New octopus discovered, prison corporation wants federal court to clarify Native Hawaiian religious practices, Legislature enters crossover week, gun control advances, Kona courthouse delayed by bid protest, Kauai seeks gas tax hike, Maui coffee comes to fore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Octopus, courtesy NOAA

Scientists say they have discovered what might be a new species of octopus while searching the Pacific Ocean floor near the Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press.

Corrections Corporation of America is asking the federal court to force a final settlement in a class-action lawsuit over religious rights of Native Hawaiian inmates in Arizona. Civil Beat.

Despite heavy opposition from federal recognition advocates and an agenda deliberately primed to produce a federal recognition-friendly constitution, Hawaiian independence advocates at the Native Hawaiian Convention, better known as the ʻAha, succeeded in planting a stake in the ground for the “pursuit of independence.” Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii lawmakers are heading into a busy week when bills have to be passed out of the House and Senate and sent over to the other chamber. Those that don’t make it over the hurdle will die. Associated Press.

Hawaii already has some of the toughest gun control laws in the nation, but state House and Senate lawmakers are advancing a half-dozen new proposals this year to further restrict access to firearms for people who have criminal records or are being treated for mental illnesses. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would prevent known and suspected terrorists from purchasing a firearm is moving forward in the House. Star-Advertiser.

Opposition is mounting to bills that would let the online vacation rental giant Airbnb and similar companies arrange to collect general excise and transient accommodations taxes on behalf of hosts and pay the money to the state. Star-Advertiser.

Some lawmakers at the Hawaii Legislature think the state could do more to attract major national and international sports and entertainment events. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The University of Hawaii-Manoa campus is now accredited internationally as an arboretum, a designation that recognizes its more than 500 species of trees as an important collection. Star-Advertiser.

The number of single-family homes sold on Oahu jumped 19.4 percent to 240 homes sold in February, from 201 homes sold during the same month in 2015. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Recent tourism statistics suggest Hawaii Island’s dengue fever outbreak hasn’t had the overall negative impacts some feared. Tribune-Herald.

A bid protest on the new $90 million judiciary complex means that West Hawaii might have to wait a bit longer for justice to be served in a secure setting. A protest letter filed late last month by contractor Nan Inc. alleges that two lower bidders failed to respond to all of the requirements of the project. West Hawaii Today.

Sales of single-family homes on Hawaii’s Big Island soared in February as prices dropped, while sales of condominiums dropped and prices soared, according to statistics from the Hawaii Island Realtors via Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Maui

While much of the focus of Hawaii's coffee industry centers on the Big Island's Kona brand, Maui farmers are proving it's not the only coffee from the Aloha State worth tasting. Maui News.

Kaanapali's hotel and condominium owners are baffled by a proposed 33 percent increase of their water bill for this year. Maui News.

A random sampling of Maui County residents will receive a mailed Department of Parks and Recreation survey seeking help in prioritizing future parks facilities, programs and services. Maui News.

Single-family home sales soared 15 percent to 69 homes sold, compared to 60 homes sold in February 2015. The median price of a single-family home in February was $595,000, an increase of 6.5 percent from $558,625 during the same month a year ago. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday will consider a proposal to increase the gas tax by 15 cents per gallon beginning Jan. 15. Garden Island.

Single-family home sales on Kauai jumped in February, even as condominium sales and prices dropped, according to statistics from the Kauai Board of Realtors via Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Monsanto reaches out; Maui ponders GMO limits; guns up, gun crimes down; House committee wants more oversight over UH repairs; Kauai may get dairy; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Monsanto courtesy chart

The GMO debate is considered one of the most controversial and confusing issues facing our state. Supporters say the technology behind genetically modified organisms is feeding the world at a time when the population keeps exploding and space to farm is getting scarcer.  Opponents say it poses health and environmental risks – the full scope of which is unknown, because its application is too new. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii firearms registrations have increased 72% since 2000 – but gun-related violence has dropped. Hawaii Independent.

At Hawaii Legislature, Access Equals Privilege. At the start of every annual session of the Legislature, lawmakers are invited to meals, drinks, talks and other activities sponsored by groups with business at the Capitol. Civil Beat.

Legislator jousts with U.S. high court over political spending. House Bill 1499 is state Rep. Karl Rhoads' symbolic response to Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the landmark 2010 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court which held that corporations and labor unions can spend unlimited amounts of money on elections as long as the spending is not coordinated with political candidates. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie capitalized on President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday to emphasize his proposals to raise the state’s minimum wage and expand access to early childhood education. Civil Beat.

