Ige seeks millions for emergency preparedness, OHA trustee wants CEO fired, bill gives child sex assault victims more time to report, no sleeping at bus stops, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brigadier General Kenneth Hara addresses emergency preparedness, courtesy Governor's Office

Millions needed to beef up state’s emergency preparedness, report says. Hawaii residents shouldn’t expect the state to resume ballistic missile alert testing anytime soon, but the beleaguered Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is immediately seeking to hire a new leader and procure millions from the state Legislature to shore up its disaster-response capabilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s nuclear missile scare showed that the state began testing alerts before fully developing a plan to address the ballistic missile threat and that a public outreach campaign months earlier wasn’t effective, said a report released Tuesday. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige and Brigadier General Kenneth Hara on Tuesday released the All Hazards Preparedness Improvement Action Plan and Report, designed to review current emergency response systems, including notifications and warnings, and make recommendations for improvement. Garden Island.

Hawaii's governor wants to lead the nation in being ready for any emergency. Tuesday, the state released a report highlighting its "all hazards" preparedness plan. KITV.

The State released its report today on the false missile alert January 13th. Hawaii Public Radio.

Although Big Island Mayor Harry Kim voiced strong reservations back in September 2017 about HI-EMA’s plan to test the ballistic missile alert siren, he had the governor's back on Oahu Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Find the full All Hazards Preparedness Improvement Action Plan and Report here.

The governor still doesn't have his Twitter password (and doesn't plan to get it). Hawaii News Now.

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Senate advances bill that would extend window for childhood sex assault claims. Hawaii News Now.

House to Hear Bill Wednesday That Would Prohibit Bump Stocks. Maui Now.

Here’s Who Takes Money From The NRA In Hawaii. It’s mostly Democrats, even though the state has among the nation’s strongest gun-control laws. Civil Beat.

A bill to prohibit therapists from offering “conversion therapy” to gay youth in an effort to change their sexual orientation has stirred up some controversy in the race for the congressional district representing urban Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

This Is What A Statewide Police Board Might Look Like In Hawaii. Lawmakers are considering legislation to establish a statewide standards board with a certification component. Civil Beat.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Calls For Firing Of CEO. A recent state audit found both the chief executive, Kamanaopono Crabbe, and trustees are responsible for misspending. Civil Beat.

Study: Hawaii Residents Are The Deepest In Debt. Hawaii residents don’t earn enough money to offset expensive rent, student loans and consumer debt. Civil Beat.

Study finds that Hawaii residents don't manage debt well. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo shipping company brought in fewer containers to the state last year but generated a lot more profit thanks to the recent federal corporate tax overhaul. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Matson Inc. reported net income of $166.9 million, or $3.90 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter, compared to $20 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2016, an increase of 734 percent, which the carrier attributed to tax reform. Pacific Business News.

Meet the man who led Hawaiian Airlines from bankruptcy to billion-dollar business. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A bill making it illegal to lie down at or near city bus stops was signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell this week. Star-Advertiser.

State considers parcel in Nanakuli as possible site for homeless village. Hawaii News Now.

Crowded Kaneohe neighborhood faces crackdown on illegal parking. Hawaii News Now.

Cardax Inc.’s stock soared 72 percent Tuesday after announcing over the weekend that it was expanding its anti-inflammatory product ZanthoSyn into Asia. Star-Advertiser.

Wakelight Technologies Inc. has received a task order of more than $9.6 million from the U.S. Department of Defense under a previously awarded contract for information technology and cybersecurity services at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu in the bottom half of new state capital livability ranking. Pacific Business News.

Mililani High's Farm to School program expands to increase use of local produce. Hawaii News Now.

Sun Country Airlines, offering seasonal flights to Honolulu, cuts 350 jobs as it farms out ground work. Pacific Business News.

Shoppers at Ward Village in Kakaako are set to have more public parking today that offsets losses to condominium tower development in recent years — and the new stalls will use cameras to improve traffic flow and security. Star-Advertiser.

Kelly Sanders announced Tuesday that he is leaving his post as area general manager of Marriott Hotels and Resorts Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Key vote on GET increase today. The council, while meeting as the Finance Committee, gave the general excise tax surcharge a negative recommendation with a 3-6 vote. The bill can die today if it fails to get a majority vote in support. Tribune-Herald.

There will be no special subcommittee to hash out the budget outside public review, at least for the time being. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala councilman Tim Richards wants a subcommittee that can review and research the County of Hawaii budget for FY 2018-2019, but others say it needs more sunshine. Big Island Video News.

A charter amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot adding more transparency to how top county officials get raises took its first step forward Tuesday when the County Council Finance Committee voted 9-0 to advance the measure to the first of three council votes. West Hawaii Today.

Salary Commission Chairman Hugh Ono gave a presentation to the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday in Kona, explaining how large – and highly criticized – raises for county administrators and elected officials were recently approved. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Paradise Park will soon have a master plan for its own Hawaii County park. Tribune-Herald.

Just a few days after Honolulu police responded to a social media post threatening violence at Kapolei Middle School, now Big Island police are on high alert after threats were made at two schools on the island. Police will be beefing up their presence at Konawaena and Pahoa High Schools on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

An informational meeting on the permitting process and land entitlements will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the West Maui Senior Center. Maui News.

Maui Memorial Medical Center was recognized by the American Heart Association in the 2018 issue of “US News & World Report” of Best Hospitals. Maui Now.
Maui Ocean Center Breaks Ground on Dome Theater Whale Exhibit. Maui Now.

Diane Moss, founding director of Renewables 100 Policy Institute, will be the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Maui Energy Conference to be held March 14-15 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Maui News.

Kauai

New rules and regulations regarding county bus stops went into effect Monday. Garden Island.

