Oldest known bird hatches chick; bills would set term limits, ban pedestrian cellphone use, require pesticide buffer zones, tighten police oversight; Kahele's son seats Senate seat; Kahoolawe munitions cleanup seeks funds, competition lowering airfares, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Wisdom's mate with new chick, Feb. 8, 2016, by Kiah Walker/USFWS Volunteer

A 65-year-old Laysan albatross named Wisdom — the oldest known bird in the wild, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — is a mother again following the hatching of a chick Feb. 1 at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Star-Advertiser.

People who use their cellphones while crossing the street could be cited and fined under a bill being considered by state legislators today. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department said Tuesday it will neither release the names of committee members who will select the winners of Hawaii’s eight medical marijuana dispensary licenses nor disclose any information about the selection process. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman, a Democrat representing Puna and parts of Ka‘u who is seeking his second term, thinks state lawmakers should have term limits, and he introduced a bill capping the time a lawmaker can stay in the same office at 12 consecutive years. Tribune-Herald.

As Ethan Ferguson awaits trial on multiple sex assault charges on the Big Island, state Sen. Will Espero has continued his quest for more clarity on how Ferguson could have been hired as a state law enforcement officer in the first place. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are looking to take control over how police cameras are used and who manages footage as increasing numbers of officers throughout the state are expected to wear video recording devices. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would establish requirements for body-worn and vehicle cameras for county police departments was deferred Tuesday at the Hawaii State Capitol. But Senate Bill 2411 is not dead. Rather, the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs plans to take the measure up again Feb. 16. Civil Beat.

With drone use taking off in Hawaii, lawmakers are reviewing several bills involving the popular gadgets, including several that would add privacy restrictions and one that would require users to have liability insurance. Hawaii News Now.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing two bills to amend the State Constitution to provide equal rights for victims and survivors of crime. Hawaii Public Radio.

Concerned parents are calling on Hawaii lawmakers to establish buffer zones around schools to protect their children from chemicals found in pesticides. But the large agriculture companies that spray pesticides say their practices are safe, and some smaller farmers worry that buffer zones could cut into their food production. Associated Press.

Lorna Cummings Poe was one Kauai resident who testified at a state hearing Tuesday for a bill relating to pesticides and schools. Garden Island.

Should elections be conducted exclusively by mail in Hawaii? Is it time to increase fines for failing to disclose campaign expenses and contributions? Do lobbyists need to be held to a higher standard of conduct? State lawmakers are weighing a slate of so-called “good government” bills this session that could boost voter turnout and lessen the influence of money in politics. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are looking to fund an educational program aimed at getting students, primarily those who come from low-income families, more involved in after-school activities. Associated Press.

The number of Hansen’s disease patients in Hawaii has fallen to 14 following the recent deaths of two patients at the state Department of Health’s Hale Mohalu Hospital on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Competition from Virgin America is driving down California-Hawaii flight fares. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved Larry Ellison's sale of his controlling interest in Island Air to a group of Hawaii investors and the Hawaii interisland airline's former chief has returned to the post, the airline said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Nine Hawaiʻi restaurants have received the 2016 AAA Four or AAA Five Diamond Award, the highest rating issued by AAA Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Thursday will consider four measures that address regulation of taxicabs, as well as their ride-hailing competitors like Uber and Lyft that use smartphone applications to connect independent drivers with passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Aiea Public Library’s photovoltaic solar panels are finally up and running. The Hawaii State Public Library System made the announcement Tuesday evening. KHON2.

The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve reopens at 6 a.m. Wednesday for the first time in six days. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kai Kahele says he will seek the nomination this Saturday to fill the state Senate seat vacated by his late father, Gil Kahele. Kahele, a 41-year-old Hawaiian Airlines pilot and Hawaii Air National Guard major, said he is not taking anything for granted, but hopes to be able to see his father’s legislative priorities through the rest of the session. Tribune-Herald.

Farmers and ranchers on the Big Island concerned about the impact of agricultural theft on their business operations could get help in the coming year thanks to legislation currently proposed in the state House of Representatives. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism officials worked Tuesday to counteract negative impacts to the visitor industry following Monday’s declaration of a state of emergency in Hawaii County because of the ongoing dengue fever outbreak. Tribune-Herald.

It’s a busy place, but these days, most folks are just stopping for a restroom break and perhaps to let the kids burn off a little steam at the almost-halfway point along Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Hilo and Kona. That could all change by the end of the year, however, as a $10.5 million renovation project aims to transform the old cabins, bunkhouse and dining hall of Mauna Kea Recreation Area into a facility worthy of much longer stays. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vendor applications and sponsorship forms for the third Made in Maui County Festival, set for Nov. 4-5 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, are currently available, the Mayor's Office of Economic Development announced Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

There hasn’t been a Chevron gas station built on Kauai for more than a decade. That changed starting Tuesday morning at the Hokulei Shopping Village. Garden Island.


Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe Reserve Commission Scrabbles For Funding. The state body that manages the former bombing range has nearly exhausted its federal funds. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian convention begins with protests, some Marines recovered from ocean, record number of Honolulu police fired or disciplined, six more Thirty Meter Telescope protesters acquitted, first Maui dengue case confirmed, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte barred from ʻaha, photo courtesy Melissa Leina'ala Haa Moniz

The Na‘i Aupuni constitutional convention began Monday with 127 Native Hawaiians gathering at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Maunawili. Star-Advertiser.

Of the 150 or so unelected delegates who organizers say are participating in the Nai Aupuni convention on Native Hawaiian self-governance that began Monday, two are lawmakers on the public payroll. Brickwood Galuteria has served in the Hawaii state Senate since 2008, while Rowena Akana has been a trustee with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs since 1990. Civil Beat.

Despite terminating its Native Hawaiian election, Na'i Aupuni's highly contested conference pressed on in Maunawili Monday. The goal of the 'aha or conference is to discuss self-governance for Hawaiians. KITV4.

Wringing some new tax revenue from about 40 mostly mainland companies that own prime retail, hotel, office and other commercial properties in Hawaii has been put forth at the state Legislature in a move that also could affect the pocketbooks of small local investors with mutual funds. Star-Advertiser.