State House Higher Education Chairman Isaac Choy says legislators would be putting the University of Hawaii "on steroids" to help eliminate its massive repair backlog under a bill that advanced out of his committee Tuesday, over the objections of UH officials. Star-Advertiser.

Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple surprised members of the UH Manoa faculty senate earlier this month when he told them a plan to quell public controversy surrounding the director of the UH Cancer Center by restructuring its administration is a temporary solution to “calm the waters.” Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state education leaders pledged their commitment today to significantly boost the number of adults earning college degrees in the islands over the next decade. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is set to make his third appointment to the Hawaii Supreme Court, making him the first governor in about two decades to select a majority of the five-member court. Associated Press.

How to Get High in Hawaii Without Breaking the Law. Civil Beat.

A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Wednesday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

First Wind, which has focused on wind-energy projects in Hawaii, is diving into solar energy with its first plans to build three separate major solar farms totaling 82 megawatts in Central Oahu, the chairman of the neighborhood board where the projects will be located, told Pacific Business News.

A report commissioned by Castle & Cooke, which has plans to build a major wind energy farm on Lanai, has identified three potential wind resource areas on Oahu and six other areas on Maui that would total 813 megawatts of capacity. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Placing liens against property when water or sewer bills are overdue, and shutting off water service for past-due sewer bills were two collection avenues discussed Tuesday by the county Water Board. West Hawaii Today.

A new electronic vehicle inspection system aimed at reducing fraud, errors and time spent on manually processing Hawaii licensed drivers’ data has made the procedure easier on the state and inspection stations, but some residents say it’s costing Big Island drivers time and money. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County officials, employees and residents celebrated the completion of a long-awaited repair project in Captain Cook. The renovated Yano Hall at Greenwell Park was rededicated Tuesday morning with speeches, prayer, music, food and pride. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A bill that seeks to implement disclosure and use restrictions on pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms in Maui County was introduced before the Council’s Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee today. Maui Now.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa is requesting two additional personnel within the Department of Agriculture to conduct pesticide inspections and alien species screening for Maui County. Maui Now.

The owner of the Pagoda Hotel, a popular and affordable rooming spot for many Mauians visiting Oahu for many years, plans to bring the brand to Maui with the prospective purchase of the Maui Beach Hotel. Maui News.

In an effort to promote open dialogue and greater understanding of its farming practices and products, Monsanto Hawaii said Monday that it is increasing its farm tours, holding community meetings and forums and having programs to promote a better understanding of the company. Maui News.

Kauai

A dairy farm could be operating on Kauai next year. Jim Garmatz, manager for Hawaii Dairy Farms, said their conservation plans have been approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. They are waiting approval and permits from the Department of Health. Garden Island.

Officials with the Kauai Department of Water came out Monday in hopes of discussing the cost-savings analysis report for the Kahili Horizontal Directional Drilled Well Project. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature kills GMO labling bill, more seats on the train, firearm registrations up, gun crimes down, $1.25M boost for Thirty Meter Telescope, state Senate seeks marijuana minister's release, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Senators Thursday afternoon deferred for this session a bill that calls for genetically modified imported produce to carry labels, opting instead to pass a resolution that requests several state groups study the issue in more detail and report back to the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Three Senate committees tabled a measure that calls for labeling imported genetically engineered produce or else bans its distribution in the islands. Civil Beat.

After a packed joint hearing between multiple Senate committees, members voted to kill House Bill 174 in a session today at the state Capitol. Maui Now.

The state Senate committee on public safety has approved two resolutions urging the federal government to release a pro-marijuana reverend from federal prison until his trial. Roger Christie has been in federal prison without bail since his arrest three years ago for growing and distributing marijuana. Associated Press.

A bill that would provide more information about misconduct of county police officers still has life, but there’s little guarantee it will survive the legislative session. Civil Beat.

Hawaii firearms registrations shot up more than 70 percent in 2012, while gun violence continued a four-year decline, according to a new state Department of the Attorney report. Hawaii Reporter.

The number of firearm registrations in Hawaii reached a record high of 50,394 last year, matching a national trend toward more gun ownership as the nation's leaders debate stiffer laws. Star-Advertiser.

