Legislative discord, TV blackout, mark new Hawaii session, Say retains speakership, surf's up, Eddie could go, woman in court for bludgeoning peacock, look out for tangled whale, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

The clerk of the state House of Representatives on Wednesday barred live television coverage of an afternoon session at which the speaker was elected after a two-month struggle among House Democrats. Associated Press.

State House Speaker Calvin Say yesterday overcame a leadership challenge that had divided majority Democrats for two months, but he agreed to give dissidents a greater share of leadership posts and committee chairmanships. Star-Advertiser.

State Senate president Shan Tsutsui set the stage for the 2011 Legislature, saying lawmakers will tackle the economy, education and energy self-sufficiency. Hawaii News Now.

The state House on Wednesday afternoon had a leader after a public dispute over who should be speaker. KITV4.

Rep. Calvin Say (District 20 – St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki) will remain as Speaker of the House for the Twenty-Sixth Legislature, which includes the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions. Hawaii News Now.

For two and a half months, Calvin Say could not muster the required 26 votes to win another two-year term as speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives. Civil Beat.

The 26th State Legislature conducted its opening day festivities with music and song today. At the same time there was a cloud of uncertainty and tension in the lower House due to unsettled differences. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii House of Representatives today announced that Rep. Calvin Say (District 20 - D)will remain as Speaker of the House for the 26th Legislature, which includes the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.Hawaii Independent.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today appointed of Georgette “Jo” Jordon to represent House District 45.  Jordon fills the seat left vacant by Maile Shimabukuro who was appointed to the district’s State Senate seat. KHON2.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has been appointed to House committees that handle military and environmental policies. Associated Press.

A scientist from the University of Hawaii has helped discover 16 pairs of supermassive black holes in merging galaxies. Star-Advertiser.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau could go. Star-Advertiser.

While some are planning for the possibility of damage from huge surf scheduled to arrive early Thursday morning, many more are looking forward to just seeing the beauty and power of these big waves. KITV4.

To help alleviate traffic congestion and protect public safety, the city and event sponsor will provide off-site parking and bus transportation if the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave surf contest is held soon at Waimea Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Dark now, but with 30 foot surf expected to pound the coast, the City is prepared at a moments notice to activate if necessary. KHON2.

Federal and state officials on Wednesday asked Hawaii boaters to help them search for an entangled humpback whale that's dragging about 60-to-80 feet of line and a buoy. Associated Press.

The road to the summit of Haleakala reopened at 11 a.m. Wednesday after being closed earlier because of snow, slush and ice on the roadway, a park official said. Maui News.

Hawaii programs that assist the homeless are receiving $10.2 million from the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development. Pacific Business News

With two new interventional cardiologists on staff, Maui Memorial Medical Center recorded its first angioplasty just three days into the new year. Maui News.

A South Kohala developer is still in violation of a Land Use Commission decision, state planning officials say. West Hawaii Today.

A Makaha Valley Towers condominium owner who used a baseball bat to bludgeon a peacock to death should not be on trial because peafowl are pests and the state doesn't require a permit to kill them, her attorney told jurors yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

KITV 4 News has learned an elementary school secretary was arrested in a theft case Wednesday, the same day a Kapolei man was sentenced after he admitted to stealing thousands of dollars from a Little League baseball team. KITV4.

Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira said he'll consult with county Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida before taking any action concerning a Pahala fire captain convicted of a 2005 hit-and-run death. Tribune-Herald.

Opponents to Honolulu’s rail transit project say the city’s clearing of a key Federal Transit Administration hurdle won’t stop them from trying to derail the program. Hawaii Reporter.

With Honolulu's Rail Transit Project cleared for construction, job-seekers lined up today hoping to score one of the thousands of rail-related jobs. KHON2.

Residents have been turned away at the propane pump in recent weeks, left without needed fuel for stoves and other home appliances. Garden Island.

An army has to train if it wants to avoid unnecessary casualties. And American troops stationed in Hawai'i face a narrowing set of options for training. Kaho'olawe has been returned, much the worse for wear, to the native Hawaiians. Big Island Weekly.

Homeowner watches as lava overtakes house. Star-Advertiser.

Longtime Molokai rancher James “Uncle Jimmy” Duvauchelle has been managing land on Molokai’s west end for 40-plus years – seeing the island turn from green to brown and the economy dwindle.. Molokai Dispatch.

A 32-year-old Kealakehe Intermediate School teacher, recently charged with abuse and unlawful imprisonment of a child, has been put on indefinite "department directed leave," school officials said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department is inviting public comment on the relocation of the Kekaha lifeguard tower. Garden Island.

If you haven’t noticed, we’re in a full-tilt transformation away from conventional cars. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii economy takes a turn for the better, storm cleanup continues, Inouye tells state Dems to get moving, conservation district rules going to public hearings, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Retail sales rose for a sixth consecutive month in December, helped by big gains in sales of autos and furniture. Associated Press.

Two out of every three Hawaii hotel rooms were full during the week ending Jan. 8 as average room rates trended upward, according to Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors. Pacific Business News.

