Fallen police officer mourned, hunt still on for killer; Honolulu police to roll out body cameras next month; first wave of free wi-fi hotspots unveiled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bronson K. Kaliloa

The Big Island mourned the loss of Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa Wednesday, only the fifth police officer to be killed in the line of duty on Hawaii island in the last 100 years. Star-Advertiser.

Condolences to the family of fallen Puna patrol Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa poured in Wednesday as word spread that the 10-year Hawaii Police Department veteran was shot and killed Tuesday night, allegedly by a man wanted on an arrest warrant. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s entire Big Island police force was on alert Wednesday for a suspect wanted in the killing of an officer during a traffic stop, including off-duty officers and some who returned to work from vacation and days off to join in the search. Associated Press.

5 Big Isle cops died in the line of duty since 1918. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Police Chief Speaks After Officer Kaliloa Killed In Line Of Duty. Big Island Video News.

Tribute to Fallen Officer Bronson Kaliloa. Big Island Now.

Fallen officer remembered as proud father of 3 who loved to help others. KHON2.

How officials react to the fallen Big Island officer. KITV.

Authorities are still searching for a suspect accused of fatally shooting a Big Island police officer on Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

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The state says it has rolled out the first wave of more than 1,000 public Wi-Fi hot spots offering one hour of free service throughout Hawaii as a result of a deal with Spectrum. Star-Advertiser.

List and maps of designated hotspots can be found here.

Here’s Why These Rookie Candidates Decided To Get Into Politics. This year’s newcomers come from all over the political spectrum, and a variety of issues inspired them to run. Civil Beat.

State Workforce Development Council Wants to Hire Transitioning Military Members and Spouses. Military service members and their families make up more than 10 percent of Hawaii’s population and the state wants to hire those leaving the military to fill critical shortage jobs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Diversion programs are an alternative to incarceration. The idea is to divert people away from prisons and into treatment programs. They’re being used in a growing number of communities across the country and they’re generating some excitement here in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Donors pick up $3.7 million tuition tab for University of Hawaii medical students. A trio of donors is aiming to tackle the physician shortage in an unusual way — they are picking up the entire tuition tab for nearly a third of the incoming class at the University of Hawaii Medical School. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced new legislation on Wednesday in an effort to protect native Hawaiian plants. Hawaii News Now.

Law proposed to improve missile alerts. Earlier this week, U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and John Thune, R-South Dakota, introduced the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act of 2018. Garden Island.

University finds new life in the abyss. While manganese mining operations eye the Pacific Ocean floor as their potential next frontier, scientists have found the seafloor plains are anything but vacant. Garden Island.

Panda Express to hire 85 people in Hawaii. Panda Express is hiring through a weeklong Panda Career Event, starting today at 400 locations nationwide, including Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HPD rolling out body cameras next month. The body cameras will be deployed to HPD stations in phases, going district by district, starting next month. KHON2.

City mistakenly overstates number of homeless getting permanent housing. Hawaii News Now.

Hoarder house no more: City hires contractor to clean Makiki eyesore. Hawaii News Now.

City will remove old vehicles, rubbish, overgrowth from Pensacola Street home. Star-Advertiser.

Can An Algae Supplement Turn Around A Struggling Hawaii Startup? Cardax, after burning through nearly $58 million, is finally making money and trying to expand sales on the mainland. Civil Beat.

An award-winning multi-million dollar organic farm in Waialua is now on the market. The five-acre lot is in Poamoho Estates in Waialua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Finding safe lava viewing site proves challenging. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii searches for safe spots for people to see lava. Stunning images of Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano have captivated people around the world. But ironically it's nearly impossible for residents and visitors on the ground to see the lava - a fact that's squeezing the tourism-dependent local economy. Associated Press.

Planning efforts for temporary and permanent housing solutions were a focus of Tuesday night’s public meeting in Pahoa on the Kilauea eruption. Big Island Video News.

After nearly 11 weeks, eruptions are still claiming homes on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Collapse explosion destroys structure at Leilani Estates. Star-Advertiser.

Tourists unfazed by lava bomb accident. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC exercises hit Hawaii Island. The U.S. Navy LCAC seemingly floats over the sand, kicking up a cloud of dust and mist as the hovercraft’s massive propellers spin, allowing it to turn on a pivot and make its way into the water at Kawaihae Harbor to gather soldiers and equipment from the USS Bonhomme Richard sitting some 3-5 miles offshore. West Hawaii Today.

Incumbent’s Surprise Withdrawal Opens Up Council Race. The departure leaves two newcomers who emphasize agriculture and sustainability facing off for the seat. Civil Beat.

Major components need to be added, attitudes shifted, as the fight against opioid misuse marches on. West Hawaii Today.

The Painful Demise Of A Big Island Charter School. Ka'u Learning Academy had its charter revoked after multiple violations, but there were plenty of red flags from the beginning. Civil Beat.

Maui

Familiar opponents went head to head over issues of pesticides, the Kihei high school, the minimum wage and lobbyist donations at a forum held for South and West Maui’s state Legislature candidates
Tuesday night at St. Theresa Church. Maui News.

