Hula good for your health, Abercrombie staff donates to campaign, federal court won't consider judge letter in rail lawsuit, Obama names Punahou classmate ambassador, Maui Ritz-Carlton timeshare going hotel, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii hula (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Learning hula can lower blood pressure for people with persistent hypertension and help rehabilitate patients after heart attacks or cardiac surgery, according to research presented Thursday at the American Psychological Association's convention at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama on Thursday nominated a former classmate from Punahou School as an ambassador of the United States to the Office of the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. Star-Advertiser.

Since taking office to fanfare in the United States and in India, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s Hindu faith hasn’t been a prominent part of her national image. Civil Beat.

Three dozen employees of the Abercrombie administration, including a lot of cabinet directors and their deputies, have donated money to their boss's re-election. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hotel rates climbed 10 percent higher across the Islands last week in comparison to the same week last year, while occupancy changes were mixed, according to the latest report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

National Weather Service officials in Hawaii say preliminary data shows the center of Tropical Storm Flossie never hit land when it passed through the state this week. Associated Press.

State roundup for August 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

As a pivotal hearing on the city's planned rail project approaches, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced Thursday that it won't consider a recent, eyebrow-raising letter from federal judges in Hawaii critical of the project. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is addressing two hot button hiking trails Lanikai Pillbox and Maunawili Falls in windward Oahu. Residents living at the foot of both trails have complained about excessive crowds, illegal parking, vandalism and safety concerns. KHON2.

Some well-meaning and creative additions to the graves of loved ones at the orderly Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery are resulting in some undignified disorder at the final resting place for 10,411 veterans and dependents. Star-Advertiser.

A McDonald’s security guard testified Thursday that Kollin Elderts bullied and irritated a customer before the confrontation that escalated to State Department special agent Christopher Deedy fatally shooting Elderts at the Waikiki fast-food restaurant. Star-Advertiser.

Here are two indisputable facts: Kollin Elderts is dead. Christopher Deedy shot him. But whether Deedy, a U.S. State Department special agent, gets convicted of murder is a question that largely centers on Hawaii’s self-defense law. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Changing requirements by Medicare and insurance companies are putting burdens on hospitals to prove the care they provide is high quality, North Hawaii Community Hospital Board Chairman Bob Momsen said Thursday evening. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo moved a step closer Thursday to a rezoning that would make it easier to erect housing and commercial facilities on 312 acres that includes the campus and surrounding land, despite concerns over the county surrendering a future connector road slated to run through the campus. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission voted in support of a new commercial development proposed for Pahoa on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Just a week before he was scheduled for spinal fusion surgery, Baraka Kanaan was ordered off of an airplane on his hands and knees. The Maui native, partially paralyzed from a 2000 car accident is suing Delta Air Lines aftr it refused to provide him with a lift and other wheelchair accommodations, even after he arranged for those services ahead of time. Hawaii News Now.

A 50-room hotel will replace unsold time-share units at Maui’s former Ritz-Carlton time-share and condominium resort in Kapalua under a plan by the property’s new owner and management firm. Star-Advertiser.

Hana Ranch Partners’ proposed sale of thousands of acres of Hana Ranch land on Maui to Bio-Logical Capital for some $35 million is in serious doubts after a lawsuit was filed by one of the owners against his partners to stop the sale from closing. Pacific Business News.

A court hearing has been postponed until September on a motion to judicially dissolve the embattled nonprofit Wailuku Main Street Association Inc./Tri-Isle Main Street Resource Center. Maui News.

If anyone has suffered storm-related damage from Tropical Depression Flossie, they are asked to report it to the Maui County Civil Defense Agency to ensure the county has complete information on damage. Maui News.

A contract dispute between DISH Network and Raycom Media has led to the loss of CBS and NBC channels for DISH customers in Hawaii, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

Bill 2491, the GMO bill, goes to the council’s Economic Development Committee Monday, when council members will begin working on the bill, discussing flaws and strengths, and potentially propose amendments. Garden Island.

