Holiday season tests new fireworks ban, Honolulu council takes free lunch, Gabbard moves to New Hampshire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New law makes homeowners and renters liable for illegal fireworks on their property. According to the law the fireworks don’t have to be ignited. Just having them in your house is enough for police to bust you. KHON2.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green continues mission to help Samoa battle measles outbreak. After returning from a medical mission to help contain the measles outbreak in Samoa last week, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green is already planning a return trip. KITV.

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Tulsi Gabbard, 1 poll short of qualifying, says she won’t attend presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she won’t attend this month’s presidential debate, even if she were to qualify. Star-Advertiser.

Invited Or Not, Gabbard Will Skip December Debate. The presidential candidate from Hawaii says she will focus instead on primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Civil Beat.

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Deadly Mosquitoes Are Killing Off Hawaii’s Rare Forest Birds. Scientists are racing to eradicate disease-carrying mosquitoes from forests, but to some a solution still feels like forever away. Civil Beat.

Navy releases photo of suspected Pearl Harbor gunman. The Navy’s Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Illinois released the photo of the 22-year-old sailor suspected of fatally shooting on Wednesday two Pearl Harbor Shipyard workers and injuring a third man before shooting himself. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council Voted On Company’s Project Then Let It Buy Lunch. Ethics guidelines advise government agencies against accepting free food if the company has business before the city. Civil Beat.

State agency set to take over Aloha Stadium redevelopment. The Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency primarily focused on facilitating redevelopment in Kakaako is preparing to assume leadership of the effort to replace Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser.

Leaders gather to temper the bonds made after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On Monday on Ford Island, within close proximity to the USS Arizona Memorial, the closeness that now joins the United States and Japan as much as it separated the nations 78 years ago was once again recognized in a remembrance of not only the 2,390 American casualties, but also the death of 65 Japanese service members. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu post gains in November. Sales of single-family homes on Oahu rose 11% in November, compared to a year ago, while sales of condominiums increased slightly and prices remained flat, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Who is taxedtodeath? That was the question of the day Friday, as attorneys for county Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto, former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, the county and the unknown individual faced off in Kona Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers have few options for fighting two-lined spittle bug. County, state and federal agencies are still seeking solutions to an invasive insect that threatens much of the Big Island’s livestock industry. Tribune-Herald.

Kalanianaole work still on track for 2020 completion. Roadwork and safety improvements along Kalanianaole Avenue are still on track to be completed in the latter part of 2020, the county Department of Public Works said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Overlooked county cesspool to cost taxpayers. Oh, poo. The county missed one. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Business Turns Plastic Trash Into Sales. Upcycle Hawaii owner Mattie Mae Larson talks about how she got into the business of repurposing material that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Property tax changes discussed. A community meeting on the real property tax changes recently approved by the Maui County Council will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Maui County Business Resource Center, Suite B-9 near IHOP at the Maui Mall. Maui News.

County inventory for single-family homes descends to new low. Median sales prices for those homes fell by 1.4 percent; Condo prices drop 5.9 percent. Maui News.

Maui home sale prices fell in November. Single-family homes on the Valley Isle sold for $730,000 in November, down 1% from $740,398 in the same month last year, while sale volume slipped 7% to 71 from 76 in the same period. Star-Advertiser.

New South Maui Gym to Take Permit Applications. The county will be accepting requests from the public to use the new South Maui Community Park Gymnasium for the winter/spring 2020 season for a limited period this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Anahola woman cited for attempting to sell prohibited ivory. This is the first conviction for whale bone in Hawaii under the new wildlife trafficking statute that took effect on July 1, 2017. Garden Island.

Woman is ordered to pay fines for trafficking illegal whale items. 73-year-old Vivian Satow of Anahola was ordered to pay $250 on Tuesday, December 3 due to her trafficking illegal whale items. KITV.

New, $630K fire engine blessed. The Kauai Fire Department held a blessing ceremony on Monday fronting the Historic County Building in Lihue for its new Engine 3 fire apparatus. Garden Island.

Cesspool mandate looms, Kauai DOBOR manager fined, resigns after no-bid contracts, Honolulu prosecutor impeachment filed in court, grumbling about state Senate assignments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Oahu aerial view ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii homes with cesspools must be upgraded by 2050. But, a State Environmental Council Committee is calling for more scientific evidence to drive this mandate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some Grumbling Over Senate Committee Posts. A few senators are upset about their assignments and say traditions are not being followed, but President Ron Kouchi says any complaints are baseless. Civil Beat.

State Education Board Plans To Lobby Legislature Directly. The BOE wants to help field questions about the byzantine inner workings of the budget for public schools. Civil Beat.

Delays, Denials, Wasted Tax Dollars: DOE’s Troubled Treatment Of Injured Workers. A Civil Beat investigation found frequent shortcomings with how Hawaii’s education department handles workers’ comp claims. Civil Beat.

Thousands of Hawaii teens admit to injecting illegal drugs — and help for these users is hard to find. Hawaii News Now.

VA Secretary Visits Hawaii, Maps Out Plan for Modernization. Hawaii Public Radio.

Used to bucking establishment, Tulsi Gabbard eyes White House run. Associated Press.

Oahu

A petition to impeach Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro has been submitted to Circuit Court, and could ultimately lead to a judge being asked to weigh in. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu businessman Tracy Yoshimura filed an impeachment petition against Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro in state Circuit Court on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Petition Filed With Court To Impeach Prosecutor Kaneshiro. A total of 864 signatures were submitted, and at least 500 must be verified before the process can move forward. Civil Beat.

