HuffPost coming to Hawaii, Construction to drive economy, Maui council advances $559M budget, Kauai council passes $209M budget, Native Hawaiians fight easing of development laws, Honolulu police short of ammunition, more news from all the Hawaian Islands

 The Huffington Post and Honolulu Civil Beat today announced a partnership to create HuffPost Hawaii, a site that will bring together the resources of The Huffington Post and CivilBeat.com.

The state Council on Revenues on Tuesday left the growth forecast for this fiscal year unchanged but increased the projection for next fiscal year because of an expected improvement in the construction industry. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Council on Revenues on Tuesday left the forecast for the state’s economic growth unchanged at 6.7 percent for the fiscal year that ends June 30, but raised the forecasts for the next two years. Pacific Business News.

Big construction projects in Hawaii like the Honolulu rail project could have an easier time moving forward under a new law signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Abercrombie signed a bill last week to allow the State Historic Preservation Division to approve state projects in phases rather than all at once, depending on circumstances. Associated Press.

Lawmakers say a new Hawaii law could help the state develop commercial harbors faster and more efficiently. Associated Press.

After racking up a $16 billion tab and alarming creditors, Hawaii is finally getting serious about fundamentally transforming the way it finances the post-employment benefits of thousands of public workers. But county leaders argue that the new legislation will tie their hands in budget decisions and will likely lead to higher property taxes. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian activists said Tuesday they will ask the state Legislature next year to repeal a new law that allows for the phased review of the impact of development projects on historic preservation. Star-Advertiser.

Led by Walter Ritte, a group of Native Hawaiian activists are demanding the repeal of a new law they claim weakens Hawaii’s legal apparatus to protect historic properties, which includes native Hawaiian burials. KITV4.

A Honolulu telecom company that has enjoyed exclusive rights to provide phone and Internet services to residents on Hawaiian Home Lands is under fire by the Federal Communications Commission for questionable business practices. Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama dug deep into his Hawaii roots and invoked the memory of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye as he pushed his immigration reform proposal Tuesday evening at a White House event marking Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Star-Advertiser.

UH president sheds light on governor's interference. Star-Advertiser.

Senate President Donna Mercado Kim has been under fire in recent weeks after University of Hawaii President MRC Greenwood acknowledged during an exclusive May 20, 2013, television interview on Hawaii News Now that Kim called her last spring to check on the status of her son’s application to the University of Hawaii law school. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu
A nationwide ammunition shortage is having an impact on the training of Honolulu Police officers. Some firearm training is being scaled back at HPD and the department is having to plan ahead so they don’t run out of bullets. KHON2.

Online petitions are seeking to remove or retain Kapaa Middle School Principal Nathan Aiwohi, who was placed on paid leave last month while the Department of Education investigates complaints against him. Star-Advertiser.

An open-air lounge and tapas bar featuring unobstructed views of Diamond Head Crater and Waikiki Beach will debut next spring on the 19th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza. Star-Advertiser.

The owner of the former Gold Bond Building in Kakaako said Tuesday the company will spend $14 million to renovate the 12-story building on Ala Moana Boulevard, including adding a new facade. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii is continuing to pay $1 million a year in rent for office space that's nearly one third empty just two blocks away from its new Cancer Center, which is about 25 percent unfilled. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A proposal to raise parks fees — in some cases doubling the rates — drew a tepid community response in hearings on both sides of the island Tuesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

A hurdle to residential development in downtown Hilo would be removed under a proposal before the Windward Planning Commission next week.Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Community College at Palamanui reached another long-awaited milestone Tuesday as officials broke ground for the long-promised institution of higher education in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie praised former County Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann Tuesday for the Waikoloa resident’s dedication to the island and to community service. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council unanimously passed the $559 million fiscal year 2014 budget on first reading today. Maui Now.

Parking at the Haleakala Visitor Center will be drastically reduced through June 6 as construction to improve park accessibility continues, according to a National Park Service announcement. Maui News.

In the ongoing battle against thousands of acres infested with Madagascan fireweed, Maui ranchers will be able to pick up buckets of moth larvae to feast on the problem this summer, said officials from University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved Kauai’s $209 million budget for fiscal year 2014. Garden Island.

The leader of the Atooi nation resolved two cases involving rocks from Hawaiian Homeland and obstruction during Hawaii Superferry protests in 2007. Garden Island.

According to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, visitor arrivals in 2013 will see the largest gains on the neighbor islands as Oahu fills up and international arrivals continue to grow. Garden Island.

Navy names destroyer for Inouye, Obama senior prom photos on Time, Ellison's ultra-luxury Lanai hotel approved, neighbor island economies catching up, Hawaiian Home Lands critics skeptical, vog spikes doctor visits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Arleigh Burke-class destroyer at Pearl Harbor, courtesy U.S. Navy

The Navy destroyer USS Daniel Inouye will be sailing by mid-2018, carrying with it the name of a Japanese-American from Hawaii and evoking the heroism of a Medal of Honor recipient and the statesmanship of a 50-year U.S. senator. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy plans to name one of its ships after the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. Associated Press.

The Department of Defense today announced that the Navy will name an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer after the late US Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Maui Now.

The Navy announced Thursday it will name one of its next two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Garden Island.

The U.S. Navy names a destroyer for the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and the delegation begins to make its own mark, scoring some legislative successes in Congress this week. Civil Beat.