Housing developers and Hawaii lawmakers Hawaii are debating how to chip away at the state’s severe housing shortage. Associated Press.

State lawmakers were briefed today on the major challenges developers face in building affordable housing for low income residents.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban police from using drones to gather evidence without a warrant. The bill would make exceptions for emergencies such as searches and rescues, hostage situations and when there's an immediate danger to someone. Associated Press.

One month after gas stations were allowed to start selling fuel without ethanol, Hawaii drivers are still stuck with mostly the same blended gasoline. KHON2.

A month and a half after going into recess, regulatory hearings to decide the fate of NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Industries resumed Monday. Civil Beat.

Can You Afford To Be A Teacher with an average salary of $55,930 In The Islands? The cost of living weighs so heavily on schoolteachers that many fear they will never get ahead if they stay here. Civil Beat.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has announced a new training program to help Hawaii companies begin or expand their export market development. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday that raising property tax rates to pay for operations of the upcoming Honolulu rail line isn’t part of his game plan. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell made it official Monday: Rail will keep chugging along. The mayor held a brief signing ceremony at Honolulu Hale for Bill 23, which extends for five years a 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge that pays for the $6.6 billion project. Civil Beat.

Some of the 12 Hawaii Marines who perished in an apparent nighttime fiery crash of two big CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters at sea off Waimea Bay on Jan. 14 have been recovered, the Marine Corps has confirmed. Star-Advertiser.

At least 28 Honolulu police officers were disciplined in 2015 for committing crimes ranging from witness intimidation and theft to kidnapping and sexual assault, according to an annual misconduct report filed with the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Department fired 17 officers in 2015, far more than in previous years. The figures were included in HPD's annual disciplinary report, which was submitted to the state Legislature on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Department last year fired or recommended for firing police officers in 25 cases involving offenses ranging from sex assault and kidnapping to terroristic threatening and theft, according to an annual report the agency submitted to the Legislature and made public Monday. Star-Advertiser.

More Honolulu police officers are being disciplined and fired from their job. In an annual report submitted to the Legislature, the Honolulu Police Department outlined police misconduct, including details of each incident and the disciplinary action that was taken. KHON2.

In the coming months Oahu will see a new homeless shelter in Kakaako; the first-of-its kind, city-owned apartment building in Makiki for low-income and formerly homeless tenants; and greater efforts to help homeless Micronesians and get churches more involved. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The 2016 campaign season in Hawaii officially kicked off Monday with the first day of pulling nomination papers for candidates.West Hawaii Today.

The East Hawaii Regional Board of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. will discuss the future of Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Department during its next meeting. Meanwhile, ECD employees are being encouraged to apply for other jobs with the hospital. Tribune-Herald.

A district court judge acquitted an additional six Thirty Meter Telescope opponents of obstruction charges after defendants argued their actions prevented a greater harm from occurring. Tribune-Herald.

Peter Savio, a Honolulu-based developer, would become the new operator of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel in a bid to keep the kama‘aina business running until the site is redeveloped, a state official confirmed. Tribune-Herald.

A monk seal has taken over part of Dog Beach at Honokohau and she might be there a while. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Health tells Maui Now that they have confirmed a case of dengue fever in a resident of Maui that recently traveled to a country where dengue fever is endemic.

Maui County hospital employees who feared losing their jobs after a "Reduction in Force" announcement Monday were assured by hospital leaders that this was just part of the process to transition them from public workers to private workers under incoming hospital operator Kaiser Permanente. Maui News.

Maui's warm sun and lush tropical landscape aren't just a luxury for tourists and residents - they're also a haven for honeybees. Maui News.

Maui County beekeepers have been exploring ways to keep the insects healthy as the county remains one of the few places untouched by an invasive species known to attack honeybees. Associated Press.

Kauai

Rep. Dee Morikawa of District 16 has introduced three bills on behalf of the Office of Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Kauai. Garden Island.
 
Lanai

The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, located at Manele Bay, reopened Monday after shutting down in June as part of a $75 million renovation project to spruce up rooms, suites, lobbies, spas and restaurants. Maui News.

NextEra-Hawaiian Electric hearings pau for now, South China activity worries military, construction equipment removed from Mauna Kea, audit blasts Honolulu H-Power, Trump, Bush on Hawaii GOP ticket so far, 'no-drone zone' for Obama visit, Maui Memorial fined for infections, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii fish on ice © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii longline fishermen are on track to haul in a record amount of bigeye tuna this year thanks to a federal rule that lets them sidestep catch limits by paying Pacific island territories for their unused quota. Civil Beat.

The regulatory hearings regarding NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., recessed Wednesday after 12 days of testimony, but won't resume until February because the current venue at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu is booked until that time. Pacific Business News.

Executives from NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. haven't discussed extending the current sale end date from June 3, an executive from the Florida energy giant said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

When it comes to the utility that provides us with our electricity, what do we care more about, value or local values? That question hung in the air at the end of the 12th day of testimony at the Public Utilities Commission’s hearing to decide whether NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries should go through. Civil Beat.

The head of U.S. Pacific Fleet likened the “might makes right” actions usually attributed to China in the South China Sea to those taken by Japan preceding World War II in the Asia-Pacific region. Star-Advertiser.

State agriculture officials are looking to increase Hawaii’s food exports to the Middle East next year. Associated Press.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced the first interest rate hike since June 2006, but this historic move will have negative implications on Hawaii’s biggest problem: affordable housing. Pacific Business News.

The United States has more than over 68,000 licensed gun dealers, but less than 140 are in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Donald Trump has registered for the March 8 Hawaii Republican presidential caucus. The billionaire and current GOP frontrunner joins former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush on the ballot. The Hawaii GOP Caucuses will be held Tuesday, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at dozens of voting locations statewide. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A pervasive lack of oversight at Honolulu’s waste-to-energy facility in West Oahu has cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars — if not millions — in improper and questionable expenses, according to a city audit released this week. Civil Beat.

The city is paying a construction company $3.6 million to settle a lawsuit filed over construction of a sewer line under the Ala Wai Canal in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Two alleged gambling operations right here in Honolulu have been shut down by police. The busts happened across two game rooms near 1684 Kalakaua Avenue just a couple of blocks away from the Hawaii Convention Center. KITV4.

