University of Hawaii president stepping down, $48.4M in welfare overpayments, Honolulu Police Department database hacked, GOP rebuffed in Legislature, state officials gain from Hawaiian Home Lands, vog lingers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

UH President MRC Greenwood at Board of Regents meeting (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

M.R.C. Greenwood, who drew high praise and strong criticism during her four years at the helm of the University of Hawaii system, has announced she will retire in September to spend more time with family and deal with her health problems. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood will retire this summer after four years as the head of the state’s university system. Pacific Business News.

After a number of high profile battles with key Hawaii lawmakers in 2012 and 2013, University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood announced Tuesday she will retire in September, before her $475,000-plus annual contract with the University expires in 2015. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood will retire in September, an announcement from the university Monday said. Maui News.

MRC Greenwood

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood plans to retire two years before the end of her contract, a departure she claimed had nothing to do with the failed Stevie Wonder concert that brought her leadership under scrutiny.  Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii President MRC Greenwood is resigning her post in September, according to Gov. Neil Abercrombie. KITV4.

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood announced on Monday — she’s retiring from the presidency in September, two years before her contract expires. KHON2.

Hawaii's historic preservation agency has missed a major deadline for making federally mandated improvements to its program, and could still lose its federal certification and funding, officials said. Civil Beat.

Unfair welfare: Investigation reveals $48.4 million in overpayments. KHON2.

The Hawaii Association of Realtors was the top donor to Hawaii lawmakers in 2011 and 2012, with the association donating $110,100 to 83 percent of the state's 76 lawmakers. Hawaii Reporter.

The new power granted Republicans in the state Legislature this year did not translate into getting caucus bills passed; many never received a hearing. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Malama Solomon, former Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Commissioner Stuart Hanchett and about 20 other Native Hawaiians are members of an exclusive group. While on DHHL waitlists for ranching or farming homestead lots, they obtained month-to-month revocable permits for pastoral or agriculture land from the agency, according to a Star-Advertiser analysis of DHHL data.

Kamehameha Schools CEO Dee Jay Mailer has announced plans to retire at the end of 2014, giving the school's board of trustees ample time to recruit a successor. Star-Advertiser.

For most people who live in Hawaii, dealing with vog is just another part of daily life. But for those with breathing difficulties, volcanic smog can complicate health issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The names, email addresses, cellphone numbers and passwords for about 3,500 people who signed up for email or text message alerts from the Hono­lulu Police Department's former "HPD Alerts" system may have had their personal information compromised after the server was hacked by "an unauthorized person or persons" over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

HPD has confirmed one of their databases containing information about the public has been hacked. Officials say anyone who has ever signed up for an "HPD alert" using their email address or phone number has been exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Angst abounds after last week’s joint announcement from Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell about demolishing the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, highlighting deep rifts that don’t appear to be going away anytime soon. Civil Beat.

Federal budget cuts are forcing Pearl Harbor to cancel its July 4 fireworks and the Marine Corps to cancel its annual Bayfest event at Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Dominic Yagong's and Jamae Kawauchi’s request to investigate the county’s Elections Division was part of a larger conspiracy to take over the county’s elections, an attorney argued Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Both of the state’s 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars attend school in Waimea — Zoe Sims at Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Paul Gregg at Parker School. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

For the past 17 years, James and Jane Sakugawa have rented roughly 5,000 acres of ranch property on Maui from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. That is 80 percent of all land DHHL is leasing to tenants on that island through its revocable-permit program. Yet the Saku­ga­was are not Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. Star-Advertiser.

As part of a statewide crackdown on distracted driving, Maui police officers gave out more than 1,000 citations to drivers using cellphones last month, nearly doubling the total for the previous four months. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie triggered a round of joy when he signed a check Monday for the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center. Garden Island.

The state Legislature has approved a bill authorizing the administration to issue up to $1.3 million in bonds to Sunrise Capital’s shrimp farm in Kekaha to protect its hatchery against shoreline erosion. Garden Island.

