Showing posts with label civil unions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label civil unions. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Hawaiian monk seal captured after biting Kona Ironman contestants, Honolulu one step closer to rail transit, Kauai postpones GMO vote, gay marriage symposium canceled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo by contestant Greg Welch
Hawaiian monk seal watches Ironman contestants, photo by Ironman Greg Welch
Two marine biologists and a veterinarian have removed a young Hawaiian monk seal from the wild after it bit two triathletes swimming in Kamakahonu Bay Tuesday. The 6-month-old seal, weighing 100 pounds, was reportedly following and swimming circles around the triathletes prior to nipping them. Both men had minor injuries and were treated on site. One man was bitten on a knee and the other was bitten on the side of his abdomen, said Michelle Barbieri, a veterinarian with The Marine Mammal Center. West Hawaii Today.

Honolulu transit officials filed court documents Tuesday asserting that they've complied with a federal judge's instructions to study the alternative routes and impacts of the city's rail project. If Judge A. Wallace Tashima accepts the city's "notice of compliance," filed in District Court, the move could lift his order blocking rail construction in the heart of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu is one step closer to putting to rest a federal lawsuit that aimed to stall the city’s $5.26 billion rail project. On Tuesday, the city’s attorneys filed paperwork with the U.S. District Court that answered Judge A. Wallace Tashima’s questions regarding the city’s compliance with federal transportation and environment requirements. Civil Beat.

A symposium on the religious exemption in a gay marriage bill that was scheduled for Wednesday evening at the state Capitol has been cancelled. Organizers from the University of Hawaii law school said there was a misunderstanding about whether the symposium would only focus on the religious exemption or whether other issues related to the bill would be discussed. Star-Advertiser.

Marriage Equality Could Make Hawaii Schools More Gay-Friendly. Civil Beat.

State Rep. K. Mark Takai, a congressional hopeful who voted against civil unions and had been undecided on gay marriage, said Tuesday that he supports marriage equality. Star-Advertiser.

Ahi lovers could face a price hike for fresh sashimi and poke next year because of a proposal that would slice the bigeye tuna limit for Hawaii's longline fleet. The overfishing of bigeye tuna is a problem across the Pacific Ocean. The issue is managed at an international level, and the U.S. is hoping to keep the current quota in place. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is warning the public about unauthorized websites that appear to be trying to get personal information from those seeking unemployment benefits. The department said Tuesday the sites bear the state of Hawaii seal and are targeting those wanting to file unemployment benefits online. Associated Press.

Twenty-nine confirmed cases, 11 hospitalizations, two liver transplants and one death later, the state Department of Health on Tuesday finally confirmed the name of the dietary supplement linked to a surge in acute liver inflammation and liver failure in the isles, asking that sale of the product come to a halt. Health Department staff traveled store to store Tuesday appealing to local retailers to voluntarily remove all formulas of the marketed "fat burner" OxyELITE Pro from their shelves while the agency continues to work with the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control to investigate the precise cause of the rash of cases. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health and federal agencies are warning the public to stop using a diet supplement and have asked retailers to take the product off the shelves after reports of hepatitis and liver failure around the state. Associated Press.

Some Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers will soon be flying missions in unarmed civilian turboprop aircraft over battle zones in Afghanistan. The Detachment 55 soldiers will be using Super King Air 300s loaded with high-resolution sensors and cameras to support troops on the ground. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health reported Tuesday afternoon that it had linked a single case of salmonella poisoning reported in Hawaii to multiple other illnesses on the mainland that have been connected to a California-based chicken farm. Tribune-Herald.

Chad Blair: A Postcard From Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Nationwide, Hawai`i has the second-largest percentage of its agriculture land held by foreign investors, according to a recent survey by the US Department of Agriculture. Maui Now.

Oahu
Hundreds turned out at Kahuku High School where the Honolulu City Council heard a controversial plan that could pave the way for new housing and hotel developments to the North Shore and Windward Oahu communities. The Koolau Loa Sustainable Communities Plan, or Bill 47, sets the blue print for future growth in the rural community that first coined the term "Keep the Country Country." Hawaii News Now.

State conservation officers continue to monitor waters off Oahu for large illegal fishing nets after several were confiscated in Kaneohe Bay this summer. The Department of Land and Natural Resources this week reported that its enforcement officer retrieved two illegal lay nets in Kaneohe Bay this summer that totaled more than 1,200 feet long and also removed several derelict net balls comprised of different types of tangled net whose weight can destroy coral reefs as they roll around in the waves. Star-Advertiser.

Federal agent Christopher Deedy has joined in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's request for an order from the Hawaii Supreme Court prohibiting a state judge from holding closed court sessions in his murder case without giving the public a chance to object. Star-Advertiser.