Petition to impeach embattled city prosecutor filed in state court. Hawaii News Now.

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Sea Life Park being investigated by Labor Department after receiving $130K in fines. The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations said it is investigating safety violations at Sea Life Park Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state is investigating Sea Life Park for alleged safety violations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu real property values this year soared 6.8 percent to their highest on record — $275.46 billion — the city said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The military contractor whose vintage fighter jet crashed at sea and sank off Kewalo Basin a week ago has been working with local salvage company Parker Marine and might consult with Navy divers in an effort to recover the plane, the Coast Guard said. Star-Advertiser.

Results from a survey by Alexander & Baldwin Inc. showed that Kailua residents are most concerned about traffic, crowds and tourism, and support keeping Pali Lanes, the longtime bowling alley which became a touchstone of controversy between the community and the real estate company. Star-Advertiser.

Police on Oahu receive numerous reports of illegal fireworks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric adds 4th solar-plus-storage project on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Personnel changes in county Public Works, Planning. The county announced Tuesday that Public Works Director Allan Simeon, who was appointed in April, will step down from that job on Jan. 31. He will remain an engineer with the department. Tribune-Herald.

One Hawaii County department director is stepping down and a previous director is returning as a deputy. Big Island Video News.

The two top officials at Hawaii County’s Department of Water Supply received pay raises Tuesday after a performance evaluation by the Water Board during its last meeting of the calendar year. West Hawaii Today.

A wrongful death lawsuit against a former Hawaii County police officer is moving forward with a trial scheduled in federal court in June. The family is suing former officer Jody Buddemeyer, Hawaii County and the Hawaii Police Department for the wrongful death of husband and father, Jeffrey Surnow, 69, of Michigan, after he was fatally struck by the former officer while riding a bicycle on Waikoloa Road on March 1, 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Innocence Project letter asks state AG to ‘take action’ against retired judge. The Hawaii Innocence Project is accusing a retired Seattle judge of interfering with its attempt to exonerate a man convicted of the Christmas Eve 1991 abduction, rape and murder of Dana Ireland. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Settlement reached over alleged gender discrimination within the Maui Police Department. Maui County and a former police captain reached a settlement Tuesday over an alleged gender discrimination case. Hawaii News Now.

Ige’s proposed budget contains funds for county. Millions set for school and hospital subsidies, harbor improvements. Maui News.

Band director no longer at Baldwin. Rodrigues was on paid leave pending an investigation of sexual misconduct. Maui News.

Final payments made in queen’s celebration grant. Nearly $37,000 of $100,000 returned to the general fund. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai district manager of the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation resigned last week to resolve allegations that he falsified records to award 42 state contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars to one contractor without competitive bidding, according a settlement with the state Ethics Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Six bills are scheduled for public hearing at the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday, giving taxpayers the chance to voice their opinions on proposals related to affordable housing, sewage system infrastructure repair, fire department staffing and a new helicopter hangar in Kilauea. Garden Island.

The Kauai Police Department may be getting new a DNA analysis system. Garden Island.

Oahu sidewalk homeless camps to be counted, cleared; EPA and Kamehameha Schools enter cesspool agreement, sex-abuse hotline lights up after Kavanaugh hearing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu sidewalk homeless camp ©2018 All Hawaii News

Honolulu City Council passes bills aimed at stopping homeless campers from blocking sidewalks. The bills include language requiring the city administration to first submit a report, or reports, to the Council on the status of its initiatives to combat homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Council passes bills requiring studies before homeless encampment crackdowns. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council passes 2 bills to keep Oahu sidewalks clear. KITV.

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Hawaii In The Thick Of DC Battle Over Ballast Water Dumping. Environmental groups say the shipping industry wants to loosen regulations, which could make it harder to fight invasive species. Civil Beat.

Sexual assault hotline calls spike in Hawaii following Kavanaugh hearing. Ssince the Kavanaugh hearing on Thursday, the number of calls into the Hawaii's Sex Abuse Treatment Center's 24-hour hotline nearly doubled. KITV.

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Kamehameha Schools’ EPA accord will lead to closure of cesspools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hopes a consent agreement with Kamehameha Schools to close any large-capacity cesspools on its more than 3,000 properties and pay a penalty of nearly $100,000 will encourage other Hawaii landowners to voluntarily shut down their cesspools. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in which more than 3,000 properties owned by the educational trust will be audited to identify and close large-capacity cesspools. Tribune-Herald.

EPA, Kamehameha Schools to conduct cesspool audit on 3,000 properties. An agreement will help the state eliminate cesspools by 2050. Hawaii News Now.

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Kaiser Permanente Reaches Tentative Labor Agreement. The contract will cover nearly 48,000 health care workers: 32,100 workers in California; 6,300 in Oregon and Washington; 2,100 in Colorado; 2,200 in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia; 2,800 in Georgia; and 1,900 in Hawaii. The workers span job classifications from registered nurses and pharmacists to maintenance and service workers. Maui Now.

Two Insurers Offer Basic Dental Care For Poor Adults. Hawaii stopped paying for non-emergency dental care for low-income adults back in 2009. Civil Beat.

B-2 bombers conclude new mission out of Hawaii. Pacific Air Forces recently concluded a pioneering B-2 stealth bomber deployment to Hawaii — setting the stage for the isles to be used as one of a growing number of temporary bomber bases across the region in the face of advancing threats from China and Russia. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE Wants To Classify Bullying At Highest Offense Level. The department’s proposal to make bullying a Class A offense is among the proposed revisions to its student misconduct code. Civil Beat.

