Honolulu, Monsanto, spar over land preservation; Legislature asked to comply with Sunshine Law; mixed reviews for Maui hospital transition; no sheriffs for Big Island evictions; overfishing on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Monsanto Hawaii  Facebook photo

A city agency focused its effort to preserve prime farmland on Oahu earlier this year, but one large landowner, Monsanto, doesn’t like the plan and wants to preserve less of its land than the city recommends. Star-Advertiser.

Unhappiness with the recent special session to bail out the Honolulu rail project has prompted all three neighbor island county councils to advance resolutions urging the Hawaii Legislature to finally comply with the state’s Sunshine Law. Star-Advertiser.

Frustrated by a deal state lawmakers struck behind closed doors to bail out the Honolulu rail project, all three neighbor island county councils are urging the Legislature to follow Hawaii’s open meeting laws. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii County Council is poised to become the third in the state to send a resolution to the Legislature, asking that body to comply with the state Sunshine Laws governing open meetings. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council wants state lawmakers to be more transparent. Big Island Video News.

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A federal judge on Friday said he would give Hawaii an opportunity to make its case that it should be allowed to challenge the Trump administration’s latest travel ban. Associated Press.

Hawaii is one of the worst places to pay taxes in the U.S., according to Kiplinger’s 2017 Tax Map. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii State Energy Office will host a series of community meetings across the state next week to solicit community input for a study being done on future models for utility ownership and regulation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Energy Office on Thursday said it will host a series of community meetings next week to gather public input for a study about future utility ownership models and regulatory approaches. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Department of Energy on Friday said two Hawaii businesses will receive close $1.5 million in federal funding to develop offshore seaweed as a potential clean energy source. Pacific Business News.


Pearl Harbor shipyard is Navy’s most backlogged. The Navy’s four public shipyards, including Pearl Harbor, whose oldest dry dock was built in 1919, are in poor condition, contributing to inefficiency that is robbing the Navy of ship and submarine time at sea, according to a government report. Star-Advertiser.

The Pentagon agency that recovers missing American war dead made a record 201 individual identifications during fiscal 2017, meeting for the first time a benchmark set by Congress in 2010, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The former executive director of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Flo Kong Kee, has died. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii officials are grappling with how to control rats, snails and slugs that are known to carry roundworm parasites, which can cause significant harm to people. Associated Press.

Commentary: Little medical scrutiny in medical pot screenings. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Acting Police Chief Cary Okimoto announced Friday that he will retire at the end of the month, capping a 33-year career at the Honolulu Police Department. Civil Beat.

Farming and suburban living often peacefully coexist in Hawaii. But in Royal Kunia, residents are clashing with recent buyers of vacant land behind roughly 300 homes where a golf course was once planned. Star-Advertiser.

Structures once intended for survivors of the Japan tsunami are now providing relief for homeless families in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Urban Honolulu's largest park closed Sunday night following safety concerns and a growing number of illegal homeless campers. Hawaii News Now.

A Honolulu councilman is proposing a measure that would create a special fund to attract developers to build along the rail. KHON2.

Home sales on Oahu soared in September on slight price gains, compared to the same month last year, while the median price of a condominium jumped 11 percent to tie with the record set over the summer, according to statistics released Friday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Dead honu entangled in fishing line found in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds celebrate life of entertainer Roland Cazimero. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

An internal review of the eviction process for the sheriff’s division on Hawaii Island has led to benching deputies from assisting in evictions. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is seeking permission to repair Ahalanui Beach Park infrastructure in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Being priced out of paradise is one reason island residents find themselves houseless. Big Island Video News.

A key component in the plan for the future Village 9 homeless shelter in Kealakehe is set to be decided this week. Big Island Video News.

Room to romp: With fundraising goal reached, community to reconstruct Anuenue Playground. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members unanimously adopted a resolution Friday to refer to county planning commissions a bill to protect dune areas with potentially culturally sensitive sites from sand mining other than for on-site construction. Maui News.

At 100 days: Hospital transition has some hiccups. Island physicians give mixed reviews for Maui Health System’s first three months. Maui News.

Piilani Highway’s closure over three weeks next summer for bridge repairs is not sitting well with East Maui residents who rely on the road to get to medical appointments and do grocery shopping in Central Maui. Maui News.

The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which has been closed since May 2014 due to issues with environmental controls in the building, will be reopening Tuesday, just in time for National Wildlife Refuge Week. Maui News.

Kauai

Film to be made on Kauai gets funding. Kauai-made film will feature local actors. Garden Island.

The Lihue Business Association’s 11th annual meeting is set for Oct. 26 at Duke’s Canoe Club in Kalapaki, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Hawaii Gov. David Ige will be the keynote speaker. Garden Island.

KCC program offers healthcare skills. Community Health Workers program helps students, island. Garden Island.

Molokai

Study: Overfishing has less impact on Molokai. Maui News.

VP Pence visits Hawaii, Hanabusa downplays Korea fear, big raise mulled for teachers, half of Big Island buses broken down, private sponsorship of Oahu city parks proposed, record high carbon dioxide measured, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pence in Hawaii, courtesy KHON2

Vice President Mike Pence and his family late Sunday evening arrived on Oahu, where he will spend most of his short visit with military personnel. KHON2.

