Common Core standards have Hawaii educators on edge, no federal relief for storm damage, targeting Kahoolawe, bloated voter rolls, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii public school, courtesy Hawaii Department of Education

After three years of preparation, the state Department of Education rolled out Common Core at public schools statewide last school year, a more rigorous set of standards in English language arts and math intended to better prepare students for college and the workforce. Star-Advertiser.

This year, more than ever, teachers are feeling the pressure of high-stakes testing. Teachers are expected to prepare their students using the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a new set of rigorous learning standards to guide their lessons for the year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s infamously low voter turnout may not be quite as bad as it seems. That’s because thousands of people who are still on the registered voter list have moved, gone to prison or died since the last election, lowering the overall turnout percentages published by the state Office of Elections in any given year. Heading into the Nov. 4 general election, the state has identified 626,431 people as “active” on its master list of 706,890 registered voters. Civil Beat.

Private islands, super-yachts and Marine Protected Areas How Marine Protected Areas have given rise to a surge of profit-seeking Eco-tourism investments. Hawaii Independent.

Renewable energy technologies are highly favored with 97 percent of the public supporting increased development of at least some forms of renewable energy in Hawaii, according to a new report by the University of Hawaii Center on the Family. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Nanakuli residents will get a chance to air their concerns this week on a proposal to dispose of a large cache of fireworks — remnants of the fatal 2011 Wai­kele storage bunker explosion — by shooting them off at a property in their neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents may see lower prices from Hawaii Gas if the utility's request to bring in more liquefied natural gas is approved. Hawaii Gas filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission on Thursday seeking to import more LNG. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Too Many Forums for Gubernatorial Candidates? There have been some two dozen debates or forums since late August. But do they really help voters make up their minds? Civil Beat.

City Environmental Services officials say 5,000 gallons of waste water spilled into Honolulu Harbor Sunday afternoon. One of the primary clarifier tanks could not handle the water surge from the storm, officials said. KITV4.

Hawaii businessman Jay Shidler, who on Friday quadrupled his gift to the University of Hawaii business school that bears his name to a total of $100 million, told Pacific Business News that he started thinking about making this big move about four years ago.

Hawaii

Hawaii County officials announced an appeal for federal relief funding for damages wrought by Tropical Storm Iselle was denied. The Oct. 7 appeal was submitted in response to an Aug. 28 decision by President Barack Obama to not declare a major disaster in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Although he performed before a crowd of 20,000 a few nights ago, rock 'n' roll superstar Steven Tyler admitted to a touch of nerves as he addressed 11 Maui Drug Court graduates and their families Thursday afternoon in Circuit Court. Maui News.

Newcomer taking on incumbent mayor. 2014 Election: Tamara Paltin has experience running a grass-roots campaign. Maui News.

Maui boy Lui Hokoana was approved by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Thursday afternoon to be the next chancellor at UH-Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

One person who did have a role in the Pflueger dam breach, but has received little publicity, has walked away without consequences. MaryAnn Kusaka was the mayor of Kauai in 1997, the year Pflueger allegedly illegally graded around his dam and reservoir and covered the spillway. Hawaii Reporter.

A former police officer and DLNR enforcement manager has been indicted on 30 counts of sexual assault. Tarey William Kahana Low, 53, of Kapaa, was arrested on Oct. 10 and charged with 26 counts of first-degree sexual assault, forcible rape and four counts of third-degree sexual assault. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Promised Land: Will Kahoolawe Ever Be Saved? FIRST OF THREE PARTS: The state agency tasked with restoring the island for Native Hawaiian cultural uses is running out of money, and the Navy left unfinished the job of removing unexploded ordnance from the former bombing range. But the volunteers keep coming, at least for now. Civil Beat.

Military beefing up in Hawaii, no drug testing of welfare recipients, three quit charter school board in protest, gambling proposed on Hawaiian lands, Internet tracking bill unpopular, bag fee in the works, land fund headed to Hawaii County ballot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's military future could include another Navy cruiser and at least 1,000 more Marines if some forces are removed from Okinawa. Star-Advertiser

Sen. Daniel Inouye said on Thursday that he expects “an increase of military personnel and assets” in the Pacific, including in Hawaii. Inouye’s remarks came after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlined his department’s budget plan for the next five years. Civil Beat.

