Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Maui, Life of the Land to have say in Big Wind, Abercrombie signs, vetoes bills, Kauai takes dim view of energy-saving ideas, Big Island site of new 'Roseanne's Nuts' reality show, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

National Renewable Energy Laboratory courtesy photo




While it’s no secret that Hawaii holds claim to being the most fossil fuel dependent state in the nation, wind farms are becoming an increasingly viable option for Hawaii lawmakers who hope to take advantage of our islands’ trade winds. Hawaii Independent.

The County of Maui and the environmental group Life of the Land are now included in a crucial part of the conversation when it comes to Big Wind. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill into law Tuesday meant to preserve the state's landmark Prepaid Health Care Act as the nation moves toward federal health care reform approved last year by President Barack Obama and Congress. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie Tuesday signed into law the last of the measures from the 2011 legislative session. Hawaii News Now.

It came down to the wire for Governor Abercrombie. KHON2.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today signed into law the last of the measures from the 2011 legislative session.  In total, Governor Abercrombie enacted 235 measures and vetoed 17; seven bills became law without his signature. Hawaii Reporter.

The state abandoned an effort to implement random drug testing for Hawaii's public school teachers in its "last, best and final" offer imposed July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Among the $137,000 in gifts Hawaii lawmakers received over the last year were three tickets to the governor's inaugural ball, valued at $250 apiece. Civil Beat.

Big Island lawmakers and other neighbor island groups urged the state Reapportionment Commission Tuesday to reconsider its decision to include nonresident military members and their dependents, along with nonresident students and incarcerated felons, in the population count for purposes of redrawing state political boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

If your child rides a yellow school bus to classes, you might be shelling out some more green. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Lawmakers Enter World of Cybercrime. Civil Beat.

Honolulu city councilman Tom Berg is proposing a change to the city Land Use Ordinance so homeless people can be moved into converted shipping containers on land zoned for agricultural use. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly half the units at a new affordable rentals apartment project for seniors in Ewa are still awaiting tenants. KITV4.

Maui police are looking for a possible military projectile that disappeared Sunday from a secured area. Star-Advertiser.

On average, one person is killed each month crossing a street on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Roseanne's Nuts, premiering Wednesday on Lifetime. Los Angeles Times.

Emmy Award-winning actress, comedienne and best-selling author Roseanne Barr returns to television tonight with "Roseanne's Nuts," her based-on-reality show about life on a Honokaa macnut farm. Tribune-Herald.

Photovoltaic panels will soon be installed atop the Waimea police and fire stations in an effort to save thousands of dollars in the coming years. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's largest emergency homeless shelter has seen increased demand for meals since Gov. Neil Abercrombie urged groups and individuals in May to stop providing food in parks, beaches and streets and instead encourage homeless people to find food — and social services — at shelters. Star-Advertiser.

The first audit out of the recently established County Auditor’s Office detailed the administration’s shortcomings on energy efficiency in part by reporting the progress it had made on a list of recommendations from the Cost Control Commission. Garden Island.

Maui County Council members said Monday that they were close to advancing a bill that would create new restrictions for landowners who want to build on steep slopes. Maui News.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Hawaii losing trade winds, NYT blasts state for ignoring human trafficking case, jobless rate down, good place for young people to live, bad place to drive and other top island news

Whether it was the result of curiosity, nostalgic loyalty or the millions of dollars CBS spent on promotion, the network premiere Monday night of the new "Hawaii Five-0" was a hit. Star-Advertiser.

Trade winds are a big reason we call Hawaii paradise. But a new study by the Hawaii Climate Office has documented a significant drop in the frequency of trade winds -- enough that the state climatologist said he is very concerned. KITV.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Hawaii had one of the nation's largest over-the-month percentage decreases in employment in August. Associated Press.

In an Ugly Human-Trafficking Case, Hawaii Forgets Itself. New York Times.

A former state Department of Labor inspector is facing charges that he used other people's names personal information to verify inspections he didn't perform. Star-Advertiser.

The state says changes are on the way to the food stamp program. KHON2.

