Legislature begins 30th biennial session today, second rail audit just as scathing, Supreme Court hears Honolulu election dispute, public, press barred from Kauai boys soccer game, Pearl Harbor commander removed after ordering 10 prostitutes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace ©2019 All Hawaii News

Iolani Palace State Monument will begin closing its doors at 6 p.m. starting Feb. 1, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced today, citing nighttime vandalism and vagrancy. Star-Advertiser.

You’ll no longer be able to roam the grounds of Iolani Palace at night. Hawaii News Now.

As Hawaii Legislature begins, lawmakers to focus on minimum wage to disaster recovery. The 30th biennial Hawaii Legislature will begin Wednesday morning, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle vowing to avoid the bitterness and divisiveness that has defined the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

The state Senate and House of Representatives are set to convene the 30th Biennial Hawaii State Legislature this morning at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Legislature to open Wednesday. KITV.

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State auditor questions Honolulu rail spending on contract hires. The Honolulu rail project is spending more than $42,000 a month on contract hires including some who hold senior management positions within the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, but the agency does not evaluate the performance of those non-city workers, according to a new report issued by the Hawaii State Auditor today. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Heavy Reliance On Consultants Is Causing Problems For Honolulu Rail Project. “Consultants often manage consultants, who manage other consultants,” the state audit found, and HART doesn’t hold them accountable. Civil Beat.

Audit: Costly consultants hold key jobs in Honolulu rail agency. Associated Press.

State Auditor Releases Second Report on HART. This report highlights oversight and accountability issues within the agency, and HART's relationship with HDR Engineering Inc. Hawaii Public Radio.

High consultant salaries red-flagged in second part of HART audit. KHON2.

Full text: Audit of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation: Report 2 is available here.

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Government shutdown triggers unprecedented early distribution of food stamps in Hawaii. Here’s another impact of the government shutdown: Tens of thousands of Hawaii residents will get their food stamp payments almost two weeks ahead of schedule. Hawaii News Now.

Education Officials Are Keeping Teacher Misconduct A Secret. Information on bad teachers, including details of misconduct and current status, is hard to get in Hawaii, despite a state law requiring its release. Civil Beat.

Navy removed Pearl Harbor sub commander for bringing 10 prostitutes to hotel, report says. Star-Advertiser.

Fight Against Climate Change Is ‘An All-Out, All-In War’. Keynote speaker at Hawaii Climate Conference cites importance of equitability in how we respond to the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

Lunar eclipse set to light up the sky over the weekend. A total lunar eclipse and super moon will light up the sky on Sunday, January 20. The lunar eclipse will create a red glow, while the super moon will make it appear bigger and brighter. KHON2.

Commentary: The Incredible Shrinking Tulsi Gabbard. As the Hawaii congresswoman’s past catches up with her, public interest in her as a presidential contender plummets. Civil Beat.

Why the Supreme Court might make it easier for Hawaii to order wine online. If you enjoy exploring the many vintages and nuances of wine, pay attention: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday in a case that could bring the multibillion-dollar wine industry closer to your doorstep. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Revote possible in City Council race. If the Hawaii Supreme Court chooses to side with City Council candidate Tommy Waters’ challenge of his 22-vote loss to Trevor Ozawa in November, voters of the East Honolulu district might need to vote again. Star-Advertiser.

In council race dispute, justices grill officials over handling of absentee ballots. State Supreme Court justices grilled elections officials Tuesday over how they handled absentee ballots as they considered a challenge to a narrow City Council win. Hawaii News Now.

Supreme Court questions process of mail-in ballot collection. Supreme Court Justices heard arguments Tuesday afternoon in a challenge over the East Honolulu District 4 council seat. KHON2.

Possible conflict of interest in Hawaii Supreme Court recount case. Hawaii's Supreme Court's considering a challenge to election day results in a close race for City Council. KITV4.

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$250K payout to Kealoha links city’s top civil attorney to corruption probe. Corporation Counsel Donna Leong negotiated the deal without getting approval from the city council. Hawaii News Now.

Target letter raises question on the source of money for police chief's payout. KHON2.

Honolulu’s inflation rate rose 1.9% in 2018. Honolulu inflation rose just 1.9 percent last year, its slowest pace since 2015, as a sharp gain in energy prices was largely offset by decreases in the cost of apparel, education and communication, and small increases in food and beverages as well as shelter. Star-Advertiser.

