Snorkeling dangers, Hawaii attorney general seeks to challenge latest Trump travel ban, UH auditor recommends tighter travel policies, Hawaii County demonstrates igloos for homeless, Queens becomes state's first Level 1 trauma center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Snorkel selfie © 2017 All Hawaii News

Snorkeling is the most deadly ocean activity in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii will seek permission Friday in U.S. District Court in Honolulu to file an amended complaint to challenge the legality of President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

The State of Hawaii is challenging the third and latest version of President Trump's travel ban Thursday. KITV.

Two sub-hunting and surveillance Navy jet planes have reached Hawaii with a mission of protecting the isles. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii’s internal auditor is recommending the university tighten its travel policies after reviewing more than $13 million UH spent on travel last year, covering travel and advances for some 8,500 authorized trips mostly for university employees. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer students enrolled in Hawaii colleges this year, but for those attending, the rate of graduation increased. University of Hawaii campuses have made strides over the last decade to improve graduation rates. Garden Island.

The biggest challenge ahead for Hawaii's new head of public schools could be conflicts over how to handle special education. Hawaii News Now.

More homes were bought on Hawaii Island and Kauai in September compared with the same month last year, according to industry data released Thursday that also showed more divergence in median prices. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission Chairman Max Sword is asking the city Ethics Commission whether he should recuse himself from at least part of the police chief selection process because one of the finalists is his wife’s relative. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials To The Homeless: Go Away. An islandwide ban on sitting or lying on public sidewalks is among a slew of new bills aimed at moving homeless people out of public places. Civil Beat.

The Queen's Medical Center said Thursday it received the verification as the first and only Level I Trauma Center in Hawaii and the Pacific. Pacific Business News.

Scientists, educators, and space explorers all converged on the Hawaii Convention Center on Thursday. And their conversation focused on, among other things, the educational possibilities of the Thirty Meter Telescope slated for Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

A female Hawaiian monk seal paid a visit to the shores of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve early this morning, which was a rare occurrence, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Retail market on the rise as vacancy rates decline. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The county is looking to rent the former Safeway space at Prince Kuhio Plaza, despite some concerns about occupying one of only a few large empty retail spaces in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

“Igloo” Style Shelter For Homeless Demonstrated In Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Although two of West Hawaii’s five failed water wells have been repaired and emergency water use restrictions have been lifted for North Kona customers, county council members still want to audit the Department of Water Supply. Big Island Video News.

Emergency remodel: Revamped department at Kohala Hospital already making a difference. West Hawaii Today.

Some parents on the Big Island say their kids are being rushed to eat school lunch. KHON2.

A group of divers is trying to save  tiger shark  — estimated at about 12 feet long and weighing about 1,000 pounds — that has a rope taut around it, into a gill and the bottom of the animal’s fatty area.. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has proposed scaling back sewer rate increases sought by Hawaii Water Service Co. for nearly a thousand customers that include Pukalani residents, businesses, community facilities and schools. Maui News.

Wearing a hard hat, a bright orange safety vest and dark sunglasses, Gov. David Ige inspected the work in progress at Kahului Airport’s $340 million consolidated rental car facility Thursday afternoon as sky-high cranes hoisted construction materials in place and workers prepared forms and rebars for concrete pours. Maui News.

Kauai

Council member Derek Kawakami is taking his vision for Kauai to the next level and is throwing his hat in the running for Kauai County Mayor in the 2018 election. Garden Island.

The Kauai Police Department is reminding residents and businesses to register or renew their alarm systems in order to comply with the Kauai County Code. Garden Island.

Search on for five crew members of downed Black Hawk off Kaena Point, Ige downplays budget surplus, Honolulu council to consider rail audit, Hawaii representatives jump into Trump fray, Kauai rat eradication on hold, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige

The state government ended the last fiscal year with a near-record budget surplus of more than $893 million, but Gov. David Ige’s administration is downplaying that seemingly cheery snapshot of the state’s finances. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Honolulu Fire Department are searching this morning for five crew members of an Army Black Hawk helicopter that went down off Oahu’s Kaena Point late Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Rescue crews are searching for an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with five people aboard that crashed about two miles off Kaena Point late Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Coast Guard, Army and Honolulu Fire Department crews are responding to a report of a downed Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with five crew aboard approximately two miles west of Kaena Point, Oahu, Wednesday. KHON2.

Debris Field of Downed Army Helicopter Spotted off Oahu. Maui Now.

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The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office is entering the legal fight over who controls the $200 million trust of Abigail Kawananakoa so that it can protect the interests of Native Hawaiians who are in line to receive a large share of the money when she dies. Civil Beat.

A trustee of Abigail Kawananakoa's estate is calling on the state to investigate allegations of physical abuse of the 91-year-old Hawaiian royalty descendant by her longtime partner. Hawaii News Now.

Members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation were among a growing number of elected officials distancing themselves Tuesday from President Donald Trump following the president’s remarks that again blamed “both sides” for the deadly violence over the weekend at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Brian Schatz: Trump Is ‘Not My President’ The Hawaii Democrat tweeted, “As a Jew, as an American, as a human, words cannot express my disgust and disappointment.” Civil Beat.

