Showing posts with label cost of living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cost of living. Show all posts

Thursday, May 11, 2023

6-figure salary needed to survive in Hawaii, limited Honolulu rail service starting next month, drug, gambling, sex houses raided on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

It Now Takes A Six-Figure Salary For A Family Of 4 To Make Ends Meet in Hawaii. The minimum income needed to pay for basic essentials as a family of four in Hawaii has ballooned to $104,052 a year, according to a report released Wednesday by the nonprofit Aloha United Way. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i ranked worst state for saving money. Hawai‘i is the worst U.S. state to live in for saving money, according to a recent Forbes Advisor analysis. Garden Island.

Lawyers threaten suit over state of special education services in Hawaii public schools. Attorneys for special education students are threatening to sue the state, saying access to special education and mental health services has gotten worse since the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Resolution calls for Native Hawaiian intellectual property working group.  HCR 108 was adopted in light of the increasing disputes over topics such as cultural misappropriation, ownership and control between Indigenous people and third-party users of Indigenous knowledge resource. Star-Advertiser.

New version of ag bill vetoed by Ige appears to have support from Green. A plan to save farms facing the expiration of their state land leases has once again made it to the governor’s desk. Tribune-Herald.

Marine leaders host Thai officials at Camp Smith. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific hosted a delegation from the Royal Thai Marine Corps on Oahu on Monday and Tuesday for the first Marine-to-Marine Future Engagement Planning meetings between the United States and Thailand. Star-Advertiser.

Wespac Still Hasn’t Paid Back $837,000 It Misspent. Congressmen Want To Know Why. The federal fishery regulatory panel is nearly six months late on repaying taxpayer money that an audit found was not used appropriately. Members of Congress are demanding answers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on how it plans to hold the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council accountable for nearly $1 million in “misspent” federal funds. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID cases remain steady as federal emergency ends. The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported the state’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases at 105, down from 107 reported May 3. The state’s average positivity rate, at 8.0%, remained the same as the previous week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

All Aboard ‘Skyline’: City Plans To Start Rail Service On 4th of July Weekend. The service along half of the route would see few daily riders, but officials say it's time to let the public experience rail. The nine stations along the 10.7-mile stretch from east Kapolei to Aloha Stadium are slated to officially start service 2 p.m. June 30, officials announced Wednesday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  KHON2.

HPD, federal agents raid drug, gambling, sex houses. A joint operation by Honolulu police and federal agents targeting Oahu’s sex trade, gambling and drug houses began before sunrise Wednesday and resulted in three arrests and the seizure of 38 electronic gambling devices and illegal narcotics. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Loud mufflers are a constant nuisance, but more fines could be on the way. Sound-detecting microphones meant to crack down on illegal noise on the roads are coming to Oahu. State lawmakers approved $2.5 million for the program, which the Department of Transportation will roll out. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Convention Center previews $64M roof repair, upcoming events. State lawmakers have solved a $64 million question when it comes to the future of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. That's the cost of fixing the center's leaky roof, which has become an increasing problem as repairs were delayed for years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Study: Rising sea levels will have dramatic effect on one of Hawaii’s most popular beaches. Seven years from now, nearly 90% of Hanauma Bay’s sandy area could be underwater, according to a new University of Hawaii study on sea level rise. Hawaii News Now.

‘Forever chemicals’ found at Kaamilo Wells station. So-called “forever chemicals” have been detected in the Kaamilo Wells Pumping Station, although at rates lower than federal standards, the state Department of Health reported today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Waikoloa Workforce Housing Project Goes Before Cultural Commission. The Hawaiʻi County Cultural Resources Commission on Wednesday reviewed the potential impacts on cultural, archaeological, or historic resources within the Hoʻomalu Workforce Housing Project in Waikoloa. Big Island Video News.

County officials, union work to solve dispatcher shortage. Representatives of the Hawaii Government Employees Association met Tuesday with Hawaii Fire Chief Kazuo Todd and other members of Mayor Mitch Roth’s administration to come up with a plan to rectify a severe shortage of fire dispatchers. Tribune-Herald.

Community input sought on master plan for old Hilo Memorial Hospital. The Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development will host a community meeting on May 15 to gather input and recommendations for the development of a master plan for the old Hilo Memorial Hospital site at 34 Rainbow Drive. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Is Closing Part Of Hana Highway For Up To A Month Because Of Falling Rocks.
In a news release late Wednesday, the government announced it would be closing a section of the highway from Alelele Bridge to Lelekea Bridge, which will temporarily prevent drivers from traveling between Hana and Kaupo. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Public school nurses tallied 8,000 health room visits. Nurses working in public schools handled nearly 8,000 health room visits by students from August to March of the current school year, according to the University of Hawaii as it marks National School Nurse Day today.  Maui News.

Funds released for multipurpose covered facility at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary. Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui, Mā’alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) today, announced the release of $600,000 in funding for a new multipurpose covered facility at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai May Buy The Blighted Coco Palms Hotel. Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo suggested taking ownership through eminent domain. The owner says it's for sale anyway. Civil Beat. Garden Island.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Construction to begin on 24-unit project in ʻEleʻele for homeless.  The project will provide low-cost studio and one-bedroom units for people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Kauai Now.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Hawaii Legislature gears up for opening day, secret cameras irk Maui council, Princeville Resort closing for renovations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii New all rights reserved
Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News
‘Big ideas’ finished at Legislature, critics say. While previous generations of Democrats were determined to pursue dramatic goals such as employer- funded health care or a temporary disability insurance system, a more cautious cadre of lawmakers seems to be aiming lower today, according to the critics. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature 2020: Making Hawaii Livable Again. State lawmakers will consider raising the minimum wage, paid leave programs and ways to keep residents from leaving the islands while grappling with climate change. Civil Beat.

