Showing posts with label ceded lands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ceded lands. Show all posts

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Historic bill transfers ceded land to Native Hawaiians, Maine Rep. Collins stumps for Lingle, Dog the Bounty Hunter wife charged with bullying, Hawaii's traveling mayor, Dalai Lama to visit, Maui News to trim staff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ceded lands bill signing Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo
A historic bill signing at Washington Place settles a nearly three-decades-old ceded lands dispute between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Associated Press.

Invoking a famous speech by the Rev. Abraham Akaka, delivered by the late Kawaiaha‘o Church pastor on the day after Congress approved statehood, Gov. Neil Abercrombie spoke Wednesday of the next great transition for the Hawaiian people as he signed into law a settlement of long-standing ceded land claims against the state. Star-Advertiser.

It took many of the state's sharpest legal and political minds months of hard work but the result was the enactment of historic legislation that settles a $200 million tab from the state to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed into law a bill that settles the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’    claims to income from ceded lands by conveying ownership of land in Honolulu’s Kakaako neighborhood valued at $200 million. Pacific Business News.

With the stroke of a koa pen, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2783, and settled a decades-old debt for ceded lands owed the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii News Now.

After nearly 30 years of working toward an agreement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law Wednesday a measure that settles OHA’s unresolved claims to income and proceeds from ceded lands. KITV4.

The law gave the Office of Hawaiian Affairs title this summer $200 million worth of Kakaako Makai parcels and buildings over 25 acres. KHON2.

Governor's Office video of ceremony.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, spoke at a fundraiser for Linda Lingle's U.S. Senate campaign at the Sheraton Waikiki, saying she believes the former governor would work with others in the political center toward bipartisan solutions. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Lingle's Role Model: Susan Collins of Maine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii foreclosure filings remained subdued last month by a problematic year-old law, which the Legislature hopes to improve before the end of this year’s session. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require a performance management system for teachers is not expected to advance today in the Senate, after strong opposition from teachers. But the state says the absence of legislation won't stop efforts to overhaul teacher evaluations. Star-Advertiser.

Joe Booker, Deputy Director of Corrections in the state Public Safety Department, is resigning effective Friday to take a job in New Mexico. Hawaii Reporter.

Friday will mark the Dalai Lama's fourth official visit to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

National pharmacy giant CVS Caremark is expanding its Hawaii presence next year — armed with plans to build four new MinuteClinics in the Islands along with a new deal with the state’s largest commercial health insurer. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A popular outdoor Sunday event on Oahu's North Shore is in jeopardy after the state issued a notice to vacate to the operators and owners of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market. Hawaii News Now.

Organizers and supporters of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market said they are seeking ways to keep the popular Sunday market open, following an order by the state to vacate the site because of a state law that prohibits selling from public highways. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu attorney alleges bullying by bounty hunter Beth Chapman. KHON2.

A 13-year-veteran of the Honolulu Police Department is free on bail after making an appearance in court on federal charges in a marijuana growing operation. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi has cut back on his county-paid travel since his first year in office, but he still has spent almost $100,000 of taxpayer money on trips since becoming mayor in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

Concerned about a consultant’s report that says it’s cheaper to haul East Hawaii’s garbage to West Hawaii than expand the Hilo landfill, Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is drafting an ordinance to prevent it. West Hawaii Today.

The state Board of Education is planning three community meetings on the Big Island this month. Tribune-Herald.

The discovery of a used motor core in Arizona will speed up the repairs for a broken Keei well. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county took a step closer to acquiring nearly 64 acres of open space in Paukukalo on Tuesday, in a purchase many said would preserve a place of cultural and community significance in Central Maui. Maui News.

Maui County Council members voted Tuesday to give initial approval to a bill that would establish new regulations for short-term rentals. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to revisions that would soften the county's "Show Me the Water" ordinance. Maui News.

The Maui News plans a workforce reduction of 14 to 18 employees, with a portion expected to leave in a voluntary separation agreement, and the rest to be cut through layoffs. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission granted a special management area permit and planned development approvals Tuesday for the Grand Wailea to proceed with its $250 million project to renovate and expand the resort. Maui News.

Kauai

In what was called a rare event on Kaua‘i, members of the House leadership in the state Legislature were at the Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria Wednesday to listen to what island residents had on their minds. Garden Island.

