Native Hawaiians increase, union claims airport mismanagement, Abercrombie fires Aloha Stadium board, Hawaii County to evict native tenants, feds look again at monk seal, honu turtle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian fisherman (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The population of Native Hawaiians in Hawaii jumped by more than one-fifth over the last decade, continuing a resurgence in the once-dwindling numbers of indigenous people in the state, according to new U.S. Census information. Associated Press.

Hawaii County and a landowner trying to sell the county pristine Ka'u oceanfront property have been granted preliminary authority to remove a group of Native Hawaiians living there. West Hawaii Today.

New figures from 2010 U.S. Census show that Filipinos and part-Filipinos now make up the second-largest racial group in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Members of the Aloha Stadium Authority said they were stunned to be asked for their resignations in letters this week from Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is not shying away from his comments last week that paying $4-million to the NFL for future Pro Bowl games is out of whack with the state's priorities. KHON2.

I told you so. That's what Hawaii foreclosure attorneys were probably thinking after the news broke that mortgage giant Fannie Mae said it was converting all of its non-judicial foreclosures into judicial foreclosures, essentially skirting Hawaii's new foreclosure law. Civil Beat.

Certain tax exemptions were previously put in place to de-pyramid or prevent the piling on of GE tax on top of GE tax along the supply chain in things like shipping, construction subcontractors and certain airline costs. That's changing this summer. KHON2.

Mismanagement, inadequate equipment and a staffing shortage are to blame for the actions of dozens of Transportation Security Administration employees at Honolulu International Airport who are being fired for improper bag screening, labor union officials said. Associated Press.

State officials are discontinuing a program that helps low-income seniors pay for Medicare prescriptions. Associated Press.

Kaua‘i’s first woman prosecutor has announced her intent to seek reelection in 2012. Garden Island.

Mayor Billy Kenoi's veto of the amended operating budget has set up a potential showdown between his administration and the County Council, two weeks before the start of the next fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

Obama administration officials visited Hawaii on Thursday to hear opinions on how it should shape a new national policy on oceans. Associated Press.

The Hawaiian Green Turtle, or Honu, has recovered so well since being classified as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act in 1978 that its federal protection may be removed. Hawaii News Now.

Due to the rapid decrease in the Hawaiian monk seal population, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service has proposed to revise the critical habitat area for monk seals, and is inviting public comment. Molokai Dispatch.

The path to a sustainable food future for Hawai`i involves many things, including an economically viable plan, government and public support, and a fresh perspective. But a key concern for farmers, some say even more so than land, is water. Hawaii Independent.

Military Spouses Get Help with Education and Employment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Global Horizon CEO Mordechai Orian: I am looking forward to my trial. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Telcom plans to close its five retail stores statewide and has notified 103 employees that their positions will be eliminated as part of what the company calls a "re-alignment." KITV4.

Hawaii hotels saw occupancy levels dip during the week ending June 11. Even so, average room rates still were higher than a year ago, according to Smith Travel ResearchbizWatch and Hospitality Advisors. Pacific Business News.

Looking for more sources of revenue through additional lease space, landowner Kamehameha Schools hopes to "revitalize" a block of historic Haleiwa Town that is home to the popular Matsumoto and Aoki shave ice stores — a change prompting some businesses there to rethink their future. Star-Advertiser.

Safeway will be anchor tenant of the Maui Lani Center, across Kaahumanu Avenue from Baldwin High School, the largest grocery retailer in North America announced Wednesday. Maui News.

Hawaii gets direct flights to China, rail transit shakes up Honolulu City Council, census shows Hawaii residents living longer, Big Island housing glut, Hawaii County mayor vetoes budget, shipping costs to rise, labor trafficker pleads guilty, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu residents at bus stop (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawai‘i’s oldest residents are living longer, with the number of people in the islands over 90 years old nearly doubling during the last decade, according to U.S. Census data released Wednesday. Associated Press.

Almost one in five Hawaii County homes were vacant when census workers made their rounds last year. West Hawaii Today.

With a population density of 87,816 people per square mile, Hobron Lane matches the profile of the state’s highest density areas: It’s a residential zone with a lot of high-rise buildings. Star-Advertiser.