An ownership dispute of a 10,000-square foot segment of Queen Street in Kakaako is raising concerns over further delays to Honolulu's rail transit project. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s chief of police says officers will start testing body cameras in the early part of next year. KHON2.

With the increasing popularity of drones, the Federal Aviation Administration is reminding operators that aircraft are prohibited in the designated security zone during President Barack Obama’s Christmas visit. Star-Advertiser.

Temporary flight restrictions will be in place on Oahu from Dec. 18 until Jan. 3, the same restrictions that have been issued during the holiday season for the last several years. Civil Beat.

Honolulu officials helped 465 homeless people find housing on Oahu this year, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said. Hawaii has the largest rate of homeless people per capita of any state in the nation, and the latest count on Oahu found 4,900 people on the streets or in shelters. Associated Press.

The City and County of Honolulu is planning to spend nearly 140 million dollars over two years to address homelessness on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

A hospital ship struck the dock of the USS Arizona Memorial in May after the pilot and ship's captain lost track of where the ship was going as it was leaving Pearl Harbor, an investigation into the incident released Wednesday said. Associated Press.

Hawaii
Heavy machinery parked at the Thirty Meter Telescope construction site atop Mauna Kea for nearly nine months was removed Wednesday, two weeks after the state Supreme Court overturned the giant observatory’s land use permit. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige says he supports construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, as well as the redevelopment of existing telescope sites to replace older, obsolete equipment with newer instruments. Star-Advertiser.

For 24 years, the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center helped keep alive the memory of a local hero while introducing travelers — especially children — to the wonders of space. In March — 30 years after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster that claimed the life of South Kona’s Onizuka — that legacy is going away. West Hawaii Today.

With the official count of confirmed cases of dengue fever now identified on Hawaii Island at 157, the state Department of Health released a new map Wednesday showing updated potential areas of infection. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center is expecting to lose about $600,000 in Medicare funding in the current federal fiscal year for scoring poorly on an Affordable Care Act performance measuring program covering hospital infections and other ailments, according to the Maui hospital's top official. Maui News.

The head of the Maui Memorial Medical Center says the hospital expects to lose about $600,000 in Medicare funding after it scored poorly on an Affordable Care Act performance measuring program. Associated Press.

Maui County Department of Finance offices will be closed Thursday for staff training, according to an announcement. The offices include the director's office, accounts/payroll, central purchasing, the Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division (and its satellite offices), the Treasury Division and the Real Property Tax Collection and Assessment divisions. Maui News.

Maui is ranked number 2 on a top 10 list of domestic destinations being booked for 2016, according to the Travel Trends Survey released today by the Travel Leaders Group, a company that touts itself as America’s largest travel agency company. Maui Now.

Kauai

Traffic congestion, crumbling bridges and road maintenance are just the beginning of Kauai’s $104 million backlog of transportation repairs, and county officials are looking at ways to fund those fixes. Garden Island.

A mystery pipe has sent Kauai’s Department of Water on a scramble to find the owner before the upcoming scheduled 9-hour Kilauea water shutdown, but county officials say it isn’t expected to change the timeline of the overnight project. Garden Island.

Seven media takes on Ige's proposed budget, huge invasive coconut crab makes first appearance since 1989, Obama vacations in the rain, Health Department can't find Kauai's pollution source, Kenoi asks Obama to visit lava flow, Oahu's wealthiest to pay more property taxes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu's Chinatown © 2014 All Hawaii News

After two weeks of handing out warnings, Honolulu police officers Monday began enforcing the city's expanded sit-lie ordinance in Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

The cost of state government will rise to $12.6 billion in the fiscal year that starts July 1, an increase of about 4 percent over the current year, due largely to contractual requirements such as health benefits and raises negotiated by the previous administration, Gov. David Ige said Monday in unveiling his proposed budget for the next two-year cycle. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige unveiled his administration’s first biennium budget Monday, seeking almost $1.5 billion in new spending over the next two years. The governor said most of the increased costs are beyond his control — a result of contractual agreements with public-worker unions and actions the state made before he took office Dec. 1. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige has released the first draft of Hawaii’s $25.7 billion budget that covers the next two fiscal years. Ige released the budget Monday, which is the deadline to submit the document to the Legislature. Associated Press.

The Governor delivered the first draft of his 2015-2017 Biennium Budget today to the state Legislature as required by law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. David Ige submitted his first budget draft to the state Legislature Monday three weeks after taking office. The $25.7 billion biennial budget maintains state programs at current spending levels without raising taxes. However, if not for a $665 million projected carryover from the current fiscal year, the budget would be in the red. KITV4.

No job cuts and no tax increase —  that’s according to Gov. David Ige who unveiled his first projected state budget Monday for the next two fiscal years. KHON2.

On a rain-swept Monday unfit for even the most avid golfer, President Barack Obama whiled his third day of vacation taking to the lanes rather than the links. Obama started the day by signing a disaster declaration for upstate New York, clearing the way for federal funds to be used to help the area recover from a major storm that deposited more than 7 feet of snow. Star-Advertiser.

How President Barack Obama spent the third day of his holiday vacation in Hawaii on Monday. Associated Press.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi is inviting President Barack Obama to view lava from an active volcano heading to Pahoa. Associated Press.

Mark Takai, the former state representative who will be Hawaii’s next congressman, has named Rod Tanonaka to be his chief of staff. Tanonaka will be based in the Hawaii District Office at the Federal Building in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

A federal judge has ruled that a California-based labor contractor must pay $8.7 million in damages to Thai workers who were exploited while working at Hawaii farms, but it’s not clear whether any of them will get the money. Associated Press.

Opinion: Hawaii is the healthiest state in the nation for the third year in a row — at least if you believe the United Health Foundation, the group that released its annual nationwide survey. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu roads funnel about 112,000 residents into urban Honolulu daily for work, according to a state analysis of U.S. Census data that shows where jobs and residences intersect on the island. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism on Monday released data on “commuter adjusted” daytime population on Oahu. Civil Beat.

A bill that lets the city repave and maintain a new series of Oahu's private roads was allowed to become law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell without his signature Monday. But Caldwell administration officials, who had raised strong objections to the bill as it was moving through the City Council, said they won't be jumping at every opportunity to take on more responsibility when they've still got some 800 miles of standard city roads they've promised to pave over. Star-Advertiser.

