Couples wed as Hawaii gay marriage law takes effect, public records priced out of public range, new film commissioner for Maui, new publisher at Big Island media, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii's first gay marriage, courtesy Equality Hawaii

Same-sex couples are taking advantage of Hawaii's new-found aloha for gay weddings. Associated Press.

Forty-five minutes past the stroke of midnight today, six couples became Hawaii’s first same-sex couples to marry. The New Civil Rights Movement.

Same-sex marriage took more than two decades of activism to reach Hawaii, but the first ceremonies only took a few minutes. Forty-five minutes after midnight Monday — the moment state marriage license applications became available online — six same-sex couples began to exchange their vows at a festive, historic celebration on the 30th floor of the Sheraton Waikiki. Civil Beat.

Today the wait is over for local same sex couples looking to get married in the Aloha State. Hawaii recently became the latest to legalize marriage equality and the law will go into effect starting today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Same-sex couples marry on historic first day in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Supporters of gay marriage were set to celebrate their impending midnight unions Sunday afternoon with bouncy castles, food trucks and musical performers, but Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Marriage Equality Family Day and Celebration at Thomas Square had to be canceled because of inclement weather. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Business News reports that a major private corrections company is "very interested" in helping Hawaii solve its prison overcrowding problem by building new prisons here. It's the same company, Corrections Corporation of America, that houses hundreds of Hawaii prisoners in its Arizona facilities. Civil Beat.

One way to keep tabs on the public’s money is to review the governor’s travel records. That’s pretty standard procedure for journalists in most states, especially when an incumbent is up for reelection. But it’s tough to do in Hawaii. The cost of public records effectively invalidates the state public records law in many instances. It’s just too expensive for the public to pay the price the agencies charge to review records that are legally available under the Uniform Information Practices Act, Hawaii’s decades-old public records law. Civil Beat.

On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Robert Lee saw the battleship USS Arizona turn red hot and heard it hiss like a tea kettle after it was hit. He shot at Japanese warplanes with a .22 rifle, and joined the Hawaii Territorial Guard the next day for fear the island would be invaded. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Budget talks for Fiscal Year 2015 are already taking place inside Honolulu Hale, and the conversation isn’t pretty. The city is facing a projected $156 million shortfall in the coming year, which has caused Mayor Kirk Caldwell to institute a strict spending cap on all departments. There’s already a $28 million deficit in the current fiscal year, which began July 1, and that has already resulted in some cuts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Almost a year after county Legislative Auditor Colleen Schrandt resigned, the position has not yet been filled and it’s unclear how much, if any, auditing has actually gone on. West Hawaii Today.

Work on a Hawaii biomass facility that was expected to generate 10 percent of the Big Island’s electricity needs has been halted until developer, Hu Honua Bioenergy, receives the final regulatory permits and approvals, leaving up to 20 workers, a mix of contract workers and employees, off the job, according to John Sylvia, the company’s CEO. Pacific Business News.

David Bock takes over today as publisher of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Bock, 47, succeeds Ted Dixon, who is retiring. Dixon was publisher since 2003. Bock, who is editor of the Tribune-Herald and director of news services for Stephens Media Hawaii, will retain his news-related responsibilities. Stephens Media Hawaii.

Maui

Newly selected Maui County Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett is looking to "really push hard" over the next few months to bring a television series to the island next year. Maui News.

Already burdened with the nation's highest electricity bills, Hawaii residents are paying even more for renewable energy development, and what they pay depends on whether they're among the "haves" or the "have-nots." Maui News.

Kauai

A $12 million energy project is underway  at Kauai schools. In the first phase, four schools will be fitted with 22 photovoltaic energy systems through a $1.2 million state initiative. Garden Island.

Kauai Chief of Police Darryl Perry said that with the County Council’s approval of the CrimeNtel intelligence sharing program, the department has an enhanced ability to prevent criminal or terrorist acts by working in conjunction with state and national intelligence and law enforcement networks. Garden Island.

The state Department of Health's Clean Water Branch has issued a brown water advisory for the east-northeast areas of Kauai from Nawiliwili to Hanalei. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi in the spotlight, Honolulu arrest death ruled homicide, electricity bills double, Hawaii state counties conference gets rowdy, Honolulu council sets sights on tax hikes, Maui aims to save the trees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard at 2012 Democratic National Convention

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will have a leading role in a bipartisan coalition to reduce government waste and inefficiency as the freshman Hawaii Democrat positions herself as a problem solver in Congress. No Labels is expected to announce a package of reform legislation this morning backed by more than 70 House and Senate Demo­crats and Republicans. Star-Advertiser.

Freshman Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday expressed deep disappointment with Congress even as she urged more women, young people and diverse candidates to run. Politico.

Electric bills have doubled over the past decade in Hawaii as state regulators search for sustainable ways to provide power to thousands of homes and businesses. Meantime, utility executives are banking millions of dollars in annual salaries and benefits while they bemoan declining sales due to more people going off the grid. Civil Beat.

Robbie Alm is leaving his post as executive vice president of Hawaiian Electric Co. as of Aug. 30 after more than a decade at Hawaii’s largest utility, HECO said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Robbie Alm, who has been the public face of Hawaiian Electric Co. for the past decade, will be leaving the company August 30, according to a company press release. Civil Beat.

More than 27,000 U.S. and Australian forces are taking part in military training exercises for the next two and a half weeks. Most of the drills are off the coast of Australia—but the Navy says some activities will take place in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

The University of Hawaii has signed a new five-year contract with the U.S. Navy for a controversial research lab even though anticipated revenue is significantly less than expected and officials will reveal little about the lab's operations. Civil Beat.