Residential towers planned for near Aloha Stadium. Future high-rises are envisioned near a rail station next to Aloha Stadium in Halawa, but one developer wants to build extra-tall and dense towers beyond where city planners have prescribed such development. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $1.3 million to the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) for a three-year wave-energy research project, the university announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County is considering building a temporary access road over lava-covered portions of Highway 132 to enable more Puna residents to return home. Tribune-Herald.

Some residents of eruption-ravaged Puna want the County of Hawaii to allow mobile homes on the island and in their district, but the new Director of Public Works does not appear to be in favor of the idea. Big Island Video News.

Legislators want Puna boat ramp study expedited. Lawmakers are working to fast-track a study to determine the best way to reopen a boat ramp in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Warden called to court 6 times for flubs. Over the course of 12 months, the warden of Hawaii Community Correctional Center was ordered before a judge six times to show cause on erroneous releases and failed transports to Kona’s courthouses. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An environmental impact statement is underway for the 200-room Windward Hotel proposed for a 5-acre site near Costco and the Kahului Airport. Maui News.

The REIT Way Hawaii Community Giving campaign, involving a group of real estate investment trusts, donated $100,000 to Na Hale O Maui community land trust on Monday to help build 12 homes in the Kahoma Residential Subdivision and reduce the cost to homeowners. Maui News.

Maui’s Lynn Araki-Regan was appointed first deputy at the state  Department of Transportation Administration.  The announcement was made on Monday by Governor David Ige and Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIF boys soccer game closed to public, media. Because of an on-field altercation from a previous game, the upcoming varsity boys soccer match between Kapaa and Waimea high schools will be closed off to the public and media. Garden Island.

A presentation and panel discussion on a proposed North Shore shuttle service will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Ha Coffee Bar. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram occasionally hears the stories from people looking back on days when it cost $25 to fly between the islands and coupons were available. Garden Island.

Hawaii Health Department says local romaine lettuce OK, recreational fishing fee mulled, filmmaker sues state claiming religious bias, Maui Sugar Cane Train returns, Lloyd's to pay lava victims, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian fisherman ©2018 All Hawaii News

Fee to fish?: Group sets public meetings to break down report on recreational fishing regulation. Almost two years after Conservation International Hawaii and the Western Pacific Fishery Council released a feasibility study on a regulatory system for noncommercial fishing in Hawaii, contributors are touring the state to discuss it with the public. West Hawaii Today.

State lawmakers noncommittal on raising minimum wage. Nate Hix, who founded an advocacy group Living Wage Hawaii, is hoping that a significant hike in the minimum wage during the upcoming legislative session, which begins in January, will help alleviate the struggles of many Hawaii residents, and he believes the political momentum is there. Star-Advertiser.

Racing To Save Hawaii’s Songbirds From Extinction. Scientists are urgently searching for backup homes to protect the three remaining species in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

New climate change report not good for Hawaii. A new U.S. Climate Assessment report is out and it highlights many factors that could change the landscape of the islands. KHON2.

US Climate Report Warns Of Worsening Weather Disasters. In Hawaii and the Pacific, surface temperatures and sea level continue rising, while extremes such as drought and flooding continue affecting the islands. Associated Press.

State says locally grown romaine lettuce OK. Farmers tell us the state Department of Health put out a notice that local lettuce from Hawaii is not linked to the E. Coli outbreak. KHON2.

Filmmaker sues state, claims religious bias. A veteran producer of faith-based films is accusing officials in the Hawaii Film Office of discriminating against his Christian-themed historical movie and conspiring to deny a substantial tax credit due his production. Star-Advertiser.

Appleseed Center urges tough vacation rental rules. A local nonprofit focused on poverty issues is urging that Hawaii follow several cities around the world in getting tough on regulating the use of homes as short-term vacation rentals.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s disability benefit denials reversed at highest rate in nation. he judges in 64 percent of cases ruled in favor of Hawaii applicants who appealed their benefit denials — by far the highest rate among the 50 states and substantially above the national average of 43 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Hawaii businesses and residents impacted by Tropical Storm Lane, the U.S. Small Business Administration has announced. Maui News.