Honolulu has been named one of America's best communities for young people by America's Promise Alliance, a group committed to reducing high school dropout rates and promoting safer environments for young people. Hawaii News Now.

Two reports released in September rank roads in Hawaii among the worst in the nation. Hawaii News Now.

City Council members will try today to pass a consumer fireworks law for Oahu that falls short of a complete ban. Star-Advertiser

The first election in a three-election pilot program judging the impact of public campaign funding on Hawaii County Council races is showing mixed results. West Hawaii Today.

Two Hawaii legislators don't have to give up their current positions as they campaign for higher office. Associated Press.

Even before Saturday's primary election, many activists had already turned their attention to a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. Civil Beat.

Ever wonder why blank ballots on Hawaii's constitutional amendments count as "no" votes? We did, too. Civil Beat.

Hawaii gov. candidates begin fall short on funding. Associated Press.

The Republican Party's plan to sit back and watch Hawaii Democrats tear themselves apart in the gubernatorial primary has already failed, said Neil Abercrombie. Tribune-Herald.

In their first joint news conference at Honolulu Hale, acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell welcomed Mayor-elect Peter Carlisle to promote a successful changing of the guard, but the very office in which they stood, quickly became a source of tension. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Democrats know a thing or two about unity, Democratic House of Representative candidate Colleen Hanabusa said Monday. West Hawaii Today.

A former Hawaii Navy family has received an $11 million settlement after a daughter suffered permanent brain damage when she was delivered by young and inexperienced Tripler Army Medical Center doctors who put the newborn through "a series of egregious medical errors," the family's lawyers said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

More than 5,000 job seekers from across the state filtered into the Neal Blaisdell Center on Tuesday for a job fair with more than 160 different employers present. KITV.

The annual "Get the Drift and Bag It" event gets under way Saturday with a partnership aimed at cleaning Maui's coastal areas. Maui News.

A proposal to build a new community on the Big Island is aimed at creating affordable housing, much needed jobs and more importantly schools where every child goes to college. KHON2.

South Maui County Council Member Wayne Nishiki and challenger Don Couch split 38 Maui County precincts, taking 19 each, and tied in one in their primary election day contest. Maui News.

Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Rhoades confirmed Tuesday that she stepped down last week as the long-time executive director of the Kaua‘i Humane Society. Garden Island.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Campaign contributions map shows Abercrombie's strength, Hannemann says Civil Beat poll flawed, pastors decry campaign ads, Maui mayoral race crowded, Hawaii Five-0 premieres, more news

If money equals votes, support for Democratic gubernatorial front-runners Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie appears fairly evenly spread across the islands, with Abercrombie claiming more coastal areas and Hannemann locking in the mauka regions. West Hawaii Today.

Neil Abercrombie describes himself as an "agent of change," but he also has been a member of Hawaii's political establishment for a very long time. Associated Press.

Politicians tell you every vote counts, but what political office seekers are hoping for this election is that their supporters will be able to find where to cast that important vote. KITV.

A group of Hawaii pastors spoke out Sunday about what they called a disturbing trend in the current election campaign. KITV.


Hawaii voters don't want the Hawaii Legislature to bring the issue of civil unions up for a vote again in the near future, according to a new Civil Beat poll. Civil Beat.

Hannemann: Honolulu Civil Beat Poll Showing Him Behind in Gubernatorial Race is Faulty. Hawaii Reporter.

Sen. Dan Inouye has represented Hawaii in the U.S. Congress since 1959 when Hawaii became a state. In June, he was elected President pro tempore of the Senate by his colleagues, making him the second-highest-ranking official in the Senate and third in line for the presidency. Molokai Dispatch.

On a recent trip to Molokai, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono experienced first-hand what goes into restoring one of Molokai’s precious 68 fishponds – the most of any Hawaiian Islands – and some of the passionate people behind the movement. Molokai Dispatch.

With 11 candidates, Maui voters are watching one of the most crowded mayoral primary races in memory - and more than half the hopefuls have prior experience in government. Maui News.