Hawaii looks to boost construction to offset industry slowdown. Construction work in Hawaii is likely to slow next year, but state lawmakers seem inclined to go along with Gov. David Ige’s plan to budget extra money to boost state construction spending and give a lift to the industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Future Liabilities are Expected to Cost $88 Billion. Hawai‘i is in a deep financial pit. Projects to mitigate climate change, improve infrastructure and meet public employee pension and retiree health care obligations are expected to cost the state and four county governments over $88 billion over the next 30 years, according to a report called “Troubled Waters: Charting a New Fiscal Course for Hawaii,” produced for the Hawai‘i Executive Conference. Hawaii Business Magazine.

30 years later, it’s the last session for Rep. Cynthia Thielen. At the age of 86, state Rep. Cynthia Thielen has just begun her 30th — and final — consecutive year representing Kailua and Kaneohe as one of the few Republicans in the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Mandatory Report On Hawaii Trash Disposal Hasn’t Been Filed In 4 Years. The state health department hasn’t been updating the Legislature on recycling programs, landfill diversion efforts or imported fuel reliance as required. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Foodbank says hunger is a chronic problem in Hawaii. One in eight people in the islands regularly do not have enough food. KITV4.

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Space Force unit coming to Hawaii Air National Guard. The Hawaii Air National Guard, picked to have one of four offensive space control squadrons nationally in the Air Guard, expects to start selecting candidates in April. Star-Advertiser.

The flash flood watch issued for the state ahead of a stormy weekend has been extended through to the early start of the work week. The National Weather service extended the watch until Monday evening at 6 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

One lettuce head at a time, farming program rooted at women’s prison changes lives. The farm program is called Learning to Grow. It’s run in partnership with the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle. The relationship started in 1999. Hawaii News Now.

Restriction on aquarium fishing being sidestepped, conservation group says. A coalition of conservation groups led by Earthjustice said the state has been shirking its duties in cracking down on the illegal collection of aquarium fish from Hawaii ocean waters. Star-Advertiser.

UH researcher documents impact of stainless-steel hooks on sharks. A newly published eight-year tiger shark study has found a significant number of sharks with stainless-steel fishing hooks lodged in their jaws. Star-Advertiser.

UH professor’s research shows marine life impacted long after being cut from fishing lines. A study shows how marine life is impacted after being cut from fishing lines. KHON2.

Oahu

Oahu Is Overhauling How It Counts The Homeless. Administrators of Oahu’s annual homeless count have struggled with inaccuracy and undercounting. Civil Beat.

Facing backlash, Land Board scuttles parking plan for Ala Wai Boat Harbor. The state Land Board on Friday shot down a controversial plan to eliminate 125 free parking stalls at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Kakaako Waterfront Park upgrades set to begin at a cost of $450K. The parking lot at the Kakaako Waterfront Park will soon be temporarily closing for upgrades. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu office vacancy rate down to 9.9% in 2019. Renters of office space on Oahu no longer have the upper hand against landlords after a decade of having the dominant position. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

‘Health-care collapse’ Kim’s top legislative priority. Legislation tackling health-care costs, homelessness and cesspools are among six priorities identified by Mayor Harry Kim as the four county mayors head to Honolulu Wednesday to address legislative money committees. West Hawaii Today.

Removal of observatory on schedule. The decommissioning process for one of five Maunakea telescopes to be removed in the coming decade remains on schedule after the approval last month of several environmental assessments. Tribune-Herald.

Community speaks out against jail expansion. Officials from the state Departments of Public Safety and Accounting and General Services came to Hilo Thursday night to brief the public about the planned new housing module at Hawaii Community Correctional Center’s Punahele Street site. Tribune-Herald.

New multi-hazard mitigation plan to help lower risks on Big Island. Multiple public meetings planned around the Big Island this month will introduce the results of a risk assessment conducted for a required update of the county’s multi-hazard mitigation plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Covert cameras secretly installed, briefly active inside Council Chambers. An $8,000 project to install covert security cameras in the Council Chambers of the county building in order to monitor an active shooter or hostage situation was kept secret from most council members and the public, county officials said. Maui News.

Report: Health center failed requirements, denied access to DOH. Molokai Health Center not under direction of full-time physician. Maui News.

Maili residents sue to block affordable housing project. Some neighbors of the largely state-financed project called Hale Makana O Maili have sued the developer in hopes of stopping construction on the two-story apartment complex they consider out of place and not rightly permitted. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Program aims to spark EV charging stations. The Electric Vehicle Charging Station incentives program will supply rebates for the installation of shared-use EV charging stations, and is available to businesses, residences and institutions. Garden Island.

Closing for renovations. The Princeville Resort will shut down completely on May 1 “for many months” as it undergoes a major renovation, according to reservations staff members who were asked Sunday to explain why the hotel’s website was no longer accepting bookings for July. Garden Island.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Hawaii challenged by high cost of living, stagnant population, 325 jobs cut at Pearl Harbor as new drydock planned, Maui council shakeup, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands





Economists: High Living Costs Continue Driving Hawaii Residents Away. A new UH study predicts tourism to drive moderate growth in 2020, despite recent population declines. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Do Hawaii Folks Really Work 91 Hours A Week? A new study’s methodology is skewered, but our cost of living in general and housing in particular are certainly out of reach for many. Civil Beat.

Federal Policies Threaten Hawaii’s Flora, Fauna. Lack of scrutiny over invasive species threatens the Aloha State’s native wildlife. U.S. News and World Report.

