Showing posts with label former U.S. Rep. Ed Case. Show all posts
Showing posts with label former U.S. Rep. Ed Case. Show all posts

Monday, July 15, 2013

Hawaii mulls water-powered jetpack rules, audit finds schools overcounting students, Dems bicker over marriage amendment, Ed Case leaves politics, Lanai likes Ellison, Ala Wai sewer pipe coming out, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy boatbloggings.com
water-powered jetpack, photo courtesy boatbloggings
The Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a public meeting this week to discuss possible state rules for water-powered jet packs. The department says it called the meeting in response to public concerns about the jet packs, which can appear to make people fly over water. Associated Press.

A recent internal audit by the Hawaii Department of Education finds that schools are exaggerating their enrollment counts. That's a serious issue because it skews how the state distributes the funding among the schools and ultimately reduces how much money schools receive for staffing and equipment. Civil Beat.

Some state House and Senate Democrats have asserted legislative immunity against accusations they violated the Demo­cratic Party of Hawaii's platform on equal rights by proposing a constitutional amendment on traditional marriage. The lawmakers say they were acting within their official legislative duties when they introduced or co-sponsored bills last session that would let voters decide whether marriage should be reserved for heterosexual couples. Star-Advertiser.

More than 13,000 Hawaii property owners — including businesses, owners of vacation homes, and those whose properties have had major problems with flooding could see their annual federal flood insurance premiums climb by 25 percent before the end of the year.  Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case is joining Outrigger Enterprises Group as senior vice president and chief legal officer later this month, and said Friday that he will no longer seek political office as long as he is with the Hawaii-based hotel chain. Pacific Business News.

POW/MIA recovery unit defended in wake of critical internal report. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines said Friday that its flight from Taipei to Honolulu this weekend has been delayed once more because of Typhoon Soulik, which made landfall in Taiwan before turning toward China. Pacific Business News.

State Sen. Glenn Wakai is serving as the Republic of Palau's honorary consul to Hawaii. Associated Press.

A Kaneohe Bay boating enthusiast is floating a proposal to have Hawaii's harbor masters and agents on duty when he says they're most needed: on the weekends. Star-Advertiser.

A new mobile application helps the public locate electric vehicle charging stations in Hawaii. Associated Press.

State roundup for July 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

Crews are scheduled to begin work to remove a 5,000 foot long pipe from the Ala Wai Canal on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

The ‘Ewa Development Plan is based on a more-than-thirty-year-old vision of a “second-city;” a new urban center in Kapolei and the ‘Ewa plains – long before “sustainability,” “urban sprawl” and “food security” were terms on people’s lips. Hawaii Independent.

Jeffrey Mahon, who has worked as a curator at underwater facilities and aquariums in Asia and the Mainland, has been named director of the Honolulu Zoo, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Friday. Pacific Business News.

Looking to get space for those with green thumbs in Honolulu. A dig for more community gardens is underway KITV4.

Hundreds of families came out to Kualoa Ranch this weekend to enjoy the Hawaii State Farm Fair. KHON2.

Hawaii

Construction is booming at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council Chairman J Yoshimoto has given the Food Basket Inc. a deadline to account for how it spent almost $200,000 in county disaster funds. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has not forgotten about a game management plan drafted for Hawaii County three years ago but never enacted, says the agency’s Forestry and Wildlife chief. Tribune-Herald.

Three years after a Mountain View hunter was critically injured in an accidental shooting on private property in Keaau, illegal hunting remains a big problem according to landowners and law enforcement authorities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
The Public Utilities Commission is taking a close look at tying together the power grids of Maui and Oahu with a two-way flow of energy. The commission's decision to open "an investigation to determine whether an Oahu-Maui Interisland Transmission System is in the public interest" was one of several key rulings made Thursday that could affect power acquisition and transmission in Maui County and Oahu. Maui News.

First Wind, the renewable energy company that operates the Kaheawa Wind farms above Māʻalaea on Maui, unveiled a newly constructed bird enclosure on Thursday. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department is near full-strength with the graduation of its 83rd Police Recruit Class on Friday. Garden Island.

Tuesday will offer an opportunity for local residents to view new footage of Hawaiian monk seals in their natural habitat. Garden Island.

Charles Roessler still remembers purchasing his 3-acre piece of agriculture land on Kuawa Road in 1977 shortly after Big Five sugar cane giant C. Brewer sold off much of their land in Kilauea. Garden Island.

Lanai

So far, Lanai residents give billionaire Larry Ellison a thumbs up for the improvements and changes he has brought to the island since buying the vast majority of it a year ago. Maui News.

Although most of Larry Ellison's plans will probably take years to reach fruition, the man who owns the vast majority of Lanai has already taken some concrete steps by beginning work on a desalination plant on the island's dry southern end. Maui News.


