Showing posts with label constitutional convention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label constitutional convention. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Hawaii Supreme Court approves Thirty Meter Telescope, with links to concurring, dissenting opinions, property taxes to bail out Honolulu rail, vacation rentals outpace hotels in occupancy increases, what a newsy day! Plus more state and local government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Tourists view telescopes atop Mauna Kea ©2018 All Hawaii News
Read full Hawaii Supreme Court opinion on Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea here.

Justice Wilson dissents, notice here.

Justices Pollack and Wilson concurring in part, dissenting in part opinion can be read here.

Supreme Court Approves Thirty Meter Telescope. The ruling says the state Board of Land and Natural Resources properly granted a conservation district permit for Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

After facing years of setbacks from protests and legal challenges, the Thirty Meter Telescope cleared its last major hurdle Tuesday before the Hawaii Supreme Court. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules in favor of Thirty Meter Telescope. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in favor of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources' decision to issue a conservation district use permit for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the Big Island’s Mauna Kea. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled in favor the Thirty Meter Telescope permit, paving the way for the $1.4 billion observatory to build on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

After years of legal wrangling and protests, the Thirty Meter Telescope got a green light Tuesday from the state Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court issues ruling allowing TMT to be built on Mauna Kea. The Hawaii Supreme Court has affirmed the state Board of Land and Natural Resources’ decision to issue a Conservation District Use Permit for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. KHON2.

The Thirty Meter Telescope may be headed for another Mauna Kea showdown after the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of the $1.4 billion project Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

State and county officials led by Lt. Gov. Doug Chin have done extensive planning in recent years to prepare for the possibility of widespread protests in connection with the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, and at least some of those plans may involve the use of Hawaii National Guard equipment, according to sources familiar with the preparations. Star-Advertiser.

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Tupola says she told Kerns of debate; Kerns denies it. Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Marissa Kerns said she didn’t attend a televised debate on Monday night because her running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Andria Tupola, deliberately failed to inform her that she had been invited. Star-Advertiser.

Republican candidate for lieutenant governor accuses running mate of ‘sabotaging’ campaign. The war of words comes just seven days before the general election. Hawaii News Now.

Candidate claims she wasn't invited to final TV debate. At the KITV 4 gubernatorial debate, we invited Republican and democratic candidates for governor and Lt. Governor, but not all of them showed up. KITV.

Ige Has Raised And Spent Three Times As Much Campaign Cash As Tupola. The Democrat incumbent is financially dominating his Republican challenger in the Hawaii governor race. Civil Beat.

Unions spend heavily against ConCon. Preserve Our Hawaii, a powerful coalition funded heavily by local unions, has spent more than $600,000 in recent weeks on advertising urging residents to vote “no” in the general election on whether to hold a state constitutional convention, campaign spending reports show. Star-Advertiser.

What A New Hawaii ConCon Might Look Like. The Hawaiian renaissance ensured the 1978 constitutional convention would enshrine indigenous rights. A lot has changed since then. Civil Beat.

Akaka, Kiaaina share unique connection as they compete for OHA’s Oahu seat. Both candidates have a close connection to late Senator Daniel Akaka. Hawaii News Now.

The use of vacation rental homes by visitors from Hawaii’s main tourism markets rose in September as hotel use declined, according to data released Tuesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Will Kiosks and Robots Replace Hotel Workers? Striking hotel workers in Hawaii and elsewhere, fearful of losing jobs, want a seat at the table as management rolls out disruptive technology. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s visitor industry realized statewide growth in visitor arrivals and spending despite September decreases on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

New Guidelines for Rat Lungworm Disease. Two doctors from the UH medical Scholl’s department of Tropical Medicine. Doctors Vernon Ansdell and Gerald Murphy will showcase efforts to deal with Rat Lungworm Disease on a national stage. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Remembering Marine Biology Giant Ruth Gates. Ruth Gates lost her battle with brain cancer last week. She was the director of the Hawaii Institute of Biology and was a champion of coral reefs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pioneering coral reef scientist Ruth Gates, who dedicated much of her career to saving the world’s fragile and deteriorating underwater reef ecosystems, has died. She was 56. Associated Press.

Ruth Gates, trailblazer in coral reef research, died October 25 after being diagnosed with brain cancer in May, but Hawaii officials and environmentalists say her legacy will live on. Garden Island.

Oahu

Council commits city funds to pay $44M for rail project. The Honolulu City Council on Tuesday approved a measure that allowed, for the first time, money from the city’s general fund to be used to finance the rail. Star-Advertiser.

Rail moves over its latest hurdle as City Council passes key funding bill. The Honolulu City Council voted 7-2 Tuesday to approve a key rail funding bill, in a move to appease demands by the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

Public input sought for Ward Village elevated walkways over main streets. Ward Village’s developer is seeking public input on the design of elevated walkways that would connect a central plaza in the neighborhood to a planned rail station, Ala Moana Beach Park and future condominium towers. Star-Advertiser.

Trace levels of a chemical detected in west Oahu water well. The water remains safe to drink. The Waipahu Wells IV found trace levels of 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), which is a soil fumigant and nematicide used in pineapple farming, in the water. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


Council Finalists Talk About Homelessness And Housing. Rebecca Villegas and Kelly Drysdale are facing off to represent a district where many workers cannot afford to live. Civil Beat.