Despite the director's pledges to make tangible progress within six months on proposed changes, critics remained skeptical that recommendations contained in a recent audit of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will lead to any meaningful reform in an agency long plagued with management and oversight problems.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is on track to join 27 other states that place annual inspections of all long-term care facilities on their respective websites, state long-term care ombudsman John McDermott said. Civil Beat.

Hawaii doctors are seeing more residents suffering from allergies and asthma because thick vog is aggravating their ailments. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Brian Schatz announced Thursday that he's introducing legislation to fulfill a goal of the late-Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and retired Sen. Daniel Akaka. The bill would create a national memorial honoring Native American, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native veterans. Civil Beat.

The neighbor island economies are continuing to gain on Oahu, setting the stage for the statewide economic expansion to continue through at least 2015, according to a forecast released today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island and the other neighbor islands are catching up steadily to the economic recovery first experienced on Oahu, according to a 42-page report released today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. West Hawaii Today.

Are neighbor islands finally ready to catch the wave of recovery? A new University of Hawaii forecast says it's already happening, and gives a timetable for prosperity. Hawaii News Now.

Obama’s senior prom photos hit Time magazine. Kelli Allman (nee McCormack), a 1981 Punahou School graduate, saved her yearbooks, and they came in handy when Time magazine called to obtain “exclusively” Barack Obama’s 1979 senior prom photos, which appear in this week’s edition. The magazine identifies them as “previously unpublished photos.” Star-Advertiser.

State 5/24. Associated Press.

Oahu

The public got its first look at massive development proposal for Kakaako on Thursday. KITV4.

Imagine Kakaako being more like Denver or Portland. That’s what the Hawaii Community Development Authority envisions. They are sharing that vision with the public who are not completely sold on the ideas. KHON2.

One of the biggest gripes the Honolulu City Council has about Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s operating budget was that it didn’t do enough to restore bus service. Civil Beat.

While canoe paddlers usually spend the final weeks of May fine-tuning their technique, form and timing, a pesky wastewater problem in one of the sport's most heavily used venues has canoe clubs and organizations focusing on flushing out an answer. Star-Advertiser.

The city of Honolulu knows who secretly carted in cement and steel and illegally built a skateboard bowl on city park property on the North Shore, and how much it will cost to tear it down. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Problems might delay opening of new dorm. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County will have to go back into arbitration over a Waikoloa workforce housing project contract, the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers’ cargo volume between Honolulu and six neighbor island ports dropped nearly 4 percent during the first quarter of this year, a report issued Thursday said. West Hawaii Today.

Lehman Brothers was the top bidder earlier this week in the auction of 5,800 acres of land in Ka‘u that went into foreclosure. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Real property tax rates will increase beginning July 1 after the Maui County Council on Wednesday morning approved a resolution setting the higher rates for fiscal 2014. Maui News.

While developers of the 670-acre Honua'ula golf community have made efforts to meet a number of the 30 conditions set by the Maui County Council when the project's zoning was approved in 2008, some community groups said on Tuesday that many critical conditions have still not been met. Maui News.

Maui Dry Dock & Boat Storage, a consortium of five commercial boat operators, is seeking a 55-year lease on about 1.2 acres of state land adjacent to the Kahului Boat Ramp to develop a vessel haul out, trailer storage and other facilities. Maui News.

A 65-year-old Pearl City woman is accusing the Salvation Army of transferring a sexual predator from Oahu to Maui more than 50 years ago after he sexually assaulted her as a child. Maui News.

"It's different when your name is on the door," said freshman Hawai'i State Rep. Mark Kaniela Ing, recalling his first term on the job. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

Early education and transportation infrastructure improvements were some of the main achievements of Kauai’s delegation at this year’s Legislature, according to state lawmakers. Garden Island.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary and in an effort to give back to the communities it serves, AdvoCare International, a health and wellness company based in Plano, Texas, recently contributed $20,000 to Kauai Independent Food Bank. Garden Island.

Lanai

The Lanai Community Plan Advisory Committee has approved plans for a new ultra-luxury hotel and to set aside 200 acres for industrial development, committee member Alberta de Jetley told PBN.

Poor oversight at Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, tax revenues up, University of Hawaii in upheaval, Democrats have all the power, lax oversight over food funds, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The federal government more than 90 years ago gave Hawaii the responsibility to administer a newly created trust designed to provide homestead lots for eligible Native Hawaiians. But the government never gave Hawaii the federal regulations to govern how the roughly 200,000-acre trust should be administered. Star-Advertiser.

Department Responds To Star-Advertiser Articles. The following is the un-edited opinion piece which was submitted to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in response to their recent series of articles critical of our Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

State tax revenues through the first 10 months of Hawaii's fiscal year were 8.4 percent higher than the same period a year ago, the state Department of Taxation said. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s economy will likely grow faster than the national average, but not as quickly as previously predicted for 2013 and 2014, state economists said Friday. Associated Press.

As History Is Made, Hawaii Studies Gay Marriage. Civil Beat.

Coming off a turbulent year, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents is preparing to select the next UH president, and observers say the board must take a new tack if it wants to avoid more angst. Star-Advertiser.

As she prepares to end her tenure as the University of Hawaii's 14th president, M.R.C. Greenwood said she is still trying to figure out how consequences from a botched Stevie Wonder benefit concert grew into "a full investigation of all the things the university does." Star-Advertiser.

Deferred compensation and other benefits lift the pay packages for University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood and UH-Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple past the half-million-dollar mark. Star-Advertiser.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii thoroughly dominates elective office and government at the county, state and federal level. It looks to continue that dominance in 2014, despite contested races for the U.S. Senate and one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Civil Beat.