Ever since KHON2 did a story about a state hummer, the questions keep on coming about the state using everything from fancy SUVs to brand new Harley Davidsons. People are asking KHON2 to dig deeper about what the state sheriffs are driving, and at what cost.

State roundup for July 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

Nine bills designed to curb property tax exemptions and create new tax categories that would make it easier for the City Council to raise rates on some targeted groups of owners were passed by the Council Budget Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office has ruled as a homicide the death in June of Stephen Dinnan, who was restrained by a police officer investigating a stolen vehicle report in Waimanalo. Star-Advertiser.

A rapidly growing network of police cameras is capturing, storing and sharing data on license plates, making possible a stitching together of people's movements whether they are stuck in a commute, making tracks to the beach or up to no good. And Honolulu police plan to get on the nationwide bandwagon. Star-Advertiser.

The head of the police officers union in Hawaii told City Council members on Wednesday that officers are given a standard of conduct differential pay allowance because officers are expected to carry their firearms and confront danger 24 hours a day, unlike other government workers. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako is envisioned to become Oahu's "third city" as it is redeveloped with thousands of homes, more retail, parks and upgraded roads and sewers. But no one, including the state agency regulating development in the area, plans to add any schools. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa Beach homeowners sue over scrapped marina. Homeowners in Ewa Beach's Hoakalei Resort and Ocean Pointe communities say they bought their properties because developer Haseko Inc.'s government-approved master plan project included as the main physical attraction a small boat marina that connects to the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

It Wasn't Magic — a Real Estate Developer Made an Entire Marina Disappear. Civil Beat.

Some Kahala homeowners say the city hasn't done enough to enforce a new property blight law in their neighborhood, but city leaders say they've gone so far as to begin the process of putting up a lien on one particular repeat offender. Hawaii News Now.

A prosecution witness testified Wednesday that U.S. State Department special agent Christopher Deedy smelled of alcohol the morning of the 2011 fatal shooting of Kollin Elderts at a McDonald’s restaurant in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Day 7: Jury shown police photographs of Deedy after arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific University and the Oceanic Institute plans to merge in a move that would make the Waimanalo-based nonprofit research and development organization the research arm of the state’s largest private university, HPU has confirmed to PBN. Pacific Business News.

The Howard Hughes Corporation envisions a 38-story tower at the old Dixie Grill location on the corner of Ward and Halekauwila streets. KITV4.

About 300 people were seen running down Lewers Street in a panic Wednesday night. But those people were extras in the latest motion picture production of "Godzilla," which wraps up its filming early Thursday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Monster on Lewers street! Moviemakers producing “Godzilla” place film extras in Waikiki for a scene in which they flee in panic from the terrible lizard. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hotel security shut down a loud hospitality suite hosted by a lobbyist whose client list includes a GMO company, but most Hawaii County Council members attending the Hawaii State Association of Counties conference on Kauai last month said there was more county business than partying going on. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island public school buses will begin using high-tech routing software and global positioning system (GPS) tracking in the 2015-16 academic year, as the state Department of Education expands a plan to overhaul its transportation system. Tribune-Herald.

Speed limit signs will soon become more than an advisory in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

Ka’u radio station closes. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

It likely will be more difficult to remove trees on public and private property under bills proposed by Maui County Council Vice Chairman Robert Carroll. Maui News.

Year after year, Maui veterans have fought to update and relocate several offices to create a one-stop medical complex in Central Maui. Over the next few years, their dream may finally come true. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs approved earlier this year a 15,000-square-foot facility with a budget of just under $10 million. Maui News.

In response to complaints about its paratransit service, Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. announced that it is hiring more qualified drivers to meet the demands of its hundreds of new disabled clients. Maui News.

Maui County will work with three Hawaii affordable housing experts to make recommendations on how to handle the more than $10 million owed to the county by the nonprofit agency that runs the low income housing project Hale Makana O Waiale in Wailuku. Maui News.

A man who was awarded a state contract to start a recycling business on Maui has been charged with forgery and theft for allegedly submitting false invoices and obtaining more than $200,000. Maui News.

Kauai

Over the last two months, the Open Space Commission has held meetings around the island to gather input regarding places on Kauai that community members feel should be preserved and protected . The last in this round of meetings will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 24 at The Hanalei Community Center. Garden Island.

The Department of Education is continuing to investigate a complaint filed against Kapaa Middle School Principal Nathan Aiwohi. Garden Island.

Four years after the demise of the Hawaii Superferry, the ghosts of the interisland ocean route that sank millions of dollars of public money still linger. Garden Island.

Making medical marijuana mainstream, Hawaii tradewinds less frequent, electric rates increase, special funds scrutinized, Honolulu on the hook for mismanaged nonprofit money, Hawaii Island courts lack sheriffs, Closed for 20 years, Coco Palms still a tourist draw, Godzilla, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii medical marijuana roadside sign (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is likely to sign two bills on his desk aimed at making marijuana a more mainstream medicine, according to Sen. Josh Green, D-Kona, a physician who, as chairman of the Senate Health Committee, has been working on reforming the state’s 13-year-old medical marijuana law. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of a Hookena medical marijuana patient who was arrested at Kona International Airport when he tried to take his pakalolo on a flight to Honolulu. In a 30-page ruling issued Friday, the Supreme Court majority ordered a lower court to acquit Geoffrey Woodhall, stating that state law, while unclear and contradictory, nonetheless allows for the transport of marijuana by individuals carrying a state “blue card” certifying they are medical marijuana patients. West Hawaii Today.

Experts say the island breezes, called tradewinds, are declining, a drop that's slowly changing life across the islands. Associated Press.

Hawaii regulators have issued three orders affecting rates and the ratemaking process for Hawaiian Electric Co. and its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Light Co., in response to increased frustration by ratepayers for high electric rates and poor customer service. Pacific Business News.