A veteran police officer who's the member of an elite Honolulu Police Department unit is facing a criminal trial and an internal investigation after being accused of assaulting a man arrested for beating up the officer's adult daughter. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Tower Marketplace would look less like a retail center and more like a university campus under the latest plan proposed by Hawaii Pacific University a year after it took control of the shopping and dining complex fronting Honolulu Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

County Public Works crews expedited a Kuakini Highway-Kaiwi Street intersection repaving project this month, partially at the request of Ironman World Championship officials, Public Works Director Warren Lee said. West Hawaii Today.

A measure asking the state Legislature to fund the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy Building at the University of Hawaii at Hilo — one of 14 bills being circulated among the four counties for approval before the January legislative session — is apparently not getting much support outside Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County and the state are quickly running out of patience with the operators of the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. Both the county and state Attorney General’s Office submitted filings in federal bankruptcy court late Monday requesting that the hotel’s bankruptcy trustee be unable to assume its lease on Oct. 21, a step needed to proceed with a sale, citing more than $1.6 million in unpaid bills and other problems with the beleaguered operation on Hilo’s Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

For the second time in less than two weeks, a breakdown at an East Hawaii wastewater treatment plant has resulted in ocean discharge of partially treated but disinfected sewage. The latest event occurred at the Papaikou Wastewater Treatment Plan located near Waipahi Point several miles north of Hilo. Big Island Now.

Maui
The second of two stakeholder meetings to discuss a plan for the proposed transition of Pāʻia Elementary School into an entirely Hawaiian speaking, immersion site, takes place tonight. Maui Now.

A workday Saturday at the Kalakupua Playground at the 4th Marine Division Park in Haiku will literally help lay the groundwork for the rebirth of the community-built play structure that had deteriorated to the point where it was no longer safe for children. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho wants to put the brakes on a controversial bill that would increase county oversight of biotech companies and heavy agricultural users of pesticides. Carvalho and his staff testified Tuesday during the Kauai County Council’s hearing on Bill 2491, that the county is ill-equipped to implement the measure, lacking qualified staff and sufficient funds. Civil Beat.

The Kauai County Council will reconvene Tuesday after the administration asked for more time to tackle a bill that would regulate use of pesticides and genetically modified crops by large agribusinesses. The Council heard testimony on Bill 2491 from community members, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Managing Director Gary Heu and Deputy County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and his administration recommended Tuesday that the Kauai County Council consider another deferral of Bill 2491. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative officials say they will break ground next month on the state’s largest photovoltaic facility aimed at curbing the island’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The 12-megawatt array, which will be built on 67 acres of leased land owned by Grove Farm Company affiliate Haupu Land Company LLC, is scheduled Nov. 6 following nearly a year of work.  Garden Island.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Inouye hospitalized indefinitely, 700 civil unions statewide, Legislature may consider marijuana legalization, PCBs in Kauai water, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 all rights reserved All Hawaii News
Inouye at 2010 Hawaii bus blessing (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye is fighting respiratory complications and will remain hospitalized indefinitely, his staff said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Daniel Inouye remains in hospitalized in a Washington-area hospital on Sunday evening. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye remained hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland on Sunday with respiratory complications with no indication as to when he would be released, as doctors worked to stabilize his supplemental oxygen requirements, his spokesman said. Pacific Business News.

In its first year recognizing civil unions, Hawaii has issued more than 700 licenses to couples. Tribune-Herald.

Legislature Might Amend Hawaii Marijuana Laws. Civil Beat.

Tourism industry experts are forecasting a sunny winter season in Hawaii, thanks to an expected harsh winter on the Mainland and increased air lift into the Aloha State. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's unemployment rate is just 5.5 percent, lower than its been since the recession and far lower than the national average of 7.9 percent. Civil Beat.

State roundup for December 17. Associated Press.

Oahu
The 80 or so businesses left at the old Kapalama Military Reservation at Hono­lulu Harbor have been given an early 2014 deadline to vacate as the state proceeds with plans for a $250 million, 90-acre shipping container terminal to handle Hawaii's growing import needs. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency medical services will return to Ewa, as the new sale of an old Oahu hospital is announced. KITV4.

Some coastal residents of Hauula are increasingly fed up with chronic flooding trouble they say has been made worse by a drainage pipe valve installed by the city. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple has announced the appointment of Ben Jay as the new Athletics Director. President M.R.C. Greenwood joins him in congratulating Mr. Jay. She did meet with Mr. Jay during his visit and is very pleased with his selection. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to use heavy sandbags to stabilize a Waikiki beach groin this week. Associated Press

Hawaii

A statewide Civil Defense siren modernization program could bring as many as 15 new alarms to the Big Island next year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Once on the path to recovery, the rare and iconic Haleakala silversword on Maui appears to be fighting for survival as rainfall declines and temperatures rise in its mountainous habitat, according to scientists. Star-Advertiser.

Termites are chewing away at the 136-year-old Ka'ahumanu Church, but at least four years of church fundraisers have not brought congregation members anywhere near the $850,000 needed to refurbish the iconic, often-photographed church. Maui News.