A federal judge on Thursday approved the distribution of $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by thousands of victims of torture, execution and abduction under the regime of the late former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is urging Democrats who hold a big majority in the state House to end their infighting and unite, or risk voters becoming disgusted by the turmoil. Associated Press.

Recalling times when he received threats and was even spat upon, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye joined the chorus of pundits and even President Barack Obama in calling for more restraint in political rhetoric in the aftermath of the fatal shootings in Tucson. Star-Advertiser.

Dan Inouye was so busy in Washington in 2010 that he says he only made six trips to the islands — even though he was running for re-election. Civil Beat.

Interview: Daniel Inouye on the Tucson tragedy. Hawaii News Now.

A winter storm that wreaked havoc for two days on its way down the island chain was expected to bring snow to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa last night before weakening and moving farther north. Star-Advertiser.

During the heavy downpour from the storm, tens of thousands of gallons of sewage spilled in Waianae, Kaneohe and Foster Village. KITV4.

As they prepared to spend Thursday night on cots in an auditorium at Waianae Regional Park, families who say they "lost everything" in this week's floods shared their stories with Hawaii News Now. Hawaii News Now.

For the second time in a month, flood waters and trash from the city's landfill in Nanakuli were discharged into the ocean along Oahu's Leeward Coast Wednesday night.KITV4.

Government officials are advising Maui residents to take precaution when cleaning up after a storm brought flooding throughout Maui.  The State Department of Health gave a warning about leptospirosis, while Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa urged residents to use caution when they drive and when they are cleaning up. Hawaii Independent.

Portuguese men-of-war have been found at Poipu Beach and other south shore beaches, Kauai County Ocean Safety officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Changes to state rules governing development in conservation districts will undergo another round of public hearings before becoming law. West Hawaii Today.

As the Board of Land and Natural Resources conducted its business Thursday, an e-mail went out that showed sometimes, progress trumps politics. Civil Beat.

A key element of the state’s plan to get off oil is something called a Feed-In Tariff. Hawaii Public Radio.

A West Hawaii apartment building owner is fighting an EPA fine for continuing to use a large capacity cesspool, a fine he says he could avoid if the county would follow up with plans to expand sewer system connections in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

As construction of the $50.5 million West Hawaii Civic Center wraps up, county departments and offices are preparing for a big move that will cause intermittent multiday closures of services to area residents. West Hawaii Today.

Four months after the 23-year-old Hawaii Venture Capital Association criticized a rival's similar-sounding name, the rival has switched to a different moniker. Associated Press.

Theft Puts Native Hawaiian Canoe Making Program on Hold. Hawaii Reporter.

Diana Oshiro, principal of Myron B. Thompson Academy, told state officials yesterday the charter school is changing the way it evaluates relatives on staff and is beefing up financial oversight, but her sister and three nephews are keeping their jobs at the online public school. Star-Advertiser.

If you go by price alone, the average home on Maui is 30 Ahualani Place in Pau Hana Estates - 2-plus acres, a house plus an ohana with two legal rentals and a total of seven bedrooms. Maui News.

After selling out an upcoming Feb. 25 concert by Elton John and his band in record time, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center has added a second show for the rock megastar. Maui News.

Contractors have begun work on the cleanup of the old Lihu‘e and Kekaha sugar mills, a project that is expected to continue for several months, a Jan. 7 joint press release said. Garden Island.

Engineers, architects, surveyors and community officials that deal with floodplain development in high risk coastal zones are invited to participate in a valuable four-hour training opportunity in February, through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and FEMA Region IX.  Molokai Dispatch.

TV crew claims Obama security abuse, government pension funds in the red, Big Island landfill expansion in question, jellyfish invasion at Oahu beaches, electric bills to rise, Djou bids aloha, civil unions to make comeback, media looks back on 2010, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

An expected 15 percent surge in cruise ship visitors to East Hawaii could mean a $1.8 million boost for local businesses in 2011. Tribune-Herald.

President Barack Obama and his family traveled to the North Shore yesterday for a barbecue with a high school friend at his beachfront home. Star-Advertiser.

A public access television crew complained of police mistreatment Thursday, after trying to get a picture of President Barrack Obama. KITV4.

President Barack Obama and his family are returning to Oahu's North Shore for a barbecue with a high school friend at his beachfront home. Associated Press.

These are Hawaii's Top 10 stories for 2010. Star-Advertiser.

Stories From The Hawaii Beat - 2010 Recycled. Civil Beat.

Top 10 news stories for 2010. Garden Island.

Republican Congressman Charles Djou will hold a farewell press conference this morning to cap off his term as Hawaii’s representative. KHON2.

City and state officials are wary of the growing under-funded pension of government workers. KITV4.

For his part in reviving the thought-to-be-dead civil unions bill, Rep. Blake Oshiro was vilified by opponents and held up as an example of a lawmaker not listening to public sentiment who would pay the price on election day. Star-Advertiser.

St. Sen. Russell Kokubun of Hilo has formally resigned to take a post in the administration of Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Oahu appears headed for a loud and smoky New Years' Eve. Almost 2,000 more permits for firecrackers were sold this year than last. Hawaii News Now.

