Hanabusa rejects big contract to volunteer on HART board instead, football star Colt Brennan dies at 37, vaccine passport program takes first step, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa rejects $924,000 HART consulting job. Former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa said Tuesday she will turn down a controversial $924,000 consulting contract with the city’s rail project and will instead serve as a volunteer board member. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

State Launches Limited Inter-Island 'Vaccine Passport' System. Traveling between the Hawaiian Islands just got easier for people who have been vaccinated in Hawaii, but a major bump in travel demand isn’t likely to come until the entry process for trans-Pacific travelers becomes less complicated. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Hawaii football legend Colt Brennan, who led an unforgettable era for UH, dies at 37. Colt Brennan was a patient at a rehabilitation facility when he was found unconscious a few days ago. He died at Hoag Hospital in Newport, California. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Now.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

As more housing vouchers flow in, Hawaii needs landlords willing to take them. Another $152 million in federal rent and utility assistance is on its way to Hawaii ― along with $50 million in mortgage help for homeowners. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-police chief to lead board review on police shootings. A former Maui police chief was selected to lead the state board tasked with reviewing police shootings during the panel’s first meeting in 15 months, but any possible discussion of fatal police confrontations took place in private. Star-Advertiser.

Over $97M in federal funding headed to several higher education schools in Hawaii. Congressman Ed Case on Tuesday announced the release of $97,587,634 million from the U.S. Department of Education to several schools of higher education throughout Hawai'i. KITV4.

Incoming Hawaii Teachers Union Chief Offers Changes In Style Not Substance. HSTA Vice President Osa Tui Jr., registrar at McKinley High, will take the helm of the union in July. Civil Beat.

May 11, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 64 Cases (50 O‘ahu, 6 Maui, 3 Hawai‘i Island, 1 Kaua‘i, 4 Out-of-State). Maui Now.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric objects to PUC conditions for approval of Kapolei battery project. Hawaiian Electric has filed a motion asking the state Public Utilities Commission to reconsider the operational and financial conditions it has attached to its approval of the Kapolei Energy Storage project. Star-Advertiser.

Facing serious fine, beach rental owner says he feels unfairly targeted. A beach rental shop in Waikiki is facing a huge fine for presetting lounge chairs and umbrellas before customers arrive. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Kai Public Library bookstore reopens after 14-month closure. The Hawaii Kai Public Library bookstore reopened on Monday, May 10, after a 14-month closure due to COVID-19. KHON2.

Officials make final push to get people vaccinated at key clinic in Leeward Oahu ahead of closure. A major vaccination clinic in Leeward Oahu is closing Thursday. The vaccine point of distribution at Leeward Community College opened up on April 20 and since then, they’ve given out more than 51,000 inoculations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Carreira out as transit administrator: Mayoral administration remains tight-lipped. Brenda Carreira, the longest-serving Mass Transit administrator in more than a decade, is no longer at the helm of the troubled agency. West Hawaii Today.

HMC pre-schedules 700-plus COVID vaccine doses for keiki ages 12-17. Hilo Medical Center is preparing to vaccinate 2,000 people during its final mass vaccination clinic at the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium on Saturday morning in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Kahuku Unit Trails Reopen in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Along with the Glover and Kona trails, the National Park service says the Visitor Contact Station will also reopen Thursday. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The state Department of Health has revoked the medical marijuana dispensary license of Pono Life Sciences Maui LLC, citing the company’s repeated failure to submit annual independent financial audits as required by law. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Maui Economic Opportunity will begin accepting applications for the federally funded energy credit assistance program on June 1. Eligible low-income homeowners will be able to apply for funds to pay their Hawaiian Electric or Hawaii Gas bills. Hawaii News Now.

New Species of “Water Bear” Found at Haleakalā, Maui, Named After Samuel ‘Ohu Gon. A new species of Tardigrada, a phylum of eight-legged segmented micro-animals also known as water bears, has been named after Dr. Samuel M. ‘Ohukani‘ōhi‘a Gon III, Senior Scientist and Cultural Advisor for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Hawai‘i and Palmyra Chapter. Maui Now.

Kauai

Gas prices on Kaua‘i are higher this year compared to last year. The average price for Kaua‘i is at $4.01 per gallon compared to Oahu’s average at $3.766 per gallon, yet still cheaper compared to the Island of Hawaii which sits at $4.04 per gallon. Garden Island.

EPA Awards Kauaʻi $300,000 in Brownfields Funding To Clean Up Old Sugar Mill Site. Kauaʻi County will use the funds to focus on the Town of Kekaha, which includes an old sugar mill and herbicide mixing area. Maui Now. KHON2.

Grant funds available for water bills. The county Department of Water alerts customers that federal grant funds are available to assist with past-due bill payments through the County of Kaua‘i Coronavirus Rent and Utilities Assistance Relief Program. Garden Island.

Gas prices going up, House shelves worker relief bills, Oahu opens vaccine to 50+ as COVID cases continue to rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gas prices were very high 10 years ago ©2011 All Hawaii News

AAA Hawaiʻi: State Gas Price Average Reaches 17-Month High. On Thursday, April 8, the statewide average price for regular unleaded is $3.71 a gallon, which is up two cents from last Thursday, April 1, 22 cents higher than a month ago and 40 cents higher than the average last year on the same date. Maui Now. KITV4.

State House leaders shelve bills that would help workers. House leaders are resisting union pressure to revive bills this year that would raise the minimum wage and exempt jobless benefits from state income taxes.  Star-Advertiser.

Gut-and-replace bill threatens Tourism Authority funding. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the agency responsible for leading tourism recovery across the islands, is at risk of losing funding again due to 11th-hour maneuvering at the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Bill Would Make Superintendent Hiring Process More Local. House Bill 515 HD1 SD2 would make a "working understanding" of Hawaii's education system a "desired qualification" for the Superintendent position. KITV4.

