Hawaii restaurant inspections changing, race rises as campaign issue in Schatz-Hanabusa campaign, UH mulls building slowdown, Honolulu rail budget approved, Waikiki sand replaced, sharks' value touted, fishing rules protested, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Moana food court (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Green, yellow and red may soon apply to more than traffic lights. Those colors would telegraph how a restaurant or other food establishment fared in its most recent safety inspection, according to changes being proposed by the state Department of Health. West Hawaii Today.


The state is piloting a free laptop rental program that’s already available at 36 public libraries across Hawaii.  The netbooks, which can be rented out by any library cardholder for three weeks at a time, are equipped with broadband capacities and don’t need to have access to WiFi to connect to the internet. Civil Beat.

Brian Schatz: Ideology, Not Ethnicity, Will Win Hawaii Senate Race. Civil Beat.

A memo from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s campaign is touting him as a progressive candidate who can win the Democratic primary for Hawaii’s senate race “regardless of ethnicity.” Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii is considering halting new construction projects across the university system until it can rein in a repair and maintenance backlog that has ballooned to nearly a half-billion dollars. The idea was presented at Thursday's Board of Regents meeting by Regent Benjamin Kudo, who said an "interim self-imposed moratorium" on new construction would give the board breathing room to address the needed repairs. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii’s controversial plans to develop a $27.5 million center dedicated to the late Sen. Daniel Inouye are being stalled because the UH administration now wants to ask the Legislature for just $5 million for the project — not $15 million as originally pencilled out in the university’s supplemental budget proposal. Civil Beat.

Deferring to the wishes of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's family and addressing transparency concerns, the University of Hawaii is slowing the process for pursuing a planned center to house his congressional papers and has dramatically cut the state funding it is initially requesting for the project. The university's Board of Regents on Thursday approved seeking $5 million in state bond financing as a way to demonstrate UH's commitment to the project — a commitment that proponents said was needed to help in efforts to raise more private funds. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Public Records: Can We Talk About This? Civil Beat.

State Department of Health officials in the past week have identified five more cases of liver damage that could have been caused by consuming a dietary supplement — bringing the current total to 34. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

Board members overseeing the city's rail project Thursday approved its largest capital budget yet, clearing rail officials to sign $1.56 billion in contracts in the coming fiscal year to build the project. The move comes after construction resumed in September on the 20-mile elevated rail system — the largest public works project in Hono­lulu's history. Star-Advertiser.

Companies that use pipelines in Hawaii’s harbors will face intensified scrutiny after a massive molasses spill killed tens of thousands of fish and other marine life. Civil Beat.

Crews have replaced sand that eroded away from a spot at Waikiki Beach. Bulldozers and other equipment were brought in for the Thursday night project, timed to coincide with a very low tide. Hawaii News Now.

Major repair work is just about to begin on one of the most popular beaches in the world. Crews are about to fix the erosion at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. But it's just one of many beaches across the state facing this problem. KHON2.

A federal judge sentenced retired Honolulu police Maj. Carlton Nishimura to eight months in jail Thursday for lying to the FBI and filing a false 2005 income tax return. Nishimura had also been charged with extortion conspiracy and drug promotion. Nishimura was indicted in February 2011 by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to accept bribes from illegal gambling operators in exchange for steering officers away from the gaming rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Residential electric rates rose on Oahu in October from September, tracking an increase in the cost of fuel and power bought from independent producers, Hawaiian Electric Co. reported Thursday. Rates also increased in October on all other islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A recently published study by University of Toronto researchers links the number of sharks on a reef to the reef’s health, with more sharks indicating a healthier reef. The proposed West Hawaii fisheries rules package, still awaiting Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s signature, included provisions to protect nine species of inshore sharks and rays, as well as two invertebrate crown-of-thorns predators. West Hawaii Today.

Administrators are hoping that by scaling back plans for the proposed Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy building, they may render the project more palatable to state legislators. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii travelers will have another flying option come next summer. Hawaiian Airlines announced Thursday that it will begin its first-ever nonstop service between Kona International Airport and Los Angeles in response to growing demand during summer’s peak travel time. West Hawaii Today.

The former owners of Nihon Restaurant have filed suit against the owner of Hilo Bay Café, who plans to reopen her popular restaurant soon at the Lihiwai Street location overlooking Hilo Bay once occupied by Nihon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Proposed limits for Maui and Lanai fisheries on popular near-shore fish are drawing criticism from those who argue that the rules would disrupt Native Hawaiian cultural traditions. A community meeting organized by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to explain the proposals drew about 100 people to Maui Waena Intermediate School on Wednesday. The changes would involve bag and size limits for fish including goatfish, parrotfish and jacks. Associated Press.

The state is proposing rule changes for Maui and Lanai fisheries that involve new bag and size limits that had members of the local fishing community concerned about what they say is an infringement upon their Native Hawaiian "cultural rights." Maui News.

The Cost of Government Commission is advising the county auditor not to take on the Old Wailuku Post Office demolition controversy, noting that "the public interest" will not be served by a prolonged investigation. Maui News.


Hospice Maui is asking a 2nd Circuit Court judge to throw out a state permit for Islands Hospice to establish a seven-bed, inpatient hospice facility in a Kahului home. Maui News.

