Ohia disease to be managed, thousands of ballots not counted, tourism up, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard explains Trump meeting, telecom company sues PUC, feds pay $2M in Honolulu police officer death, new ocean safety patrol for Maui, unexploded ordnance collected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ohia blossom © 2016 All Hawaii News

After more than a year of emergency response efforts, collaborators working to stop the spread of rapid ohia death are shifting to a long-term research and management strategy. Tribune-Herald.

More than a thousand absentee ballots mailed in for the general election were not counted. Despite lingering questions about the process, elections officials will once again push for an all mail-in election. KHON2.

Hawaii’s visitor industry is hurtling toward its fifth banner year of arrivals and spending gains, with the momentum expected to continue into 2017. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority says the number of travelers to the islands increased 4.3 percent in October compared to the same month last year, setting a record for the month. Associated Press.

Sandwich Isles Communications, which provides phone and internet service to about 3,600 residents of Hawaiian Home Lands, is suing state regulators in the hopes of restoring the flow of about $1.36 million in monthly federal subsidies that were suspended last year while federal regulators scrutinized the company’s finances. Star-Advertiser.

A new study says a Hawaii criminal justice program praised nationally for improving parole and probation is not a “silver bullet” for reducing recidivism and lowering costs for supervising high-risk probationers. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu attorney has sued the Hawaii Department of Taxation in a case that could establish how transparent state agencies must be about their communication with the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Pilot in helicopter crash seemed lost, report says. Associated Press.

As Americans remember the attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is offering an up-close look at two Japanese mini submarines involved in the attack. Hawaii News Now.

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation has donated $50,000 to Pacific Historic Parks in honor of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to award Filipino World War II veterans with the nation’s highest civilian honor is one step closer to becoming a reality. Hawaii Public Radio.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard wrote an opinion-editorial article that was published Wednesday in The Nation about why she met with President-elect Donald Trump. KITV4.

Hawaii residents got some reprieve this hurricane season following a record-breaking 2015 season that saw 15 storms impact the Central Pacific. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

The federal government has agreed to pay $2 million to settle a lawsuit over the death of Honolulu Police Officer Garret Davis. Star-Advertiser.

The increasing interest in Hawaii’s third-string solar program is caught on a snag as the city, the utility and solar contractors learn more about battery technology. Star-Advertiser.

A Chuukese couple is suing Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, where their 9-month-old son died after a series of visits to the hospital’s emergency room in 2015. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Department officials said Wednesday hundreds of fireworks violations are being reported on Oahu before fireworks are permitted between 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and 1 a.m. Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu company that’s backed by Chinese investors has purchased another property that would be part of its redevelopment project that includes a 400-unit mixed-use high-rise tower on a block across the street from the Walmart and Walgreens flagship stores in Honolulu, Pacific Business News has learned.

Starting next spring, Honolulu shoppers will start to see more local beef in their market. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Forum tackles unexploded ordnance in Waikoloa. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is still in talks with Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC about completing construction of a biomass power plant in Pepeekeo, according to the utility’s president. Tribune-Herald.

A judge on Wednesday dismissed four allegations against the Hawaii Island Humane Society filed as part of the ongoing legal dispute with Big Island Dog Rescue. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s state senators will lead three committees in the 2017 legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island is celebrating its latest efforts to reduce homelessness with the launch of a $2.5 million housing project in Kailua-Kona. Associated Press.

Maui

Workers and volunteers were in full force Tuesday afternoon preparing for Thursday’s grand opening of the long-awaited Hospice Maui Hale, which will provide comfort and spiritual support for patients in their last days. Maui News.

Hearing on food establishment rules set Tuesday at UH-MC. Amendments to sanitation regulations among updates offered. Maui News.

Kauai

Ocean Safety Bureau Roving Patrol Program begins today. ‘We’re here to save lives’ Garden Island.

A pod of false killer whales spent a record 11 consecutive days circumnavigating Kauai and Ni’ihau in November. Garden Island.

Arthur Brun is looking forward to beginning his term on the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Lanai

Expeditions, known for its ferry service between Maui and Lānaʻi, launched service aboard its newest vessel today, the Expedition Six. Maui Now.

Hawaii homeless moving to neighbor islands, tourism economy perking, smoking rate drops, Hawaii senators fight Trump official's internment camp talk, $4M Ala Moana rail fix, Thirty Meter Telescope hearings pause until December, fire ants found on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai view © 2016 All Hawaii News

National Geographic Traveler magazine on Thursday released its rundown of 21 “Best of the World” must-see destinations for 2017, and Kauai is one of three U.S. locations on the list. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii economy is expected to finish the year slightly stronger than previously projected, with tourism and construction fueling the growth. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s economy is moving forward with stable growth due to an increase in jobs, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s quarterly statistical and economic report released Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu’s homeless population grew by less than 1 percent from January 2015 to January 2016, but an increase of homeless people living on the neighbor islands boosted Hawaii’s overall rate to a 4 percent increase, according to federal data released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

©2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii saw its homeless population grow another 4 percent from 2015, federal officials announced today, making the islands only one of 14 states and territories — and Washington, D.C. — that saw their homeless numbers grow. Star-Advertiser.

