State mulls reclaiming military lease land, cannabis bills advance, first segment of Honolulu rail could open soon, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed task force would plan environmental restoration of former military land. A proposal to establish a Surplus Military Land Task Force is making its way through the state Legislature. Senate Bill 521 would help the state determine and plan for the future use of land currently under military lease. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cannabis bills move forward despite mixed signals from Green’s team. Gov. Josh Green says he supports legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and older, but his newly installed department heads haven’t backed two bills advanced by the Senate on Thursday that would accomplish that goal. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Attorneys volunteering to help TMT, Kahuku wind turbine protesters clear arrest records. About 250 people were arrested during non-violent protests involving Native Hawaiian issues over recent years, such as the movements to stop the construction of telescopes on Mauna Kea and Haleakala, as well as protests against erecting wind turbines in Kahuku and development at Hunananiho in Waimanalo. KITV4.

Reverse Vending Machines Proposed In Hawaii Legislature. A pilot program to encourage the machines, House Bill 1410, is being discussed as a way to improve the state’s current redemption rate of 60%. The goal is to raise the percentage of eligible containers being redeemed at redemption centers.  Civil Beat.

Bill at state legislature would ban disposable wipes in all of Hawaii.  The purpose of House Bill 268 is to protect the plumbing. If passed, it would prohibit the sale or distribution of disposable wipes in the state. KITV4.

Kaiser reaches tentative deal with striking mental health workers. If ratified by union members, it will end a nearly six-month strike that the union says is the longest work stoppage by mental health care workers in U.S. history. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

An Arizona Jury Fails To Agree On Death Sentence For A Hawaii Inmate. An Arizona jury has been dismissed after the jurors reported they could not reach a unanimous decision on whether a Hawaii prisoner should be executed for a 2010 murder in that state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council Members Are More Like You Than You Might Think. Earning $69,000 a year means even the Honolulu City Council feels pressed by high housing costs and taxes. Civil Beat.

Some HART leaders see Ala Moana Center and UH as end points.  Despite budget constraints, some at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation expressed their desire this week to see the rail project extended to its original end point of Ala Moana Center — and, if future funding were to become available, see the line move closer to the campus at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kakaako Makai bill advances.  The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs succeeded in advancing a bill to permit residential development on 31 acres it owns in Kakaako Makai past a pair of Senate committees Thursday after a contentious public hearing last week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

UH President Gives Maunakea Chemical Spill Update. At a Thursday Board of Regents meeting, President David Lassner talked about the recent coolant leak at the UH 88-inch observatory.  Big Island Video News.

New playground equipment for Waikōloa Village park sits in storage container for months. Since late September, new playground equipment for Pu‘u Nui Park in Waikōloa Village has been sitting in a locked 40-foot Matson storage container taking up a big chunk of the parking lot. When it will be installed, nobody knows. Big Island Now.

‘Forever in our hearts’: Kona icon Norman Sakata dies at 96. West Hawaii mourned the passing of a local icon this week at the news of the passing of Norman Sakata, founder of the Kona Coffee Festival, Lions Club member and scoutmaster.  West Hawaii Today.

Maui

500 UPW workers vote to strike in dispute over pay; Maui Health hopes for agreement. Nearly 500 frontline healthcare workers at Kaiser’s Maui Health System have voted to strike in a dispute over pay, but Maui Health is hopes an agreement can still be reached.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

The median sales price for a Maui County home is only one in state to top $1 million.  Although some counties saw a drop in home prices at the start of the new year, Maui County was the only one in the state to exceed a $1 million median for single-family homes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Anahola students call for statewide Hawaiian Honeycreeper Day. A class of fourth grade students in Anahola are campaigning for members of Hawai‘i’s Legislature to create a statewide day recognizing and celebrating Hawai‘i’s threatened and endangered honeycreepers. Garden Island.

Missing romance novelist, actress traced to Kaua’i after leaving Wyoming jail. Romance novelist and actress Faleena Hopkins — who wrote the “Cocker Brothers” and “Werewolves of New York” series and starred in the 2020 drama “Just One More Kiss” — went missing 16 days ago and now Wyoming police officers believe she is on Kaua’i after tracing pings of her new phone to the island. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Candidates gear up for final day of campaigning, Maui council caps vacation rentals, state lags in curbing Medicaid fraud, defamed doula wins damages in lactation porn case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The race for Hawai’i governor pits two men who have served as lieutenant governor. The 2022 race to replace term-limited David Ige for Hawaiʻi’s governor pits Democrat Josh Green, the state’s current lieutenant governor, against one of the state’s former lieutenant governors, Republican Duke Aiona. Kauai Now.

Hawaii’s down-ballot contests expect to be close races in this election. Every eligible voter in Hawaii should be able to cast consequential votes in Tuesday’s general election, even though many ballots lack competitive races for topmost offices. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s New Governor Will Have To Make Some Hard Decisions On Crime And Punishment. Something must be done about Hawaii’s overcrowded and run-down jails, or the courts may finally force the state to act. Civil Beat.

Final push to encourage Native Hawaiians to vote. Native Hawaiian community groups and organizations are working on their final push that seeks to draw out more native Hawaiians to participate in elections.  KHON2.

HTA president warns against adding extra fees for tourists. John De Fries, president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, discussed the possibility of imposing usage fees upon visitors to offset their environmental impact, a policy proposed by gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who has suggested a $50 fee per person. Tribune-Herald.

Time to legalize it? With Gov. Ige leaving office, some think recreational pot legalization is inevitable. Although marijuana use for medical purposes has been available through dispensaries in Hawaii since 2016, recreational use of marijuana remains illegal, even as other states lower their pot restrictions. Tribune-Herald.

Despite plenty of potential cases, Hawaii lags in Medicaid fraud and abuse prosecutions. Hawaii has a huge population of people on Medicaid and thousands of health professionals, nursing home and care home operators taking care of them. But the law enforcement unit in charge of finding theft from the program and abuse of its patients has the lowest rate of charging crimes in the nation. Hawaii News Now.

