Dangerous mental patient already in California when Hawaii hospital officials raise escape alarm, seawater air conditioning coming to state buildings, ticket-fixing alleged in Honolulu prosecutor probe, City Council to take up foam food container ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol PC:Henry Curtis Ililani Media

State Capitol to get seawater air conditioning. The state Department of Accounting and General Services said Tuesday it has reached an agreement with Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning LLC to air-condition eight state buildings, including the Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii on Tuesday said it reached a preliminary agreement with Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning to cool seven state office buildings and the state Capitol, a move that could save taxpayers more than $14 million a year. Pacific Business News.

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Hawaii State Hospital officials, citing patient privacy laws and a criminal investigation, offered no explanation Tuesday of how a killer in their care walked out of the Kaneohe facility and found his way to California even before the hospital reported him missing. Star-Advertiser.

Officials Still Silent About How Killer Escaped From Hawaii State Hospital. The AG’s office issued a $500,000 warrant for the arrest of Randall Saito, calling him a “dangerous individual” who needs to be off the street. Civil Beat.

Escapee had cell phone, change of clothes, paid in cash. Hawaii News Now.

Surveillance video shows escapee in taxi, dispatcher says ‘he sounded so nice’ KHON2.

All the way to San Jose. That is how far a Hawaii State Hospital patient, with a violent past, got before law enforcement was notified he escaped. KITV.

Documents: Hospital escapee had sexual relations with staff. Hawaii News Now.

Escapee married former hospital worker, allegedly threatened to ‘blow away the staff’ KHON2.

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Homeless safe zones are catching on — everywhere but Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

State and City leaders on Homelessness in Hawaii took part in a Housing Summit to discuss current homeless/housing issues and learn from others about different strategies used to combat the problem. KITV.

Oahu

City Council committee to discuss bill banning plastic foam containers Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A 31-year-old Niu Valley man says city Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha had his speeding ticket dismissed after he did some electrical work for her and her husband, former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

The federal court has named the lawyers who will represent former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha against charges that they conspired to and obstructed justice, lied to investigators, and committed bank fraud and identity theft. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas Get New Defense Attorneys In Federal Conspiracy Case. The couple could no longer afford to pay their long-time lawyers to defend them in one of the largest public corruption cases in Hawaii history. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu police officials Tuesday urged City Council members to provide funding for a permanent, departmentwide body-worn camera program. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council committee decided Tuesday to defer a measure that would require the owners of approximately 150 Oahu residential high-rises to install automatic fire sprinklers throughout their buildings. Star-Advertiser.

New Council Proposal Cuts Back Fire Sprinkler Requirements. Only about half as many high rises built before 1975 would have to be retrofitted under an amended version of the measure. Civil Beat.

City May Get Tougher On Tour Vans In Waimanalo. A bill to establish permit fees for commercial stops at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park would help pay for monitoring compliance. Civil Beat.

The city is hiring someone to figure out what caused the lights to go out at a baseball field in Waipio. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has struck a deal to buy renewable fuel at a lower price from a local company to produce power on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Earlier this year, 75 acres of East Honolulu land, in one of Hawaii’s wealthiest areas, sold for $380,000. The parcel is on the slope that stretches from the east side of Aina Haina up to the luxury homes of Hawaii Loa Ridge.  Star-Advertiser.

In unrelated cases, two Hawaii women have been charged after suspicion of welfare fraud. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu nonprofit Arc in Hawaii is suing its longtime bookkeeper, claiming she embezzled nearly $7 million. Star-Advertiser.

Cardax Inc.’s revenue soared last quarter as the nationwide launch of the company’s new anti-inflammatory product ZanthoSyn generated strong demand. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The career ladder reaches only so far for Hawaii County firefighters, at least if they don’t want to take a pay cut. Concerns over a lack of interest from rank-and-file firefighters about rising to battalion chief have Fire Chief Darren Rosario and Acting Human Resources Director Bill Brilhante meeting with Mayor Harry Kim, asking for a classification study to determine whether the position should be moved up a few rungs. West Hawaii Today.

A discussion regarding Hawaii County Fire Department battalion chiefs’ pay grade was held on Tuesday during the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee meeting. Big Island Video News.

After circumnavigating the globe for three years, Hokulea’s historic Malama Honua voyage will officially come full circle in April when the double-hulled sailing canoe returns to Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

A nonprofit from California is working to renovate youth baseball fields in Hilo this week with the help of some professionals: three Major League Baseball players. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission approved amendments Tuesday to a special management area use permit to allow ATC Makena Holdings to demolish the old Makena Beach & Golf Resort hotel and no longer pursue a separate 76-unit boutique hotel at the nearly 24-acre site. Maui News.

An affordable hotel in Kahului being modeled after the popular local Pagoda Hotel on Oahu is still in the works, although it will take a little longer to build. Maui News.

A Maui County Council committee has recommended that sunscreens containing certain chemicals be banned in the county. Associated Press.

A 10-year prison term was ordered Tuesday for a former jail guard convicted of sexually assaulting an inmate while he was working at the Maui Community Correctional Center three years ago. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department will conduct emergency preparedness exercises at two Kahului locations this week. Maui Now.

Voyaging canoe Hokulea sets sail for a return visit to county. Kick-off event is a ‘talk story’ Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Dairy farm violated Clean Water Act, told to pay up. A federal court ordered Hawaii Dairy Farms to pay $506,000 to The Friends of Mahaulepu, an environmental watchdog organization. Hawaii News Now.

