Kilauea vog hurts health, Hawaii Five-0 brings in bucks, Star-Advertiser fights RNC for photo rights, meth plagues Maui, candidates debate, more Hawaii news

The risk of upper respiratory problems increased significantly on the Big Island during high vog events -- and children were the most sensitive to the bad air -- according to a new study that compared clinic visits in communities hardest hit by volcanic emissions before and after a new Kilauea vent opened in March 2008. Star-Advertiser.

A new study shows health complaints spiked in the Big Island community downwind of Kilauea's summit after the volcano began spewing more sulfur dioxide due to a second simultaneous eruption in 2008. Associated Press.

With two weeks to go before Election Day, the candidates for Hawaii's hotly contested 1st Congressional District sharpened their rhetoric on each other last night as they faced off in a live debate for the fourth time in seven days. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional candidates Charles Djou and Colleen Hanabusa squared off in a heated debate televised live on KGMB Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser is accusing U.S. Rep. Charles Djou and the Hawaii Republican Party of violating its copyright of a photo of Democrat Colleen Hanabusa used in a TV attack ad. Associated Press.

For the second night in a row, the candidates for governor squared off in a forum on the neighbor islands. KHON2.

With just two weeks remaining before Election Day, Duke Aiona and Neil Abercrombie sparred in a debate Tuesday night on Kauai. KITV4.

How appropriate Kauai's joint governor-lieutenant governor debate was held at the War Memorial Convention Hall on Harby Street in Lihue. The race for governor, after all, is a fight to the finish, and the polls show it remains close. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said yesterday that he voted for a constitutional amendment calling for a state school board appointed by the governor instead of elected by voters. Star-Advertiser.

The state budget, the Big Island's health care woes, how to support agriculture and what's really wrong with Hawaii's schools -- those topics and more kept the two gubernatorial candidates going back and forth Monday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Brian Schatz says he'd like to run for the state's top job in 2018. Associated Press.

After stepping down from his state Senate seat representing Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau for an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor, Gary Hooser has remained connected with Hawai‘i’s political arena. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s film and television industry is nearing the end of what has been a blockbuster year, but it may set yet another milestone. Hawaii Reporter.

Local farms are up in arms over proposed federal legislation, claiming it would impose strict food safety regulations that could further strain their ability to make ends meet. Molokai Dispatch.

A new 150,000-square-foot FBI building is being built in Kapolei. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle made it clear he will crack down on the homeless problem.Hawaii News Now.

The company seeking to reopen the Pepeekeo power plant and area landowners opposing the $70 million development are both trying to convince a hearings officer what's best for the community. Tribune-Herald.

A county subsidy allowing Big Island golfers to pay just $25 greens fees at two West Hawaii golf courses began Friday, but it could be the last year for the popular program. West Hawaii Today.


Nearly 200 students are being tested for tuberculosis. But that's only about one-ninth of the entire enrollment at McKinley High School. KITV4.

Enrollment in Big Island public schools, especially in West Hawaii, has dipped more sharply than in the state as a whole, according to data released Monday by the state Department of Education. West Hawaii Today.

Gary Towner of OfficeMax said studies done by OfficeMax indicate that teachers spend about $1,000 of their own money to do their jobs. Garden Island.

The jet fuel bill soared at Hawaiian Airlines this summer, but business was up so much that it still managed to post a $30 million third quarter profit, same as last year. Hawaii News Now.

Residents at a State housing project in Kalihi say they've been running out of hot water for years. KHON2.

Thanks to the perseverance of a retired state airport firefighter, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will be awarding leases for three Panaewa agricultural lots that have remained fallow for nearly a quarter-century. Tribune-Herald.

A contentious, two-year-old lawsuit between North Shore landowner Joseph Brescia and Native Hawaiian activist Ka‘iulani Edens and others recently ended with a $1 settlement. Garden Island.

Maui police announced another large drug seizure Monday, the second large crystal methamphetamine collar this month. The seizure in Pukalani was made last Tuesday but not revealed until this week. Maui News.

Eroded bike path at Sunset Beach brings a tide of concern as surf season begins. Hawaii Independent.

Growing up, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye often heard stories about what it meant to live life without a home. West Hawaii Today.

As ordinary community members become planners and leaders, the Molokai Community Plan moves forward. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Five-0 snarls traffic, climate change could change El Nino, campaigns turn up the heat, Obama steps into gubernatorial race, strikers imperil convention, UH gets medical grant, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Climate change could alter the El Nino cycle in the Pacific, affecting fish stocks and the distribution of nutrients in the ocean, new research suggests. Star-Advertiser.

While it's still hotly debated among scientists whether climate change causes a shift from the traditional form of El Nino to one known as El Nino Modoki, online in the journal Nature Geoscience, scientists now say that El Nino Modoki affects long-term changes in currents in the North Pacific Ocean. Environmental Research Web.

The offense: a "Hawaii Five-0" filming that lasted for seven hours longer than what the state allowed, which caused an unannounced East Honolulu rush-hour traffic jam on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama is lending support to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie is getting major support from a friend in the White House. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye holds a 13-point lead over Republican challenger Cam Cavasso in his bid for a ninth consecutive term, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll. Star-Advertiser.