Kauai

Island residents who use the Hanama‘ulu post office should expect that mail and packages were likely damaged during Friday’s fire that destroyed the 116-year-old Hanama‘ulu Trading Company building. Garden Island.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health announced Friday that a chemical contaminant was found in a drinking water reservoir in Princeville. Garden Island.

The Cost Control Commission quietly and without much discussion unanimously approved its 2012 Annual Report during its monthly meeting last week. Garden Island.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Hawaii gay marriage ban upheld, early voting ends today, Occupy Honolulu occupies police station, Kauai park smoking ban fails, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Honolulu civil unions protest (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
A challenge of state laws banning same-sex marriage will now move to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, after a federal judge's ruling Wednesday upholding the prohibition and throwing out a lawsuit contending the ban violates the U.S. Constitution. Star-Advertiser.

A U.S. District Court judge in Honolulu has rejected arguments from two lesbians who said that Hawaii's 1998 ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie said today he is willing to appeal a Hawaii federal court’s decision that upholds the constitutionality of state law barring marriage between same-sex couples. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal judge ruled Wednesday against two Hawaii women who want to get married instead of enter into a civil union, handing a victory to opponents of gay marriage in a state that’s been at the forefront of the issue. Associated Press.

U.S. District Court Judge Alan Kay upheld the state's current laws banning same-sex marriage in Honolulu federal court Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

A federal judge has ruled against two local women who want to get married. Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Alan Kay upheld Hawaii's law banning same-sex marriages. KHON2.

It's the last day for Hawaii voters to participate in early walk-in voting for this weekend's primary election. Hawaii News Now.

In Hawaii, it’s best not to let your politics get in the way of your aloha. That’s the message of some candidates heading into Saturday's primary. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidate Mazie Hirono has raised over four times as much cash as her nearest opponent ahead of Saturday’s primary election, and is surpassed only by the presumptive Republican nominee, former Gov. Linda Lingle. Tribune-Herald.

The 2nd Congressional District race will most likely be decided in the Primary Election Saturday… with the Democratic Party winner going on to win in the General Election, November 6th. Hawaii Public Radio.

For the second time in two elections, Mufi Hannemann is pulling out the big guns to show his large group of powerful backers in the final week of the election. Civil Beat.

Ed Case says he'll fix Washington. Mazie Hirono's strength is a collaborative style. Linda Lingle is bipartisan. Civil Beat.

Three bills dealing with cybercrimes were passed by the Legislature in the spring and signed into law by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii drivers registered 22,110 new vehicles in the first six months of this year, up nearly 20 percent from the 18,510 registered in the first half of 2011, according to a Hawaii Auto Outlook report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for August 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Occupy Honolulu protesters set up a new encampment at the Honolulu Police Department's headquarters on South Beretania Street, asserting that city workers improperly seized their items. Star-Advertiser.

The Oahu Burial Council Chair says the council is back in business, for their second meeting, after a five month hiatus. KITV4.

Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) says it will resume its ads targeting Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano now that he has been released from the hospital after suffering from a bleeding ulcer.  KHON2.

With three days before the primary election, Honolulu mayoral candidates are making a final fundraising push. Hawaii News Now.

A new exhibit at the Arizona Memorial museum will feature the Hiroshima atom bomb attack. Associated Press.

Officials at the Hawaii State Hospital are trying to balance public safety and patient privacy with a high-profile patient being allowed to take college classes unsupervised. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi is proud of all of his administration’s accomplishments during his first four years, but he really wishes he’d done more about the trash. West Hawaii Today.

Saying “poor performance” is not addressed in the ethics code, the Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday dismissed a complaint against Hilo Councilmen Donald Ikeda and Dennis Onishi. West Hawaii Today.

A new concessionaire is set take the reins Monday at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Volcano House. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ 2012 conference will start as planned on Monday, with some 600 people from the federal circuits in nine western states gathering on Maui for the four-day event. Pacific Business News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will offer opening remarks at the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, taking place on Maui on August 13 to 16, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Maui Now.

Longtime state Sen. J. Kalani English represents the Senate's largest geographical district, which stretches across four islands - a distinction he says requires a special understanding that sets him apart from his opponents in Saturday's primary election. Maui News.

Kauai

Residential electricity rates fell in August on all islands except for Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will be mailing every properly registered voter a signature card on August 8, 2012. Signatures on the cards will be captured electronically and used to verify (authenticate) the signatures on absentee ballots and other official voting and election documents. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill banning tobacco products in county parks, introduced 21⁄2 months ago by Kaua‘i County Councilman Dickie Chang, at first appeared to be a slam dunk. Garden Island.