2018 General Election Voter Registration Deadline, Oct. 9. To be eligible to vote, you must be a US citizen, a resident of Hawai‘i, and at least 18 years old. Maui Now.

The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs has named a new chief operating officer, longtime Kamehameha Schools administrator Sylvia Hussey. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city cannot meet a Federal Transit Administration deadline to provide $44 million to help fund construction of the Honolulu rail project, and Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he plans to ask for an extension. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council wants to investigate building permit delays. Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine introduced Resolution 18-208 which would establish a group within the Honolulu City Council to investigate the delays in the permitting process by the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting. Pacific Business News.

Greenpeace announced today that its historic ship, the Arctic Sunrise, is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu next Thursday to highlight the threat of plastic pollution to the world’s oceans, waterways and communities. Star-Advertiser.

Erosion unearths more remains at Kawaiahao Church construction site. Descendants growing tired of waiting for 600 iwi kupuna to be reburied. Hawaii News Now.

High bacteria levels reported in Waikiki, Ala Moana waters. The elevated levels were detected during routine monitoring. Hawaii News Now.

What seemed to be a piece of wood led to a bomb squad investigation in Moiliili. An artist had it in his possession for over a month. Hawaii News Now.

Kapiolani campus becomes a lab for sustainability. A chain of projects by chemistry, culinary and economics students at KCC to complete a sustainability loop on the Diamond Head campus is already reducing waste and their carbon footprint, and has earned a University of Hawaii 2018 President’s Green Initiative Award of $10,000. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Thousands visit HVNP after reopening. More than 15,000 people visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park since it partially reopened last month. Tribune-Herald.

Panel not sold on tax break measure for Pahoa, Volcano businesses. Hawaii County Council members gave a measure intended to help struggling businesses in Pahoa and Volcano a negative recommendation this week. Tribune-Herald.

Despite Eruption, No Support For Pahoa, Volcano Business Tax Breaks. Big Island Video News.

Forum held on ballot measure. While supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment say it could raise much-needed funds for the state’s public schools, opponents argue the proposal has too many ambiguities and too few guarantees. West Hawaii Today.

Being anchored in coral, in too shallow water and too close to the Kailua Pier navigation channel may land the owner of a 196-foot yacht in Kailua Bay a misdemeanor offense and a fine.West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County administration officials explained to the County Council on Tuesday their roles in informing the public during brown water advisories and/or a sewer discharges. Big Island Video News.

The 2018 IRONMAN® World Championship in Kailua-Kona is set for Oct. 13. Big Island Now.

Maui

Work on Waiopai Bridge will block traffic at night. Maui News.

Destination acquires Classic Resorts properties. Kaanapali Alii among properties switching hands. Maui News.

Kauai

State officials have abandoned any pretense that storm-damaged Kuhio Highway west of Hanalei can reopen before late January, and some sources familiar with what they describe as an “unsettled” situation say the road might not be reopen until the second half of 2019 — or even later. Garden Island.

Lobbying workshops coming. This year, the Public Access Room is offering two workshops at locations on Kauai. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court mulls Thirty Meter Telescope, cops dip into cocaine stash, neighbor islands could get more transient accommodations tax, bogus rail numbers, Hawaiian heiress abuse investigation, Carvalho's final state of the county, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes atop Mauna Kea ©2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

The state Supreme Court on Thursday heard oral arguments in a case that has the potential to play a huge role on whether the Thirty Meter Telescope is built in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments in one of two cases affecting the Thirty Meter Telescope on Thursday in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Back In Court As TMT's April Deadline Looms. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest potential road-block for TMT construction on Mauna Kea is one native Hawaiian practitioner. KITV.

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House Committee Boosts Neighbor Island Share Of Hotel Tax. Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties would get bigger pieces of the revenue pie, but not Honolulu. Associated Press.

Three counties will get a big increase in their share of revenue from the Transient Accommodations Tax, or TAT, under a bill that was advanced by the State House Finance Committee on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

The House Finance Committee passed a bill Thursday that would increase the Transient Accommodations Tax revenues for neighboring islands. Garden Island.

The House Finance Committee today passed Senate Bill 648 SD1 HD1, which increases the amount of the Transient Accommodations Tax or “TAT” revenues for the neighbor islands. Maui Now.

Neighbor Island counties would get more transient accommodations tax revenue under a bill advanced Thursday by the state House Finance Committee. Maui News.

Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim was taken aback after he received a call Tuesday night from House Speaker Scott Saiki asking him to testify on a measure to increase Hawaii County’s share of the Transient Accommodations Tax by more than $12 million annually for at least the next dozen years. West Hawaii Today.

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Anti-gay bias allegations roil Hawaii U.S. House race. A well-known Democratic candidate for Congress who gained notoriety opposing President Donald Trump’s travel ban targeting mostly Muslim countries is being forced to explain a decades-old rant perceived as intolerant of gay people. Associated Press.

Hanabusa corrects Secretary of the Interior's Japanese at hearing. President Trump has proposed to cut the grant program that most recently has helped pay for work the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is doing to create a database of the Japanese detained in Hawaii during World War II. KHON2.

Bill Would Set 6-Year Term For Office Of Information Practices Chief. The measure would increase the job security of the director charged with ensuring adherence to Hawaii’s open government laws. Civil Beat.

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Judge: Hawaiian Heiress Abuse Investigation Must Continue. Abigail Kawananakoa’s former lawyer claims she was abused by her wife. It’s all part of a battle over control of her $215 million trust. Associated Press.

The legal battle over Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa's fortune is heating up as a state judge ruled that allegations of physical abuse must be investigated. Hawaii News Now.

