Money problems threaten Pisces V, Hawaii Historic Preservation Division in trouble again, newspaper lobbies for legal ads, toxins polluting Hanalei Bay, Legislature finalizes budget, enters final week, UHH salaries spike, Molokai tweets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pisces V launch, courtesy photo

Mere weeks after filmmaker James Cameron plunged to the deepest reaches of the ocean and at the same time that China is testing a new submersible in undersea mining grounds 600 miles south of Hawaii, federal funding is in jeopardy for the only two U.S. deep-diving research submersibles in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

The state agency charged with safeguarding Hawaii's historic and archeological treasures is in such disarray that the federal government is threatening to revoke its certification and funding. Civil Beat.

Nearly four dozen bills have received lifelines under an extended deadline at the state Legislature, including a bill that would provide money to preserve a safety net of health, human services and education programs. Star-Advertiser.

In Lazarus-like fashion, the Hawaii Legislature on Sunday resurrected 47 measures that had failed to meet a Friday deadline. Civil Beat.

A handshake just before 3 a.m. Saturday ended the state’s budget impasse. Associated Press.

There is an agreement on the state's $11.2 billion budget. But it took lawmakers negotiating into the early morning hours to hammer out the deal. KITV4.

Lawmakers say they were happy negotiators were able to come to a compromise and say time is critical. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers passed out a number of bills in advance of a 6 p.m. internal deadline on Friday, but the $11.2 billion budget bill wasn’t among them. Associated Press.

Organizations offering services to Hawaii’s needy have had their budgets slashed by 19 percent since the financial crisis hit in 2008, and they’ve lost 16 percent of their staff, an advocacy group for the poor said Tuesday. Associated Press

Administrators at the 18 public schools trying out a new teacher evaluation system need as much as three hours per teacher to conduct the comprehensive observation that is a central component of the process. Star-Advertiser.

The state Legislature will vote this week on a bill that would overhaul Hawaii's charter school management structure. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Star Advertiser’s bid to keep monopoly control of non-judicial foreclosure newspaper ads has failed at the Legislature and a key state senator said she was “appalled” by the newspaper’s lobbying tactics. Hawaii Reporter.

The details still may be unclear about how many Marines could be headed to Hawaii after a U.S. and Japanese agreement to transfer 9,000 of them out of Okinawa was reached this week, but contractors anticipate that it could mean more work here to house the additional troops. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Christian Coalition presents its annual Prayer at the Capitol May 3, Thursday 6:30-8:00pm State Capitol Auditorium. Hawaii Reporter.

Na Maka O Ka ‘Aina is an independent video production company that has documented social and environmental struggles in Hawai’i since the 1980’s.  Because of their dedication and the unique history they’ve preserved, they are the 2012 honorees for Maoli Arts Month in May. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The House and Senate might vote Tuesday on a bill that would allow the Friends of the Library — the Big Friends — their affiliates and independent nonprofits like the volunteers from Aina Haina — the Little Friends — to hold book sales and have concession stands on state library property and maintain their own financial accounts.  Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will hold a series of public meetings next month to discuss Honolulu’s $5.1 billion rail-transit project. Pacific Business News.

Major construction on some of Waikiki's busiest streets will begin next month. The $5.7 million project is scheduled to begin on May 20, and is slated to last about 500 days. Hawaii News Now.

A misfired arrow closed an aging archery range in Waikiki. Now concerns over safety could keep it closed for good. KITV4.

Hawaii

Despite making across-the-board pay cuts in 2009 and freezing salaries in 2010, the University of Hawaii at Hilo is spending 61 percent more on executive pay than it did five years ago. Tribune-Herald.

Come November, voters in Hawaii County will revisit the 2 percent land fund, contemplate changes to public meeting notices and decide on other amendments to the county’s governing document. Tribune-Herald.

GASB 45 obligations came to the forefront of discussions on the county budget last month when Mayor Billy Kenoi announced he planned to postpone the payments for the second consecutive year in order to balance the county’s $365.3 million budget. West Hawaii Today.

A marine mammal center designed to treat injured Hawaiian monk seals is scheduled to break ground this summer on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A three-year-old community medical center in Puna wants to set up an emergency room to serve the fast-growing Big Island district. Associated Press.

Maui

Lee Imada has been named managing editor of The Maui News and will supervise all phases of the news operation, it was announced today by Publisher Joe Bradley. Maui News.

When the Auwahi Wind project comes on line late this year, it will be "a building block for the future," Maui Electric Co. President Ed Reinhardt said Friday during the wind farm's Hawaiian blessing and groundbreaking ceremonies. Maui News.

A new community organization has been formed "in response to the need for another independent, credible grass-roots voice with the goal of sustainable economic viability within the context of historic preservation and cultural practices," according to the group's announcement. Maui News.

A Maui woman is about to set sail from the Marshall Islands to Tokyo. Her 3,000 mile journey is part of a research voyage to study marine pollution, including debris from Japan's tsunami. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Tests show toxins polluting Hanalei river mouth, bay. Garden Island.

Kauai County's Open Spaces Commission has recommended its top priorities for county property acquisitions. Garden Island.

Agriculture has become a tourist draw in Hawaii, which imports about 85 percent of its food but used to export almost everything it grew — tons of pineapples and sugar cane. Los Angeles Times.

