Pearl Harbor vets mark 69th anniversary, Judge Samuel P. King dead at 94, hydrogen stations by 2015, Kauai government goes online, LUC denies Kona project, Honolulu Marathon gears up, more Hawaii news

Where they once raced frantically to survive fire and bombs, the Pearl Harbor survivors who returned yesterday on the 69th anniversary of the surprise Japanese attack lingered at a new $56 million visitor center, retold war stories, relished the camaraderie of other veterans -- and wondered if they would make it back again. Star-Advertiser.

Tuesday was the 69th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. About 2,500 people attended the ceremony. KITV4.

A new $56 million visitor center has been dedicated at Pearl Harbor to mark 69 years since the attack that traumatized a nation. Associated Press.

Before dawn, 69 years ago today, six Japanese carriers launched 181 planes in the first wave of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Hawaii Reporter.

Nearly 1,000 Hawaii Marines and sailors made it home tonight, just in time for the holidays. KHON2.

General Motors Co. and a Hawaii gas company are creating an underground network to pipe fuel to hydrogen cars in Honolulu by 2015. Associated Press.

Samuel Pailthorpe King, a federal judge for nearly four decades who distinguished the courtroom with his wit and wisdom and who co-authored the "Broken Trust" essay that helped transform Bishop Estate, died yesterday at Kuakini Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Long-time US District Court Judge Samuel P. King died this afternoon. KHON2.

Judge Samuel P. King, who served as a state and federal judge in Hawaii for more than 50 years, died Tuesday at Kuakini Medical Center after suffering a head injury earlier in the day. Hawaii News Now.

One of Hawaii’s oldest and most respected judges who still worked on court cases in his advanced age died Tuesday. KITV4.

Senior U.S. District Judge Samuel Pailthorpe King, 94, was one of Hawaii’s brightest stars. Hawaii Reporter.

The organizers of next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum are facing the daunting challenge of meeting the many varied requirements of the gathering and the 10,000 participants who will attend. Associated Press.

The Gemini Telescope on Mauna Kea is getting a 1,000-gallon diesel storage tank and underground earthquake sensors. Tribune-Herald.

The new governor inherited the burden of at least a dozen class action lawsuits that were filed against the state under previous administrations. Civil Beat.

In her years as an educator, activist and politician's wife, Nancie Caraway has developed a well-deserved reputation as an outspoken advocate on behalf of the causes she champions. Star-Advertiser.

It should come as no surprise that Maui's legislators, Democrats except for one, would welcome the inauguration of a Democratic governor after eight years with a Republican in Washington Place. Maui News.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle has unveiled a new website that chronicles her eight years as the state's chief executive. Associated Press.

Thousands of runners from around the world will be gathering on Oahu over the next few days...to participate in Sunday's Honolulu Marathon. KHON2.

The Honolulu Marathon has lost one of its key sponsors, Nike. KITV4.

Hotel occupancy rates throughout Hawaii have continued to rise compared to a year ago, while average room rates declined slightly. Associated Press.

Officials announced Tuesday that starting today the county will begin online streaming of Kaua‘i County Council meetings, Planning and Police commission meetings, and Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s weekly show, “Together We Can.” Garden Island.

Voters from Ewa Beach to Makaha should be receiving ballots in the mail later this week. They will choose their new representative on the Honolulu council, filling the seat vacated by Todd Apo. KITV4.

People flying in from Honolulu today must be thinking they brought the traffic to Hilo with them. Tribune-Herald.

The deep division in Laie over plans to rezone agricultural land around Brigham Young University-Hawaii -- allowing shops, churches and "affordable" homes -- spilled out last night when hundreds of people packed Kahuku High and Intermediate Schools' cafeteria wearing powder blue T-shirts in support of development and green T-shirts urging "Keep the Country Country." Star-Advertiser.

State land use commissioners shot down a request to reconsider a North Kona land classification change while beefing up their ruling against the project. West Hawaii Today.

While frustrated residents have built up a cache of large metal materials needing to be recycled, the county’s temporary program is almost done – but with a lot of success. Molokai Dispatch.

Got a knack for numbers? A head for business? A new report shows some of the hot jobs in Hawaii for 2011. Hawaii News Now.

