Hawaii students face new graduation rules, Abercrombie appointee battle continues, Superferry for sale, UHH cutting classes,Transit Authority may lose budget, Hawaii County budget battles, more Hawaii news optimized for your smartphone

Hawaii Superferry (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The federal Maritime Administration has put up for public sale the two high-speed vessels formerly owned by the bankrupt Hawaii Superferry LLC. Star-Advertiser.

ALEC To Release ‘Rich States, Poor States’ Wednesday; Hawaii Listed as 46th Worst. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's request that all 28 people he didn't appoint to five key boards and commissions step down has thrown the members into an uproar. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that his request that more than two dozen appointed members of state boards and commissions resign was not a reflection of their service or an issue of personalities. Star-Advertiser.

Will Hawaii care enough about deciding its political districts? Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed 15 measures into law. Associated Press.

As Hawaii residents prepare to pay more than double the vehicle weight tax fees and an 80 percent higher state vehicle registration fee, there's no guarantee the money will go for road maintenance. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has resorted to cutting classes to deal with an anticipated $4 million shortfall in state funding. Tribune-Herald.

Every public high school student in Hawaii would have to pass geometry and complete two lab sciences under more rigorous graduation requirements proposed as the state Department of Education continues to fine-tune its diploma policy. Star-Advertiser.

A little more than a week before the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation takes office, a battle looms as Mayor Peter Carlisle is expected to veto the agency's budget passed by the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has called an emergency meeting Friday to vote on whether the council should hire an outside attorney to verify the legality of the county budget. West Hawaii Today.

Last-minute executive actions by a county administration that shares legal staff with the County Council are apparently hampering the council's ability to do its work, a situation that could lead to changes sought in the Hawaii County Charter. West Hawaii Today.

Members of the Hawaii-based guided missile frigate USS Reuben James received a warm welcome when they returned to Pearl Harbor Monday morning. KITV4.

A new formula is causing some confusion about Hawaii's bottomfish catch limit. Hawaii News Now.

The state is considering new emergency rules for the Kaneohe sandbar. KHON2.

In the first large-scale project of its kind on Oahu, three plant varieties were planted in a Waialua field Monday morning. KITV4.

The state Department of Transportation will discuss alternatives Wednesday evening to protect the shoreline of Kahului Harbor and to shield a segment of Kahului Beach Road from erosion. Maui News.

The dry, white mudflats at Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary will eventually be wet again, when the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife replaces a pump that keeps the wetland wet. Maui News.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Hawaii Host Committee needs about 1,200 volunteers in place by next month. Associated Press.

The Fourth of July is still two weeks away, but if you want to celebrate Independence Day on Oahu with firecrackers, you have just a few more days to get a permit. KHON2.

The Mission Houses Museum is hosting a year-long series of lectures, storytelling and tours on Legends, Myths and Fables. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two East Oahu legislators are appealing to the owners of Koko Marina CenterbizWatch and FoodlandbizWatch to reconsider the decision to replace the supermarket with a drugstore chain. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii schools to lose funds, Honolulu mayor forgives $1.2M loan, Maui sovereignty group issued warrants, Hawaii Island fire chief steps down, ordnance exploded on Kauai, all the island news

Hawaii soldier walks past Quonset huts (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

They may not know where the money's coming from, but U.S. Army officials Tuesday laid out ambitious expansion and improvement plans while advocating for high altitude flight training and ongoing monitoring of depleted uranium. West Hawaii Today.

For the second time in less than a month, the U.S. Army’s 706th explosive ordnance disposal team flew in from Schofield Barracks on O‘ahu to destroy a device found on Kaua‘i’s shores. Garden Island.

Lightning has knocked out the first large telescope ever built on Mauna Kea, and engineers are working to bring it back online.Associated Press.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration forgave $1.2 million in city loans to the nonprofit elderly day-care center at the heart of a federal investigation into misuse of $7.9 million in grants, a Civil Beat investigation has found. Civil Beat.

Sixty-four campuses will lose extra funds designed to offset costs at small schools because the state Department of Education has lowered the enrollment levels needed to qualify for the money. Star-Advertiser.

The governor has signed bills authorizing two Big Island companies to issue as much as $140 million in special purpose revenue bonds to finance energy ventures. Hawaii Reporter.

Construction subcontractors, subleasors and airlines will temporarily lose their exemption to the state's general excise tax, under a bill signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Maui County is seeking to intervene as the Public Utilities Commission considers a huge wind power project, called Big Wind, that will be either on Lanai, or Lanai and Molokai both. Maui News.

Three of five members of a Maui Hawaiian sovereignty group indicted last month on federal fraud charges failed to appear in federal court today and bench warrants were ordered for their arrests. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayor Billy Kenoi remained mum Tuesday about whether he will approve next fiscal year's $367 million operating budget. West Hawaii Today.

After more than three decades in the Hawaii Fire Department, including nine years as chief, Darryl Oliveira is "getting out of the way." Tribune-Herald.