New pot law goes into effect Jan. 11. Legislation passed by lawmakers earlier this year that decriminalizes the possession of three grams or less of marijuana and allows such past possessions to be expunged from criminal records will take effect early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Case throws liability for Hawaii charter schools in doubt. A $75,000 payment to settle a lawsuit filed by a woman who tripped and fell at Waimea Middle School is raising questions about who is liable for accidents at charter schools. Star-Advertiser.

Six Hawaii Companies Cited For Air Pollution Violations. Six Hawaii companies — half of which are electric companies — were fined for violating emission standards. Civil Beat.

Comedian Mel Cabang, who entertained Hawaii for decades, dies at age 77. Mel Cabang, one of Hawaii’s comedic legends, died Saturday in Las Vegas at age 77. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Pearl Harbor could get first new dry dock since 1943. A surge in demand for attack submarines and the lengthening of Virginia-class subs to carry more missiles has the Navy examining building its first new dry dock at Pearl Harbor since World War II or creating a 650-foot floating dry dock to better maintain its Pacific- based undersea fleet. Star-Advertiser.

Change in Navy contracting eliminates jobs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Defense giant BAE Systems is exiting the surface ship repair business at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard after a more than 10-year run, eliminating about 325 jobs and leaving some uncertainty whether the work sometimes topping $50 million per ship can be fully retained in Hawaii under new Navy contracting terms. Star-Advertiser.

Sweep at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor uncovers hundreds of violations. Illegal homeless encampments, derelict and sinking boats, and piles of smelly trash were back at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor only weeks after the state finished a November enforcement sweep that netted 550 violations. Star-Advertiser.

Irritated neighbors want to lower the boom on illegal fireworks. Oahu has long had a problem with illegal fireworks, especially the aerials that temporarily transform many neighborhoods into dazzling landscapes on New Year’s Eve but terrorize pets, frighten small children and stress residents — especially those with health problems — who aren’t into the booming celebrations. Star-Advertiser.

City auditor slams Honolulu Zoo. Despite the city’s efforts to regain accreditation for the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki attraction continues to be plagued by an ineffective and ill-defined relationship with the Honolulu Zoological Society, as well as operational deficiencies and staff shortages that have led to unnecessary overtime costs, according to a report released by the city auditor this month. Star-Advertiser.

Low Pay, Reputation Of Corruption Hinders Hiring at Honolulu Liquor Commission. The city agency charged with regulating Oahu’s liquor industry is struggling to fill positions. Civil Beat.

HPD to propose ban on so-called ‘ghost guns’ amid increase in gun violence. Ghost guns have no serial numbers so they’re impossible to track and you don’t need a background check to get one. And right now, they’re completely legal in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

In Waimanalo, residents battle illegal dumping blocks from free city trash center. Waimanalo residents say their neighborhood is being plagued by a series of illegal dump sites. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island continues to lead the state in population growth, but some of the 42 small towns that dot the island have seen population drop, according to detailed estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea Status Report Given To BLNR After Follow-Up Audit. The annual report on the status of the implementation of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan, or CMP, was on Friday’s agenda of the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources. Big Island Video News.

Police commission rejects complaint by retired sergeant. The Hawaii County Police Commission on Friday found insufficient evidence to support the allegations in a complaint made by a retired Hawaii Police Department sergeant concerning enhanced traffic enforcement that occurred on Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Aug. 15 and Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Group shows interest in opening new Ookala dairy. Although Big Island Dairy has “satisfactorily completed” all closure requirements set forth in an agreement with the state Department of Health, others have shown interest in the Ookala property for future dairy operations. Tribune-Herald.

Mass Transit moves forward with Pahoa bus hub. The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency is taking the next steps for a new bus hub in Pahoa and will seek additional funding for the project from the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council Chair Kelly King to step down; Alice Lee tabbed to takeover. Her resignation comes on the heels of reports of dissatisfaction with her leadership. Maui News.

Maui Under the Influence Tow Bill Signed Into Law. With five days until Christmas and already 22 fatalities on Maui County roads, lawmakers passed an ordinance Friday aimed at keeping the roads safe from drunk and impaired drivers. Maui Now.

Lahaina gets a new $10M chocolate factory and cacao farm, with all the profits going to charity. It would be too indulgent to say that Hawaii is about to be drenched in locally made chocolate, but the fledgling industry is on the verge of a sweet surge with a $10 million factory slated for a public opening next month on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

‘Where am I gonna go’. Laws prohibiting unpermitted camping are enforced by county park rangers during frequent early morning raids at public spaces and ignored by prosecuting attorneys, who refuse to pursue cases against people whose only crime is not living in a house. Garden Island.

There's a free way to get around Kauai until Christmas. It's an offer that's part of recovery efforts after historic flooding on the island last year. KITV.

Hemp Growers Battle Both State Restrictions And Medical Skeptics. They hope the Legislature will move decisively to liberalize regulations that limit the marketing of hemp products. Civil Beat.

Saving Kanaele. Water was running in peaceful streams out of Kanaele after days of rains drenched Hawaii’s last, intact, lowland bog, protected on all sides by steep mountains and the Kauai Watershed Alliance’s first predator-proof fence. Garden Island.

Avain botulism taking a toll on endangered waterbirds. Since July, the team has found 140 sick or dead birds in the refuge, the majority being koloa ducks. Garden Island.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Big raises for state officials, cost of living a concern in poll, Big Island hikes general excise tax, many months before lava victims get to go home, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News
Big Pay Raises Coming For Lawmakers And Top State Execs. The commission proposed that the governor’s salary would increase from $158,700 to $189,480 by 2024. Top agency executives, such as the attorney general, would see their wages increase from $154,812 to $188,400 during the same time period. The salaries of  state representatives and senators would rise from $62,604 to $83,052. Civil Beat.

