Showing posts with label chlorpyrifos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chlorpyrifos. Show all posts

Friday, February 7, 2020

Ige tied for nation's least popular governor, Honolulu rail delayed again, Obama memorabilia sought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige
Gov. David Ige tied for least popular governor in the nation, poll finds. Hawaii voters have been disillusioned with Gov. David Ige’s job performance for some time, but a new national survey suggests Ige’s public approval ratings have hit rock bottom. Star-Advertiser.

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State to step away from Dillingham Airfield, transfer property back to U.S. Army. The state Department of Transportation plans to stop operating the Dillingham Airfield and will transfer control of the North Shore property back to the U.S. Army, state officials said late Thursday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

State To Pull Out Of Dillingham Airfield, Leaving Businesses Up In The Air. Hundreds of employees who work at the airfield or indirectly depend on it could be affected by the state’s decision to walk away. Civil Beat.

Closure of Dillingham Airfield could affect hundreds of jobs. A state lawmaker expressed outrage that hundreds of jobs and a valuable North Shore recreational resource for skydiving, gliders and ultralights may be lost following the sudden decision by the state Department of Transportation to cease operations at Dillingham Airfield. Star-Advertiser.

FAA challenges DOT’s plan to vacate Dillingham Airfield this summer. The state’s attempt to get out early from its lease of Dillingham Airfield has raised alarm bells at the Federal Aviation Administration. KHON2.

What is the future of the Dillingham Airfield? The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it is terminating its lease of the Dillingham Airfield. KITV4.

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Tangled Web Of Campaign Cash Connects Hawaii To Maine. Tens of thousands of dollars in contributions have flowed from a Hawaii defense contractor, his family and employees to a Maine Republican senator. Civil Beat.

Bill Forfeiting Worker Benefits In Felony Cases Advances. Hawaii is one of only a few states that has no such law for government employees. Civil Beat.

State proposal aims to repeal electric guns ban. There are many types of electric guns and under this measure, it includes stun guns and the type that shoot out electrical prongs. KHON2.

State lawmakers continue to push for stricter gun laws including banning ghost guns. According to the Bureau of Alchohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives these weapons are legal because what you're getting is not a complete firearm. KITV4.

New proposal to stop ID checks for people who look over 21. Under a new proposal in the Hawaii legislature, if a sales clerk believes a person is over 21 then the clerk won’t need to ask them for an ID check. KHON2.

State Lawmakers Are Weighing A Slate Of Bills That Affect Native Hawaiians. But DHHL reforms and measures that cover cultural practitioners have a long way to go this session. Civil Beat.

Obama memorabilia sought for presidential museum exhibits. Bishop Museum is looking for people with unique memorabilia or souvenirs tied to former President Barack Obama. The Obama Foundation is planning to display them at his future Presidential Center Museum in Chicago. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu's rail project faces another delay. According to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, rail's first 11-mile segment will now open on December 20th, two months later than their most recent promise. KITV4.

City Council grills rail officials over delays through urban core. City Councilmembers grilled rail officials Thursday over the progress of the 20-mile project, raising concerns about delays through Kalihi and Downtown. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu police chief offers plans to curb violence. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard offered plans Thursday to address the increase in violent crime and use of firearms in crimes on Oahu, including purse snatchings, while the department is lacking a sufficient number of patrol officers. Star-Advertiser.

HPD details plans, ideas to fight recent rise in violent crimes. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard is addressing a recent spike in violent crime, especially those with firearms. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers push to create new crisis center aimed at diverting the mentally ill from jail. A group of lawmakers is pushing to create a new crisis center on Oahu that would be designed to help those in mental health crisis. Instead of sending the mentally ill to jail for petty crimes, officers would have the option of taking them to the specialized clinic to have them checked out by a physician instead. Hawaii News Now.

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Sherwood Forest resolutions draw community criticism. Two recently drafted city resolutions meant to be an agreement between opposing sides of the construction project at Sherwood Forest are drawing criticism from community members. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana plan for no-leash dog park removed. Plans for an off-leash dog park at Ala Moana Regional Park have been scrapped by the Caldwell administration, city Parks Director Michele Nekota told members of the City Council Budget Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa wants to relocate parking stalls to create more pedestrian friendly spaces. The plan is to get rid of some driveways and replace them with walkways, benches and tables. KITV4.


New boss to lead Ward Village development in Kakaako. Ward Village has a new executive overseeing development of the growing high-rise community in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Bid at water-bottling plant in comes up dry again. An attempt to resurrect a rejected proposal for a water-bottling plant in Hilo was quashed again Thursday by the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Water Bottling Proposal Returns To Commission. The Piʻilani Partners, LLC application - remanded to the Windward Planning Commission by an order of the Third Circuit Court - was again denied by commissioners on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

Residents critical of AT&T cell tower proposal. A proposed AT&T cellphone tower to be built in Kurtistown generated public outcry Thursday after the telecommunications company apparently failed to provide proper notice to nearby residents. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Utility pays solar projects $222K. Hawaiian Electric seeks to pass on cost of unused power to customers. Hawaiian Electric compensated two Maui solar farms a total of $222,000 for curtailing, or not accepting, 2 gigawatt hours of solar power in 2019, according to filings with the state Public Utilities Commission last month. Maui News.

CIP Funds Released for Lahaina Health Center. Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei) today announced that Governor David Ige has released $506,000 in Capital Improvement Project funds, part of which will be used for the design and construction for renovations, repairs and improvements at the Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center on Maui. Maui Now.

Culture can’t be contained to classroom. Hawaiian immersion teachers work to teach culture and language in Western system. Maui News.

