Gov. Ige seeks federal disaster declaration for flooding on Kauai and Oahu as Big Island put on volcano watch, sexual harassment in the Legislature, Roddenberry son building Maui home, new standards for Kakaako roads, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige signs disaster declaration request, Governor's Office photo

Gov. David Ige on Wednesday asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster for Hawaii following last month’s flooding and landslides that destroyed — or caused major damage — to more than 115 homes on Kauai and Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Seeks Federal Disaster Assistance For Flood-Ravaged Kauai. The state’s detailed assessment of damage includes destroyed homes and roads, lost tourism dollars and PTSD among residents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster for the state of Hawaii following severe flooding and landslides on Kauai and Oahu last month. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige has asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster for the State of Hawaii as a result of severe flooding and landslides on Kauai and Oahu between April 13 and April 16, 2018. Big Island Now.

Gov. David Ige is asking President Trump to declare a major disaster for Hawaii following last month’s destructive flooding Kauai and Oahu. KHON2.

Some 532 homes were damaged or destroyed in the historic rains that swamped Oahu and Kauai last month, state officials said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Damage to public property alone from last month’s flooding and landslides adds up to more than $19.7 million, and 532 homes on Oahu and Kauai were affected — 115 of them left with major damage or destroyed. Star-Advertiser.

Ige's full 25-page disaster declaration request can be found here.

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Why No One Wants To Blow The Whistle On Sexual Misconduct. People who experience sexual harassment at the Hawaii State Capitol fear the consequences if they complain. Civil Beat.

Roll Call: Here’s The Best And Worst Attendance Of Legislators This Session. A handful of lawmakers missed at least 10 days, but many had perfect attendance. Civil Beat.

Oxybenzone may soon become a thing of the past. Yesterday, Hawaii lawmakers approved a state-wide ban on the sale of sunscreen containing the chemical. Hawaii Public Radio.

Army installations across Hawaii will receive $2.6 billion in funding over a 32-year period to build and upgrade facilities, as part of he Army’s Hawaii Infrastructure Readiness Initiative. Pacific Business News.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Rowena Akana said she plans to fight an ethics charge alleging violations linked to cash she accepted to help pay for legal fees and for using her trustee allowance to buy things such as home cable television services and a home security system. Star-Advertiser.

OHA trustee says she'll fight ethics charges 'to the death'. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Public Schools to launch new online lunch payment system on May 7. KHON2.

Hokulea is back on dry land after getting damaged. The voyaging canoe ran aground as it made its way towards Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island. The canoe's hull was damaged. KHON2.

Oahu

Eight private Kakaako roads subject to new standards law. A bill signed into law by Gov. David Ige on Tuesday aims to make the owners of the roads responsible for upgrading the thoroughfares to meet city standards — something that could prove to be very costly — or quit charging for parking. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will be looking for its third director of planning, permitting and right of way since November 2016 following the resignation of Abbey Mayer. Star-Advertiser.

While dozens of homeless people swept out of Kakaako parks set up new campsites in mauka parts of Kakaako, social service outreach workers also moved two homeless Kakaako families into public housing. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s largest utility is proposing to plug two batteries — really big batteries — into Oahu’s electricity grid to increase development, efficiency and cost savings of renewable energy production plants. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts to improve the beach parks mean lifeguards are spending precious time — moving their gear. At some Oahu beaches, lifesaving beach equipment is being transported to and from lifeguard towers every day. Hawaii News Now.

Coral out-plantings thriving at Sand Island. In the filtered light streaming through the ocean at Sand Island, Hawaii’s newest garden is thriving on five pyramids attached to the substrate. Garden Island.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County officials are advising lower Puna residents to be prepared to evacuate should a new eruption occur on Kilauea’s East Rift Zone. Tribune-Herald.

Underground Magma On The Move As Quakes Rattle Volcano. It may have already gone under the highway to the viewing area, and Hawaii County is making preparations for a possible eruption. Associated Press.

At least a couple of cracks formed in the roadways near Leilani Estates in Puna Wednesday, offering up the latest sign that Kilauea Volcano may be drawing closer to a new eruption. Star-Advertiser.

The Puna district on Hawaii's Big Island was placed under a volcano watch after a crater floor collapsed at Kilauea Volcano causing dozens of small earthquakes in the volcano’s east rift zone over the past several days, prompting federal, state and local authorities to prepare for a possible eruption. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed nearly 16,000 acres on Kilauea Volcano today as the possibility for a new eruption looms over the area and surrounding communities. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: New Flyover Reveals Deep Hole At Puu Oo As Lava Moves Downrift. Big Island Video News.