Pledging to tackle Hawaii County's financial challenges, County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong and eight fellow lawmakers started their two-year term Monday. Tribune-Herald.

"The elections are pau; the future is now."A new Hawaii County Council was inaugurated Monday with much fanfare before about 300 people at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. West Hawaii Today.

One of the most dangerous places to cross the street in Central Maui, ironically, is at Maui Memorial Medical Center, according to planners looking for ways to improve health and safety by improving pedestrian and bicycle pathways in the region. Maui News.

Soon the Kaua‘i Fire Department will have an important tool to expedite search and rescue operations. Garden Island.

Parks and Rec Director Returns Home. Molokai Dispatch.

The Billabong Pipe Masters, the third and final jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, will commence tomorrow morning in perfect timing with the arrival of a new swell. Thursday also looks promising for a second consecutive day of competition. Hawaii Independent.

Gubernatorial duo's first debate, Marine Corps moving aircraft to Hawaii, playgrounds losing swings, Big Island courthouses closing, highway funds coming, more Hawaii news

The first update of conservation land use rules in 16 years would change the shoreline setback, eliminate required permits for activities like weeding and increase fees. Star-Advertiser.

A shortage of deputy sheriffs on the Big Island has prompted the state Judiciary to shut down three part-time satellite courthouses beginning Oct. 1 until further notice, officials said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Some Big Island judges are expressing concern the state may not be doing enough to ensure courtroom safety. KHON2.

Hawaii is in line for nearly $8 million in federal funds for highway, airport and other transportation projects. Associated Press.

The more former Mayor Mufi Hannemann and former Congressman Neil Abercrombie appear on stage together, the more it's obvious that there are real differences between the two Democratic candidates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's Democratic candidates for governor are battling over their job qualifications, with Mufi Hannemann saying the state can't afford a leader who needs on-the-job training and Neil Abercrombie giving backhanded praise of the former mayor's leadership. KITV.

In their first real opportunity to question each other, former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie challenged former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday to more debates before their primary election for governor and Hannemann asked Abercrombie to justify his support for offshore oil and natural gas drilling given the devastating BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Star-Advertiser.

There were not a lot of fireworks during a debate between democratic gubernatorial candidates Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann Wednesday afternoon in Iwilei. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Publishers Association hosted the forum as part of their newsmaker luncheon series. KHON2.

Hawaii's Democratic candidates for governor are battling over their job qualifications, with Mufi Hannemann saying the state can't afford a leader who needs on-the-job training and Neil Abercrombie giving backhanded praise of the former mayor's leadership. Associated Press.

Mark your calendars. On August 30th, Hawaii News Now and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser are proud to present a 90 minute live gubernatorial debate: State Showdown. Hawaii News Now.

Former Mayor Mufi Hannemann's campaign for governor has agreed to pay a $225 fine and a campaign worker will pay a $100 fine related to improper notice for a Pittsburgh fundraising event in June. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor and current Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann vowed Tuesday evening to "rectify the broken promises" made by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources if sworn into office. West Hawaii Today.

The Neighbor Islands' importance, needed school reforms and the potential for energy independence were recurring themes Tuesday evening as 10 candidates vying for lieutenant governor visited West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Marine Corps is holding meetings this month across the state, including in Hilo and Waikoloa, on its proposal to base three squadrons of helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

There are enough votes in the U.S. Senate to pass a bill treating Native Hawaiians like the nation's other indigenous groups by the end of the year. Associated Press.

Enjoying the big swings at the park is one of the best things about being a kid. But the administration of former Mayor Mufi Hannemann has made a decision that will make that experience harder to come by. KITV.

Workers in Construction Industry Struggling to Find Jobs. KHON2.

Hawaii Loses Out on Vacation Rental Taxes. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii is joining an online effort to connect money-saving ideas and government benefits with residents who need them. KITV.

The grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the Portuguese and the Puerto Ricans who immigrated to work on Maui's plantations may soon have a civic center to "store our history," in the words of Audrey Guerrero, vice chairman of Heritage Hall Inc. Maui News.

A fascinating story is developing. The parents of Hawaii's first baby, conceived using frozen unfertilized eggs, will share their story. Hawaii News Now.

The Heartbeat of America flatlined on the Big Island when Island Chevrolet closed its doors in May 2009. Tribune-Herald.

