Safeway discontinuing local beef amid dispute, Honolulu City Council 64% raise starts July 1, Kilauea eruption pauses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big beef: Safeway breaks ties with iconic ranch as local meat industry struggles to grow. When Idaho rancher and investor Frank Vandersloot bought the Hawaii meat processing plant in Paauilo on Hawaii Island and another one on Oahu, he was hailed as a potential savior of the meat industry in Hawaii. But his business practices have caused conflicts among major players in the industry, including Parker Ranch. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i’s Love-Hate Relationship with Tourism Is Getting a Little Friendlier. Support for the state’s largest industry rose to 57% in the latest Hawai‘i Tourism Authority survey.  Hawaii Business magazine.

Cheap summer flights testing ‘aloha spirit’ as low-budget travelers flock to the islands. People pay big money to fly across the ocean to see Hawaii’s blue water and spend even more once they’re here, but recent deals to paradise have some residents rolling up the welcome mat. Hawaii News Now.

New working group aims to improve state's existing child welfare system.  The state's Office of Wellness and Resilience will start up a Mālama ʻOhana Working Group. Members will begin to recommend changes to the state's child welfare system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-union official might get 14-year sentence.  A federal jury found Brian Ahakuelo, 62, former elected business manager and financial secretary of the Inter­national Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 1260, and his wife, Marilyn Ahakuelo, 59, guilty Nov. 21 of one count of conspiracy and 42 counts of wire fraud. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council members’ 64% pay increase to begin July 1.  City Council member Augie Tulba says his effort to discuss and possibly thwart the more than 64% pay hike going to the Council on July 1 has failed. Star-Advertiser.

Revote Scheduled For Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Seat After Concerns Over Low Turnout. Following a technical glitch that deterred some residents from voting during part of last month’s neighborhood board elections, the Neighborhood Commission announced Monday it had scheduled a revote for Hawaii Kai’s subdistrict 11 board seat. Civil Beat.

New Medical Center Opens For Honolulu’s Homeless Community. The Honolulu Emergency Services Department is working with the city's outreach program to help homeless patients find permanent housing. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools’ redevelopment to transform 2 Moiliili blocks. Kamehameha Schools on Monday announced its plans to redevelop a two-block area in Moiliili into what is slated to become Waianuenue, a modernized retail space geared to suit the neighborhood’s vibrant community. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Investigators find pilots' confusion caused 2021 cargo plane crash off Oʻahu.  Federal investigators say a cargo plane ditched into the ocean off Oʻahu in 2021 because pilots identified the wrong engine that was failing and didn’t have enough power to remain airborne. Associated Press.

Popular Oahu hiking trail to close for repairs.  The popular Manoa Falls Trail is scheduled for a five-day closure, starting next Monday, for maintenance and repairs. Star-Advertiser.

BYU Is Considering Taking Down An Iconic Mural On Its North Shore Campus. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are simmering at the prospect that a historic mosaic on the campus of Brigham Young University-Hawaii could be damaged during a redevelopment project. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea volcano eruption pauses after 12 days.  The summit eruption at the volcano, located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has paused after 12 days, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported just after 8:30 p.m. Monday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Estimated $2.7K worth of Merrie Monarch items stolen on Big Isle.  Between 10 a.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. today, an unknown suspect or suspects broke into the office and took off with several items, including a gilt frame with a display of 12 Merrie Monarch Royal Court Medals. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Speed limit change proposed: Bill would impact about two miles of Kalanianaole Street.  Bill 51, a Hawaii County Council bill that will be introduced at today’s meeting of the council’s Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets, would reduce the speed limit on a roughly 1.7-mile stretch of Kalanianaole Street in Hilo from 30 mph to 25 mph between Leleiwi Street and the James Kealoha Park Access Road. Tribune-Herald.

Mahuna ‘very humbled’ to be named acting deputy police chief.  Maj. Reed Mahuna said he’s “very humbled” by Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz’s decision to appoint him acting deputy police chief for the Hawaii Police Department, effective July 1. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Council Committee seeks input on lands with conservation value. The Maui Council Committee on Agriculture, Diversification, Environmental Protection, and Transportation is seeking community input on lands with conservation value. Maui Now.