Haleakalā National Park on Maui reopened today after being closed for more than two weeks due to the federal lapse in appropriations. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council sent Bill 2491 to the mayor's office for approval.  Under the measure, large agribusinesses would be required to disclose restricted-used pesticides applied in fields and implement buffer zones near schools, homes, medical facilities, public roadways and waterways. Star-Advertiser.

Bill 2491 has made its way to Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s desk. Bill 2491, which affects Kauai’s five heaviest users of restricted use pesticides, will go into effect nine months after it becomes law. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines will offer its first non-stop service between Los Angeles and the islands of Kauai and Hawaii during next summer’s peak travel period. Garden Island.

Kauai’s federal wildlife refuge will open today with the temporary agreement to end the government shutdown in effect since Tuesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A new documentary produced by Kauai attorney Teresa Tico, FISHING PONO: LIVING IN HARMONY WITH THE SEA tells the story of Native Hawaiians on the island of Molokai who are using traditional conservation methods to restore fisheries in the waters of their island. Hawaii Reporter.

Community members had the chance to tell county officials and representatives Thursday that although Molokai is distinct from other islands in the county, they deserve the equal support in the next Fiscal Year 2015 Maui County budget. Molokai Dispatch.

Native Hawaiian evicted from Hawaii County land, state tops in multigenerational households, TV news lacks government info, illegal ballots don't matter, UH selling land to pay bills, Maui approves growth plans, gas average $4.41/gal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kawa Bay activist Abel Simeone Lui (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii County officials on Thursday evicted Native Hawaiian activist Abel Simeone Lui, whom state courts ruled — after years of challenges — was illegally occupying the land at Kawa Bay. West Hawaii Today

U.S. Census Bureau figures released Thursday show multigenerational families make up 11.1 percent of all households in Hawaii. That's by far the highest rate in the nation, and well above the national average of 5.6 percent. Star-Advertiser.

A new study by local citizens groups shows that Hawaii residents see more ads than information when watching local TV news programs, raising questions about whether local news stations are doing enough to educate voters before they head to the polls. Civil Beat.

More than one-half million Hawaii ballots were printed with the presidential candidates in no particular order, despite a state law that says all candidates must be in alphabetical order within their respective races. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said Thursday that success in Congress depends on how well you get along with your colleagues, but reflecting your political party's values is also important. Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou said he would work closer to the political center than the extremes. Star-Advertiser.

The Tax Review Commission met Thursday at the No. 1 Capitol District Building to hammer out a draft of revenue evaluation and policy recommendations to make to the Hawaii Legislature in December. The report is expected to be finalized when the commission meets again in late November. Civil Beat.

Ray L'Heureux, assistant superintendent for the Office of Facilities and Support Services, told the Board of Education last week that the district could spend its entire annual capital improvement projects budget on just one of the state's 15 complex areas and still fall far short. Civil Beat.

Gas prices drop in Hawaii for first time in 11 weeks. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen's Medical Center is suing Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. for more than $4 million, saying Kaiser underpaid Queen's for care given to Kaiser members. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 26. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu sold $913 million of bonds this week at historic low interest rates and refinanced older bonds to save taxpayers more than $75 million, officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

House Finance committee Chairman Marcus Oshiro says the state won't easily give up the general excise tax surcharge that’s currently being collected for the city’s $5.26 billion rail project, he has another think coming. Civil Beat.

In an exclusive interview on Hawaii Reporter Television today, former Governor Ben Cayetano blasts Pacific Resource Partnership for its latest attack ad targeting his record as governor. Hawaii Reporter.

Transportation alternatives … rail or buses … are at the epicenter in the race for Honolulu Mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tom Berg's strident political persona and some well-publicized controversies have made Berg a well-known political figure on Oahu, but that fame may also make him vulnerable to a challenge by four-term state Rep. Kymberly Marcos Pine. Star-Advertiser.

The newly opened UH West Oahu campus is facing future financial shortfalls, and Hawaii News Now has learned that university officials are selling a large portion of land at the campus to the Catholic Church to help make ends meet. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese-based Seibu Group intends to keep its three Hawaii hotels after an unsuccessful effort earlier this year to sell the Hawaii Prince Hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Star-Advertiser.

Repairs to pedestrian bridge over Moanalua Freeway to begin Nov. 1 State will shut down exits from freeway to Moanalua Road overnight. KITV4.

East Oahu residents complain about it and the City is aware of it. So what's being done to stop an over-population of feral cats in the heart of Hawaii Kai? KHON2.

Hawaii

Negative campaigning seems to be commonplace in the 2012 elections, however, mudslinging should have no place in Hawaii politics, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Mazie Hirono said Thursday during a party rally in South Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Pohakuloa Training Area will open several areas to bow hunting on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council is getting closer to approving boundaries for future growth after a committee OK'd maps this week that will guide development for the next 20 years. Pacific Business News.

A decadelong process neared an end Wednesday afternoon as a Maui County Council committee recommended approval of maps that will guide future growth and development on the island over the next two decades. Maui News.

Waihee School Principal Leila Hayashida has been tapped as acting complex area superintendent for the Central Maui complex, according to Sandy Goya, spokeswoman for the state Department of Education. Maui News.

An appeal has been filed with the Intermediate Court of Appeals seeking a stay on the County sponsored Halloween event in Lahaina Town. Maui Now.

