More Ige agencies oppose NextEra buyout of Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Independence Day set, tsunami money coming to Hawaii, monk seals increase, Maui defines dancing, Kakaako homeless sweep continues, median Honolulu home surges to $730l, coral bleaching worries Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Electric Co. worker courtesy photo

Gov. David Ige’s administration said Wednesday it is not in favor of NextEra Energy Inc.’s purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries even after NextEra revised its proposal in August, adding more than 50 new binding commitments. The state Office of Planning; the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; and the state Consumer Advocate filed more than 480 pages Wednesday with the Public Utilities Commission, saying that even with Next­Era’s revised commitments, the sale is not in the public interest. Star-Advertiser..

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would improve tsunami preparedness and provide more money for research to protect coastal communities from the giant waves. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Thursday that both the House and Senate have given the nod to a new bill he has co-sponsored which will increase tsunami readiness and improve the accuracy of alarms and forecasts. West Hawaii Today.

Some 148 monk seal pups were born in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2015. That’s up 22 percent from the 121 documented births in 2014, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Scientists recently returned from a months-long deployment monitoring the monk seal population, tallying births and intervening with sick and injured animals, according to a NOAA Fisheries update. They reported that 148 pups were born in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2015, a 22 percent increase over the previous year. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Education is recommending changes to its school calendar after parents and lawmakers urged the state to consider starting school later due to high temperatures this summer. Associated Press.

An independent court master is recommending that Probate Judge Derrick Chan not reappoint Janeen-Ann Olds to a second term as a Kamehameha Schools trustee because she’s lost the support of her fellow trustees in the wake of scandals involving telecommunications company Sandwich Isles Communications and its parent company, Waimana Enterprises. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Discussion on a bill extending the 0.5 percent excise tax surcharge for rail on Oahu through the end of 2027 will be heard by a Honolulu City Council committee in the coming weeks, Council Chairman Ernie Martin said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu received $9.8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to combat homelessness last year, but any future funding could be in jeopardy. That’s because HUD is wielding the power of federal purse-strings to crack down on efforts to criminalize homelessness — something critics say Honolulu is doing with its expanding sit-lie ban. Civil Beat.

As the city prepares its final push to clear out the last of the Kakaako homeless encampment today and Friday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said some homeless people have simply moved next door and set up an illegal camp on state land at Kewalo Basin. Star-Advertiser.

With final sweeps set to begin Thursday, people in the densest parts of the Kakaako homeless encampment were preparing Wednesday for their looming eviction. Civil Beat.

State homelessness coordinator Scott Morishige says there is shelter space available for all the residents.  Efforts of a different kind are continuing for another segment of the homeless population: military veterans. Hawaii Public Radio.

The median sales price of a single-family home on Oahu rose by more than 7 percent in September to hit a record-shattering $730,000 on a 3.5 percent jump in sales, according to Multiple Listing Service data compiled by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

There’s been no food served at the Honolulu Community College cafeteria for the last 13 months as school officials struggled to find a new vendor and brought in food trucks to temporarily serve the campus. Hawaii News Now.

University officials confirm that after Thursday, classes will no longer be held in Building 1 on UH's College of Education campus. This comes less than 24 hours after Hawaii News Now exposed what faculty said were unsafe and unhealthy conditions.

A popular Waialua bakery known for its “snow puffies” pastries has closed after the state Health Department temporarily suspended its food safety permit due to improper temperature controls. Under the state’s color-coded food safety inspection program, the Health Department’s Sanitation Branch on Tuesday issued Paalaa Kai Bakery a red placard — the first one to be issued to a food establishment in Hawaii since implementation of the system in July 2014. Star-Advertiser.

The developer of a condominium tower that opened in Kakaako earlier this year made its argument Wednesday to a state board for why the firm should be excused for violating an ineffective rule aimed at limiting reflectivity of high-rise building glass. Star-Advertiser.

State agricultural pest officials are refocusing efforts to eradicate a beetle that has touched off the deaths of more than 100 coconut and palm trees on Oahu, shifting traps to an area stretching to Nanakuli from Iroquois Point. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaiian Kingdom’s most important national holiday — La Kuokoa, or Independence Day — was officially recognized Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council in a nonbinding resolution asking the state Legislature to add Nov. 28 to its list of state holidays. West Hawaii Today.

Today marks the anniversary of the ceremonial groundbreaking celebration for the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. The day was so mired in confusion and interrupted by opposition to the project that the actual groundbreaking for the $1.4 billion observatory never happened. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission defined dancing Wednesday after years of pressure from Maui dance advocates, who now hope the ruling will allow customers to bob their heads or tap their toes outside a designated dance floor. Maui News.

Dana Souza was selected as the next director of the Maui County Department of Liquor Control on Wednesday, following the announced retirement of longtime head Franklyn Silva. Maui News.

A newly published study on the health effects of cane burning finds a link between sugar cane burning and acute respiratory illness on Maui, though an official with Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. disputes the findings and methodology of the research. Maui News.

More Upcountry residents may be getting their long-awaited water meters as the Maui County Council passed a bill Tuesday that offers exemptions from expensive street and fire protection improvements for some on the waiting list. Maui News.

County of Maui wants to teach us all Aloha because of the 2014 Kalama Park video guy. MauiTime.

Kauai

Kauai’s colorful corals are going white, a crisis that is spreading and devastating reefs across the globe. Garden Island.