A host of bills before the State Legislature are dedicated to women veterans this year. KHON2.

Once again, Hawaii state and county government agencies spent far more money lobbying in Washington D.C. than private companies did, according to 2011 U.S. Senate lobbyist disclosure reports. Hawaii Reporter.

State Rep. Mele Carroll has reintroduced a bill that would allow gaming on Hawaiian homestead lands to provide a source of funds for the Department of Hawaiian Home Land's developments and programs. Maui News.

Two Maui law makers are introducing separate gaming measures in the state legislature this session. Maui Now.

Spurred by a dramatic rise in computer-related crimes — including possibly affecting one of their own colleagues — lawmakers have introduced more than 30 measures in the Hawaii Legislature concerning cybercrime. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers decided Thursday to leave online piracy legislation to Congress after hearing vehement opposition to a bill that called for keeping records of Hawaii users' Internet activity. Associated Press.

Internet privacy advocates, web entrepreneurs and business owners turned out in droves on Thursday to denounce a bill before the Hawaii Legislature that would require Internet service providers to keep a record of every website visited by subscribers for no less than two years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii won't be drug testing public assistance applicants and recipients any time soon. Associated Press.

State politicians are running some old plays this week in an effort to convince the NFL that the Pro Bowl belongs in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The Legislature is considering a statewide measure to have consumers pay for plastic and paper shopping bags. Hawaii Public Radio.

Consumers Could Be Charged for Plastic and Paper Bags. Civil Beat.

"Bag ban" could go state-wide & include paper. Hawaii News Now.

Credit monitoring and fraud restoration services will be provided to about 98,000 University of Hawaii students, alumni, faculty, employees and others potentially affected by five data breaches that occurred from 2009 to 2011, under a settlement reached in a class-action lawsuit. Star-Advertiser.

Federal data show cutting Hawaiian monk seals free from fishing nets, moving vulnerable pups away from preying sharks and other efforts to rescue the animals are significantly helping the endangered species. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city will agree to a new change order worth about $15 million to pay the company holding the contract to build the first segment of the rail line because of delays in the start of construction, according to officials with the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Inspectors from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA ) have identified a snake killed on Wednesday near Honolulu airport as a bullsnake. Hawaii News Now.

Longtime Hawaii television newsman Jack Kellner died Wednesday night in California. KITV4.

Hawaii

Three longtime members of the Charter School Review Panel — Chairman Carl Takamura, former Chairwoman Ruth Tschumy and Pualani Akaka — resigned Thursday to protest the state Board of Education's reversal of the panel's decisions on converting Laupahoehoe School to a charter school. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County voters will once again get the opportunity to weigh in on a 2 percent land fund, now that Mayor Billy Kenoi has signed a bill putting it on the ballot. West Hawaii Today.

Big Brother is watching — but he is supposed to be helping. West Hawaii Today.

Some day, a new gym on the Hilo High School campus will give students, athletes and their fans the chance to enjoy games at home. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu-based military units will convoy from Pohakuloa Training Area to Kawaihae Harbor on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. via Saddle Road, Mamalahoa Highway, Waikoloa Road, Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Akoni Pule corridor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Staffing levels at Maui's only Veterans Affairs clinic are at 50 percent, resulting in long waits for veterans who need care, officials acknowledged Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa expressed enthusiasm as the state Legislative session gets underway. Maui Now.

Southerly winds are expected to prevail through today, and volcanic haze, or vog, should continue to hang in the air Friday and start to clear up Saturday, National Weather Service forecaster Vic DeJesus said Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

In 2011 Kauai’s beaches and surfbreaks were mostly clean, but some were definitely not. Garden Island.

In response to the growing trend of crimes perpetrated against the elderly, Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho will be holding several senior fraud presentations across the island. Garden Island.

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has joined other national community advocates in an amicus (friend of the court) brief to be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Affordable Care Act. Garden Island.