Swarms of earthquakes — as many as eight to 10 temblors per hour — continue to rattle Puna, and residents along Kilauea's east rift zone are being told to prepare for a possible eruption that could come with "very little warning" to evacuate. Hawaii News Now.

Residents in Lower Puna are being advised to stay informed with County and U.S. Geological Survey updates because of recent volcanic activity in the area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds of small earthquakes continue to rattle the Big Island, raising concerns of a possible eruption from Kilauea Volcano. Emergency officials are already preparing for possible evacuations. KHON2.

Hawaii Island hit with earthquakes again Wednesday.  Some residents are on alert after increased activity at Kilauea Volcano. KITV.

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Kohala Councilman Tim Richards said he will recuse himself from voting on a bill regulating vacation rentals until the Board of Ethics clears him of a potential conflict of interest. West Hawaii Today.

Another $6.8 million has been added to the tab for phase 2 of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project. West Hawaii Today.

Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is one step closer to securing the landmark garden and re-opening it to the public. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry plans to build a nearly 8,000-square-foot home with an infinity swimming pool and spa over the next couple years in Kaanapali. Maui News.

Kauai

A joint preliminary damage assessment released Wednesday found the April flooding caused nearly $11 million in damages on Kauai. Garden Island.

Disaster recovery on Kauai is making progress with the help of good Samaritans. Samaritan’s Purse, a North Carolina-based Christian relief organization, on Wednesday landed at Lihue Airport with supplies and disaster specialists on the organization’s DC-8 cargo plane that departed from Greensboro. Garden Island.

Hawaii moves to Election Day voter registration, financial disclosure bill to become law, Waihee endorses Schatz, China at RIMPAC draws media attention, Coco Palms seeks foreign investors, cellphone fines reach $307, Abercrombie gets star endorsement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii early voting file photo © 2014 All Hawaii News

With the state's voter turnout foundering among the lowest in the nation, a measure signed into law Monday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie could boost the state's rating by as much as 10 points by 2018, advocates say. House Bill 2590 allows voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016. Same-day voting registration would be allowed starting in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Saying “every vote is precious,” Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed into law legislation that seeks to improve voter turnout. House Bill 2590 allows for voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016, and late voter registration — including on election day — beginning in 2018. Civil Beat.

A measure taking aim at Hawaii's worst-in-the-nation voter turnout is now law. Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed a bill making Hawaii the 12th state in the country where late registration could be done on the day voters head to the polls. But same-day voting registration won't begin until the 2018 elections to give state election officials time to phase in the program. Hawaii News Now.

A new law will allow voters to register at absentee polling places in 2016 and at all polling places on election day in 2018. Big Island Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed House Bill 2590 (Act 166), a measure that will allow voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016 and late voter registration, including on Election Day, beginning in 2018. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he will allow pending legislation to become law that adds members of 15 state boards and commissions to the list of public officials whose financial interests are publicly disclosed. The decision comes one week after signaling his intent to veto the legislation, but instead he is allowing it to become law without his signature. Star-Advertiser.

The public can expect a much closer look at the financial interests of powerful state board members after Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s decision Monday to not veto a disclosure bill that has already been cited as the reason for two resignations. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that he would allow Senate Bill 2682, which expands the number of state boards and commissions that require public financial disclosure statements of board members, to become law without his signature after previously indicating that he planned to veto it. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will allow Senate Bill 2682 Relating to Financial Disclosure Statements to become law, the governor said today in a letter to Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and House Speaker Joe Souki. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii regents John Dean and Saedene Ota have resigned over pending legislation that would require them to make their financial disclosure statements available to the public as well as to the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. Pacific Business News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie signed 16 bills into law today, a majority of them relating to aging and health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Gov. John Waihee has endorsed U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in the Democratic primary for Senate, arguing that the appointed senator has already put himself in strategic positions to help move Hawaii forward. Star-Advertiser.

Daniel Dae Kim, star of the CBS series "Hawaii Five-0," is endorsing Gov. Neil Abercrombie in his re-election campaign, noting his longtime support of the arts as a key to Hawaii's tourism industry. Hawaii News Now.

The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said Monday China’s first-time participation in the world’s largest maritime exercises in Hawaii will help Beijing and other nations work together in a crisis. Associated Press.