Judge tells combatants over heiress’s trust to cool it. The state probate judge tasked with deciding who will manage the $200 million trust of Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa told the parties fighting for control that all of the allegations they have so far made against each other in court filings are not helpful. Star-Advertiser.

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The Department of Health says tobacco prevention programs have saved the state about $1 billion over the past 20 years. KITV.

State officials estimate Hawaii has saved more than $1 billion in total heath care costs due to the reduction in smoking since 2000. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health: Tobacco Use Reduction Saves $1B in Health Care Costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Maui Rep. Yamashita Introduces Resolutions on Cesspool Problem. Maui Now.

After hearing criticism from the Native Hawaiian community, a mainland liquor company has changed its branding. The alcoholic drink was called King Kameha and featured with an image that looks like the King Kamehameha statue. KHON2.

Oahu

Original Rail Budget Included Bogus Numbers For Station Designs. HART officials say their predecessors made “placeholder” estimates without studying their legitimacy. Civil Beat.

More bike lanes proposed for Ward and Pensacola. Approximately 40 on-street parking stalls on Ward Avenue and 30 on Pensacola Street — both metered and nonmetered — would be removed for the bike lane projects. Star-Advertiser.

Community input wanted on bike lanes. KHON2.

Mayor signs into law incentives for property owners who install fire sprinklers. One bill, Bill 101 CD1, provides tax relief while Bill 102 CD1, FD1, reduces permitting fees. Hawaii News Now.

HPD helped cover up officer's abuse, suit filed by ex-wife say. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent is accusing her ex-husband, a Honolulu police officer, of years of abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Community Vents Frustration Over State’s Mixed Signals On Waianae Camp. At a special neighborhood board meeting Thursday, supporters of a homeless encampment asked for a long-term plan. Civil Beat.

Governor's Chief of Staff apologized to the residents of Puuhonua O Waianae. It was a packed neighborhood board meeting in Waianae Thursday night, as community members demanded answers about what could happen to the Puuhonua O Waianae homeless camp in Pokai Bay. KITV.

Hawaiian Group Clashes with State Over Waimanalo Land. A group of Native Hawaiians claiming to be descendants of King Kamehameha I is headed for a clash with the state -- the second time in two years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Radio conglomerate iHeartMedia – owner of 8 Honolulu stations including KSSK – files for bankruptcy. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Health certified Aeos Labs, Inc. to begin testing medical cannabis flowers from the state’s licensed dispensaries, patients and caregivers, making it the third lab in the state to gain the certification. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Police are investigating how a “small quantity” of cocaine evidence, now used for training purposes, went missing from the department sometime after October 2017. Big Island Video News.

Cocaine missing from Hawaii island police evidence room. A criminal and administrative investigation was done in October and the department has identified a sworn employee as a person of interest. KHON2.

The Hawaii Police Department said it has placed an employee on administrative leave without pay after discovering that cocaine recovered as evidence was lighter than reported during its initial recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Officer suspected of stealing drug evidence. Hawaii County police released information about an investigation into missing drug evidence and identified a former police officer as a person of interest, but have no further comment.  West Hawaii Today.

In October 2017, both criminal and administrative investigations were initiated after it was discovered that cocaine recovered as evidence in 2014 was found to be lighter in weight than reported during its initial recovery. Big Island Now.

Maui

Severe housing problems and a high rate of alcohol-impaired driving deaths are some of the areas that Maui County’s community should explore to improve residents’ health, according to a national report released Wednesday. Maui News.

Hunt for green transport targets electric cars, bikes. The Police Department wants to improve its response time while cutting down on the emissions produced by the department’s 320 vehicles. Maui News.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua on Maui will get a multimillion-dollar renovation next year after the PGA’s Sentry Tournament of Champions kicks off the 2019 season, according to Arizona-based Troon, which manages Kapalua Golf & Tennis. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Carvalho proposes $214 million operating budget. The mayor, who has served since 2008, proposed an operating budget of $214.8 million and a capital improvement projects budget of $40.7 million. Garden Island.

Mayor touts 10 years of accomplishments. In his State of the County Address Thursday, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. highlighted several accomplishment during his administration. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor Bernard Carvalho delivered his 10th and final State of the County address. KITV.

Improvements to roads, parks among priorities in Kauai mayor's State of the County address. KHON2.

Education, $$ needed for cesspools. While the House of Representatives is debating the creation of regional task forces to help counties replace cesspools, Kauai residents in the issue say it’s cash, and an education campaign, that’s going to do the trick. Garden Island.

Auditor says state tourism authority wastes taxpayer money, Coco Palms occupiers ousted, rail authority may be fined $4 million for federal infractions, state budget $45M short, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diamondhead surfers courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority PC: Tor Johnson

State lawmakers are calling for better oversight of the Hawaii Tourism Authority — maybe even budget cuts — in the wake of a scathing state audit released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority audit revealed ‘environment of loose oversight’. Pacific Business News.

Audit: Tourism authority has 'lax oversight' over contracts, reimbursed lavish expenses. Hawaii News Now.

The State auditor says the Hawaii Tourism Authority has been wasteful with state funds, and in many cases disregarded its own policies and contracts. KITV.

Audit claims Hawaii Tourism Authority spends extravagantly with little accountability. KHON2.

Hawaii Tourism Authority Responds to Audit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Read the full audit report of the Hawaii Tourism Authority here.