Bob McDermott, candidate for Hawaii governor, is sticking up for President Trump as the commander-in-chief takes heat for his remarks over the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt on Tuesday announced more than $500,000 is headed to Hawaii state wildlife agencies through the State Wildlife Grants program. West Hawaii Today.

Uncertainty surrounding Obamacare dragged down the financial results last quarter of the state’s two largest health insurers. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A resolution calling on city Auditor Edwin Young to conduct an economy and efficiency audit of Honolulu’s troubled rail project is to be taken up during a special meeting of the City Council Budget Committee at 9 a.m. today. Star-Advertiser.

As lawmakers grapple with how to pay for a $3 billion shortfall for Honolulu's rail project, supporters are trying to influence them with a new survey and public relations campaign. Hawaii News Now.

The city’s bulky-item pickup program is badly in need of an overhaul, according to a scathing report issued Monday by city Auditor Edwin Young. Star-Advertiser.

Employees of the city’s garbage service abuse overtime, sick time and paid time off, according to a city audit of the Department of Environmental Services bulky item collection service. Civil Beat.

Starting today, those seeking building permits on Oahu might need to pay additional fees and do additional work as new water quality rules take effect, according to a release issued by the Department of Planning and Permitting this week. Star-Advertiser.

Surf, scuba schools skirting the boundaries? KITV.

After community outcry, the Kahala Resort and Hotel has pulled its environmental assessment to expand wedding venue options. Hawaii News Now.

Tension escalates on Haiku Stairs after trespassing hiker reportedly shot by pellet gun. KHON2.

Chinatown Has A New Shelter For The Homeless Mentally Ill. Not everyone is happy about the relocation of the Safe Haven shelter to a new spot four blocks away. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Zoo’s endangered Sumatran tiger, Berani, was euthanized Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Embassy Suites by Hilton, one of three hotels planned for West Oahu and the second of its kind in Hawaii, will open in October. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii County

Endangered coots and stilts that call the Kealakehe sewer treatment plant home will get a little extra protection, thanks to a business seeking to offset bird losses on its own site. West Hawaii Today.

The preservation of Hawaiian Stilts and Hawaiian Coots nesting in the lagoons of the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant was on the agenda for the Hawaii County Council Environmental Management Committee Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council members advanced a resolution Tuesday supporting a skate park in Hilo after hearing from skateboarders and Paradise Roller Girls members disappointed with years of delays. Tribune-Herald.

Kona spaceport plan yet unfit for takeoff. West Hawaii Today.

A Kohala Hospital nurse is suing the hospital on claims of discrimination and a hostile work environment. West Hawaii Today.

The Seattle developer that built a Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Hawaii’s Big Island is planning a similar hotel project on a four-acre parcel in Kailua-Kona. Pacific Business News.

Maui

A plan to reduce flood risks at a Maui river isn't sitting well with some who are concerned over the site's historic value. Hawaii News Now.

State Representative Angus McKelvey of Maui is renewing his call for a specific timeline for resolution of the school bus crisis on Maui as frustrated parents want to know when the situation will be resolved. Maui Now.

A typical 10-minute drive to school has morphed into hourlong traffic jams for Lahaina students as the state Department of Education and its new school bus contractor Ground Transport continue to struggle to find bus drivers. Maui News.

It's been just over a month since Kaiser Permanente took over operations at three Maui County hospitals. But the new chief executive officer of the hospitals is already moving on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

The Lehua Island rat eradication project is on hold pending two permits, and the state permitting agency wants to make sure details are ironed out before giving the go-ahead. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative on Monday said it filed a proposal with the state Public Utilities Commission that would provide customers with two new options to receive credit when installing a solar system. Pacific Business News.

Tax hikes loom as state spends more than it collects, universal basic income debated, dock strikes unlikely, snorkel deaths studied, Honolulu official leaving in wake of critical audit, Big Island biomass gets PUC approval, Kauai Syngenta changes hands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol, courtesy Charles Freedman

For the second time in five years, the state is being warned that its tax collections likely won’t be enough to cover its costs in the years ahead, which may mean tax increases in Hawaii’s future. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Recently, some very notable people including Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook have been championing the idea of “universal basic income,” which basically is a payment from the government to individuals simply for being alive. Our Legislature latched onto that idea, passing House Concurrent Resolution 89. West Hawaii Today.


Ocean safety advocates are working on ways to gather more data to determine why so many more visitors die snorkeling in Hawaii than local residents. Civil Beat.


With the impacts of climate change bearing down on Hawaii, government officials and community members need to make some important decisions about the islands’ iconic coastlines, said Dolan Eversole, a coastal hazards expert with the University of Hawaii’s Sea Grant program. Civil Beat.

A political scientist, acting as an agent for the government of the Hawaiian Kingdom in international proceedings, believes the time is right to go forward with an International Commission of Inquiry at the Hague. Big Island Video News.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union said that early West Coast election results show an existing labor contract with waterfront employers represented the Pacific Maritime Association will be extended by three years. Pacific Business News.