The U.S. Department of Energy announced Thursday that it will invest $5 million in a Kauai-based biofuels energy project. Hawaii BioEnergy, established in 2006 by three of the state’s largest landowners, will use the funding to develop and test a cost-effective photosynthetic open-pond system to produce algal oil at its research facility near Lihue, according to a DOE release. Garden Island.

Huge hula celebration gears up in Hilo, Korean tourists worry, GMO shoving match at Capitol, bill extends foster care to 21, Senate Judiciary mulls shield law, Honolulu council questions bus contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Merrie Monarch hula (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Merrie Monarch is the hottest ticket in town, but there was a time when organizers couldn't imagine they'd ever fill the more than 5,000 seats— now tickets are gone by the end of the first day they're available to the public. Hawaii News Now.

The world’s travelers continued their love affair with Hawaii in February as visitor arrivals and spending grew.An estimated 675,517 tourists visited Hawaii last month, a 7.8 percent increase from February 2012. Star-Advertiser.

A loss of the South Korean market because of conflicts with North Korea would be devastating to the islands because according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, if something affects tourism, it impacts everyone statewide. KITV4.

A proponent of labeling for genetically modified foods accused the head of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation of harassment Thursday at the state Capitol after he put his hand on the lens of her video camera and shoved another protester into her. Star-Advertiser.

A confrontation between a group opposed to genetically engineered foods and the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation was caught on video, with both sides accusing the other of starting the scuffle. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would allow foster care youth to voluntarily remain in the system until they turn 21 made it through its final committee vote Thursday and is headed to a House-Senate conference hearing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's prison population has dropped 5 percent since July 2012, a figure that includes a 12 percent reduction in prisoners housed in Arizona. Civil Beat.

The Senate judiciary committee plans to decide next week whether to move forward with a bill to extend Hawaii’s shield law with changes that would limit its scope in protecting journalists. Associated Press.

The state attorney general's office urged state senators Thursday to remove bloggers from a law that protects journalists from revealing confidential sources, arguing that the provision is too broad and untested. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers want to develop underused school lands to raise money so the state can fix its aging inventory of educational facilities. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate judiciary committee has approved a bill aimed at regulating feral bird feeding. Associated Press.

Hawaii senators are moving forward a bill to require the state to post more information online. Associated Press.

When pumping gas or buying produce at the grocery stores, do you trust that you're getting what you paid for? An audit revealed some shocking details on how few inspections are being done in the state to ensure we are getting what we pay for. KHON2.

Hiring delays, lack of planning plague agriculture department, according to a new report from the Hawaii State Auditor regarding the Department of Agriculture’s Measurement Standards Branch. Civil Beat.

The recovery in Hawaii's construction industry is gaining momentum and is on track to continue through at least 2015, led by a flurry of new condominium projects in the pipeline and the expected restart of work on the Honolulu rail project, according to a report scheduled for release today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is announcing nominations for the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Commission on Water Resource Management. Associated Press.

State roundup for March 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city could soon impose stiffer fines on homeowners who ignore repeated notices to clear weeds, trash or other waste from their properties, under a bill approved by the Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Council members raised questions Thursday about what some called the city's "complex" and "convoluted" relationship with the nonprofit firm that has run TheBus for more than two decades — and why other such companies can't competitively bid to manage the public bus system. Star-Advertiser.

Ulupono Initiative did a “Local Food Market Demand Study of O’ahu Shoppers” that showed nearly 74% believe it is very important that Hawai’i grow its own food.  According to the USDA, however, only 8% of our food spending actually goes to locally grown products. Hawaii Public Radio.

Since Macy's closed its store in downtown Honolulu last month, mum has been the word on any new tenant. But new plans for the space are drawn up, and all signs point to Walmart. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu could be getting a Walmart. There's a possibility that the retail giant could take over the site formerly occupied by Macy's. KHON2.

A Kalaeloa business has agreed to pay $710,000 in fines for alleged water pollution violations at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor in what the Environmental Protection Agency calls the nation's largest Clean Water Act civil penalty against a ship repair facility. Star-Advertiser.