The National Republican Congressional Committee said Monday it will spent $210,000 in Hawaii to run ads until the Nov. 2 general election against Colleen Hanabusa. KITV4.

Djou: 'I Am Not a Member of the Tea Party' Civil Beat.


The two major candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District have raised similar amounts of political contributions in September. Associated Press.

Two gay rights groups are supporting several, mostly Democratic candidates for state and congressional offices in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Oahu residents can begin early voting on Tuesday, the Honolulu city clerk said. KITV4.

The fate of Oahu's largest fall convention, which could potentially generate some $40 million in economic activity, hung in the balance yesterday as a five-day union worker strike at the Hilton Hawaiian Village came to a close along with related strikes in Chicago and San Francisco. Star-Advertiser.

On the picket line Monday, some workers said the walkout was worthwhile. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle is expressing some optimism over Oahu's proposed $5 billion rail transit. KHON2.

The Obama administration and Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) joined around 600 Native Hawaiian advocates at the largest annual gathering of Native Hawaiian organizations – the Native Hawaiian Convention. Molokai Dispatch.

Legal papers filed recently in state court make new allegations about former Gov. John Waihee’s role in the 2004 financial failure of Hawaii’s largest group of funeral homes and cemeteries. Hawaii Reporter.

An $11 million federal grant will enable the University of Hawaii's Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Research to continue work on dengue and other infectious diseases. Associated Press.

As the Diocese of Honolulu wraps up its capital campaign to raise $30 million – which actually received $57 million in pledged funds – parishes around the state will begin to reap the benefits. Molokai Dispatch.

When looking at the City and County of Honolulu’s revamp of the island’s Sustainable Communities Plans and Development Plans—eight regional blueprints that dictate the island’s course of development over the next several years—it’s good to understand the history and background surrounding the City’s planning process. Hawaii Independent.

The first of two meetings by the U.S. Department of the Interior on its draft protocol plan for handling and disposition of burials, sacred sites and other important areas is 6:30 p.m. today at the Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

A Kauai luxury hotel and four environmental groups on Monday announced they've settled a lawsuit over the resort's alleged failure to protect endangered and threatened seabirds. Associated Press.

The State Department of Health will be testing about 200 students at McKinley High School Tuesday after a student was diagnosed with tuberculosis. KHON2.

Apollo Kaua‘i, Zero Waste and People for the Preservation of Kaua‘i, along with Pat Gegen as moderator, presented a mayoral and council candidate forum Sunday afternoon at the Kapa‘a Elementary School cafeteria. Garden Island.

The winner of the Guy Enriques-Brittany Smart race will influence the futures of both the 6th District and the entire County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Ten young women this year are vying to be crowned Miss Kona Coffee -- not just for the title, but for the educational and self-improvement opportunities that come along with participating in the pageant. West Hawaii Today.

As two sisters growing up on welfare on Kauai, Bonny Ponting and Toby Neal know how hard it is for families to put food on their tables as well as provide children with all the supplies they need for school and their well-being. Maui News.

Big Island rally draws top Dems, Hawaiian crow making comeback, Filipino WWII vets file lawsuit, union helps symphony in bankruptcy, strike upsetting Hilton guests, tourism agency seeks projects for funding, more top Hawaii news

Hawaii voters will decide in November whether they want to preserve some balance politically or whether they are comfortable with majority Democrats in control. Star-Advertiser.

Increasing the role of agriculture in the Big Island economy was the topic Saturday when the Democratic Party of Hawaii brought federal, state and local candidates together to celebrate "Ag Country Roots." West Hawaii Today.

On Nov. 2, 1959, Neil Abercrombie cast his first vote as a young man. Little did he know that he would be helping to install the nation's now longest-serving senator. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii is the nation's most fossil-fuel dependent state, a fact its candidates for governor intend to change. Associated Press.

In an election year when religion has been thrust onto center stage in a number of races, a Civil Beat poll found that 11 percent of likely voters believe Christianity should play an official role in setting government policy, with an additional 6 percent saying that the best teachings of all the world's religions should do the same. Civil Beat.

The top candidates for U.S. Congress faced off in a debate on KITV 4 News Friday night. KITV4.

The future of the elected state Board of Education is one of two state constitutional amendments Hawaii voters will be asked to decide in this year's election. Star-Advertiser.

Voters will mull important charter amendments on Nov. 2. Tribune-Herald.

A residency challenge against Maui County Council candidate Riki Hokama has been appealed to the state Board of Registration. Maui News.

A lawsuit claims the federal government is discriminating against Filipino World War II veterans by giving them benefits far below what US veterans receive. Filipino Chronicle.

A bomb crater nearly as large as a football field is like an open wound on the southern coast of the former Target Island. Maui News.

On day three of a strike by hotel workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort and Spa in Waikiki, guests complained about cleaning hotel rooms themselves, closed restaurants and noise from the strikers. KITV4.

