HI-EMA employee not cooperating in false missile alarm probe, Judge rescinds arrest warrant for Hawaiian-speaking defendant, bill would change Mauna Kea management, record hotel revenue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach PC: Danny De Gracia III

State hotels set revenue, daily-rate records in 2017. The impetus behind the record-breaking performance was an increase in visitor arrivals and spending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel revenue per available room increased 5.4 percent in 2017 compared to the year prior, setting a new state record, according to a report by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

‘Button pusher’ not cooperating with multiple investigations. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency “button pusher” who sent a bogus missile alert that triggered panic across the islands Jan. 13 is not cooperating with either a Federal Communications Commission investigation or two internal investigations and has not returned to work. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state employee who mistakenly sent an alert warning of a ballistic missile attack has refused to cooperate with federal and state investigators, officials said Thursday. Associated Press.

Official: Missile alert employee not cooperating in probe. KITV.

Investigators say HI-EMA worker who sent false alarm refuses to cooperate. KHON2.

Surveillance footage during false missile alert won’t be released, because it doesn’t exist. KHON2.

This Is What Hawaii’s Missile Defense System Looks Like. The basic principle involves shooting a missile with a missile. But some want more assurance that the missiles don’t miss. Civil Beat.

Amid ongoing spats between China and the United States in the South China Sea, Beijing confirmed Thursday it will participate in this summer’s big Rim of the Pacific exercise off Hawaii from June 27 to Aug. 2. Star-Advertiser.

Governor's Proposal to Transfer Sheriff Deputies Opposed by HGEA. The State Airports Division wants to have more control over the State Sheriffs assigned to work there. Hawaii Public Radio.

One Year Under Trump: Hawaii Republicans. Hawaii Public Radio.

A package of bills from the Hawaii Women’s Legislative Caucus includes a measure to require health insurers and health maintenance groups to provide comprehensive coverage for reproductive services such as abortions. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers are trying again to close a loophole in Hawaii’s “100 percent renewable energy by 2045” policy that allows the state to meet that goal even if half of the electricity being consumed comes from oil-burning power plants. Civil Beat.

Bill aims for tighter restrictions on aquarium fishing. Garden Island.

In what is believed to be the first case of its kind, the state Department of Health has fined the former operator of an unlicensed care home $325,000. Star-Advertiser.

A new state website will give parents a chance to see temperatures in classrooms at 62 public schools. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest to launch Hawaii flights as early as December. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A 41-story residential tower at Keeaumoku and Makaloa streets, which had been criticized for its so-called “poor door,” was given a thumbs-up Thursday by the City Council Zoning and Housing Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Group starts petition to keep makai parking at Ala Moana Regional Park.  proposal that would eliminate parking on the makai side of the drive through the Ala Moana Regional Park is drawing opposition from a group of park users, who've started gathering signatures on a petition, both in person and online. Hawaii News Now.

Time’s up, strip of businesses on Kuhio Avenue told. About 10 businesses in a complex of several small buildings mainly fronting Kuhio Avenue are asked to vacate. Star-Advertiser.

Upcoming Pali Highway repairs will result in lane shifts and overnight closures. The $64 million project will repair or replace street lighting from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway and the first phase of resurfacing from Waokanaka Street to Castle Junction. Star-Advertiser.

Behind The Scenes of Hawaii's 2018 Homeless Count. It’s five o’clock on a Tuesday afternoon in Chinatown. Dozens of volunteers are on a mission to survey as many homeless people as they can. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

A coalition of state senators has introduced a bill to dramatically change the management of Mauna Kea, the dormant Hawaii Island volcano that is a sacred place to some Native Hawaiians and one of the world’s premier sites for astronomy. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers will have several options to consider during the current session of the state Legislature for revitalizing Hilo’s Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

Anaehoomalu Resort Proposal Withdrawn By Developers. Big Island Video News.

Former County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Thursday got her law license back. West Hawaii Today.

A bill making its way through the state Legislature seeks to increase ambulance services in Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii solar installers and washing machine retailers might see a less successful year than anticipated after President Donald Trump approved tariffs on all imported solar cells and washing machines. Tribune-Herald.

Highway hawking: West Hawaii vendors push limits with roadside retail. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A judge has rescinded a bench warrant for a University of Hawaii professor who spoke Hawaiian in court, in an incident that sparked outrage among Native Hawaiian activists. Hawaii News Now.

