawaii Medical Journal this month links certain eye irritation symptoms, such as inflamed bumps on the inside of the eyelid and clear mucous discharge, to chronic exposure to vog, or volcanic fog, and its findings might be key in diagnosing and treating the condition. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Unions will be legal for same gender couples starting early next year. Meanwhile, Mental Health America of Hawai’i hosted a seminar today to ask how well this community is being treated and what should be done in the future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Telcom union workers have rejected the company's latest offer, according to a message on the IBEW Local Union 1357 website. KITV4.

State roundup for Dec. 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

The state agency charged with developing the waterfront around the historic Aloha Tower heard from tenants of the financially struggling retail complex. KITV4.

Whenever there's heavy rain, the Ala Wai Boat Harbor gets storm runoff debris. But according to residents who live on boats moored in the harbor, Tuesday's downpour left a more debris than they've ever seen. Hawaii News Now.

A subsidiary of Marriott International has filed a federal lawsuit against Aqua Hotels and Resorts Inc. alleging the Honolulu-based hotel operator secretly met with the owner of the former Waikiki Edition hotel to plan a hostile takeover of the hotel’s management. Pacific Business News.

Two more Honolulu police personnel have been charged with insurance fraud by the state Attorney General’s office.Hawaii Reporter.

First Lady Michelle Obama and her two daughters will be in Hawaii by the end of the week. KHON2.

Hawaii

Maxine Kaha'ulelio came prepared to meet with the chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Tribune Herald.

Navy aircraft are scheduled to conduct live-fire training on Monday and Tuesday at Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

State and federal court cases regarding the future of the Mamalahoa bypass were settled late Tuesday, but county officials and attorneys remained mum on the details. West Hawaii Today.

The federal government is giving Hawaii another $13.5 million for Saddle Road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Pacific Cancer Institute of Maui is undertaking a nearly $7 million expansion and renovation project, primarily to accommodate a new, $3 million machine for radiation surgery and therapy. Maui News.

A move to amend and perhaps sunset the Show Me the Water ordinance stalled in a Maui County Council committee on a 3-3 vote Tuesday. Maui News.

With a supporter agreeing to match donations through the end of the year, Women Helping Women is wishing for a surge in holiday giving to keep its domestic violence shelter open. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi today announced that the state Department of Education is working to significantly reduce the cost of school operations and, as a first step, has awarded a Power Purchase Agreement contract to install photovoltaic systems at 15 Kauai schools. Hawaii Independent.

Grove Farm has told its Koloa Camp tenants it’s time to move out and make way for progress. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i plans to offer tours of Garden Isle waste disposal and recycling facilities next year. Garden Island.

Hawaii governor, teachers union in mediation, Kona coffee brand at risk, Maui native among SEALs killed, Big Island prison could reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona coffee cherry (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii farmer Paul Uster was on vacation in California when he saw a package of Kona coffee blend in a supermarket that he knew would upset fellow growers back home on Hawaii island. Associated Press.

Kraig Vickers, a 1992 graduate of Maui High School and a Maui Interscholastic League defensive football player of the year, was among 30 Americans who died in a U.S. military helicopter shot down during fighting in Afghanistan, his father, Robert Vickers, confirmed by telephone Saturday night. Maui News.

HSTA votes in support of mediation talks with Gov. Abercrombie. KHON2.

10 legislators in the 76-member Hawaii Legislature raised no money during the same period. Civil Beat.

Plans by the state’s electric companies to invest in biodiesel, and pass the investment costs onto its rate payers, lie in the hands of the Public Utilities Commission and the testimonies of Hawaii residents. Hawaii Independent.

A member of the state Public Utilities Commission is resigning to return to work in the private sector. Associated Press.

Closed nearly two years ago to save money, Hawaii Island's former prison could be reopened to house up to 200 inmates now incarcerated on the mainland. Tribune-Herald.

A state judge has ruled again in favor of the Sierra Club in its attempt to stop the 5,000-home Koa Ridge development. Star-Advertiser.

The first of several monk seal public forums kick off Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

After trying to spare families more financial pain over the past two years, private schools are making larger tuition increases to try to keep up with rising costs. Star-Advertiser.

Years of planning resulted in success last week when the state Board of Education granted a charter for the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School. Tribune-Herald.

Except for Mayor Billy Kenoi, there was very little fundraising among Hawaii County Council members or likely mayoral candidates the first half of this year, according to campaign finance reports filed by Monday's midnight deadline. West Hawaii Today.

A Nuuanu church is defending its decision to allow a cellphone carrier to install antennas on its building, despite an outcry from some neighbors over radiation exposure. Star-Advertiser.

More than 1,800 plant scientists from around the world are on Oahu. KHON2.

Lloyd Y. Kimura has been sentenced by the state of Hawaii to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $8 million in restitution for defrauding more than 50 investors of between $7 million and $20 million. Pacific Business News.

Chakkree Sriphabun is one of 44 men who left his family behind in Thailand in September 2004 to come to Hawaii to work for Mike and Alec Sou at Aloun Farms. Hawaii Reporter.