HUD homeless report can be found here.

Hawaii is one of only 13 states whose homeless population has grown since 2010, according to a new state-by-state report to Congress. Hawaii News Now.

The Aloha State has among one of the largest increases in homeless individuals in the nation, according to a report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development Thursday. Garden Island.

===================

Hawaii’s two U.S. senators joined a growing chorus of politicians and civil rights organizations Thursday in condemning comments made by a prominent supporter of President-elect Donald Trump that suggested World War II-era Japanese internment camps could serve as a precedent for creating a federal registry for Muslim immigrants in the United States. Associated Press.


U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono has called on President-elect Donald Trump to rescind his job offer to former Breitbart News chief Stephen Bannon. Associated Press.

A Civil Beat analysis of election results and U.S. Census data found that President-elect Donald Trump tended to do well in some of the most affluent parts of the state, where many tourist accommodations are located. They include parts of the Princeville and Hanalei area on Kauai; Kapalua, Kaanapali and Wailea on Maui; and the Kailua-Kona area on Hawaii Island.


Hawaii’s adult smoking rate has dropped 17 percent in a decade to one of the lowest in the country, and the state will now focus its efforts on specific groups that haven’t kept up with the societal shift, including Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ala Moana Center management officials estimate it will cost about $4 million to make repairs and improvements to faulty railings at the state’s largest shopping mall, and the work will likely run well into, if not beyond, the holiday shopping season. Star-Advertiser.

Will Residents Ever Feel Safe In This Downtown Honolulu Park? In a scenario that plays out in many parts of downtown and Chinatown, nearby residents are afraid to go to Kamalii Park. Civil Beat.

The Whitmore Project fits in with a statewide priority of seeing through and achieving the state’s goal of doubling food production by 2030. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. opened two mobile chargers to the public Thursday. HECO and Energy Excelerator — a Honolulu-based program that helps energy startups — sponsored the chargers stationed at the Honolulu Airport Trade Center. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Beer Co., headed by Hawaii real estate executive Steve Sombrero and noted brewer Dave Campbell, is reopening in Honolulu, this time in the neighborhood of Kakaako, once home to the state’s booming beer business, Sombrero confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Installing water bottle filling stations at Hawaii County parks and encouraging use of an anti-littering phone app are among the recommendations of the county’s packaging waste task force. Tribune-Herald.

A contingent of wounded veterans and their families trooped to the testimony table Wednesday, and one by one, gave tearful gratitude to the promise of a new Purple Heart memorial planned for the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. West Hawaii Today.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources Contested Case Hearing on the Thirty Meter Telescope project proposed by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, wrapped up for the month and will resume in December. Big Island Now.

A highly anticipated witness took the stand during the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing on Wednesday. Wally Ishibashi – the senior advisor for the Office Of Mauna Kea Management – is a longtime supporter of TMT, dating back to his union days with ILWU Local 142. Big Island Video News.

Thanksgiving came a week early in Kona, as Hope Services Hawaii hosted the 19th annual Homeless Luncheon and Resource Fair Thursday at the Old Airport Pavilion. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Community College departments partner to serve up local produce. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Little Fire Ant Infestation Found on 12 Acres in Kapalua, Maui. Maui Now.

A new infestation of the little fire ant has been found on Maui. Maui Watch.

A Maui County Council committee Tuesday deferred a resolution to grant a lease to redevelop the Old Maui High School campus, which sits vacant in Hamakuapoko. Maui News.

Kauai

According to the annual Point in Time count released in June, there was 442 homeless people on Kauai in 2016, a 30 percent increase from last year’s figure of 339. Garden Island.

Kapaa Beach Park substation sold for $1,125 at auction. Old police substation to be moved. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiians, Asia-Pacific, pundits react to Trump triumph, Kenoi admits 'probable cause' to pCard misuse, cheaper to put Thirty Meter Telescope on Canary Islands, saving Waikiki Natatorium, voter turnout down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keaukaha Hawaiian campground © 2016 All Hawaii News

The future of a Hawaiian nation has suddenly found itself in the shadow of a huge cloud with the stunning election of Republican Donald Trump as president. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertainty regarding America’s relationships with Asia-Pacific nations has “increased exponentially” with the election of Donald Trump, the outgoing leader of the East-West Center said Wednesday. Civil Beat.

A Donald Trump presidency could theoretically boost military spending in Hawaii, impact relations with neighboring countries overseas and shake up health care for people of the Aloha State, some local experts predict. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation still seemed to be processing what Trump’s presidency could mean for national policy and Hawaii’s political interests. Star-Advertiser.

The day after the General Election, some wonder what impact a Trump Presidency will have on Hawaii. KITV.

Despite his win in heavily Democratic Hawaii, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says overall losses in his party mean he will have to work harder on issues such as climate change, which are important to his state. Associated Press.

Column: Welcome To TrumpWorld. Donald Trump’s presidency could be both good news and bad news for Hawaii. Civil Beat.

The Republican Party’s General Election “Sweep” on the mainland was in stark contrast to political races in Hawai’i where GOP candidates were defeated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Even as Republicans nationally celebrated the election of billionaire Donald Trump as president, Hawaii Republicans this week continued their slide into near-oblivion on the state political scene. Star-Advertiser.

