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.

'Lava bomb' pierces roof of tour boat, injures 23; Case out front in congressional race poll; Green widens lead for lieutenant governor; voters want Gabbard to debate; feds pledge $345M to prevent Waikiki flooding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

VIDEO: Huge Explosion At Lava Ocean Entry, Injuries Reported. Big Island Video News.

‘Lava bomb’ through roof of tour boat injures 23 off Hawaii island. Lava Ocean Tours, the lava boat tour operator whose 23 passengers were injured Monday morning by lava bombs, had a special permit to come within 50 meters of the lava’s ocean entry point, the U.S. Coast Guard said. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR

A basketball-sized lava bomb slammed through the roof of a tour boat near an active fissure of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano early Monday morning, showering the vessel with debris and injuring 23 people, according the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency. Hawaii Public Radio.

An explosion caused by lava oozing into the ocean sent molten rock crashing through the roof of a sightseeing boat off Hawaii’s Big Island, injuring 23 people Monday, officials said. Associated Press.

The captain of a lava tour boat hit by what authorities called a “lava bomb” Monday morning near the Kapoho lava ocean entry said he never saw the explosion that rained molten rocks down on top of his boat. Tribune-Herald.

23 injured after explosion hurls 'basketball-sized' lava bomb onto tour boat. Hawaii News Now.

'We're just covered in lava.' Couple on boat tour describes moments after lava bomb hits. KHON2.

Lava bomb hits tour boat, injures 23 people. KITV.

Coast Guard, DLNR investigate lava tourism agency after boating accident. KITV.

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Former Congressman Ed Case has established a commanding lead in the race for the congressional seat representing urban Oahu, apparently siphoning off enough potential votes from state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim as to knock her down to a distant third place in the Democratic primary, according to the latest Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Kim Outspends The Pack In Crowded Race For Congress. The state senator spent $350,000 in the last three months, while former congressman Ed Case loaned himself $150,000. Civil Beat.

Donna Kim winning race for cash in battle for Congressional seat. Hawaii News Now.

Heading into the final month of the campaign, state Sen. Josh Green has substantially widened his lead over four other Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor, the latest Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

A large majority of neighbor island and rural Oahu Democratic voters in U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s district think she has an obligation to debate her less famous opponents this election year, according to a new Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

KHON2 and AARP Hawaii present "The Race for Governor," a live, televised debate between Democratic candidates Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and incumbent Gov. David Ige. KHON2.

A clear majority of the state’s registered voters remain supportive of the idea of safe zones for homeless encampments where people could stay without fear of getting repeatedly removed, according to the results of the latest Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Survivors Of Childhood Abuse Urge Others To Seek Justice. The state has again extended the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits in cases of alleged childhood sexual abuse. Civil Beat.

A year-round medication drop-box program is being implemented on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Feds Will Spend $345 Million To Prevent A Devastating Waikiki Flood. Every year there’s a small chance a flood will engulf Waikiki, destroying buildings and throwing Hawaii’s tourist mecca into mayhem. Civil Beat.

The City of Honolulu's Climate Change Commission presented the "Sea Level Rise Guidance and Climate Change Brief" to Mayor Kirk Caldwell on July 16, prompting him to sign a directive requiring all departments and agencies under his jurisdiction, to take action to prevent sea level rise. KHON2.

Mayor Caldwell issues directives to take action against climate change. KITV.

Meat seen on a Chinatown sidewalk was being made into char siu, restaurant says. Hawaii News Now.

Rocky, the Hawaiian monk seal who last year gave birth on Waikiki Beach, returned to a more isolated site to give birth Monday to her 11th pup. Star-Advertiser.

Weekend closure of the Kipapa Stream Bridge begins July 20 for bridge rehabilitation work. KHON2.

Honolulu sees 33% increase in businesses for sale in Q2 2018. There are more businesses for sale in Honolulu than there were at this time last year, but the median revenue and cashflow of those businesses is on the decline, according to a recent report from BizBuySell.com. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Two Big Island legislative incumbents are raising less money than their challengers, while most are socking away solid funding advantages over those running against them. West Hawaii Today.