Youth in Hawaii should have a better chance of getting the help they need with the launch of an online database of youth services that is easily searched by counselors, court officers, parents and the kids themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The pilot student transportation program that the Hawaii Department of Education plans to roll out to some Oahu schools next school year is expected to do more than just test out an innovative way of buying school bus routes — officials say it'll also restore rides for many of the 2,000 kids who lost out when routes were cut this past school year. Civil Beat.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard said it is seeking to fill about 100 apprenticeship jobs. Those hired for the new class will begin their employment in January, with an average starting pay of $19 an hour, the shipyard said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

When the Hawaii County Council last year took the unprecedented step of dipping into the county’s disaster fund to give the nonprofit Food Basket Inc. an emergency $200,000 appropriation, strict reporting standards were put into place to ensure full accountability of taxpayer money. But a West Hawaii Today investigation has found that none of the reporting requirements in the May 3, 2012, contract were met, despite $199,000 of the emergency money given to the Food Basket, as well as $74,000 from a separate council action.

A state-owned affordable rental apartment complex on Hawaii island where more than half the units are vacant and need major renovations will be given to a Christian missionary training school after an unsuccessful attempt to sell the project about 18 months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Dean John Pezzuto conveyed Friday a sense of determination paired with lingering shellshock as he updated students and faculty on the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy’s failed campaign to fund a permanent building this Legislative Session. Tribune-Herald.

Two South Kona residents are proposing to turn the late Herb Kane’s Honaunau home into a bed and breakfast. West Hawaii Today.

Rob and Cindy Pacheco founded Hawaii Forest & Trail back in May 1993 with a vision to share Hawaii’s natural history while educating about the importance of conserving the environment. Stephens Media.

Maui

House Speaker Joe Souki almost quit after his first term as a lawmaker in 1982. Maui News.

As Maui County's first lady, Ann Arakawa leads a very public life, often seen at her husband's side as Mayor Alan Arakawa appears in parades, gives speeches and meets dignitaries. Maui News.

No unexploded ordnance, discarded military weapons or ammunition were found during a 2011 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers investigation of Kanahena Point, a former military bombing site on Maui's south shore that is now located in a natural area reserve. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources today told Maui Now that it would enforce swimming zones at Ka’a Point, following public concerns that kite surfers were endangering beachgoers.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced last week he will seek a second term, and started campaigning almost immediately, visiting three islands, including Kaua‘i on Monday, in a span of a few days. Garden Island.

Revenue Council upgrades forecast, shield law in peril, corrections officer recruitment halted in wake of prison problems, state overpays workers $1.5M, feds investigate deaf/blind school, CIO lauded, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii economic workshop (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The state Council on Revenues predicted Wednesday that private-sector economic growth in Hawaii would offset the drain from federal budget cuts due to sequestration, boosting the state's revenue forecast. Star-Advertiser.

A resurgent construction industry and booming tourism market have spurred the Council on Revenues to slightly upgrade its fiscal forecast for the state despite the uncertain impacts of pending federal budget cuts. Civil Beat.

The state Council on Revenues revised its forecast for Hawaii’s economic growth Wednesday upward by 1.6 percentage points to 6.7 percent for the current fiscal year. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii House has passed its version of a $23.25 billion state budget for fiscal years 2013-2015 that secures funding for state departments and capital improvements but falls about $600 million short of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s proposal. Associated Press.

A coalition of media outlets set out in January to simply make the state’s Shield Law permanent by removing its sunset provision. But three months and a few House amendments later, the group is faced with a watered-down version of the original bill and an uncertain future in the Senate. Civil Beat.

A Native Hawaiian filmmaker who was one of the first non-traditional journalists to use Hawaii’s 2008 journalism shield law to protect his work, is asking Hawaii lawmakers to make permanent the journalism shield law before it sunsets this year. Hawaii Reporter.

Steven Tyler can feel more comfortable at his favorite vacation spot now that Hawaii's Senate has passed a bill known as the "Steven Tyler Act." USA Today.

State lawmakers will not prevent an increase in the unemployment insurance tax, a choice that will cost businesses $66 million for the next year but could strengthen the unemployment reserve. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Education Committee on Wednesday advanced a pair of bills intended to help the Department of Education regain control of skyrocketing school bus costs. Star-Advertiser.

Third- and fourth-graders in Hawaiian language immersion programs could soon be taking state assessment tests developed in Hawaiian — instead of controversial English translations — under a bill moving through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

The ability for the public to access the track record of adult care homes got a boost this week from a state Senate committee. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii House Committee on Health has voted to push forward a bill to stop people under the age of 18 from buying electronic cigarettes. Associated Press.

State Public Safety Director Ted Sakai has suspended recruitment of new corrections officers and postponed the start of the latest recruit class to beef up testing and training of the people who work in state prisons. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii residents and businesses, rushing to take advantage of a solar tax credit before it was reduced, added 108.7 megawatts of solar energy generating capacity to the grid last year, up 169 percent from 40.4 megawatts installed in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Despite decades of efforts to trim the tab on costly payroll mistakes, some have still been able to walk away with a bundle. The state is chasing more than $1.5 million from its own staff who got paid too much. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office announced today that Hawaii’s Chief Information Officer Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia would be receiving a “Federal 100 Award” by Federal Computer Week magazine. Big Island Now.

Recent moderation in bunker fuel prices has prompted Matson to decrease its fuel-related surcharge by 3.5 percentage points. Tribune-Herald.