‘Mismanaged and dysfunctional’: DOH official calls out alleged corruption in department. A longtime Department of Health manager is blowing the whistle on his own department, alleging corruption and mismanagement that is fleecing taxpayers and jeopardizing sanitation and health inspections. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Hawaiʻi Tech Sector has Direct Impact of $3.4 Billion on State’s Economy. The Cyberstates 2021™ report by CompTIA showed that the state is home to nearly 2,300 tech business establishments and the sector has a direct impact of $3.4 billion on the state economy. Maui Now.

Commander of Pearl Harbor destroyer removed from duty. Cmdr. Kathryn Dawley, commanding officer of the Pearl Harbor destroyer USS Hopper was relieved of her duties Tuesday “due to a loss of confidence in her leadership,” the Navy said. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

How People Across Hawaii Are Creating Spaces To Grow Their Own Food. Locally grown vegetables are expensive, so communities are coming together to grow fresh produce. Civil Beat.

Hawaii will receive far fewer doses of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine next week. Fewer shots mean fewer appointments available at vaccination sites. KITV4.

April 8, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 122 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 70 on O‘ahu, 40 on Maui, 10 on Hawai‘i Island, one on Kaua‘i, and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Oahu opens COVID-19 vaccinations to those age 50 and over starting Monday. State Health Director Libby Char, in a news release, called the wider eligibility a great opportunity for residents 50 and older on Oahu to register before vaccine eligibility opens to everyone 16 and older on April 19. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Maui News Now Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

State investigators raid Honolulu airport baseyard, investigation ongoing. State investigators executed a search warrant Thursday at a baseyard at the Honolulu airport. The state Attorney General’s office raided the airport’s Maintenance Section Airfield and Grounds Maintenance Unit Facility, which is located off Aolele Street. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Stadium Plan Will Burden Taxpayers. Sources of funding for the $350 million worth of public investment in the new stadium would put more burden on the state’s general fund, and therefore tax dollars, under a proposal moving through the Legislature, House Bill 1348. Civil Beat.

Deadline to use expired licenses quickly approaching. Tuesday, April 13, is the last day a driver’s license or state ID that has expired since March, 2020 will be considered valid. The City and County of Honolulu says thousands of motorists are behind on their renewals. KHON2.

More Oahu retailers close permanently, creating a surge in vacant space. Collateral damage from COVID-19 in Oahu’s retail industry has multiplied greatly in recent months and likely will get worse before the year is over, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

Doris Duke breakwater demolition is opposed. Testimony was heard Thursday evening at an online public hearing on the state’s plan to demolish the Diamond Head Breakwater, which forms one wall of a swim basin beneath Doris Duke’s Shangri La, and use the rubble to fortify the seawall and walkway along the shoreline. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Senate version of state budget includes funding for lifeguards at Kua Bay, Hapuna. Full funding for lifeguard services at two Big Island state beach parks has been restored by the state Senate in its draft of the proposed state budget. West Hawaii Today.

DOH investigates three Big Island COVID clusters. Three COVID-19 clusters have been investigated on the Big Island in the past 14 days, according to a weekly cluster report issued Thursday by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hotly debated housing bill passes council. Measure requires fast-tracked projects to have at least 75% affordable units. Maui News.

New homes to be sold at near cost on Maui. Local real estate developer Peter Savio unveiled plans Thursday for 81 townhomes and single-family homes on condominium land lots exclusively for Maui residents who have more or less moderate incomes. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Rep. Kahele tours Kaua‘i, meets nonprofits, talks proposed Radar system. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele spent the past week on Kaua‘i, analyzing coastal erosion along the Wailua corridor, touring Hanalei and meeting with nonprofits and officials, including walking through the site of a proposed missile-defense radar at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands near Kekaha. Garden Island.

Gayagas named deputy county engineer. Mayor Derek Kawakami announced the appointment of Boyd Gayagas as deputy county engineer in the Department of Public Works. Garden Island.

Transient vacation rentals shuttered as Hawaii nears 500 COVID-19 cases, Facebook's Zuckerberg gives $1M to Kauai, Legislature mulls budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

Pandemic Is Scrambling State Budget Priorities. The COVID-19 calamity means the Hawaii Legislature’s grand plans for the 2020 session may be just pipe dreams. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Enlists Online Program To Help Enforce Travel Quarantine. The state of Hawaii said Friday it wants travelers to use an online program to provide information about their travel plans to help authorities enforce a 14-day coronavirus quarantine imposed on people arriving in the islands. Associated Press.

State will use app to track travelers. The new service, called the Hawaii Safe Travels System, includes an electronic survey to be answered by all incoming travelers to the state, including details about the travelers’ itineraries and lodging information, said Rona Suzuki, director of the Hawaii Department of Taxation, at a press briefing Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Not Ready For A Wave Of Evictions Caused By The Pandemic. Housing advocates are calling on Gov. David Ige to act now to stop a housing crisis. The governor has offered mixed messages. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases near the 500 mark as 13 new cases are reported. There were just 13 new cases of coronavirus reported across Hawaii on Easter Sunday, bringing the state’s total to 499. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 499, up 13. Hawaii Department of Health officials said Sunday that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 499, up 13 from Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Now Has 499 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases. Thirteen new cases were reported in the past day, including five on the Big Island and four in Maui County. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Case Tally Nears 500. Hawai‘i confirmed 13 new cases of coronavirus overnight, bringing the statewide total to 499. Big Island Now.

13 new cases of COVID-19 bring state total to 499. The Department of Health reported 13 new cases of COVID-19 today. The state total is now 499. KHON2.