Candidates for the South Maui state House seat took on topics of nearshore water quality, the growing visitor industry, use of the Piilani Promenade project site and other issues during a candidate forum held Tuesday night at St. Theresa Church. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa today announced that he has appointed Shayne Agawa as the new Deputy Director of the Maui Department of Water Supply, effective July 17, 2018. Maui Now.

Overcrowding worsens at Maui High — and relief is years away. The campus in Kahului is expecting about 2,023 students, including 600 freshmen. Hawaii News Now.

Newly Activated State Hotspots Offer 1 Hour of Free WiFi. Maui sites include business and community gathering places in Hana and Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

State reps, challengers report contributions. Garden Island.

Charter school status in question. Kanuikapono Public Charter School and Learning Center is going before the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission today to keep their doors open for the upcoming school year. Garden Island.

In response to April’s flash floods, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho instituted emergency measures that included a ban on vacation rentals. Now the mayor is considering lifting the ban to address the housing crisis in the wake of the floods. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Goodfellow Bros. Inc. crew reeled in a record-breaking marlin from Kauai waters on Saturday during a trip to do some team building. The marlin weighed in at 1,073 pounds. Star-Advertiser.

Manhunt on for Big Island cop killer, disabled housing to be improved after federal probe, monster house bills back before Honolulu council, lava inches toward Pohoiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sunrise July 17 above Kilauea's lower East Rift Zone PC:USGS

 A manhunt is underway for a 33-year-old man in connection with a fatal shooting of a Hawaii island police officer in Mountain View. Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa was gunned down allegedly by the suspect identified as Justin Waiki. Star-Advertiser.

A manhunt is underway after a Big Island police officer was killed in a shooting in Mountain View late Tuesday, sources say. Hawaii News Now.

Justin Waiki

Hawaii Island police are investigating the murder of a police officer who was fatally shot while on a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 11, in the area of Kukui Camp Road, Mountain View. Maui Now.
  State Agrees To Upgrade Public Housing For Disabled After Federal Probe. An investigation found hundreds of violations of accessibility standards in Hawaii Public Housing Authority complexes. Civil Beat.

Retired ship pummeled during RIMPAC. U.S. and Japanese truck-mounted missiles hit the decommissioned ex-USS Racine from the shore, and an Australian P-8A Poseidon targeted it from the air Thursday during Rim of the Pacific exercises. Star-Advertiser.

Verizon, HECO team up on smart sensors. Hawaiian Electric Co. and Verizon have joined forces to modernize Hawaii’s power grid with the installation of GridWide, a smart sensor that collects near real-time data and is now up and running. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council panel to hear more ‘monster house’ bills. Two bills aimed at toughening laws on violators of building and zoning codes go before the City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday while a closely watched third bill will not. Star-Advertiser.

How Charles Djou Is Keeping His Hand In Honolulu Politics. The former Republican congressman, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor against Kirk Caldwell in 2016, is backing several City Council candidates. Civil Beat.

Judge: Officer in Kealoha Civil Case Entitled to City-Funded Attorney. The court ruled the city must pay for the defense of HPD officer Ming-Hung Nguyen because he was sued for actions “done in performance of duty.” Civil Beat.

A one-way ticket for homeless to Waianae's coast is upsetting residents, lawmakers. City officials are at odds with leeward lawmakers over what's causing an increase in Waianae's homeless population. Hawaii News Now.

The Hale Koa Hotel’s swimming pool complex on Waikiki Beach, including its popular Barefoot Bar, is getting a $14 million makeover. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police have announced an amnesty program for gun owners who have trigger modification devices called bump stocks. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police are reminding residents that they have just over three weeks to turn in bump stocks and other trigger modification devices without penalty under a state amnesty program. Star-Advertiser.

Did you know there are park rangers at Ala Moana Beach Park? KHON2.

Community Outcry Saves A Banyan Tree. Residents and others rejoiced after their protests changed the plan of a condo association and the city to cut down the massive tree. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The U.S. House of Representatives approved $4.8 million in federal funds Tuesday to support the opening of a new office for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Tour boat operators plan to continue taking visitors to see lava, but will follow the Coast Guard’s revised policy and stay farther away after an explosion caused molten rock to barrel through the roof of a vessel Monday, injuring 23 people. Associated Press.

Lava Ocean Tours, the lava boat operator whose 23 passengers were injured Monday morning by lava bombs, had a prior history of passenger lawsuits and had been previously fined by the state for lava tour boat violations. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Harry Kim told Hawaii News Now on Tuesday that he didn't know the Coast Guard had reduced the safety zone for licensed lava tour boat operators — and that he never would have agreed to that. Hawaii News Now.

Lava from Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone continues to inch its way along the lower Puna coastline toward Isaac Hale Beach Park and Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

State land and ocean managers are keeping a close watch on the lower East Rift Zone eruption, and are already preparing in the event lava overtakes Pohoiki and Issac Hale Park, which they believe could happen within the next few days. Big Island Video News.

Lava Could Overtake Pohoiki in Next Few Days. Big Island Now.