Although 22 nations are participating in the largest-ever Rim of the Pacific exercise getting underway in Hawaii, media questions at an opening news conference Monday at Pearl Harbor focused primarily on just one: China. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education is reminding parents that the upcoming new school year comes with changes in kindergarten requirements. Starting this school year, children must be 5 years old by July 31 to enter kindergarten. Previously, children could enter kindergarten if they turned 5 by December 31. Kindergarten is now mandatory in Hawaii. Associated Press.

A new Hawaii program will allow former foster youth to voluntarily extend foster care until they turn 21. Associated Press.

The Federal Department of the Interior continues public meetings this week, gathering testimony on whether they should propose establishing a government to government relationship with Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio.

A little-publicized change in the state law banning the use of cellphones and other mobile electronic devices while driving takes effect today, the first day of the new fiscal year. Penalties now range to $307. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. said on Monday it will not seek a rate increase in the current three-year rate cycle. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the Power of Incumbency. In bill-signing ceremonies, Hawaii governor honors lawmakers, pleases advocates and acts like a leader — one running for re-election. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Relief is in sight for Oahu drivers. The state’s H-1 Freeway Rehab Project, which started last September, is almost finished. But until then, drivers will still have to deal with lane closures. KHON2.

Residents should anticipate increased traffic congestion as construction workers begin laying a column in July that will support the elevated rail line as it crosses over the H-1/H-2 freeway merge between Waipahu and Pearl City, according to a news release issued Monday by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. continues to negotiate with the nine solar energy firms to develop large solar photovoltaic projects that could be up and running quickly to provide electricity on Oahu at a lower cost, but sources tell Pacific Business News that the process has become unfair.

American taxpayers have so far paid $4.3 million to defend former Schofield Barracks soldier Naeem J. Williams against the death penalty, according to data the U.S. District Court here released Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Locals speak first. That’s the new rule for hearings about Native Hawaiian sovereignty being held by the U.S. Department of Interior, following complaints that the same group of people was traveling meeting-to-meeting and monopolizing the conversation. West Hawaii Today.

In a rare move, Gov. Neil Abercrombie will sign a collection of legislative bills in Hilo this morning. Tribune-Herald.

Hamakua Ditch © 2014 All Hawaii News

Several miles of the Lower Hamakua Ditch may still be put into a pipe. Last week, the state Department of Agriculture re-issued a bid request for the project, which would channel 3.7 miles of the 26-mile-long open irrigation system into high-density polyethylene pipe. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating a report of another sailboat dropping anchor chain on coral in Kailua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County as of now prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under age 21, becoming only the fourth municipality in the country to do so. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Veteran state Sen. Rosalyn Baker faces opposition from three first-time candidates from different political parties in her bid for a sixth term in Maui's 6th District. They are Democrat Terez Amato, Libertarian Bronson Kekahuna Kaahui and Republican Jared P. Dubois. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui Police Commission announced the recruitment for a chief of police to fill the vacancy being created by the retirement of Chief Gary Yabuta in July. The recruitment notice indicates that the job pays $135,000 per year, and that applicants must be a citizen of the US and a resident of the state for at least one year preceding appointment. Maui Now.

The mayor of Maui ordered an end to direct communication between his staff and members of the Maui County Council. Associated Press.

Paramedics asked to vacate clinic in Hana. For nearly two decades, Hana residents have known exactly where to go when they have had an after-hours medical emergency - the Hana Health hale where American Medical Response paramedics live. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of the Interior came to accept comment on five specific questions related to whether — and how — it should proceed with re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians on Monday. Garden Island.

Supporters of an independent Native Hawaiian nation were out in force Monday night to reject the possibility of federal recognition of a native government in the first of two meetings on the Garden Isle. Nearly 200 people filled the Wai­mea High School cafeteria after the meeting was relocated from the smaller Wai­mea Neighborhood Center to accommodate a larger crowd.  Star-Advertiser.

Officials seeking to rebuild Coco Palms Resort say they will likely rely on an infusion of loans from foreign investors to support the project during the hotel’s first years in operation. Garden Island.

Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital's budget is now facing more intense scrutiny as HHSC board members on Kauai seek to address a projected $11 million budget shortfall facing the region by cutting costs and streamlining operations. Garden Island.

