Cruise ships returning to Hawaii, state preps for legislative session, Yagong announces candidacy for Hawaii County mayor, security zone planned for Molokai harbor, 30 new citizens to be sworn in, Maui wants to replace flume, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cruising in Hawaii (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

More people are setting sail for Hawaii. More than 104,000 travelers arrived in the islands on cruise ships -- mostly from the West Coast -- in the first 11 months of last year, according to the most recent data available. That's a 14.5 percent increase from the same period in 2010. Associated Press.

2012 Who's Who Legislative Guide. Star-Advertiser.

Expediting Hawaii's excruciatingly slow economic recovery will be a top priority for East Hawaii's all-Democratic legislative delegation, which returns to work on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

When asked what their priorities are for the legislative session starting Wednesday, Maui's three state senators had some different projects in mind but agreed that job creation will likely dominate their time. Maui News.

After their salaries are restored to 2009 levels in July 2013, Hawaii teachers would get a raise every year that they receive at least an "effective" performance rating, under a tentative contract with the state. Civil Beat.

Attorneys and advocates, academics and activists alike gathered Saturday to honor the life and legacy of University of Hawaii law professor Jon Van Dyke. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu

Thirty new American citizens will be sworn in by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Honolulu on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Associated Press.

As part of today's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will welcome 30 new U.S. citizens. Star-Advertiser.

City government offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal and state holiday. KITV4.

A developer plans to spend more than $7 million to build nine big T-shaped breakwaters off Iroquois Point beach to protect a rental community, stop erosion and replenish sand fronting former Navy housing near the mouth of Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

A Wahiawa senior center remains in violation of federal grants rules, according to a Jan. 12 letter to Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Civil Beat.

State Rep. Jo Jordan plans to return to an oft-flooded section of Puhawai Road in Waianae this morning with more than 60 volunteers to cut back branches and clear debris from an area that will undergo millions of dollars of flood-prevention work over the next several years. Star-Advertiser.

They call themselves the mangrove manglers.  Members of the Kailua Canoe Club and several volunteers took to Ka'elepulu stream Sunday to clear-out the invasive trees, that are threatening their practice area. KHON2.

Hawaii

If Dominic Yagong had a slogan in his campaign for mayor, it would likely be, "Grr. How you gonna pay for it?" West Hawaii Today.

Surrounded by three generations of family members, County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong announced Saturday that he's running for Hawaii County mayor. Tribune-Herald.

Solid waste. West Hawaii Today.

In the short term, it costs a lot more to recycle than to just toss everything in the landfill. But landfill life is limited, and creating a new lined landfill under updated Environmental Protection Agency rules could run into the millions of dollars. West Hawaii Today.

At least $2.9 million of county money has been dumped into solid waste studies, plans and applications since 1990, a West Hawaii Today review of the county's trash history showed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County water department officials are asking for $13 million to move forward with a project to replace the aging Waikamoi Flume. Maui News.

Contractors are hoping to finish work on a $16 million overhaul of Maalaea Small Boat Harbor by this fall - five months ahead of schedule, the project manager said Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority — in partnership with the counties of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, Maui and Honolulu — have selected more than 100 community and cultural events and programs to receive funding under its County Product Enrichment Program this year. Nineteen Kaua‘i County programs are among them. Garden Island.

The Pono Kai seawall, heavily damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, was rebuilt a year later. Since then, forces of nature kept taking the sand fronting the wall and eroding its foundation until a replacement wall became the county’s choice rather than fixing it. Garden Island.

Molokai

The U.S. Coast Guard will enforce a temporary "security zone" around Kaunakakai Harbor when the Safari Explorer cruise ship resumes visits to Molokai this week. Maui News.

The State of Hawaii and Coast Guard will host a public meeting Tuesday about the security plan for when American Safari Cruises resumes port calls for Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai. Pacific Business News.

The state of Hawai’i and the US Coast Guard will hold a community meeting to present the security plan for the resumption of port calls by American Safari Cruises to Kaunakakai Harbor on Moloka’i. Maui Now.

Following progress made on Molokai about the future of Kaunakakai Harbor, the state of Hawaii and the U.S. Coast Guard will hold a community meeting to present the security plan for the resumption of port calls by American Safari Cruises. Molokai Dispatch.

Cutting free school bus rides could save Hawaii millions, Waikiki Beach to get more sand, HECO wants to install free solar panels, computer glitch stalls civil union applications, UH mum on new coach pay, Maui to test new battery on power grid, Big Island officials spar over waste project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann stands out as the most socially conservative Democrat in the race for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, according to questionnaires that he and four other candidates filled out for Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Half of Hawaii Voters Say Delegation Works For Donors. Civil Beat.

