Chinese tourists coming, possible tsunami debris arrives, Big Island welfare recipients double, census shows, Lingle disagrees with Romney, F-22 Raptors arrive, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki International Market (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Japan has its Golden Week, and now China is gearing up for its Super Golden Week. The convergence of Chinese National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival this year will give many Chinese more than a weeklong holiday starting later this month. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle said Wednesday that she does not agree with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's characterization of people on government assistance as dependent and entitled, describing many as "driven, hard-working individuals who are actively working to better the situation of their ohana." Star-Advertiser.

The controversy over Mitt Romney's dismissal of the "47 percent of Americans who don't pay federal income taxes" shows no sign of disappearing. Civil Beat.

State and federal officials are investigating the origin of a large blue container that may be debris from the March 2011 tsunami that struck Japan. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health is working on a new placard system designed to let people know how clean restaurants are. Hawaii News Now.

The state is going after boat owners who moor illegally at Hawaii harbors, a problem costing the State thousands of dollars in lost revenue. KHON2.

State roundup for September 20. Associated Press.

Oahu

A bill that would repeal the discount given to companies that recycle materials and dispose of nonrecyclable residue at Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill or the HPOWER waste-to-energy plant moved out of the City Council's Budget Committee Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

There was a sense of frustration among members of the Honolulu City Council's Budget Committee on Wednesday after a hearing featuring the transit authority's Chief Financial Officer Diane Arakaki. KITV4.

Honolulu's application for federal funding is behind pace on the rail authority's own timeline, and the mayoral election may be part of the reason why. KHON2.

Five Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors roared off Honolulu Airport's reef runway one after another Wednesday, the thrust vibrating the air as the final jet rocketed nearly vertically 24,000 feet into a blue Hawaii sky. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu police officer Richard Raquino pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon to lying to the FBI when agents asked him if he had revealed the identity of an undercover police officer. Star-Advertiser.

A former U.S. service member arrested in Honolulu for allegedly sending emails from Thailand threatening to kill Vice President Joe Biden is expected to withdraw his not guilty plea. Associated Press.

Kahuku Residents Protest Treatment of Iwi. Civil Beat.

Honolulu is one of the 100 best cities for young people, according to America's Promise Alliance. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii

More than twice as many Hawaii County households were on welfare last year as were in 2010, and a full 17.4 percent received food stamps, according to data released late Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

A final measure to show the county’s support of a four-year West Hawaii college passed first reading Wednesday morning, despite dissenting votes from three East Hawaii council members. West Hawaii Today.

Members of the State Elections Commission expressed frustration with troubled County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi at Tuesday’s monthly meeting as state elections officials made plans to send a key staffer back to the Big Island to help troubleshoot on Election Day. KPUA.

Baker Tom’s closing shop. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

University of Hawai’i Maui College’s Liko A’e Native Hawaiian Leadership Program is the recipient of a $4.7 million, three-year grant from the US Department of Education. Maui News.

The state says no asbestos was found at two Maili playgrounds that were demolished. KHON2.

The big trucks rumbled to life Tuesday evening near Kahului Airport, churning up dust and beginning the slow haul of "superloads" of wind turbine pieces to Ulupalakua. Maui News.

A sign-waving rally was held Monday afternoon at the intersection of Piilani and Mokulele highways to mark the one-year anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement and to show solidarity with the "Occupy Monsanto Global Protests" worldwide. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is not getting many kudos from Kaua‘i residents lately. Heavily criticized for signing Act 55 last year, Abercrombie was booed several times at a meeting at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Puhi Wednesday evening, attended by approximately 200 people. Garden Island.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie brought his Cabinet to the Garden Isle on Wednesday for a listening session. What he heard was loud and insistent: Repeal Act 55, the legislation that created the Public Land Development Corporation. Civil Beat.

Four months after criminal charges were dropped against him in 5th Circuit Court, Kaua‘i County Councilman Tim Bynum filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday, claiming constitutional violations, abuse of abuse of power and malicious prosecution. Garden Island.

Molokai

The future of Kanemitsu Bakery on Molokai is up in the air after the 75-year-old shop failed another health inspection today. KHON2.