The state recorded a record high for personal firearm permit applications processed in 2012.  The findings were detailed in the annual Firearm Registrations report released by the Department of the Attorney General this week. Maui Now.

The state Department of Education this school year paid more than $12.7 million to independent education consulting companies to help revamp underperforming schools. But most of the money has gone to one mainland company that critics say has been largely ineffective. Civil Beat.

In a letter to an accrediting body Thursday, the University of Hawaii acknowledged rocky relationships with legislators in the wake of last year's Stevie Wonder concert debacle but said the situation is improving. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges had warned earlier this month that the episode had included inappropriate external interference from government officials and "revealed the fragility" of the university's autonomy. Star-Advertiser.

UH-Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple plans to ask the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to forgive the athletic department's $11.3 million — and escalating — accumulated net deficit as part of a major restructuring effort. Star-Advertiser.

Debris from the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 continues to accumulate on Hawaii’s shores, including oyster buoys, refrigerators, driftwood and a 28-foot fishing boat. Honolulu Weekly.

State roundup for March 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell released a report Thursday that identifies sites that pose rockfall hazards to city property, and announced that the city has warned about 1,000 private property owners whose land is at high risk of rockfall. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday approved funding for additional passenger seats on the train cars for the city’s elevated-rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

A joint proposal by owners of the locally owned Foodland supermarkets and landowner Kamehameha Schools to build a new strip mall on 4.5 acres of preservation land in east Oahu has many Hawaii Kai and Niu Valley residents concerned. Hawaii Reporter.

Nearly two years after Foodland closed its Koko Marina location, Hawaii Kai residents turned out in huge numbers Thursday night to hear plans that could move the supermarket back into the neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

A corrections officer at the Women's Community Correctional Center in windward Oahu has been indicted on four counts of alleged sex assault against an inmate.KITV4.

Upon his graduation from the University of Hawaii, Edwin S.W. Young entered the auditing profession through the arm of Congress that investigates the performance of the federal government. Many years later, he has returned to Honolulu as the city auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Four years into the job, Police Chief Harry Kubojiri continues to get rave reviews from the Hawaii County Police Commission. West Hawaii Today.

The international Thirty Meter Telescope project on Hawaii’s Big Island is getting support from the United States in the form of a $1.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Pacific Business News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks will host a public information meeting to discuss parking and entry fees at Hapuna Beach State Recreational Area. West Hawaii Today.

All appeared well at the Waiopae tide pools on Thursday following a die-off of marine life earlier in the week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui fishermen are invited to "talk story" with the chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, William J. Aila Jr., 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Maui Waena Intermediate School in Kahului. Maui News.

Maui's northern coast would be one of three Hawaii areas studied as possibly being nationally significant sites to include in the National Park System, under the first bill formally introduced in Congress by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui News.

Unlike their first legislative briefing during the holidays last December, South and West Maui Sen. Roz Baker (D) and South Maui's freshman Rep. Kaniela Ing (D) presented issues and answered concerns to a full and lively house. Maui Weekly.

Kaiser Permanente will build a new home for its rehabilitation specialty services on Maui next to its Maui Lani facility. Maui News.

Officials dedicated Maui County's first double-decker bus on Wednesday, March 14. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members still have time to vote for three seats at the co-op’s Board of Directors. Voting began March 1, and will end Saturday at noon. Garden Island.

After spending hours under fire at a Kaua‘i County Council meeting Wednesday morning and afternoon, state officials and researchers went to Waimea and faced more than 150 Westside residents who were not convinced that Cleome gynandra, locally known as stinkweed, was what made students sick at Waimea Canyon School years ago. Garden Island.

Users of the public Kapa‘a Swimming Pool could be faced with the possibility of having to use “interim toilets” for several years — or until the pool is relocated elsewhere — according to county officials. Garden Island.

Hawaii Capitol rallies include preschoolers, teachers; Legislature advances gun control, marijuana bills; Kamehameha Schools teacher fired for nude student photos, 7th anniversary of Kauai dam disaster, Honolulu mayor seeks fuel tax hike, atrazine targeted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii preschoolers (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hundreds of children, parents and education advocates descended on Hawaii’s Capitol Thursday to spur lawmakers to vote for Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s preschool initiative. Associated Press.

Thousands of Hawaii public school teachers rallied and chanted around the state Capitol on Thursday to protest the lack of a new labor contract. Star-Advertiser.