Accident could hurt lava boat tours. Despite the news that 23 people were injured Monday when a lava bomb hit a Lava Oceans Tours boat, the isle’s other three certified lava boat tour operators reported they were still getting calls from customers wanting to venture close to the lava flow. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory said this morning’s explosion at the main ocean entry near Ahalanui was the typical result of an interaction between hot, molten lava and cool seawater. Star-Advertiser.

Figures at the front line of the opioid fight. West Hawaii Today.

Pop-A-Lock of Oahu has expanded to the Big Island with Pop-A-Lock Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui County Water Supply Director Dave Taylor has resigned to become the county’s energy/countywide capital improvements project coordinator with the Department of Management, ending an eight-month saga that began when Mayor Alan Arakawa tried to remove Taylor but the County Council refused. Maui News.

Work to replace Kahakuloa Bridge along the Kahekilli Highway will separate the Wailuku and Kapalua sides of Kahakuloa Village for 10 days, during which time no motor vehicles will be able drive across. Maui Now.

A female hiker reported being assaulted at Haleakala Crater at Haleakala National Park on Sunday, according to the National Park Service. Star-Advertiser.

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

Maui’s Road to Hana made FlightNetwork’s top 50 list of the World's Best Travel Journeys in 2018. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Derek Kawakami, Kauai Council councilman and mayoral candidate, reported contributions of $204,071 to his campaign, the most of those seeking the highest office on Kauai. Garden Island.

Why Hanalei Has Turned Into A Traffic Nightmare. With the North Shore’s marquee destinations still off-limits to tourists, the small town has become a packed daytime destination. Civil Beat.

Some members of the Westside Watershed Council and concerned citizens say a Westside beach park that’s sacred to them is being neglected and they are calling for immediate repairs. Garden Island.

Applicants for FEMA aid can appeal decision. Kauai County and the City and County of Honolulu residents who have registered with Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance have the right to appeal any of the agency’s decisions made about their eligibility or the assistance they received. Applicants have 60 days from the date on FEMA’s decision letter to file an appeal. Garden Island.

Ige signals he may veto 11 bills, lava toll now 657 homes, Honolulu city error stops drivers license offices statewide, plus lots of politics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Screenshot of Gov. David Ige announcing possible vetoes

 Gov. David Ige is considering vetoing 11 bills passed by lawmakers this session, including a measure that would authorize the use of medical marijuana to treat drug addiction; a bill that would create minimum, statewide standards for law enforcement officers; and a bill that would allow motorcycles to drive in designated shoulder lanes.  Star-Advertiser.

Gov Ige to consider vetoing up to 11 new bills. KITV.

Gov. David Ige held a news conference in Honolulu today, after notifying lawmakers of his intent to veto 11 measures. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige has notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto list, which includes 11 measures. Maui Now.

Read the governor's full intent-to-veto list here.

Ige: Hawaii Not Ready For Police Standards Board. A bill to create the board passed unanimously, but if the governor follows through on his intent-to-veto list, Hawaii will remain the only state without one. Civil  Beat.

Governor rejects measures related to medical cannabis, motorcycles. Hawaii News Now.

Some members of the state’s visitor industry are applauding Gov. David Ige’s decision to place a bill that would have increased visitor taxes on his intent-to-veto list. Star-Advertiser.

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How Hawaii Governor Candidates Would Handle Burgeoning Pension Debt. Whoever wins the race for governor will have to balance a budget that includes billion-dollar payments for retired state workers. Civil Beat.

There are a lot of choices in the race for lieutenant governor, and on Monday evening, five Democrats, two Republicans and one Green Party candidate tried to stand out from the crowded ballot during a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Race Still Matters In Hawaii Politics. When an analyst said Ed Case has an advantage as the only white Democrat running for Congress, many of us were taken aback. We shouldn’t have been. Civil Beat.

Businessman Runs For Senate In Hawaii — And Several Other States. The California millionaire says he loves Hawaii, but he’s also running in Florida, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. Civil Beat.

Hawaii leaders are weighing in on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Tuesday to uphold President Donald Trump’s travel ban, a policy that put the state at the forefront of a months-long legal challenge. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is inviting the public to submit input for the state's multi-hazard mitigation plan update in a series of open houses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City to double Saturday staff at some driver licensing centers, satellite city halls after outage. KHON2.

A widespread outage affected hundreds of people who wanted to renew their drivers licenses, get a state ID or pay their property taxes at the city's 10 satellite city halls Monday. Hawaii News Now.