Molokai

Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Hirono and Case in tight U.S. Senate race, Honolulu misses senior center deadline, Hawaii County elected officials could face drug tests, Kauai cleaning up civic center, APEC group 'ready,' more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Makaha Resort courtesy photo

The Makaha Resort & Spa is poised to close on Oct. 31, according to workers at the hotel. Employees were told the closure is temporary, they said, but no date has been set for reopening. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former congressman Ed Case are in a close race in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, according to a new Public Policy Polling survey. Star-Advertiser.

Jon Yoshimura, communications director for U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka, is stepping down at the end of the month to take a job with a Honolulu-based solar energy firm. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is returning to Hawaii from a two-week trip to Japan and China. Associated Press.

Hawaii submitted its proposal Wednesday for how it would spend a $50 million federal grant to improve the state's early education system, saying it plans to institute a quality rating system for child care providers, make reforms to improve outcomes for at-risk students and improve coordination among multiple state agencies. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii Teachers Ignore Ethics Code. Civil Beat.

Col. Jeffrey R. "Woody" Woods, commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, was relieved of duty Wednesday due to a "lack of confidence," just nine months after taking command of the base, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The Sea-Based X-Band Radar, known informally as the giant floating golf ball, will be visible on the horizon today as it pulls into Pearl Harbor for maintenance and crew training, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools is on the verge of settling its lawsuit against a mother and child who received $7 million from the Schools after challenging the institution’s admissions policy that favors students of Hawaiian ancestry. Hawaii Reporter.

Prison garden providing growth, taste of freedom. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu has missed a federal deadline to review financial records of a Wahiawa senior center under investigation for possible misuse of $7.9 million in federal funds. Civil Beat.

Members of the APEC 2011 Hawaii Host Committee for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings taking place in Honolulu in 20 days want everyone to know this: “We are ready.” Pacific Business News.

A group that plans to protest the policies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting next month has been granted a permit to demonstrate, but said the location may be too far from the Hawai‘i Convention Center for people attending the conference to notice. Star-Advertiser.

A Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. subcontractor’s construction vehicle working on Honolulu’s rail transit project struck an overhead communications line near Aloha Stadium today, affecting the City’s traffic camera coverage. Hawaii Independent.

Every day as many as 4,000 hikers embark upon what is considered one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world at Diamond Head Crater. KITV4.

A stretch of Kamehameha highway in Kahalu'u has been a magnet for accidents particularly in the past two weeks. Residents are finally speaking out hoping some fix can be done before someone gets seriously hurt. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is proposing a charter amendment requiring that council members, the mayor and the prosecuting attorney pass annual drug tests or face removal from office. West Hawaii Today.

Comments from a deputy attorney general prompted the Hawaii County Council to delay, again, a final vote on a proposed comprehensive building code. West Hawaii Today.

Just one West Hawaii public school missed the mark during the 2010-11 Department of Education's Fire Inspection Program. West Hawaii Today.

Tonight October 19th, at UH Hilo, Dr. Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics, – will speak on the Accelerating Universe. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents on the Big Island of Hawaii were shaken by a magnitude 4.5 earthquake Wednesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

State officials confirmed Tuesday that they have removed the property manager of troubled West Maui affordable housing complex Honokowai Kauhale. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved two bills intended to clean up — literally — the grounds of the Lihu‘e Civic Center. Garden Island.

Rayne Regush was honored as Environmentalist of the Year at the Kaua’i Group Sierra Club annual picnic on Saturday at Hanama‘ulu Beach Park. Garden Island.

Molokai

A solid foundation to the new Veterans Caring for Veterans center was laid last week as five truckloads of concrete were poured early Thursday morning at the wharf road site. Molokai Dispatch.

Surf's up, Hawaii late filing CAFR, Maui street party a go, Honolulu income up, Big Island home sales mixed, tasers a no-no, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann's campaign donation ledger is a litany of names that — like Hannemann — are familiar in Hawaii business and politics. Civil Beat.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that the police use of electronic weapons here can be excessive use of force under the federal Constitution. Star-Advertiser.