Hotel working with county. In August, the county Planning Department issued violations to Hanalei Bay Resort for illegal dwellings and insufficient parking. Garden Island.

The Kauai Community Alliance, Continuum of Care for homeless services, and the County of Kauai will host “Hope in the Park: Information and Free Lunch,” starting at 11 a.m. today on the lawn of the Historic County Building in observance of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Garden Island.

Resource Recovery Solutions, the operator of Puhi Metals Recycling Center, accepts e-waste at no cost to residents and businesses. Garden Island.

Molokai

Two women have been charged with embezzling more than $1 million from a Molokai federal credit union. Pacific Business News.

Rail bailout bill up for Senate vote today, grand jury probes Honolulu prosecutor, bombing OK'd off Kauai, Hawaiian homesteaders seek takeover of troubled telecom, prison sex shaming lawsuit revived in appeals court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Royal Kona resort © 2017 All Hawaii News

A bill to fund Honolulu’s financially troubled rail project was advanced by the state Senate and is heading for a final vote by the legislative body. Associated Press.

A package of state tax hikes to bail out the city’s beleaguered rail project appears poised to clear its last major hurdle with a full Senate vote today before moving over to the House. Star-Advertiser.

State Lawmakers are advancing the Honolulu rail transit funding measure this week during a special legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill that would generate almost $2.4 billion to bail out the city’s troubled rail project passed its second reading in the state Senate on Tuesday, and the measure appears to have enough support to make it through the third and final vote. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to bail out Honolulu’s rail project passed a second reading in the Senate Tuesday. KHON2.

A bill raising the statewide hotel tax to pay for the struggling Honolulu rail project cleared another hurdle Tuesday, when the Senate advanced it on a 17-7 procedural vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers are back in for day two of the special legislative session to deal with a rail tax bill. KITV.

When Hawaii industry tourism executives decried a proposal to raise a hotel room tax to help bail out the struggling Honolulu rail project, lawmakers responded with more than a little skepticism Monday. Civil Beat.

Maui Groups Testify Against Honolulu Rail Funding. Maui Now.

Members in the Maui County legislative delegation were of different minds on the proposed measure to help Honolulu fund cost over-runs on its rail transit project, which is being considered in a special session that opened Monday. Maui News.

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The state House of Representatives today adopted a resolution formalizing new committee assignments, which includes more than 50 changes. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige’s nominee to the state agency that regulates Hawaii’s utilities was unanimously approved by a Senate committee today. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has nominated state Rep. Marcus Oshiro as the new chairman of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has nominated state lawmaker Marcus Oshiro for the Hawaii Labor Relations Board as its chairperson and representative of the public. Pacific Business News.

Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott announced today he is withdrawing from the 2018 race for Hawaii governor after learning that another Republican plans to run. Star-Advertiser.

A coalition of Hawaiian homestead associations has declared its intent to purchase the beleaguered Sandwich Isles Communications, which in June lost its exclusive license to provide telephone and internet service to homestead communities statewide. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. submitted final plans to state regulators Tuesday seeking to make $205 million in upgrades to its energy systems on Oahu and Hawaii island and in Maui County over the next six years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest utility company, Hawaiian Electric Cos., has filed its grid modernization plan with state regulators. Pacific Business News.

100-year-old Japanese bible returned to Sen. Inouye's family, archives now public. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A U.S. Justice Department investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power in Hawaii law enforcement has expanded to include a look at a property deal associated with a much-touted safe haven for victimized women created by Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Civil Beat.

A federal appeals court ruling Tuesday revived a woman’s lawsuit that alleges she was subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by being forced to participate in a therapy program involving “public sexual shaming” while incarcerated at a Hawaii jail. Associated Press.

A project in the governor's push to build thousands of affordable homes has been scaled back dramatically because of push back from Kalihi residents. Hawaii News Now.

Some changes are coming to the property tax laws for the City and County of Honolulu. They’re going into effect this Friday. KHON2.

Electric vehicle owners heading to Costco in Iwilei will soon be able to shop and charge their cars car at the same time. Pacific Business News.

Retired Senior Family Court Judge Betty Vitousek, instrumental in establishing the Family Court here as well as the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, died of natural causes Monday in Honolulu. She was 98. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: No One Has Won The Fight Over Fixing This Waikiki Seawall. Both sides claim victory in the legal battle between landowners and the state over who should maintain the “Gold Coast” barrier. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The second theft of a Hele-On bus within a month, allegedly by the same individual, has county officials scrambling to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Tribune-Herald.

Members of the HI-CoP group waved signs at the entrance of Hilo Airport as the mayor met with the tour helicopter industry. Big Island Video News.

Big Island residents fed up with noisy tour helicopters took their message to the streets Tuesday, waving signs calling for the end to noise. Hawaii News Now.

Some residents in North Kona are worried that the region's water crisis will worsen when thousands of visitors arrive soon for the world's largest long distance canoe race and the Ironman triathlon. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island physicians are starting a nonprofit designed to encourage doctors-in-training to pick the Big Island as a place to live and practice medicine. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Businesses and customers in and around the Kahului industrial area report an increase in vandalism and other criminal activity they say is related to the number of homeless people in the area. Maui News.