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With less demand, price of gas falls, but not much. The average price per gallon statewide, according to the most recent weekly report from AAA Hawaii, was $3.31 Thursday. That’s 22 cents less than the year-ago price and 20 cents cheaper than the price a few days before a statewide stay-at-home order was announced March 23. Star-Advertiser.

Jail populations drop amid virus pandemic. The number of inmates being housed in the state’s four jails has dropped by 25% in just over a month’s time as various segments of the criminal justice system work to lower populations in the facilities amid fears of widespread coronavirus infection. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Prison Inmates Sew Masks During Pandemic. Inmates in the sewing program at the Waiawa Correctional Facility and Kulani Correctional Facility have begun to sew thousands of cloth face coverings to combat the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

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Online platform detailing spread of coronavirus in state gains traction. A new online platform that uses crowdsourced data to generate a picture of the new coronavirus’ spread in Hawaii has already received thousands of submissions in one week since going live. Star-Advertiser.

AlohaTrace Tracks Real-Time Data of COVID-19 Spread. AlohaTrace – a community-driven data collection effort — is a new online platform that crowdsources daily information from Hawaiʻi residents to track COVID-19 through general whereabouts and interactions of those with existing symptoms. Maui Now.

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First night of curfew runs smoothly for Oahu and Maui, Mayors urge residents to continue to stay home. Police were out patrolling looking for any nonessential people on the roadways between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. KHON2.

Oahu

Mayor considering making fabric stores ‘essential’ as sales move online. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the city is looking at options to allow people to continue making cloth masks. And that could lead to fabric merchants being classified as “essential” under the city’s stay-at-home order. Hawaii News Now.

Petition to Mayor Caldwell: 'Fabric stores are essential'. Mayor will reopen fabric stores, but some still complain they need to go inside and touch the material. KITV4.

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Two cruise ships in Honolulu this week; 4 people to disembark. The Pacific Princess does not have enough fuel to reach its final destination in California. KITV4.

Projects advance during Waikiki downturn. The tourism lockdown, which has emptied Waikiki, has created an opportunity for the state’s most economically important district to begin about a half-dozen construction projects, including shoring up its world-famous beaches. Star-Advertiser.

Police continue to patrol Waikiki Beach. In Waikiki, KHON didn’t see many people gathering at the beach. But we did see officers patrolling the area telling some to keep moving. KHON2.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser to do away with one day of traditional print. Changes are coming to Hawaii’s largest daily newspaper. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has informed its subscribers that the coronavirus crisis — mixed with changes in the way readers consumer news — is placing an extraordinary strain on the newspaper’s financial operations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim shuts down vacation rentals: Proclamation signed Friday declares STVRs ‘nonessential.’ Mayor Harry Kim signed an emergency rule Friday shutting down transient vacation rentals for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. West Hawaii Today.

Vacation Rentals, B&Bs Ordered To Cease Operations On Hawaiʻi Island. Mayor Harry Kim on Friday signed the "COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 1" putting an end to bed and breakfasts, short term vacation rentals, and time shares until the pandemic emergency ends. Big Island Video News.

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Kim: Parks still closed, but access to ocean permitted. After weeks of confusion, Hawaii County officials confirmed this week that county parks will remain closed for the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii County seeking virus testing for homeless, providers. Hawaii County is asking the state to test all homeless and homeless program staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Sheltering the homeless: Hawaii County, HOPE Services secure hotel rooms amid stay-at-home order. The Holiday Inn Express in Kailua-Kona has been repurposed into a homeless shelter amid Gov. David Ige’s stay-at-home order. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Holiday Inn Express Now Homeless Shelter In Time Of COVID-19. HOPE Services began moving houseless kupuna into the Holiday Inn Express on Thursday, where they will be able to shelter in place during the pandemic. Big Island Video News.

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Police bust Pohue Bay party: 16 cited for trespassing, violating stay-at-home order. Police were sent to the area shortly after 2 p.m. following a report from a Ka‘u land manager that there were approximately 10 to 15 people trespassing at Pohue Bay, which is located several miles south of the Ocean View Ranchos subdivision. West Hawaii Today.

Hanging on in Honokaa: Former plantation town hit especially hard by pandemic, lockdown order. For Honokaa, Gov. David Ige’s stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor shutters B&Bs and short-term rentals. Properties can be used for essential workers. After requiring that bed-and-breakfast and short-term rental homes no longer allow visitors, Mayor Michael Victorino said Friday he is looking at eliminating rental cars for visitors to further deter them from arriving on Maui. Maui News.

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Petition calls for top hospital leaders to resign over COVID-19 allegations. As coronavirus cases linked to Maui Memorial Medical Center continued to rise, an online petition called for the ouster of top officials with the island’s main hospital over allegations that their COVID-19 policies are “dangerous” and “abusive.” Maui News.

Petition calls for leaders of Maui hospital to resign. An online petition calling for the resignation of four Maui Memorial Medical Center executives has garnered more than 3,000 signatures as public outcry over a cluster of COVID-19 cases at Maui’s only hospital intensifies. Star-Advertiser.

Positive cases at Maui Memorial Medical Center increase, some staff feel unsafe. On Sunday, the Hawaii Department of Health confirmed 31 positive cases linked to Maui Memorial Medical Center. KHON2.

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Rural Maui County lawmakers seek National Guard assistance. Maui County has been implementing tougher rules to stop the spread of the coronavirus, even as the number of cases continues to rise on the Valley Isle and amid reports that not everyone is following social distancing rules on Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Maui legislators ask for Hawaii National Guard's help enforcing lockdown. Sen. English says he'd only need about half dozen National Guardsmembers in East Maui, and would like them to start ASAP. KITV4.

Citations issued in roving roadblocks; sanitation concerns addressed. Vehicles had long waits while Maui Police Department and Hawaii National Guard conducted roving roadblocks around Maui this weekend, as Maui County reported its largest single-day jump of 14 coronavirus cases Saturday. Maui News.