Alabama man arrested after his car hits Hilton picketer. KHON2.

The musicians of the Honolulu Symphony have withdrawn an unfair labor charge that was filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in July, so that the Honolulu Symphony’s board and management can submit their reorganization plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and meet today’s filing deadline. Hawaii Independent.

A nearly extinct Hawaiian black crow is making a comeback in captivity. Star-Advertiser.

The sign welcoming people to Heeia State Park is old. But the management is new. Hawaii News Now.

Ken DeHoff calls it the Empire State Building of Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

When the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in June it had plans to close Kalalau Valley for two months to conduct rockfall mitigation work, some community members questioned if such an ambitious project would be finished by Nov. 7 as promised. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) seeks to fund projects qualifying under its 2011 Natural Resources Program and its Kukulu Ola-Living Hawaiian Culture Program (LHCP). Lahaina News.

Discover for yourself how much the state is paying the 21,929 people who work in the state's public school system. Civil Beat.

On Dec. 3, the Kaua‘i Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary. Garden Island.

Just about any given day around 5 p.m. or so, you can catch Michael Neubauer and Kevin Gavagan working hard to restore an old Hawaiian canoe at Kihei Canoe Club. Molokai Dispatch.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative's plan to reduce the number of seabird injuries and deaths is available for public review. Star-Advertiser.

There's a public health scare at McKinley High School. Parents want to know what's being done to stop the spread of tuberculosis. Hawaii News Now.

Gubernatorial, congressional debates in full swing, shark-feeding tours denied, Education Board fattens budget, Maui bag ban implemented, Hilton Hawaiian Village strike continues, more Hawaii news

A debate that has churned in waters off Oahu's North Shore headed to court today. KHON2.

A state judge denied a request to dismiss charges of illegal shark-feeding against a North Shore ocean excursion employee yesterday as protesters rallied at the courthouse. Star-Advertiser.

Mainland money is pouring into the Hawaii governor's race with two new TV ads out this week. KITV4.

The gloves came off in the race for governor Thursday night in a scrappy, live televised forum between Duke Aiona and Neil Abercrombie. KITV4.

The top candidates for governor and the 1st Congressional District got cozy — and heated — with Dan Boylan on PBS. Civil Beat.

The candidates for governor are going after attack ads that are coming from outside of each campaign. KHON2.

On Friday night, KITV4 and KITV.com will feature a political debate between Republican U.S. Rep. Charles Djou and Democrat Colleen Hanabusa. KITV4.

A candidate for state office is two years behind on property taxes on two West Hawaii properties. West Hawaii Today.

The county Board of Ethics unanimously voted Wednesday to investigate a complaint filed against Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason by a former campaign volunteer. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor issues guides for ban on bags. Maui News.

Seeing an economy on the mend, a Board of Education committee approved a $1.4 billion proposed general fund budget yesterday for the upcoming fiscal year that would restore about $129 million in cuts and seek an additional $28 million for student bus transportation, nursing services and athletics. Star-Advertiser.

A national company that tracks foreclosures reports Hawaii had one of the highest foreclosure rates in the third quarter. Associated Press.

Distressed properties account for 24% of all Kaua‘i land sales. Garden Island.

Picket lines went up at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki on Thursday as union workers at the largest resort in Hawaii went on a five-day strike over a contract dispute. Associated Press.

A five-day strike by union workers that began yesterday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village has the potential to cause near-term damage to the state's leading industry. Star-Advertiser.

Workers at Hilton's largest hotel worldwide went on strike Thursday morning, claiming the company isn't using the taxpayer bailout money it received to create jobs and improve working conditions. Hawaii News Now.

Senator Akaka: Akaka Bill is Alive and We Work Everyday to Get it Passed. Hawaii Reporter.

The state appeals court has rejected two of three challenges by Windward farmers and environmentalists who want a state commission to direct more water to flow from the Waiahole Ditch to Windward streams. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of small nonprofits across America, including hundreds in Hawaii, faced a Friday deadline to fill out an online form for the Internal Revenue Service or lose their tax-exempt status. Hawaii News Now.

For decades the island of Kaho'olawe was used by the military for target practice, using every type of weapon that could be shot, launched or dropped. KHON2.

'Goldilocks planet' questioned. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation is working to fill firefighter staffing vacancies at the Maui District airports, a process that a state official said has been going on for several years. Maui News.

Kauai revisits plastic bag ban, Maui plans bird-proof football, new Honolulu mayor has big to-do list, tourism continues rebound, feds buy superferries, poll shows Hanabusa with slight lead, lawmakers probe securities purchase, airport chief says dysfunctional office jeopardizes safety, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu has a new Mayor. KHON2.

New Honolulu Mayor has long list of problems to fix. Hawaii News Now.

The final campaign spending reports for the Honolulu Mayor's race due Monday showed that former acting Mayor Caldwell raised $1,201,595 total for the race while former Honolulu prosecutor Carlisle raised a total $580,557. KITV.

In his first minutes in office, new Mayor Peter Carlisle pledged to follow up on his campaign promise to cut waste in city spending and committed to push full speed ahead on the $5.5 billion rail transit system. Star-Advertiser.