New Molokai Fruit Stand markets local produce. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii residents getting older, Maui's Haleakala summit trail may reopen after 70 years, Honolulu City Council considers raises, Hawaii County Council debates geothermal fund, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Older beachgoers on Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The number of Hawaii residents age 65 and older grew more than three times faster than the rest of the total state population from 2010 to 2011, according to a state analysis of new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii Supreme Court decision requiring the state to fund the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will do little to help the struggling agency in the short term. Civil Beat.

The State Historic Preservation Division wants to hear from residents as they craft a new historic preservation plan. The office is seeking input from residents on how to best define and set priorities for  historic preservation statewide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fifty-three percent of Hawaii’s public high schools’ Class of 2011 enrolled in college for the fall semester following their commencement, an increase of three percent over the previous years’ graduating class enrollment, according to a new study released Wednesday by the Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education and the Hawaii State Department of Education. KITV4.

With a little more than a week remaining in the school year, public school teachers will begin voting today on a proposed contract offer they overwhelmingly rejected in January and that Gov. Neil Abercrombie says has no legal standing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s teacher union members begin voting this week on a contract they rejected earlier this year, despite warnings from the state that the agreement is no longer valid. Associated Press.

This election season, a number of public employees are also working to help their boss get re-elected, raising the question of whether it's fair for people who are collecting a public paycheck to also work for a political candidate who has opponents. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan's value lies not in the paper on which it’s recorded, but in the collective and ongoing actions that happen after, officials with the state Office of Planning’s Coastal Zone Management Program and its Honolulu-based consultant SSFM International said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiians set the model for sustainable aquaculture, with traditional fish ponds, a Sierra Club member said Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration and Honolulu City Council members have less than six weeks to decide whether to accept pay raises awarded to them by the City Salary Commission. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii regents are expected to approve the next chancellor for UH's flagship Manoa campus today, with a proposed salary of $100,000 more a year than his predecessor. Star-Advertiser.

Concrete pouring for rail-column foundations has been underway in West Oahu for weeks. Today the first up-close look was allowed. KHON2.

The holes are dug and now concrete is being poured on the Honolulu rail transit line. Hawaii News Now.

The embattled Wahiawa elderly care center at the heart of a federal investigation for alleged misuse of $7.9 million in federal grants has been awarded money from the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The effort by St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii to sell two shuttered medical facilities on Oahu that it recently took back in bankruptcy has attracted an offer from a partnership led by someone very familiar with the properties in Liliha and Ewa. Star-Advertiser.

The operator of four Hawaii hospitals has agreed to allow more than half of its compensation increases be tied to performance standards, starting in two years. Hawaii News Now.

Modest improvements in Oahu's job market were reflected at the WorkForce job fair Wednesday at Blaisdell Center, which attracted more employers and a higher quality of applicants than the same event a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department special agent accused of fatally shooting a man at a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki in November claims he was performing his duties as a federal law enforcement officer and is therefore immune from prosecution under state law, according to records filed in the case this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Proposed amendments to the Big Island’s geothermal royalty policy cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

A charter amendment to give the County Council more say in how taxpayer money is spent faces an uphill climb following a deadlock vote Wednesday by the council’s Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Hikers may be taking the old trail to the summit of Haleakala for the first time in seven decades later this year following an agreement approved by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday in Honolulu. Maui News.

Former governor Linda Lingle returned to the Valley Isle on Tuesday for the opening of her Maui headquarters in her campaign for US Senate. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Marathon caused some stir among some residents last year when the Kaua‘i County Council approved substantial subsidies for this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 2. Garden Island.

Syngenta Seeds brought the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s Spring Healthy Food and Fund Drive to a healthy close Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Agency on Elderly Affairs has scheduled another round of the popular workshop series for older adults titled “Better Choices, Better Health” Garden Island.

Census shows more Pacific Islanders, especially on the Mainland, Navy schedules huge RIMPAC exercise, Obama meets Hawaii Five-0, Hawaii technology 30 years behind, state to start hiring again, Superferries get new names, Kauai smart meters create fears, Maui loads ballot with charter amendments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian performance (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The number of people reporting they are of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island ancestry has jumped 40 percent over the last decade across the United States and by 28 percent in the state, according to new data from the Census Bureau. Star-Advertiser.

Data released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau seem to show a growing movement of Pacific peoples away from Hawaii and toward the U.S. West and South. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders living in Hawaii grew by 25.9 percent between 2000 and 2010, compared to 40 percent nationwide. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii school of Hawaiian knowledge Dean Maenette Benham is hopeful and optimistic about the latest numbers released by the U.S. census bureau. KITV4.