The public is advised that a portion of Waipouli Road, about a quarter-mile from the Hauiki Road junction in Kapaa, will be closed to through traffic next week to allow for a drain culvert replacement. Garden Island.

In preparation for the next application cycle for the Community Development Block Grant funding, the Kauai County Housing Agency will be conducting workshops for those new to the program. Garden Island.

Hawaii 'Bleachapalooza' coral inventory set for Saturday, military, EPA ink agreement on leaky Red Hill storage tanks, helipads coming to Ellison's Lanai property, UH Cancer Center money unresolved, wind works on Maui, Big Island, Honolulu rail work chugging along, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bird wrasse amid Hawaii coral © 2015 All Hawaii News

The state department of Land and Natural Resources launches a “Beachapalooza” event this weekend to bring attention to the damaging effects of coral bleaching in the islands. Maui Now.

Volunteers will be searching for the damage to the island’s coral reefs caused by high water temperatures Saturday, and more people are needed. They’re looking for coral bleaching, when corals go from their normal vibrancy to a whiteness close to death. West Hawaii Today.

NextEra Energy Inc., the company proposing to buy Hawaiian Electric Co. for $4.3 billion, won’t go through the acquisition process a second time if Hawaii regulators ultimately nix the current proposal that’s on the table, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Innocence Project is looking to revamp its image in the community. It was started in 2005 by retiring UH law professor Virginia Hench and local defense attorneys Susan Arnett, Brook Hart and Bill Harrison. Like other Innocence Projects throughout the U.S., its goal is to free the wrongfully convicted. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has a new sheriff in town. The Department of Public Safety announced its appointment Thursday of Renee Sonobe Hong to head the state Sheriff Division. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State and federal officials said Thursday that “immediate and long-term” actions being required of the Navy will help reduce the threat of future leaks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

A new agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hawaii Department of Health, the U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency outlines a plan to upgrade underground fuel storage tanks in Red Hill over the next 20 years. Civil Beat.

Senator Laura Thielen deems Honolulu’s drinking water to be at continued contamination risk even after the Navy and the state struck an agreement today concerning leaks from fuel tanks at the Red Hill facility. Hawaii Independent.

Members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents Budget and Finance Committee couldn’t agree Thursday on how much money to seek from the state Legislature for the financially troubled UH Cancer Center, and instead passed out a budget proposal omitting the $5 million university officials had wanted. Star-Advertiser.

A structural assessment of the Wilson Tunnel on Likelike Highway has identified additional deterioration of stainless-steel rods supporting the ceiling, state Department of Transportation officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Workers are almost done building the rail system’s Pearl City-based high-tech operations center — a milestone that rail leaders touted Thursday — but the deal for the city to own the land under that site still isn’t done and at least one key rail official is concerned about how that might affect the project. Star-Advertiser.

HART Executive Director Dan Grabauskas, along with Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, sounded upbeat when showing off the structures and rail already being laid down at HART’s Rail Operations Center. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu buildings deal with elevator issues, maintenance problems. KHON2.

A city crew patched potholes on Halekauwila Street in Kakaako on Thursday following weeks of heavy rain, but the public shouldn’t expect the same to be done for several nearby streets in shabby condition. That’s because the city has discontinued maintenance of at least five streets in central Kakaako after the private owner of the public thoroughfares restricted parking along major portions of Queen, Waimanu, Kawaiahao, Ilaniwai and Cummins streets. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge sentenced a former executive director of the Hawaii Center for Independent Living to 21 months in prison Thursday for embezzling nearly $180,000 in federal grant money from the now-defunct nonprofit organization, which provided services to people with disabilities.Star-Advertiser.

A third former employee of Waianae Community Outreach has been charged with felony theft, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin announced Thursday. Civil Beat.

Firefighters are investigating a potentially toxic gas release at the Waiau Power Plant that occurred Thursday evening. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A massive energy kite being developed in California could be deployed for testing near Waimea by early next year. West Hawaii Today.

Cinder mining operations will likely be expanded in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates without the county being forced to regulate assessments on private roads there, if the Windward Planning Commission follows through on planning director recommendations following a protracted contested case hearing that wrapped up Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

How to keep energy costs down dominated the public hearing at Kealakehe High School on a possible merger between Hawaii Electric Company and Florida-based NextEra Wednesday night. The hearing was organized by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, part of a series running across the state. West Hawaii Today.

On the Big Island, work is underway for a wind farm in South Kohala. The project will consist of five wind turbines – generating 3.3 megawatts of energy – for the Department of Water Supply wells. KITV4.

This weekend, Puna residents will have another opportunity to live through the harrowing approach of the June 27 lava flow. “The Pahoa Flow,” a documentary made by Pahoa-area residents Josh Ballauer, Jeremiah Lofgreen and Matt Tavares, will premiere Saturday at Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar in Kalapana. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee Wednesday recommended fast-track approval of the 184-unit Kenolio Apartments affordable rental housing project in Kihei, with a member saying affordable housing is "direly needed." Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. has steadily increased the amount of wind energy that it utilizes for power generation, leaving less curtailed, or wasted, energy on the table, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

South Maui state Rep. Kaniela Ing and Hawaiian activists Walter Ritte Jr. and Dr. Noa Aluli are among the candidates vying to be delegates to a Native Hawaiian constitutional convention. Maui News.