At a recent discussion of what strategies should be adopted to improve the economic outlook of Hawaii, some of the participants advocated the use of tax incentives and, more specifically, tax credits as essential to attracting new businesses to Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

After two years of litigation, the battle between Molokai Properties Limited (MPL) and Maui County over water service has ended in an out-of-court settlement. Molokai Dispatch.

Recent high-profile federal cases in Hawaii alleging abuse of immigrant farm workers are causing some worry for local farms that rely on foreign labor. Star-Advertiser.

You can catch a sneak peak of the premiere episode of the new Hawaii 5-0 before it airs nationally next week. KHON2.

Work crews set stage for star-studded premiere of Hawaii Five-0. Hawaii News Now.

About 150 Marines in a Hawaii-based helicopter squadron are due to return to the islands from Afghanistan this week.KHON2.

Starting today, the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency will be hosting its annual, week-long Weapons of Mass Destruction exercise in conjunction with the Hawai‘i National Guard 93rd Civil Support Team. Garden Island.

Hawaii coffee growers are plotting a war on the coffee cherry borer, a pest that poses a serious threat to Hawaiian coffees. Hawaii News Now.

In this land of abundant agricultural resources, some families don't know when or what their next meal will be. Tribune-Herald.

A recent survey by the National Golf Foundation showed public golf courses are in financial trouble, with fewer people hitting the links these days. Hawaii's municipal courses appear to be no different. KITV.

Hundreds waited for hours and some even camped out all week, for a chance to get their hands on a condo unit in Kakaako's newest highrise. KHON2.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Hawaii Five-0 a go, school test scores up, Maui to regulate fish collecting, new fee for UH students, military ruffles feathers, money in politics, more

Rest easy, Honolulu. McGarrett and his crew are back on the case. Star-Advertiser.

A traditional Hawaiian blessing marked the start of production of the reinvented CBS TV crime series "Hawaii Five-0." KITV.

Hawaii's economy is expected to get a much needed boost as a primetime television show kicks off production, along with a major motion picture filming here in the islands. KHON2.

The state says 67 percent of Hawaii public school students scored proficient in reading this year, up slightly from 65 percent last year. In math, 49 percent rated proficient, up from 44 percent. Associated Press.

Despite spending fewer days in the classroom, public school students continued to make gains in reading and math test scores this year, according to results released yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Most grade-level scores trended upward but when it comes to federal progress standards high schools are still showing more room for growth. KHON2.

Hawaii public school student test scores went up this past year in every category except one, according to statistics released by the Department of Education on Thursday. KITV

With this year's elections fast approaching, the call for election day volunteers is getting louder. KHON2.

When it comes to campaign donations, who comes out ahead in Hawaii's contests for a U.S. Senate seat and the two U.S. House of Representative seats? Civil Beat.

Quickly recharging their fundraising operations after the special election for Congress in May, U.S. Rep. Charles Djou raised $176,980 in the last weeks of June while state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa brought in $107,224. Star-Advertiser.

Is the Bluest of States Bleeding Red? Civil Beat.

Special election decision to replace Mayor and City Prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii regents have approved a new, $50 per semester student athletic fee for the Manoa campus. Associated Press.

Despite what one student decried as "being forced to pay for a steak and champagne dinner and ... getting, maybe, the after-dinner mints," the University of Hawaii Board of Regents overwhelmingly adopted a mandatory athletic fee yesterday as an investment in its financially challenged sports program. Star-Advertiser.


Council members Wednesday took a step closer to regulating the aquarium fish trade, when a committee approved a bill to require county licenses for people who take reef fish to sell. Maui News.

The Navy is studying the effects its training and testing activities have on the environment off Hawaii, Southern California and the ocean in between. Associated Press.

Feathers might have literally been ruffled this weekend when a “large, charcoal-colored military helicopter” flew at a “very high speed” less than 20 feet from native sea bird dwellings Sunday morning at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

Hawaii County got hit with an unexpected $217,000 bill in the fiscal year that ended June 30, thanks to the federal extension of unemployment benefits. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu residents will be paying higher sewer fees for years to come because of a tentative settlement of a six-year-old lawsuit. KITV.