A bulldozer operator, whom earlier witnesses said was moving sand without an archaeological monitor, testified Monday that he did not need one in the sand mining lawsuit against a Maui Lani developer. Maui News.

Kauai

The National Marine Fisheries Service has given approval to a five-year Air Force plan for bombing practice at sea off Kauai that reduces munitions used and increases monitoring for impacts to whales and dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

People living near the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility might have heard sirens and other loud noises coming from the base Tuesday, and those noises will be continuing today. It’s because of a two-day training exercise. Garden Island.

A Kauai judge declared a mistrial in a case against a former law enforcement officer after jurors deadlocked on 19 counts of sexual assault of a minor and found him not guilty on four counts. Star-Advertiser.

Ulupono Initiative is conducting a telephone survey about Kauai’s economy, and some say the company should be more upfront about its involvement with Hawaii Dairy Farms. Garden Island.

Tuesday water quality tests from the Surfrider Blue Water Task Force show the bacteria level in Hanalei Bay has waned. Garden Island.

Pesticides play politics in state House, advocates want Hawaii to be sanctuary state, DLNR seeks criminal probe at Kona boat harbors, bill could require Honolulu building inspections, Maui mayor's plan to sell golf course irks golfers, Kauai monk seal killing reward upped to $50k, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pesticide spray in Hilo, special to All Hawaii News

Lawmaker May Lose Committee Chair Over Pesticide Bill. Hawaii Rep. Angus McKelvey’s effort to push through a contentious pesticide disclosure bill could lead to his ouster as head of Consumer Protection and Commerce. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has started posting data on what kinds of restricted-use pesticides large agricultural companies apply each month and in what amounts. Civil Beat.

A proposed bill to increase the counties’ allocation of money generated from the transient accommodations tax passed in the Hawaii Senate. Garden Island.

A bill to replace the term “medical marijuana” with “medical cannabis” in state law is moving through the Legislature, though most other marijuana-related measures have died. Tribune-Herald.

Senate Bill 518 and companion House Bill 680 would mandate all those with barber, beauty operator and instructor licenses under the state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology complete a one-time, three-hour training program on domestic violence awareness and education. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Board of Education has suspended its search for the next state schools superintendent after a foundation pulled back from a large donation to support the effort. Civil Beat.

The search for the next schools superintendent is delayed over concerns about fairness. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level in nearly 10 years. Star-Advertiser.

While hotel occupancy rose only slightly in January, the industry saw record revenue of $561 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii tourism had another record year of arrivals in 2016, but statewide sales of homes typically bought by visitors barely budged, a new report shows. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates for immigrants are ramping up efforts to make Hawaii a sanctuary state. Hawaii News Now.

State Attorney General Doug Chin, who filed the nation’s first state lawsuit Wednesday to block President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban, said the executive order still discriminates against residents of Muslim-majority countries in spite of the watered-down language. Star-Advertiser.

A new technical report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests that climate change-induced sea level rise over the course of this century, especially in Hawaii, may be far worse than predicted in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenario that has been serving as a guide for a number of local efforts to address climate change impacts. Civil Beat.

Growth in out-of-state investment in Hawaii real estate is prompting the state to take a closer look at property tax rates. Tribune-Herald.

A bill seeking to ban foam containers was shelved this session, despite sizable public support. Star-Advertiser.

Catherine Ngo, president and chief executive officer of Central Pacific Bank, earned $1,051,039 last year, $45,071 less than she did in 2015, despite an increase in salary, according to the bank’s annual proxy statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines unveiled an Airbus A321neo full-flight simulator to train pilots ahead of the airline’s full incorporation of the fleet starting next year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Two bills that would require most Oahu commercial buildings, condominiums and apartments to be inspected every five years moved out of a City Council committee Thursday, despite concerns raised by both a condo association group and the Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Building 800 affordable homes annually on Oahu is a goal Mayor Kirk Caldwell laid down last month. It is ambitious. And he said he has an aggressive strategy to get it done. But a close look at his plan suggests it will be tough to realize. Star-Advertiser.

The first phase of a 320-unit affordable rental apartment complex in east Kapolei could break ground at the end of this year or early next year, Michaels Development Co. officials say. Star-Advertiser.

As the University of Hawaii works to modernize buildings on the aging Manoa campus, officials want to move away from static learning and research spaces toward facilities that foster collaboration across fields. Star-Advertiser.

When Salem Partners first inquired about building a condominium-hotel tower across from the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, little did the Los Angeles-based investment bank and wealth management firm know that several other towers would be joining its project along Kapiolani Boulevard. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaiian Humane Society this spring plans to start building Hawaii’s first high-volume spay-and-neuter clinic focused on “free-roaming” cats to reduce their numbers on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has joined Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth in asking the state attorney general to investigate the ethics issues and allegations that continue to roil the waters at West Hawaii small boat harbors. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has taken the first step toward starting a contested case hearing for the Thirty Meter Telescope’s sublease on Mauna Kea by seeking applicants for a hearing officer. But it remains unclear when or if the quasi-judicial hearing — the third so far — will be held. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will soon begin work to determine the extent of munitions and explosives of concern remaining from military training and on more than 1,900 acres on Kohala Mountain’s flanks. West Hawaii Today.

Council Chairwoman Valerie Poindexter has called a meeting over runoff dispute between dairy, neighbors. West Hawaii Today.