Marketing Hawaii as a Sports Center. Between the Vans Triple Crown of surfing, the Maui Invitational college basketball tournament and the Los Angeles Rams lined up to play a pre-season game at the Aloha Stadium next year, there are a lot of reasons why sports fans are paying attention to Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Strike negotiations between workers, hotel management to resume Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Local 5 strikers hold candlelight vigil before Monday's negotiations. The local union represents more than 2,000 employees in Hawaii currently on strike. KITV.

Oahu

Program prevents former inmates from becoming homeless. Waikiki Health continues to exceed expectations in helping prisoners who would otherwise end up homeless once they’re out. Star-Advertiser.

Free Ala Moana Clinic Opens For Young People With Psychosis. OnTrack focuses on getting those with a severe mental disorder back to school or work, and helping them restore their relationships. Civil Beat.

Couple launches new mobile shower service as community service. How many of us take for granted a hot shower? For so many homeless folks, it's a luxury.  KITV.

A UH program is getting federal money to help free innocent inmates. The program analyzes DNA and new evidence to seek justice. Hawaii News Now.

Surf competitions work to protect Hawaii’s shorelines, address coastal erosion. 'We want to see this place preserved for future generations of surfers.' Hawaii News Now.

Three of the four museums and memorials in Pearl Harbor — including the USS Arizona Memorial, one of the most visited attractions in the state — are headed toward name changes to better define their mission and to improve fundraising. Star-Advertiser.

UH Cancer Center Awarded $1.4M for E-Cigarette Research. The effects of e-cigarette marketing on young adults' knowledge, attitudes and behavior is the focus of a University of Hawaii Cancer Center researcher. Maui Now.

New deal to transport Falls of Clyde to motherland. As the holiday season commences, the four-masted, iron-hulled ship originally built in Port Glasgow, Scotland, continues to sit in limbo at Pier 7 near the Aloha Tower Marketplace as a Scottish-­based group works determinedly to secure funds for its return. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County seeks flexibility in using GET funds. Hawaii County officials plan to ask lawmakers for more flexibility in how it can use its general excise tax surcharge. Tribune-Herald.

Lloyd’s of London agrees to pay lava victims, attorney says. Lloyd’s of London has agreed to pay policyholders whose claims were denied following the Kilauea eruption, according to an attorney suing the company. Tribune-Herald.

Councilmembers got an update on a years-long legal fight involving election division employees and former legislative officials. Big Island Video News.

Mass Transit recovery ongoing. Brenda Carreira, the third Mass Transit administrator this year, assured a County Council panel earlier this week she’s taken the first steps to pull the beleaguered agency back together. West Hawaii Today.

Ota Well Project a go: EA clears path for site development in Holualoa. An environmental assessment related to the construction of two wells off a stretch of Mamalahoa Highway in Holualoa has received a finding of no significant impact. West Hawaii Today.

Proposed Biofuel Plant Faces $100M Deadline. Some residents and environmental groups continue fighting the conversion of an old coal-powered plant into a wood-burning facility. Civil Beat.

Consensus reached: Community members agree to potential Pololu Valley Lookout land donation. Nearly two dozen residents found common ground Wednesday night, reaching a consensus that may lead to a five-acre land donation at Pololu Valley Lookout from Surety Kohala Corporation sometime in the next year or so. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Nearly 3 Million Visitors Came to Maui in 2017, New Report Finds. The number of visitors staying on Maui in 2017 rose 4% from 2016 to 2,744,994 visitors, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority's 2017 Annual Visitor Research Report. Maui Now.

Hotel revenue per room drops, first time since January ’16. Official says it is too early to tell if drop the result of stormy weather. Maui News.

Maui Sugar Cane Train’s Holiday Express returned Friday; full schedule of runs expected to depart in May. The iconic Maui Sugar Cane Train may return permanently with regular runs starting in May, a co-owner said Friday. Maui News.

A gauge of new-vehicle sales showed Maui totals down 8.4 percent for the first nine months, compared to last year, the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association reported Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

A meeting is set for 3:30 p.m. today at the Historic County Building for the members elected to the Kauai County Council for the term commencing Dec. 3 to discuss their organizational structure for the 2018-2020 council term. Garden Island.

December BLNR meeting key to Kauai’s water. The December BLNR meeting will focus on how much water, if any, should be diverted out of the streams at the Blue Hole. Garden Island.

A tentative settlement has been reached in a civil lawsuit filed against the Kauai County Police Department by the family of a 19-year-old Hanapepe man killed by a speeding police cruiser. Garden Island.