Molokai
The state plans to build a $1.3 million hydroelectric power plant on Molokai to help defray the energy costs tied to pumping water from Waikolu Valley for its irrigation system. Maui News.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Federal judge mulls Hawaii gay marriage ban, state doesn't know results of $1B tech credits, Ethics Commission fines 22 for not filing, Honolulu airport in top three for pandemic fears, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright All Hawaii News
Honolulu civil unions protest (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A federal judge will rule later on Hawaii's ban on same-sex marriage after hearing more than two hours of arguments Tuesday on the legal landscape here and around the country on the controversial topic. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie should remain as a defendant in a lawsuit against the state by two women who want to get married, but he believes a ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, a lawyer representing him said in court Tuesday. Associated Press.

The state auditor says because of a weak law, the state doesn't know the impact of $1 billion spent in tax credits to boost the high-tech industry in Hawaii in areas such as biotechnology, software and alternative energy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe has accused Gov. Neil Abercrombie of being "infected by the Mainland political strategy of attacking teacher unions" and having better things to spend money on than schools. Civil Beat.

The state Ethics Commission is fining 22 state House and Senate candidates — including several incumbents — $25 each for failing to meet a deadline for filing financial disclosure statements. Hawaii Reporter

The Hawaii state Judicial Council is looking to fill a vacancy on the Hawaii State Ethics Commission created by the departure of Jacqueline Kido. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii announcement on Tuesday that she received the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Don Young. Hawaii Reporter.

Economic conditions for Hawaii's children have worsened over the past several years, but there have been gains made in education. Associated Press.

State roundup for July 25. Associated Press.

Oahu
Although he's been out of office for a decade, Ben Cayetano is hardly an unknown commodity in Hawaii politics: 28 years in elected office, the last eight as governor, and all three decades of public service as a card-carrying Democrat. Star-Advertiser.

The last time Ben Cayetano was on a ballot was in 1998. He was running for his second term as Hawaii’s governor. Civil Beat.

Less than six months after problems surfaced at the Next Step homeless shelter in Kakaako, residents and some state officials are worried things may be getting worse. Civil Beat.

By early August, drivers will begin steering along reconfigured onramps and offramps on the H-1 freeway between Punahou Street and the Punchbowl area when the state completes a re-striping project that will add a fourth lane in each direction. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists are set to begin testing for geothermal energy potential on Oahu and other Hawaiian islands. Civil Beat.

The Massachucetts Institute of Technology study points to New York, Los Angeles and Honolulu as the three top airports as the most likely places to spread an infectious diseases in the early days of a pandemic. KITV4.

Among the players in the University of Hawaii’s recent fundraising fiasco are: a recently bankrupted local entertainment promoter whose home is now in foreclosure; a Florida firm that only began business in February; and a commercial painting contractor with a history of bad debts. Hawaii Reporter.

The local promoter at the center of the failed UH Stevie Wonder concert -- canceled two weeks ago -- has encountered serious financial problems in recent years. Hawaii News Now.

A Honolulu City Council Committee passed a resolution today urging the State to tighten rules for pig hunting dogs. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city says a Kalihi apartment building has been releasing sewage into a stream for at least two weeks. KHON2.

Hawaii

Pick five Hawaii County residents out of any supermarket checkout line and chances are good that at least one is buying groceries with food stamps. Tribune-Herald.

In a trend that has worsened over the past years, children in Hawaii are more likely to be living in poverty, have parents lacking secure employment and are living in households with a high housing cost burden, according to a national survey released today. West Hawaii Today.

Democrats will have a choice between a former union leader and a first-term County Council member in the state House District 3 primary. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lifelong residents of rural Olowalu in West Maui say their town wants the proposed improvements and amenities that would come with plans to build some 1,500 housing units in the area. Maui News.

A candidate forum featuring Maui County candidates in contested raced in the Aug. 11 primary election will be televised 6 to 9 tonight on Akaku Channels 52, 53 and 54. Maui News.

Last week, Hui No Ke Ola Pono, a native Hawaiian health care center, installed Lui Hokoana as their board of director’s president along with several new officers at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced it will be strictly enforcing state parks rules, including those that prohibit dogs on the beach. Garden Island.

Phyllis Kunimura, Koloa Plantation Days Board President, was pleased people were talking Monday night at The Shops at Kukui‘ula. Garden Island.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Kinder, gentler TSA? Van Jones rallies state Capitol, Abercrombie names ag appointees, civil unions law tweaked, rare dengue-carrying mosquito prompts Health Department warning, bacteria high in Kauai waters, skink vanishes from Hawaii, Maui Charter Commission gives nod to Native Hawaiians, Hawaii council mulls paying for recyclables, more news from all the islands

TSA screening photo, courtesy conspiracyplanet.com


After a series of abuses by TSA officials across the country, Hawaii senators on the Transportation and Public Safety/Military Affairs committees unanimously passed a "Travelers Bill of Rights" on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Van Jones, President Barack Obama’s former green jobs adviser who heads the “Rebuild the Dream” organization, keynoted a rally and a “mass action event” at the Hawaii State Capitol Tuesday night to promote “economic fairness” and “economic justice.” Hawaii Reporter.