Despite long lines on Election Day, a shortage of blue “secrecy sleeves,” and malfunctioning voting machines that turned away some voters, the new chairman of the state Elections Commission said Wednesday he was “very, very impressed” with the election. Star-Advertiser.

The voter turnout in Hawaii Tuesday was down from four years ago, from 62 to 58 percent. But actual ballots cast were up by about 400 to more than 437,000 due to an increase in registered voters. Hawaii News Now.

Despite this year’s all-time high number of  registered voters — likely due to a new online registration system — Hawaii’s voter turnout rate in the general election was less than for the 2012 presidential election. Civil Beat.

Column: Wednesday-Morning Quarterbacking Hawaii’s Election. Civil Beat.

With Republicans in control of the White House and in Congress, will Hawaii’s Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill face a tougher battle sending federal dollars our way? KHON2.

Hawaii voters seem inclined to let the Legislature have more flexibility when it comes to spending excess state revenue. Civil Beat.

It’s been a busy year for the state Department of Health. KHON2.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and its portfolio of 37 hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties is being sold to Colorado-based private equity firm KSL Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount, the two companies said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Historic preservationists are pushing a new plan to save the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, a World War I monument, and its pool, where Hawaii Olympian Duke Kahanamoku once swam. Star-Advertiser.

With Veterans Day coming up, there is a new proposal to save the aging Waikiki Natatorium. Hawaii News Now.

Ko Olina Resort &Marina is envisioned to almost double in size and connect directly with the City of Kapolei as part of an estimated $5 billion expansion for the West Oahu vacation destination. Star-Advertiser.

A major solar farm that would span hundreds of acres of land near the University of Hawaii-West Oahu campus is in the works, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s attorneys reached a stipulated agreement Wednesday with the Hawaii County Board of Ethics for misuse of his county-issued credit card. The advisory opinion, offered by the lawyers to avoid an investigative hearing in response to a long-delayed complaint, acknowledges there is “probable cause” that Kenoi violated a section of the county’s Ethics Code by using the card for personal expenses, which were later paid back. Tribune-Herald.

Outgoing Hawaii County councilwoman Margaret Wille read scathing testimony into the record of the Board of Ethics on Wednesday, sharply criticizing Mayor Billy Kenoi in the wake of the government purchase card controversy. Big Island Video News.

TMT official: Moving Thirty Meter Telescope  to Canary Islands could save money. Pacific Business News.

President-elect Donald Trump didn’t win any Hawaii County precincts, but voters were much kinder to him on the west side of the island than on the east side. That’s according to a West Hawaii Today analysis of precinct reports released early Wednesday by the state Office of Elections.

Maui

Maui’s voter turnout improved from 52.7% in 2014 to 56.4% this year. Of the 93,912 registered voters in Maui County, 52,969 cast ballots in the General Election. Maui Now.

After nearly 3,000 votes were counted late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, natural farm alchemist Alika Atay came from behind to defeat former Maui County Council Member Dain Kane for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu council residency seat, according to general election results posted at 5:18 a.m. Maui News

An ocean-front Maui property that has been rock star Pat Benatar's home for years went on the market for $3.6 million on Wednesday morning. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The 2016 general election saw the highest voter turnout in Kauai since the 2008 general election, which featured U.S. Senators Barack Obama and John McCain. Garden Island.

Ensuring a future for keiki, mitigating a large tourist population and protecting the environment are just some of the topics Kauai residents want to see addressed in the general plan update. Garden Island.

With all 16 precincts reporting, Derek Kawakami and Arthur Brun are the new faces of the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Most incumbents keep seats, state Senate loses sole Republican, Hawaii holds for Hillary, Caldwell re-elected Honolulu mayor, new face on OHA board, more election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voting in general election © 2016 All Hawaii News

Statewide election summary here.

Without a native son on the ballot for president, Hawaii’s voter turnout dropped below the last presidential election year in 2012. With all but a handful of votes counted, 412,282 ballots were cast statewide, about 55 percent of Hawaii’s 749,917 registered voters. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii voters grappled with long lines and frustrating equipment malfunctions statewide Tuesday, as a larger-than-expected turnout appeared to overwhelm a number of polling places. Hawaii News Now.

Schatz, Gabbard, Hanabusa Win Big In Congressional Races. Colleen Hanabusa will rejoin the congressional delegation after winning two races on the general election ballot. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats in the congressional races made election wins look easy Tuesday night, with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa all seizing and holding commanding leads from the first election returns. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang ousted the Senate’s lone Republican Sam Slom on Tuesday night, making Hawaii the only state in the nation with an entirely Democratic state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Chang Tops Slom In Race To Unseat Hawaii’s Only GOP Senator. Other than Slom and Pouha, incumbents fared well in legislative races. Rhoads, Gates, Holt and Nakamura won open seats. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has become the only state in the nation to have an all-Democrat legislative body. Hawaii News Now.

Keli‘i Akina, president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, seemed headed for a surprising victory over Office of Hawaiian Affairs veteran Haunani Apoliona, after trailing narrowly in early returns. OHA Chairman Robert Lindsey defeated challenger Mililani Trask, 44.6 percent to 32.5 percent, with almost all votes counted. Associated Press.