Vacation rental business growing, Honolulu council candidate asks Supreme Court for recount, Western governors to meet in Kona, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach scene ©2018 All Hawaii News

Isle B&Bs, vacation rentals see double-digit growth. Hawaii’s bed-and-breakfast accommodations and vacation rental homes saw double-digit growth in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

State economic growth downgraded. Hawaii’s extraordinary run of economic expansion, now in its ninth year, paused briefly earlier this year, according to a new federal estimate that has led state officials to downgrade their annual growth forecast for the local economy. Star-Advertiser.

School improvements could be completed faster under the DOE’s new plan. With one in every five Hawaii public schools over 100 years old, there has been a significant backlog of repairs needed at campuses across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Government-backed Veterans Affairs purchase loans in Hawaii surged more than 71 percent in financial year 2018, compared to five years ago, according to Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s largest VA lender. Pacific Business News.

Company with ties to Sandwich Isles faces bankruptcy. Creditors of a business called Paniolo Cable Co. that is owned by the adult children of imprisoned telecommunications entrepreneur Albert Hee are trying to force the cable company into bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Oldest US military survivor of Pearl Harbor dies at age 106. Ray Chavez, the oldest U.S. military survivor of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor that plunged the United States into World War II, died Wednesday. Associated Press.

A Hawaiian Airlines flight en route to the mainland was turned around and landed back in Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines Flight 16 was headed toward San Diego from Honolulu Thursday when about an hour in, the pilots decided to turn around. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Oahu politician challenging election results. The election may be over but one candidate is challenging the results. Tommy Waters lost his bid by just 22 votes. KHON2.

Honolulu’s Secret Home Buyers Must Now Reveal Their Identities. New federal rules aimed at cracking down on criminal activity require that shell companies paying all cash for homes report their owners. Civil Beat.

Head of award-winning permitting agency says DPP can change, too. The head of a Washington county permitting department that transformed itself into a nationally recognized exemplary agency says the same thing can happen at Honolulu’s embattled Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Inflatable, mobile homeless shelters could be coming to Oahu. Honolulu Police have a new idea that could temporarily house the homeless who can't get into area shelters because of overflow: portable, inflatable shelters. KITV.

Oahu’s Waianae Range will be the future home of more than a dozen wind turbines after Hawaiian Electric Co. signed a power purchase agreement with EE Ewa LLC for a new 46.8-megawatt wind project on the island’s west side. Pacific Business News.

Wind farm proposed for Waianae range. Wind farm proposed for Waianae range. Star-Advertiser.

A battle over a Portlock gate blocking access to a beach path is far from over. The city council is taking up the matter at next Wednesday's meeting. KITV.

Owner of Honolulu engineering firm convicted of conspiracy to commit tax fraud. A federal jury convicted Wagdy Guirguis, owner of engineering firm GMP Associates Inc. and CPA Michael Higa with conspiracy to defraud the IRS on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Teddy’s Mapunapuna closes for cleaning after video allegedly shows workers grilling rat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Western Governors’ Association will hold their 2018 Winter Meeting Dec. 11-13 at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island. Maui Now.

TMT opponents want high court to reconsider ruling. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope are getting some help from other Native Hawaiian leaders and a former state Supreme Court justice in their request for reconsideration of a recent ruling in favor of the $1.4 billion project. Tribune-Herald.

Recovering lava-inundated areas around Puna’s Highway 132 has been prioritized by the Hawaii County Council. On November 20, the council passed Resolution 732-18, requesting the administration work on getting alternative roads for residents who were isolated during the recent eruption. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Ground broken for new county service center. $25 million project targeted for completion in 2020. Maui News.

The County of Maui today broke ground on a new 60,000 square foot service center on a parcel located at the Maui Business Park in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kuhio Highway opening could be early 2019. The Hawaii Department of Transportation said Wednesday that due to weather-related delays and consideration of environmental and community concerns, it is now targeting early 2019 for reopening of Kuhio Highway on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Seasport Divers is partnering with the Kauai Surfrider Foundation to do an underwater debris cleanup at Koloa Landing, one of Kauai’s popular dive and snorkel locations. Garden Island.

Hawaii losing one of its two dairy farms, Caldwell vetoes condo bill, hotel occupancy down, Big Island vacation rental bill passes, Maui affordable housing breaks ground, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island Dairy, Facebook page photo

Big Island Dairy owners confirmed Tuesday that they will discontinue dairy and milk processing operations at the Ookala facility for financial reasons. Tribune-Herald.