The Biker for Christ was among the last to testify, but what he had to tell two Senate committees Tuesday was among the most memorable testimony submitted on House Bill 2569 — a civil unions bill. Civil Beat.

State senators are supporting a bill that would allow Hawaii high school graduates without legal immigration status to get resident tuition at the University of Hawaii and be eligible for state-funded financial aid. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is considering the creation of a "clean economy bank." And it’s attracted the attention of Obama’s former green energy czar. Civil Beat.

The state House Judiciary Committee approved a bill today that sets aside money to settle claims against the state with the addition of more than $5.6 million in recent settlements. Star-Advertiser.

honeybee
Two bills are advancing in the Legislature this session to protect honey bees in Hawai’i.   These winged insects are a major economic driver in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Big Island state Rep. Bob Herkes, D-Puna, Ka‘u, Kona, is working to temper legislation that was enacted last spring to curtail the high rate of home foreclosures in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

The years-long controversy over whether or not to shut down a major research center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has led faculty members to draw up a damning resolution condemning the center's interim director, who they've repeatedly asked to resign. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced five appointments to fill seats on the Board of Agriculture and the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Associated Press.

Hawaii Websites Promote Extreme Hiking. KITV4.

For many of the 3,500 Schofield Barracks soldiers now returning from Af­ghani­stan, a decade of war in two countries finally may be over. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hoteliers had the home-court advantage this week as they competed with other destinations for millions of dollars' worth of high-stakes deals at a gathering of meeting planners in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

blue-tailed skin
The native-to-Hawaii copper striped blue- tailed skink, Emoia impar, is the latest vertebrate species to be declared extinct in the Hawaiian Islands, Robert Fisher, a biologist and research scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Western Ecological Research Center in California, said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Scientists are baffled about why the copper-striped blue-tailed skink has become extinct from the Hawaiian Islands — and might have been gone for decades without much ado. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed rather modest import tariffs on Chinese-made solar modules as part of its preliminary determination into unfair pricing from the Chinese. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
After more than 30 years, the city of Honolulu is finally moving to fulfill a constitutional mandate to protect Oahu’s important agricultural lands. Civil Beat.

About 500 traffic-related citations were issued to motorists during a five-hour period along the Leeward Coast by Honolulu Police Department solo bike officers today. Star-Advertiser.

Cayetano's Transit Plan Mirrors Harris' in 2000. Civil Beat.

A rare mosquito has been found on Oahu for the first time in more than 60 years. Now the state is reminding people to get rid of standing water on their property. Hawaii News Now.

Tsunami debris contingency plan to be voted on by Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of State and Church is demanding the Hawaii Public Housing Authority evict a church from a state owned building at a low income housing complex in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

Nuuanu Hillside Development Draws Fire From Neighbors. KITV4.

It's a dangerous stretch of road in Kapolei. That's how some West Oahu residents, including Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg, are describing a part of Kapolei Parkway. KHON2.

Hawaii

A measure to encourage island residents to recycle more cardboard, glass, plastic and metal was postponed Tuesday afternoon after gaining some favorable testimony. West Hawaii Today.

When it comes to the future of Medicare and Social Security, Kona resident Nancy Callahan fears more benefits will be slashed, and more funding will be needed to keep what few benefits remain. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Charter Commission supported a last-minute proposal Monday that would verbally acknowledge the importance of Native Hawaiians to the community. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Arakawa will unveil his proposed budget for the 2013 Fiscal Year this Friday, March 23, during a presentation in the Council Chambers. Maui Now.

County officials hope to know by midweek the extent of the damage and the scope of repair work required for the Hanawana Bridge in Kailua that collapsed during heavy rains earlier this month, cutting off vehicular transportation for about 40 residents. Maui News.

Kauai

While waters from open ocean surf breaks are flushing out clean in the wake of storms and flooding earlier this month on Kaua‘i, Surfrider Foundation volunteers found high bacteria counts in some streams and nearby coastal areas. Garden Island.

It’s a dirty business, but in the aftermath of heavy rains earlier this month, trucks full of untreated sewage were kept busy in some Kaua‘i neighborhoods. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will "indefinitely defer" the installation of smart meters for any ratepayers who object to the devices, company officials announced after a federal lawsuit was filed by a KIUC member attempting to block the project. Star-Advertiser.


Thursday, March 8, 2012

Poll shows Cayetano on top for Honolulu mayor, Hawaii GOP now relevant, economy on upswing, electric rates rise, Legislature ponders official microbe and civil union bills, Abercrombie releases money for schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

former Hawaii Gov. and mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano, courtesy photo
Former Gov. Ben Cayetano is riding strong anti-rail sentiment to a dominating lead in the Honolulu mayor's race, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Voters in Hawaii's upcoming Republican presidential caucus have found themselves in an unusual position: They're relevant. Associated Press.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $236,625 to run television ads last month supporting Linda Lingle's run for the U.S. Senate. Civil Beat.