New cases of mumps statewide have risen by close to 40 percent since late June, prompting health officials to continue monitoring the infection and encourage vaccinations. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

An audit of the Section 8 Tenant-Based Assistance Program administered by the city finds key deficiencies in several areas but says it generally meets federal requirements. Star-Advertiser.


City Community Services Director Gary Nakata is resigning from his post at the end of the week, Honolulu Managing Director Roy Amemiya said in a memorandum to Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Cabinet officials late Friday. Star-Advertiser.

When the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission issued an order earlier this month accepting Hawaiian Electric Co.’s long-term plan for supplying power to customers, one part of the plan stood out: a 44 percent rate increase on Oahu over 10 years. Civil Beat.

A Hawaiian Electric Co. pilot program meant to encourage customers to shift energy use to the daytime has seen little interest. Star-Advertiser.

A leak in the basement of Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport may be a pricey problem to fix. Star-Advertiser.


The Fight To Save Ancient Hawaiian Archeological Sites. Fearing future development of a Leeward valley rich with cultural history, some community members are pushing for preservation. Civil Beat.

After months of fielding complaints from residents, the Nanakuli-Maili Neighborhood Board wants to stop what it sees as overuse of the Waianae Coast by commercial tour groups that locals say clog the beaches and prevent easy public access. Civil Beat.


A third Oahu neighborhood will be getting a restricted parking zone. KHON2.

Friday night's plane crash above Kunia is the latest incident in a string of single engine aircrafts that have gone down in Hawaii over the last year. Hawaii News Now.


The plane that went down is the second plane from Aircraft Maintenance and Flight School Hawaii to crash on Oahu in the last month. KITV.


The bodies of Dean Hutton, Gerrit Evensen, Heather Riley and Alexis Aaron were discovered late Saturday afternoon at the wreckage of the aircraft in the Waianae Mountains above Kunia. The Beech 19A, manufactured in 1969, took off from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport for a sunset flight Friday. Star-Advertiser.

For months, Hawaii store owners and residents have prepared for the end of Ward Warehouse — and now it's finally here. Hawaii News Now.

Hotel executive Kelly Hoen has managed six Hawaii hotels in a career that now sees her as area general manager for Outrigger. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

The state Public Utilities Commission approved Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s contract with a half-built biomass facility on the Big Island on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

The state Public Utilities Commission informed Hu Honua Bioenergy on Friday that it approved its amended and restated power purchase agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Company. Tribune-Herald.

The state Land Board will hear oral arguments on a hearings officer’s recommendation in favor of the Thirty Meter Telescope land use permit Sept. 20 in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A long-awaited public gun range for Hawaii Island may finally get a shot at success, depending on how the County Council handles a resolution up for vote next week. West Hawaii Today.

International competition and retirements are decreasing the number of commercial orchid growers in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Once a $90 million project expected to wrap up in September, phase two of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening has grown to a $105 million project now planned to be substantially completed next August. West Hawaii Today.

Access to the shoreline park at Kohanaiki should be easier, now that a new frontage road has been completed by developers of a luxury community there. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County and a property owner have been unable to agree on a purchase price for a large parcel in Hakalau Valley. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui hospital raises fee but retreats after moms protest. The hospital raised the price for a private room to $672 from $152 on July 1 when Maui Health System, a subsidiary of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, assumed control of operations of Maui Memorial, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lanai Community Hospital in the largest privatization in state history. Star-Advertiser.

Construction costs could hit as much as $75 million for the Wailuku Parking and Events Facility, which includes a multilevel parking structure and three-story building for retail, Maui County offices and special events space. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. has been given the green light to expand its “Fast Demand Response” program from four to a projected 13 Maui businesses, which would receive bill credits to reduce their energy use with 10 minutes’ notice to stabilize the grid when demand exceeds generation. Maui News.

At least four repair projects are planned for sections of Piilani Highway in the vicinity of Kaupo, and one of them — the repair of Waiopai Bridge — has the remote community concerned because work could close the road for a month or more, according to Jonathan Starr, a board member of the Kaupo Community Association. Maui News.


Kauai

About three months after announcing a six-month freeze on filling new vacancies in county jobs, the administration is changing course. Garden Island.

Hartung Brothers take over Syngenta Kekaha operations. Garden Island.

A new affordable housing project in Poipu has an aggressive construction timeline. Garden Island.

Kauai’s strong tourism season seems to be good for some, but not all, businesses. Garden Island.

The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs approved lease agreements to build community-based outpatient clinics on Kauai and Maui. The project construction will total $9.9 million. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai’s south shore is knee-deep in invasive algae. A new report from a team of scientists and volunteers provides a ‘good reality check for the community’ Maui News.

Engineers to present plan for ex-bombing range on Molokai. Public comment will be accepted during meeting scheduled for Kaunakakai. Maui News.

