Showing posts with label gas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gas. Show all posts

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Hawaii sets stage for movie theaters for disabled, prostitutes charged for sex assault, Honolulu cop to be fired for fondling breasts at traffic stop, huge Hoopili development approved, county ethics board may struggle to hear Kenoi case, Maui spending scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy office of the governor
Gov. David Ige, supporters, at movie bill signing, courtesy photo
Most movie theaters in Hawaii will be required to provide open captioning for hearing-impaired people in at least two movie showings per week per movie under a bill signed into law by Gov. David Ige on Wednesday. The new law is the first of its kind in the nation, and also requires companies that operate theaters in two or more locations in Hawaii to provide an "audio description" of any motion picture for the blind if that feature is offered by distributors. Star-Advertiser.

While the measure might not affect Kauai theaters in the immediate future, it was a topic close to  Rep. James Tokioka’s heart. Garden Island.

A panel of state lawmakers spent the better part of a day last March listening to Hawaii nonprofits and others take advantage of the three minutes they were each allotted to make their case for government grant money. Silence ensued for the next six weeks and then a list of winners — a sliver of those who had applied — was announced without explanation as to why some charities were selected over others. Civil Beat.

If there were any lingering doubts, Gov. David Ige dropped hints Wednesday he is likely to sign bills allowing for the privatization of state-owned medical facilities in Maui County and providing state funds to acquire land at Turtle Bay to protect it from development. Star-Advertiser.

Newly anointed state Senate President Ron Kouchi announced a new lineup of committee chairs Wednesday, clearly rewarding those who supported ousting Donna Mercado Kim on Tuesday while putting others out to pasture. Civil Beat.

The state Senate announced a new organization Wednesday under Senate President Ron Kouchi that shuffled the leadership of some committees, but left the most powerful committee posts in the hands of the same three senators. Star-Advertiser.

On his first full day as the first Kauai resident to lead the state Senate, Ron Kouchi vowed to put the people and interests of The Garden Island at the forefront of every legislative decision.

Hawaii lawmakers have put the state at the front of a national discussion over the future of ethanol in gasoline by passing a bill that puts an end to a requirement that the corn-based additive be mixed into fuel sold in the state. The move comes as Congress faces pressure to review a federal mandate that calls for ethanol and other renewables in the nation’s fuel supply. Associated Press.

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have put a price tag on at least one health-related complication from volcanic emissions, in one of the first studies to examine the economic impacts of a pollution source that is not man-made. Civil Beat.

Since its summit erupted in 2008, Kilauea Volcano has increased health care costs statewide by approximately $6.3 million, new research shows. Timothy Halliday, an associate professor of economics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and co-author of the study, said it is the first time a dollar figure has been calculated for the damage associated with Kilauea’s emissions. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

The landscape-altering Ho‘opili development project won a 9-0 final approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday, paving the way for up to 11,750 new homes on the Ewa Plain over the next few decades. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council has approved a bill to rezone nearly 1,300 acres in West Oahu to make way for a 11,750-home community by developer D.R. Horton. The vote was unanimous. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council cast its final vote today on a planned 12-thousand unit housing project in West O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

The City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday to approve Bill 3, which would rezone 1,289 acres of agricultural land in West Oahu for the controversial Hoopili project by developer D.R. Horton. KITV4.

A plan to expand the city's existing sit-lie law was approved 7-2 by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday, despite lingering worries that it may not pass constitutional muster. Council members Brandon Elefante and Kymberly Pine, who have consistently opposed all sit-lie measures, voted against Bill 6. Star-Advertiser.

A Mainland investment group is putting up almost the entire development cost of $34 million for the long-planned Waikiki Landing mixed-use project at Hawaii’s Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, the attorney for the developer confirmed. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Police Department plans to fire an officer accused of fondling an underage girl's breasts during a traffic stop, sources told Hawaii News Now Wednesday.

Honolulu police worked with two federal agencies to conduct an undercover operation that led to the arrest of 16 women last week in the latest crackdown on prostitution and illegal massage parlors. But instead of arresting the women and charging them with prostitution, the women were charged with fourth-degree sexual assault — a misdemeanor. Star-Advertiser.

About a dozen women arrested over the weekend in a Honolulu prostitution sting at massage parlors won't be charged with prostitution. Instead, they face the more severe charge of sex assault. Associated Press.

The state is paying $900,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the parents of a 3-year-old boy who died when a pickup truck crossed Farrington Highway in Nanakuli and crashed into their vehicle. Star-Advertiser.