A motion to dismiss a civil case filed against the County of Kauai and several individuals, based on the failure to state a claim, was denied in Fifth Circuit Court Tuesday. Longtime county employee Charles Rapozo claims his then supervisor Edward Sarita denied him proper training and safety gear to clean tiles containing asbestos at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

Record low unemployment rate, feds charge Maui police with witness tampering, state hospital escapee goes on-air, police get raises, monster house bill advances at Honolulu City Council, Hawaiian Airlines CEO retiring, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii grocery clerks © 2017 All Hawaii News

Shrinking workforce underlies Hawaii’s best-ever 2.2% jobless rate. Hawaii’s unemployment rate is now at an all-time low and could be the best in the country. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced Thursday that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October was 2.2 percent, compared to 2.5 percent for September. Garden Island.

How Brian Schatz Is Becoming The Senate’s Chief Science Nerd. From data security to climate change, from net neutrality to telemedicine, the Hawaii senator is front and center on technology issues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is set to benefit from a $700 billion federal defense bill that passed the U.S. Senate on Thursday. The measure includes investments of more than $300 million for military construction in the state. Pacific Business News.

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A Hawaii psychiatric patient who acknowledges killing a woman nearly four decades ago said Thursday he escaped from his hospital and flew to California to prove he could live responsibly in the community. Associated Press.

Inmate who fled Hawaii psych hospital tells ABC7 escape was 'act of desperation'. ABC-7 News.

'I couldn't believe I actually made it': Hawaii State Hospital escapee speaks out. Island News has obtained a one-on-one interview with Hawaii State Hospital escapee Randall Saito. KITV.

Saito said he escaped to prove his ability to ‘act appropriately’. Escaped murderer Randall Saito said in television interviews Thursday that the Hawaii State Hospital wouldn’t give him a chance — that every time he applied for release, officials made him “sound like a bad guy.” Star-Advertiser.

‘I’m not a psychopath, okay?’ Saito claims desperation, assaults led to escape. KHON2.

Hawaii State Hospital's neighbors say they don't feel safe in their own homes. Angry Kaneohe residents gathered Thursday night to quiz the state on what's being done to address safety concerns about the Hawaii State Hospital. Hawaii News Now.

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Judge tells Island Air workers they might not get final pay.  Island Air employees have been told by a bankruptcy judge that there is no guarantee they will receive their final paychecks. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO to retire. Mark Dunkerley, 54, said he will step down to attend to family obligations on the East Coast and in Europe and spend a few months reflecting on what he wants to do next. Chief Commercial Officer Peter Ingram, 51, who has been with the company for 12 years, will replace him. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO To Retire In March, Replacement Named. Mark Dunkerley has been one of the longest-tenured CEOs in the airline industry. Civil Beat.

Mark Dunkerley will retire as CEO of Hawaiian Airlines next year and will be replaced by Peter Ingram, the airline’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, the Honolulu-based carrier announced Thursday.  Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines Thursday announced the planned retirement of Mark Dunkerley, president and chief executive officer, and the selection of Peter Ingram, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, to replace Dunkerley, effective March 1. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines readies for U.S. West Coast expansion. Hawaiian Airlines welcomed to Honolulu the first of 18 Airbus A321neo aircraft that will shortly begin flying between Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines accepted delivery the first of 18 Airbus A321Neo aircraft this week. The fleet will begin service on Jan. 8 on the Hawaiian's existing Kahului-Oakland route. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Council bill to rein in ‘monster houses’ advances. A proposal to place more restrictions on large homes moved out of the committee Thursday, setting it up for a final vote of the full Council on Dec. 6. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Considers Regulating ‘Monster Homes’. Neighbors complain about homes with 15 or more bedrooms, but they’re defended by a man who said they serve mutigenerational households. Civil Beat.

Opponents, supporters of monster homes clash at City Council. So-called "monster" homes spurred a big debate at Honolulu Hale on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

A plantation-style village for homeless families begins to take shape. Kahauiki Village, the new long-term, affordable housing project for homeless near Keehi Lagoon, broke ground in July. Hawaii News Now.

Special court that gives homeless a second chance plans to expand islandwide. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell Nominates Former TV Executive For Police Commission. Dick Grimm, who worked at three local stations, would be the mayor’s sixth appointment to the seven-member board. Civil Beat.

Dick Grimm, who led the Hawaii Foodbank for 17 years before his retirement earlier this year, has been nominated to replace L&L Hawaiian Barbecue founder Eddie Flores Jr. on the Honolulu Police Commission. Pacific Business News.

Authorities had not determined Thursday what caused a rubbish fire under the Nimitz viaduct that damaged fiber-optic lines carrying phone, internet and cable TV service, causing widespread disruptions most of Thursday for T-Mobile, Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom customers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii police officers are getting raises, the last large bargaining group to have salaries settled for this year as the county begins crafting a new budget for the next fiscal year that begins July 1, 2018. West Hawaii Today.

The HOVE Deep Well in Ocean View has failed, the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply said Thursday. It is the only county water source serving Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and the Ranchos area in Ka'u. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s Mass Transit Agency is getting close to occupying its new bus baseyard, about a year after it was initially expected to be complete. Tribune-Herald.

High-profile thefts, crippled fleet among problems plaguing troubled transit division. KHON2.

Hawaii County is cutting security at Old Kona Airport Park, which was intended to ensure homeless didn’t re-establish illegal campsites there after police ushered them out in August. West Hawaii Today.

The chief executive officer of one of Hawaii Island’s first medical marijuana dispensary companies has died. William K. “Billy” Richardson, an Oahu-based venture capitalist recruited during summer 2016 to lead Hawaiian Ethos, died Nov. 10 in his sleep. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police officers charged in federal witness tampering case. Two Maui Police Department officers are facing federal charges after police say they conspired to force a victim to drop his complaint. KHON2.