County urged to reopen Hwy 132. Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara will introduce a resolution during a County Council meeting Thursday, urging the county to reopen Highway 132 and develop additional alternative routes. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano is not erupting, however Mayor Harry Kim has nevertheless signed a Fifth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, extending the state of emergency until December 29. Big Island Video News.

Big Island residents will be able to view four U.S. Air Force fighter jets Thursday and Friday as the Hawaii Air National Guard conducts training exercises. Tribune-Herald.

The Kona Historical Society on Monday announced a new addition to its Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook, a 9-month-old Nightingale by the name of Shizu. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island tourism arrivals, spending dropped 14% in September. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Flights to the mainland, hotel rooms, thousands of dollars worth of meals, rental cars and Uber and Lyft rides are among the hundreds of expenses that state Rep. Kaniela Ing failed to report on his campaign spending reports over the years, according to updated reports he filed over the weekend with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Sugimura, Starbuck face off for council seat from Upcountry. On Nov. 6, Maui County Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura will defend her Upcountry residency seat against first-time candidate Hannibal Starbuck. Maui News.

A former Maui police captain will have to register as a sex offender after groping a female sergeant while on the job last year. Hawaii News Now.

Stephen Orikasa, the former Maui Police captain accused of sexually assaulting a fellow officer was sentenced to one year probation Tuesday.   He must also pay $810 in fines and was ordered to complete the Hawaii Sex Offender Treatment Program. KITV.

The County of Maui Department of Planning invites the public to review technical resource papers and provide input for the update of the West Maui Community Plan. Maui Now.

West Maui Community Plan technical resource papers, focusing on issues such as housing, water and wastewater, are available for public review and input, the county Department of Planning said. Maui News.

Kauai

County Council candidate: Norma Doctor Sparks. Norma Doctor Sparks has spent a lifetime in public service and she wants to continue down that path, which is why she’s running for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative inks energy pact. A Kauai renewable energy project combining solar and pumped storage hydro technology has moved one step further toward completion with the execution of a contract for design, engineering and construction on the facility. Garden Island.

If you use Ke Ala Hele Makalae, Kauai Path wants to hear from you. The nonprofit is conducting an online survey to try and learn what for, how often, and why people use the path by the ocean. Garden Island.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Voting starts Tuesday, Case and Cavasso debate, rail audit pending, Maui and Kauai mayoral candidates profiled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

©2018 All Hawaii News www.allhawaiinews.com
Hawaii ballot testing ©2018 All Hawaii News
Walk-in absentee voting for the general election begins Tuesday and runs through Nov. 3. Registered voters are allowed to visit any early walk-in voting location in their county to cast their ballot. Star-Advertiser.

Does Hawaii Need a Constitutional Convention? Every 10 years Hawaii voters are required to decide whether or not to call for a convention to amend the state constitution. A Constitutional Convention, or ConCon, hasn’t happened in Hawaii since 1978. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Friday threw off the November ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would have established a surcharge on investment property to help fund public education. Associated Press.

Ed Case and Cam Cavasso bring familiar names to congressional race. Star-Advertiser.

Why GOP Congressional Candidate Cam Cavasso Won’t Quit Running. The former legislator hasn’t won an election since 1988, yet he keeps taking on Hawaii’s Democrats in federal races. Civil Beat.

Democrat Ed Case and Republican Cam Cavasso squared off with the general election just around the corner. It was a lively showdown between two candidates hoping to earn a seat on Capitol Hill. Hawaii News Now.

Who’s Who On The Ballot For The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs. Up for grabs are three OHA at-large seats, as well as seats representing Maui and Oahu. Civil Beat.

The contested case hearing alleging ethics violations against Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Rowena Akana will start Monday morning despite attempts in court last week to block or delay the proceeding. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Couple Faces Deportation Of Adopted Sons With Down Syndrome. A federal agency says their parents, Ryan and Francheska Grogan, failed to prove the adoptions met legal requirements. Civil Beat.

Marriott, Kyo-ya to meet with hotel workers union over contract negotiations. About 2,700 Hawaii union hotel workers have been on strike since Oct. 8 after negotiating for higher wages, better benefits and job security. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Time is running out to resolve a series of disputes between the Hawaii State Auditor and staff at the Honolulu rail project, and that time crunch may limit how much the public will learn about what has gone wrong with rail. Star-Advertiser.

Former city Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha is faking an illness to delay her trial next month on multiple counts of bank fraud, according to federal prosecutors. Star-Advertiser.

Community and federal government in conflict over opposing plans for Aiea site. The state is trying to fast-track plans to develop a $70 million veterans home mostly funded by the federal government, but a last-minute decision on where to build the facility has created a backlash. Star-Advertiser.

Younger patients prefer urgent care clinics, and health care providers are delivering. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ag survey reports nearly $28M in damages caused by eruption. Fewer than 50 Big Island farmers reported nearly $28 million in total agricultural damages in a survey of farmers affected by the Kilauea eruption published last week. Tribune-Herald.

Bulldozing begins on Highway 137; temporary road over lava rock to be used by landowners, area residents first. Tribune-Herald.

Salary Commission finds setting salaries a tricky business. Among their ranks are a physician, a retired stockbroker, two engineers and a tax manager. Four of the eight are former government employees and one works for a consulting firm doing business with the county. West Hawaii Today.

Innergex Renewable Energy wins two Hawaiian Electric solar-plus-storage project bids: Public presentations set for Oct. 29 and Nov. 1 to discuss Waimea project. West Hawaii Today.