There is debate over a new energy experiment that could start on Oahu next month. According to Hawaii Gas, formerly The Gas Company, liquefied natural gas (LNG) will reduce the state's dependence on imported oil. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii astronomers are using a $5 million federal grant to build a giant camera they say will be able to snap pictures of asteroids headed for Earth and warn of impending danger. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Justice Department is conducting an investigation of allegations of assaults at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind, the state Attorney General says in federal court records. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine moved up 17 places on a list of the nation's top medical schools to tie with four other schools at No. 66 in U.S. News and World Report's 2014 best graduate schools rankings. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Police Department will begin issuing a new type of semiautomatic pistol to its officers for the first time in more than two decades, Police Chief Louis Kealoha told the Honolulu City Council's Budget Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County firefighters worked Wednesday evening to assess whether any threat was posed to area residents in Kapoho after the Puna Geothermal Venture plant went offline and vented steam for 15-20 minutes. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Geothermal Venture’s geothermal power plant released about 125,000 pounds of steam, resulting in a brief power outage in the Puna area this afternoon, a spokesman said. Star-Advertiser.

For the last four years, a Big Island doctor received more money in speaking fees than any other Hawaii physician from drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline. West Hawaii Today.

After discussing whether a Hawaiian name would be more appropriate and if the public would ever break its habit of calling it anything but “Saddle Road,” the County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution in support of renaming the island’s east-west connector “Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Highway.” West Hawaii Today.

Big Island commercial operators disposing scrap metal and those getting rid of motor vehicles will have to find another outlet starting March 28. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The $72 million Downtown Kihei project cleared its environmental review Tuesday. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission granted a special use permit Tuesday for a bed-and-breakfast business in Launiupoko to host weddings, although the panel set more than a half-dozen restrictions. Maui News.

Several key Capital Improvement Projects on Maui were included in a budget appropriation approved today by the state House. Maui Now.

Maui hit a new high for the month of January with an average daily room rate of $289.98, which was in keeping with a record-setting month statewide, Hospitality Advisors and Smith Travel Research reported. Maui News.

Real estate, construction, politics and the development of Maui. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

Workers have removed an altar built two years ago where a shoreline path is being constructed in Wailua, Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

The sacredness of Wailua Beach is now gone, according to James Alalem, 55, of Wailua. Garden Island.

As the Lihu‘e Town Core Urban Design Plan moves forward, Lihu‘e will slowly change to accommodate more pedestrian traffic. Some of the changes just around the corner will include the elimination of parking alongside Rice Street, giving way to bicycle lanes. Garden Island.

The Electronics Benefits Transfer program will be back at select participating sunshine and farmers markets as early as March 25, said Frank Ranger, director of the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, Tuesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A Talking Circle for Molokai practitioners, mediators, family members and anyone else interested will be March 19 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Molokai Community Health Center. The Talking Circle will allow everyone to share and compare different ideas related to the broad spectrum of problem-solving methods available in our multi-cultural community. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii tax collections rise; Hirono dubbed a 'silent senator'; Legislature advances campaign spending, minimum wage, environmental bills; state to get money from Google snooping; UH spending scrutinized; no need for new Oahu landfill; Hawaii County defies impact fee law; Maui dogtags returned 70 years later, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

State tax collections are up 12 percent through the first eight months of the fiscal year, the state Department of Taxation reported Tuesday.The revenue is coming in higher than the 5.1 percent growth projected by the state Council on Revenues, which is scheduled to update its forecast on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono is part of a new bipartisan group in the Senate. Call it the Talk To My Press Secretary Caucus. Politico.

Proposals aimed at decreasing the influence of private money on state elections are making headway in the Hawaii Legislature. Associated Press.

Hawaii is one of 38 states that, along with the District of Columbia, will share in a $7 million settlement from Google Inc. over its collection of personal data from unsecured wireless networks while taking photos from its Street View vehicles. Pacific Business News.

The body that accredits the University of Hawaii says fallout from last year's Stevie Wonder concert debacle included inappropriate external interference from government officials and "revealed the fragility" of the university's autonomy. In a strongly worded four-page letter to UH President M.R.C. Greenwood on Monday, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Board of Regents, overlapping and "confusing" lines of authority at UH and a series of policy gaps. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Procurement Under Fire for Wasting Millions of Dollars on Fraud and Corruption. Hawaii Reporter.

Lawmakers advanced a bill Monday that would provide a tax credit to public and private school teachers for out-of-pocket classroom expenses. Star-Advertiser.

The House Committee on Labor and Public Employment advanced a measure today to raise the minimum wage in Hawai’i.   The president …governor and local labor unions all support it … employers and their organizations by in large oppose it … and low-wage earners are caught in the middle. Hawaii Public Radio.

Members of the state House energy committee are moving forward several of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s environmental initiatives. Associated Press.

Rock climbers and their supporters attended a public hearing in Hale­iwa on Tuesday night, saying they support a legislative bill to give the state immunity from lawsuits involving their recreational activity. Star-Advertiser.

This year lawmakers have introduced some 270 resolutions, and as usual the range is broad: some are congratulatory, some express condolences and some — called concurrent resolutions — request action or state a position. Civil Beat.

Souki-led House majority has delivered solid agenda. Star-Advertiser.

Bank of Hawaii Corp.’s top executives, including CEO Peter Ho, have voluntarily reduced proposed salary increases that would have boosted their pay between 6 percent and 20 percent, the bank said Tuesday in a regulatory filing. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for March 13. Associated Press.