For those leaving the fireworks to the professionals, there are three shows on Oahu.KHON2.

Fire departments on three islands are warning residents against a new type of novelty pyrotechnic in what might be the most eruptive New Year's Eve celebration in years as Oahu faces a looming ban on fireworks. Star-Advertiser.

Setting off of fireworks is allowable only between the hours of 9:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Hawaii Reporter.

Bathrooms with missing doors.Benches with missing boards and piers with missing…stability. Those are a few of the black eyes the Department of Land & Natural Resources would like to fix. Hawaii News Now.

Despite a waste management plan that considers expanding the Hilo landfill the only alternative to trucking East Hawaii garbage to West Hawaii, the county is giving up a quarry officials acknowledge could be needed in its expansion plans. West Hawaii Today.

A year ago, Mayor Billy Kenoi signed off on a list of prioritized, islandwide sewer projects to be sent off to Washington as the county sought federal stimulus funding. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Electric Co. says average residential power bills will rise 71 cents next month to pay for energy-saving incentives. Associated Press.

New flood maps could prove costly for some homeowners KHON2.

Developers are not offering enough affordable homes to low-income buyers, says Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann, who's introducing legislation to mandate a marketing change. Tribune-Herald.

More than 200 people were stung by box jellyfish at Waikiki and Ala Moana beaches over the last two days, and lifeguards are urging people to stay out of South Shore waters today to avoid the painful welts. Star-Advertiser.

Money is tight all around these days, but the financial crunch is being felt particularly acute in the non-profit sector, which relies largely on donations from people like you and me, who understandably have less discretionary funds to go around. Hawaii Independent.

It's enough to turn heads: carpets, furniture, appliances, you name it stacked on sidewalks all across the City. KHON2.

Maui fish retailers and wholesalers say there should be enough ahi for sashimi lovers this New Year's, and prices should be reasonable for the holiday. Maui News.

Fresh ahi over a bowl of hot rice is a delicacy in any season. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Wednesday announced the opportunity for interested individuals to participate in the control of feral goats in an area known as Hunting Unit A in west Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Obama birthers discredited, Abercrombie meets with Hawaii mayors, new senator suing the state, fugitive causes ruckus outside Obama vacation home, job market up, Big Island doubles police discipline, Lahaina library gets facelift, Maui beach issues unresolved, Kauai beaches hazardous, Oahu infrastructure failing, more Hawaii news

Neil Abercrombie knew Barack Obama's parents when the future president was born here in 1961, and he has been aggravated by the so-called birther movement, which alleges Obama was not born in the United States and thus should be expelled from office. Los Angeles Times.

Hawaii's four mayors met for the first time with Gov. Neil Abercrombie in his state capitol office Thursday. KITV4.

Newly appointed State Sen. Malama Solomon is suing the state over a water usage issue on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands pastoral property her family holds on the Big Island. Hawaii Reporter.

President Barack Obama, who planned to keep a low profile on his vacation in Hawaii, managed to avoid a bizarre turn of events yesterday just outside his security bubble. Star-Advertiser.

Associated Press Video

A man wanted by police is in custody tonight after tense moments in the Kailua neighborhood where President Obama and his family are vacationing. KHON2.

After a little bit of work and a morning workout, President Barack Obama hit the links on his first day of vacation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

With warrants out for his arrest and police following his pick-up truck, Leon Rodrigues tried to get away by turning off Kalaheo Avenue onto Kailuana Place. Bad move. Hawaii News Now.


Parts of Hawaii could be in for another bout of very wet weather early next week. Hawaii News Now.

Many travelers are heading home for the holidays on what's considered one of the busiest travel days of the year. KHON2.

Disciplinary actions against Hawaii County police officers doubled in 2010 compared to previous years, with most suspensions coming from not filing incident reports on time. West Hawaii Today.


A state water official says a headline-grabbing water study that found a probable carcinogen in Honolulu's tap water was "irresponsible," since it drew its conclusion based on a single water sample. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island's drinking water is clear of dangerous concentrations of the "Erin Brockovich chemical" found in Honolulu's tap water. Tribune-Herald.

For construction workers in Hawaii, recent economic news has been bleak. But there may be some reason to cheer for job seekers in other industries. KITV4.

Wholesaler Pacific Fireworks will move 200,000 pounds of product this year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric Co. hopes to replace a destroyed transformer for Ala Moana Center by this weekend, but the utility fears there could be further outages as it slowly switches from shaky backup systems. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Telcom customers around Oahu are reporting a number of outages to land-line services. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has lost one of its most visionary and productive real estate developers, Herbert K. Horita, whose projects included Ko Olina Resort & Marina and thousands of Oahu homes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii State Department of Health officials announced Thursday that a large quantity of storm water and landfill waste was discharged from the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill into ocean waters between Ko Olina and the Kahe Power Plant.  KHON2.

Only 8,000 of 48,000 ballots for West Oahu’s City Council seat have been cast so far. Hawaii Independent.

From broad-ranging policy to specific projects, Hawaii County's legislators and a top administrator are looking ahead to 2011 and lining up their priorities. West Hawaii Today.