A plan to update Kauai’s single-lane Opaekaa Bridge has officials and residents discussing how much of the bridge’s history should be preserved while structural changes are made to enhance safety. Associated Press.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s board of directors said Monday that it wants its 23,300 active members to offer their comments and ideas for the utility’s updated 2013-2025 strategic plan. Pacific Business News.

Feds delay Hawaii historic review, monk seal relocations, Honolulu mayor wants more taxes, 6.5% budget hike, lawmaker's racist comments still reverberate, busy week ahead for state Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian petroglyphs (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Sequestration has given the State Historic Preservation Division a reprieve from a long-awaited federal review. SHPD, which is battling to retain its federal certification and funding, was supposed to face its day of reckoning this week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Friday his budget planners have penciled in $25 million for a contingency fund to help state programs that are expected to lose millions of dollars in federal funding. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants state lawmakers to establish a $25 million fund to help pay for local shortages in federal funding due to the sequester, which went into effect Friday after President Barack Obama and Republicans in Congress could not agree on a deficit reduction plan. Pacific Business News.

Federal officials on Friday said they’re temporarily giving up a plan to boost survival rates for juvenile Hawaiian monk seals by moving a few of them from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to the main Hawaiian Islands each year. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Legislature is anticipating a marathon of votes this week as state lawmakers race to meet Thursday’s first crossover deadline. Associated Press.

A battle has waged at the state Capitol for years between corporations, some farmers and businesses that stand behind the Food and Drug Administration's determination that genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, do not need cautionary labeling, and environmental groups, organic farmers and community members who strongly believe biologically engineered food is harmful for people and the environment. Sen. Clarence Nishihara (D, Waipahu-Crestview-Pearl City), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said he is not planning on hearing the labeling bill because he believes it would violate federal interstate commerce laws. Star-Advertiser.

A number of measures making their way through the current Legislative session aim to decrease Hawaii’s dependence on the mainland when it comes to food. Tribune-Herald.

After years of cuts, the state is gradually restoring adult mental health services and looking to streamline operations in an effort to rebuild a safety net that advocates say is failing too many. Star-Advertiser.

Faye Hanohano

Inflammatory remarks attributed to Rep. Faye Hanohano regarding the artwork in her Capitol office are the talk of the islands. But has Hanohano raised an important point? That art by Hawaii's indigenous people should be celebrated? Civil Beat.

State Representative Faye Hanohano, a Democrat from Puna who chairs the House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs, has apologized for racial slurs she made to state exhibition experts from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as they hung artwork her office manager requested in her capitol office on Monday. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii state Rep. Faye Hanohano certainly struck a chord with the wrong crowd at the Capitol building this week, firing off ethnic slang with the same fearless abandon as an ‘80s action hero spraying bullets. Big Island Now.

A scripted apology on the House floor might not be enough to get Rep. Faye Hanohano out of hot water. Workers complained that she went off on a racist rant about artwork in her office, managing to offend multiple ethnic groups in one tirade. KITV4.

Two state Senate committees plan to hold confirmation hearings next week to consider candidates for various Hawaii agencies nominated by Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

For the first time, the state will participate in National Invasive Species Awareness Week, observed from Monday to March 10. Tribune-Herald.

The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan's Hawaii region is reporting an operating loss of $600,000 in the fourth quarter of last year and a $1.6 million deficit for all of 2012. Pacific Business News.

It’s Your Money: Faulty Hose Sends Taxpayers' Dollars Down the Drain. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's proposed budget includes a 6 1/2 percent increase over last year, but Caldwell says he's paying for promises he made on the campaign trail, even if those promises aren't cheap. KITV4.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Aina Haina Community Association are asking the city to stop grading work on property in Aina Haina owned by developer Jeff Stone until an archaeological inventory survey is conducted. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply plans to spend an estimated $9.5 million on a 30-year master plan that will include an investigation of how climate change could affect the island's water resources and delivery system. Star-Advertiser.