Mayor seeking approval to dismiss water director. A falling out between Mayor Alan Arakawa and Department of Water Supply Director Dave Taylor has led the mayor to seek Maui County Council approval for Taylor’s dismissal from his $135,884-per-year job. Maui News.

Panel resolution urges state to maintain affordability of units at Lahaina complex. After hearing heartfelt testimony from worried tenants, a Maui County Council committee recommended passage of a resolution urging the state to save the affordability of the Front Street Apartments, where rent for units could rise to market rates by 2019. Maui News.

The Hawaii State Department of Health says it’s notifying the parents of students and staff members of Lihikai Elementary School on Maui of possible exposure to tuberculosis at the school. Maui Now.

Man ‘spewing hateful things’ leads protest outside church. Iao United Church of Christ targeted for rainbow flag, homosexual pastor. Maui News.

Hokulea’s Voyage To Hana Is A Homecoming For Young Captain. Hana native Nakua Konohia-Lind, 24, will be the youngest captain of the storied voyaging vessel when it sails into East Maui. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Bamboo Grill finds second home at golf course. The Wailua Golf Course has not had much luck with those opening a bar/restaurant there. Usually, it’s followed by closing. Garden Island.

Winners and losers in 2017 legislative session, Mauna Kea rocks marred by graffiti, lawsuit challenges Maui liquor law, Hawaii County faces tax hikes, Caldwell exemptions questioned, Hirono holds town hall meetings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii ocean sunrise © 2017 All Hawaii News

A bill on its way to Gov. David Ige affirms the state of Hawaii’s commitment to addressing climate change. Tribune-Herald.

2017 should be another positive year for Hawaii’s economy, despite slowing growth in the construction sector. That’s the view of a local economic forecast group. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Legislature marred by secrecy, maneuvering and epic fail on rail. Star-Advertiser.

Who Won And Who Lost In A Legislative Session Marked By Failure. Civil Beat.

Deposed Thursday, former Speaker Souki ponders what’s next. Longtime Maui lawmaker seriously considering a run for lieutenant governor. Maui News.

A proposal to change inheritance rules for Native Hawaiian homeland leases unanimously passed both houses of the Legislature. If signed into law by the governor, House Bill 451 changes inheritance rules from requiring 1/4 Hawaiian blood quantum to 1/32 in order to inherit a parent’s homeland lease. Tribune-Herald.

A bill that would require Hawaii child care providers to obtain liability insurance is awaiting Gov. David Ige's signature. Hawaii News Now.

If the thousands of vacation rental houses in Hawaii were suddenly taken off the market, the state could lose 319,000 visitors annually, and their $431 million in spending and $37 million in taxes, a study says. Star-Advertiser.

New statistics about the health of Hawaii's LGB community were recently published by the state. KITV.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., parent of the Hawaiian Electric Co. and American Savings Bank, reported first quarter net income of $34.2 million, or 31 cents per diluted share, compared to net income of $32.4 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, during the same period last year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s past use of a property tax exemption for historic homes that allowed him to pay only $100 to $300 for several years has come back to haunt him as the city considers raising property taxes to cover rail deficits. Star-Advertiser.

At a crowded town hall in Honolulu on Saturday, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono faced a barrage of questions from her Democratic constituents in Hawaii who are fearful about their future in a world of Republican political ascendancy on the mainland. Civil Beat.

Philippine Airlines, which for the past four years has been the only carrier to fly nonstop between Manila and Honolulu, will add 1,100 more seats a month on the route beginning next month. Star-Advertiser.

Airport’s low crime level reflects team effort, state says. Star-Advertiser.

A federal appeals court has upheld the Honolulu Police Department’s refusal to grant a firearm permit to a man who was convicted of petty misdemeanor harassment. Star-Advertiser.

The median sales price of $415,500 for condominiums on Oahu hit an all-time high in April as more buyers appeared to opt for condos while the supply of single-family homes remained low, the president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors said Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a condominium on Oahu rose 7 percent in April to $415,500, while prices of single-family homes slipped, when compared to the same month a year ago, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Fusion Waikiki closed its doors for the last time this morning after a 28-year run, supplying dance music into the early-morning hours, drag shows and male stripper shows in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island motorists and property owners will feel the pinch of higher taxes this year, following a revised budget released Friday by Mayor Harry Kim. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim will be looking to raise taxes in order to balance the county budget. Big Island Video News.

An investigation is underway after rocks within the historic Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve were found damaged by graffiti last month. West Hawaii Today.

A criminal investigation is underway after graffiti was found painted on rocks within the Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve last month. Associated Press.

The Hawaii County Democratic party has a new County Chair. Former councilwoman Margaret Wille, running unopposed, led a slate of progressive candidates to take over the Hawaii County executive committee. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Dairy will be fined $25,000 for illegally discharging wastewater into a stream, the state Department of Health announced Friday. Tribune-Herald.

The number of single-family homes sold on the Big Island increased by 7 percent last month, compared to April 2016, but the number of condominiums sold dropped 17 percent, according to information provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Kihei resident Madge Schaefer and the Committee for Responsible Liquor Control filed a lawsuit in 2nd Circuit Court on Friday seeking the repeal of recent rule changes approved by the Liquor Control Commission that included the removal of blackout periods for the sale of alcohol, allowed home delivery of alcoholic products and removed the cap on the number of hostess bars. Maui News.

A lawsuit challenging the 24-hour sale of alcohol was filed against the liquor commission on Friday and in just a couple of days, the commission is holding a special meeting to hear testimony from the public. KHON2.