Kauai

The agrichemical company Corteva Agriscience is phasing out production of the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Corteva grows corn and other crops on the Westside, and sells chlorpyrifos under the Lorsban brand. Garden Island.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

State, EPA agree on pesticide use, court approves Zuckerberg land sale, Katherine Kealoha's grandmother testifies, tourism industry opposes Honolulu tax, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Kauai taro fields ©2019 All Hawaii News
HDOA, EPA reach resolution about impact of chemicals. Tuesday, Earthjustice announced an informal resolution agreement between the two agencies, one that forces the state Department of Agriculture to start implementing restricted-use pesticide reporting, annual public disclosure of the reports, maps that indicate buffer zones around schools and public notice of the prohibition of chlorpyrifos use. Garden Island.

State, EPA reach agreement on how to implement law aimed at regulating pesticide use. The Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with the state Department of Agriculture on how to implement Act 45, which was signed by the governor last year. Hawaii News Now.

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To help solve Hawaii’s housing crisis, some leaders are looking to Singapore. An affordable housing delegation from Hawaii -- made up of lawmakers, state and city housing officials, developers, architects, entrepreneurs, and community advocates -- traveled to Singapore last month to learn how the island nation overcame a major housing crisis and now touts one of the highest home ownership rates in the world. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Fisheries Council Has A Long History Of Secrecy. Wespac has for years resisted releasing information, fighting public records requests, lawsuits and even congressional inquiries. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha’s grandmother gives tearful testimony. Florence M. Puana, a 99-year-old great-great-great-grandmother with an eighth-grade education, testified in a videotaped deposition aired Tuesday that she trusted her attorney/granddaughter, Katherine Kea­loha, to manage a reverse mortgage on Puana’s home only to discover that $23,976.69 of the money went to a lavish breakfast for then-Police Chief Louis Kealoha at the Sheraton Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

She Says She Was Betrayed By Her Granddaughter, Katherine Kealoha. Jurors watch the video testimony of Florence Puana, 99, in the public corruption trial of the Kealohas and three police officers. Civil Beat.

She said to trust her’: Kealoha’s 99-year-old grandma tells her story to jury. In an emotional, hours-long video deposition played for jurors Tuesday, Katherine Kealoha’s 99-year-old grandmother talked about how she trusted her granddaughter -- and how devastated she was to learn “she wasn’t the person I thought I knew.” Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Jurors watched video testimony of Florence Puana, Katherine Kealoha's grandmother. KHON2.

Katherine Kealoha's grandmother says that she 'didn't know' about a joint checking account. Florence Puana did not have a card, nor a checkbook for the bank account. KITV.

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Hawaii Tourism Industry Opposes Proposed Property Tax Increase, Say It's Paying For Rail. Members of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association, opposing Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal to raise real property taxes for hotels and resorts, say they're being made to bear the burden of the $9 billion rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Last ditch effort afoot to quash proposed property tax hike for hotels. Leaders from the hotel industry gathered on the lawn of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Tuesday in a last ditch bid to block an increase in their property taxes. Hawaii News Now.

Leaks detected in deck of Honolulu rail line. The concrete deck of the elevated Honolulu rail line has cracks in a “handful” of areas that have been allowing rain to leak into the hollow interior of the structure, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's homeless: Dying on the streets. For many homeless residents, death is just part of life on the streets. KITV.

Project To Help Homeless Imperiled By Major Donor’s Bankruptcy. A local philanthropic organization formed to reduce homelessness may never get on its feet following a recent bankruptcy case involving its first major donor, a one-time violent criminal turned entrepreneur. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Raises for firefighters. With more than 30 black-shirted firefighters crowding into council chambers and watching them closely, three County Council members switched their votes Tuesday to give unanimous support to their raises. West Hawaii Today.

State wants case involving cop closed off. Prosecutors are looking to have a felony drug case thrown out at the request of the police chief because a key witness is a sworn police officer under internal investigation. West Hawaii Today.

Disaster bill packed with aid for Big Island, including funds for HVNP, HVO, farmers and more. The long-delayed $19.1 billion disaster relief bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday contains some “sorely needed” funds for Hawaii Island and other parts of the state struggling to recover from natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Carlos, Alexa PenaVega caught up in Maui’s vacation rental housing debate. Acting couple seeking short-term rental permit for Kihei home. Maui News.

A popular Maui beach is the subject of a turf war between paddlers, businesses. A county council committee considered a measure that would ban commercial activities at Lahaina’s Hanakao’o Beach Park, otherwise known as Canoe Beach. Hawaii News Now.

New invasive caterpillar threatens rare native plants on Maui. State officials are warning of a new, invasive insect destructive to mamaki plants – the Ramie caterpillar — which has been detected on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Construction down on Maui since rental car facility finished. Most still employed but no more large jobs in pipeline. Maui News.

Kauai

Land auction involving Facebook CEO gets court’s OK. A retired University of Hawaii professor Tuesday bid nearly $2.2 million to wrest 2 acres of land on Kauai from a few hundred family members in a forced court auction initiated partly by Facebook’s billionaire CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Star-Advertiser.

Andrade buys all four kuleana. Carlos Andrade, a retired history professor and partial heir to several small land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s North Shore estate, outbid a group of his distant relatives during a court hearing on Tuesday, purchasing all four of the contested lots for just over $2 million. Garden Island.

Former Las Vegas Captain Adapts To New World As Kauai Police Chief. Todd Raybuck commanded one of nine patrol divisions packed into a single city. Civil Beat.