The typical monthly electric bill on Oahu went up $3.13 and $3.17 on Hawaii Island as Hawaiian Electric Co. increased a supplemental fee it gets to pay for a shift to more renewable energy and greater energy efficiency. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Finance Committee is re-evaluating the use of special funds in the months leading up to the next legislative session. Associated Press.

State health officials say they're looking into hepatitis A infections that have struck at least three adults, including one person on Oahu who was hospitalized. All three consumed frozen berry products from Costco and became ill sometime between early and late May, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Since retiring from the Senate, Daniel Akaka has largely stayed out of the public eye. However, he issued a statement today mourning the passing of former colleague, Sen. Frank Lautenberg, with whom he served for over three decades. Civil Beat.

More than a dozen Hawaii public schools are receiving state of the art lab equipment, thanks to a program out of UH Manoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for June 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

Potential kickbacks, conflicts of interest and mismanagement of federal grant funds mean the city of Honolulu will have to pay back nearly $8 million it gave to an embattled nonprofit in Central Oahu that serves the elderly and developmentally disabled adults. Civil Beat.

How much in city operational dollars should go to Oahu nonprofit groups and how such funds should be divvied up are at the core of a clash between Mayor Kirk Caldwell and City Council leaders before Wednesday's final vote on the city's $2 billion operating budget. Star-Advertiser.

Two bills Honolulu City Councilman Joey Manahan is pushing would require helmet wearing when skateboarding on city streets and sidewalks, malls, parks and public places.  One of the measures carries a $25 fine per citation. Hawaii News Now.

A Shinto shrine in Kalihi is being threatened with legal action for posting a YouTube video of what it calls the brazen theft of $1,000 worth of amulets representing good fortune. Star-Advertiser.

Tesoro Hawaii's plan to lay off most of its Kapolei refinery workers, which was delayed last month as the company negotiated with a potential buyer, was set in motion Monday with a first group of employees getting notices that they would lose their jobs within three weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures confirmed Monday what local actors, hopeful extras and industry insiders have been whispering about for months: The latest remake of the "Godzilla" franchise will be filming in July at several Oahu locations. Star-Advertiser.

This summer, if you want to know whether the Ala Wai Canal meets the state’s standards for safe recreational use, you'll probably have to test it yourself. That is because the city plans to stop testing one of the most heavily used inland bodies of water in the state for dangerous bacteria levels even though the canal is among the most polluted. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A combination of vacations and sick workers left West Hawaii’s four courts with just one sheriff Monday morning. The severity of the shortage Monday was just indicative of a broader problem, West Hawaii attorneys and court officials said. Department of Public Safety officials said they were bringing sheriffs from Hilo to Kona to fill in the gaps, but acknowledged that they have had trouble for years filling all of the West Hawaii vacancies. West Hawaii Today.

Waikoloa has been put on the map, literally. The West Hawaii community was added to the Federal Aviation Administration’s flight maps last month, after previously being designated as a settlement. Tribune-Herald.

Utility customers will see a 1.6 percent increase to their Hawaii Electric Light Co. (HELCO) bills as the result of annual adjustments approved last week by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely removed a grenade on Monday from the shoulder of Hansen Road, which was reopened after being closed for about a day, police said. Maui News.

Firefighters remained at the Central Maui Landfill Monday morning, battling a compost fire reported Sunday afternoon that has delayed residential trash collections and closed the landfill and recycling operations. Maui News.

Maui County fire fighters are still on the scene at the Central Maui Landfill Refuse & Recycling Center, where a blaze at the EKO Compost site has closed down operations today and possibly tomorrow. Maui Now.

At first glance, it isn't readily apparent how Maui County's reviving economy is affecting the islands' real estate market, which struggled through the recession with low prices and a glut of foreclosed properties. Maui News.

Kauai

In an effort to increase awareness about its recycling programs, Kauai County launched its “What Goes Where” campaign Monday. Garden Island.

Armed with a machete and a heck of a sense of humor, Bob Jasper gives visitors and locals a snapshot of the property that helped put Kauai on the forefront of Hawaii’s visitor industry decades ago. “Coco Palms has got to be the most famous hotel in the South Pacific,” he said. “It has been shut down for over 20 years and folks still want to see it.” Garden Island.

Molokai

Big Wind was the nickname for the state’s energy plan that included 200-megawatt wind farms on both Molokai and Lanai to supply energy to Oahu via an undersea cable. In the latest plan, Molokai Properties Limited , also known as Molokai Ranch, had planned to lease 11,000 acres of land to wind company Pattern Energy to build 70 400-foot tall wind turbines. But that plan fell through when the Ranch called off the deal in February, announcing their decision not to renew the lease agreement. Molokai Dispatch.

Young Brothers, Limited, the intrastate cargo company serving Hawaii, released its numbers for their first quarter of this year, and the findings could reflect how Molokai is doing economically. Molokai saw a slight increase in its general and agricultural outbound cargo and a minimal decrease in inbound freight.  Meanwhile, larger islands showed more notable decreases. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii teachers vote today on contract, Democrats to sue to close primaries, DOE debates buses, Caldwell declines raise until union contracts inked, state ranks high on solar power, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii teachers' rally, HSTA courtesy photo

Hawaii's public school teachers will be voting today on a tentative agreement reached with the state. Associated Press.

Hawaii Democrats intend to file a lawsuit challenging the state's open primary system, arguing that the process undermines the party's ability to select nominees for political office. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators are aiming to expand the state's partial public financing law this session by providing a means for House of Representative candidates to run completely taxpayer-funded campaigns. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz raised more than $1 million in the past three months but nearly $300,000 of that won't do him any good in the primary, campaign finance records released Tuesday show. Civil Beat.