Molokai

While time often seems to stand still here on Molokai, new technologies are becoming more and more prevalent in everyday life. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii lawmakers ranked, GOP cleared, multimember districts possible, developer sues state Land Use Commission, Historic Preservation, property exemptions under review, Hyatt employees to strike, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii GOP candidate James "Duke" Aiona (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The state Campaign Spending Commission voted Wednesday to dismiss a complaint by Hawaii Demo­crats that alleged Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and the Republican Governors Association improperly coordinated advertising during Aiona's unsuccessful campaign for governor last year. Star-Advertiser.

The state Attorney General's Office has advised commissioners redrawing the state's political boundaries that they can consider going back to multimember legislative districts. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has hired a private company to bring the Historic Preservation Division into compliance with federal mandates and avoid losing up to $550,000 in federal grant money. Star-Advertiser.

Each legislative session, since 1986, PAYCHECKS HAWAII, the independent non-partisan, political action affiliate of Smart Business Hawaii (created in 1984), rates each of Hawaii’s 76 state legislators (51 House and 25 Senate). Hawaii Reporter.

The former developer of a South Kohala project is suing the state Land Use Commission for $35.7 million. West Hawaii Today.

The Wahiawa elderly daycare center that misused $7.9 million in federal grant money refused to cooperate with federal investigators, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's acting mayor has signed a bill that should help the city make sure people are rightly claiming a property tax exemption given to those who own historic homes. Associated Press.

Unionized workers at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa — trying to gain leverage in stalled contract talks — have approved calling for a boycott of the hotel. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a $564.73 million budget for 2012, with funds for road resurfacing, a new Kihei police station and the replacement of the county's aging emergency responder radio system. Maui News.

Servicing the island's fastest-growing district has Hawaii County spending nearly as much money on trash disposal as it did building recreational and public safety facilities. Tribune-Herald.

A Department of Land and Natural Resources representative said the state attorney general’s office plans to intervene in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proceedings involving hydroelectric development in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Andy Irons' cause of death revealed. Hawaii News Now.

With a laid-back, local style charm, Hari Kojima taught several generations of island television viewers how to fish, cut fish and cook fish. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii agriculture officials are asking for the public's help in spotting infestations of the stinging nettle caterpillar, which appears to have recently spread to Kauai. Associated Press.

The real estate arm of Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced on Wednesday it has sold a Texas shopping complex and bought an office complex in Washington State. KITV4.

A grand jury subpoena for the identities of 33 people who posted comments to a story published on the Maui Time’s website could set a dangerous precedent for free speech, according to local attorneys. Pacific Business News

Family, friends and church members have come together tonight to pray for 54 year-old Tammy Nguyen, 24 year-old Amie Asuncion and 38 year-old Samson Naupoto. KHON2.

Small business, we are told, is the backbone of America—and Hawaii, too. According to the Small Business Administration, there are 120,000 small businesses in Hawaii. Hawaii Independent.

Akaka Bill under fire, Historic Preservation Division risks federal funds, rail still at issue, islands struggle with tax hikes, state gaga over Google, cigarettes targeted again, more Hawaii news

Gov. Linda Lingle has sent a letter to all 100 U.S. senators, reaffirming her opposition to the latest version of a bill that would allow native Hawaiians to create a sovereign government, but Hawaii's two senators predict the bill will pass without her support.

The Native Hawaiian community and the military have often been at odds over the use of land across the islands.  But Wednesday, representatives from both signed a promise to work together.

The state agency that for years has struggled to protect Hawai'i 's historic and cultural sites is in danger of losing federal funding that amounts to half its budget.

The state Historic Preservation Division risks losing more than $1.1 million in federal funding -- about half its budget -- due to program lapses detailed in a new report by the National Park Service.

Hawai'i state and county officials are pitching Google Inc. in the hopes of landing one of the free ultra-high speed broadband networks the company is proposing to install around the country.

The state and the four counties have made a bid to be part of online search giant Google's test of ultra high-speed broadband.

Gov. Linda Lingle is asking the Legislature for $40 million in emergency funds to help the Department of Human Services cover its April payment to the state's Medicaid providers.

In a survey of 500 residents that began statewide in December, 71 percent supported a 60-cent-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax to reduce smoking and the state budget deficit.

Lawmakers Thursday, will debate a bill that would carve out $86 million from the Hurricane Relief Fund to end school furloughs.

Gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie says he isn't looking for villains to blame for the continuing school furloughs.

The city, not the state, will have to pay to resolve the issue of a planned commuter rail line running too close to the Honolulu International Airport, according to a Nov. 3 letter from the state Department of Transportation.

With each delay along the way, the City’s mantra about its multibillion-dollar rail proposal remains unwavering.

Little more than two years after opening its doors, Hilo's Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home finds itself nearly full.

Facing opposition from farmers and ranchers, the Hawaii County Water Board is having second thoughts about discontinuing its agricultural subsidy, a move that could cause residential rates to rise more than first thought.

The $23 million fresh fruit processing line that three years ago was supposed to represent the new future of Maui Pineapple Co. was auctioned Tuesday for $125,000.

The carcass of a rare beaked whale will be a "treasure chest" of information for scientists, after it was recovered in Hana this week.

A weekend dog attack that left three Kapa‘a High School sheep dead highlights the shortcomings in the school’s struggling agriculture program and the dearth of student interest in farming, the school’s principal and primary ag teacher said this week.

Clayton Hale remembers a time when professional musicians could make a decent living performing on the Big Island.