Advocates urge larger minimum wage hike. The Senate Committee on Labor will hold a public hearing today regarding a bill that would increase minimum wage rates throughout the state. Tribune-Herald.

Homelessness, cost of living cited as major concerns in Hawaii. Some 45 percent of Hawaii voters live in homes where someone is considering moving away — or has already left the islands — typically because of the cost of living, according to a new poll of voters conducted for Pacific Resource Partnership. Star-Advertiser.

Poll: Hawaii residents say they’re buckling under strain of state’s high cost of living. The biggest takeaway from the survey is simple: While the overall economy in the islands might be doing well, the personal economies of Hawaii’s residents appear to be faltering. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Projects Could be Defunded to Pay for Border Wall. More than $300 million in funding for military construction projects in Hawaii could potentially be diverted to pay for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Deputy Sheriffs Still Aren’t Accredited — 8 Years After the Law Required It. All four county departments already have the accreditation, which sets standards regarding use of force, weapons, training and officer conduct. Civil Beat.

Should Hawaii get rid of safety checks? According to one state lawmaker, they're a waste of time. KITV.

The state Department of Education said it uses about 1 million pounds of beef in student meals annually throughout its 256 schools, and most of it is from animals raised locally. Only Oahu and Hawaii Island schools serve a portion of their beef not from local sources. Star-Advertiser.

737 Max grounding strands 2 jets in Hawaii; an expert sees little long-term impact on isles. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope protests were held in Hawaii and on the mainland Wednesday as part of Mauna Kea Awareness Day organized by those who oppose the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu homeless debris equal to 184 school buses. City officials hope to fill four more positions to enforce the city’s stored property and sidewalk nuisance ordinances — or what Mayor Kirk Caldwell calls “some of the dirtiest work in the City and County of Honolulu” cleaning up homeless encampments. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Facility Maintenance has collected more than 4.6 million pounds of material from city streets and parks. KITV.

Names, Ranks And Salaries Of Honolulu Cops Are Still Secret. Legal challenges from Hawaii’s police union have prevented the public release of the identities of almost 2,000 sworn officers. Civil Beat.

HPD officers working overtime as officer vacancies look to be filled. The Honolulu Police Department recently released their operating budget, and as of February, they have about 253 officer vacancies to fill. KHON2.

City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro has placed himself on paid leave amid a federal criminal investigation, but sources say he has returned to the office at least twice in the last five days. State Attorney General Clare Connors says she's concerned about reports that city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is showing up at the office while on paid leave. Hawaii News Now.

One judge approves sale of Kealohas’ home; another reschedules their fraud trial. A federal judge on Wednesday approved the sale of the Mariners Cove home belonging to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former city deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Less than an hour later, another federal judge set an Oct. 21 trial date for the Kealohas on bank fraud charges. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Approves $1.3 Million Sale of Kealohas’ Hawaii Kai Home. Meanwhile, the second scheduled trial on bank fraud charges against the couple was pushed back to October. The first trial in the corruption scandal was earlier pushed back to May. Associated Press.

As Deadline Looms, HART May Not Fully Comply With Federal Subpoena. The Honolulu rail agency’s board hasn’t yet consulted with its attorneys on whether to give investigators its closed-door meeting records. Civil Beat.

Lifeguards work in deteriorating towers as brand new ones sit unused. City lifeguards are raising alarms over towers they say are in disrepair. Hawaii News Now.

USS Arizona Memorial site getting name change again. The new official name for the National Park Service unit, which became law on Tuesday, is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

The number of undergraduate applications to the University of Hawaii at Manoa this year shattered the previous record set last year. The UH Manoa Office of Admissions reports it received nearly 19,000 undergraduate applications, a 33-percent jump over last year’s record number. KHON2.

Oahu luxury home sales decline in February. Sales of luxury homes on Oahu that sold for $1.5 million or more declined slightly in February, compared to a year ago, while the median price of those homes fell 20 percent to $1.9 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County residents and visitors will have to dig a few more pennies out of their pockets for goods and services starting Jan. 1, after the County Council on Wednesday passed a half-cent general excise tax surcharge, replacing the one-quarter percent approved last year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County anticipates completing a temporary road over lava-covered portions of Highway 132 by September or October. The estimated schedule was posted on the county’s eruption recovery website Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Temp Road For Lava-Covered Highway 132 By “September-October 2019” Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council members pressed county administrators Wednesday for details on how they will spend $60 million in disaster aid following last year’s Kilauea eruption. Council members, during a lengthy discussion with Mayor Harry Kim and other county officials, repeatedly noted the county’s credibility is on the line with the Legislature, as well as their constituents, regarding how it uses those recovery funds, in addition to the $22 million already granted by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

As the Hawaii County Council moves to accept millions in state eruption recovery funds ahead of final legislative approval, resident continue to push for road recovery. Big Island Video News.

Two airlines confirmed to have used Boeing 737 Max aircraft to fly to the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole said they’re making arrangements to minimize disruptions following federal regulators’ decision to ground the planes nationwide. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Michael Victorino voiced his support for a state House water bill, an underpass to Kihei high school and the Wailuku Civic Complex in his inaugural State of the County address on Tuesday night. Maui News.

The chair of the Maui County Council is hoping for more collaboration between Mayor Mike Victorino's office and the council. Hawaii Public Radio.