When Kirk Caldwell was running for mayor, his platform emphasized a focus on infrastructure, including filling potholes and repaving. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii
The state should maintain control of the Banyan Drive hotel properties and the Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea parks, lawmakers have decided. Tribune-Herald.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille backed away Thursday from a resolution in support of a state bill that would decriminalize possessing small amounts of marijuana, but not before getting some of the discussion she said she set out to hear. West Hawaii Today.

State parks officials on Thursday made the case for charging parking fees at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – but not without a barrage of questions and concerns being raised. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

While a Maui County vehicle-use policing program has been in place since July 1, only one department - the Department of Environmental Management - is in full compliance, County Council Budget and Finance Committee members learned Wednesday. Maui News.

Maui police -- some carrying assault rifles -- responded Thursday afternoon to Hoapili Hale, the 2nd Circuit courthouse located at 2145 Main St. in Wailuku. Police were called after a juice bottle containing dry ice exploded in the parking lot of the courthouse, creating a loud explosion at about 1:45 p.m. Maui News.

The 6th Maui Agriculture Festival returns to the Maui Tropical Plantation (MTP) in Waikapu on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council had many concerns after hearing the same lobbying firm hired by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s administration to represent the county’s interests at the state Legislature had also been hired by Syngenta to lobby at the Capitol. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro on Thursday may have summarized best the desire of the council to work alongside the administration while coming up with the county’s financial blue print for next fiscal year. Garden Island.

Molokai

On Friday March 29, Good Friday, an important meeting is being called by the Pala`au Moku of the Aha Kiole O Molokai. A “Shoreline Management Plan” from Ilio Point to Pelekunu on the north shore of Molokai will be presented. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii bids aloha to 2013, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona luau (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's economy prospered broadly in 2012, but it particularly surged in two areas: tourism and real estate. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz accepting resumes for Washington, isles staff jobs Star-Advertiser.

Campaign Cash Already Fueling Hawaii's 2014 Senate Race. Civil Beat.

All public school juniors in Hawaii will take the ACT college entrance exam this spring in an effort to boost college-going rates and better gauge student preparedness for life after high school. Star-Advertiser.

The National Park Service says it remains concerned about the State Historic Preservation Division's ability to review projects and respond to permits once federal oversight ends. Civil Beat.

Inouye's death capped year of political shifts. Star-Advertiser.

Every year, like clockwork, the four county mayors join a procession of state agencies, the Judiciary and the University of Hawaii to make their funding requests at a joint session of the state House Finance Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee. But not this coming year. West Hawaii Today.

As the northeastern United States digs out from one snow storm and prepares for another, the timing is perfect for Hawaii to benefit from hosting the first PGA Tour event of the season. Pacific Business News.

The eBossWatch panel of workplace experts has selected and ranked the fourth annual list of America’s Worst Bosses. Two Hawaii employers made the list, including Hawaii Professional HomeCare Services owner Carolyn Frutoz-De Harne (ranked 38th worst) and Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho (ranked 39th worst). Iseri-Carvalho was recently was voted out of office. Hawaii Reporter.

As national debate and focus on gun control grows in the wake of recent violent shooting incidents, Hawaii, with some of the nation’s toughest gun-related laws, keeps a tight rein on gun ownership, registration, transportation and use. West Hawaii Today.

State roundup for December 31. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell may have been elected Honolulu mayor because of his support for the city rail project, but as leader of Hawaii’s most populous island he'll also have a host of other issues to tackle. Civil Beat.

Mayor-elect Kirk Caldwell has announced key members of his cabinet. Civil Beat.

As the United States weighs further troop reductions in a waning Afghanistan War, Schofield Barracks is preparing for two major deployments there sometime next year. Star-Advertiser.

Sour relations are brewing over the future of the Makaweli Poi Mill. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Pu’u O’o: Three-decade eruption of Kilauea yields scientific discoveries. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Democrats are officially seeking a party member to fill the Central Maui Senate seat vacated when Shan Tsutsui accepted the job of lieutenant governor last week. Maui News.

Maui County Democrats say any Democrat in “good standing” and who lives in Senate District 5 — which includes Wailuku, Waihee, and Kahului — is welcome to apply for the seat vacated by state Senator Shan Tsutsui. Associated Press.

Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui of Maui arrived at Kahului Airport this morning to a surprise homecoming welcome from family and friends. Maui Now.

Mayor Alan Arakawa signed the Maui Island Plan on Friday, a week after the Maui County Council passed the guide for island planning by a 5-4 vote. Maui News.

The president of the National Audubon Society visited the mountain slopes of Haleakala on Maui Thursday to bring attention to a critical opportunity to preserve endangered Hawaii birds. Star-Advertiser.

Maui bid aloha to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye on Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

After years of struggling with a large number of vacancies, the Kaua‘i P olice Department will close 2012 with only three open positions, according to KPD officers who briefed the Kaua‘i County Council last week. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Police Commission elected a new chair and vice chair for 2013 during a Friday meeting. Garden Island.

Hula is good for your health, state pays millions in special ed cases, UH loses Maui supercomputer contract, Big Island agri-tourism bill aired, Public Land Development Corp. unpopular, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii hula girls (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hula practitioners have long touted the health benefits of Hawaii's signature dance form. Now, thanks to a new study on the rehabilitative potential of hula for heart patients, they have the science to support their claims. Star-Advertiser.

The state has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a landmark lawsuit filed by a couple who alleged the Department of Education failed to provide their daughters with appropriate autism-specific services during the girls' formative years in the 1990s. Star-Advertiser.

The Public Land Development Corp. was created last year as an arm of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to partner with the private sector to make better use of state property. But the PLDC's launch has been undermined by a poorly articulated description of its mission and suspicion from environmentalists and some Native Hawaiian activists that it would open the door to shadowy development interests. Star-Advertiser.

The race between Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle for Sen. Daniel Akaka’s U.S. Senate seat has both local and national implications. Civil Beat.

What lessons can be learned from the University of Hawaii's handling of the botched Stevie Wonder concert? The State Senate may try to answer that question. KHON2.

State roundup for Aug. 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu awarded more than $75 million in new rail-related design and professional services contracts in the weeks before the rail project was halted by a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling, state procurement records show. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rapid transit chief Dan Grabauskas told the City Council two weeks ago that 75 per cent of necessary archeological surveys along the rail route remain to be done and won’t be completed until the end of this year. Hawaii Reporter.

State Sen. Carol Fukunaga filed nomination papers on Tuesday to run for the Honolulu City Council's District 6 seat vacated earlier this month by congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council committee voted unanimously to advance a measure setting a procedure to suspend a Council member without pay for up to a month if colleagues determine he or she has violated order or decorum of a Council meeting. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council appears to be on the verge of approving a bill to legalize the peddling of goods on Mo’ili’ili sidewalks. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Supreme Court has dismissed a primary election challenge filed by a losing candidate for Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu paramedics are learning new tactics to combat Hawaii's growing sex trafficking problem. KITV4.

A breakdown of Honolulu Police Department overtime costs for special protection details. Civil Beat.

Agriculture theft is a growing concern on Oahu's North Shore. KHON2.

More than one in five Honolulu residents is classified as a young adult, with nearly 22 percent of Oahu’s population falling into the 20- to 34-year-old demographic, according to an analysis of Census data. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Civil Beat said Tuesday that it has hired Jayson Harper as general manager of the online news operation. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
A proposal to create new rules for small agri-tourism enterprises has generated so much controversy that County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has scheduled a public hearing Tuesday to air residents’ concerns. West Hawaii Today.

Goodfellow Bros. submitted the apparent low bid to build the western end of Saddle Road. West Hawaii Today.

A West Hawaii legislator would like to see a moratorium on approving new power purchase agreements that do not decrease the cost of electricity until the state irons out details on how it should pursue its renewable energy goals. West Hawaii Today.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Monday declined to attend a meeting on Oahu on the use of voting machines. Big Island Now.

The Weather Channel’s new series “Hawaii Air Rescue” follows Hawaii Life Flight crews. West Hawaii Today.

Ever wonder what happens on those medevac flights that take patients from the Big Island to Oahu? Tribune-Herald.