Mayor Harry Kim says a safe lava viewing area can happen soon. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says there could soon be a safe lava viewing area on land.  He adds there's a growing need for people from all over the world to see the attraction. KHON2.

Pahala meeting will prepare for various volcano scenarios. While chances of the seismic activity at Kilauea reaching catastrophic levels are very slim, a community meeting in Pahala seeks to keep everyone informed and prepared. Star-Advertiser.

A governor candidate forum featuring Sen. John Carroll, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, Gov. David Ige, Ray L’Heureux and Rep. Andria Tupola is slated for 6 p.m. Friday (July 20) at The Arc of Hilo Event Center at 1099 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is poised to salvage the Waiaha Deep Well after a cable snapped during a botched extraction at the site last summer, sending equipment plummeting into the earth and knocking the water source offline indefinitely. West Hawaii Today.

Opioid Effort: Tighter safeguards, increased awareness and expanding reach among upgrades in drug abuse battle. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Affordable housing got a boost on Maui recently when Governor Ige signed a bill that will help keep rents stable for 142 apartments on Front Street and build more affordable rentals in Lahaina. Hawaii Public Radio.

Old Wailuku Post Office site may be swapped. State would get lease for site for Kahului bus hub land. Maui News.

Ex Boys & Girls Club worker charged with sex assault. Incident allegedly involved girl at Central Maui clubhouse. Maui News.

The number of solar permits issued in Maui County plunged 23 percent during the first six months of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

With 24 candidates running for the seven seats on the Kauai County Council, the public has an opportunity to meet the candidates from 6 to 8:30 tonight at a forum coordinated by the Eleele-Hanapepe Community Association, Hui Hana Paakai, and Community Coalition Kauai at the Eleele Elementary School cafeteria. Garden Island.

Kaneshiro leads council race contributions. Candidates for Kauai County Council recently filed their financial reports for Jan. 1 to June 30 to the State of Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Garden Island.

Draft plan reduces convoys. The state Department of Transportation has circulated a draft plan to reduce the number of convoy runs to escort residents of the Haena-Wainiha area over the closed portion of Kuhio Highway and told community leaders the highway may close completely on weekends for six to nine weeks. Garden Island.

Federal disaster assistance tops $2.5 million. Garden Island.

The Small Business Administration is shutting down three Disaster Loan Outreach centers this week.  KITV.

Popular monk seal gives birth on Kauai. Garden Island.

China spy ship watching RIMPAC, Hanabusa gaining on Ige in money race, fraudulent service pets could be fined, firefighter boyfriend pleads guilty in Kealoha case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

RIMPAC exercise PC:Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello/Canadian Armed Forces

China sends spy ship to RIMPAC. China was disinvited from the prestigious Rim of the Pacific exercise, but it has made an appearance anyway — dispatching a spy ship to international waters off Hawaii, the Navy said today. Star-Advertiser.

In her bid to unseat Gov. David Ige, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa out-raised and out-spent him during the first six months of 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Ige, Hanabusa Power Up Their Fundraising. In the lieutenant governor’s race, state Sen. Josh Green has raised and spent the most cash. Civil Beat.

A bill that would fine people fraudulently representing their pets as service dogs has become law without Gov. David Ige’s signature. Star-Advertiser.

A new law in Hawaii now gives survivors of child sexual abuse more time to file claims against their abuser. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Federal Communications Commission announced new regulations to prevent false alerts from going out like the one that happened here in January. KHON2.

Oahu

Hawaii County Fire Department Battalion Chief Jesse Michael Ebersole pleaded guilty in federal court this afternoon to conspiring with deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha to lie about their affair to a federal grand jury and has agreed to cooperate in the prosecution of Kealoha and her husband, retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha’s Boyfriend Pleads Guilty To Federal Conspiracy. “I lied to the grand jury,” Jesse Ebersole says regarding his relationship with the city prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Firefighter: 'I lied' to grand jury about affair with ex-HPD chief's wife. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island firefighter pleads guilty to conspiracy charges. KITV.

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The families of the four victims that died in the high-rise Marco Polo fire filed a lawsuit today alleging that the deaths could have been prevented if the defendants had followed basic safety measures. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit filed over fatal Marco Polo fire. KITV.

Council OKs Property Tax Break For Active-Duty Military Personnel. If signed by the mayor, the exemption would cost Honolulu an estimated $1 million a year. Civil Beat.

City officials relocate 23 homeless people ahead of park maintenance project. Hawaii News Now.

City officials say they got 23 people off the streets of Oahu Wednesday night. KHON2.

Office tower to become affordable housing. An abandoned office tower eyesore in downtown Honolulu is slated for a face-lift, but its “pimples” will remain under a plan to convert the building into affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Search For Other Beneficiaries to Hawaiian Heiress’ Trust Will Continue. A judge delayed deciding whether to include a new board of directors for Abigail Kawananakoa’s charity in the battle for control of her $215 million trust. Civil Beat.

Arch enemies': Princess Kawananakoa's attorneys denounce foundation's board. Hawaii News Now.