Honolulu mulls high-rise sprinkler retrofits, WIC program trimmed, DOT dismantles homeless camps, Waikiki flotilla enforcement sought, Maui hospital takeover deemed a success, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu high-rises © 2017 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s bill to require that older residential high-rises be retrofitted with sprinklers in the wake of the fatal Marco Polo condominium fire was put on hold Tuesday by City Council members. Civil Beat.

Firefighters and condominium owners Tuesday met before a City Council committee for the first time since the July 14 Marco Polo fire left three people dead and discussed potential incentives for, as well as obstacles in the way of, retrofitting aging residential towers with sprinkler systems. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of owners of Marco Polo apartments, where three people died recently in a fire that swept through the building, have secondary hallway doors with louvers that boost air circulation into their units but also can help a fire spread more quickly, residents and fire experts say. Star-Advertiser.

Two state agencies are now taking action over asbestos at the scene of the massive fire at the Marco Polo building. KHON2.

The state is cutting dozens of positions at the Women, Infants and Children — or WIC — program aimed at helping low-income mothers and children as part of a revamp officials say is needed to deal with a federal funding decline and higher payroll costs. Hawaii News Now.

A sailor’s computer input error on the Pearl Harbor-based destroyer USS John Paul Jones apparently caused an $80 million missile defense test failure off the coast of Kauai on June 21, according to DefenseNews.com. Star-Advertiser.

State wants to change boating, harbor rules. KHON2.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council held an unprecedented emergency meeting Monday to approve a letter urging the Trump Administration to maintain 11 marine reserves that are under federal review, including Papahanaumokuakea in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

Nine-year-old Robbie Bond decided to do something about the threat of budget cuts to public parks — launching Kids Speak for Parks and the website kidsspeakforparks.com as a way for children to speak up and share their experiences at parks and monuments in jeopardy of funding cuts. Star-Advertiser.

An Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee reports money from a Hawaiian princess is helping pay legal fees. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Hilary, churning in the Eastern Pacific off Mexico, is expected to crash into a cyclone that's also tracking westward — Hurricane Irwin — sometime in the next 48 hours, the National Hurricane Center said. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Contractors began dismantling several homeless encampments near the H-1 freeway Tuesday, part of the state’s effort to keep areas near roadways clear of illegal encampments. Star-Advertiser.

State Steps Up Its Homeless Sweeps Along Highways. Aggressive new effort comes as officials question if moving people along encourages them to use shelters. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is leading an effort to remove homeless encampments near major traffic corridors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Additional rescue personnel for the July 4 "floatilla" cost taxpayers $16,000. That led Honolulu's City Council to adopt a resolution calling for regulations against the event Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

It's only been about two weeks since the Fourth of July flotilla but some city and state officials don't want a repeat, and they are doing what they can to make sure that doesn't happen. KITV.

State and city law enforcement officials say they support a call for stiffer enforcement of regulations at the annual, mostly unorganized Fourth of July event known as Floatilla, but also stressed that they are already throwing all the resources they can at the problem. Star-Advertiser.

The state has fined Aloha Petroleum Ltd. $200,000 for fuel tank violations. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Petroleum has been fined $200,000 by the Hawaii State Department of Health for failing to notify officials about a "suspected fuel release" within 24 hours of finding it. Pacific Business News.

Some Hawaii students and other volunteers are getting their feet wet in the medical field, while simultaneously easing the workload for some doctors and nurses. It's all part of a new project at Queen's Medical Center geared toward improving patient’s experiences. KITV.

Honolulu ranks among the top 15 best cities to live, despite a low rank for affordability, according to a new WalletHub study. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Following demolition of the former Hilo Tropical Gardens, Kamehameha Schools officials say they will take a closer look at the management plan for their Keaukaha properties that could help identify future land uses. Tribune-Herald.

What went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again were topmost on the minds of members of the county Water Board on Tuesday as they heard an update on well breakdowns in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

$5,000 arson reward fund remains on table. West Hawaii Today.

There’s a lot of rubbish in the Big Island’s rain forest gulches, and a Paauilo man is on a mission to remove it. Tribune-Herald.

Two native plant species are thriving today in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Elson “Bobo” Kanaina Brown, the last member of the legendary band Hilo Hawaiians and son of founder William “Bunny” Brown, died Saturday surrounded by family at his Hilo home after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 77. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

For five years, two planning guiding documents of Maui County have been at odds when it comes to short-term rental homes. Maui News.

The transition phase of the operational takeover of Maui County public hospitals by Kaiser Permanente subsidiary Maui Health System has ended, and it was a success, said an official with the new management. Maui News.

The transition phase is now complete for the Maui Health System, the Kaiser Permanente subsidiary which took over management of three Maui hospitals (Kula Hospital & Clinic, Lānaʻi Community Hospital and Maui Memorial Medical Center) on July 1st. Maui Now.

Some new enforcement strategies and more participation from Lahaina patrol and other officers contributed to significant increases in citations for seat belt and cellphone violations during the recent Click It or Ticket campaign, police said. Maui News.

The Maui Humane Society announced it has achieved a 92% Live Release Rate for dogs in Fiscal 2017, meaning more than nine out of every ten dogs who entered the shelter were either adopted, transferred to rescue partners for adoption, or returned to their owners. Maui Now.