A bench warrant for a Haleakala telescope protester was recalled Thursday, a day after being issued when he spoke only in the Hawaiian language at a court hearing Wednesday. Maui News.

Arrest warrant recalled for man who refused to address Maui judge in English. KITV.

Warrant Recalled for Hawaiian Man Who Refused to Speak English in Court. Maui Now.

Six people have drowned in the past two weeks on Maui, prompting ocean safety advocates to ramp up efforts to warn visitors about the dangers of snorkeling and to study new types of masks that have become increasingly popular. Civil Beat.

An environmental court judge is reversing a decision that denied a Native Hawaiian fisherman’s petition to stop Hawaii officials from issuing commercial fishing licenses to those who aren’t legally admitted into the United States. Associated Press.

Judge sends fishing license petition back to land board. An environmental court judge is reversing a decision that denied a Native Hawaiian fisherman's petition to stop Hawaii officials from issuing commercial fishing licenses to those who aren't legally admitted into the United States. Associated Press.

Maui EKO Systems, which has processed the island’s green waste and county sewage sludge into compost for nearly 23 years, could be put out of business as early as the end of next year because of a proposed renewable energy project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui News.

County hotels outperform state in 2 of 3 key metrics. Maui News.

HDOT Update on Honoapiilani Realignment & Improvements at Keawe St. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawaiian language spoken during Coco Palms trial. Garden Island.

Work on 17 homes for the Kauai Habitat for Humanity Eleele Iluna, Phase 2A started Wednesday with the arrival of Team Currie-Kauai 2018 Global Village group. Garden Island.

Gabbard endorses Hanabusa for governor, legislator loses chairmanship in failed House coup attempt, arrest warrant issued for Native Hawaiian who refused to speak English in court, U.S. and South Korean defense ministers come to Hawaii to negotiate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Democratic U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard PC: Gabbard campaign

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard endorsed her Democratic colleague U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa for governor Wednesday, saying Hana­busa has a “proven record of leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard Shakes Up Governor’s Race By Endorsing Hanabusa. The congresswoman takes the unusual step of backing her D.C. colleague in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Gabbard backs Hanabusa for Hawaii governor. Associated Press.

Citing her “proven record of leadership”, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard today endorsed fellow Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa for Hawaii governor. Big Island Video News.

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Longtime state Rep. Ken Ito was removed as chairman of the House committee that deals with veterans and military affairs on Wednesday in fallout from an aborted attempt to reorganize the power structure of the state House. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Ken Ito was removed as chair of a House committee on Wednesday and he says it was his signature on a petition supporting Rep. James Tokioka as Speaker of the House of Representatives that cost him the title. Garden Island.

State lawmakers introduce bills dealing with helmets, passengers in pickup truck beds. Tribune-Herald.

Sex-trafficking advocates will be at the state Capitol for the "hotline poster" bill. KITV.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis will meet Friday in Hawaii with his South Korean counterpart, Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo, to discuss issues on the Korean Peninsula. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz plans to introduce legislation giving the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security the responsibility to notify the public of an incoming missile attack instead of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, which sent a false alert that panicked island residents and visitors for 38 minutes on Jan. 13. Star-Advertiser.

How does Hawaii’s Emergency Management System work? That was the focus at the Legislature today. Hawaii Public Radio.

This Is What Hawaii’s Missile Defense System Looks Like. The basic principle involves shooting a missile with a missile. But some want more assurance that the missiles don’t miss. Civil Beat.

State kicks off annual recruitment blitz for Hawaii teachers. Every year, Hawaii needs to hire from 700 to 1,200 public school teachers to fill vacancies — left by departures and retirements. Hawaii News Now.

DOE Official Fined For Using State Resources On Her Doctoral Work. The Department of Education has now opened its own investigation of Suzanne Mulcahy. Civil Beat.

The Study Hawaii Consortium is working to grow Hawaii’s international education market into a billion dollar industry. Hawaii Public Radio.

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement actions this year in Hawaii resulted in closures of 19 large capacity cesspools and over $500,000 in fines. Maui Now.

New study declares Hawaii the worst state to drive in. KHON2.

Oahu

Plan to burn recyclables at HPower placed on hold. The Honolulu City Council’s Public Works Committee voted to defer the resolution which would allow the city to divert recyclable materials it picks up at residences to the HPower plant in Kapolei where it would be burned to generate electricity. Hawaii News Now.