Voters Split On Making Changes To State Constitution. Voters narrowly agreed to a measure involving excess state funds but turned down an increase in the financial threshold for jury trials. Civil Beat.

Incumbents cruised to victory in the neighbor island County Council races Tuesday night, although a few lost their seats, including veteran Kauai County Councilman Gary Hooser and Maui County Councilman Don Couch. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Incumbent Kirk Caldwell defeated former U.S. Rep. and City Councilman Charles Djou in the battle for Honolulu mayor Tuesday night. With nearly all the ballots counted before midnight, Caldwell had 138,142 votes, or 52.3 percent, to Djou’s 125,945, or 47.7 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell defeated challenger Charles Djou 51 percent to 46.5 percent Tuesday evening. Civil Beat.

Kirk Caldwell won his re-election bid Tuesday night, prevailing in a hard-fought battle against challenger Charles Djou to serve a second term as Honolulu's mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council members and city prosecutor were cruising comfortably to re-election Tuesday night. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Voters Say No To Longer Terms For Mayor, Council. But most of the other charter amendments were passing handily, including more police oversight and money for the Honolulu Zoo. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu City Charter amendment to give the Police Commission greater authority soared to approval with most of the vote counted Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Sue Lee Loy and Eileen Ohara cruised to victory in races for two open Hawaii County Council seats Tuesday evening. Tribune-Herald.

Two seats on the nine-member Hawaii County Council were decided in run-off elections Tuesday night. Big Island Video News.

Incumbents carried the day Tuesday in Hawaii Island’s state House races. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Kai Kahele will finish the remaining two years of his late father’s term in the Senate, Hilo voters decided on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

They’re tucked at the bottom and probably the least understood of everything on the ballot, but one change to the county charter passed, one change to the state constitution failed and another passed Tuesday night. West Hawaii Today.

A would-be voter in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates said she and four others were denied ballots because they weren’t listed in the system. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

In a come-from-behind victory, Aloha ʻāina candidate Alika Atay won the race for the Wailuku Council seat after trailing the entire night by a slim margin. Maui Now.

With a number of tight races getting down to the wire, there remained nearly 3,000 votes to count in Maui County, as of shortly before 11 p.m., according to Deputy County Clerk Josiah Nishita. Maui News.

Maui’s voter turnout improved from 52.7% in 2014 to 56.4% this year.  Of the 93,912 registered voters in Maui County, 52,969 cast ballots in the General Election.  This included a precinct turnout of 26,493 and an absentee turnout of 26,476, representing 28.2% of the vote each. Maui Now.

Maui voters turned out in greater numbers Tuesday, at least compared with anemic results during the Aug. 13 primary election, according to reports from polls at the Haiku Community Center, Maui High School, Kihei Community Center and Kihei Elementary School. Maui News.

Kauai

With all 16 precincts reporting, Derek Kawakami and Arthur Brun are the new faces of the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

District 16 Incumbent Daynette “Dee” Morikawa will return to the state House after defeating Republican candidate Victoria Franks Tuesday. Garden Island.

It was a night of smiles and celebration for Nadine Nakamura even before the first printout was released on Tuesday night, and the celebrations continued once it was announced later that she was leading by a significant amount for the District 14 seat in the House of Representatives. Garden Island.

Election Day preview: Candidates and parties make last sweep, second Thirty Meter Telescope appeal to Hawaii Supreme Court, DNA to prove Hawaiian homestead eligibility, Army sued over cultural access, Maui candidate calls from jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Democratic Party rally © 2016 All Hawaii News

See our Facebook page for more Grand Rally photos!

Hawaii Democrats and Republicans staged last-gasp sign-waving sessions before the Democrats’ traditional Grand Rally in Hilo on Monday in the final buildup to today’s voting. Star-Advertiser.

Trump sign-wavers

United States Senator for Hawaii Mazie Hirono took to the stage of the Democratic Party Grand Rally in Hilo on Monday evening. Most of her comments were directed at the Clinton-Trump presidential election. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was in Hilo Monday to take part in a Democratic Party election-eve tradition. Big Island Video News.

With a polarizing presidential race, an election to replace the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai and the possibility of an all-Democrat state Senate, Hawaii voters face difficult choices at the polls. Associated Press.

Hillary supporters

Voter registration in Hawaii is at an all-time high, but that might not translate into higher turnout on Election Day, experts said. Hawaii News Now.

Here are some things to look for in this year’s general election in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Time to cast your ballot: What Hawaii voters need to know. Star-Advertiser.

Red flag raised on the absentee voting system. KITV.

Public access to health care inspection reports filled with delays, redactions. KHON2.

Native Hawaiians could soon be able to use DNA to prove eligibility for homesteads, under new administrative rules being proposed by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

On the eve of the election, Honolulu mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and Charles Djou are making their final push for votes. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Army is violating a court settlement by restricting access to cultural sites in a valley many Native Hawaiians consider sacred, a lawsuit filed today alleges. Associated Press.