Kauai

There are three simple ways to improve electric sustainability, according to County Energy Coordinator Ben Sullivan. Garden Island.

After learning last week that the contract between the county and Hale ‘Opio’s Teen Court had expired, Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro introduced Wednesday a bill to appropriate $31,000 to fund the long-standing youth diversionary program. Garden Island.

The Koloa Post Office closed briefly on Thursday after an elderly man crashed his car through the front of the building. Garden Island.

Lanai

The grass may soon be greener on the island of Lanai. New owner Larry Ellison has already set into motion changes around town but there are even bigger plans in store for the future. KHON2.

Molokai

A new county Department of Public Works baseyard will bring upgrades for both the department and Molokai’s emergency response capabilities. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaiian dascyllus targeted for protection, Abercrombie defends Public Land Corp., Aloun Farms bounces back after human trafficking charges dismissed, alcohol could come to Honolulu zoo, Big Island beekeeper seeks public land, food inspection rules to change, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian dascyllus (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The orange clownfish and seven types of damselfish are headed toward extinction, prompting an environmental group to ask the federal government to protect them. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has launched an enthusiastic defense of the troubled Public Land Development Corp., describing it as a potential catalyst for partnerships with the private sector on modern schools, workforce housing, long-term care and early childhood education. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign for the 1st Congressional District has been under the radar, overshadowed by a once-in-a-generation U.S. Senate race, the Honolulu mayoral runoff and Tulsi Gabbard's new rock star status in Hawaii's other U.S. House race. Civil Beat.

On Sept. 6, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono had voted with the Democratic Party 1,465 times and against it 58 times, meaning that she sided with liberals 96.2 percent of the time. Civil Beat.

Defense budget cuts could hit Hawaii defense contractors. Pacific Business News.

Under a series of proposed new rules, the health department will also begin grading food establishment facilities using “placards” that will be on display for the public to see. Maui Now.

Oahu
Commercial activity at Honolulu city parks from ethnic festivals at McCoy Pavilion to tai chi classes at a neighborhood gym became illegal due to the unintended consequences of a law that took effect July 1. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign for Honolulu mayor, much like the rail project that is at the heart of the debate in the race, is in a holding pattern. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu rail project has fallen behind its own timetable for a federal funding guarantee, and needs to get moving soon to get a deal signed this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Aloun Farms has had its best 12-month period ever, seeing revenue grow by 30 percent following a federal judge’s dismissal of human trafficking charges a year ago. Pacific Business News.

Alcohol sales could soon be coming to the Honolulu Zoo. KHON2.

There are an estimated one thousand unsheltered homeless on the streets of Oahu. Efforts are now getting underway to determine how many of them are the most medically vulnerable and at-risk. Hawaii News Now.

Some lawmakers in American Samoa are questioning the need for the territory’s office in Honolulu.Associated Press.

A new venture that replaced the John Dominis restaurant in Kakaako is creating quite a stir. 53 by the Sea, which includes wedding chapels, a restaurant and a bar, recently held its soft opening. Now complaints have come up about parking problems. Hawaii News Now.

There was a final homecoming Saturday morning for a historic Coast Guard ship that has called Hawaii home for the past four decades. KITV4.

Hawaii

A Big Isle beekeeper known for his top-quality organic honey fears that public opposition to the state’s new Public Land Development Corporation could complicate or derail his plans for a long-term lease of more than 500 acres of state land in South Kohala. Stephens Media.

The Office of Mauna Kea Management is working on a burial treatment plan and intends to take it into the Hawaiian community for review upon completion. Tribune-Herald.

The number of building permits issued on the Big Island is up so far this year, putting it on track to end six years of decline. Stephens Media.

Maui

Three months after Maui County enacted long-awaited legislation to allow permitted short-term vacation rentals in residential areas, Chris and Annie McNeil's five-bedroom Paia Surf rental recently became the island's first permitted property under the new system. Maui News.

Citing concerns about traffic and safety, county officials announced that the county-sanctioned "Fourth Friday" Paia town party is over. Maui News.

Maui Planning Commission members reviewed plans this week for construction of a sloping rock revetment to protect the Hololani Resort Condominiums from erosion in Kahana. Maui News.

Kauai
Wilcox Memorial Hospital has opened Kaua‘i’s first Cardiac Rehabilitation program to improve local access to care for patients with heart issues. Garden Island.

To paraphrase a great American writer: Rumors of our demise have been greatly exaggerated. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Veterans Cemetery has been in need of improvements and upgrades for some time. Now, government officials have taken a series of steps that have led to a better situation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii poll supports preschool, health network gets $61.8M federal grant, jobless claims down, hotel occupancy up, new Waikiki hotel wins zoning, mayoral candidate's daughter burns foe's signs with bong, Kauai wants solar loophole, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii keiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A new poll shows that the majority of the Hawaii public supports a state-funded preschool program — and lawmakers are hoping to make it happen as soon as 2014. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Connector has received a $61.8 million federal grant to help set up a health insurance exchange in the Islands. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii jobless claims have fallen to 12,218 in the newest weekly report, including first-time claims that fell to 1,404 statewide. Both figures, actual tallies of claims filed last week, are the lowest since 2008. Hawaii News Now.