Nonresident military and their dependents should be counted as permanent residents when redrawing the state's political districts, the Oahu advisory council to the state Reapportionment Commission recommended Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's long-sought goal to significantly tap into the lucrative Chinese tourist market is closer to becoming a reality. Star-Advertiser.

Matson is adding a new shipping fee to offset the cost of a new law that suspends general excise tax exemptions, and other businesses are eyeing price hikes. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday vetoed the County Council-approved budget, claiming some of the council's key budget amendments were illegal. West Hawaii Today.

City Council Chairman Nestor Garcia is stepping down to clear a path for freshman Councilman Ernie Martin to replace him. Star-Advertiser.

City Council members' frustration over how City Council Chairman Nestor Garcia and Vice Chair Breene Harimoto handled appointments to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation was a "major factor" in a leadership shake-up at the council, according to City Council member Ikaika Anderson. Civil Beat.

Opponents and supporters of the city's $5-billion rail transit project faced off Wednesday night at a town meeting sponsored by Ewa and Kapolei's councilman Tom Berg. KITV4.

The Federal Transportation Administration is again pledging their commitment that funding is there for Honolulu's rail transit project. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii will receive $4.3 million to continue a 14-year old program that provides job training and educational opportunities to more than 800 residents each year who live in underserved, rural communities on Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released another $12.5 million for nine additional safety and security projects at various public schools on Oahu and Maui as part of his New Day Work Projects, designed to create jobs and cash flow, he announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News

A proposal to restore the county's homeowner property tax exemption to 2005 levels was recommended by the Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee on Tuesday. Maui News.

Donalyn Dela Cruz, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's spokeswoman, is writing and producing a new Hawaii travelogue show. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii farm supervisor has pleaded guilty to confiscating passports from Thai laborers to prevent them from fleeing in one of the nation's largest human trafficking cases. Associated Press.

A Hilo restaurateur and his business partner are suing another Hilo businessman for the return of almost a half-million dollars invested in a proposed subdivision. Tribune-Herald.

Road and sidewalk construction from Ala Moana through Waikiki is causing some confusion for pedestrians. KITV4.

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in May dropped to 6 percent, down from 6.1 percent the previous month and 6.6 percent in May 2010, according to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Pacific Business News

Recent Maui High School graduates Jimbo Paranada and Marc Paguirigan took second place Tuesday morning at the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals in Dearborn, Mich. Maui News.

Kauai Council scratches cat resolution. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Paradise Park representatives voted Wednesday evening to continue discussions with the county over its plan to build a $5.5 million park in the neighborhood. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii pedestrians unsafe, Filipinos overtake Japanese, Kauai battles feral cats, Fire Department apologizes, money slows redistricting work, national group helps Maui publisher, Molokai health care truce, Big Island wealth concentrated, more news

Hawaii population shifts (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Almost 29.3 percent of the entire county's total property value is in North Kona County Council District 8, home to just 12.3 percent of the population. West Hawaii Today.

Filipinos have overtaken Japanese as the top Asian ancestry group in Hawaii, according to new data released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau. Civil Beat.

The state Reapportionment Commission is awaiting the governor's final approval of an emergency appropriation of about $664,000 before it can proceed with a contract for software and technical materials needed to begin redrawing the state's political boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the University of Hawaii are to produce legal primers on Native Hawaiian issues. Associated Press.

A report released Tuesday by Transportation for America, a nonprofit organization devoted to transportation reform with an emphasis on pedestrian safety, pointed to a study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control showing Hawaii ranking first in the category of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people 65 and older between 2000-2007. Star-Advertiser.

Feel free to continue to walk and talk, the law that would have made it illegal to cross the street while holding a mobile device is getting disconnected. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council is joining the effort to try attracting President Barack Obama's future presidential library. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Fire Department is apologizing for the way one of its dispatchers handled an emergency call after a fireworks explosion killed five men at a storage facility in Waikele. KHON2.

A year and a half after Louis Kealoha became the Honolulu police chief, there is high-level criticism of his leadership from within his own department and from people at other law enforcement agencies. KITV4.