Vice President Mike Pence is on Oahu for a short visit before going back to Washington, D.C., concluding his 10-day, four-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific region. Hawaii News Now.

Vice President Mike Pence is making a shortened visit to Hawaii today before heading back to Washington, D.C., ahead of a busy week for President Donald Trump. Star-Advertiser.

Vice President Mike Pence's office said he would depart Hawaii on Monday afternoon after meeting with U.S. Pacific Command leaders and troops stationed in Honolulu. Plans for a Tuesday visit to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor have been postponed, Pence's office said. Associated Press.

Video: VP Mike Pence Arrives in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

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The fears of a ballistic missile strike on Hawaii from North Korea are overblown, according to U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, speaking at a town hall in Honolulu Saturday. Civil Beat.

3 judges to hear appeal of Hawaii ruling blocking travel ban. Associated Press.

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Hawaii public school teachers would see multiyear pay raises totaling nearly 14 percent under a tentative four-year contract deal reached with the state. Star-Advertiser.

A crucial vote for thousands of Hawaii's public school teachers is coming up this week. They'll have a chance to learn more about a tentative contract agreement during statewide meetings that start on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

After nine months of negotiating, beginning public school teachers across Hawaii could see their salaries jump by nearly $10,000. For the first time by the end of the contract, beginning teachers in Hawaii will be making over $50,000 a year. KITV.

Tentative agreement goes to teachers to ratify. KHON2.

Corey Rosenlee, president of the 13,500-Member Hawaii State Teachers Association, announced that the HSTA Board is recommending a tentative agreement for four-year contract. Maui Now.

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Tom Gorak, Gov. David Ige’s controversial nominee to the state agency that regulates Hawaii’s utilities was dealt a preliminary setback Friday when he was narrowly rejected by a Senate committee. Star-Advertiser.

A state Senate committee recommended Friday to the full Senate to reject Gov. David Ige’s nomination of current Hawaii Public Utilities Commission commissioner Thomas Gorak. Pacific Business News.

A state House-Senate conference committee has recommended final passage of a bill that would budget $250,000 in state money to help fund a physician student loan repayment program for doctors who practice in underserved areas in Hawaii. Maui News.
http://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2017/04/funding-for-student-loan-repayment-program-advances-in-state-legislature/

Atmospheric carbon dioxide measurements from Mauna Loa Observatory last week topped 410 parts per million for the first time in modern history. Star-Advertiser.

More than 600 students joined activists at the state Capitol rotunda Thursday in support of a bill that sets a goal of having all ground transportation in Hawaii run on renewable fuel by 2045. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers tussle with bill to fight painkiller addiction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are still considering several bills designed to make life easier for condominium owners and stem complaints about the boards that oversee their buildings, but some owners say the legislation doesn’t go far enough. Civil Beat.

The state’s Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee advanced a resolution Tuesday calling for a national constitutional convention to claw back the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial Citizens United decision, which has increased the influence of corporate money in political campaigns. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii, last year ranked the healthiest state in the nation, has scored below average in a report measuring public health preparedness — or the ability to respond to natural disasters, disease outbreaks and other public health crises. Star-Advertiser.

As state health officials try to balance public education with preventing panic, some critics believe the state should have addressed rat lungworm disease more vigorously earlier. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Ige’s administration lacks needed victories. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A bill that would allow private sponsorship of city parks and other facilities is drawing the ire of the Outdoor Circle and others worried that it would clear the way for billboards and other outdoor advertising despite the strong insistence by the bill’s author that that won’t happen. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Commission votes down Haleiwa house lots plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The wheels on the bus aren’t going round and round for almost half the Hele-On fleet. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. and its parent companies, Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawaiian Electric Industries, are asking a judge to dismiss a federal antitrust lawsuit against them by Hu Honua Bioenergy and compel arbitration of all claims. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County’s 2017-18 spending plan was hit with a double whammy Thursday, when a legislative conference committee deadlocked on the county share of the hotel tax and firefighters were awarded a more than 2 percent pay increase. West Hawaii Today.

Invasive spittlebug attacks Kona grazing land. Tribune-Herald.

The Ka‘u Community Development Plan is nearing completion. Tribune-Herald.

Not cleared for takeoff: DLNR confusion puts model flying club in holding pattern. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui surrounded by history. A team of divers is documenting state’s underwater wreckage. Maui News.

Signs have been posted warning people against trespassing near a crop of sunflowers on Maui that is being grown as part of an experiment to produce biofuel. A growing number of visitors have been attracted to the yellow flowers that started blooming weeks ago. Associated Press.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department is requesting nearly $900,000 from the County Council to lease 15 marked patrol Ford Explorers. Garden Island.

The gigantic pension plan that serves Los Angeles County government employees is putting up for sale the St. Regis Princeville Resort and Makai Golf Club in Princeville, which have been part of the fund’s assets since 2005. The decision has major financial and other ramifications for Kauai. Garden Island.