Kauai

Former deputy prosecutor Lisa Arin will officially announce her bid for the office of Kauai’s Prosecuting Attorney in the 2016 election Tuesday. Garden Island.

The planned revival of the shuttered Coco Palms Resort on Kauai is back on track after the county approved demolition permits for the famous resort. Star-Advertiser.

A local subsidiary of a Texas-based gasoline company has made a deal to acquire a mix of gas stations, convenience stores and Subway restaurants on Kauai from a 57-year-old kamaaina firm. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Molokai residents voiced largely opposition two weeks ago to a proposed merger between Hawaiian Electric and NextEra, a Florida-based energy company. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is gathering public feedback on the proposed $4.3 million merger and will make a decision within the next six months. Molokai’s feedback, said Commission Chair Randall Iwase, has been in keeping with what they’ve heard so far around the state. Molokai Dispatch.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison, who purchased 98 percent of the Hawaiian Island of Lanai several years ago for $300 million, has plans to develop helistop pads at the two luxury Four Seasons resorts that he owns on the Pineapple Island. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii coral endangered as hot El Nino persists, rail consultant under ethics investigation, lawmakers seek caregiver training, NextEra takes merger message across islands, UH sells $185M in bonds, council may reprimand Kenoi, principals under fire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Researchers study coral off Hawaii Island © 2015 All Hawaii News

Researchers say warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures are bleaching large sections of Hawaii's coral for the second year in a row. Meteorologists say waters around Hawaii have been anywhere from 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit above normal this summer. Associated Press.

An updated El Nino forecast that predicts a 95 percent chance of warmer ocean temperatures through the winter means Hawaii can expect an increased chance of hurricanes, and muggy weather and hotter-than-usual temperatures, for several months. Star-Advertiser.

© 2015 All Hawaii News

Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say we now have a “strong” El Niño event, upgraded from a “moderate” forecast last month. Maui Now.

A Legislative Working Group is looking at addressing some of the issues facing the estimated 150-thousand-plus Family Caregivers in Hawai’i. Lawmakers heard from community stake-holders today as part of their on-going public hearings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kamehameha Schools wants to be thought of as an educational system, and not so much as a real estate developer, the head of the $11 billion private charitable educational trust endowment said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Keli'i Akina is one of six plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed recently against the state of Hawaii and others seeking to stop an election and convention that possibly would help establish a sovereign Native Hawaiian government. Star-Advertiser.

With its board of regents' approval, the University of Hawaii began selling $185 million in revenue bonds Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A high-ranking consultant who oversees construction on Honolulu’s $6 billion rail project is under a city ethics investigation for a sailing excursion he took with his family to watch fireworks along the coast of Oahu on New Year’s Eve. Civil Beat.

Illegal dumping of green waste and years of accumulated silt contributed to the overflow of Waikane Stream on Sunday night, which flooded Kamehameha Highway and blocked Windward Oahu traffic for hours, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

A new group at the University of Hawaii plans to hold three public meetings in September to gather community feedback on the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Industries with NextEra Energy. Civil Beat.

Enforcement efforts begin to lower the population of a homeless encampment in Kakaako. Meanwhile, residents are asked to provide some personal information in advance of an emergency to help dispatchers send help quicker. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants the council to reprimand Mayor Billy Kenoi for inappropriate use of his county credit card, and she’s put a resolution on Wednesday’s council agenda to do just that. West Hawaii Today.

It was a quiet meeting as all cable service for the state was commented upon Thursday night in the West Hawaii Civic Center. There were only two comments made about pending change in service providers.  West Hawaii Today.

NextEra Energy Inc.’s foray into Hawaii has turned out to be a tougher slog than anticipated, according to Eric Gleason, president of the Florida-based company’s Hawaii division. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Robust tourism, a strengthening labor market and a construction sector that appears poised to break out all point to a promising 2016 for Maui, a local economist told business leaders Thursday at the 41st annual First Hawaiian Bank Economic Outlook Forum. Star-Advertiser.

Wastewater overflowed twice in two months at the entrance to one of Maui's major tourism centers, literally creating a major stink, but a Kaanapali resort official had no complaints about Maui County's reaction to the spills and its operation of the sewer system. Maui News.

A Maui principal is reassigned after getting tough on students at their welcome back assembly. The back-to-school message riled-up students and parents and the Department of Education has now launched an investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Lisa McDonald, Hanalei Elementary School principal, stood outside of the school Thursday morning, shoulder-to-shoulder with Superintendent Bill Arakaki, watching protesters line the entrance to the parking lot. Garden Island.

A blessing was held Tuesday to mark the start of the seawall repair project fronting Pono Kai Resort. Garden Island.

Honolulu to require baby-changing stations, sit-lie ban expanded, Kauai muzzles dog-barking law, power producers fight clean air laws, road to be cleared of lava, Maui cane-burner foes raise $25k, cesspool rules advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fish amid coral © 2015 All Hawaii News

Researchers with the University of Hawaii at Manoa are being honored for their work to understand and reverse coral bleaching. The team headed by Ruth Gates and Madeleine van Oppen from the Australian Institute of Marine Science attempts to grow coral that’s resistant to the effects of global warming and rising levels of acid in the water. Hawaii Public Radio.