Initial unemployment claims in Hawaii dropped 18 percent last week, compared to a year ago, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii hotels average 85 percent full in the newest weekly survey, with 93 percent occupancy on Oahu offsetting lower figures on neighbor islands. Hawaii News Now.

Eleven researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association spent part of their summer in the nature preserve trying to kill galapagos sharks, the species they say is the main culprit in the demise of baby monk seals. Civil Beat.

GOP U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle this week spent more than $90,000 on 395 spots that are airing through the end of the week on KHON, KITV, KITV subsidiary MeTV, KGMB, KHNL and Time Warner cable networks such as CNN, ESPN and TNT. Civil Beat.

Tea Parties Across the Nation - Including Hawaii - Under IRS Scrutiny. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawai’i Tourism Authority is hosting its annual conference this week … amid encouraging news of double-digit increases in visitor arrivals and spending. Hawaii Public Radio.

Even 92 years after it was passed, the Jones Act shipping laws remain contentious in Hawaii — especially when you put the law’s supporters and the people who want to sink it in the same room. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for Aug. 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

A plan to build Waikiki's first new oceanfront hotel in more than 30 years prevailed in a zoning challenge Thursday, freeing the project to proceed after a nearly two-year skirmish before the city Zoning Board of Appeals. Star-Advertiser.

Three different projects on Oahu have each taken another step forward but not without some controversy. KHON2.

Twelve former students at Damien high school on Oahu have filed claims in a New York bankruptcy court alleging that they were sexually abused by clergy who were working at the private Catholic school in the 1960s, '70s and '80s. Star-Advertiser.

The public can expect to see a lot more of the two Honolulu City Prosecutor candidates between now and Nov. 6, whether it's sign-waving around Oahu or advertising on the radio. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's largest and most prominent synagogue will elect new leaders Sunday in a vote that represents a referendum on its beleaguered rabbi and the fortunes — and future — of Temple Emanu-El. Star-Advertiser.

A gun advocacy charity has filed a lawsuit against the city of Honolulu over deleted posts on the Honolulu Police Department’s Facebook page. Associated Press.

The Pacific Resource Partnership, a group highly critical of anti-rail mayoral candidate Ben Caye­tano during the primary election, is reassessing its strategy for the general election campaign and has not yet decided whether it will continue with negative ads against the former governor, the group’s executive director said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii News Now has obtained photos showing two girls setting fire to a Ben Cayetano campaign sign. Kirk Caldwell has confirmed that one of the girls in the photo is his 18-year-old daughter, Maya.Hawaii News Now.

A defeated Honolulu City Council candidate contends his opponent broke campaign laws by posting signs too close to polling places on primary election day as a way to influence undecided voters in the district, many of whom are seniors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The second-place finisher in a four-way race for the state House District 6 Democratic primary has filed a petition with the Hawaii Supreme Court seeking a recount or a new election for the open Kailua-Kona seat. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s economy continues its slow climb out of recession, thanks largely to a relatively quick recovery of its tourism industry, according to economist Leroy O. Laney. Tribune-Herald.

Hunters have killed three axis deer through a program aimed at eliminating their presence on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Public Works’ Traffic Division announced it is continuing to convert streetlights from the current low-pressure sodium lamps to light-emitting diode lamps (LED) this week. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona couple opens glassblowing business. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii tournament angler fought a 12-foot, half-ton marlin in the Pacific Ocean for more than four hours before she and her teammates got the monster fish out of the water — but she missed out on the glory and prize money. Associated Press.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is warning the public to keep out of the nearshore and ocean waters off Pahoa, due to the presence of tiger sharks that are being attracted to a decomposing 50-foot long sperm whale carcass. KITV4.

Maui

A Maui ranch owner pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor Thursday for illegally selling axis deer and Mouflon cross-bred sheep and letting a person who did not have a hunting license pay to kill the animals. Star-Advertiser.

After years of political wrangling and legal machinations, the Maui County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve disposing of the controversial "Montana Beach" home on the north side of Baldwin Beach Park. Maui News.

A human skull found near Waiohuli Hawaiian Homes in Kula was to be turned over to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources after it was determined to be from a child who died more than 50 years ago, police said. Maui News.

A Wailuku woman was ordered to pay back $23,710 she stole over a two-year period while she worked for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.Maui News.

More than 10,000 ready-to-eat meals are now in the hands of Maui County disaster response organizations, thanks to a donation by the federal government. Maui News.

Last week at the Ninth Circuit Court's Judicial Conference on the island of Maui, judges and lawyers from across the country were told by social media and legal experts they would have to be careful about what they post on sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Hawaii Reporter.

Kauai

Following a failed attempt earlier this year to have the state Senate address a loophole in a state law, which mandates new homes to be fitted with solar water heating systems. The Kaua‘i County Council is now discussing whether to ask state lawmakers in the 2013 Legislature to amend Act 204 to bring it closer to its intent. Garden Island.

The Hanalei Bridge received much attention for its 100th birthday Thursday. Garden Island.

HGEA trades signs for spoons to help feed people. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Ranch has sold 3.2 acres in Kaunakakai to the University of Hawaii, according to ranch owner Molokai Properties Ltd. Maui News.

The DOE will hold eight public scoping meetings on six islands from Sept. 11–20 to gather input on wind energy development . The Molokai meeting will be held on Wed. Sept. 19 at the Mitchell Pauole Center at 5:30 p.m. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii primary election update

Mazie Hirono and friends (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

It's Democrat Mazie Hirono beating Ed Case and heading to the Nov. 6 General Election against GOP candidate Linda Lingle for the U.S. Senate.