Mayor imposes trash shipping deadline. Hawaii News Now.

After three months of halted access to the Kalaupapa settlement because of an eroded bridge along the pali trail, National Park Service (NPS) officials say it could take another three months before the trail re-opens to the public. The closure has left Kalaupapa’s visitor industry – the mule rides and charter tours – struggling for survival. Molokai Dispatch.

A messy situation at Waialea Bay in South Kohala has raised a stink among some Big Island residents and visitors. West Hawaii Today.

Opponents of Hawaii County's attempts to sell Hamakua lands took their grievances to the Board of Ethics on Wednesday, but found no sympathetic ears. Tribune-Herald.

Whether Hamakua lands were stolen from Native Hawaiians is an issue way beyond its purview, the Hawaii County Board of Ethics said Wednesday in rejecting a petition from a group seeking to halt the county's sale of the land. West Hawaii Today.

The Lahaina community, in its usual way, stepped up big time last week Thursday, when more than 200 guests attended a spectacular fund-raiser for Lahaina Public Library at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Lahaina News.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Raptor takes to Hawaii skies, Big Island pot ministry busted, biofuel program stalls with Lingle veto, new voting, campaign laws, casting call for Battleship, airline stays in Vegas, more

The Air Force plans to put the world's most advanced fighter jet on display in a brief aerial demonstration off the Waianae Coast. Associated Press.

The U.S. and 13 other nations conduct war games off Hawaii every two years. KITV.

Open casting call for the movie "Battleship" KHON2.

A new leaf blower ban is in effect after Governor Linda Lingle let it become law without signing it.KHON2.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has sided with the environmental law firm Earthjustice over a nuclear irradiation facility proposed near Honolulu Airport to treat fruits and vegetables for export. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i was named Hawai‘i’s Best Island for the second year in a row by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, according to a Thursday Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau press release. Garden Island.

State environmentalists have worked hard to educate the public about the potential dangers of introducing nonindigenous species into Hawaii's natural habitats. Star-Advertiser.

Workers at Maunalua Bay have cleared more than 1 million tons of invasive algae from the East Oahu bay over the past four months. Associated Press.

The Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve will remain closed to people for another two years, the state announced Wednesday. Maui News.

New campaign finance regulations allowed to become law this week by Gov. Linda Lingle should make it easier for the public to follow the race for something almost as important as votes in politics — money. Civil Beat.

Voters for the first time can sign up this year for permanent absentee voting. Star-Advertiser.

Democratic congresswoman Mazie Hirono is hoping to secure her third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. KHON2.

A plan to convert Big Island gorse, macadamia nut shells and other waste into biofuel took a step backward this week, with Gov. Linda Lingle's veto of a $40 million special purpose revenue bond. West Hawaii Today.

Perhaps you’ve seen those sleek and ubiquitous commericals airing during local TV newscasts lately? The ads trumpet Waikiki’s future while showing marvelous architectural drawings, then vaguely asking for your support. Honolulu Weekly.

Hundreds of Hawaiian Airlines passengers experienced an extended trip to Las Vegas. KHON2.

Big Island marijuana advocate Roger Christie, his partner, two employees of the Hawaii Cannabis Ministry and 10 people who allegedly supplied marijuana for the ministry are facing federal marijuana manufacturing, possession and distribution charges. Star-Advertiser.

Over the Independence Day weekend, one Puna roadside memorial went to pot -- literally. Tribune-Herald.

Two Honolulu police sergeants are under investigation for allegedly submitting false reports involving DUI cases. Now, it appears that drunken driving cases involving them are mysteriously getting dismissed. Hawaii News Now.

Matson Navigation Co. on Thursday announced it is dropping its fuel surcharge 2 percentage points. KITV.

Hawaii County is spending $3.9 million to install roofing, expand recycling, and make its Pahoa transfer station safer. Tribune-Herald.

Yet another new subdivision is being proposed adjacent to the long-planned, unlikely-to-be-built Alii Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Through midyear, Maui residential real estate sales activity has zoomed upward, although prices have not. Maui News.