New research suggests small-scale fisheries could have big benefits for local communities. That’s according to a new study that highlights the economic impact of community supported reef fisheries. Hawaii Public Radio.

The process to determine Hawaii’s first medical marijuana dispensary license holders will likely be based on a point scale, state officials said Wednesday. But just how transparent the application process will be has yet to be determined. Pacific Business News.

Recently released campaign finance data shows more than $1.8 million has flowed into local candidates’ campaign coffers since the 2014 elections. Civil Beat.

One of Hawaii island’s largest power suppliers and one of the state’s two oil refineries say they can’t meet legal requirements for reducing air pollution as the state moves forward on an eight-year-old law that requires Hawaii to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Star-Advertiser.

The sale of Chevron Corp.’s Hawaii retail and refinery operations is getting interest from firms from as far as the Philippines and South Korea, Pacific Business News has learned.

Oahu

Diaper-changing stations would have to be provided for men and women in new or significantly renovated commercial and business spaces under a bill approved unanimously by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Despite vocal and sometimes harsh criticism from opponents, the City Council voted twice on Wednesday to expand the controversial sit-lie law, which bars people from sitting or lying down on restricted sidewalks and other areas. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council passed two measures Wednesday that would further curb where the homeless and other people can sit, lie or camp. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to advance a draft development plan for the North Shore that doesn’t include any new homes in Malaekahana. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council has passed a measure to make grants and loans available to businesses hit hard by rail construction, but it’s still unclear where the city would get the funds for such a program or at what amount. Star-Advertiser.

Some of the workers on the front lines of Hawaii’s tourism industry work in fancy hotels but are employed by contractors. They’re still supposed to receive union wages under a collective bargaining agreement, but that doesn’t necessarily happen despite legal action and union grievances. Civil Beat.

Local students interacted with leading scientists around the world Wednesday at the International Astronomical Union’s exhibit hall at the Hawaii Convention Center. KHON2.

TMT Protesters Hope to Reach Visiting Astronomers Through Waikiki March The event is planned during a day of rest for the more than 2,000 astronomers in town for the International Astronomical Union’s triennial convention. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County taxpayers are footing the bill for Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd to defend herself from a lawsuit claiming she’s not qualified for the job, and the case isn’t over yet. The County Council on Wednesday voted to pay $47,231 for legal fees and court costs, on top of the $13,860 that had already been paid. West Hawaii Today.

Two-term Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan announced Wednesday he’s running as a Democrat for the District 2 state Senate seat. West Hawaii Today.

Puna councilmember Greggor Ilagan is going to run for the state senate district 2 seat in 2016. The state senate seat is currently occupied by Russell Ruderman, who has yet to finalize his future political plans. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council members Tuesday took plenty of testimony but no action on a bill banning the use of “toxic herbicides” by county workers, during a meeting of the Committee on Environmental Management. Tribune-Herald.

Tourists and isle residents might have only a few more months to snap pictures of a lava-covered Cemetery Road. Hawaii County put restoration of the narrow country road in Pahoa out to bid, with work expected to begin in late September or early October. Tribune-Herald.

More than four decades after the first promise was made, the Alii Kai subdivision will have its park. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County is slapping a half-million dollar fine on the owner of a popular boutique hotel for several dozen alleged permit violations. Associated Press.

A group of Maui residents called Stop Cane Burning has raised more than $25,000 for legal costs in an attempt to stop Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. from burning sugar cane. Civil Beat.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday voted to repeal the county’s barking dog ordinance, which provides penalties for dog owners who fail to keep their animals quiet. Garden Island.

Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo’s plan to require an audit of the Kauai Humane Society was unanimously approved on Wednesday. Garden Island.

State health officials are drafting rules for a ban on cesspools as well as a tax credit incentive program that would help a small percentage of property owners upgrade to a more environmentally friendly waste system. Garden Island.

Wind turbines planned in ocean off Oahu, Hawaii Tourism Authority wants more money, green sea turtle to remain protected, lead slows bridge repair, Kaho‘olawe records to be preserved, more grads college-bound, Honolulu racetrack bill revs up, state lags in budget transparency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii green sea turtle, honu © 2015 All Hawaii News

The feds have denied a petition to take Hawaii green sea turtles off the list of threatened species. The honu news came Friday from the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Civil Beat.

The threatened green sea turtles around the Hawaiian Islands will be managed separately from other populations under a plan floated Friday by federal agencies. But the status of Hawaii’s turtles as threatened under the Endangered Species Act won’t change under the plan, despite a petition for delisting by an organization of Hawaii civic clubs. West Hawaii Today.

© 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s green sea turtles should continue to be classified as threatened because its population is small and nearly all of them nest at the same low-lying atoll, federal wildlife agencies said Friday. Associated Press.

Federal wildlife officials propose keeping Hawaii's green sea turtles' threatened status under the Endangered Species Act, meaning it would continue to be illegal to kill or hunt them. Maui News.

More than 300 people are expected to attend a conference featuring more than 25 sessions and professional development training courses on rising sea levels and other natural hazards. The theme is "The Rising Pacific: Currents of Change and Solutions for Resilience." Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the agency tasked with marketing Hawaii to the nation and the world, says it needs more money to cover its expenses. The HTA is asking state lawmakers to allow it to increase its administrative spending by as much as 30 percent a year. Star-Advertiser.