Oahu
Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday he does not believe another landfill on the island will be needed because technology is advancing at a rate that the city will soon be able to get rid of the most objectionable, if not all, solid wastes without putting them into the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill at Kahe Point. Star-Advertiser.

When the Senate Ways and Means Committee deferred action on Senate Bill 51 late last month, effectively killing the bill for this legislative session, it marked the quiet end to yet another chapter in a classic 25-year power play by a small group of well-connected local business owners who control the Sand Island Business Association. Civil Beat.

The cost of food, gasoline and education in Honolulu rose moderately during the second half of 2012, but overall inflation remained relatively muted, according to a government report. Star-Advertiser.

The Army said it found about $495,000 to prevent the layoff of nearly 300 contract workers at Schofield Barracks through the end of March with the hope that Congress will address a militarywide funding shortfall by then, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The city Tuesday suspended permits issued to developer Jeff Stone to build two single-family houses in Aina Haina after state officials said a historic site might exist or had existed on the site. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Impact fees for West Hawaii schools — a state law largely ignored for almost three years — will be postponed a little longer following a heated, but ultimately fruitless, discussion Tuesday by the County Council Planning Committee. West Hawaii Today.

A parade of county department heads made its way through council chambers Tuesday, as the County Council Finance Committee heard explanations for hundreds of thousands of dollars in contract changes. West Hawaii Today.

Government officials have been eyeing Ka‘u for a spaceport as far back as the 1960s. But the latest proposal — revealed by Rep. Cindy Evans, D-North Kona, Kohala, at a community meeting last week — may be a hard sell, particularly in a county where the top executive wrote the legal brief that brought down the last spaceport plan. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A state Department of Agriculture informational meeting on plans for the release of a moth to combat fireweed, a plant toxic to most livestock, will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Maui News.

The first double-decker bus of the Maui Bus fleet was dedicated this morning, with the vehicle set to start servicing the Kihei Islander route by the end of March or beginning of April, said county officials. Maui Now.

Dog tags lost in Hawaii returned to family 70 years later. Hawaii News Now.

A male humpback whale with small-gauge line wrapped around its tail was totally freed on Monday, following the efforts of multiple agencies and organizations, according to a news release from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i’s drinking water is safe and free of the chemical herbicide atrazine, according to David Craddick, manager of the Kaua‘i County Department of Water. Garden Island.

A trial date was set in the theft case against former state representative Roland Sagum. Garden Island.

More than a handful of Kilauea residents on Tuesday let the Kaua‘i Planning Commission know they don’t want an 80-foot cell phone tower next door, even if the federal government has already established that health hazards cannot be argued against the tower. Garden Island.

The county’s Building Division is scheduled to launch a Web-based permitting system by the end of April. Garden Island.

Hawaii humpback whales at risk in boat collisions, Abercrombie seeks to give startups $20M, Maui Four Seasons sued to keep beach access public, hotel rates up 13%, sequestration threatens state projects, police conduct scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii humpback whale NOAA courtesy photo

A spate of collisions between vessels and endangered humpback whales has prompted some scientists to call for stricter rules — including boating speed limits — in the animals' winter migratory waters in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Sunday night, the White House released state-by-state summaries of what automatic budget cuts would mean. Hawaii faces the loss of funding — including for Head Start, vaccinations for children and law enforcement — as well as furloughs of members of the military. Civil Beat.

The White House has released a list of cuts that could affect Hawaii if sequestration cuts take effect Friday. Hawaii News Now.

The White House released a report today showing which Hawaii programs and jobs would be on the chopping block if sequestration, or automatic budget cuts, take place. KHON2.

Schofield Barracks and other Army installations in Hawaii would see their base operations budgets cut by $106 million, and funding for Air Force operations in the Islands would be cut by $15 million if the looming federal budget cuts take place, according to a report released by the White House Sunday that details how the cuts would affect each of the states. Pacific Business News.

The forecasted cuts to Hawaii's federal programs are detailed in the study "Under Threat: Sequestration's Impact on Nondefense Jobs and Services." Maui News.

Looking to drive entrepreneurship in an economy dominated by tourism and the military, the Abercrombie administration is willing to spend $20 million over two years to help local startup companies take ideas to market. Star-Advertiser.

For the past six months, Civil Beat has been revisiting the question of whether the public can trust that Hawaii’s police officers, with their extraordinary power over ordinary citizens, are being held accountable for their actions. Civil Beat.

The state Legislature is technically on recess, but Hawaii lawmakers aren’t taking a break. Associated Press.

It’s Your Money: Taxpayers Owe $550K After Kids Are Put in ‘House of Horror’ Civil Beat.

Hawaii hotels were 89.7 percent full last week, 2.3 percentage points higher than the same week in 2012 and the statewide average daily room rate rose nearly 13 percent to $235.52, according to a report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

Melting ice is causing a rise in sea level and the place where that will be felt the hardest is Hawaii, according to a new study out this month from a university in Italy. KITV4.

State roundup for February 25. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will announce today a sweeping plan to fix and repave all city roads needing repair in the next five years. Star-Advertiser.

A searchable database of the 3,000 Oahu road segments scheduled to be repaired over the next five years. Star-Advertiser.

For more than a decade, some of the administrators and students at Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind covered up a terrible secret – young children between 12 and 16 years old were being terrorized - robbed, raped, sodomized and even gang raped on campus and on the school buses – not by employees, but by other children. Hawaii Reporter.

Thousands of items of clothing worn in the hit ABC television shows including "Lost," "the River" and "The Last Resort" were given to Goodwill. KITV4.