Four months into fiscal year 2012, Hawaii has still not officially closed the books on fiscal year 2010. The lag in completing the state's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is not only an embarrassment for state administrators, it has had some real-world consequences. Star-Advertiser.

Clean-energy veteran Mark Glick will lead the state Energy Office, replacing an acting administrator who had filled the position since January, state officials announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Saying the public needs to be represented as well as the politicians, Kailua-Kona attorney Michael Matsukawa has filed the state's second lawsuit against the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Dangerous levels of mercury have been discovered in fish jerky sold in Hawaii stores, according to a study published last week in the Journal of Environmental Health. Civil Beat.

Russian Ship Finds Tsunami Debris Where UH Mānoa Scientists Predicted. Hawaii Reporter.

"Stop Flu at School" week kicked off today. Hawaii is the only state in the nation to provide statewide vaccinations at public, private, and charter schools. Hawaii News Now.

According to a quarterly workforce drug study, the use of crystal methamphetamine rose from o.4% to 0.7% from this quarter to the last. KITV4.

A high surf advisory continues for east-facing shores of all islands except Lanai and Niihau. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Total personal income in the Honolulu metropolitan area grew at an annual rate of 4.55 percent in the 10-year period from 2000 to 2010, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Pacific Business News.

Some homeless outreach groups are trying to prepare their clients for the possibility they may have to leave. KITV4.

Efforts to protest the APEC meeting are getting underway. KHON2.

Defend Oahu Coalition has been battling corporate greed for the past five-and-a-half years out on the North Shore of Oahu and has been somewhat successful in keeping over-development at bay. Hawaii Independent.

A sewer overflow was reported in east Oahu Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

Problems with more than a dozen of the City's garbage trucks are causing pickup delays for various parts of Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii

West Hawaii recorded slightly fewer home, condo and land sales in September compared with the same month one year ago, although prices are increasing and inventory has dropped, a West Hawaii real estate agent says. West Hawaii Today.

State health officials have determined that elevated radiation levels discovered in March in a Hilo Veterans Affairs clinic were not high enough to endanger any occupants of the building. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The county Cultural Resources Commission, which blocked street closure in past years, and its supporters who say the party is risque and disrespectful have continued to complain that fright night on Front Street is coming back. Maui News.

Kauai

Kelvin Moniz, the food operations director at the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, said there still is a long way to go for the KIFB Holiday Food and Fund Drive. Garden Island.

Japan gives Hawaii GMO papaya industry big boost, state tops nation for workplace meth, radiation worries at Kaneohe Bay, Big island power plant advances, DLNR scolded by Army Corps over boat dock, Kona coffee deal reached, Maui taking flowers stateside, Kaui leads state in economic growth, more Hawaii news

Hilo farmers market (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The Japanese government has approved the commercial import of genetically modified papayas from Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Japanese consumers will likely be seeing genetically modified papayas on their grocery shelves beginning in December. West Hawaii Today.

There was no tsunami warning issued for Hawaii following a large earthquake that hit near Alaska Friday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's economic recovery is turning out to be weaker than previously thought, leaving the state in a vulnerable position as the U.S. and global economies continue to slow, according to a forecast released by a group of University of Hawaii economists.Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i was a beneficiary of Congressional Earmarks for decades …receiving 200-to-300 million dollars a year in dedicated federal funding. Hawaii Public Radio.

A new study shows Hawaii leads the nation for methamphetamine use in the workforce. Associated Press.

Hawaii ranks 29th worst for the condition of its roads in rural areas and 16th worst for the condition of its bridges. Hawaii Reporter.

A bipartisan showing of Maui political leaders appealed to members of the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission on Wednesday to give greater representation to the Neighbor Islands as the panel draws election maps. Maui News.

The Public Land Development Corporation and its Public Lands Optimization Plan, despite the unfortunate acronym of PLOP, seems to be embraced by State officials who are looking to generate revenue through the commercial development of public lands in Hawaii through public-private partnerships. Hawaii Independent.