The Committee for Responsible Liquor Control and Kīhei resident Madge Schaefer filed a lawsuit on Friday asking the Second Circuit Court to invalidate the recent actions of the Liquor Control Commission. Maui Now.

Money for construction of schools, roads and Kahului Airport improvements are among Maui’s big-ticket capital improvement projects in the state’s two-year, 2018-19 budget that lawmakers have sent to Gov. David Ige’s desk for approval. Maui News.

While agricultural diversification of Alexander &Baldwin’s 36,000 acres of former sugar lands on Maui is “coming along well,” there’s no expectation that the effort will be profitable in the near term, A&B President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Benjamin told investors Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono didn’t pull any punches when asked about the current administration during her town hall meeting Saturday afternoon at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. Garden Island.

Hawaii counties will soon be seeing a $10 million decrease in their allocation of Transient Accommodations Tax funds. Garden Island.

Kauai legislators review 2017 session. Garden Island.

The median price of single-family homes sold on Kauai rose 18 percent last month, compared to April 2016, even as the number of homes sold dropped 30 percent, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Barbara Weidner just stepped into a new role as chair of Surfrider Foundation Kauai, but she’ll still be cleaning beaches and visiting schools. Garden Island.

Lifeguard liability, high deductibles, gay fertility treatment mulled in Legislature, pot tax axed, Kaiser Permanente seeks Maui health-care workers, Kim unveils Maun Kea park plan, historic Ewa Battlefield trashed, more news from all the Hawaiian Island

Old lifeguard stand at Richardson Ocean Park © 2017 All Hawaii News

Counties Threaten To Pull Lifeguards Over Fear Of Lawsuits. The Legislature is debating whether to extend limited liability protections for lifeguards over the objections of a group of personal injury lawyers. Civil Beat.

Pot tax, car value tax, axed. Judging from the growing list of dead or dying bills, the 2017 session of the state Legislature is shaping up to be a relatively cautious, low-risk round of lawmaking. Star-Advertiser.

Members of Hawaii’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community are lobbying for equal access to the fertility treatment married, heterosexual couples enjoy under state law. Associated Press.

Hawaii employers may soon be allowed to offer workers high-deductible plans that critics say are financially risky health insurance plans that can result in families paying thousands of dollars out of pocket in any given year for medical care. Star-Advertiser.

A bill granting state agents access to private property to eradicate invasive species is headed for a floor vote in the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

A bill moving through the state Legislature aims to shake loose money frozen in a $150 million failed renewable-energy loan program and use it to offer rebates of up to $10,000 to residents who buy battery systems for their homes. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Is it possible that this is year the Legislature does mail-in ballots, something that has nearly universal support from both voters and government officials? Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui’s announced intention to leave his post to run for Maui mayor — possibly before his term ends — exposes a flaw in the way our state government is structured at the top. Star-Advertiser.

A new national ranking of the best-run airports has good news for Maui, bad news for Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, will hold town hall meetings across the state in April. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii officials are looking to their counterparts in Puerto Rico for advice as they seek to rebound from December’s aborted alala release, when three of the native Hawaiian crows perished in the first week of freedom — two apparently picked off by the io, or Hawaiian hawk, and another that weakened after getting caught in a winter storm, according to necropsies. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Below the H-1 viaduct Wednesday morning, a kiawe-fueled fire burned below thousands of commuters — a daily event that has some Oahu lawmakers concerned about the possibility of a disaster under Honolulu’s highways and bridges. Star-Advertiser.

Should Honolulu’s New Police Chief Be An Insider Or An Outsider? The police union leader is pushing for someone already in the ranks. But others, including law enforcement experts, say new blood might be the best. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's chief medical examiner is asking city officials for more financial support as his office struggles to deal with a heavy workload. Associated Press.

Passengers traveling through Honolulu International Airport these days must put up with barriers and diversions, from construction barriers to closed walkways and orange construction signs everywhere, as the state of Hawaii's $1.3 billion upgrade of the airport drags on. Pacific Business News.

Bill would limit liability for volunteers maintaining dilapidated Pearl City cemetery. KHON2.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled a case with the Navy involving illegal cesspools at Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Historic Ewa Battlefield becomes target of trash dumping. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim on Saturday continued to promote his vision of a Mauna Kea “World Park,” announcing that Gov. David Ige has lent his support to the mayor’s vision for the mountain and that he is “pursuing how this can be done.” West Hawaii Today.

A debate over how Hawaii County Council members should use their discretionary money could be renewed as Mayor Harry Kim proposes to cut the expenditures in the next budget. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Council members say their discretionary funds provide quick aid to nonprofit groups that provide services in their districts. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County has released sewage spill data in the aftermath of last Monday’s discharge into the Wailuku River and Hilo Bay, and a state microbiologist says the results are reassuring. Tribune-Herald.

As plans to upgrade the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant continue to materialize, so to do plans to develop a large regional park in the area. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai'i State Attorney General Doug Chin got a hero's welcome to North Hawaii, where he gave a 40 minute talk on his legal efforts to block the president's executive order. Big Island Video News.

An ironweed plant that grows wild on Hawaii island may offer new ways to combat deadly brain and breast cancers, and a University of Hawaii Cancer Center biologist has received $3 million in federal funds to study it further. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Plenty of jobs need to be filled at Maui County’s three public hospitals, and Kaiser Permanente officials are encouraging residents not to wait until the state facilities become private July 1. Maui News.

Kaiser Permanente officials are encouraging Maui residents to apply for jobs at three public hospitals on the island as they scramble to fill positions before the state facilities become private this summer. Associated Press.

While the shortage of doctors statewide has improved, it grew worse on the Neighbor Islands in 2016, including Maui County, according to a University of Hawaii report to the state Legislature. Maui News.