A structural engineer was on Kaua‘i Wednesday to inspect Kapaia Swinging Bridge, a deteriorating historic footbridge near Lihu‘e that appeared to have partially collapsed following storms in March. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday recognized Kaua‘i Police Department dispatchers and the county’s public safety telecommunications personnel as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week under way through Saturday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A Molokai resident who has volunteered thousands of hours to fishpond restoration was honored by the Hawaii State Teachers’ Association (HSTA) with the 2012 Friend of Youth Award. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Legislature seeks agriculture self-sufficiency, gas hits record high price, Marines eye Molokai, plastic bag ban moving through Honolulu council, $200M ceded lands settlement set for ceremonial signing, statewide Foodbank cites shortages, Big Island fish farm approved without public hearings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island cattle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
A proposal headed to the state Senate could help Hawaii double its locally grown food supply by 2020. Associated Press.

The state has spent about $30 million in stimulus funds provided by the White House in the past three years. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is scheduled to put his signature on a historic $200 million settlement between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Wednesday. Associated Press.


Governor Neil Abercrombie will sign Senate Bill 2783 into law next week, effectively sealing a $200 million settlement land deal between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Maui Now.

The state Senate approved a resolution Wednesday calling for an audit of state agencies and long-time department practices that can give employees excessive amounts of nonbase compensation, such as overtime and unpaid leave. Star-Advertiser.


The Hawaii Legislature is eager to pass legislation to attract more film production in the islands. Civil Beat.

Free wireless Internet access will be available in public libraries statewide beginning on Monday, April 2. Associated Press.

Gas prices continued their march upward in Hawaii this week, with the statewide average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline hitting a record price on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.


Linda Lingle
Lingle: Women Voters Care About Finances, Jobs, Families - Not Just Contraception. Hawaii Reporter.


The Senate Ways and Means Committee wants to give more money to Hawaii's public schools to help them tackle ambitious reform initiatives. Associated Press.

Its cupboards aren't bare, but with just a 13-day supply of food on hand, the Hawaii Foodbank is asking for donations from the community. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

In one of the oddities of a tumultuous election year, state Rep. Kymberly Pine will run against City Councilman Tom Berg, her former aide and ally in driving the anti-tax, less government message of the tea party movement. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu consumers and businesses would be eased into a plastic bag ban under a bill moving through the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Citing doubts about the Hawaii Legislature's ability to pass a statewide single-use checkout bag fee this year, the Honolulu City Council Wednesday took a major step forward toward a temporary Oahu-only fee on plastic bags. Civil Beat.

Bills that would allow people who keep horses on agricultural lands to once again be eligible for significant tax breaks was advanced by the City Council's Budget Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

There are a dozen bills pending at the State Legislature relating to dogs …and improving their lives.  But at the Honolulu City Council … the issue today was about Horses and how to prevent them from becoming homeless. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Stimulus Still Not Stimulating Many Jobs at Local Biorefinery Plant. Civil Beat.


Six members of the Occupy Honolulu movement pleaded no contest to charges of violating city rules at Thomas Square Park last November. KHON2.

State officials are trying to identify the species of a live bat a man was playing with at the Honolulu airport. Hawaii News Now.


A capital improvement project for Kewalo Basin Harbor valued at $18 million may hinge on a public-private partnership between the Hawaii Community Development Authority and Almar Management Inc. KITV4.

The State is taking another step forward on its master plan for the Diamond Head State Monument. KHON2.

Hawaii

Repairs are under way to the zip line platforms at the course where a construction worker fell to his death in September when a 30-foot platform collapsed. But an engineer observing the work says other zip lines on the Big Island may contain the same fatal flaws. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council spent two hours in closed session Wednesday afternoon, emerging with no decision on a settlement offer from the attorney representing three fired Elections Office employees. West Hawaii Today.

A Seattle-based developer is seeking to build the Big Island’s first Holiday Inn Express in Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

DOH gives fish farm permit No public hearing held by agency. West Hawaii Today.

Bank of Hawaii is donating a North Kohala building and land worth $440,600 that the county Parks and Recreation Department and Office of Aging plan to use for community programs. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced the release of $600,000 in Capital Improvement Project funds for road improvements in the Pu’uwaawaa area of Mamalahoa Highway. Associated Press.



Maui

A public meeting is planned this Friday to discuss two upcoming projects at the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor in West Maui. Maui Now.

The Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors  announced the appointment of Lisa Varde, as executive director. Maui Now.