Demolition by neglect: Fate of Naalehu Theater remains in limbo, even as it deteriorates. Tribune-Herald.

Work on the Hilo Bayfront Trails continues despite an unexpected setback in the grant cycle that caused organizers to shift priorities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa’s proposed shutdown of the 87-year-old Waiehu Municipal Golf Course drew the ire of Maui golfers, who praised the course for its beauty and affordability. Maui News.

Golfers are criticizing a plan by Maui County’s mayor to shut down an 87-year-old municipal golf course. Associated Press.

A 285-acre business park is being proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources on former sugar lands in Pulehunui. Maui News.

Maui County could see a small increase in its share of the hotel room tax and money for an agricultural park in South Maui, and there may be hope for 250 low-income residents who are looking at being priced out of their Lahaina apartments as the Legislature cleared a key deadline Thursday. Maui News.

Maui hotel room rates jumped 10 percent last week with other Islands experiencing similar gains compared to last year, according to the Hospitality Advisors LLC and STR weekly hotel report. Pacific Business News.

Undocumented immigrants on Maui are unsure of future. Given the changing policies, some worry they’ll get caught up in deportation fervor. Maui News.

Hawaii Gas is planning to build a new storage facility for propane tanks near Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary in Kahului, company officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Planning Commission to discuss General Plan Update. General Plan Update goes to Planning Commission Tuesday. Garden Island.

The state plans to once again take on the rats that have colonized Lehua Island. Details will be presented Tuesday at the Waimea Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

The state wants to eradicate rats on a small island off Niihau to create a refuge for threatened and endangered seabirds as rising sea levels threaten low-lying atolls. Star-Advertiser.

A total of $50,000 is being offered for information about the killings of five Hawaiian monk seals, including the February death of a 15-year old female known as R4DP on Kauai. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Health will reconvene public hearings statewide to introduce amendments to Chapter 50 of the state’s Food Safety Code. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines starts direct service from Lihue to Kona. Garden Island.

State issues alert for bee disease, Mayors Caldwell, Kim release budgets, Kona harbor employee fined for ethics violation, Honolulu police embroiled in abuse investigations, residents to police fireworks violations, media access to disasters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

American foulbrood disease, courtesy Hawaii Department of Agriculture

State agricultural officials are warning Hawaii’s beekeepers to keep an eye out for the re-emergence of a destructive bee disease that once wiped out much of the islands’ honeybee population. Star-Advertiser.

Detection of the destructive and difficult-to-eradicate American foulbrood disease in a Kula beehive recently led the state Department of Agriculture to issue an alert Wednesday. Maui News.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture sent notice to beekeepers across the state Wednesday of a new case of American foulbrood, a bee disease that decimated much of Hawaii’s honeybee population in the 1930s. West Hawaii Today.

A beekeeper recently detected a destructive bee disease, American foulbrood or AFB in a bee hive in Kula, Maui, agricultural officials have confirmed. Several hives on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island were also affected by AFB in February and October, 2016 respectively. Maui Now.

News release on bee disease by state Department of Agriculture is here.

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State Sen. Josh Green introduced more than 10 bills this session relating to homelessness. As of Tuesday, two were headed for a vote on the Senate floor. But neither are quite as ambitious as when they started. Tribune-Herald.

How News Media May Get More Access To Disaster Scenes. After a virtual news blackout as lava flows threatened a town, lawmakers rethink limits on coverage. Civil Beat.

A proposed Hawaii bill aims to speed up the state’s progress toward its ambitious 100 percent renewable energy goal by creating training courses for state and county employees responsible for approving energy projects. Pacific Business News.

Bill would let residents report illegal fireworks with cell phone footage. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers aim to defuse illegal fireworks market. KITV.

A Hawaii bill that sought to change the way commercial fishing licenses are granted died after industry representatives told lawmakers it would wreck the business. Associated Press.

Is Hawaii Ready For Driverless Cars? Waikiki tourists, highway traffic jams, pedestrian problems and unique environmental conditions could pose issues for the new technology. Civil Beat.

For the third month in a row, statewide bankruptcy filings increased from the year-earlier period as the number of cases in February rose 13 percent, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

First-time homebuyers in Hawaii and Florida have among the most obstacles in the nation when it comes to bagging a property, according to a study by Bankrate.com. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Medical Service Association reported a $28.5 million profit in 2016, up from $4 million the previous year. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, on the other hand, said its loss grew to $22.8 million — from $17.4 million — due to caring for seniors and low-income patients, and paying for technology, facilities and member services. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii on Wednesday reported a net loss of $12.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, a 95.3 percent increase in losses compared to previous fourth quarter net loss of $6.5 million. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Hawaii Moves Too Slow On Asset Forfeiture Reform. Some states are insisting that people must be convicted of a crime before they lose their property. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The $2.45 billion operating budget Mayor Kirk Caldwell plans to unveil today proposes a new trash pickup fee and increases to bus fares and Residential A property taxes for next fiscal year that officials say are needed to fund hikes in nondiscretionary spending — including debt service, employee retirement and collective bargaining. Star-Advertiser.

