Hawaii inmates released without supervision, tax department not keeping up, four same-sex couples to inaugurate new civil unions law, Maui PD shows off morgue, Kauai mayor to talk story, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu city lights (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

While Honolulu residents may marvel at the brilliant glow of the city's night skyline, it's not a welcome sight for astronomers atop Haleakala. For them, it's light pollution that's interfering with their scientific studies. Civil Beat.

Hawaii inmates considered at high risk for committing new offenses increasingly have been released from prison without any supervision -- a trend that experts say is not only out of sync with national practices, but increases the safety risk to the public. Star-Advertiser.

Antiquated technology at the Hawaii Department of Taxation is hampering efforts to perform effective and timely audits of Hawaii taxpayers. Civil Beat.

Four committed couples from Hawaii will become the first in Hawaii to enter into civil unions on January 1. Hawaii Independent.

Thirty-seven programs that help homeless people in Hawaii have received a total of $10.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Star-Advertiser.

Bouncing back from homelessness is a challenge confronted by more than 10-thousand adults in Hawai`i over the past year. Hawai`i’s high cost of housing and the dominance of service industry jobs makes it particularly challenging for many people to rent or own a home they can call their own. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of Hawaii residents filing for unemployment benefits has fallen sharply since hitting historic highs during the recent recession. Star-Advertiser.

State officials are bracing for a federal review of Hawaii's public school system early next year that could determine whether the state continues to receive millions in competitive education grants. Associated Press.

State roundup for Dec. 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

President Barack Obama had an active Monday, starting with a morning workout and a late-morning hike with his family in Lanikai, followed by a golf outing with friends in the afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

City May Need $1 Million From State For Extra Ambulances. KITV4.

Fireworks ban dampens New Year plans for some. KHON2.

A vocal proponent of the Honolulu rail project has asked the IRS to look into alleged tax violations by a nonprofit suing to stop the train. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is asking a national education research group to pay about $28,800 for UH to fulfill an open-records request from the group, which is compiling a controversial ranking of teacher preparation programs. Star-Advertiser.

An area that's been a magnet for illegal dumping continues to attract everything but the kitchen sink. KHON2.

Hawaii

New Year's celebrations and fireworks have been synonymous on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The temperature in the walk-in refrigerator at the Maui Police Department's new morgue and forensic facility is maintained between 36 and 38 degrees. Inside, there are racks of steel slabs. Maui News.

The nuns who have been researching the life of Mother Marianne Cope have discovered a woman who was a tough, capable, caring administrator. Maui News.

In an effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration, officials with the Maui Fire Department are urging the public to take proper precautions. Maui Now.

Kauai

Robert Kawamura, a junior at Kaua‘i High School, said he’s been pounding mochi for a long time, Monday in Wailua. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. will meet with community members in Hanapepe, Kapa‘a, Kekaha and Koloa in January as part of his pledge to meet with communities throughout the island annually. Garden Island.

Molokai

The studio structure is being constructed by Molokai Habitat for Humanity (MHFH) through a Habitat for Humanity International and Lowe’s Home Improvement program called Hammers for Heroes, which funds home improvements for veterans. Molokai Dispatch.

Molokai tour boat truce reached, Hawaii teachers take second jobs, Big Island rents drop, $10.7M for homeless, Honolulu scrambles after hospital shutdown, UH picks Norm Chow as new football coach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Molokai blockade courtesy photo

Molokai protesters and the operator of American Safari Cruises have agreed to a truce that will allow the tour boat company to resume its weekly visits to Molokai next month. Star-Advertiser.

American Safari Cruises announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached between the company, state and federal authorities and local groups so that the Safari Explorer will return to Molokai in January. Star-Advertiser.

American Safari Cruises plans to resume regularly scheduled visits to Molokai on January 21, 2011. Maui Now.

U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan Tuesday awarded $10.7 million to renew funding to Hawaii homeless programs. KHON2.

Two-thirds of Hawaii public school teachers who responded to a recent union poll said they hold one or more outside jobs, and 41 percent of those earning supplemental incomes said they started working another job in the last one to three years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii legislators are planning a complete overhaul of the state’s charter school system in the wake of “glaring concerns” about lack of accountability and even possible fraud at some schools. Hawaii Reporter.

