Aila DHHL confirmation hearing contentious, Honolulu rail board mulls new contractor, multiple firearms found in ashes at tragedy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aila presides over Oct. 21, 2019 DHHL hearing ©2020 All Hawaii News

DHHL chief nominee draws disagreement. The state Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Thursday decided to defer for a week a vote on the nomination of William J. Aila as Department of of Hawaiian Home Lands chairman after a nearly eight-hour-long hearing Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Delay Vote After Grilling Aila As Head Of Hawaiian Home Lands. The governor’s nominee was applauded for projects he’s moved forward but concerns remain over the agency’s continued backlog. Civil Beat.

State senate panel defers decision on Aila nomination to helm DHHL. William Aila’s nomination to chair the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands hit a speed bump Thursday as a state senate panel deferred a decision on his confirmation until next week. Hawaii News Now.

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Amid rematch bid, Republican Sam Slom accuses incumbent of ‘socialist agenda’. Sam Slom, former Republican senator from East Honolulu, wants his longtime seat back. And he’s coming out swinging, accusing the incumbent of having a “socialist agenda.”.  Hawaii News Now.

12 presidential candidates will appear on Hawaii’s Democratic primary ballot. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will be among 12 other presidential candidates on Hawaii’s Democratic primary ballot. Hawaii News Now.

In the wake of the deadly rampage in Diamond Head, Honolulu’s police chief says she wants to tighten loopholes in Hawaii’s already tough gun laws. There are now 38 gun proposals moving through the Legislature ― and more than a dozen were introduced since the weekend shooting. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Measure Aims To Encourage Guilty, No Contest Pleas In Domestic Violence Cases. Advocates for victims in Hawaii domestic violence cases are backing a proposal to reduce certain domestic violence cases from felonies to misdemeanors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill package addresses wind farms in Hawaii. A host of bills looking to address utility-scale wind energy projects near residential areas in Hawaii has been introduced for this year’s legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department is warning local companies that make, distribute or sell flavored cartridge or pod-based e-cigarettes to stop, or risk enforcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes are smaller, according to the department, and are often called “pods,” “vapes,” or “JUUL,” a popular brand. These hi-tech e-cigarettes are popular with middle and high school students because they are easy to conceal, and users do not emit large plumes when exhaling. Star-Advertiser.

Public Safety’s New Alert System Requires Sign Up. The Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety is transitioning to a new public notification system called AlertSense, effective Feb. 1, 2020. All alerts that were on the Nixle Alert system will end Jan. 31. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Caldwell Talks Homelessness, HUD and Honolulu Rail In Washington DC. The Honolulu mayor is in the nation’s capital this week for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He’s also meeting with federal officials about the city’s largest ever public works project. Civil Beat.

With rail work running late, city might hire new contractor. Critically important utility work in the city center segment of the Honolulu rail line is still running behind schedule, and the rail authority is preparing to hire a second contractor to ensure the work is finished on time and does not delay construction of the last portion of the 20-mile rail system. Star-Advertiser.

HART Struggles To Keep Critical Utility Work On Schedule. The rail agency is eager for crews to work on Dillingham during the day, but the move is sure to take a heavy traffic toll on Kalihi. Civil Beat.

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Guns found at Hibiscus Drive not registered to homeowner or late husband, Chief Ballard says. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said today that multiple firearms have been recovered from the debris at 3015 Hibiscus Drive, but checks of the names of people who lived at the Diamond Head home showed that the weapons were not registered to the homeowner or her late husband. Star-Advertiser.

Multiple firearms recovered from Sunday’s shooting, arson incident. According to the Honolulu Police Department, multiple firearms were recovered at 3015 Hibiscus Drive. KHON2.

Multiple firearms found in charred remains of the homes along Hibiscus Drive. More evidence surrounding Sunday's tragic events in Diamond Head is being found during the ongoing investigation by Honolulu Police. KITV4.

Possession of guns key to potential lawsuits. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard’s announcement Thursday that multiple firearms were recovered from the debris at 3015 Hibiscus Drive might serve as a linchpin in the likely litigation of a Sunday crime spree that left two police officers dead and seven homes destroyed by fire. Star-Advertiser.

Hibiscus Drive violence could have been prevented, landlord’s friend says. Thursday morning on Hibiscus Drive, after the reopening of the street and restoration of power to homes for the first time since Sunday’s violence and raging fire, a woman and man stood at a window overlooking the field of ashes left where the blaze burned seven homes to the ground, where a few charred fragments and a sturdy white fence remained standing. Star-Advertiser.

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Prosecutor’s office arresting witnesses, victims with warrants ahead of them testifying. Prosecutors recently started looking for warrants of witnesses and victims who are set to testify in upcoming trials. Hawaii News Now.

‘Point in Time’ survey tallies Oahu’s homeless. Outreach workers fanned out across Oahu on Thursday — starting at 4 a.m. — to survey the island’s homeless population in a one-day, compressed census as part of the nationwide Point in Time Count. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa is tops in people surveyed wanting to move elsewhere. 5% of the people in the Ewa area who plan to move over the next few years say they want to relocate to a different part of the island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County working on new deal for state reimbursement for TMT-related costs. More than a month after the Hawaii County Council rejected a $10 million deal with the state to reimburse police costs related to the standoff at Maunakea Access Road, a new agreement has still not been finalized. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona homeowner facing fine for illegal vacation rental. A South Kona homeowner is facing thousands in fines for reportedly operating an illegal vacation rental a stone’s throw from Pebble Beach. West Hawaii Today.