Every summer, rice coral (montipora capitata) colonies around Maui and in the aquarium’s exhibits spawn shortly after the new moon cycle. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. shared his plan for Kauai’s future Tuesday during the Kauai Chamber of Commerce’s 3rd Annual Mayor’s Luncheon held at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. Garden Island.

More than 50 people attended Monday's public hearing, hosted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, to comment on proposed changes to boating laws and rules at harbors. Garden Island.

A young pueo, or Hawaiian short-eared owl that tangled with a vehicle in late March has died after being hit by another vehicle two months after it was rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Two more were found dead on Kauai’s roads on the same day, according to a press release from the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Hawaii unlikely to give up voter rolls, state GOP organizes, feds say telecom deal illegal, Waikiki floatilla ends in chaos, Lehua poison drop delayed, little progress on special rail session, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

No vote no grumble campaign, 2014 courtesy photo

Gov. David Ige joined a chorus of other state leaders Monday in criticizing a White House commission’s request for a trove of personal voter data. Ige said the state doesn’t have any assurance that the information would be kept secure and, at this point, doesn’t think the state should share those records. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Unlikely To Cooperate With Trump’s Voter Fraud Panel. State law doesn’t allow for the sharing of personal information with the federal government. Civil Beat.

The 2018 Primary Election is a little more than a year away.  Hawaii Republicans are trying to organize for that election and win. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal authorities announced Monday that a long-standing, exclusive agreement between the Hawaiian Homes Commission and embattled telecommunications provider Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. violates federal law, a decision that raises new doubts about the company’s future. Star-Advertiser.

Workers' comp insurance up in the air for medical marijuana dispensaries. Hawaii News Now.

The clock is ticking, but state lawmakers say they haven’t made much progress yet on a special session that’s supposed to solve the rail crisis. Star-Advertiser.

As federal officials crack down on illegal immigration, many in Hawaii’s faith community are mobilizing. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the first phase of a plan to significantly reshape how Hawaiian Electric Co. delivers power to some 450,000 customers statewide, the utility has unveiled a $205 million proposal to upgrade its electric grid over six years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s solar industry slump continues, but representatives are hopeful batteries connected to solar energy systems will help the number of installations rebound. Star-Advertiser.

New Hawaii Law Bans Wildlife Trafficking. Maui Now.

Anyone following education news in the state lately knows there’s no shortage of plans for improving public schools. Civil Beat.

Following a hiatus of more than a decade, pregnant Marshallese women are coming to Hawaii late in their pregnancies, having their babies and then placing the newborns with mainland families for adoption under suspicious circumstances, health care providers, community advocates and others say. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Wastewater is flowing across the sand and sidewalks and into the ocean along a popular stretch of beach, exposing unwitting beachgoers to potentially dangerous bacteria, an environmental watchdog alleges. Star-Advertiser.

Lifeguards estimate 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the annual Independence Day “floatilla” off Waikiki, hundreds had to be rescued from the water. Star-Advertiser.

A so-called July Fourth "floatilla" party off Waikiki quickly dissolved into chaos Tuesday afternoon, with hundreds being rescued from the water and at least 10 people taken to hospitals with alcohol-related injuries. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds gathered Tuesday at Iolani Palace to participate in a dramatic re-enactment of events that 123 years ago led to the completion of the overthrow of the independent nation of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha, a Honolulu city prosecutor who’s under federal criminal investigation for alleged corruption and abuse of power, has been on unpaid leave since late April. Civil Beat.

The Howard Hughes Corp. plans to include micro-units in its next mixed-use condominium project at its Ward Village master-planned community in Honolulu's fast-growing Kakaako neighborhood, with studio units starting at less than 300 square feet. Pacific Business News.

After 18 years, The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong located in Macy’s at Ala Moana Center will serve its last meal on July 29. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County might soon clamp down on drinking at James Kealoha Beach Park, also known as 4 Mile. Tribune-Herald.

Repairs to the Keahuolu Deepwell are expected to be completed Sunday, the County Department of Water Supply said. West Hawaii Today.

A House bill that would allow tiny houses to be built on Hawaii County ag land is on the governor’s veto list after being passed by the state Legislature. Big Island Video News.

Federal judge breathes new life into lawsuit: Do public housing tenants have a personal right to seek legal redress to their complaints, or must they rely on government agencies to defend their tenant rights? West Hawaii Today.

A 64-year-old Hilo man accused of sexually assaulting a woman Friday morning in Orchidland Estates is a driver for Arc of Hilo and the alleged victim, an adult, was mentally unable to consent to sex and physically unable to resist, according to court documents filed by police. Tribune-Herald.

A county funded community collaboration in lower Puna aims to find new solutions to the rapid ohia death problem. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald won 14 awards, including four first-place honors, in the annual journalism contest put on by the Hawaii chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The president of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said Monday that the transition of three Maui County hospitals from state control to management by the nonprofit health care company “exceeded our expectations.” Pacific Business News.