One of two of the state's only dairies is closing. Big Island Dairy has announced it's ending operations in February next year. KHON2.

Embattled Big Island Dairy Farm Plans To Shut Down. A lawsuit filed last year alleged repeated spills and runoff of cattle manure, cattle urine and other waste from Big Island Dairy violated federal laws. Civil Beat.

Big Island Dairy will discontinue its operation of raw milk production and milk processing operations at its farm on the Hamakua Coast. Big Island Video News.

Embattled Big Island dairy farm plans to cease operations, lay off employees. An embattled Big Island dairy farm plans to cease operations in the new year and lay off its 24 employees. Hawaii News Now.

Those concerned about opening a dairy in the Mahaulepu valley started celebrating Tuesday after Big Island Dairy owners announced they’ll be shutting down operations on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

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Occupancy rates at Hawaii hotels decline. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority on average hotels statewide reported decreased occupancy in October compared to the year before. KHON2.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday that hotels statewide had a drop in occupancy last month, the fifth month in a row of declines. Occupancy fell to 76.4 percent, a drop of 2.4 percentage points from October 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Sex-Sting Vigilantes Are Trying to Bust ‘Predators’ In Hawaii. But concerns are being raised by police and others about the type of tactics used by groups like Hawaii Predator Hunters Facebook Group. Civil Beat.

Despite reports of a Christmas tree shortage on the mainland, it appears Hawaii will see plenty of trees this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will receive more than $400,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to curb harmful pollution from diesel vehicles in the state. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor cites safety in condo bill veto. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would have provided condo owners an extra two years to comply with requirements of a fire safety law enacted in the wake of the fatal Marco Polo fire in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor vetoes fire sprinkler bill 'for the safety of our citizens'. The new bill requires high-rises to do a sprinkler system evaluation within five years instead of three, and then be fitted with sprinklers within eight years instead of six. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor vetoes bill offering fire safety evaluation extension. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed a bill that would have extended the deadline for high rises to get a fire safety inspection. KITV.

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Native Hawaiians claim voter suppression at Leeward Oahu polling sites during general election. After a massive effort by several Native Hawaiian organizations to get out the vote for the general election, advocates are accusing state elections officials of stymieing their efforts. Hawaii News Now.

Councilman Ikaika Anderson raised eyebrows — but received no official admonishment — for using lewd descriptions at a recent council meeting to criticize a lack of action on homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

The driver of the trolley that struck and killed an elderly pedestrian in Kakaako on Thursday had a blood alcohol concentration of more than twice the legal threshold for drunken driving, according to Honolulu police reports. Star-Advertiser.

Local Christmas Tree Farm Prepares For The Season. If it’s anything the Christmas holiday season teaches us, its patience! Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

After two years, seven bill drafts and a lot of community input, Hawaii County will soon join the other three counties regulating short-term vacation rentals. The County Council on Tuesday passed Bill 108 on a 6-1 vote, setting in motion the next step in the process: formulation of rules by the county Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim to undergo surgery Friday. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will undergo surgery on Friday at Straub Medical Center in Honolulu to clear a blockage in an artery in his lower extremities, his office said today in a written statement. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will undergo surgery on Friday, but that didn’t stop him from testifying in Hilo today. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim to undergo surgery to clear blockage in artery. KHON2.

County to get $10 million for lava recovery. Hawaii County will receive a $10 million grant from the state to help it kick-start recovery efforts in Puna following the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Telescope Foes Ask Hawaii High Court To Reconsider Ruling. Opponents want the Hawaii Supreme Court to reverse an earlier 4-1 vote clearing the way for the $1.4 billion Mauna Kea project. Associated Press.

Big Island bees stung by natural disasters. Natural disasters stung Big Island bee colonies and harmed honey production and hives. KITV.

Maui

Maui’s Newest Affordable Housing Complex Breaks Ground. Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation broke ground this morning on the first phase of Kahului Lani, a senior affordable rental housing development bordered by Kane, Vevau and School streets in Kahului. Maui Now.

Maui County Prosecutor John D. Kim announced the death of deputy prosecuting attorney Richard Minatoya on Sunday. Maui News.

Kahului 2070: Maui's Metropolitan/TOD Plan. Kahului 2070 is Maui County’s long-range concept plan for transit oriented development. Hawaii Public Radio.