7 Citations Issued at Maui Roadblocks. On Saturday, a total of seven citations were issued during roving roadblocks throughout Maui County. Maui police say no arrests were made. Maui Now.

Kauai

Facebook’s CEO, wife donates $1M to help Kauai battle coronavirus. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have made a hefty donation to help COVID relief efforts on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Couple who arrived on Kauai went to Foodland. That got them arrested. A couple who blatantly disregarded the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine has been arrested by Kauai police, the department says. On Friday, police said 36-year-old Adam Schwarze of Aiea, Oahu, and 31-year-old Desiree Marvin of Alexandria, Virginia arrived on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Shipping industry still strong. Earl Kashiwagi, general manager of Esaki’s Produce, a produce-distribution center in Kapa’a, has dealt with natural disasters such as hurricanes and tidal waves that have affected the local economic landscape of Kaua‘i in his 50-year tenure with the company. Garden Island.

Koloa Rum making hand sanitizer. Koloa Rum Company’s distillery has expanded production capabilities to produce hand sanitizer in response to the needs of first responders and health-care organizations on the island. Garden Island.

Ige urges resurrection of water rights bill, vacation rental bills sent to Honolulu mayor, eruption communication criticized, gas prices up 5 cents, homeless rousting continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pipe brings water down from mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige urges Hawaii Legislature to resurrect water rights bill opposed by environmentalists. Gov. David Ige is prodding state lawmakers to resurrect a controversial bill that would give public water users, including Alexander & Baldwin, the electrical utilities, farmers and others, more time to meet stringent requirements for obtaining long-term leases, a move that has angered opponents of House Bill 1326. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Calls For Reconsideration Of Water Bill. The governor says passage of the stalled measure is in the public interest but critics called it an abuse of Ige’s position. Civil Beat.

Governor Asks Lawmakers to Revive Water Rights Bill. Gov. David Ige has asked state lawmakers to revive a bill that would extend water permits held by private users, a measure that a Senate committee shelved earlier this session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Urges Lawmakers to Take Action on Controversial Water Bill. Maui Now.

Ige accused of trying to bring back ‘zombie bill’ on contentious water rights issue. Gov. David Ige has taken the unusual step of asking lawmakers to revive a hotly debated measure that many thought was dead for the session. Hawaii News Now.

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Aloha State sees increase in gas prices. The average price of gas in the state increased a nickel or more in the past week and 24 cents higher in than a month ago, said GasPrices.AAA.com. KHON2.

Hawaii jobless rate climbs to 2.8%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate, reflecting slowing growth in the state economy, resumed its upward trend in March and climbed to a 28-month high of 2.8%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Battle lines take shape as 2 vacation rental bills advance. When it comes to the thorny issue of vacation rental homes on Oahu, it seems the clearer the issue gets, the more complex the answers appear to be. Star-Advertiser.

Short-Term Rental Regulation Advances at Honolulu Hale. On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council held a public hearing on the latest proposals to rein in Oahu’s vacation accommodations, like those rented on Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO. Hawaii Public Radio.

After several years of debate, a measure to regulate monster homes on Oahu is awaiting Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s signature. The bill passed the City Council Wednesday, but the head of the department that will enforce the proposed rules says some details need to be hammered out. Associated Press.

A bill regulating so-called monster homes on Oahu is now in the hands of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. KITV.

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Police investigating reported kidnapping of attorney tied to Kealoha corruption probe. Chris Woo once represented Jesse Ebersole, a Big Island firefighter who told the court he had a long-term affair with Katherine Kealoha and said he lied to the federal grand jury to protect her and hide their romantic relationship. Hawaii News Now.

City plans second interim rail opening. In a significant change to the much-anticipated rollout of the Honolulu rail line, the city is now planning to open new segments of rail in 2020 and in 2023 before finally opening the entire 20-mile line in 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Assures Caldwell Of Ala Wai Flood Control Financing Plan. The latest letter in the saga over canal flood control informs city leaders that at least some dollars have been committed to the project. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilmember-elect Tommy Waters is eager to hit the ground running. Waters says there's a 20-day waiting period where the City Office of Elections can audit the results from Saturday's District Four Special Election. KITV.

Inspection leads to boat blaze at Honolulu Harbor. U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel Thursday were inspecting a fishing boat at Pier 16 when a neglected stove apparently caught fire, leading to a spectacular blaze. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard: Blaze on fishing vessel started during Customs inspection. Hawaii News Now.

Can A Sustainable Industry Be Built From An Invasive Species? A landmark project on the UH Manoa campus shows the albizia tree’s potential as a building material — and the challenges of developing manufacturing in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Civil Defense on the hot seat. Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno found himself in the hot seat Thursday, as County Council members grilled him about communication lapses during two recent disasters. West Hawaii Today.

Volcano Watch Examines Cause Of 2018 Kilauea Eruption. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is reiterating its position that geothermal drilling did not cause the lower East Rift Zone eruption. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Transfer Station Shutdown After Discovery of Explosive Ordnance. The explosive device was found to be a non-functioning grenade, with no detonation ability. Big Island Now.

Unexploded ordnance scare forces brief closure of Hilo transfer station. Hawaii News Now.

County cleans out more homeless camps. Hawaii County Highways Divisions crews, Hawaii Police officers and HOPE Services Hawaii employees worked to clear more homeless camps Thursday in the village and downtown Kailua-Kona areas. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Blessing Held for $21.7 M Iao Water Treatment Plant. Mayor Michael Victorino took part Thursday in the blessing of the new $21.7 million Iao Water Treatment Plant. Maui Now.

Airport tram making practice runs. The tram connects the airport’s arrivals and departures gates with the $340 million, 1.3 million-square-foot consolidated rental car building scheduled to open May 15. Maui News.