With $854,000 in stimulus funding, officials at Better Place are looking for commercial property owners interested in hosting an electric car charging station. Pacific Business News

More than 5-thousand residents seek substance abuse treatment each year at a cost of 20-million dollars to taxpayers. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Kaua‘i County Council is set to vote today on a resolution supporting a trapping, neutering and return method of controlling the island’s feral cat population. Garden Island.

The Maui County Charter Commission discussed Monday how both the commission and the County Council can propose amendments to the county's guiding legal document. Maui News.

The Hawaii County Council wants to expand local government while simultaneously cutting millions from county operations, employee overtime and golfing subsidies. Tribune-Herald.

The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, a national organization, is set to officially oppose a subpoena by the Maui Police Department and district attorney to release the names of all online commenters to an April 14 story in the Maui Time about the alleged assault of Maui Time publisher Tommy Russo by a police officer during an altercation involving Duane “Dog” Chapman and his entourage. Hawaii Independent.

Studies show more than one-in-four 14 to 24 year olds have been involved in some form of "sexting" - either sending or receiving sexually-explicit photos, videos, or text messages on-line or on cellphones. Hawaii News Now.

In a historic move, the island’s health care providers gathered last week to discuss how to co-exist peacefully. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Supreme Court mulling Native Hawaiian rights, Latinos up sharply, Hirono in Senate race, human traffickers must pay back wages, legislators proud of balanced budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Mauna Saddle Road (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A revamp of the westernmost portion of the Ala Mauna Saddle Road, the 48-mile cross-island route, recently moved a step closer to fruition. West Hawaii Today.

All five Hawaii Supreme Court justices grilled lawyers yesterday in a case that could help clarify to what extent a native Hawaiian's practice of traditional cultural and religious activities can trump a criminal prosecution. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono told supporters yesterday that she will run in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate next year, seeking to establish herself as a strong voice for Hawaii and the logical heir to fellow progressive U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, who is retiring. Star-Advertiser.

State and federal agencies have signed a partnership to help conserve Hawaii's forestry. Associated Press.

Hawaii Lawmakers Most Proud of Balancing Budget. Civil Beat.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is stuck with $2,500 worth of exercise equipment that was improperly ordered and caused the departure of the agency’s deputy director. Hawaii Reporter.

The U.S. Labor Department has ordered a labor recruiting company to pay thousands of dollars worth of back wages to men from Thailand who worked at farms in Hawaii. KITV4.

U.S. Census demographic data released Thursday shows a 37.8 percent increase in Hawaii's Hispanic population from 2000 to 2010. Associated Press.

Hawaii saw a total of 2,476 initial unemployment claims for the week of May 14, up 12.5 percent compared to the 2,201 claims filed during the same week in 2010, according to data from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News

A fierce fight by supporters and scientists of the Pacific Bioscience Research Center to avoid a shutdown of the Kewalo facility proved successful, at least temporarily. KITV4.

A large-scale initiative to integrate Hydrogen-powered vehicles is underway on Oa’hu. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city's Department of Transportation Services detailed its plans to allow bicycles and surfboards to be carried onboard the proposed rail trains.  KHON2.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority says they have taken a leap of faith, jumping into the first private-public housing partnership in the state of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The loss of nearly $5 million in federal anti-terrorism funding for Honolulu will not affect the city's preparedness for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in November, city officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Developers of a proposed Ka'u resort and village are looking to limit their ecological impacts while bolstering the region's educational opportunities. West Hawaii Today.

A Texas judge has granted the widow of surfing champion Andy Irons another extension to delay the release of Irons' autopsy report. Star-Advertiser.

In the era of endless news loops and aggregation, it’s hard to get a rise when mentioning the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, plastic-coated beaches or endangered Hawaiian monk seals ensnared in rafts of trash. Honolulu Weekly.

When it comes to illegal dumping, there's a group of ladies in Leeward Oahu that take it personally. Hawaii News Now.

Instead of almost annually having to piecemeal together repairs and improvements on South Kihei Road, along with the detours that come with construction, county Department of Public Works Director David Goode this week said he hopes to "dust off" a decades-old proposal to entirely rebuild the north end of the busy roadway. Maui News.

Waimea High School’s graduating seniors missed out on a piece of tradition Thursday, when a break in a water main forced school officials to close the campus. Garden Island.