Kauai

County departments have agreed to recommendations from a fuel use audit that cites concerns about accountability and billing practices. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a request from Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Darryl Perry to use $300,000 of the department’s asset forfeiture funds to begin work on a police substation that ultimately would cost $6 million. Garden Island.


The Kaua‘i County Fire Department on Wednesday reopened two North Shore beaches — Hae‘ena and Ke‘e —  that had been closed Tuesday due to dangerous surf conditions. Garden Island.


Molokai

The U.S. Marine Corps is looking to expand their presence in Hawaii, and some of their proposed operations may take place on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.





Thursday, March 15, 2012

Legislature advances Hawaiian land settlement, 1.4% of registered voters go to GOP caucus, lead and mold in Honolulu Hale, double-dipping solar credits, Oahu plagued with potholes, Kauai man struck with flesh-eating bacteria, Koloa Camp residents fight evictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rep. Mele Carroll at Native Hawaiian rally at Capitol, file photo (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle ceded lands claims was advanced Tuesday by two House committees that reversed course on making technical changes to the bill. Star-Advertiser.

A joint House committee reconsidered a bill today to transfer 200 million dollars of land in Kaka’ako to settle back-rent owed by the State to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voter turnout for the first-ever Hawaii Republican caucuses on Tuesday night exceeded the party's expectations, breaking 10,000 -- just 1.4 percent of the state's 690,748 voters -- as Republicans backed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Republicans are celebrating the success of the party's first ever caucus in the islands.Hawaii News Now.

Party officials said local candidates may get a much-needed boost from thousands of newly registered Republicans. KITV4.

For the first time, the federal government will charge companies in Hawaii for placing renewable energy projects in its waters, which extend from three miles to 200 miles offshore. Civil Beat.

To get more highly qualified teachers and deal with teacher shortages, the state is starting to hire months earlier this year and has partnered with the University of Hawaii to obtain more special education teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers and solar companies are slugging it out this year over a bill designed to prohibit homeowners and businesses from claiming more than one state tax credit on a single rooftop array. Civil Beat.

The average Hawaii consumer had $7,457 in credit card debt last month, down nearly 1 percent from $7,524 in January, and down 5 percent from $7,849 a year ago, according to Credit­Karma.com. Star-Advertiser.

A new mandate from the Department of Justice requires new public swimming pools that are 300 feet or longer to have two ways for a person with a disability to enter and exit the water. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law maintained its spot as the highest-ranking small law school in the top tier in the U.S. News and World Report annual law school rankings this year. KITV4.

Oahu


A new report says mold and lead dust has been found in Honolulu Hale, raising health concerns for those who work and do business at City Hall.Civil Beat.

After more than a year of analysis, the site for Honolulu's next landfill may be revealed this week. KHON2.

Even before the recent winter storms opened up new potholes across Oahu, the poor condition of the island's major roads was costing the average driver $701 more per year in extra wear and tear on their cars, trucks and SUVs, a new study says. Star-Advertiser.

Overcrowded ERs turning ambulances away. Hawaii News Now.

A former training specialist with the Honolulu Liquor Commission was sentenced for two bribery charges Wednesday. KHON2.

The Missile Defense Agency’s sea-based X-Band is returning to Oahu and will be visible on the horizon on or about Thursday, Navy Region Hawaii officials said. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A proposed frontage road within the Kohanaiki project got state environmental approval this week. West Hawaii Today.

Brightly colored flags for pedestrians to hoist when using a crosswalk are now stationed at the Alii Drive and Hualalai Road intersection. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has resumed his “talk-story” sessions in communities around the island, and he received a raucous reception Monday night at the one in Pahoa. Big Island Now.

Maui

A draft environmental impact statement has been released for public review as part of planning for the proposed 1,500-home Olowalu Town project. Maui News.

The state Department of Health's Clean Air Branch has cited two companies operating on Maui for air permit violations, the department announced. Maui News.

Kauai

After more than six hours of discussion, 200-plus pieces of written testimony and numerous amendments on Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council unanimously passed a resolution requesting that Grove Farm Co. meet with its Koloa Camp tenants to explore alternatives to eviction. Garden Island.

Kauai county council considers halting Koloa evictions. Hawaii Independent.

A Kauai man is fighting to overcome a case of rare flesh-eating bacteria that have already attacked his legs, back and abdomen. Star-Advertiser.

One of the saddest days in Kauai's recent history occurred six years ago on March 14, 2006, and many people on the island are remembering the events they say changed the island forever. Hawaii Reporter.