Owners of older high-rise residential buildings would be able to opt out of installing sprinklers under a draft fire safety bill approved by a Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

HART board defers decision to give HECO $20M to purchase special trucks. The board in charge of the city’s $8 billion-plus rail project decided Wednesday night to hold off approving $20.3 million in change orders for Hawaiian Electric Co. to purchase 15 specialized vehicles to deal with ongoing utility-line clearance issues. Star-Advertiser.

HART board approves order that could save millions, then takes it back. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens filled the cafeteria as Pearl Ridge Elementary School for Wednesday night's community meeting to learn about changes in the Aiea-Pearl City Neighborhood Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan Station area. KITV.

Pearl Harbor soon will have two warships named USS Missouri. The Navy said the attack submarine USS Missouri will arrive Friday to become the sixth highly capable and much-coveted Virginia-class submarine based in Hawaii — the only location for Virginia subs in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

NRG Energy breaks ground on 3 grid-scale solar projects in Hawaii. NRG Energy Inc. on Wednesday broke ground on what it calls the largest block of grid-scale solar power ever installed in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

One year from now, the sun over Oahu should be generating enough new electricity to power 32,000 homes from three solar farms being resurrected by a subsidiary of Houston- based NRG Energy at a cost of over $300 million. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako tower developer to seek state assistance. A developer aiming to build a condominium tower in Kakaako plans to seek state financing assistance in return for making half the project affordable to residents with moderate incomes. Star-Advertiser.

$64 million project to improve Pali Highway. KITV.

An employee email security breach at the University of Hawaii at Manoa last fall potentially exposed the names, Social Security numbers and other sensitive information belonging to about 2,400 faculty, staff and graduate student applicants, according to a report to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ag chief still willing to support state Health Department oversight efforts of Ookala dairy. Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s director is no longer offering to help pay for expanding environmental quality tests near a dairy farm accused of polluting gulches in Ookala. Tribune-Herald.

Subcontractor sues Naniloa’s general contractor, developer. A subcontractor who worked on the Grand Naniloa Hotel construction project is suing the hotel, its developer and the project’s general contractor, claiming nonpayment of $754,000 for work it performed during the Banyan Drive property’s makeover. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui judge issues arrest warrant over refusal to speak English. A Maui District Court Judge on Wednesday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Kaleikoa Kaeo, a University of Hawaii Maui College assistant professor of Hawaiian studies, after he refused in court to acknowledge himself in the English language. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Telescope Protestor Battles Over Hawaiian Language Use in Court. Hawaii Public Radio.

A University of Hawaii professor on Maui says a warrant was issued for his arrest because he spoke Hawaiian to a judge in a Wailuku courtroom. Hawaii News Now.

Arrest warrant issued for man who refused to address Maui judge in English. KITV.

Judge issues warrant after man responds in Hawaiian instead of English. KHON2.

Use of Hawaiian in court leads to warrant. Haleakala telescope protester, refuses to identify himself in English. Maui News.

Warrant Issued for Man Who Spoke Only Fluent Hawaiian in Maui Court. Maui Now.

Kauai

After a heated debate at Wednesday’s county council meeting, a resolution inviting the City of Davao, Philippines into a sister city relationship with the County of Kauai was approved. Garden Island.

New workshop series helps ag businesses succeed. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail progressing, Coco Palms occupiers to be evicted, Honolulu council bans 'monster homes,' Schatz plans false missile alarm hearing, Ige teased over Twitter, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rail construction Sept. 15, 2017 PC:HART

Redevelopment opportunities abound for state land near rail line. Ideas and objectives for making better use of roughly 1,900 acres owned by the state near 21 planned city rail stations on Oahu have been laid out in a new report by a council formed a little over a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Is Honolulu Rail Agency Too Quick To Condemn Property? Landowners argue HART jumps the gun when it starts condemnation proceedings before negotiations are finished. Civil Beat.

Rail officials still don't know how to get the route to UH Manoa. Officials with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) say they are focused on building the 20-mile rail system from West Oahu to Ala Moana, and they don't have the ability to develop plans for extensions of the rail line. Hawaii News Now.

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US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) will convene a Senate field hearing in Honolulu on the state’s emergency alert system to look into the false emergency missile alert that went out across the state on Jan. 13, 2018. Maui Now.

The false ballistic missile alert earlier this month put much of Hawaii in a state of fear and panic, but it didn’t seem to have much of a mental health impact overall, according to the state Department of Health. Hawaii News Now.