Mayor’s office wants Independent Nomination Board filled. The Office of the Maui County Mayor is accepting applications for the Independent Nomination Board, an all-volunteer board responsible for recruiting, selecting, and determining nominees for appointment to more than 40 county boards and commissions. Maui News.

Transportation study focus of open house. A community open house will be held Tuesday on the draft plan for Maui County’s I Mua Central Maui transportation study, a 20-year plan that will identify transportation projects and programs in Central Maui to ensure the community is connected by safe, efficient and sustainable travel options, according to a county news release. Maui News.

Kauai

UH buoy, aquatic drone set for Kaua‘i deployment to study fossil fuel impact on reefs.  Researchers at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa are set to deploy this summer a research buoy off Kaua‘i’s coast alongside multiple aquatic drones, as part of a project to assess Hawai‘i’s vulnerability to climate change impacts. Garden Island.

Queen’s Bath closed due to hazardous conditions.  Queen’s Bath, a noteworthy site on the North Shore of Kaua‘i, was closed throughout last winter due to dangerous conditions. It usually reopens during the summer months. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Military important economic driver amid pandemic, coronavirus cases spike as vaccinations delayed, new restrictions on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area ©2021 All Hawaii News

State report highlights defense sector importance. As the second largest sector of the state’s economy, military-procurement spending generated $4.5 billion in economic impact last year, with $2.3 billion in federal contracts throughout the state, helping to sustain more than 30,000 jobs statewide. Garden Island.

EPA: Hawaii’s Military Bases Dumped 630,000 Pounds Of Toxic Nitrate Into The Ocean. While federally permitted, the Environmental Protection Agency hopes the data’s public release spurs facilities to reduce their chemical waste. Civil Beat.

Contractor Sentenced In Army Corruption Scheme In Hawaii. John Winslett bribed Army officials with cash, cars and guns to win lucrative construction contracts in Hawaii, Justice Department said. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Tourism Authority spent ‘exorbitant’ amounts marketing to visitors as lockdowns dropped demand. For the 2020 fiscal year, HTA estimated the cost per arrival for every U.S. visitor was $7.13, up more than 118% from the prior year. The cost per arrival for Japan during fiscal year 2020 was significantly higher at $17.17, a nearly 201% increase. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers face tough choices amid pandemic recession. Cut spending, raise taxes or perhaps both. Hawaii lawmakers face tough choices as they convene a new legislative session this week amid a pandemic that has pummeled tourism, the state’s biggest industry, and depleted tax revenue. Hawaii News Now.

Despite weekend protests rumors, Hawaii’s Capitol was quiet Sunday. Bracing for large, unruly crowds, state officials put up barricades and fences around the Hawaii State Capitol, and beefed up security. But the effort seemed to be precautionary as there was a significant absence of crowds and protestors over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Noncommercial fishing is booming during pandemic. Hawaii is the only coastal state that doesn’t require fishers to have a noncommercial marine fishing license, which could provide information about how many noncommercial fishers there are in Hawaii and how many fish they’re taking from the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers May Cut Solar Credits. The credits help to develop renewable energy projects but also cost the state millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Farmers to petition lawmakers Opening Day. This past year, the pandemic has led to a rise in people in Hawaii beginning to grow their own produce and start sustainable farming. KITV4.

Isle cattle ranchers invited to join grass-fed beef venture. Hawaii’s largest ranch and an investment firm partner are looking for other local ranch operators to join a grass-feed beef production venture. Star-Advertiser.

Previously unknown cause is found for mysterious snorkeling deaths in a new Hawaii study. Rapid onset pulmonary edema was not previously associated with snorkeling, which has been implicated in 206 Hawaii drownings — 189 involving visitors — from 2009 to 2018, according to the state Department of Health. During that period, snorkeling-related drownings nearly doubled in what officials called an “alarming” rise. Star-Advertiser.

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Fast clip of coronavirus spread in Hawaii puts state at risk of another outbreak. Hawaii is at risk of another COVID-19 outbreak with the worst effective reproduction rate for infections in the nation after Washington state. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Concerned About Hawaii Pandemic Response Got No Answers From Ige. Five months after a California congresswoman asked Hawaii for answers about its public health response and its spending of federal money, Gov. David Ige hasn’t provided her with any information. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers to Take a Hard Look at Correctional System After COVID-19 Hits 46 Percent of Inmates. State lawmakers are taking a hard look this session at some of the long-standing issues contributing to the spread of the coronavirus in Hawaiʻi’s jails and prisons. Hawaii Public Radio.