Monday, December 24, 2012

Hawaii honors Inouye, candidates lining up to replace him, Obama family vacation, Native Hawaiians more likely to get HIV/AIDS, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 Arlina Agbayani
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye lies in state at the Hawaii Capitol, (c) 2012 Arlina Agbayani
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye was remembered Sunday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, a soldier's goodbye with military honors for a humble man who taught so many the meaning of sacrifice. Star-Advertiser.

About a thousand people, from President Obama and members of Congress to World War II veterans and everyday citizens, gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to bid aloha to Sen. Daniel Inouye at services Sunday morning. Hawaii News Now.

They came in dark suits and dresses, royal capes and military regalia, in slippers, T-shirts and shorts, in wheelchairs and strollers. They all came, thousands of them, to say goodbye to Dan Inouye. Civil Beat.

The late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye was praised as a humble leader who embodied honor, dignity and duty during a public visitation at Hawaii’s state Capitol. Associated Press.

Sen. Akaka speaks at Inouye's Punchbowl service. KITV4.

From the President to Congressional leaders and cabinet secretaries there were a lot of dignitaries who attended the memorial but didn't speak during the service. KHON2.

From private to general and admiral, and from white-haired 442nd Regimental Combat Team veteran to the commander in chief, the loss of U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye was felt through the ranks of all branches of the military at his memorial service Sunday at Punchbowl. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats are moving to speed up the process to decide on three nominees to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, raising the possibility that the appointed senator could be sworn-in before other new senators in early January. Associated Press.

Inouye's Last Wish Is Abercrombie's Biggest Burden. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Sunday that he has applied for the appointment to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

It says something of a man's importance to his country that a U.S. president attended his funeral not once but twice. Civil Beat.

On their second full day of vacation on Oahu, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama paid their respects to U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye, visited the grave of Obama's grandfather, then spent the afternoon hiking with their daughters in Maunawili. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama and the first family arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii just after midnight Saturday morning for their fifth Hawaiian Christmas vacation since he was elected President. Hawaii Reporter.

A new study shows that Native Hawaiians are more than two and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS than Caucasians.  HIV-infected Native Hawaiians are also three times more likely to be hospitalized. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

When he campaigned for mayor two years ago, Peter Carlisle pledged to get the city's finances in order and end politics as usual at Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials said they have completed all of the trench work for the archaeological survey along the elevate-rail mass-transit project’s entire 20-mile route. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The proposed reopening of East Hawaii’s Kulani prison will return more than $4.7 million to the local economy, according to state Public Safety Interim Director Ted Sakai. Tribune-Herald.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Kekaha Kai State Park will close early on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Term limits forcing two county councilors to eye opportunities. Maui News.

Maui County Council Members Danny Mateo and Joe Pontanilla will end their fifth and final consecutive terms as council members Jan. 2, but they won't be going far. Maui News.

Kauai

Uilani Corr-Yorkman is fulfilling a lifelong ambition to open a culturally based preschool that she says is sorely needed on Kaua‘i’s Westside. Garden Island.

The public is invited to attend a memorial service and pay their respects to Sen. Daniel K. Inouye on Friday at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, according to a county news release. Garden Island.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Hawaii County election in the state spotlight, struggling UH athletics program seeks financial support, Thai workers protest trafficking dismissal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Election 'cans' await scrutiny at Hawaii County Clerk's Office (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
An emergency County Council meeting, election challenges and calls for an investigation are coming on the heels of Saturday’s primary election, when many Hawaii County polling places did not open on time. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago will meet with the state’s county clerks today in Hilo for a post-election briefing that will cover slip ups with the Big Island’s primary last Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will hold a special meeting over voting problems that plagued the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

The fallout from primary election delays on the Big Island continues to mount, from a Hawaii County Council hearing to a state election review and a likely Supreme Court challenge. KHON2.

State tries correcting primary election issues. KITV4.

Hawaii's U.S. Senate race is expected to draw lots of national money now that the primary is over as both Republicans fight to take over the Senate from Democrats. Civil Beat.

Before the Hawaii primary becomes a distant memory, there's a few newsworthy items to share that may have gotten lost in the haze of Saturday and Sunday. Civil Beat.

Something should be said about the careers of Democrats Ed Case and Mufi Hannemann. Both answered the bell this year after losing two years ago and not thinking enough about why they lost. Star-Advertiser.

FACT CHECK — Lingle: Hirono Missed 127 Votes In Congress This Year. Civil Beat.

Only 290,724 of Hawaii’s 687,500 registered voters, or 42.3 percent, cast ballots. Of those voters, 148,239 did so in a polling booth and 142,414 submitted absentee ballots.West Hawaii Today.