Inouye Still Brings Home The Bacon. Half a billion dollars going to military, APEC costs, East-West Center. Civil Beat.

Norm Chow is poised to become the next University of Hawaii head football coach -- 16 years, two Heisman Trophy winners and two national titles after losing his first bid for the position. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s version of the Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2013, submitted yesterday, requires an additional $35 million in general funds—overall changes included an increase of $119.9 million in spending in some areas and $85.9 million in savings in others. Hawaii Independent.

The Keck Observatory was involved in what its director called a historic moment recently, helping confirm the discovery of two Earth-sized planets.  West Hawaii Today.

State roundup for Dec. 21. Associated Press.

Oahu

Police-Business Deal Raises Ethical Questions. Civil Beat.

About 1200 people are waiting for the outcome of a lawsuit determining their future living conditions. Mayor Wright Homes is the second complex to draw attention to public housing standards in the past several years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Medical Centers, which is closing the former St. Francis Medical Centers in Liliha and Ewa over the next few weeks, operates the only organ transplant center in the Pacific. The Transplant Institute of the Pacific shut down on Friday when HMC's Liliha hospital stopped admitting patients. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations will provide Rapid Response services to employees at both Hawaii Medical Center worksites in Liliha and Ewa after the company announced last Friday it is closing. KITV4.

After the sudden closure of Hawaii’s only organ transplant hospital at Hawaii Medical Center East in Liliha, The Queen’s Medical Center is racing against the clock to quickly certify a new program. KHON2.

A non-profit that describes itself as the world's largest religious civil liberties legal organization is getting involved in a discrimination lawsuit filed on Oahu Monday by a lesbian couple. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mortgage brokers Welton Kalani and Stephen Balino have been found guilty on numerous counts of mortgage fraud and money laundering, the U.S. Department of Justice reported Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Fire Department says Wednesday, December 21 is the last day to get firecracker permits on Oahu. KITV4.

Hawaii

A newly released study shows that monthly residential rents are decreasing on the Big Island, while the rest of the state is posting increases. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island residents are in for a sight when several massive storage tanks for the new Big Island Biodiesel refinery are transported from Hilo to Keeau on Wednesday. KHON2.

Kona Community Hospital is actively recruiting a cardiologist, CEO Jay Kreuzer said this week. West Hawaii Today.

Residents in four Big Island communities may soon have access to computers and printers at County Council offices, thanks to a resolution forwarded Tuesday by the council's Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island County Council to Vote on Plastic Bag Ban, Civil Beat.

Maui

About 40 nisei veterans traveled to Oahu this past weekend to take part in ceremonies honoring them for receiving the Congressional Gold Medal for their service during World War II with the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Services. Maui News.

Kauai

Kadomatsu, one of the more familiar New Year’s decorations, are now on sale at the Hawai‘i Government Employees Association offices on Aikahi Street in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

The holiday spirit caught up with the staff at the Courtyard by Marriott at Coconut Beach Thursday night. Garden Island.

Oahu gas tax hike debated, state taxes still alive in Legislature, Maui dengue cases increase, Honolulu fireworks ban could affect neighbor island supply, bill could revive Ka'u biomass plant, more

Hawaii Capitol

The largest remaining tax measures pending before Hawaii lawmakers would eliminate business exemptions, raise car rental fees and take hotel tax money from the counties. Associated Press.

There are more than two-dozen tax bills still alive at the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie made a final push to keep legislation alive that would fund programs and policies that support his fiscal plan. KITV4.

The state collected more than $190 million in general excise taxes in February, but overall, general fund deposits are down. KHON2.

Hawaii general fund deposits for February were down 4 percent compared to the same month in 2010, according to a report from the Hawaii Department of Taxation. Pacific Business News

It's been relatively calm on Hawaii's home foreclosure front during the past several months, but the storm could soon return. Star-Advertiser.

A hearing on proposed fees and fee increases for city facilities and services drew only a handful of interested citizens Wednesday at Honolulu Hale.KITV4.