Hawaii

Relatives and friends — and Helene Hale had a lot of them — gathered Sunday night at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center to honor the life of one of Hawaii’s most remarkable women. Tribune-Herald.

A long-delayed replacement of Hilo International Airport’s cargo facilities is now under way, and East Hawaii officials say they expect it to provide a much-needed boost to the economy. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian cultural and natural history was celebrated Saturday at the Amy B.H. Greenwell Enthobotanical Garden in Captain Cook. West Hawaii Today.

Hualalai Resort estate to be sold at auction. Pacific Business News.

Maui
A 2nd Circuit Court complaint has been filed to stop the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea from taking a public portion of Wailea Beach for its guests' exclusive use. Maui News.

A council committee will review a proposal on Monday that seeks the designation of 271,062 acres on Maui as critical habitat for endangered species. Maui Now.

Deer weigh heavily on isle. Maui News.

Kauai

Strong winter tradewinds are contributing to an increase in debris from the March 2011 Japa­nese tsunami reaching coastal areas off Kauai and other Hawaii islands, sometimes smashing against reefs and carrying suspected alien species. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers were up on Kaua‘i, but whales were not Saturday, as the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary hosted the second of three Ocean Counts. Garden Island.

Carl Berg, chairman of the Surfrider Foundation of Kaua‘i, said recently that while Kaua‘i’s beaches and surf spots remained, on the whole, pretty clean, Kaua‘i’s rivers remain contaminated with bacteria. Garden Island.

George and Shirley Snead dutifully pay the monthly maintenance fee on their Kauai condominium. But recently they had to help pay such fees for other owners as part of what some call an unanticipated consequence of recent amendments to Hawaii foreclosure law. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House kills Public Land Development Corp., economy hits a high note, absentee voting, preschool, hospital privatization advances, teachers union loses appeal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House of Representatives

The state House voted unanimously Thursday to repeal the Public Land Development Corp., foreshadowing the end of a state agency that many lawmakers now admit was a mistake. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House of Representatives may be divided into factions and parties, but on Thursday it showed unanimity in repealing one of the most controversial state laws in recent memory. Civil Beat.

Members of the state House of Representatives unanimously voted Thursday to repeal Hawaii’s heavily criticized state land development agency. Associated Press.

The PLDC was supposed to fast track the development of public lands something that would pad the state coffers. Voters expressed their outrage from the Big Island to Kauai. KITV4.

The Hawaii House of Representatives unanimously passed HB1133, which would repeal the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC). Hawaii Reporter.

All members of the State House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly yesterday to abolish the Public Agency it had a part in creating last session to generate revenue by developing State-owned land. Hawaii Public Radio.

There was a time when the name Mililani Trask brought to mind phrases such as "native sovereignty" and "Hawaiian activist." So it's surprised many to see that the longtime Hawaiian rights advocate and attorney is championing the controversial Public Land Development Corp. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's economy is poised to grow this year at its fastest pace since 2005, buoyed by continued strength in the visitor market and a long-awaited turnaround in the construction industry, according to a forecast scheduled for release today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

A University of Hawaii economic report says construction this year will join tourism in propelling the state economic recovery. Hawaii News Now.

Hiring flattens out across Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Absentee voting is gaining in popularity, so much so that Hawaii's governor has proposed all mail-in voting. The Legislature is considering the governor's idea. Civil Beat.

Legislation aimed at allowing the privatization of Hawaii’s public hospitals continues to advance, with legislators working to address some of the issues which have drawn criticism from employees who fear their jobs could be in jeopardy. Tribune-Herald.

President Barack Obama’s push this week for universal early education could breathe new life into Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s mission to provide a state-funded preschool program for all Hawaii’s 4-year-olds. Civil Beat.

The state appeals court affirmed Thursday a 2011 Circuit Court ruling against the teachers union in its labor dispute with the state. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the state Department of Health launched a multimedia campaign Thursday to steer teenagers away from soda and other sugary drinks and toward healthier choices such as water. The $275,000 "Rethink Your Drink" campaign, funded by the state's share of tobacco settlement money, will run through May and include television, radio, print and movie theater ads. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii drivers paid more at the pump on Thursday than they did a week ago, with the average statewide price of a gallon of regular unleaded coming in 7 cents higher, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Theodore I. Sakai as Director of the Department of Public Safety.  Sakai has been serving as the interim Director of Public Safety since June 1, 2012, when he was appointed by the Governor. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for February 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is renewing efforts to clear Oahu sidewalks of tents and other belongings of homeless people and others with two bills scheduled to get their first airing at a meeting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City officials would be able to slap bigger fines on people who ignore repeated requests to clear weeds, garbage and other waste on their property, under a bill advanced by the City Council Zoning Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

In the face of community opposition, Mayor Kirk Caldwell may relocate a lifeguard substation that was originally planned for Waikiki’s limited waterfront area to Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of thousands of people, but no bathrooms. That's the situation for city bus riders at the Alapai Transit Center in Honolulu. KHON2.

The Coast Guard expressed frustration Thursday about a third laser strike on its Oahu-based aircraft in the last five months, saying people need to be aware of the risk to its aircrews. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Army National Guard ceremoniously broke ground Thursday on a more than $100 million readiness center for the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Kalaeloa. Star-Advertiser.