Assisted suicide bill dies in Legislature, Trump judge threatened, 24/7 alcohol purchases now allowed on Maui, bacteria at Waikiki beach, fuel tax bill killed, hope for coral reefs, utilities model mulled by potential buyers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ornate butterflyfish with damaged coral © 2017 All Hawaii News

New information could be on the horizon for the world’s declining coral reefs, as well as a more complete picture of their health. Garden Island.

The FBI says authorities are aware that the federal judge in Hawaii who ruled against President Donald Trump’s travel ban has received threatening messages. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers defeat a bill allowing terminally ill patients to end their own lives.The action comes after decades of debate, which culminated in hours of testimony Thursday morning.  Associated Press.

A bill that would allow terminally ill patients to obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of medication is dead for the year after the House Health Committee deferred the measure, saying, in part, that there were too many kinks to be worked out before the legislative session ends in May. Star-Advertiser.

A lack of specifics in the current draft of the controversial 'Death with Dignity' bill is partially the reason some lawmakers decided to table the issue. Hawaii News Now.

The House Health Committee killed a bill Thursday that would have made it legal for Hawaii adults diagnosed with a terminal illness to take medication that would end their lives. Garden Island.

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The state House and Senate separately — and unanimously — passed bills earlier this month to extend and expand tax credits for low-income people while raising taxes on the wealthy. Civil Beat.

A bill that would have increased Hawaii’s fuel tax to fund state highway improvement projects is dead. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii legislative committees have passed new versions of bills addressing vacation rentals. Lawmakers have been keen to devise ways to make sure vacation rental operators are paying transient accommodation taxes just like hotels. Associated Press.

Another attempt to consolidate management and planning for Hawaii’s airports is making its way through the state House of Representatives. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a proposal to hire an independent certified public accounting firm to conduct a wide-ranging financial audit and management review of the agency and its subsidiaries. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighters’ meal allowance among points of discussion as contract negotiations continue. KHON2.

Companies are lining up to possibly buy Hawaiian Electric Co. subsidiary Maui Electric Co., the mayor of Maui County confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Washington D.C.-based Twenty First Century Utilities, a company looking to own and operate regulated utilities, proposed a business model that could be used in Hawaii at the Maui Energy Conference. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Energy Conference: ‘What Type Of Place Are We Trying To Create?’ Experts discussed Hawaii’s move away from fossil fuels amid buzz about another potential buyer for Hawaiian Electric. Civil Beat.

The Maui Energy Conference, which is currently underway in its fourth year, reports the highest amount of attendees in its short history, a conference organizer confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The state Health Department is warning the public about elevated bacteria levels at popular Kaimana Beach in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials are warning beach lovers in Waikiki about a spike in an “indicator bacteria” in the waters off Sans Souci Beach that could lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Star-Advertiser.

Sick beachgoers say 'cesspool' at Pokai Bay is source of infections. Hawaii News Now.

Some City Council members are trying to block transferring oversight of Thomas Square to the Department of Enterprise Services from the Department of Parks and Recreation amid concerns the move could commercialize the historic site. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers discuss homeless concerns as retailers prepare to open in Iwilei. KHON2.

If you park in front of your own driveway, you could get a ticket.  But, a proposal from Honolulu Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi could change that. KITV.

A scary encounter involving two female city workers and a homeless man is highlighting the need for increased security at Honolulu Hale. Hawaii News Now.

It might only be a temporary grass lawn, but construction of a “central plaza” at Ward Village in Kakaako is slated to move forward by the end of this year with the demolition of several warehouse buildings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Planned upgrades at the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant won’t only offer recycled water to irrigate growing Kona developments, they can also drastically reduce the discharge of nitrogen and phosphorus — two nutrients that can be harmful if they get into groundwater. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Residents on Maui can now purchase alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Maui is the first county in the state to relax existing liquor laws that restrict the sale of alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County is the first in the state to allow stores to sell alcohol any time of the day. KHON2.

The Department of Liquor Control on Maui has lifted the time restriction on the sale of alcohol at retail locations and hotels in Maui County. Maui Now.

In addition to eliminating dry hours for alcohol sales at retail stores and hotels, the Maui County Liquor Commission approved rule changes allowing home delivery of alcoholic beverages and removing the more than three-decade-old cap on the number of hostess bars in the county. Maui News.

Work has begun on buildings in the first phase of Alexander & Baldwin’s Kamalani project in Kihei with the first affordable units expected to be completed in the summer, an A&B official said Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The blessing of Koloa Landing, Phase III marked the completion of the $100 million expansion project on 25 acres leading to the rocky coastline adjacent to the Koloa Landing small boat launch site. Garden Island.