A series of free presentations planned around the Big Island intend to educate residents and health care professionals about medically assisted death in the “Our Care, Our Choice” Act, which goes into effect Jan. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Trashing tires tiresome for county. Hawaii County doesn’t consider tires rubbish, but that hasn’t stopped residents from abandoning them on roadsides or dropping them off at transfer stations in defiance of official policy. West Hawaii Today.

Small farm homesteads are planned for a former sugar plantation site. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants to reduce a backlog of beneficiaries waiting for homesteads by offering a new kind of land lease: small farm sites. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Mayoral candidates give preview of administrations. In the lead-up to the Nov. 6 Election Day showdown, mayoral candidates Elle Cochran and Mike Victorino have dished on issues ranging from housing to agriculture to tourism and the economy. Maui News.

Hawaii’s only farmer serving as a lawmaker at the state Capitol is questioning Gov. David Ige’s pledge to double local food production by 2020, and Rep. Lynn DeCoite believes legislators should be shifting more taxpayer dollars from tourism into agriculture, which makes up less than 1 percent of the state’s total budget. Maui News.

An activity center with ziplines, a giant swing, tightropes and other challenges is being proposed for a portion of the former Experience at Koele Golf Course on Lanai. Maui News.

Kauai

In Kauai Mayor’s Race, Rapozo Faces Uphill Battle Against Kawakami. The County Council chairman looks for a turnaround after being significantly outpolled by the former state representative in the primary. Civil Beat.

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will begin offering late voter registration and early voting services in the basement of the Historic County Annex this week. Garden Island.

An abandoned Kauai church that transformed into a gym this June helped youth stay off of drugs and out of trouble; but without the proper permits, the facility had to shut down. Hawaii News Now.

And then there were 6. It was feeding time at the predator-proof nesting area on Kauai’s North Shore, but one of the Newell’s shearwater (‘a‘o) chicks didn’t show up for breakfast. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

More than half oppose education property tax in poll, Ige and Tupola debate, ballots in the mail, hotel strikers cited for trespassing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii 2018 general election ballot © 2018 All Hawaii News
Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Voters Oppose ConAm On Property Taxes. While there is sentiment to help schools and teachers, voters appear worried about how the ballot question is constructed. Asked how they would vote on the so-called “ConAm” question, 53 percent said they would oppose it compared to just 35 percent who would vote in favor. Civil Beat.

Parents will join teachers at dozens of public schools across the state on Tuesday morning to rally in support of a proposed constitutional amendment regarding education. The proposed constitutional amendment, set to go before voters on Nov. 6, reads: “Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?” Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige and state Representative Andria Tupola square off in first televised debate. KHON2.

Ige, Tupola spar in debate that includes running mates. Andria Tupola criticized Democratic Gov. David Ige for not doing enough to increase affordable housing, cool classrooms, make the state’s roads safer, reduce the waiting list for Hawaiian homelands and reduce homelessness, during a one-hour gubernatorial debate Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Debate: Lieutenant governor candidates closing statements. KHON2.

Voting in the 2018 general election has begun now that the county clerks on three islands sent out tens of thousands of absentee mail-in ballots during the past week. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono Rakes In The Campaign Cash Following Kavanaugh Hearing. While the Hawaii senator doesn’t face much of a challenge in November, her campaign is raising and spending money like she does. Civil Beat.

CD-1: Democrat Ed Case on the Campaign Trail. Two veteran politicians are vying for the Congressional District One seat to represent urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Strike leaves some guests grumbling. So far, there’s no end in sight for the strike, which began Oct. 8 when negotiations between Unite Here Local 5 and Kyo-ya Hotels &Resorts, which owns the Marriott-managed Sheraton Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian, Westin Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and Sheraton Maui, reached an impasse. Star-Advertiser.

No Talks Scheduled Yet in Hotel Strike. Here in Hawaii, 2,700 workers are on the picket lines outside five hotels managed by Marriott and owned by Kyo-Ya. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sears has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Monday and announced 142 stores across the country are closing, however none of the six stores in Hawaii are on that list. KITV.

While Sears’ bankruptcy filing won’t have an immediate effect on its four Hawaii stores, the potential closing of the four mall anchors would open up nearly 500,000 square feet of vacancy and have a dramatic effect on retail vacancy rates in parts of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen died Oct. 15 in Seattle from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was 65 years old. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City Mistakenly OK’d Permit For Site With Native Hawaiian Remains. A residential development is on hold while a developer devises a plan for the iwi — 12 years after the state warned the city of their possible presence. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit accuses Head Start operator of inflating enrollment with ‘ghost children’. The whistleblower alleges Head Start pre-K program defrauded the federal government of over $100M. Hawaii News Now.

Construction is set to start on a condominium tower in Kakaako that will begin to fill in the middle of the Ward Village community planned largely on old retail and warehouse property. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaiian blessing ceremony held today in Kakaako for the groundbreaking of Ward Village's newest high-rise tower, Aalii. KITV.

Giant pothole blamed for sidelining 9 vehicles in Zipper lane. The state Transportation Department said Freeway Service Patrol crews helped nine drivers with tire damage after running over the pothole. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Charter Commission eyes PONC fund: Committee recommends cutting back property taxes going to land preservation. West Hawaii Today.