Biki expansion plans run into possible roadblock in Waikiki. Some residents near Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head want Biki to backpedal on its expansion plans for the area. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lava has consumed Kua O Ka La charter school and Ahalanui County Beach Park. KHON2.

Lava consumed Ahalanui Beach Park on Wednesday evening, destroying yet another beloved Puna destination. Tribune-Herald.

Loss of school stings: Destruction of Kua O Ka La ‘utterly devastating’. Tribune-Herald.

The county’s purchase of a $2.7 million Vacationland parcel from a politically connected family is ongoing, even after the land was made worthless by lava inundation. West Hawaii Today.

Businesses and residents affected by lava on the Big Island have received over $10 million in disaster assistance loans from the Small Business Association, officials announced on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Council Proposal Urges State To Name Fissure 8. Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy has introduced a resolution asking the State Board on Geographic Names to begin the consultation process. Big Island Video News.

Does Anyone Really Miss The Puna Geothermal Plant? Hawaii Electric Light Co. has plenty of power despite the shutdown of the plant which was damaged by lava. Civil Beat.

USGS employs high-tech laser mapping at Kilauea’s summit. Tribune-Herald.

Changes are planned at Pohakuloa Training Area as the U.S. Army moves forward with a $210 million overhaul. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kihei developers seek to go back to the future. Latest proposal for Piilani Promenade project area more in line with 1995 plans. Maui News.

Representative Justin H. Woodson of Maui says the recent approval of the Kahului Civic Center Mixed-Use Project and multi-family rental housing units by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Board of Directors is a positive move toward providing more affordable housing. Maui Now.

All Maui County DMV's will be closed Friday due to staff training. KHON2.

Kauai

America, Japan forces work together in historic missile operation. The Japanese Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, SSM12, didn’t launch when it was supposed to on Thursday during a historic multi-domain exercise at Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

A vision for Kauai’s children to accomplish their dreams on Kauai is why Billy De Costa is running for the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

By a unanimous vote at the Kauai County Farm Bureau annual meeting, Johnny Gordines repeats as the Kauai County Farm Bureau president. Garden Island.

Supreme Court: Hawaii B&B must allow gay couples; lava takes charter school, beach park; Honolulu City Council flouts Sunshine Law; smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco banned at universities; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford were denied by B&B PC: Lambda Legal

Hawaii Supreme Court sides with lesbian couple in B&B case. A state appeals court ruling that a bed and breakfast discriminated by denying a room to two women because they’re gay will stand after the state’s high court declined to take up the case. Associated Press.

6 candidates for Hawaii's First Congressional District share stance on local issues. Ed Case, Doug Chin, Donna Mercado Kim, Kaniela Ing, Beth Fukumoto and Ernie Martin. KITV.

State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim and Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin blasted government bureaucracy and regulatory agencies such as the state Land Use Commission for hamstringing development in Hawaii at a forum for congressional candidates sponsored by local building and real estate trade groups. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Politicians Turn Digital Ads Into A Fundraising Bonanza. Federal candidates, from Tulsi Gabbard to Kaniela Ing, are spreading their messages across the U.S. in the attempt to build name recognition and raise money. Civil Beat.

Challenger criticizes Tulsi Gabbard for avoiding debates prior to primary election. Hawaii News Now.

Smoking and tobacco use, including vaping, is officially banned on all 10 of the University of Hawaii’s campuses under a new law. Star-Advertiser.

All University of Hawaii campuses and properties are now smoke- and tobacco-free. A new law prohibiting smoking and tobacco use on UH premises was passed by the Legislature in May and signed this week by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

As of July 10,2018, tobacco use is banned at all 10 University of Hawaii campuses statewide, and the new rules include e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. KHON2.

Sales at Hawaii’s six medical marijuana dispensaries totaled $6.7 million in the past 10 months, and their earnings are likely to grow with two changes to the state’s cannabis law. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health to Implement New Retail Medical Cannabis Rules. Hawaii’s six operating retail Medical Cannabis Dispensaries are now selling products that function like inhalers or nebulizers. Hawaii Public Radio.

State to implement changes to medical cannabis law. KHON2.

For the military, including Rim of the Pacific exercise participants, there’s a whole lot of emergency, disaster response and mass casualty practice going on this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii mac nut industry cracks $50 million in sales. Rising prices for macadamia nuts helped Hawaii farmers generate record revenue last year, according to a new federal report. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Office of Elections Conducts Drive-Thru Voter Registration. The State Office of Elections is conducting drive-by voter registration on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Attorney General’s office is proposing fines of more than $135,000 against two nonprofits for multiple alleged violations of the state’s charitable solicitation laws. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mayor’s Islandwide Crackdown On The Homeless Rolled Out For Council. Two measures from Kirk Caldwell targeting homeless people in public places receive initial approval. Civil Beat.

City Council Ignores Open Meetings Law To Hear Bike-Sharing Bill. Chairman Ernie Martin convinced his colleagues to hear the bill one day after it was introduced. A minimum six-day notice is required. Civil Beat.

City Releases Plan for Ala Moana Park Renovations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu's shopping bag ban could be having an unintended consequence. Businesses say the new law makes it makes it much tougher to spot thieves. Hawaii News Now.