A lot of people have been buying guns recently and that's putting a strain on Oahu's only public firing range. KHON2.

A marine mammal response team received a call on Sunday morning about a stranded humpback whale, but the calf was already dead by the time volunteers arrived in Waianae. Hawaii News Now.

Byron’s, bye-bye. Hawaii celebrates 47 years of fried Oreos, shrimp burgers, and late nights. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s long-sought-after student housing complex, which is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in August, is falling under intense scrutiny. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County could manage but not own the Banyan Drive area and two state parks under legislation amended last week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The governor has released $50 million for highway construction and improvements that will dramatically change how people maneuver around Kahului Airport. Maui News.

The relocation of the Harbors Maui District Office from the waterfront at Kahului Harbor to the historic Old Kahului Railroad Building along Kaahumanu Avenue has received $600,000 in funding. Maui News.

More than three dozen South Maui residents heard Saturday that the proposed Kihei high school is not having smooth sailing through the state Legislature. Maui News.

A public hearing is planned on Monday, March 4, 2013, for the Draft Habitat Conservation Plan proposed by Honuaula Partners LLC for the project formerly known as Wailea 670. Maui Now.

Selling $50 million worth of condominiums in a year isn't as astounding as $425 million in two months, but the sales team at a luxury Maui condo project is celebrating what one analyst said represents a leading edge of a broader recovery. Honua Kai, a 700-unit condo complex that opened its initial phase in the wake of the recession four years ago, reported $50 million in sales last year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

A letter from the publisher: Change is inevitable, sometimes necessary and often a good thing. That is certainly the case with recent and ongoing changes here at The Garden Island.

After hours of testimony and questioning Wednesday afternoon, the council deferred for seven months a six-page resolution endorsing some 6,000 Kaua‘i ocean users who oppose to the expansion of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island

State Historic Preservation Division tries to keep federal funding, minimum wage bill advances, state pension fund in worst shape since 1980, gay marriage loss could hurt tourism, hospital privatization in the works, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Historic hale at Kawa Bay (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

It’s down to the wire for the State Historic Preservation Division, which is battling to retain its federal certification and funding. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii Senate committee is pushing to increase the state minimum wage by $2 to $9.25 per hour. Associated Press.

The state's largest public pension fund is in its worst shape since at least 1980 with an $8.4 billion shortfall, and a new report estimates that accumulating enough money in the system to pay all benefits due qualified recipients would take 30 years. Star-Advertiser.

Pupus and Politics: It's That Time of Year at the Hawaii Capitol. Civil Beat.

A state Senate committee passed a bill Wednesday that would allow for the privatization of eight public hospitals operated by Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers want to expand the Public Utility Commission’s scope to allow incentives for electric utilities to reduce costs and integrate renewable energy resources. West Hawaii Today.

The Legislature's decision to sideline a gay marriage bill prevents potentially thousands of gay weddings in Hawaii and millions of dollars in tourist spending, according to a study by University of Hawaii economics professor Sumner La Croix and law student Lauren Gabriel. Star-Advertiser.

A new House rule is expected to let more sunshine into an important — albeit unsexy — political process of deciding who serves on state task forces and other appointed groups that govern everything from water resources to health care. Civil Beat.

Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA), has issued a statement that the organization does not support any proposed increase to the transient accommodation tax (TAT) beyond the current 9.25 percent. Maui Weekly.

If you want to show face at both Senate and House Higher Education committee hearings this session, you’re probably out of luck. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs has issued its 2013 Directory of Public Officials.  And now, thanks to AT&T, a web-based mobile application will allow smartphone users to download the directory for easy, on-the-go use. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu
Some of Hawaii's most influential corporations, labor unions and individuals are among those who contributed $365,550 to help pay for Mayor Kirk Caldwell's inaugural luau, swearing-in ceremony and a transition team that aided the mayor with selecting his Cabinet, according to information released by the committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Private donors gave more than $360,000 to Honolulu's mayor, after he'd already won the election. KHON2.