Home construction would be made safer and faster under a trio of bills a County Council committee advanced Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

A vote against amending the Hawaii County code to reflect last month's decision to use $1 million of open space fund revenues to balance next year's county budget doesn't put the money back in the fund. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless campers flock to Chinatown. KHON2.

Thousands have been caught and starting July 1 it will cost people busted for driving with a mobile device even more money. Hawaii News Now.

Transportation Security Administration employees told KITV 4 News an unsafe situation persisted at Honolulu International Airport for months because screeners were worried they'll get in trouble for reporting problems. KITV4.

One of the nation's biggest owners of home mortgages has made a move that could add to an already overburdened Hawaii court system's caseload. Star-Advertiser.

Soon the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Police Department will start up the Fireworks Amnesty Program KITV4.

The state Department of Transportation said last week that it will award around $608,000 in federal funds for four Maui Safe Routes to School projects this summer. Maui News.

The new Hawai’I Symphony Orchestra has officially debuted its name and logo, and unveiled an important new corporate sponsor, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sowing the seeds of social change through school gardens. Hawaii Independent.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2011 Host Committee is seeking a firm to design and produce virtual exhibits that showcase Hawaii businesses. Pacific Business News

Lepe‘uli Beach, commonly called Larsen’s, has taken center stage over the past couple years because of a controversial fence that finally went up about three weeks ago, blocking off the easiest access to the narrow strip of sand on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Hawaii budget cuts imperil reading programs, adult ed, wet weather ahead, Maui, EPA to settle, Hilo pot minister may take plea deal, Mainlanders boost tourism, more Hawaii news

Waikiki Beach (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Mainland visitors helped boost statewide hotel performance in April despite a sharp decline in tourists from Japan. Star-Advertiser.

An upper-level low and increasing moisture will bring the chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms through the state beginning with Hawai'i Island Sunday night and moving west. KHON2.

Thirteen hula halaus danced their way down Kalakaua Avenue Sunday evening.KITV4.

Hawaii is considering whether to start including nonresident members of the military when it redraws political boundaries this summer, a move that could help Republicans get elected in the Democrat-dominated state. Associated Press.

When Gov. Neil Abercrombie on June 9 announced Terry Lock as the state's early childhood coordinator, it was the third high-profile appointment to his administration that did not require approval from the state Senate. Civil Beat.

Two Hawaii state Senators who lost their bid for Lieutenant Governor in the 2010 Democratic primary were granted positions in the current administration of Hawaii’s new Democrat Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Hawaii Reporter.

Federal aid trickles in to island businesses and homeowners still licking their wounds from March's tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

The federal body responsible for managing fisheries around Hawaii and other parts of the western Pacific region is meeting this week to discuss catch limits on deep water bottomfish, opelu, lobster and other species. Associated Press.

Aquaculture is supposed to take the pressure off ocean fish stocks and help avert a global food shortage, but Kohala resident and microbiologist Wendy Minor believes some forms of fish farming may be creating more problems than they are solving. West Hawaii Today.

Maui County is considering a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency over allegations that the county violated the Safe Drinking Water Act and the terms of its injection well permit at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui News.

Community school principals are developing a plan to save adult education, whose funding will be eliminated in a year, and say higher fees and fewer courses will almost certainly be the result. Star-Advertiser.

A social service program that promotes reading in youth is scrambling to obtain funding to stay alive. Star-Advertiser.

Plans for the West Maui Medical Center appear to have stalled, after a split between the partners on the project. Maui News.

A University of Hawaii accounting professor will have to pay nearly $40,000 if he wants to see how much money the university spends on private law firms. Associated Press.

More than a thousand nonprofits around the state have lost their tax-exempt status this year, and a handful of those are Molokai organizations, according to a list recently published by the Internal Revenue Service. Molokai Dispatch.

For the third time, federal trial for marijuana minister Roger Christie and 13 others has been delayed, while a plea deal may be in the works. Tribune-Herald.

Lately computers have been in the news because they have been hacked -- ones belonging to defense contractors or the personal pages of politicians. KITV4.

The Maui Film Festival launches next week Wednesday, June 15th, with another stellar lineup of films. Hawaii Public Radio.

No, Kujo’s is not closing, said Brenda Jose, the Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol coordinator. Garden Island.

Kamehameha Schools opponents must be public, Hawaii 2012 politics show Hirono, Case, Lingle leaders, Abercrombie popularity 50%, rail transit pricey, state to buy more land for preservation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A new Hawaii Poll shows 50 percent of registered voters approve of the job that Neil Abercrombie is doing as governor, much lower than his predecessor at the same point in office, and a reflection of the difficulty Abercrombie has had in pushing his agenda forward. Hawaii News Now.