Families of victims killed in Marco Polo fire to file lawsuit. On July 14, 2017, Britt Reller, Melba Dilly, and Joann Kuwata were killed after the fire ripped through their apartments. Marilyn Van Gieson died several weeks later after suffering smoke inhalation. KHON2.

One year later, we relive the Marco Polo fire that claimed lives and changed laws. KITV.

Hawaiian Heiress’s Charity Board Heads to Court In $215 Million Trust Case. A new board of directors for Princess Abigail Kawananakoa’s charity wants to be included in ongoing battle for control of her trust. Civil Beat.

A mountain of trash and a broken restroom. Welcome to Keehi Lagoon Beach Park. People who frequent an Oahu park say the city needs to take better care of the scenic spot. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority board of directors on Wednesday voted to approve the appointment of Aedward Los Banos as executive director of the state agency responsible for overseeing development in Kakaako, Kalealoa and Heeia on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Servco Pacific Inc. held a blessing ceremony to mark the completion of Hawaii's first publicly accessible hydrogen station, located at the its corporate offices in Mapunapuna. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A popular Puna beach park that was home to a unique warm pond, as well as beloved public charter school facility, were both taken by lava on Wednesday evening. Big Island Video News.

After weeks of steadily flowing to the ocean in a self-contained channel, lava from fissure 8 began spilling over into Leilani Estates, destroying more homes in the subdivision, according to Hawaii County officials. Star-Advertiser.

The community has anxiously watched and waited as lava from fissure 8 inched toward the ocean — and closed in on the Kua O Ka La Public Charter School. Hawaii News Now.

County approaches Shipman about housing for evacuees. Hawaii County is looking beyond public lands for a potential land swap with Puna residents who lost their homes to lava. Tribune-Herald.

Incidents add to stress at lava shelters. During the 10 weeks since emergency evacuation centers opened in a hurry to house people chased from their homes by the Kilauea eruption, Hawaii County police were called 118 times to the sprawling Pahoa shelter, and another 21 times to the much smaller shelter in Keaau. Star-Advertiser.

With concerns over looting growing on Hawaii island, police are urging homeowners and renters within the eruption zone to report apparent looting as soon as possible. Hawaii News Now.

Work began this week to upgrade the long-delayed Kuawa ball fields in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A two-vehicle head-on collision late Tuesday afternoon on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, killed a highly regarded scientist and critically injured a well-known local musician. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

It is unclear how much of the remaining $46,000 of the $100,000 county grant awarded to Council Member Alika Atay’s executive assistant will be disbursed, the county Office of Economic Development director told a council committee Wednesday. Maui News.

Charges were dismissed Wednesday against a Haleakala telescope protester when a judge ruled that more than six months had passed without the defendant’s case going to trial. Maui News.

A three-word agenda item involving “proposed rule amendments” that the state Office of Information Practices warned might run afoul of the Sunshine Law was deleted by the liquor commission from Wednesday’s meeting. Maui News.

The National Science Foundation Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope takes shape as work continues atop Haleakala. Maui News.

KCA will present candidates forum. Maui News.

Kauai

Affordable housing plan rejected. Fiscal responsibility framed the Kauai County Council’s Wednesday decision to reject placing a charter amendment on the November ballot that would have allocated 3 percent of real property tax revenues to affordable housing. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council Wednesday voted down a proposed $475,000 infusion into The Kauai Bus to expand weekend services. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. signed a third supplementary emergency proclamation on Wednesday for the County of Kauai in order to continue relief efforts for damages sustained during the April flood. Garden Island.

Lanai

The OHA Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting on Lanai on Thurs., July 12, 2018. Maui Now.

U.S. Senate confirms former Hawaii AG as appellate judge, Hawaii to become last state with police standards board, Ige vetoes 8 other bills, Kauai electric co-op generates checks, don't feed the monk seals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Quonset huts ©2018 All Hawaii News

The Army plans to demolish nearly 100 World War II-era Quonset huts at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island — a potential loss of iconic structures that historians are lamenting. Star-Advertiser.

The United States Senate has confirmed former Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit by a vote of 72-27. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii attorney general confirmed to US Court of Appeals. The U.S. Senate confirmed President Trump’s nomination of Honolulu attorney Mark J. Bennett Tuesday in a 72-27 vote Tuesday. KHON2.

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Governor Reverses Himself: Hawaii Will Get A Police Standards Board. All four county police chiefs also switched positions on the bill, according to Honolulu Chief Susan Ballard. Civil Beat.

A bill requiring the creation of a statewide law enforcement standards and training board has become law after Gov. David Ige on Tuesday reversed course and decided not to veto it. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige vetoes 8 bills but reverses decision on giving Hawaii a police standards board. KITV.

Gov. Ige vetoes eight bills, allows two to become law without his signature. KHON2.

3 measures will become law without the governor's signature. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige plans to veto legislation that would expand the state’s hotel tax. Associated Press.