Measures to pave the way for transit-oriented development projects along the rail corridor are advancing even though concerns over affordable-housing requirements persist. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education wants to impose a school impact fee on all new residential development along a 4-mile stretch of the Honolulu rail line from Kalihi to Ala Moana to build or expand schools in the area. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Health announced Monday that there are 14 new cases of salmonella on Oahu and that they have been linked to limu poke, or cubed raw fish served with seaweed. Star-Advertiser.

A city worker who was depicted on live video allegedly propositioning a transgender probationer for sexual favors pleaded not guilty Monday in Oahu’s Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

Regulars at Sand Island Beach Park say that someone is bringing his dogs to the park to let them kill cats for sport. At least 15 cats have turned up dead in the last four months, including three on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A group opposing the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea is appealing to the state’s highest court for the second time. The group Mauna Kea Anaina Hou filed a notice of appeal with the Hawaii Supreme Court Tuesday evening. Hawaii Public Radio.

As of Saturday, 38,440 residents — or 34 percent of the county’s 113,355 registered voters — had made their voices heard at the ballot box, said Pat Nakamoto, Hawaii County elections division chief. Tribune-Herald.

Proving his political career is not over, outgoing Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi gave the opening speech at the traditional Democratic Party Grand Rally in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

The word of the day in West Hawaii Monday was inconvenience, as a fiber-optic cable break caused major disruptions to the communications grid across the island’s leeward region. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Republican state House candidate Chayne Marten called The Maui News from jail Saturday night, insisting he’s innocent of sexual assault charges and vowing that he would be exonerated. Maui News.

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested a former Maui corrections officer Saturday who spent two years evading law enforcement officials after being charged with sexual assault against a female inmate, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Today’s the last day to cast your vote for your representation in government at all levels, including the next president of the United States of America. Garden Island.

Ige touts ocean energy conversion, inspections lag for medical providers, voter registration hits record as election nears, Bureau of Conveyances digitizing records, Kenoi-Kim transition hits bump, Maui financial data goes online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige throws shaka Saturday at Hilo Veterans Day parade © 2016 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige said he is interested in the commercial use of ocean thermal energy conversion to help achieve the state’s 100 percent renewable-energy goal. Star-Advertiser.

A key division within the state Department of Land and Natural Resources that handles real estate transactions is halfway through a project to convert more than 170 years of vital state records into a permanent digital format. Pacific Business News.

Some of Hawaii’s medical providers haven’t had safety inspections for as long as four years as the state struggles to keep up with oversight responsibilities with a shortage of health inspectors. Star-Advertiser.

More Hawaii residents have registered to vote this year than ever before. The ease of online registration, offered for the first time in Hawaii this election cycle, might explain the increase in the total electorate  to 749,917. Civil Beat.

A look at early voter numbers in Hawaii indicates this may be a good year for voter turnout. KHON2.

Clinton, Trump Donors Include Some Familiar Hawaii Names. Individual gifts from the islands totaled $2.2 million to the 2016 presidential candidates. Civil Beat.

The death of one of Hawaii’s congressmen has led to an unusual ballot and voter confusion in urban Honolulu. The rare double election means residents in the 1st Congressional District are selecting someone to fill the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai’s seat for the two-month unfinished term and someone to represent the district for the next two years. Associated Press.

Over the years, solar energy has become part of the landscape of Hawai‘i. But contraction in the industry has left some customers in the lurch. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A lawsuit alleging that military families were not informed of high levels of ground contamination before they moved into their Kaneohe Marine Corps Base housing has been settled. Star-Advertiser.

A number of congressional, legislative and City Council races are on the ballot, but if a spot check on early voting at Honolulu Hale is any indication, it’s the presidential race first and foremost on the minds of many Hawaii voters. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral Campaign Weekend Update. Caldwell identifies seven “whoppers” from Djou while the challenger unveils plans for parks and housing. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii’s flagship campus has narrowed down its finalists for chancellor. The Chancellor Search Advisory Committee identified two finalists, John V. White and Sonny Ramaswamy for the open chancellor position at UH Manoa. White and Ramaswamy will participate in a final round of interviews this month. Garden Island.

Car dealership sues Honolulu firm renting parking spaces. Star-Advertiser.

Fall victim’s family prepares to sue Ala Moana Shopping Center. KITV.

A frustrated Manoa homeowner says the land surrounding is home is sinking and causing structural damage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Mayor-elect Harry Kim’s administration hasn’t even taken over yet, but the County Council is already trying to stave off a possible purge in the Office of Corporation Counsel. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor-Elect Harry Kim Talks Transition With Council. Big Island Video News.

As Mayor Billy Kenoi pushes to see other projects finished before his term is up, county-paid overtime has become an issue for some elected officials. Hawaii County Councilman Aaron Chung has been trying to organize a briefing on the subject for a few weeks. Big Island Video News.

Big Island restaurants yet to fail Health Department inspections. Tribune-Herald.

TMT wants to resume construction in 2018: Pace of contested case could impact deadline. Tribune-Herald.

A Japanese government delegation spent Saturday touring Hilo and discussing emergency response practices with Hawaii island officials as part of the first-ever international World Tsunami Awareness Day. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii developer plans to begin construction on a Malama Market-anchored shopping center on the Big Island in Feburary, the developer confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden nonprofit formed to save sacred space. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Members of the public will now be able to more easily access Maui County financial performance data, thanks to new open data software, county officials announced today. Maui Now.