A claim filed by Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry was discussed in executive session during the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism hits new record, Pearl Harbor seeks exemption from Trump hiring freeze, backlash from Trump travel ban, University of Hawaii advises affected students, faculty to stay put, state to pay $3.9M to family of Maui fatality, Kauai jail crowded, change orders up public contract costs, Molokai unemployment office unstaffed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach scene © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii tourist arrivals and spending reached records again last year — the fifth in a row — and it appears 2017 will be no different. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii tourism set new records in 2016, with total visitor arrivals rising 3 percent to nearly 9 million visitors, and spending increasing by 4.2 percent to a new high of $15.6 billion, according to year-end statistics by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s tourism industry established new records in total visitor spending and visitor arrivals in 2016, according to preliminary year-end statistics released Monday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. This marked the fifth straight year of record growth in both categories. Garden Island.

Almost 9 million visitors traveled to Hawaii last year as the state broke records for tourist arrivals and spending. KITV.

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Hawaii Congressional leaders, lawmakers and others are speaking out against President Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven majority-Muslim nations from entering the United States. Hawaii News Now.

President Donald Trump's immigration ban is stirring up a number of emotions across the nation, and some in Hawaii are fearful of the fallout. KITV.

The University of Hawaii is now advising students and staff with immigrant or non-immigrant visas or green cards who are originally from the seven named countries in the order (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen) to defer travel outside the U.S. for now. KHON2.

Hawaii’s native Middle-Eastern and Muslim populations represent only a small faction of its overall demographic, but President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration has inspired backlash among politicians, lawyers and residents of the state — both from those who identify as Muslim and those who don’t. West Hawaii Today.

A former Justice Department insider is bringing the debate over President Trump's immigration ban to Honolulu classrooms.Hawaii News Now.

One of the organizers of a recent trip that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard took to Syria conceded Monday that he and his brother had been members of a group called the Syrian Social Nationalist Party — which, according to news reports, has backed the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and has links to terrorist activities — but said they were no longer a part of the organization. Star-Advertiser.

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The Hawaii Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment voted Monday to advance three measures dealing with pesticide exposure and safety. Garden Island.

The state Legislature has more than 3 months to decide on funding levels for Hawai’i’s public school system. But lawmakers are questioning some of the education cuts being proposed by the governor. Hawaii Public Radio

After several high-profile cases involving lost or stolen money, there’s a push to make homeowner associations more accountable. KHON2.

A bill proposed at the state Legislature looks to create a program for companies and others to get paid for taking part in regulatory reviews that the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission conducts. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii lawmaker has proposed a bill that aims to speed up and bring the costs down during any other electric utility acquisition process in the wake of NextEra Energy Inc.’s failed $4.3 billion bid last year to buy Hawaiian Electric Co. Pacific Business News.

A proposal to inspect shipping containers for illegal fireworks is gaining momentum. The state attorney general has just issued a legal opinion on the bill. KHON2.

A DNA test to identify the coconut rhinoceros beetle, an invasive pest in its juvenile stages has been developed by scientists at the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, one of the state’s largest employers, hopes to hire more than 500 workers this year, including dozens of mechanics, engineers, IT specialists, administration personnel and laborers. But those jobs have been in limbo since President Donald Trump signed an executive order Jan. 23 freezing government hiring. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department has promoted two assistant chiefs, despite the vacancy at the top of the embattled agency. Hawaii News Now.

A fight over the Maunawili falls trail, a popular hiking trail in windward Oahu, is heating up. KHON2.

Hawaii

Riding a wave of new construction, charges added to county contracts to correct errors, account for unforeseen circumstances and expand the scope of work without going back out to bid nearly doubled in the past two years compared to the previous two years. West Hawaii Today.

The sponsor of legislation to transfer management of Hilo Medical Center to the County of Hawaii says he proposed it to help Mayor Harry Kim expand health services. Tribune-Herald.

A former real estate broker could receive probation and serve no more than a year in jail after pleading guilty to theft and failure to pay taxes. West Hawaii Today.

Frank Sayre and Laura Mallery-Sayre lost their son in a hiking fall 20 years ago. They turned their grief into a memorial foundation raising money for lifeguards and firefighters. Civil Beat.

Maui

The state has agreed to pay $3.9 million to the family of a 12-year-old San Diego boy who plunged to his death in 2012 from a cliff along Hana Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Rosalyn Baker, D-6th District (South and West Maui) invites the public to attend a Talk Story on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Kīhei Charter School campus in Līpoa Center. Maui Now.

About 100,000 more visitors came to Maui in 2016 than in 2015, raising the island’s total count to its highest annual mark ever — 2.6 million — according to data released Monday by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation wants to hire six new workers for the growing Central Maui Regional Sports Complex. Maui News.

Members of the Hawaiʻi National Guard, United States Coast Guard, paramedics, Kahului Airport security, Maui police and fire fighters will be participating in a large scale emergency operations exercise starting Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. Maui Now.

Kauai

Correctional center designed for 127 has 174 inmates. Garden Island.

Volunteers have removed more than 9,000 pounds of debris from Kauai’s beaches over the past two weekends. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai unemployment office to be unstaffed: No one will replace Chocho Kaupu when she retires from the Molokai unemployment office today. Maui News.