Former State House Representative Tom Okamura returns to the state legislature, filling the post left vacant by Blake Oshiro. Maui Now.

A new state report aimed at considering ways to reduce student transportation costs estimates eliminating free school bus service for about 20,000 low-income students would save up to $18 million a year, while cutting service to most Oahu general-education students would save about $15 million. Star-Advertiser.

Eliminating school bus service on Oahu is the quickest and most effective way to reduce Hawaii's student transportation costs, school district officials say. Civil Beat.

Computer problems caused a backup at the marriage licensing office at the Health Department Tuesday, on what was the first day couples could receive their official civil union license. KITV4.

Citing privacy interests, the University of Hawaii won’t disclose the salary of new head football coach Norm Chow, other than to say that it’s somewhere between $392,142 and $935,544 per year. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii recognized 13 same-sex couples as having legal civil unions as of Tuesday, and an additional 69 couples have applied for civil union licenses to have similar ceremonies performed within 30 days, the state Health Department said. Star-Advertiser.

A task force representing mortgage lenders and borrowers is recommending changes to a state law enacted last year that effectively cut the number of foreclosures in half. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has asked the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to approve a three-year program that would allow electric utilities to fund the installation of solar water heating systems for their residential customers, and recoup the costs from savings generating by the systems. Pacific Business News.

Land Deal Could Be 'Economic Engine' For Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

The extended comment period for changes proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal expires Friday. Garden Island.

The Occupy Wall Street Movement Across the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for January 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

The long-awaited project to resupply Waikiki Beach with sand will take place over the next three months, but state officials say the disruption to beachgoers should be minimal. Star-Advertiser.

Surf's Up! City Workers Prepare For Big Waves. KITV4.

Tom Berg, the often outspoken and at times controversial West Oahu councilman, announced his plans for reelection Tuesday. KHON2.

Leeward Oahu councilman Tom Berg has hired a woman who just quit another city job because of an ethics investigation against her. KITV4.

Pacific Resources Partnership and the organization Faith Action for Community Equity yesterday asked to join in the court case over Honolulu's rail transit project, filing a motion in federal court in an effort to support the rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Airport runway repairs to create noise for nearby residents. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has turned up the heat on Mayor Billy Kenoi's plans to operate a Hilo garbage sort station, accusing Kenoi of kowtowing to public-sector unions rather than looking out for the taxpayers' best interest. West Hawaii Today.

No federal money will be available for the Thirty Meter Telescope or its main competitor in this decade, the head of the astronomy division at the National Science Foundation told an influential science blog. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island -- as well as the rest of the nation and much of the world -- will continue to struggle economically in 2012, economists say. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Massachusetts-based A123 Systems for the second time in a month announced plans to provide its advanced nanophosphate lithium ion batteries to help stabilize Maui's power grid as fluctuating clean energy sources - and expensive renewable energy experiments and projects - become more common. Maui News.

A gay Oklahoma City couple is happy to be on Maui and among the first couples to be joined in a civil union after a state law allowing such unions went into effect Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is planning to restore 105 acres of wetlands on Mana Plain Forest Reserve. Garden Island.

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.

Abercrombie touts record bond sale, big changes for Alexander & Baldwin, PUC eases power sales, young state lawmaker recovering from stroke, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii projected debt service

The Abercrombie administration has completed a record bond sale of nearly $1.3 billion and restructured the state's debt as part of a long-term strategy to repair the financial damage left by the recession. Star-Advertiser.

It's being hailed as a monumental milestone for the state's economy -- Hawaii's largest-ever bond sale at historically low rates. KHON2.

Hawaii's announcement of $1.3 billion in new bond money will mean state projects can move forward and that will create jobs, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday. Civil Beat.

A year ago this month, just days after his swearing in, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's ambitious plans to have a "New Day" for Hawaii fell into a budget sinkhole. Civil Beat.

Abercromie Claims Lingle Left 'Financial Wreckage'; Former Governor Fights Back. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Budget and Finance Director Kalbert Young announced Thursday, December 1 that the State sold $1.28 billion of General Obligation Bonds. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii will receive more than $14 million in federal grants to help it carry out President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Associated Press.

The Public Utilities Commission has directed a further easing of the conditions by which alternative energy providers connect to the public utility electric grid throughout the state. Maui News.

Occupancy at Hawaii hotels rose by six percentage points last week, while average nightly room rates increased 4 percent from the same week last year, according to a report by Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

Shedding a business structure rooted in Hawaii's territorial past, Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced Thursday it will become separate companies, one focused on real estate and agriculture and the other on transportation. Star-Advertiser.

State representative Chris Lee is back on the job and feeling like himself again after a stroke landed him in a hospital bed for four days in early November. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Transportation Security Administration said Thursday that it is investigating allegations that screeners at Honolulu International Airport have targeted Mexican travelers for extra screening. Associated Press.