U.S. Census figures crunched by state officials say more than one-fifth of Hawaii residents identify as at least part Native Hawaiian. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy says more than 40 ships will be gathering in the Hawaiian Islands this summer for the world's largest naval exercises. Associated Press.

Twenty-two nations, 42 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise scheduled for June 29 to Aug. 3 in and around Hawaii, the Navy said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama greeted "Hawaii Five-0" star Grace Park and spoke about growing up in Hawaii and his connection to Asian and Pacific Americans during a speech in Washington tonight. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has transferred more than $875,000 since January 2011 to help keep the U.S. Senate under Democratic control. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race has local and national importance, Democratic candidate Ed Case told Rotary Club of Kona Mauka members Tuesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii was one of four states to receive a failing grade on a new survey released by Thumbtack.com, which questioned company owners about their state’s friendliness toward small business. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii is mired in ineffective and inefficient paper-based, manual business processes with old technology," according to the strategic plan released Tuesday by the Office of Information Management and Technology. Civil Beat.

Since 1962, there has been only one override of a Democrat Governor’s veto. Hawaii Reporter.

After layoffs and hiring freezes the state is close to hiring again.  Lawmakers found money for nearly 100 state jobs this legislative session.  Many will go to depleted departments. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday announced the release of more than $37.5 million for various Capital Improvement Projects that address storm-related damage to highways and roadways, and to implement transportation safety improvements statewide. Garden Island.

Legislation before the governor could expand geothermal energy production across the state. Associated Press.

An increase in plastic debris floating in a zone between Hawaii and California is changing the environment of at least one marine critter, scientists reported. Associated Press.

The two high-speed ferries built for the shuttered Hawaii Superferry were renamed Tuesday by the vessels’ new owner — the U.S. Navy. Pacific Business News.

The former Hawaii Superferries Ala­kai and Hua­­kai have some new geography associated with their names. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Tuesday their new monikers: the USNS Guam and the USNS Puerto Rico. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. posted another strong financial performance during the first three months of the year, bolstered by the third consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings increases at its electric company subsidiary. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. reported a first-quarter profit of $38.3 million, or 40 cents per diluted share, an increase of 34 percent compared to a profit of $28.5 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2011. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe has secured a second three-year term, fighting off a challenge from a member of his negotiations committee. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for May 9. Associated Press.

Oahu
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has made 150,000 pages of records related to the federal approval of the rail proj­ect available on the HART website. Star-Advertiser.

Early on in his tenure, Daniel Grabauskas told the Honolulu City Council that our rail project is "amazing" because there will be no long-term debt. Civil Beat.

Drilling for support columns for Honolulu’s 5.3 billion dollar elevated rail system continues this week in Ewa. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Comfort Stations, Playgrounds, Shut Down for Years, But Mayor 'Rushes to Build Rail,' Honolulu Council Members Say. Hawaii Reporter.

The city of Honolulu is putting up $3.5 million toward the purchase of a building in urban Hono­lulu that would serve as housing for homeless people with special needs, such as disabilities or mental illness. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has announced a new transitional housing project geared specifically toward helping people with special needs. Civil Beat.

A nearly two-year project is about to get underway that'll affect drivers in the Pearl City and Aiea areas. KHON2.

Those who feared the damage from an undersea sewer line in Kaneohe are relieved, but other neighborhoods worry about the Oneawa tunnel project. KITV4.

Hawaiian Telcom crews will be working through the night after city crews accidentally cut one of their main fiber lines. KHON2.

Franz "Shiro" Matsuo, the ukulele-strumming founder of Shiro's Saimin restaurants, died Thursday. He was 93. Star-Advertiser.
 
Hawaii

At long last, it’s official: Hilo High School will break ground on its eagerly anticipated new gym early next month. Tribune-Herald.

It’s a different kind of county council — one in which high school students run the show. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
A Maui County Council committee Monday advanced its version of the county budget that would raise property taxes, reduce overtime in many county departments and offer up less borrowing through bonds than proposed by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Charter Commission members voted Monday to send 10 of its 11 proposed charter amendments to voters, in all but one case rejecting Maui County Council recommendations to delete proposals. Maui News.