Hawaii agriculture at issue, lawmakers attend mainland biotech ag conference, Ethics Commission gets complaint against OHA member, Obama honored with Hanauma Bay bench, Kenoi opens holding company, Kauai council to mull golf course alcohol veto, Maui considers committees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Planting in Hawaii, Monsanto Facebook advertisement

The state department in charge of managing Hawaii’s agricultural resources has been operating for years with one-third of its staff positions left vacant, prompting House Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke to threaten to eliminate the positions altogether. Star-Advertiser.

While members of Hawaii’s House Finance Committee were debating the upcoming budget for the Department of Agriculture during a hearing at the state Capitol on Friday, key lawmakers with oversight over agricultural policy were 4,000 miles away in Baton Rouge, La., at an ag conference sponsored and paid for by major corporations, including biotech giants Dow AgroSciences, Monsanto and Syngenta, which grow seed corn and conduct crop trials in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Your Guide To Tracking The 2017 Hawaii Legislature. The islands’ 25 senators and 51 representatives will back in action before you know it. Keeping up with them is everybody’s business. Civil Beat.

A state Ethics Commission investigation is looking into whether Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and former state lawmaker Peter Apo conducted his private business out of his taxpayer-funded OHA office. Hawaii News Now.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii says its appeal to Hawaii residents to withdraw funds and close their accounts with First Hawaiian Bank in an act of solidarity with Dakota Access Pipeline protesters has resulted in nearly $1.37 million being divested from Hawaii’s largest bank, whose majority shareholder, BNP Paribas, is backing the pipeline project. Pacific Business News.

Graduates of the University of Phoenix-Hawaii have the highest average salary compared to graduates of other colleges and universities in the Islands, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. Pacific Business News.

Online publication Education Week ranked Hawaii 25th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in areas such as a student’s chance for success, K-12 achievement, early foundations, adult outcomes, status change and equity. Garden Island.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha on Friday agreed to retire amid a federal investigation of civil rights abuses and corruption. Associated Press.

Is HPD Chief’s Departure Just The Beginning Of An ‘Ugly’ Mess? Chief Louis Kealoha’s retirement package is being worked out and approved in secret before it’s known whether he committed serious wrongdoing. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha has agreed to retire. The announcement came on Friday after the Honolulu Police Commission emerged from an hour-long executive session, the second closed door meeting in a week. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state and Waikiki stakeholders have adopted new guidelines to manage conflict over the increase of commercial beach umbrellas occupying space on Waikiki’s public beaches. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s newest homeless shelter opened its doors Sept. 28 with the intent to transition its clients into permanent housing within 90 days. Civil Beat.

With less than three weeks to go, the organizers of this year’s annual head count of Oahu’s homeless population still need about 350 volunteers to avoid last year’s poor coordination. Star-Advertiser.

Obama honored with bench at Hanauma Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Francis Keala, a former Honolulu police chief and community volunteer who served on numerous boards, including the Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate board as an interim trustee when most of its members were removed, died Saturday. He was 86. Star-Advertiser.

A&B to bring property management of 30 Hawaii commercial buildings in-house. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Mayor Kirk Caldwell was brought into Honolulu Hale by former Mayor Mufi Hannemann and although they are not a team today, they remain linked by a rail project steadily growing more expensive and controversial. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Native Hawaiian astronomer Paul Coleman says the Thirty Meter Telescope would not just help unlock the mysteries of the universe, but also provide him a link to his ancestors. Tribune-Herald.

While defending the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii, project manager Gary Sanders says he also is pursuing permits needed to build in the Canary Islands. Tribune-Herald.

Former Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi has started his own company, Pacific Business News has learned.

The land under the Hawaii Tribune-Herald newspaper building in Hilo and an adjacent property has been acquired for $3.7 million by Giampaolo Boschetti of San Francisco, according to state records. Star-Advertiser.

Local political powerhouse George Yokoyama has been called many things — good and bad — in his 90 years. And now he’s being called a Living Treasure of Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

With Maui County Council members questioning the responsibilities and membership of proposed standing committees, a public hearing has been called for 1:30 p.m. Jan. 16 in Council Chambers in Wailuku. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. produced 35.4 percent of its power from renewable energy in 2015, up slightly from the previous year but the second highest percentage in the state behind the Big Island’s 48.7 percent, according to the state Energy Office in its annual Hawaii report. Maui News.

There is much discussion about affordable/workforce housing in Maui County. The Department of Housing and Human Concerns is also very concerned and is working on ways to encourage the production of housing and to help families make homeownership a reality. Maui News.

A former Maui police officer who said he felt “disgusted and ashamed” was sentenced Friday to a 60-day jail term for sexually exposing himself to women and a youth in Pukalani parking lots. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s veto of Bill 2635 to allow alcohol sales on Wailua Golf Course via roving concessions is on the agenda for Wednesday’s Kauai County Council meeting. Garden Island.

Kauai businesses that specialize in selling and renting mopeds are gearing up for a new law that went into effect at the start of this year. Garden Island.

Residents and business owners on Kauai have spent thousands of dollars in the past year dealing with rose-ringed parakeets, an invasive bird that’s gained a foothold on the island. Garden Island.