As the City and County of Honolulu begin mailing out real property tax assessment notices this week, owners of non-owner occupied residential properties assessed at more than $1 million will pay near twice as much in taxes next year because of a new rate class. Pacific Business News.

According to Department of Agriculture officials, a recent coconut crab sighting is the first since 1989. The crustaceans can grow up to three feet in length. KHON2.

Hawaii

While the Big Island is expected to benefit from statewide expenditures in operating and capital improvement budgets proposed Monday by Gov. David Ige, there are just two specific projects, one in East Hawaii and one in West Hawaii, earmarked in his first spending plan. West Hawaii Today.

The June 27 lava flow hasn’t quite given Pahoa Marketplace merchants the Christmas miracle they are hoping for but it is giving them more time to prepare, watch and wait. The lava flow front remained about 0.4 miles from the shopping center and 0.6 miles from Highway 130 on Monday morning after advancing 70 yards in 24 hours. Tribune-Herald.

The end of the month will see a changing of the guard for a Big Isle school system complex that has seen more than its fair share of challenges lately. Mary Correa, the longtime Department of Education complex area superintendent for Ka‘u, Keaau and Pahoa, will retire Dec. 31 after 10 years in the position, and Keaau Elementary Principal Chad Keone Farias was tapped to fill her shoes. Tribune-Herald.

The summit areas of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii have been placed under a Blizzard Watch from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

More public education and enforcement of stricter fishing regulations appears to be working, according to the supervisor of the nearly year-old Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit and Makai Watch volunteers. Maui News.

Kauai

After three rounds of testing, the state Department of Health says it has been unable to pinpoint the source of pollution ending up in Waiopili Stream in Mahaulepu. Garden Island.

Cameras on drones have provided spectacular videos from Kauai, but residents are filing complaints when the unmanned aircraft fly too close. Associated Press.

Kauai coral disease spotlighted, Abercrombie vetoes bills, IDs of jailed homeless destroyed, Hilo judge deals blow to GMO disclosure bill, developers flee boards, feds wrap up Native Hawaiian recognition hearings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral researchers, file photo

The story of Kauai’s diseased and dying coral reefs may soon be brought to life via a major 3-D IMAX documentary film. Dean Lyon, best known for his work as visual effects supervisor of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, announced plans to assist several Kauai groups in producing a film about the pandemic facing coral reefs both on Kauai and around the world. Garden Island.

Scientists are using drones to survey endangered Hawaiian monk seals and other wildlife in Hawaii, officials said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has vetoed seven bills from the Legislature, disagreeing with lawmakers on issues of tourism, funds and crime victims. Associated Press.

State agency board members resign en mass. After Governor Abercrombie let the new financial disclosure law pass without his signature, the tally of state officials that have resigned has risen to 16 members of five separate agency boards. Hawaii Independent.

The clock is ticking for Hawaii residents who have one more day to register to vote in the August primary elections. Hawaii Public Radio.

Government contractors provided thousands of dollars in free golf outings for more than a dozen state workers who deal with their projects. Hawaii News Now has learned that the state Ethics Commission is winding down its year-old investigation into golf perks, which targets a number of employees at the University of Hawaii and the Department of Transportation.

Attorneys and service providers say the identification documents of homeless people, including state ID and social security cards, are being routinely thrown out after they’ve been in jail for 30 days, making it harder for them to gain access to health care, jobs and housing once they are released. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Did Native Hawaiian Hearings Set Up a Political Train Wreck? Civil Beat.

Oahu

On the heels of an Aloha Stadium Authority consultant's recommendation for a stadium with 30,000 to 35,000 seats, the University of Hawaii athletic department has unveiled its own concept of a 30,585-seat multipurpose facility. Star-Advertiser.

The founder of Hawaii's first commercial open-ocean fish farm plans to get back into the business after the initial venture went belly-up. Randy Cates is proposing to lease 75 acres of state marine waters adjacent to Honolulu Airport's reef runway to raise moi in submerged cages. Star-Advertiser.

More senior citizens have been killed in pedestrian crashes on Oahu so far this year than all of 2013, prompting officials to urge senior citizens to change their pedestrian behavior. Star-Advertiser.

Kona Brewing Co., one of Hawaii’s largest craft breweries with locations in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and in Hawaii Kai on Oahu, is looking to expand to Honolulu's growing Kakaako neighborhood, a spokeswoman for the Kailua-Kona-based company told Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Judge Greg Nakamura granted a preliminary injunction Tuesday preventing Hawaii County from disclosing the identity and specific location of farms growing genetically engineered papaya. The order in Hilo Circuit Court allows the county to maintain a registry of genetically modified organisms, but prevents information that could identify papaya growers from being released publicly. Tribune-Herald.

A company growing food fish in giant pens off the North Kona coast proposes to more than double its operation by increasing both the number and size of its pens. West Hawaii Today.

This afternoon, some East Hawaii oncology patients will begin being treated by the state’s newest, high-tech weapon in the fight against cancer. The new Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator, which began being installed at Hilo Medical Center’s Hawaii Pacific Oncology Center in March, replaces a previous model that was about 13 years old, according to radiation oncologist Dr. Kevin Wilcox. Tribune-Herald.

The board of apartment owners of a Banyan Drive condominium has gone on the offensive against an apartment owner who tried to assume control of the building by ballot and in court. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The last of 15 public meetings hosted statewide by the U.S. Department of the Interior ended on Maui on Tuesday with a resounding message from the Native Hawaiian community: a'ole, or no. Maui News.

Dozens of Maui residents Tuesday night echoed the staunch opposition heard around the islands against possible federal recognition as U.S. interior officials held their 15th and final meeting exploring the possibility of re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Since the early 1990s, Maui County has been aware of a probable connection between the wastewater it injects into the ground below the Lahaina sewage treatment plant and the nearby coastal waters. And for almost as long, it has clung to the position that despite growing evidence of the connection, it did not need to obtain the permit under the Clean Water Act that would allow it to legally discharge pollutants. Civil Beat.