One of the Transportation Security Administration officers accused of targeting Mexican travelers for extra screening at Honolulu International Airport has been promoted. KITV4.

After traveling thousands of miles across the West Pacific, the U.S.S. Chung Hoon came home to Pearl Harbor Thursday, bringing nearly 300 sailors back to loved ones. KITV4.

APEC – the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting on O’ahu ended more than 2 weeks ago … and some people are now asking, “Was APEC worth it?” The Hawai’i Society of Business Professionals hosted a panel discussion on that very topic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

North Kona Councilman Angel Pilago said Thursday he won't seek another term, a move that ensures a new council majority when the governing body is sworn in next December. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County's multimillion-dollar Hilo recycling center should be privatized and expanded to allow mining of the adjacent landfill, says County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong. Tribune-Herald.

A provision allowing the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to work on small boat harbors without permits couldn't find the votes Thursday at the Windward Planning Commission, forcing the deferral of a package of amendments to the Special Management Area. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An audit of the state-owned Honokowai Kauhale affordable housing project on Maui found residents living in “substandard conditions” and “an atmosphere of intimidation and fear," according to state records released today. Hawaii Reporter.

Kauai

A Hanalei man with a little more than four years left to go on his five-year probation sentence was in court Tuesday to request that the terms of his probation be modified for medical marijuana use. Garden Island.


Molokai

American Safari Cruises has postponed its scheduled trips to Molokai today and Saturday after facing opposition from some residents who fear the tours could diminish fish stocks and wild game. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian sovereignty activists occupy Iolani Palace grounds, Kauai grapples with landfill, Hawaii County struggles with building code, Molokai doesn't like yacht, more news for smartphone and web

Iolani Palace (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A group of about 20 Hawaiian sovereignty activists belonging to the group Hawaiian Kingdom Government issued a 50-page statement Wednesday demanding that the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace vacate the grounds. Star-Advertiser.

Federal prosecutors were dealt another major setback on Wednesday after a federal magistrate denied their request for a nine-month continuance in what government officials have called the largest human trafficking case in U.S. history. Civil Beat.

Obama to Hold Fundraiser in Honolulu After APEC. Civil Beat.

Patricia M. Loui has been confirmed for a place on the board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Sen. Daniel Akaka’s office said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii DOE Superintendent's Lesson — Keep Your Head in the Sand. Civil Beat.

One of the fastest-growing visitor markets for Hawaii is South Korea. The Hawaii Tourism Authority says both arrivals and spending by South Koreans have been climbing steadily over the past several years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Telcom IBEW union says it is waiting for a strike approval from the international office and it would be holding a meeting with the strike captains. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The pregnant Honolulu woman arrested with her husband for shoplifting two sandwiches at a downtown Safeway says she blames the store manager for allowing a mistake to escalate into an incident that sparked national attention. Civil Beat.

The news about the arrest of Nicole Leszczynski, 28, and her husband Marcin, 33, in the Safeway store on Beretania Street in Honolulu continues to make national and international news ranging from the Washington Post to the London Daily Mail - and it has even caught the attention of Steven Colbert. Hawaii Reporter.

Law enforcement sources told KITV 4 News they are concerned a former Honolulu police officer who failed to show up for sentencing in a sexual assault case last week may have fled to his native Morocco, while his lawyer fears his client may be dead. KITV4.

Police announced new details Wednesday on park restrictions tied to next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings as some Waikiki residents made plans to leave the island and others stocked up on provisions to hunker down during APEC. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council quickly disposed of a proposal for another public vote on the rail transit project Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents whose building permits were held up because their homes were determined to be too far from the nearest fire hydrant are applauding a decision by the Board of Water Supply to relax the policy after consulting with the Hono­lulu Fire Department. Star-Advertiser.

On a given day, roughly 30,000 vehicles travel along Kahekili Highway and for drivers on the Windward side of Oahu it's a common complaint that traffic on this stretch can cause quite a back-up. KHON2.

Disgraceful and Dangerous, those two words are used a lot to describe our playgrounds and, it's easy to see why. Hawaii News Now.

From the North Shore to East Oahu, many playgrounds have become a "black eye" for the city and concern for parents. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

In a climate so gentle that some residents have only screens on windows to catch the trade winds, many are wondering why the county wants to force them to install double-paned glass windows and double-walled construction when building or remodeling their homes. West Hawaii Today.

Two proposals to boost Hawaii County's emergency cash reserves and another to design a Waimea transit hub received unanimous support from a County Council committee Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

A showdown is brewing between the state's Charter School Review Panel and the interim board for the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School. Tribune-Herald.