House Bill 642 — “successive owner” legislation — would force people purchasing a business to retain all employees. Hawaii Reporter.

After months of waiting, the Hawaii State Board of Education at its Tuesday meeting finally got an update from the education department on how it's moving forward with plans to clean up its student transportation system and rein in the costs of what had become a $75 million operation. Civil Beat.

It was a February to love for Hawaii hoteliers, who saw their properties break several records. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is forecasting visitor arrivals will hit 8.5 million and visitor spending will total $15.8 billion in 2013. To reach that lofty goal or even surpass it, the state agency is focusing on improving the distribution to the neighbor islands, said David Uchiyama, HTA vice president of brand management. West Hawaii Today.

Two years after a state report raised a host of organizational and systemic issues with the delivery of special-education services at Hawaii public schools, the Department of Education says it has a blueprint to revamp the program that serves 19,700 students with disabilities. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Food Map comprises information on 100 fruits, vegetables and spices grown by farms statewide. It also offers a listing of Hawaii farms. Star-Advertiser.

Braz Transfers Inc., a Massachusetts-based money-transfer company licensed in Hawaii since 2009, has surrendered its state money transmitter license and has stopped doing business in Hawaii, the Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for April 17. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he'll personally forgo a raise proposed by the city Salary Commission and will hold off on pay raises for his department heads until contracts are reached with union employees. Star-Advertiser.

A Queen's Health Systems administrator Tuesday made it clear to Ewa Beach lawmakers that the state's largest private hospital system will not be able to open emergency room operations before the scheduled opening of the new Queen's Medical Center West Oahu in spring 2014. Star-Advertiser.

The closure of a west Oahu hospital has led to longer ambulance transport times as remaining emergency rooms become overcrowded and ambulances have to take patients farther away. Associated Press.

The Honolulu City Administration is in the process of developing what it hopes will be a comprehensive plan to ease homelessness on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kahala landowner Genshiro Kawamoto has been released from a Tokyo jail after posting a bail of about $5 million. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu Symphony pops conductor Matt Catingub is forming the state’s first independent pops orchestra. Associated Press.

Hawaii
A debate over whether the County Council or the administration should have final say on planned unit developments will be taken up again in July, after the council Planning Committee on Tuesday postponed a bill by former Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann and an alternative posed by the current planning director. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. ranked 12th highest in the country for the number of watts of electrical power provided by solar electricity, a solar industry group said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. has begun installing new meters that transmit readings via radio transmission. The new meters aren’t exactly “smart,” but they’re more intelligent than the electromechanical meters that now measure electricity used in most Hawaii Island homes. Tribune-Herald.

While Friday’s approval by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources marked an enormous milestone in the effort to build the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, many additional hurdles must be cleared before the $1.3 billion facility can become a reality. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The mayor won't be the only one getting a raise. On Friday, the Maui County Salary Commission voted to increase the salaries of County Council members, Fire and Liquor Control department heads and the new county auditor. Maui News.

The budget for the staff and operation of the Mayor's Office is proposed to rise 15 percent next fiscal year - including two new administrative assistant positions - according to presentations made before the County Council's Budget and Finance Committee on Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry wants a clean department. But like the other police chiefs in the state he’s bound by a political and legal system that often allows officer misconduct to go unchecked and remain hidden from public view. Civil Beat.

The County Auditor’s Office is proposing an operational budget for fiscal year 2014, which starts July 1, lower than their budget for the current fiscal year. But County Auditor Ernesto Pasion would like to restore a position left vacant by internal auditor Ron Rawls’ departure. Garden Island.

To the surprise of Kaua‘i County Council members, the Kaua‘i Humane Society did not present a detailed budget for Fiscal Year 2014, which starts July 1, during its scheduled budget hearing Thursday. Garden Island.

A series of blog posts alleging several illegal transient vacation rentals have been granted permits by the county Planning Department caught the attention of Kaua‘i County Council members, who slammed Planning Director Michael Dahilig Tuesday for not keeping up with enforcement of zoning laws. Garden Island.

The Washington D.C.-based nonprofit Solar Electric Power Association on Tuesday ranked the Garden Isle’s Kauai Island Utility Cooperative as second in the nation for integrating and delivering solar energy to its customers. Pacific Business News.

According to a report issued today by Kaua'i Film Commissioner Art Umezu, the first three months of 2013 brought a flurry of film activities to the Garden Isle. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Supreme Court mulls laptops, cellphones in state courtrooms, Legislature advances Steven Tyler paparazzi, minimum wage, marijuana decriminalization, emergency contraception, preschool bills, global warming seen on Mauna Loa, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would allow the public, members of the media and lawyers to use laptops, cellphones and other electronic devices in state courtrooms. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state House and Senate have approved separate proposals to raise the state minimum wage. Associated Press.

The state House and Senate on Tuesday endorsed a new state-funded preschool initiative, a loan program that may help consumers afford solar-energy devices, an increase of the minimum wage and an unemployment insurance tax break for businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers moved on a host of good government measures Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii state Senate passed the so-called Steven Tyler Act Tuesday, a bill that seeks to protect celebrities from overeager paparazzi by creating a civil violation if people take unwanted photos or videos of others in their private moments. Associated Press.

The Hawaii State Senate on Tuesday, March 5, passed the Steven Tyler Act, legislation that Tyler and other celebrities said will protect them from overzealous journalists and paparazzi. Hawaii Reporter.
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/steven-tyler-act-passes-full-hawaii-senate/123

A bill that would decriminalize the possession of under one ounce of marijuana has been approved by the state Senate and moved to the House. Big Island Now.