More than two dozen Thai farm laborers Monday signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder lamenting the dismissal of human trafficking charges against people accused of exploiting them. Associated Press.

Osprey Aircraft Expansion Causes Concern. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for Aug. 14. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin has removed Councilman Tom Berg from the Transportation Committee following a outburst during a July meeting. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Council Member Tom Berg will now face the music for an outburst a couple weeks ago that caused his colleagues to call police to city hall. Civil Beat.

The future of rail may have gotten even murkier following Hawaii’s primary election, with former Gov. Ben Cayetano getting 44 percent of the vote in the Honolulu mayor’s race and advancing to a runoff against second-place finisher Kirk Caldwell. Pacific Business News.

Despite polls showing the majority of the public opposed to the city’s rail project, and broad support for former Gov. Ben Cayetano’s mayoral candidacy, those voters failed him. Hawaii Reporter.

The police officer who pleaded guilty to federal marijuana possession and cultivation charges for running two indoor growing operations with his girlfriend is no longer an employee of the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Work will begin soon on restoring portions of historic Kawaiaha‘o Church's 169-year-old wall that were heavily damaged April 2 when a city bus crashed into it. Star-Advertiser.

Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple said it "isn't realistic" to expect the financially struggling University of Hawaii athletic program to balance its books, and questioned whether the state is "willing to pay the price" to be successful. Star-Advertiser.

Senor Frog’s has closed its only Hawaii location, at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

If former Mayor Harry Kim wants his old job back, he’s got to broaden his support beyond Puna. Tribune-Herald.

“It was a real squeaker, wasn’t it?” That’s how Russell Ruderman characterized his narrow victory over longtime state Rep. Bob Herkes to earn the Democratic nomination to represent Puna and Ka‘u in the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Kahului was the single state House district Mufi Hannemann claimed in his losing bid to Tulsi Gabbard in Saturday's Democratic primary race for the 2nd Congressional District, according to a geographical analysis of voter results. Maui News.

Habitat for Humanity Maui is looking "up instead of out" with its new 16-unit condominium project in Happy Valley. Maui News.

Kauai
After a lengthy discussion, the county Board of Ethics on Friday unanimously found Kaua‘i County Councilmember KipuKai Kuali‘i does have a conflict of interest with regards to matters on the council’s agenda related to the Office of Prosecuting Attorney, Victims of Crime Act funding and appropriations to the Office of Economic Development. Garden Island.

The Board of Ethics on Friday morning shelved without action a request from the Kaua‘i County Council for an investigation of potential ethics violations associated with POHAKU, a diversion program offered by the county Office of Prosecuting Attorney. Garden Island.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Endangered Hawaiian monk seals show record low birth rate, fed's murder trial to stay in Honolulu, Hawaii marijuana minister denied bail, 2,200 pot plants eradicated on Big Island, campaigns in home stretch, elections office scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaiian monk seal (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
A group of scientists just returned from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands where they helped with the recovery of the Hawaiian monk seal. KITV4.

More than a dozen researchers are back from a field camp to help increase the monk seal population in the northwestern Hawaiian islands. KHON2.

The state Office of Elections needs an additional 300 volunteer poll workers on Oahu for Saturday's primary election even as nearly 68,000 people already have voted on Oahu through absentee ballot or early walk-in voting. Star-Advertiser.

Despite open contempt from party elders and a major fundraising disadvantage, Ed Case has the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate within reach. Civil Beat.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has endorsed former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the race for Congress, while City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard picked up the nod from U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Star-Advertiser.

When the campaign of Mufi Hannemann responded to Civil Beat's poll Monday showing him way behind Tulsi Gabbard in the race for the U.S. House of Representatives, it was titled "Mainland 'Robo-Polls' And Mainland Money." Civil Beat.

In Part Two of his 3-part series … HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka profiles the second candidate who could become the nation’s first American Samoan voting member in Congress. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who is running for Honolulu mayor in Saturday's primary election, was released from The Queen's Medical Center late Tuesday afternoon after being treated for a bleeding ulcer. Pacific Business News.

Ben Cayetano was released at 5 p.m. today from the Queens Medical Center. Hawaii Reporter.

The candidates in Honolulu's hotly contested mayoral race say they are making their last push for votes, sign-waving, shaking hands and otherwise pounding the pavement given the saturated media market in the final days before the primary election Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

A federal agent who shot and killed a local man in a Waikiki McDonald’s last fall will have to argue his case in Hawaii state court. Civil Beat.

A federal judge denied a bid Tuesday by State Department agent Christopher Deedy to seek a transfer of his murder case to federal court. Star-Advertiser.