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Ige proposes 7.2% budget increase, Honolulu prosecutor refuses to step down, Hawaii homelessness drops in new report, Lingle speaks to Maui vets, Kauai water diversion approved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Office of the Governor
Gov. David Ige presents budget, courtesy Governor's Office
Gov. David Ige is taking a cautious approach to the state’s biannual budget, holding back on about $100 million in proposed spending next year in case general fund growth is lower than expected. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige Submits "Conservative" Budget Request to Legislature. The Governor submitted his executive budget request to the state legislature today as required by law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor David Ige released his state budget proposal for the next two fiscal years. In it, more than $400 million toward public education. KITV.

State says budget proposal more conservative. Governor David Ige says he's taking a more conservative approach to the budget. He says the state may get about $150 to $180 million less in revenue in the current fiscal year than projected. KHON2.

Ige seeks two-year $31B budget. Gov. David Ige’s requested budget for the next two years includes an increase in the state’s disaster fund as well as increased staff to manage the lingering effects of 2018’s natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Ige proposes major expansion of ‘free college’ program for low-income students. Under a proposed budget to be presented to the state Legislature, Gov. David Ige would expand the Hawaii Promise program to all four-year colleges in the UH system with $19 million in funding over fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Hawaii News Now.

Girls’ locker rooms in governor’s budget, but advocates say more needs to be done.  Gov. David Ige unveiled a budget proposal Monday that includes $400 million over the next two years for school improvements, including the building of facilities for girls athletics. Hawaii News Now.

Ige takes 'cautious approach' with executive budget proposal. Gov. David Ige revealed his administration’s executive budget proposal for Fiscal Biennium 2019-21, which includes a total operating budget of $15.47 billion for financial year 2020 and $15.7 billion for financial year 2021. Pacific Business News.

Sylvia Luke Wants To Change The Way The State Spends Money. Agencies should have to justify every penny they ask for, says the House Finance Committee chair. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Senate introduced a bill to ensure future alerts are more effective. Senators unanimously passed the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement or READI Act. KITV.

A new report that looks at homelessness in America in 2017 underscores the progress Hawaii has made in the last two years, when the state’s overall homeless rate has consecutively dropped 9 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii homeless rates among highest. A federal report released Monday said Hawaii has a higher number of homeless people per capita than any other state except New York. Garden Island.

Schatz wants pesticide banned near schools. The Prohibit Chlorpyrifos Poisoning Students Act would take Hawaii’s state ban to the national level, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Star-Advertiser.

Huge Barrier For Trapping Plastic Waste In The Pacific Isn’t Working. Changes are planned for the effort to sweep up the giant patch of trash between Hawaii and California. Associated Press.

Oahu

For the first time Monday, embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro responded to growing calls to step aside, saying that he was elected for four years and that his office is being run effectively. Hawaii News Now.

Drive to Impeach Honolulu Prosecutor Will Test City’s Vague Law. Keith Kaneshiro said Monday he had no plans to step aside after reportedly receiving a target letter from federal investigators. Civil Beat.

Pressure mounts on city's top prosecutor to step aside while he's under investigation. A probe to reexamine cases handled by the prosecutor's office is one some of the city's defense lawyers say they're on a mission to do. KITV.

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Doug Chin, former lieutenant governor and attorney general, joins downtown law firm. Star-Advertiser.

Major Donation Buoys Hopes for Relocating Waianae Homeless Village. A homeless community on Oahu’s leeward coast is one step closer to finding homes. The group received a $150,000 donation to help fund a plan to transition the residents of Pu'uhonua o Waianae to permanent housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Queen’s sees results with innovative program that helps house medically-fragile homeless patients. Every month, up to 600 homeless people are admitted into the emergency room at the Queen’s Medical Center. Many of them are repeat patients. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of rare Hawaiian snails were released into the wild after being born and raised at the Honolulu Zoo. KHON2.

Troon takes over golf course management at Hawaii's Turtle Bay Resort. Troon has taken over management of the two golf courses at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu, including an 18-hole course designed by PGA legend Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, which is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

SHOPO says Hawaii Island Police need body cameras, department agrees; though funding an issue. Hawaii Island Police remains the only department without.  KHON2.

No Aloha At These Rough And Tumble Neighborhood Meetings. Community associations around Hawaii County are charged with tasks such as maintaining roads in substandard subdivisions, and no one oversees them. Civil Beat.

Repairs to Honokaa gym floor underway but another delay possible. Years after flooring in the Honokaa Armory was damaged, repairs are underway, although the work could still face more delays. Tribune-Herald.

Released Hawaiian Crow Found Dead In Forest. The critically endangered Alala, one of only a handful recently released into the wild, was found under a tree root on December 6. Big Island Video News.

Premier Restoration Hawaii opened its first facility on the Big Island, an expansion that includes a planned investment of close to $500,000 in new equipment and human resources over the next three months. Pacific Business News.

Maui

You aren’t born a leader, says Lingle, you become one. Former governor charts her path to politics for nisei veterans series. Maui News.

Opportunity Zones, tax incentives could aid redevelopment. Maui County zones have been set up that offer tax incentives to encourage investments in those lower income areas as part of a federal program. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative gets permit renewed for water diversion. The State Board of Land and Natural Resources approved Monday a staff recommendation for the holdover of a revocable permit for water use at the Blue Hole diversion, allowing Kauai Island Utility Cooperative to continue to operate two hydroelectric facilities which contribute 1.5 megawatts of energy to the island’s renewable portfolio. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor-Elect Victorino Announces 13 More Appointments. Mayor-elect Mike Victorino announced today a new appointment as director for the county Department of Finance, 10 deputy directors, the new administration’s budget director and the director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Maui Now.

No plans to fix Morgan Ponds. The seawall separating Morgan’s Ponds from the ocean at Lydgate Beach Park is still damaged, about eight months after debris from April floods put a hole in the rock wall. Garden Island.