Blood bank is looking for COVID survivors. The Blood Bank of Hawaii is looking for more people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate their convalescent plasma — the liquid part of the blood that contains antibodies to the new coronavirus — to help treat those who are hospitalized. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 17: 132 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. Hawaii has seen a triple-digit increase in cases for 13 straight days. Hawaii health officials reported 132 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Sunday, including 86 on Oahu, 29 on Maui, seven on the Big Island, one on Kauai and nine residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The state’s first mass vaccination site opens Monday, Jan. 18, at Honolulu Harbor Pier 2. Hawaii Pacific Health said nearly 600 people have signed up for Monday and the rest of the week is booked with appointments. KHON2.

Community vaccination sites to open to essential workers and those 75 years and older. Mass vaccinations for the public are scheduled to begin on Monday. KITV4.

Waikiki Shell to be used in effort to return stranded American Samoa residents home. The state of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu have begun assisting about 800 American Samoan residents, who are traveling through Oahu en route to their previously shuttered island home. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki Shell parking lot to assist in American Samoa repatriation efforts. The City and County of Honolulu is joining the state’s efforts to help bring an estimated 800 American Samoa residents back home. KHON2.

Polynesian Cultural Center reopening with limited capacity and activities as officials look ahead to tourism recovery. The Polynesian Cultural Center, a cornerstone of Laie and an economic magnet for the North Shore community, is set to reopen Monday following a 10-month-long closure — one of that last major attractions on Oahu to welcome back visitors after Hawaii tourism was shut down in March due to the corona­virus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Plans for 2 more Ward towers set for review. A state agency regulating development in Kakaako has scheduled public hearings in March to consider plans for developing two more condominium towers at Ward Village. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth says he’s ‘very hopeful’ following heart attack. The 56-year-old Roth, the former county prosecutor who was elected mayor in November and inaugurated on Dec. 7, had been in office just over a month when he was stricken. Tribune-Herald.

Gas use down 18%, County highway fund takes a hit from less driving. In all, drivers used about 18% less gasoline during a pandemic year that translated to fewer commutes and fewer tourists. It also translated to less money for road repair. West Hawaii Today.

High court denies writ to Honua Ola, appeal of PUC decision still active. The state Supreme Court on Thursday denied Honua Ola Bioenergy’s request to order the Public Utilities Commission to reconsider its denial of a requested waiver of the competitive bidding process used in the sale of electricity. Tribune-Herald.

Waikoloa development up for review: Council Planning Committee to hear rezoning application. A plan to develop a 36-unit housing complex, some units classified affordable, along with eight commercial lots in Waikoloa Village will be taken up by the County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday after a negative recommendation from the Leeward Planning Commission and the Planning Department under the prior administration. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Vaccination Clinic Temporarily Closes Due To Shortage. All appointments scheduled through Feb. 7 have been canceled. Civil Beat.

Delayed shipment closes Maui vaccination clinic to first doses. Only second doses available at both local Moderna, Pfizer sites. Maui’s only vaccination clinic taking new registrations announced Saturday it will have to close for a week due to a shortage of Pfizer-BioNTech doses that were slated to come from the state. Maui News.

Vaccine Distribution Delay Prompts Temporary Suspension of New Appointments for First Doses at Maui Hospital. Maui Health, which runs the vaccination clinic at the Maui Memorial Medical Center, has also postponed appointments for individuals that were seeking a first dose and had already secured an appointment between Jan. 17 and Feb. 7. Maui Now.

Thousands of vaccinations on Maui pushed back due to shipment delay. Maui Health's clinic is pushing back between 300 and 400 slots a day over the next three weeks after the state notified the company Friday evening it will not be receiving its expected shipment of doses for this weekend and next week. KITV4.

Retailers, gyms face tighter restrictions. Large and small retail establishments will be restricted to 30 percent capacity starting at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, the latest in a series of rule changes aimed at slowing a spike in COVID-19 cases on Maui, county officials announced Friday. Maui News.