Makawao Public Library celebrates 50 years. Maui News.

Kauai

Costs still rising. According to the County of Kauai, it has received $25 million from the state of Hawaii to help recover from the April 2018 flooding disaster. Garden Island.

No place to go. Homeless to be evicted from camp near homeless shelter. Garden Island.

Settlement reached, payment delayed. Patricia and Michael Kocher Sr. still haven’t been paid the $1 million promised to them by the County of Kauai to settle a lawsuit they filed over the death of their son, who was killed four years ago by a speeding police cruiser. Garden Island.

Huge rate hike sought for Hawaii Obamacare plan, cash-strapped Department of Education to cut programs, lawsuit filed against Kauai dairy, Sand Island homeless shelter draws council ire, ethics bill stalls in Hawaii County, resort cut from Lanai plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Puuhonoa o Honaunau National Historical Park © 2015 All Hawaii News

It’s still going to cost just five dollars to visit Puuhonoa o Honaunau National Historical Park. Bucking a trend of increased entrance fees at national parks, officials at the popular South Kona destination have decided to implement increases in the cost of only one of its passes — and not until 2017. West Hawaii Today.

The Legislature has approved less than half of the additional funds the Department of Education said it needs to run Hawaii's public school system next school year, but the department says it expects to only partially fill a resulting $38 million funding gap. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts to reduce chronic school absenteeism are shining new light on the prevalence of illnesses like asthma among students and the lack of trained medical professionals stationed in Hawaii schools. Hawaii currently lags behind most states when it comes to the availability of school nurses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association is proposing an average 49.1 percent rate hike — the highest it has ever requested — for 20,935 members in Obamacare plans for 2016. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association is proposing to increase its rates by an average of 49.1 percent for individual Affordable Care Act health plans in 2016. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers have agreed to remove a mandate requiring ethanol in gasoline, the only thing left to do is for the governor to sign it into law. KHON2.

Under a new budget plan approved by the Board of Regents Tuesday, the University of Hawaii at Manoa will allocate some funding to instructional units based on student enrollment for the first time. Pacific Business News.

Public school teachers who didn't pull an absentee ballot but wanted to vote in Tuesday's re-do HSTA election cast their votes in person. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu's plan to build container-style shelter units at Sand Island for the chronically homeless is a "piecemeal" approach and will only shift the problem from one area of the island to another, the district's City Council member said. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell announced a plan to build Hale Mauliola, temporary modular housing, and to provide services for houseless on Sand Island site. Hawaii Independent.

Despite Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto of one attempt, Honolulu City Council members appear dead set on expanding the city’s controversial “sit-lie” ban even though they acknowledge they’re increasing the chance of a legal challenge. On Wednesday, the council will take up a spate of new bills aimed at pushing the boundary of the existing laws banning people from sitting or lying on sidewalks and in pedestrian malls. Civil Beat.

Federal prosecutors have accused local businessman Albert Hee of being a tax cheat. They now say he's a corporate deadbeat. In a superseding indictment filed several months ago, a federal grand jury said that Hee's company owes the Honolulu Board of Water Supply $5 million. Hawaii News Now.

Paying for solar -- twice! It may not sound very book-smart, but that is what the state has done at one of its libraries. KITV4.

A proposal by Haseko to develop part of its Ewa Beach property continues to draw stiff opposition from several residents who insist that the site near Oneula Beach Park is not a good fit for the project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau is opening a new farmers market beginning this Sunday in Hale'iwa. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

It’s back to the drawing board for an ethics reform measure that has already made untold appearances before the County Council over the past five years. The council Finance Committee on Tuesday postponed the measure, Bill 37, until June 30 after inconsistencies were discovered in its amended text. West Hawaii Today.

With a deadline for its input looming Saturday, the Hawaii County Council, the policy-making body for the county, has not yet had any discussion about one of the county’s main policy documents, the General Plan. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development took up a rare discussion on Hawaiian sovereignty in Hilo on Tuesday. Puna Councilman Danny Paleka introduced a resolution requesting the Hawaii state legislature designate July 31st as Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea, recognizing the day independence was restored to the Kingdom of Hawai‘i in 1843 following a taking by the British Royal Navy. Big Island Video News.

WHR LLC, which bought the 383-room Naniloa hotel on Hilo’s Banyan Drive in December 2013, signed a franchise license agreement Monday with Hilton Worldwide, making it the first DoubleTree by Hilton establishment on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Bob Carroll has called a Hana community meeting at 5 p.m. today at the Hana Community Center to discuss the possibility of a skydiving business using Hana Airport as a drop zone. Maui News.

Kauai

Oregon-based environmental attorney Charlie Tebbutt on Monday filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the federal Clean Water Act on the part of those behind a proposed dairy in Mahaulepu Valley. The suit claims the backers of Hawaii Dairy Farms — a proposed $17.5 million, 576-acre operation — have and continue to violate federal water regulations by installing irrigation systems, wells and water troughs without a state stormwater construction permit. Garden Island.

For the second day in a row, NASA postponed a high-profile launch here Wednesday despite a forecast of calm breezes and sunny weather in the low 80s. Star-Advertiser.

Flights from Japan to Kauai could be a future reality, as the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced expansion of its international inspection program to an airport in Japan. Garden Island.

Lanai

Proposed revisions to the draft Lānaʻi Community Plan update are now available on the council’s web site, Planning Committee Chair Don Couch announced today. Maui Now.

The future of Lanai is under consideration. The Maui County Council has a revised long-term plan for the Pineapple Isle. Among the changes, plans to build a new resort on the eastern side of the island were scrapped due to lack of resources. KHON2.

Kahoolawe

In an effort to cope with receiving only a third of its requested funds from the state Legislature, the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission expects to downsize its 18-member staff, with some taking pay cuts, others being reduced to part-time workers and two people losing their jobs. Maui News.