The longtime effort to restore wetlands at Hamakua in Windward Oahu has reached a major milestone: acquisition of a hillside that recharges the nearby marsh, helping to preserve wildlife and native plants. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail agency to conduct financial audit of Ansaldo joint venture. Pacific Business News.

An anti-rail group will appeal a federal judge’s ruling in late December refusing to halt construction on the city’s $5.26 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council considered a bill today that would provide no-cost annual bus passes for some riders.   But, as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … the City Administration opposed the idea of a fare reduction because public transportation is not free for all O’ahu residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

A high-profile case in Kahala that has pit neighbors against a Japanese billionaire has prompted new legislation. KITV4.

As the Honolulu real estate market begins to thaw after its half-decade chill, Kakaako is emerging as the hot new cool spot, abuzz with projects and visions that promise to dramatically transform the somewhat scruffy, but beloved, district into Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s envisioned “Third City.”  Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii

Raises for the mayor, corporation counsel and several department heads could be in the works as the Hawaii County Salary Commission grapples with a way to make executive salaries more consistent. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would lead to more physicians in Hawaii County will be heard in the state Senate Ways and Means Committee today. Senate Bill 664 was passed out of the Senate Health Committee, chaired by Democratic state Sen. Josh Green of Kona, on Feb. 5. Tribune-Herald.

County officials say favorable bond ratings allowed them to sell $98.8 million in bonds for new projects and refinance old loans and bonds in a way that will save about $8.5 million over the life of the bonds. West Hawaii Today.

The state broke ground Tuesday for a $14 million, 63,000-square-foot cargo building and light industrial facility at Hilo Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui's hotel occupancy rate rose 2.4 percentage points to 72.6 percent in 2012 and the average daily rate for rooms increased 4.5 percent to $257.95, according to a new report by Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors. Maui News.

A 6-3 vote by the state Land Use Commission found the landowners of Pi'ilani Promenade, Maui Outlets and a housing project in violation of the original order granted in 1995 that converted the land from agricultural to urban use. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

Six candidates for the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors Election have been confirmed by the nominating committee, according to a KIUC news release. Garden Island.

Data derived from space-based assets helped The Missile Defense Agency and the United States Navy conduct a successful flight test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system Tuesday night. Garden Island.

The remains of the Hanama‘ulu Trading Co., which housed the former Hanama‘ulu Post Office and several other businesses, were deconstructed Wednesday. Garden Island.

A passionate but peaceful group of protesters gathered at the intersection in front of Safeway in Kapa‘a Wednesday afternoon to speak out against genetically modified organisms and the experimental use of pesticides by biotech companies on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.



Lanai

The Public Utilities Commission has given final approval to transfer three public utilities on Lanai to the island's new owner, billionaire and Oracle Corp. chief executive Larry Ellison. Star-Advertiser.

Lanai's three regulated utilities are now in the hands of the island's new owner, software billionaire Larry Ellison, after the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission gave final approval last week to transfer ownership to him. Maui News.

It’s official. Hawaii regulators have given their final approval to the indirect sale and transfer of ownership of Lanai’s three public utilities from David Murdock’s Castle & Cooke Inc. to Larry Ellison’s Lanai Island Holdings, the last step needed to complete the sale of the Pineapple Isle. Pacific Business News.

Numerous changes have happened on Lanai since software billionaire Larry Ellison bought the island in June and many more are under way as Ellison's company tries to address the shortage of housing there and make other improvements. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii beaches in top 10, Supreme Court mulls Hawaiian burials, rail, Maui ups property taxes, water rates, Kaneohe Bay Marines leave war behind, Japanese bird crowding out Mauna Kea natives, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahanamoku Beach Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Three Hawaii beaches made this year's list of top 10 U.S. beaches, but the top spot went to Coronado's 1.5-mile stretch of sand and sea in San Diego. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Democrats will be holding their state convention over the weekend. Associated Press.

No one living on a Neighbor Island has ever been elected to represent Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District — and it's a safe bet voters will keep this streak going in November. Civil Beat.