Ige unveils $28.5B biennial budget, Honolulu police chief gets FBI target letter, Caldwell lets ride-sharing bill become law, mumps on Maui, Thirty Meter Telescope close to Canary Islands deal, Obama vacation, rogue elector goes for Sanders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige budget news conference, courtesy Office of the Governor

Gov. David Ige today unveiled his proposed $28.5 billion state budget for the next two years that includes money for severance payouts for Maui hospital workers who will lose their jobs to privatization, funding for new jail space for women offenders, and more money to combat homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is proposing a state budget that boosts spending on education, housing and homelessness. The plan calls for $28.5 billion in spending on operations and $3 billion on capital improvement projects over the next two years. Associated Press.

Hawaii public schools would see a significant boost in funding to the tune of $93 million for operations under a proposed two-year state budget Gov. David Ige released Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige’s biennium budget proposal seeks additional money for every state department, with a special emphasis on education. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is proposing a state budget that boosts spending on education, housing and homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige wants to spend big over the next two years, increasing the state's operating budget to $28.5 Billion. KITV.

Gov. David Ige was sporting an aloha shirt featuring ohia foliage Monday, as he announced a no-new-taxes biennial budget that includes money to protect the important tree as well as funds for other Big Island projects. West Hawaii Today.

There are several Maui projects outlined for budget allocations under the governor’s proposal including $12 million to repair flood damage and reconstruction at ʻĪao Valley State Monument. Maui Now.

Gov. Ige's budget details here.

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Will 2017 be the year for medical aid-in-dying legislation for Hawaii? Compassion & Choices Hawaii has a new poll showing that 80 percent of Hawaii voters believe a “death with dignity” option should be available for a terminally ill person who is mentally capable to receive a prescription for life-ending medication. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s four Electoral College electors were required by law to vote for Hillary Clinton because she won the general election in the state, but one so-called “faithless elector” voted for Sen. Bernie Sanders instead. Associated Press.

Rogue isle elector votes for Sanders, despite Clinton win. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's electors gathered at the state Capitol to cast their votes for president. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Hawaii Department of Health will receive $1.1 million in Centers for Disease Control funding to fight the Zika virus. Garden Island.

Workout, golf and dinner comprise president’s day. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest on President Barack Obama's annual two-week vacation in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Telcom is an equal partner with the seven consortium members involved with the Southeast Asia-U.S. broadband cable under construction, and President and CEO Scott Barber said the company would have the power to veto an attempt by a Chinese company to buy out any of the members in order to protect national security. Pacific Business News.

The state Public Utilities Commission last week blocked an attempt to take a portion of a $150 million financing program, originally intended to help underserved residents get renewable energy, to be used to pay private companies directly. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha has voluntarily placed himself on restrictive duty after receiving a letter informing him that he is the target of a federal grand jury investigation, his attorney confirmed Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Monday notifying him that he’s a suspect in the ongoing criminal investigation stemming from the theft of his mailbox in 2013. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha will go on restricted duty after receiving a "target letter" from the FBI as part of an ongoing public corruption case. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha received a target letter from the U-S Attorney's office Monday. KITV.

Police chief to place himself, other officers on restricted duty amid federal investigation. KHON2.

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Mayor Kirk Caldwell has returned a bill that tightens rules for private transportation and ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft to the Honolulu City Council unsigned, which means it will now become law. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige says both city and state transportation projects need more from taxpayers, but how that tab is collected is up in the air for now, though he’s committed to making a federal deadline on the rail project coming up this spring. KHON2.

A trampoline that sits in shallow waters off Laie Beach Park, better known as Pounders Beach, has become Oahu's latest hot spot. Hawaii News Now.

For the past several weeks, residents in Moiliili have complained about the dust from the demolition of the University Square building on King Street. Developers are razing the 59-year-old complex to make way for a 14-story, student housing project. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Diamond Head Slopes Are Absolutely Trashed. New photos from the state depict the squalid conditions encountered in homeless encampments during recent sweeps. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The executive director of the Thirty Meter Telescope said Monday that the TMT International Observatory board is closing in on the execution of a backup agreement to allow construction of the $1.4 billion project on a mountain in the Canary Islands  if permission cannot be obtained to build on Mauna Kea by the spring of 2018. Star-Advertiser.

TMT International Observatory could seek another partner to finance its next-generation telescope once it knows where it’s going to be built, its executive director said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

The chief of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope project faced hours of questioning Monday during the state Board of Land and Natural Resources Conservation District Use Application contested case hearing in Hilo. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative is moving forward with its attempt to split off Hawaii island from the Hawaiian Electric Industries umbrella to become a cooperative similar to the one on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii energy co-op moves closer to possible utility takeover. Pacific Business News.

Huena Power Inc., the company whose complaint was rejected by state regulators this week regarding planned geothermal energy expansion on the Big Island, is not ruling out further legal action, a company executive confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is aware of the environmental concerns being raised in Keuakaha and Pana’ewa, and shared a sympathetic view of the situation in a recent interview. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Several cases of mumps were recently detected at separate schools in the Baldwin-King Kekaulike-Maui Complex Area. Maui Watch.