The chairmen of the departments of Land and Natural Resources and Agriculture and Mayor Alan Arakawa will be attending the first ever Neighbor Island meeting of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council today, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Maui News.

The US Department of Agriculture designated Maui County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by an ongoing drought. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Tuesday submitted his supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2013. Carvalho’s revised proposal reflects an increase of $4.11 million in operational expenses and $2.56 million in capital improvement projects compared to his March 15 budget submittal. Garden Island.

When County Council Member Timothy Bynum’s case was dropped last Wednesday, it was clear that it took a special prosecutor from the State Attorney General less than a month to find that the Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney did not have a case to bring to court. Garden Island.

Workers at the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative have installed more than 300 meters on homes and businesses in Kapaa that allow the utility to monitor usage remotely and throughout the day. Within two years, the utility aims to replace all of the old meters with “smart meter" technology designed to help the utility smooth out power on the electric grid and add more renewable energy sources such as solar. Civil Beat.

The state is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to move hundreds of geese away from runways at the airport in Kauai. Associated Press.

Census shows Hawaii, Kauai counties falling behind, teachers may yet strike, Maui drops district voting idea, tourist spending up, Honolulu rapid transit could get millions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Child at play (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Almost one-quarter of Hawaii County's children lived in poverty last year, by far the highest rate in the state, and a 6 percentage point increase over five years ago. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's tourism industry is heading into December with a fighting chance to break the record for annual visitor spending despite anemic growth in the number of arrivals so far this year. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors to Hawaii last month spent $20 more per person daily compared to last year, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday. Associated Press.

A legal battle between the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state has dragged on for five months, and yet the end is nowhere on even the most distant horizon. Civil Beat.

State taxpayers may have to foot cost of returning 350 new guns. Hawaii News Now.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle said Tuesday a federal proposal to designate areas on and around the main Hawaiian islands as critical habitat for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal is insensitive and an example of "government over-reach." Associated Press.

15,000 - that is the number of non resident members of the United States military who are not represented in any state anywhere in the country in state elections. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Telcom announced it has updated its collective bargaining agreement offer to IBEW Local Union 1357. KHON2.

Comment: OHA needs to hear its beneficiaries before making deals. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

Hawaii residents could be paying tens of millions of dollars in higher electric rates over the next 25 years if state regulators don't approve a contract for a wind farm on Oahu’s north shore in time for developers to take advantage of a lucrative federal grant. Civil Beat.

At a time when other union members are facing pay cuts, furloughs and losing benefits, registered nurses at Queen’s Medical Center, Hawaii's largest hospital, approved a contract Monday night with three years’ worth of raises. KITV4.

A temporary restraining order preventing construction of a multipurpose building at Kawaiaha'o Church will remain in effect at least through Friday as a state judge considers arguments made Tuesday in a lawsuit seeking to stop the controversial project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has the highest quality of living nationwide, according to a new survey from investment consulting group Mercer. Associated Press.

Honolulu's planned rail transit project is one of a handful of top candidates across the nation with a chance to share in $510 million in federal transit funds under spending measures signed by President Barack Obama earlier this month. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is eligible for $510 million in federal funds next year, Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka announced Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

The second-annual conference of nonprofit communities convened in Waikiki today. Hawaii Public Radio.

A dust problem in Nanakuli is not a health concern, but steps can be taken to mitigate the nuisance. KHON2.

Hawaii

A 3rd Circuit District Court judge on Tuesday ejected Abel Simeona Lui, a Native Hawaiian activist, from his courtroom and upheld an eviction order previously handed down against Lui and his group claiming native ownership of a Ka'u parcel recently purchased by Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

In a classic case of home rule, Hawaii County lawmakers want the state to delay releasing a foreign insect intended to control the spread of invasive strawberry guava. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County's high number of retirees and people with disabilities are factors behind the county seeing 7.3 percent of personal income coming from Social Security payments, economists and a sociologist say. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

District voting for Maui County Council races is off the table for the foreseeable future. Maui News.

Maui County Council Planning Committee Chairman Don Couch wanted to begin discussion Monday of a proposed limit on the number of vacation rentals on Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kamalani Pavilion will be blessed and dedicated to the public benefit soon. Garden Island.

Molokai

State transportation officials are hoping the conflict over cruise ships docking on Molokai will be resolved during a scheduled meeting of the parties today, department spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said. Star-Advertiser.

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%