Even as legislators consider more stringent regulations, the state Department of Agriculture hasn’t complied with a law passed in 2013 that requires it to post sales records for restricted-use pesticides on its website. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers hope that a proposed bill would encourage more of Hawaii’s youth to become farmers. House Bill 853 passed through the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Education and Judiciary and Labor during a hearing Friday, and would teach students and teachers how to produce some of their own food. Civil Beat.

Hawaii state senators are taking up a proposal to develop a system of medical marijuana dispensaries, which would give patients legal access to the drug nearly 15 years after it became legal in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Hawaii's Department of Budget and Finance last year launched a new website designed to provide a one-stop source for state spending and financial information, but the state still earned only a grade of "C" on the latest "transparency scorecard." Hawaii trails 42 other states in the annual report on how well states provide spending data online, conducted by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers plan to tackle the state's troubled health exchange, public-housing issues and a slew of resolutions this week at the Legislature. Most of the action will be in committee rooms as lawmakers take up bills passed by the other chamber. Associated Press.

Opinion: One of the tax increase bills that is still afloat at our Legislature concerns the environmental response, energy, and food security tax, which we refer to as the barrel tax. This tax started off as the environmental response tax, imposed at 5 cents a barrel of imported petroleum product as a way to create a fund for environmental cleanup in case of an oil spill in Hawaiian waters. It was hoisted to its present rate of $1.05 in 2009, and the difference was used not only to shore up our general fund, but also to feed various special funds that pay for environmental conservation programs, energy and food security, and related activities. Civil Beat.

If HCR 90 passes through the House Committees on Education and Finance, it would ask the governor, Board of Education, and the Hawaii State Teachers Association to establish a minimum median teacher salary that would be adjustable to Hawaii’s cost of living. Civil Beat.

The state Ethics Commission will make public the detailed financial disclosure forms of members of 15 boards and commissions in June rather than next year. The powerful entities include the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Public Utilities Commission. A law that took effect in July makes those disclosure forms public, but the details could have remained confidential until 2016 because only short forms are required in odd-numbered years. Star-Advertiser.

After several years of stagnancy, the number of Hawaii public school graduates enrolling in college after high school has climbed amid efforts by the Department of Education to better prepare students for college and careers. Star-Advertiser.

Many Hawaii families have fallen into a cycle of debt precipitated by deceptively easy payday loans. The industry was legalized in 1999 when the Legislature passed a law exempting it from the state’s usury law, which caps the interest rate for loans at no more than 24 percent each year. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A Danish developer is planning to develop a major offshore wind energy project, which would include more than 100 turbines, in federal waters in Hawaii off Oahu’s northwest and southern coasts, according to a published report. Pacific Business News.

Oahu car-racing enthusiasts have picked up some traction on a drive to finance a new motor sports raceway on the island after the demise of two track facilities in the past eight years. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Housing First initiative to provide shelter and related social services to the chronically homeless has achieved mixed results nine months after the Honolulu City Council dedicated $35 million toward the effort. Star-Advertiser.

On Friday, landowners, fed up with all the foot traffic for “Dead Man’s Catwalk,” asked various hiking websites to take down posts promoting the popular East Oahu trail and threatened further action if nothing was done. KHON2.

Martin Nesbitt, a Chicago businessman and President Barack Obama’s close friend, has been confirmed as the buyer of Hawaii beachfront estate known as the home of Tom Selleck’s 1980s television character “Magnum P.I.” Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Time to fix those leaky faucets. The less water you use, the more you’ll save, under a five-year rate plan to be considered Tuesday by the Hawaii County Water Board. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce is dusting off old plans to construct a cultural and education center in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The discovery of lead in the soil below Umauma bridge near Hakalau likely will delay completion of the span’s ongoing $30.8 million rehabilitation project, state officials say. The lead, left from paint that fell into the gulch during past maintenance work, was found where new bridge footings need to be installed. Tribune-Herald.

A new courthouse and hospital for Kona are among more than $200 million in Big Island projects in the $2.2 billion two-year capital improvement budget passed Wednesday by the state House. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Police Department Assistant Chief Henry Tavares said a spike in property crime in downtown Hilo is related to the city’s ongoing homeless problem. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

This Saturday, the 2015 Maui County Republican Party Convention will take place at Pu’u Kukui Elementary School. Registered Republican delegates are welcome to hear a featured guest speaker, conduct party business and elect new Executive Committee officers. MauiTime.

The recent agreement restoring water to four Central Maui streams has some parties in an East Maui stream restoration case optimistic that a "just ruling" will come to them as well. Maui News.

After the worst coral bleaching event ever recorded in Hawaii last fall, environmental groups are rallying to bring more community awareness to help protect the reefs. Maui News.

The 12-acre Maui Arts & Cultural Center opened its gates nearly 21 years ago. Today, it can accommodate up to 270,000 visitors a year, spans 22 acres, and generates $4.35 million annually, on average, in revenue to community businesses. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Kauai had the fewest applications for firearms of all state counties in 2014. But the number of applications on the Garden Isle increased for the fourth straight year — although county officials aren’t attributing that increase to a gun craze, but rather something that accompanies an uptick in population. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

This year hundreds of thousands of historic documents relating to Kaho‘olawe will be published in an online database. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii coral recovering from bleaching, auditor blasts Obamacare health exchange, $4.4M added to Honolulu rail cost, Matson to pay $1M for molasses spill, NextEra promises $60M savings, Lanai City to be preserved, bill touts slot machines at airports, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Endemic Hawaiian white spotted toby amid damaged coral © 2015 All Hawaii News

Three months after Hawaii's corals endured the worst bleaching on record, state officials say island reefs could face conditions later this year that could produce even greater damage. Star-Advertiser.