The head of Hawaii's beleaguered historic preservation division is under fire for lack of leadership for failing to resolve problems that have led to a threat by the federal government to revoke the agency's certification. Civil Beat.

Attorney General David M. Louie announced today that Wesley Choi, a former employee of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Richard K. Perkins in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit to two ten-year terms of imprisonment and two five-year terms of imprisonment for his involvement in a scheme to defraud the State of Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

The State’s Broadband Initiative has a goal of delivering ultra high-speed internet service throughout the islands to transform how families, businesses and institutions connect to one another and to the world.  Think Tech and the Hawai’I Venter Capital Association sponsored a panel discussion  today titled, “The Need for Speed.”  Hawaii Public Radio.

Six Hawaii public schools have been recognized in The Washington Post’s "2012 High School Challenge Index," which highlights the nation’s top nine percent of schools for effectively preparing students for college success. KITV4.

The State Insurance Division has approved a rate hike request from HMSA. KHON2.

Oahu

A lawyer for a Native Hawaiian whose ancestors are buried in Kakaako asked the Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday to order the city to stop work on the $5.27 billion Hono­lulu rail system until it completes an archaeological survey to determine whether the project will disturb Hawaiian remains. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court is wrestling with the Honolulu rail system's possible track through Native Hawaiian burials after an hour-long oral argument Thursday morning. Civil Beat.

A powerful ally with more than 300,000 members nationwide and thousands of preservation partners in all 50 states has filed an amicus brief yesterday in support of a federal lawsuit challenging the validity of the city's Environmental Impact Statement for its $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

Pacific Resource Partnership, the membership organization that has conducted "push polls" attacking both Honolulu City Council Member Tom Berg and former Gov. Ben Cayetano, released a poll on Wednesday that shows Cayetano losing ground in the Honolulu mayor's race, leaving him statistically tied with Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu mayoral candidates Ben Cayetano and Kirk Caldwell bought a handful of TV commercials this week, according to Civil Beat's review of the public files. Civil Beat.

Mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano says he is consulting with attorneys on whether to sue to stop what he calls a smear campaign by a pro-rail interest group. Star-Advertiser.

Families of Waikele bunker explosion victims file lawsuits. Hawaii News Now.

Eight years of continuous war in Iraq and Afghanistan are over for the 3rd Marine Regiment's 3,000 Marines at Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneohe Bay Marines marked the end of an era with a ceremony to commemorate their sacrifices and achievements. KHON2.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn heard arguments on the request by city prosecutors to keep confidential the video and defense documents seeking the dismissal of a murder charge against federal special agent Christopher Deedy in the shooting. Star-Advertiser.

Amy Asselbaye, who abruptly stepped down from her prominent position as Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s chief of staff last October, is one of four partners who have opened a new coffeehouse in Hawaii Kai. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii County schools are set to get $26.2 million to modernize and repair their facilities, part of a $116 million bond issue directed to help rural schools meet federal Race to the Top standards. West Hawaii Today.

An invasive Japanese bird has wiped out tens of thousands of native birds at the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Hawaii island, two University of Hawaii researchers have found. Star-Advertiser.

A total of 57 electric vehicles (EVs) are on Big Island roads, according to new data provided this week by the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association.Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A resolution that would increase property taxes across the board and increase the minimum tax by $100 was approved by the Maui County Council on Wednesday morning. Maui News.

The Public Utilities Commission has approved an interim rate increase of 3.2 percent, effective June 1, for Maui Electric Co.'s customers on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa signed a bill Wednesday to establish new regulations for short-term rentals. Maui News.

A new master plan through 2030 will be unveiled tomorrow (Friday, May 25, 2012) for pedestrians and bicyclists in central Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

On Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council introduced a bill to ban smoking at county parks, including the multi-use path on Kaua‘i’s Eastside. Garden Island.