The public can sound off about noise around Hilo International Airport at a coming meeting called by the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

A loud drinking party on county property brought to a halt by the police early May 1 included Mayor Billy Kenoi, state Rep. Jerry Chang and a host of other bigwigs celebrating the end of the Merrie Monarch Festival. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii population shifts to Neighbor Islands, Honolulu mayor gives dire forecast, state seeks to borrow rail funds, medical marijuana dispensaries advance, more Hawaii news

Waikiki street shows diverse population (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's population grew by about 8.8 percent to 1,360,301 people, with Hawaii and Maui counties seeing the largest jumps over the past decade, according to 2010 census data released this week. Star-Advertiser.

Census numbers released Thursday could literally reshape political and education district boundaries around the state. KITV4.

On Oahu, residents are headed west, out of downtown Honolulu and toward the long-discussed "second city," the 2010 U.S. Census shows. Civil Beat.

Population on the Neighbor Islands grew faster than on Oahu during the course of the past decade, according to recently released U.S. Census data. Pacific Business News

Two of the three fastest-growing regions on the fastest-growing island of the state are in West Hawaii. It's a development that doesn't surprise many but underscores the need for a close look at population trends when new county council district lines are drawn this year. West Hawaii Today.

Puna recorded tremendous growth in the last decade, according to Census figures released Thursday, becoming one of the fastest-growing districts in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee approved and sent to the full Senate a plan to "borrow" city rail transit money, with the promise to pay back far more by selling state bonds. KITV4.

Oahu would have 10 medical marijuana "compassion centers" under a bill expected to pass the state Senate next week. Another 11 dispensaries would be distributed among the neighbor islands. KITV4.

The Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission would get a dedicated source of state funding under a proposal moving forward in this year's Legislature. Maui News.

While lawmakers debate a permanent source of funding for Kahoolawe, other bills moving forward in the Legislature also would affect the former "Target Island." Maui News.

The Hawaii Legislature is taking a scheduled break from floor sessions as lawmakers work on the state's finances and visit with their constituents. Associated Press.

Now that the civil unions bill has been signed into law, what preparations are taking place before the law takes effect January 1, 2012? KHON2.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie canceled his trip to Washington because he is being treated for ear inflammation, his spokeswoman said. KITV4.

The National Park Service is holding public meetings over the next month to get input on internment camps in Hawaii during World War II to help it determine the best way to preserve these sites and share their history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has 15,722 applications for unemployment compensation of which 2,139 are first-time claims in the newest weekly report from the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations. Hawaii News Now.

Shedding a number of "nonproductive" pieces of real estate and getting the city out of the business of managing affordable-housing properties would free up money and resources that could be put toward more important services, Mayor Peter Carlisle said. Star-Advertiser.

Two months ago Peter Carlisle became the 13th mayor of Honolulu. Today he delivered his first state of the city speech. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle opened his first State of the City address by practicing what he preached: After pledging to run an open and honest administration, the city’s 13th mayor launched into a sober assessment of the financial problems it is facing. Hawaii Reporter.

The Honolulu City Council moved yesterday in favor of the appointment of several City cabinet members. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii County's civil suit against Hokulia's developer to complete the long-stymied Mamalahoa Bypass was ordered into mediation Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Proposed changes to Hawaii's hunting rules are being opposed by hunters, some of whom expressed their concerns during an informal meeting Wednesday evening in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The state Health Department has lowered sulfur dioxide exposure thresholds on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

The cause of a small earthquake off East Oahu yesterday was not immediately known, but scientists suspect it might have been caused by fault lines or the weight of the islands on the earth's crust. Star-Advertiser.

BOE committee recommends Kaimuki school be closed. KHON2.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission on Tuesday, following a recommendation from the Planning Department, denied cell phone carrier Spring/Nextel to install a 150-foot monopole resembling a pine tree next to Kaumuali‘i Highway, by Halfway Bridge. Garden Island.