The head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and three state senators want to hear the public's concerns at a series of upcoming meetings around the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The East Maui Animal Refuge is seeking help from the public, as it works toward regaining permits to take in wildlife. Maui News.

Maui County will be in the mix of things during next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leader's Week meetings in Honolulu, with a booth at the Hawaii Convention Center and Mayor Alan Arakawa invited to a variety of exclusive venues, said county Economic Development Coordinator Teena Rasmussen. Maui News.

Kauai

With the Kekaha Landfill set to close permanently by December 2020 and without a fully functional recycling network or processing plant, the county is still struggling to site a new landfill. Garden Island.

More than 2,000 plants are scheduled to be given away at the Arbor Day Plant Give-away, Saturday from 9 a.m. behind the K-mart store at the Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.

Molokai

As American Safari Cruises’ yacht docked on its first trip to Molokai last Sunday morning, protesters greeted it with requests to leave local waters. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii AG: Reapportionment count could lose in court, Maui studies telescope impact, Honolulu races landfill deadline, Big Island seeks energy solutions, rail appeal denied, Honolulu Harbor seeks expansion, more Hawaii news

Senate district growth (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court likely would rule that nonresident students, members of the military and their dependents cannot be included in the state's population base for the purpose of redrawing Hawaii's political districts, according to an opinion from the state attorney general. Star-Advertiser.

A state lawyer says a court would likely overturn a decision to include military and students in the population as the state redraws political lines. Civil Beat.

The state Attorney General's office issued an opinion Tuesday afternoon that the state Reapportionment Commission erred when it voted to use the U.S. Census population count as the resident population base for political redistricting. Tribune-Herald.

The appointed State Board of Education is contemplating making changes to high school graduation standards. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bus fares for public school students will rise 50 cents to $1.25 for a one-way ride on Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

The people on the bus may go up and down, but the cost of riding a school bus in Hawaii is only going up. Hawaii News Now.

The teachers union is asking for pay and benefits to be restored while they challenge the state's implementation of the state's "last, best and final" contract offer. KHON2

The plight of a West Maui woman who was fired after her employer learned she had obtained a restraining order has helped spur a new state law that advocates say could help protect victims of domestic violence in some work situations. Maui News.

Travel guidebooks call Kipu Falls “a glorious little hidden place” and a “swimming hole extraordinaire.” But the alluring beauty of the waterfall and natural pool conceals a deadly side. Associated Press.

Thirty-one percent of Hawaii Island's electricity is produced from renewable resources and Hawaii Electric Light Co. President Jay Ignacio wants that number higher. West Hawaii Today.

Honolulu has begun the process of trying to extend the life of the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill for solid waste. Star-Advertiser.

For the last five months, a landfill selection committee has been working on finding the next site to dump Oahu's waste. Hawaii News Now.

State Denies Bombardier Rail Contract Appeal. Civil Beat.

The state is moving ahead with plans that would nearly double its cargo handling capacity at Honolulu Harbor. KHON2.

An ancient Japanese tea ceremony took place at the USS Arizona Memorial Tuesday to honor the 1,177 deceased Americans at the memorial, 65 years after the end of World War II. KITV4.

For the second time in a decade, the Sierra Club has dealt a major setback to Castle & Cooke's plans to develop a new community between Waipio and Mililani. Star-Advertiser.

The grilling of experts about the impact of the Advanced Solar Telescope on Haleakala began Monday and is expected to last through Wednesday. Maui News.

Bank of Hawaii has agreed to pay a $9 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit involving claims that the bank had improperly charged overdraft fees on debit card transactions. Pacific Business News.

The city of Portland in Oregon has come up with a solution that could be useful to Honolulu officials who are unable to evict homeless people from city bus stops and shelters. KITV4.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Student Equity, Excellence & Diversity (SEED) office has been awarded a $1.15 million grant—consisting of $230,000 annually over a five-year period through the U.S. Department of Education/TRiO Programs. Hawaii Independent.

Target's new 3.5-acre Hilo store is open, giving East Hawaii the choice of an array of grocery, clothing, electronic and home furnishing products. Tribune-Herald.

Native Hawaiian recognition moves forward, Hawaii team seeks Pacific garbage patch, civil defense sirens to be mandatory in Hawaii County, 911 fails on Kauai, Oahu sewage problems increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian bill signing courtesy photo Governor's Office

A new state law recognizes the first people of Hawaii and lays the foundation for Native Hawaiians to establish their own government. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed a bill into law recognizing the first people of Hawaii. KITV4.

With historic Washington Place as the backdrop for a ceremony that included conch-shell blowing, traditional Hawaiian music and hula, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law a bill that formally recognizes Native Hawaiians as "the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population" of the islands and begins a process to create a registry of qualified members to work toward the reorganization of a native government. Star-Advertiser.