King Street bike path design flaw creates handicap parking problems. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii County will pay travel expenses but not legal fees for a deputy corporation counsel to come from Maui to advise the Board of Ethics on charges against Mayor Billy Kenoi, following a vote Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. But it remains to be seen whether the Board of Ethics, down to just three members from its legal complement of five, will be able to hear the case when it meets Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Despite concerns over how much a county contractor may charge residents for compost, the County Council on Wednesday gave the Department of Environmental Management the go-ahead to pursue a new green waste program. West Hawaii Today.

While requests for millions of dollars in renovations at Big Island schools were scrapped, lawmakers signed off on a project that will give future baseball and softball players at Waiakea High School an opportunity to perfect their swings in a new — and costly — batting cage. The cost to Hawaii taxpayers: $450,000. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Money misspent on Maui could lead to more questions from authorities in the wake of KHON2’S Always Investigating report, and others may have crossed the line masking personal expenses as county costs.

An estimated $172 million in Capital Improvement Project funds has been secured for various projects in Maui County under the state budget passed by the legislature this week. The largest single item was a $38 million appropriation for expansion and improvements to Kahului Harbor. Maui Now.

Maverick Helicopters opened its Maui operations last month and celebrated its new location with a Lei Day soiree. MauiTime.

Kauai

Jade Fountain-Tanigawa was appointed Kauai County Clerk Wednesday. Fountain-Tanigawa replaces former County Clerk Ricky Watanabe, who retired April 30 following more than 30 years of service to the county. Garden Island.

Three days of fiery testimony on federally proposed changes to the humpback whale sanctuary concluded in Lihue Wednesday with 50 residents voicing their opinions. Garden Island.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Hawaii lawmakers agree on budget, Kauai burial site protestors arrested, Lanai fights wind farm, Maui gas hits $6, Four Seasons Resort reopens after tsunami damage, hula proves popular, more Hawaii news

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai will reopen its doors Saturday to the delight of new and loyal patrons who have enjoyed its hospitality and luxury for 15 years. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii legislators agreed on a final version of the state's $11 billion annual budget Thursday before determining exactly how to pay for it. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers agreed on an operating budget Thursday evening that calls for spending an additional $800 million a year for each of the next two years. Civil Beat.

Pushing up against a midnight deadline, state lawmakers are expected to choose today the tax and revenue-generating options they need to balance the budget. Star-Advertiser.

In an unusually early end to an unusually challenging budget process, state lawmakers began laying out the details of the two-year budget that they said eliminated a $1.3 billion potential deficit. KITV4.

The conference committee made up of both House Representatives and Senators approved the state budget by a vote of 28-0 Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii legislators are planning a state budget that funds an end to public employee furloughs while reducing the cost of running the government. KHON2.

Late this afternoon, Hawaii’s House and Senate money committees passed a budget that grows the size of government, restores many cuts lawmakers made earlier this session to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s budget proposal and includes funding for new state positions. Hawaii Reporter.

A requirement for more class time in Hawaii public schools will be phased in over the next few years, according to compromise legislation reached Thursday that delays parts of a law designed to increase student instruction. Associated Press.

In a last-ditch effort, Sen. Malama Solomon revives casino proposal. Civil Beat.

Taxing pensions is a contentious issue at the legislature this session as lawmakers look at all potential sources of revenue to balance the budget. Hawaii Public Radio.

A proposal to impose "instant runoff" voting in county elections has been tabled at the state Legislature this year. Star-Advertiser.

The state Legislature has given final approval to a two-year extension of a law protecting journalists from having to reveal anonymous sources and private notes. Star-Advertiser.

Ask any council member or county finance officer where Kaua‘i County’s budget stands today and the story is the same: “We’re in a sound financial position,” thanks to years of conservative tax-and-spend policies. Garden Island.

Law enforcement officers arrested two protesters Thursday morning for obstructing a contractor hired by the state government to dig a leach field in Kaumuali‘i Park, next to Wailua River, in an area were human skeletons and old Hawaiian artifacts were reportedly unearthed. Garden Island.

Friends of Lāna‘i petitioned Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission to reopen the competitive bidding process for the multi-island “Big Wind” project yesterday. Hawaii Independent.

Hula links Hawaii with dancers from hard-hit Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii visitor arrivals in March came in 4.2 percent higher than last year, and spending rose 11.8 percent, despite a plunge in Japan arrivals after the earthquake, tsunami and radiation leaks that began March 11. Hawaii News Now.

The price for a gallon of regular gas broke the $6 mark this week in remote Hana, Maui, notching a record that is consistently being topped. Star-Advertiser.

The rising price of gasoline has affected what shoppers pay for food and consumer items, but one business not allowed to pass increases along to the consumer is taxicabs. Tribune-Herald.

In a case of getting what you pay for, Hele-On bus riders may be charged fares for the first time in years and also receive improved service. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii disaster planners continue to learn from the March 11 tsunami event the caused an estimated $30.6 million in damage, most of it at boat harbors on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. KHON2.