‘Just A Number’: Parents Who Face Losing Their Kids Say Court-Appointed Attorneys Don’t Do Enough. A Civil Beat review found that parents almost never win on appeal, and that the appellate court finds procedural flaws in half the cases. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric ordered to revamp power rate structure. Hawaii state laboratory reclaims full certification. The Pearl City lab handles some of the state’s most important work, testing hundreds of drinking water samples annually to ensure compliance with safe drinking water standards and analyzing hundreds of water samples from the nearshore waters to make sure they comport with clean water laws. Star-Advertiser.

In a landmark order that could set the tone for electricity rates across the country, the state Public Utilities Commission has ordered Hawaiian Electric to transform its existing power rate structure into one that better acknowledges the growing use of renewable energy. Star-Advertiser.

Defamed Doula Wins $52,000 In Punitive Damages In Lactation Porn Case. The jury found women went too far warning each other about Danny “The Doula” Gallagher’s promotion of lactation erotica. Civil Beat.

JABSOM vaccine candidates could help with current Ebola outbreak and COVID. At his laboratory at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, researcher Axel Lehrer has several vaccine candidates that potentially could save lives around the globe. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two Socially Conservative Candidates Vie To Represent Kapolei’s HD42. In West Oahu, longtime Democratic Rep. Sharon Har faces Republican Party Vice Chair Diamond Garcia in perhaps her toughest competition yet. Civil Beat.

Military finishes moving 1M gallons of fuel from Red Hill pipelines to Pearl Harbor. Recovered fuel has been moved to above-ground tanks on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and oil barges at Hotel Pier for use. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Struggles To Revise Gun Laws After Supreme Court Decision. Honolulu is the only county in the state that hasn’t yet finalized new concealed-carry gun rules, leading to a backlog in permit applications. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS: 2 killed in small aircraft crash on Oahu’s North Shore. Two people were killed Saturday morning when a motorized glider crashed on Oahu’s North Shore. Honolulu EMS officials said the crash happened about 8:15 a.m. at Kaena Point. Hawaii News Now.

Police Found Guilty In Kealoha Case Fail To Overturn Convictions. Two former Honolulu police officers who were convicted for their roles in a conspiracy to frame an innocent man were unsuccessful in their appeals to reverse their findings of guilt, an appeals court ruled on Friday. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s construction pipeline for hotel properties extends beyond Waikiki. There’s a wave of new hotel development on Oahu, where more than a dozen properties are in the planning or the construction pipeline with delivery goals between 2023 and 2027. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales fall 42% for biggest drop of year. Sales of existing single-­family homes on Oahu in October suffered their biggest drop so far this year as fear of recession as well as rising mortgage rates, high home prices and stubbornly high consumer prices gave some buyers pause. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Help wanted: County government looking for workers with nearly a quarter of positions unfilled. Job stability. Competitive pay. Good benefits and retirement package. Strong union protection. It wasn’t that long ago that county jobs were considered plum positions, subject to intense competition and even political favoritism. West Hawaii Today.

More than 1,000 Big Island students held back a year. The number of students repeating grades for the 2021-22 school year in Hawaii County more than doubled from the year before. Tribune-Herald.

Waiakea Flood Reduction Project Moves Forward. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Hawaiʻi County’s Department of Public Works want to reduce the risk of flooding in residential areas near the Waiākea and Palai streams. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Video News.

Big Island home sales drop. The Big Island’s real estate market is feeling the effects of global uncertainty, with home sales dropping islandwide during the third quarter of the year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New cap creates “point-in-time freeze” on Maui TVRs; starts regulation on camper vans. In an ongoing effort to manage tourism, the Maui County Council passed Bill 159 Friday with a series of amendments that effectively caps transient accommodations and regulates camper van rentals on public property. Maui Now.

With election around corner, Bissen again tops contributions. Maui County mayoral candidate Richard Bissen Jr. continued to fetch an abundance of campaign contributions, with nearly $100,000 raised during the latest reporting period leading up to Tuesday’s general election. Maui News.

After close primary, Kama and Nobriga back for Round 2. The two emerged from a seven-candidate field in August. Maui News.

Maui County acquires 1.4 acres in ʻĪao Valley from Hawaiʻi Nature Center. The purchase surfaced for discussion in July when Mayor Michael Victorino transmitted a proposal to the Maui County Council to purchase the acreage and the structure that was the former ʻĪao Valley Lodge in ʻĪao Valley for $1.5 million from the Hawaiʻi Nature Center. Maui Now. Maui News.

2022 Made in Maui County Festival draws crowd of 7,000. An estimated 7,000 residents and visitors attended the 9th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival, held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i elections by the numbers: Turnout lagging; council incumbents spend big. Kaua‘i County Elections Administrator Lyndon Yoshioka reported that Kaua‘i election turnout was 23 percent as of Wednesday night, compared with 27 percent statewide. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi community group trying to buy Coco Palms from Utah owners planning 350-room hotel. The current Utah-based owners of the once iconic Coco Palms Resort in Wailuā plan to build a new 350-room hotel on the site that once hosted A-list celebrities and the film production of Elvis Presleyʻs 1961 musical “Blue Hawai‘i.” Kauai Now.

Lawmaker: Recreational cannabis tax revenue outweighed by management cost, state mulls tech waste recycling, lawsuit filed over Oahu prison sex assaults, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Management costs of recreational cannabis outweigh tax revenue, says Hawaii legislator. Projections of $50 million in state tax revenue on a recreational cannabis industry would make it hard to create a new oversight department or increase adequate staffing to test and otherwise regulate the industry, let alone fund education and health programs, state Rep. Ryan Yamane, chairman of the House Health, Human Services Committee, said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is about to launch one of the nation’s most ambitious tech waste recycling programs. Hawaii is implementing one of the most ambitious electronic waste recycling plans in the country, but some Hawaii retailers are afraid it will mean higher prices and less selection. Hawaii News Now.