Alexander & Baldwin is close to formalizing a partnership with a seed oil producing company on a 250-acre demonstration project to produce biofuels from the pongamia tree on old sugar fields with planting possibly to begin in mid-May. Maui News.

The County of Maui’s Kepaniwai Park at ʻĪao reopens Monday, according to a Parks Department announcement. Maui Now.

The county’s Kepaniwai Park in Iao Valley, which has been closed since the raging Wailuku River flooded the park and tore away a piece of the parking lot Sept. 13, will reopen Monday. Maui News.

A rescue tube initiative that started on the island of Kauaʻi in 2009 is now making its way to Maui as advocates combat alarming statistics surrounding ocean deaths in island waters. Maui Now.

Kauai

A coqui frog, a little problem with loud consequences was captured at a Lihue residence Monday, most likely a stowaway in a car recently bought from Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

New Honolulu rail impact fee proposed for schools, 3 media opinions on Kenoi trial, gay-bashing in Puna, Kauai inmates see violent porn, oxybenzone ban promoted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rinsing off the sunscreen at Kona beach © 2016 All Hawaii News

A nonbinding resolution asking the Legislature to ban oxybenzone in sunscreens is heading to the state Capitol, following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Airlines-Disney partnership first of its kind. Pacific Business News.

The Battle of Midway was a major turning point in World War II’s Pacific theater. But the remote atoll where thousands died is now a delicate sanctuary for millions of seabirds, and a new battle is pitting preservation of its vaunted military history against the protection of its wildlife. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Department of Education wants to start levying what it calls its only taxing power to generate funding for new schools in urban Honolulu, where officials anticipate population spikes will require several new campuses along the city’s rail line. Star-Advertiser.

The rail has triggered a new fee proposal by the Hawaii State Department of Education. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Department of Education wants to establish a School Impact District along the Honolulu Area Rapid Transit (HART) route. KITV.

Anti-Caldwell Super PAC May Have Broken Campaign Laws. Save Our City spent nearly $200,000 on anti-Caldwell ads, but it hasn’t been telling voters where the money came from. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu city Councilman Rod Tam says voters should move past his 2011 conviction for stealing city funds and violating campaign spending laws as he fights for the open Senate seat representing downtown Honolulu, Nuuanu, Iwilei and Liliha. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a $1 million settlement of a lawsuit by the family of a Honolulu woman who died after she was struck by a city refuse truck in Kalihi in February 2014. Star-Advertiser.

The second-highest-ranking member of the Honolulu Police Department is leaving her post. KHON2.

The state is trying to make it safer for people to bike and jog along Nimitz Highway. KHON2.

Questions about the latest proposed condominium tower at Ward Village in Kakaako were raised during an initial public hearing Wednesday on the project called ‘A‘ali‘i. Star-Advertiser

Mark Platte, news director at Hawaii News Now, will resign at the end of this year, and Scott Humber, assistant news director, will take over the top newsroom post Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mother Looks In Vain For Answers In Son’s Day Care Death. Cynthia King tried to move on after the loss of her baby two years ago. But then she came across inconsistencies she couldn’t ignore. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

An openly gay Puna father whose home and car were spray-painted with an anti-gay slur this past weekend said he thinks the vandalism is related to the hostility he alleges his two sons have faced at a Pahoa charter school. Tribune-Herald.

The Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing continued Wednesday at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Crown Room in Hilo with navigator Chad Kalepa Baybayan and astronomer Robert McLaren appearing as witnesses for the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Famed voyaging canoe captain and Hawaiian navigator Chad Kalepa Baybayan testified Wednesday in favor of building the Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea, arguing it would be “the highest level of desecration” to take any action that limits opportunities for future generations of Hawaii youth. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics is scheduled to hear a long-pending complaint against Mayor Billy Kenoi next week following his acquittal on criminal charges for alleged misuse of a county-issued credit card. Tribune-Herald.

Opinion: AG swung big, and missed. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: In Kenoi Case, Don’t Confuse ‘Not Guilty’ With ‘Innocent’ The Hawaii County mayor was repeatedly warned about his misuse of a government credit card. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Kenoi leaves courtroom, his future uncertain. Star-Advertiser.
 
Maui

Maui County Councilmember Elle Cochran today announced she has introduced a proposal to prioritize the use of accessory dwelling units, sometimes called ʻohana units, for long-term tenants. Maui Now.

Upcountry Maui County Council candidate Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura outdistanced not only her opponent, Napua Greig-Nakasone, but also every other council candidate in raising and spending campaign funds this election cycle, according to reports filed for Aug. 14 to Oct. 24 with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Maui News.

In a closely watched council race this election cycle, incumbent and Maui County Council Chairman Mike White will defend his Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat against challenger and first-time candidate Trinette Furtado on Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui County officials say they need more time to decide on two proposals that would extend the county’s ban on plastic bags to include reusable ones and do away with food containers. Associated Press.

Robert Olson, founder of California-based R.D. Olson Development, which has done several projects in Hawaii, has purchased property within the resort town of Kapalua on the island of Maui for $8.65 million, Pacific Business News has learned.

Kauai

A state prison warden admitted in federal court Wednesday that he showed sexually violent films to inmates as part of a therapy program he designed, but insisted they were not pornographic. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Community Correctional Center's warden admitted in federal court Wednesday that he showed female inmates sexually-violent movies and used terms like "whore" and other derogatory words when talking to women prisoners. Hawaii News Now.

A jail warden on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is testifying about showing violent sexual films to inmates as part of a unique therapy program he created. Associated Press.

Citing bad timing, the Kauai County Council unanimously voted down Wednesday a resolution that would give them the ability to ask questions during public testimony. Garden Island.