County wants to seize, sell site of former homeless camp. The former site of a homeless camp in downtown Hilo may be sold off to pay for fines the owners owe the county. Tribune-Herald.

Van Pernis confirmed to Leeward Planning Commission. Mark Van Pernis endured a second round of grilling Wednesday before being confirmed to the Leeward Planning Commission by a 6-3 vote. West Hawaii Today.

Feedback sought on hazard mitigation plan. A small group of individuals turned out Wednesday to learn more about the pending update to the county’s multi-hazard mitigation plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Plan aims to improve South Maui watersheds. Proposed projects would curb polluted runoff, help to protect plants from livestock. Maui News.

‘Most Hawaiian hotel’ gets makeover: KBH to undergo $65M ‘renewal’. Beachfront restaurant, more parking on tap. The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel will undergo a $65 million “property enhancement project” this spring that will include a new beachfront restaurant, redesign of its 180-room Kauai wing and an additional floor of parking. Maui News.

Former Boys & Girls Club employee gets year in jail. Victoria Satoafaiga sexually assaulted girl when she was assistant director. Maui News.

Kauai

County dumps need work. The County of Kauai is continuing work to get the Kekaha Landfill up to state Department of Health standards after receiving a warning letter from the DOH in November. Garden Island.

Garden Island editor moves on. After nearly seven years on Kauai, we’re returning to our home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Garden Island.

Visitor spending up as tourism nears 10M mark, Honolulu firearms crimes rise, news photographer alleges UH coach assaulted him, Hilo jail expansion controversial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers ©2019 All Hawaii News

Visitor spending, arrivals up in October. Both visitor spending and arrivals went up slightly in October when compared to the same time last year, according to recent data on visitor statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii could have more than 10M annual visitors for 1st time. Hawaii tourism stayed on pace in October to easily top the 10 million mark for visitor arrivals this year and extend a decade-long string of annual gains. Star-Advertiser.

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Rep. Case Demands Hawaii Be Paid Millions More For COFA Costs. If not, the congressman says renewal of the U.S treaties with three Micronesian nations may be at risk. Civil Beat.

Hurricane season ends with above-average number, below-average impact. At five tropical cyclones, the 2019 hurricane season in the Central Pacific was technically an above-average year. Star-Advertiser.

Thanksgiving weekend gas prices remain steady for residents and incoming Thanksgiving holiday tourists, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Today’s statewide average price is $3.66 a gallon, which is the same as last week, also the same as a month ago and eight cents lower than on this date a year ago, according to AAA. Maui Now.

Oahu

Crimes involving firearms are on the rise, HPD says. With a recent string of high-profile violent crimes on Oahu, the Honolulu police chief reassured the public that there is no increase in crime overall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Kai residents are upset over the removal of crosswalks. City workers removed two crosswalks at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kalanipuu Street in Hawaii Kai a few weeks ago. Hawaii News Now.

New tiny home community for the homeless now under construction in Kalaeloa. Ground was broken Thanksgiving Day in Kalaeloa on a master-planned community for the homeless made up of tiny homes and shared facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Assault at UH game alleged by Star-Advertiser photographer. A Honolulu Star-Advertiser photographer said he was assaulted at last week’s University of Hawaii football game and suffered injuries after being shoved by the head coach and then knocked to the ground by a UH employee. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of luxury homes on Oahu rise in October as median price declines. Oahu’s luxury home market saw a small increase in sales in October, compared to a year ago, but the median price for homes selling or $1.5 million or more declined by 4%, according to a report by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Relief for overcrowded jail on the way. When Hawaii Community Correctional Center Warden Peter Cabreros started the job in 1975, he had one inmate. Nowadays, there are considerably more. West Hawaii Today.

Free Wi-Fi coming to parks. Free Wi-Fi is coming to seven Hawaii County parks, thanks to an agreement between Spectrum Oceanic LLC and the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. West Hawaii Today.

Kalapana Without Well Service Until at Least Early Next Year. Roughly 100 households in Kalapana will make do without a working County deepwell until at least early next year. Big Island Now.

Alligator Lizard Found In Christmas Tree In Hilo. A Hilo resident spotted the large lizard on top of the Christmas tree, which was imported from Washington State. Big Island Video News.

Vacation Rentals Increase Slightly in October. Vacation rental performance on Hawai‘i Island increased slightly in October from the previous month, according  to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaii Water Commission Ruling Could Mark Change In Stream Stewardship. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases has come to an end on Maui, possibly signaling a turning point in the stateʻs management of public streams. Hawaii Public Radio.

EPA, state alerted to pesticide found in wastewater. Banned chemical was detected in 2016 test, part of Monsanto case. Maui County notified federal and state officials Wednesday of the presence of a banned pesticide at the heart of a criminal case against Monsanto Co. in wastewater at three treatment plants during testing in 2016. Maui News.

Errors discussed in river fish kill. Water panel reflects on fish ladder project. Improved community engagement, better communication among stakeholders and unrestricted water flow were among lessons that state water commissioners discussed in the wake of a pilot project that accidentally killed hundreds of native fish in Wailuku River last month. Maui News.

Kauai

County Admits It Wrongly Allowed A Divisive Brush Cutting Project. Critics say a homeowner was allowed to cut down trees and brush along a popular trail in order to improve his view. Civil Beat.

Companies respond to outage inquiry. Efforts are underway to repair the undersea cable responsible for islandwide internet outages in late October and early November, but the problem is 10 miles offshore, over a half mile deep and is expected to take several more weeks to fix, according to an executive with the company responsible for maintaining the fiber optics line. Garden Island.