A proposal to increase the city’s gasoline tax by 1 cent per gallon has advanced in the City Council, but appears unlikely to go much further. Star-Advertiser.

Politicians are getting feisty over rail transit money and some are turning on each other as there are accusations of greed and skimming off the top. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Managing Director Doug Chin said Oahu residents can expect to see "a lot more road work" between now and the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Civil Beat.

Three new cases of dengue fever are suspected in Hana, along with a possible case in Haliimaile and an additional two or three Upcountry, according to health officials. Maui News.

The intent of a draft commercial air tour management plan for Haleakala National Park got a thumbs up Tuesday evening as those attending a public meeting agreed that regulations should be in place to limit or prevent impacts to the park, its visitors and resources. Maui News.

Hawaii taxpayers are covering a quarter of the cost of a new solar parking canopy project for Oceanic Time Warner Cable. KITV4.

New bill could breathe new life into Pahala biofuel project. Big Island Weekly.

Kaua‘i Fire Chief Robert Westerman on Monday told County Council members that despite financial and operational challenges the department has achieved improvements and will implement initiatives for Fiscal Year 2012, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

The county Office of the County Auditor is requesting a 34 percent budget increase for next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

The underground storage facility in Waikele where five Donaldson Enterprises employees were killed during a violent explosion Friday morning was being used by the company to prepare highly explosive fireworks for final disposal, an investigator from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu is the only county with a fireworks ban, but the neighbor islands may soon find it very difficult to purchase most consumer fireworks.KHON2.

Over a month after more than 150 dogs were seized in a puppy farm raid in Waimanalo, the Hawaiian Humane Society still has custody of them. Hawaii News Now.

Picture the Hawaii Island Humane Society's Kona Shelter. West Hawaii Today.

Something is out of place at many of Molokai’s fishponds – many of their rocks. Molokai Dispatch.

The engineering firm that designed a $1.9 million water tank officials say is defective has been considered for 18 additional county contracts but was awarded only one since the county filed a lawsuit against it. West Hawaii Today.

What is our capacity to endure? That’s the question that living sustainably asks of us. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii justice delayed by budget cuts, Hannemann to take hotel post, judge rules for migrant health care, student measures Kilauea's depths, UH video goes viral, fireworks ban in the works, state GOP in turmoil, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald is calling for adequate funding for the state Judiciary, which has been hit by furloughs and budget cuts that he says have reduced, delayed and eliminated important judicial services. Star-Advertiser.

A new report from the State Judiciary says court cases that once took weeks are now taking months, and some people who qualify for drug treatment have no choice but to wait behind bars -- all because of budget cuts. Hawaii News Now.

Sources tell Hawaii News Now the former Honolulu mayor will soon take the top job at the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association.Hawaii News Now.

Weeks after a lackluster performance in the November election, the Hawaii Republican Party is undergoing turmoil over its finances and whether it should sell its Honolulu headquarters. Associated Press.

The state's two largest freight shipping companies were grilled Monday as the state looked at ways to stop illegal aerial fireworks from entering the islands. KITV4.

In less than a month, consumer fireworks will be illegal on Oahu and law enforcement officials fear this New Year's Eve will be the worse when it comes to illegal imports. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie selected Pat McManaman to be appointed as the director of the Department of Human Services (DHS) last week.Hawaii Independent.

A college student who pinpointed the depth of Kilauea Volcano's magma chamber says the finding could lead to better predictions of eruptions. Star-Advertiser.

Grace Pacific Corp., the largest roadway paving contractor in Hawaii, has bought the owner of the 76 gas station brand in Hawaii in an all-stock transaction that will create one of the 10 largest locally owned for-profit companies in the state.Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge is ordering Hawaii's government to restore health benefits to low-income legal migrants from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. KITV4.

A federal judge has determined that Compact of Free Association migrants in Hawaii must receive full medical benefits Dec. 15. The ruling could cost the state upwards of $15 million a year. Civil Beat.

Tripler Army Medical Center is a place of healing but at least six employees contacted a civil rights lawyer alleging hateful and racial comments. Hawaii News Now.