Protecting Earth’s oceans is paramount to survival on Kauai and two local organizations are providing an opportunity for residents to have a say in preserving their place. Garden Island.

Hawaii short 625 teachers, Honolulu to pay kissing lesbian couple $80k in lawsuit, homeless dollars go to people in houses, challenger says Tulsi's out of touch, serious charges dropped against Maui telescope protesters, EPA pushes for dirty water warning signs on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Back to school shoe shopping © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hundreds of teaching positions across Hawaii’s public schools remain unfilled as the new school year gets underway today for more than 180,000 students. The Department of Education says 100 teacher vacancies were filled over the summer, leaving 625 positions as of last week that need to be filled for the 2016-17 academic year.  Star-Advertiser.

Air conditioning is delayed for some hot schools while education officials push for lower prices. Associated Press.

How The Quest For Clean Energy Sunk HECO’s Biggest Deal Ever. Hawaii political leaders and regulators didn’t think selling Hawaiian Electric to a mainland company would help get the utility off oil. Civil Beat.

The lion’s share of state dollars earmarked since April to provide direct, immediate aid in tackling Hawaii’s homeless crisis has gone to keeping struggling families in their homes versus getting homeless people off the street. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii knows its technology infrastructure is behind the times. Now government officials are reaching out to the tech community for help. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is broadening its annual Hawaii Tourism Conference into a weeklong international gathering that draws visitor industry attendees from across the globe. Star-Advertiser.

Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson has qualified to be on the Hawaii ballot in November. Johnson, a former Republican governor of New Mexico, is running with vice presidential partner Bill Weld, a former Republican governor of Massachusetts. Civil Beat.

A Maui mom thinks U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has lost touch with her district, and she’s challenging her in the Aug. 13 Democratic primary. West Hawaii Today.

An environmental group has filed a complaint with federal officials over Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds’ role in orchestrating opposition to the proposed expansion of the marine monument around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is on track to approve an $80,000 settlement for a lesbian couple who sued the city contending a Honolulu police officer harassed and arrested them after he saw them kissing in a North Shore grocery store. Civil Beat.

Land development-related growing pains in the quickly changing West Oahu region are a key issue in the Honolulu City Council District I race, where the incumbent faces challenges from three contenders. Star-Advertiser.

On the 173rd anniversary of Sovereignty Restoration Day (La Hoihoi Ea), supporters of two different paths toward self governance for kanaka maoli gathered Saturday to kukakuka (have a discussion) at Thomas Square in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

It’s been a while since Hawaii residents have seen gas selling for under $2 per gallon. But that will change this weekend as Par Hawaii, which is unveiling its new Hele brand, drops its price for regular unleaded gasoline to $1.99 at the first station to undergo the change as part of a grand opening event. Pacific Business News.

It's the second largest solar farm planned on Oahu and a major contributor to the state's clean energy goals. But neighbors say the Waianae Solar photovoltaic facility is one of the dirtiest they've seen. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Prosecutor’s race heats up: Roth, Kagami emphasize markedly different approaches. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman and challenger Hawaii County Councilman Greggor Ilagan were running about neck and neck in spending as they neared the home stretch of their campaigns. Tribune-Herald.

Napoopoo Road intersection work causing backups, lost business, owners say. West Hawaii Today.

More than five years after a tsunami tore into Anaehoomalu Bay, breaching Kuualii pond, crews are expected to begin this month replacing the wall at the fishpond as well as removing sand from the pond to build up the beach. West Hawaii Today.

There’s a dustup in the local Democratic Party over an official’s endorsement of a candidate in a nonpartisan County Council race. West Hawaii Today.

The vitriol surrounding accusations that the Hawaii Island Humane Society planned and engaged in a smear campaign against Big Island Dog Rescue seeped into Third Circuit Court Friday, where Judge Ronald Ibarra rejected an attempt to have the case dismissed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ing’s account, police report at odds. A citation for not having vehicle insurance that was issued to state Rep. Kaniela Ing shows he was driving his car when he was stopped for having an expired safety sticker and delinquent vehicle tax, according to a source who has knowledge of the traffic crime citation. Maui News.

The most serious charge lodged against six of the eight protesters arrested nearly a year ago in Kula during the transportation of construction materials for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope were dismissed Friday in 2nd Circuit Court. Maui News.

Four candidates vie for Gladys Baisa’s vacant Upcountry council seat. Maui News.

The high cost of construction bids has pushed back the installation of air conditioning in at least four Maui County schools, which means some students heading back to class Monday will have to bear the heat a bit longer. Maui News.

Kauai

Federal environmental officials are strong-arming the state into posting warning signs advising poor water quality at Mahaulepu and Gillin’s Beaches. Garden Island.

Federal environmental officials are requiring the state of Hawaii to post warning signs about poor water quality at two Kauai beaches. KITV.

Plea bargains, said Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar, are a balancing act. Garden Island.

James “Jimmy” Tokioka (D-15) is seeking his sixth, two-year term as a state House representative for Kauai. Garden Island.

Raised in Palolo, Oahu, Thomas Oi hopes his 26 years as a land surveyor will land him a seat at the state House. Garden Island.

Happy Fourth! Beach bacteria, fireworks safety top holiday concerns; DOT postpones highway projects; ACLU lawyer to head state Ethics Commission; lava awes spectators; special ed students sought for lawsuit; Honolulu hepatitis scare, Omidyar dairy opposed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Beach baby wash © 2016 All Hawaii News

Despite some short-term spikes in fecal bacteria, waters around Hawaii Island show levels well below those considered unsafe. But most of the average readings for enterococci — the primary measure of contamination used by the U.S. Environmental Management Agency — have been steadily increasing over the past 10 years. West Hawaii Today.