The Kauai Medical Clinic in Kapaa got a lot bigger to be able to provide more primary care opportunities for residents in the Eastside, Monday. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Hawaii on the Hill mixes promotion with politics, super PAC stirs up lt. gov. race, Ige signs pesticide bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sen. Brian Schatz
Hawaii on the Hill PC:U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz
UPDATE: This entry has been edited to remove references to an article about gems being produced by Kilauea Volcano after debunking Thursday by scientists.

National Politics Percolate At ‘Hawaii On The Hill’ Event In DC. It’s not all about poke bowls and Spam musubi. The annual Chamber of Commerce event gives some island leaders a firsthand look at national issues. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Congressional delegation joined local government officials, small business owners, and educators at the 5th annual Hawaii on the Hill events on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Unite Here Local 5, which represents about 11,000 Hawaii hospitality, health and food service workers, endorsed Kim Coco Iwamoto for lieutenant governor on Wednesday.  Star-Advertiser.

Super PAC Dumps A Quarter-Million Dollars Into LG Race. The pro-rail carpenters union is backing state Sen. Josh Green, but one political analyst questions whether it’s payback against another candidate. Civil Beat.

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The state of Hawaii is banning a pesticide scientists have found could hinder the development of children’s brains. Associated Press.

Hawaii became the first state in the country to ban pesticides containing chlorpyrifos, a chemical that has been linked to disruptions in the brain development of babies and young children, with Gov. David Ige signing the measure into law on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige signed SB3095 Wednesday, which bans the use of pesticides containing the potentially harmful chemical chlorpyrifos starting in 2023. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii became the first state in the nation to ban chlorpyrifos with the Wednesday signing of SB3095 by Gov. David Ige. Garden Island.

Hawaii Becomes First State to Ban Neurotoxin, Chlorpyrifos. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor David Ige signed a law Wednesday, banning the use of pesticides containing chlorpyrifos. KITV.

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Gov. Ige Asks FEMA to Reconsider Request for Kauai & Oahu. Big Island Now.

Gov. David Ige is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reconsider its initial denial of the state’s request for individual assistance for Kauai and Oahu residents affected by April’s severe storms and flooding. Garden Island.

The Hawaiian Electric Cos. have filed their Electrification of Transportation Strategic Roadmap (“EoT Roadmap”) with the state Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

The mayors of Hawaii’s four counties are pushing ahead in their pursuit of electrifying the state’s transportation sector by signing a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to formally join Drive Electric Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Pasha Hawaii receives 600 new refrigerated containers as part of expanded Hawaii service. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Blood Bank Paying A High Price In Its Dispute With Honolulu Rail Officials. The nonprofit wants to abandon its headquarters long before trains start rumbling nearby. But the city is offering to buy only a strip of landscaping. Civil Beat.

More frustration for Oahu residents trying to renew their driver's licenses. KHON2.

The state is investigating a case of Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially deadly form of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection. Star-Advertiser.

Six isolated cases of Legionnaires' disease confirmed in Hawaii this year. KHON2.

The state Department of Health announced on Wednesday that they are investigating a new case of legionellosis on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Union hopes nonprofit, trust fund will help its members buy homes. Star-Advertiser.

Longtime leader of St. Francis School ousted. Sister Joan of Arc Souza, who led St. Francis School in Manoa for 27 of its 94 years as its head of school and principal, was no longer employed at the school as of Monday. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu-based hotel company has sold six of its Asia-Pacific properties to a Thai-based property development and investment holding company for $310 million. Associated Press.

Solar permits issued on Oahu rose 42 percent in May to mark the fifth straight month of increases. Star-Advertiser.

‘The Last Wild Place’ Wins National Honors. Civil Beat took readers on a visual journey through one of the most remote parts of the planet. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ige seeks assistance from federal programs. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that Hawaii County estimates lava has destroyed approximately 455 dwellings in Leilani Estates, Lanipuna Gardens, Vacationland and Kapoho Beach Lots, of which 192 are primary residences. Many other homes throughout Puna have been cut off by lava or are uninhabitable due to poor air quality from volcanic gases. Star-Advertiser.

Federal aid for people affected by the Kilauea eruption might be approved soon after Gov. David Ige signed a request for such assistance Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii governor asks FEMA to OK individual assistance for lava claims. State agencies, the county government and nonprofit organizations have been providing assistance to individuals so far; the state has no individual assistance programs, the governor’s office said. Pacific Business News.

County hoping Disaster Assistance Center can open by weekend. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim is hoping to have a conceptual plan for a Kaikoo-style redevelopment project to help those displaced by the Kilauea eruption drafted within a month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii mayor wants to relocate those displaced outside zones one or two. KITV.

Website aims to provide displaced lava evacuees with housing. KITV.

The incredible scope of the Big Island eruptions, a disaster with no end in sight. Hawaii News Now.

Farmers among hardest hit by eruptions with losses of more than $14M. Hawaii News Now.

Overflight Video: Rivers of Lava. Big Island Now.

VIDEO: Drone Captures Dramatic Drop At Kilauea Summit. Big Island Video News.

The National Weather Service reported Wednesday that light winds will bring vog inland and to the south, wrapping around to the Kona area. West Hawaii Today.

Distant Eruption Has Major Impact On Kona-Kohala Coast. West side residents and businesses are dealing with vog and a downturn in business, including some people cancelling their visits. Civil Beat.

Relief greets Pride of America’s return to Hawaii Island ports. West Hawaii Today.

Hundreds of animals among lava refugees. The humanitarian crisis in its sixth week on Hawaii island, forcing more than 400 people into shelters and away from erupting lava, also has taken a toll on animals in the area. Star-Advertiser.