Abercrombie celebrates in Ka'u. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Robert Faris approved a request yesterday to convert the Honolulu Symphony's bankruptcy case from Chapter 11 reorganization to Chapter 7 liquidation, effectively silencing the 110-year-old orchestra. Star-Advertiser.

Closing Queen Liliuokalani Elementary is no way to celebrate the school's 100th anniversary next year, said parents, teachers and others who turned out for a hearing on a consolidation proposal last night.Star-Advertiser.

The turnover in resort real estate is expected to top $1 billion this year, marking a turnaround after a five-year slide. Maui News.

On Jan. 16, Castle & Cooke Homes will auction off its remaining inventory of resort real estate at Manele and Koele on Lanai. Maui News.

Dr. Monty Downs got help from the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay and the Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach in installing a milestone-marking rescue tube Monday at Kealia Beach. Garden Island.

Kaunakakai wharf construction was given the green light last week, with new features such as an enhanced waiting room, increased bathroom facilities and improved traffic flow. Molokai Dispatch.

A video posted three days ago on Youtube showing the UH marching band has gone viral. KHON2.

A new oasis awaits for the thirsty, stressed and festive amid the touristy sprawl on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

HIV increasing in state, Lingle paves way for fireworks bans, Abercrombie fined for late campaign spending report, EIS opens door to scale insect release, more state news

More and more young people in Hawaii are testing positive for the HIV virus, according to the Life Foundation, the state’s largest anti-AIDS organization. KITV

Governor Lingle has signed a bill into law that allows the counties to enact their own laws regarding fireworks, as long as they're tougher than the state law. KHON2.

You'll have less time this year to get a fireworks permit before July Fourth. Not only does the holiday fall on a Sunday, but City and County offices will be closed on July 2 for furlough Friday. so the deadline is Thursday, July 1.. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers said Tuesday they are seriously considering a veto override if Gov. Linda Lingle (R) vetoes a bill calling for a cost-benefit audit of a privately run Arizona prison. KITV

The state is once again seeking approval to release a Brazilian scale insect into Hawaii forests to control the spread of the popular but environmentally needy strawberry guava tree. Star-Advertiser.

High salt levels in a South Kona well system have prompted health advisories from the county Department of Water Supply. West Hawaii Today.

 Neil Aber- crombie's gub- ernatorial campaign was recently fined by the Hawaii Campaign Spending Com- mission over late notice about a mainland fundraiser. KHON2

The June 14 release of the project's Final  Environmental Impact Statement  offers the most up-to-date list of homes and businesses that will have to move to make way for the train. Civil Beat.

The city is spending $400,000 in federal stimulus money on a mural and flowering trellises at two new transit centers. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii County Public Works employee is under investigation for allegedly hitting a Kona bicyclist Thursday morning while driving a county vehicle with a suspended license. West Hawaii Today.

New refuse carts are in preparation for Kauai County’s move toward automated refuse collection which is scheduled to start July 1. Garden Island.

University of Hawaii Maui College officials dedicated an array of photovoltaic panels Monday, saying the school is expanding its educational curriculum while installing renewable energy systems to reduce the college's energy costs. Maui News.


Geologists with the Hawaii Volcano Observatory flew over the Big Island's Pu'u O'o Crater Monday, getting good views of a new gas vent on the crater's east wall. KHON2.

A deal between the Kaua‘i County Council and developers of a South Shore project was supposed to offer its workers and the community 75 affordable houses in exchange for an approval to build 1,500 high-end units in Kukui‘ula, plus a golf course and shopping center. Garden Island.

Islanders going to bed late Friday or rising before dawn Saturday might see a partial eclipse of the moon if clouds don't obscure it. Star-Advertiser.

With less than a month left until the election filing deadline, 21 Big Island residents have entered County Council and state Legislature races, while 28 others have shown interest in joining them. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

Citing “a desperate need to reduce county regulation that is currently strangling small businesses and holding back literally thousands of jobs,” Paul Laub is running for the West Maui seat on the County Council. Lahaina News.


Although poor first semester grades in Molokai High School’s (MHS) online courses prompted school officials to further examine the e-school program, second semester grades revealed significant improvement among students. Molokai Dispatch.