City repairs outage at Honolulu satellite city halls and statewide driver’s licensing centers. Star-Advertiser.

A statewide computer outage Monday prevented Department of Motor Vehicle customers from obtaining driver’s licenses, state of Hawaii identification cards, registrations, renewals and titles. Garden Island.

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A 47-year-old woman changed her plea to "no contest" on Monday to first-degree theft charges for allegedly selling diabetic test strips on the black market. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Army Hawaii will be hosting its 47th annual "4th of July Spectacular" event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Independence Day. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported Monday that 657 homes have been destroyed by the massive volcanic flow that began May 3 in Lower Puna and has since covered 6,164 acres with lava. Star-Advertiser.

Ahalanui Beach Park might be the next area threatened by lava as the flow front in lower Puna inches southward toward Warm Ponds. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige announced Monday that he is considering opening up a new area for people to view the lava on Hawaii island. KHON2.

The ideal site to safely witness the ongoing Kilauea eruption may not even be close to the source in Hawaii island’s vast Puna district, Gov. David Ige said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Helicopter Tours of Kilauea Volcano are Booked Solid. he Kilauea Eruption on the Big Island has carved a path of destruction in Pahoa but business is booming for tour companies offering an up-close view of the lava flow. Hawaii Public Radio.

State ready to offer financial support, but Hawaii County has to ask. Star-Advertiser.

The Kilauea eruption has taken a toll on many Puna flower farms, leading to limited availability and higher prices for certain items statewide. Hawaii News Now.

NASA has been using satellites to assist first responders dealing with the volcanic eruptions on the Big Island. KITV.

As management of the emergency resulting from the Kilauea volcano eruption that began May 3 transitions from response to recovery mode, the number of Hawaii Army and Air National Guard troops deployed to East Hawaii has declined dramatically. Tribune-Herald.

Inside and outside, Jaggar Museum sees big impacts of Kilauea eruptions. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea lava channel transports 'lava boats'. Geologists captured this time-lapse video of the perched lava channel issuing from Fissure 8 on Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone on Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

There will be a community meeting Thursday on the ongoing seismic activity at the summit and the continued closure of the Kilauea section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman and candidate for Hawaii governor Colleen Hanabusa is calling for “immediate action to protect Puna residents’ voting rights”, and to avoid the sort of disaster-related upheaval she witnessed in 2014, in the wake of Hurricane Iselle, during her run for U.S. Senate. Big Island Video News.

Puna Councilwoman Jen Ruggles has withdrawn her candidacy for re-election, leaving two political newcomers as the voters’ choice for the District 5 council seat. West Hawaii Today.

$95M Kailua-Kona development project set for completion in 2020. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa today announced the appointment of Planning Director Will Spence to serve as Director of the Department of Housing & Human Concerns, and Planning Deputy Director Michele McLean as Planning Director. Maui Now.

Housing summit set for landlords, rental managers. Focus aimed on renting to homeless, lower income people. Maui News.

The Maui Department of Environmental Management Wastewater Reclamation Division issued a reminder to customers today that the sewer user fee will increase by an average of 3%, effective July 1, 2018. Maui Now.

East Maui Sees Largest Stream Restoration in Hawaii History. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Hearing set on tax proposal. Shall 3 percent of real property tax revenues be earmarked for the purpose of affordable housing? Garden Island.

Former County Council member and former prosecuting attorney Shaylene Iseri has filed to run for the council again. Garden Island.

A recently approved solar-plus-storage project on Kauai will help the island achieve its 2030 renewable energy goals 10 years ahead of time. Pacific Business News.

Tourism officials push for lava-viewing areas, public meetings on new Oahu missile defense post, Ige signs $200M more for affordable housing, Maui cabinet bails as mayor ends term, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

June 10 lava flow from Kilauea Fissure 8 PC:USGS

While state and county officials have stepped up efforts to get residents out of Lower Puna’s lava-ridden neighborhoods, tourism officials are pushing them to create lava viewing areas where tourists can watch the dramatic fissure action. Star-Advertiser.