After widespread testimony against proposed administrative rules for Mauna Kea, changes are being considered by the University of Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

After nearly a decade in the making, new adult day center in Hilo is dedicated. The long-awaited Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Adult Day Center was dedicated Monday, nearly a decade after plans for such a facility were first discussed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Strikers at Sheraton Maui Issued Trespass Citations. The three employees were passing out leaflets to guests in the hotel’s porte corchere, informing them of the strike which impacts their hotel and four other hotels in Hawaii. Maui Now.

Hotel employee on strike detained for trespassing. Last week, three people on strike over contract negotiations wanted to hand out fliers to guests staying at the Sheraton Maui hotel in Lahaina. They were detained for trespassing. KITV.

Maalaea condo groups working on wastewater alternatives. Health Department citations issued for three condominium complexes. Maui News.

Maui Police: 5 Unclaimed Remains at Forensic Facility. Department officials said they hope to get in touch with family members of the deceased. Maui Now.

Maui woman killed while sunbathing at popular beach park. A woman was killed while sunbathing early Sunday evening at Hookipa Beach Park on Maui's north shore. KHON2.

Hookipa Sunbather Dies After Being Run Over by Truck. Maui Now.

Kauai

Gov. David Ige signed a fourth supplementary proclamation extending the emergency relief period for the Kauai floods that occurred in April 2018. Garden Island.

A Kauai hula dancer has filed a lawsuit against a restaurant and hotel, stating she was retaliated against on the basis of her sex and for reporting sexual harassment and the failure to protect her from sexual harassment. Garden Island

Monday, October 15, 2018

No special session for volcano recovery, monster houses on Oahu, vacation rentals in Hawaii County, ending term limits for Kauai, cesspools on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Fissure 8, Sept. 6, 2018, USGS photo
House: No Special Session For Kilauea Recovery. The State Legislature will take up the issue of funding recovery efforts during the regular legislative session beginning in January 2019. Tribune-Herald.

Prospects for special legislative session for disaster recovery funds for Puna dwindling. Mayor Harry Kim continued to hold out hope Friday for a last-minute special session of the state Legislature to approve disaster recovery funding for Puna, even as lawmakers say that window has closed. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmaker: ‘A more solid plan’ needed before convening special session on disaster funding. Some were hoping a special session would be held to address immediate needs. Hawaii News Now.

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Here’s How The Top Contenders For Governor Shake Out On Key Issues. Gov. David Ige and state Rep. Andria Tupola both oppose using LNG to produce electricity. But their differences shine through on other topics. Civil Beat.

4 former governors weigh in on controversial constitutional amendment. In the commercial spot paid for by the Affordable Hawaii Coalition, former governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihe’e, Ben Cayetano and Neil Abercrombie appear in a conference call-like setting, all stating their opposition to the proposal. Hawaii News Now.

With the election less than a month away, Hawaii voters will be deciding on a constitutional amendment that would add a surcharge on investment property to help fund public education. Garden Island.

Voters to decide on Hawaii Constitutional Convention. The last ConCon was in 1978, and there wer 102 delegates. Each delegate was chosen by voters. KHON2.

Strike-related dampening of visitor numbers could cross into 2019. Some 2,700 Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii spent a sixth day on strike Saturday, seeking higher wages and better benefits while exacerbating challenges to the state’s visitor industry, which already has had to deal with floods, a volcanic eruption and hurricanes. Star-Advertiser.

Cooperation to Fight Competition in the Air. Seven months into a comprehensive partnership, Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines have already deepened their connection in key ways. Hawaii Public Radio.

How technology is transforming Hawaii agriculture. Hawaii’s farmers, large and small, will have to embrace technology if they want to compete with one another, as well as the global market. That was the general consensus of a recent panel on precision agriculture, hosted by the Hawaii Business Roundtable and the University of Hawaii on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

‘Monster houses’ bill is criticized as not addressing the cause of the problem. The draft of a bill designed to crack down on Oahu’s illegal large-scale houses, or so-called monster homes, is already drawing fire — and it hasn’t even gotten its first public hearing. Star-Advertiser.

We May Finally Get To See Honolulu Police Salary Information. A judge’s rejection of a police union challenge clears the way for the release of names and pay levels for hundreds of officers. Civil Beat.

Experts: Lack Of Mental Health Treatment Among The Culprits In Police Shootings. Six armed suspects have been shot and killed by Honolulu police in recent weeks. Four appear to have suffered from mental health problems. Civil Beat.

Rivals compete for Ewa Beach Senate seat. Matt LoPresti and Kurt Fevella are old Ewa Beach political adversaries whose rivalry is so intense that they have, at different times, called the police on one another. Star-Advertiser.

Race for Mililani House seat pits veteran against rookie. In state House District 36 that covers Mililani Mauka and part of Mililani, a Republican is squaring off against a Democrat to replace a Democrat who won the seat as a Republican. Star-Advertiser.

The commander of American Veterans Hawaii said he will somehow remove 28 enormous concrete pilings — many nearly 60 feet long — that he had trucked in without permission to the former Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, a Dec. 7, 1941, battlefield that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit aids startups finding green solutions in energy, transportation. Start-up companies offering battery-operated airplanes, a video-based monitoring system to verify how fish are caught and new ways to install, track and store solar technology are among Elemental Excelerator’s newest cohort for 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Noise from Local 5 strike impacting businesses, guests. For a week now, the peace in Waikiki has been disrupted. The chants, drums, and bells can get loud, affecting neighboring businesses. KHON2.