A hearing on the Keawakapu Beach parking dispute Tuesday was adjourned until Jan. 24. Work remains suspended under a restraining order from 2nd Circuit Judge Joel August. Maui News.

While Kipu Falls in the southeast and Queen’s Bath in Princeville may be some of Kaua‘i’s more popular visitor attractions, they’re also some of island’s more hazardous places to take a dip. Garden Island.

Scientists now have hard evidence for something they have long believed — that establishing no-fishing zones in the ocean will help replenish fish populations far away that have been over-harvested. Associated Press.

Permaculture may be a relatively new word, but the idea behind it is ancient. Permaculture comes from studying traditional native systems that were truly sustainable, one of them being the ahupua`a system of Hawaii. Molokai Dispatch.

Design work is under way on Lahaina Rotary Club’s “Operation Facelift” for Lahaina Public Library, said club President Carmen Karady. Lahaina News.

Hawaii set to swear in new governor, Russian rocket falls in Pacific, coral may not be so endangered, algae farm, breadfruit revolution and more Hawaii news

When might an endangered coral species not really be endangered? Star-Advertiser.

A group of island nations meeting at a conference in Honolulu starting today says it wants the United States to significantly reduce its use of purse seine nets in the central and western Pacific in light of overfishing of bigeye tuna. Star-Advertiser.

Russian news reports said a rocket and its payload of three communications satellites has fallen into the Pacific Ocean after failing to reach orbit. KITV4.

Democrat Neil Abercrombie becomes Hawaii's seventh elected governor Monday during a ceremony that will mark a return to tradition when the former congressman is sworn in at the historic Iolani Palace. Associated Press.

On Monday, Hawaii will have a new governor and lieutenant governor. KHON2.

People taking part in Monday's inauguration for Hawaii's new governor, Neil Abercrombiealgea , went through a dress rehearsal Sunday.Hawaii News Now.

Oahu residents who need to conduct business at a state courthouse in Downtown Honolulu should give themselves extra time to find parking on Monday, December 6. KHON2.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie will assume the governor’s post on Monday with much fanfare and an ambitious plan to move the state forward by revitalizing state government and accelerating the pace of Hawaii’s economic recovery. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Gov.-elect Neil Abercrombie has named five department directors and two deputy directors to work in his administration.Associated Press.

During the campaign, Gov.-elect Neil Abercrombie pledged to inaugurate an "agricultural renaissance" in Hawaii, and he's tapped a veteran political figure to make it happen. West Hawaii Today.

Dissecting Abercrombie's 'New Day' Civil Beat.

If leading state government is like running a foot race, then Amy Brinkmeyer Asselbaye might be a good person to take along for the jog. Associated Press.

State and county leaders also need to take a cue from the president and begin to bring spending at the local level under control. West Hawaii Today.

Governor Linda Lingle has launched a website detailing her eight years as Hawaii's head of state.KHON2.

Two years ago, former Gov. George Ariyoshi and others filed a lawsuit seeking as much as $725 million for what they said was an invalid 2002 merger involving the high-technology company Pihana Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

This school year, more Hawaii kindergarten students started school without key skills, fewer had attended preschool and more than half came from low-income families, according to a new state Department of Education readiness report. Star-Advertiser.

It's a stellar year for show business. Hawaii News Now.

State Rep. Mark Nakashima and former state Sen. Lorraine Inouye both want the Senate seat Dwight Takamine is vacating to become Hawaii's next labor director. Tribune-Herald.

The island's new political order takes over at noon Monday with the swearing-in of the new Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

At the sunset of 10 years in office, Maui County Council Member Jo Anne Johnson reflected on public service, the loss of her life partner and her love for the people who grew to accept a Wisconsin native with a funny Midwestern accent as one of their own. Maui News.

For an island of its size, Molokai has a remarkable range of choices for health care. Molokai Dispatch.

Phycal Hawaii R&D is moving forward with plans to build an approximately 30-acre algae farm on currently unused Del Monte pineapple fields north of Wahiawa. Hawaii Independent.

In sleepy Hana, a breadfruit revolution is unfolding. Maui News.

Sunday marked the first appearance of The Breadfruit Institute at the annual Christmas in the Gardens event at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens on the South Shore. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau will hold its annual membership meeting Thursday at Kaua‘i Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach. Garden Island.

Here in Hawaii , FOB is thick with meaning. “Fresh off the boat” has images of a new immigrant having sailed from some remote island, dressed in country clothes, with a bayong (woven bag), a wide-rimmed hat, crude ways and very thick accent. Filipino Chronicle.

Hawaii mayors want to end furloughs, Mauna Kea telescope hearings slated, Kileaua quiets, county governments reorganize, biofuels spotlighted, unemployment lapses, more news

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii says a Pearl Harbor submarine wharf has been upgraded to accommodate the Navy's new Virginia-class submarines. Associated Press.

Hawaii Mayors Want To End Furloughs. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle wants to eliminate public worker furloughs in his city. Associated Press.

The following furlough days and holidays will affect certain state or county services in December. Star-Advertiser.

The state plans to hold two public hearings this week on a proposal to build the world's largest telescope at Mauna Kea's summit. KITV4.