Hawaii’s hotel industry kicked off the year with solid growth in average daily rate and revenue per available room in January, according to a hotel performance report released Thursday by Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island hotels lead off 2018 with strong results. Hawaii's hotels began 2018 with strong results, reporting a 5.4 percent statewide increase in revenue per available room in January, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s monthly hotel report released Thursday. Pacific Business News.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Are Scrambling To Find Another $45 Million. A rare mid-session public meeting is planned by the Senate Ways and Means chairman to assess the state’s financial picture. Civil Beat.

Hirono On Her Cancer Battle: ‘My Voice Remains Strong’. The Hawaii senator discusses her stage 4 diagnosis and decision to remain in politics at an annual cancer event. Civil Beat.

In an effort to tackle the growing opioid crisis, lawmakers are looking to crack down on so-called "pill mills" and improve how prescription drugs are tracked and disposed of. Hawaii News Now.

Admitted ‘Wonder Blunder’ con man wants to change plea. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday admitted that it may have overpaid for relocating people in the path of the Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail line and violated a federal relocations law in the process. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail May Have To Give Up Nearly $4 Million to Feds. HART officials say a review of compensation payments to property owners has turned up possible violations of federal law. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced the official names of all nine rail stations on the Ewa side of Oahu Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

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Sunday’s heavy downpours resulted in roughly 8.8 million gallons of rain-induced sewage spills in Windward Oahu, keeping city crews busy and resulting in numerous state Health Department advisories for the area. Star-Advertiser.

Last weekend's rainstorm caused nearly nine-million gallons of sewer water to spill on the Windward side of Oahu. KITV.

Kamehameha Schools assistant band director James Maeda allegedly had sex on the Kapalama campus with a 14-year-old student over an eight-month period, Deputy Prosecutor Ayla Weiss told a state judge Thursday after an Oahu grand jury returned an indictment charging Maeda with multiple counts of sexual assault. Star-Advertiser.

Police: Kamehameha Schools faculty member had sex with student on campus, at home. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha faculty member accused of having sex with student appears in court. KHON2.

Waianae’s Community Gym Is Finally On The Mend. Classes in the facility’s upper level have been affected ever since a leak was discovered three years ago. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker pushes to stop Olelo channel move. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The University of Hawaii will conduct its own internal audit of its Maunakea-related activities, a response to “public concerns that have emerged … regarding the university’s operational and financial management” of the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

During a special meeting, regents were given a presentation by Mayor Harry Kim and voted on a financial management audit of Maunakea activities. Big Island Video News.

Coming off a critical audit that ended with the sudden resignation of the former Human Resources director, the county Merit Appeals Board and the newly appointed director put reestablishing trust at the top of the agenda. West Hawaii Today.

In about another month, Hawaii County’s Department of Environmental Management expects delivery of the first three trucks and trailers it will use to haul rubbish across the island following closure of the Hilo landfill. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Upcountry residents continued to angrily question officials with the state Department of Health this week about recent studies that identified their neighborhoods as a top priority area for cesspool contamination of drinking-water wells. Maui News.

The owner of a Maui apartment complex where tenants did maintenance and landscaping work has run afoul of federal labor regulations and will pay $84,136 to 22 workers, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Continues to Lead State with Revenue Per Available Room, Daily Rates. Maui Now.

Longtime Hawaii Realtor Mary Worrall has sold her interest in Island Sotheby’s International Realty to her nephew, Ryan MacLaughlin, who is now a part owner of the Maui-based firm with his father, Paul MacLaughlin. Pacific Business News.

Maui will be getting a new bowling alley as Island Bowling is set to open at the Outlets of Maui in Lahaina next week. Maui Now.

Police have closed an arson investigation into a fire that burned Kahului Elementary School classrooms, after identifying a 17-year-old Oahu boy as a second juvenile suspect in the case. Maui News.

Kauai

State sheriffs on Thursday removed protesters from the ruins of a Kauai hotel where they have been squatting since last year in an attempt to block redevelopment of land where Hawaiian chiefs once lived and where Elvis Presley’s character got married in the movie “Blue Hawaii.”  Associated Press.

Authorities Oust Protesters From Coco Palms Resort Land. A Native Hawaii group has been camping on the site where developers are planning a $135 million project. Civil Beat.

Authorities clear occupiers from historic Coco Palms property. Hawaii News Now.

Protester arrested as deputies serve eviction notice to Coco Palms’ occupiers. Star-Advertiser.

One person was arrested Thursday morning in Wailua, where the famed Coco Palms Resort once stood, as last month’s court-ordered ejectment was enforced. Garden Island.

Occupiers at the site of historic Coco Palms were ordered off the property Thursday. That comes about one month after a judge ruled they have to leave. KITV.

Security guard sent to protect Coco Palms declines to do so. Garden Island.

Kamehameha Schools to pay $80M to settle sex abuse lawsuit, activists delay Coco Palms, Mauna Kea management plan opposed, Steven Tyler addresses Maui drug court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kamehameha Schools on parade ©2018 All Hawaii News

Kamehameha Schools will pay out $80 million to victims and their families under a settlement in a sex abuse case that's rocked the prestigious private school. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools has agreed to pay $80 million to 32 plaintiffs who were sexually abused by a psychiatrist decades ago while they were students at the private school or were treated by him, according to terms of a tentative agreement reached between the two sides. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are advancing a bill to explicitly ban “bump stocks” similar to the devices that were used in last year’s massacre of 58 concertgoers in Las Vegas, but that effort is being opposed by dozens of local firearm enthusiasts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers looking at new ways to ensure campus safety. A proposal moving forward in the Senate would require the Department of Education to make sure each classroom has an interior lock on its door by the beginning of next year, as well as an intercom throughout the campus by the year 2020. KITV.