Second tower adds 245 units to Ritz-Carlton hotel property. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Revised vacation rental bill comes back to Council. The fifth version of a bill regulating short-term vacation rentals will be considered by the County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday, taking into account recommendations from the Leeward and Windward planning commissions and the Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

A number of recommendations are being made to alter the charter sections dealing with Hawaii County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. Big Island Video News.

Water Supply Dismantling Proposal Opposed. Speakers testified during a Charter Commission meeting against creating a new Department of Water Sustainability. Big Island Video News.

Only one firm shows interest in former Uncle Billy’s site; Study needed before state can proceed with redevelopment. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools is seeking a new operator to harvest a portion of 10,000 acres of forest on the Hamakua Coast and will issue a request for proposal today. Tribune-Herald.

Jury finds former Hawaii Island officer guilty of third-degree negligent homicide. Jody Buddemeyer was on trial accused of hitting and killing cyclist Jeffrey Surnow while driving a police car on Waikoloa Road in Kohala more than three years ago. Hawaii News Now.

HPA didn’t stop adult-student affair, report says. A female supervisor at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy boy’s dormitory on the Big Island was having sex with a male student and officials didn’t do anything to stop her even though they knew or should have known it was happening, according to an independent investigation commissioned by the school. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maalaea condo groups working on wastewater alternatives. Health Department citations issued for three condominium complexes. Maui News.

Solar project proposed for Ulupalakua Ranch land. Innergex plans Oct. 30 meeting for public comment. Maui News.

UH study: Maui more susceptible to erosion from rising sea levels. Erosion, wave run-up models show greater risk. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Planning will close all of its offices on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, to conduct staff training. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council Members Want To End Term Limits — On Themselves. The chief proponent of the ballot measure is Councilman Ross Kagawa. If it fails, he could be term-limited out in 2020. Civil Beat.

Two County Councilmen vying for the mayor’s seat for Kauai County are promising to tackle scarce affordable housing and traffic congestion, which are among the main concerns of isle residents. Star-Advertiser.

As communities across the mainland report disarray in recycling programs after China stopped accepting items in January, people on Kauai said they haven’t seen much of a change. Garden Island.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Lab rejects 20% of medical marijuana, Caldwell signs homeless sidewalk encampment ban, feds seize Kealoha home, Kauai beach smoking ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Medical marijuana sign in Hilo © 2018 All Hawaii News
Lab: More than 20 percent of Hawaii medical marijuana products rejected for sale. The state requires rigorous testing of medical marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

A diverse and powerful coalition made up of unions, businesses and environmentalists are working together to urge residents to vote ‘no’ in the general election on whether to hold a state constitutional convention Star-Advertiser.

Can A Moderate Like Ed Case Still Thrive In Washington? The Hawaii Democrat is likely headed back to Congress. But his centrist views are definitely out of style in a U.S. Capitol split by partisanship. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees suspended personal allowances for members last year. But the Board is contemplating taking action to resolve this matter. Hawaii Public Radio.

In what could prove a lasting black eye, visitors staying at five hotels where workers are on strike are taking to social media to complain about what they thought would be their dream Hawaii vacations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's unemployment rates are low, but businesses are suffering. KHON2.

The Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise arrived in Honolulu on Thursday morning as part of a global campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


Federal authorities have seized the Hawaii Kai home of Honolulu’s former police chief and his wife, a former deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Today was the deadline for retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his former deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha to move out of their Hawaii Kai home to allow the government to sell it. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas ordered to move out of Hawaii Kai home. KHON2.

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The city’s updated, 95-page action plan for tackling homelessness unveiled by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday calls for launching public safety initiatives and providing more health care services for the unsheltered. Star-Advertiser.

The mayor signed two bills into law Thursday that ban the homeless from sleeping or living on public sidewalks, but neither take effect right away. Hawaii News Now.

Two bills aimed at cracking down on homeless encampments are now law. KHON2.

Honolulu has two new laws to stop the homeless from blocking sidewalks. Enforcement is the issue. KITV.

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Most Of Oahu’s Shelters Are A Long Way From Hurricane Ready. The state is assessing the conditions of shelters and retrofitting some, but the work is expensive and slow. Civil Beat.

Par Hawaii broke ground Thursday on a $27 million distillate hydrotreater that will produce clean, ultra-low sulfur diesel and enable the Kapolei- based refinery to produce more jet fuel — two products that are in high demand in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's sole remaining refinery, Par Hawaii, on Thursday broke ground on a new production module that will enable the company to increase its output of clean-burning jet fuel and ultra-low sulfur diesel. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Dairy officials say steps are being taken to reduce the possibility of future wastewater discharges at the Ookala facility. Tribune-Herald.

A plan to make 766 acres of land in Honomu available for a Subsistence Agricultural Homestead Community by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is examined in a draft environmental assessment, or EA. Big Island Video News.

Former officer testifies in his defense. A former Hawaii Police officer accused of fatally striking a cyclist testified in 3rd Circuit Court he didn’t remember the moment the collision occurred the morning of March 1, 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Only a quarter of lava evacuees have found permanent housing. As many as 10 percent of affected households are believed to have left the state. Hawaii News Now.

Why A New Beach Created By Lava May Doom A Popular Boat Ramp. Pohoiki was home to a ramp heavily used by fishermen. Now officials must decide whether to restore it or preserve a black sand beach. Civil Beat.