Here are the 8 bills vetoed by the governor. Gov. David Ige vetoed eight bills on Tuesday that covered topics from medical marijuana use, enhanced consumer protections and environmental concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Read Gov. David Ige's full veto list here.

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Why Union Support Matters In The Hawaii Governor’s Race. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has gathered the majority of big labor endorsements, but incumbent Gov. David Ige has the support of teachers. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Doug Chin was endorsed today by the country’s largest federal employee union in his bid for Congress. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC Drill Will Use Hospitals Across the State. Big Island Now.

A U.S. judge gave the green light to lawsuits alleging the weed killer Roundup caused cancer Tuesday, allowing expert testimony linking the herbicide to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Garden Island.

A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers revealed more information about where rat lungworm has spread — and where it might spread in the future as the climate changes. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Airlines carried a record 1.05 million passengers in June, a 2.9 percent increase over 1.02 million in the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State and federal officials are reminding the public not to feed Hawaiian monk seals after several of the critically endangered species were recently spotted near a bay on the Leeward side looking for food. Star-Advertiser.

New signs are posted at the small bay near Kahe Power Plant asking people especially fishermen not to feed the Hawaiian monk seals. KITV.

Waimea Valley will soon close on a 3.75-acre land purchase that will allow the attraction to undertake its first real expansion since emerging from more than a decade of major financial struggles. Star-Advertiser.

Beachgoers at Magic Island warned of water main break, high bacteria levels. Hawaii News Now.

Crews to test water at Magic Island after finding high bacteria in ocean. KITV.

Toyota Motor Corp. launched a Honolulu car-sharing service today that allows customers to use smartphones to unlock and start cars for rent by the hour or day. Bloomberg.

Servco Pacific Inc. in cooperation with Toyota Connected North America launched car-share program Hui on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Because so much of Hawaii Island geography is designated as lava zones 1 and 2, it doesn’t make sense to bar construction there, Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Leilani Estates resident Geoffrey Last has been denied FEMA assistance, but his home is uninhabitable, according to a letter from county officials. Big Island Video News.

Lava imperils charter school and destroys endangered plants. Star-Advertiser.

District 7 hopefuls address issues at West Hawaii forum. The race for the Hawaii County Council District 7 seat is one of the 2018 election cycle’s most hotly contested on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

A Big Island firefighter accused of lying to a federal grand jury about his relationship with a Honolulu deputy prosecutor in the fraud and corruption case against her and her husband, the former Honolulu police chief, was put on paid leave. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County firefighters battled an early morning fire inside a 36,000-square-foot recycling company warehouse in Keaau, and finally putting it out after 5 1/2 hours. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Property owners can now pay their real property taxes online with the County of Maui’s Treasury Division automatic payment program. Maui Now.

Maui Preparatory Academy in Napili is constructing two new campus facilities that will add over 1200 square feet to existing infrastructure and position the school for future growth. Maui Now.

Maui named top island in Hawaii by Travel and Leisure Magazine. For the seventh year in a row, the Valley Isle was voted the top island in Hawaii. KHON2.

The island of Maui has earned honors once again as the No. 1 spot on Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of “Top Islands in Hawaii” in its 2018 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Maui Now.


Kauai

All seven candidates for the Kauai Office of the Mayor were on hand Tuesday night at the Kauai Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Forum at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

With the passage of Bill 2687 the Kauai County Council seems poised to gift millions of dollars of increased property values to a relatively small number of owners located in Lihue along Rice Street with “no strings attached.” Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will begin issuing $3.2 million in 2017 patronage capital retirement checks to cooperative members next week. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will begin issuing $3.2 million in 2017 patronage capital retirement checks to cooperative members next week. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Housing Agency will be accepting applications for its Section 8 program waiting list. KHON2.

The effects of the April flooding continue to be felt on Kauai and will be for the foreseeable future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Molokai

Committee defers action on Molokai short-term rentals. Residents oppose bill that would allow 25 rentals and grandfather existing ones. Maui News.

Lanai

Four Seasons Lanai applies for $5M in building permits for spa, fitness facilities. The spa buildings are part of The Lodge’s long-planned expansion and upgrade that will reduce the hotel’s room count and rebrand it as a destination spa. Pacific Business News.

Firefighter indictment alleges Honolulu deputy prosecutor Kealoha used stolen money for affair, Ige signs tougher gun laws, city council advances 400-home development, homes lost to lava now at 700, charter school loses contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor Katherine and ex-Chief Louis Kealoha leave court (file photo)

Kathrine Kealoha allegedly used stolen funds for affair. Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha paid for the hotel and airline tickets to fly her boyfriend to Honolulu from Hilo with money she is charged with obtaining illegally, according to the latest document filed today in the federal case against Kealoha and her husband, retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighter allegedly lied to grand jury about affair with ex-HPD chief's wife. A Big Island firefighter has been charged with conspiracy to obstruct after allegedly lying to the federal grand jury that eventually indicted Honolulu's ex-police chief and his deputy prosecutor wife. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County firefighter indicted for allegedly lying about Kealoha affair. KHON2.

Big Island firefighter indicted for lying about affair with Katherine Kealoha. KITV.