Tulsi Gabbard and fans (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

It's underdog Democrat Tulsi Gabbard beating Mufi Hannemann and heading to the Nov. 6 General Election against GOP candidate Kawika Crowley for the 2nd Congressional District.

Full Hawaii elections results here.

Elections 2012 Special Report: Crowded race for Hawaii Congressional District 2

The campaign for the District 2 congressional seat, covering rural Oahu and the Neighbor Islands, is once again a wide-open race following three-term U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono's resignation to seek the U.S. Senate (more about that race here).

Oahu residents make up fewer than 40 percent of the voters in the district, but no one living on the Neighbor Islands has ever won the seat. That's because candidates from all the Hawaiian Islands tend to gravitate to state elected or appointed positions in Honolulu, the seat of power, before seeking federal office.

Both of Hawaii's 2012 House seats are considered "safe Democrat" by political prognosticator Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball. District 2 is certainly holding true to that form, with the odds-on favorites coming from the Democratic Party.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann held a substantial lead in polling in a Feb. 14 Honolulu Star-Advertiser report. The newspaper reported Hannemann had 65 percent of the vote, compared with just 20 percent for his best-known challenger, City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard. A June 18 Civil Beat poll found Gabbard overcoming that early lead to make it a neck-and-neck race.


Hannemann gave up the Honolulu mayorship in 2010 in an unsuccessful bid for governor. He lost that race to Gov. Neil Abercrombie in a rout, leaving prognosticators predicting the congressional seat will be Hannemann's consolation prize in the small, close-knit state. But with two months still to go before the Aug. 11 primary, no one's taking anything for granted.

About the candidates:

Tulsi Gabbard (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Tulsi Gabbard
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 861.0793
Website: http://votetulsi.com/
Political Experience: Honolulu City Council, 2010-2012; Legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, 2006; Hawaii state House, the youngest legislator elected in the history of Hawaii and the youngest woman elected in the nation 2002-2004;
Other experience: Hawaii Army National Guard, field medical unit, 2004-2006, promoted to captain, serves as company commander, 2011; co-founder of Health Hawaii Coalition, 2002
Education: Hawaii Pacific University, international business degree, 2010.
Personal: Born April 12, 1981, Leloaloa, American Samoa, moved to Hawaii in 1983. Single.

Mufi hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Mufi Hannemann
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 521-6834
Website: http://mufihannemann.com/
Political Experience: Honolulu mayor, 2005-2010, Director, Hawaii Office of International Relations (Waihe‘e administration), Staff Assistant to Vice President George H.W. Bush, Special Assistant to Governor George R. Ariyoshi
Other experience:  President and CEO of the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, Vice President for Corporate Marketing and Public Affairs and President and General Manager of Punalu‘u Sweetbread, 1984; Shop/Visitor Center and C. Brewer Hawaiian Juices for C. Brewer and Company, Special Assistant in the U.S. Department of the Interior (Carter administration), History teacher and varsity basketball coach, ‘Iolani School
Education: Harvard University, 1976;
Personal: Born July 16, 1954, Honolulu, married to Gail Mukaihata

Esther Kiaaina

Esther Kia'aina
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808.591.2012
Website: http://kiaaina.com/
Political Experience: Chief of Staff to Hawaii Congressman Ed Case, 2003-2007, Chief of Staff/Legislative Director to Guam Congressman Robert Underwood, 1999-2003, Legislative Assistant to Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka, 1990-1999, Counselor in the U.S. Senate Placement Office, 1989-1990, Intern to Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye, Spring 1986
Other experience:  Chief Advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 2009-present, Land Asset Manager for the Kamehameha Schoolsʻ Land Assets Division, 2007-2009
Education: George Washington University Law School, J.D., 1998, The John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, graduate studies, 1986-1988, University of Southern California, B.A., 1985
Personal: Daughter of Lorelei Haunani Kiaaina (formerly Anahu), Molokai High School ʻ48, and the late Melvin Leialoha Kiaaina, Farrington High School ʻ48.Youngest of Seven Siblings: Keaolamauloa “Duke” Kiaaina, Michelle Mamo Kiaaina (deceased), Melvin “Kimo” Kiaaina, Jr.; Nadine Nomura; Nola Mento; and Ricky Pa.

Bob Marx

Bob Marx
Party: Democrat
Island: Hawaii Island
Campaign phone: 808. 938-2202
Website: http://www.bobmarxforcongress.com/
Political Experience: Three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives, Named "Senior Advocate of the Year" by the National Retired Teachers Association and the American Association of Retired People
Other experience: Personal injury attorney. Began practicing law in Hilo in 1980 and now has offices in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence at Lewis and Clark College 1979, Oregon State University bachelor's degree in political science, 1971.
Personal: Maternal grandparents, Basilo and Maximina Belin, immigrated from Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1921 to work on the Pu`unene Plantation in Maui. Son of a daughter of a plantation worker and U.S. Naval Aviator who met in Honolulu and subsequently moved to Oregon, where he was born.Father of four grown children, and has three young grandchildren. aised his youngest son Kai as a single parent after the death of his wife, Hiromi Tsuchida-Marx in 1998.