Gay Dems file complaints over marriage definition bills, $5.75M class action settlement over sex abuse at blind and deaf school advances, hotel tax increase mulled, Oahu red light bill advances, Ellison meets Maui mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu gay rally (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Gay activists in the Democratic Party of Hawaii said Tuesday they have filed complaints against 11 state House and Senate Democrats for sponsoring a constitutional amendment that would ask voters whether marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to get rid of the heavily criticized Public Land Development Corp. Associated Press.

In an effort to make legislators' financial disclosures more pertinent to the legislative session, House Bill 1132, which passed a second House committee Tuesday and now heads to the floor for a full vote, would move the disclosure deadline to between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31. Civil Beat.

A federal judge granted preliminary approval Tuesday to a proposed $5.75 million class-action settlement of a lawsuit accusing the state of allowing and covering up years of sexual abuse of students at Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposal that would increase the hotel room tax known as the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) by 2 percent from 9.25 to 11.25 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Board of Education members said Tuesday that they are tired of hearing the same progress reports on how the department plans to fix its student transportation system. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii has asked the attorney general's office to assist in an investigation of allegations that a top UH official wasted potentially millions of dollars in state money through the mismanagement of construction projects, including steering contracts to friends. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii officials have announced they’ll investigate allegations that a university administrator wasted what could add up to millions of taxpayer dollars. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents and UH President M.R.C. Greenwood are scheduled to discuss allegations of mismanagement made by a prominent Honolulu engineer at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting Thursday in Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii executives who take sabbaticals would have to make clear how their paid time away will benefit the institution, under a proposal set to go before the Board of Regents on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is considering a policy change that would give undocumented immigrants the chance to qualify for resident tuition rates at a UH community college or four-year campus. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday that he has created a 29-member task force to assess the impact of the closure later this year of Tesoro Corp.’s Hawaii refinery. Pacific Business News.

Salary hikes are on the table across the islands for elected and appointed officials, though setting the right pay is a moving target. KHON2.

A new state task force will look into Hawaii’s future energy prospects if both of the states oil refineries close. Civil Beat.

KITV4 News is excited to announce an exclusive interview with President Barack Obama. KITV4.

Oahu

A new bill to install red-light cameras at intersections across Oahu is gaining speed, and state lawmakers are encouraged that this year’s effort could succeed where previous attempts hit the skids. Star-Advertiser.

The ban on all commercial activities at O’ahu City Parks was reversed today by the Caldwell Administration. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Moanalua mother is fighting for her right to breastfeed in public. Hawaii News Now.

The owner of Ala Moana Center is forcing Sears to close more than six months earlier than scheduled to demolish the 340,000-square-foot anchor store in July and start an extensive expansion of the state's largest shopping complex. Star-Advertiser.

About 125 BAE Systems Hawaii workers at Schofield Barracks received notice Friday that they are being furloughed immediately for 30 days, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The chances of Congress heading off sequestration — across the board budget cuts for federal departments and programs — are slim at this point, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said during a Kona visit Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

A move to have the County Council represented by a different attorney than the one representing the mayor was summarily shot down Tuesday by a County Council committee. West Hawaii Today.

School Librarian Takes Exception With Anti-War Presentation. Big Island Now.

A Connections New Century Public Charter School employee is appealing an ethics commission ruling after being slapped with a $10,000 fine earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

On the Mainland there were Manzanar and Tule Lake, perhaps the two most-known Japanese-American internment camps. But not many know of Honouliuli on Oahu and Kalaheo Stockade on Kauai - two of Hawaii's 13 internment camps during World War II. Maui News.

The Mayor Arakawa Community Kokua Fund, will host its signature Mayor’s Kokua Ball fundraising event on Saturday, March 9. Maui Now.

Kauai

Work is ready to commence on the construction of the Hanalei Pier canopy, said Tony Motta, president of the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay, who was joined by Rotary Club members, supporters for the Save the Pier campaign, and dignitaries from the county of Kaua‘i during the blessing for the construction of the canopy Tuesday. Garden Island.

A recently released report indicates that promoting health and community interaction can also be a source of economic wealth for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison, the corporate titan who bought the majority of Lanai last summer, has had his first meeting with Maui Mayor Alan Arawaka. The two posed for pictures Tuesday on the yacht owned by the Oracle Corp. CEO. Pacific Business News.

See photo here.

Larry Ellison’s Lanai Resorts LLC has named Arlan Chun, a former Hawaii executive with developers OliverMcMillan and DMB Associates, as vice president of all development and construction on Lanai. Pacific Business News.