As of Wednesday Native Hawaiians have confirmation from the state of something they knew all along. Wednesday Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a bill into law officially recognizing Native Hawaiians as the "only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population of Hawaii." Hawaii News Now.

In one session, the 2011 Hawaii Legislature was able to do what the U.S. Congress has not been able to do in a decade's time: recognize Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A bill intended to move in concert with the Akaka Bill was signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday, July 6 at Washington Place amid praise and protest. Hawaii Independent.

Unwilling to wait for federal recognition of the Hawaiian people, Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed into law a bill providing for recognition and eventual self-governance. Tribune-Herald.

The team onboard the Sea Dragon, a 72-foot steel-hull racing sloop expects their mission to find the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" will take a week. KITV4.

Farms Under EEOC Scrutiny in Hawaii and Washington Receive Federal Aid. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposed business model for the development of geothermal energy as a statewide resource for electrical production. Hawaii Independent.

An ordinance requiring civil defense sirens as a condition of development moved forward Wednesday with a positive vote from the County Council Planning Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Waikiki residents and leaders are stepping up efforts to get the first city park built in central Waikiki after the death of community activist William Lee Sweatt, who worked for more than a decade to turn the derelict lot behind his condominium into a place where his grandchildren could play. Star-Advertiser.

The City & County of Honolulu, which is working to construct a $5.3 billion steel on steel elevated rail system from Kapolei to Honolulu, has leased premium office space in the midst of Honolulu’s pricey downtown civic center. Hawaii Reporter.

Rail project officials meet with Kakaako residents about pre-construction noise. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines Thursday will change the type of aircraft it uses to operate its daily, nonstop flights between Honolulu and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Pacific Business News.

Don Ho's Island Grill is "not closed," said owner Phillip Johnson, who established parent company PJJ Restaurant LLC to buy the Aloha Tower Marketplace restaurant in September. Star-Advertiser.

In just a few weeks, raw sewage sludge will start to be trucked from downtown Honolulu to treatment plants in Kailua and Ewa Beach. KHON2.

Leeward Oahu residents say they've seen a rise in staph infections and they fear the source is one the more popular beaches on the westside. KHON2.

Inside the Nawiliwili Council Chambers on Wednesday morning, Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry spoke about the dangers of driving while holding a cell phone. Garden Island.

Mayor Alan Arakawa and Maui County Council Chairman Danny Mateo are leading a delegation of county representatives to South Korea to encourage tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges between Hawaii and the emerging Asian economic powerhouse. Maui News.

A group of business and political heavyweights pitched Wednesday to a receptive County Council a public-private partnership for handling East Hawaii garbage, but Mayor Billy Kenoi said after the meeting the administration is proceeding with its own plans. West Hawaii Today.

Molokai community leaders Kanoho Helm and Walter Ritte told PBS Hawaii Insights moderator Dan Boylan last night that Molokai doesn’t want the billion-dollar undersea cable and Molokai doesn’t want Big Wind. Molokai Dispatch.

For five hours beginning Tuesday night, the Kauai Police Department's 911 emergency dispatch telephone system and its backup failed, Kauai County officials said. KITV4.

Two investors have partnered with the owners of Waiakea Waterfront, bringing much-needed capital into the troubled commercial development in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Collecting on delinquent accounts, charging more fees, curbing property tax abuse and reviewing procurement and employee contracts are just a few avenues proposed by a commission tasked with reducing the cost of our island's government. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu awash in garbage, MLK honored, whale watchers wanted, state bar rethinks rules, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric power slated, more Hawaii news

The humpback whale sanctuary is looking for volunteers to help it count whales on Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii islands. Associated Press.

Federal scientists say more humpback whales means more collisions between Hawai‘i boaters and the giant endangered species. Associated Press.

Medical waste and other trash continued to soil Leeward Coast beaches yesterday, washing ashore in spots farther down the shore from where the debris was initially found. Star-Advertiser.

Twelve members of the mayor’s Landfill Site Selection Committee will meet this Thursday at Honolulu Hale to begin the process of recommending an alternative site to Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, which is scheduled to stop accepting solid municipal waste by July 31, 2012. KHON2.

It's monthly bulky item pickup time but don't expect some of these items to go anywhere anytime soon -- the temporary landfill closure has led to refuse rejects.KHON2.

Leeward beaches near the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, including the lagoons at Ko Olina, remain closed Monday. Test results from ocean water samples taken Thursday show "very high" bacteria levels. Hawaii News Now.

The temporary closure of the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill in Nanakuli has resulted in a bulky trash pile up in some Oahu neighborhoods. KITV4.