Kaua‘i Homelessness Strategic Plan meeting Friday. Garden Island.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Hawaii Legislature tackles sexting, e-cigarettes, porn sites, homeless, health insurance, pension plan; Honolulu rail battles continue, frisk-free airline travel, federal money for Kona pier and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iconic Royal Hawaiian hotel (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's hotel room revenue in 2011 was the highest since 2007, according to a report that tourism industry consultants released Wednesday. Associated Press.

A bill that would ban the sale of smokeless electronic cigarettes to minors and impose the 70% tobacco tax on the devices was briskly debated at the state Legislature on Wednesday. Hawaii Reporter.

Senate's sexting bill prohibits adults from asking minors for nude pictures and it would also outlaw minors from sending nude pictures of themselves to adults or other kids. Hawaii News Now.

House lawmakers deferred action Wednesday on the Abercrombie administration's proposed ceded lands settlement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, saying they would wait for the Senate version of the bill. Star-Advertiser.

Homelessness has been one of the top Legislative priorities over the last 3 sessions. Wednesday, a House bill on homelessness was heard by a Joint Committee and underwent major revisions based on recommendations by the administration. Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite opposition from public-sector unions, a Senate committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would cap the amount of overtime used in calculating pensions for public workers whose non-base pay jumps substantially near the end of their careers. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie may cut short the term of his latest appointment to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, raising serious questions about the quasi-judicial body’s ability to act independently of gubernatorial influence. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono
More than a quarter of Rep. Mazie Hirono's individual contributions for her U.S. Senate race were for $200 or less, according to an analysis of her campaign finance report for the fourth quarter of 2011. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. on Wednesday reported a profit of $138.2 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for 2011, a 22 percent increase from net income of $113.5 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, in 2010. Pacific Business News.

The President of the University of Hawaii System is asking for the state legislature to get involved in a fight against an adult site – “universityofhawaii.xxx” Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii's largest medical insurance provider is promoting two new measures to help bring down medical costs, a move company officials say may also help bring down premiums — eventually. West Hawaii Today.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has issued an alert to its members regarding the upcoming hearing of a bill mandating employers of all sizes to provide minimum paid sick and safe leave. Maui Now.

A bill that would regulate music therapy licensing in the state is moving through the Hawai‘i Legislature after the House Culture and Arts Committee unanimously recommended passage of the bill on Monday. Garden Island.

The CH-53D Sea Stallion Helicopter has seen over 4 decades of combat dating back to the Vietnam war in 1969.  But, this week will mark the end of the aircrafts long run of service. KHON2.

Attorneys are scheduled to deliver closing arguments in the court-martial of a Hawaii-based Marine sergeant accused of hazing a lance corporal who later committed suicide. Associated Press.

State roundup for Feb. 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

A new federal passenger screening program, which began at seven airports in October, is being expanded to Honolulu and 27 other major U.S. airports this year. Star-Advertiser.

The federal government this week authorized nearly $185 million in construction on Honolulu's planned 20-mile rail line, but the city so far hasn't been given the green light to start erecting the concrete guideway that will sit atop the support columns it can now begin building. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Budget Chair Ann Kobayashi (District 5) is questioning why the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit board launched a city taxpayer sponsored radio blitz promoting the planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel Honolulu rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang wants the city to adopt a standardized system for rating city roads. KHON2.

Hawaii

Almost $1.1 million in federal emergency funds is headed to Hawaii County to cover repairs to the Kailua Pier damaged by the March 11 tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council hasn't held meetings on the west side of the island since November, despite the new $50.5 million West Hawaii Civic Center that was supposed to make public access easier. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Members of Maui's gay and lesbian community applauded an appeals court ruling declaring California's gay marriage ban unconstitutional and called the decision another step toward marriage equality for everyone. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s controversial decision to introduce smart meter energy readers took center stage at Kaua‘i County Council chambers in Lihu‘e Wednesday following a presentation from KIUC CEO Mike Yamane, who said the co-op has been looking at this technology since 2005. Garden Island.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Ceded lands deal coming before Legislature, Hawaii schools get a 'D' in science, Marine hazing trial starts today, Hilo resort hotels need work, Maui plan faces redo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Rep. Mele Carroll at 2008 Capitol rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News   
Two Legislative committees will begin looking into a proposed $200 million real estate deal that will settle the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ceded lands claims with the state. Associated Press.