Lawmaker proposes changes to locks, intercoms, emergency training and drills for schools. A lawmaker wants to put safeguards on campuses so students are less vulnerable should a school shooting ever happen here. KHON2.

A number of proposed bills dealing with cesspools are advancing in the House of Representatives this session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Senator Tries Again To Reform High-Interest Payday Loans. Hawaii currently allows lenders to offer loans with annual interest rates as high as 459 percent. Civil Beat.

A controversial measure to institute across Hawaii a blanket ban on the manufacturing, distribution and use of chlorpyrifos — once the most widely utilized pesticide in the United States — continues to gain traction as it moves through the state House of Representatives. West Hawaii Today.

Organizers hope Obama exhibit grows into something more permanent. An exhibit at Honolulu Hale created by the Obama Hawaiian Africana Museum has glimpses of President Barack Obama's childhood to his days at Punahou School to his first public speech at Sand Island in August 2008. Hawaii News Now.

Hospital emergency rooms are bustling, with one reporting twice as many flu patients as it was seeing at this time last year. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Housing developers and builders will be eligible for property tax exemptions and various fee waivers from the city if they commit to building housing aimed at lower- income families and individuals, under a bill signed into law Thursday by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Low-income rental housing breaks ground. Local developer Stanford Carr held a construction blessing Thursday for the Kakaako project called Hale Kewalo where apartments are projected to rent for as little as $516 a month and serve some households annually earning around or less than $25,110 for a couple or $31,380 for a family of four. Star-Advertiser.

Developer Stanford Carr broke ground Thursday on a new affordable rental project. Hale Kewalo will be built at the corner of Piikoi and Kona streets, where Home Sweet Home used to be. KHON2.

Paramedics are stretched to the limit — and there's no help in sight. Honolulu's plea for a new Emergency Medical Services station is on life support at the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

North Shore residents have unleashed a sweeping condemnation of a plan to subdivide Dillingham Ranch for housing while somewhat expanding agriculture on the historic 2,721-acre property in Mokuleia. Star-Advertiser.

A private-public venture between the U.S. Navy and the country’s largest owner of privatized military housing has sued the wife of a retired Kaneohe Marine officer for defamation. Civil Beat.

Attorney: FBI investigation into four Honolulu police officers ‘completely unfair’. KHON2.

75-year-old Sunset Beach palms are latest victims of erosion. The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Urban Forestry decided to cut down seven of the beachfront date palms Thursday after certified arborists determined the continual undermining of the trees by erosion made them a hazard to the general public and motorists. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu agreed to pay three service members for towing and auctioning off their vehicles while they were deployed. It's part of a settlement with the Department of Justice that cost the city over $100,000 so far. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiians, astronomers, UH oppose bill to create Maunakea management authority. Tribune-Herald.

Hirano Store celebrates a century of goods, community and flying chili bowls. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The County of Maui Department of Planning will hold an informational meeting on the permitting process and land entitlements on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center in Lahaina. Maui Now.

As state legislators weigh spending $500 million for a new prison, they also could consider funding a less costly treatment program with a 20-year track record of “remarkable” change, state Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael Wilson said Thursday. Maui News.

Although he was introduced as a singer, songwriter and founding member of the legendary rock band Aerosmith, Steven Tyler offered another description when he spoke to Maui Drug Court graduates Thursday. Maui News.

A group of Native Hawaiian protesters and college students seized the American and Hawaiian flags Wednesday morning at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus. Maui News.

Two West Maui properties have taken emergency measures to halt the growing shoreline erosion that threatens their buildings. Associated Press.

Kauai

Activists delay rebirth of Hawaii hotel with Elvis ties. Developers rebuilding a storied, hurricane-ravaged Hawaii hotel with a Hollywood connection were looking forward to the Coco Palms' rebirth when two men showed up last year, claiming to own the property because they descend from King Kaumualii, the last ruler of Kauai. Associated Press.

Over 100 oppose Wainiha bridges project. The final environmental assessment for a project to replace temporary bridges on Kauai’s North Shore has been completed and is available to the public. Garden Island.

Critics are blasting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for dramatically lowering a fine on agribusiness company Syngenta for violations of pesticide regulations. Associated Press.

Molokai

All Clear: Re-sampling at Ualapue Meets Federal Standards. Maui Now.

Cesspool replacement challenging, bacteria closes Ala Moana beach, AG Chin seeks $2.5M to counter civil disobedience, Trump tax cuts could lower electricity costs, Hanabusa island-hopping, Peter Boy siblings sue state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rinsing off baby after Kona swim ©2018 All Hawaii News

Ending the environmental threat that cesspools pose to Hawaii’s drinking and surface waters presents an enormous challenge — even with more than 30 years’ notice. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Health presented their new report, Relating to Cesspools and Prioritization for Replacement, to a joint committee in Honolulu on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Cesspools an ‘impending threat’ to waters. Hawaii legislators were brought up to speed on cesspool replacement Wednesday during a briefing for the House and the Senate on the Department of Health’s cesspool report. Garden Island.

Homeowners express outrage at cesspool talk. Report to Legislature targets Upcountry Maui as potential threat for drinking water wells. Maui News.

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Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin, the state’s chief law enforcement officer, is seeking $2.5 million from the Legislature that he said would be used to respond to potential mass violence or civil disobedience events — and, possibly, demonstrations atop Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators Push To Create More “Safe Zones” For The Homeless. But critics of legal homeless encampments say the state should emphasize finding permanent housing for people. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who officially launched her gubernatorial bid this week, said she wanted to show support for the neighbor islands during a visit to Hawaii Island on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

‘The future of the state’: Hanabusa touts Hawaii Island’s potential in bid for governor. West Hawaii Today.