“Keep Upcountry Upcountry” has been a rallying cry against creeping urbanization in Maui’s paniolo country, and that call resonates with Maui County Council candidates Napua Greig-Nakasone and Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura. Maui News.

Both candidates for the Maui County Council’s Kahului residency seat emphasized balance in decision-making across the issues, with the incumbent touting his support by both the old political guard and the new progressive groups while his opponent talked about speaking for the old-timer “local people.” Maui News.

Ernest Balinbin touts his hard work and community involvement through his catering business as some of the reasons he should be elected to the West Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

Criminal liability may not be the first thing on the mind of a farmer designing his irrigation system, but for those in food production, it’s a real business risk that must be assessed. Garden Island.

Dennis Esaki, director of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, resigned from the KIUC board of directors, effective Oct. 31, due to personal and professional reasons. Garden Island.

Debra Wennett says she’s all for safer walkways and bikeways in Hanapepe Town, but she hopes county alterations won’t change the town’s rural identity. Garden Island.

Construction will begin today on the $2.4 million replacement of three bridges along the Mohihi-Camp 10 Road in the Na Pali-Kona state forest reserve. Garden Island.

HNL ranks high for airports, Oahu jail could cost $650M, University of Hawaii wants extra $29M, Maui committee gives nod to accessory dwelling units, Kaui General Plan unveiling, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport © 2016 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Airport is ranked the fifth-best U.S. airport, according to a new study by ThePointsGuy.com. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's very own Honolulu International Airport lands a top 5 spot as one of the best airports in the nation. KITV.

The University of Hawaii plans to ask the Legislature for an extra $29 million for operations next academic year, including additional funds for the UH Cancer Center, initiatives around boosting graduation rates and research activities, and salary increases for graduate assistants. Star-Advertiser.

Clinton And Trump Supporters Make Some Noise In Hawaii. The state campaigns intensify their get-out-the-vote efforts as the polls tighten and Election Day approaches. Civil Beat.

A lack of inspectors. A whole sector unregulated. A long wait to license more facilities. Those are just some of the problems plaguing long-term care in Hawaii’s long-term care industry, and it could be putting Hawaii’s kupuna at risk. KHON2.

If you’ve purchased a property anywhere in Hawaii that’s been through a non-judicial foreclosure, you may have acquired considerably less than you bargained for — or potentially nothing at all. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i’s Solar Customers: Left in the Dark? Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Bill would require office buildings to offer shower facilities for biking workers. Hawaii News Now.

It’s been more than a year since the Hawaii Department of Health urged developer Forest City Residential Management to test the soil near homes on Marine Corps Base Hawaii on windward Oahu for possible pesticide contamination. The soil sampling still hasn’t happened. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation reported Thursday that it received $55.1 million in general excise and use tax surcharge revenue for the third quarter. Pacific Business News.

A Schofield Barracks soldier died Thursday as a result of injuries from a training accident in the Kahuku area as part of Lightning Forge, one of the 25th Infantry Division’s biggest exercises, the Army said. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC Replacement: $650M? The State is in the initial stages of studies and plans to build a new jail in Honolulu.  But before it’s fully funded, a task force is studying if a new facility is needed. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of local high school graduates who enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Manoa jumped 12 percent this fall from last year, reversing a downward trend of the previous three years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines announced Thursday that it will resume service to Kapalua Airport in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

The city says it will begin fining the Haleiwa Beach House restaurant $250 a day, claiming that it needed a permit to make improvements and pave its parking lot. But the restaurant's owner contends he already has the permits and is following the law. Hawaii News Now.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is adding a new law enforcement boat to its fleet. KITV.

Hawaii

The state has acquired two new law enforcement vessels for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. One of the Sea Blade 23 vessels will be based on Oahu and the other in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island sweet potato growers are struggling to protect their crops from an invasive insect that makes harvests unmarketable. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists will mix biology and geology this month inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as they help NASA get ready for an eventual manned mission to Mars. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The affordable accessory dwelling bill, which would permit ʻohana units on certain smaller lots, gained unanimous committee support and now heads to the full council for first reading, Planning Committee Chair Don Couch announced today. Maui Now.

Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran said Wednesday that she plans to offer an amendment to a proposed “affordable accessory dwellings” bill that would prohibit their use as short-term rentals or bed-and-breakfast operations. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is awaiting approval of plans to repair the eroded paths of the Waihee Ridge Trail, a popular hike that residents and visitors have expressed concern about in recent months. Maui News.

Incumbents in Maui County state House seats enjoyed a significant advantage — as usually is the case — in fundraising to defend their seats against challengers. Maui News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, which is slated to take over operations of Maui Memorial Medical Center on July 1, has begun helping to fill staff shortages in the transition by appointing an orthopedic surgeon and a new interim director of trauma surgery, Kaiser and hospital officials said. Maui News.

Maui Sugar: End of an Era – Part 2. Maui Now.


Kauai

Hawaii’s voter turnout is among the worst in the nation, according to a study conducted by WalletHub, but Kauai voters have been coming out early and often for early registration and same-day voting. Garden Island.