FACT CHECK False — Hirono: I'm Only Candidate Who Opposed Bush Tax Cuts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and her political rival, former Congressman Charles Djou, are heading into the 2012 election with about the same amount of money in the bank to spend on what promises to be a spirited general election campaign. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. customers installed a record amount of solar power generating capacity on their rooftops last year, causing a reduction in utility revenue that HECO says it will have to make up with an increase in rates. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday signed a letter of intent with officials from South Korea to develop a smart grid demonstration project in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Bills pending before the state Legislature could make it easier to get fresh, local produce into public school cafeterias - both from school gardens and from island farms. Maui News.

As a cost-saving move, a planned $200 million destroyer modernization program might sail away from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and some union officials fear that could be repeated with other cruisers and destroyers based in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

A Marine sergeant accused of hazing another Marine who later committed suicide in Af­ghani­stan will go on trial today. Associated Press.

A new report says Hawai`i’s standards for science education are too far below what students need to compete. In a national K-12 ranking, Hawai`i received a “D”. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's science standards for public school students are inadequate, inconsistent and include errors, according to a report that rated most states' learning benchmarks for science as "mediocre to awful." Star-Advertiser.

Advocates for public access television networks – such as ‘Olelo Community Media on O‘ahu, or Akaku for Maui Nui – are calling attention to a bill which would force a major reorganization of the networks. According to an Akaku blog post, the bill would lead to a 2/3 reduction in funding for public access television broadcasting. The bill, HB 2652, is scheduled for a hearing on Monday at 2:15 pm in State Capitol room 325. Hawaii Independent.

Weather researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are here in Hawaii this winter to check out storms developing across the Pacific. KITV4.

State roundup for Feb. 6. Associated Press.

Oahu

With the site of next year's Pro Bowl still up in the air, lawmakers are tackling future plans for Aloha Stadium again. Hawaii News Now.

The state spends almost $1 million annually to publish legal notices in Honolulu’s only newspaper and lawmakers are looking for ways to trim that bill. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill that would exempt residential and commercial developments along the 20-mile Honolulu rail transit corridor from state and county planning, zoning and permitting requirements is opposed by both rail supporters and rail opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Protestors were out in Waikiki Saturday night trying to stop a war on Iran. KHON2.

Hawaii

For years, Hawaii County government has been spending far more than it's taken in. The number of employees has increased dramatically, and payments on debt now consume the biggest chunk of operating expenses in at least a decade. West Hawaii Today.

State legislators are dissatisfied with the condition of the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and other properties in Hilo's resort district, and they want to do something about it. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Planning Director Will Spence said Thursday that the changes he's proposing to the Maui Island Plan would simplify a document that's "morphed" into something complicated and unwieldy after six years of tinkering. Maui News.

Two Maui schools received awards last month for beautifying their campuses with school gardens. Maui News.

An increase in illegal dumping, brush fires and criminal activity will result in the permanent closure of a portion of Kala Road near the Kahului Airport on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is seeking up to 30 native Hawaiian families to participate in  Homestead Self Help Projects in Kapolei and Anahola on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

With the U.S. Department of Education placing Hawai‘i’s four-year, $75 million Race to the Top grant on “high-risk status,” Kaua‘i’s public schools could miss out on much of the ambitious, four-year reform plan. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Irrigation System, which serves the bulk of the island’s agricultural and homestead users, has received $1.25 million for system improvements, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced last week. Molokai Dispatch.





Thursday, November 17, 2011

Deal struck on Hawaiian monarchy lands, Hawaii credit card debt up, Honolulu surf rules rile some, Hawaiian to fly to New York City, council seeks to delay rail contract, APEC less expensive than feared, Maui ag land discounts rethought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii ceded land rally (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
The state of Hawaii and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said Wednesday they have agreed in principle to a deal that would give OHA $200 million worth of prime Honolulu real estate to settle a decades-old claim on revenue generated by Hawaiian monarchy lands. Associated Press.

The state has reached an agreement subject to state legislative approval that would give the Office of Hawaiian Affairs about 25 acres of Kakaako parcels worth an estimated $200 million to settle long-standing ceded lands claims. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii is proposing to give the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ocean-front property to settle $200 million in past due claims on lands formerly owned by the Hawaiian Kingdom. Civil Beat.