Dialysis patients worry over Hawaii Medical Service Association policy change. On Feb. 1, HMSA said it will stop accepting payments from nonprofits that receive donations from dialysis clinics that treat patients whose medical premiums are paid for by the same charities. Star-Advertiser.

An upcoming HMSA policy change has certain Hawaii dialysis patients worried about how they’ll be able to pay for treatment. KITV.

Trump tax cuts could result in lower electric bills for Hawaiian Electric customers. The new federal tax code has the potential to ease the burden of Hawaii's utility ratepayers by lowering electricity costs across Hawaiian Electric Cos.' service territory. Pacific Business News.

US Marshals Return Escaped Psychiatric Patient To Hawaii. The killer had walked away from the state hospital in November. Associated Press.

Hawaii State Hospital escapee Randall Saito arrived in Honolulu today under the custody of federal marshals. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Marshals escorted a psychopathic killer who escaped from the Hawaii State Hospital and fled to California back to the islands Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools official hopeful about settlement talks in abuse case. Kamehameha Schools has presented a “strong, substantial” financial offer in hopes of settling a lawsuit in which more than 30 former students accused a psychiatrist of sexually abusing them decades ago, the institution’s chairman said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement talks are now underway in the Kamehameha Schools sex abuse case. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority on Wednesday released the 2017 Visitor Plant Inventory, which showed that visitor accommodation units statewide increased to 80,336 units, up 1.6 percent, year-over-year, the largest total ever recorded for the state. Garden Island.

Hawaii is leading the way in digital health and other ways to cut costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

First Hawaiian ranked ninth among U.S. banks. First Hawaiian Bank, in its first year of eligibility, cracked the top 10 of Forbes magazine’s 2018 annual list of America’s 100 largest top-performing banks. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The state Department of Health issued a high bacteria advisory today for Ala Moana Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health Clean Water Branch officials are warning of elevated bacteria levels at a highly popular Oahu beach. Hawaii News Now.

High levels of fecal matter detected at Ala Moana Beach Park. KITV.

Warning signs posted after high bacteria levels detected in Ala Moana waters. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaiian Electric says crews cleaned up about 95 percent of the estimated 500 gallons of oil that leaked from an underground pipeline in Pearl City Tuesday evening. KITV.

Cleanup underway after oil leaks from underground pipeline in Pearl City. KHON2.

Blue Startups will kick off its 4th annual East Meets West Conference on Feb. 1, with global investors managing over $1 billion expected to attend. Pacific Business News.

Federal investigators say a man who once spent time on Delaware's death row came to Hawaii intending to develop a major prostitution ring — and that he threatened, beat and raped women to force them to cooperate. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lawsuit filed in ‘Peter Boy’ death. The estate of the late Peter Kema Jr. and Kema Jr.’s siblings are suing the state of Hawaii, the Department of Human Services and Kema Jr.’s parents, claiming the 1997 death of the chronically abused Big Island boy could have been prevented. Tribune-Herald.

The family of "Peter Boy" Kema, the 6-year-old who died at the hands of his abusive parents in 1997 but whose killing would remain unconfirmed for 20 years, has sued the state, saying Child Protective Services workers and the system didn't do enough to protect him. Hawaii News Now.

County hiring practices changing in wake of critical audit. A critical audit of the county Human Resources Department has spurred a bevy of changes to how public employees are recruited and hired. West Hawaii Today.

Retired police detective suing county, captain. A retired Hawaii Police Department detective claims he was falsely arrested and imprisoned early last year, and is suing the county and a police captain. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit alleges racial harassment. A Hawaiian Airlines employee stationed at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport filed a lawsuit citing racial harassment and discrimination after discovering a noose and lynch rope near his locker. West Hawaii Today.

The Governor’s Task Force on Rat Lungworm Disease says the problem is spreading, it’s become an “emerging” tropical disease and that unanswered questions need to be addressed with research. Tribune-Herald.

Members of the Governor’s Joint Task Force on Rat Lungworm Disease visited Hilo Medical Center on Tuesday. The group is on the island, learning first hand about the effects of the disease in East Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

State officials are looking to fine a major big island landowner after unpermitted construction work damaged a historic cemetery in South Hilo. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Is This Maui Landowner Getting A Raw Deal From The State? A man who lost his waterfront land may have to pay the state $1 million as part of an eminent domain case. Civil Beat.

Rep. Angus L.K. McKelvey of Maui presented a letter to Gov. David Ige formally requesting that he intervene and stop a Hawaii Department of Transportation proposal that includes last-minute changes to the Keawe Street intersection of the Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Liquor Commission sends evaluation of director to mayor. Arakawa will need to sign off before report is available to public. Maui News.

The pending sale of Grand Wailea resort on Maui for $1.1 billion will be the highest price paid for a Hawaii hotel and the second highest paid for a hotel in the United States. Star-Advertiser.

Blackstone Group LP is buying the Grand Wailea resort on Maui from Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund for a reported $1.1 billion, according to several reports. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Panel looks at the climate and what could be ahead for Kauai. Threats to species, shorelines and structures, as well as opportunities for innovation were all on the table as the Earth Matters public lecture series opened Tuesday with a panel discussion on climate change and conservation. Garden Island.

West Maui condos face imminent threat from extreme erosion. Hawaii News Now.

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved a new lifeguard stand for Poipu Beach Park that officials believe will save lives.  Garden Island.