The heavy rain is gone but all that water left behind is producing another problem more mosquitoes.  And now there are fewer state workers to help control the pests. Hawaii News Now.

In the wake of the controversy over its negative rating of chief justice nominee Katherine Leonard, the Hawaii State Bar Association has amended its rules to allow for the disclosure of the reasons for its "qualified" or "unqualified" findings for judicial nominees. Star-Advertiser.

Since trying "natural farming" last year under the guidance of a folksy South Korean master farmer known as Han Kyu Cho, Delos Reyes said production on his 10-acre plot has doubled — and demand is growing even faster. Star-Advertiser.

Plans by the Castle and Cooke development company to build a 400 MW industrial wind power plant on Lanai has resulted in heated contention with the island’s residents. Hawaii Independent.

Citing the risk of $200 per barrel oil by 2013, a new report to the Hawaii Legislature by the Geothermal Working Group warns of the urgency of reducing Hawaii’s dependency on imported oil and the potential of geothermal energy to play an expanded role in the state’s energy repertoire. Pacific Business News

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is proposing the state's first significant expansion of hydroelectric power generation in decades with a series of planned projects that could provide nearly 20 percent of the island's power needs. Star-Advertiser

Hawaii is still by far the most diverse state in the country, but recent trends show the islands inching toward the U.S. mainland in race, citizenship and language. Civil Beat.

Marching in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Waikiki yesterday with her family, Latashia Ingram said she wanted her 8-year-old son to appreciate King's struggle and sacrifice for equality and justice. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of people honored the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday on the streets of Waikiki. KITV4.

A pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. challenged Americans to come together for the better of the country, a message that rang true Sunday for West Hawaii residents and visitors. West Hawaii Today.

The owner of a cattle-ranching company caused a public outcry more than a year ago after revealing plans to fence off a popular access to Lepe‘uli, also known as Larsen’s Beach, a pristine strip of sand on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Foreign Pest Saves The Wiliwili Tree. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senate President Shan Tsutsui said his new leadership role should not prohibit him from advocating for his constituency on Maui. Maui News.

Members of Hawaii Island's all-Democratic legislative delegation will report to work Wednesday hoping to find money to expand schools and parks, help farmers and ensure food safety. Tribune-Herald.

News that a lawsuit alleging the state failed to support beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Act is revived came too late for one of the plaintiffs. Tribune-Herald.

A council that advices the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on coral reefs in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is due to meet this week. Associated Press.

Sirius XM may start providing its subscription radio service in Hawaii following a milestone Federal Communications Commission approval last month. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii farm to fuel project, military to stay strong in Pacific, school impact fees coming to Maui, but not the Big Island, Maui, Kauai expect budget surpluses, Oahu, Hawaii, shortfalls, Honolulu hotels filling up, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Crops grown on Hawaii's Big Island will be converted into liquid fuel as part of a deal announced Thursday between Hawaiian Electric Co. and renewable energy company Aina Koa Pono. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Company has struck a deal to buy more than 300 million gallons of liquid biofuel from a local company over the next two decades. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has signed a contract to buy 16 million gallons a year of locally produced biofuel to power its generators in a move that will allow the state to take a big step toward reducing its dependence on fossil fuel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric company announced a major deal today to turn Big Island crops into liquid fuel. KHON2.

At the same time the Pentagon announced big budget cuts yesterday, the head of the U.S. military in the Pacific said that "Hawaii is of extreme strategic importance" to the United States because of its mid-Pacific location facing Asia -- the "economic engine for the rest of the world." Star-Advertiser.

Kauai and Maui are experiencing budget surpluses, while Oahu and the Big Island predict budget shortfalls this year. KITV4.

With its economy sputtering, Hawaii is in the perfect position to foster healthier residents at less cost, says Health Director-designate Dr. Neal Palafox.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s hotels were 80.1 percent full for the last week of 2010, according to Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors. That was 2.7 percentage points higher than the same week in 2009. Pacific Business News.

Landowners who want to build new housing units in Central, South and West Maui will soon have to pay new "impact fees" for the construction of new school facilities. Maui News.

The state's Department of Education is collecting impact fees on Maui, but Hawaii County still opposes the plan to levy similar fees in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a special permit for Yamada & Sons Inc. to dig a new quarry near the landfill, but not before two members scolded County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong for publicly airing his concerns. West Hawaii Today.

Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management has prepared an Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility Shoreline Protection Extension Project, which will be published in The Environmental Notice on January 23. Hawaii Independent.

The West Maui Charter Working Group recently released its final report offering six proposals for amending the Maui County Charter during the upcoming Charter Review Commission. Lahaina News.

Public schools in Hawaii will have a hard time complying with a new state law requiring more instructional time next school year, Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said today. Associated Press.