The Kaua‘i County Council in a five-to-two vote Wednesday approved significant revisions to affordable-housing conditions agreed upon five years ago by the developers of a major South Shore project. Garden Island.

There’s a wonderland of Hawaiian treasures right in our own backyard, West Maui, in a 300-acre valley above the shores of Kaanapali. Lahaina News.

Of the approximately 10 times a day that he passes the Lanai City house that Maui County Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala claims as his residence, Michael "Phoenix" Dupree said he has seen the councilman there only one time in the past two years. Maui News.

Seniors living in rural areas of Hawai‘i may benefit from medication safety education that will be provided by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo College of Pharmacy, a county news release states. Garden Island.

Gays filing lawsuit over civil unions, Big Island courthouses could close, Molokai newspaper opposes developer, Hawaii County targets vets, poor, for tax hikes, Honolulu councilman under criminal investigation wants to be mayor, more Hawaii news

Six gay couples in Hawaii are filing a lawsuit Thursday asking for the same rights as married couples, three weeks after Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed a same-sex civil unions measure. Associated Press.

First the veto, now a lawsuit. Two legal rights groups want the issue of same-sex marriage to be decided not by a public vote, but by a judge. Hawaii News Now.

Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Hawaii Foundation today said they will sue Gov. Linda Lingle over her July 6 veto of House Bill 444, which would have allowed Hawaii civil unions. Civil Beat.

Having been together since 2005, Sean Smith and Kale Taylor are like many committed couples -- they want to make things official. Star-Advertiser.

The Judiciary may shut down three of its part-time satellite courthouses on the Big Island temporarily because of a lack of sheriffs to provide security. Star-Advertiser.

Double-digit increases in arrivals and spending last month have made summer hotter for Hawaii tourism, though it still lacks the sizzle it had a few years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Economists hope the worst is over for Hawaii's housing slowdown. KHON2.

The last of Hawaii tax refunds are being mailed this week after they had been delayed because of state government budget shortages. Associated Press.

Councilman Rod Tam -- who's under criminal investigation for using city funds on meals for friends and family -- filed his nomination papers to run for Honolulu Mayor Wednesday. KITV.

The state dedicated a new $2.5 million dock at Keehi Small Boat Harbor Wednesday. KHON2.

The Governor says she's in no rush to sign off on the city's rail project. Wednesday, the city awarded a $5.5 million contract for the design of the West Loch, Waipahu and Leeward Community College stations along Farrington Highway. Hawaii News Now.

Mililani residents joined forces at a neighborhood board meeting Wednesday night, to oppose an affordable housing project in their community. KITV.

The House committees on Housing and Human Services’ joint informational briefing, held July 15, explored solutions–some more controversial than others–to the issue of chronic homelessness in the state. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii County is looking to scoop up an additional $270,000 in property taxes by targeting 6,000 disabled veterans and poor property owners who don't currently pay the minimum $100 tax. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is receiving $115 million in federal economic stimulus dollars, but you wouldn't know it by the 1,150 jobs that various industries shed on the Big Island so far this year. Tribune-Herald.

Wailuku resident Ken Kekona told officials how his teenage granddaughter nearly died in a crosswalk, and Kula resident Harriet Sibonga and other senior citizens pointed out dangerous places for pedestrians and motorists on Maui. Maui News.

Lava is now entering the ocean in two locations in Kalapana, and a third flow may reach the ocean soon. Star-Advertiser.

This past Saturday night, July 25, I stood alongside a small handful of neighbors and photographers watching Madame Pele’s molten lava consume a beautiful little home, custom-built by my neighbor Gary, complete with beautiful landscaping - tropical flowers, bananas, a little gazebo overlooking the lava fields, ancient ironwood and mango trees - all burning, falling all over the former end of Highway 137 in Kalapana. Big Island Weekly.
The names of the characters may be the same and the backdrop is still Hawaii, but that's where the similarities end between the old and new "Hawaii Five-0," the re invented CBS series that should leave audiences breathless for more. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Star Advertiser is saying good-bye to three longtime employees. KHON2.

Although the county received $1.21 million almost two years ago to retrofit lights at four county parks — Isenberg Park, Vidinha Football Stadium, Hanapepe Stadium and Peter Rayno Park in Hanama‘ulu — the project has yet to commence, according to the County Attorney’s Office. Garden Island.