The president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association announced to teachers late Thursday that the union and the state have received approval from the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to go to mediation. Hawaii News Now.

The state is confident it has found a way to fill a void and fund much-needed after-school programs for intermediate and middle schools through community involvement and private donations, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The state has a new plan to fill that important gap in intermediate students' days—they're calling it the Hawai'i Intermediate/Middle School Challenge. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana is making its way through the Hawaii House of Representatives. Associated Press.

The Hawaii House Committee on Public Safety is moving forward a bill to require background checks for people who bring in guns from outside the state. Associated Press.

FACT CHECK — Solomon: Hawaii 'On The Verge Of Bankruptcy' Half-True. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is being hit by two amendments U.S. Senate Republicans are trying to attach to a temporary spending bill needed to prevent a government shutdown. Civil Beat.

Scheduled nonstop air seats to Hawaii are expected to jump 11.8 percent through the next three months from the year-earlier period as the tourism industry takes aim at a second straight record year for visitor arrivals. Star-Advertiser.

A state analysis of new U.S. Census data shows Hawaii’s population grew by 1 percent per year in the two years spanning mid-2010 through mid-2012, with growth distributed relatively evenly throughout the islands. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s population grew 1 percent from July 2011 to July 2012, driven primarily by a relatively high birth rate and people moving from foreign countries, the state said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s population reached 1.39 million as of July 2012, up 2.4 percent from the 1.36 million residents in April 2010, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

A new health insurer is poised to do business in Hawaii this year, boosting competition in the market dominated by Hawaii Medical Service Association and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for March 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

With opposition mounting against his proposal to increase the city's fuel tax by 5 cents a gallon, Mayor Kirk Caldwell is urging City Council members to keep an open mind to the idea. Star-Advertiser.

A hearing on House Bill 276, which calls for issuing about $10 million in bonds to build what is being called the Senior Residence at Piikoi, was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu City Council will convene a special meeting this afternoon (Friday,1:30pm) to discuss homeless housing and services on O’ahu in an effort to look at solutions for this growing problem. Hawaii Public Radio.

State eyes encroachment at Kahala Resort. Complaints prompt closer look at beach use. KITV4.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is walking back from a threat last summer to ban offshore parties in Waikiki known as floatopias or flotillas. KITV4.

EXCLUSIVE: Nude student images alleged in fired Kamehameha Schools teacher investigation. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Water Supply officials say levels of atrazine in island wells are far below safe thresholds, even as 19 members of the state House on Thursday called for a task force to investigate the effects of the herbicide on human health. West Hawaii Today.

The story of Haumea, as told by astronomer Mike Brown, is a detective tale in space. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Geothermal Venture was back to normal operations Wednesday night after it was shut down that afternoon, causing a plume of steam to be released into the air. Tribune-Herald.

The population of the Big Island is currently growing at a rate of about 1% per year or five new residents per day, according to estimates released recently by the US Census Bureau. Big Island Now.

Maui
Citing questions and concerns by the public and council members, the Maui County Council's Water Resources Committee chairman called for a night meeting to allow for more public input on a bill that would give the water director, with the consent of the mayor, the power to impose higher rates during water shortages. Maui News.

The state House of Representatives voted Wednesday to approve $65 million in funding to begin construction of a new Kihei high school. Maui News.

Ask the Mayor: 7 a.m. Leaf Blowing; Feral Chickens, DMVL. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Dam Breach Tragedy Still Not Resolved 7 Years After 7 People Were Killed. Hawaii Reporter.

Candidates for the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors gathered in front of an audience of about a dozen people Wednesday evening at the Waimea Neighborhood Center during the final panel discussion leading up to the March 23 vote. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Humane Society has a new executive director, and one who has a lifetime of working with animals all around the country — and says she wouldn’t want to do anything else. Garden Island.

Hawaii's best beaches, fundraiser set for Obama library, Keith-Agaran named to state Senate, Kauai taro farmers boycott poi mill, new Civil Defense chief for Hawaii Island, more news from across the state

Hapuna Beach, Hawaii (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Travel + Leisure magazine this month released for the first time a Best Beaches on Earth list, and, not surprisingly, four in Hawaii made the cut. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran, who was expected to become the House majority leader in the next Legislature, has been appointed to the Senate, filling a vacancy left by former Senate President Shan Tsu­tsui, who became lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Kahului state Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran to the 5th Senate District seat vacated when former Sen. Shan Tsutsui accepted an appointment to lieutenant governor. Maui News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of Gilbert Keith-Agaran to the state Senate to represent Hawaii’s 5th senatorial district, a seat recently left vacant by Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui. Maui Now.