A state audit released Thursday blasted the Hawaii Health Connector's former head and board of directors for inadequate planning, lack of oversight and improperly awarding contracts worth millions of dollars, resulting in an unsustainable health insurance exchange. Star-Advertiser.

In a biting report released Thursday, the state auditor calls the former head of the Hawaii Health Connector “an uncooperative executive director who withheld information,” hampering the board of directors’ ability to monitor the development of its massive IT system. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s auditor says inadequate planning at the Hawaii Health Connector led to an unsustainable health exchange. Acting state auditor Jan Yamane made report on the Hawaii Health Connector on Thursday. Associated Press.

High operating costs, lack of strategic plan and misuse of authority made the Hawaii Health Connector unsustainable. That’s according to a new report by the state Office of the Auditor. KHON2.

Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. made its pitch Thursday for state regulators to approve its purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries, saying it would save ratepayers $60 million over four years, not raise base rates for four years and keep all management local. Star-Advertiser.

NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries filed a joint application with Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission on Thursday seeking approval of their $4.3 billion merger agreement. Civil Beat.

NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Co. said Thursday that the proposed acquisition of Hawaii's largest utility will save customers about $60 million, and that there will be no request for an increase in general base rates for at least four years following the close of the transaction, according to an application submitted to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Pacific Business News.

The Women’s Legislative Caucus, consisting of members from both the State Senate and House, today announced a joint package of measures for the 2015 legislative session. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii has joined at least three other states in suing the maker and distributor of 5-Hour ENERGY drinks for allegedly making false, misleading and unsubstantiated claims about their products. Star-Advertiser.

Lynne Waters, who served as spokeswoman for the University of Hawaii system since 2011, is leaving Hawaii for a job with the University of Texas at Arlington. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

While the public braces for the painful budget deficits ahead as rail moves forward, board members overseeing the Oahu project on Thursday approved $4.4 million in added costs to existing rail contracts. Star-Advertiser.

At Least $1.25B Has Been Spent on Rail So Far But Where Has All the Money Gone? The rail project has been in the works for more than 10 years but city and HART officials still can't — or won't — say what the money has been spent on. Secrecy over tens of millions of dollars in payments to subcontractors is only one troubling aspect. Civil Beat.

Trash workers’ payment system racks up major overtime. KHON2.

A federal judge is allowing a shipping company to pay $600,000 in restitution to environmental organizations as part of a sentence for spilling molasses in Honolulu Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a subsidiary of Matson Inc. to pay $1 million in fines and restitution under a plea agreement reached last fall over charges that Hawaii's largest shipping company illegally discharged more than 230,000 gallons of molasses into Honolulu Harbor in 2013. Pacific Business News.

A federal judge is allowing a shipping company to pay $600,000 restitution to environmental organizations as part of a sentence for spilling molasses in Honolulu Harbor. Matson Navigation Co. was sentenced Thursday for criminal charges related to the 233,000-gallon molasses spill that killed more than 26,000 fish and other marine life. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Giving international travelers one last chance to spend money before they leave Hawaii, state Rep. Cindy Evans is proposing slot machines for international departure areas of airports. Evans, D-North Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala, is sponsoring HB 91, allowing the installation of slot machines, first at Honolulu Inter-national Airport, and later, once international flights return to West Hawaii, at Kona International Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Wesley Lo is Maui region chief executive officer for the state's Hawaii Health Systems Corp. and believes an agreement that his region has been negotiating with a potential private partner, Hawaii Pacific Health, could be a model for statewide application. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Nine individuals have been selected to serve as members on a joint fact-finding group tasked with looking into potential health and environmental impacts from pesticide use on Kauai. The $100,000 study, funded by the County of Kauai and the state Department of Agriculture and facilitated by Honolulu planner and mediator Peter Adler’s ACCORD 3.0 Network, is expected to last a year. Garden Island.

Several homeless people are accusing county enforcement of targeting them at a public park. Garden Island.

Kauai coral colonies have started to recover from a statewide bleaching event caused by a drastic spike in ocean temperatures this fall, according to state officials. More of the same, however, is likely right around the corner. Garden Island.

Lanai
A community desire to preserve the historic character of Lanai City moved Maui County Council members Wednesday to recommend approval of conditional rezoning for a 15,000-square-foot property with four plantation-era buildings, including a former police station and courthouse, a single-family residence, a garage/ laundry building and a jail cell. Maui News.

Hawaii voters apathetic, tax hike falls short for rail project, lava poised to consume first home, 2k march on Maui to oppose GMO, mainland money rolling in for governor's race, 1st Congressional candidates fight to the finish, Lanai mom sues over lack of Hawaiian language in school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

No Vote No Grumble tries to stir voter interest

Hawaii, with its history of low voter turnout, ranks third among the least politically engaged states in the country, according to a new WalletHub online study. Star-Advertiser.