Former congressman Ed Case and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono are tied in a hypothetical matchup in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, a new Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

Out of nine public figures and possible political candidates, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono garnered the highest favorable ratings in the Hawaii News Now/Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii Poll. Hawaii News Now.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle told fellow Hawaii Republicans at the party's convention in Kauai over the weekend that she would decide by the end of August whether to run for the U.S. Senate next year. Civil Beat.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a dispute over whether students challenging a private Hawaiian school system's admissions policy must be identified. Associated Press.

The first female soldier enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard 38 years ago … but it was only this year that a woman was promoted to General. Hawaii Public Radio.

Recently proposed Medicaid qualification standards would leave around 4,500 without health insurance around Hawaii. Molokai Dispatch.

Homeowners have a fighting chance with foreclosure law. Maui News.

Act 48 suspends nonjudicial foreclosures in Hawaii and creates a mortgage foreclosure dispute resolution program administered by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Office of Administrative Hearings. Associated Press.

After concluding a grueling legislative session of tax raising and budget cutting, Hawaii lawmakers may find that their work is not yet done. Associated Press.

The state's Legacy Lands Conservation program is providing $4.5 million in grants for the purchase and protection of culturally and agriculturally important lands on the Big Island and Oahu. Associated Press.

The state plans to open a new H-1 freeway on-ramp and an off-ramp this week that are expected to remove traffic bottlenecks around some large shopping centers in Kapolei. KITV4.

The state Department of Transportation will not reopen the temporary Kapa‘a bypass road for another week as recent rainstorms have delayed resurfacing work. Garden Island.

While about half of Honolulu residents remain in favor of completing the rail transit system, nearly 9 in 10 agree the project is likely to cost more than the $5.3 billion estimated price tag. Star-Advertiser.

The price tag for preparation of the Honolulu rapid transit project’s environmental impact statement was originally $86 million but has since bulged to $156 million, a City spokesman confirmed today. Hawaii Reporter.

A bike rental program to promote an active lifestyle and reduce traffic will officially launch on Friday in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

It would be a stretch to say that Hawaii’s renewable energy companies, the utilities and the public are moving together in harmony toward a clean energy future. Pacific Business News

A milestone in Manoa -- a special graduation ceremony. Thousands turned their tassels at the University of Hawaii's 100th commencement ceremonies. KITV4.

Mostly dry trade wind weather will prevail for the next several days, with brief showers favoring windward areas during nights and mornings. KHON2.

If you received your motor vehicle registration reminder notice in the mail this month, you might have noticed that the form looks different. Tribune-Herald.

Ka'u is well on the way of making a name for itself in the coffee industry on an island for many decades known primarily for its Kona-grown coffee. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii storms wreak havoc, school days cut, Maui budget cuts mayor's big increases, Samoa leaving island time, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Unsettled weather with locally heavy rains and the threat for thunderstorms will continue over the islands through Tuesday. KHON2.

Flash flood warnings persisted into Sunday evening as heavy showers lingered over most of the Garden Isle, forcing the closure of the Hanalei Bridge and impacting Mother’s Day events. Garden Island.

Kainaliu businesses and nonprofits spent Saturday cleaning up inches of water and mud that filled their stores during heavy rains on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Many people dream about retiring and enjoying their golden years, but a growing number of Hawaii seniors must work longer or come out of retirement just to make ends meet. Hawaii News Now.

Some relief from suffocating gas prices will likely arrive just in time for summer vacation. Expect a drop of nearly 50 cents as early as June, analysts say. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law yesterday Senate Bill 651, the Legislature’s comprehensive response to the foreclosure issue facing Hawaii families. Hawaii Independent.

For the last three years, the Hawai’i State Center for Nursing has been leading a project that uses the expertise of nurses to improve patient care. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Legislature did not pass a $2 million budget request for security expenses related to the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference, but officials of Gov. Abercrombie’s administration are refusing all comment about the issue. Hawaii Reporter.

With a new chairman at the Hawaiian Homes Commission, officials are taking a fresh look at ways to provide homes or homestead lots to the nearly 21,000 people on the residential waiting list. Star-Advertiser.

The amount of instructional time offered at elementary schools statewide varies widely —from 41⁄3 to six hours on average each day — but there appears to be no correlation between campuses with shorter school days and those meeting annual learning benchmarks, new state data show. Star-Advertiser.

More public schools throughout Hawaii are dropping traditional summer sessions from their schedule. Associated Press.

$1.2 million UHH telescope still not working. Tribune-Herald.

Maui County Council members reached an agreement late Friday night on a budget that would cut Mayor Alan Arakawa's spending request for 2012 by almost 11 percent. Maui News.

Today council members will be back in their seats at chambers in Nawiliwili to review Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s supplemental budget, submitted Thursday. Garden Island.

A newly discovered mineral has been named krotite in honor of University of Hawaii at Manoa researcher Alexander N. Krot. Associated Press.

Traffic relief is on the way for people who drive through Makakilo. KHON2.

Veterans Affairs officials are independently evaluating radiation levels at their Hilo outpatient clinic. Tribune-Herald.