School has been in session here for months at the Hanalei Colony Resort, where hotel rooms serve as classrooms for about two dozen students. But the satellite campus could close down come next month. KITV.

The second Maui Cannabis Conference will be held Jan. 5 and 6 at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Maui News.

Kauai

On A Now Empty Beach, Signs Of Nature’s Comeback. Kee Beach, once nearly loved to death by tourists, is now a place of solitude after last spring’s punishing storms cut it off from the rest of the island. Civil Beat.

Contrary to the recommendations by health officials, Earl Kashiwagi of Esaki’s Produce said the romaine lettuce being brought in by the biggest produce wholesaler on the island is pretty safe to eat. Garden Island.

Kauai a leader in hotel report. Hawaii hotels statewide reported no growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR), modest growth in average daily rate (ADR) and decreased occupancy in October. Garden Island.

Teachers rally for education tax, Norwegian Cruise Line promotes post-eruption tourism, Navy responds to Red Hill concerns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Teachers rally in Honolulu, Hawaii State Teachers Association Facebook photo

On Citizen Initiatives, Courts — Not Voters — Often Have The Last Word. Statewide citizen initiatives aren’t authorized in Hawaii. But each of the four counties allow voters to place proposed laws directly on the ballot. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Guess Which Agency Can Impose A State Tax? As voters weigh ballot question on property taxes, keep in mind that the DOE can collect what’s know as “school impact fees.” Civil Beat.

Commentary: There Are Good Reasons To Support The Education Tax. For one, it could reduce home prices. For another, teachers would be paid more. Civil Beat.

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii donated $600,000 Monday to a political action committee formed to encourage residents to vote “no” on a ballot measure in the general election that asks whether the state should be empowered to levy property taxes in support of public education. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce is donating $600,000 against the amendment that teachers will likely be voting for. KITV.

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Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a bodacious airfare promotion to help stimulate travel to islands in the aftermath of the Kilauea eruption. Star-Advertiser.

NCL: The Big Island is ‘open for business’. In the hope of bringing more tourists to the Big Island, Norwegian Cruise Line invited dozens of travel professionals and journalists to an event celebrating the culture and history of the island. Tribune-Herald.

Norwegian Cruise Line launches promotion to encourage travel to Hawaii. Starting Thursday, Oct. 4, the cruise line is offering customers free and reduced airfare from 37 airports across the country and Vancouver, British Columbia, to encourage travel to Hawaii as a new, limited-time Free At Sea offer. KHON2.

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The Office of Elections and County Clerks will be conducting drive-thru voter registration at various locations statewide. KHON2.

Should Psychologists Be Able To Prescribe Drugs? Lawmakers have confronted the question for decades. Proponents say it could boost access to treatment, while opponents warn of opening up patients to subpar care. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Pearl Harbor museums hoping for resumed USS Arizona Memorial access. It’s not been the best of summers for the four public museums and memorials in Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Judge forces changes to private Moiliili road. A state judge kind of played the role of traffic cop Tuesday, allowing a private landowner to finish widening a road that is largely owned by a neighboring property owner but open to public use. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Responds to Concerns Over Red Hill. January will mark five years since 27,000 gallons of fuel leaked out of a massive underground facility at Red Hill and we still don’t know where it all went. Hawaii Public Radio.

Red Hill meeting canceled due to lack of timely notice. An annual meeting called to monitor safety improvements at the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility near Pearl Harbor has been canceled after Hawaii Department of Health officials failed to provide adequate public notice of the meeting in violation of Hawaii’s Sunshine Law, which governs public meeting requirements for government boards and commissions. Star-Advertiser.

A major change is in the works for Hawaii’s only women’s prison. State lawmakers set aside $40 million to expand the Women’s Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

A vacant 6.8 acre parcel in Kailua in two years could become the first park of its kind in Hawaii — dog friendly and complete with water features, rock climbing apparatus, playground equipment, workout machines and a community garden. Star-Advertiser.

Resurfacing of Kamehameha Highway to begin. Pearl City commuters will face more lane closures in coming weeks but they will have a smoother surface to drive on before the holidays. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City will soon go back to 3 lanes each way. For roughly two years, the commute along Kamehameha Highway has been a rough ride for drivers, residents and businesses because of rail construction. Hawaii News Now.