Lodging industry opposes tax hike. Visitors to Hawaii hotels, who are already paying the nation’s top prices, should get ready to dig deeper into their wallets to offset a broader application of the state’s transient accommodations tax. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige on Friday signed into law a bill that injects more than $200 million into two state funds for affordable housing in Hawaii, and expands a tax exemption for affordable units. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s corn-dominated seed industry plunged 19 percent in value during the 2017-18 season, according to a preliminary government estimate. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What Candidates For Governor Say About Public Information Policies. But there are differences in how they would deal with high public records fees and requiring public commission members to disclose conflicts. Civil Beat.

How Tulsi Gabbard’s Fight Against War Is Affecting Hawaii. The Hawaii congresswoman has voted against the key military policy bill as a way to protest the U.S.’s decision to enter conflict in places such as Iraq, Yemen and Syria. Civil Beat.

A new law means harsher penalties for anyone found guilty of negligent homicide and failing to render aid. KHON2.

Nicknamed “Kaulana’s Bill,” SB2582 authorizes the courts to extend prison terms for offenders convicted of first-degree negligent homicide when the offender fails to stop to render aid to the injured. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Cancer Center is the leader in a groundbreaking national study that found that early-stage breast cancer patients with the most common form of the disease do not benefit from chemotherapy. Associated Press.

Commentary: So far, the big surprise of this political year is former Congressman Ed Case jumping into the race for the 1st Congressional District. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Top-2 system offers better choices than party primaries. With each election cycle, it becomes more difficult to take Hawaii Republicans seriously as a major political party. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Public meetings to be held on missile defense radar. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency will hold public meetings starting June 19 for the placement on Oahu of a powerful radar facility to better defend against North Korean missile threats. Star-Advertiser.

The Debate Over ‘Safe Zones’ Is Heating Up In West Oahu. As the homeless population increases on the Leeward Coast, a new plan for legal encampments is getting mixed reviews. Civil Beat.

Developer Plans To Convert 200 Hawaii Kai Rentals Into Condos. The changeover for units built just two years ago illustrates the economic difficulties that make for an apartment shortage in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

State Changes Its Manoa Sludge Pits Plan After UH Faculty Outcry. The Department of Land and Natural Resources finds a new temporary site for sludge it will dredge from Manoa Stream. Civil Beat.

Visitor assistance agency holding fundraiser to support growing needs. Star-Advertiser.

An Illegal Rock Barrier Blocks This North Shore Beach Access. Now the property owner who built the barrier without authorization is seeking after-the-fact permits, angering nearby residents. Civil Beat.

A sea wall in Waialua has divided a community. Some neighbors want it gone while the property owners who had the wall built are fighting to keep it. KHON2.

This week, Honolulu officials recirculated the draft master plan for redeveloping the Blaisdell Center, prompting us to check in on its progress. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Volcanic gas emissions remain high as tradewinds shift to southwest. Star-Advertiser.

Emissions from fissure double, prompting new air quality concerns. Hawaii News Now.

More micro-housing units planned for evacuees. One man who helped spearhead the micro-unit project is committing to adding another 30 units on an undeveloped piece of the same property owned by Sacred Heart Church in Pahoa town. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers spring into action to build micro-housing for evacuees. Tribune-Herald.

Work continued on the Hope Services Hawaii micro-shelter project behind Sacred Heart Church in Pahoa on Saturday. Big Island Video News.

As Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues into its fourth consecutive week of closure, the hospitality industry in the hamlet of Volcano faces unprecedented lean times. Tribune-Herald.

Shelter fatigue: Stress takes toll on lava evacuees. Tribune-Herald.

A 36-year-old Pahoa man who faced down the barrel of a handgun that fired at least two gunshots in lava-ravaged Leilani Estates on May 29 testified he was “afraid for his life” during the incident. Tribune-Herald.

The impact the lava flowing into the ocean on Hawaii island has on coastal waters and marine life. KHON2.

How Kilauea Strengthened Kamehameha’s Rise. Hawaii Public Radio.

The safety and integrity of collected police evidence has been called into question as reports of lost and stolen evidence from storage lockers have come to light. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Job hunting in twilight of Arakawa administration. And, for those who remain, there’s work to do until the end. Maui News.

Latest phase of bypass gains some acceptance. West Maui traffic improves after rocky start for new roadway. Maui News.

The Maui Ocean Center will soon house a 3D digital theater, the first of its kind in Hawaii. Maui Now.