The state Legislature has bailed out a proposed Ka'u biofuel project after the Public Utilities Commission ruled Hawaii Electric Light Co. couldn't spread a rate hike over customers on other islands to help pay for it. West Hawaii Today.

Century-old seawalls along the Gold Coast on Oahu's southern shore are breaking down, and nobody wants to step up and fix them. Civil Beat.

Samoa plans to leap 24 hours into the future, erasing a day and putting a new kink in the Pacific's jagged international date line so that it can be on the same weekday as Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asia. Associated Press.

Earlier this week, Aqua Hotels & Resorts announced it would offer a special discount to guests who produce their birth certificates upon check-in at one of the chain’s hotels on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Molokai. Pacific Business News

Obama Hawaii birth certificate released, human trafficking bill advances, Ed Board gets to work, pilot medical marijuana bill advances, Hawaii County going green, more island news

Obama Hawaii Birth Certificate

The White House released the long form of President Barack Obama’s birth certificate Wednesday in response to questions about whether he was really born in the U.S. Associated Press.

He’s No ‘Birther’ but Hawaii Senator Tackles Issues Surrounding Obama’s Birth Certificate. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are killing a proposal that would have allowed residents to pay off upfront costs of solar panels and other energy-saving appliances through their power bills. Associated Press.

Hawaii may well be on its way to finally putting a human trafficking statute on the books. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers say they're close to reaching a compromise on implementing a law that lengthens the school day. Star-Advertiser.

The new appointed Board of Education held its first public meeting on Tuesday. KHON2.

After taking a moment to recognize their elected predecessors, the appointed Board of Education tackled its first meeting yesterday, approving new bylaws and committees while pledging to find and fix problems in Hawaii’s public education system. Star-Advertiser.

Public hospital nurses in Hawaii said they rejected a proposal for 5 percent pay cuts because they are already woefully underpaid compared to the private sector. KITV4.

The attorney general wants you to do a little spring cleaning in your medicine cabinet. Hawaii News Now.

A two-year pilot program to establish a medical marijuana distribution center aims to treat patients and crack down on abuses that have led to more than 500 people under age 21 receiving marijuana prescriptions in Hawaii County alone, a state senator said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County officials are hoping to lead by example by establishing a baseline for carbon emissions and fossil fuel use, then working to reduce both figures, the county's Green Team coordinator says. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Small Business Administration Tuesday opened a temporary SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Oahu to assist residents and businesses affected by the March 11 tsunami. Pacific Business News

Fuel price increases are hitting home for the county Department of Water Supply, which on Tuesday recommended a 9 percent hike to the power cost surcharge the utility charges on top of a previously planned 6.8 percent general water rate increase. West Hawaii Today.

Merrie Monarch Festival Schedule Of Events. Tribune-Herald.

A wonderful gift arrived at Kilohana School last month – a computer for every fourth through sixth grade student to use in the classroom. Molokai Dispatch.

Ground will be broken at 10 a.m. today for a Courtyard by Marriott hotel near Kahului Airport. Maui News.

Kathy Miyake of Central Pacific Bank was installed to a two-year term as president of the Kaua‘i United Way before more than 100 people who attended the 68th Annual Meeting and Mahalo Celebration recently at Duke’s Canoe Club at Kalapaki Beach. Garden Island.

Hawaii gas highest in the nation, state workers to get 64 days off, appointed ed board seated, West Hawaii gets new civic center, Hilo sewer leak could go to sea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii gas prices (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline hit a nation-leading $4.46 on Thursday, 28 cents higher than second-place California. Associated Press.

With gas prices on Oahu around $4.50 a gallon, the operators of the city's bus system said more people are buying bus passes and taking the bus. KITV4.

Gas prices in Wailuku, Maui reached a new all-time record price on Wednesday, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. KHON2.

House Republicans question amount of paid time off for state workers. Hawaii News Now.

Ratification vote dates have been set for members of the state's largest public worker union to decide on a new contract. KHON2.

Hawaii saw 2,447 initial jobless claims filed during the week ending April 9, down 14.7 percent from the 2,868 claims filed during the same week last year, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News

McDonald's restaurants are looking to fill 1,000 jobs in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Two of Hawaii’s largest hotel brands, Hilton and Starwood, are likely to host three of the top countries at the 2011 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November, and other hotels cleared for the high-level international event are in the final stages of negotiations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s health disparities and gaps in care need community collaboration to help residents make healthier choices and to increase longevity among the state’s neediest population, according to a report that will be released today.Star-Advertiser.

In an unusual display of bipartisan acclaim, nine new members of the board of education were confirmed by the state senate Thursday and were to take office immediately. KITV4.

The State Senate approved Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s nominees for Hawaii’s Board of Education on Thursday, Hawaii Independent.

Representatives of more than 50 social service agencies rallied at the state Capitol yesterday to urge lawmakers to restore proposed cuts to human services programs. Star-Advertiser.

PHOCUSED gathered its members and supporters — some with walkers, some in wheelchairs — Thursday in the Rotunda, most wearing green, all fighting to protect their share of the haupia. Civil Beat.