As they unveil this year’s budget plan, officials in the mayor’s office largely aim to convince state lawmakers that the city cannot cover the added costs to complete the island’s cash-strapped rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Planning Commission gave its approval Wednesday for the city to continue using Oahu’s only landfill until it’s filled to capacity, regardless of when that might be. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department admitted Wednesday it botched the case of a toddler who almost died from apparent abuse at an Ewa Beach day care, but said it was highly unlikely that anyone will ever be brought to justice for the crime. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Department plans to do more investigating on three old cases that resulted in serious injury to a child after determining more could have been done during the initial investigations, officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

The mother of a toddler who nearly died is pleading with the Honolulu Police Department for a more thorough investigation into her son’s injuries. KHON2.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority is going ahead with plans for a solar facility to be built in Kalaeloa, which may disrupt nearby Hawaiian cultural sites. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu HomeLoans and Downtown Capital are among local real estate companies in opposition of restrictions for condominiums built in Kakaako proposed by the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Pacific Business News.

A master plan that would guide a monumental resculpting of the state’s biggest park in urban Honolulu and add new uses including sand volleyball courts, an oceanfront amphitheater and a beer garden failed to win support of a state board Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Nothing to negotiate in Aloha Stadium, UH deal. Star-Advertiser.

Starbucks has opened one of only 20 of its Reserve experience bars across the country in Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Mayor Harry Kim unveiled a proposed budget Wednesday that ratchets up county spending by $11 million, a scant 2.4 percent, but leaves open the possibility that expenditures could yet increase based on decisions outside his control. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim Issues Message On $474 Million Budget. Big Island Video News.

A Hawaii island harbor agent is being fined $1,000 and ordered to repay a parasailing company $238.45 after he arranged free trips from the company, while appearing to offer the company unspecified favors. Star-Advertiser.

Two California shoppers are suing the distributors of Kona Brewing Company saying they were deceived into thinking the beer was made in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Housing units sitting idle in Pahoa for years will be auctioned off instead of renovated. Tribune-Herald.

Advisory signs at Kamakahonu Beach at Kailua Bay came down Friday after tests for pathogen indicators fell below Clean Water Branch thresholds. West Hawaii Today.

A cruise ship scheduled to make a call in Kailua-Kona Wednesday was unable to do so as a result of high, unusual winds associated with a weather system to the west. West Hawaii Today.

The summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa were closed Wednesday after they received a fresh blanket of snow that resulted in whiteout conditions. Tribune-Herald.

It's been a dramatic new year so far for one of Hawai'i Island's most spectacular sights. The Kīlauea Volcano has been continuously erupting for 34 years—but there have been some changes since January. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Cooperation among West Maui landowners is key to reducing sediment runoff to reefs, whose coral coverage is down significantly in the region’s northern waters, according to a recent University of Hawaii study. Maui News.

Starting March 1, until funding is exhausted, residents will be able to dispose of one vehicle per year at no processing charge. Maui Now.

Maui County residents will be able to dispose of one vehicle per year for free under a new county abandoned vehicle program. Maui News.

The cost of shutting down Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.’s operations last year was $20 million lower than expected and the company’s sugar operations performed “better than expected” for its last harvest, said the chief executive officer of parent company Alexander & Baldwin on Tuesday. Maui News.

Ohana by Hawaiian Airlines has resumed its service to Kapalua Airport in West Maui, exactly 30 years after the airport opened. Pacific Business News.

After a 24-year hiatus, Hawaiian Airlines made its return to Kapalua Airport on Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii Dairy Farms may be back to square one with its environmental impact statement, a process that started with the release of its draft EIS in June. Garden Island.

A brown water advisory was issued by the state’s Department of Health, Clean Water Branch Wednesday due to the heavy rains that was accompanied by lightning and thunder Tuesday night. Garden Island.

Motorcyclists seek to weave in traffic; minimum wage, commercial fishermen, pesticide, assisted suicide, prostitution bills mulled by Legislature; Park Service loses Keauhou aquifer protection bid; Waikiki bacteria level high, Roth cleared in ethics charge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mutt on a motorcycle © 2017 All Hawaii News

Motorcycle rights advocates are pushing to pass a law that would allow bikers in Hawaii to ride in-between vehicles while in traffic. Hawaii News Now.

Minimum Wage Hike Clears Hawaii Senate Committee. Supporters call the current wage woefully inadequate in such an expensive state. Businesses argue $15 would be devastating. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers to hear 'death with dignity' bill today. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday calling for more oversight of the commercial fishing industry after an Associated Press investigation found hundreds of foreign fishermen confined to boats and some living in subpar conditions. Associated Press.

There’s one bill before the legislature this session that is focusing on an alternative to criminalizing prostitution. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Hawaii Restrict Pesticides, Require More Disclosure From Big Ag? After a federal court shot down the efforts of individual counties, advocates of more regulation have only the Legislature to turn to. Civil Beat.

A bill that would help families fight lawsuits like recent ones filed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to acquire ancestral lands in Hawaii by forced sale took its first step forward at the state Legislature on Tuesday, buoyed by Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals. Star-Advertiser.

The teachers union’s property tax proposal to generate more funding for public schools advanced another step at the state Capitol on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Committee on Housing advanced a bill that would have real estate investment trusts, or REITs, pay Hawaii corporate income taxes on income the companies pass to their shareholders. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the board of the Hawaii Tourism Authority is calling on state Sen. Glenn Wakai to either produce some evidence of wrongdoing by HTA or apologize to the agency’s leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s profit rose 5.5 percent in the fourth quarter as the company rebounded from costs related to its failed sale to Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., the parent of Hawaiian Electric Co. and American Savings Bank, on Tuesday reported a profit of $248.3 million, or $2.29 per diluted share, for all of 2016, compared to $159.9 million, or $1.50 per diluted share in 2015. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

An autistic high school student raped a classmate while the adult assigned to monitor him was taking a nap, said a federal lawsuit accusing Hawaii’s statewide school district of negligence. Associated Press.