Maui

Maui Renters Need to Work 123 Hours a Week to Afford 2-Bedroom Apartment. Maui Now.

DLNR Seeking Comments on Draft EIS for Business Park. The 280-acre DLNR Industrial and Business Park is located along Maui Veterans Highway (formerly known as Mokulele Highway) adjacent to the Hawaii National Guard Armory and the County Raceway Park in Central Maui, in the vicinity of the former Naval Air Station Puunene and Maui Humane Society. Maui Now.

Kauai

In the wake of the Kauai floods and volcanic activity on Hawaii Island, Kahuku Medical Center has raised $15,000 for the American Red Cross of Hawaii to support disaster relief efforts and those affected by recent natural disasters. Garden Island.

The southbound lane of Kuhio Highway between Nuku Street and Kapaia Road will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Wednesday, June 20, and Thursday, June 21. The closure is necessary to allow the Wastewater Management Division to continue a sewer main repair in the area. Garden Island.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Hawaii to be first state to enact pesticide ban with bill signing today, HGEA endorses Hanabusa, Kilauea volcano settles into earthquake pattern, state sued over child death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Monsanto Facebook photo
Hawaii agriculture PC:Monsanto Facebook photo
Hawaii will become the first state to prohibit the use of pesticides containing the chemical chlorpyrifos, after Gov. David Ige signs a bill into law on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

President Donald Trump arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Tuesday afternoon aboard Air Force One, and although no one disembarked to greet base residents, the summit with North Korea — if implemented — will have its own impact on Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii’s largest union, representing more than 42,000 government workers, took several swipes at Gov. David Ige as it announced Tuesday its decision to support Colleen Hanabusa in the governor’s race. Star-Advertiser.

Why This New Hawaii Super PAC Has Already Changed Its Name. The backlash over using a Hawaiian song title without permission has been building for weeks and surfaced at the state Democratic Convention. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Juvenile Justice Information Committee is working to help as many underage offenders as possible to become productive citizens. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Crusade To Keep Hawaii Kids Fed This Summer. While the Department of Education provides meals on summer school campuses, other efforts are afoot to deliver food to nonschool venues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s mortgage delinquency rate improved by 0.5 percentage points in March, and was a full percentage point lower than the national average for loans that were 30 days or more past due, according to a monthly report by CoreLogic. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Study: Honolulu Workers Need $39 An Hour To Afford A 2-Bedroom Rental. At the state level, Hawaii residents need to earn more than anywhere else in the U.S., researchers say. Civil Beat.

Rents for two-bedroom apartments in Honolulu fell by 3.9 percent from a year ago, ranking Hawaii’s largest city at No. 99 among the 100 largest cities in the U.S. for year-over-year rent growth, according to a report from Apartment List. Pacific Business News.

The "Hawaii Emergency Management Agency" and the City and Council of Honolulu will be conducting siren tests between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday. KITV.

Windy Kaukonahua Road will close from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today through Friday as the city converts streetlights along the Wahiawa-­North Shore thoroughfare to LED lamps from traditional lamps. Star-Advertiser.

For the second time this month, a live snake has been captured in Hawaii. KHON2.

State agricultural officials picked up a stowaway snake from Honolulu Harbor on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Large earthquakes and steam explosions at the summit of Kilauea have been occurring on an almost daily basis in the past few days, with one happening approximately 24 hours after the next, and scientists say the activity is in fact following a "fairly reliable pattern." Hawaii News Now.

Lava spewing in 160-foot-high fountains in lower Puna and flowing to the sea has now created at least 250 acres of new land in Kapoho. Hawaii News Now.

With scores of businesses around the island impacted by the Kilauea eruption, county, state and federal agencies are investigating ways to help struggling employers and employees alike. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: Scientist Shares Kilauea Eruption Update. Big Island Video News.

The Latest: Kilauea Eruption Update. KITV.

USGS caldera collapse
Lighter winds toward the end of the week could send vog and sulfur dioxide from Kilauea’s eruption “over more populated areas,” including Hilo, the National Weather Service said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Volcanic gas emissions very high from fissure 8. KHON2.

Influx of new people has brought more crime, shelter residents say. A growing number of people who were homeless or living in unstable situations before the volcano disaster have joined the makeshift community and are responsible for an increase in thefts, domestic disturbances and other trouble that has required police intervention. Star-Advertiser.

As eruptions continue, land swap eyed for hundreds of evacuees. An old idea to relocate part of Puna is getting a new push amid ongoing eruptions, which have destroyed at least 700 homes on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

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Aunt of girl who starved to death sues state. Star-Advertiser.

The maternal aunt of a 9-year-old Hilo girl allegedly starved to death almost two years ago by her parents and maternal grandmother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the state, the girl’s parents and her maternal grandmother. Tribune-Herald.

A new lawsuit blames the state for the death of a nine-year-old Hilo girl who died of starvation in 2016. Hawaii News Now.

The family of a 9-year-old Big Island girl who starved to death is suing the state of Hawaii as well as her parents and grandmother for wrongful death. KHON2.

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The Board of Ethics on Tuesday cleared a retired county employee to hold a county contract overseeing a project replacing the county’s problematic online building permit application system. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch is evaluating information collected last month during an investigation into wastewater discharges from Big Island Dairy. Tribune-Herald.

The number of photovoltaic permits issued in Hawaii County nearly tripled in May despite Kilauea Volcano erupting and thousands of people evacuating their homes on the east side of the island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Council candidates challenged. Haiku resident maintains term limits disqualify them from seeking council seats. Maui News.