Behind the numbers: Census shows state growth trends

Hawaii population map (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Name	POP2000	POP2010	GROWTH	%GROWTH
Hilo	42,425	45,714	3,289	7.75%
Honokaa-Kukuihaele	3,895	3,925	30	0.77%
Kau	5,827	8,451	2,624	45.03%
Keaau-Mountain View	22,738	34,266	11,528	50.70%
North Hilo	1,720	2,041	321	18.66%
North Kohala	6,038	6,322	284	4.70%
North Kona	28,543	37,875	9,332	32.69%
Paauhau-Paauilo	2,213	2,588	375	16.95%
Pahoa-Kalapana	8,597	11,060	2,463	28.65%
Papaikou-Wailea	4,961	5,213	252	5.08%
South Kohala	13,131	17,627	4,496	34.24%
South Kona	8,589	9,997	1,408	16.39%
HAWAII COUNTY	148,677	185,079	36,402	24.48%
Ewa	272,328	323,118	50,790	18.65%
Honolulu	372,279	390,738	18,459	4.96%
Koolauloa	18,899	21,406	2,507	13.27%
Koolaupoko	117,994	115,164	-2,830	-2.40%
Wahiawa	38,370	41,216	2,846	7.42%
Waialua	14,027	13,046	-981	-6.99%
Waianae	42,259	48,519	6,260	14.81%
HONOLULU COUNTY	876,156	953,207	77,051	8.79%
Kalawao	147	90	-57	-38.78%
Eleele-Kalaheo	7,441	8,403	962	12.93%
Hanalei	6,348	7,828	1,480	23.31%
Kapaa	7,652	8,385	733	9.58%
Kaumakani-Hanapepe	3,438	3,771	333	9.69%
Kekaha-Waimea	5,125	5,561	436	8.51%
Koloa-Poipu	5,404	5,683	279	5.16%
Lihue	5,162	5,943	781	15.13%
Niihau	160	170	10	6.25%
Puhi-Hanamaulu	6,860	8,740	1,880	27.41%
Wailua-Anahola	10,873	12,607	1,734	15.95%
KAUAI COUNTY	58,463	67,091	8,628	14.76%
East Molokai	4,688	4,503	-185	-3.95%
Haiku-Pauwela	8,377	10,088	1,711	20.42%
Hana	1,855	2,291	436	23.50%
Kahului	20,134	26,328	6,194	30.76%
Kihei	19,843	23,677	3,834	19.32%
Kula	9,729	11,580	1,851	19.03%
Lahaina	17,967	22,156	4,189	23.31%
Lanai	3,193	3,135	-58	-1.82%
Makawao-Paia	18,370	20,219	1,849	10.07%
Puunene	12	8	-4	-33.33%
Spreckelsville	337	461	124	36.80%
Waihee-Waikapu	3,397	6,907	3,510	103.33%
Wailuku	17,623	20,729	3,106	17.62%
West Molokai	2,569	2,752	183	7.12%
MAUI COUNTY	128,094	154,834	26,740	20.88%

Surf's up! Obama wraps up Hawaii vacation, staff works in 'Waikiki West Wing," new City Council to be sworn in today, big year for Birthers, affordable housing coming to Lahaina, military prepares Big Island site, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf  for the north and west shores of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Niihau and the west shore of Lanai until 6 p.m. tomorrow. Star-Advertiser.

A High Surf Warning for the west shores of the island of Hawai'i until 6pm Monday with surf reaching 8 to 12 foot faces tonight through Monday. KHON2.

Sirens around the state are due to blast for 45 seconds at 11:45 a.m. on Monday. Associated Press.

Native Hawaiians seemed poised to get, at long last, the same rights as Native Americans and Alaska Natives.Associated Press.

The nine-member Honolulu City Council is due to have four new members after a swearing-in ceremony today. Associated Press.

Former City Councilman Rod Tam and his campaign committee failed to verify nearly $1,300 in food and beverage campaign expenses, according to a state Campaign Spending Commission complaint under review by city prosecutors. Star-Advertiser.

Maui county officially has a new mayor. KHON2.

With the next presidential election less than two years away, Hawaii’s newly elected Governor, Neil Abercrombie, wants to see the controversy over the president’s birth certificate extinguished, so he can waylay an expected flood of requests to Hawaii’s Department of Health by so called “Birthers” when Obama runs for re-election in 2012. Hawaii Reporter.

Though the options for downtime are better here than in Washington, the workday for the Waikiki West Wing is still largely the same. Tribune.