Citizens concerned with Hawaii Legislature’s plan to hike their taxes will hold “tea parties” across the state on Friday, April 15. Hawaii Reporter.

County officials and former elected officials recalled the long process it took to bring the West Hawaii County Civic Center to fruition Thursday as they formally dedicated the new facility. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County may have to release raw sewage into Hilo Bay in order to fix a sewer pipe found leaking Saturday, its Department of Environmental Management announced Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Now that the county's land fund is back in the budget, Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann wants to expand the list of eligible properties and give the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission more power to set priorities. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii Community College chancellor search committee has named four finalists for the position. Garden Island.

Three new cases of dengue fever are suspected in Hana, along with a possible case in Haliimaile and an additional two or three Upcountry, according to health officials. Maui News.

Sparks were flying Thursday morning between County Council members during a heated discussion at the Nawiliwili Council Chambers. Garden Island.

The Honolulu medical examiner's office says three of the victims in an underground fireworks blast last week suffered carbon monoxide inhalation before dying.Associated Press.

Hawaii tax hike nixed, union contract under fire, birther suit rejected, journalism shield law extended, dengue fears widen, education board pau, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu tour bus (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A Norwegian Cruise Line company is bringing seven open-top, double-decker tour buses to Honolulu, a move that's expected to add 60 jobs in the islands. Associated Press.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee voted Thursday to kill a proposal to raise Hawaii's broadest tax. Hawaii News Now.

The Ways and Means Committee killed a hike in the general excise tax after the chairman faced a rare revolt from some committee members Thursday morning. KITV4.

A general excise tax hike has been killed by lawmakers, but businesses and nonprofits still may face a $200 million jump in taxes. KHON2.

Thursday's decision by the Senate Ways and Means committee to rule out a general excise tax increase means lawmakers may have to strengthen at least a dozen surviving revenue bills to close the state's budget gap. Civil Beat.

The Abercrombie administration agreed to a “favored nation” clause in a tentative contract with the Hawaii Government Employees Association that gives the union the ability to match gains won by other unions, sources say. Star-Advertiser.

State Republicans are calling the tentative agreement with HGEA "expensive and unfair" and say how its being pitched deceptive and misleading. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle says city officials “still have many questions and concerns” about the statewide labor agreement reached by Governor Neil Abercrombie with Hawaii’s largest government workers union. Hawaii Reporter.

Questions linger around HGEA contract agreement. Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie Thursday identified 61 capital improvement projects that are currently under way as part of his New Day Works Projects, which are meant to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Pacific Business News

The economic crisis that refuses to leave the Hawaiian Islands has not been sufficient to sink the idea of a state-run interisland ferry system, introduced this year through a bill sailing through rough waters in the Legislature. Garden Island.

Measures that would have provided state funds to the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission have stalled for this year, after legislators raised questions about the agency's management of the island. Maui News.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a bill extending the state’s journalism shield law an additional two years. Star-Advertiser.

It is the end of the road for the elected board members, many of whom have given much of their time to try and improve the state's public school system. KITV4.

A Hawaii appeals court has rejected a man's request to "inspect and copy" Honolulu-born President Barack Obama's birth certificate, saying the plaintiff failed to state a valid claim to having access to the document. KITV4.

For the third straight year, Hawaii County is facing one of the most difficult budgeting processes in the local government's history, Mayor Billy Kenoi told West Hawaii residents Thursday night. West Hawaii Today.

About 70 current and former boat owners expressed anger and frustration yesterday with their inability to get help for their losses in last month's tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

Two women were rescued from a remote Hawaiian beach after a tour helicopter spotted "S.O.S." written in the sand. Associated Press.

It will take years, but Hawaii ultimately will bear a heavy burden from floating debris from the March 11 tsunami in Japan, Hawaii researchers conclude. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island sending love to Japan. Tribune-Herald.

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will sail through the Hawaiian Islands, with a 15-night cruise departing the Port of Los Angeles on April 29, 2012. KHON2.

The state Department of Health is investigating two suspected East Maui cases of dengue fever, a potentially deadly tropical disease. Maui News.

A California company planning to build and operate a wind farm on Maui's Ulupalakua Ranch has agreed to sell electricity to Maui's power company. Associated Press.

More Hawaii hotel rooms full, appointed education board passed, Big Island bag ban bogs down, land chief confirmed, budget bills nixed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Volunteers counting humpback whales last month saw an average of five every 15 minutes from sites on Oahu and Kauai. Those on the Big Island saw an average of four. Associated Press.

More than 800 volunteers gathered data from the shores of Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island for Saturday’s annual Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count. Hawaii 24/7

William Aila Jr. was confirmed unanimously yesterday by the state Senate as director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, a vote of confidence in the former Waianae harbormaster's ability to manage a sprawling department that has struggled to protect the state's unique environment. Star-Advertiser.