The Department of Health is issuing an advisory after high levels of bacteria were detected in waters off Waikiki. KHON2.

Many miss out on Brown Water Advisory message. KITV.

Hawaii

After hours of testimony before a packed hearing room at the West Hawaii Civic Center, the state Commission on Water Resource Management Tuesday denied the National Park Service’s petition to declare the Keauhou Aquifer system a state ground water management area. West Hawaii Today.

It was standing room only Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center for the meeting of the State Commission on Water Resource Management, as they voted to deny the National Park Service its request to take over managing part of West Hawaii’s water. Big Island Video News.

County Prosecutor Mitch Roth was cleared Tuesday of allegations he violated the county ethics code when he testified about perceived corruption in the Department of Land and Natural Resources at an Oct. 28 Land Board hearing in Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is fining a landowner for building an illegal seawall on Lalakea pond after state officials declined to levy a penalty. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Organizers of a community meeting in Pāʻia were met with heavy opposition from area residents to plans for leasing the Old Maui High School campus to TEACH Development LLC, a company that is looking to use the 23 acre campus. Maui Now.

Pono Life Sciences Maui LLC received a notice to proceed to acquire and cultivate medical marijuana from the Hawaii State Department of Health on Tuesday, making it the fourth dispensary to get the approval and the second Maui licensee to meet the requirements. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Two bills that could affect quiet title law, kuleana land ownership and a historic trail on the island unanimously passed legislative committee on Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Hawaii State Department of Health is allowing an extension of the decision-making period for the Hawaii Dairy Farms Final Environmental Impact Statement. Garden Island.

The recently released Kauai Humane Society audit will be presented at today’s Kauai County Council meeting. Garden Island.

The Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely detonated a live hand grenade at a remote location in Kalaheo Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported. Garden Island.

Services today for late state Rep. Tsuji, attorney general whittles rape test kit backlog, Hanabusa to lead freshman class, Obama nixes Pearl Harbor visit, direct Japan flights coming to Kona, Maui homeless rousted, Kauai inaugurates council members, Honolulu streets condemned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rep. Clift Tsuji © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii lawmakers and residents are gathering to remember the late Big Island lawmaker Rep. Clift Tsuji, who died last month. Associated Press.

A memorial service for the late state Rep. Clift Tsuji  will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 in the House chamber at the state Capitol. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a short program at 10:30 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

As a mark of respect for the late Hawaii State Representative Clifton Tsuji, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawaii shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai'i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, Dec. 2, and from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, Dec. 4. KITV.

The attorney general’s office says a working group has come up with a timeline to whittle down a backlog of untested rape kits. The plan is to test as many as 50 kits each month starting next year. KHON2.

Hawaii will receive $5.74 million to fund preschool in the state’s public charter schools, including Hawaiian language immersion programs. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii public schools will aim to graduate more students, enroll more graduates in college, retain more teachers, improve test scores and educate more special-education students in regular classes by 2020 under a revised strategic plan that officials say is designed to better support student success. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama is no longer expected for the 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration, an 11-day series of events to mark Dec. 7, 1941. Star-Advertiser.

Freshmen Democratic House members Tuesday unanimously elected U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii as their class representative, a new position that is part of a change in the House Democratic leadership structure. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city has a green light to proceed with condemning eight streets in Kakaako that are a tangled mess of competing ownership claims and parking rights. Star-Advertiser.

The city can now initiate action to claim eight private Kakaako streets that have generated complaints about traffic being blocked by parking spots a company has rented out. Civil Beat.

Activists Fear Thomas Square Could Become A ‘Revenue Cow’. The downtown Honolulu park has long been the site for political and cultural events, as well as free services for the needy. Civil Beat.

To honor the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio will soon bear the congressman’s name. Star-Advertiser.

A police officer escorted former congressional candidate Angela Kaaihue out of a Honolulu City Council meeting Thursday after she loudly protested the renaming of an aquatic center in honor of the late Congressman Mark Takai. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council on Thursday approved four resolutions authorizing the payment of up to $150,000 to retain the services of three outside law firms to represent Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha in four lawsuits. Civil Beat.

Manoa Botanicals LLC, one of eight Hawaii firms licensed to open medical marijuana dispensaries, has raised $5 million in its second round of equity financing, bringing the total amount raised for the Oahu company to $10.9 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Gov. David Ige Thursday announced from Honolulu the reopening of the federal inspection service at the Kona International Airport at Keahole, paving the way as the state’s second international gateway. West Hawaii Today.

Customs and immigration checks are being set up at Kona International Airport in time for Hawaiian Airlines to begin operating nonstop flights there from Japan. Associated Press.

Kona International Airport will once again service flights from Japan on Dec. 20 with the re-establishment of a U.S. Customs station, a move that Gov. David Ige says will improve the overall health of the state of Hawaii by restoring direct flights from Tokyo to a Neighbor Island. Pacific Business News.