Some of the County Council districts now serving Hilo are migrating southward toward Puna, according to proposed redistricting maps released last week. Tribune-Herald.

The number of Big Island residents approved for the use of medical marijuana has declined sharply, according to statistics provided by the state Department of Public Safety. Tribune-Herald.

Two weeks of significant wave erosion at Kekaha Beach forced the county to push the lifeguard tower mauka from its sandy shoreline perch Saturday. Garden Island.

A group of very lucky students working on a science fair project were invited onboard a barge to experience a real world undersea mission. KITV4.

GOP seeks more school days, Mufi honored, big spenders could influence state congressional race, garbage still piling up, more top Hawaii news

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann on Thursday received the 2010 National Award for Local Arts Leadership from the Americans for the Arts and U.S. Conference of Mayors.


A U.S. Supreme Court decision yesterday opened a new path for corporations and unions to influence federal elections in Hawaii.

Public school bus routes, which were cut back in November, will be reduced further next school year and the fare may climb to $1 from 75 cents.

The war of words is escalating over private bus service for public school students. Caught in the middle are parents, students and school administrators. 


Mandating a minimum number of instructional days for public school students would take furloughs off the table in contract negotiations and get students back in school, Republican House members contend.

Late February to early March, that is the new deadline for shipping thousands of tons of Hawaii's trash to the mainland. But that also means the stacks of bales of rubbish will sit in Campbell Industrial Park more than month before the trash sets sail.

More than 400 East Hawaii medical workers may be affected by a series of workday furloughs OK'd by a state arbitration panel last week.

Despite the sour economy, commercial garbage haulers are chipping away at their past-due bills to Hawaii County government.

The state Campaign Spending Commission has fined Don Couch $375 for exceeding the cap on nonresident campaign contributions in his 2008 Maui County Council campaign

State Senate Democrats have the votes to pass a civil-unions bill as soon as today, but are not certain they have the two-thirds' majority necessary to override a potential veto or whether they should amend the bill to correct a technical flaw.

Kevin Rebelo and Frank Miholer own a wedding company, and they say they've married more than 4,000 heterosexual couples since 1994

Civilian contractors assigned to U.S. Navy vessels at Port Allen sprung into action recently when they observed a 30-foot fishing boat sunk at its moorings at Port Allen Small Boat Harbor.

Top Hawaii Headlines: Friday morning edition

Straw huts, hula dancers and kids with hula hoops were all on display last night in the White House's backyard -- not the typical congressional picnic.

The White House luau was actually not a concept cooked up by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, though it and the rest of the state likely will benefit from the hula-hoopla it generated.

Hawaii businesses may donate the same amounts to political candidates as individuals, according to a Thursday ruling by the state Intermediate Court of Appeals upholding a lower court's decision.

About 6.9 percent fewer visitors came to the Islands in May and spent $133 million, or 15 percent, less than a year ago, but industry leaders were encouraged that the decline in tourism seems to be slowing.

Matson and the unions representing ship captains and other crew members have agreed to continue contract talks today in San Francisco, averting for at least a day the threat of a shipping strike as contracts expired last night.

Saying a 22 percent raise "flies in the face of reason and common sense" during tough economic times, a Hawaii County councilman wants the County Salary Commission to roll back council pay hikes that went into effect last year.

Hawaii County Councilman Kelly Greenwell recently sent a letter to President Barack Obama, asking the Hawaii-born commander-in-chief to consider sending prisoners to be released from the prison at the naval base in Guantanamo Bay to the Big Island.

The Arc of Hilo and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are teaming up to process local food products with cutting-edge "green" energy technology.

The Hawaii County Council's recent reorganization violated Hawaii's Sunshine Law and stemmed from a lack of respect and communication among members, rather than a turf battle, said the architect of the leadership change.

The Maui County Department of Water Supply declared a drought watch Thursday for Upcountry, requesting residents and businesses from Haiku to Kanaio to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 5 percent.

Gov. Linda Lingle isn’t planning on releasing $750,000 for expansion of the county’s Black Pot Beach Park, Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Laura Thielen said this week.

Video contest publicizes election reform

HONOLULU -- Clean elections advocates have launched a video contest to get the word out about two initiatives currently being considered in the state Legislature.

First prize in the contest is a $100 amazon.com gift card. Second prize is a $50 gift card and third prize is a $25 gift card. Rules are here.

The contest is sponsored by the Coalition to Stop the Tsunami – a group that includes Common Cause Hawaii, Kokua Council, Citizen Voice, Americans for Democratic Action/Hawaii, Progressive Democrats of Hawaii, Advocates for Consumer Rights and the Hawaii Pro-Democracy Initiative.

Campaign finance bills at issue during this legislative session include:

Big Island Fair Elections Pilot. This pilot project is for public funding of Hawaii County Council elections in 2010, and the following two elections. The House passed HB 345, which would delay the pilot to 2014. The bill is pending in the Senate.

Corporate Campaign Donations. Legislators want to allow corporations to donate more than $1,000 in campaign contributions, but opponents have stopped two attempts this year to raise the $1,000 limit. There could be a third attempt using SB 93 and/or HB 345, opponents say.