Other candidates

• Kawika Crowley, Republican, Hawaii Island, 808.381.9031
• Rafael Del Castillo, Democrat, Oahu, http://rafaeldelcastillo.org/about-del/
• Matthew, Digeronimo, Republican, Oahu, http://matthewdigeronimo.com/

Elections 2012 Special Report: Hawaii's 1st Congressional District 'safe Democrat'

It's deja vu all over again in the race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District, which was vacated in 2010 when 20-year Congressman Neil Abercrombie resigned in a successful run for the state governorship. Both of the major contenders for the district representing Honolulu and urban Oahu have held that office before.

Fundraising and campaigning have gotten off to a slow start in the race, as both the Democrat, current U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, and the Republican, former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou, are expected to easily win their respective Aug. 11 primaries before the pair face off in the Nov. 6 general election.

Incumbent Hanabusa reported individual contributions of $500,096 in the first quarter of 2012, and another $284,561 from PACs. GOP challenger former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou reported $231,446 in individual contributions and $19,300 from PACs, according to the Federal Election Commission.

The race is expected to be a rematch of 2010, when Djou was the incumbent after winning a special election in May of that year to fill the vacancy. The Republican candidate won in a three-way winner-take-all election featuring one Republican and two Democrats.

Both of Hawaii's 2012 House seats are considered "safe Democrat" by political prognosticator Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball.

The other Democrat  from the 2010 special election, former U.S. Rep. from Hawaii's 2nd District, Ed Case, is now running for U.S. Senate. About that race.

Charles Djou
Party: Republican
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 224.5627
Website: http://www.djou.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 1st District, 2010-2011; Honolulu City Council, 2002-2010; state House, 2000-2002, Vice Chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party 1998-1999
Other experience: U.S. Army Reserve, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Pasab in Kandahar Province
Education: University of Southern California Law School, law degree, 1996. University of Pennsylvania, B.A. in political science, B.S. in economics, magna cum laude, from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, 1992
Personal: Born Aug. 9, 1970, Married to Stacey Kawasaki, three children.

Colleen Hanabusa
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 430.1981
Website: http://www.hanabusaforhawaii.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 1st District, 2010-2012; state Senate, 1998-2010, Senate president 2006-2010, first woman to lead either house of the Hawaii Legislature
Other experience: Labor law attorney, 1978-2012
Education: University of Hawaii at Manoa, law degree 1977, M.A. sociology 1975, B.A. economics and sociology, 1973
Personal: Married to Honolulu businessman John Souza

Other candidates:
Charles Amsterdam, Republican, Oahu, 808. 550-4994
John "Raghu" Giuffre, Republican, Oahu, https://www.facebook.com/RaghuForCongress
Roy Wyttenbach II, Democrat, Oahu, https://www.fa cebook.com/roy.wyttenbach

Elections 2012 Special Report: U.S. Senate race pits Case, Hirono; Lingle in the wings

Sure, Hawaii's the birthplace of President Obama. But with its measly four electoral votes, late poll closing and scant representation in Congress, the Aloha State isn't often relevant on the national political stage.

But there's one race where Hawaii matters this year, and that's the scramble for partisan control of the U.S. Senate. It's the first time in two decades Hawaii has had an open Senate seat, with the retirement of Sen. Daniel Akaka.

Political prognosticators are predicting a razor-thin margin as the Republicans and Democrats battle it out in primary contests leading to the Nov. 6 general election.

As political wag Larry Sabato sees it, "The Senate calculus is now this: If all members not up for reelection return to the Senate next January, and all the seats where we favor one party go that way in November, the Senate is 47-46 Democratic, with seven toss-ups."

Sabato's Crystal Ball as of June 6 pegs Hawaii as "leans Democratic," a far cry from the usual "safe Democratic" or "likely Democratic" this historically blue state generally earns.

This far out from election day, polling has been inconclusive regarding both the Democratic primary race between former U.S. Rep Ed Case and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono (both representing Hawaii's more rural District 2), and in which of the pair has the best chance of beating former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, the GOP frontrunner.

A Jan. 31 Civil Beat automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case had a 13 percentage point margin over Lingle, 46 percent to 33 percent. Hirono had a 7 percentage point margin, 46 percent to 39 percent. In each case, roughly 20 percent of likely voters said they were either undecided or would pick another candidate. A June 12 Civil Beat poll found both candidates with 46 percent in the primary.

A  Feb. 13 poll by Ward Research for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser showed Hirono beating Case by a 20-point margin in the primary, 56-36, and besting Lingle by 20 points as well, 57-27, prompting national observers to call Hirono’s campaign "dominant" and "in control" of the race.

Hirono, who's been endorsed by Hawaii's political king-maker and senior Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, has been waging her campaign as the quasi-incumbent, ducking televised debates and mostly dodging barbs thrown her way by an increasingly aggressive Case.

Hirono must be feeling the heat, however, and in the most recent sally in a June 8 Facebook posting, played both the gender card and the race card, saying "The senate could stand more diversity I bring that diversity, I'm a woman, I'm Asian, I'm an immigrant, I'm a Buddhist. Someone asked me 'But are you gay?' Nobody's perfect!"