Island’s road map for the future is here. General Plan update draft to be released today. Garden Island.

As part of its sustainability efforts, the County of Kauai installed three water-bottle fillers at the Lihue Civic Center. Garden Island.

Molokai

Agriculture and unemployment are nearly inseparable for Molokai, considering that its largest employers are biotech companies Monsanto and Mycogen. Maui News.

Safe voting in Hawaii, Kenoi case goes to jury, Caldwell and Djou bicker over debate, alternate site selected for Thirty Meter Telescope, Kauai ex-police officer to serve weekends in jail, geothermal company fined $5.5M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diebold tech tests ballot-counting system © 2016 All Hawaii News

With Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump complaining about a rigged election and online hackers reportedly attacking at least 20 state voter registration rolls, Hawaii election officials are stepping up their vigilance against possible voter shenanigans. Star-Advertiser.

One week from Tuesday is the general election, and time is quickly running out to register and to vote. Civil Beat.

Voting by mail is now the way most people cast their ballots in Hawaii elections. With election security in the national spotlight, we wanted to know what’s in place to ensure Hawaii’s election runs smooth. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono plans to introduce a bill in Congress to protect foreign fishermen from exploitation. The bill would give fishermen temporary work visas to ensure wage protections and safe working conditions. Associated Press.

Hawaii Department of Education will receive $1.5 million in School Improvement Grants (SIG) to improve facilities, classrooms and the overall student experience. The SIG program invests in schools that are among the lowest-performing schools in the nation. Garden Island.

Oahu

Former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou criticized Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Monday for refusing to chip in $5,000 so the two of them can hold a televised debate Saturday night, three days before the Nov. 8 general election. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday quickly squashed a last-minute debate proposal from opponent Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

More than $1 million has been spent on ads for the Honolulu mayor's race during the past six weeks. And most of that money is going to support one candidate. Hawaii News Now.

3 Civil Questions For Kirk Caldwell And Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

Keith Kaneshiro has spent decades taking on some of Hawaii’s toughest criminals while working as a city prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Beyond Candidates: Amendments Cram Oahu’s Ballot. Civil Beat.

Does Party Preference Matter On Council’s Reapportionment Panel? A charter amendment would lift a cap on how many people from one party can help redraw Honolulu City Council district boundaries. Civil Beat.

Measure Asks: Are All Those Boards and Commissions Needed? Charter Amendment 12 calls for a system to periodically review many of Honolulu’s boards and commissions. Civil Beat.

More than 500 people have signed up for Hawaiian Electric Co.’s new time-of-use program. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa General Hospital’s chief executive will retire by year’s end as a new management firm has assumed control of the struggling rural hospital. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii is not moving ahead with its proposed purchase of the 316,000-square-foot Downtown Honolulu office building Alii Place, a spokeswoman from Gov. David Ige’s office confirmed to Pacific Business News on Monday.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s fate was placed in the hands of a dozen of his own constituents Monday following closing arguments during his criminal trial in Hilo Circuit Court. Tribune-Herald.

The closing arguments in the trial of Mayor Billy Kenoi were delivered to the jury on Monday. Big Island Video News.

It's now up to jurors to decide whether Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi is guilty of felony theft over his alleged abuse of a county-issued credit card. Hawaii News Now.

It’s now up to a Hilo jury to decide whether Mayor Billy Kenoi should be punished on any of five criminal counts against Kenoi for the use of his county issued purchasing card, or pCard. Star-Advertiser.

A deputy state attorney general Monday told jurors deciding Mayor Billy Kenoi’s future that Kenoi “lived above the law” when he charged personal and alcohol purchases to his county-issued purchasing card. Star-Advertiser.

The fate of Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi now lies in jurors' hands.  Deliberations kicked off in the mayor's theft trial on Monday. KITV.

Jury deliberations are underway in the theft trial of Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi. KHON2.

==============================

The Thirty Meter Telescope has officially selected the Canary Islands as its alternative project site, should efforts to build the observatory in Hawaii fail. Big Island Video News.

The nonprofit organization that wants to build a giant telescope atop Mauna Kea has selected another site in case it can’t be built on land many Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope officials have chosen the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain as an alternative site for a giant, $1.4 billion observatory in case their efforts to build it in Hawaii fail. Pacific Business News.

A $1.4 billion telescope planned for construction on Mauna Kea could move to another site. Officials from the Thirty Meter Telescope have selected the Canary Islands in Spain as the TMT’s alternate location if a permit for Hawai‘i is not granted by early next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

==============================

Votes are trickling in to Hawaii County elections headquarters, but just a small percentage of the 113,355 registered voters have voted so far. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Geothermal Venture’s parent company agreed last week to pay the U.S. government $5.5 million to resolve a civil lawsuit alleging it fraudulently applied for and received millions in federal clean energy grants, according to the federal district attorney for Nevada. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations announced Monday that it assessed Tradewind Plastering and Drywall Inc. $130,367 for wages owed to construction workers and $13,037 in penalties for a total of $143,000. Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said Monday it has assessed Tradewind Plastering and Drywall Inc. a total of $143,000 for violating wage laws on the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Hawaiian Language Building construction project. Tribune-Herald.