National press roasts Ige after he blamed Twitter login troubles for missile alert response. Hawaii News Now.

Three Bills Aim To Clear Obstacles For Injured Workers. Giving injured workers a say in which doctor is used to examine them is one of the key issues on the table this year. Civil Beat.

DLNR's drone use may have violated federal rules — on several occasions. A drone that flew over a large crowd at the Onipaa Kakou event at Iolani Palace last week is now the subject of a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii easily remained No. 1 last month for the lowest unemployment rate in the country amid a strong economy and an exodus of work-seeking residents to the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii unemployment rate drops to record low in December. Pacific Business News.

Young Brothers draws opposition to shipping rate hike. The state consumer advocate is opposing an application by Young Brothers Ltd. to raise interisland shipping rates 13.3 percent after less than a year ago the state Public Utilities Commission rejected a 4.4 percent increase. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Temporary ban on super-size houses advances. In a move designed to keep in check the increasing number of large-scale houses on Oahu, a Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a temporary ban on building permits for houses with more than 3,500 square feet of living area. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Committee Advances "Monster Homes" Bill. The Honolulu City Council Planning Committee advanced a measure today calling for a moratorium on so-called Monster Houses. Hawaii Public Radio.

Construction of monster homes could soon come to an end on Oahu. KITV.

Temporary ban on ‘monster’ homes put on fast track at Honolulu Hale. KHON2.

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State Hospital fence could run up to $24M. The state Department of Health says it would cost the state an estimated $17 million to $24 million to erect a fence around the Hawaii State Hospital campus to satisfy a permit condition imposed by the Honolulu City Council that the facility be “fully secure.” Star-Advertiser.

State working with the public to figure out how 'Pillboxes' trail can be managed. Dozens packed the cafeteria at Ka'ohao Elementary School in Kailua Tuesday night to voice concerns over a popular east Oahu hiking trail. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Is Stuck With Cars Abandoned By Military Personnel. The city has been storing them in golf course parking lots because federal law prohibits them from being auctioned off. Civil Beat.

Massive highway project will require closures through early next year. KHON2.

Robertson Properties plans to spend $85M to turn former Waikiki Niketown into hotel. Pacific Business News.

The Point-In-Time Count survey of Oahu’s homeless population is happening this week. The count is the basis for all homeless policy for the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Police chief’s request to use notification system not received after missile alert. The Police Department’s notification service, known as Nixle, wasn’t activated during the incident, Chief Paul Ferreira acknowledged to the Tribune-Herald on Tuesday, though dispatch was informing panicked callers the warning was false within minutes. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council Committee On Public Safety & Mass Transit discussed the January 13 false alarm that panicked the entire state. Big Island Video News.

Appellate court sends Hu Honua back to planning commission. A state court ordered Hawaii County’s Windward Planning Commission to address public shoreline impacts with regard to repairing or replacing a damaged outfall for cooling water and storm water from the Hu Honua Bioenergy power plant under construction in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Consultant: Hele-On needs buses, personnel, money. West Hawaii Today.

Manager-Chief Engineer Keith Okamoto and Deputy Kawika Uyehara of the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply both received pay raises after what was arguably the department’s most tumultuous year in recent memory. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A proposed campground in Lahaina for homeless people received a special use permit from the Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday, triggering tearful hugs among supporters who have been trying to push the project forward for almost three years. Maui News.

Soon to fade from Maui’s business landscape is J.S. Kuge & Sons, the longtime custom jewelry and repair shop on Lower Main Street in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms occupiers have 5 days to leave. District Court Judge Michael Soong ruled in favor of development company Coco Palms Hui on Tuesday and ousted a group that has claimed interest in a plot of land in Wailua for nearly a year. Garden Island.

Coco Palms at defining moment. This may well be a defining moment in the contemporary history of Kauai and the splintered, often ineffectual, movement for Hawaiian sovereignty. Kauai’s governing establishment — and, most likely, a large majority of regular residents — don’t want this controversy to blow up and bring the island to the center of one of the most vexing issues in Hawaiian history. Garden Island.

Kauai’s Crackdown On Airbnbs Is Backfiring. While one county is mired in disputes, legislators ponder their next moves regarding illegal vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Media dissects Ige's State of the State address, tsunami watch canceled, HI-EMA officer retiring, annual homeless count begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige begins State of the State address PC: Hawaii House Democrats

Gov. David Ige used his fourth State of the State speech to request an additional $100 million from state lawmakers for housing, and says the state is “on track” to build 10,000 new housing units by 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Ige touts accomplishments, ignores missile alert in State of the State address. Gov. David Ige touted accomplishments from his first three years in office in his State of the State address on Monday, including boosting pay for teachers and outfitting more classrooms with air conditioning, and vowed to keep tackling the state’s housing shortage. Associated Press.