President Barack Obama is getting plenty of exercise to start the year. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama spent the first afternoon of the new year at a sunny beach on a Marine base near his rented vacation home. Associated Press.

There are those who crave adventure and spontaneity during their vacations. Then, there's President Barack Obama. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama spent the first day of 2011 with his family, enjoying the sunny, warm Hawaiian weather. Associated Press.

Richard Lim always has been at the forefront of Hawaii business. Star-Advertiser.

HECO received some good news during the holidays. The Public Utilities Commission officially implemented a policy called decoupling which will permanently transform the way it gets paid. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii pets will begin the new year with new protections -- better even than for some humans. KITV4.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to the state's first baby of the New Year. Hawaii News Now.

With a new ban on certain fireworks set to go into effect on January second, Oahu residents flocked to the fireworks vendors so they could send out the year with a bang. KITV4.

The U.S. Army is moving forward in the process of obtaining permission to conduct training on “ceded lands” on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Independent.

American Community Survey indicates the Windward community is struggling with one of Hawaii's worst economic dips. Civil Beat.

It's deja vu all over again as the Hawaii County Council once more faces the prospect of imposing impact fees to offset the downside of development. West Hawaii Today.

Developers' fair share contributions will account for only $5.2 million of a county capital improvement budget estimated at more than $100 million next year. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp. hopes to revive the full Villages of Leiali'i housing project in Lahaina, which has been stalled for two decades while housing prices in West Maui have climbed to levels far higher than in the rest of the island. Maui News.

Judge Calvin Murashige was honored by his collegues, family friends and the staff of the state Judiciary during a luncheon last week. Garden Island.

Case buys into Maui Land & Pineapple, Senate to consider chief justice pick, Oahu fireworks ban advances, fish ban proposed, more news from all the islands

Legislation banning tropical fish collecting in Hawaii waters will be introduced in January by state Sen. Josh Green, who said he is planning to write and submit "a simple bill" on the controversial issue. West Hawaii Today.

A mysterious disease is killing striped and porcupine puffer fish. Molokai Dispatch.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee voted yesterday against recommending appeals Judge Katherine Leonard as Hawaii's next chief justice, leaving her with an uphill fight to win confirmation when the Senate considers her nomination today. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Leonard needs 12 out of 23 votes to become Hawaii's next chief justice. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu district judge's appointment to the Circuit Court bench was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday, even though the nominee was rated "unqualified" by the Hawaii State Bar Association. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee has approved judicial nominations submitted by Gov. Linda Lingle and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Moon. Associated Press.

The Hawaii County prosecutor's office agreed yesterday to dismiss a trespassing charge against a census worker who had been arrested after a Puna resident refused to participate in the survey. Star-Advertiser.

There are many reasons why people from all over the world are drawn to the offshore areas of the privately owned island of Ni‘ihau. Garden Island.

A final vote on an islandwide consumer fireworks ban will be taken by the City Council on Aug. 18, even with the fate of the bill uncertain. Star-Advertiser.

The two Democratic rivals for governor are continuing to spar over political ads they are airing as the likely Republican nominee touts assistance he's getting from GOP governors on the mainland. Associated Press.

The two Democratic rivals for governor yesterday sparred over their political ads as the likely Republican nominee touted the assistance he's getting from GOP governors on the mainland. Associated Press.

The leading Democratic candidates for governor faced off in a debate on Kaua'i Thursday night. KITV.


AOL co-founder Steve Case has significantly expanded his stake in Maui Land & Pineapple Co., buying additional stock that increases his ownership to 62.8 percent of the company. Maui News.
(photo by Robert Scoble)

Members of Hawaii's voyaging community are sailing around the state in honor of the late master navigator Mau Piailug. Associated Press.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa recently unveiled a brand new high-tech telescope for its “Tour of the Stars” experience. Lahaina News.

Expect some possible delays on the roads Friday. Huge wind turbines will be heading to their final destination in Kahuku for a new windfarm. Hawaii News Now.

The group tasked with coordinating next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Hawaii has a new leader. Associated Press.

A Hansen's disease patient pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to trying to smuggle crystal methamphetamine to the leprosy settlement at Kalaupapa, Molokai. KITV.