Where to see the fireworks on July Fourth. Fire officials across the state are reminding the public that the safest way to enjoy fireworks on Independence Day is to leave it to the professionals. Hawaii News Now.

State Department of Transportation officials plan to defer hundreds of millions of dollars in long-awaited, major highway construction projects across the islands that were supposed to relieve traffic congestion so that they can focus more highway funding on maintaining existing roads. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Lawyer To Be State Ethics Chief. A longtime legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, Daniel Gluck will oversee enforcement of the state’s ethics and lobbyists rules. Civil Beat.

Frustrated Champley ‘Considering Options’ After Removal From PUC. Gov. David Ige replaced him on the Public Utilities Commission just before it rules on the NextEra merger, raising legal questions. Civil Beat.

Attorneys representing special-education students in a 2010 class action lawsuit against the state are still trying to track down about 800 former students who “aged out” of Hawaii’s public school system at 20 years old under a state law that was later overturned. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial could be restored to its former glory — but with a high-tech touch — by 2019, exactly 100 years after the land was first acquired to construct the site, according to the senior field officer and attorney for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Star-Advertiser.

Recent cutbacks in Institute for Human Services Waikiki outreach efforts have led to complaints that homelessness is growing again in the state’s top tourism district, but Hawaii visitor industry officials vow to shore up the program, which would have closed next month without a cash infusion. Star-Advertiser.

Councilman Calls For Audit Amid Honolulu Ethics Commission Chaos. Events leading to the dismantling of the agency staff require scrutiny to restore public trust, Councilman Trevor Ozawa contends. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson is being stripped of his positions as the Council’s second-in-command and chairman of the influential Zoning and Planning Committee following a shake-up at Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

Michael McGrane, a budget analyst for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, was offered and accepted the chief financial officer position before the current CFO rescinded her resignation. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Health is conducting an investigation into at least 12 adults on Oahu infected with hepatitis A. Civil Beat.

Honolulu was one of two major U.S. cities named “most livable” by the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Indianapolis last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Cascading rivers of molten rock are attracting hundreds of awed spectators to Kalapana for a close look at a force that continues to shape Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

At the end of the three mile trek along the Hawaii County-side of the Highway 130 emergency route, lava enthusiasts can get a good look at the 61g lava flow as it slides down the Pulama pali. Big Island Video News.

Kilauea’s fireworks show continues as lava slowly advances to the ocean on a coastal plain. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory released new photos and a video from a visit to the flow on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Kai Kahele is selling his beachfront Milolii home back to the family he purchased the leasehold from, after questions arose about his residency qualifications for his Hilo-area Senate seat. West Hawaii Today.

Jen Ruggles, a candidate for Hawaii County Council, says she paid a delinquent $379.44 property tax bill Thursday after a reporter inquired about missed payments during the past two years. Tribune-Herald.

The state’s consumer advocate is siding with Ocean View residents in criticism of a plan to build acres of commercial solar panels in a residential area. Consumer advocate Jeff Ono’s statement of position released Thursday said the developers gamed the system by breaking the project up into smaller farms so it wouldn’t have to follow the bidding protocol that normally accompanies commercial solar operations. West Hawaii Today.

On Saturday, an estimated 8,000 island residents will gather in Hilo for the fourth annual gay pride parade, which organizers hope will bring awareness to the Big Island’s LGBT community. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A spirit of compromise pushed the Lanai Community Plan update over the Maui County Council's finish line Friday. Maui News.

Two-term state House member Kaniela Ing faces a Democratic primary challenge from an opponent who is a former gubernatorial appointee and has the backing of several construction-related labor unions. Challenger Deidre Tegarden served as chief of protocol under Gov. Neil Abercrombie and in the same capacity with Gov. David Ige before stepping down to seek the 11th District (South Maui) seat occupied by Ing since 2012. Star-Advertiser.

Adam Radford takes over as the new manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee today. Maui News.

With the closure of the three-decade-old Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Friday, construction will begin later this year on the $240 million Makena Golf & Beach Club, a high-end condominium project with a private beachfront community and club. Maui News.

As July 4th approaches, many Maui residents will head to Lahaina to watch the firework show on Monday. Other residents, however, will provide their own firework show. Maui Now.

Kauai

Billionaire Pierre Omidyar's plans for Kauai dairy is facing new criticisms over its waste management plan. Hawaii News Now.

The 1,300-acre Kekaha Game Management Area might be closed to hunters if the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Department of Land and Natural Resources do not extend a licensed agreement to allow hunting on the Hawaiian home land area before the current agreement expires at the end of August. Garden Island.

The more than 1,600 registered medical marijuana patients on Kauai may not be getting their medicine at a licensed dispensary in July. Garden Island.

Sabra Kauka, a Kauai kumu and environmental educator, will be presenting at the 2016 Environmental Education Symposium for the Hawaii Environmental Education Alliance (HEEA) July 13-15. Garden Island.

Waikiki Beach eroding; Sen. Kahele dies; bills would ban gay conversion therapy, criminalize sex with teachers, elect judges and attorney general, regulate vacation rentals, loosen ethics laws; more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists view Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach © 2016 All Hawaii News

A new state report proposes replacing a crumbling 89-year-old wall that juts out into the ocean from Waikiki Beach and has been keeping a prime section of Hawaii’s most visited beach from being swept away. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii state Sen. Gilbert Kahele, recalled as a big-hearted gentleman who cared deeply for his district, has died. Associated Press.

State Sen. Gilbert “Gil” Kahele, a soft-spoken but relentless advocate for Hawaii island and a longtime community organizer who campaigned for a long list of prominent Hawaii Democrats over the years, died Tuesday morning. He was 73. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is mourning the loss of state Sen. Gil Kahele, who died early Tuesday after a series of heart attacks. He was 73. Tribune-Herald.