Imua Rail Canvassers Told to Make Deceptive Statements About Their Employer, Their Background and the Rail Project. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii


Hawaii Island marijuana advocate Roger Christie once again has lost a bid for his release while awaiting trial, scheduled for January, on federal marijuana possession and distribution charges. Star-Advertiser.

Roger Christie will likely spend his third Christmas in a row in a federal prison in Honolulu on felony drug charges. Civil Beat.

The number seven didn’t turn out lucky for a Hilo marijuana advocate who’s spent two years in federal custody while awaiting trial. Tribune-Herald.

Marijuana eradication missions in Ka‘u and Kona netted about 2,200 plants on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Former Mayor Harry Kim doesn’t like to call them “disappointments,” as much as he’d call them “dreams that still need to be fulfilled.” West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Elections Office at the West Hawaii Civic Center was closed Monday and part of Tuesday after a temporary worker assigned to the office was terminated. West Hawaii Today.

The closing of the elections office at the West Hawaii Civic Center and the dismissal of a temporary worker used to staff that location has led to new concerns about Hawaii County's ability to conduct a smooth primary election on Aug. 11. KITV4.

The Hawaii County clerk changed procedures for dropping off absentee ballots at the Kona elections office and three other sites two weeks before the primary election. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Elections Division expects to have all duplicate voter registrations off the books by Thursday, County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi said this week. Tribune-Herald.

A planned unit development within the Aina Lea project doesn’t conform to the South Kohala Community Development Plan, some area residents say. West Hawaii Today.

A Big Island nonprofit agency mishandled some of the federal stimulus funding it received in 2010, an audit has revealed. Big Island Now.

Maui
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa joins his administration in hosting a series of community meetings in September and October to gather public input on the 2013-2014 fiscal year budget. Maui Now.

Two Maui entrepreneurs have their eyes set on incumbent County Council Member Mike Victorino's job. Maui News.

Single-family home prices in Maui County last month increased nearly 25 percent over last year, while condominium prices were unchanged, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawai‘i Attorney General is re-prosecuting a case that charges 16 counts of animal cruelty involving horses. Garden Island.

The opinion of special counsel addressed key concerns of whether the restorative justice program — officially known as Productive Optimism Helps All Kaua‘i — that ran from August 2011 to April 2012 until a controversy put it on hold. Garden Island.

Kauai Oncology LLC opened the Garden Isle's first cancer radiation therapy facility in Lihue on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Hannemann, Gabbard fight for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, Family Forum, Catholic conference pay for lobbying violations, big earnings for HECO, new biofuel deal for Aina Koa Pono, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Tulsi Gabbard, Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The Democratic race in the 2nd Congressional District is boiling down to whether neighbor island and rural Oahu voters prefer a seasoned politico in former Mayor Mufi Hannemann or the newer face of city Councilwoman and Iraq War veteran Tulsi Gabbard. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Family Forum and the Hawaii Catholic Conference have filed new and revised spending reports with the state Ethics Commission and will pay a total of $3,000 to the state general fund to resolve complaints about their lobbying activity. Star-Advertiser.

Monumental Dispute: Case, Lingle Tangle Over Papahanaumokuakea. Civil Beat.

Each legislative session, since 1986, PAYCHECKS HAWAII, the independent non-partisan, political action affiliate of Smart Business Hawaii (created in 1984), rates each of Hawaii’s 76 state legislators (51 House and 25 Senate). Hawaii Reporter.

Council on Revenues Retains 5.3% General Fund Forecast. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.'s earnings rose sharply in the second quarter, largely reflecting the timing of a rate increase at its main utility subsidiary that wasn't in effect for the comparable quarter a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

A new report sheds some light on solar energy, one of the fastest growing industries in the state. Installed capacity in Hawaii rose from 25 megawatts in 2009 to more than 85 megawatts in 2011 and is forecast to reach nearly 150 megawatts by the end of this year, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a nonprofit research and educational organization that has offices in Washington D.C. and Minnesota. Pacific Business News.

A federal district court judge ordered the state to allow two women to marry their fiancés, who are incarcerated at the Saguaro Correctional Facility in Arizona, according to the ACLU of Hawaii. KITV4.


Karen Street was getting a touch of cold feet when she was first named chairwoman of the new Hawaii Public Charter School Commission, the body standing at the helm of reforms to the state’s 32 charter schools. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

The Transportation Security Administration is paying a financial settlement to Glen Kajiyama, the former federal security director in charge of TSA operations at Honolulu International Airport who was one of 36 TSA employees fired in a baggage screening scandal last year. Hawaii News Now.


A couple of months after closing, the Haleiwa Farmers Market is getting ready to reopen Thursday at a new location, the Pikake Pavilion and nearby lawn in Waimea Valley. Star-Advertiser.

biofuel Hawaii Island
Aina Koa Pono courtesy photo
Hawaii

Hawaiian Electric Co.'s Hawaii island subsidiary has submitted a new proposal to buy locally produced liquid biofuel for electricity generation after a previous plan was rejected by regulators as being too expensive. Star-Advertiser.