Peter Carlisle once told one of his deputy prosecutors that he would become mayor when pigs learn to fly. At his swearing-in ceremony at Honolulu Hale Monday, the winner of the September 18 special election for mayor unveiled a statue of a pig with wings and wasted no time outlining his priorities. Hawaii News Now.

The latest poll in the First Congressional District race shows Colleen Hanabusa leading Congressman Charles Djou. KHON2.


Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie spent more than $2.8 million to win the Democratic primary for governor in September, or about $20 a vote in his victory over former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat Neil Abercrombie has more campaign fundraising momentum than his Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, reports show. Civil Beat.

This afternoon, Keith Kaneshiro was sworn into office as Honolulu's new prosecutor. KHON2.

An investigative committee made-up of state lawmakers is probing whether any laws were broken when the Department of Budget and Finance purchased more than $1 billion worth of student loan auction rate securities. KHON2.

Some 93,000 public school students in Hawaii begin taking the Hawaii State Assessment tests next week. Associated Press.

The foreclosure scandal has touched a nerve with the state’s consumer protector. KITV.

The chief for airport fire stations on three islands said today he is dangerously short of firefighters -- because of what he called an “inept” airports personnel office. KITV.

Council to revisit plastic-bag ban. Garden Island.

A hotel, tourism and real estate consulting services firm says a new survey shows Hawaii's tourism industry continues to recover from the economic recession. Associated Press.

Maui hotel occupancy bounded up by nearly 10 percentage points as the entire state enjoyed a "relatively strong summer," according to the consulting firm Hospitality Advisors. Maui News.

Molokai is again without a staff planner with the county’s Planning Department. Molokai Dispatch.

The dream of Friday night lights and football at Lahainaluna High School continues to take shape on the historic campus, as a state-of-the-art system from MUSCO Sports Lighting has been installed at the Luna Athletic Field. Lahaina News.

There were lots of extras to interest buyers -- furniture, apparel, tools, machinery and spare parts. But no one was willing to outbid the federal government for the two former Hawaii Superferry high-speed catamarans at a recent foreclosure auction. Star-Advertiser.

A federal jury has awarded a Texas woman $5.67 million for injuries she suffered when she slipped and fell in a McDonald's restaurant in Kahului. Star-Advertiser.

The owners of Hawaii's second-largest farm are looking to get back $192,000 from the federal court clerk in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Of the six contested County Council races this year, only the South Maui rematch could be called a negative campaign. Maui News.

Mayoral, council candidates to discuss issues at Sunday forum. Garden Island.

Councilman Guy Enriques, responding to voters' concerns that he hasn't shared enough information about himself, is touting his accomplishments as a freshman district representative. West Hawaii Today.

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D- Hawaii) recently announced $10,302,629 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grants to address pressing construction and renovation needs and expand access to quality health care at community health centers in Hilo and Waianae. Hawaii Reporter.

More good news for "Hawaii Five-0." It is the most played back show in DVR history. That's what Nielsen ratings showed when the information was released by CBS Monday. Hawaii News Now.

State drug czar questions big jump in medical marijuana use, ahi tuna running short, deer invade Molokai farms, Sarah Palin steps into Hawaii races, "light" governor candidates seek heavier role, Honolulu Hale exodus nears, more Hawaii news

The number of medical marijuana patients in Hawaii has skyrocketed more than 3,000 percent over the past 10 years, leaving the state's top narcotics enforcement officer questioning just how many of those patients actually need the drug. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's bigeye tuna fishery is on course to hit its annual catch limit for waters west of the islands on Nov. 19, meaning the supply of locally caught ahi will likely drop sharply more than a month before demand peaks during the year-end holidays. Associated Press.

Nearly 5,000 volunteers will provide endless words of encouragement and support to the 1,800 triathletes competing Saturday in the Ford Ironman World Championship. West Hawaii Today.

Army seeks to reactivate Selective Service local board. Garden Island.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie and running mate Brian Schatz on Thursday announced a plan to bring more federal money to Hawaii. KITV.

The major candidates for lieutenant governor both envision more prominent roles for the state's No. 2 job, which has become largely ceremonial. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Re- pub- lican Party officials showed up at a democratic candidate's headquarters to offer a helping hand. Hawaii News Now.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee is backing Republicans James "Duke" Aiona for governor and Lynn Finnegan for lieutenant governor. Associated Press.

Republican Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and Democrat former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie faced off Wednesday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's McCoy Theater to discuss their views on education, the environment and economic development. Maui News.


KITV 4 News has learned several key members of the former mayor's cabinet are leaving Honolulu Hale, as Honolulu Mayor-elect Peter Carlisle works to fill vacancies in his cabinet before taking office Monday. KITV.

Candidate Claims Campaign Signs Stolen by Opponent. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Teachers association is reminding its members how the union feels about a ballot question in November’s general election. KHON2.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, is putting her political star power behind two little-known Hawaii candidates. Star-Advertiser.