Kahele

Gil Kahele, a state senator representing Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island, died Tuesday morning at the age of 73. Civil Beat.

Surrounded by his loving family, the Hawaii State Senate reports that Sen. Gil Kahale passed peacefully at 7:55 a.m. today at Queens Medical Center. He was 73 years old. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii state Sen. Gilbert Kahele, who represented parts of the Big Island, has died. He was 73. KITV4.
  
A public memorial will be held this week for Hawaii Island Sen. Gil Kahele. The 73-year-old died Tuesday morning surrounded by family at Queen’s Medical Center after being hospitalized last week for undisclosed medical reasons. KHON2.

The death of state Sen. Gil Kahele on Tuesday could leave Hilo without a Senate representative for several weeks of the legislative session as Democratic Party officials interview applicants for the District 1 seat. Gov. David Ige will be responsible for picking a replacement for Kahele, who came to the Legislature in 2011 as an appointment by then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie, following a nomination process held by county party officials. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii lawmakers are considering bills this year that would fundamentally change how district judges, the attorney general and lieutenant governor are chosen. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers have introduced a bill banning a hotly disputed treatment that aims to turn gay teens heterosexual on the basis that being gay is an illness. Associated Press.

Lawmakers are debating a bill that would make it a crime for a teacher to have consensual sexual contact with a 16- or 17-year-old. Hawaii's age of consent is 16, but under House Bill 1044, an adult in a position of power who engages in sexual contact with a 16- or 17-year-old would face fourth-degree sex assault charges. Hawaii News Now.

Reps. Kaniela Ing and Cynthia Thielen are joining forces to introduce a measure that expands industrial hemp research, growth, cultivation and marketing activities in Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Today state Representatives Cynthia Thielen, R-Kailua, and Kaniela Ing, D-South Maui, unveiled their big industrial hemp bill. MauiTime.

An East Hawaii lawmaker is proposing a new payroll tax to fund paid sick leave for most employees in the state. The bill, introduced by Rep. Mark Nakashima, would require businesses that employ at least 10 people to provide up to five days of paid leave a year for illnesses. Tribune-Herald.

The Governor covered his major priorities yesterday during his State of the State address to the Legislature.   But the largest departmental budget includes much more than what was revealed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Commentary: Ige’s clumsy delivery belies bold ideas charted in speech. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island legislators want to bolster the state Department of Health Vector Control Branch to better focus on controlling populations of animals and insects that spread disease. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii has a new statewide on-demand television channel called HSPAN that its creators say “will significantly increase” the coverage of state Capitol activities available to the public. Civil Beat.

Who’s Raising Cash During Session? Hawaii state Reps. Evans, Mizuno and Morikawa, that’s who. And it’s not illegal. Civil Beat.

Commentary: A controversial decision last year by the State Ethics Commission restricting educational trips planned, organized, and led by public school teachers has spawned a pair of identical bills that could dangerously weaken the state ethics law. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s medical marijuana industry, which could be valued at $300 million by the end of 2018, will have a major impact on the industrial real estate market in the state, that is already one of the tightest markets for space in the nation, according to an industry expert. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii received a B when Americans for Safe Access released its Medical Marijuana Access in the US: A Patient-Focused Analysis of the Patchwork of State Laws Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The federal Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has withdrawn plans to expand the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary amid resistance from the state, the community and boating and fishing groups. Star-Advertiser.

The federal government announced it dropped a plan to transform the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary from a single species national marine sanctuary. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary isn’t expanding. That’s due to a decision from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration to not move forward with a proposed expansion to an ecosystem-based sanctuary. Garden Island.

Pacific Water Conference could provide new solutions for septic systems, as regulation offers tax rewards. Pacific Business News.

The Department of Education is working to collect nearly $100,000 it mistakenly paid to more than 200 substitute teachers over a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Micronesians who were hospitalized in Hawaii were significantly younger than other racial and ethnic groups, a new study has found. The severity of the illnesses also was higher for Micronesians than for whites, Japanese and Hawaiians when it comes to cardiac and infectious disease. Civil Beat.

Citing a need to pay off debt, Hawaiian Airlines officials say a profitable year won’t directly affect ticket prices. Garden Island.

Oahu

Pearl City legislators have introduced House Bill 1840, which calls for a plan to repair the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery on 4th Street off Kamehameha Hwy. Hawaii News Now.

The Waimanalo Market Co-op faces an insecure future. General Manager Leinaala Bright says that while the co-op has state nonprofit status, it does not yet meet federal criteria that would allow it to qualify for a host of grants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

For years, an unknown — but some say increasing — number of homeowners have quietly rented out their properties to visitors on such online clearing houses as Airbnb and Vacation Rentals By Owner. Kona Sen. Josh Green has introduced a bill that would require all vacation rentals to be licensed annually under the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. West Hawaii Today.

Water bills will trickle down another few cents Monday, as the county Department of Water Supply passes along savings from lower electricity costs. West Hawaii Today.

HPD Keeps Mum About Fired Cop Now Charged With Sex Assault on Hawaii Island. Honolulu police officials refuse to answer questions about Ethan Ferguson, who was hired by a state agency after being discharged by HPD for misconduct. Civil Beat.

Maui

Gov. David Ige called it a "first priority" to keep Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. land in agriculture rather than leave it unproductive or turned into luxury housing when the more than 100-year-old company ceases its sugar operations later this year. Maui News.

Maui County's unemployment rate fell to 3.1 percent in December, down more than half a percentage point from 3.8 percent a year earlier, according to labor statistics released Monday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai anti-bullying campaign grew Tuesday when public school principals received the Mauka to Makai message banners during the principals’ meeting at the Department of Education administrative offices in Lihue. Garden Island.