The Council on Revenues has upgraded its forecast for the current fiscal year, citing an improving economy led by Hawaii's rebounding visitor industry. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Council on Revenues has increased its revenue growth projection for the fiscal year ending June 30 by 0.5 percent to 12 percent. Pacific Business News.

The Council on Revenues raised its State general fund projection today … increasing the total amount of tax revenues the state can expect this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Is Hawaii "in the money"? The Hawaii Council on Revenues, the 7-member politically appointed body officially charged with forecasting the state's economic future, today increased the state's revenue growth projection for the fiscal year ending June 30 from 11.5 percent to 12 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Rowdy objections at the state Capitol could land critics in jail if a proposal moving through the Legislature becomes law. Associated Press.

A bill that would recognize an “official microbe” of the state of Hawaii was passed by the House of Representatives today. Hawaii Reporter.

Two bills making their way through the Legislature aim to clear up confusion surrounding the state’s civil union law. Tribune-Herald.

Nine of the 64 video surveillance cameras at the state Capitol don't work and the computers that run the system no longer allow sheriff's deputies to monitor all of the functioning cameras at once, state officials acknowledged Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Rising fuel prices pushed residential electricity bills higher in March on all islands, utility officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has been in serious talks with more airlines to jump into the Hawaii market as a way to help offset rising costs and bring more visitors in. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Wednesday that $7.48 million is being released by the state for public schools capital improvement projects. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Education estimates that ramping up instructional time in public schools as required by a new law passed last year will cost $206 million over the next seven years. Civil Beat.

Oahu
A Honolulu District Court judge denied motions Wednesday by six Occupy Honolulu members to dismiss charges stemming from remaining in Thomas Square beyond park hours in November. Star-Advertiser.

Pictures of tourists straddling and touching Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, which are a threatened species, have prompted a reminder that disturbing them in any way is a violation of both state and federal law. Hawaii News Now.

Guests at a hotel near Honolulu's airport found a suckling pig in the lobby, but it wasn't on the menu of the luau. KITV4.

Hawaii

Commissioners who create County Council districts would be barred from running in those districts for at least one election cycle after the lines are drawn, under a charter amendment the council Governmental Relations Committee is scheduled to hear today. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island hospitals and doctors are finally seeing the pieces of a $16 million federal stimulus award come together. West Hawaii Today.

Banana bunchy virus found in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Businesses are back in Kailua-Kona after last year's tsunami. KHON2.

Maui

Voters will get a chance to decide whether to make the county Department of Environmental Management responsible for "sustainability" in addition to its other duties. Maui News.

Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on list of Lehman holdings for sale. Associated Press.

Beaches in West Maui and Honolulu were ranked among the top in the US and World according to the annual awards issued by the international travel site, TripAdvisor. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tropic Care Kaua‘i ends Friday. Garden Island.

A bill recently introduced at the Kaua‘i County Council by request of the administration intends to promote the “effective and efficient use of solar energy facilities.” But not at the expense of Kaua‘i’s “best agricultural lands,” according to an amendment unanimously approved by the council’s Planning Committee Wednesday. Garden Island.

Now that the emergency shelters are closed, American Red Cross volunteers on Kaua‘i are helping assess damage from this week’s heavy rains on Kaua‘i, spokeswoman Maria Lutz said Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

The close connection between land and sea is nothing new for Molokai locals. But researchers have taken that connection a step farther and made a groundbreaking discovery along the coast of Molokai: they found that in two submarine canyons off the north shore of the island, ocean animals are relying heavily on resources from the land. Molokai Dispatch.


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Hawaii to get some of Okinawa Marines, emergency money for APEC, trial for 6 Occupy Honolulu members starts today, dogs in restaurants, endangered snails released on Oahu, state lawmakers want more gifts, ziplines scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pololu Valley Lookout (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The Public Land Development Corp., an agency tasked with developing public lands, has raised concerns from environmentalists and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and is under attack by lawmakers this session. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's tourism industry could be changed by a proposal discussed Tuesday that requires more strict inspections of zip lines, which allow riders strapped to a harness and a cable to glide above forest canopies. Associated Press.

Companion bills seeking the regulation of zipline and canopy tours in Hawaii are scheduled to be heard by respective committees today. Maui Now.

Fed up with the state's ethics chief over advice they haven't liked about whether they can accept certain gifts, a handful of Hawaii lawmakers recently decided to go over his head. Civil Beat.

Senior Japanese officials say 4,700 U.S. Marines on Okinawa will be transferred to Guam. The remaining 3,300 would reportedly rotate among Australia, Hawaii or the Philippines. Associated Press.

Three months after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the state is asking legislators for an emergency appropriation of nearly $3 million to help cover its costs. KITV4.

The legal argument about gay marriage may be headed for the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile a similar constitutionality battle continues in Hawai`i. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa
Among Hawaii's delegates, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Urban Oahu, traveled back to the Islands the most in the past year: 14 roundtrips from Washington between Jan. 1, 2011 and Jan. 23, 2012. Civil Beat.