Council panel reviewing bills on sand mining: An official from Maui Lani Partners said Monday that the company has been “taking material off-site since 1994” and that the county’s warning to stop grading and excavating sand two months ago “was the first time we were made aware there was a notice of warning on a potential violation on the property.” Maui News.

Protecting the watershed at the Kula Forest Reserve and the Kahikinui Forest Reserve’s Papa’anui tract through land acquisition, public hunting of pigs, deer and goats and forest monitoring is the top priority in a draft reserve management plan released by the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Maui News.

Kauai

Poison drop scheduled for Lehua awaiting permits. Garden Island.

Volunteers to hike to Alakai Swamp to band birds. Garden Island.

Hawaii still tops for homeless, Obama in town, Honolulu police chief selection delayed, monk seal in road slows Maui traffic, no cool schools for Big Island, Maui hospital lawsuit dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless in Hawaii © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii still has the highest per capita homeless population in the country “but things have started to gel” in the islands, according to the western regional coordinator for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health gave the green light Wednesday for two more production facilities to begin growing medical marijuana, despite not being able to sell the drug to consumers yet. Star-Advertiser.

Expert: Amid delays, patient died waiting for medical marijuana relief. Hawaii News Now.


Legislation to ban certain sunscreen chemicals in Hawai’i stalled in the final days of the 2017 session.  But, state lawmakers are already starting their push to pass the bills next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former President Barack Obama in the islands for unannounced visit. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation on Wednesday introduced federal legislation to reinstate Medicaid coverage for eligible Micronesians living and working in the United States. Civil Beat.

Hawaii will experience another round of exceptional king tides Friday and Saturday as some of the highest tides of the year will again be enhanced by higher-­than-normal sea levels. Star-Advertiser.

How HECO Is Trying To Modernize Its Electric Grid. Hawaiian Electric is drafting a new strategy after regulators rejected an earlier $736 million proposal in part because it didn’t serve solar users well. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage fee revenue declined in the first quarter even though the state’s largest carrier transported more passengers than in the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air is suffering through growing pains as it continues to reinvent itself with new aircraft and additional routes. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The selection of a new police chief has been delayed again, this time because the entity initially selected to help the Honolulu Police Commission make the pick backed out, Commission Chairman Max Sword said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Honolulu Police Chief’s Fight For Legal Fees Turns Nasty. Police Commissioner Loretta Sheehan says the former chief’s attempt to have her removed from the case is “baseless.” Civil Beat.

Search for Honolulu’s next police chief delayed after consultant backs out. KHON2.

Retired police Chief Louis Kealoha wants Honolulu Police Commissioner Loretta Sheehan disqualified from considering any matters that involve him, arguing she’s been critical of him and the police department in the past. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety on Wednesday released a report on the latest on where to replace the current Oahu Community Correctional Center. Civil Beat. Report here.

A homeless camp that had been hidden in the mangroves along the Ala Wai Canal is beginning to emerge as more and more people are moving in. Hawaii News Now.

The Environmental Protection Agency, state Department of Health, the Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency are holding an “open house” tonight to update the public on the status of the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

North shore residents are fed up that nothing is being done to fix the heavy traffic near the famous "Turtle Beach" at Laniakea. Now, a campaign is shifting blame for the congestion to the turtles. Hawaii News Now.

Attorney General’s office seeks answers to city’s new Bikeshare program. KHON2.

Biki bike pushback at Kapiolani Park. KITV.

A woman whose pet store was connected to a Waimanalo puppy mill owned by her father is getting the chance to avoid conviction for tax evasion. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The state’s plan to cool 1,000 classrooms by this fall won’t initially benefit many schools on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

The cleanup at Old Airport Park is posing more of a logistical challenge than the new administration anticipated when it made the project a priority soon after assuming office. West Hawaii Today.

Lottery decides waiting list for Kona housing development. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Island Family Medicine Residency Program has done exactly what planners hoped — its graduates now plan to practice medicine in Hawaii; two in Hilo, one in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A renewable energy startup company will break ground on old sugar land this summer. Star-Advertiser.

A new energy crop will soon be tested on former sugar plantation lands in Central Maui. Alexander & Baldwin is teaming up with a California-based business to grow pongamia trees on 250 acres near Kihei. Hawaii News Now.

The state Employees’ Retirement System and the Hawaii Health Systems Corp., which operates the state’s public hospitals, formally agreed to drop a lawsuit this week over benefits for about 1,500 employees at three Maui County hospitals. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit dismissed, clearing the way for transfer of hospitals. Maui News.

A monk seal came up partially on the road on the Honoapiilani Highway in Olowalu Wednessday afternoon, slowing traffic on the busy thoroughfare that connects West Maui to the Central Valley.  Police and volunteers responded to the report in an effort to protect the animal from oncoming traffic. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige on Wednesday announced the nomination of Mr. Lee A. Ohigashi to the Maui County seat on the State Land Use Commission for a term beginning June 21, 2017 and ending June 30, 2020. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Maui Now.