Lawmakers push gas tax hike, Hawaii's union power, state land chairman nominee in cross hairs, Honolulu rail needs more money, shield law mulled again, digital election a success, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii gas prices © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii lawmakers are pushing a plan that could increase the fuel taxes that drivers pay at the pump. The proposal comes as states throughout the nation are dealing with crumbling roads and infrastructure at the same time that federal funds for highways are declining. Associated Press.

The mountain of bills that Hawaii lawmakers are tackling now looks more like a hill. More than half of the bills introduced just a month ago in the Hawaii House of Representatives have died, and lawmakers are left with 737 of the original 1,515 bills that were on the list in that chamber after pushing key proposals through legislative deadlines. Associated Press.

Pension Promises Are Getting Harder for Hawaii Lawmakers To Keep. Billions of dollars in the hole, Hawaii lawmakers are searching for ways to afford the health and retirement benefits promised to thousands of public employees. Legislative efforts to make public workers pay more or sacrifice benefits face strong union opposition. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i remains a relative stronghold for unions. In fact, according to recent figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is one of the most unionized states in America. Hawaii Public Radio.

The impetus for a package of bills introduced by the joint Senate and House task force on housing and homelessness is the fact that in the Aloha State, the difference between being homeless and having a home can be a razor-thin line. Hawai‘i has a chronic housing shortage and a high cost of housing. Maui Now.

Voters would get to decide whether the University of Hawaii should keep its current level of autonomy under a proposed constitutional amendment moving through the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers being asked to help close the digital divide. DOE asks for $30 million to expand computer pilot project. KITV4.

The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office is again opposing a bill that would that would put in place a shield law to protect members of the news media from having to disclose their sources or unpublished information in most cases. Civil Beat.

A state House committee on agriculture rejected a bill Thursday that sought to impose buffer zones for large agricultural companies that spray restricted-use pesticides near schools and other sensitive areas. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Josh Green has asked Gov. David Ige to withdraw his nomination of Castle & Cooke lobbyist Carleton Ching to lead the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

Opinion: The ill will Gov. David Ige generated by naming Castle and Cooke lobbyist Carleton Ching to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources is compounded by his adamant refusal to explain his rationale for turning over state lands — our precious jewels — to a guy known for making bling. Star-Advertiser.

She covered the Legislature as a reporter, but now former TV news reporter and anchor Jill Kura­moto will be on the other side of the phone calls, cameras and microphones in her new role as Senate communications director. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ultimate price tag for rail likely to remain a mystery. City officials refuse to share their projections with state lawmakers, saying it would tarnish the bid process. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and other supporters of the city rail project are lobbying state lawmakers to extend a tax to pay for the project, but they say they can't reveal a projected final price to build it. Associated Press.

Harvard University is recognizing Honolulu's all-digital neighborhood board elections for their innovative use of technology. Associated Press.

Kamehameha Schools on Friday filed a lawsuit in District Court in Honolulu seeking to evict office supply company Fisher Hawaii from its Kakaako location on Cooke Street. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Is an English degree or a law degree “related” to an engineering degree? That’s the crux of the dispute that will play out in a Kona courtroom Monday over whether Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd is qualified for her position. Third Circuit Court Judge Ronald Ibarra is scheduled to hear motions for summary judgment in the case at 4 p.m. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County officials say they continue to take steps to acquire the Papaikou Mill Beach trail more than two years after the County Council passed a resolution authorizing the purchase. But when an eminent domain action will be filed in court remains to be seen. Tribune-Herald.

Two Big Island lawmakers are leading the charge to expand video testimony for people unable to get to Honolulu for legislative committee hearings. But a video testimony pilot program, while welcomed by neighbor islanders, has had its share of problems. West Hawaii Today.

New bills in the Legislature that would alter and reduce police commission powers aren’t sitting well with the body that oversees the Big Island’s men and women in blue. West Hawaii Today.

As state officials announce success in eliminating little fire ants in an Oahu neighborhood, the battle against the tiny pest on the Big Island, where it all started, continues to look bleak. Tribune-Herald.

Mystery of ohia deaths solved? Tribune-Herald.

A fungal pathogen may be responsible for recent die-offs of beloved Hawaii trees, according to state scientists and tree experts. Associated Press.

Maui

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, expected to rank as the world's largest solar telescope when it is unveiled in 2019, will include never-before-seen camera technology developed by a technology company based in Ireland and a consortium of eight leading universities in the United Kingdom. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is appointing a Molokai farmer to fill the vacant seat in the Hawaii House of Representatives. Lynn DeCoite would succeed Rep. Mele Carroll, who resigned last month for health reasons. Carroll died Wednesday. Associated Press.

Pro-GMO farmer to lead anti-GMO district. Lynn DeCroite, a Molokai farmer with ties to Monsanto, was sworn-in today to the state House to represent District 13, which voted in favor of the Maui GMO moratorium. Hawaii Independent.

Kauai

Longstanding tensions surrounding a proposal to construct a grass-fed dairy in Mahaulepu resurfaced on Thursday, when nearly 150 people packed into the Koloa Elementary School cafeteria. Garden Island.

Reorganization pits Hawaii House vs. Senate in GMO fight, Maui residents sue for GMO home rule, Abercrombie sparse with pardons, woman sentenced to jail for damaging Iolani Palace, Kauai anti-war group allowed in job fair, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol © 2014All Hawaii News

The coalition of dissident Democrats and minority Republicans that brought state House Speaker Joseph Souki to power last year has officially ended. Souki's postelection reorganization of the House reflects his expanded support among Democrats and sheds the alliance with Republicans, who had held three committee vice chairmanships — including the vice chairmanship of the House Finance Committee — through the coalition. Star-Advertiser.