One Hawaii lawmaker learned the hard way how far you can go in using your public office for private business when state Ethics Commission Executive Director Les Kondo put a stop to an email fundraiser. Civil Beat.

Federal officials are asking the community to actively participate in a plan that could shape the efforts to save the highly endangered Hawaiian monk seal, whose estimated population of 1,300 to 1,400 keeps declining about 4.5 percent a year. Garden Island.

Oahu

Former state Sen. Robert "Bobby" Bunda has been tapped to fill the 10th seat on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's board of directors. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning months away from breaking ground. KHON2.

Local environmentalist Carroll Cox is raising concerns about the lack of public notification of what the Marine Corps revealed Thursday was a "low level" radiation release in the March crash of a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter on the Kaneohe Bay sandbar that killed a crewmember and injured three others. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly one year after Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle was elected, he says he's proudest of getting the city's finances in order. And he has big dreams for a billion-dollar rainy day fund to ensure the city's financial future. Civil Beat.

Waikiki Hotel Employees Claim Threats, Intimidation. KITV4.

Hawaii

Safeway has agreed to change the label on packages of Kona coffee blend sold in mainland stores in response to concerns from Hawaii farmers that it didn't provide information about what percentage of the famous bean it contains. Associated Press.

The company planning to open a wood-burning power plant in Pepeekeo has received a key permit that incorporates the federal government's request for tougher emission limits. Tribune-Herald.

Almost half of the Big Island's children were exposed to alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use while in the womb, researchers report. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Thursday told the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to quit working on the Poihiki boat ramp until it gets a permit. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The nonprofit East Maui Animal Refuge is hoping to regain federal and state permits to accept sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, after its federal wildlife rehabilitation permit was suspended Monday when agents seized 17 birds from the Haiku facility, said Executive Director Sylvan Schwab. Maui News.

The Maui County Office of Economic Development has announced that it has purchased ten booths at the Philadelphia International Flower Show, held from March 4 to 11. Hawaii Independent.

Kauai

Despite losing the most during the recession, Kauai is showing the strongest job growth among Hawaii’s Neighbor Island counties, according to a forecast by economist Leroy Laney. Pacific Business News.

Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Electronic Benefits Transfer programs will be able to shop at four farmers markets and sunshine markets, starting this weekend. Garden Island.

The military says an interceptor missile failed to shoot down its intended target during a test off the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Associated Press.

Hawaii rains don't quite cure drought, $11.4M drug abuse grant, Aloun Farms under spotlight in human trafficking case, civil unions could become law, Honolulu City Council changing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

(c) 2010 allhawaiinews

As if it isn't already painful at the checkout counter. Now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest Consumer Price Index for Food shows prices rising sharply over the next year, particularly for meat and milk. KITV4.

The U.S. Department of Justice Human Trafficking division made good on its threat to pursue additional charges against Aloun Farms owners Michael Mankone Sou and Alec Souphone Sou after a series of legal maneuvers enabled them to back out of their plea deal. Hawaii Reporter.

Recent wet weather has helped alleviate drought conditions around the state. Hawaii News Now.

The inch of rain that fell Saturday at South Point might not have looked like a torrent, but it was the biggest rainfall of the year for that parched corner of the island. Tribune-Herald.

The Public Utilities Commission, denying a rate hike to Hawaii Electric Light Co., has told the company to cut its wages and benefits - issuing the order in the middle of labor negotiations. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Linda Lingle and Maj. Gen. Robert Lee bid aloha to the Hawaii National Guard in ceremonies Saturday at Hickam Air Force Base. Hawaii News Now.

The families of the four veterans proudly listened during Saturday’s ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific as the names of their fallen soldiers were read. KITV4.

Hawaii voters have opened the way for same-sex civil unions to become state law next year, with an election that gave victory to a pro-gay rights gubernatorial candidate and rejected many church-backed candidates. Associated Press.

Democrat Neil Abercrombie has been in the thick of Hawaii politics for four decades and is as well known in the islands as the state's favorite son, President Barack Obama. Associated Press.