Maui County’s state lawmakers say proposed state budget is ‘fluid’. Furloughs and program cuts depend on what federal aid is available. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai employment suffers under restrictive travel policies. Travel to Kauai plummeted after Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami opted out of the Safe Travels program, effective Dec. 2, requiring all travelers to Kauai to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine with no option to test out. Star-Advertiser.

Paid positions available in youth conservation program. Kupu, Hawai‘i’s leading conservation and youth education nonprofit organization, recently announced that applications are now being accepted for this summer’s Hawai‘i Youth Conservation Corps program on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Big boost for Hawaii cattle industry, Honolulu council mandates union labor, Hawaiian Airlines employees mull strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cattle in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Idaho CEO gives ranchers $1.5 million in “game-changing” move for Hawaii’s cattle industry. An Idaho CEO not only bought the entire O'ahu operation, but paid $1.5 million to the ranchers and several others who were owed money. KITV.

IRS Extends Relief for HI Farmers, Ranchers. The Internal Revenue Service has extended tax relief for Hawai‘i farmers and ranchers who were forced to sell livestock due to drought, flooding or other severe weather in recent years. Big Island Now.

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Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picket in advance of a strike vote. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants held a major labor demonstration Wednesday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in advance of the first strike vote that the company’s flight attendants have taken in the carrier’s 90-year history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picket ahead of strike vote. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picketed at Honolulu’s airport Wednesday as they prepare for a strike vote next month. Hawaii News Now.

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Number of electric vehicles in state tops 10,000. The latest energy trend report shows Hawaii surpassed a milestone by logging its 10,000th registered electric vehicle some time last month — bringing the state a step closer to its goal of 100% renewables by 2045. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii now has over 10K electric vehicles on the road. According to a new report released by the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawai'i now has more than 10,000 electric vehicles on the road. KITV.

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Safety is top goal of makeover at state hospital. Nurse manager Robert Burns navigates his way through the pale hallways of the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe with a partially blinded left eye from being injured twice in the same area during assaults while working with psychiatric patients. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Gabbard Plays Up Military Service But Says Little About It. The Hawaii congresswoman says her experience helps qualifies her for the White House, but she has dodged repeated requests for details. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Approves Labor-Related Agreement Measure. Honolulu councilmembers passed a measure Wednesday that opponents say favors labor unions and that supporters argue will guarantee jobs for local workers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council OKs bill mandating union labor for city projects valued at least $2M. A bill requiring the city to hire unionized workers for major construction jobs valued at least $2 million won a 7-2 approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday despite lingering concerns from contractor groups. Star-Advertiser.

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Bus ridership plummets, putting rail forecast in limbo. Honolulu’s rail system begins partial operation next year, with most of its riders expected to get to stations by bus. But a longtime decline in bus ridership had its worst drop ever this year. KHON2.

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Kealohas waive right to jury trial and continue negotiations. A federal judge on Wednesday granted Louis and Katherine Kea­loha’s request to waive their right to a jury trial on bank fraud charges as settlement negotiations continue in the corruption case. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Will Decide Kealohas’ Fate In Bank Fraud Trial. A federal judge approved the law enforcement couple’s waiver of a jury trial. Civil Beat.

Judge agrees to waive jury for the Kealohas’ bank fraud trial. A judge agreed to hold the bank fraud trial for the Kealohas without a jury. KHON2.

Federal judge, not a jury will decide whether or not Kealohas are guilty of financial crimes. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are accused of stealing from the trust funds of children Katherine had guardianship over. Katherine also faces identity theft and obstruction charges. KITV.

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Burial council finds ‘no cause for alarm’ on controversial Sherwoods project.  After a presentation by city project managers and contracted archaeologists on the controversial Sherwoods park development, the Oahu Island Burial Council advocated for updated testing and study of the area, but took no formal position on the project despite public pressure to take a stand against it. Hawaii News Now.

Burial Council accepts finding of no ancestral remains at Sherwood. The Oahu Island Burial Council said Wednesday it has found no reason to suspect any human burials exist at the site of a controversial construction project in Waimanalo. Star-Advertiser.