A resolution proposing an amendment to the Maui County Charter that would greatly limit the powers of the Cost of Government Commission and place the panel under the control of the county auditor was voted down by the Maui County Council on Tuesday. Maui News.

Recognizing that their first attempt to modify the circuit breaker property tax credit had deficiencies, Maui County Council members Tuesday approved on first reading a new bill that modifies the eligibility criteria for the tax credit and establishes an appeals process for those who do not qualify. Maui News.

During election years, the Kihei Community Association serves as a forum where voters have the opportunity to meet candidates up close. At the Tuesday, June 17, meeting, state Sen. Roz Baker, state Rep. Kaniela Ing and Maui County Councilmember Don Couch spoke about their track records. Maui Weekly.

A third case of the feline panleukopenia virus has been confirmed, this time in Kahului, according to the Maui Humane Society. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council will consider a trio of bills on Wednesday that finance officials say will help clean up current real property tax policies and narrow inequalities in assessing property values. Garden Island.

The capture of a single coqui frog on Kauai will result in months of routine monitoring for more of the loud, invasive pests. Garden Island.

Molokai

In a world full of fast-food, imported groceries and processed snacks, a Molokai organization is combating the food norm to promote eating local. Molokai Dispatch.

El Nino predicted, ethics complaint filed over trail liability bill, minimum wage bill goes to conference committee, Kauai group fights dairy, laptop plan falters, Kakaako fight gets personal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dawn (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

A warm-water mass churning across the tropical Pacific points to the development of El Nino, a periodic phenomenon that typically brings destructive weather across far reaches of the planet, two University of Hawaii scientists warn. Star-Advertiser.

The chances are growing that a weather-altering El Nino will develop in the Pacific Ocean later this year, the U.S. Climate Prediction Center said. Bloomberg.

Climate change is a critical development for anyone living on an island.  On Hawaii Island, it's not just a matter of concern, it's a topic of study.  And that will be highlighted as part of an upcoming television series. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rock climbers, mountain bikers and other outdoors enthusiasts filed an ethics complaint Thursday against a state House lawmaker over changes her committee made changes to a bill that could help expand public access to Hawaii's mountains and trails. Associated Press.

Disagreeing with the wishes of state Senate leaders, senators Thursday opted for conference committee negotiations with the state House over the minimum wage. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to raise Hawaii's minimum wage to $10 an hour by 2018 will go to conference committee after the state Senate decided to disagree with amendments made by the House. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has picked Edmund Aczon of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters to join the state Land Use Commission, one of the most influential boards managing land use in Hawaii. The Senate Committee on Water and Land will take up his nomination on Monday afternoon. Civil Beat.

The future of a pilot program eyed as a model to eventually put laptops in the hands of all Hawaii public school students and teachers is uncertain now that lawmakers have zeroed out funds to continue supporting the initiative. Star-Advertiser.

EDU committee defends, confirms Don Horner. Concerns raised by the LGBT community and its supporters over Horner's ability to keep his faith out of his job backfire. Hawaii Independent.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 11. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Friday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

State roundup for April 11. Associated Press.

Oahu

In a rare public outburst, state Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria on Thursday lashed out at state House Majority Leader Scott Saiki for implying that a bill that would allow the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs to pursue residential development near the waterfront in Kakaako is dead before conference committee negotiations have started. Star-Advertiser.

The majority leader of the state Senate is upset with the majority leader of the state House of Representatives over a bill regarding residential development in Kakaako. Sen. Brickwood Galuteria said on the Senate floor today that he was "incensed" about Rep. Scott Saiki reportedly saying that Senate Bill 3122 was "dead on arrival," even though the House on Tuesday voted 41-10 in favor of the bill's passage. Civil Beat.

A 21-year-old woman accused of breaking into Iolani Palace in February has been charged with criminal felonies. An Oahu grand jury returned an indictment Thursday charging Drew Paahao with criminal property damage and burglary. Star-Advertiser.

The City of Honolulu is facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines every day it fails to comply with stricter environmental controls at its Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Every day, up to 15 million gallons of treated sewage and other waste is discharged from the plant into the coastal waters off Kailua and Mokapu Peninsula. Civil Beat.

Honolulu city officials are entering the second phase of a cleanup of toxic chemicals at the Waipahu Ash Landfill, which will focus on evaluating the long-term health and environmental risks at the site, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said. Star-Advertiser.

City to roll out nearly 100 Handi-Vans this year. KHON2.

Residents fed up with condition of Wahiawa District Park. Hawaii News Now.

Drone (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Hawaii

Pohakuloa Training Area would host drone training flights for up to 12 weeks a year under a proposal to relocate a squadron of the unmanned aircraft from California to Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Construction of Hawaii Community College at Palamanui is moving ahead, with the pouring of concrete columns and foundations. This foundation work began last week and is expected to be completed at the end of April by the project’s general contractor F&H Construction, said Thatcher Moats of Hawaii Community College’s external affairs and relations. West Hawaii Today.

If the company is successful in its attempts to raise capital, one day the majority of the electricity on the leeward side of Hawaii Island could be produced by newly founded Parker Ranch subsidiary Paniolo Power Co. Tribune-Herald.

With the help of a new Big Island-based media program, local filmmakers, television producers and other entrepreneurs in the creative industries will now get to develop their projects in Hawaii, rather than having to take them to the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

A Kona woman and her newborn daughter are doing well, three days after roadside delivery by the father, a Hawaii Police Department officer. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A wall in Pāʻia that was repeatedly vandalized and plagued by weeds, bottles, and trash, was transformed into a mural by youth from Maui Economic Opportunity. Maui Now.

Kauai

A budget proposal by Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. to shift nearly $1 million in future tax revenues for public access and open space initiatives to an emergency fund is causing a stir among some county officials. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council approved a measure that would let voters decide if county officials and employees may represent private interests before boards, commissions and agencies they are not employed by. Garden Island.

A group of biologists and local residents are calling for the County of Kauai to reconsider allowing Hawaii Dairy Farms to move forward with its proposed $17.5 million, 582-acre dairy in Mahaulepu. Garden Island.