Panel advises settlement in director’s suit. Details not released publicly. The lawsuit filed by Department of Water Supply Director David Taylor against Mayor Alan Arakawa over Taylor’s dismissal last year may be winding down with the parties nearing a settlement. Maui News.

Maui County is preparing to advance $250,000 to help fund an appraisal of the ground lease for the affordable Front Street Apartments, where rents are set to go to market rates in 2019. Maui News.

Kauai

Lawsuits behind, Coco Palms rebuild to continue. Garden Island.

Feral conflict rising. Wild Hawaii cats, like the one in this photo, and their impacts to the state’s endangered species are the fodder for FERAL, an upcoming documentary on the Hawaiian cat conversation. Garden Island.

Molokai

Authorities Investigate Death Of Young Monk Seal On Molokai. She’s believed to be the sixth killed by people since 2009. Associated Press.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Sunscreen, pesticide, fake service animal bans move to governor as Legislature nears final days, Big Island braces for Kilauea volcano eruption, Honolulu homeless sweep nets tons of trash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy House majority
Hawaii House of Representatives PC: House Majority
Lawmakers say they made good on their pledge to address the state’s homeless and affordable-housing crises with strategies they described as groundbreaking and bold during the 2018 legislative session, which ends Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Most Progressive Legislative Session In A Long Time. From approving medical aid in dying to banning certain sunscreens and pesticide chemicals, legislators passed bills they only thought about in years past. Civil Beat.

After months of back and forth, lawmakers have settled on dozens of measures that could soon become law. The following list contains some of the measures now heading to the governor's office for approval. KHON2.

Bills awaiting the governor's action can be found here.

Hawaii lawmakers on Tuesday passed a measure that would ban sunscreen containing oxybenzone in an effort to protect coral reefs. Senators and representatives also voted to prohibit licensed professional counselors from attempting to change the sexual orientation of minors. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers passed a bill today banning the sale of sunscreens containing chemicals believed to be harmful to coral reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers approved a ban Tuesday on the sale of sunscreens with chemicals that could be harmful to the environment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Legislature has approved the first chlorpyrifos ban in the nation as a component of a pesticide disclosure bill approved by both the Senate and the House Tuesday. Garden Island.

A bill that would fine people fraudulently representing their pets as service dogs was approved unanimously on both floors of the state Legislature today, and now awaits the governor’s signature to become law. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would penalize people who falsely present their pets as service animals passed its final reading Tuesday and now goes to Gov. David Ige for final consideration. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii moved a step closer to expanding protections for students discriminated against on the basis of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation when the Legislature passed a bill Tuesday establishing a law to prohibit such treatment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tourism officials are offering a sweet deal to six New York City workaholics: Come to Hawaii for an all-expenses-paid, week-long vacation to "work from home" — island style. Hawaii News Now.

A state judge has scheduled a hearing on state Rep. Andria Tupola’s petition for a temporary restraining order against fellow Hawaii Republican Party member Eric Ryan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators have finally approved an on-bill financing program to boost the adoption of clean energy technology across the state, almost seven years after lawmakers passed a corresponding piece of legislation to investigate such a program. Pacific Business News.

Matson Inc. doubled its profit in the first quarter despite delivering about the same number of shipping containers to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based shipping company Matson Inc. reported net income of $14.2 million, or 33 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 102 percent compared to net income of $7 million, or 16 cents per diluted share, during last year’s comparable period. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City clears out 5 tons of trash during sweep of Kakaako parks. The estimated 80 homeless people living in Kakaako Waterfront Park and its sister parks had dwindled to about 30 to 50 Monday afternoon following days of warnings about the impending sweep. Star-Advertiser.

Price tag grows to move homeless off state land — and keep them off. Hawaii News Now.

A recreation center at the University of Hawaii needs hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs, only four years after opening. KHON2.

Sidewalk Extensions Please Some But Infuriate Others. A City Council committee passes a bill that would prohibit any more extensions, even though they’re intended to increase safety. Civil Beat.

City Councilmember Ikaika Anderson is spearheading a measure to crack down on illegal monster homes. Hawaii News Now.

A majority of condo owners at the 35-story Marco Polo have voted in favor of retrofitting the building with automated sprinklers several months after a deadly fire raged through the building, killing four people. Associated Press.

Another high rise is being planned for Ward Village. It will be 41 stories and will have 570 condo units. KHON2.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam will conduct anti-terrorism force protection training exercises Wednesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 3 from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. KITV.

State crews completed a four-day clean-up of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor Tuesday. KITV.

The city intends to enter into a public-private partnership with Topgolf Hawai‘i, which would invest $50 million replacing the Ala Wai Golf Course’s traditional driving range with a high-tech version and other golf-related activities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An intrusion of magma into Kilauea’s East Rift Zone shook the ground under lower Puna residents’ feet Tuesday and stirred worries about a new volcanic vent opening near populated areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Civil Defense was activated at 3 a.m. Tuesday in response to a significant increase in seismic activity and deformation — changes in the surface of a volcano — following the collapse of the Puu Oo crater floor on Kilauea’s East Rift Zone. Star-Advertiser.

Earthquakes, Crater Collapse On Kilauea May Indicate New Eruption. An “intrusion” of lava could affect a popular access point where people can hike or bike into a viewing area. Associated Press.

A half mile long, steaming crack was discovered just west of Puu Oo crater during an overflight by scientists on Tuesday, following the collapse of the crater floor the day before. Big Island Video News.

New USGS Map Shows Location of New Crack in Kilauea. Big Island Now.

Residents in Puna are being urged to be on alert after a series of small earthquakes in Kilauea volcano's east rift zone, which may indicate an eruption is imminent. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Senate passed a Senate Bill on Tuesday that would create a Hilo Community Economic District. Big Island Video News.