Outgoing DLNR director says parks, harbors and trails are in disrepair because the state won't commit the needed funding. Civil Beat.

Across the country cities are setting aside money they don't have to replace perfectly good traffic signs. KHON2.

Hawaii has applied to be the 32nd state to borrow from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to pay state unemployment benefits. Hawaii Reporter.

Yesterday was the first day that people who otherwise would have received extended unemployment checks went empty-handed. Star-Advertiser.

Almost 17,000 Hawaii residents receive regular unemployment benefits up to 26 weeks. Another 11,000 are on extended benefits that go up to a maximum 73 weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Former state House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan, who was the Republican lieutenant governor nominee, is the new executive director of the Hawaii Charter Schools Network. Star-Advertiser.

Two state senators are visiting Kauai farmers to hear about their problems and concerns in preparation for next month's legislative session. Associated Press.

Sometime this week, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a bill that could radically change how the federal government--in fact, how the world -- handles food safety. Big Island Weekly.

Biofuels: Boom or Bust? The future of energy in Hawai‘i. Honolulu Weekly.

Recently re-elected Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. drew a standing ovation at his inauguration ceremony, after a speech that revealed many grand plans for the island in the next 10 years. Garden Island.

Another day and another set of appointments for top Maui County positions from Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

The new County Council, during its inaugural meeting held Wednesday at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e, gave County Clerk Peter Nakamura and County Attorney Al Castillo the green light to keep their jobs. Garden Island.

A wave of public opposition Tuesday persuaded a lame-duck County Council to postpone a $56 million bond authorization until it can be heard by a new council seated Dec. 6. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council played Grinch to Mayor Billy Kenoi on Tuesday, postponing till after the holidays his request to borrow $56 million. Tribune-Herald.

With mutual allegations of insincerity flying, the County Council Water Resources Committee on Tuesday decided to allow its resolution about exploring the possibility of acquiring the Piiholo South water well to expire. Maui News.

The show is over at the ocean entry point at Kilauea Volcano. KHON2.

A 3rd Circuit Court judge took under advisement arguments about whether a mainland bonding company should deposit about $35 million with the court while Hawaii County's case against it proceeds. West Hawaii Today.

A small gathering at the state Capitol marked World AIDS Day in Hawaii. KHON2.

Those red ribbons all around the world on Wednesday, reminded people that AIDS continues to take lives. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Democratic Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka are calling for the repeal of the military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy that bars gays and lesbians from openly serving in the armed services. Associated Press.

It was supposed to be a family vacation to celebrate their parents 45th wedding anniversary and spend the holiday with relatives. KHON2.

During the second part of a two phase expansion, Molokai’s Coffees of Hawaii anticipated bringing the community a full restaurant menu, extended hours and a safe place a have a drink with friends in the evenings in Kualapu`u. Molokai Dispatch.

The Social Media Club of Hawaii wants to recognize local accomplishments, online good deeds. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii airports run smoothly, Kona coffee brand imperiled, city, federal officials guilty, UH mulls tuition hike, Black Friday beckons, more news

Reputation of Kona coffee is threatened. Quarantine could ruin brew's lofty status, price in industry. Tribune-Herald.

A state agriculture board approved a quarantine of Big Island green coffee beans. West Hawaii Today.

Invasive species are so pervasive in Hawaii's low-lying areas that the U.S. Forest Service says it's not cost-effective or practical to eradicate them all.  Associated Press.

A crowd of around 50 people was split about whether or not a federal permit for discharge of liquid from a Kekaha shrimp farm to the ocean should be renewed. Garden Island.

A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced to a month in jail a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee who steered an earth-moving job at the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai to a company in which he was a partner. Star-Advertiser.

Despite the national controversy over air passenger security screening, operations at Honolulu Airport went smoothly yesterday, one of the year's busiest travel days. Star-Advertiser.

Thanksgiving travelers crowded Honolulu International Airport on their way to visit friends and family, but delays many feared would be caused by tightened security and security protests did not materialize. Hawaii News Now.

The members of the Garber family are not terrorists. They don't want to crash any airliners. Tribune-Herald.

State airport and Transportation Security Administration officials reported no problems with passenger security check-ins Wednesday at Kahului Airport. Maui News.

The 25th infantry will be sending more soldiers to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. KHON2.

Abercrombie: Nonprofits Aren't Providing Case Management and Support for Veterans. Civil Beat.

Linda Lingle is in the final weeks of her job as Governor of Hawaii. KHON2.

The mother of Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, Frances Helena Lum Aiona, has died. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is entertaining the idea of a tuition hike by fall 2012, the first such action since 2005. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaiii researchers are going door-to-door to ask women from the islands to participate in a study designed find answers to childhood problems such as asthma, autism, obesity, and diabetes. The National Children’s Study is the largest long-term study of children’s health ever conducted in the United States. Hawaii Independent.

A recent study suggests that Hawaii’s mahu students are at greater risk of violence than the general student population. Honolulu Weekly.