They raised the fares and reduced the service areas, but school buses are still costing the Department of Education $20 million more than they were budgeted for. KITV4.

Several state officials provided dozens of North Hawaii residents an update regarding legislative priorities for the upcoming session Thursday evening in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.


Tenants went toe-to-toe Thursday with State Health and Public Housing officials. They've been told their washing machines are in violation of state health codes and that they'd have to give them up, effective immediately. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Firefighters hope that security cameras at the Hawaiian Waste Management facility will help determine cause of blaze. KITV4.

With carpooling and mass transit use down, island workers are leaving for their jobs earlier to avoid traffic and shorten their commutes. Civil Beat.

In the coming months Hawaii Public Radio will take an important step closer toward its long-time dream of providing two, first-class program services to the entire state and, of equal importance, providing people around the state with a means to talk to one another, exchange information, debate and tell stories, using our airwaves. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Maui businessman pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to charges that he bilked more than 50 people of up to $20 million in a long-running Ponzi scheme. Maui News.

Federal authorities are investigating a loan officer fired from the Bank of America’s Honolulu office last month for allegedly stealing at least $1 million of customer funds to repay personal gambling debts, HawaiiReporter has learned. Hawaii Reporter.

Nine Island School high school students participated in this year’s model United Nations conference on O‘ahu, Dec. 10-11. Garden Island.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie delays budget, pumps up employees benefits, Obama's $1.5M vacation spurs Hawaii brand, Aloha Airlines name sold, Maui council ready, Big Island waste-to-energy plant controversial, Kauai plastic bag ban coming, more news

Hawaii tax revenues have dropped 5.5 percent so far during this fiscal year over last year. Associated Press.

Lawmakers will have to deal with a huge budget shortfall when the new session starts in two weeks. They just learned that it may take until March to get the governor's full plan on dealing with the deficit. Hawaii News Now.

A delay in the state budget is worrying lawmakers as a looming deficit still needs to be closed. KHON2.

The Abercrombie administration might not send the Legislature its plan for closing the state's budget deficit until as late as March, the interim state budget director said yesterday, acknowledging that the timetable is later than normal and asking state lawmakers for patience. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is expected to ask for more than $100 million in emergency funds, including money to run his office. KITV4.

Neil Abercrombie repeatedly said his administration would be ready from day one to tackle Hawaii's myriad problems, yet — for the second time in as many weeks — his administration is asking for more time when it comes to submitting a state budget. Civil Beat.

Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie is increasing health insurance payments to Hawaii government employees, a move expected to cost the cash-strapped state $18 million over four months. Associated Press.

The state has more than $1 billion in investments that have been frozen and state taxpayers won't get that money back for five years. KITV4.

A visit by President Barack Obama can be a huge boost to business. KITV4.

Mufi Hannemann on media exposure and tourism. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaiian holiday doesn't come cheap not even if you're the President. At least one report tallies the Obama's vacation at almost $1.5 million dollars with taxpayers footing much of the bill. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama and family have returned to Washington, but his next visit to Hawaii may be sooner than the end-of-the-year holiday season. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama has signed legislation that sets federal rules on the lucrative trade in shark fins nationally, especially off the West Coast. Associated Press.

Aloha Airlines' name has been sold, but go! Mokulele won't be able to use it.Star-Advertiser.

A Delta flight en route to Hawaii was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport after the pilot reported a problem with the plane's hydraulic system. Associated Press.

Kauai plastic bag law to take effect Jan. 11. KHON2.

A power loss at a Navy-operated waste treatment plant has led to the discharge of 110,000 gallons of treated but undisinfected effluent into the waters near the entrance of Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.


There may have been more fireworks in the sky for New Years, but many Oahu residents were pleased that the smoke cleared quickly. KHON2.

Concerns Raised by Waste to Energy Plant on Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

The County Council Finance Committee voted 5-3 Monday night, with one abstention, against the sale of a narrow, unpaved county road near South Point to adjacent property owners. Tribune-Herald.

County Council members got the ball moving on a new public park in Puna's Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui County Council members were sworn in to office Monday in a ceremony that focused on optimism and a fresh start. Maui News.

Maui County Council members formalized their organization for the 2011-12 term Monday, electing Council Member Danny Mateo to continue as chairman and picking Council Member Joe Pontanilla for the post of vice chairman. Maui News.

It's hard to pick just one thing to get excited about at Ewa Makai Middle School, Hawaii's newest, most energy-efficient and state-of-the-art public school campus. Star-Advertiser.

While many of us are trying to survive a recession that’s supposed to be over, a grassroots community organizer and university lecturer is coordinating the United States delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Hawaii Independent.