Kauai

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will host a telephone town hall at 4 p.m. Monday on hurricane and disaster preparedness. Garden Island.

'Cool Schools' funds coming from green energy program, legislative leaders see rail as Honolulu's problem, $50M for Maui medical upgrades, Ellison to spend $75M on Lodge at Koele improvements, 3k free Oprah tickets from HSMA, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige visits school, courtesy photo

Gov. David Ige will sign a bill Thursday that pulls one-third of the money from the state’s dormant $150 million green energy loan program to help lower electric bills at Hawaii’s public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Education members expressed frustration Tuesday that the Department of Education has yet to take advantage of a law passed four years ago authorizing development of underused public school lands to pay for campus upgrades. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to qualify for federal funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act, the Obama administration law that hands more control to the states for measuring student achievement. Civil Beat.

House Speaker Scott Saiki made it clear. The City of Honolulu is responsible for completing the rail transit project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii on Tuesday filed a supplemental brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that a new memo issued by President Trump renders his controversial travel ban both unnecessary and unlawful. Hawaii News Now.

The CEO of Cardax Inc. said the selection  of the company's astaxanthin compound CDX-085 to take part in the National Institute on Aging's anti-aging interventions testing program will have positive implications for the Hawaii-based business. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

FBI probe investigating police chief now zeroing in on city prosecutor, too. Hawaii News Now.

The future of state deputy sheriffs at Honolulu's airport is unclear, but officials said they're committed to trying to work out a new deal. Hawaii News Now.

State transportation leaders say they want deputy sheriffs to keep working at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport — but that they’ll need to reach a new deal with public safety officials in the next six months to accomplish that. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is speaking out about its decision to release deputy sheriffs from patrols at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

Renters are the newest group trying to cash in on the profitability of Oahu’s vacation rental market by subleasing all or part of their units to visitors. Star-Advertiser.

A nonprofit organization that runs a state park on Kaneohe Bay is continuing to offer kayak rentals to paying customers of all ages despite being told to stop by the state. Civil Beat.

When enterococci bacteria levels go beyond a safe limit, the State Department of Health puts up signs warning beachgoers of the contamination. But, some environmentalists want an improvement in the warning system. Hawaii News Now.

New water-quality rules will affect developers, contractors, designers, businesses and homeowners planning to file grading or building permit applications, according to city officials. Star-Advertiser.

Authorities are investigating a diesel spill in the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. is seeking to cut energy consumption at three of its commercial buildings on Oahu through a partnership with energy efficiency company Carbon Lighthouse. Pacific Business News.

The Waikiki Aquarium is looking for marine life enthusiasts to share their passion and knowledge with young keiki. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A former Kamehameha Schools Hawaii administrator is suing Kamehameha Schools, the trustees of the estate of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and one of the school’s senior administrators, alleging she was wrongfully terminated after 23 years of employment. Tribune-Herald.

The Big Island community showed its aloha spirit when it came together to replace stolen swim gear donated to soldiers who train at Kawaihae harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A health care provider plans to spend more than $50 million on three Maui hospitals in the biggest privatization effort in Hawaii history. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA and Sharecare are giving away 3,000 tickets to see Oprah Winfrey at a “Live Your Best Life” event Monday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center to promote Sharecare’s health and wellness digital platform. Star-Advertiser.

Maui was ranked number four best places to visit, behind first place New York City, 2nd place Philadelphia, and third place Honolulu on a list compiled by US News and World Report. Maui Now.


Kauai

A mongoose--an unwelcome visitor--was reported on Kauai’s North Shore over the weekend, and it’s triggered an investigation from the Kauai Invasive Species Committee. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s new beach water quality monitoring program will be presented to the public at a meeting at 6 tonight at the state Department of Health Kauai District Health Office conference room. Garden Island.

Kauai Junior Lifeguard program nearly full. Garden Island.

Lanai

Pulama Lanai, the company created by billionaire Larry Ellison to manage his Hawaii operations including two Four Seasons Resorts on Lanai, plans to spend $75 million on an expansion and upgrade of The Lodge at Koele, which has been closed for two and a half years, that will reduce the hotel’s room count and expand its restaurant while adding spa and fitness facilities. Pacific Business News.

Pulama Lanai is seeking approval for a $75 million project to upgrade and “refresh” the nearly 25-acre Lodge at Koele, located northeast of Lanai City on Keomuku Highway. Maui News.

Hawaii dislikes Trump's climate accord withdrawal, bill banning aquarium fish taking on Ige's desk, health worker benefit bill signed, Maui mayor signs $705M budget, mumps cases reach 81, Kauai rose-ringed parakeet bill signed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Golden dawn over Hawaii © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s Democratic congressional delegation quickly panned President Donald Trump’s decision Thursday to withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, describing it as sad, irresponsible, shortsighted and an abandonment of American leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Disgusted by President Trump’s decision Thursday to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord, elected officials and nonprofit leaders in Hawaii said they are not backing down from their commitments to combat global warming. Civil Beat.