Gov. releases $26.8M for education facilities; none for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Hawaii historic preservation agency may have misspent state funds, federal panel could decide reapportionment injunction today, Kapiolani Community College instructors miss paychecks, Hana Highway to be fixed soon, elections Commission to consider Big Island complaints, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

King Kamehameha statue, Hilo (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's historic preservation agency was given more than $600,000 by the Legislature in the past year to beef up staff in order to avoid losing its federal certification. But the State Historic Preservation Division didn't spend any of that money on new hires. Instead it bought iPads and new cars and extended the contract of a private company. Civil Beat.

A three-judge federal panel could decide as early as Monday as to whether to grant an injunction stopping new legislative maps in the upcomng election. Even if they don’t, the case will still move to trial after the 2012 election, potentially impacting elections in 2014. Hawaii Reporter.

Deputy Attorney General Brian Aburano predicts chaos if a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court throws out redistricting maps for Hawaii's House and Senate precincts. KITV4.

A new state program to begin this fall will offer people an alternative route to public school leadership, allowing those who have strong management skills but perhaps no classroom experience to serve three-year "residencies" as vice principals before becoming eligible to apply to be principals. Star-Advertiser.

After the Democratic Party of Hawaii "postponed" the first and long-awaited U.S. Senate candidate primary debate between Congressman Ed Case, D-HI (2002-2007) and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-HI, this Friday, Case said told Hirono he still wants to debate on Thursday as scheduled. Hawaii Reporter.

Three well-known leaders remain mum on the issue of same-sex marriage: U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a Democrat, and Republicans Linda Lingle and Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

Elvis may have left the building 40 years ago, but he will be remembered in January at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center where he originally performed the first concert ever broadcast globally via satellite to an audience estimated at 1.5 billion. Star-Advertiser.

Research shows a drastic drop in the numbers of reef sharks around populated islands -- including Hawaii. KITV4.

Oahu
Some instructors who teach noncredit courses at Kapiolani Community College say they have not been paid in several months and are owed as much as $4,000 each, but have hesitated to speak out because as "casual hires" they have no job security. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Energy is providing $500,000 to a project testing wave energy in Oahu's Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii News Now.

It may be one of the most coveted ZIP codes in Hawaii, but many of the houses there are abandoned. The man who owns them is rarely seen in the neighborhood. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser said Friday that it will begin printing a Hawaii edition of USA Today next week that will condense the newspaper’s usual four sections into two and include two pages of local news. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
Hawaii County is planning its first evacuation drill for a disaster at Puna’s nearly two-decades old geothermal power plant. Tribune-Herald.

The state Elections Commission will hear concerns about Hawaii County’s Elections Office at its May 30 meeting, according to one of its commissioners. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii’s pristine coastal waters are home to an estimated 200 manta rays threatened more by entanglement in fishing line and gear than hunting thanks in part to a 2009 state law, said Keller Laros, a local diver and Manta Pacific Research Foundation co-founder. West Hawaii Today.

A challenge has faced Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ever since it acquired the 115,653-acre Kahuku unit in 2003. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

East Maui residents are pleased that finally next month more than $10 million in repair work will begin along portions of Hana Highway and its surrounding areas that suffered damage from soil erosion and landslides from severe stormy weather in March. Maui News.

Maui’s Energy Future Comes Into Focus. Maui Now.

Kauai

The fate of the Hanama‘ulu branch Post Office was to be decided by May 15, but no decision has been issued yet. Garden Island.

A new flight school is now operating at the Lihu‘e Airport. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai’s Kanemitsu Bakery is appealing $90,000 in fines from the Department of Health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii residents getting older, Maui's Haleakala summit trail may reopen after 70 years, Honolulu City Council considers raises, Hawaii County Council debates geothermal fund, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Older beachgoers on Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The number of Hawaii residents age 65 and older grew more than three times faster than the rest of the total state population from 2010 to 2011, according to a state analysis of new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii Supreme Court decision requiring the state to fund the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will do little to help the struggling agency in the short term. Civil Beat.