A wastewater overflow of approximately 1,944 gallons occurred on Thursday, June 7, 2018 on Maalo Street in Kahului. Maui Now.

Court dismisses charge in traffic stop recording. The state’s high court says Maui police did not have sufficient reason to arrest a man for taking cellphone video of officers at a traffic enforcement checkpoint. Star-Advertiser.

Sales in Maui County’s housing market jumped in May, but the median prices for single-family homes and condominiums were flat to down amid shrinking inventory. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Voter numbers rising.  In just more than two months, Kauai voters will head to the polls to vote in the primary election that will decide which candidates will move on to November’s general election. Garden Island.

Apalla making another council run. Juno Ann Apalla ran for a seat on the Kauai County Council in 2016. She fell short, but isn’t giving up. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail funding disagreement, vendors to be ousted from lava viewing area, congressional candidate exaggerates education, Maui ex-policeman pleads guilty to theft, jobless rate remains low, Carvalho surveys Kauai's damaged North Shore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rail through Waipahu PC: HART

Auditor disagrees with HART on rail reimbursements. As work gets underway on a far-reaching audit of the multibillion-dollar rail project, state Auditor Les Kondo warned officials that his office has already identified potential red flags. Star-Advertiser.

How Will Honolulu Pay To Run Rail Once It’s Built? The City Still Doesn’t Know. Many other rail transit systems rely on special sales taxes to pay what passenger fares don’t cover. Civil Beat.

Congressional candidate didn't finish master's degree his LinkedIn page said he had. For years, congressional candidate Kaniela Ing's LinkedIn page said he received a master's degree in public administration from the University of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Isle jobless rate steady at 2.1% for sixth month. Hawaii’s unemployment rate, the lowest in the nation, held firm in March at 2.1 percent for the sixth month in a row as employers added 200 jobs. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers could ban sunscreens with toxic chemicals that are damaging reefs. KHON2.

Scientists Warn Plastic Could Soon Out-Weigh Fish in the Ocean. Maui Now.

Businesses are tightening policies on emotional support dogs. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. on Thursday released its 11th annual Sustainability Report for 2017-2018 describing the utility's efforts to address climate change and contribute to community sustainability. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is attempting to close loopholes in some of the city’s ordinances. And, they’re targeting sidewalk vendors and golfers. Hawaii Public Radio.

E-bus struggles to make the grade. The city is restating its characterization of how an electric bus on loan performed in February tests around Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Tension High Over Airport Rideshare Pilot Program. Long simmering tensions between the local taxi companies and transportation network companies, Uber and Lyft, erupted again. Hawaii Public Radio.

Erosion taking toll at Haleiwa Beach Park. Severe erosion is forcing the closure of makai entrances to the bathrooms and removal of outdoor showers at Haleiwa Beach Park, safety precautions announced Thursday by city park officials. Star-Advertiser.

Gaping sinkhole growing with each wave makes for dangerous situation in Haleiwa. Hawaii News Now.

Nanakuli Village Center: Big Plans But Few Results So Far. After more than a decade of planning, construction could begin this month on a commercial center — or it might not. Civil Beat.

State seeks to cancel lease with Olomana Golf Club. Fears of vandalism and homeless squatters are among the new concerns for former staff at a Kailua golf course. KITV.

Elite Pacific Properties has acquired a vacation rental management company that manages 29 Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore. Pacific Business News.

Power restored to entire UH-Manoa campus after large transformer fire. Hawaii News Now.

Transformer fire at UH Manoa causes widespread power outage. Honolulu Fire Department personnel battled a large fire at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s lower campus this evening. Star-Advertiser.

A Florida man was sentenced today to two months in jail and four months home confinement for his role in scamming the University of Hawaii out of $200,000 for Stevie Wonder concert that never happened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Vendors face relocation: County responding to safety concerns near lava viewing area in Kalapana. Hawaii County is clamping down on vendors near its designated lava viewing area at the end of Highway 130 in Kalapana. Tribune-Herald.

County Explains Kalapana Vendor Crack-Down. Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno told the council Thursday that the county will "strictly enforce" the law beginning July 1st. Big Island Video News.

The Kohala Swimming Pool and a room in the North Kohala Senior Center are closed following a set of recent mishaps. Big Island Video News.