About the candidates:

Ed Case, wife Audrey Nakamura

Ed Case
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 888.9997
Website: http://www.edcase.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 2nd District, 2003-2006; state Rep., 1994-2002; legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. and later U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga, 1975-1978,
Other experience: Land-use, commercial attorney at Carlsmith Ball, 1983-2003, law clerk to Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice William Richardson, 1981-1982
Education: University of California/Hastings College of Law, law degree, 1981. Williams College, Mass., psychology degree, 1975.
Personal: Born Sept. 27, 1952 in Hilo, Hawaii. Married to Audrey Nakamura, blended family of four children.

Mazie Hirono

Mazie Hirono
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 536-3292
Website: http://www.mazieforhawaii.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 2nd District, first immigrant woman of Asian ancestry to be sworn into Congressional office, 2007-2012; elected Hawaii Lt. Gov., 1995-2002; state House, 1981-1995
Other experience: Deputy attorney general,1979, some private law practice
Education: Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. law degree, 1978; University of Hawaii at Manoa, Phi Beta Kappa, psychology degree, 1970
Personal: Born in Fukushima, Japan, Nov. 3,1947, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1959, married to Leighton Kim Oshima, blended family of three children.

Linda Lingle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Linda Lingle
Party: Republican
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808.777.8845
Website: http://www.lingle2012.com/
Political experience: Hawaii governor 2002-2010. First woman, first person of Jewish ancestry and first Republican in 40 years elected governor. Mayor of Maui 1991-1999, Maui County Council 1981-1991.
Other experience: Founded and edited the Moloka‘i Free Press community newspaper, 1976.
Education: California State University, Northridge, journalism degree cum laude, 1975
Personal: Born June 4, 1953, native of St. Louis, Missouri. Relocated to Hawaii in 1975. Single, no children.

Other candidates

• Heath Beasley, nonpartisan, Oahu, http://beasleyforhawaii.com/
• John Carroll, Republican, Hawaii, http://carroll4senate.wordpress.com/
• Charles A. Collins, Republican, Hawaii, 808. 965-8448
• Michael Gillespie, Democrat, Oahu, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Gillespie-Election-Committee/339426552774983?sk=info
• Antonio Gimbernat, Democrat, Maui, http://sites.google.com/site/gimbernatforussenate2012/
• Eddie Pirkowski, Republican, Oahu, http://www.wix.com/eddieussenatehawaii2/eddieussenatehawaii#!Our%20Experience/mainPage
• Arturo P. Reyes, Democrat, Oahu, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-P-Reyes-for-US-Senate-2012/324201360932128
• John P. Roco, Republican, Oahu, http://roco4senator.blogspot.com/

Hirono opens Honolulu campaign headquarters, Van Jones visiting Hawaii, Big Island senate races fill up, DHHL director Nahalea, Hokoluia CEO De Fries stepping down, geothermal coming to Maui, Molokai opposition nixes film plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono, courtesy photo

Congresswoman and U.S. Democratic Senate candidate Mazie Hirono opened her new campaign headquarters Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will take nine Hawaii delegates and rival Rick Santorum five, according to the official results of Hawaii's GOP caucus, released Saturday evening. Star-Advertiser.

For years Hawaii state lawmakers have enjoyed lavish spreads at receptions hosted by groups with business before the legislature. No harm, no foul, right? Wrong. Civil Beat.

Hawaii may have good laws when it comes to government transparency and accountability. But there's a huge gap between what's written on paper and the daily reality here. Civil Beat.

A new survey indicates a sizable portion of public school teachers who voted against a proposed six-year contract that would have tied wages to performance did so because they did not feel they had enough information on the deal, not because they disagreed with its terms. Star-Advertiser.

Albert “Alapaki” Nahalea will step down from his post as director of the Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on May 15. Pacific Business News.

Scientists at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Hawaii last year identified 69 service members missing from past wars, but they continue to try to unravel a Civil War mystery that's nearly 150 years old. Star-Advertiser.

Van Jones, the internationally acclaimed political organizer and thinker, is in Hawaii this week to kick-off the “Rebuild the Dream” campaign. Hawaii Independent.

Seniors are invited to the state Capitol April 21 to celebrate Kupuna Power. Associated Press.

State Roundup for March 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

At least eight shots were fired at Ben Cayetano mayoral campaign signs posted at Cycle City, just across the street from his campaign headquarters off Nimitz Highway. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu police are investigating a shooting at a business near the airport where a mayoral candidate's signs were posted. KITV4.

Eight members of the city's Landfill Site Selection Committee agreed Friday to add federal lands to a list of possible locations for Oahu's next municipal landfill. KITV4.

Hawaii

Donald Ikeda. Lorraine Inouye. Kelly Greenwell. Bob Herkes. Gary Safarik. Josh Green. There are a lot of familiar names interested in taking that step up, or resuming that seat, in the state Senate this year. West Hawaii Today.

The following people have pulled nomination papers as of last Thursday for their respective Hawaii County Council seat. Tribune-Herald.

After 11 years as the public face of one of West Hawaii’s most litigated developments, John De Fries is headed back to private practice. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A company planning to develop a geothermal energy project on the southwestern slope of Haleakala said it hopes to begin drilling exploratory wells as early as next year to determine whether there are sufficient geothermal resources at the site. Star-Advertiser.