High tides and coastal flooding expected, Oahu vacation rentals drop amid crackdown, Trump SECNAV pick has Hawaii ties, obsolete radios hamper Kauai sheriffs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii swimmers with sea turtle ©2019 All Hawaii News

NWS Issues Coastal Flooding Bulletin For Major Islands. The National Weather Service issued a special advisory Monday warning that flooding may occur this week along the shores of the major Hawaiian islands because of unusually high tides that are expected. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Unusually High Water Levels” Prompt Special Weather Statement. The greatest potential for coastal flooding impacts will be during the peak high tides, which will occur before sunrise from Tuesday through Friday, forecasters say. Big Island Video News.

 State under threat of coastal flooding this week. Coastal flooding is possible for all shores around the state this week because of unusually high water levels, the National Weather Service said. Star-Advertiser.

Special Weather Statement: Coastal Flooding to Peak During High Tides. The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement on possible coastal flooding for all islands of Maui County, in effect from Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Maui Now.

Poll: Oahu Voters Want Action On Climate Change. A new survey finds high levels of support for doing things individually and collectively to address the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

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State residents urged to get immunized. State health officials are urging unvaccinated Hawaii residents to get immunized from measles, which is rapidly spreading across the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Problems plague costly school A/C, while cheaper program makes headway. A $100 million pledge aimed to cool classrooms statewide. That was just a few years ago, and some of those classrooms are heating up again as the costly systems are breaking down. KHON2.

President’s selection for Navy secretary flew sub-hunting missions out of Barbers Point. The retired rear admiral selected by President Donald Trump to be the next secretary of the Navy started his operational career at Naval Air Station Barbers Point in 1986 flying anti-submarine missions in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air to re-launch service from Honolulu to Fukuoka. Hawaiian Airlines is bringing back a route discontinued about five years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Vacation rentals: Oahu supply dropping amid city crackdown. The number of vacation rentals on Oahu dropped in October, the second month of declines since a city crackdown on illegal rentals took effect. Star-Advertiser.

HECO partners with the Navy for new 80K-panel solar facility at West Loch. Hawaiian Electric and the Navy are celebrating a new solar energy project at Pearl Harbor's West Loch Annex. Hawaii News Now.

Big increase in guns being used for Oahu crimes. There has been a rash of crimes, including violent ones, being committed using firearms. Last year, there were 84 arrests for weapons charges on Oahu, but over the past six months, there were more arrests than all of 2018. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Another Alii development proposal scrapped. The owner and developer of a 50-unit residential community proposed across from Pahoehoe Beach Park on Alii Drive has withdrawn their application for a Special Management Area Use Permit — meaning the lot will likely be preserved for open space. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Golf Course Worries Over End To County Herbicide Use. Hilo's councilmembers were hoping the municipal golf course would be exempt under the proposed law ending the use of herbicides at county parks. Big Island Video News.

Greenwell Garden purchased. The Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in South Kona has been sold to the local nonprofit that formed three years ago to ensure it remain in Big Island hands.West Hawaii Today.

Bishop Museum Sells Amy B.H. Greenwell Garden To Kona Nonprofit. Ownership of the garden has been transferred to the Kona-based Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Public Access Expands for Maui Zoning, Real Property Information. Two County of Maui departments have collaborated to make zoning and real property information more readily available to the public. Maui Now.

Kauai

Sheriff’s deputies on Kauai say obsolete radios mean they can’t call for help. The union for sheriff’s deputies on Kauai claims the state is putting them and the public at risk when they transport dangerous prisoners. Hawaii News Now.

KIUC seeks 65-year water lease to energize hydropower facilities. The public is being asked to comment on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative's plans for its Waiahi hydropower plants. Hawaii News Now.

Water stations for state parks, Ferris wheel for Waikiki, money for lava relief, military training planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diamond Head state park ©2018 All Hawaii News

Water filling stations will be installed at 15 parks in Hawaii in an effort to reduce single-use plastic water bottles, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

ConAm Public Education Funding: 70% of Voters Still Said "No". The Hawai’i Supreme Court invalidated the Constitutional Amendment question for public education funding on the Nov 6th General Election ballot.  But, 85 percent of voters made choices, anyway. Hawaii Public Radio.

Protections For Transgender Kids Still Spotty Inside Schools. It’s been three years since the Hawaii Department of Education issued guidance around transgender student protections. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Putting aside election bad blood won’t be easy for Ige, legislative leaders. The Legislature and the governor may be run by Democrats, but these are Democrats who neither think alike nor support each other’s positions. And there is still no love lost between Ige and the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

City, state making adjustments to be ready for disaster recovery. It has been the year of the disaster for every county across the state, and now the hard work of picking up the pieces continues. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines hikes checked bag fees, matching mainland carriers. The change applies to the airline’s mainland flights. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ferris wheel in Waikiki? Some resident say ‘it’s a totally stupid idea’. A Canadian company is floating plans to built a Ferris wheel and motion theater at the Ala Wai Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Defeat of HART charter amendment could result in added delays and costs. The chairman of the board overseeing the city’s rail construction project said Oahu voters’ decision to reject a proposed amendment to the Honolulu City Charter might cause additional delays and costs for the $8 billion-plus project now scheduled to open in late 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Tom Yamachika: Why The City Flipped On Rail Funding. Officials realized that not using city money for the project was unrealistic from the beginning. Civil Beat.