Pflueger's Sentencing for Ka Loko Dam Deaths Delayed Again. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii House advances minimum wage; GMO, drone bills unlikely to pass, progressives endorse Schatz, schools improve, Honolulu mayor's big budget, AG says geothermal revenues go to Hawaiians, Kaua's nude beaches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii grocery clerks (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Lawmakers in the state House of Representatives have advanced a proposal to raise the minimum wage more slowly than what the state Senate had suggested. The House Labor Committee approved the bill unanimously Tuesday. It advances next to the Finance Committee before facing a final House vote to be sent to the governor's desk. Associated Press.

Legislation to increase Hawaii's minimum wage continues to evolve at the 2014 Legislature. The latest version emerged Tuesday, when the House Committee on Labor and Public Employment approved a Senate measure that raises the minimum hourly earning from $7.25 an hour to $10.10. Civil Beat.

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Tuesday lauded Hawaii's public school system for progress made in the third year of its four-year $75 million Race to the Top grant, calling Hawaii a model for other states. The praise marks a sharp turnaround from a year ago, when Hawaii's grant was still partially flagged for the state's slow progress in achieving goals in its aggressive reform plan. Star-Advertiser.

Bills to require labeling of GMO ingredients are unlikely to pass during this legislative session. But a growing demand from consumers to know what’s in their food suggests the conversation is far from over. Hawaii Public Radio.

Slower State Revenue Growth Threatens Efforts to Reform Hawaii Prisons. Civil Beat.

A bill aimed at protecting Hawaii residents’ privacy rights from the potential abuse of unmanned aircrafts, or drones, is dead. The House committees on Transportation and Public Safety did not schedule a hearing for Senate Bill 2608, resulting in it missing the deadline last week to stay alive. Tribune-Herald.

Schatz, Hanabusa

A progressive group based in Washington has endorsed U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in his U.S. Senate race in Hawaii. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee said Tuesday Schatz was one of the first lawmakers to support expanding social security benefits. Associated Press.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii says the way her competitor’s allies made age an issue in her bid for the U.S. Senate is insulting to voters. Hanabusa is running against Sen. Brian Schatz for the seat that opened when Sen. Daniel Inouye died in 2012. Schatz was appointed to the seat by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, and the Democrats will face off in a primary in August. The election will likely be decided then in the heavily Democratic state. Associated Press.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 19. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Wednesday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

At a time when Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is asking for more money from taxpayers and increased fiscal restraint, he is seeking to boost his own budget by nearly 70 percent. Caldwell’s proposed fiscal year 2015 budget, which was released Feb. 28, includes $709,752 in expenditures for his six-person office, which is $283,803 more than what was allocated for the current year. Civil Beat.

A City Council committee Tuesday gave a preliminary OK for the city to use condemnation powers to get land for a 3-mile route of the $175 million Kaneohe-Kailua Sewer Tunnel despite objections by property owners of the Aikahi Gardens townhouse complex. Star-Advertiser.

Despite receiving more than 5,600 signed petitions favoring Bill 16, a Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday deferred the measure, which establishes permitting and notification requirements for hotel owners that want to convert rooms into condominiums or time shares. Star-Advertiser.

A school for Kaka‘ako. HCDA redevelopment plan must include considerations like schools and other healthy neighborhood features. Hawaii Independent.

It has been ten years since Bowl-O-Drome closed for business. And the building has remained vacant ever since. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii Attorney General David Louie on Tuesday announced 100 percent of royalties derived from geothermal development on Hawaiian home lands must be used to benefit Native Hawaiians. Tribune-Herald.

A 3rd Circuit Court judge heard arguments Tuesday on a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against the county’s environmental management director. Judge Ronald Ibarra did not rule on the motion, filed by Bobby Jean Leithead Todd’s attorney, Robert Kim, but took the arguments under advisement, according to online court records. West Hawaii Today.

The long-awaited Mamalahoa bypass is going to take a month longer to get started. County Department of Public Works Director Warren Lee said Tuesday that the bid opening originally scheduled for Thursday is being postponed until April 24 to give bidders time to work out their proposals. West Hawaii Today.

A bill seeking funding to launch an international flight training program in Hilo cleared the state House’s Committee on Higher Education on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee on Monday recommended allotting $50,000 to hire outside legal counsel to defend against a lawsuit alleging the county violated the First Amendment rights of a member of the county Liquor Commission, who also is a part-time assistant to Council Member Don Guzman. Maui News.

As a Senate bill to transfer Hawaii's public hospitals to a private nonprofit circulates the Legislature, nearly 150 Maui doctors and other health care providers envision its passage as the only means of incorporating teaching medical centers across the islands. Maui News.

Kauai

Au naturel on Kauai beaches. Some say nudity is freedom of expression, while for others, it’s indecent exposure. Garden Island.

Schatz-Hanabusa still tied for Senate, GMO could be on Maui ballot, food safety rules tighten, Hanohano meets with speaker, minimum wage opposed, Kauai mulls redistricting, drones on the Big Island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa

Just five months before the first votes are cast, likely Democratic primary voters are evenly split on who to support for the U.S. Senate. A new Civil Beat Poll shows U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa with 40 percent each. Another 20 percent are not sure who they'll vote for. This is the third time Civil Beat has polled the Schatz-Hanabusa matchup in eight months, and there has been very little movement in either direction for either candidate.

Scientists revealed the results of a comprehensive study relating to the levels of radiation in the Pacific Ocean as a result of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. As it relates to Hawaii, the findings were positive. Hawaii News Now.

A new wide-ranging set of food safety rules went into effect Monday for some 10,000 restaurants, lunch wagons and food establishments in Hawaii, but the state Health Department will not begin enforcement until June. Peter Oshiro, state environmental health program manager, said inspectors will visit every food establishment in the state to explain the new rules before enforcing regulations that require everything from gloves for those who handle food to patron notification of the risk of eating raw and undercooked food. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Health Committee held an emotional hearing Monday as senators began vetting Gov. Neil Abercrombie's appointee for director of the Department of Health — a position left vacant when Director Loretta Fuddy died in December after a plane crash off Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Faye Hanohano met privately Monday with House leaders to give her side of the controversy that has swirled around her conduct. Hanohano, who had postponed two previously scheduled meetings with House leaders last week, spoke with House Speaker Joseph Souki, House Vice Speaker John Mizuno, House Majority Leader Scott Saiki and others for about a half-hour. Rep. Marcus Oshiro accompanied Hanohano in what he described as "moral support." Star-Advertiser.