For the 50th annual Merrie Monarch Festival, which kicks off March 31, in Hilo, the festival committee, led by President Luana Kawelu, wanted to do something different. They’re going back to the festival’s roots. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The University of Hawaii has lost the biggest contract in the school's history, worth tens of millions of dollars, to run a supercomputer center on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Tennessee Judge Larry Potter, who created one of the nation's first environmental courts, was invited to Maui on Saturday as the keynote speaker in a daylong conference hosted by Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful to try to establish the state's first environmental court in Maui County, organizers of the event, Laulima 2012, said. Maui News.

Will Spence, the planning director for the County of Maui, will discuss land use matters at a public informational meeting in Hana on Thursday, August 30. Maui Now.

Maui County is moving ahead with plans to build a $4.5 million rock seawall to protect its Wailuku-Kahului sewage treatment plant from erosion eating away at the beach fronting the facility. Maui News.

Kauai
Kauai County taxpayers are forking over tens of thousands of dollars to settle claims of racial discrimination filed by current and former employees of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Civil Beat.

The popularity of cars utilizing sources other than gasoline has skyrocketed, said Pat Iwasaki of Kaua‘i Toyota during the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair. Garden Island.

Clarissa Chun, London Olympics bronze medalist in women’s wrestling, challenged Kaua‘i High School students to find a passion about what you want to do and stick to it. Garden Island.

Merrie Monarch gears up in Hilo, Hawaii Legislature nixes teacher evaluations, Senate passes $11B budget, undersea cable moves forward, reapportionment lawsuit advances, rail boss pledges openness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Unukupukupu hula (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Unukupukupu performed at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort on Tuesday afternoon during a free hula exhibition, part of the Merrie Monarch Festival, which continues all week in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court will hear a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's reapportionment and redistricting maps.Star-Advertiser.

The federal government plans to discuss the potential of partially taking over workplace safety regulation from the state's Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division in the state Department of Labor later this spring. Hawaii News Now.

State senators have passed an $11 billion budget draft they believe will reinforce the state’s safety net, improve information technology services and create new jobs. 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.

Responding to pressure from public school teachers, state lawmakers backed away Tuesday from legislation that would have required teacher performance evaluations. Star-Advertiser.

One step forward, one step back. That's the way Tuesday went for Board of Education policies and state legislation regarding performance evaluations. Civil Beat.

Opponents of the Big Wind project failed on Tuesday to derail legislation that would make it easier to build large-scale wind farms on Lanai and Molokai and transmit the electricity to Oahu. Civil Beat.

Several community activists are speaking out against state Senate and House bills that aim to streamline private and public construction proj­ects by providing exemptions to regulatory and environmental review requirements. Star-Advertiser.

A diverse group held a press conference at the state Capitol yesterday to oppose four bills that exempt state and county government projects from the standard environmental review process. Hawaii Reporter.

About two dozen community organizers and activists gathered outside the Senate chamber at the State Capitol today, united in their opposition to four bills, two in the House and two in the Senate, that will provide exemptions from various environmental requirements for developers in urban areas. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii sure isn’t a standout when it comes to Public Access to Information. And now lawmakers appear keen on making matters worse. Civil Beat.

Rep. Mele Carroll has worst House attendance. Civil Beat.

Long lines that ensued at DMV locations last month following new driver's license requirements are now plaguing the state Health Department's vital records office, as frustrated residents seek copies of their birth and marriage certificates. KITV4.

Oahu

Newly arrived rail boss Daniel Grabauskas promised Tuesday to make the workings of the city's $5.27 billion rail project more transparent, starting with an initiative to make more rail-related records available on the website of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

More transparency. No coloring books. Those are among the big changes ahead as the new rail boss gets started. KHON2.

State transportation officials think a solution to rush-hour bottlenecks on the H-1 freeway in Makiki could be to re-stripe the freeway between Punahou Street and Pali Highway to create a fourth lane in each direction. Star-Advertiser.

Large portion of Kakaako will be conveyed to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Wednesday. KHON2.

The Thursday Geeks on DaBus event allows smartphone users to test the city's mobile applications for the bus. Star-Advertiser.

In about three days, the Dalai Lama will address a crowd of thousands of high school and college students at the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center. Pacific Business News.