Neighbor islands create a central portal for hotel tax payments. County transient accommodation taxes went into effect last year. The process of collecting the tax fell into the hands of each individual county. Hawaii Public Radio.

Geolocation data provides new perspectives on destination management of popular Hawaii sites. Tourist visitation outpaced resident visitation in only 10 of the top 30 points of interest statewide for both visitors and residents in September, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s inter­active data tool, the Symphony Dashboards. Star-Advertiser.

State Grants Promised To Hawaii Nonprofits Likely To Be In Limbo For Weeks. Many nonprofits are scrambling to provide services while they wait for the state to fix a problem in the law allocating millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Certain Home Repairs Should Bypass Honolulu Permitting Department, Councilwoman Says. Property owners who want to make repairs to existing elements of their homes would be exempt from Honolulu’s permitting process under a bill proposed by Honolulu City Council Member Andria Tupola. Civil Beat.

 Experts: Chick-fil-A citation for unpermitted work highlights ongoing trend. As the newly-opened Chick-fil-A Ala Moana Center location faces a fine for unpermitted construction work, some say it's been a trend for years. Industry experts report many businesses have started work without a building permit because it's faster and cheaper. KITV4.

Lawsuit: Working Cameras Needed To Monitor Sexual Assaults At Women’s Prison. A group of current and former female inmates is asking a federal judge to require that cameras be installed in all of the control stations at the women’s prison in Kailua after the inmates say they were sexually assaulted by corrections officers in the stations. Civil Beat.

City Council District 6 candidates focus on housing and crime. Housing and crime dominate the Nov. 8 Honolulu City Council District 6 race, with both candidates, Traci Toguchi and Tyler Dos Santos-­Tam, choosing to focus on those issues. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore Group Confronts Growing Threats Of Erosion, Sea Level Rise. Members of the hui say that planning against Hawaii’s encroaching shorelines has been “piecemeal” and “reactionary” so far. Civil Beat. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu freight company buys former Love’s Bakery headquarters. One of Hawaii’s leading transportation service companies announced that it has purchased the former Love’s Bakery headquarters. Honolulu Freight Service said it will centralize its main Hawaii operations at the building located on Middle Street. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Radio Station KNDI Entertains And Informs Non-English Speakers. The Filipino-owned station broadcasts in 13 languages. But after 60 years of programming, it faces the challenge of attracting a new generation of listeners. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Victims of affordable housing scheme start lining up. Hawaii County has declared itself a victim of an employee who pleaded guilty to stealing affordable housing credits, and its attorneys are asking the court to return property currently under forfeiture by the federal government. West Hawaii Today.

Another Meeting On Mauna Loa Volcanic Unrest Set For Kona. Emergency officials and scientists will host another “Status Update and Community Discussion” this weekend on the current Mauna Loa volcano unrest, this time in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Pilot, passenger statements describe Big Island copter crash. The National Transportation Safety Board on Monday released various documents related to the crash, which injured all six people on board, but the agency has yet to release a probable cause for why the helicopter suddenly made “violent and uncommanded yaw and pitch changes.” Associated Press.

In ongoing dispute, state seeks more proof lead at Hawaii preschool has been dealt with. Both the state and the head of Kalamapii Play School returned to court Monday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Pāhala Public & School Library to reopen Nov. 1 after repairs from earthquake damage. The library at 96-3150 Pikake St. had been closed temporarily due to damage caused by the Oct. 14 earthquakes on Mauna Loa’s flanks. Big Island Now.

DLNR to spend $1M to plan demolition of Uncle Billy’s. The Department of Land and Natural Resources. The DLNR announced Monday afternoon that it would use the funds to finance plans and designs for the demolition of the derelict building, which is on state leasehold land. Tribune-Herald.
 
Firebreak project to protect palila OK’d by land board. A proposed firebreak expansion project on Maunakea to protect the critically endangered palila has been approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lahaina’s Halloween is back, but on smaller scale due to Maui police officer shortage. After being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lahaina Halloween festivities are back this year, but with no adult party on Front Street due to the 25% shortage of Maui police officers. Maui Now.

‘Showcase’ put on for crew. Lahainaluna students organize event for USS Daniel Inouye. Lahainaluna High School students were able to “showcase their talents” Saturday evening as they performed and hosted a dinner for the crew of the USS Daniel Inouye, the new guided missile destroyer, which anchored in Lahaina this past week. Maui News.

Kauai

Effort to stop redevelopment at former Coco Palms continues. A community-led effort to thwart plans to build a 350-room hotel on the former Coco Palms Resort property on Kauai took a hit after the state Board of Land and Natural Resources last week voted to renew permits on land where development would take place. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i federal worker admits to government theft. A Kaua‘i federal worker pleaded guilty on Monday to making about $35,000 in unauthorized purchases on his government credit card over the course of several years. Garden Island.

Ige mulls pardons for cannabis convictions, raises coming for public school teachers, Oahu, Maui bumped up to medium COVID risk, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige reviewing request to pardon cannabis convictions. Gov. David Ige is reviewing a request by President Joe Biden to issue pardons in Hawaii for cannabis possession. After Biden called on governors to pardon state-level possession offenses, Ige’s communications director, Cindy McMillan, said Ige “supports measures that align state and federal laws on this issue and is reviewing the president’s request to determine whether it is consistent with state law and in the best interests of the people of Hawaii.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Public School Teachers To See Long-Awaited Pay Raises In November. Nearly 9,200 public school teachers should see a significant bump in their paychecks starting in November, several months after the Legislature approved the move to retain teachers by fixing longstanding pay inequity issues. Civil Beat. KHON2.