The public may soon see more timely and detailed reports from people who are paid to try to influence policy decisions in Hawaii. That’s good news for a state with lax lobbying laws. A nationwide survey conducted two years ago found Hawaii lagging far behind — especially when it comes to disclosure — and the Legislature has done little since then to address the problem. Civil Beat.

Senate Bill 2609, which raises the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2017 and eliminates the tip credit, has a hearing set for Wednesday in Senate Ways and Means. Civil Beat.

Mentally and physically debilitated prisoners in Hawaii are likely to gain easier access to parole hearings under changes state agencies are making. Associated Press.

Six of the seven announced Democratic candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat stepped up efforts to separate themselves from the rest of the field during a forum Monday, while attempting to make special appeals to a largely older crowd. Sponsored by the Hono­lulu-based Kokua Council, which advocates for seniors, the forum drew about 50 people to Harris United Methodist Church in lower Nuuanu. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates in the crowded race for Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa’s seat met for the first time today in a face-to-face political forum hosted by the Kokua Council in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the months since the Sandy Hook mass shooting that left 26 students and staffers at the Connecticut elementary school dead in December 2012, Hawaii has stepped up its security and safety training at public schools to prevent similar tragedies here, school officials told lawmakers Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers want to help the state’s seniors avoid a situation where they’ve fallen — and can’t get up. The Legislature plan to allocate $80,000 for a new “fall prevention coordinator” position in the state Department of Health’s Emergency Management Division. Hawaii Reporter.

In the last seven years there have been 13 security breaches at Iolani Palace or on the palace grounds. Some of the incidents have resulted in the destruction of irreplaceable treasures. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is trying to make it easier to check whether a professional in Hawaii is licensed. The department said Monday more than 375,000 Hawaii licenses can now be accessed on mobile devices. Associated Press.

State roundup for February 25. Associated Press.

Oahu

Proposed military cuts could have negative impact on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific University has completed a draft environmental assessment for its proposed conversion of Aloha Tower Marketplace into an extension of its downtown Hono­lulu campus sprinkled with some retail and restaurant use. Star-Advertiser.

Walmart plans to hire 150 people for its new Downtown Honolulu store, which will open this summer in the former Macy’s department store, the discount retail giant said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Plan expands types of events OK'd for Stan Sheriff Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Hilo announced Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration granted a Certificate of Authorization for the use of an unmanned aircraft to assess wiliwili trees on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Earlier this month, five men stood outside of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, their gaze locked on what resembled a miniature spaceship hovering above their heads. The object: a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), or drone. Its implications: many. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Pacific University Oceanic Institute’s long-planned $5 million Feeds Research and Pilot Production Facility to be developed at the University of Hawaii at Hilo on the Big Island is finally getting some traction with the filing of a draft environmental assessment. Pacific Business News.

Kamehameha Schools will be buying the Hualalai Academy campus, the closing school’s board president says. West Hawaii Today.

Access to water in dry Kawaihae was one of the top concerns about the state’s proposal to add water lines to the small boat harbor under construction there. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands official noted the draft environmental assessment, issued in December, said the water line and road construction project will increase demand on the region’s water system. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Come November, the citizens of Maui County could be voting on a temporary suspension of all genetically modified crop production in their county. The only thing standing in the way of a public vote on the matter is the collection of 8,500 signatures. Kauai County Councilman Tim Bynum said it is a more comprehensive moratorium than the one proposed in the original version of Bill 2491, which would have placed a moratorium on field expansion. Garden Island.

The battle against genetically modified farming is heating up on Maui, where residents are pushing a citizens’ initiative to temporarily ban the use of such biotechnology. While Hawaii doesn’t allow residents to bring statewide ballot initiatives, the Maui County Charter has a provision for county-level efforts. Civil Beat.

Four Upcountry farms and one farm labor contractor were fined by the United States Department of Labor last year for violating minimum wage and other federal standards for migrant fieldworkers, prompting Maui County to adopt a code of conduct for agricultural employers. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Friday passed a bill to honor raises in five departments and appropriated $864,000 to assist with the costs of landfill operations and refuse collection and Department of Environmental Management compliance with regulations. Maui News.

A total of 24 Maui residents have pulled papers for the upcoming 2014 elections since the candidate filing period began on Feb. 3. Maui Now.

Three people were appointed to the Molokai Planning Commission and a longtime Maui educator was named to the Maui Planning Commission as the Maui County Council approved the mayor's nominees to various boards and commissions Friday. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Water Supply filed a draft environmental assessment for a 1.44 million gallon per day exploratory well in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

A coalition of Kauai residents and public interest groups, represented by the Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice, filed papers in federal district court Monday to intervene as defendants in the legal challenge of Ordinance 960, formerly Bill 2491, which regulates pesticides and GMOs on the island. Garden Island.

Bob Stout minces few words when it comes to proposals to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage: It’s not a good idea. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai Charter Review Commission will consider five redistricting proposals next month, when its members will decide whether voters will take up the question during this year’s general election. A report released by a special Charter Review Commission committee Monday suggested that the entire governing body reconsider its initial proposal to establish seven geographic districts and elect Kauai County Council members based on the district in which they both reside. Garden Island.

Drones coming to Hawaii, noted taxpayer advocate Kalapa dies, Bloomberg fundraiser for Schatz irks Hanabusa, SHOPO aims to keep police discipline confidential, sinkhole swallows pickup, Obama hikes, golfs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NASA Global Hawk drone, courtesy photo

Hawaii has been selected to be a test bed for increased drone flights as the Federal Aviation Administration seeks to create rules of the air and incorporate an ever-expanding number of the flying robots into the nation's airspace. Hawaii, Alaska and Oregon are part of a partnership that was picked to become one of six groups nationwide for the effort, with backers hoping the Aloha State will become a mecca for unmanned vehicle research, testing and certification, creating science jobs and adding millions to the economy along the way. Star-Advertiser.