For the second time in three years, the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have reached a tentative agreement to settle some $200 million in claims to ceded lands. Hawaii Reporter.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced today that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle Hawaiian Kingdom or ceded land claims dating back 33 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Abercrombie administration and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have agreed on a proposal that would satisfy OHA's claims against the state for its use of ceded lands dating back to 1978. Hawaii News Now.

The state of Hawaii is proposing to give 10 parcels or 25 acres in Kakaako to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to reconcile a longstanding disagreement over ceded lands. KITV4.

In 2008 then Governor Lingle and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs came to a settlement over ceded land claims dating back to 1978 but the legislature denied the plan. KHON2.

The Judicial Selection Commission has amended its rules and will now release the names of judicial candidates it sends to the governor for appointment, the panel announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Civil unions will soon become a reality in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Average consumer credit card debt in Hawaii rose 6 percent in October to $7,497, according to CreditKarma.com. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's largest carrier will be launching nonstop flights between Honolulu and New York City starting in June 2012. Associated Press.

Oahu

Surfers, Bodyboarders and contest promoters didn't flock to a surf spot Wednesday but instead to a public hearing on Oahu's North Shore. KHON2.

The city came in at least $10 million under its $43 million budget for hosting last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, city officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle's lone gripe about the week-long economic summit is that visiting U.S. Secret Service agents didn't smile enough. Civil Beat.

APEC is over, and Iolani Palace is hoping to make up for the money it lost from last week's forced closure. Hawaii News Now.

A majority of Honolulu City Council members are calling on city transit officials to delay final approval of a rail transit contract worth up to $1.4 billion, an agreement that would be the largest contract in city history. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Prosecutor announced today that an Oahu grand jury indicted U.S. State Department special agent Christopher W. Deedy for murder in the second degree and the use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony in the shooting death of a Kailua man on November 5 in Waikiki. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

Mitch Roth, a veteran deputy prosecuting attorney, announced Wednesday he will challenge Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida for the Office of County Prosecutor. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Councilmen J Yoshimoto and Dennis Onishi have been thrown into the same County Council district, leading to what Onishi says could be "a very interesting race." West Hawaii Today.

County council members will no longer get a flat $600 a month for mileage. West Hawaii Today.

Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School could find itself placed on probation before its first year of classes begins -- or worse, have its charter revoked -- if the school's interim board does not hold elections for a permanent board by Nov. 21, according to the state Charter School Review Panel.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

People who own homes on agricultural land could end up paying more in property taxes - maybe a lot more - if the county starts taxing their house lots like other residential properties. Maui News.

Officials at Kaahumanu Hou Christian School hope their prayers for more students and for donations will be answered to put the school back in the black. Maui News.

Kauai

A Hawai‘i Army National Guard soldier died Wednesday afternoon while on duty at a vehicle maintenance shop on Kaua‘i, defense officials said in a news release. Garden Island.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Top Hawaii Headlines: Wednesday morning edition

Gov. Linda Lingle is warning public employee unions that those who bargain with the state now will get a better settlement than those who stall.

Gov. Linda Lingle accused majority Democrats yesterday of giving government labor unions a "false sense of hope" that the tax increases they have approved would help soften wage and benefit cuts in collective bargaining.

Healthcare costs are taking up an increasing share of people's budgets in Hawai'i, with 262,000 residents now paying more than 10 percent of their income for healthcare.

The fate of a lawsuit that challenged the state's title to lands once held by the Hawaiian monarchy now rests with Gov. Linda Lingle, who took the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the state on Tuesday announced an agreement over the sale of ceded lands.

From slamming the Hawaii Superferry exemption law to revealing debt-management counselors' deceptive practices, a new report provides a round-up of all the recommendations made last year by the state Office of the Auditor.

Third Circuit Court Senior Administrative Judge Ronald Ibarra entered his third 10-year
term as a Circuit Court judge Monday evening.


The state has identified 39 individuals and businesses who could help solve its budget crisis -- by simply paying millions in overdue taxes.

State health leaders are investigating the sudden death of Kurt Sonoda, a teacher and golf coach at Pearl City High School who contracted a flesh-eating bacteria. Officials say the 45-year-old was sent home from work on Thursday because he felt sick

The Maui Fire Department’s Air One helicopter lifted firefighters into an inaccessible area of Huelo on Monday afternoon to recover the body of a young woman found at the base of a 180-foot waterfall.

It's called the "greatest game of all time" by Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine. Tetris was born in Russia, but a local man gave life to it, making it an international phenomenon.