A Filipino evangelist and big supporter of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is being accused by a former church follower of running a “child sex ring.” Kristina Angeles came to Hawaii on a religious visa in 2014 working for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church in Waipahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lava viewing site takes shape.  “Managing expectations” will be key to the success of a public-private partnership to create a lava viewing area now that the lava flow has subsided. West Hawaii Today.

Despite Eruption, No Support For Pahoa, Volcano Business Tax Breaks. Resolution 690 is requesting amnesty for commercially zoned properties in Pahoa and Volcano Village by assessing them the minimum property tax rate. Big Island Video News.

Governor David Ige has signed a fourth supplementary proclamation to support Hawaii Island’s recovery from the Kilauea Volcano’s lava flows and activity. Maui Now.

County will hold off on clearing Highway 137 near Pohoiki. Despite discussion last month about possibly reopening Highway 137 in lower Puna, Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday that lava cannot be cleared from the highway until more than six months have passed since Kilauea eruption’s pause. Tribune-Herald.

Teachers, others show support for amendment. A number of teachers, along with some students and parents, lined sidewalks in front of Hilo High and Hilo Intermediate schools early Tuesday morning. Tribune-Herald.

Aggressive strain of rapid ohia death detected at Kalopa State Recreation Area. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee continues to mull over what to do with 50 residential lots the county acquired in a legal settlement seven years ago, following a failed attempt earlier this year to sell the lots at a discounted price for affordable housing. Maui News.

Wristbands for Pools of Oheo are considered. Haleakala National Park is considering a wristband reservation system at the Pools of Oheo in the Kipahulu District due to increased visitor traffic and concerns about rockfalls and flash flooding. Maui News.

Wastewater disposal in Maalaea is topic. The Maalaea Village Association will hold a town meeting at 5 p.m. Friday at the Pacific Whale Foundation’s downstairs classroom at the Maui Harbor Shops in Maalaea. Maui News.

Calls to support schools. Maui High School and Maui Waena Intermediate School teachers wave signs along Lono Avenue in Kahului on Tuesday morning in support of a constitutional amendment on taxation on the Nov. 6 ballot that would allow the state Legislature to place a surcharge on investment properties to support public education. Maui News.

Maui Teachers Join Statewide HSTA Walk-in Protest. Frustrated by the lack of funding in Hawaii’s schools and by Hawaii being ranked worst in the country for teachers just last week by a national survey, educators around the state are participating in a walk-in protest today, Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 7 to 8 a.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

Teachers rally for funding. About 40 teachers from Elsie Wilcox Elementary School were joined by about 10 students and one mother in holding signs on Hardy Street Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Voters can learn about county council and mayoral candidate stances on the environment thanks to nine Kauai organizations posing a few questions. Garden Island.

Anahola group works out new community gym. What was once a place for unsavory riffraff in Anahola is now a gym, where community members are working out together. Garden Island.

A good year for flowers, Honolulu police sport body cams, Big Island lava recovery now has $670M price tag, politics continue after primary election, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Orchids on display at Hilo show ©2018 All Hawaii News

Last year was the best year in a decade for Hawaii flower and landscape plant farmers, according to a recent report. The industry generated $77.6 million in sales, which was up 4 percent from $74.5 million in 2016 and was the highest take since $94.7 million in 2008. Star-Advertiser.

Early-voting trends weigh on future of all-mail ballots. KHON2.

Has Carpenters Union Lost Some Of Its Political Muscle? Its super PACs have spent big money in recent elections, but its anointed candidates often lose. The latest example: Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

Republican candidate for lieutenant governor says her running mate should apologize. The winner of the primary to run as her lieutenant governor —Marissa Kerns — is urging Tupola to say she's sorry about voting with the Democratic majority on some issues. Hawaii News Now.

Name Recognition, Blank Votes Dominate OHA Races. Ten candidates are still in the running for five seats on the OHA Board of Trustees. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii officially drops case against President Trump's travel ban. Attorneys representing Hawaii had been fighting the president's travel bans in court since early 2017, and in June, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the president. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii protesters return to Chicago streets in ongoing 'aloha poke' saga. Protests continue against Chicago-based Aloha Poke Company, with the latest happening Monday in the Windy City. Hawaii News Now.

Crossing America In The Hunt For New Teachers. Hawaii school officials have a new strategy for filling teacher vacancies: Bring principals along on mainland recruitment trips. Civil Beat.