Furloughs mean we'll have to wait an extra three days to see the final campaign spending reports from the primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka is urging widows and widowers of deceased veterans to be sure they received compensation for the month of their spouse's death. Associated Press.

HMSA told its members Thursday that they could pay more for care at several Hawaii hospitals if a new contract agreement is not reached before the current expires next year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's biggest insurance company is making it tougher for people to get full anesthesia for colonoscopy, a cancer screening everyone over 50 should receive. Some doctors say it's a debate over cost versus patient comfort. KITV.

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a rezoning allowing a group of investors to build a medical office complex and doctor's dormitory on 3.7 acres of residential land adjacent to Kona Community Hospital. West Hawaii Today.

City officials released yesterday a new vision for Koolauloa that includes plans to rezone agricultural land north of Brigham Young University-Hawaii to allow shops, churches and hundreds of homes under a proposal that has divided the tightly knit Laie community. Star-Advertiser.

Manoa teacher named 2011 Hawaii Teacher of the Year. KHON2.

Hawaii County will attempt to lease a 21.3-acre Pohoiki parcel envisioned as the future site of a swimming area and cultural center. Tribune-Herald.

A softened version of the Puna Community Development Plan was approved Wednesday by a 7-2 vote of the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

On top of a dry summer, the Molokai agriculture community is facing a deer problem – lack of water and food in their usual habitat has driven deer into the fields for nourishment at the farmer’s expense. Molokai Dispatch.

Maui County has changed the definition of "agricultural consumer" for Department of Water Supply customers to add aquaculture and for the first time to set a minimum gross annual income to qualify. Maui News.

A motion to reject the Kula Ridge fast-track housing application failed Thursday at a Maui County Council Public Services Committee meeting. Maui News.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission approved on Sept. 28 what could become the largest solar-energy facility in the state. Garden Island.

State Department of Transportation (DOT) officials and Goodfellow Bros. Inc. joined the West Maui community in celebrating the groundbreaking of the second phase of the Honoapiilani Highway Realignment Project — also known as the “Lahaina Bypass” — on Friday. Lahaina News.

Wet weather ahead, Honolulu prosecutor cleans house, gubernatorial candidates rule out TAT raid, drug money coming in, Hilo Target on track, more Hawaii news

Forecasters are predicting that Hawaii's upcoming winter wet season will be wetter than normal, but the beneficial rains may not come until next year. KITV.

Unpredictable weather will be the norm in the islands over the next few months as the worst drought in the country gives way to an unusually wet winter beginning in January, weather officials predicted yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Keith Kaneshiro officially starts as the next Honolulu Prosecutor on Monday but he's already making some moves and announced 11 of the 104 attorneys will be let go. Hawaii News Now.

Several deputy prosecutors who will lose their jobs because of the election of Keith Kaneshiro as Honolulu prosecutor said Wednesday that they believe their termination was due to their support for Kaneshiro’s opponent. KITV.

For the first time since winning their primary races gubernatorial candidates Neil Abercrombie and James "Duke" Aiona met face to face in a televised forum Wednesday night. It was held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and sponsored by the Maui Economic Development Board and Hawaii Public Radio and shown around the state by community television. Hawaii News Now.

Neil Abercrombie and James "Duke" Aiona, the two major candidates for governor, said last night that they would not take counties' share of hotel room taxes to help balance the state's budget. Star-Advertiser.

AARP Hawaii will sponsor a debate on KHON2  between the candidates for the first congressional district. KHON2.

Democrat Colleen Hanabusa says she'll move into the district she wants to represent if she's elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Associated Press.

The U.S. Department of Education has reached a voluntary agreement with the Hawaii public school system over a bullying complaint lodged by the parents of a Waianae High School teen. KITV.

Students get 100,000 meals a day, but rigid federal rules and farm limitations stand in the way of getting Hawaii produce on cafeteria tables. Civil Beat.

So, what ever happened to the much-ballyhooed OHA petition to force money out of the Hawaii legislature? Hawaii Reporter.

The state will receive tens of millions of dollars from out-of-court settlements with about 40 pharmaceutical giants and other drug prescription companies accused of gouging Hawaii's Medicaid program. Star-Advertiser.

State reaches $82M settlement in pharmaceutical lawsuit. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials aren't calling it an "outbreak" but they are concerned about a spike in confirmed or probable cases of whooping cough across the state.  The numbers from Maui County are especially high. KHON2.

Biologists ask for the public’s help as endangered seabirds leave nests. KHON2.

A summer jobs program that was designed to put $3 million in the pockets of island youngsters was so well-received that it will put $6.5 million in the pockets of 3,800 people. But it grew so fast that it has fallen behind in cranking out paychecks for about 1,200 young people, 236 of them in Maui County. Maui News.

Work on a new $39 million air traffic control tower at Kona International Airport is progressing on schedule, airport District Manager Chauncey Wong Yuen said. West Hawaii Today.

After years of planning, Molokai’s `Aha Moku councils are finally getting a say in natural resource management. Molokai Dispatch.