Crews repair 2 vandalized gravestones at Hawaiian Mission Houses’ cemetery. Two headstones that were damaged at Hawaiian Mission Houses’ cemetery in June were re-installed Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

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How The Ala Wai Flood Project Illustrates The Challenge Of Adapting To Climate Change. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to protect the lower Ala Wai Watershed, which includes Waikiki, McCully-Mo’ili’ili and parts of Ala Moana, by constructing a series of basins to catch rainwater during a storm event and release it slowly over time. Hawaii Public Radio.

With calls for mental health emergencies on the rise, HPD launches intervention team. It’s made up of 58 officers ― all with specific training on how to defuse volatile situations that can turn deadly. Hawaii News Now.

Turtle species rarely seen in Hawaii makes an appearance on Kailua beach. A NOAA scientist recognized them as olive ridley turtles, typically found in Central America. Hawaii News Now.

Who Climbs Koko Crater? An Avid Hiker Wants To Find Out. A University of Hawaii public policy professor conducted a private study that he hopes will help city officials better manage one of Oahu’s most popular — and overrun — hiking trails. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board quizzes Roth. Armed with a letter from county Corporation Counsel Joe Kamelamela, an oral assurance from the state attorney general and his own understanding of the law based on readings provided by the state Office of Disciplinary Counsel, county Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth told the Board of Ethics on Wednesday he’s confident there would be no conflict of interest if he prosecuted protesters arrested on Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Prosecutor Goes Before Ethics Board On Alleged Mauna Kea Conflict. Mitch Roth is asking if his family being employed by institutions connected to the Thirty Meter Telescope project is a conflict of interest, as TMT opponents face prosecution. Big Island Video News.

Thirty Meter Telescope law enforcement costs top $9 million. The state and counties have spent at least $9 million on law enforcement costs related to the Thirty Meter Telescope standoff on Mauna Kea, according to numbers released by the Hawaii Attorney General’s office today. Star-Advertiser.

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Puna Geothermal Venture to drill new well as it prepares to resume operations. Eighteen months after lava flows sidelined Puna Geothermal’s power plant, the company is taking steps to restart operations. Hawaii News Now.


Ironman World Championship prompts West Hawaii road closures. Road closures for the 41st installment of the triathlon will start going into effect Thursday morning in the Kailua Village area. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New Kahului, Wailuku hotels in the works. Two separate, midpriced hotels may be coming to Central Maui in the near future, according to a recent Hawaii real estate agency study. Maui News.

Windward Hotel Near Kahului Airport Proposed for Completion in 2023. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been filed for the proposed 200-room Windward Hotel in Central Maui. Maui Now.

200-room Kahului hotel could open in about 3 years. Draft EIS responds to public concerns. Maui News.

BLNR to look into restricting access to West Maui reserve. State says rock climbers are impacting native plants. Maui News.

Kauai

Change in Black Pot traffic flow. The Department of Parks and Recreation said Wednesday that the traffic pattern for the Black Pot Beach Park parking lot will be modified starting Oct. 15. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Utility Seeking Comment on Draft Environmental Assessment Covering Stream Diversion. Kauaʻi's power utility is seeking public comment on its draft environmental assessment covering diverting stream water to run the Waiahi hydropower plants. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kilauea remains active, Haleakala National Park to require paid reservations, state wants to lure physicians assistants, Hawaii Republicans regroup, Congress blasts overpriced Army program, one finalist for Big Island police chief, Native Hawaiians celebrate and protest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea explosion, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

A small explosion occurred at the summit of Kilauea volcano just before noon Monday. Big Island Video News.

State lawmakers and health officials are looking at new ways and incentives to train and hire more physician assistants to help alleviate the “severe shortage” of primary care doctors in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i Republicans lost key races for Honolulu Mayor and the last GOP seat in the State Senate.   GOP leaders are now focusing on local races in 2018 and developing a strategy to win. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s soon-to-open medical marijuana dispensaries could have at least one place to send cannabis for testing. The state Department of Health is reviewing an application from PharmLabs Hawaii LLC, an expansion of a San Diego-based marijuana laboratory testing company called PharmLabs LLC. Tribune-Herald.