Rockne Freitas has been tapped to lead the University of Hawaii at West Oahu as the campus prepares to boost enrollment and expand facilities in coming years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The perennial question of whether corporation counsel has a conflict of interest representing both the mayor and County Council will again be debated by County Council members Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

The state Ethics Commission has levied a $10,000 fine against William Eric Boyd, an employee of a charter school in Hilo, for ordering and approving purchases for the school from his family business. Star-Advertiser.

If you live in West Hawaii and you receive a cancer diagnosis, there’s a good chance you’re going to cross paths with Dr. Anthony DeSalvo. West Hawaii Today.

Interisland shipping company Young Brothers, Ltd. reported a nominal increase in cargo volume to the neighbor islands last year, but steadily rising amounts of agricultural products. West Hawaii Today.

State officials say many trees in mature koa forests of East Hawaii are losing their leaves due to a sudden, sharp increase in a native moth population. KHON2.

Maui
The Maui AIDS Foundation raised $19,000 during their signature Mardi Gras Maui event held over the weekend at the King Kamehameha Golf Course. Maui Now.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa has entered a partnership with Maui Electric Company as part of a renewable energy pilot project. Maui Now.

Kauai

The recently released 2013 Transparency Report Card gave the Kaua‘i County Council a perfect A-plus score, topping the entire state when comes down to online government transparency. Garden Island.

After coming out of an executive session Wednesday evening, the Kaua‘i County Council approved an additional $75,000 to be used by the administration in private attorney fees to defend itself in a civil case filed by Councilman Tim Bynum. Garden Island.

The Department of Water has extended its deadline for public comment and feedback on its water system development fee to March 8. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Police Department Special Services Team will get some extra help from a high-precision sniper rifle. Additionally, police trucks and SUVs will be equipped with a top-of-the-line digital radio system. Garden Island.

Big revenue jump predicted, birther lawsuit halted, six vie for Maui Senate seat, Hawaii council to mull Public Land Development Corp., Lt. Gov. Tsutsui sworn in, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui sworn in by Chief Justice Mark Rectenwald, photo courtesy Governor's Office

The state Council on Revenues upgraded the state's tax collection forecast Thursday, predicting that the housing and construction sectors of the economy will follow tourism into the recovery. Star-Advertiser.

The state Council on Revenues raised its tax revenue growth forecast for Hawaii’s current fiscal year by 0.2 percentage points to 5.1 percent during its meeting Thursday, and raised the revenue forecast for the following fiscal year by nearly $400 million. Pacific Business News.

The state is expected to generate $172.6 million more in tax revenue over the next 18 months if a revised general fund forecast by the Council on Revenues holds true. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today responded that the Council of Revenues forecast revisions for FY14 and FY15 are consistent with the Abercrombie Administration analysis of the overall economy. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii may have dodged the fiscal cliff, but there's a bigger looming threat that state budget officials say they don't know how to begin to prepare for: the economic vacuum created by the loss of Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. Civil Beat.

The death of longtime U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has created an economic cliff in Hawaii that’s far worse for the state than the federal fiscal cliff, Hawaii’s state finance director said Thursday. Associated Press.

The number of individuals and businesses filing for bankruptcy in Hawaii last year fell to the lowest level since 2008 amid an improving economy and declining consumer debt loads. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge rejected a challenge by so-called "birthers" seeking to halt Friday's scheduled counting of Electoral College votes for President Barack Obama in their latest attempt to overturn Obama's presidency. Associated Press.

President Obama spent time with his daughters Thursday, taking them bowling at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe and then heading for shave ice at their regular spot, Island Snow in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama chose to spend part of Thursday afternoon bowling and eating shave ice with his daughters, a departure from the daily rounds of golf this vacation. Star-Advertiser.

As the 113th Congress was sworn in on Thursday, the four members of Hawaii's delegation pledged to work as a unified group to begin rebuilding the all-important seniority that was lost recently following the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye and the retirement of U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. Star-Advertiser.

The nation's 113th Congress began today with the swearing in ceremonies of two of Hawaii's four delegates. Hawaii News Now.

The remaining three members of Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation were sworn in on Thursday in Washington, D.C., sealing a renovation that started two years ago, with the election of U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to the House. Sen. Brian Schatz was sworn in last week. Garden Island.

When he died, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye had more than a quarter-million dollars in his main campaign account and another $50,000 in his leadership PAC, a political action committee he called DANPAC. What will become of it now? Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui was sworn in Thursday morning by Hawaii Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald on Oahu. Maui News.

The Navy’s use of sonar in Hawaiian waters is getting increased scrutiny as a federal agency documents and maps human-caused noise pollution in the oceans in an attempt to dim the din for the sake of marine mammals. Honolulu Weekly.

Climate Change in Hawaii: It’s Here. A new report brings together all the science and concludes it’s time to act. Honolulu Weekly.

State roundup for January 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

There's still a lot of gray area when it comes to regulating how Honolulu City Council members spend their yearly allowances, according to the city auditor. Civil Beat.

Downtown Honolulu will lose its only major department store next month, and what fills the void left by Macy's will go a long way in determining the future of the city's core. Star-Advertiser.

Macy’s announcement Thursday morning that its Honolulu store was one of six on the chopping block this year opens the door for a prime downtown block to be reborn as something other than a department store. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Pacific University's plans for redeveloping Aloha Tower Marketplace are on hold for at least another week, as its development partner is trying to maintain control of the project. KHON2.

A dispute over control of Aloha Tower Marketplace has escalated between the developer who bought the downtown waterfront retail complex about a year ago and his financial partner, Hawaii Pacific University. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police arrested and cited two women for prostitution at a King Street massage parlor and arrested and cited a third woman at another massage parlor on Keeaumoku Street Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Public Land Development Corp. hasn’t finalized its administrative rules, but Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants Hawaii County to be prepared in the event those rules infringe upon Hawaii County’s home rule powers. West Hawaii Today.