There’s just a week left before Hawaii’s gubernatorial election, but most residents of the Aloha State probably don’t care. A new study by the personal finance website WalletHub has found that Hawaii is the third least politically engaged state. Only Oklahoma and West Virginia are worse. Civil Beat.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, a Democrat who held the governor’s office for eight years from 1994 to 2002, blames the Hawaii Republican Party for the notoriously low turnout. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii's Democratic gubernatorial candidate has received enough small contributions to qualify for matching funds from the state. State Sen. David Ige raised $100,000 in qualifying contributions of $100 or less. That means he can get those matching funds. Associated Press.

Despite different points of views on many issues, the four candidates vying to become Hawaii's next governor do agree that energy is one of the single-most important issues facing the state. Pacific Business News.

Mainland super PACs tied to the Republican Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association will rival the top two candidates for governor in spending on Hawaii, bankrolling negative advertisements so the candidates are free to concentrate on more positive themes. Star-Advertiser.

Super PACs funded by groups based on the mainland have spent more trying to influence the Hawaii governors race since the Aug. 9 primary than the candidates have themselves, according to the latest filings with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i’s Congressional District One race is too close to call, according to the latest polls.   And the two front-runners are in full campaign swing with the General Election one week away. Hawaii Public Radio.

Democrat Mark Takai and Republican Charles Djou are headed for a photo finish in the race for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. The candidates are tied at 45 percent each, with 9 percent of the electorate still undecided — even with election day just one week away. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Officials overseeing Oahu's rail transit project reported the Oahu tax dollars that they received this past quarter were about $5 million less than the influx projected under their financial plan. The project received $48.5 million in general excise tax surcharge dollars for the quarter that included July, August and September. Star-Advertiser.

The $5.16 billion Honolulu rail transit project that is now moving full speed ahead, and the construction industry's overall ramp up in most areas has translated to more office space vacancies becoming filled. Pacific Business News.

Choosing between experience and new ideas is at the center of election contests for the two outstanding seats on the Hono­lulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hauula residents blame state and farm for storm flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The residency status of County Council District 9 candidate Ron Gonzales, locked in a fight to the finish with incumbent Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, will be the subject of a meeting of the county Board of Registration just days before Election Day. West Hawaii Today.

The June 27 lava flow front appeared Monday afternoon to be within hours of impacting its first home in Pahoa, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Tribune-Herald.

A molten river that overran a Buddhist cemetery and buried it in lava Sunday was on the verge Monday night of claiming the first home in its path. Star-Advertiser.

After traveling for 123 days, a Big Island lava flow approaches a couple's doorsteps.  By Monday night or Tuesday, the first home in the lava flow's path may go up in flames. KITV4.

Keonepoko Elementary School will shut down indefinitely effective Wednesday. The DOE is also closing four other area public schools beginning Thursday until early next month: Pahoa High and Intermediate, Pahoa Elementary, Keaau High and Keaau Middle because of lava flow. Star-Advertiser.

A Pahoa resident built a large dirt wall to try to protect his home from lava. Alfred Lee, whose house on Pahoa Village Road was at risk of becoming one of the first claimed by the June 27 flow, said Monday he was using a bulldozer to build a large berm between the lava and his home. Tribune-Herald.

Hele-On has announced an update on bus stop locations in the Pahoa area due to the closure of Pahoa Village Road and active lava flow. Big Island Now.

Maui

More than 2,000 people marched through Kahului on Sunday in support of an initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot that would place a moratorium on all genetically engineered operations and practices in Maui County until companies prove their activities are safe. Maui News.

Members of the Shaka Movement organized a rally over the weekend in support for a ballot initiative that seeks a moratorium on genetically modified organisms in Maui County. Maui Now.

In one of Maui County's most watched council races, incumbent Mike White spent $89,000 from August to October and had nearly $7,000 cash left on hand as the Nov. 4 general election nears, according to his campaign spending commission report filed before Monday's deadline. Maui News.

Upcountry: Same issues, different generations. Maui News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $400,000, which will be matched by the same amount by the Kaanapali Operations Associations, to plan and design a beach renourishment project for Kaanapali Beach. Maui News.

Kauai

The County of Kauai is performing an assessment on the feasibility of using locally produced food waste to generate renewable natural gas that could be used to fuel The Kauai Bus and other county vehicles. Garden Island.

Filmmaker Dean Lyon, best known for his work as visual effects supervisor of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is on Kauai this week to spread the word about his plans for a 3D IMAX  documentary about Kauai’s diseased coral reefs. Garden Island.

Developers behind two resorts proposed for Kauai’s Eastside could soon be one step closer to seeing the projects move forward. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai’s only public school is at the center of a lawsuit filed by a mother whose children speak and read only in Hawaiian. Chelsea-Marie Kealohalani Clarabal is suing both the Department of Education (DOE) and the Board of Education, which sets policies for the schools.  According to the lawsuit, while there are about 20 public schools that have Native Hawaiian language immersion programs on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Hawaii, and Kauai, there are none on Lanai. KHON2.

Hot weather harming coral reefs, unions tighten grip on Hawaii, groundbreaking today for one of world's largest telescopes, teachers union creates new PAC to fight ballot initiative, lava viewing curtailed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Teardrop butterflyfish amid damaged coral © 2014 All Hawaii News

The hot, muggy weather that's stifled Hawaii in recent weeks appears to have spurred widespread coral bleaching across the state, and researchers say it's the most severe degradation of coral that they've ever observed in Hawaii waters. Star-Advertiser.