Maui Humane Society last week announced it will alter some programs and services as a result of county budget cuts. Lahanina News.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Homeless shuffle continues, Big Island land fund limited on ballot, Hawaii Five-O coming to former 'Tiser building, no solar panels for Kaunakakai, Lingle may veto big education pay raise, more state news


Since the city's homeless bans went into effect in April homeless people have been chased from parks and are now popping up in new spots, creating new tension. Hawaii News Now.

By now, Hawaii residents and visitors have become accustomed to seeing homeless people in parks and on streets, pushing their carts and carrying their belongings. Civil Beat.

Rim of the Pacific 2010 is underway, with navy personnel from more than a dozen countries in Hawaii. KHON2.

The Thirty Meter Telescope project faces a major test next Monday in Honolulu. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

The defeat of a an unemployment and jobs benefits bill in the U.S. Senate Thursday will have financial consequences in Hawaii, especially for those who’ve been out of work for a while. KITV.


As the state's happiest group of newly unemployed celebrate the completion of 2010 census work in Hawaii, statisticians, policymakers and others are hoping that an improved participation rate will pay off in a better accounting of Hawaii's population and the economic benefits that go with it. Star-Advertiser.


The Hawaii school board is concerned that Gov. Linda Lingle (R) might veto a bill to increase the schools superintendents salary to up to $250,000. KITV.

Voters in November will have the choice of putting a minimum 1 percent land fund or no land fund at all in the county charter, after the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday fell one vote short of putting a 2 percent option on the ballot. West Hawaii Today.

The question of whether Hawaii County should earmark at least 2 percent of yearly property tax collections for land purchases won't be appearing on Big Island ballots this November. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.


Businesses and residents who want to install solar panels in the Kaunakakai area are out of luck. Molokai Dispatch.

From historic newspaper building to a classic TV remake CBS will transform the Advertisers building into a television set. Hawaii News Now.


The rapid decline of British Petroleum stock is being watched carefully by money managers in charge of Hawaii’s Employees’ Retirement System, the fund which pays pension benefits to state and county workers. KHON2.


Mayor Mufi Hannemann gave final approval to the city's $1.8 billion operating budget that is balanced in part on a property tax rate increase for landlords and others who own homes they do not live in. Star-Advertiser.


The Hawaii County Council and legislative staff have joined the county administration in adopting twice-monthly unpaid furloughs.West Hawaii Today.

Ninety-five percent of endangered hawksbill sea turtles nesting on the Big Island during the summer months prefer the island's southern black sand beaches and rocky coves, said Marine Turtle Research Program leader George Balazs.West Hawaii Today.


Operating Honolulu's fleet of more than 500 buses has gotten more expensive, and beginning Thursday, riders will be paying more to help offset fuel and maintenance costs. Star-Advertiser.

The Kaua‘i County Council passed Wednesday a resolution requesting Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. to consider including the council members in the implementation of the Kaua‘i Energy Sustainability Plan. Garden Island.

Maui United Way raised more than $1.1 million in its 2009-10 fundraising campaign, the nonprofit agency has reported. Maui News.

Well, the political season is in full swing with every square inch of billboard space taken up with signs — many of them there without permission of the property owners. Lahaina News.

Monday, May 24, 2010

State slow spending stimulus money, Lost fans bid aloha, Hilo commemorates tsunamis, Kauai considers farm dwellings, brushfire eats 300 acres in West Hawaii, more top Hawaii news

Hawai'i received $1.3 billion of federal stimulus money as of March 30 and has spent $584 million. The cash was credited with saving or creating 2,566 jobs in the first quarter.

U.S. Congressman-elect Charles Djou told a national television audience this morning that his victory in Saturday's special election represented "a major historic election."

Fresh off a night of celebrating, Charles Djou says he's ready to find his way around Washington.

Neil Abercrombie's Republican opponent, Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona, opened his campaign headquarters on North Nimitz Highway.

The Price Tag Of A Seat In Congress: $12.31 Per Vote

Veterans on Molokai are upset they have waited for nearly four years to obtain permits to build a modest, $112,000 veterans center in Kaunakakai.