GMO Debate to be Shaped by New Senate, House Ag Chairs. Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Clift Tsuji are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to regulating the seed industry. Civil Beat.

House Speaker Joe Souki and the Democratic majority met in caucus briefly Wednesday afternoon before unveiling the 2015 leadership team and committee chair assignments for next legislative session, which convenes Jan. 21. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House of Representatives has named new leaders for its key committees and top posts. Speaker Joseph Souki and Vice Speaker John Mizuno will head the chamber with Majority Leader Scott Saiki. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Ethics Commission must release the financial disclosure statements of all members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, state Land Use Commission and Agribusiness Development Corp.'s board of directors, a state judge ruled Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

First Circuit Judge Rhonda Nishimura has granted Honolulu Civil Beat’s request for a preliminary injunction to require the Hawaii State Ethics Commission to make public the financial disclosure statements of certain state board members. Civil Beat.

Consumer finance site NerdWallet has a new study out that estimates gay weddings could have a $26.6 million benefit to Hawaii in additional annual revenue. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has pardoned significantly fewer criminals than his three most recent predecessors, according to records obtained by Hawaii News Now.

While the Hawaii Supreme Court already has dinged the state for failing to provide sufficient funding to operate the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the debate now turns to what constitutes sufficient funding. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i Short 50K New Housing Units by 2016. State Lawmakers conducted a comprehensive briefing on Housing requirements state-wide today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A 22-year-old woman who admitted that she damaged a 130-year-old glass panel when she kicked in a door to break into Iolani Palace could be spending 12 more months in jail. Star-Advertiser.

A Civil Beat analysis of Honolulu death records found that 139 of the 417 homeless people who passed away from March 2006 to July 2014 died of natural causes, most often heart disease and pneumonia. That’s second only to drug and alcohol-related deaths, which totaled 142 in the same period.

A decision to expand the city's contentious sit-lie law outside of Waikiki and into business sections of other Oahu neighborhoods is delayed until Friday to allow Honolulu City Council members more time to examine and research the latest draft they received Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday suspended a final vote on a bill that would extend the city’s ban on sitting and lying on sidewalks in Waikiki to commercial districts throughout Oahu after four council members said they hadn’t been given sufficient time to review last-minute amendments. Civil Beat.

Construction equipment may begin rolling again next week on the site of the 801 South St. Building B condominium tower in Kakaako after a state court injunction that stopped work in May was lifted Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time in four years, Honolulu motorists can look forward to seeing $3.50-per-gallon gas prices, and not five or 10 years from now, but in three to six months. Pacific Business News.

Bikeshare Hawaii, a nonprofit that will work to establish a bike-sharing transportation system on Oahu, is under new leadership. Star-Advertiser.

The public will get its first look at a planned $38 million affordable rental complex aimed at local artists in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako on Dec. 17. Pacific Business News.

Starting Wednesday night, it’ll be a nightmare to drive through the Kalihi area. That’s when a Department of Transportation pavement resurfacing project begins. KHON2.

Hawaii

Following the destruction Monday of the first home in Pahoa to be hit by the advancing lava flow, one question is likely on the minds of many homeowners in the area. When will the state request federal assistance for individual homeowners and renters as a result of the June 27 lava flow? Tribune-Herald.

As lava slowly oozed its way into Pahoa last week, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers were out on the flow field, providing aerial imagery to emergency responders. Big Island Video News.

courtesy Hawaii County

Firefighters doused two power poles threatened by lava with water and foam Wednesday to help protect them from temperatures that can exceed 2,000 degrees. Tribune-Herald.

The lava flow from Kilauea Volcano is lingering near Pahoa's $3.9 million waste and recycling center while county officials keep an eye on a breakout upslope that moved 225 yards Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

If public meeting laws were applied to the scientific investigations of a board trying make a determination on public policy, they would create “unworkable and absurd conditions.” So argues the state Commission on Water Resource Management in its response to an allegation it violated the Sunshine Law during site visits to West Hawaii this fall. West Hawaii Today.

Facing sanctions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and striving to keep Kailua Bay clean, Hawaii County is undertaking a $6.5 million sewer project mauka of Kuakini Highway in an area residents have dubbed “Hamburger Hill.” West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Global seed companies Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences promised litigation after Maui County residents approved a voter initiative to ban on genetically modified crops on Election Day, but five residents have beaten them to the punch. Civil Beat.

The group responsible for putting a moratorium on genetically engineered crops on the Maui County ballot launched a pre-emptive strike against agricultural giants Wednesday by filing a lawsuit in Maui Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

With the dust still settling from last week's election, two dozen California lawmakers are flying to luxury resorts in Hawaii for conferences subsidized and attended by interests that lobby the Legislature: oil companies, public employee unions, drug and tobacco firms, and others. L.A. Times.

Kauai

Hawaii Peace and Justice — an organization that supports the demilitarization of Hawaii — will be allowed a spot at the upcoming Hawaii College and Career Fair after initially being told it could not participate. Garden Island.

A decision could be issued soon on whether two Kauai fishermen will get a chance to challenge new rules approved for the state's first community-based subsistence fishing area in Haena on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hanalei boatyard owner Michael Sheehan’s civil action alleging former neighbors built un-permitted structures that caused environmental damage will move forward with the same judge in 5th Circuit Court. Judge Kathleen Watanabe on Wednesday denied a plaintiff’s motion to recuse herself as presiding judge in the case. Garden Island.

Schatz bill would expand national parks, priest admits molesting boys, Steven Tyler bill stalls in House, Hanabusa mulls governership, Senate, Honolulu council kills mayor's gas tax hike, Pro Bowl returns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ka'u coastline (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Ka‘u coast and areas on other Hawaii islands would be candidates for an expanded National Park System under a bill announced Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz introduced a bill Wednesday that seeks to expand Hawaii's national parks while preserving the state's special places and bringing in more tourism dollars. Associated Press.