To address court ruling’s fallout, senators review changes to how felonies are charged. In the wake of a high court ruling that’s thrown scores of cases into question, state senators are reviewing a draft bill that would change the way prosecutors charge serious felony crimes. If the draft bill becomes law, prosecutors would no longer be allowed to double dip when seeking to charge suspects accused of certain crimes. They will have to pick between using a grand jury or a preliminary hearing. Hawaii News Now.

State leaders, tourism officials call tourism marketing deal a solid compromise. After months of heated debate over whether the state needs more tourism or if there’s too much, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement have reached a tentative deal to share the duties of promoting and guiding Hawaii’s number one industry. In the proposed deal, CNHA will handle the destination management duties for the Hawaii market ― a role that will be greatly expanded from the past. Hawaii News Now.

UH study: Hawaiian corals select algae partnerships to help survive climate change. A new study by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa found that the diversity of algae that lives symbiotically with corals in Kāne‘ohe Bay on the windward side of Oʻahu varies significantly in different parts of the bay. Big Island Now.

Innovations In Ancient Aquaculture Could Bring Striped Mullet Back To The Dinner Table. Recent developments in growing striped mullet could help conserve Hawaii’s oceans, establish food security and perpetuate Hawaiian culture — but can they overcome new challenges? Civil Beat.

Honolulu, Maui counties bumped back up into 'medium' COVID-19 threat level, CDC reports. Honolulu and Maui counties both bumped up to the medium COVID-19 community threat level. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released its weekly update on Thursday. Both counties were in the green or low level last week. KITV4.

Oahu

Maintenance backlog and utility costs to be reduced at 49 Oahu parks. City officials announced Wednesday that a contractor has begun work on the first of 49 parks slated for upgrades that include installation of energy- efficient lighting, high- efficiency electrical transformers, plumbing fixtures that save water, irrigation line replacements and weather-influenced irrigation control systems. Star-Advertiser.

Kahikina: HART Won’t Replace Honolulu Rail’s Unusual Track Crossings. Despite the ongoing concerns of multiple track experts working on Honolulu rail, the debate over whether to replace the transit line’s unusual crossing points is closed, according to Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Executive Director Lori Kahikina. Civil Beat.

Windward Oahu residents: Military’s ‘anti-terrorism’ fence is too big and too close to their homes. The military has its marching orders to build a roughly 3-mile, 8-foot-high barbed wire fence around Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo. Federal regulations require an “anti-terrorism force protection” fence around the training area. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu home sales drop-off continued in September. Sales of existing single-family homes on Oahu in September suffered their biggest drop so far this year as rising mortgage rates and near-record prices amid high inflation and recession concerns deterred buyers. The Honolulu Board of Realtors reported Thursday that resales of single-­family houses dropped 34% in September to 278 from 424 in the same month in 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Fallen tree and sliding homes, signs of beach erosion. Signs of beach erosion are becoming more visible and some experts said this is just the start, as the state and county officials rush to find ways to manage the crisis that threatens public and private properties. A large Ironwood tree toppled into Kailua Beach on Tuesday, an effect of sea level rise and beach erosion. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Loa showing potential to erupt once again. Is Mauna Loa about to blow after 38 years of silence? A couple of weeks of elevated seismic activity and ground swelling on the mountain suggest that might be the case. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Government cost commission mulls powerful county manager. An ambitious proposal creating a powerful county executive has gained some traction in the Cost of Government Commission, but commissioners decided Thursday to refine the measure before taking a formal vote next week. West Hawaii Today.

Commission supports bill requiring rezoning extensions be approved by council. The Windward Planning Commission has recommended passage of a bill that would require the County Council to approve any time extensions for rezoning applications. Tribune-Herald.

Voting explainer: Hawaiʻi County charter amendment ballot questions. Voters on Hawaiʻi Island have three ballot amendment questions to consider in this year's general election. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Fund would cover costs of managed retreat. Money would help move buildings inland, respond to worsening erosion and sea level rise. In light of rapid climate change impacts, such as coastal erosion, a Maui County Council committee moved forward with a plan to create a separate fund specifically for addressing managed retreat along the shore. Maui News.

Voters To Decide If Maui Mayor Can Ask Appointees To Sign Undated Resignation Letters. Proposed county charter amendments focus on financial disclosures, conflicts of interest and other ways to boost the public’s faith in government. Civil Beat.

Mayor Victorino extends real property tax relief to severely disabled veterans. On Aug. 18, Mayor Victorino signed Bill 110, which extends real property tax relief to veterans who are designated as  “severely disabled” as a result of a service-connected injury while on duty with the Armed Forces of the United States. Maui Now. KHON2.

324 units planned as part of workforce affordable Kaulana Mahina Apartments in Central Maui. The 14.4 acre development site is bound by Waiʻale Road in the east, Kuikahi Drive in the north, and Honoapi‘ilani Highway in the west, near Long’s and Walgreen’s at the border of the Kehalani and Maui Lani neighborhoods. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i lays out plan for $10 million in American Rescue Plan funding. The majority of the funding in the proposed budget — about $7 million — will go toward the renovation of the former Big Save space at the Pi‘ikoi Building in Lihu‘e into a child care and youth center. Garden Island.

Details emerge in Koloa School bomb threat; Santos-Dasalia held at KCCC. The Koloa man who allegedly called in a bomb threat to Koloa School on Sept. 26 had been dating a woman whose children are students at the school, court documents show. Garden Island.

Legislature to consider legalizing recreational cannabis, state campaign commission investigates Kahele, Cayetano, Maui auditing Choy contracts, Honolulu mulls increasing density, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Plan to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use in Hawaii takes shape. The most comprehensive strategy yet to legalize adult recreational cannabis use in Hawaii is being prepared for state lawmakers ahead of next year’s legislative session starting four months from now. Star-Advertiser.