Five months after the 6.9 earthquake occurred during the eruption of Kilauea, smaller-magnitude earthquakes in the same area are still occurring. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Arakawa administration on Wednesday transmitted a request for funding and approval to Maui County Council members in order to purchase 8,764 acres of land and easements owned by Wailuku Water Company in the West Maui watershed. Maui Now.

Watershed lands purchase submitted to council. Arakawa pushing $9.5 million buy from Wailuku Water. Maui News.

About two dozen Maui residents asked the state Commission on Water Resource Management during a public fact-gathering meeting Tuesday night to release more water to Kahoma Stream, which could be “one of the most thriving freshwater ecosystems” on the island. Maui News.

Workshops on Effective Lobbying Comes to Maui Oct. 15-18. Several “How-To” workshops will be held on Maui to educate the public on effective lobbying at the legislature. Maui Now.

Maui Journalist Documents The Early Days of Activism.  Journalist Gary Kubota has covered news in the islands for  40 decades. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Trump administration’s $250 billion tariffs on goods exported by China is being felt on Maui, where Ceramic Tile Plus & EY Design, a supplier of tiles, countertops and cabinets, is expecting to see a 45 percent increase next month in the price of quartz countertops. Pacific Business News.

The sale in September of an oceanfront unit at the Montage Residences Kapalua Bay on Maui last month for nearly $9 million was the highest-priced condominium sale recorded on Maui in September, and the highest price for a condo in Kapalua Resort so far this year. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Former female employees of the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club in Lihue have filed a lawsuit in Fifth Circuit Court against the hotel conglomerate, alleging a fellow employee recorded them using the bathroom and changing clothes in the female locker room. Garden Island.

Poipu Beach Park is now a designated, tobacco-free facility. The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii and community partners worked with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and county Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo to prohibit tobacco use, including electronic smoking devices, in the park. Garden Island.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. and community partners announced that Poipu Beach Park is now a designated, tobacco-free facility. KHON2.

Poipu Beach Park saying bye bye to butts, now tobacco-free. The park is completely tobacco-free, including e-cigarettes. KITV.

The Hammers N’ Ales fundraiser for the Kauai Habitat for Humanity is 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Poipu Beach Athletic Club. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

$200M for Ala Wai improvements, Abercrombie yes, Hanabusa no on constitutional convention, new landfill for Kauai, renewable energy takes a hit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ala Wai ©2018 All Hawaii News
Senate OKs over $200M for canal improvements. The U.S. Senate voted 99- 1 to pass legislation Wednesday that includes more than $212 million in federal funding to improve the Ala Wai Canal. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could receive $200 million to improve Ala Wai Canal. The Ala Wai canal might get a major facelift -- $212 million worth. KITV.

Abercrombie, Hanabusa disagree on constitutional convention. Hawaii voters will decide in November’s general election whether to hold a convention to overhaul Hawaii’s current state constitution. Hawaii News Now.

Andria Tupola: ‘I’m Going To Take Over This Government’. The energetic Republican candidate for Hawaii governor won’t be abandoning the party or coming home crying anytime soon. Civil Beat.

1st Congressional Dist. nominees grilled, one relates to Kavanaugh claims. KITV.

Gun control advocates to lead key committees. State Sen. Karl Rhoads is expected to take over as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and state Rep. Chris Lee is expected to become head of the House Judiciary Committee in a leadership shuffle at the Legislature that could shape the debate on gun control in Hawaii in the years ahead. Star-Advertiser.

Pal Of Ige Or Not, Keith Hiraoka Is A Good Choice For Appeals Court. Some feel the governor was playing politics when he nominated his former campaign manager to a judgeship for the second time. Civil Beat.

No talks scheduled in hotel strike. Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii continued pounding drums and hollering chants as they entered day three of 24/7 picketing without an offer of new bargaining dates from Kyo-ya Hotels &Resorts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department’s Professional Standards detectives arrested an HPD lieutenant today for alleged tax violations.  Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police lieutenant was arrested charged with multiple tax violations. Eric Yiu was charged on Oct. 8, 2018 with violating six counts of filing false and fraudulent tax returns for tax years 2011-2016. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin announced this week that an investigative team has been formed to look into an allegation that Councilman Trevor Ozawa verbally harassed another Councilman’s aide for supporting his political rival. Star-Advertiser.

City may have to repay $8M, HUD warns. A local U.S. housing official warned Mayor Kirk Caldwell Wednesday that the city could be forced to repay nearly $8 million for failing to find commercial tenants for the Chinatown Gateway Plaza building on Nuuanu and Hotel streets. Star-Advertiser.

Do the right thing’: Discovery of more remains at construction site spurs emotional testimony. Bone fragments have been temporarily reburied in plastic boxes. An archaeologist hired by Kawaiahao Church says 36 additional human remains have been found at the construction site for its multi-purpose center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Public High Schools Redesigned for Innovation Future. The 4th annual Future Focus Conference on technologies and innovation is underway in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

New and improved ZipMobile set to launch on Zipper Lane duties next month. Gov. David Ige got behind the wheel of a brand new bright- yellow $1.95 million ZipMobile on Wednesday and immediately said he wanted to drive it. Star-Advertiser.

Community Cure: Waimanalo's Hawaiian Medicine Garden. Community medicine gardens may be just what the doctor ordered. Hawaii Public Radio.