The Hawaii state Senate has voted for a bill that would require hospital emergency rooms to offer emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault. Associated Press.

The state Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that seeks to raise state revenue by developing public school lands. Associated Press.

Hawaii is still trying to get up to speed on spending its $75 million Race to the Top grant. As of Feb. 1, school officials say, the state has spent about $27 million — or 36 percent of the award — on sweeping reforms it pledged to achieve by next year. Star-Advertiser.

The amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the air jumped dramatically in 2012, making it very unlikely that global warming can be limited to another 2 degrees as many global leaders have hoped, new measurements from Mauna Loa in Hawaii show. Associated Press.

The state is promoting this week as "Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week" to bring attention to a problem that costs residents and businesses millions of dollars each year. Star-Advertiser.

A Civil Beat review of state records and interviews with local regulators shows that that Hawaii’s rivers, streams and coastal waters are not being tested for the herbicide Atrazine even though the EPA established water safety levels a decade ago and last year required states to regulate pesticides under the Clean Water Act.

As policy makers in Washington continue to struggle with budget issues, Hawaii residents are still wondering what the precise impacts will be on the state. One important area of federal spending for Hawaii: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—or NOAA. As HPR’s Bill Dorman reports, the specific cuts to Hawaii’s NOAA operations are still not clear. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced bills Tuesday that would reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their families, many of whom live in the Philippines. Star-Advertiser.

After years of waiting, Hawaii's Filipino World War II veterans like 89-year-old Artemio Caleda are again raising their hopes for a change in immigration law that would make it easier to bring their relatives to be near them in their old age. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s state Insurance Division is expanding the kinds of rate comparisons state residents can find online. West Hawaii Today.

State 3/6. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city ramped up pressure on supporters of the (de)Occupy Honolulu movement Tuesday afternoon, tagging 15 of their tents, chairs, tables, pallets, signs and other items placed on the sidewalk on the makai side of Thomas Square. Star-Advertiser.

The deployment of a Navy ship out of Pearl Harbor was put on hold last week because of budget uncertainties that threaten to undermine the "rebalance" of U.S. forces to the Pacific, Adm. Samuel Locklear III, head of U.S. Pacific Command, told the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Billionaire's arrest could affect Hawaii property. Hawaii News Now.

Gaudy. Cheap. Offensive. Dozens of statues that Japanese real estate tycoon Genshiro Kawamoto erected on four of his sprawling estates along Kahala Avenue have been described by observers in these terms. Star-Advertiser.

Genshiro Kawamoto has been called many things — eccentric, mysterious, a nuisance. You can add one more to the list: suspected criminal. Civil Beat.

We investigated Genshiro Kawamoto's tax bills here in the islands and found he's by and large a model taxpayer. KHON2.

Turtle Bay Resort is willing to negotiate with the state to protect land around the North Shore landmark from development. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Independent spoke with entrepreneur and philanthropist Henk Rogers to discuss his new project: accelerating the creation of a new cadre of Hawaii tech companies via his new organization, Blue Startups. The accelerator provides mentorship and seed funding for teams over a three-month process, at the end of which is a business that can seek greater funding.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said Tuesday that it has improved its online Oahu map to help customers and contractors plan new solar photovoltaic systems. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Marriott International has notified Hawaii labor officials that the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa is being sold and the hotel's 315 employees could lose their jobs in early May if the new owner does not retain Marriott as the property's manager and operator. Pacific Business News.

The capital improvement budget submitted late last week by Mayor Billy Kenoi is 37 percent higher than last year’s. But don’t expect all those projects to be started right away. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Fire Department’s request to add an ambulance at Makalei Fire Station was denied this year because of the state’s fiscal situation, Fire Chief Darren Rosario said. West Hawaii Today.

The state Senate, following the House’s lead, adopted a resolution renaming Saddle Road connecting East and West Hawaii the Daniel K. Inouye Legacy Highway after the late U.S. senator. Tribune-Herald.

Michael Madoff was in Honolulu on Tuesday to hear his lawyers plead with a federal judge to let his lawsuit involving the death of his son be resolved in Hawaii. A large wave washed the New York teenager into the ocean at the Kaawa­loa lighthouse near Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii island July 4. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui Film Studios LLC began leasing the new warehouse in Central Maui on Friday. In the coming months, Maui Film Studios will be outfitting the warehouse as a 21,000-square-foot soundstage, "the largest film studio in Hawaii," said Socrates Buenger, owner and chief executive officer of the company, on Monday. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Friday unanimously passed a bill that would officially subject properties used for converting wind to usable energy to real property taxes. Maui News.

A special grass that curbs erosion and absorbs substances such as lead and arsenic from the soil and water through its roots is part of a Maui County pilot project that begins today. Maui News.

Kauai

Former state Rep. Roland Sagum III has been charged with allegedly taking rocks from a 15-acre archaeological preserve in Poipu, Kauai, in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Two bills that would enable the state Public Utility Commission to consider the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative's status as a member-owned, nonprofit co-op when reviewing regulatory issues have made considerable progress in both chambers of the state Legislature, with ample support from some state agencies and every member of the Kaua‘i County Council. Garden Island.

Arrivals to Kaua‘i grew 10.6 percent to 92,163 visitors in January 2013 with increased arrivals from the top four visitor markets, according to a Hawai‘i Tourism Authority report. Garden Island.

Taxes, bag fee sought for watershed protection, homeless, public housing smoking ban mulled in Legislature, Maui to monitor vehicle use with eye in the sky, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Freshwater stream flows into Kawa Bay (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Environmental advocates are urging the Hawaii Legislature to help preserve Hawaii’s water by increasing taxes on high-end property sales. Associated Press.