This New Dairy Owner Says Local Cows Can Bring Down Hawaii’s Milk Prices. Bahman Sadeghi, chief executive of Meadow Gold Dairies, which Sadeghi acquired in 2020, has a long-range goal of bringing back Hawaii’s dairy industry. He reckons that by producing milk locally, Meadow Gold can lower the price of a gallon of milk by 20%. Civil Beat.

Council to consider fishing rules in marine monument. Possible changes to fishing regulations within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument could allow cultural fishing practices, although such changes are also viewed as “harmful” to Native Hawaiian traditions. Star-Advertiser.

State blames shrinking enrollment at public schools on declining birth rate, outmigration. Hawaii public schools lost nearly 3,000 students this school year compared to the year before, according to new enrollment figures released Friday. It’s the fourth school year with declining enrollment. Hawaii News Now.

Kai Kahele, Vicky Cayetano are subjects of campaign spending complaints. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele and business entrepreneur Vicky Cayetano are the subjects of separate investigations by the state Campaign Spending Commission related to their unsuccessful campaigns to become Hawaii’s next governor. Star-Advertiser.

It’s Tough To Win An Election As An Independent Candidate In Hawaii. This year, two nonpartisan candidates in partisan races have advanced to the general election. They’re approaching it with different expectations. Civil Beat.

A dozen protesters show up at elections meeting to find it being conducted via Zoom. About a dozen people showed up at the state Elections Office hoping to speak to commissioners in person but were disappointed to find the meeting was on Zoom. They say it’s another reason they don’t trust the current voting process. Hawaii News Now.

‘A game of chicken’: Inter-island fare war takes off between Hawaiian, Southwest airlines. Hawaiian Airlines and its latest competitor, Southwest, are engaged in an air fare battle, and flyers may be taking advantage. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Increasing Waikiki building height and density might be on table for first time in half century. A movement is underway to increase building height and density in the Waikiki Special District for the first time in about 50 years to allow smaller parcels to be turned into affordable housing and make the district more resilient to climate change and sea-level rise. Star-Advertiser.

City to open free wound clinic to address needs of homeless. The city plans to open a free wound-care clinic in Chinatown in November to primarily serve the homeless. The clinic would be the first official collaboration between the city and the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Homeless Outreach &Medical Education, or H.O.M.E., program. Star-Advertiser.

HART Leaders Are Concerned That Feds Still Haven’t Approved Rail’s Recovery Plan. More than three months have passed since the city submitted its latest plan to rescue rail, and the Federal Transit Administration has yet to approve it. Civil Beat.

Toilet paper shortage causes major clogging at public parks. It’s the end of a roll for Oʻahu parks’ toilet paper shortage. The hygiene product company Veritiv secured a more steady supply of toilet paper for the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Niu Valley Middle School on Oahu cools new building without AC. The new building uses no AC to keep students and teachers cool, instead relying on a unique design and purposeful positioning to create “passive ventilation.” It is the state’s first public school building specially created to harness and maximize Hawaii’s signature tradewinds. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Search for police chief continues. Hawaii County Police Commission members have yet to learn the names of applicants or the number of people who applied to be the next leader of the Hawaii Police Department. West Hawaii Today.

Road Block Planned Sept. 19 To Protest Updated Rules for Waipiʻo Valley Road. Waipiʻo Valley kūpuna, farmers, ʻohana and their supporters plan to block the 1.5-mile road that leads to the black sand beach and agricultural community on Monday in protest of Hawaiʻi County’s updated rules that allow some four-wheel drive vehicles to use the road that is dangerous and in need of repair. Big Island Now.

Deadline to submit comment on proposed investment in TMT near. Both critics and supporters of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) are calling on the public to share their thoughts on the project. At stake is $800 million, as the National Science Foundation (NSF) decides whether to invest in the controversial telescope. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Study finds high levels of staph in soil around Hilo Bay. High concentrations of harmful bacteria lurk in the Hilo watershed, according to a study by University of Hawaii researchers. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

HMC faced with overcrowding despite low COVID numbers. There are currently seven COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Hawaii Medical Center. Of those seven, two are in the ICU, a number slightly above average. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County to audit contracts awarded to Choy’s companies. Mayor Michael Victorino is ordering an audit of all no-bid contracts awarded to companies owned by Milton Choy, a Honolulu businessman who was recently charged with providing more than $2 million in bribes to a former Maui County official to influence wastewater contracts. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

First South Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee meeting announced. The South Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Lokelani Intermediate School cafeteria at 1401 Līloa Drive, Kīhei. The event kicks off the next phase of the South Maui Community Plan update. Maui Now.

West Maui Taxpayers hold candidates night, Oct. 13. The West Maui Taxpayers Association is holding a “General Candidates Night” at the Lahaina Civic Center’s Social Hall on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Maui Now.

Kauai

Federal funding at stake for elderly plans. The county Agency on Elderly Affairs is reminding the public to participate in two surveys that will help assess the needs of the county’s aging population. Garden Island.

Ni‘ihau High and Elementary is the state’s smallest school. Enrollment at Hawai‘i’s public and charter schools for the 2022-23 school year decreased to 168,634 students, compared with an enrollment of 171,600 students at the start of last school year — a difference of 1.7%. Garden Island.

$100M coming from feds to drain Red Hill tanks, gambling bills die as Legislature mulls cannabis for 65-plus, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Red Hill fuel tank system PC:US Navy

Federal bill OK’d with funding to drain Red Hill fuel tanks. The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a short-term funding bill that includes a provision that pushes the Department of Defense to abide by a state emergency order to drain the tanks at the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and provides $100 million in funding for the process. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Top State Investigator Says White Collar Crime Unit Sat On Government Corruption Cases. One of Hawaii’s top law enforcement officials says state prosecutors have done nothing with cases of white collar crime and government corruption forwarded to them by investigators during the last several years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii creates conduct commission. The state House of Representatives on Thursday created a commission that will recommend how to boost the effectiveness of state ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws after two former lawmakers earlier this week pleaded guilty in connection with their acceptance of bribes. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Pay raises negotiated for Hawaii public worker union. State labor negotiators have come to terms with one of Hawaii’s larger public workforce unions on a new four-year contract that provides roughly 4% to 5% pay raises in each of the next three fiscal years. Star-Advertiser.