A second lieutenant will soon join the ranks of the Kona unit of the Department of Public Safety’s Sheriff Division, pending the governor’s approval of the state’s budget. West Hawaii Today.

Logistics of cesspool conversion bring financial burden. Last year, legislators passed a law requiring Hawaii homeowners do away with the state’s estimated 88,000 cesspools by 2050. West Hawaii Today.

Peter Kema Sr. must serve a minimum of 18 years in prison for the killing of his son, Peter Kema Jr., aka “Peter Boy,” the Hawaii Paroling Authority announced today. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Department of Health recently identified several cases of ciguatera fish poisoning from ingestion of the giant trevally (ulua) recreationally caught off the northwest coast of Hawaii Island. Big Island Now.

Maui

Former Maui Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Theft, Witness Tampering. Former Maui police officer Anthony Maldonado, of Kahului, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering. Maui Now.

Former Maui police officer pleads guilty to traffic-stop theft. He also is charged with bribery, faces up to 21 years in prison, $350,000 in fines. Maui News.

Maui vegetable farmers fighting Mother Nature. Recent heavy rains, flooding ruin crops, breed pests. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. completed a site visit Thursday to communities in Lumahai, Wainiha and Haena. Garden Island.

Lifeline To Kauai’s North Shore Must Be Rebuilt Now, Relocated Later. Officials don’t know when the Kuhio Highway, smothered by mud and debris, will be completely reopened. Meanwhile, the state will speed up a $33 million plan to rebuild a series of old bridges. Civil Beat.

More and more respond to need for help on North Shore. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources conducted a helicopter survey of its lands, and found most of the vast acreage of lands it manages to have relatively less damage than originally thought due to last weekend’s historical flooding. Star-Advertiser.

In flood-devastated Hanalei, a beloved cemetery is covered under a mountain of mud. Hawaii News Now.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are donating $1 million to assist flood-relief efforts on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Ocean Safety personnel on Kauai have closed Keoneloa Bay to swimming after a 29-year-old male visitor was apparently bitten by a shark while body boarding at around 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018. Maui Now.

AG Chin accepts lieutenant governor post while campaigning for Congress, House to wait on sexual harassment probe of former speaker, fired 'button pusher' to sue state, Maui loses injection well case, Ige pans Kakaako affordable housing plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Attorney General Doug Chin, courtesy photo

State Attorney General Doug Chin announced today that he will continue to campaign for Congress while agreeing to fill out the remaining term of Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, who resigned effective Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat Doug Chin to succeed Shan Tsutsui as Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. Chin will continue his campaign to serve Hawaii’s First district in the U.S. House of Representatives. KHON2.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin will take over as lieutenant governor after Shan Tsutsui abruptly resigned from the post on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Shan Tsutsui didn’t just step down as lieutenant governor. He bolted. Star-Advertiser.

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The leadership of the state House of Representatives will await the outcome of an investigation into a sexual harassment complaint against state Rep. Joseph Souki before deciding whether to take any action against the 84-year-old lawmaker, according to House Speaker Scott Saiki. Star-Advertiser.

The former head of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services confirmed Thursday that she filed a sexual harassment complaint against former House Speaker Joe Souki. Associated Press.

The former director of Hawaii's Department of Human Services has filed a formal complaint with the State Ethics Commission that accuses state Rep. Joe Souki of sexual harassment. Hawaii News Now.

Longtime Wailuku state representative and two-time House Speaker Joe Souki is facing a sexual harassment complaint from the former head of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services. Maui News.

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Emergency worker behind false missile alert to file lawsuit against the state. The emergency worker fired by the state for sending a false missile alert has hired an attorney, and plans to sue the state for defamation. KHON2.

Missile Attack: House Proposes Laws for Businesses. State lawmakers are considering legislation to protect businesses and homeowners in the event of a missile alert. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers want to prohibit businesses from turning people away if missile threat is real. Hawaii News Now.

This Nuke Plan Would Have Turned Hawaii Upside Down. During the Cold War, attack preparations were proposed that called for interisland evacuations and commandeering of property. Civil Beat.

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A new bill aims to better protect domestic violence victims by adding a petty misdemeanor offense option for perpetrators and making it easier for the victims to obtain protective orders. Civil Beat.

Bills could make failure to report child abuse a felony. Tribune-Herald.