Effort seeks to preserve native trees south of Palamanui campus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Starting May 1, the County of Maui’s free Electronic Recycling Program will no longer accept a list of items including: DVDs and VCRs; phones; audio-visual equipment including AV screens, cameras and projectors; transmission devices; audio equipment including receivers; CD and record players, amplifiers or speakers. Maui Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard hosted a “Congress On Your Corner” event at the Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului on Monday, where she visited with local residents and updated them on her work in Washington, DC.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Three meetings scheduled this week are aimed to respond to questions about disaster recovery, health concerns, relief loans and assistance. Garden Island.

Rum Distilleries Keep Hawaii’s Sugar Industry Alive. The islands’ cane crop will never return to the production levels of plantation days, but it’s essential for these local businesses. Civil Beat.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Legislature's 'gut-and-replace' puts Thirty Meter Telescope at risk, DLNR seeks comment on aquarium trade, 100 rally at Capitol for pesticide ban, teachers want to limit tests, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Mauna Kea telescopes ©2018 All Hawaii News
‘This is not democracy’: Lawmakers slammed for skirting public input with telescope moratorium. As Hawaii waits to see if the Thirty Meter Telescope has a future here, a last-minute bill crafted in the state Legislature has many worried that lawmakers could end up forcing the next-generation observatory out of the state. Tribune-Herald.

Bill up for vote could 'spell the end' of Thirty-Meter Telescope. Supporters — and opponents — of the Thirty-Meter Telescope were surprised to learn about last-minute legislation that would stop all construction at Mauna Kea if the University of Hawaii doesn't meet certain requirements. Hawaii News Now.

Commercial aquarium fish collecting could be returning to Hawaii shores, following a five-month pause. A draft environmental assessment released Sunday by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources anticipates no significant environmental impact from the resumption of the practice around Oahu and Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

About 125 activists rallied Monday at the state Capitol in support of a bill to make Hawaii the first state in the nation to ban the insecticide chlorpyrifos, a chemical that has been linked to learning disabilities and developmental delays in children. Star-Advertiser.

Rally held to protect students from pesticides. Hawaii News Now.

In support of Hawaii’s potential ban on chlorpyrifos and of stricter pesticide rules, several Kauai people added their voices to dozens who gathered at the capitol for Monday’s Keiki First Rally. Garden Island.

Bills that would have limited the cooperation between Hawaii police departments and federal immigration authorities appear to be dead for the this legislative session. The measures would have generally prohibited local police from stopping, questioning or arresting anyone based solely on an immigration hold, or detainer, or an immigration warrant. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Teachers Think Your Kids Are Taking Way Too Many Tests. The state Senate is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a teachers’ union-backed bill that would cap mandatory tests for students at four per year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s public school students boosted their reading scores substantially, but math performance slipped for eighth-graders in the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress, according to results released late today in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz paid tribute to former Sen. Daniel Akaka in Washington, D.C. Monday. KHON2.

The personal-finance website's "2018’s Tax Burden by State" analysis shows that taxpayers on the Islands have a total tax burden of 11.57 percent. Trailing only New York residents, whose total tax burden is 13.04 percent. Pacific Business News.

Military Spending: Feds shell out, Isles cash in. A new report on per-capita defense spending is another indication of Hawaii’s strategic position and hot economy at a time of ongoing financial expansion for the state and nation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii technology and manufacturing businesses contributed more than $1 billion to the state’s economy, according to a study by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Pacific Business News.

Was The ‘Button Pusher’ A Problem Employee? State Won’t Release Details. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said the worker who sent out a false missile alert had a record of incompetency, but he disputes that. Civil Beat.

The Navy's longest-serving sub is about to retire. The USS Bremerton is getting a well-deserved retirement. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A proposal to provide around 100 new or renovated affordable rental apartments in Waikiki as part of a planned tower on Kuhio Avenue is up for revision after the city adopted new affordable-housing requirements last week. Star-Advertiser.

Federal agent Christopher Deedy appeals to halt third trial in Waikiki fatal shooting. Deedy is asking the federal court to prevent the state from taking him to trial a third time for fatally shooting Kollin Elderts in a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant. Star-Advertiser.

Christopher Deedy appeals third trial. KHON2.

Filthy Bathrooms At This Popular Beach Park Are Creating A Stir. Pokai Bay Beach Park has other health and environmental hazards, too. Civil Beat.

Oahu Publications Inc. has put up for sale its 147,000-square-foot print production facility in Kapolei and the 11.61 acres of land beneath it in a lease/buyback transaction to take advantage of increasing prices in the area. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a condominium reached a new high in March, compared to last year, driven by the sales of nearly two dozen multimillion-dollar units, while sales declined slightly, according to statistics released by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks and planner Belt Collins Hawaii will hold a community meeting on the recently released draft environmental impact statement for the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park Master PlanWest Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation announces that plans are being developed to run a trial AM northbound contraflow lane on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Highway 130) from Kaloli Drive to Shower Drive. Big Island Now.

The daughter of Jolene Kapua-Allison, a 54-year-old Mountain View woman killed in an apparent murder-­suicide on Hawaii island, said her mother feared leaving her abusive husband, a police officer. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The developers of the $100 million, 324-unit mostly affordable Wailuku rental project on Maui have resubmitted a draft environmental assessment to the state, two months after withdrawing the initial document that had been submitted last fall. Pacific Business News.

Maui Population Continues to Increase as Honolulu’s Declines. Maui Now.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui fell by 10 percent last month, while the median price of a condominium jumped 15 percent, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

The Pacific Whale Foundation held a traditional blessing ceremony last month for its newest vessel, Ocean Guardian, at Maalaea Harbor. Maui News.