Not In The Cards: Gambling Bills Among Dead Proposals At The Hawaii Legislature. Bills targeting the state auditor’s office and measures to shield the state from inmate lawsuits also failed this year. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senate recommends passing bill allowing anyone 65 or older to use cannabis for medical purposes. On Monday Feb. 14, Hawaii Senate recommended the passing of a bill that would amend the medical cannabis law in Hawaii to allow any individual 65 or older to use cannabis for medical purposes. KHON2.

State Agencies Were Tasked With Buying More Local Food. Can Hawaii Supply It? A new report shows seven of the 18 departments bought local produce last year, spending a combined $2.6 million. Civil Beat.

DOE Plan For Virtual School Gets Thumbs Down From Board For Lack Of Details. While stressing the importance of in-person instruction, the DOE said it needs to offer an array of learning opportunities, including a virtual option. Civil Beat.

Vaccine booster not required for University of Hawaii students, staff. University of Hawaii students, faculty and staff will not be required after all to get booster shots for COVID-19, UH President David Lassner announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Rising Covid Deaths Show Continued Toll Of Pandemic Despite Drop In Cases. Hawaii recorded 16 deaths on Thursday, the second-highest daily number since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Department confirms 29 cases of BA.2 omicron variant in the state. The Hawaii Department Department of Health has confirmed 29 cases of BA.2, a new lineage of the COVID-19 omicron variant first detected in the islands through whole genome sequencing in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 16 new coronavirus-related deaths, 650 additional infections. New confirmed and probable infection count includes 353 new cases on Oahu, 91 on Hawaii Island, 92 on Maui, 65 on Kauai, six on Molokai, three on Lanai and 40 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Blangiardi: Safe Access Oahu program for eateries, gyms will likely be dropped in March. The city is poised to drop vaccine-or-test requirements for patrons of restaurants, bars gyms, movie theaters and other venues in early March, the mayor said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Millions unspent as HPD patrol staffing lags and police actions decline. HPD said last year’s unusually large amount of lapsed funds – nearly $18 million – was more than usual because of pandemic-related factors. KHON2.
 
Deputy sheriff who was fired after nearly 40 years of service files wrongful termination suit. In the lawsuit, deputy Sheriff Tommy Cayetano alleged that former DPS Director Nolan Espinda fired him in 2020 ― despite having 38 years of service without any disciplinary actions. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyers disagree over legality of HART board’s confidentiality rules. The state Department of the Attorney General has issued an opinion that the board overseeing the city’s troubled rail project has no legal authority to treat board members differently and require legislative appointees to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to sign new confidentiality agreements. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu to resume normal COVID-19 testing operations at airport; testing added at Honolulu Hale, Kapolei Hale. The City and County of Honolulu’s free COVID-19 testing will continue to be available to all Oahu residents at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, but will return to normal operating hours after they were extended in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businesses face challenging economic climate. Global Village, a small boutique offering apparel, handcrafted jewelry and accessories from around the world, is closing its bricks-and-mortar shop for good and transitioning to an online business full time. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Recent luxury eco-resort proposal near Hilo has residents questioning decades-old zoning maps. Resort designations have been on county land use maps for Keaukaha since the 1971 Hawaiʻi County General Plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige Nominates Big Island Engineer to Serve on State BLNR. Big Island engineer Riley Smith is among several people from throughout the state picked by Gov. David Ige to serve on the Hawai’i Board of Land and Natural Resources. Big Island Now.

Pandemic, animal control issues exacerbate cat overpopulation. The Big Island’s stray and feral cat population has reached a “critical stage” because the COVID-19 pandemic and animal control problems have reduced spay and neuter opportunities and limited the intake of felines. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police Chief Pelletier highlights first 60 days in office, says morale is good. Maui Police Chief John Pelletier discussed his first 60 days in office during Wednesday’s regularly scheduled Police Commission meeting, summarizing what is being done, and the upcoming plans he has for the department. Maui Now. Maui News.

As MPD faces staffing crisis, county is in desperate need of more 911 dispatchers. The Maui Police Department is facing a staffing crisis with a vacancy rate of approximately 25%. However, one section in particular is desperately short staffed: 911 dispatchers. Hawaii News Now.

Should Maui Hotels Pay More For Water? This Council Member Thinks So. Both homeowners and general users ranging from mom-and-pop shops to schools to luxury hotels pay largely the same prices for water. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Balloon prompts jet scramble over Kauai, Air Force says. The Air Force says it is tracking an “unmanned balloon without observable identification markings” after it was spotted over Kauai on Monday. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

Water rights at issue in Legislature, taxing REITs, lava-locked residents finally go home, more seniors seek medical marijuana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Freshwater stream enters the ocean at Kawa Bay ©2019 All Hawaii News

Battle over water rights once again comes to a head at state Legislature. On Tuesday, lawmakers will hear a bill that would extend temporary permits for seven years to big water users like Alexander and Baldwin, giving them more time to get water leases. Hawaii News Now.