City Councilman Rod Tam pleaded guilty yesterday to 26 misdemeanor counts of theft and falsifying documents, and for the first time admitted to overcharging the city for meals unrelated to his work as a Council member. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Councilmember Rodney H.C.G. Tam pled guilty today to two counts of Theft in the Third Degree, eleven counts of Theft in the Fourth Degree, and thirteen counts of Unsworn Falsification to Authorities. Hawaii Reporter.

After 26-years on the force with the Honolulu Police Department, Louis Kealoha says the past year as Chief has been the hardest. KHON2.

Kamehameha Schools has proposed buying a 3.4-acre city parcel in Haleiwa for educational and park purposes that businessman D.G. "Andy" Anderson wants to develop for a boutique hotel. Star-Advertiser.

The forecast looks promising for stores in Hawaii.  Hawaii News Now.

Oahu retailers said Wednesday some shoppers are hitting the malls even earlier than Black Friday. KITV4.

The Hawaii County Council has scheduled a special session for Nov. 30 to reconsider a $56 million bond issue. West Hawaii Today.

Up until a few days ago, Kaua‘i County Council Chair Bill “Kaipo” Asing said he had intended to utilize his last meeting to shed more light on the recent harassment allegations that damaged his reputation. Garden Island.

Donald Fujimoto is out as county engineer and Janine Rapozo is out as transportation director, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Sr. announced Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai Farmer without a farm? Not for long. Molokai Dispatch.

The slogan "made from scratch" rings true for The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, which is marking its 10th anniversary. Big Island Weekly.

Campaign season officially begins, Honolulu needs a mayor, Honolulu councilman under criminal investigation, Big Island councilman fights arrest, Maui councilman fights residency requirement, Superferry leaked red ink, more Hawaii news

The Hawai‘i Superferry was sailing under a facade of success in the summer of 2008 — boasting of record ridership — but it had already begun to shortchange the state on its monthly fees, according to an Associated Press review of Department of Transportation records. Associated Press.

Political hopefuls made their candidacy official for the state primaries and the general election Tuesday. KITV.

Hawaii's vastly outnumbered Republicans are looking to make a comeback this election year, with GOP candidates running in almost every legislative district of the nation's second-most politically monolithic state. Associated Press.

This year's election is drawing a lot of interest from both parties and today as many as three dozen more people became candidates in the nick of time. KHON2.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said yesterday that his chief executive experience as mayor of the state's largest city would shape his campaign for governor, but his opponent, former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, dismissed that record as a failure. Star-Advertiser.

The feisty race for governor is on. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann Tuesday became candidate Hannemann after he filed to run for Hawaii governor. KITV.

Neil Abercrombie also had harsh words for his democratic challenger in the governor’s race. KHON2.

As Mufi Hannemann leaves one political arena for another, Hawaii News Now asked three observers to grade his job performance as Honolulu's mayor. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Office of Elections released the completed list of all candidates for office on the filing deadline, Tuesday July 20. Hawaii News Now.

With a vacancy in the mayor's office created by Mufi Hannemann's resignation to run for governor, the City Council has scheduled a meeting tomorrow to set the date of a special election to fill the final two years of his term. Star-Advertiser.

North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell vowed Monday to fight charges after an altercation Saturday with police that Greenwell claimed left him "tethered to a post like a goat while being booked as a criminal." West Hawaii Today.

North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell has been arrested and released after getting into a "wrestling match" with a police officer who cited him for speeding Saturday in Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

The Lanai City hearing in the voter registration appeal against Maui County Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala concluded Monday, and now a decision is once again in the hands of the state Board of Registration for Maui County. Maui News.

The Department of the Attorney General  is leading a criminal investigation into mayoral candidate and City Councilman Rod Tam’s spending of city funds, Civil Beat has learned. Civil Beat.

Reading and math learning goals for Hawaii public schools are "mediocre" and "often vague," says a new national report that gives the state a "C" for its educational standards. Star-Advertiser.

Fishermen who use longlines to catch ahi, mahimahi and other fish off Hawaii should use a different kind of hook so they don't accidentally severely injure or kill a rare dolphin species, a federal advisory group said. Associated Press.

A beloved Kauai tradition may be going to the birds. Hawaii News Now.

A former military public affairs officer said she was trying to "inform and entertain" readers when she described Rim of the Pacific naval exercises as "snoozepac" and the "world's largest floating cocktail party" in a separate blog. Star-Advertiser.

The state Supreme Court has affirmed an earlier ruling saying the owners of Turtle Bay Resort must complete a new environmental study if they want to build thousands more hotel rooms on Oahu's North Shore. Associated Press.

A steadily moving lava flow remained about 100 yards from a Kalapana home Monday afternoon, and threatened four others as it continued to make its way eastward toward the ocean. Tribune-Herald.

The Kaua‘i County Council in 2008 budgeted hundreds of thousands of dollars for Kekaha to spend on community improvements in exchange for hosting the island’s only landfill for decades. Garden Island.

A study comparing the cost of trucking garbage to West Hawaii to expanding the Hilo landfill seems to have stalled with the departure of former Environmental Management Director Lono Tyson. West Hawaii Today.

A notice to proceed for design of Phase 2 of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project was given July 7 to Goodfellow Bros. Inc. by the state Department of Transportation, but announced Monday, said Ed Brown, Goodfellow Bros. regional manager. West Hawaii Today.