Kauai

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Has Few Friends On This Hawaiian Island. The social media mogul’s neighbors aren’t happy with his new island estate or, for that matter, Facebook in general. Civil Beat.

Aloha Angels sponsors 51 clubs, adopts 192 teachers.  Kauai has 12 public or charter elementary schools. However, school ends in the early afternoon and for many children there’s not much to do. Garden Island.

Monday, February 19, 2018

Legislature mulls Airbnb tax bill, less panic than anticipated after false missile alert, Tsutsui moves to Hanabusa campaign, illegal marijuana sales alleged at expo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Vacation rental under construction at Onekahakaha beach park ©2018 All Hawaii News
Bill would let Airbnb brokers act as tax agents. A proposal that would allow Airbnb to collect tens of millions of dollars in state taxes generated by short-term rentals using the online home-sharing platform would also make it illegal for Airbnb to do business with any rental operators breaking county zoning laws. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers studying the reaction of Hawaii’s residents after the false missile alert say there was far less panic than they anticipated. Associated Press.

Missile alarm snafu spurs interest in backyard fallout shelters. An Oregon bomb shelter company has received about 65 inquiries, and counting, from Hawaii residents since the Jan. 13 false alarm. Star-Advertiser.

Not long after his abrupt resignation as Hawaii’s lieutenant governor, Shan Tsutsui is said to be gearing up to run the Maui operations for the gubernatorial campaign of U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa as she mounts a challenge to Tsutsui’s old boss, Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

A joint State House committee recently advanced a bill that would ban the import, use, manufacture, sale, and storage of chlorpyrifos in Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

HECO gets OK for initiative to control customer use. An operation referred to as “demand response” will let residential and commercial customers volunteer to have certain power-consuming devices occasionally controlled by HECO so the utility can manage the alignment between electricity supply and demand as more sources of renewable — and variable — energy generation are added to electricity grids throughout the state. Star-Advertiser.

Donn Takahashi will retire next month from his post as president of Prince Resorts Hawaii after a 25-year career with the company. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Illegal marijuana sales alleged at expo. The state Narcotics Enforcement Division is investigating allegations of illegal activity at last weekend’s Hawaii Cannabis Expo, where some vendors openly distributed cannabis seeds and other products. Star-Advertiser.

A Kamehameha Schools high school teacher has been placed on indefinite administrative leave after being accused of sexually assaulting a student, according to police records and the school. Star-Advertiser.

A Kamehameha Schools faculty member has been arrested and charged for allegedly having an "inappropriate relationship" with a student. Hawaii News Now.

Waimanalo land lease offers possible solution for Waianae homeless camp. Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele believes his state lease on more than 55 acres of Waimanalo land provides a Hawaiian-based road map for ending escalating tensions over the homeless encampment next to the Waianae Small Boat Harbor known as Pu‘uhonua o Waianae. Star-Advertiser.

Some residents are rejecting plans to build dozens of new homes on a historic North Shore ranch. KITV.

Texas-based developer Hunt Companies is set to expand its local influence. The company is accelerating the redevelopment of Kalaeloa—while working on high-profile projects on three islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

A loophole in city rules has Waikiki businesses and residents up in arms about a number of Kalakaua Avenue street-closure permits. Star-Advertiser.

After the deadly Florida school shooting and several threats towards Oahu schools, one teacher hopes the DOE will do more to prevent a tragedy in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

The World Surf League said Thursday that one of the most prestigious surfing events will not take place on Oahu's North Shore in 2019 following a permitting dispute with the City and County of Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The county Salary Commission stands by the big raises it doled out to county officials, and this week voted to oppose a charter amendment opening its process to greater public scrutiny. West Hawaii Today.

A California company is looking at Hawaii Island as a potential site for launching small satellites into orbit. And its CEO claims it can do it without rockets. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Council members were given an update on the organic waste program during a recent committee meeting. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island’s ‘Oasis’ Of Affordable Homes. It’s a whole different real estate market on the east side of the Big Island, where residences cost about half as much as they do on Oahu. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Island Albizia Task Force announced it will carry out a series of albizia control projects costing $1 million within the next several weeks on the east side of the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii a destination for adventure — safety be darned — yet officials continue to push for precaution in a daunting fight. West Hawaii Today.

Crash settlement to cost state $1.3M. Lawyers for the state have agreed to pay $1.3 million in connection with a car crash on Hawaii island almost four years ago that left a 23-year-old man paralyzed. Star-Advertiser.

The arrival of a new player in the Kona coffee game has stirred more than milk and sugar into the region’s proverbial drink. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Budget panel moves toward buying building. The property, once acquired, would be torn down to make way for the Wailuku civic complex development. Maui News.

The county parks permit office at the War Memorial Gym will be opening 2 1/2 hours later Tuesday for early-morning training. Maui News.

A group of Native Hawaiians and students seized the flags on the campus of the University of Hawaii Maui College to protest the American flag flying above the Hawaiian flag. Associated Press.

TV producer buys Maui home for $23M, highest-priced sale in Hawaii so far this year. A five-bedroom, seven-bath new beachfront home in Kihei has sold for $22.8 million, the highest-priced residential transaction in Hawaii so far this year, and the fourth-highest sale ever on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Diane Moss, Founding Director of the Renewables 100 Policy Institute, will be the keynote speaker for the Fifth Annual Maui Energy Conference held at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on March 14-15. Maui Now.

Kauai

Cable television on Kauai will be changing to digital broadcasting this summer. The planned conversion is expected to increase Spectrum’s bandwidth but may affect local programming across the state, especially on Kauai. Garden Island.