Steady makai winds and dry conditions fueled a 300-plus acre brush fire that broke out Saturday in North Kohala.

Fans fed their appetites at The Counter, as they devoured the final episode of Lost.

The finale of "Lost" leaves devoted viewers with their memories

Put yourself for a moment in the shoes of a crew member of the Hollywood film “The Descendants.”

Waiakea town lived again Saturday evening, if only for a few hours.

The 12-foot-tall green clock that now stands as a tsunami memorial was erected in Waiakea town in 1939 by Martha E. Wakefield in memory of her sister, the late Mrs. Charles Edward Richardson.

During a good winter, when water levels remain high at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, 120 or more endangered Hawaiian coot nests have been counted at the coastal wetland.

A bill that would allow bonafide farmers to build additional dwellings for their workers will be heard again at the Kaua‘i County Council meeting Wednesday in Nawiliwili.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Thousands "Just Go With It" and audition, Hulihee Palace opens years after earthquake, cockfighting debate in Legislature, man gets 20 years for shooting marijuana thief, Chinatown residents oppose homeless shelter, Heftel honored, more news

Ringed rice coral appears strikingly modest for a species that is caught in the struggle over greenhouse gas emissions.

Failing to implement “common-sense measures” and neglecting to secure an incidental take permit to help mitigate the deaths and injuries to rare native seabirds led conservation groups to file a lawsuit last week against Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, court documents show.

State lawmakers are again looking to raise the barrel tax on petroleum products to finance food and energy security programs, but this year there is a twist: most of the new revenue could initially help reduce the state's budget deficit.

About 200 Chinatown residents gathered at the Sun Yat Sen Cultural Center on Kukui Street yesterday to show their opposition to a proposed city project for chronically homeless people.

Thousands of people turned out in Maui for a chance to appear in the Adam Sandler-Jennifer Aniston movie "Just Go With It."

The prospect of being an extra in the upcoming Adam Sandler-Jennifer Aniston movie "Just Go With It" drew people like locusts Saturday to the Lipoa Center in Kihei.

It was a tribute to a trailblazer. A distinguished crowd turned out in downtown Honolulu Sunday afternoon to celebrate the life of the late congressman and broadcaster Cec Heftel.

Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states, but the practice continues in Hawaii. State lawmakers on Monday are expected to consider a resolution that recognizes the cultural, financial and historical aspects of the activity without making it legal again.

Animal rights groups are protesting a resolution before Hawai‘i lawmakers supporting the recognition of cockfighting as a cultural activity.

The Hawaii County Council will be sharpening its pencils next week, as the Finance Committee goes line-by-line over Mayor Billy Kenoi's spending plans for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

It's an age-old problem: You move into a new place, and none of your old stuff looks right in it.Hawaii County's solution: Spend another $400,000 on furniture and window treatments on top of the $24.6 million already spent to renovate the County Building on Aupuni Street.

New energy-efficiency building standards Hawaii County plans to start enforcing in May will be expensive, possibly unnecessary and may outlaw common home designs, says Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason.

An Ocean View man convicted of manslaughter for shooting and killing an intruder was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison.

Shoes and slippers lined Hulihee Palace's entryway Saturday as residents and visitors meandered about the 172-year-old royal vacation home taking in its history and beauty for the first time since the museum closed its doors to the public more than three years ago.

With the housing market still wobbling like a Front Street reveler on Halloween, West Maui continues to have a glut of market-priced homes.

Jean Souza, the Kaua‘i programs coordinator for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, said she received a call from Kaua‘i police dispatch reporting calls of a whale being born in the harbor.

Hawaii is in a position to develop as a model for holistic care in the new health care reform movement, says Shirley Otis-Green, a national authority on palliative care.

Friday, October 16, 2009

'Barbarian' princess stirs controversy, energy projects emerge, and other top Hawaii news

The 29th annual Hawaii International Film Festival launched yesterday at the Sheraton Waikiki's RumFire with a spirited news conference that included Q'orianka Kilcher, star of the much-debated "Barbarian Princess," a feature film premiering to a sold-out Hawaii Theatre tonight.