Boosting funds for watershed and forest preservation programs, either through an increase in taxes on expensive real estate transactions or a fee on single-use plastic checkout bags, remains a priority for the Abercrombie administration, the state's land and natural resources director said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Legislature: Thousands of Bills, So Little Time. Civil Beat.

Several Hawaii lawmakers want tougher ethics laws for lobbyists and public officials. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Filipino Chamber of Commerce says Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui will lead the organization's upcoming trade mission to the Philippines. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s consumer advocate has reached a settlement with the state’s major electric utility that rejects $60 million in expenditures that Hawaiian Electric Co. was hoping to recover from customers. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has agreed to reduce by $60 million the amount of revenue it will seek to recover from ratepayers as a result of a settlement the utility negotiated with the state consumer advocate. Star-Advertiser.

The number of new foreclosure lawsuits filed against Hawaii property owners stayed above 300 for a second consecutive month in December, as lenders continue to file more cases since state foreclosure law was overhauled in June. Star-Advertiser.

A bill seeking the establishment of a return-to-home program for homeless in Hawai’i is being considered at the state Legislature. Maui Now.

A bill that would provide an overnight parking lot for homeless persons narrowly survived a committee hearing at the House Monday morning. Garden Island.

More than 10-thousand families are on the wait-list for Public Housing in Hawai’i. As a result… state lawmakers want to curb systemic abuse and tighten the rules to qualify for low rental housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Anyone living in public housing can forget about smoking at home if a proposed ban passes. KHON2.

Rock climbers lobby lawmakers. Bills to limit liability for rock climbing on state land. KITV4.

Conservationists say they've successfully eliminated harmful, non-native rats from remote, uninhabited Palmyra Atoll. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for January 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

The film industry brings roughly $180 million and 2,500 jobs to Hawaii each year, but productions that choose to film here are met by a dilapidated studio that has suffered from scarce funding and years of wear and tear. Civil Beat.

With tuition at the University of Hawaii rising 141 percent over the last 11 years, female students have found an unconventional method to cover the cost of education that can now cost nearly $10,000 a year for an undergraduate degree. They are signing up in record numbers with SeekingArrangement.com, a dating web site that openly boasts it will find them their perfect "Sugar Daddy." Hawaii Reporter.

The 40th Honolulu Marathon generated a record $132.8 million in visitor spending in December, according to a study released Monday by Hawaii Pacific University. Hawaii News Now.

Two boulders dislodged during heavy rain tumbled about 20 feet down a Kalihi Valley hillside early Monday morning, damaging a home and narrowly missing four people sleeping inside. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, former Governor Ben Cayetano, former Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, State Senator Sam Slom and former Senator Richard Henderson were among the people who spoke at a memorial service for Wilfred Clinton "Buddy" Soares on Saturday at Holy Trinity Church in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii Reporter.

On Facebook he describes himself as a "wounded warrior … very wounded." Schofield Barracks soldier Brendan Marrocco, the first service member to survive losing all four limbs in the Iraq War, received a double arm transplant Dec. 18, doctors revealed Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state of Hawaii and Hawaiian Electric Co. have reached an agreement that will result in the withdrawal of a rate increase request submitted for the Big Island, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said in a statement. Pacific Business News.

Big Island legislators say they have serious concerns about a construction company’s decision to withdraw its bid for the Hawaii Community College at Palamanui project. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Medical Center and other public health care facilities across the state face having to resort to “painful choices” as they deal with diminishing resources, according to an editorial distributed Monday by CEO Howard Ainsley. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. filed on Friday a final request for proposals for expanding geothermal power on the island. Tribune-Herald.

Flying steerage just took on a whole new meaning. Pacific Air Cargo, using 727 airplanes leased from Kalitta Air, is taking Big Island cattle to the West Coast on a weekly basis, CEO Beti Ward said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County has adopted a comprehensive vehicle use policy and has taken steps to use eye-in-the-sky technology to track employees' use of official vehicles. Maui News.

The Legislature is again trying to serve the counties with a footloose challenge, as two state senate bills are trying to get the counties find the elusive definition of dancing. Garden Island.

Five Mauians, including the late planner Chris Hart, will be honored for their work to preserve Maui's environment by the Maui Group of the Sierra Club at its annual meeting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Kaunoa Senior Center in Spreckelsville. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i’s elected leaders say that Hawai‘i has tough gun laws and that it may be premature to enact more legislation without a deeper look. Garden Island.

County employees donated $18,900 in total to the Kaua‘i United way in 2012, officials announced this week. Garden Island.

Obama coming home for the holidays, beach smoking ban advanced, elections investigations multiply, Hunger Games casting call, invasive frog hops Christmas tree shipment, Kauai HR director theft case dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

White House gates on Obama Kailua beach rental, White House courtesy photo

President Barack Obama and his family are preparing for their annual December vacation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Residents living near the beachfront homes where President Barack Obama and First Family vacation with their friends every year since 2008 were alerted on Monday to some specifics of the Obamas' holiday vacation plans. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Elections Commission opted not to fire or discipline Chief Election Officer Scott Nago after a meeting Tuesday and instead will form a subcommittee to study the ballot shortages that led to long lines and frustrated voters on election day. Star-Advertiser.

After sitting through an hour of impassioned pleas from the public calling for his head to roll Tuesday, Scott Nago had to endure an hour of criticism and questions from the state Elections Commission. Civil Beat.

The state Elections Commission Tuesday decided to appoint a subcommittee to investigate ballot problems on Oahu during the Nov. 6 election, following testimony from some members of the public who called for Chief Election Officer Scott Nago to be fired. Hawaii News Now.

The state’s elections commission met Tuesday to review alleged problems in the primary and general elections. Hawaii Independent.