Because of a staff shortage, trash was not collected as planned in parts of Kihei on Monday. Maui News.

Maui County is invalidating the environmental study for a plant that would treat water diverted from central Maui streams. Associated Press.

There were many people on Monday who wanted to connect to the past when sugar was king in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Hawaii Centers for Independent Living offers services to adults with permanent disability and now has an office open on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Just sayin' -- Veil of secrecy threatens access to Hawaii public records

I guess if a journalist were allowed to have an opinion about anything, it would be access to public records.

So it's appropriate here to post two letters the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter recently sent to Gov. Linda Lingle, asking her to veto two insidious bills the state Legislature passed this year. I'm the signatory on these letters, and I did write them, but they represent the opinion of the SPJ board, on behalf of FOIA-ers everywhere.

As a moonlighting FOIA lobbyist, I guess I’d better keep my day job. Lingle on Wednesday signed the bill formerly known as “vexatious requestor” and now simply known as the  “birther” bill, and we can only hope that it won’t take on a life of its own and continue past its original purpose. Talk about vexatious!

Still to come – what the governor decides to do with the public’s right to know about complaints filed against their dentists, builders, real estate professionals, etc. Think HB1212 is a bad bill? It’s not too late to register your concerns with the governor’s office.

Stay tuned here or follow me on Twitter for updates on this bill and other government news. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. I’m just sayin.

Hawaii reacts to health care bill, government strives to save natural resources, beach access, earmarks R us, honey bees in peril, more top state news

As Hawai'i's precious recreation areas become increasingly crowded, a bill to protect shoreline access is gaining momentum in the Legislature.

The native koa and ohia trees in the Kau Forest Reserve reach 100 feet into the sky, providing a haven for critically endangered Hawaii birds to nest and forage.

The monumental health care reform bill passed by the U.S. House yesterday will have immediate results for some residents in Hawaii, supporters said.

Hawai'i's congressional delegation yesterday praised the historic restructuring of the nation's health care system as a momentous step forward.

Local supporters of the bill praised its promise to bring health coverage to millions, reduce costs of prescription drugs while extending coverage for consumers with pre-existing conditions.

As the health care reform passed through legislation, some local politicians celebrated the landmark bill.

Scores of private companies, nonprofit groups and state agencies will divvy up more than $412 million this year in earmarked federal funds that were designated by one or more of Hawaii's four members of Congress.

Well, the other shoe has dropped and it now appears that unlike the House, which was willing to look at other ways to fill the looming general fund budget gap, the state Senate seems to be more than willing to solve the fiscal crises facing the state by increasing the general excise tax.

Just weeks before hula's premier event, the hula world is mourning the loss of two of its best-known members.

The hula world, still shaken by the loss of Uncle George Na'ope late last year, is now dealing with the loss of the other pillar.

Beekeepers of all sorts know they must find a way to coexist with the destructive parasite as varroa mites continue to spread across the Big Island.

Drought has made many West Hawaii residents painfully aware of water here where catchment tanks and wells form the backbone of the water supply.

If and when it is up to Hawaii gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie to take the state's reins, he said last week, one of the first orders of business will be to tackle the challenge that has eluded his recent would-be predecessors: Fix the public school system.

The wind was cold and clouds obscured the sun, but the photovoltaic system atop the One Stop Center was producing electricity Friday at Kaua‘i Community College.

Kauai County's Important Agricultural Lands advisory committee met for the third time Friday, revealing the differences of the diverse group.

In January, 19 of our 25 state senators joined together to introduce Senate Bill 2450, a measure to decriminalize possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

Renovated USS Arizona opening today, Lost producers coy about details, homeless worry tourism officials, Hannemann's uncampaign, more

Thousands of visitors today are expected to pour into the first phase of a new USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, designed to replace the old buildings that have sunk nearly three feet into the unsteady ground around Pearl Harbor.

The state is providing more than $8 million in federal money to the four counties to reduce and prevent underage drinking in Hawaii.

Some parents are worried it may be too late to end teacher furloughs this school year. However, a key state Senate committee said maybe not.

The homeless situation can seem overwhelming to the point where some observers just throw up their hands.

Some tourism officials have voiced concern that the growing number of homeless camped at parks could give visitors second thoughts about returning or recommending a trip to friends and family.

Maui finished a "turbulent year" with an occupancy rate of 62.1 percent for 2009. That was down from an already low 67.9 percent in 2008.

State payments totaling about $90 million a month to five insurance plans providing health coverage for low-income residents will be delayed in May and June, and possibly April, says state Human Services Director Lillian Koller.

While Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann says he is not yet an official candidate for governor, he is in the middle of a campaign swing through the state.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann played up his Big Island ties during a benefit in Hilo for the Hawaii Island Food Bank, but he is in no rush to decide whether he'll run for governor.

Australia, Philippines, and now possibly Japan - Hawaiian Airlines is aiming for Tokyo.

More than 150 soldiers will spend one last night in Hawaii before leaving for Afghanistan Wednesday. They'll be gone 10 months and for many it's the second time overseas.