Audit blasts state energy office, Hanabusa more popular among business leaders, new U.S. attorney named, dialysis clinics vacant as inspections awaited, rats return to Lehua Island, Kealoha accused of coercing witness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki king tides July 2017, courtesy UH Sea College Grant program

For the past two years, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program has been recruiting citizen scientists from across the Pacific. They were trained to document high water levels or King Tides in an effort to understand and adapt to sea level rise. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Auditor’s report blasts energy office. The Hawaii State Energy Office awarded a contract for more than $250,000 to plan a “state-of-the-art” energy innovation center last year, and then seven months later commissioned another consultant to assess whether that center is actually needed, according to an audit of the office. Star-Advertiser.

Read full audit here.

Auditors couldn't figure out what this state office does — or plans to do. Hawaii News Now.

Audit: State Energy Office ‘Is Not Doing Its Job’ A scathing report cites the office’s failure to document what it’s doing to help Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy resources. Civil Beat.

Why Colleen Hanabusa Can’t Sit Still. The Hawaii congresswoman talks about ambition, office-hopping and her quest for the Hawaii governor’s office. Civil Beat.

BOSS Asks Business Leaders: Ige or Hanabusa? Hawaii Business.

Kenji Price — a former federal prosecutor and Army Ranger who is now a director at the Honolulu law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing — has been appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for Hawaii by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Army Ranger Named Temporary US Attorney For Hawaii. Kenji Price has been focusing on white collar criminal defense and commercial litigation at a Honolulu firm. Associated Press.

Delays in clinic inspections hurt dialysis patients. Lawmakers are trying to find solutions to a three-year delay in inspections for some dialysis clinics that largely remain closed as the number of residents with kidney failure continues to climb. Star-Advertiser.

One aspect of the homeless crisis: State realizes policing encampments is pricey. DLNR is requesting $330,000 in related funds. Gov. David Ige's administration also wants $419,302 to pay for eight new deputy sheriffs that could respond to complaints about illegal camping and trespassing on state lands. There is also a $5 million lump sum request in the state Department of Human Services' budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii joins 'tele-abortion' pilot amid debate about procedure's safety. Hawaii is one of only four states taking part in a "tele-abortion" pilot project, and the politically-charged issue is riling up abortion foes. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool Open Door Program Open for Enrollment. Low and moderate-income families in Hawaii can tap a state subsidized program to give their keiki a head start in early learning. Hawaii Public Radio.

No end in sight for mumps outbreak. In addition to containing clusters of mumps cases, the state is gearing up for the peak of flu season. KITV.

Mumps booster needed to avoid virus. Even if you had a mumps vaccination, you are being urged to get a booster shot. KITV.

Foreign fishermen settle human trafficking suit. Two Indonesian fishermen who say they were enslaved on an American fishing boat have settled their lawsuit against the vessel’s owner seven years after escaping and receiving special U.S. visas as victims of human trafficking. Associated Press.

Kmart to pay over $84K for overbilling Hawaii Medicaid customers. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines awarded share of $227M federal contract. Hawaiian Airlines Inc. on Friday received a share of a $227 million federal contract for international commercial scheduled air cargo transportation services. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha coerced man to lie to grand jury, charges say. The deputy city prosecutor wife of a Honolulu police chief convinced a man whose trust she allegedly stole from when he was a child to lie for her before a grand jury looking into corruption allegations against the couple, according to court documents filed today. Associated Press.

An alleged victim in the case against former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine, is now a suspect. KHON2.

Police Commission Loosens Rules On Legal Fees For Officers. For years, city attorneys have been strict when it comes to paying an officer’s attorney fees in lawsuits and criminal complaints. Civil Beat.

Rise in attacks by state hospital patients prompts call for change. KHON2.

Medical Pot And Veterans: Groups Offer Free Evaluations. The cost of getting evaluated usually far exceeds the price of the actual registration process for cannabis users. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS announces the need for more money. KHON2.

Warning signs posted after big sewage spill into Kaneohe Bay. The public is being told to stay out of Kaneohe Bay after a spill sent 30,000 gallons of sewage into the water. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimana the monk seal is hooked again. Kaimana the monk seal got hooked — a second time. This time, she needed help getting it out. Star-Advertiser.

$500K-plus micro condo units to hit Kakaako market. About 200 studios range from 277 square feet to 373 square feet, with the smallest of those starting between $500,000 and $600,000. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes to open sales office for new Honolulu tower. Pacific Business News.

Petitioners want to preserve monkeypod trees at Manoa Marketplace. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige releases additional $1.3M for outreach, research in battle against rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim’s lobbyist to the state Legislature appeared before a more local body Wednesday, where he defended his track record and pledged better communication with the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The traffic signals are in place, but it may take until the end of the month before intersection improvements at Shower Drive and Highway 130 in Puna are complete. Tribune-Herald.

A former driver for The Arc of Hilo who sexually assaulted a physically and mentally disabled woman last year in a van owned by the nonprofit organization was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Makawao is Highest Priority Area for Cesspools, Public Meeting Announced. Maui Now.

Water Director Taylor remains at home. Water Department leadership in limbo following council vote in support of director. Maui News.

Kauai

Rats! signs of life. A rapid assessment team flew to Lehua Island Tuesday after checks of motion-detecting field cameras showed the presence of two rats. Garden Island.

Housing crisis lingers as additional rental unit bill deferred. A bill aimed at allowing homeowners to build small rental units on their land in order to help meet an affordable housing shortage was deferred to the end of February during a Kauai County committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.