Maui Rep. Angus McKelvey (D-10, West Maui, Maalaea, North Kihei) announced that he will re-introduce a bus safety bill during the 2017 legislative session to prevent a similar accident from happening in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Oahu

A Fort Shafter program that expanded Army training and interaction with Asia-Pacific nations — at double the cost — has come under scrutiny by Congress, in part because of perceived similarities to the Marine Corps. Star-Advertiser.

Local officials have hatched a plan that they hope will keep visitors happy and traffic headaches at a minimum during events starting later this week that commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Star-Advertiser.

Services For The Needy Generate Hope, Complaints In Chinatown. Can the area pull off the balancing act of helping the homeless while still allowing businesses to thrive? Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige joined University of Hawaii officials and legislators Monday to celebrate the groundbreaking for a long-awaited administration building at UH West Oahu that will also house classrooms and laboratories for health care programs at the Kapolei campus. Star-Advertiser.

It’s been more than a decade since a storm caused the Manoa Stream to overflow, spilling water down the valley and flooding the surrounding neighborhood, University of Hawaii campus and Noelani Elementary School.  Civil Beat.

A Kauai company that helps manage cattle for other owners has bought Oahu’s only slaughterhouse as part of a plan to expand the supply of locally produced beef. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Some Diamond Head residents are urging the foundation operating the former Doris Duke home, now the Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Culture, to back away from its $2.5 million plan to dismantle a breakwater fronting the opulent property of the late tobacco heiress. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Only one candidate will be considered by the Hawaii County Police Commission to succeed Police Chief Harry Kubojiri, who is retiring at the end of the year. Deputy Police Chief Paul Ferreira was the only individual from among 13 who applied by the Nov. 22 deadline who met the minimum qualifications. Tribune-Herald.

Native Hawaiian communities in Keaukaha and Panaewa are gearing up to fight a planned composting facility adjacent to the Hilo landfill, a move that could jeopardize a key component of the county’s plan to close the landfill and recycle more of its waste. West Hawaii Today.

The former warden of the Big Island’s minimum-security prison has filed a lawsuit alleging that she was wrongfully fired from her job. Civil Beat.

Two grinning fathers passed each other between the outdoor playground and the multipurpose football and soccer field Monday at the grand opening of Waimea District Park. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sunrise at Haleakala National Park, one of the biggest visitor draws on Maui, will require paid reservations starting in February, as part of efforts to cut down on early-morning crowds that regularly exceed 1,000, park officials announced Monday. Maui News.

Beginning on Feb. 1, 2017, visitors in personal or rental vehicles wishing to view sunrise at Haleakalā National Park will need to make sunrise viewing reservations ahead of time at recreation.gov. Maui Now.

Celebrating Haleakala’s past while planting for the future. Maui News.

Dispute threatens Manele Golf Course with possible closure. Land Use Commission meeting debate centers around the claim that drinking water used to irrigate a golf course. Maui News.

Kauai

The deadline for the re-certification of Additional Dwelling Units outside the residential zoning district has been extended. Garden Island.

Keohokui Kauihana said the first step to recognize Hawaii as a sovereign nation from the United States was realized on Monday. Kauihana was among dozens of people who gathered for Hawaiian Independence Day at Anahola Beach Park on Monday. Garden Island.

The building that once housed the Kapaa police substation has been removed from Kapaa Beach Park. Garden Island.

Honolulu homeless counted, Land Development Corp. regroups, rail funding delayed, Kauai prosecutor sued, Big Island grass-fed beef study launched, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Escorted by Honolulu police officers and social workers, about 200 volunteers surveyed homeless people in Waikiki, urban Honolulu and the Leeward Coast. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu's homeless have a new place to turn to for help with finding a job and securing a roof over their head. There's a new IHS Service Center. KHON2.

(c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A new homeless shelter on the Waianae coast will give people both a place to live and work. KHON2.

Non-candidate political committees — from both Hawaii and the mainland — together spent at least $960,000 this week on TV ads endorsing or opposing candidates in the state's hottest races. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has purchased a fourth round of television advertising for former Gov. Linda Lingle's Republican campaign for U.S. Senate, bringing the business group's investment in Hawaii to more than $1 million. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle, who's running for the U.S. Senate, and Charles Djou, running to reclaim his 1st District seat in Congress, appeared at the forum to answer questions posed by the board at the Sheraton Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

The board of the Public Land Development Corporation met for the first time Thursday since a series of heated public meetings throughout the islands brought out nearly 700 protestors. The overriding message: Abolish the PLDC. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has urged the Public Land Development Corp. to adopt a strategic plan that defines its priorities and scope, warning that public "suspicion and supposition" would continue without such a plan. Star-Advertiser.