While people in Hawaii have been sweating out a lack of trade winds, corals underwater also are suffering. Scientists standing in the muggy heat at Heeia Small Boat Harbor in Kaneohe said Monday they’re seeing more evidence higher-than-normal ocean temperatures are causing near-shore bleaching across the islands. Associated Press.

A new law championed by Hawaii’s most powerful unions has tilted the balance in favor of organized labor in a critical arena, although the effects on employers — and possibly taxpayers — won’t be fully realized for a few years. With little public fanfare, the Legislature last session passed a bill that changes how the governor appoints people to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, a quasi-judicial agency that resolves labor disputes involving private and public sector employees and the organizations that represent them. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association terminated its campaign to discourage voters from approving a constitutional amendment dealing with preschools last week after realizing it risked breaking the law by spending money on a ballot measure through its political action committee. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has named four nominees to serve on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents and fill vacancies triggered by the state's new financial disclosure law. Star-Advertiser.

Mufi Hannemann, the Hawaii Independent Party candidate for governor, has said if he wins election in November one of his top priorities will be to bring back an inter-island ferry system. He made a similar pledge during his failed bid for governor in 2010. Hannemann’s most recent financial disclosure report shows he owns stock in two companies that are working on the design and development of advanced ship hull forms and researching lifting hull technologies. Civil Beat.

VoteVets Action Fund, a national veterans advocacy group, will spend $800,000 on an advertising campaign to boost candidates in three races across the country, including that of Hawaii state Rep. Mark Takai. Takai, a progressive Democrat running for the District 1 Congressional seat, will take on former Congressman Charles Djou, a Republican who served in 2010, in the November general election. Hawaii Reporter.

Rebuffed by the courts, six Palolo voters asked the state House on Monday to determine whether state Rep. and former House Speaker Calvin Say lives in the Palolo House district he has represented since 1976. Star-Advertiser.

The six Palolo voters challenging Calvin Say’s qualifications to hold office are not giving up, despite a court’s rejection of their lawsuit last week. Civil Beat.

Inmates who say they’re being denied their right to practice their Native Hawaiian religion at a private prison in Arizona have won class-action status for a lawsuit. U.S. District Court Judge Leslie Kobayashi granted class-action certification to inmates suing the state of Hawaii and the Corrections Corporation of America. Associated Press.

The new head of the Hawaii Health Connector, Jeffrey Kissel, said Monday that his first priority will be helping consumers smoothly get through the enrollment period starting Nov. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: It is not always huge campaign donations that buy political candidates media exposure. Take the Hawaii governor’s race. Hawaii Independent Party candidate Mufi Hannemann and Libertarian Party contender Jeff Davis have found a way to get additional exposure on Hawaii media outlets at the same time they are running for office. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A University of Hawaii at Manoa student organization has passed resolutions voting no confidence in UH President David Lassner and the Board of Regents. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy plans a fourth controlled detonation at Kalaeloa this week to destroy various munitions and ordnances that have been found. Star-Advertiser.

Median home prices on Oahu remained flat in September, while the number of sales of single-family homes rose 5 percent, according to data released Tuesday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Sales statistics set for release Tuesday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors show that the median sale price for previously owned single-family houses on the island edged up by 0.5 percent to $678,500 in September from $675,000 in the same month a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A groundbreaking and Hawaiian blessing ceremony launches construction on the summit of Mauna Kea to build one of the world's largest telescopes. The events for the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project Tuesday will be shown via a live-stream webcast because of limited access to the construction site, which is in an area with harsh physical conditions. Associated Press.

After years of challenges, groundbreaking begins Tuesday on one of the world's largest optical telescopes, which will rise out of sacred Hawaiian ground at an elevation of 13,150 feet near the summit of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

USGS geologists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory estimate the Puna lava flow could reach Apa'a Street in Pahoa in about 16 days, if it continues moving at its current rate of 390 ft/day. Hawaii News Now.

The June 27 lava flow sparked a brush fire as it continued its progress toward Pahoa on Monday. Meanwhile, Civil Defense officials, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration, have restricted the airspace above the leading edge of the flow in response to increased traffic of sightseers and media personnel. Tribune-Herald.

The Puna lava flow is becoming big business for Big Island tour companies, but Hawaii County Civil Defense officials say tour groups were getting too close to the flow and to each other. Working with the FAA, civil defense has implemented new air space restrictions above the flow. Hawaii News Now.

An aerial survey Monday morning showed the June 27 flow front continues to be active and has advanced approximately 150 yards since Sunday, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. West Hawaii Today.

A former Hawaii County Council member will complete a vacated term on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than a month after the launch of an expensive TV campaign to persuade voters to reject a Maui County ballot initiative to temporarily ban genetically engineered crops, the Hawaii Center for Food Safety has formed a new group called the Coalition for Safer, Healthier Maui to campaign in favor of the measure. Civil Beat.

For the first time in more than a century, there will be a continuous flow of water from mauka to makai into the Wailuku (ʻĪao) Stream on Maui. Maui Now.

The Maui Tropical Plantation has embodied Hawaii's past and present for the past three decades as an agricultural and tourism destination. Maui News.

Kauai

Two Kauai County Council members will introduce a resolution Wednesday that would establish a committee to investigate the implementation of county laws dealing with the dedication of land for agricultural use. Maui News.