The State announced the re-establishment of the Kona International Airport yesterday with the arrival of the first foreign flight from Japan scheduled in less than 3 weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

It was a brisk, windy, rainy day at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area on Thursday, but it was nice and cozy inside after several dozen people crowded into the newly renovated dining hall to celebrate the grand opening of the county’s overhaul of the former state park. West Hawaii Today.

Officials unveiled the latest round of improvements to the Hawaii County-managed Mauna Kea Recreation Area Thursday. Big Island Video News.

A planning process that will guide development from Wainaku to Waipio Valley is nearing its final stretch after seven years of meetings and talk-story sessions. Tribune-Herald.

An attorney for an off-duty police officer acquitted of assaulting his 72-year-old upstairs neighbor is considering taking legal action against the county. West Hawaii Today.

Jaylin Kema pleaded guilty to manslaughter Thursday morning in the death of her 6-year-old son, Peter Kema Jr. The case is the most notorious missing child-turned-murder investigation in the state’s history, and Peter Boy became the statewide poster child for abused and missing children. Tribune-Herald.

Jaylin Kema pleaded guilty to manslaughter today in connection with the 1997 death of her 6-year-old son, “Peter Boy” Kema. Big Island Video News.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter storm warning for the summits of Hawaii’s Big Island as wind and snow engulf the high peaks. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

State Department of Transportation crews cleared out a homeless encampment in the Kahului Harbor breakwater area Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Five incumbents, one returning councilmember and one new face to the Kauai County Council were inaugurated Thursday. Garden Island.

Hawaii Dairy Farms and Friends of Maha’ulepu met Thursday on Oahu to discuss a settlement to a pending Clean Water Act violation lawsuit. Garden Island.

The Kauai Visitors Bureau’s annual meeting and luncheon is scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Kauai Marriott Resort at Kalapaki Bay. Garden Island.

Kilauea volcano hurls rocks, restraining order issued in House race, state retirement plan sues over Maui hospital deal, dairy farm selling to rival, Hanabusa congressional coronation, state recommends hepatitis vaccine, residents sue over geothermal gas leak, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

People view lava flow, courtesy Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reported Tuesday that an explosion at Kilauea Volcano’s summit Saturday night hurled molten and solid rock onto the rim of Halemaumau Crater and destroyed the power system for a scientific instrument used in volcano research. Star-Advertiser.

An explosive event occurred at the summit of Kilauea volcano at 10:02 p.m., HST, on Saturday night. Big Island Video News.

USGS

The area around the former Halema‘uma‘u overlook has been closed -- due to an explosion at the crater Saturday night. KITV.

Tour operators say they're seeing a spike in customers ever since lava from Kilauea started to drip into the ocean at Kamokuna. Hawaii News Now.

The state repeated its recommendation Tuesday that all Hawaii residents get vaccinated against hepatitis A as the food industry took steps to prevent more outbreaks among workers. Star-Advertiser.

Democracy is far from free, and so is the cost of the election. “We estimate that it comes to a little bit more than $1.5 million per election,” said chief election officer Scott Nago. KHON2.

Tulsi Gabbard was a virtual unknown four years ago when she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. Political analysts say they doubt that as a political newcomer Shay Chan Hodges poses a serious threat to Gabbard’s re-election bid. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional Candidates Try To Stave Off A Hanabusa ‘Coronation’. The Democratic race to represent urban Oahu looks like a shoo-in for Colleen Hanabusa, but the list of candidates is long. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund suffered the brunt of three global shocks during the last 12 months to once again fall far short of the returns it needs to meet its financial obligations. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii agency is concerned with the way a $150 million state clean-energy loan program may be doling out funding for projects, Pacific Business News has learned.

Some taxpayer services will be limited Thursday and Friday while the state Department of Taxation transfers data to a new computer system as part of its Tax System Modernization program. Services that require access to the current computer system will be affected. Star-Advertiser.

An effort to protect Hawaii’s native plants is proving effective, as about 35 percent more state species have been placed on a global list of threatened species since last year. Associated Press.

Oahu

A state judge has issued a temporary restraining order against a Republican House candidate, requiring him to stay away from state Rep. Della Au Belatti. Hawaii News Now.

Just days before Saturday’s primary election, both Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his challenger former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou are turning up the heat in television and radio commercials and other campaign material — attacking each other rather than touting their own attributes. Star-Advertiser.

When it comes to the unfinished rail line, Kirk Caldwell and Peter Carlisle agree on many things, including how much it will cost to complete the route to Ala Moana Center: $1.5 billion. Civil Beat.

More than half of O’ahu voters are expected to mail in their absentee ballots or do early walk-in voting before this Saturday’s primary election.   That means the stakes are still high in the race for Honolulu Mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu’s mayor and City Council members currently are allowed to serve two consecutive four-year terms, while the city prosecutor has no term limits. That could change come November should voters elect to give mayors and Council members an additional term and limit the prosecutor to just three terms. Civil Beat.

For nearly a year now, classrooms used by the College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have been shut down. KHON2.

Councilman says longtime contraflow lane draws concerns, prompts need for change. KHON2.

A state judge Tuesday dismissed the gambling promotion and racketeering case against three men who distributed or owned 77 arcade machines that Honolulu police seized in 2012 and that a federal judge had deemed as gambling devices. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Richard Ha, one of the first people selected to open medical marijuana dispensaries on Hawaii Island, gave the community on Tuesday a glimpse into his company’s budding plans. Tribune-Herald.