Business and labor interests are mobilizing on opposite sides of bills pending in the Legislature that would mandate paid leave for employees who are sick, victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. Tribune-Herald.

The state Health Department opposes a bill being supported by Gov. Neil Abercrombie that would allow people to bring their dogs to restaurants statewide. Hawaii News Now.

As part of a push to show progress on key education reforms, the Board of Education is looking to make it board policy that the state move to a new evaluation system for teachers and principals no later than July 1, 2014. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education would need to allocate a certain level of funding for Hawaiian language immersion programs under a bill introduced by state Rep. Mele Carroll. Maui News.

While Hawaii Electric Light Company has predicted its 2012 profits will be affected as a result of customers switching to solar panels, it does not currently have plans to increase its rates. Tribune-Herald.

Dog the Bounty hunter and his wife Beth are lending their support to a bill that they say many other bounty hunters do not support. KHON2.

State roundup for Feb. 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano

Former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, a Democrat in office for 28 years and now a candidate for Honolulu Mayor, had some fighting words for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, in response to Inouye's support for both of Cayetano's mayoral opponents and the $5.3 billion elevated steel wheel on steel rail project, which Inouye announced yesterday received Federal Transit Administration approval to move to the next phase of construction. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu home prices got a jump on the new year, as the median sale price in January for previously owned single-family homes reached its highest level in 16 months. Star-Advertiser.

Trial for Six Occupy Honolulu Members Arrested in November Set for today. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill that would outlaw nearly all commercial activities on Sundays at a popular stretch of beach in Kailua faces a final vote next week after being passed unanimously Tuesday by the City Council’s Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee. KHON2.

Army biologists are releasing three hundreds kahuli tree snails into the heart of Oahu's Waianae mountains help the endangered species. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii
A combination of good management and good luck have left Hawaii County with enough federal stimulus funding to pave another mile of Ane Keohokalole Highway. West Hawaii Today.

The building where Hilo's cruise ship passengers receive a welcoming ceremony and assemble before boarding land tours is being closed for the next year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Filling shelves, kids with knowledge. Maui News.

Kauai

The Prince Course will reopen for play on March 1 at Kauai’s Princeville at Hanalei resort under the management of Montage Golf. Pacific Business News.

Kaua‘i Planning Commission member Hartwell Blake’s words may have summarized the frustration of some of his fellow commissioners when he said a transient vacation rental in an area zoned agricultural is spot zoning of a resort in the middle of a rural community. Garden Island.

Teachers from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School and Kaua‘i Technology Academy had an opportunity to become whale researchers Saturday at the Kukui‘ula Small Boat Harbor. Garden Island.


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Green light for Honolulu rail, state overpays employees $1.5M, Abercrombie answers civil unions legal challenge, Legislature considers gambling, farmers markets, land deals, building codes, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Honolulu rail transit artist's depiction courtesy image



The federal government has granted a key approval that will allow Honolulu to immediately begin up to $184.7 million in construction and other activities on the city's rail project, including erecting the first sections of raised guideway from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu on Monday got a key green light from the Federal Transit Administration and could start to spend $185 million of local tax dollars on heavy construction for the rail project within weeks. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle trails Hawaii's incumbent senators when it comes to local individual contributions but is in the middle of the pack, just under Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka, when it comes to overall contributions, including political action committees. Civil Beat.


The Abercrombie administration is preparing a response to a federal lawsuit challenging the state's civil unions law as unconstitutional because it does not allow same-sex couples to marry, searching for a line that balances both the law and politics. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii lawmakers want to give the governor more power in appointing members to the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents, picking up a political debate started last year after the Senate rejected two of his nominees. Civil Beat.

The state has overpaid its employees more than $1.5 million, with hundreds of thousands more in state tax dollars written off as noncollectable and other incorrect pay amounts recovered months or years later from employees who were accidentally paid too much. Hawaii News Now.

A bill moving through the state Legislature will take out what many consider the more onerous sections of the state building code and give counties more flexibility in defining their own codes. West Hawaii Today.

A parent's failure to report the death or disappearance of a child would become a felony under a bill before the state Legislature. Associated Press.

Several Molokai residents and University of Hawaii students assembled a stone platform with a wooden statue known as a "ki`i" on the grounds of the state Capitol today to bring attention to legislative bills that would require the labeling of genetically modified food in Hawaii stores. Star-Advertiser.

A small group of advocates from Molokai flew over to Oahu today to clean, sand and oil a Haloa Ki’i. Maui Now.

Some farmers say Hawaii's farmers markets are too restrictive and they want state lawmakers to change the rules. Hawaii Public Radio.

Almost 30 gambling bills are still up for consideration by state legislators, ranging from stand alone casinos, lotteries, and internet gambling. lawmakers are floating the ideas to raise much needed revenues for the state. A professor who has studied the effects of gambling across the country says it's a big mistake. KHON2.