Water bill appears to give A&B a financial break. A state measure that would give an assortment of large landowners, agricultural concerns and electrical utilities seven more years to meet stricter requirements for access to public water appears to give one particular company a huge break. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents Want Accountability As Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Extension of Water Diversions. State lawmakers are weighing a bill that would allow a dozen private users statewide, including Alexander and Baldwin, to continue to divert fresh stream water temporarily. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Legislature to consider bills on asset forfeiture and water leases. State lawmakers have scheduled hearings on bills that would reform Hawaii’s civil asset forfeiture program, allow developers to build solar farms on prime agricultural land and extend the period of time that companies and farming interests have to comply with a deadline for obtaining water leases as a Friday deadline approaches for moving bills out of their final committee. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s fastest-growing set of medical cannabis users are over 66. The average age of Hawaii’s pot patients is 51, and those between the ages of 56 and 65 are the largest population of medical marijuana users statewide, Health Department statistics show. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Revive Bail Reform Efforts To Reduce Overcrowding. Several criminal justice measures are still alive and will likely be hashed out in Senate-House conference committees. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers to consider PSD Director's future. A Senate committee will discuss the future of Director Nolan Espinda later this week. Senator Clarence Nishihara has been collecting evidence and reports for Espinda's confirmation hearing, scheduled for this Thursday. KHON2.

Rifles bought for deputy sheriffs never distributed because they violate state’s own policy. Taxpayers have built an arsenal of long guns for the Public Safety Department in recent years, but dozens of those firearms are just collecting dust in the armory because the state’s own policy doesn’t allow them to be used. Hawaii News Now.

Gun owners in federal suit: Hawaii’s open carry law amounts to a ban. Gun owners are taking aim at Hawaii’s open carry law, saying it’s unconstitutional. Hawaii News Now.

Programs that depend on state money to serve Hawaii's homeless rallied Monday. Nonprofits say it can be difficult to work with homeless long term if they're constantly worried about not being able to sustain themselves the next year. KITV.

Bill to tax Hawaii REITs clears final committee. A bill that would eliminate the corporate income tax deduction on dividends paid by real estate investment trusts in Hawaii cleared its final committee and is headed for passage by the state House of Representatives. Pacific Business News.

Charter School Clampdown Has Educators Worried About Their Independence. Versions of a measure giving the state some financial oversight of the schools have cleared both chambers. Opponents say it takes away their autonomy. Civil Beat.

Lofty hopes and dreams in Legislature coming down to reality as session progresses. Star-Advertiser.

Governor encourages residents to ‘invest the time’ to participate in 2020 census. The Census won’t happen for another year, but Hawaii leaders are already putting in the work to ensure every Hawaii resident is counted. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige Announces 2020 Census Count Committee. The committee is charged with increasing awareness about the importance of being counted; organizing state resources effectively and cost-efficiently to promote the count; and improving the response rate for the 2020 Census questionnaire. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu police chief is pressed on handgun carry permits. The Honolulu Police Commission was mostly effusive in its praise of Police Chief Susan Ballard in the first-year review that was released recently, but key members are clearly troubled by the answers she’s given them on the Police Department’s policy regarding handgun carry permits. Star-Advertiser.

Duo curbs helping Kakaako’s homeless. Under the threat of state Health Department fines of up to $1,000 per violation, a Kaimuki couple who used to provide meals and hot showers to homeless people around Kakaako Waterfront Park is backing down and looking for a different spot. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kipuka residents rejoice as PGV opens graded route over lava channel. More than 30 residents of a lava-locked kipuka in lower Puna drove across the lava channel from last year’s Kilauea eruption Monday to return to their homes. Tribune-Herald.

Joyous Moment As Lava-Locked Residents Regain Access. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County officials say they were unaware that federal officials are considering moving the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory off the island where there are erupting volcanos. The possibility of the relocation came to light last week during a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing for David Bernhardt, the nominee for secretary of the Department of  Interior. Hawaii Public Radio.

Volcano Observatory Future Discussed With Scientist-In-Charge. Big Island Video News.

Time is ticking down for a handful of bills that would impact the Big Island to secure their final committee hearings in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Sold. Big Island Now.

Maui

Public Works, Environmental Management Director Appointees Announced. Mayor Michael Victorino announced Monday afternoon that Rowena Dagdag-Andaya and Eric Nakagawa are his nominees as directors of the departments of Public Works and Environmental Management, respectively. Maui Now.

Four promoted to fire captain. Four Maui Fire Department firefighters have been promoted to captain and six have been promoted to firefighter III. Maui News.

Volunteers count on whales showing up. Volunteers look for whales off Maui on Saturday during Pacific Whale Foundation’s Great Whale Count. A total of 219 whales were seen off Maui from 12 sites. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Kahului to Sacramento Non-Stop Flights. Hawaiian Airlines today launched daily, nonstop service between Kahului, Maui and Sacramento, giving West Coast travelers enhanced access to the Valley Isle. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Hawaii Lodging &Tourism Association, in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, distributed $38,000 in grants to seven nonprofits on Kauai during a ceremony Monday at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

Developer faces more litigation. A real estate developer, whose long-delayed timeshare proposal on Kauai faces mounting financial trouble, is struggling to cover debts on projects on the mainland as well. Garden Island.

After more than a decade of dreaming, Kauai Community College is composting. It’s a grassroots effort started by a few professors and Emily Broderick’s biology class, combining movement toward a more sustainable campus with lessons on the scientific method. Garden Island.

Supreme Court: Hawaii B&B must allow gay couples; lava takes charter school, beach park; Honolulu City Council flouts Sunshine Law; smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco banned at universities; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford were denied by B&B PC: Lambda Legal

Hawaii Supreme Court sides with lesbian couple in B&B case. A state appeals court ruling that a bed and breakfast discriminated by denying a room to two women because they’re gay will stand after the state’s high court declined to take up the case. Associated Press.

6 candidates for Hawaii's First Congressional District share stance on local issues. Ed Case, Doug Chin, Donna Mercado Kim, Kaniela Ing, Beth Fukumoto and Ernie Martin. KITV.

State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim and Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin blasted government bureaucracy and regulatory agencies such as the state Land Use Commission for hamstringing development in Hawaii at a forum for congressional candidates sponsored by local building and real estate trade groups. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Politicians Turn Digital Ads Into A Fundraising Bonanza. Federal candidates, from Tulsi Gabbard to Kaniela Ing, are spreading their messages across the U.S. in the attempt to build name recognition and raise money. Civil Beat.