The majority of the 14 testifiers at a Maui County Council committee meeting Tuesday expressed support for Mayor Michael Victorino’s appointment of former Council Member Don Guzman as Maui County Prosecuting Attorney. Maui News.

Kahana Bay condos aim to fight erosion with beach nourishment plan. A new beach nourishment proposal could help restore a shrinking shoreline along the coast of West Maui — and end a fierce fight over a seawall that’s currently under construction. Hawaii News Now.

Inmates Still Agitated, Overcrowding Likely Source of Monday’s Riot at MCCC. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council entertained a loaded agenda Wednesday that included a look at the schedule of islandwide road resurfacing and repairs. Garden Island.

State of the County address by Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami on Thursday morning. KHON2.

A Kauai company is suing the Board of Land and Natural Resources over a million dollars worth of sand. A lawsuit filed in Fifth Circuit Court last month alleges the BLNR did not hold up its end of a contract with O. Thronas Inc., a Lawai concrete company, that claims it overpaid the board by more than $1 million in a contract to remove sand from BLNR-owned land in Waimea. Garden Island.

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Ige confident facing Hanabusa challenge, black Hawaiian Airlines employee files suit after noose found near locker, Legislature gets extra $13M to spend, almost half of residents struggle to make ends meet, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Japanese training sailing ship Nippon Maru visits Hilo, PC: Hollyn Johnson, Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Hawaii Gubernatorial Candidates Up to the Challenges. Governor David Ige won a lopsided victory in the 2014 primary election.  He says it wasn’t a fluke. It was a voters’ mandate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials are bracing for at least $6.2 million in federal cuts to state programs that cover everything from emergency preparedness and immunizations to water-quality testing, air-pollution control, children’s health and hazardous waste. Civil Beat.

Legislature Gets An Extra $13M To Spend This Session. The Council on Revenues slightly upgraded its growth projection for this fiscal year to 4.5 percent. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will announce its annual homeless grant awards in support of thousands of local housing and service programs across the U.S. Thursday. Garden Island.

Nearly half of Hawaii’s households earn too little to cover their basic needs, even though many are holding down more than one job, according to a study released Tuesday by Aloha United Way. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly Half Of Hawaii Residents Struggle To Make Ends Meet. Finding affordable housing and a job that pays enough on the same island is tough, according to a new report. Civil Beat.

According to a new report from Aloha United Way, nearly half of Hawaii’s households can’t make ends meet. KITV.

Officials acknowledged Tuesday that connecting houseless or at-risk people with the services they need is paramount to solving Hawaii’s homeless crisis. Garden Island.

A Hawaiian Airlines employee stationed in Kona has filed a racial harassment and discrimination suit against the carrier, saying that his life was threatened by colleagues who placed a noose and a lynching rope near his locker. Hawaii News Now.

Trump Immigration Plans Would Hit Hawaii’s Filipino Families Hard. Filipinos have become the state’s largest ethnic group, in part because of family-friendly immigration policies. Civil Beat.

Results are in from a new state study: The ferry isn’t going to happen. There’s more hype than actual interest. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state identification cards will be issued with a new “star in a gold circle” marking starting Tuesday, Jan. 16. Tribune-Herald.

The PGA Tour and the Hawaii Tourism Authority signed a $2.1 million contract Tuesday extending their marketing partnership through 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

 The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is planning to build 800 units of affordable senior rentals as part of a $370 million mixed-use development on the six-acre site of its current administrative campus in Honolulu under a public-private partnership with Retirement Housing Foundation. Pacific Business News.

Developer to seek city concessions for Waikiki condo. OliverMcMillan, the company developing approximately 500 rental units on Queen Emma trust land, told the Waikiki Neighborhood Board on Tuesday that it plans to ask the city for variances to increase density, height and transitional setbacks in exchange for providing affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric looks to unplug from longtime operating base. Hawaiian Electric Co. is offering up one of its biggest real estate assets for sale in an effort to consolidate operations, and the opportunity could result in more condominium towers in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

OliverMcMillan Inc. expects to submit a draft environmental assessment later this month for what will be the first new high-rise apartment project in decades, a 500-unit market-rate and affordable mixed-use rental project in the center of Waikiki on 2.5 acres of land owned by the Queen Emma Land Co. Pacific Business News.

Homeless shuffle to avoid Kakaako park closures. More than a dozen homeless encampments returned to the mauka Kakaako Gateway Park as state and city officials continue to close and reopen parks overrun by homeless people in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu ranch to re-establish native forest. An Oahu ranch operated on land owned by an affiliate of the Mormon Church has partnered with its landlord and a nonprofit to re-establish a native forest on most of the 750-acre property in Laie and Malaekahana. Star-Advertiser.

New Chinatown bus schedule draws complaints from businesses. Hawaii News Now.

About 500 gallons of fuel oil leaked from a Hawaiian Electric underground pipeline in Pearl City Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Conspiracy Charges Up The Ante For Kealohas. The former police chief and his prosecutor wife could be punished for crimes that were committed by other defendants. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board policies, procedures under review. Two 2016 ethics complaints against the Hawaii County Building Division have resurfaced in a complaint about the procedures of the Board of Ethics itself. West Hawaii Today.

As of this morning, the 25 percent mandatory North Kona water restriction, that has been in effect since Jan. 12, 2017, is officially downgraded to a 10 percent voluntary water conservation. West Hawaii Today.

Forty-seven attorneys were honored during the Hilo Self-Help Center Recognition Awards on Monday for providing free legal information to more than 1,000 people on Hawaii Island who sought assistance at the Hilo Courthouse Self-Help Center in 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawyers to mayor: Let Dave Taylor go back to work. Attorneys for Water Supply director hand Maui County Mayor Arakawa an ultimatum. Maui News.