In rebuttal to critics, Ige uses State of the State to highlight his wins. Hawaii News Now.

Governor delivers State of the State address for 2018. KHON2.

Education also ranked high on the governor's list in his State of the State speech. KITV.

Governor David Ige’s State of the State address covered what his administration has accomplished and what it’s going to do to help ease homelessness, build more affordable housing, educate keiki, protect the environment and invest in highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Education, innovation, and affordable housing were some of the main ideas found in Governor David Ige’s January 22 State-of-the-State address. The false missile alert that has consumed much of his time since January 13 was not mentioned. Big Island Video News.

Why no discussion of bogus ICBM alert in State of the State? Ige says he's talked about it enough. Hawaii News Now.

Media Isn’t Ready To Let Ige Put Missile Alert Behind Him. The governor wanted to talk about issues and accomplishments. Reporters were waiting with questions about the false alarm. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers: Ige speech lacks details. Affordable housing, creating quality jobs, education and traffic were top priorities Gov. David Ige spoke of during his State of the State address Monday from the State Capitol in Honolulu. Garden Island.

Full text: Gov. David Ige's 2018 State of the State address. All Hawaii News.

Hawaii Minority Caucus responds to Ige's address. KITV.

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HI-EMA executive officer Clairmont retiring this year. Toby Clairmont, the executive officer for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, is retiring by year’s end. Star-Advertiser.

False-missile probe to get ‘fresh pair of eyes,’ Ige says. Gov. David Ige on Monday defended his selection of the state’s deputy adjutant general to lead a probe of last week’s false missile alert and make recommendations for improvements, despite criticism from some lawmakers who contend the official is too close to the situation. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige told reporters Monday that part of the delay in notifying the public that the Jan. 13 ballistic missile alert was a false alarm was that he did not know his Twitter account password. Star-Advertiser.

National Weather Service requires two people to send alerts. KHON2.

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Social service workers, government workers and community volunteers fanned out across the islands Monday night for the first night of a census that will measure whether Hawaii is making progress in its efforts to reduce the country’s highest per capita rate of homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Awkward And Rewarding Task Of Surveying Homeless Begins. Volunteers around the islands ask personal questions of homeless people for the annual point-in-time count. Civil Beat.

An effort to document every homeless person in the state underway. Hawaii News Now.

Why Hawaii’s Unlicensed Elder Care Industry Is Out Of Control. Lawmakers have introduced a bill with the backing of the industry and some elderly-rights groups but the measure faces a long road to passage. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker says there's a rise in unlicensed care homes and calls it a "major health concern". KITV.

As government shutdown ends, Hawaii parks reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of federal workers in Hawaii are expected to be back on the job today after a short-term federal spending bill was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

State unemployment hits all-time low of 2%. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii was briefly under a tsunami watch early this morning following a magnitude 7.9 earthquake off Alaska late Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has cancelled the tsunami watch for Hawaii following 7.9 magnitude earthquake off Alaska. Hawaii Public Radio.

Economics of Home Solar Batteries: Affordable For Now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Group of homeless providers take a stand: It's time to re-think 'compassionate disruption. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu residents will see their electrical bills jump $2.44 this month primarily due to higher fuel costs. Hawaiian Electric Co. said Monday that the typical bill in January for an Oahu household using 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity is $144.26, up from $141.82 in December. Star-Advertiser.

Kapolei data center expands capacity by 70%. AlohaNAP's data facility is expanding its capacity by 70 percent, a move driven by demand from local businesses and international content providers, the Kapolei data center facility said on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

‘Peter Boy’ act passes first reading. A bill introduced by two Hawaii Island state senators that would repeal the 10-year statute of limitations on all manslaughter cases except for vehicular manslaughter passed its first reading by the full senate Monday. Tribune-Herald.

DOH hits Sheraton with notice, $20,000 fine. The operator of a new eatery at Sheraton Kona and spa is facing a hefty fine for operating without a valid state Department of Health permit. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaii lawmakers introduce bill to keep Maui apartment complex affordable. Hawaii lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation that directs the state housing finance agency to acquire a 142-unit apartment complex on Maui in an effort to keep rents there affordable for low-income tenants at the Front Street Apartments in Lahaina. Pacific Business News.