Todd Apo will preside over the City Council as its chairman for the last time this morning and likely will turn the gavel over to Councilman Nestor Garcia to wield until four new Council members take office in January. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council will hold a meeting Monday to discuss who will take up Donavan Dela Cruz's seat. KHON2.

In his decisive victory over incumbent Mayor Charmaine Tavares, Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa won all but two county precincts. Maui News.

A Porsche 911 will cost you $209 in yearly vehicle registration fees. But a Ford F-150? Try $329. Civil Beat.

Kalihi Valley sees drop in property crimes, HPD says ‘homeless’ not targeted by bill. Hawaii Independent.

About 1,500 gallons of sewage spills into Kalihi Stream. Star-Advertiser.

The state Housing Finance and Development Corp. has been fined $110,000 for failing to close large-capacity cesspools at its Jack Hall Memorial Housing property on the Big Island. Associated Press.

An $11.4 million federal grant will support a Hawaii program that provides vouchers to people with drug and alcohol problems to pay for treatment and recovery services. Associated Press.

Kahuku football players, their parents and supporters standing behind the decision to fight against their sudden elimination from post-season play. KHON2.

Mayor Billy's Kenoi's "full-court press" to build a park in Hawaiian Paradise Park hasn't convinced the subdivision's board to donate the site, said Ron Vizzone, president of the HPP Owners Association. Tribune-Herald.

The long-promised South Kona Police Station moved another step forward with the release of a final environmental assessment, however, only $1 million in funding for the project has been requested in the coming years. West Hawaii Today.

Procedures are being changed at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center after a man police consider dangerous was able to leave the facility while police were there to arrest him on a new warrant. Associated Press.

County Council takes action on confusing sign ordinance. Lahaina News.

The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii-Manoa has received $20,000 from the Monsanto Fund. Associated Press.

Twenty Kaua‘i piano students ll be playing in the Hawai‘i Music Teachers Association Pianomania 2010, Sunday, at the Blaisdell Center on O‘ahu. Garden Island.

In regard to hunting rules for game birds and mammals, DLNR will hold statewide public hearings, starting November 8, on amendments to update hunting rules for game birds and game mammals. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii considers marijuana stamps

HONOLULU -- Talk about your green stamps.

The Hawaii House today advanced a bill that would issue cannabis distribution stamps to participants in the state’s medical marijuana program.

Hawaii has had a medical marijuana program since 2000, allowing doctors to write a pot prescription for everything from glaucoma to AIDS to cancer. The law allows patients with prescriptions to grow what is known in state law as an “adequate supply.”

That’s further defined as “an amount of marijuana jointly possessed between the qualifying patient and the primary caregiver that is not more than is reasonably necessary to assure the uninterrupted availability of marijuana for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms or effects of a qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition; provided that an "adequate supply" shall not exceed three mature marijuana plants, four immature marijuana plants, and one ounce of usable marijuana per each mature plant.”

The problem, unless the patient has the land and the ability to grow his or her own, has been that would-be users must break the law to get their legal supply.

“If a patient is unable to produce enough medicine, they must resort to transacting on the black market, with a variety of inherent risks,” said Big Island proponent Matthew Rifkin in testimony to a House committee.

The Legislative Reference Bureau, in its 2004 publication “In Search Of A Viable Distribution System For Hawaii's Medical Marijuana Program,” recommended the distribution-stamp program.

Under the program, a farmer puts up some land for secure growing facilities and a certified facilitator serves as the go-between from farmer to user. Users are issued stamps at a cost of no more than 50 cents per gram of marijuana.

The bill now moves to two other committees before coming back to the full House for another vote, then on to the Senate. Its chances of passing are pretty good, with only two of the 6 Republicans in the 51-member House voting no.

Law enforcement hopes it can stop the bill before it gets too far.

“The message could be interpreted as the state of Hawaii Legislature legalizing drug trafficking within the state,” said Paul K. Ferreira, acting police chief for the Big Island. “To expand the medical marijuana laws and amend our current statutes from their current restrictions would only assist those individuals now growing marijuana illegally and generating huge profits by allowing them to use the medical marijuana law to aid in avoiding detection.”