Waianae polling places ran out of same day registration forms. In past elections, Waianae has had one of the state's lowest voter turnout rates. KITV.

Thousands vie for units in new property near Ala Moana Center priced below market. About 1,000 people lined up on Monday to get a first look at developer SamKoo’s newest condominium project: The Central Ala Moana. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Moana affordable housing units up for sale. The Central Ala Moana will be 43 stories with 513 units -- about 60% of them deemed 'affordable' studio and one to three bedrooms. KITV.

Council might delay condo fire safety rules. After the July 2017 fire at the Marco Polo condominium killed four people, there was a call to have older condos retrofitted with fire sprinklers. Star-Advertiser.

U.K. man challenges Hawaii’s stun gun ban. Andrew Namiki Roberts is an Oahu photographer who wants to be able to protect himself as he carries his equipment to photo locations around the islands. His weapon of choice: a Taser stun gun. Star-Advertiser.

State senator says Aloha Stadium needs new facility. Senator Wakai tells us that Aloha Stadium in its current state is safe, but it's costing millions each year to maintain the structural integrity. Aloha Stadium officials ask for $20 million a year for the upkeep, but Senator Wakai says legislators give the bare minimum of about $7 to $8 million. KHON2.

Biki hits a milestone in one month with expansion on the horizon. A total of 100,954 Biki rides were taken last month, which shows a major increase in ridership compared to one year ago. Hawaii News Now.

As it marked a milestone in October, Honolulu’s bikeshare operator, Biki, also announced it would be expanding by about 30 more stations and 300 more bikes by the end of the year, thanks to federal funding. Star-Advertiser.

Can Setting Out Tables, Painting Street Murals Transform Honolulu’s Neighborhoods? A new Honolulu program encourages residents to create do-it-yourself “pop-up” urban design projects to make their communities safer and more walkable. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Gov. David Ige will introduce a bill next year to help kick-start the recovery effort in Lower Puna in the wake of this year’s Kilauea lava flow, but that measure will be a more modest package of assistance than Hawaii County officials have been seeking. Star-Advertiser.

There could soon be marine life of a different sort off the West Hawaii coast, as military units prepare to train by air, land and sea next year. West Hawaii Today.

Disappointing Harvest Squeezes Big Island Coffee Farmers. Coffee farmers on the Kona Coast are seeing harvests with as much as a 40% reduction in crop yields. Hawaii Public Radio.

An application for a Use Permit to allow a Kurtistown church to build a 3,040 square-foot community outreach center on land mauka of Highway 11 got the OK from the Windward Planning Commission last week in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian monk seal Manuiwa appears to have dislodged a hook that had been spotted in her lip last week. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A solar farm proposed for an area between Kula and Wailea will be discussed Wednesday during a meeting of the Kula Community Association. Maui News.

The October median price of a single-family home in Maui County came within $6,000 of the $780,000 record set in May 2005 and tied in July 2006, the dizzying heights reached before the real estate bubble burst nationally in 2008. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai is flushing out more bacteria through rivers and streams than it has in the last decade, according to test results from the island’s Surfrider Blue Water Task Force. Garden Island.

The United States military is working on increasing training by air, land and sea in 2019 and Kauai is on the list for places where training would occur. On Kauai, training would occur in nearshore waters, bays and harbors, with naval forces as well as Army, Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps special ops forces. Garden Island.

A conference to raise awareness about the vaping epidemic in Kauai sold out nearly a week before the event, which is scheduled for Thursday morning at Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Officials ponder next step after ConAm struck from ballot, average teacher salary $59k, Ige and Caldwell support hotel strikers, visitors return to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige supports education funding, photo courtesy of Governor's Office

Ige, Tupola weigh in on what’s next after the constitutional amendment. Gubernatorial candidates discuss how to fund Hawaii’s public schools. Hawaii News Now.

With ConAm Invalidated, Supporters And Opponents Ponder Next Moves. If Hawaii is going to spend more on public education, it’s unclear where the money will come from. Civil Beat.

State Leaders Will Look for More Public School Funding. State leaders, educators and community supporters came out today to call for additional funding for public education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Education advocates scramble to find public school funding after constitutional amendment blocked. After the Hawaii Supreme Court blocked a controversial proposal that would’ve raised investment property taxes to help fund public schools, education advocates are now scrambling for a “Plan B.” Hawaii News Now.

It's back to the drawing board on how the state can generate more money for public school education. Now that the constitutional amendment question has been invalidated by the Supreme Court, both sides of the argument are planning for the future. KHON2.

Hawaii Teacher Salaries Not Enough to Buy a Home. Average teacher salary in Hawaii is $59,250. Maui Now.

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Gun Crimes Are Rising In Hawaii, But Still Below Historic Levels. Violent crimes involving firearms have risen 24 percent in the last four years. Many of the guns, prosecutors say, were stolen. Civil Beat.

This Remote Hawaiian Island Just Vanished. Scientists are concerned about what will happen to the hundreds of endangered species that once called East Island home. Civil Beat.

Ethics hearing underway for OHA trustee accused of misusing funds. Rowena Akana is accused of using her trustee allowance to pay personal expenses. Hawaii News Now.

Is Rowena Akana’s Political Career On The Line? The longest-serving OHA trustee is on trial for allegations of ethics violations while also waging a re-election fight. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell told striking hotel workers during a meeting at the state Capitol today that they would not cross the picket line and have urged their hotel managers and owners to resume bargaining. Star-Advertiser.