The premiere Friday night is sold out. But the Hawaii International Film Festival has added another showing of the Princess Kailuani Movie, Barbarian Princess.

Sempra Generation of San Diego announced Friday that it is taking over the wind generation project at Ulupalakua originally proposed by Shell Wind but in abeyance for several years.

More than 30,000 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine have been shipped to Hawaii, but only the most at-risk people will be eligible for the drug, health officials say.

Fire and police officials are investigating an early-morning fire Wednesday that gutted a senior center building under construction at the Hale Mahaolu Ehiku complex in Kihei, causing an estimated $1.5 million in damage.

A new contract with the state's largest public workers union will bring "substantial" savings, but not enough to prevent the first round of layoffs for about 750 state workers, Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday.

The labor savings from collective bargaining will not be enough to close the state's budget deficit, Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday, adding that the state would not immediately resort to a second round of layoffs to help make up the difference.

While saying she was pleased that the Hawaii Government Employees Association reached a tentative agreement Wednesday with the state and the four counties, Mayor Charmaine Tavares warned that the county faces a steep challenge next fiscal year.

The University of Hawaii hopes to see utility savings by closing buildings during the winter and spring breaks if Hawaii Government Employees Association members approve a new two-year contract.

The joint venture between go! and Mokulele airlines began Thursday with a few glitches

The lines for free meals around Hilo just keep getting longer.

The rules are different here, several members of the Hawaii County Board of Ethics said Wednesday as they considered Mayor Billy Kenoi's proposal to tighten the ethics code.

For the second time in as many months, the county Board of Ethics has found that Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole broke the county's ethics law.


The agreement between the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and Pacific West Energy to potentially bring a 20-megawatt biomass-to-energy project to Kaua‘i is a “major” advancement and “something we’ve been working on for years,” but “several steps” still remain, KIUC President and CEO Randall Hee said Thursday.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Hawai'i has put the Hawaii County Council on notice that police helicopter flyovers for marijuana eradication are believed to be in violation of the Hawaii Constitution, the state's medical marijuana law, and the county's Lowest Law Enforcement Priority of Cannabis Ordinance.

Local advocacy groups are awaiting a response from the Federal Communications Commission on a challenge filed last week to stop a shared services agreement involving three local television stations

Friday, October 9, 2009

Sidewalk sleeping ban nixed, economy still suffering, unions still resisting, other top news

A Honolulu City Council committee on Thursday voted to kill a bill that would have banned sleeping on sidewalks.

The latest state tax collection figures show a nearly 10 percent drop, and the bad news is forcing Gov. Linda Lingle to increase her tough talk to the public employee unions to hurry up and settle their contracts.

State tax collections fell 9.7 percent during the first three months of the fiscal year, the state Department of Taxation reported yesterday, a more significant drop than economists predicted.

The University of Hawai'i and the faculty's labor union are expected to return to the bargaining table Wednesday after union members voted overwhelmingly yesterday to reject a contract offer that included a 5 percent pay cut.

The University of Hawaii faculty union says its representatives and management will meet with a federal mediator Wednesday after members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer that called for a 5 percent pay cut and other concessions to help UH deal with budget cuts.

A remake of the fabled "Hawaii Five-0" series could be coming to the television screen.

It's the most efficient, commercially available solar powered panels in the world and one Oahu couple becomes, one of the first in Honolulu to install it.

Public health officials are refuting claims made in a Hawaii County Council resolution that casts doubt on the safety of swine flu vaccines.

Ignoring pleas from the public and a warning from a council member that the process was "cloaked in dishonor," the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday reverted to an organizational structure that shifts more power to the east side of the island.

It may be a more dangerous time to be injured or lost in the woods on Kaua‘i, and brush fires may burn longer and stronger than they otherwise might.

In April the County of Hawaii will auction off 26 chemical spray rigs that originally cost up to $10,000 each. That auction will mark the end of the county's efforts to control coqui frogs.

Several hundred islanders showed up at the Blaisdell Arena last week to listen to and testify on proposals for a new, comprehensive federal ocean policy before the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force.