Stop Molokai Ranch Windmills Petition. Molokai Dispatch.

Lingle appoints first woman chief justice, hoary bat stops roadwork, Honolulu sets mayoral election, Republicans get a mulligan, more Hawaii news

Gov. Linda Lingle appointed appeals Judge Katherine Leonard yesterday to become the state's fifth chief justice and the first woman to serve as head of the Hawaii Judiciary. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Linda Lingle has announced the nomination of Judge Katherine Leonard to be Hawaii's next chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. If approved by the state senate, Leonard would become Hawaii's first female chief justice. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Linda Lingle has nominated Intermediate Court of Appeals Judge Katherine Leonard to be the next chief justice of the Hawaii state Supreme Court. Associated Press.

Text of Lingle's speech.

About a thousand members and supporters of the UNITE HERE Local 5 hotel workers union showed up in Waikiki Thursday to protest against the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Hotel, with more than 80 of them arrested after they blocked Waikiki traffic. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's two U.S. House members on Thursday split their votes on a bill to restore jobless benefits, an issue that may resonate with unemployed workers who go to the polls in November. Associated Press.

The state labor department expects to process $10,000 retroactive claims, now that President Obama has signed off on an extension of unemployment benefits. KHON2.

Honolulu voters have just less than two months to decide who should serve the final two years of Mufi Hannemann's term as mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Looking back five decades to statehood, Honolulu mayors have marked many of the same political milestones en route to Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

The special election in May to fill Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie cost taxpayers $670,000, state elections officials confirmed on Thursday. KITV.

Republicans, taking advantage of a state law that gives political parties extra time to find replacements for candidates who have withdrawn, have found a challenger to state Rep. Hermina Morita on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Mina Morita said even her Republican friends are upset about the 11th-hour competition Morita got in her bid for re-election to the district that runs from Wailua Houselots to Ha‘ena. Garden Island.

It's a sign of the season. Politicians and political wannabe's signs and banners jockey for space on fences and walls. Hawaii News Now.

Perhaps sensing voter discontent, political challengers have cropped up right and left this election year to try to unseat Maui County incumbents in the state Legislature. Maui News.

Honolulu Councilman Rod Tam Thursday spoke for the first time publicly about being the subject of a criminal investigation. KITV.

In Kahana Valley State Park, fresh taro and sweet potato sprout from a garden adjacent to a road made from dirt and small chunks of cement. Cinder blocks mark grave sites of kupuna. Some trees have been chopped down or burned, their rotten insides exposed. Star-Advertiser.

Kilauea Volcano continues to put on a show that's delighting hundreds of visitors. KHON2.

West Hawaii residents are breathing easier these days, thanks to reduced sulfur dioxide emissions from Kilauea's east rift eruptive vents and weather conditions controlling the dispersal, said Tamar Elias, gas geochemist at U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. West Hawaii Today.

Economist Paul Brewbaker of TZ Economics told a meeting of the Realtors Association of Maui this past Friday that the great recession is over and the economic expansion has begun. Lahaina News.

Nearly 75 percent of the grading for Phase 1 of Ane Keohokalole Highway, known as the midlevel road, has been completed since its March groundbreaking, but work has been stopped until Aug. 15 because of the Hawaiian hoary bat, said Alex Leonard, project manager of Honolulu-based Nan Inc. West Hawaii Today.

The driving time between downtown Hilo and Kaumana will be shortened under a proposal from Mayor Billy Kenoi's administration to boost the speed limit on the Puainako Street extension. Tribune-Herald.

County Council members Wednesday approved a resolution urging the state Board of Education to reconsider its plan to consolidate three North Kohala schools into one K-12 school. West Hawaii Today.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares is demanding an apology from former Mayor Alan Arakawa over his comments during his radio show. Maui News.

After seven months with no metal recycler on Molokai to dispose of junk cars and appliances, the County of Maui has secured a new contractor to run the island’s facility. Molokai Dispatch.

It’s not often that the object of a spearfishing contest is to get rid of introduced, invasive species. Garden Island.

A lawmaker in American Samoa has filed a lawsuit to stop the U.S. territory from spending money on Samoan Heritage Week in Hawaii without legislative approval. Associated Press.