How the Marriott strike has affected businesses in Waikiki properties. Disgruntled hotel guests and room cancellations may take a toll on the five Marriott properties that have workers on strike, as well as on the businesses that lease out spaces in these hotels. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A powerful trio: Energy officials update plans at chamber function. Hawaii Island’s renewable energy portfolio took a hit from a series of natural disasters this year, losing both geothermal and hydroelectric power sources. West Hawaii Today.

Helicopter noise panel to meet. A new committee that aims to address noise created by tour helicopters will meet for the first time today. Tribune-Herald.

Neil Gyotoku, Hawaii County’s administrator of the Office of Housing and Community Development, has rescinded his resignation in a letter to Mayor Harry Kim.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on various boards and commissions. Members of most of these panels serve for staggered terms of five years on a voluntary basis. Tribune-Herald.

Puna health clinic teams up with Ka'u Hospital. Puna Community Medical Center in Pahoa became a division of Ka'u Hospital earlier this month in an effort to improve medical services in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

FEMA Public Assistance Applicants Invited to Maui Briefing. The Maui briefing will take place on Monday, Oct. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Maui County Emergency Operations Center in the basement level of the County Building. Maui Now.

2 more large-scale solar projects for Maui in contract talks. Maui News.

Median sales prices for single-family homes and condominiums jumped in double-digit increases in September — up 16 percent to $754,248 for homes and up 18.2 percent to $501,000 for condos — both compared with the same month last year, according to statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Maui condo market is hot in 2018, as YTD sales, prices rise by double digits. Maui is having a banner year for condominium sales so far in 2018, with year-to-date sales rising by more than 20 percent and the median price increasing by more than 10 percent through the first three quarters, compared to the same time period last year. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Mayor accepts Final EIS for new landfill. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Wednesday accepted the County of Kauai Department of Public Works Final Environmental Impact Statement for the new municipal solid waste landfill to be located on Maalo Road in Lihue. Garden Island.

A Rising Tide Of Abandoned Cars On The Garden Isle. Rusting hulks have become a common sight at otherwise scenic beach parks. The county is on pace to remove 1,300 vehicles this year. Star-Advertiser.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Ige and Tupola agree to debate, Gabbard presidential run rumors persist, circus animal ban mulled, Kauai voters to consider term limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
David Ige, Andria Tupola ©2018 All Hawaii News
Democratic Gov. David Ige and Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola have agreed to a televised debate shortly before the general election, but Tupola wants Ige to commit to a “six-island debate.” Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard encouraged to run for president in 2020. In the words of one longtime Hawaii political observer, Gabbard has been leaving a “trail of breadcrumbs” that suggests she is laying the groundwork to seek higher office, and at least some of her supporters hope that will be the presidency in 2020. Star-Advertiser

This Ballot Measure Is Sparking Intense Debate Over Hawaii’s Schools. The proposed constitutional amendment is already one of the most contentious issues to go before voters in the 2018 election. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Much to discuss in Constitutional Convention — if voters can muster hope and engagement. Star-Advertiser.

State board to re-consider circus animal ban. A ban on bringing circus animals into the state heads to the Hawaii Board of Agriculture again. KITV.

Effort to curb opioids alarms pain patients. The limits on prescription drugs are resulting in situations where many say their pain is not being controlled. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New Report Reveals Hawaii’s Not-So-Booming Economy. A declining population and weak increases in personal income have helped keep a lid on inflation in Honolulu, economists say. Civil Beat.

North Shore homes are in danger from erosion and homeowners say the state isn’t doing enough to help. Star-Advertiser.

Armed Drug Suspect Is Fourth Person Fatally Shot By HPD Since June. Officers were serving a search warrant inside a residential high-rise apartment when the shooting occurred. Civil Beat.

Manoa Falls Trail to remain closed after dangerous rock slide. Friday afternoon, a 100-foot rock slide happened in the upper pool area sending debris and boulders crashing down to the Aikuilama Trail as well as the lower pool area of the main Manoa Falls Trail. Hawaii News Now.

4 foreign tourists cited for ignoring Manoa Falls Trail closure. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said four men were cited Sunday for allegedly attempting to enter the Manoa Falls Trail, which is currently closed due to hazardous conditions from a large landslide late last week. Hawaii News Now.

Approximately 614,400 gallons of raw sewage overflowed in Waipio after a 48-inch force main broke Saturday night. Star-Advertiser.

More than $65,000 raised in weekend fundraisers for Kapiolani Medical Center. The Ko Olina Children's Festival took place Saturday to benefit the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

After 134 days of closure, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopened its gates to the public Saturday, with a flood of visitors and residents alike eager to see a park reborn. Tribune-Herald.

On Saturday morning, the day of the highly anticipated reopening of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the National Park Service gave a media briefing, Public Affairs Specialist Jessica Ferracane spoke to media outside the Kilauea Visitor Center. Big Island Video News.

You Need To Be Tough To Explore These New Volcanic Beaches. Kilauea volcano created a dramatic new landscape including black-sand beaches. But “it’s a rough walk” to get there. Civil Beat.

Judge dismisses suit against Hu Honua, county. A judge granted Hu Honua Bioenergy’s request for a summary judgment in a civil suit that sought to halt construction of the 30-megawatt biomass power plant in Pepeekeo until an environmental review is completed. Tribune-Herald.

Double-decker buses to hit the road. Hawaii County will soon have not one, but two, double-decker buses running between Hilo and South Kohala, County Council members learned last week. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Health has notified the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation of possible water violations in their water system, a company spokesperson said Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Lanric Hyland dies at 79: Ethics advocate pushed for housing rights, government accountability. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Finding farming matches for old cane fields not so simple. A&B official says scale, location, water among obstacles. Maui News.