Aina Koa Pono, the renewable energy company that plans to build a plant in Ka‘u, has reached a biofuel supply agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co. and is asking the Public Utilities Commission to approve the contract. Tribune-Herald.

State regulators rejected the first biofuel contract. But Aina Koa Pono is back with a new proposal to provide 16 million gallons of biofuel a year to Hawaii Electric Light Co. on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. said Thursday that it has asked the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to approve a new biofuel supply contract with Aina Koa Pono LLC. Pacific Business News.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has so far spent almost half a million dollars to hold onto Hawaii County’s top office, a full $135,911 more than he spent campaigning for what was then an open seat in the 2008 primary election. West Hawaii Today.

Puna voters have a history of taking out their frustrations on their County Council representatives. Tribune-Herald.

A first-of-its-kind conference drew big names and experts Thursday to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, where they shared views on sustainability and the power of the local economy. Speakers also stressed the importance of humility and community matters. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The master-planned Olowalu Town project gained key support from a Maui County Council committee Thursday that will allow the 600-acre development to move forward. Maui News.

Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran, who is seeking re-election to the state House District 9 seat, has out-raised and out-spent his opponent, longtime Maui County Council Member Joe Pontanilla. Maui News.

Maui County's accounting system administrator has been named deputy director of the state Department of Accounting and General Services. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney’s offender diversionary program was cleared this week of wrongdoing by special outside counsel. Garden Island.

If the Kaua‘i County Council approves a recommendation from its Public Safety Committee, it may get a bit costlier to have a home or residential alarm system, as a $150 permit and an annual renewal fee of $50 are being considered. Garden Island.

Chief Judge Randal Valenciano of the 5th Circuit Court recused himself Thursday from a condemnation case brought by the County of Kaua‘i against Hanalei boatyard owner Michael Sheehan. Garden Island.

The Kekaha lifeguard tower was moved approximately 25 feet inland Thursday morning. Garden Island.

Lanai

David Murdock has sold his Hawaiian island, but he’s keeping his seven-bedroom Lanai home, a woodworking shop containing koa furniture, two carved elephant tusks in a resort lobby, and 1,000 rare orchid plants. Associated Press.


Monday, July 30, 2012

Neighbor Island newspapers endorse Case for U.S. Senate, Honolulu voters oppose rail, Big Island elections office in cross-hairs, Marines won't up training on Molokai, teachers squabble over contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Ed Case, Audrey Case (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
West Hawaii Today endorses Ed Case for U.S. Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui News endorses Ed Case for U.S. Senate. Maui News.
Mazie Hirono

Voters on five islands will be able to cast ballots before the Aug. 11 primary election at walk-in voting sites that open today. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann holds a 43 percent-to-33 percent lead over City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard in the Demo­cratic primary for the U.S. House 2nd District seat, the latest Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

With less than two weeks before the primary election, the poll results are in for both congressional districts of the U.S. House. Hawaii News Now.

Call them Generation Dan — a crop of leaders that have been waiting in the wings until either Daniel K. Inouye or Daniel Akaka leave office. Civil Beat.

Wednesday is the last day for noncandidate committees and corporations to file their fundraising and expenditure reports covering the first seven months of 2012. Civil Beat.

The chairman of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s political campaign is running a “public-private partnership” with Abercrombie’s office that is soliciting $1.3 million from health care companies for what the governor calls the “Hawaii Healthcare Transformation Initiative.” Hawaii Reporter.

A Hawaii island kiawe forest, a Wai­ma­nalo golf course and farmland on the Ewa Plain are the first pursuits of a quasi-public state agency created last year to optimize the use of state lands and revenue from them. Star-Advertiser.

The new school year starts on Monday and teachers will be heading back to their classrooms without a new contract. Hawaii News Now.

Chief negotiator Neil Dietz delivered another rejection to Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe in a letter Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The state is proposing to overhaul its accountability system for schools, putting less weight on the results of a single annual test and instead using multiple measures — from the year-to-year academic growth of students to graduation rates — to determine how schools are progressing. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers gave the Board of Education a direct order last year: Monitor the Hawaii Department of Education for compliance with rules governing bullying and establish reporting requirements. Civil Beat.

A controversial new rule that requires boat operators to complete a safety course to operate power-driven vessels in state waters was approved Friday by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Maui News.