A small but promising series of openings in Waikiki over the past year-and-change signals the return of the Kalakaua corridor as a go-to destination for the nocturnally inclined. Honolulu Weekly.

In less than four weeks, voters will decide who keeps their seat with the Kaua‘i County Council and what newcomers will come aboard. Garden Island.

Just before the Primary Election, the councilman who for the last two years has represented Upper Puna, Ka'u and South Kona, was telling reporters he didn't want to have anything to do with them. Big Island Weekly.

One of East Hawaii's largest retail centers is on track to open next spring. Tribune-Herald.

Listeners tuning in Tuesday morning to KHBC-FM, Kona-FM and KIPA-AM hoping to hear longtime radio personality Mynah Bird instead got what radio people call "going dark" -- no signal at all. Tribune-Herald.

The proposed Kula Ridge development's access to water could determine whether the 116-lot, fast-track housing project receives approval today from the Maui County Council Public Services Committee. Maui News.

Most of a nearly empty luxury residential subdivision in foreclosure on Kauai has been purchased by a California-based investment firm. Associated Press.

Front Street establishments drift in and out as regular as the tides. Lahaina News.

A photo exhibit featuring the late political cartoonist Corky Trinidad headlines the list of events for Filipino-American History Month in October. Filipino Chronicle.

Abercrombie and Aiona neck and neck, thieves hit Hawaii Five-0, Honolulu limits fireworks, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

A bill that would prevent the homeless from camping out on city sidewalks was moved forward today by the Honolulu City Council's Public Infrastructure Committee. KHON2.

The race for Hawaii governor is in a dead heat between Neil Abercrombie and Duke Aiona, according to the latest poll. KHON2.

It's exactly four weeks until Election Day.  Campaign strategies are revving up and today both candidates went on the offensive. Hawaii News Now.

 The 2010 race for governor has been chockfull of published plans and proposals to fix Hawaii's myriad problems. Civil Beat.

The two major candidates for Hawaii governor are set to debate a broad range of issues on Maui. Associated Press.

The Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor spent Monday in East Hawaii, holding campaign talk-stories, meeting with business owners and waving signs. Tribune-Herald.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a bill granting the Congressional Gold Medal to Japanese-American veterans who served in World War II. KITV.

A crowd of fewer than 30 people attended a debate at Hahaione Elementary School Tuesday night on whether Hawaii's Board of Education should continue to be elected or whether it should be appointed by the governor. Hawaii News Now.

Four multitrack schools with more than 1,000 students each are considering options -- from shortening winter break to sending scores of students to other campuses -- to comply with a new state law that requires a minimum of 180 instructional days next school year. Star-Advertiser.

Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill prohibiting most fireworks Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Acting Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed the fireworks bill into law today. KHON2.

The chiefs of Oahu's emergency agencies expressed both relief and apprehension as acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law a bill that limits consumer fireworks on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Military officials have no plans to improve Bradshaw Army Airfield, upgrade a tank trail from Kawaihae Harbor to Pohakuloa, or do construction in Kawaihae, said Lt. Col. Rolland "Chris" Niles, the new commander at Pohakuloa Training Area. West Hawaii Today.

Workers hired by the state on Tuesday removed most the hull of a boat that washed up on to Kalama Beach in Kailua. KITV.

Looks like Steve McGarrett, Chin Ho Kelly and the gang have real-life crime on their hands -- right in the midst of their film set. Star-Advertiser.

A University of Hawaii professor is starting a project to create digital maps highlighting potential landslide hazards on Hawaii's Big Island. Associated Press.

Some West Hawaii residents have called Ooma Beachside Village "the wrong place at the wrong time." West Hawaii Today.

Marine issues surface this week, gu bernatorial candidates address early childhood issues, Hyatt lays off 70, more Hawaii news

An international effort to create a Census of Marine Life was completed Monday with maps and three books, increasing the number of counted and validated species to 201,206. Associated Press.

Oil spill prevention and response officials in the Pacific are due to discuss lessons learned from this summer's oil spill off the Gulf Coast at meeting in Waikiki this week. Associated Press.

A Humane Society official said Friday that federal wildlife officials botched an operation intended to keep birds from endangering planes at Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii will be part of an unprecedented long-term study of children's health in the United States. Hawaii News Now.

An Olowalu Mauka resident is suing Maui County, claiming the developers of his subdivision violated numerous permit requirements, and county officials did nothing to enforce the law. Maui News.

Thousands of visitors stop at Sunset Beach every year to take in one of the best surf breaks in the world. KHON2.

The Kokua Kailua Village Stroll brings hundreds, if not thousands, of people into the downtown Kailua-Kona area, however, some business owners say the street fair has grown so large it's competing with the very people the event set out to help. West Hawaii Today.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission approved Tuesday a bill that would ultimately give the county Planning Department the power to impose civil fines on zoning-ordinance violators, plus allow revenues to go to the county general fund. Garden Island.

Both Charles Djou and Colleen Hanabusa say one way to spur the economy is to avoid raising personal income taxes. Star-Advertiser.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said yesterday that if elected governor he would create a state Department of Early Childhood and restore funding for Healthy Start, a child-abuse prevention program, while Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said he would propose a tax credit to help middle-class families afford preschool for their children. Star-Advertiser.