The departure of Jim Boersema, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's communications director, at the end of this month adds to the growing number of top aides and other officials who have left the administration. Civil Beat.

Jim Boersema, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's communications director, will leave the post at the end of September. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate last month was the lowest since 2009. KITV4.

The state Health Department and a special task force set up by Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants to restore many of the mental health cuts like those faced by providers like Hale Na'au Pono. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii has retained a second downtown law firm in the wake of the Stevie Wonder concert debacle, the school confirmed Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for September 21. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Uncertainty about the outcome of the Honolulu mayoral election may have prompted the Federal Transit Authority to delay its decision on whether to award federal funds to the city for its planned rail transit project. Star-Advertiser.

The recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling against the Honolulu rail project's burial inventory plan delayed the federal funding application and raised new questions in the nation's capital, city leaders said Thursday after meetings in Washington. Star-Advertiser.

The race for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney has been heating up over the last 4 months … and now… the race is even more contentious with only six weeks left before the November 6th General Election. Hawaii Public Radio.

The employment and housing divisions of the Institute for Human Services now have room to expand and better serve homeless and struggling community members around Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Budget Chair Ann Kobayashi hoped to receive a thorough briefing on the financial picture for the city’s $5.2 billion rail project from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation department on Wednesday, but instead she and other committee members were left with more questions. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The state Office of Elections plans to send one of its senior staff members back to Hilo on Nov. 6 to assist Hawaii County on election day. Tribune-Herald.

County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has called a special meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday to discuss lawsuits filed recently by two election workers who were fired in January. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Beef Producers has joined a trial by Parker Ranch and Ulupono Initiative, a social investment fund co-founded by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, to study the development of large-scale grass-fed beef production on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

The Big Island’s unemployment rate dropped in August, following the same trend as both the state and nation, state officials said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

A judge on Thursday granted a motion to dismiss all defendants from a civil lawsuit claiming the county has intentionally failed to abide by the “lowest law enforcement priority” of adult personal use of marijuana, in effect dismissing the case. Tribune-Herald.

A public meeting tonight will test the waters for possible eminent domain action over access to Papaikou Mill Beach. Tribune-Herald.

State Rep. Clift Tsuji, D-South Hilo, Panaewa, Puna, Keaau, Kurtistown, announced Thursday that he was admitted to Hilo Medical Center last week with pneumonia, but he is expected to be released in a few days and to make a full recovery. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The County of Maui is proposing to extend the shoreline protection at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui Now.

As federal energy officials wrap up a statewide listening tour of sorts this week on potential environmental impacts of achieving Hawaii's ambitious clean-energy goals, Maui County residents are hopeful their staunch opposition to "Big Wind" has been made clear. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. estimates that it will be opening up 50 to 70 percent more room on a typical circuit for photovoltaic systems and reducing the number of costly interconnection studies on Maui by "changing to a different kind of standard," said a HECO official Tuesday. Maui News.

The owner of Kaunakakai's iconic Kanemitsu Bakery -- makers of the famed "Molokai bread" for the past 75 years -- says he may be forced to shut down his family's business following another failed health inspection Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Councilman Timothy Bynum this week filed a lawsuit against the prosecutor and the County of Kauai saying that Shaylene Iseri-Cavalho violated his civil rights by falsely suing him for breaking zoning laws. Civil Beat.

A deputy prosecuting attorney has filed suit in 5th Circuit Court against her employer for retaliation, seniority and salary issues. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. held Thursday evening the first community meeting of a process that could take at least two years to decide the future of Hanalei’s Blackpot Beach Park. Garden Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources invites fishermen and ocean gatherers of Ni‘ihau, Lehua Rock, Ka‘ula and the Na Pali Coast to a talk story and mapping session aimed at helping to identify important use areas. Garden Island.

Molokai

A floating menace could be the biggest piece of tsunami debris Hawaii has seen yet. Hawaii News Now.