Groups focused on climate change say the knowledge of ancient cultures and indigenous people needs to be included, to provide the greatest opportunities for adaptation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Despite extensive election-year advertising and campaigning to convince the public of the benefits of the $5.26 billion Hono­lulu rail project, only 44 percent of Oahu residents believe work on it should continue, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign for Honolulu mayor appears to be a race for second place, with former Gov. Ben Cayetano a clear favorite heading into the Aug. 11 primary, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

A Windward Oahu primary election race could turn out to be a referendum on the Demo­cratic leadership of the state House. Star-Advertiser.

Huge cranes dominate the skyline of the University of Hawaii at Manoa this summer as the campus undergoes $137.5 million worth of construction and renovation. Star-Advertiser.

Nevada-based Blue Earth Inc. has acquired the rights to a 497-kilowatt solar farm in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu says contractors will perform archaeological studies this week near Pearl Harbor, the airport, and Kakaako.Associated Press.

State and federal officials plan to meet residents to discuss upcoming plans to clean up former sugar plantation soil in what is now a Kauai residential neighborhood. Associated Press.

An underground sewer tunnel the city is proposing to build in Windward Oahu is facing some stiff opposition. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to help sort out apparent discrepancies in the county voter registration database. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council Chair Dominic Yagong defended the County Clerk's actions following concerns about apparent discrepancies in voter registration rolls. KITV4.

In this election, Big Island voters will decide which direction the Hawaii County mayor will take over the next four years. Tribune-Herald.

Of the three lawyers running to be county prosecutor, one describes himself as “the law-and-order candidate,” another as “a community-oriented prosecutor,” while the third said he was blessed with “the spiritual gift of discernment.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The county Board of Variances & Appeals on Friday dismissed an appeal of Maui County's issuance of grading permits for the planned Maui Outlets and Piilani Promenade shopping complexes in Kihei. Maui News.

Kauai

There were significantly more Japan and Canada visitor arrivals to Kaua‘i this June than last June and they, along with all other visitors, spent considerably more on the island than last June. Garden Island.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has budgeted more than $136 million for Kaua‘i roads. Garden Island.

Molokai

After receiving opposition from residents as well as state and federal agencies, the U.S. Marine Corps says it won’t increase training activity in the Kalaupapa settlement. Molokai Dispatch.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Hawaii's largest newspaper endorses Hirono for U.S. Senate, rail transit defines Honolulu mayoral race, tourism, economy ticking upward, Hawaii County clerk investigates voter fraud, Kauai electric co-op celebrates, Colt Brennan arrested, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mazie Hirono campaign photo





Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case took an assertive tack Thursday night in the final debate with U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono before the Demo­cratic primary for U.S. Senate, casting Hirono as a fringe liberal who considers the federal budget deficit "an inconvenience." Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono traded jabs and took every opportunity to outline the differences between them in their only major televised debate before the August 11 primary election. Hawaii News Now.

Case Versus Hirono, But Lingle's In the Mix. Civil Beat.

Ed and Audrey Case (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Ed Case and Mazie Hirono had no one to focus on but each other. KITV4.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser endorses Mazie Hirono for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

EMILY's List, a political action committee based in Washington, D.C., this week spent $121,600 to air a commercial endorsing 2nd Congressional District candidate Tulsi Gabbard. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii economists are predicting Hawaii’s economy will grow 2.4 percent next year as more tourists visit the islands and the travelers who come spend more. Associated Press.

State roundup for July 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

Primary voters on Oahu could decide the fate of the city’s $5.26 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of Ben Cayetano on Thursday launched a round of radio ads aimed at Pacific Resources Partnership and its executive director, John White, defending themselves against the pro-rail group’s ad campaign opposed to the former governor’s mayoral campaign based on killing the city’s rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Makes Caldwell The Man In The Middle. Civil Beat.

Former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan is facing possible drug and drunken-driving charges following his arrest late Wednesday in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

Police responded Thursday afternoon, following an outburst by Councilman Tom Berg during a public hearing. KITV4.

Democratic primary voters will have to choose between two longtime state legislators who suddenly find themselves battling one another to represent the new state Senate 11th District seat covering Makiki, Tantalus and Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

It's hard to find a vacant spot on Waikiki Beach or a beachfront hotel with available rooms since June ushered in the best summer season that Hawaii's visitor industry has seen in about five years. Star-Advertiser.

The number of homeless people living on the streets of Honolulu has remained level, while more people are getting help at shelters, according to an annual count released Thursday by the city. Star-Advertiser.

The first Affordable Housing Project in Wai’anae opened a year ago and has been full ever since. Hawaii Public Radio.

An opossum turned up Wednesday in a trap set for feral cats near Sand Island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii


A possible voter fraud case on the Big Island is the subject of an investigation, a law enforcement source told Hawaii News Now Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii County Elections Division will send out new voter information cards to nearly 175 voters because of a ZIP code error, County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi said Thursday in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s top election officer has sent a letter to the official in charge of Hawai`i County’s Elections Division saying he is concerned that her recent actions may have shaken the public’s confidence in the upcoming primary election. Big Island Now.