Environmental groups are celebrating the confirmation of William Aila Jr. as the new Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Hawaii News Now.

The state House Finance Committee has moved nearly two dozen bills that would generate revenue or reduce benefit costs, an alternative blueprint to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's plan to help balance the state budget. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii lawmakers near the half-way point of the legislative session, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's major revenue-generating proposals have mostly flopped.Civil Beat.

Hawaii moved a step closer to taxing certain pension payments and eliminating deductions for state taxes Thursday, after first turning down a Republican-led effort to table the measure. Hawaii Reporter.

After the Senate unanimously approved a measure yesterday giving him the power to directly appoint Board of Education members, Gov. Neil Abercrombie called for people who can "help bring change" to public schools to apply. Star-Advertiser.

After Hawaii voters approved the change to the constitution, the BOE could be fully replaced as soon as the middle of this month as a bill to establish an appointed school board heads for the governor's signature. KHON2.

The state transportation department has begun a big beautification and resurfacing project that will improve Ala Moana Boulevard and Nimitz Highway from Waikiki to Fort Street in downtown Honolulu. KITV4.

U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka say Hawaii is due to receive a $250,000 grant to help local businesses cater to the 20,000 visitors expected to come to Honolulu for November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Police Commission is finalizing its review of Louis Kealoha's first year as chief of police, after a closed-door discussion with him Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii County Council bogged down on its bag ban bill Wednesday, after a minority-led move to schedule six public hearings effectively pushed a decision back until late November. West Hawaii Today.

Aina Koa Pono, the company planning on building a biofuel plant in Ka'u, is promising well-paying jobs, a more stable fuel supply and minimal environmental impacts once the project is completed. West Hawaii Today.

More and more homeless people are setting up tents on the sidewalks and in the park around the UH medical school in Kakaako. KITV4.

The Veterans Administration estimates there are more than 100-thousand former service members who are homeless on any given night in America. Hawaii Public Radio.

Developers would have to offer affordable homes to buyers and renters with varying incomes under a bill the County Council advanced by a unanimous vote Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

North Shore’s shave ice attractions have taken center stage in plans to redevelop the historically popular area. Hawaii Independent.

More than eight out of every 10 Hawaii hotel rooms were full during the week ending Feb. 26, and average room rates across the state were notably higher than during the same week in 2010, according to data compiled by Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors. Pacific Business News

Nominees for the 2011 Charter Commission were grilled about their opinions on district voting and other issues Wednesday, but a vote to approve them was postponed. Maui News.

Kaua‘i’s keiki are now able to enjoy new playground equipment at Puhi and ‘Oma‘o county parks, a county press release announced Wednesday. Garden Island.

Creighton and Cathy Mattoon thought they were helping the City develop a plan for the North Shore.

Hawaii hospitals get federal funds, internment camps, race at issue, Maui mayor seeks end to furloughs, UH-Hilo gets new pharmacy programs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2010 tsunami in Hilo

One Year Later: New improvements since the tsunami. KHON2.

The Hawaii Department of Human Services has distributed $10 million in federal funds to 15 private hospitals.Pacific Business News

Hilo Medical Center staffers put their job satisfaction and engagement at the very bottom when compared to other hospitals, according to a recent survey.Tribune-Herald.

Senator Dan Inouye believes partisan fighting in Washington will NOT derail Oahu’s rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state of Hawaii should maybe take a look into its own unclaimed property program for lost cash as it scratches for more funding. Hawaii Reporter.

A pair of proposals now before the state Legislature could make Hawaii's food code compatible with this traditional Hawaiian food preparation practice. Star-Advertiser.

The number of Hawaii public school children eligible for free and reduced-cost lunch, a key indicator of poverty, has risen 20 percent -- or by more than 13,500 children -- since 2007. Star-Advertiser.

Demonstrators at the state capital voiced their concerns Saturday hoping lawmakers on Capital Hill hear their message. KITV4.

On Friday, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the appointment of Deputy Director for the Department of Public Safety and Deputy Director of Behavioral Health for Department of Health. Hawaii Independent.

As the governor learned earlier this month, it isn’t as easy as it seems trying to rein in the cost of government —  especially when it comes to public employee retirement benefits.Garden Island.

Mayor Alan Arakawa has requested $1 million to end county furlough days starting in April. Maui News.

Mayor Billy Kenoi's strategy for closing a $40-million-plus budget gap remains a mystery to County Council members bracing for possible tax increases, service cuts and worker layoffs. Tribune-Herald.

For years they have been a hidden part of Hawaii's history. But now, there are efforts underway to preserve World War II era internment camps in the islands. All Hawaii News.

Race in Hawaii: Betcha Can't Pick Just One. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved a plan to build a large new telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea. Associated Press.

Some nominees to the county's Redistricting Commission apparently were approached by administrative officials and hadn't necessarily thought to apply for the position on their own. West Hawaii Today.

A new phase of repairs to the Diamond Head landmark is beginning, including fixes to a lookout area, a narrow ledge at the summit and construction of a new summit loop trail. Star-Advertiser.