Na Puuwai sets new course for Lanai senior care. New partner Johns Hopkins School of Nursing takes over after Arcadia ends its collaboration. Maui News.

Kauai

Residents mull term limits for councilmembers. When Kauai voters head to the polls in November, they’ll be deciding on a charter amendment that could end term limits for members of the County Council. Garden Island.

The public is invited to join Community Coalition Kauai on Monday for a mock County Council meeting as a way to get to know what the County Council candidates think about growth management and future land use for Kauai. Garden Island.

Kapaa portable toilets haven’t been cleaned for 3 weeks. Garden Island.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Islands still getting drenched by Olivia remnants, super PACs gear up for education tax fight, Honolulu City Council kills bus fare hike, ethics board punts honesty bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Department of Transportation
Flooded Maui road PC: Hawaii Department of Transportation
Olivia made a rare double landfall over west Maui and Lanai as a tropical storm on Wednesday, triggering torrential rains and significant flooding in some areas. That brought down trees, closed roads and knocked out power to thousands. Hawaii News Now.

Isles appear to dodge major damage from Olivia. Tropical Storm Olivia blew through the Hawaiian Islands Wednesday but not before leaving a soggy trail of fallen trees, swollen streams, landslides and power outages.  Star-Advertiser.

Trump signs disaster declaration for Hawaii as weakened Olivia dumps rain on Islands. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Olivia has been granted, one day after the request was submitted. Maui Now.

Here are all the active weather alerts associated with Olivia. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County under flash flood warning; flash flood watch remains in effect for state. Star-Advertiser.

Things are slowly returning to normal now that Tropical Storm Olivia is moving away from the state. Hawaii News Now.

All public schools open Thursday except Kilohana Elementary on Molokai. KHON2.

The U.S. Postal Service announced that all Post Offices across the state will be open and mail will be delivered, weather and local conditions permitting, on Thursday, Sept 13. KITV.

Tropical Storm Olivia dropped almost 8 inches of rain on a part of Maui and lashed the Lanai airport with 51 mph wind gusts Wednesday, while the Big Island dodged a bullet. Tribune-Herald.

As Maui County weathered winds that wrenched trees from the ground and rains that raised the rivers Wednesday afternoon, people on Kauai watched the skies. Garden Island.

It’s shaping up to be an unpredictable hurricane season in Hawaii, with cyclones approaching from multiple directions — and there’s still six weeks left until it comes to a close on Nov. 30. Star-Advertiser.

Shelters offer storm cover for the few who turned up. There were a total of 75 people across 15 evacuation centers on Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui County as of Wednesday morning, according to the Red Cross. Star-Advertiser.

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Political action committees that can raise unlimited funds already have formed to try to persuade voters in the debate over whether to amend the Hawaii Constitution in November to allow the state to tax investment property to help fund public education. Star-Advertiser.

More than 80 candidates running for elected office this year have been fined by the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission for violating campaign laws. Star-Advertiser.

Bigger Fines Considered To Send Campaign Lawbreakers A Message. Candidates and political organizations may have to start paying more for filing their spending reports late or inaccurately. Civil Beat.

‘Fragile Aloha’: Why Hawaii’s Last Constitutional Convention Was Important. Delegates quickly broke into factions in 1978, but they ultimately made breakthroughs on Native Hawaiian issues. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council rejects proposed bus, van hikes. Honolulu City Council members Wednesday shot down a plan by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to raise TheBus and TheHandi-Van fares starting Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to dramatically increase the fines against those who flout city building codes won final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board punts on honesty policy. Honesty may be said to be the best policy, but it’s not a policy the County Council, or the Board of Ethics, seems eager to see set in law. West Hawaii Today.

On Tuesday, the Hawaii County Board of Ethics reviewed a County Council bill that would require local government to be “accurate and factual.” Big Island Video News.

An autopsy on a 51-year-old tour guide who collapsed and died while leading a lava tour hike near Kalapana on Feb. 1 found the man’s death was accidental. The report found the immediate cause of death for Sean King was “thermal injuries and volcanic fume exposure.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

'We're very, very fortunate.' Maui's mayor optimistic despite damage from Olivia. While much of the rain from Olivia has moved off, the focus now is dealing with the damage left behind. KHON2.

VIDEO: Homes, cars swept away in Honokohau Valley flood. Maui News.

Tropical Storm Olivia made history Wednesday as the first such storm to make landfall on Maui in modern times. Thankfully for residents and visitors on the Valley Isle, it was a brief and not particularly hard landing. Star-Advertiser.

Heavy rains and strong winds from Tropical Storm Olivia pummeled Maui County on Wednesday, washing away homes, bringing down trees and utility poles, and triggering widespread power outages. Hawaii News Now.

Olivia Maui Photos: Historic Landfall Made on Maui and Lanai. Maui Now.

Despite concerns about water, wildfires and access to the Lahaina Pali Trail, the Maui Planning Commission gave a nod Tuesday to advance a 21-lot Maalaea agricultural subdivision. Maui News.

Kauai

Kalalau Trail closure redirects visitors elsewhere on Kauai. With Kee Beach and the Kalalau Trail closed, there are a few thousand tourists every day looking for somewhere else to go. Garden Island.