'There's real damage being done,' Mayor Caldwell on strike. In a closed door meeting Monday afternoon, union workers told Governor David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell their stories. KHON2.

2,700 hotel workers in Waikiki and Maui continue to picket on the 15th day of their strike for better wages and job security. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaiian Electric to replace 1,200 meters after overheating reported. Hawaiian Electric is notifying commercial customers about a potential hazard that relates to a particular brand of electric meter installed at businesses on Oahu. KHON2.

University of Hawaii officials said they have been unfairly blamed as the reason for another state agency abruptly shifting plans for a veterans home to a historic site in Aiea that has rankled some community members. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply seeks bids to redevelop its downtown site. Oahu’s public water utility is making a second attempt at generating extra revenue by offering up part of its headquarters near downtown Honolulu for redevelopment, and a consultant suggests that senior housing and parking are most likely. Star-Advertiser.

Turtle Bay, which is owned by Blackstone and managed by Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, is gearing up for its plan to add about 750 units — a lengthy build-out that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars and increase the workforce to 1,100 from 650. Star-Advertiser.

2 separate wastewater spills impacts Keehi Lagoon, Ala Wai Canal. The public is urged to stay out of the water. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation continues into cause of tour helicopter crash at Kaneohe Bay sandbar. The pilot is believed to have suffered a medical emergency during flight. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A month after reopening, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park seeing daily visitor numbers ‘on par’ with those from this time last year. Park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane said the number of visitors to the park consistently has remained at about 2,000 visitors daily, with boosts on cruise ship days. Tribune-Herald.

A Naalehu resident has sued two county officials over plans to build sewer plants in Naalehu and Pahala. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Water Supply VS. Water Sustainability. A closer look at the proposal to dismantle the Department of Water Supply and create a Department of Water Sustainability. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island remembers Earl Bakken as an innovator, philanthropist. As an electrical engineer who made groundbreaking technological advancements in the field of medicine, Dr. Earl Bakken saved, prolonged and changed lives. As a prolific philanthropist, particularly on Hawaii Island, he improved them. West Hawaii Today.

Earl Elmer Bakken, inventor of the first wearable, battery-powered pacemaker and co-founder of Medtronic Inc., embraced his motto of “live on, give on, dream on” when he moved to Hawaii in 1989. Star-Advertiser.

Earl Bakken, the electrical engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist who invented the first wearable heart pacemaker, has died at his Hawaii home. He was 94. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Mayoral candidates share their life stories. Maui News.

Treasurer of Maui Youth Soccer League accused of forging $180,000 worth of checks. According to prosecutors, the 57-year-old wrote fraudulent checks payable to himself from the HYSA bank account, then deposited the money into his personal account. KITV.

The Maui County Department of Water Supply will switch the distribution system disinfectant in the Upper Kula water system from chloramines to chlorine for approximately four to eight weeks beginning on Oct. 30. Maui Now.

Kauai

County Council Candidate: Luke Evslin. Within five minutes of conversation with County Council candidate Luke Evslin, it is obvious that he is a man who understands system interconnectedness. Garden Island.

Residents in Anahola, Lihue, Kapaa and Waimea received letters over the weekend urging them to list their homes on the homestay website Vacation Rental by Owner — but operating transient vacation rentals in those areas is illegal. Garden Island.

Kauai condemns mailers that urge homeowners to get into vacation rental business. In the mass mailers, VRBO promised homeowners $1,000 in income for January. Hawaii News Now.

Fallen police officer mourned, hunt still on for killer; Honolulu police to roll out body cameras next month; first wave of free wi-fi hotspots unveiled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bronson K. Kaliloa

The Big Island mourned the loss of Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa Wednesday, only the fifth police officer to be killed in the line of duty on Hawaii island in the last 100 years. Star-Advertiser.

Condolences to the family of fallen Puna patrol Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa poured in Wednesday as word spread that the 10-year Hawaii Police Department veteran was shot and killed Tuesday night, allegedly by a man wanted on an arrest warrant. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s entire Big Island police force was on alert Wednesday for a suspect wanted in the killing of an officer during a traffic stop, including off-duty officers and some who returned to work from vacation and days off to join in the search. Associated Press.

5 Big Isle cops died in the line of duty since 1918. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Police Chief Speaks After Officer Kaliloa Killed In Line Of Duty. Big Island Video News.

Tribute to Fallen Officer Bronson Kaliloa. Big Island Now.

Fallen officer remembered as proud father of 3 who loved to help others. KHON2.

How officials react to the fallen Big Island officer. KITV.

Authorities are still searching for a suspect accused of fatally shooting a Big Island police officer on Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

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The state says it has rolled out the first wave of more than 1,000 public Wi-Fi hot spots offering one hour of free service throughout Hawaii as a result of a deal with Spectrum. Star-Advertiser.

List and maps of designated hotspots can be found here.

Here’s Why These Rookie Candidates Decided To Get Into Politics. This year’s newcomers come from all over the political spectrum, and a variety of issues inspired them to run. Civil Beat.

State Workforce Development Council Wants to Hire Transitioning Military Members and Spouses. Military service members and their families make up more than 10 percent of Hawaii’s population and the state wants to hire those leaving the military to fill critical shortage jobs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Diversion programs are an alternative to incarceration. The idea is to divert people away from prisons and into treatment programs. They’re being used in a growing number of communities across the country and they’re generating some excitement here in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Donors pick up $3.7 million tuition tab for University of Hawaii medical students. A trio of donors is aiming to tackle the physician shortage in an unusual way — they are picking up the entire tuition tab for nearly a third of the incoming class at the University of Hawaii Medical School. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced new legislation on Wednesday in an effort to protect native Hawaiian plants. Hawaii News Now.