Challenger criticizes Tulsi Gabbard for avoiding debates prior to primary election. Hawaii News Now.

Smoking and tobacco use, including vaping, is officially banned on all 10 of the University of Hawaii’s campuses under a new law. Star-Advertiser.

All University of Hawaii campuses and properties are now smoke- and tobacco-free. A new law prohibiting smoking and tobacco use on UH premises was passed by the Legislature in May and signed this week by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

As of July 10,2018, tobacco use is banned at all 10 University of Hawaii campuses statewide, and the new rules include e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. KHON2.

Sales at Hawaii’s six medical marijuana dispensaries totaled $6.7 million in the past 10 months, and their earnings are likely to grow with two changes to the state’s cannabis law. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health to Implement New Retail Medical Cannabis Rules. Hawaii’s six operating retail Medical Cannabis Dispensaries are now selling products that function like inhalers or nebulizers. Hawaii Public Radio.

State to implement changes to medical cannabis law. KHON2.

For the military, including Rim of the Pacific exercise participants, there’s a whole lot of emergency, disaster response and mass casualty practice going on this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii mac nut industry cracks $50 million in sales. Rising prices for macadamia nuts helped Hawaii farmers generate record revenue last year, according to a new federal report. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Office of Elections Conducts Drive-Thru Voter Registration. The State Office of Elections is conducting drive-by voter registration on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Attorney General’s office is proposing fines of more than $135,000 against two nonprofits for multiple alleged violations of the state’s charitable solicitation laws. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mayor’s Islandwide Crackdown On The Homeless Rolled Out For Council. Two measures from Kirk Caldwell targeting homeless people in public places receive initial approval. Civil Beat.

City Council Ignores Open Meetings Law To Hear Bike-Sharing Bill. Chairman Ernie Martin convinced his colleagues to hear the bill one day after it was introduced. A minimum six-day notice is required. Civil Beat.

City Releases Plan for Ala Moana Park Renovations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu's shopping bag ban could be having an unintended consequence. Businesses say the new law makes it makes it much tougher to spot thieves. Hawaii News Now.

Families of victims killed in Marco Polo fire to file lawsuit. On July 14, 2017, Britt Reller, Melba Dilly, and Joann Kuwata were killed after the fire ripped through their apartments. Marilyn Van Gieson died several weeks later after suffering smoke inhalation. KHON2.

One year later, we relive the Marco Polo fire that claimed lives and changed laws. KITV.

Hawaiian Heiress’s Charity Board Heads to Court In $215 Million Trust Case. A new board of directors for Princess Abigail Kawananakoa’s charity wants to be included in ongoing battle for control of her trust. Civil Beat.

A mountain of trash and a broken restroom. Welcome to Keehi Lagoon Beach Park. People who frequent an Oahu park say the city needs to take better care of the scenic spot. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority board of directors on Wednesday voted to approve the appointment of Aedward Los Banos as executive director of the state agency responsible for overseeing development in Kakaako, Kalealoa and Heeia on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Servco Pacific Inc. held a blessing ceremony to mark the completion of Hawaii's first publicly accessible hydrogen station, located at the its corporate offices in Mapunapuna. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A popular Puna beach park that was home to a unique warm pond, as well as beloved public charter school facility, were both taken by lava on Wednesday evening. Big Island Video News.

After weeks of steadily flowing to the ocean in a self-contained channel, lava from fissure 8 began spilling over into Leilani Estates, destroying more homes in the subdivision, according to Hawaii County officials. Star-Advertiser.

The community has anxiously watched and waited as lava from fissure 8 inched toward the ocean — and closed in on the Kua O Ka La Public Charter School. Hawaii News Now.

County approaches Shipman about housing for evacuees. Hawaii County is looking beyond public lands for a potential land swap with Puna residents who lost their homes to lava. Tribune-Herald.

Incidents add to stress at lava shelters. During the 10 weeks since emergency evacuation centers opened in a hurry to house people chased from their homes by the Kilauea eruption, Hawaii County police were called 118 times to the sprawling Pahoa shelter, and another 21 times to the much smaller shelter in Keaau. Star-Advertiser.

With concerns over looting growing on Hawaii island, police are urging homeowners and renters within the eruption zone to report apparent looting as soon as possible. Hawaii News Now.

Work began this week to upgrade the long-delayed Kuawa ball fields in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A two-vehicle head-on collision late Tuesday afternoon on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, killed a highly regarded scientist and critically injured a well-known local musician. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

It is unclear how much of the remaining $46,000 of the $100,000 county grant awarded to Council Member Alika Atay’s executive assistant will be disbursed, the county Office of Economic Development director told a council committee Wednesday. Maui News.

Charges were dismissed Wednesday against a Haleakala telescope protester when a judge ruled that more than six months had passed without the defendant’s case going to trial. Maui News.

A three-word agenda item involving “proposed rule amendments” that the state Office of Information Practices warned might run afoul of the Sunshine Law was deleted by the liquor commission from Wednesday’s meeting. Maui News.

The National Science Foundation Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope takes shape as work continues atop Haleakala. Maui News.

KCA will present candidates forum. Maui News.

Kauai

Affordable housing plan rejected. Fiscal responsibility framed the Kauai County Council’s Wednesday decision to reject placing a charter amendment on the November ballot that would have allocated 3 percent of real property tax revenues to affordable housing. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council Wednesday voted down a proposed $475,000 infusion into The Kauai Bus to expand weekend services. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. signed a third supplementary emergency proclamation on Wednesday for the County of Kauai in order to continue relief efforts for damages sustained during the April flood. Garden Island.

Lanai

The OHA Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting on Lanai on Thurs., July 12, 2018. Maui Now.