Early childhood education was the main issue addressed by the Democrat, Republican and Independent candidates. KHON2.

Allies of Republican gubernatorial candidate James ''Duke'' Aiona are employing a phrase in television ads and brochures that has been used innocuously in different contexts over the years. Associated Press.

Owners of historic homes on Oahu are getting substantial tax breaks to help offset the cost of preserving their properties, yet they are not required to reinvest the savings into the dwellings. Star-Advertiser.

Residents on the Big Island of Hawaii were shaken by a magnitude 3.9 earthquake Sunday morning. Hawaii News Now.

There will soon be more new The Kaua‘i Bus vehicles on the road, as U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai‘i, said the county will receive $925,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation for new vehicles. Garden Island.

70 Hyatt employees laid off. Garden Island.

Hawaii transportation officials are seeking to buy a section of land that is now used to store sand and other materials as part of a move to expand facilities at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor. Associated Press.

The state has launched an automated telephone directory that will ease the way for callers to reach executive and legislative branch offices. Associated Press.

A rather large object is attracting quite a bit of attention just offshore Kalama Beach Park in Kailua. KITV.

Tourism rebounds, HPD seeks cops, Lingle says Abercrombie too old and set in ways, gubernatorial candidates debate health care, more Hawaii news

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports visitors who came to the islands in August spent $1.1 billion, a 30 percent jump over August of last year. Hawaii News Now.

It's been a superb summer for the visitor industry with total visitor arrivals up in August for the ninth consecutive month. KITV.

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle took a shot at Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie Thursday morning, suggesting to a pro-business group that the former congressman's old age makes him set in his ways. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said yesterday that they would preserve the state's Prepaid Health Care Act, which requires businesses to provide health insurance for employees, but indicated that the state law might have to be changed to remain financially sound. Star-Advertiser.

 The two leading candidates for Hawaii governor explained Thursday what they will do in the face of federal health insurance reform to retain current health insurance benefits for Hawaii residents. KITV.

The debate touched on the future of Hawaii's prepaid health care act -- the one that mandates employer-sponsored benefits -- in the context of the new national health care law. KHON2.

Democrats are denouncing U.S. Rep. Charles Djou's opposition to legislation to provide up to $7.4 billion to workers sickened during cleanup of the World Trade Center site in New York after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Associated Press.

For the first time, NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is actively seeking Lanai and Molokai representatives for its advisory council. Molokai Dispatch.

Three years after a state-backed plan was engineered to prevent a dramatic loss of low-income rental apartments at one of Oahu's largest affordable-housing communities, a big piece of the plan has faltered. Star-Advertiser.

Five Hawaii high schools will share a five-year, $10 million federal grant to bolster their "smaller learning communities" -- programs aimed at decreasing dropout rates, improving achievement and better preparing students for colleges or careers. Star-Advertiser.

The federal government is helping the University of Hawaii at Hilo convert an aging dormitory into a living-learning center and boost Native Hawaiian graduation rates. Tribune-Herald.

The Honolulu Police Department is looking for new recruits. Hawaii News Now.

North Hawaii Community Hospital officials announced Wednesday they've already found a new president and chief executive, less than a month after John White announced his resignation. Ken Wood starts Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Does the Goldilocks planet also have alien bears? Tribune-Herald.

Kahului Airport's main runway needs to be repaved, and state Department of Transportation officials say the work can be done at night so flights and airport operations continue uninterrupted. Maui News.

Groundwork for a scaled-back Laiopua Community Center just south of Kealakehe High School could begin as early as July 2011 if local charity Laiopua 2020 can secure $9.8 million to get work under way. West Hawaii Today.

Inter-Island seeks waterfall landings amid contested ownership. Garden Island.

A network of Hawaiian organizations and businesses have banded together to help small (under $25,000 annually) Native Hawaiian organizations maintain their tax exemption statuses. Maui News.

Planet discovered, Aiona not walking the talk, charter school faces challenges, voters yawn at BOE ballot, lots of millionaires here, coral bleaching, airport bird kill draws fire, more Hawaii news

Astronomers used Mauna Kea's Keck 1 telescope to discover an Earth-like planet that could contain water and possibly even life, a finding likely to reinvigorate the search for extraterrestrial life and inspire Hawaii's next generation of space explorers. Star-Advertiser.

 Our state, the smallest  in the nation has the biggest number of millionaires living in it per capita. KHON2.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials have met with their Big Island neighbors to discuss the continuing drought that could lead to wildfires.  Associated Press.

Broad areas of the Big Island continue to suffer from severe drought, and relief appears to be months away. Tribune-Herald.

The head of Hawaii's largest union says he will seek to alter the state open records law in the coming legislative session to limit access to information about public employee salaries. Civil Beat.

Corals at remote atolls northwest of the main Hawaiian islands suffered some bleaching this summer as ocean temperatures rose to higher than normal levels for a couple of weeks. Associated Press.