Lingle unveils budget, garbage and power on Oahu, monk seal attacks tourist, more Hawaii news

Gov. Linda Lingle, trying to close a $1.2 billion budget deficit through June 2011, said yesterday that she would delay tax refunds from April until July and ask state lawmakers to scoop hotel-room tax revenues that now go to counties.

Hawaii's four counties could feel the brunt of the state's financial crisis in the coming fiscal year as the governor looks to close a $1.23 billion budget hole using money usually allocated to the counties.

Gov. Linda Lingle said she plans to delay some income and corporate tax refunds until after July 1 to help the state deal with its $1.2 billion budget shortfall.

It's a billion dollar fix. The governor unveiled a sweeping new plan on Monday to balance the budget, in part, by delaying tax returns.

The state has started the planning necessary for laying a network of undersea cables to transfer wind-generated electricity from Lana'i and Moloka'i to O'ahu.

The company with a contract to ship O'ahu trash to the Mainland has yet to do so, seven weeks after it first said it would.

The City of Honolulu Monday broke ground on an expansion to the city's H-POWER waste-to-energy facility in Campbell Industrial Park. The facility, which converts solid waste to electricity, will generate enough power to supply 25,000 additional homes.

Public opinion will be sought at a hearing on the state's plan to reduce medical coverage for Pacific Islanders who migrate to Hawaii under the Compact of Free Association.

Investigators continued work Sunday at a Kahului Airport hangar examining the wreckage of an Aerospatiale AS350 helicopter that crash-landed on a remote Hana coastline Wednesday.

An adult female monk seal on Monday attacked and seriously injured a 28-year-old female visitor from Kirkland, Wash.

Arts, homeless and honeybees in peril, other news

Leaders from arts organizations across the state say the loss of 10 employees — about one-third the staff — at the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts would be a destructive move that jeopardizes not just arts programs, but the economy and education as well.

It's possible to recycle nearly half of Hawaii Island's garbage, but achieving that higher diversion rate will cost taxpayers plenty, according to a $525,000 study commissioned by Hawaii County.

Homeless shelters are seeing an influx of people who have lost their jobs or seen their hours cut — a trend providers warn will only get worse as job losses mount and laid-off workers exhaust their unemployment benefits and savings.

A former acting Israeli prime minister will be a featured speaker at Tuesday's 6th Annual International Women's Leadership Conference hosted by Gov. Linda Lingle.

Hawaii schools soon could face furlough days -- 17 Fridays with no one working at the schools or drawing a paycheck. The savings would add up to about $5 million for every furlough day.

In just over a year's time, the varroa mite, an ectoparasite that feeds on honeybees, has spread from the Hilo Bay area north to Onomea and around south to Pahala, researchers say.

"We don't want nobody to give huhu," said ILWU business agent Wallace Ishibashi. "We agree to disagree on that issue...."

If you felt the earth trembling on Oahu, that was the U.S. Air Force putting on quite a show in Hawaii's skies.

Safe shark tours, trash and other top Hawaii news

Because of the re- moteness of North Shore shark encounter tours and other con- ditioning factors, researchers say the tours do not pose a threat to public safety.

Amid the hundreds who gathered at Kapi'olani Park yesterday for a brief glimpse of Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, perhaps none appreciated the bittersweet implications the imperial visit would have for Japanese-Americans in Hawai'i more than 70-year-old Helen Wadahara.

State officials plan to slash funding for Healthy Start, a nationally recognized child-abuse prevention program that serves thousands of children in the Islands, limiting services to East Hawai'i and Leeward O'ahu, and forcing the layoffs of dozens at nonprofits with Healthy Start programs.

Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed a bill yesterday that would allow workers to organize labor unions if a majority sign union cards, an alternative to secret-ballot elections.

A Seattle-based company has all the parts in place to begin shipping Oahu's trash to the mainland — with or without a city-approved contract.

Bright side to down economy: The Hawaii Police Department, which was understaffed for years, is now nearly at full strength.

As El Nino returns to the Pacific, signaling a more active hurricane season, Hawaii County Civil Defense this week is renewing its emergency notification system with a $71,800 two-year contract to the current provider.

After riding a wave of prosperity, Maui County residents are struggling to cope with a recession that has swept through the islands. In The Maui News' continuing series of stories on the islands' financial crisis, today's report tells the personal stories of residents surviving these tough times.

The Kauai County Board of Ethics renewed with a vengeance its discussion on conflicts of interest and the infamous Section 20.02(d) of the County Charter, rejecting a County Attorney opinion, repeatedly declining to go into executive session, and changing its rules to provide public discussion of county employees’ disclosure statements in a wild meeting at the Mo‘ikeha Building.

One of two former Moanalua Golf Club workers who admitted butchering a pet dog of a golf club member in 2007 started serving three months of a one-year prison term yesterday.