Renewable energy will be a big part of Maui Electric Co.'s future, with plenty of room for serious investors and partners, said outgoing President Ed Reinhardt. Maui News.

Maui homeowners and photovoltaic system installers are expressing frustration at requirements that they pay for expensive "interconnection studies" before installing solar panels, with no guarantee that their project will be approved after the study is complete. Maui News.

Former legislator Joe Bertram III will return to politics as a contender for the 11th House District seat he held for two terms. Maui News.

Construction Recovery “Fails to Materialize” Maui Now.

The state Department of Agriculture is sponsoring a public meeting on bees this week on Maui. Associated Press.

Kauai

The high cost of electricity is draining energy from the local economy. The problem is especially acute for Kaua‘i business owners, some of whom pay upward of $20,000 per month for electricity. Garden Island.

Continued conversion to renewable energy to offset oil costs was the focus of the KIUC quarterly update. Garden Island.

Molokai

This week, filmmakers planned to shoot a pilot episode for TNT called “Drop Zone” in Molokai’s remote north shore valley of Wailau. But those plans were nixed after a meeting with local residents last week, who expressed concerns about lack of protocol in holding a community discussion of the project, and “commercialization” of the valley many consider sacred. Molokai Dispatch.

Lanai

Lana`i island has the lowest unemployment rate in Hawai’i at 3.9%. That’s a result of having only one major employer, Castle and Cooke, which owns 98% of the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Radiation reaches Hawaii milk, half of Abercrombie cabinet campaign donors, state technology lacking, Case leads in early poll, Hawaii women paid $10k less than men, Legislature folds on poker, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island cattle (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Radiation from Japan's nuclear crisis has reached Hawaii's food stream in milk from a Big Island dairy, but the trace amounts are nowhere near levels of concern, a state health official said. Star-Advertiser.

A Disaster Assistance Recovery Center will open Tuesday at Keehi Lagoon. KHON2.

A Civil Beat analysis of campaign finance records found that half of Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Cabinet donated money to help get him the job. Civil Beat.

A poll conducted by SMS Research shows former U.S. Congressman Ed Case leading former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann in a hypothetical primary election race for the United States Senate. Hawaii News Now.

The primary and general elections for filling Dan Akaka's U.S. Senate seat are more than a year and a half away, but polls are already surfacing about who might stand the best chance. KHON2.

Three weeks ago, Ed Case met with the kingmaker of Hawaii's Democratic Party to make amends. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii has discarded the idea of legalizing both online and live poker in the islands. Associated Press.

State House Says No To New Schools. KITV4.

Some counties are looking for more flexibility in the proposed contract with Hawaii's largest public worker union. KHON2.

The only Republican in the Hawaii Senate says the state's budget can be balanced by making deep cuts and laying off government employees instead of raising taxes. Maui News.

Hawaii state agencies have increasingly embraced technology to make their operations more efficient, but to some degree, they've fulfilled the expectations of English writer Aldous Huxley, who opined, "Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards." West Hawaii Today.

Full-time working women in Hawaii are paid on average $9,934 less per year than their male counterparts, according to a study released yesterday.Star-Advertiser.

Council hopefuls frustrated by process. Maui News.

Castle & Cooke has agreed to allow Pattern Energy to use a portion of its 400-megawatt wind allocation for Lanai for the purpose of developing a wind farm on Molokai. Pacific Business News

Hawaii’s Power Out(r)age: A powerful play in six acts. Hawaii Independent.

The recommendations on how Hawaii County can address the growing amount of solid waste collected haven't changed significantly in two decades. West Hawaii Today.

KITV 4 News has learned the group trying to revive the bankrupt Honolulu Symphony has made an initial agreement with unionized orchestra musicians. KITV4.

The two losing bidders of Honolulu's rail car contract, Bombardier Transportation and Sumi­tomo Corp. of America, filed protests with the city yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui Academy of Performing Arts is seeking the public's help in finding two large puppets that were stolen when thieves broke into one of the organization's vans Saturday night in Kahului. Maui News.

Over the weekend, a cavalcade of artists from the islands and with local ties came together as part of Kokua For Japan. Hawaii Public Radio.

President's sister puts their mom in picture book. Associated Press.

A dog bill that may lack teeth was advanced by the Hawaii County Council last week. Tribune-Herald.

Open arms, closed wallets

Hawaii residents may be welcoming president-
elect Barack Obama with open arms during his Oahu holiday stay, but they haven’t been opening their wallets to help pay for his inauguration.

An allhawaiinews.com analysis of the $21.9 million in $200-plus donations made for inauguration festivities show $9,000 from one contributor as the only donation from Hawaii.

And that sole Hawaii contributor is actually a Chicago resident. Kehaulani Lum, who has homes in both Aiea, Hawaii, and the Loop in Chicago, is an Obama Mama who made news in the Windy City by holding a pre-election workshop for 11- to 15-year-olds called “Kid Filmmakers for Obama.”

The four days of inauguration festivities beginning Jan. 18 are expected to cost taxpayers as much as $50 million for preparations and protection for the estimated 2.5 million people expected to show up in Washington D.C. for the historic event.

The Aloha State showed more generosity during the election itself. Hawaii’s 1.3 million residents account for 4.3 percent of the United States population, but the $3.1 million in contributions to the Obama-Biden ticket was 4.7 percent of the $656.6 million the campaign raked in.