Audit blasts OHA for lavish spending, awarding grants to those who know 'who to ask'. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Language Thrives While the Law Strives to Catch Up. Nearly 40 years ago, the Hawaiian language was recognized as one of two official languages in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Ige balks at Kakaako affordable-housing rule amendment. The governor said one of the provisions in revised rules crafted by the Hawaii Community Development Authority intended to preserve inventory of affordable homes built by developers is too extreme and might actually reduce production of such homes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Thursday said he won't sign the 2017 proposed amendments to the Hawaii Community Development Authority rules regarding reserved and workforce, housing in Kakaako, saying he didn't believe the proposed 30-year restriction would result in more homes for first-time buyers. Pacific Business News.

Areas Around Schools And Libraries May Be Next For Sit-Lie Ban. The Honolulu City Council approved a bill to prohibit lying down at bus stops, but postponed action on schools and libraries. Civil Beat.

HPD investigating officer-involved shooting in Waipahu. Hawaii News Now.

State regulators Thursday ordered Spectrum Cable to delay rolling out its all-­digital cable system on Oahu because of inaccurate information on its notice to subscribers. Star-Advertiser.

Miles-long debris field spotted off Oahu just a 'small piece' of the problem. Some 4,000 pounds of tangled fishing nets were removed from the ocean off Waikiki on Thursday morning, and state Department of Land and Natural Resources officers say there's a chance it may have come from a two-mile long debris field first spotted on Saturday in the Kaiwi Channel. Hawaii News Now.

An extremely heavy ball of derelict fishing nets reported near a popular surf break known as “Pops” in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki was removed this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The 2018 election season kicked off in earnest Thursday morning with the beginning of candidate filing. West Hawaii Today.

Lava tour turns deadly: Guide leading hike in Kalapana area dies after noxious steam engulfs group. Rain falling on a lava flow in the Kalapana lava viewing area Thursday morning caused a noxious steam cloud that overcame four people hiking on a guided tour, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. Tribune-Herald.

Four persons were trapped in a noxious steam cloud on the lava field during a guided hiking tour, and one person died. Big Island Video News.

Two tour operators are being fined $2,500 each for providing illegal tours on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Wave of questions: County, nonprofit field concerns to surf school proposal. West Hawaii Today.

An application for a Use Permit to allow the construction of a new, non-manned telecommunication facility in Hawaiian Paradise Park was delayed at a Windward Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, although a Hawaii County Councilmember representing Puna was still able to testify. Big Island Video News.

The public is invited to comment on a proposed fee increase from $30 to $50 for the Tri-Park Pass, an annual pass that allows visitors unlimited entry to the three fee-charging national parks in Hawaii: Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National parks and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Tribune-Herald.

T.J. Maxx to open in March. T.J. Maxx representatives handed out applications Thursday at the store’s future location at Prince Kuhio Plaza as contractors prepared for a grand opening next month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that the County of Maui’s Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility has been violating the US Clean Water Act since the facility was first put into operation in the early 1980s. Maui Now.

Maui County is reviewing its legal options after losing its appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals of a ruling that the county’s use of injection wells at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility since the early 1980s violates the federal Clean Water Act. Maui News.

The woman accused of murdering her identical twin sister by deliberately driving off a cliff on Maui was acquitted today. Star-Advertiser.

Saying evidence showed a driver’s hair was being pulled by her passenger to cause her to lose control of a vehicle that went over a cliff near Hana, a judge Thursday found the woman not guilty of second-degree murder in the crash that killed her twin sister. Maui News.

A woman accused of 2nd degree murder in the May 29, 2016 death of her twin sister has been acquitted of the charge.  Judge Peter Cahill handed down the ruling on Thursday in Maui District Court following closing arguments which were held earlier in the afternoon. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tax cuts stall in committee. Two bills aimed at reducing the county fuel and vehicle weight taxes were killed at the county committee this week. Garden Island.

No Sign Of Authorities Yet As Occupation Of Kauai Resort Continues. The landowners request state assistance as Native Hawaiian protesters remain at the Coco Palms resort site. Civil Beat.

The Pentagon confirmed today that a key missile defense test off Kauai failed early Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Rare plants on Kauai will get a boost from the expansion of the Lyon Arboretum’s Micropropagation Laboratory on Oahu, which was completed at the end of January. Garden Island.