Law proposed to improve missile alerts. Earlier this week, U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and John Thune, R-South Dakota, introduced the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act of 2018. Garden Island.

University finds new life in the abyss. While manganese mining operations eye the Pacific Ocean floor as their potential next frontier, scientists have found the seafloor plains are anything but vacant. Garden Island.

Panda Express to hire 85 people in Hawaii. Panda Express is hiring through a weeklong Panda Career Event, starting today at 400 locations nationwide, including Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HPD rolling out body cameras next month. The body cameras will be deployed to HPD stations in phases, going district by district, starting next month. KHON2.

City mistakenly overstates number of homeless getting permanent housing. Hawaii News Now.

Hoarder house no more: City hires contractor to clean Makiki eyesore. Hawaii News Now.

City will remove old vehicles, rubbish, overgrowth from Pensacola Street home. Star-Advertiser.

Can An Algae Supplement Turn Around A Struggling Hawaii Startup? Cardax, after burning through nearly $58 million, is finally making money and trying to expand sales on the mainland. Civil Beat.

An award-winning multi-million dollar organic farm in Waialua is now on the market. The five-acre lot is in Poamoho Estates in Waialua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Finding safe lava viewing site proves challenging. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii searches for safe spots for people to see lava. Stunning images of Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano have captivated people around the world. But ironically it's nearly impossible for residents and visitors on the ground to see the lava - a fact that's squeezing the tourism-dependent local economy. Associated Press.

Planning efforts for temporary and permanent housing solutions were a focus of Tuesday night’s public meeting in Pahoa on the Kilauea eruption. Big Island Video News.

After nearly 11 weeks, eruptions are still claiming homes on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Collapse explosion destroys structure at Leilani Estates. Star-Advertiser.

Tourists unfazed by lava bomb accident. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC exercises hit Hawaii Island. The U.S. Navy LCAC seemingly floats over the sand, kicking up a cloud of dust and mist as the hovercraft’s massive propellers spin, allowing it to turn on a pivot and make its way into the water at Kawaihae Harbor to gather soldiers and equipment from the USS Bonhomme Richard sitting some 3-5 miles offshore. West Hawaii Today.

Incumbent’s Surprise Withdrawal Opens Up Council Race. The departure leaves two newcomers who emphasize agriculture and sustainability facing off for the seat. Civil Beat.

Major components need to be added, attitudes shifted, as the fight against opioid misuse marches on. West Hawaii Today.

The Painful Demise Of A Big Island Charter School. Ka'u Learning Academy had its charter revoked after multiple violations, but there were plenty of red flags from the beginning. Civil Beat.

Maui

Familiar opponents went head to head over issues of pesticides, the Kihei high school, the minimum wage and lobbyist donations at a forum held for South and West Maui’s state Legislature candidates
Tuesday night at St. Theresa Church. Maui News.

Candidates for the South Maui state House seat took on topics of nearshore water quality, the growing visitor industry, use of the Piilani Promenade project site and other issues during a candidate forum held Tuesday night at St. Theresa Church. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa today announced that he has appointed Shayne Agawa as the new Deputy Director of the Maui Department of Water Supply, effective July 17, 2018. Maui Now.

Overcrowding worsens at Maui High — and relief is years away. The campus in Kahului is expecting about 2,023 students, including 600 freshmen. Hawaii News Now.

Newly Activated State Hotspots Offer 1 Hour of Free WiFi. Maui sites include business and community gathering places in Hana and Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

State reps, challengers report contributions. Garden Island.

Charter school status in question. Kanuikapono Public Charter School and Learning Center is going before the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission today to keep their doors open for the upcoming school year. Garden Island.

In response to April’s flash floods, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho instituted emergency measures that included a ban on vacation rentals. Now the mayor is considering lifting the ban to address the housing crisis in the wake of the floods. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Goodfellow Bros. Inc. crew reeled in a record-breaking marlin from Kauai waters on Saturday during a trip to do some team building. The marlin weighed in at 1,073 pounds. Star-Advertiser.

Manhunt on for Big Island cop killer, disabled housing to be improved after federal probe, monster house bills back before Honolulu council, lava inches toward Pohoiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sunrise July 17 above Kilauea's lower East Rift Zone PC:USGS

 A manhunt is underway for a 33-year-old man in connection with a fatal shooting of a Hawaii island police officer in Mountain View. Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa was gunned down allegedly by the suspect identified as Justin Waiki. Star-Advertiser.

A manhunt is underway after a Big Island police officer was killed in a shooting in Mountain View late Tuesday, sources say. Hawaii News Now.

Justin Waiki

Hawaii Island police are investigating the murder of a police officer who was fatally shot while on a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 11, in the area of Kukui Camp Road, Mountain View. Maui Now.
  State Agrees To Upgrade Public Housing For Disabled After Federal Probe. An investigation found hundreds of violations of accessibility standards in Hawaii Public Housing Authority complexes. Civil Beat.

Retired ship pummeled during RIMPAC. U.S. and Japanese truck-mounted missiles hit the decommissioned ex-USS Racine from the shore, and an Australian P-8A Poseidon targeted it from the air Thursday during Rim of the Pacific exercises. Star-Advertiser.