Senior housing project clears a hurdle. The Maui Planning Commission granted a special management area use permit Tuesday for a 164-unit affordable senior housing project near the Foodland Kaahumanu store and the Kahului Public Library. Maui News.

Smoke-Free Vehicles with Minors Passes Through Committee. Maui Now.

Maui home prices set new record. It took 11 years, but Maui’s real estate market finally eclipsed a prior record for the annual median sale price of single-family homes. Star-Advertiser.

Kihei Charter School Construction Two-Thirds Complete. Maui Now.

Kauai

Testimony continued Tuesday in the Coco Palms civil trial, with the defendants maintaining direct lineage to Hawaiian royalty and their right to occupy the land. Garden Island.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Economists upbeat about Hawaii, judge allows Native Hawaiians to occupy Coco Palms site, Honolulu kills property tax hike for resorts and hotels, police chief citizen panel axed, Maui among least affordable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki street © 2017 All Hawaii News
State economists revised Hawaii's economic outlook upward Wednesday, saying the economy is expected to grow by 1.9 percent this year, while the state's unemployment rate is set to remain at less than 3 percent. Pacific Business News.

The state’s top economists nudged up expectations for Hawaii’s growth for the year because of improved performance in the tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

The Education Commission of the States said on Tuesday that the Hawaii State Department of Education is the 2017 recipient of the Frank Newman Award for State Innovation. Pacific Business News.

Out of surgery after having her right kidney removed, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono was already weighing in on the latest political developments, according to a Twitter message from her staff Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono is recovering after having surgery to remove a kidney. Associated Press.

Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is one of several co-sponsors for a bipartisan bill aimed at decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level. Tribune-Herald.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaiʻi joined Rep. Tom Garrett (VA-05) in hosting a press conference today, urging Congress to pass H.R.1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act. Maui Now.

Navy Adm. Harry Harris Jr., the commander of the Hawaii-based U.S. Pacific Command, said Wednesday that North Korea's recent military tests could lead to a disaster and called on the international community not be complacent as tensions on the Korean Peninsula rise. Pacific Business News.

The top American military officer in the Pacific said Wednesday that North Korea's recent military actions are "a recipe for a disaster" and warned against a sense of complacency in the face of increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Associated Press.

The Green Party of Hawaii will hold its annual party convention at the Kailua-Kona Elks Club on Maui on June 10. Garden Island.

Southwest Airlines has officially confirmed its intention to offer flights to Hawaii, with service launching as early as 2018. Pacific Business News.

Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said Wednesday that Hawaii is a priority destination for the carrier, according to a report from the The Arizona Republic. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Riders of TheHandi-Van are being spared a fare hike and owners of hotel and resort properties won’t get hit with a tax increase as a result of decisions made by the Honolulu City Council’s Budget Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee rejected a proposed property tax increase for hotels and resorts Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Commission on Wednesday scrapped the idea of forming a citizens selection panel to help evaluate candidates seeking to become the city’s next police chief. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Commission on Wednesday ditched its plan to use a citizen advisory panel to help pick a new police chief after receiving flak for its initial list of volunteers. Star-Advertiser.

Commission scraps citizens panel that would have aided search for next police chief. KHON2.

Plans by the city to acquire more land along Dillingham Boulevard is getting backlash from the Blood Bank of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. is suing to temporarily halt a $115 million renovation of the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki after two human burials were unearthed below an elevator shaft. Star-Advertiser.

The discovery of human remains at a construction site of a Waikiki hotel is prompting some Native Hawaiian activists to call for a halt to the development. Hawaii News Now.

A Native Hawaiian plaintiff known for high-profile litigation protecting Native Hawaiian burial sites has filed a lawsuit asking a state court to stop construction at a Waikiki hotel where bones have been discovered. Civil Beat.

Honolulu welcomes new citizens, but holds off on becoming a sanctuary city. Hawaii News Now.

The state and the city, for the first time, will jointly hold a May 29 Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl to honor Vietnam veterans for their service 50 years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Bikeshare Hawaii will launch the state's first bikeshare program, called Biki, this summer in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

The developer of a residential and resort community in Ewa Beach has decided what it wants to anchor much of its 52-acre man-made lagoon, and it is a retail village that looks as if it was built over a century stretching from Hawaii’s plantation era to today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County administration has a bit more explaining to do before the County Council is ready to approve a $20 million bond issue creating a closure plan for the Hilo landfill. West Hawaii Today.

The process to finally close the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill has begun. Big Island Video News.


Puna Councilwoman Jen Ruggles was unable to find support from a single councilmember for her resolution asking the county and the state to acknowledge they have “historically discriminated against low income and native Hawaiian communities of the Puna and Ka`u districts, as established by the Office of Civil Rights’ September 28, 2000, ruling.” Big Island Video News.

There’s a suspected case of mumps in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Testifiers expressed mixed views of the proposed 49-unit Makila Kai project in Launiupoko on Wednesday, with supporters saying the project’s workforce housing is needed while critics worried about more traffic on busy West Maui roads, among other concerns. Maui News.

Maui has joined the ranks of Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, cities famous for their movie star residents, company tycoons and the wealthy. The Valley Isle is one of the least affordable places to live in the United States. Maui News.

New emergency siren testing began on Wednesday in Maui. Department of Defense officials say residents may hear the sound of the siren for about thirty seconds to one minute on Thursday and Friday. KITV.

Alexander &Baldwin has entered the ranching business on Maui, forming Kulolio Ranch in Hamakuapoko in a diversified agriculture venture on 4,000 acres of old Hawaiian Commercial &Sugar lands. Maui News.