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Governor Signs Two Bills Tightening Hawaii’s Gun Laws. The measures ban bump stocks and decrease the amount of time people disqualified from gun possession have to turn in their weapons. Associated Press.

Governor signs new laws to tighten gun laws in Hawaii. Gun owners with bump stocks have 30 days to turn them over to the police. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige signs bills directed toward reducing opioid overdoses. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers Channel Frustrations Into Political Campaigns. Union leaders say the four teachers seeking House seats are the highest number of teacher-candidates in recent years. Civil Beat.

The Marine Corps in Hawaii is about to double the number of tilt­rotor MV-22B Ospreys it has to deliver Marines in a hurry to far-flung locations where fixed-wing aircraft can’t land. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Inspires Hope — And Disillusionment — For Hawaiians. Created out of the idealism of the 1970s Hawaiian Renaissance, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been bogged down by scandal and infighting. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's first-ever marine highway named after late Sen. Daniel Akaka. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's first marine highway named in honor of late US Senator Daniel Akaka. KHON2.

University of Hawaii researchers have found that rat lungworm is poised to expand its range under the spell of climate change, a fact that could leave more people than ever vulnerable to the infectious disease. Star-Advertiser.

Is Wireless Phone Giant Using Hawaii To Greenwash Its Image? An environmental group says a national ad by Verizon Communications misleads viewers about the company’s policies. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City fires contractor for $54M traffic center citing months of issues, delays. Hawaii News Now.

Problems keep expensive traffic management center unfinished. KHON2.

A plan that would allow up to 400 additional housing units in Laie won a preliminary 5-0 approval from the Honolulu City Council Planning Committee this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable housing bill for Laie advances in city council. KITV.

Public safety officials submit plan for relocating, replacing OCCC. The statement names the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa as the best choice for relocating OCCC. Hawaii News Now.

The city has revised its improvement plans for Ala Moana Regional Park to address issues brought up at a community meeting in January, and is now accepting public comments on it for the next month and a half. Star-Advertiser.

Close to 1,000 people have applied for low-cost mortgage pre-approvals from a nonprofit at an event that began in Honolulu on Friday, according to the event’s organizer. Star-Advertiser.

Mortgage Program Aims to Overcome Home-Buying Obstacles for Hawaii Residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

700 and counting: Number of homes officially destroyed since lower Puna eruption began increases. Tribune-Herald.

Cinder Road Residents Advised to Prepare for Evacuation. Big Island Now.

The ongoing lava flow has swallowed most of a $2.7 million parcel the county is buying for open space. West Hawaii Today.

Intense, hot air from the ongoing Kilauea eruption — combined with a drop in tradewinds — triggered 9.22 inches of rain containing sulfur dioxide to drench an isolated portion of the lower East Rift Zone in the 24 hours that ended at 8 Monday morning. Star-Advertiser.

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State Revokes Charter Of Big Island School. Parents will have to find new schools for 93 students after the Ka'u Learning Academy is closed by the Charter School Commission. Civil Beat.

The state Public Charter School Commission on Monday unanimously voted to revoke Ka'u Learning Academy’s charter because of multiple violations. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission today voted to revoke the charter contract for Ka'u Learning Academy "due to multiple contract violations", the state commission says. Big Island Video News.

State commission revokes Ka'u Learning Academy's charter amid criminal investigations. Hawaii News Now.

Kau Learning Academy contract revoked by charter school commission. KHON2.

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From plaques to peanuts: Council members report gifts. West Hawaii Today.

Laaloa Beach Park renovations to begin soon, will include parking lot reduction or removal. West Hawaii Today.

'A slow death': Waipio Valley residents concerned as mysterious illness kills wild horses. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The Realtors Association of Maui will host a mayoral debate on Thursday, July 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku. Maui Now.

A housing development arm of Catholic Charities Hawaii announced Monday that it plans to start building half of a $48 million rental housing complex for low-income seniors on Maui by the end of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Land Purchase Complete for Proposed Kahului Senior Affordable Rental Housing. Maui Now.

Land sale final for affordable senior rental housing project. Maui News.

Two pieces of Maui’s housing market moved in opposite directions in June, with declines for single- family houses and gains for condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a Maui condominium jumped 20 percent in June, compared to a year ago, while single-family home prices dipped, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

The light at the more than century-old McGregor Point Lighthouse along the coastline near Maalaea will be out until September as the U.S. Coast Guard repairs the navigational aid for boaters. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Mayor’s Luncheon is set for noon July 17 at Koloa Landing Resort. Garden Island.

The public is advised that the outermost southbound lane of Kuhio Highway at the intersection with Ehiku Street will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. tonight through Thursday. Garden Island.

Hawaii revising union laws following Janus decision, ballot testing and election updates, Maui council aide gets $100k county grant, volcano still simmers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Union rally, 2009 All Hawaii News file photo

State Moves to Stop Fee Collection for Non-Union Employees. The policy, outlined in a memo from the State Comptroller, was spurred by last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Janus v AFSCME. Hawaii Public Radio.