Even as the cost of fueling up on Maui topped $4 per gallon for regular unleaded gas last week on Maui, Aloha Petroleum is developing a new gas station and a 2,000-square-foot convenience store next to Home Depot in Kahului. Maui News.

Nancy McPherson, the recently reinstalled Molokai planner, has returned to ensure projects are done correctly to Molokai standards – and efficiently. Molokai Dispatch.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents has approved two new pharmacy degrees. Associated Press.

Officials with the Hawaii County Council are set to begin the process of determining how to divide $1.5 million among dozens of nonprofit groups asking for more than double that amount. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie talks tax hikes, spending cuts in first state of the state address, Innocence Project works on Maui, civil union bill in the works, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, warning that the state is at risk of an economic collapse, called yesterday for spending cuts on public workers, welfare and health care for the poor and new taxes on pensions, alcohol, soda and time shares to balance the budget. Star-Advertiser.

"The truth is that our canoe, which is our beloved Hawaii, could capsize," Gov. Neil Abercrombie said in his inaugural State of the State address. Hawaii News Now.

Raise taxes and cut spending -- Governor Neil Abercrombie announced his ideas for tackling a massive budget deficit in his first state of the state speech. KHON2.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie proposed in his first State of the State address Monday a soda tax and cuts in public benefits to help a state government on "life support" for an "under-resourced and often dysfunctional democracy." Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie called for the creation of a tax for sodas and other drinks with sugar in them and he wants to hike taxes on alcohol for the first time in 12 years. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday dribbled out a few components of his economic plan during his first state of the state address, ending his 46-minute speech to a standing ovation and a lot of questions about how it's going to work. West Hawaii Today.

The governor campaigned with the promise of not raising taxes. In his State of the State address Monday, he called for raising five taxes or fees. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, facing a $771.9 million budget gap in the next two fiscal years, is proposing a number of politically tough measures that will hit state workers, big soda drinkers and needy families as he looks to solve Hawaii’s fiscal problems. Hawaii Reporter.

In his first State of the State address Monday, Gov. Neil Abercrombie laid out a dire budget scenario and the potentially painful steps to recovery, including tax increases and benefit reductions. KITV4.

Governor Neil Abercrombie delivered his first State of the State address today before a joint Legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie is proposing a soda tax and cutbacks in public benefits to help the state recover from what he describes as a government on "life support" for an "under resourced and often dysfunctional democracy." Associated Press.

Full text of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s first State of the State address on Monday. Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has always been one to speak his mind. In his long political career, he has never held back, even if his fiery words landed him in trouble. Pacific Business News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, faced with an $800 million state budget deficit, on Monday opened the door to using tourism revenues as one path to closing that yawning gap. Associated Press.

Hospitality industry executives said Hawaii's economic recovery could backslide if the state raises taxes on tourists or diverts tourism marketing dollars to other programs as Gov. Neil Abercrombie proposed in his State of the State address. Star-Advertiser.

A group advocating for better accounting disclosures says Hawaii isn’t meeting its balanced budget requirement because it hasn’t funded $12.8 billion of pension and healthcare benefits owed to state workers as they retire. Hawaii Reporter.

A Senate bill that would allow the governor to appoint new Board of Education members without candidates first being vetted by an advisory council moved forward yesterday, with support from the unions that represent teachers and principals.Star-Advertiser.

In his state of the state address, Governor Neil Abercrombie outlined education as his top priority and appealed to lawmakers to give him the authority to appoint a school board. Hawaii News Now.

Senators in the Education Committee met Monday to take the first vote on the measure to allow Governor Neil Abercrombie to appoint school board members. KITV4.

Not specifically mentioned in Governor Abercrombie’s State of the State address -- civil unions, granting marriage rights to same-sex partners. KHON2.

Less than three months after voters backed most candidates that support civil unions, lawmakers tomorrow begin the process of vetting another bill, with expectations high among those who hope to have the bill passed. Star-Advertiser.

With passionate supporters and opponents of the proposed civil union measure expected to show up in force Tuesday at the Hawaii State Capitol for the 9 a.m. hearing of SB232, Sen. Clayton Hee, D-Kahaluu, is preparing for the worst. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii State Senate’s Committee on Judiciary and Labor will hear Senate Bill 232, relating to civil unions, this Tuesday. Hawaii Independent.

Sunshine Market vendors frustrated with plastic bag ban. Garden Island.

Hawaii's unemployment rate is remaining at 6.4 percent for the sixth straight month, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. KITV4.

A planned $59 million upgrade of Aloha Stadium is being put on hold while the state restudies the future of the aging facility. Star-Advertiser.

Stricter rules for medical waste disposal is the way to keep syringes and vials out of coastal waters, Leeward Oahu residents who attended a hearing about the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill debris spill said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County can't borrow its way out of debt, which is why local government should shrink, cut labor costs and end its "culture of entitlement," County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said Sunday. Tribune-Herald.