The Federal Aviation Administration included Hawaii as part of a partnership with the University of Alaska and the State of Oregon as one of six test sites that will allow drones to share airspace with commercial aircraft. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiʻi has been identified by the Federal Aviation Administration as a test site range location for unmanned aircraft systems research. Maui Now.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a drone? It could be. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday six institutions where researchers will develop and test drones to fly. KHON2.

President Barack Obama had a full day of activity on his tenth day of vacation, starting with his morning workout before dawn and ending the evening at dinner with friends at Alan Wong's in McCully. The president and first lady were joined by other couples for dinner at one of Obama's favorite restaurants at about 8 p.m. Associated Press

President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, dined with friends at Alan Wong's restaurant Monday night after the family went on a two-hour hike on Makiki Valley Loop Trail. Earlier, the president went for a morning round of golf with friends at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Maunawili. Star-Advertiser.

It doesn't matter that they belong to President Barack Obama -- first family dogs Bo and Sunny had to go through Hawaii's strict quarantine procedures to travel to the islands for their holiday vacation. Associated Press.

Denby Fawcett: A Presidential Obama Center at Point Panic Is a Bad Idea. Civil Beat.

On Thursday evening, a mere 48 hours after he steps down as New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg will arrive in Hawaii to headline a fundraiser for Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) -- an appearance that Schatz's primary challenger, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, is using as political fodder in an already heated race. Huffington Post.

The mayor of New York City will headline a Sen. Brian Schatz fundraiser in Kahala Thursday, something Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is using as political fodder. Hanabusa’s Senate campaign sent out fundraising appeals to supporters today and last week that condemn Schatz for spending time with Mike Bloomberg, a billionaire that “long championed deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Civil Beat.

The state has approved rate hikes for reinstated health plans that were set to be canceled today because they did not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. The state Insurance Division said Monday that Kaiser Permanente Hawaii would be allowed to boost premiums by an average 9.2 percent for individual plans with 11,000 enrollees and by 5 percent for 26,300 small-business policyholders at their contract renewal dates. Star-Advertiser.

Relaxing marijuana restrictions around the country have some hoping there will also be changes to Hawaii's pot policies. KITV4.

The emotionally charged special session of the Legislature that led to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's signing of the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act was the top local news story of the year, but also dominating the headlines were shark attacks, including two fatalities, a massive molasses spill, the Christopher Deedy murder trial and GMO restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

The past year has been a strong one for Hawaii’s economy with tourist arrivals expected to set another record, although the pace of growth slowed. Construction picked up speed helped by a boom in Kakaako condo projects. The most notable property transaction of the year was Alexander & Baldwin’s purchase of most of downtown Kailua. The troubled launch of the Hawaii Health Connector and a slowdown in the growth of residential solar energy systems round out our major business stories of 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Kalapa

Lowell Kalapa, president of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since the 1970s, died Monday of unknown causes. He was 64. A respected economic voice in the halls of both the state Capitol and Honolulu Hale, he preached fiscal restraint by lobbying for fairness and equity in taxes, reduced government spending, and ensuring lawmakers and citizens alike understood the impacts that the measures introduced by state and county lawmakers had on regular people. Star-Advertiser.

Lowell Kalapa, president of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, died Monday. He was 64. The cause of his death was not revealed. Pacific Business News.

Lowell Kalapa, well-known government watchdog who headed the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, died over the weekend, his office confirmed today. Hawaii Reporter.

He never held an elected office but Lowell Kalapa was one of the most influential voices in the state Legislature. Kalapa, executive director of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, died at his home. He was 64. Hawaii News Now.

Remembering My Friend Lowell Kalapa, a personal remembrance of Kalapa from a Civil Beat columnist and close friend. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Castle & Cooke Hawaii said Monday the company has had inquiries from people who want to live in Koa Ridge, the 3,500-home development it will build in central Oahu. In a statement, Castle & Cooke said it will proceed with the development despite a Dec. 23 state Supreme Court decision invalidating a 2010 Land Use Commission approval of the project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s politically powerful police union wants to intervene in a public records lawsuit in order to protect the identities of 12 Honolulu officers who were suspended for 20 days or more after committing serious acts of misconduct. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Zoo Director Jeffrey Mahon announced last week that he is resigning, less than six months after starting the job. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A short list of three candidates to finish state Rep. Denny Coffman’s unexpired term is on its way to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, culled from nine Democrats who submitted applications for House District 5 representing West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Since the newest segment of Saddle Road — also known as the Daniel K. Inouye Highway — opened, letter writers and callers to the Tribune-Herald have complained police are operating a speed trap on the east-west traffic artery. Hawaii Police Department statistics indicate there will be fewer speeding tickets written on the Saddle this year than in 2012, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. Tribune-Herald.

sinkhole

Heavy rains drenched Hawaii island's Windward coast Monday morning, scattering runoff and debris across the area -- and even causing a Paauilo Mauka road to collapse beneath a truck, according to officials. Star-Advertiser.

Sometimes even Mother Nature likes to end the year with a bang. The Big Island’s strongest storm of the season pounded windward areas Sunday and Monday with heavy rain, rolling thunder and countless flashes of lightning that put on a show that could rival even some of tonight’s celebrations. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii woman whose last name is 36 characters long has finally gotten the whole thing to fit on her driver's license and state identification card. Janice "Lokelani" Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele has a surname that consists of 35 letters plus an okina, a mark used in the Hawaiian alphabet. Associated Press.

Maui

Expeditions, which operates the only ferry service between the islands of Maui and Lanai, is seeking to build a new $2.7 million vessel that would replace one of its existing ferries. Maui News.

Despite having an information kiosk burn down in March and then having the former refuge manager leave her post in July, the small four-person refuge staff at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge has dealt with challenges this year and "learned more about the refuge" in the process. Maui News.

Kauai

Storywise, it’s been quite a year. Everyone probably remembers Bill 2491, the back and forth, the Mana March, the veto, the override, the threats. And who can forget Jeff Horton, who punched a shark in the nose and lived to tell about it? Lots of people wanted to hear Horton’s story, too, No. 9 on our list. Media agencies from New York to San Francisco, including Diane Sawyer’s office, called The Garden Island looking to cover the surfer after TGI ran its story. Garden Island.

Molokai
A Woman Attempts to Rebuild Ohana Broken by Fear of 'Lepers'. Civil Beat.