The State Historic Preservation Division wants to hear from residents as they craft a new historic preservation plan. The office is seeking input from residents on how to best define and set priorities for  historic preservation statewide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fifty-three percent of Hawaii’s public high schools’ Class of 2011 enrolled in college for the fall semester following their commencement, an increase of three percent over the previous years’ graduating class enrollment, according to a new study released Wednesday by the Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education and the Hawaii State Department of Education. KITV4.

With a little more than a week remaining in the school year, public school teachers will begin voting today on a proposed contract offer they overwhelmingly rejected in January and that Gov. Neil Abercrombie says has no legal standing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s teacher union members begin voting this week on a contract they rejected earlier this year, despite warnings from the state that the agreement is no longer valid. Associated Press.

This election season, a number of public employees are also working to help their boss get re-elected, raising the question of whether it's fair for people who are collecting a public paycheck to also work for a political candidate who has opponents. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan's value lies not in the paper on which it’s recorded, but in the collective and ongoing actions that happen after, officials with the state Office of Planning’s Coastal Zone Management Program and its Honolulu-based consultant SSFM International said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiians set the model for sustainable aquaculture, with traditional fish ponds, a Sierra Club member said Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration and Honolulu City Council members have less than six weeks to decide whether to accept pay raises awarded to them by the City Salary Commission. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii regents are expected to approve the next chancellor for UH's flagship Manoa campus today, with a proposed salary of $100,000 more a year than his predecessor. Star-Advertiser.

Concrete pouring for rail-column foundations has been underway in West Oahu for weeks. Today the first up-close look was allowed. KHON2.

The holes are dug and now concrete is being poured on the Honolulu rail transit line. Hawaii News Now.

The embattled Wahiawa elderly care center at the heart of a federal investigation for alleged misuse of $7.9 million in federal grants has been awarded money from the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The effort by St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii to sell two shuttered medical facilities on Oahu that it recently took back in bankruptcy has attracted an offer from a partnership led by someone very familiar with the properties in Liliha and Ewa. Star-Advertiser.

The operator of four Hawaii hospitals has agreed to allow more than half of its compensation increases be tied to performance standards, starting in two years. Hawaii News Now.

Modest improvements in Oahu's job market were reflected at the WorkForce job fair Wednesday at Blaisdell Center, which attracted more employers and a higher quality of applicants than the same event a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department special agent accused of fatally shooting a man at a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki in November claims he was performing his duties as a federal law enforcement officer and is therefore immune from prosecution under state law, according to records filed in the case this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Proposed amendments to the Big Island’s geothermal royalty policy cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

A charter amendment to give the County Council more say in how taxpayer money is spent faces an uphill climb following a deadlock vote Wednesday by the council’s Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Hikers may be taking the old trail to the summit of Haleakala for the first time in seven decades later this year following an agreement approved by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday in Honolulu. Maui News.

Former governor Linda Lingle returned to the Valley Isle on Tuesday for the opening of her Maui headquarters in her campaign for US Senate. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Marathon caused some stir among some residents last year when the Kaua‘i County Council approved substantial subsidies for this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 2. Garden Island.

Syngenta Seeds brought the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s Spring Healthy Food and Fund Drive to a healthy close Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Agency on Elderly Affairs has scheduled another round of the popular workshop series for older adults titled “Better Choices, Better Health” Garden Island.

Hawaii Historic Preservation in danger of federal decertification, rail transit campaign gets nasty, Maalaea Small Boat Harbor expansion halted, Honolulu city ethics questioned, Ka'u gym advances, Molokai group fights interisland cable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for smartphone and web

Kawa bay historic hale (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Despite improvements in some areas, the state agency that protects Hawaii's historic and cultural sites still is plagued by major shortcomings and continues to face the possibility of decertification and loss of federal funding, according to a recent assessment by the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

Who's Giving Big Bucks to Our Senate Candidates? A snapshot of contributions to Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono and Ed Case. Civil Beat.