A Maui man imprisoned for a vicious attack is getting a new trial thanks to new DNA testing. Hawaii News Now.

When Alvin Jardine III's convictions were vacated and he was released on bail last week in a 20-year-old rape case, it was the first victory of its kind for the Hawaii Innocence Project. Maui News.

Traveling more than 200 miles above the Earth and going 17,500 miles an hour, NASA astronaut Daniel Tani never tired of watching the Earth go by in the window of the International Space Station. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. was in Washington, D.C., last week attending the 79th Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, a news release states. Garden Island.

Tutu and Me may be a traveling preschool program, but it just found a second location to call home on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Obama Hawaii vacation home illegal, Health Department defends water, schools want more money, eight vie for Sen. Kokubun's seat, Big Island council chair fights ethics charge, Colt Brennan's girlfriend sued in traffic crash, Maui library reopens, Kauai vandals hit state equipment, Hawaii Five-0 the people's choice, more

President Barack Obama's two-week stay at his Hawaii Winter White House was illegal under a long-standing Honolulu ban on short-term rentals. Civil Beat.

The level of a toxic chemical in Honolulu's drinking water found by an environmental research group is "not a huge problem," although government testing is continuing, said state Health Director Neal Palafox. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns over Oahu's drinking water surfaced in Bonnie Marsh's home after a mainland group's study claimed Oahu's water supply may be contaminated with high levels of Chromium VI, a suspected cancer causing agent. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials say a Honolulu water sample taken by an environmental group showed only natural levels of a carcinogen called hexavalent chromium. Associated Press.

A new year brings with it new budget wars in the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The state schools superintendent said Wednesday that a new law requiring more instructional time in public schools is not possible for some schools and may be too difficult to implement at all this year. KITV4.

The Department of Education presented state senators yesterday with a "no frills" operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year that seeks $129 million to restore cuts and an additional $29 million for what was described as a wish list for tough times. Star-Advertiser.

Despite slightly improved revenue projections, the overall state budget picture remains very bleak, legislators were told today. Hawaii Reporter.

Remember Mufi Hannemann’s now infamous “Compare-and-Decide” mailer? Honolulu Weekly.

One state House member and a former Hawaii County Council chairman are among the eight qualified Democrats seeking appointment to Hawaii's 2nd Senate District. Tribune-Herald.

The 112th U-S Congress convened today on Capitol Hill. Ninety-six freshmen Representatives were sworn into office … including one from Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Colleen Hanabusa, the former state Senate president, was sworn in yesterday as urban Honolulu's new congresswoman. Star-Advertiser.

Interview: Former Congressman Charles Djou. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has been sworn into his ninth 6-year term, retaining his status as the longest-serving Senate incumbent. Associated Press.

The head of the environmental group Hawaii’s Thousand Friends complained Wednesday that the city wasn't clear enough about what sensitive areas would be affected by the proposed rail transit project. KITV4.

Almost 5,000 acres of West Molokai pasture lands would be preserved under a plan by Molokai Properties Ltd. Maui News.

A vote on a developer's agreement has spawned an ethics complaint against County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council must be notified when the county administration changes the price of construction or service contracts, according to a bill lawmakers unanimously passed Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will start getting regular reports about contract change orders. West Hawaii Today.

Traffic fatalities jumped by more than 25 percent last year on the Big Island, despite an increase in drunken driving arrests and a drop in major traffic crashes. Star-Advertiser.

Brennan's girlfriend Stream named in suit seeking tort damages. West Hawaii Today.

Maui accountant Lloyd Kimura pleaded guilty Wednesday to nine counts of bank and mail fraud and theft in an elaborate ponzi scheme. Hawaii News Now.

A handful of Waimea residents has filed suit against Hawaii County claiming the approval of a special use permit amendment to expand Parker School's campus and the subsequent dismissal of an appeal of that decision violated state and federal laws. West Hawaii Today.

A $1 billion project proposed by Waikiki giant Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts would see the first beach-side resort to go up in the area in over three decades. Hawaii Independent.

A battle over a planned oceanfront hotel and condominium tower next to the Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki is moving to a city review board. Star-Advertiser.

A gun is fired under the watchful eye of Honolulu Police, aimed in the direction of the Hawaii Convention Center. KHON2.

Keokea resident Marjory Stone punched her right fist into the air as she cradled five books while approaching Kahului Public Library on Tuesday. Maui News.

Vandals cost taxpayers $10,000. Garden Island.

"Hawaii Five-0" was declared the best new drama on television at tonight's People's Choice Awards. Star-Advertiser.

Lights ... camera ... action! We’re so used to that instant action and glamour of the silver screen that it’s easy to overlook the many components that go into creating movies. Midweek.

There are not one but two storm fronts that will affect our state. KHON2.

"My dad started here in the 1950s," says Wes, on lunch break at the old Pepe'ekeo power plant. "I grew up around power plants and sugar cane." Big Island Weekly.