Pono Life Sciences Maui, LLC, one of two marijuana dispensaries approved for operation in Maui County, showcased its cannabis education center in Kahului over the weekend. Maui Now.

The last field is harvested, the last of the cane processed and the last ship with sugar in the hold has set sail for California. Maui News.

Kauai

Hoping to spur a resolution of a years-long dispute over stream water in West Kauai, the state Agribusiness Development Corporation approved a five-year lease to the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative for its Puu Opae hydropower project. Civil Beat.

Maile Alfiler was promoted to member services manager for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

Records tampering charges tossed in Kenoi trial, jurors see video, Hawaii may lose its lone GOP state senator, Honolulu accessory dwelling unit permits up, Thirty Meter Telescope hearing all about religion, petrel chicks planted on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kenoi's attorney, Todd Eddins, cross examines forensic accountant James Cigan during Kenoi's trial Monday in Hilo Circuit Court. Pool photo HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald

Embattled Hawaii island Mayor Billy Kenoi won a partial — but still stunning — victory Monday when three misdemeanor charges related to tampering with government records were dismissed, leaving Kenoi to face five remaining criminal charges over misuse of his government purchasing card. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s three records tampering charges were dismissed Monday in his criminal trial for alleged misuse of a Hawaii County purchasing card. Kenoi still faces two counts of second-degree theft, two counts of third-degree theft and one count of false swearing. Tribune-Herald.

State Circuit Court Judge Dexter D. Del Rosario dismissed three of eight counts against Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi based upon insufficient evidence after the state rested its case. KITV.

A small victory for Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi after a judge tossed out several charges against him. KHON2.

Watch the full Billy Kenoi video shown to the jury here

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The self-described “Lone Ranger,” state Sen. Sam Slom, may be making his last ride. He is the only Republican in Hawaii’s 25 member state Senate. Civil Beat.

Bonterra Solar, which at one time was one of the largest and fastest-growing solar energy companies in Hawaii, has shut down, Pacific Business News has learned.

State to use Volkswagen settlement funds for energy projects. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Many of your neighbors want more useful information about crimes happening in their communities. Some have asked the city for the information multiple times since 2014. But the Honolulu Police Department largely has ignored the requests. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police are adding a new way to communicate with communities. The Honolulu Police Department on Monday announced a partnership with Nextdoor, a private online social network designed to connect neighbors. Star-Advertiser.

TV Spots — And One Big Print Ad — Spice Up Mayor’s Race. Incumbent Kirk Caldwell lets others do the talking, while challenger Charles Djou appears with his wife — and in uniform. Civil Beat.

Early walk-in voting opens at 2 Oahu sites. Star-Advertiser.

An Oahu farmers cooperative has received a $249,000 federal grant to help other local small farmers sell what they grow. Star-Advertiser.

Defining Downtown Honolulu Isn’t As Easy As You’d Think. Historic charm, urban bustle, convenience and homelessness in a place of uncertain borders. Civil Beat.

The city is working to speed up the approval process for Oahu homeowners who want to add an accessory dwelling unit on their properties. Hawaii News Now.

A new education center features artifacts from Japanese Americans who were confined at the Honouliuli Internment Camp in the ’40s. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope proposed for Mauna Kea spent much of Monday quizzing a planner on the project about his understanding of Native Hawaiian religion and the nature of “sacred lands” during the second day of a contested case hearing for the telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Day two of the Thirty Meter telescope contested case hearing began in Hilo on Monday. Big Island Video News.

Judges, attorneys and community leaders gathered to formally break ground for the Kona Judiciary Complex on a scraped-down section of lava near the Makalapua Shopping Center on Monday. West Hawaii Today.

The Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau is closing its Hilo office next month. Tribune-Herald.

Incumbent Democrat Nicole Lowen, who represents Kona’s 6th District in the state House of Representatives is asking voters to elect her to a third consecutive term. Republican challenger Bruce Pratt will ask them to reconsider. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

McKelvey defends House seat against GOP challenger. Maui News.

Several Iao Valley residents living along the Wailuku River, who describe themselves as “the lost seven,” fear their properties and road may erode away if emergency repairs do not begin soon, but it is unclear who  ultimately will pay for the work. Maui News.

Pavement striping will prompt alternating lane closures on Mokulele Highway between North Kihei and Kamaaina roads this week, according to the state Department of Transportation. Maui News.

Kauai

The last chance to register for voting in the general election opens today with early voting at the Lihue Neighborhood Center, and in this election there’s a twist: ballot selfies. Garden Island.

The 20 Hawaiian Petrel chicks that were transferred to their new home at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Monday were tucked, fluffy and healthy in the their new manmade burrows in an effort that was documented for the first time using social media. Garden Island.