The state elections commission on Tuesday formed a subcommittee to investigate what caused two dozen Oahu polling places to run out of paper ballots during the Nov. 6 General Election. Associated Press.

Accusations and emotions flew at an elections commission meeting on Tuesday, to try and address the ballot shortage fiasco that turned Hawaii's general election into a nightmare. KITV4.

Angry voters are calling for state and federal investigations of the Office of Elections. KHON2.

Hawaii Gas President and CEO Jeffrey M. Kissel will discuss his company’s plan to bring liquified natural gas to Hawaii at the Natural Gas Roundtable at the University Club in Washington on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

UH researcher attempts to fill gaps in tsunami buoy system. KITV4.

A casting call has been put out for stand-ins in Hawaii for several cast members of ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'. Hawaii News Now.

Catching Fire, the much anticipated sequel in The Hunger Games trilogy, is shooting at several locations in the state between November 26 and December 22. Hawaii News Now.

State briefs 11/28. Associated Press.

Oahu

A bill to ban smoking at five of Oahu's most popular beach parks got a favorable nod Tuesday from a key Honolulu City Council committee. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed Bill to make Waikiki Beaches smoke free was advanced by a Honolulu City Council Committee today. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Department agent Christopher Deedy spent the night drinking and bar-hopping before going to a Waikiki McDonald's restaurant where he shot and killed a 23-year-old Kailua man, city prosecutors said in court papers filed in Deedy's murder case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Tuesday solidified his administration’s West Hawaii presence by naming Deputy Managing Director Wally Lau his new managing director, replacing retiring Managing Director Bill Takaba. West Hawaii Today.

The Water Board voted down changes to its rules that would have codified requirements that standpipe lessees comply with all federal, state and county laws, rules and regulations. West Hawaii Today.

Plans are underway to relocate the Hilo Adult Day Center to a new home to be built adjacent to a senior rental housing project now under construction. Big Island Now.

Maui
A Maui County Council committee on Monday advanced the second piece of a three-part package aimed at eliminating the long-standing Upcountry water meter waiting list. Maui News.

A recent donation from the Alexander & Baldwin Foundation was used to improve facilities for the homeless at The Salvation Army in Kahului. Maui Now.

The invasive veiled chameleon is close to being eradicated from Maui with the Maui Invasive Species Committee reporting that they have not seen the critter since spring 2008. Maui News.

Phasing in the Lahaina bypass. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano dismissed Tuesday an indictment against county Human Resources Manager Janine Rapozo, who was charged with falsifying business records to aid Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. in the theft of gasoline using a county-issued gasoline card. Star-Advertiser.

The case against a county manager over accessory to theft charges was dismissed at her initial appearance in 5th Circuit Court Tuesday. Garden Island.

There was more drama today in the ongoing controversy over Kauai Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.'s alleged criminal use of a county gasoline card. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission has dismissed a formal complaint with prejudice against the Kauai Island Utilities Commission. Garden Island.

Officials captured an non-native frog that jumped from a Christmas tree a couple had just bought Tuesday at a Walmart in Lihue, the Kauai Invasive Species Committee reported. Star-Advertiser.

Marine experts will collect samples off Kauai's North Shore today to determine whether one of the state's major coral disease outbreaks in recent years is related to lesions being found on Hawaiian puffer fish. Star-Advertiser.

Big surf could lower voter turnout, 'Hunger Games' to film in Hawaii, OHA expands national presence, help for the homeless, Maui has state's top bond rating, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Democratic Party Grand Rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Vote today! Find your polling place here.

Voters across the state will head to the polls on Tuesday to select their nominees for president, mayor, and several congressional races during Hawaii's general election. Hawaii News Now.

Early voting in Hawaii before today's election was slightly ahead of the last presidential election in 2008, but political analysts do not expect turnout to be much higher than the 66 percent of registered voters who cast ballots four years ago. Star-Advertiser.

As of Nov. 3 almost 182,000 voters statewide had cast early ballots, far eclipsing the 152,000 ballots cast early in Hawaii’s 2010 general. Civil Beat.

Election Day is a state, city and county holiday.  So, all state, city and county offices are closed as well as state libraries. KITV4.

Like Florida in 2000, some are predicting that the closely contested 2012 presidential election could result in one candidate winning the national popular vote and the other winning the Electoral College. Civil Beat.

Republican Linda Lingle spent her time shaking hands while Democrat Mazie Hirono was with her supporters phone banking -- each trying to sway the undecided. KHON2.

Big surf will hang around today, with advisory levels likely continuing for east-facing shores but ending for the north shores of the main Hawaiian Islands, the National Weather Service predicts. Star-Advertiser.

The National Weather Service has extended a high surf advisory until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is looking to expand its reach far beyond Hawaii's shores. Civil Beat.

Providers of services to homeless people have planned a host of events statewide for next week aimed at boosting awareness of the hurdles they face and urging more people to be part of the solution. Star-Advertiser.

It’s official — “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” will film in Hawaii. The sequel to Lionsgate’s wildly popular “The Hunger Games” will film on Oahu sometime before the end of the year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The race for Honolulu Mayor will likely be the most closely watched of the election. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayoral hopeful Kirk Caldwell reported raising $76,000 in the final weeks of the race, according to the latest reports filed with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Former Gov. Ben Caye­tano, Caldwell's mayoral opponent, reported raising $73,599, bringing his total for the campaign to $1.4 million. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Campaign Spending Director Robert Watada is accusing Honolulu Mayoral Candidate Kirk Caldwell of participating in a"pay to play" scheme after reviewing dozens of donations Caldwell's campaign accepted from government rail contractors and employees of the city's rail authority. Hawaii Reporter.

The countdown to the General Election tomorrow is well underway and local campaigns are making their final push to reach potential voters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

It’s time for Hawaii residents to head to the polls and cast the votes that will determine the future of their community, state and nation. Tribune-Herald.