Sen. Daniel Inouye took a quick trip to Alaska last week to help Alaska Sen. Mark Begich raise some money for his re-election campaign. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines is flying 13 percent more passenger miles than last year, after expanding capacity by the same amount. Hawaii News Now.

A new documentary explores the causes of obesity, and some of Hawai`i’s top experts will discuss both causes and challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for May 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

A temporary black sewer pipe surfaced Saturday in the Ala Wai Canal, but the pipe is not leaking or posing a health risk, the city's Environmental Services Department said in a release. Star-Advertiser.

According to the Environmental Services Department, an air bubble lifted a section of the 5,000-foot long pipe, exposing 100 feet on the surface of the canal near the Hawaii Convention Center Saturday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

The archery range at Kapiolani Park will remain closed for at least another month until the city Parks Department can conduct a public hearing to determine whether it should be closed permanently. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to stop nearly all commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park has Windward Oahu deeply divided. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu ethics officials say in the past three years, they've investigated more than 240 allegations of ethical misconduct by city employees. That's more than one complaint a week. Civil Beat.

The PR campaign being waged by rail supporters and opponents of Honolulu’s $5.17 billion project has gone into a kind of ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all’ mode. Pacific Business News.

Idaho-based Mountain West Research group has been calling Oahu residents in recent weeks from a 213 area code, spreading nasty rumors about Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano and Council Member Tom Berg. Both Cayetano and Berg oppose the city’s $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

Deputy attorney general Kevin Takata announced his decision to run for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney. Takata is a career prosecutor and has dedicated his life serving the public and prosecuting crimes. Hawaii Reporter.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the whole Disney gang pulled into port in Honolulu Sunday as part of the Disney Wonder's inaugural voyage to the Hawaiian Islands. KHON2.

The Royal Hawaiian Band will receive the 2012 Industry Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

For several Big Island lawmakers, Hawaii’s $11.2 billion budget could be boiled down to one word: jobs. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Planning’s Coastal Zone Management Program is conducting two listening sessions this month on the Big Island to accept comments on the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan, currently being updated. West Hawaii Today.

The Ka‘u District Gym and Shelter recently moved a step closer to fruition with the release of a final environmental assessment finding the project will likely have no significant impact. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Federal and state agencies are ending a decadeslong project that would have expanded Maalaea Small Boat Harbor, citing costs as well as opposition from community groups that maintained that the proposals would fail to protect the harbor from surges while destroying acres of coral and affecting the "Freight Train" surf break. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has withdrawn plans to extend the breakwater in Ma’alaea Harbor, citing costs and community and enviromental  concerns as the reason for the termination. KITV4.

Hana High and Elementary School is one example of how Hawaii's per-pupil funding formula seems to hammer small schools. Civil Beat.

The county Liquor Control Adjudication Board disciplined four Maui businesses Thursday, two for serving alcohol to minors and two for having employees unlawfully drinking while on the job. Maui News.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has issued a final decision for a 2010 rate case involving Maui Electric Company. Maui Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono rallied Maui Democrats on Saturday in a sometimes impassioned speech that recalled her impoverished beginnings as a Japanese immigrant, unapologetically acclaimed liberal ideals and took some shots at former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle. Maui News.

Financial challenges facing Maui Land & Pineapple Co. are raising a "substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern," the company reports in its latest filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i joined the rest of the nation in the National Day of Prayer Thursday, hosting two observances in the rotunda of the Mo‘ikeha Building. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary announced last week that it is seeking to fill eight primary and nine alternate seats on its advisory council. Garden Island.

Three Civil Air Patrol cadets were promoted to Airman First Class and eight cadets, including the three promoted cadets, earned their Certificates of First Flight Tuesday night during the Civil Air Patrol meeting at the T-Hangers where the CAP planes are hangered at the Lihu‘e Airport. Garden Island.

Molokai

Big Wind opponent I Aloha Molokai has unleashed a petition to stop the multi-billion interisland undersea cable from being built. Pacific Business News.

The senate floor discussion on SB2785 centered on opposition from Lanai and Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

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.