Kauai

A motion that would have ordered two Hawaiians — who claim 17 acres of Wailua land as theirs via royal patent — to stay away from property was denied by a Fifth Circuit judge Wednesday. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council is considering acquiring two plots of land on opposite sides of the island. On Wednesday, the council discussed a .27-acre property in Wainiha and a 2.1-acre piece of land in Kekaha, both of which the Open Space Commission is proposing the county take charge of before they are sold. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council unanimously approved Wednesday establishing no parking zones along a stretch of Ho’onani Road in Koloa. Garden Island.

Dr. Gerald McKenna says the policies regarding medical marijuana in Hawaii are getting ahead of themselves. McKenna was a guest speaker at the Kauai Rural Health Association’s “Medical Marijuana Law and Impact on Businesses” conference Wednesday at Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Hawaii incomes rise, new rules for fish auction following expose on slavery conditions aboard ships, slow medical marijuana card processing, feds may fine Honolulu $16M for wasting grant money, Maui seawall plan nixed, electric and water rates may increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Grocery clerks in Hawaii © 2016 All Hawaii News
Hawaii incomes are on the rise, but so is the state’s cost of living and especially the housing costs, which remain the highest in the country. That’s the latest from the U.S. Census Bureau, which released its annual American Community Survey for 2015, including data on income, poverty housing, housing and health insurance. The 2015 median household income, including single-member households, was $73,486, which was close to $4,000 more than 2014, while the median family income rose to $83,823 — more than $4,500 over the previous year. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates urge state to speed up medical marijuana card processing. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Fish Auction will ban any longline vessel from selling catch at its Pier 38 location beginning Oct. 1 if the boat owner or captain doesn’t use a new universal crew contract designed by the local fishing industry that’s supposed to protect against illegal working conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii longline industry leaders say they have formed a task force and hired an expert on slavery in response to media reports about human trafficking, forced labor and poor working conditions aboard some of their boats. Civil Beat.

Starting Tuesday, Hawaii’s longline fishing industry is implementing a multi-pronged system it says will help protect crew from labor abuse, mistreatment and substandard working conditions. KHON2.

Some Native Hawaiians have joined thousands of American Indians in protesting the development of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. Star-Advertiser.

courtesy U.S. Fidsh and Wildlife Service
I'iwi, USFWS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the iiwi, a red honeycreeper unique to Hawaii, as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, the agency announced Monday. Civil Beat.

The native iiwi bird may soon be listed as a “threatened” species. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer than 2,500 ‘i’iwi, or scarlet honeycreepers are left in the world and the birds might be receiving new federal protections. Garden Island.

Oahu

The City and County of Honolulu may have to pay nearly $16 million to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for allegedly wasting federal grant money from 2012 to 2015. Civil Beat.

Two bills designed to tweak the city’s new private transportation vehicle ordinance governing taxis and ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft will get their first airing before the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Several Honolulu police officers are facing disciplinary action after a police chase of a "most wanted" suspect last month ended in a multiple-vehicle crash on the H-1 Freeway. Hawaii News Now.

Broken elevators a constant problem in district court building. KHON2.

Atlantis Resorts is expanding to Hawaii with its first project in the United States located on vacant oceanfront parcels of land near Disney’s Aulani hotel at Ko Olina Resort in West Oahu, the master developer of Ko Olina confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Parking spots are notoriously hard to come by in some parks of Honolulu. But on Friday, an array of designers, artists and activists took over four of the city’s scarce public parking stalls and turned them into something more: miniature parks designed to make people rethink the city’s public spaces. Civil Beat.

A construction firm working on the $20 million renovation of the Maile Sky Court Hotel in Waikiki has been fined $767,095 for failing to comply with labor laws. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii Electric Light Co. plans to request a 6.5 percent rate increase. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time in six years Hawaii Electric Light Co. wants to raise base rates for Big Island customers. KITV.

The Makalei Fire Station is sporting a temporary sign honoring the memory of Daniel R. Sayre, who lost his life while hiking along Pololu Valley in 1997. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday will sign a resolution making that sign more permanent. West Hawaii Today.

An elderly Puna woman is suing Hawaiian Airlines and a Puna company that contracts baggage handling and wheelchair service, alleging she was taken for a rough ride by a porter at Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

One seawall showdown on Maui has come to an end after an unexpected reversal by the state on Monday.  The state Department of Transportation agreed to stop its multi-million dollar shoreline improvement project in Olowalu. The announcement comes after eight days of protests along Honoapiilani Highway. Hawaii News Now.

The Public Utilities Commission has issued a decision and order for Hawaii Water Service Co. Inc. to increase water rates by about 20 percent over present rates for Kaanapali hotels and condominium owners. Maui News.

Fifty-five new wayfinding signs promote health by encouraging walking and exploration of Wailuku Town’s hidden and well‐known treasures. Maui Now.

Kauai
Hawaii chapters of the Surfrider Foundation are teaming up with the Department of Health as the state changes its approach to public education on water quality. Garden Island.