Verizon, HECO team up on smart sensors. Hawaiian Electric Co. and Verizon have joined forces to modernize Hawaii’s power grid with the installation of GridWide, a smart sensor that collects near real-time data and is now up and running. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council panel to hear more ‘monster house’ bills. Two bills aimed at toughening laws on violators of building and zoning codes go before the City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday while a closely watched third bill will not. Star-Advertiser.

How Charles Djou Is Keeping His Hand In Honolulu Politics. The former Republican congressman, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor against Kirk Caldwell in 2016, is backing several City Council candidates. Civil Beat.

Judge: Officer in Kealoha Civil Case Entitled to City-Funded Attorney. The court ruled the city must pay for the defense of HPD officer Ming-Hung Nguyen because he was sued for actions “done in performance of duty.” Civil Beat.

A one-way ticket for homeless to Waianae's coast is upsetting residents, lawmakers. City officials are at odds with leeward lawmakers over what's causing an increase in Waianae's homeless population. Hawaii News Now.

The Hale Koa Hotel’s swimming pool complex on Waikiki Beach, including its popular Barefoot Bar, is getting a $14 million makeover. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police have announced an amnesty program for gun owners who have trigger modification devices called bump stocks. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police are reminding residents that they have just over three weeks to turn in bump stocks and other trigger modification devices without penalty under a state amnesty program. Star-Advertiser.

Did you know there are park rangers at Ala Moana Beach Park? KHON2.

Community Outcry Saves A Banyan Tree. Residents and others rejoiced after their protests changed the plan of a condo association and the city to cut down the massive tree. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The U.S. House of Representatives approved $4.8 million in federal funds Tuesday to support the opening of a new office for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Tour boat operators plan to continue taking visitors to see lava, but will follow the Coast Guard’s revised policy and stay farther away after an explosion caused molten rock to barrel through the roof of a vessel Monday, injuring 23 people. Associated Press.

Lava Ocean Tours, the lava boat operator whose 23 passengers were injured Monday morning by lava bombs, had a prior history of passenger lawsuits and had been previously fined by the state for lava tour boat violations. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Harry Kim told Hawaii News Now on Tuesday that he didn't know the Coast Guard had reduced the safety zone for licensed lava tour boat operators — and that he never would have agreed to that. Hawaii News Now.

Lava from Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone continues to inch its way along the lower Puna coastline toward Isaac Hale Beach Park and Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

State land and ocean managers are keeping a close watch on the lower East Rift Zone eruption, and are already preparing in the event lava overtakes Pohoiki and Issac Hale Park, which they believe could happen within the next few days. Big Island Video News.

Lava Could Overtake Pohoiki in Next Few Days. Big Island Now.

Mayor Harry Kim says a safe lava viewing area can happen soon. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says there could soon be a safe lava viewing area on land.  He adds there's a growing need for people from all over the world to see the attraction. KHON2.

Pahala meeting will prepare for various volcano scenarios. While chances of the seismic activity at Kilauea reaching catastrophic levels are very slim, a community meeting in Pahala seeks to keep everyone informed and prepared. Star-Advertiser.

A governor candidate forum featuring Sen. John Carroll, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, Gov. David Ige, Ray L’Heureux and Rep. Andria Tupola is slated for 6 p.m. Friday (July 20) at The Arc of Hilo Event Center at 1099 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is poised to salvage the Waiaha Deep Well after a cable snapped during a botched extraction at the site last summer, sending equipment plummeting into the earth and knocking the water source offline indefinitely. West Hawaii Today.

Opioid Effort: Tighter safeguards, increased awareness and expanding reach among upgrades in drug abuse battle. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Affordable housing got a boost on Maui recently when Governor Ige signed a bill that will help keep rents stable for 142 apartments on Front Street and build more affordable rentals in Lahaina. Hawaii Public Radio.

Old Wailuku Post Office site may be swapped. State would get lease for site for Kahului bus hub land. Maui News.

Ex Boys & Girls Club worker charged with sex assault. Incident allegedly involved girl at Central Maui clubhouse. Maui News.

The number of solar permits issued in Maui County plunged 23 percent during the first six months of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

With 24 candidates running for the seven seats on the Kauai County Council, the public has an opportunity to meet the candidates from 6 to 8:30 tonight at a forum coordinated by the Eleele-Hanapepe Community Association, Hui Hana Paakai, and Community Coalition Kauai at the Eleele Elementary School cafeteria. Garden Island.

Kaneshiro leads council race contributions. Candidates for Kauai County Council recently filed their financial reports for Jan. 1 to June 30 to the State of Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Garden Island.

Draft plan reduces convoys. The state Department of Transportation has circulated a draft plan to reduce the number of convoy runs to escort residents of the Haena-Wainiha area over the closed portion of Kuhio Highway and told community leaders the highway may close completely on weekends for six to nine weeks. Garden Island.

Federal disaster assistance tops $2.5 million. Garden Island.

The Small Business Administration is shutting down three Disaster Loan Outreach centers this week.  KITV.

Popular monk seal gives birth on Kauai. Garden Island.

President Trump makes Hawaii fuel stop today, Airbnb hosts could remain secret, state pension fund makes gains, hunt for dangerous escaped mental patient moves to Maui, leaky boat off Waikiki slow to be salvaged, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania at USS Arizona Memorial, Nov. 3 pool photo, Associated Press.

President Donald Trump is expected to stop over at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for an Air Force One refueling stop Tuesday morning en route to Washington D.C. following a 12-day trip to Asia. Star-Advertiser.

President Donald Trump will be in Hawaii again Tuesday. Trump is scheduled to leave the Philippines Monday night and arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Tuesday morning. KHON2.