Prominent people seek marijuana licenses, lawmakers block biotech correspondence, $1.7B tech tax credits run amok, teachers' ethics compromise planned, Big Island biotech to fuel power-hungry Oahu, $10M donated for Punahou scholarships, federal funds for false killer whale study, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Discount Medical Marijuana cannabis shop in Denver, courtesy O'Dea

Big-name entrepreneurs, high-profile attorneys and former politicians are positioning themselves to compete for one of the eight licenses the state will issue next year to begin selling medical marijuana legally in Hawaii for the first time. Nearly 30 new business registrations include “marijuana,” “cannabis,” “pakalolo” and “weed” in their names, many of them filed with the state since the enactment of the law authorizing the establishment of pot dispensaries. Many are associated with well-known business personalities. Star-Advertiser.

Two Hawaii lawmakers have rejected a request from a nonprofit organization seeking correspondence between the legislators and biotech companies or groups representing their interests. The Hawaii Center for Food Safety asked five lawmakers to share all their communications with seed companies such as Monsanto — as well as organizations representing them — regarding genetically engineered crops and bills related to buffer zones and pesticide use. Civil Beat.

Special state tax credits lawmakers approved almost 15 years ago to spur growth in Hawaii’s technology sector could eventually cost the state up to $1.7 billion in lost tax collections, or more than twice the amount the state previously estimated, according to the Hawaii state auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. CEO and President Alan Oshima would like to puncture a dream once and for all: This state shouldn’t expect cheap electricity. It could become less expensive, eventually, but it won’t be cheap. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gas’ $300 million plan to ship in liquefied natural gas in bulk amounts to the Islands could save the state in excess of $2 billion over a 15-year period from the beginning of 2019 through the end of 2033, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

A Board of Education committee has come up with a possible solution to the ethical dilemma posed by public school teachers traveling free as chaperones on field trips they organize with tour companies. Star-Advertiser.

Bruce Anderson, a well-known Hawaii leader in environmental protection, has been selected to be administrator of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources. West Hawaii Today.

A new federal funding source for false killer whale research will allow researchers to dive deeper into their understanding of the elusive marine species. Last week, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, in partnership with Hawaii Pacific University and the Olympia, Wash.-based Cascadia Research Collective, received nearly $1.2 million in grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association fisheries division to support further conservation and research relating to the whales. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

The biggest construction and renovation projects at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific since 1966 have the Department of Veterans Affairs warning visitors to Punchbowl that things will be bumpy — and noisy and somewhat unsightly — for some time at the usually serene cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Planning Commission voted last week to recommend approval of a city proposal to rezone about 282 acres in Waipahu to make way for mixed-use communities around the area’s two rail stations. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What Homeless People Have to Do to Get Their Property Back. When belongings are confiscated instead of trashed, Honolulu’s retrieval process is too expensive and cumbersome for many. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club of Hawaii has expressed “extreme disappointment” in Governor Ige, the U.S. Navy, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for agreeing to a settlement that the nonprofit says does not do nearly enough to protect Oahu’s drinking water from the massive, “historically leaky” fuel storage tanks beneath Red Hill. Hawaii Independent.

Punahou School announced Sunday that it has received a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor and alumnus that will have a multiplier effect on its student financial aid program. The gift represents one of the most significant philanthropic contributions in the school’s history, and by far the largest ever made outside of a capital campaign. KHON2.

An unprecedented $10 million gift to Punahou School is expected to help 150 more families over the next five years afford an education at the state’s largest single-campus private school, and advance Punahou’s long-standing goal to increase access for qualified students. Star-Advertiser

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has plans to install protective fencing on a hillside just below the popular Lanikai 'Pillbox' trail. KITV4.

Hawaii

New liquor license fees to be considered Tuesday by the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee will usher in new opportunities for county businesses, officials say. West Hawaii Today.

Work will begin Monday to restore Cemetery Road in Pahoa, a large portion of which less than a year ago was covered by lava. Tribune-Herald.

A renewable energy project in South Kohala is catching its second wind with a new operator. Lalamilo Wind Co. LLC is building five wind turbines at the former Lalamilo Wind Farm near Puako, which Hawaii Electric Light Co. decommissioned in 2010 after operating for 25 years. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved a contract between Hawaiian Electric Co. and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies to supply biodiesel for Oahu power generators. West Hawaii Today.

VIDEO PRESENTATION: Ka’u Coffee Economic & Risk Analysis. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui is down to only a handful of agricultural inspectors a day - the frontline defense against new invasive species arrivals such as the little fire ant and coqui frogs - and there does not appear to be any relief in sight with a deadly fungus rapidly killing Big Island ohia trees. Maui News.

Former Maui Film Commissioner Harry Donenfeld's termination from his job nearly two years ago went unexplained publicly at the time, but in a recent interview Mayor Alan Arakawa disclosed that Donenfeld was fired because "he wasn't coming to work, period." Maui News.

Road work begins today, Monday, Oct. 5, in the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park. Maui Now.

The mayor's South Maui budget meeting that was canceled due to a tsunami advisory Sept. 16 has been rescheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Kihei Community Center. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s Hilo Hattie store isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Even though the company is downsizing and relocating its flagship store on Oahu, company officials say the original Kauai branch will stay right where it is. Garden Island.

The newest store in the Longs chain on Kauai was blessed and dedicated Sunday morning before a handful of customers. Garden Island.