How Gov Candidates Would Grow Hawaii’s Economy. The next governor will face the challenge of not just creating new jobs, but creating high-paying jobs that allow people to afford to live in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige wins over environmentalists. It wasn’t more than two months into his term as governor when David Ige ignited the ire of environmentalists by nominating a development lobbyist for Castle & Cooke to lead the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Hawaii News Now enables Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign hypocrisy. Hawaii News Now.

Ballot machines tested ahead of primary election. KHON2.

Important dates you should know for the upcoming election. Hawaii News Now.

'Broken Promises': Documentary on Department of Hawaiian Homelands to release at Capitol. A new documentary centered around problems within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will be released at the State Capitol on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Public schools could soon be open for business. SB2051 would not only help students learn about business, but allow public schools to generate their own revenue. KHON2.

Private schools across the state are raising tuition by an average of 4 percent this fall, with the bill reaching $24,780 at Punahou School, the state’s largest independent campus. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has issued the first licenses to growers under the state’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. Garden Island.

Program Fighting Childhood Obesity Secures $2 million in Funding. Maui Now.

Big Island, Kauai see higher home prices in first half of 2018. Condominium prices on the Big Island rose by double digits during the first half of this year, while Kauai saw double-digit gains in sales for both single-family homes and condominiums. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The latest vision of Laie’s future will get its first public airing at today’s City Council Planning Committee meeting, and the draft’s author expects the sparks to fly again in a dispute that’s dragged on for years. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal for more housing in Laie, BYU expansion garners mixed reaction. On Monday, city council members will hold a special meeting that is expected to draw supporters and opponents of a controversial development plan for part of Oahu's North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

What Honolulu Rail Planners Can Learn From Puerto Rico. San Juan’s Tren Urbano, an elevated, heavy rail system like that planned in Honolulu, has struggled with low ridership and cost overruns. Civil Beat.

A Navy captain on active duty at Pearl Harbor has been censured for “repeatedly and improperly” accepting gifts from a Singapore-based defense contractor. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s Bright Retail Outlook May Not Linger.  Retail on Oahu has been growing over the past six months, but that could change as retailers confront two unfavorable conditions. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Marco Polo high rise almost one year after the fire. The deadly Marco Polo Condominium fire is considered one of the most destructive fires in Honolulu's history. KHON2.

Mobile phone company Sprint hitches gear to city light poles. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home prices dip but stay close to record. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Challengers in some Hawaii Island political races say the public is missing out on the back-and-forth of debates and candidate forums because the incumbents are no-shows. West Hawaii Today.

The Pahoa Community Center will open as a polling place on primary election day, Aug. 11, to allow residents hardest hit by the ongoing Kilauea eruption to register and vote on the same day. Star-Advertiser.

As a Puna geothermal plant enters its third month of a lava-triggered shutdown, its parent company affirmed its commitment to re-opening the facility and has told the 30 full-time workers they will remain on the payroll for at least a year. Star-Advertiser.

No significant change in volcanic activity. Tribune-Herald.

Community watches anxiously as lava closes in on Puna charter school. Hawaii News Now.

Several residents are determined to stay in their Leilani Estates homes. Star-Advertiser.

Kilauea eruption downsizes one of the Big Island’s largest orchid growers. Star-Advertiser.

While most of East Hawaii is seeing a wetter-than-average year so far, much of West Hawaii is parched. That’s particularly true for the Kona coffee belt — potentially bad news for this year’s coffee crop. Tribune-Herald.

Residents in the Laaloa Avenue area are one step closer to having a park of their own. A final environmental assessment with a finding of no significant impact for the long-planned project was published Sunday in the July 8 edition of the Office of Environmental Quality Control’s twice-a-month Environmental Notice. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Atay grant for queen’s events under review. $100,000 awarded to council member’s executive assistant. Maui News.

Ige signs bill to help tenants at Lahaina complex. Law begins process to condemn land under Front Street Apartments; provides $30 million for new construction. Maui News.

Pulehunui Industrial Park, Maui’s first and only subdivision to offer M3 Industrial zoning, is now complete and available to Maui businesses. Maui Now.

Maui Leads State in Timeshare Occupancy at 96%. Maui Now.

Kauai

Candidates at WKBPA meeting. The candidates for state representative for Kauai County District 16, Stephanie Iona and incumbent Dee Morikawa, will present their platforms. Garden Island.

County talks beach repair. April’s historic flooding brought in about 70,000 cubic yards of sand to Hanalei Bay, according to a study from the University of Hawaii. That damaged Weke Road, destroyed the comfort station at Black Pot Beach and left erosion up to 12 feet deep in some areas. Garden Island.

It could be months before reconstruction starts on Hanalei’s Weke Road — the sinkhole is still there and the road is still closed after April floods wiped it out. Garden Island.

Judge rules for developer in Coco Palms dispute, paves way for Kauai resort. A Hawaii developer will be able to lay groundwork for a resort in Kauai, ending court dealings in a lengthy property dispute. Associated Press.

Condominium sales jumped on Kauai last month, along with prices, while single-family homes posted a more modest price gain on flat sales, according to data from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.