A class action lawsuit was filed last week against Puna Geothermal Venture over its gas release two years ago during Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that it had awarded a $750,000 grant to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop a network of low-cost air pollution sensors for detecting volcanic smog on the Big Island of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

For at least a decade, Hawi dairy farmer Ed Boteilho has pushed the state for incentives to help keep local dairies alive. This time, he’s really leaving. West Hawaii Today.

Community, legislators respond to Donald Trump labeling Philippines ‘terrorist nation’ West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A super PAC of Maui time-share owners has spent more than $43,000 to support Keith Regan, who is running for one of the two open Maui County Council seats, according to campaign spending reports filed last week. Maui News.

When East Maui, Lanai and Molokai voters head to the primary polls to cast their ballots for the 13th District representative in the state House of Representatives, they'll have two Democratic candidates to choose from. Maui News.

The Hawaii Employees’ Retirement System filed a lawsuit in Oahu Circuit Court on Tuesday to block a law providing severance benefits to roughly 1,500 Maui County hospital workers from taking effect. Star-Advertiser.

The state Employees’ Retirement System filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the state of Hawaii and the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to stop the implementation of a law that offers special retirement benefits to certain state employees. Civil Beat.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. secured a $27 million revolving credit line with First Hawaiian Bank on Thursday to be used to refinance a loan with Wells Fargo Bank that was to come due Aug. 1, state Public Utilities Commission documents show. Maui News.

Kauai

Dozens of Lihue residents have signed a petition against a proposed project aimed at adding a bicycle boulevard on roadways near their residence. Garden Island.

The Kokee Air Force Base is operating in blackout conditions to avoid grounding anymore endangered seabirds after receiving a June 28 letter threatening a lawsuit. Garden Island.

A change in Hawaii’s care delivery system is in the works and it’s a fundamental departure from the current fee-for-service model, which reimburses doctors based on visit numbers and service types. Garden Island.

New law requires schools to generate own electricity, prison negotiations extended, how Hawaiian Electric shaped a state, Honolulu bike-share struggling, Lahaina Bypass contract awarded, Kauai affordable housing bills to be mulled,more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo schoolchildren © 2016 All Hawaii News

Within the next two decades Hawaii public schools will need to produce as much renewable energy as they consume under legislation signed into law last week by Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Extends Negotiation On New Private-Prison Contract. The Hawaii Department of Public Safety has signed a short-term deal with Corrections Corporation of America, the largest for-profit prison company in the country, to extend an existing contract letting the state house up to 1,926 Hawaii prisoners in Arizona. Civil Beat.

How One Company Turned ‘Darkness Into Day’ From its beginning in 1891, Hawaiian Electric Co. has been deeply entwined with the economic, political and social history of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Could Native Hawaiian independence movements gain momentum following the so-called Brexit vote that has convulsed the European Union? Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s medical marijuana dispensaries could generate between $12 million and $38 million in revenue in their first year of operations and as much as $80.5 million in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

State officials say they have yet to inspect Hawaii’s eight licensed medical marijuana businesses, making it unlikely that the dispensaries will open by July 15, the earliest date legislators had allowed them to begin selling their products. Associated Press.

Hawaii No. 6 For Patriotism. The WalletHub study measures metrics like military numbers, voting patterns and civic education. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu’s long-anticipated bike-share system, which had originally been pegged to launch in 2015 and then pushed to 2016, no longer has an official start date. Nonetheless, its organizers say they’re making progress. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s last attempt at a city-sanctioned tent city — between 1990 and 1993 — ended in failure after a night of “wilding” that included an attempted murder and a trail of crime scenes. Star-Advertiser.

Community leaders hope rededicating the hula mound at Kapolei Regional Park on Saturday and erecting a sign there at a later date will raise public awareness about the area’s cultural significance.Star-Advertiser.

Douglas Emmett Inc., the owner of one of the largest office complexes in Downtown Honolulu, is embarking on a multimillion-dollar effort to build nearly 500 more units at the Moanalua Hillside Apartments in Honolulu, Pacific Business News has learned.

A laboratory explosion at the University of Hawaii that resulted in a researcher losing her arm was likely caused by static electricity, according to an independent investigation. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Members of the Hawaii County Band would officially get the status they’ve held unofficially for a decade, under a charter amendment making its way to the Nov. 8 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui’s future as a destination was shaped by Elmer Cravalho. By going after high-end visitors instead of volume, infrastructure was less strained and Maui escaped many of the challenges of Waikiki. Maui News.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation awards the $38.6 million Design-Build contract for the Lahaina Bypass 1B-2 phase, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration – Central Federal Lands Highway Division, to Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc. Maui Watch.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council will be considering measures to combat the housing crisis on Kauai on Wednesday. Two bills, one regarding the the Lihue Planning District and one seeking to provide a tax benefit for residents who use their homes for long-term affordable housing, are slated for second reading. Garden Island.

Friends of Mahaulepu is hosting a meeting at the Koloa Neighborhood Center from 4-9 p.m. July 14 to discuss the draft environmental impact statement recently released by Hawaii Dairy Farms. Garden Island.

The state of Hawaii has secured a $763,000 grant to complete a Supply Chain Map for the state’s defense contracting community, but representatives from Kauai’s naval base aren’t expecting changes to their bottom line. Garden Island.