State Rep. Calvin Say is all packed up and ready to move out of the big office reserved for the head of the House. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hosting first fundraiser for Obama library. Hawaii News Now.

Health insurance premiums for about 14,400 individuals covered by Kaiser Permanente Hawaii jumped 9.7 percent on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

A deadline is nearing for Hawaii residents who lost their homes to foreclosure to benefit from a settlement between the state and five large banks. Tribune-Herald.

A University of Hawaii audit found that UH short-changed students on two campuses out of financial aid, mistakes that UH officials said were later corrected. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Office of Information Practices reduced its backlog just by just six cases in the 2012 fiscal year, leaving 78 pending cases on its list — some of them years old, according to the office's director. During the 2010 fiscal year, the office cleared 37 cases from its backlog. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines is expanding its fleet again with an eye toward the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines is expanding again and plans to offer more routes and 1,000 new jobs. KHON2.

The difference between owning a ferret in Hawaii and one in Pennsylvania can be up to three years in jail — and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Language Newspapers Now Searchable Online. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for January 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

Elevator workers were trying to determine Monday what caused Honolulu District Court elevators to malfunction for the second time in less than a week, resulting in a long line of people trying to get in to the Alakea Street building. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu firearms owners are increasingly frustrated with long lines at the registration desk at the main Honolulu Police Department station. Hawaii's firearms registration laws are among the strictest in the country, and mandate gun owners must register firearms within 72 hours of purchase. Hawaii Reporter.

Gordon Bruce, former chief information officer for the City and County of Honolulu, has become chief executive officer of Honolulu-based information technology company Pacxa. Star-Advertiser.

Councilman Stanley Chang is drafting a new bill in response to repeated complaints from residents both in his district and county wide. KHON2.

Hawaii

Former Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira is taking over as the administrator of the county Department of Civil Defense. West Hawaii Today.

County Legislative Auditor Colleen Schrandt has left Hawaii to take a job as an auditor with the United Nations in New York City. West Hawaii Today.

Keauhou Bay was one of the areas hit hardest by the 2011 tsunami and the harbor is still in dire need of repair — a situation that could change as soon as late summer, when state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation officials are anticipating construction to start. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

With new management in place and soon-to-be new ownership, the financially troubled Residences at Kapalua Bay appears poised to turn the corner. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public information meeting this week to present a technical report and corrective action plan for the Keawakapu artificial reef in South Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources reopened the Na Pali Coast State Park to the public Monday after shutting it down for three weeks while law enforcement searched for a suspect who allegedly threw a 31-year-old Japanese visitor off a cliff.  Star-Advertiser.

Upset with the transfer of Makaweli Poi Mill to Lehua Poi Company, former workers have not reapplied for employment at the new mill, and their former customers — the taro farmers — are boycotting the mill as well. Garden Island.

Several computers were discovered stolen from Kapa‘a Elementary School after students and administrators returned from winter break. Garden Island.

Waikiki street performers face arrest, Hirono and Lingle debate today, Hawaii seeks No Child Left Behind waiver, UH reaches record enrollment, House committee mulls gun control, Maui 2nd domestic destination, HELCO wants to lower fuel costs, Kauai plugs $1M budget hole, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Waikiki street performer (c) 2012 all Hawaii News

Waikiki street performers suspect the Hawaii Police Department in recent weeks has been cracking down on them at the request of a Waikiki business group, citing a series of arrests that caught many of the entertainers off guard. A group of performers plans to gather at the Sept. 11 Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting to discuss the incidents. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono are facing each other in the first of five general election debates in their race to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii’s systemwide enrollment has reached a record 60,633 students, university officials reported. Pacific Business News.

A Civil Beat analysis of campaign spending and primary election results shows a vote last month cost most major candidates in major races between $10 and $20 apiece, though the range was from $3 to $90. Those who spent more in total were more likely — though not guaranteed — to win. Civil Beat.

The state plans to file an application today for a waiver from key provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law in a bid to overhaul its accountability system for schools and focus more on academic growth and less on the results of a single annual test. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. John Mizuno used a hearing on violence Wednesday to make nice with gun rights groups. Civil Beat.