A former Honolulu Police Department recruit is suing the city, a high-ranking HPD commander and several other HPD officials. KHON2.

When students check into their dorms at the University of Hawaii at Manoa this fall they'll notice an upgrade. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii in Hilo is getting a big amount of money. The estate of the late Howard and Yoneko Droste, left the school $810,000. Hawaii News Now.

Maile David's name is on the Sept. 18 ballot for County Council District 6. But whether she gets to remain a candidate is up to a court. West Hawaii Today.

When one of the wettest spots in the world receives only around three-fourths the rainfall it normally receives, Kaua‘i like the rest of the state finds itself in drought conditions. Garden Island.

Brian Kajikawa, the controversial head of Hawaii County's Building Division, has been sent to another department, delighting at least one of his critics. Tribune-Herald.

Wind energy plan unveiled, Census tells us what we already knew, tax revenues dip some, Honolulu cops investigation widens, tougher graduation requirements ahead, more

The North Shore of Oahu is about to have a new power plant - a clean power plant that generates 30 megawatts of electricity from wind. (Photo Stan Shebs) KHON2.

Gov. Linda Lingle's highly criticized move of delaying tax refund payments until after the start of the new fiscal calendar resulted in a higher general fund balance for the recently concluded fiscal year.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's tax revenue took a slight dip in the fiscal year that recently ended, giving state officials mixed signals about the robustness of the state's economic recovery. Associated Press.

Hawaii's tax revenues took a slight dip during the fiscal year that recently ended. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Transportation is moving forward with its development of a statewide pedestrian master plan. Garden Island.

A U.S. Census Bureau report released Tuesday shows Hawaii leads the nation in minority-owned businesses. Associated Press.

Gov. Linda Lingle, in a letter yesterday to the U.S. Senate in favor of a native Hawaiian federal recognition bill, said the bill is "fair and just" and would treat Hawaiians like other indigenous people. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Linda Lingle spoke about her veto of the civil unions bill for the first time since making her controversial decision. KHON2.

Honolulu’s rail plan is "the premier transit project in the entire country,” the congressman who chairs the House transportation committee says. Civil Beat.

After six years of planning, work has gotten under way on Honolulu's $100 million Joint Traffic Management Center. Associated Press.

A synthetic marijuana known as “spice” will be illegal in Hawaii starting Aug. 1. KITV.

Public school students would have to fulfill tougher requirements to earn diplomas, including taking algebra 2 or an equivalent math course and completing a senior project, under changes advanced yesterday by a Board of Education committee. Star-Advertiser,

In an about-face, it appears Kohala schools will be saved from closing -- for now. West Hawaii Today.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann intends to step down from office to run for governor next week, but his political foes are not making his last week easy. KITV.

Circuit Judge Shackley F. Raffetto has confirmed the sale of the Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui for $95 million. Associated Press.

Opponents of a consumer fireworks ban say the city should enforce the aerial fireworks prohibition already on the books before trying to add another law to the mix. Star-Advertiser.

The investigation into allegations of false reporting by two Honolulu police sergeants who oversaw DUI enforcement has widened to include half a dozen officers who worked under the pair. Hawaii News Now.


A bunch of drunks were hanging around the Kilauea Military Reservation gymnasium late last week. Hawaii Today.

To address the needs of Kaua‘i’s growing senior population, the Agency on Elderly Affairs is in the process of collecting data that will be incorporated into its Four-Year Area Plan on Aging for October 2011 to September 2015. Garden Island.

Big Island products in spotlight. Tribune-Herald.

Maui's Queen Ka'ahumanu Center will come under the management of Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle as part of the restructuring of bankrupt General Growth Properties Inc., which is managing the mall now. Maui News.

Maui Humane Society last week announced it will alter some programs and services as a result of county budget cuts. Lahaina News.

Today's the deadline for Lingle to act on civil unions, 30 other bills on veto list, trespassing census worker, no free lunch, fireworks cleanup, BBQ winners, more

Although ohia lehua is one of the most abundant trees in the Hawaiian Islands and dominates our forests, it is not often found in landscape settings. West Hawaii Today.

Tuesday is the deadline for the governor to act on more than 30 bills that are on her potential veto list. KHON2.