There is an idea floating around the county to convert the Kapaa Neighborhood Center into a police substation, and some residents aren’t happy about it. Garden Island.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Hawaii House and Senate reach $13.7B budget deal, medical marijuana bid winners to be announced today, Alexander & Baldwin to continue diverting Maui stream, Honolulu has world's most expensive bread, 'Peter Boy' parents indicted on Big Island, Honolulu police chief files civil rights case in corruption probe, man arrested in Kauai pregnant monk seal attack, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy House Majority Office
Hawaii Legislature in joint session, courtesy Hawaii House Majority
House and Senate lawmakers reached an agreement Thursday to finalize the overall state budget, including $160.5 million for the Hawaii State Hospital, $17 million for Hawaiian Home Lands and $81 million to more aggressively pay down unfunded liabilities for health benefits promised to public workers. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers have wrapped up negotiations on a $13.7 billion budget for the coming year that includes a financial bailout for Wahiawa General Hospital and $160 million to rebuild much of the Hawaii State Hospital for the mentally ill. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii state lawmakers have approved a state budget that includes $2.5 million for the Wahiawa General Hospital and another $700,000 for the Wahiawa Center for Community Health. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii state lawmakers have agreed to set aside nearly $62 million of this year’s budget to subsidize the construction of rental housing units and $35 million to repair aging public housing units. But Sen. Jill Tokuda and Rep. Sylvia Luke, who lead each chamber’s money committees, said they don’t plan to hold a hearing for a proposal to increase a tax credit for renters, even though Hawaii renters are among the most cost-burdened in the nation. Civil Beat.

Despite a last-minute legal demand to delay the announcement, Hawaii’s Department of Health plans on Friday to announce the eight companies that will receive licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana. Civil Beat.

After Hawaii sought bids last month for a lucrative new contract to house hundreds of its prisoners on the mainland, no rivals stepped up to challenge the state’s current contractor. The Hawaii Department of Public Safety announced Thursday that Nashville, Tennessee-based Corrections Corporation of America, the largest for-profit prison company in the country, was the sole bidder for the contract. Civil Beat.


State lawmakers are looking to make Hawaii one of only a few states that allow psychologists to prescribe medication in an effort to increase access to mental health services. Associated Press.

Hawaii has the highest rate of residents using solar panels in the nation, and lawmakers want to extend the state’s leadership role by offering incentives or rebates to those who buy batteries to store their renewable energy. Associated Press.

The head of the Native Hawaiian Education Council and an insurance company executive are among five nominees being considered for positions on the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu’s chief of police, Louis Kealoha, and his wife Katherine, a deputy prosecutor, are firing back at the city ethics commission, saying they’ve been unfairly targeted for years.  They also say they’re not the only ones, so they’ve filed a federal civil rights complaint. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine Kealoha, took to the television Wednesday to proclaim their innocence in a wide-ranging federal grand jury investigation that involves allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Civil Beat.

A bill that would create more incentive for homeowners to apply for second dwellings on a property got a preliminary approval from the City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

So far this year, there have been eight pedestrians killed on O‘ahu’s roads. Advocates say one solution includes revamping streets to make them safer for all users, whether on bike, car or foot. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu has a new claim to fame. It has the most expensive cost of bread in the world, according to expatistan.com. Pacific Business News.

As rail construction makes its way to the city, small businesses owners in Kalihi are bracing themselves. Pre-construction has already begun along Dillingham Boulevard and major construction is set to begin sometime between 2017 and 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The battle of the budget is officially over, with House and Senate committees agreeing Thursday on the 2016-17 supplemental funding bill. Here’s how West Hawaii fared. West Hawaii Today.

The parents of Peter Kema Jr., aka “Peter Boy,” are in police custody and have been charged with his murder. Peter Kema Sr., 45, was arrested at 5:31 p.m. Thursday and charged with second-degree murder for the 1997 death of his 6-year-old son. Kema was already in custody at the police cellblock, having been arrested earlier in the afternoon on a charge of driving without a license. Tribune-Herald.

The 19-year-old disappearance of a 6-year-old Big Island boy, who would have turned 25 on Sunday had he lived, will finally be adjudicated. Star-Advertiser.

Around 15 people testified against tuition increases at a roughly two-hour meeting, which was one of 11 held statewide this spring to gather feedback before regents convene next month to make revisions. A second meeting was held at UH-Hilo later in the day. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Invasive Species Committee collaborates with retail giant to remove night-blooming jasmine and medinilla from garden centers in Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

Maui

On Thursday, House Bill 2501 HD2 SD 2 CD1, or the Maui water rights bill, was approved. The bill allows Alexander & Baldwin Inc. to continue a previously authorized disposition of water rights for three years or until its pending application for water rights is resolved, whichever occurs sooner. KITV4.

The House on Thursday passed a controversial bill that would allow Alexander & Baldwin to retain the rights to the water flowing through dozens of streams in East Maui while administrative and legal challenges to its request for a long-term lease for water are resolved. Star-Advertiser.

The House voted Thursday evening to approve a bill that lets Alexander & Baldwin continue leasing stream water from East Maui, to divert to farmland in Central Maui, where the last sugar mill in Hawaii is soon to close. That sets up House Bill 2501 for its final vote in the Senate on Tuesday. If passed, the bill would then head to Gov. David Ige for his signature. Civil Beat.

Alexander & Baldwin Properties' new residential community in north Kihei is accepting applications for its first neighborhood, which includes up to 170 condominium homes. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kalalau Valley is world renown for its majestic scenery and breathtaking wilderness. Because of that, it’s a nest of illegal camping activity and ground zero for periodic enforcement sweeps by the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. Garden Island.

A 19-year-old Eleele man was arrested Thursday in connection with an attack on a Hawaiian monk seal at a Kauai beach. Star-Advertiser.

Shylo Akuna was picked up by Department of Land and Natural Resources DOCARE and NOAA Office of Law Enforcement special agents around 2:30 p.m., just two days after a video showing a man harassing a well-known Kauai monk seal named RK30 began circulating the internet. Garden Island.

The trial for the Kauai police officer charged with negligent homicide for allegedly causing the death of a 19-year-old man on Kaumalii Highway has been moved to October. Garden Island.