County offices in both Hilo and Kona are now closed to new building permit applications a half-day a week to help Public Works clerks clear up backlogs. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s tourism economy is on pace for a record-breaking year in 2012 with double-digit increases in visitor arrivals and expenditures through June. Tribune-Herald.

Residents from Wainaku up through the Hamakua Coast have a few fresh faces to choose from in this year’s Hawaii County Council District 1 contest. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County has awarded a $6.4 million contract to ABHE and Svodoba Inc. for reinforcing the Reed’s Island bridge. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has released $14 million in airport revenue bonds to finance an incomplete Capital Improvement Project at the Hilo International Airport. KHON2.

Maui

State Rep. Mele Carroll, who represents East Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe, has been flagged for again failing to report campaign contributions and expenses on time. Maui News.

Democratic candidates for the South Maui 11th House District seat expressed opposition Tuesday night to Eclipse Development's work on two mega-malls in Kihei, with one candidate taking some flak for seeking to accommodate anticipated heavy traffic and for not opposing the projects outright. Maui News.

Olive Garden and Trader Joe’s, two of the most talked-about national brands that have yet to enter the Hawaii market, could be among the mix of retailers and restaurants to open at a large retail development under development on Maui. Pacific Business News.

The Maui County Council's General Plan Committee will meet earlier than scheduled to continue deliberating on proposed growth boundaries for West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative celebrated its 10th anniversary by outlining its accomplishments during the year and anticipating its coming year, Thursday before about 200 members who attended the annual membership meeting at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center. Garden Island.

A Lihu‘e postal worker was arrested Wednesday on a federal complaint related to selling unregistered guns that were shipped through the U.S. Postal Service, a Department of Justice press release states. Garden Island.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Hirono leading Case in poll, Sierra Club fights Hannemann, Chinese tourists to double, Honolulu mayor vetoes beach business ban bill, Hawaii County resending yellow voter cards, Kauai kicking vendors off beach, Hawaiians distrust roll commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ed Case, Mazie Hirono
Poll: U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, lifted by the strong support of core Democratic voters, has a double-digit lead over former U.S. Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

The Sierra Club says it will "pour a lot of money" into a targeted mail campaign criticizing congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann's environmental record. KITV4.

Social media are the meat and potatoes of today’s political campaigns. And it's no different here in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

While China is still a small market for Hawaii tourism, the number of Chinese visitors to the Islands is projected to nearly double by 2015. Pacific Business News.

After spending 40 years in the trenches of the sovereignty movement, Native Hawaiian Roll Commissioner Mahealani Wendt says she fully understands why some Hawaiians are suspicious of the panel’s efforts to identify who should be involved in forming a self-governing entity. Honolulu Weekly.

The new agency tasked with developing state lands is hoping to move forward on its first projects — even though it hasn't finalized rules that govern its operations and establish the criteria by which projects are chosen. Civil Beat.

A new office at the state capitol is focused on Hawai`i’s youngest students and getting more keiki into preschool. Hawaii Public Radio.

A state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation to stop high-speed training by police in residential neighborhoods. KHON2.

State roundup for July 26. Associated Press.

Oahu
A beach ban for businesses on beaches on Oahu’s windward coast was vetoed by Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Mayor Peter Carlisle vetoed a bill on Wednesday designed to stop all commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park and clarified that most of the business conducted there is already illegal under a separate measure that became law on July 1. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday approved a resolution asking the city administration to restore recent cuts made to TheBus services. Star-Advertiser.

Just as the University of Hawaii is proposing a new bio-safety lab in Kalaeloa, it's having problems with its existing lab at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

The city's Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, which is acquiring private property in the way of the city's 20-mile elevated steel on steel rail system, maintains its officials have treated private property owners along the route with respect and paid them the full value for the land the city has acquired. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

Errors in assigned polling places on voter registration notices have prompted the County Elections Division to resend more than 101,000 of the yellow cards to voters next week. Tribune-Herald.

A trash-hauling study by the county Department of Environmental Management shows it is even less expensive to haul garbage from Hilo to Kona than first thought, and the hauling option is significantly less costly than either a new Hilo landfill or a waste-to-energy incinerator. West Hawaii Today.

A University of Hawaii professor is taking on a high-altitude water study that could open thousands of acres on Mauna Kea for farming and ranching, as well as bring more fresh water to Pohakuloa Training Area and Mauna Kea State Park. West Hawaii Today.

A Maryland-based ocean thermal energy developer is poised to build a test plant at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Police Department is about to enter its final phase of efforts to achieve accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Tribune-Herald.