State officials say Kona Blue Water Farms remains in compliance with environmental monitoring and reporting requirements and is current on its lease payments.

The executive producers of Lost have kept viewers on the toes by being careful to reveal little clues, but not much.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has been off-island more than a quarter of his first year in office, according to a summary provided by his administration.

Police on Tuesday continued to investigate the death of a man whose decomposing body was discovered Sunday in his sleeping bag in Kalalau Valley.

Monk seals in peril, NOAA grant to aid marine research, PUC in dispute, honked horn sets off deadly McDonald's drive-through crash, more news

The 2009 Hawaiian monk seal breeding season produced the fewest pups in at least 10 years as the highly endangered marine mammal species continued its slide toward possible extinction.

A $1 million-a-year grant has been awarded to the University of Hawaii Kewalo Marine Laboratory for five years by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to work with Pacific islanders on land-sea interactions and damage to coral reefs, recreational and fishery resources.

High-ranking military officials opened a gate separating Hickam Air Force Base and Naval Station Pearl Harbor yesterday, starting the process of combining management support at their installations.

A dispute within the three-member Hawai'i Public Utilities Commission threatens to compound problems at the agency, which is already slow at making decisions because of staff and budget cuts.

A honked horn appears to be what set people off in a McDonald's drive-thru, leading to a crash that killed a young woman Sunday.

Water tanks are running dry, lawns are turning brown and the scant rain that has fallen this month is doing little to help.

A mobile medical van could be serving South Kona and Ka'u residents within months, following 10 years of effort by state Rep. Bob Herkes.

With a high cost of living and a tiny economy of limited job prospects, survival on Lanai has never been easy.

Dog owners have only one option when it comes to a place where they can throw Frisbees with their best friends.

Good time for renters, buyers, GOP on the way, Lingle's last State of the State, more Hawaii news

After riding out the housing boom, when rents skyrocketed, Hawai'i renters are finally seeing things turn in their favor.

Sales of previously occupied homes took the largest monthly drop in more than 40 years last month, sinking more dramatically than expected after lawmakers gave buyers additional time to use a tax credit.

Gov. Linda Lingle gives her final State of the State speech today, one of her last chances to try to shape public policy before her time as Hawai'i's chief executive fades into history.

A Democratic bastion for five decades and President Barack Obama's birthplace, Hawaii would seem a curious place for the Republican National Committee to hold its winter meeting.

A lawmaker says he has an idea to restore some Furlough Fridays beginning this week.

It's another step forward in Hawaii's initiative to reduce its imported energy from 90% to 30% within 20 years.

A massive wind farm proposed for Lanai has been anticipated as a major potential source of green power for Honolulu, but it remains a controversial project on the Pineapple Isle.

The Hawaii County Council talked drugs and money Friday, but decided to lobby the state Legislature only for the latter.

Jim Donahue doesn't know how many dogs he and his business, Lucky D Kennels, have been able to save through a dog fostering program.

The Important Agricultural Lands advisory committee kicked off its inaugural meeting Thursday at the Lihu‘e Civic Center.

Thousands rally against gay marriage, poll gives Abercrombie, Case the edge, legislative session gearing up, and much more top Hawaii news

Thousands of people filled the state Capitol yesterday with prayer and song, a celebration of traditional values laced with an explicit warning to state lawmakers to preserve marriage as between a man and a woman.


Thousands opposed to same-sex marriage rallied at the state Capitol to send a message to lawmakers who support a civil-unions bill in this election year.


While many believe stimulating the economy and ending school furloughs should be at the forefront for the state Legislature, extending benefits for same-sex partners is also expected to be a hot-button issue.


A sea of people in white flooded the State Capitol Rotunda and spilled onto Beretania Street, hoping to convince lawmakers to kill an upcoming bill that would establish civil unions in Hawaii.


A proposed civil unions bill in the state Legislature has again drawn the attention of opponents and proponents on Kaua‘i.


While consumers in most major cities on the Mainland have the choice of several television providers, local residents have few options when it comes to video programming.


U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie is slightly ahead of Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the race for governor, according to a new survey of registered voters.


If an election was held now, KITV4's poll of 403 voters, with a 5 percent margin of error, shows former U.S. Rep. Ed Case would win at 37 percent of likely voters.


State Sen. J. Kalani English will probably grab a few headlines when he introduces two bills in the legislative session this week: one to legalize medical marijuana dispensaries and the other to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.


Exactly 117 years ago, Queen Liliuokalani was forced to give up her throne, making her Hawaii's last monarch.


The newly appointed interim superintendent of Hawaii schools says her strong ties to Hilo and the lessons she learned here will factor into her decision-making as she tries to guide the school system through rocky waters.

It is nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact date or time Hualalai may rumble to life again, but the 8,271-foot volcano will erupt, said Jim Kauahikaua, scientist-in-charge of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

As the Legislature readies to begin grappling Wednesday with an anticipated $1.2 billion deficit - and a state constitutional requirement to balance the budget in 60 work days - Maui County's nine-person contingent is looking at wide-ranging solutions from raising the general excise tax by 1 percent to raiding emergency funds.