State DOT admits mistake with unusable drone aircraft. Hawaii News Now.

A 13-year Honolulu police officer was arrested in connection with his role in a marijuana growing operation in Honolulu and Mililani, according to federal court documents. KITV4.

Hawaii

They may not have faced off, but Hawaii County’s likely mayoral candidates made their first appearance together in a precursor to this fall’s election at Tuesday’s Kona Town Meeting. West Hawaii Today.

A co-owner of the Hamakua Coast zip line course where a construction worker was killed in September says he is in no rush to reopen for business. Tribune-Herald.

A burned-out motor that caused the breakdown of a South Kona well is causing the county Department of Water Supply to issue health advisories and a voluntary water conservation. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A freeway-style ramp overpass could be part of the Kahului Airport access road that could break ground as early as the end of the year, state Department of Transportation officials said Monday evening. Maui News.

Officials with the state Department of Transportation joined civil engineers and planning consultants in a public presentation on Monday night on the proposed Kahului Airport Access Road. Maui Now.

The County Council Policy Committee on Monday recommended approval of two nominees for the Lanai Planning Commission, praising one nominee's public service, but questioning whether his role with the ILWU would place him too far to one side of a divisive issue on the island. Maui News.

The new Kihei roundabout - the first full-sized roundabout on Maui - officially opened to traffic after a short blessing ceremony Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

The landowner of a historic plantation camp in Koloa, Kauai, sued three tenants Tuesday who failed to vacate the property by Sunday's eviction deadline. Star-Advertiser.

The county Finance Department, which employs 88 workers in 10 divisions, asked for a smaller budget in fiscal year 2013 despite complaints about staffing shortages by one division. Garden Island.

The public is invited to help celebrate the 125th birthday of “Paulo,” the oldest surviving operating plantation locomotive in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Telcom union preps for strike, sentencing today for former Honolulu Councilman Tam, hula festival in trouble, Big Island recycling costly, more Hawaii news

Hawaiian hula (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Organizers of the World Invitational Hula Festival say they need to come up with $10,000 by Tuesday. KHON2.

The Hawaii state legislative auditor has released the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which is a series of audited government statements that detail the financial condition of the state government. Hawaii Reporter.

Scientists and federal officials have held a series of meetings on how to deal with the estimated 5 million to 25 million tons of potentially disastrous debris from the Japanese tsunami headed for the shores of Hawaii and the West Coast. Civil Beat.

Union workers at Hawaiian Telcom made preparations for a possible strike after they voted overwhelmingly Monday to reject the company's final offer on a new three-year contract. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education officials say they knew as soon as they opened school bus service bids in 2008 that something was wrong. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is seeking to boost premiums for about 162,000 members by an average 8.8 percent on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State prosecutors will seek a jail term today for former Honolulu Councilman Rod Tam on charges of stealing city funds and violating campaign spending laws. Star-Advertiser.

A consultant has completed work looking into potential sites for a new solid-waste landfill and plans to present its findings next week to a panel tasked with advising the mayor on where to put a new landfill on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

UH: APEC Sign Comes Down Thursday. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has selected Renewable Energy Group for a new contract to supply biodiesel to its 110-megawatt Campbell Industrial Park Generating Station. Pacific Business News.

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting will hold a public information meeting on the results and recommended changes of its review of the Ewa Development Plan and implementation process. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Hawaii County needs more cash reserves, says Councilwoman Brenda Ford, who is calling for mandatory savings to pay for future disaster repairs and offset unexpected revenue shortfalls. Tribune-Herald.

A committee looking into the proposed recycling contract concluded Hawaii County pays "a premium to recycle." West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council Land Use Committee will hold a site inspection and hearing this week to review the proposed Kahoma residential subdivision project in West Maui. Maui News.

Visitors and residents are spoiled for choice Saturday afternoon in Olowalu, where a Hawaiian monk seal lounges on the sand and a large pod of spinner dolphins puts on an aerial show just offshore. Maui News.

Kauai

On Saturday, the state and the county will salute and recognize these sons and daughters of Hawai‘i who were part of the 2.7 million soldiers who served in the Vietnam theater. Garden Island.