NOAA: Papahanaumokuakea coral bleaching not as bad. KHON2.

The mysterious brown stuff found in the ocean Tuesday off Kailua Beach has been revealed. KITV.

Gov. Candidate Aiona Refuses To Get Flu Shots. KITV.

It's not setting sail but the trash meant for the mainland is finally on the move. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools is evaluating whether to reacquire city-owned parcels in Haleiwa, part of the same property that D.G. "Andy" Anderson wants for a boutique hotel. Star-Advertiser.

What a federal wildlife official termed a "shotgun control operation" Monday afternoon in Keaukaha was aimed at stopping cattle egrets from endangering aircraft at nearby Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii has been ranked among the world's top 200 universities in a recent publication. Hawaii News Now.

Big reforms planned for Hawaii public schools and lingering anger over teacher furloughs weren't enough to boost low voter participation in Board of Education races. Star-Advertiser.

The proposed Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School has one last bureaucratic hurdle to clear before preparing for an August 2011 opening, but it's a big one -- acquiring a charter from the state. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to convert Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School on the Big Island to a charter school are continuing, thanks to an extension of a federal grant. Associated Press.

Young Brothers officials are threatening to ask for rate increases for their interisland shipping services if the state's Public Utilities Commission allows another shipping company to "cherry pick" the most profitable routes. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers will file for reconsideration of last week's Public Utilities Commission decision to allow Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines to move vehicles and heavy cargo interisland on its ship, MV Jean Anne. Maui News.

A crowd of applicants greeted Transportation Security Administration employees at a job fair Wednesday at the Lihu‘e Civic Center. Garden Island.

Big Island police are asking for the public's help in finding military commemorative and presidential coins with sentimental value stolen yesterday in a burglary of an 82-year-old man's Pepeekeo apartment. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai Properties Water Rate Hikes Finalized. Molokai Dispatch.

Abercrombie, Aiona match begins, UH fights bedbugs, state fights bee beetle, Obama supports Hanabusa, Maui candidate with criminal record allowed to run, Kauai firefighters disciplined, more news from across the state

Are Native Hawaiians getting a fair shake in our legal system? New numbers show that 40% of all prisoners in Hawaii are Native Hawaiians, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) says that's no coincidence. Hawaii News Now.

A disproportionate number of Native Hawaiians are making up a segment of the prison population, according to a new study released by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. KITV.

Native Hawaiians are treated unfairly by the criminal justice system in Hawaii, according to a report released yesterday by the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Star-Advertiser.

OHA releases a damning report on the treatment of Native Hawaiians in the criminal justice system and calls out for solutions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's outnumbered Republicans recruited candidates for almost every legislative race this year, but many of them struggled to raise money or receive votes in the state's primary election. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama's political organization has sent out an undisclosed number of e-mails to Hawaii residents urging them to support Democrat Colleen Hanabusa for the 1st Congressional District seat. Associated Press.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D) and his Republican opponent for Hawai governor, Lt. Gov. James Duke Aiona (R) on Tuesday discussed their different views on how they would wean Hawaii from fossil fuel to a clean, green economy. KITV.

The Energy Expo was the first venue the democratic and republican gubernatorial candidates have both shown up at since the primary. KHON2.

Maui County Clerk Jeffrey Kuwada has dismissed a challenge to the candidacy of Elle Cochran, which claimed she was not eligible to run for office because she has a criminal record. Maui News.

Kauai County officials say disciplinary action has been taken after a Fire Department boat was used for a fishing expedition to waters along the coast of Niihau. Associated Press.

Seasonal hiring in Hawaii appears to be on the rise from a year ago as retailers prepare to boost staffing for an anticipated brisk holiday season. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers Ltd. on Tuesday said it was "surprised and disappointed" at the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission's decision to allow a competitor to provide interisland shipping. KITV.

Thieves stole 15 moi from a fish tank at the Waikiki Aquarium over the weekend, aquarium officials said. KITV.

One of Hawaii's most popular visitor destinations will be closed on weekday afternoons starting in November. Hawaii News Now.

State Department of Agriculture workers are searching East Hawaii farms for signs of the coffee berry borer. Meanwhile, farmers anxiously await word concerning whether the bug's arrival will spark a quarantine on Kona coffee. Tribune-Herald.

Bed bugs surface at UH-Manoa dorms and Campus Center. KHON2.

It's policy at public schools but still not practiced. Controversial locker searches are stuck in limbo – more than a year after the Hawaii Board of Education approved them - because of legal concerns, budget cuts, and a precedent-setting policy. Educators are proceeding with caution. Hawaii News Now.

After meetings spanning several months, the county Charter Review Commission on Monday fine-tuned several questions to be placed on the ballot next election. Garden Island.

A community effort to redevelop six vacant Lanakila Homes units in Hilo has foundered, and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority is going back to the drawing board. Tribune-Herald.

A 5,000-home subdivision mauka of Kaloko Industrial Area is being brought forward again. West Hawaii Today.

Three new lieutenants and seven new sergeants have a combined 140 years of service with the Kaua‘i Police Department. Garden Island.