Six Hawaii schools travel to St. Louis for FIRST Championships. KHON2.

Three public advocacy groups have asked the state Reapportionment Commission to rescind its decision to require only three days' public notice for its meetings. Star-Advertiser.

The state Transportation Department’s Halawa Stream Bridge project has run into numerous problems and delays, causing a five-and-a-half-year delay and millions of dollars in cost overruns. KITV4.

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously endorsed an interim state Department of Transportation plan Tuesday to protect Honoapiilani Highway where the ocean continues to threaten the roadway on the Lahaina side of the pali on a pebble beach in Olowalu. Maui News.

It was Maui’s Tori Hulali Canha of Halau Ke‘alaokamaile who took the Miss Aloha Hula title at Merrie Monarch last night by a slim margin of three points. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of people packed into Hilo's old tennis stadium to witness a performance the likes of which has not been seen for more than a hundred years. Tribune-Herald.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Top Hawaii Headlines: Friday morning edition

A bill attempting to hold goods labeled as "Made in Hawaii" more accountable was signed by Gov. Linda Lingle on Monday and goes into effect on July 1.

Hawaii had the highest-priced gasoline in the country this week, with prices on Maui already over $3 a gallon and the statewide average creeping closer to that mark.

State Rep. Joe Bertram III is resting and recovering from toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease, that he apparently caught from cleaning out his cat's litter box, a family member said.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is likely to approve hiring of M.R.C. "Marcy" Greenwood as the first female president of the 10-campus UH system at a meeting Wednesday, board Chairman Allan Landon said yesterday.

University of Hawai'i Board of Regents Chairman Al Landon said the lone candidate for UH president has "substantial support" from regents as they prepare to vote on her candidacy on Wednesday.

Our islands could get connected by cable underwater. The high-voltage cable, 30 miles long and 9 inches in diameter would be placed on the ocean floor to link up Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Lanai's electrical systems.

Gov. Linda Lingle said the state will announce within about 10 days how state departments and agencies will be affected by state employee furloughs.

Like plastic bags before them, Hawaii's ubiquitous Styrofoam food containers are now in the sights of the Maui County Council for a potential ban.

Don't expect Honolulu to have a new police chief for another four to five months, Police Commission chairwoman Christine H.H. Camp said yesterday

Honolulu police plan to ticket drivers who disobey a new law that bans mobile electronic devices immediately after it goes into effect July 1 — a change that may take many drivers by surprise.

The Hamakua Sports Bar, part-owned by a legislative aide to Hamakua Councilman Dominic Yagong, is facing an uphill battle as community members challenge the opening of what would be Honokaa's only bar.

A total of 29 Big Island stores have been cited for selling tobacco to minors in a statewide sting operation that started last September.

Members of the Kaua‘i-Ni‘ihau Islands Burial Council on Thursday unanimously voted to defer action on a controversial burial treatment plan for Joseph Brescia’s Ha‘ena property.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Top Hawaii Headlines: Wednesday morning edition

The state appears to be making progress in its push to address the homeless crisis, according to a new homeless point-in-time count, which estimates the number of unsheltered homeless in the Islands is down about 25 percent compared with 2007.

The state Legislature quietly let expire a tax exemption on the sale of gasoline in Hawaii, meaning that drivers will pay an extra $40 million a year in state taxes starting July 1.

The price of public school lunches is expected to go up by about 85 cents after the governor signed a law to allow the Department of Education to increase the cost of school meals.

When the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Monday voted to raise property taxes, council members also hiked a number of other city fees twice.

Six state senators are asking the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to delay the selection of a new UH president and include "a native son or daughter of Hawaii" on the list of possible candidates.

Honolulu prosecutors are trying to decide if there is enough evidence to bring misdemeanor criminal charges for the beating death of a peacock.

With his contract set to expire in August, the Honolulu Police Commission will discuss the future of Police Chief Boisse P. Correa today and may decide to extend his contract or start looking for a new chief.

Honolulu Harbor is Hawaii's busiest harbor. But along with all the ships in the water, trash and unwanted items have been dumped beneath the surface for decades.

The growth in Hawaii County employees continues to outpace population growth in Hawaii County, despite the fact that 17 percent of budgeted positions aren't filled.

All you had to do was ask. Turns out Hawaii County employees have lots of ideas about how to increase revenues or cut expenses in their government.

The future of Old Kona Aiport Park is here -- at least, in draft form.


With no signs of significant rainfall coming any time soon, Maui County water officials are concerned about more dry weather and falling water levels in Upcountry reservoirs.

A 300-pound female green sea turtle found injured and bleeding in waist-deep water off the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands was rescued by humans.