Gov. Linda Lingle is set to announce her highly awaited decision on a proposal to allow same-sex couples to form civil unions. Associated Press.

How big of a deal is Gov. Linda Lingle's decision on Hawaii civil unions today? Civil Beat.

The civil unions bill is to give same sex and heterosexual couples all the benefits of marriage under Hawaii law. KITV.

We're on the eve of one of Governor Lingle's most highly anticipated decisions KHON2.

The first-ever county employee furloughs coupled with vacancies in some Kaua‘i Police Department civilian positions will add up to suffering service, KPD Chief Darryl Perry said last week. Garden Island.

The number of low-income Hawaii children receiving free lunch during the summer through a federally funded nutrition program has declined sharply, a drop the state attributes to fewer participating organizations opting to serve a midday meal. Star-Advertiser.

In these divisive times, Census worker Russell Haas has come to expect some resistance when he goes door to door to count the residents of the rugged communities near Hawaii's Kilauea volcano. He didn't expect to get arrested. Associated Press.

Two Big Island teachers were named recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Gov. Linda Lingle announced yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Black Press, which bought the Honolulu Advertiser last month and turned it into the Star Advertiser, has bought 11 more newspapers in British Columbia. Hawaii News Now.

The fireworks fuse is burning toward July 14.  That's the next Honolulu city council vote on banning fireworks. Hawaii News Now.

Firecrackers are great, until you have to clean up afterward. Garden Island.

Ranch Says No Wind Negotiations Underway. Molokai Dispatch.

Mike Lindley and son Jackson will wake up Tuesday morning, to start their adventure, which includes 50 hikes in 50 states in 50 states. KITV.

Jake Newlon is the Big Island's sultan of smoke. Tribune-Herald.

Transair, which flies the mail into and out of Maui every day and flies commercial cargo at night, will begin a daytime Maui cargo stop Wednesday. Maui News.

Welcome home, Barry-O, big waves coming for Christmas, residents leaving Hawaii, more state news

Images of Hawai'i's clear skies, blue waters and verdant cliffs were being beamed to a snow-bound Mainland audience even before President Obama touches down in his hometown today for an expected 10-day Christmas vacation.

Waves of 40 feet or higher are forecast for north shores on Christmas day.

Two more rounds of extra-big and giant-sized waves are expected to hit the north and west shores of Maui and Molokai this week, said Glenn James, senior weather analyst at the Pacific Disaster Center in Kihei.

More Hawaii residents moved to the U.S. mainland through the past year than vice versa, helping to keep the state's population growth rate relatively low, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Education officials remained tight-lipped on details of a tentative agreement with the state teachers union to reduce furlough days for public school teachers.

Battered by foreign competition and a sputtering economy, the last major pineapple producer in Hawaii completed its final harvest after 97 years in the agricultural business.

Those who imbibe their holiday spirits should be aware that police plan to step up drunken driving enforcement.

Hawaii County government, having batted 0 for 2 on two different approaches to providing affordable housing, remains mired in litigation, is contemplating a drastic revision of county code and is preparing to try yet a third approach.

The county Charter Review Commission voted unanimously to move forward with a ballot measure that would, if approved by voters next year, extend the term for Kaua‘i County Council members from two years to four.

Even for many U.S. cities and municipalities, the life-sustaining liquid delivered to consumers, even when safe, can taste like the shallow end of a swimming pool

Move afoot to count more Native Hawaiians, evaluate University of Hawaii, other top Tuesday news

Native Hawaiians are the most under-reported ethnic group in the United States, but the Census Bureau is laying the groundwork for what officials hope will be a more accurate count in 2010.

The Lingle administration and the Hawaii Government Employees Association yesterday submitted their final written proposals to an arbitration panel as the state continues to seek new contracts with its public-worker unions.

Felicia downgraded to a tropical depression. As a precaution, a tropical storm watch remains in effect for Oahu and for all of Maui County, which includes the islands of Maui, Kahoolawe, lanai, and Molokai.

The value of the state of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System pension fund plummeted 18.7 percent in fiscal 2009, due largely to the global recession and despite a more than $695 million gain in the fourth quarter.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa could be considered next year in the annual Princeton Review college guidebooks that rate America's top party schools and other aspects of college life -- good and bad -- from information generated by student surveys.