The House Human Services Committee conducted an informational briefing today on ways to improve nonviolence and peace in Hawai’i.   The discussion primarily focused on the need for more or less gun control legislation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Democrats are contesting the standing of another candidate who is running under their banner. Civil Beat.

Candidate complains primary winner was not a registered Democrat. KHON2.

The State Senate Wednesday scheduled a special hearing to investigate the University of Hawaii's Stevie Wonder blunder while the UH Board of Regents approved a special committee to evaluate the school's financial and management practices. Hawaii News Now.

The state Senate Special Committee on Accountability has scheduled a Sept. 24 meeting to review the University of Hawaii's handling of the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotels have set a new room revenue record of $310 million, according to data released Tuesday by a tourism industry consultant company. Associated Press.

Oahu
A Honolulu businessman accused of illegally importing some of the confiscated fireworks that exploded and killed five men in a Waikele storage bunker in 2011 was found not guilty of all charges Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved approved a short-term cash advance for UH-West O‘ahu construction on Wednesday as a bridge until an $18 million loan is delivered. Star-Advertiser.

After two critical audits, the man in charge of maintaining the University of Hawaii campus was fired in July, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimana Beach, also known as San Souci Beach, is a small haven for locals along the Waikiki shoreline, an international tourist destination that attracts several million tourists annually. Civil Beat.

An Oahu group is adding a high-technology alternative in its war against coqui frogs, an alien species that has infested an estimated 60,000 acres on Hawaii island, threatened its native environment and lowered some property values and visitor occupancy. Star-Advertiser.

It was the second time in recent days EMS and police helped deliver a baby on the H-1 freeway. KITV4.

Hawaii

A Hawaii County Council committee is urging Hawaii Electric Light Co. to do something company representatives say they really want to do anyway — bring down the price the utility pays for alternative energy from independent suppliers. West Hawaii Today.

A critical link in the island’s cross-island highway is one year away from completion. Tribune-Herald.

The fate of new proposed rules for agri -tourism ventures may be decided later this month. Tribune-Herald.

The state department that owns the Old Kona Airport Park still hasn’t transferred the property to Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Carol Ignacio calls it her “green project” — salvaging 20 housing units that were slated for the landfill, moving them across island and turning them into homes for low-income senior citizens. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui is making waves as the second most popular domestic destination for the remainder of the year, behind Las Vegas – bumping ever-popular Orlando to number three. Maui Now.

Mokulele Airlines and the Travassa Hana hotel have formed a partnership to launch twice-daily service between Kahului and Hana starting Oct. 1, restoring what officials say has been a decadelong hiatus in daily scheduled service to rural East Maui. Maui News.

Hopes are being raised for restored health of one of the most severely impacted coral reefs in the state in West Maui, with the signing Tuesday of a $3 million state and federal cost-sharing agreement to develop a watershed plan for the West Maui "Ridge to Reef" Initiative. Maui News.

Wailuku Main Street Association may have violated county grant agreements and federal tax requirements and failed to follow its bylaws and did not keep close tabs on its executive director, who should be fired, according to a report from the state attorney general's office. Maui News.

The Hawaii Supreme Court’s recent decision in a longstanding water dispute goes beyond the issue of how to fairly allocate the flow from four Maui streams. It also underscores a yawning, ongoing disconnect between state law and decisions made by the state Commission on Water Resource Management. Honolulu Weekly.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council, following a recommendation last week from its Committee of the Whole, approved two bills Wednesday to address an almost $1 million imbalance in the budget for Fiscal Year 2013, which started July 1. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai in Hawaii will pay $120,000 to settle a federal charge of race harassment filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today. Hawaii Reporter.

The Kaua‘i County Council approved a request for the Kaua‘i Police Commission for an additional $20,000 to be used in special counsel in a 5th Circuit Court complaint against Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Garden Island.

The future of a Kilauea Agricultural Park took precedence at the Kilauea Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday. Garden Island.

Single-family home prices on Kauai inched up nearly 3 percent in August, while the median price of a condominium jumped nearly 20 percent, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

Molokai residents are frustrated with Oceanic Time Warner Cable, the island’s only provider of cable television (CATV) and broadband Internet services. Many claim that though they pay the same price as on other islands for Internet, they get only half the speed. Molokai Dispatch.