In the scheme of things, a bill proposing to direct a study of creating more national parks in Hawaii, may not seem like the most monumental of issues. But in addition to it being an “exciting moment” for Hawaii’s economy and environment, as Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz described the measure on Tuesday, it was the latest sign that Schatz, a mere year and a half from a special election to keep his seat, is placing an emphasis on environmental issues. Civil Beat.

Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Brian Schatz on Wednesday could lead to the creation of new national parks on three islands in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Passed over in December for an appointment to the state’s vacant Senate seat by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in favor of now-Sen. Brian Schatz, Democratic Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is deciding whether to challenge one of them in a primary next year. Civil Beat.

The future is looking bleak for a celebrity privacy bill in Hawaii known as the Steven Tyler Act. Associated Press.

Hawaii senators took action this week to advance bills that boost campaign spending transparency and improve voter turnout. But the biggest surprise came when they cut themselves out of plan to create a public funding program for legislative candidates starting in 2016. Civil Beat.

Proponents of solar energy rallied at the state Capitol Wednesday to show their support for a renewable energy tax credit program that lawmakers are proposing to scale back. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Senate bill to establish a Private-Public Partnership Authority is making leaps through the state House. Associated Press.

Two Senate committees have approved a bill to prohibit employers from requiring employees or job applicants to provide access to personal social media accounts. Associated Press.

Hawaii is the only state without a single entity to oversee police officer training and performance standards, raising questions about the qualifications of Hawaii’s law enforcement officers. Civil Beat.

Cash-based businesses could be facing more pressure from Hawaii tax collectors. Tribune-Herald.

Popular travel sites are appealing a Hawaii court decision to fine them $70 million for unpaid taxes. Associated Press.

An Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee has filed a formal ethics complaint against a fellow trustee over what she says are shady dealings in a $21 million property purchase. Civil Beat.

The National Weather Service says a storm in the North Pacific has generated a large west-northwest swell that is on Thursday afternoon and will continue to through the evening. Hawaii News Now.


Oahu

A priest who taught at Damien Memorial School in the early 1980s admitted in a sworn statement last year that he engaged in sexual conduct with teenagers and adolescents in Hawaii and other U.S. locations where he worked, but that he didn't consider his attraction to youth perverted or abnormal, according to portions of his videotaped deposition played Wednesday at a news conference here. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's plan to increase the city's share of the per-gallon fuel tax by a nickel was shot down by a 6-3 vote by the Ho­no­lulu City Council on Wednesday despite a direct, last-minute plea by the mayor to keep the measure alive. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council today voted down a proposal by the Mayor to fund road repairs and public transportation by increasing the tax on gasoline. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's ambitious road repaving plan hit a big bump today.  The plan that would've increased the gas tax by five cents a gallon failed to even make it past the first vote in the City Council. Hawaii News Now.

Smoking at Kapiolani Park, Kuhio Beach Park, Duke Kahanamoku Beach Park, Sandy Beach Park and the beach side of Ala Moana Regional Park will likely soon be a thing of the past, under a bill approved 8-1 by the City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to ban smoking at some beaches on Oahu, including Waikiki and Sandy Beach in Hawaii Kai. Pacific Business News.

An overnight camp-out on the Honolulu Hale lawn by (de)Occupy Honolulu supporters failed to dissuade the Honolulu City Council from advancing a bill on Wednesday making it tougher for people to stay on city sidewalks for long periods of time. Star-Advertiser.

A civilian defense contractor accused of giving his Chinese girlfriend military secrets worked on developing military plans to deter potential U.S. enemies when the two began their romance, according to his online professional profile and court documents. Associated Press.

Our aging Honolulu airport is set to get a major multi-million dollar makeover. KHON2.

Federal employees rallied in downtown Honolulu Wednesday to protest across-the-board budget cuts, known as sequestration. KITV4.

The National Football League said Wednesday the Pro Bowl will returning to Hawaii in 2014. Pacific Business News.

A gas spill brought hazardous material crews to Kewalo Basin, and a billionaire has to foot the bill for the cleanup. It is not often a pair of yachts belonging to billionaires are docked in the islands, but at Kewalo Basin, Larry Ellison's Rising Sun is just across the water from Google co-founder Larry Page's mega-ship Senses. KITV4.

Hawaii


The Department of Environmental Management’s wastewater division is facing more than $11 million in repairs to its aging infrastructure and may need to consider a rate hike, Acting Director Dora Beck told Environmental Management Commission members Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The Public Utilities Commission has accepted a settlement between Hawaiian Electric Company and the State Division of Consumer Advocacy, resulting in HELCO canceling its request for a rate increase on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

A large fish kill reported Tuesday at the Waiopae tide pools in Kapoho may have had a human cause, according to senior health officials. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has nominated Eugene Bal III, the executive director of the Maui High Performance Computing Center, to serve in one of two Maui County seats on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Maui News.

A self-described "turtle team" captured a turtle at sea - with the guidance of state officials - and removed a large fishing hook from the animal's fin off Poolenalena Beach in Makena on Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

The State Supreme Court of Hawai‘i will hear arguments today on a two-year-old case involving the destruction of historic sites along the Hapa Trail access in Koloa. Garden Island.

The County of Kaua‘i and the state Department of Agriculture released a report Wednesday on environmental health issues in Waimea. Garden Island.

A federal judge acquitted retired car dealer James Pflueger Wednesday of tax fraud and related conspiracy charges related to a failure to report certain income on his tax returns. Star-Advertiser.

“Happiness.” That is what retired auto dealer Jimmy Pflueger told reporters he felt as he left the U.S.District Court House today, just after U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi found him “not guilty” on four federal tax fraud charges. Hawaii Reporter.