A suspect is in custody after two Hawaii County police officers were shot and injured Wednesday night in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A $4 million gas collection and control system for the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill in Puuanahulu needs to be working by mid-December or Hawaii County could face fines. West Hawaii Today.

The Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal has welcomed the new year with a new look. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
The Maui County Democratic Party has received six qualified applications for the Central Maui state Senate seat vacated by Shan Tsutsui, who became lieutenant governor. Maui News.

Maui County Council members officially organized behind Gladys Baisa and Bob Carroll, unanimously electing them chairwoman and vice chairman, respectively, of the newly seated council on Wednesday. Maui News.

Kalbert K. Young, the Director of Budget and Finance for the State of Hawai’i, and former finance director for Maui County, delivered the keynote address for the 2013 Maui Council Inauguration today. Maui Now.

Hawaii's recent shifts in political leadership - in Congress and at the state Capitol - heighten the need for Maui County to partner with state government to ensure continued services and to foster economic growth, state Budget and Finance Director Kalbert Young told the newly seated Maui County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

A Kauai landowner who caused a catastrophic mudslide on November 26, 2001, which destroyed a rare coral reef and polluted a pristine bay at Pilaa, Kauai, must pay a $4 million fine to the state, according to the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals. Hawaii Reporter.

After years of controversy, construction of the Wailua Beach portion of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae, or “the path that goes along the coast,” began Wednesday night. Garden Island.

County officials report a mobile chair, which is used for people with disabilities, was damaged at the Waimea public swimming pool. Garden Island.

Counties face loss of HI-5 grants, Hawaii state auditor Higa retiring, shipping fees jump, UH biosafety lab scrutinized, charter school employees must follow state ethics, Kauai coral study continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii recycling center (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Despite bringing in an extra $4.5 million annually from a hike in the beverage container fee, the state Department of Health has put the counties on notice that they won’t be getting money back for their HI-5 programs next year. West Hawaii Today.

After 21 years, Marion Higa will retire as state auditor at the end of December. Hawaii News Now.

On Jan. 1, the cost to ship goods to and from Hawaii on the state's largest ocean cargo transportation firm will rise. Matson Inc. announced Wednesday that rates will increase by $175 for each westbound container and $85 for each eastbound container. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tax Review Commission will recommend that Hawaii create its own version of the Simpson-Bowles fiscal responsibility and reform commission to address a projected multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that is anticipated in the next decade. Civil Beat.

Public school teacher protests over contracts are mounting as the Department of Education nears another important milestone in school reform. KHON2.

The state of Hawai‘i continues to move steadily toward its goal of aligning with the federal Affordable Care Act of 2010 to provide cheaper and simpler health insurance choices to residents, after beating by two weeks the deadline to submit to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services a blueprint application for a state-based health insurance exchange. Garden Island.

It took four months, but a predicted surge in new Hawaii foreclosure cases emerged in October as more law firms and mortgage lenders adjusted to the latest overhaul of a state foreclosure law enacted in June. Star-Advertiser.

State briefs 11/29. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Councilmembers were provided a financial update on the 5.2 billion dollar rail transit project today.    As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … although the construction was suspended three months ago … millions are still being spent on the project due to contractor delay claims. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents are skeptical about whether the $2.2 million operating costs of a biosafety lab planned for Kalaeloa will benefit the state. Star-Advertiser.

A plot of land the University of Hawaii thought it was leasing for a dollar a year will now cost more than $200,000 a year. Hawaii News Now.

A key prosecution witness in the federal extortion case against former Honolulu police Maj. Carlton Nishimura will remain in custody after her arrest Friday at Honolulu Airport on a charge of possessing methamphetamine.Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved on Wednesday a $32 million sale of land next to UH-West Oahu to the Roman Catholic Church, which plans to build a church and a private school that one regent called "Maryknoll West." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
The outgoing members of the Hawaii County Council will sit together for one final time Monday morning in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Carbon LLC, which spent some $50 million to build a biomass plant to turn Hawaii-grown macadamia nut shells into granulated activated carbon, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Pacific Business News.

The state Ethics Commission ruled in Hilo this week that Hawaii charter school employees are subject to the same ethics rules as any other state employee. Tribune-Herald.

If there was ever any doubt about whether a charter school employee works for the state, that issue was put to rest this week. Civil Beat.

Big Island police and federal agents on Wednesday arrested eight people in connection with an alleged illegal gambling and sports betting operation in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The planned Olowalu Town development continues to be a hot-button issue as the Maui County Council works toward adopting the Maui Island Plan to guide future growth over the next two decades. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission accepted a final environmental assessment Tuesday for CMBY Investment's proposed 86-acre, $20 million heavy industrial subdivision in Puunene. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has signed off on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for a long-awaited high school in Kihei. Maui Now.

Starting Jan. 1, the Maui Bus will extend its Upcountry route from Pukalani to Rice Park. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s outgoing prosecuting attorney says she will move to reinstate criminal charges against county official Janine Rapozo. Hawaii Reporter.

A pair of scientists spent more than six hours in the waters off of ‘Anini Beach Wednesday as part of an ongoing coral disease study along Kauai‘i’s North Shore. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council landed a right hook against one of Hawai‘i’s most lethal and undetected killers, the hepatitis B virus. Garden Island.