Local scientists are reacting with anger and dismay after President Trump's decision Thursday to pull the United States out of the Paris accords aimed at slowing global warming and climate change. Hawaii News Now.

President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris climate accord drew sharp criticism from Hawaii’s congressional delegation on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers and members of the state's Congressional delegation railed against President Trump's decision Thursday to pull the United States out of a global agreement aimed at slowing the pace of global warming. Hawaii News Now.

President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord was universally criticized by Hawaii Democrats in the hours following the announcement made from the White House’s Rose Garden. Big Island Video News.

US Senator Brian Schatz of Hawai‘i, co-chair of the Senate Climate Action Task Force, said he is “appalled and disappointed” with President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.  Maui Now.

President Donald Trump’s decision Thursday to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord will hamper efforts to stem global warming throughout the world — the primary cause of rising ocean temperatures that pose the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s marine ecosystems. West Hawaii Today.

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The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to immediately reinstate its ban on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries, saying the U.S. will be safer if the policy is put in place. Associated Press.

A bill awaiting Governor Ige's signature would end the commercial collecting of Hawaii reef wildlife for the aquarium trade. Hawaii Public Radio.

Civil Beat Poll: Voters Dislike Trump, Support Lawsuit Against Travel Ban. The president’s approval rating of 32 percent is actually higher than the percentage of the state vote he received in November. Civil Beat.


Madison, Wis.-based Hartung Brothers Inc. is expected to acquire Syngenta’s Hawaii operations, which include about 100 full-time employees and 4,000 acres of land on Oahu and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co., Inc. has seen its stock price more than double since the beginning of the year, while the majority of Hawaii's publicly traded companies suffered losses in May. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Hawaii Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday in a lawsuit brought by Honolulu Civil Beat against the City and County of Honolulu after city officials denied access to budget documents and material that Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell used to shape his spending plan for fiscal year 2016. Civil Beat.

Rail officials will receive $900,000 in federal grant funds to revitalize “brownfields,” which is name for the contaminated properties in need of an environmental cleanup. Pacific Business News.

A new freeway lane from the Red Hill area to Aiea is expected to open in a few months in an effort to ease westbound traffic congestion. Star-Advertiser.

Could Oahu’s West Side Be The New Vacation Hot Spot For Millennials? The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is promoting island agriculture by taking travel writers to the Leeward Coast. But will it sell? Civil Beat.

Aloha Green Holdings Inc. said Thursday it is dropping plans to sell non-THC products at its King Street medical marijuana dispensary starting next week. Star-Advertiser.

So far, 81 cases of the highly contagious respiratory disease mumps have been reported, all but two of them on Oahu. The total is far beyond any annual tally in Health Department records dating back to 1990 — and the year isn’t even half over. Star-Advertiser.

Federal law makes city’s struggle to get abandoned cars off streets even harder. KHON2.

An Oahu grand jury Thursday indicted a 57-year-old man who allegedly broke etched glass panes on three doors at historic Iolani Palace and a glass door at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

A school name change on Oʻahu is raising awareness in that community about the origin of place names in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Searider Productions produces Emmy Award winning stories and animation. With the $10.7 million they received from the state Legislature, they're hoping to produce more awarding projects out of a much better facility. KITV.

Deep in the quiet Manoa Valley, the fight to protect the ohia plant plays on. Hawaii News Now.

Unusual 6-foot-long fish rescued after washing up in Ko Olina lagoon. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County employee survey: Morale mostly high, but employees afraid to speak out West Hawaii Today.

A federal civil lawsuit alleges that a dorm mother at an elite Hawaii boarding school had sex with a male student in her campus apartment. Associated Press.

A former Hawaii island boarding student and his parents are suing Hawaii Preparatory Academy, alleging the private school failed to protect the minor from repeated sexual abuse by a female dormitory supervisor and concealed evidence of the inappropriate relationship. Star-Advertiser.

The parents of a former Hawaii Preparatory Academy student on Wednesday filed suit against the school, alleging it failed to prevent or investigate a relationship between that student and a former employee. West Hawaii Today.

A longstanding, Hilo-based Hawaiian immersion public charter school is vacating Keaukaha Elementary School’s campus next year after three decades accommodating students there. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa on Thursday signed into law a $705.2 million county budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 that keeps the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course open and imposes a new $3 per vehicle tipping fee for residential dumping at the Central Maui Landfill. Maui News.

Gov. David Ige has signed into law a bill that would provide severance benefits to employees affected by the privatization of three Maui County public hospitals. Maui News.

How Anne Morrow Lindbergh Battled Maui’s Wild Side. Today, the famous author’s granddaughter faces similar struggles keeping the critters and climate at bay in remote Kipahulu. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Gov. David Ige signed House Bill 655 on Thursday aimed at reducing the rose-ringed parakeet population. Garden Island.

In front of a crowd of nearly 300 people at the 19th annual Governor’s Luncheon at Koloa Landing Resort, Gov. David Ige said collaboration with county and state officials and the Legislature made a difference. Garden Island.

The county is considering creating a university district for Kauai Community College. Garden Island.