One of Hawai`i’s most popular eateries will be coming to Hilo next year when Zippy’s Restaurants opens its 26th Hawai`i location at the Prince Kuhio Plaza. KPUA.

Maui

The master-planned Honua'ula project in Wailea received a key approval Tuesday by the Maui Planning Commission that will allow development of the luxury golf community to move forward. Maui News.

Several boating accidents in the past year, including two in which people died, have prompted state officials to propose that boaters be required to take a safety course and that an advisory committee review ocean recreation safety rules in West Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Democratic candidates for the South Maui 11th House District seat expressed mostly opposition Tuesday night to Eclipse Development's work on two mega-malls in Kihei, with one candidate taking some flak for seeking to accommodate anticipated heavy traffic and not opposing the projects outright. Maui News.

Maui County will receive $800,000 in federal funds to build 10 new bus shelters in Wailuku, Kahului and Kihei. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County officials on Tuesday and Wednesday told commercial tenants operating on the property immediately behind Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei to vacate the land by today, as the county would be taking possession of the land. Garden Island.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed a disaster declaration that will allow the state to make emergency repairs to a critical highway on Kauai that was damaged by waves last week. Associated Press.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

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

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
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.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Hawaii orchid show highlights the best, education experiment yields mixed results, rail tax nets $47M, Hawaii County mayor touts garbage incinerator, Native Hawaiian roll commission starts work, military irks Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright All Hawaii News
Orchid (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Exquisite shapes, vibrant colors, and alluring fragrances of one of the world’s most exotic flowers fascinated attendees of Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club’s 30th annual show and sale Sunday in Honalo. West Hawaii Today.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono will square off one last time this Thursday, on a primetime debate on Hawaii News Now sponsored with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Music, emotion and the spirit of aloha filled Washington Place on Friday as members of the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission began a yearlong effort to register native Hawaiians toward the creation of a future sovereign government. KITV4.

State officials are touting Hawaii's new policy to deal with the impacts of climate change, from sea-level rise to decreased stream flow. Civil Beat.

In 2010 the state Department of Education formed two "zones of school innovation,"one on the Leeward Coast of Oahu and the other in the Kau-Pahoa region of Hawaii island, in hopes of providing the state's lowest-performing schools with intensive help. Star-Advertiser.

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

A federal judge in Hawaii has dismissed a human trafficking case against executives and business associates of a labor recruiting company accused of exploiting hundreds of farm workers from Thailand. KITV4.

Oahu
Born in Waipahu. Raised in Hilo. Spend any amount of time with Kirk Caldwell and you're likely to hear those words. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle seems to be everywhere these days. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will receive nearly $47 million in revenue from a surcharge on Hawaii's general excise tax for the second quarter of this year. Pacific Business News.

Waikiki hotels are enjoying higher occupancy this summer despite big increases in average room rates. Pacific Business News.

City purchasing records do not support the Fire Department’s version of how a controversial $175,000 consulting contract was awarded in 2010, a review of those records today showed. Hawaii Reporter.

Health care professionals from all over the state spent several days dealing with a hypothetical large scale tsunami disaster on O’ahu . Hawaii Public Radio.

A national historic landmark is rusting away. The "Falls of Clyde" is docked near the Aloha Tower Marketplace. It was one of the first vessels to sail for Matson and has been around the islands for nearly 100-years. Hawaii News Now.

Changes coming to once popular park near UH Manoa campus. KHON2.

Hawaii

About three months after Hawaii County ended a pilot project for hauling garbage to the west side, Mayor Billy Kenoi said he is now in favor of a waste-to-energy project to resolve the Big Island’s looming landfill crisis. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A candidate forum, featuring Maui County candidates in contested races in the Aug. 11 primary election, will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and broadcast live on three Akaku: Maui Community Television channels. Maui News.

A grass-roots Maui charity that claimed to be raising $20 million for a 42-acre post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury treatment center for service members has dissolved after being investigated by the state attorney general's office, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

A handful of Maui Meadows residents expressed optimism and excitement about the county's pilot curbside recycling project that county crews were kick-starting Saturday by distributing green and blue carts in the South Maui neighborhood. Maui News.

Kauai
The former USS Kilauea is the latest ship sunk as part of the Rim of the Pacific exercises in and around the Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press.

Kamehameha Schools presented keys to five Hawaiian-focused and conversion charter schools recently who will receive their share of 24 modular buildings donated by Kamehameha Schools totaling $4.8 million. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Marines have backed down from a plan to increase helicopter touch-and-go practice landings at the tiny airport that serves as the lifeline for Kalaupapa. But the Marines continue to anger residents with a proposal to build a helicopter fuel depot "topside" on Molokai. Star-Advertiser.