President Donald Trump headed for home today following an extensive tour of Asia that he said had been “tremendously successful” and had put the world on notice that the “rules have changed” for countries that want to trade with the U.S. Associated Press.

State need not identify Airbnb hosts. The proposed agreement that Gov. David Ige’s administration has been negotiating with Airbnb to collect taxes on vacation rentals would not allow the state to disclose rental property owners’ names or rental locations to the city for enforcement purposes, according to an Airbnb representative. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund, playing catch-up on its $12.44 billion shortfall, started the new fiscal year on a strong note as its investments rose 3.3 percent in the July-September quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Employee Retirement System Up $3B. The ERS serves 135-thousand members in the state and county, which represents nearly 10 percent of the population. Hawaii Public Radio.

Appeals Court Allows Partial Enforcement Of Trump Travel Ban. But it cannot be enforced against people with “bona fide” relationships with individuals or groups in the U.S. Associated Press.

Man With Hawaii Roots On Verge Of Top Border Enforcement Post. Kevin Kealoha McAleenan is already acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and enjoys bipartisan support. Civil Beat.

Measures in place to keep guns out of the wrong hands, but do they work? Last year alone, more than 21,000 people applied for gun permits statewide, and the crosscheck thwarted more than 300 attempts to get gun permits by applicants who were denied for a broad range of disqualifying offenses. KHON2.

Experts discuss ways to increase Hawaii's EV adoption rate, see growth opportunity among heavy-duty vehicles. Pacific Business News.

Nevada’s ‘Most Dangerous’ Inmates Move In With Hawaii Prisoners. The private Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona says the new prisoners will be fenced off and separated from the 1,400 Hawaii inmates. Civil Beat.

Island Air files for Chapter 7 liquidation. Island Air has filed a motion to convert from Chapter 11 bankruptcy to Chapter 7. KITV.

Whether Island Air’s 423 employees get paid for their last 10 days of work will be up to a Bankruptcy Court trustee. Star-Advertiser.

Scoot, the low-cost, long-haul subsidiary of the Singapore Airlines Group, is launching Hawaii service next month with a promotional one-way fare of $80 from Honolulu to Osaka, Japan, and a $200 one-way fare from Honolulu to Singapore. Star-Advertiser.

Study of data from 1970s, ’80s reveals climate changes affecting native birds. Tribune-Herald.

Climate change is affecting the food supply of Hawaii's native and non-native bird species. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hokulea continues its mahalo tour with more stops across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hawaii's head marshal forced to retire amid special treatment allegations. Sources say the Department of Justice launched an investigation in 2016 after Miyamoto drove the city prosecutor and a deputy police chief into the basement of the federal building to avoid the media. Hawaii News Now.

Taxpayer-funded lawyer assigned to Katherine Kealoha in corruption trial. Hawaii News Now.

The Coast Guard announced a new plan Monday that aims to remove the 79-foot fishing boat stranded off Waikiki within 2-1/2 weeks, weather permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Spilled fuel, hundreds of hooks in Waikiki waters as boat remains stuck. Hawaii News Now.

Coast Guard: Could be 2.5 weeks before Kaimana vessel is removed. KITV.

State seeks developer for Pawaa project. A state agency hopes to attract competitive bids from developers interested in building a low-income rental apartment tower along with a juvenile shelter and service center on state land in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has been singled out for a national award for its success in raising its four-year graduation rate. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa recognized for increase in four-year graduation rate. KHON2.

Concerns are growing over limited street parking in Waikiki. Some residents say the City is continuing to let businesses buy up parking spots, leaving them with fewer options. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii entrepreneur and venture capitalist William K. “Bill" Richardson died on Friday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

This is probably news to most Big Island tenants, but, according to the federal government, rental costs here have dropped. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii Island commission has officially named its “top ten”; an annual priority list of potential land-acquisitions using a fund derived from two percent of the county’s real property taxes. Big Island Video News.

A project to widen 2.8 miles of Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea hit a roadblock Thursday when Hawaii County canceled the bid solicitation after one of the bidders protested the procurement process, claiming it was unfair. West Hawaii Today.

The Thirty Meter Telescope has entered into a contract with Coherent Inc., a provider of lasers and laser-based technology, to polish its U.S. manufactured primary mirrors, marking a major production milestone. Big Island Now.

The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo could get boost from federal legislation being championed in Washington by Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono. Big Island Video News.

A major retailer has clarified how much Kona coffee is in a line of California-made, cold-brew coffee beverages that drew a complaint from a Kona coffee farmer association last month. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Sunscreen containing certain chemicals could be banned in Maui County after a bill to eliminate the potentially harmful products was recommended for approval by a Maui County Council committee Monday. Maui News.

Levee repairs underway. Heavy equipment operators work Thursday afternoon on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project to repair 4,000 linear feet of Wailuku levees damaged by flooding of Wailuku River in September 2016. Maui News.

Maui Police Department has confirmed a Hawaii State Hospital patient who escaped from the facility has boarded a plane and flew to Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Manhunt Expands to Maui for Dangerous Escapee. The manhunt has spread to Maui for a man who has spent decades in the Hawaii State Hospital. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai’s first voluntary marine protected area is now at Koloa Landing, meaning that divers and fishermen have agreed not to remove aquarium fish and eels from the reef. Garden Island.

Hotel working with county. In August, the county Planning Department issued violations to Hanalei Bay Resort for illegal dwellings and insufficient parking. Garden Island.