Josephine Regala DeLuz, who served on the Hawaii County Council for a decade, died Oct. 19 in Waimea on Hawaii island. She was 87. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The Maui District Health Office and the County of Maui today announced it has jointly launched a video and mapping initiative to disseminate information about the general locations, virus type and lab status of mosquito-borne cases. MauiWatch.

Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente announced the appointment of orthopedic surgeon Warren “Vic” Ayers, MD, to Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

Commentary: Are the Honua`ula and Pulelehua development projects rising from the grave? MauiTime.

Kauai

A former Kauai police lieutenant who said she stole money from the department because her family was in debt was sentenced Monday to 60 weekend days in jail. Associated Press.

A former police lieutenant who admitted stealing $75,000 from the Kauai Police Department is going to jail for 60 days. Star-Advertiser.

Changing the way county meetings are run will be discussed when the Kauai County Council meets Wednesday. Garden Island.

Residents on Kauai’s North Shore want better access to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

Nihoku’s predator-proof fence within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge isn’t the only enclosure in the state dedicated to conserving Hawaii’s endangered seabirds. Garden Island.

Maui hospital transition set for July, new Honolulu rail CEO is temporary, Hawaii Island police chief retiring, solar firms buckling, hepatitis A death suspected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s tourism industry had its best September, setting records for visitor arrivals and spending and keeping the state on track for a fifth consecutive year of gains. Star-Advertiser.

Despite 65 seats up for election Nov. 8 in the Hawaii Legislature, only a handful of races are expected to be even remotely competitive in this Democrat-dominated state. Civil Beat.

The ideological differences couldn’t be more stark in the two races for seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s solar industry is going through a shakeout with a 40 percent loss in jobs, a nearly 30 percent drop in building permits and at least one company shutting down. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has signed up 471 customers in just a week for a program that will charge residential customers less for power used during the day — when solar energy production is highest — and more at night, the utility confirmed  Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Specific data on hepatitis A not forthcoming from state. Star-Advertiser.

A 68-year-old Honolulu woman who got hepatitis A after eating tainted scallop sushi died last week after being in and out of the hospital since June, her lawyer said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Another case of hepatitis A has been confirmed in an Oahu McDonald’s employee and the death of an Oahu woman has been confirmed in connection with the June disease outbreak. Garden Island.

Oahu

As rail’s new interim executive director and CEO, Krishniah Murthy will step into a giant transit project mired in severe cost overruns, schedule delays and an uncertain future. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board has hired a veteran transit official as its interim director in hopes that his year-long tenure will help turn around the troubled rail project. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board has chosen a Los Angeles engineer to be the interim executive director for one year beginning in December. KITV.

Oahu’s multi-billion dollar rail project has a new leader — a man with 40 years of rail transit experience who says he’s ready to accept the challenges. KHON2.

Eight jammed-up Kakaako streets that were considered privately owned actually belong to the state, according to the Department of the Attorney General. That opinion could provide the city with a shortcut to address community concerns that the streets are clogged and hazardous due to parking slots that are being rented out by a private company that also claims ownership. Civil Beat.

Caldwell Campaign: We May Have Been Duped With Newspaper Ad. A campaign ad in the Star-Advertiser listed “Dennis Francis” — the name of the paper’s publisher — as one of the mayor’s supporters. Civil Beat.

Crews are repairing a broken water sewer main that spilled more than 5,000 gallons of wastewater at the Aliamanu Military Reservation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Police Chief Harry Kubojiri leans his chair back in his stripped-down office and contemplates, for the first time in almost 38 years, a life off the force. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Police Chief Harry Kubojiri will retire at the end of this year, wrapping up a 37-year police career that spanned dramatic growth and change in his island community along with a troubling increase in the violence that his officers encounter in the field. Star-Advertiser.

An East Hawaii woman accused of voter fraud entered a no contest plea Monday as her trial started in Hilo. Tiffany Edwards Hunt was charged with the Class C felony for being registered to vote in a separate County Council district than where she lived. Tribune-Herald.

It was a long day at the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing in Hilo Thursday. Big Island Video News.

A special reintegration program has documented its ability to lower costs for treating mental illness — and its efforts could potentially prevent many individuals from getting arrested again. Tribune-Herald.

A long-awaited subsidy program for farmers battling the coffee berry borer came online in September, more than two years after the state legislation creating it was passed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation – Maui Region announced today that it has set July 1, 2017 as the date when Maui Health System, Kaiser Permanente, will assume responsibility for the operation of its three hospitals, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lāna‘i Community Hospital. Maui Now.

A date has been set for the transition of three state-run medical facilities on Maui. The Board of Directors of the Maui regional Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation voted that starting July 1, 2017, Kaiser will take over operations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Alexander &Baldwin Inc. reported its fourth consecutive quarterly loss Thursday as costs to close Hawaii’s last sugar cane plantation ate up profits from other business operations. Star-Advertiser.

In January, 2016, Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced that it is transitioning out of farming sugar and will instead pursue a diversified agricultural model for its 36,000-acre Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company plantation on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

After two failed tries at takeoff, the fledgling ‘a’o (newell’s shearwater) perched on the edge of a stand near Lydgate Park’s Kamalani Kai Play Bridge and peered over the edge. Garden Island.