Almost 30,000 of Hawaii County’s 104,323 registered voters had already voted by the early walk-in voting deadline Saturday. According to the county Elections Division, 9,502 voters opted for early walk-in voting, and 20,019 mail-in ballots had been received. West Hawaii Today.

State elections officials are watching for problems at the polls in Hawaii County during today's election, taking over for county officials after widespread glitches that led to extended voting hours during the primary. Associated Press.

Civil Defense and police personnel have fixed 11 of the 13 tsunami warning sirens found to be dysfunctional during last week’s test. Tribune-Herald.

Kona residents can hop a direct flight to Anchorage starting Saturday. West Hawaii Today.
http://westhawaiitoday.com/sections/news/local-news/nonstop-route-kona-takes.html

An ocean-drifting fish-raising prototype from a Hawaii company was named one of the best inventions of 2012 by Time Magazine. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii developer Peter Savio is moving forward on plans to expand his Pagoda hotel brand, which caters to kama­aina and college students looking for economical rooms. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Police Department and the U.S. Army Garrison-Pohakuloa last week formalized a training agreement. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A 22-acre vacant lot in Lahaina that has been used as a dumpsite and homeless encampment in recent years will be developed into a $60 million housing project. Maui News.

Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch rated Maui County Aa1/AA+/AA+, higher than any other county in the State of Hawai’i. Mayor’s TV Show to Discuss Maui Bond Rating. Maui Now.

A high surf advisory is currently in effect for north and east facing shores of Maui and Molokai and will remain in effect until Tuesday 6 a.m., the National Weather Service said. Maui News.

Kauai

Two Kaua‘i residents who regularly attend County Council meetings have filed a formal complaint with the Board of Ethics against the county attorney. Garden Island.

Kauai’s mayor and police chief have been battling publicly since last February over whether the mayor or the police commission has the authority to discipline or fire the police chief. Hawaii Reporter.

The Kaua‘i County Council unanimously approved on first reading last week a bill that would create a permanent reserve fund for the county, to be used to cover budget shortfalls and stabilization and initial disaster response, among other things. Garden Island.

U.S. Senate campaign simmers through emails, federal judge to hear gay marriage case, voter registration up, Hollywood coming to Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki highrises (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Waikiki may soon see its first new high-rise hotel in more than three years. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge in Hawaii will hear arguments today on whether Gov. Neil Abercrombie should remain as a defendant in a lawsuit by two women who claim they’re being denied the right to marry. Associated Press.

In a campaign email sent out Sunday, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Ed Case criticized political rival Mazie Hirono for accepting more than $700,000 from political action committees this election season. Civil Beat.

Mazie Hirono last week accused Linda Lingle and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce of being "two peas in a pod" for opposing President Barack Obama's priorities. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, a candidate for U.S. Senate, missed three additional votes last week so she could continue to fundraise and campaign for the seat left open by the retirement of U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

A $2.2 million expedition that hoped to find wreckage from Amelia Earhart's final flight is on its way back to Hawaii without the dramatic, conclusive plane images searchers were hoping to attain. Associated Press.

Voter registration increased statewide this year for the fourth primary election in a row. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii may require skippers of power driven boats in state waters to complete a boating safety course. Associated Press.

State roundup for July 24. Associated Press.

Oahu
Being Honolulu mayor has its perks. Just ask Peter Carlisle. In November, he rolled out the red carpet for 21 world leaders from the Asia-Pacific region — including President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama — arriving in Honolulu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation biannual summit. Star-Advertiser.

Not So Public: Open Records Agency Takes Up Civil Beat Appeal, 1 Year Later. Civil Beat.

Reapportionment – the redrawing of Hawai’i’s Legislative boundaries based on population changes in the 2010 Census – has forced a number of veteran lawmakers to face each other in a Primary Election run-off. Hawaii Public Radio.

More highway lanes will soon be available through one of the H-1s bottleneck areas, as lane re-striping gets underway. KHON2.

Hawaii

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi closed the Hilo Elections Office on Monday for an audit of the county voter registration list, an action a state elections official called unprecedented and a county councilman called “fishy.” West Hawaii Today.

The county Office of Elections was closed Monday for a manual check of its more than 101,000 registered voters and to weed out any irregularities. Tribune-Herald.

Mayors Race Erupts on Big Island Over Geothermal. Civil Beat.

Maui

Two first-time Maui political hopefuls are among the few Hawaii candidates to so far tap into the state's public funding program that matches dollar-for-dollar campaign contributions of $100 or less. Maui News.

The Oscars of the Hawaii coffee industry brewed a lot of interest Saturday at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. Maui News.

Jo Anne Johnson Winer – Maui’s Veteran Public Official. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai may not be getting “The Hunger Games” sequel, but it looks like another Hollywood feature will be filmed in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The Kaua‘i Charter Review Commission on Monday approved the final list of questions related to proposed Kaua‘i Charter amendments to be included in this year’s ballot. Garden Island.

Next year the Kilauea Lighthouse, the northernmost place of the Main Hawaiian Islands, will celebrate its 100th anniversary. As a result, the Kilauea community is going through a comprehensive restoration. Garden Island.

Lanai

For months, it's been a battle of the Big Wind signs on Lanai. Both pro and anti wind farm factions have draped banners on buildings and placed signs in front yards that read, "No Windmills on Lanai!" or "Wind Power - To Keep Lanai Green." Civil Beat.

Molokai

In order to bring more tangible data to ongoing efforts to better understand Hawaiian monk seals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed a research project that will attach Crittercams, or small video cameras, to the backs of the seals. Molokai Dispatch.