Last year was a big year for Hawaii’s cruise ship industry, with 124,456 cruise ship visitors coming to the Islands and spending a collective $34 million. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and two Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees urged lawmakers Monday to approve a $200 million real estate deal that would settle the department's longstanding ceded lands claims with the state. Associated Press.

A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako worth $200 million to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle long-standing ceded lands claims does not do enough to empower the Native Hawaiian people, a key senator contends. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie made a personal appeal to legislators this morning to pass his administration’s proposal for a land transfer to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs that would permanently resolve a decades-long dispute over ceded lands. Hawaii Reporter.

The Advisory Council to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is recommending that the sanctuary consider expanding its focus from humpback whales and their habitat to the ecosystem as a whole. Maui Now.

The University of Hawaii is demanding the operator of a pornographic web site stop using the school's name or face legal action. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for Feb. 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Kapiolani Park Preservation Society said it does not support a Honolulu City Council bill that would double parking meter rates at public parks that include Kapiolani and Aala. KITV4.

Honolulu city workers have cleared a sofa, a bicycle and other personal items from the Occupy Honolulu camp at Thomas Square. Associated Press.

Casting for a new ABC pilot series "Last Resort" will be held on Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii

A mainland company is a step away from securing a 30-year lease to test ocean thermal energy conversion in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The increasing popularity of solar panels will mean higher electricity bills for the majority of Big Island residents who still rely on Hawaiian Electric Light Company for most of their power. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An anonymous donation totaling $100,000 from a local foundation was issued to the Maui Oral Health Center for the acquisition of new dental chairs at the decade-old facility. Maui Now.

Kauai


Kaua‘i County will fund an additional nine local tourism initiatives this year in addition to the 20 the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will support, county officials said Monday. Garden Island.

A new 500,000-gallon county Department of Water tank will expand water service to users in the Lawa‘i and Oma‘o communities of Kaua‘i, Daryl Kaneshiro, the Department of Water Board chair, said Monday at a dedication of the new equipment. Garden Island.

Molokai

The owner of a controversial excursion yacht to Molokai said he intends to keep bringing passengers to the island despite protests but also plans to implement conditions that he finds acceptable from an ongoing community study. Maui News.


Monday, January 30, 2012

Case and Hirono tied in U.S. Senate poll, Hawaii libraries to get wi-fi, Legislature tinkering with civil union law, Caylee's Law coming to Hawaii, Jeff Corwin dives Kona coast, Maui could get state's biggest outlet mall, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Public Library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Wi-Fi will soon be available at libraries across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Daniel Akaka, according to a new Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case at 41 percent, Hirono at 39 percent, with 8 percent saying neither candidate and 12 percent still unsure.

Hawaii may soon join dozens of other states in banning lawmakers from holding political fundraisers during the four months the Hawaii Legislature is in session under a new proposal. Civil Beat

Legislative "fixes" to the civil unions law that took effect this year are working their way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers have introduced a host of bills in the new legislative session aimed at keeping pace with Hawaii's rapidly evolving energy sector, including one proposal that would force Hawaiian Electric Co. out of the power generation business and have it focus strictly on delivering electricity to customers. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly one-third of Hawaii's 256 public schools will use revamped teacher evaluations next school year in a pilot program that will take into account student academic growth, amid concerns from teachers over how the new rating system eventually will be tied to their pay. Star-Advertiser.

Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate. KITV4.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday released more than $15.6 million for capital improvement projects statewide that are designed to improve the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure. Pacific Business News.

The possibility of another big northwest swell has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Warning that will take effect Monday at 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

"Living in the Moment:" New campaign launches to market Hawaiian Islands. KHON2.

State roundup for Jan. 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

As contract expires, many hope Pro Bowl will stay in Hawaii. KHON2.

Cayetano: Rail A Wall of Concrete Snaking Along Honolulu's Waterfront. Civil Beat.

Prostitution Bust At University of Hawaii Professor's Apartment following website' sting. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii


The decision to fire four Hawaii County elections workers may soon start costing Big Island taxpayers. Tribune-Herald.

The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with life, a sign world-renowned animal expert Jeff Corwin said Sunday is hopeful and encouraging. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A California developer wants to begin construction this spring on a shopping center that would be the largest outlet mall in Hawaii. Maui News.

The Maui County Council General Plan Committee will conduct an informational meeting this week on the urban-growth boundaries being proposed in the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a complaint letter with the County of Maui this week citing concerns over First Amendment rights of protesters demonstrating near the Monsanto facility along the Pi’ilani Highway in Kihei. Maui Now.

Kauai

State Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, said the March 24 election of board members of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have a “tremendous impact” on diversifying the future economic base of the island. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i volunteers spotted more whales than their counterparts on Hawaii’s other islands during a weekend ocean count coordinated by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island.

Molokai

Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.