HDOT Saves Millions Refinancing Revenue Bonds. In a move that will generate $27 million of savings for the Airports Division over the next 16 years, the Hawaii Department of Transportation has successfully refinanced $245 million of outstanding revenue bonds. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines has launched an all-cargo neighbor island service that will bring it closer to its roots while expanding its shipping operations throughout the state and beyond. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HPD begins using body cameras on officers. Body cameras became part of the uniform for about 30 downtown Honolulu and Chinatown patrol officers Monday as the Honolulu Police Department officially joined the ranks of other large American cities where cameras are used in an effort to be more transparent in interactions with the public. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police issued the first set of body cameras to 35 officers Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Department starts roll out of body cameras. KHON2.

The trial is set for a Honolulu police officer who has been charged with multiple counts of abuse involving a family member. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council committee Monday advanced a plan for a 400-foot tower fronting Ala Moana Center despite an in-person plea by Mayor Kirk Caldwell to hold off to allow city officials to keep open the option of using the location for a transit hub and possible path for rail to UH Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Can The World’s Largest Law Firm Practice In Hawaii? A Honolulu lawyer wants to block the merger of one of the state’s most prominent law firms with a giant multinational. Civil Beat.

UH Manoa students start moving into dorms this week. Expect traffic delays around the UH Manoa campus this week, as nearly 3,500 students move into campus residence halls from August 14-17. KHON2.

State officials assured the public that the slope between the two Pali tunnels is now stable after a rockfall during the peak, morning commute hours Monday damaged several vehicles in the highway’s Honolulu­-bound lanes. Star-Advertiser.

Chick-fil-A registers to do business in Hawaii. The company said it plans to open the Aloha State’s first Chick-fil-A on Oahu and, like all Chick-fil-A restaurants, it will be owned and operated by a local resident. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County request for $670 million detailed. Hawaii County’s draft recovery plan to cope with the May 3 lava flow includes a lump sum of $196 million to buy property or compensate landowners in the most risky areas in what is known as Lava Zone 1, according to a document detailing the plan. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island, especially West Hawaii and some areas in Puna, preferred U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa over incumbent Gov. David Ige in Saturday’s Democratic primary election. A precinct-by-precinct analysis of Big Island votes showed, at least this election, the votes pretty much followed the money. West Hawaii Today.

Newly Elected Council Members Face A County In Turmoil. Most of the leadership lineup is set after the primary, and big challenges lie ahead in dealing with the volcanic eruption. Civil Beat.

Pohoiki boat ramp ‘totally blocked by sandbar’. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea sulfur dioxide emissions hit lowest levels since 2008. Hawaii News Now.

It’s been a year since Hawaii’s first legal sale of marijuana and nearly two decades since the state approved the drug for medical use, and still, no retail dispensaries have started selling on the Big Island. Associated Press.

Medical Marijuana Dispensary to Open Soon. Big Island Now.

Waikoloa Special Forces soldier killed in Afghanistan. One of Hawaii Island’s own, Sgt. 1st Class Reymund R. Transfiguracion, died Sunday from wounds he suffered five days before while serving his country in Helmand province, Afghanistan. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Finalists for Maui Fire Chief Narrowed to Four. Fire finalists under consideration by the commission include Chief David Thyne, Capt. Kaulana Kino, Chief Lionel Montalvo and Capt. Guy Danley. Maui Now.

West Maui Hospital group seeks partner. Some local officials are wondering if the focus of the whole project should change. Maui News.

Tropic Care no-cost health services reporting for duty. This military training exercise is providing medical, dental, vision care across the county — but it ends Sunday. Maui News.

A Hawaiian Airlines flight to San Francisco from Kahului turned back to Honolulu on Saturday because of a passenger. Star-Advertiser.


Kauai

Kauai County unveils plans to repair flood-ravaged areas near iconic Hanalei pier. On Kauai, its been almost four months since historic flooding devastated parts of the island. Hawaii News Now.

The state Commission on Water Resource Management is going to visit a few different streams and hydropower plants on Kauai Aug. 20. Garden Island.

Deadline nears to seek disaster help. Kauai County and the City and County of Honolulu residents with losses as a result of April’s storms have through Aug. 27 to register for disaster assistance with FEMA. Garden Island.

The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate Thursday its latest ‘Forever stamp’ depicting Kauai’s picturesque Na Pali coast. Star-Advertiser.