A trial is set to begin Wednesday for one of six protesters arrested last year while trying to block a large vehicle convoy carrying equipment to the summit of Haleakala. Maui News.

Maui County begins nearly $2M project to repair Piilani Highway. Hawaii News Now.

DOT: Bypass realignment can be tweaked but cannot be stopped. Changes planned for the north end of the bypass at Keawe Street have run into plenty of opposition. Maui News.

Landslide Repair Work Begins at Nuanualoa Gulch. Maui Now.

Sunrise viewing, park operations back after spending bill passes. Maui News.

Event organizers today estimated number of people who turned out for the Women’s March Maui 2018 at somewhere between 3,500 to 5000 individuals. Maui Now.

Kauai

Another helicopter company to start flying. Maverick Helicopters is adding its own choppers to Kauai skies sometime in early summer of 2018, to the disgruntlement of some residents. Garden Island.

Ige to give State of the State address this morning as lawmakers criticize missile alert snafu, mayors seek taxing power, grim budgets as employee costs rise, Honolulu councilman seeks false missile alarm working group, federal employees face furloughs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige addresses legislative committee PC: Rep. Della Au Bellati

Amid sharp critiques, Ige to deliver fourth State of the State. After a difficult week for his administration and amid mounting questions over his leadership, Gov. David Ige will address lawmakers and constituents on Monday in his fourth State of the State address. Hawaii News Now.

State public funds’ shortfall hits $25B. The two public funds designed to meet the future pension and health care needs of government employees and retirees are a combined $25 billion in the hole with a growing shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax collections jumped 14 percent in 2017. Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax collections increased 13.8 percent to $508.4 million in fiscal year 2017, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s annual report to the state Legislature. Pacific Business News.

County Mayors: We Want More Power To Tax. They also want a larger share of the state hotel tax revenues and immunity for lifeguards at state beaches. Civil Beat.

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Governor took 15 minutes to announce missile alert was false. The Hawaii National Guard’s top commander said Friday he told Gov. David Ige that a missile alert was a false alarm two minutes after it went out statewide. But the governor didn’t tell the public until 15 minutes later. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige was told last week’s missile alert was a false alarm just two minutes after the warning message was sent to cellphones across the state, the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency told lawmakers Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Knew 2 Minutes After Missile Alert That It Was False. But it took his office 15 minutes to announce the news in a Twitter post, legislators were told Friday. Civil Beat.

Legislature Conducts Hearing on False Missile Alert. Governor David Ige told lawmakers Friday that safeguards are in place and there will be consequences for the 38 minute delay to end the false alarm. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers put Hawaii emergency officials, including Governor David Ige, under the spotlight during an informational briefing Friday, held to review the circumstances surrounding the erroneous release of a statewide emergency alert on Saturday, January 13. Big Island Video News.

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Republicans Want Lower Taxes And Better Public Access To Legislature. Bills to expand public record laws and exempt food items from taxes are endorsed by the minority caucus. Civil Beat.

State Representative Andria Tupola confirms run for governor. KITV.

There’s an increasingly urgent need for more state-funded ambulance units across the state to deal with a surge in emergency calls, primarily by seniors and the homeless, emergency services chiefs told state lawmakers last week. Star-Advertiser.

State tracks bacteria at busy beaches but often cannot identify the source. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii’s plan for improving public education under the Every Student Succeeds Act was approved Friday by the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education said it’s received federal approval of its plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act, the federal education law which replaces No Child Left Behind. Tribune-Herald.

Here’s What We Pay County Workers — Except For Cops. Our salary database has thousands of new entries, but a legal challenge is holding back Honolulu police officer information. Civil Beat.

Several thousand federal civilian employees in Hawaii will be furloughed today because of the government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

What happens now? How Hawaii is affected by a federal government shutdown. KHON2.

2 Hawaii congresswomen decline pay for duration of government shutdown. Hawaii News Now.

Feds make more than $2M available to reduce fishing bycatch. Associated Press.

Dozens Of Hawaii’s Mentally Ill May Lose Their Homes. The state looks to stop subsidies to people who already have received them for much longer than the intended two years. Civil Beat.

A state-sponsored ferry service for Hawaii would be financially and commercially impractical, according to a new study conducted last year by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

"Our job is to be ready": USS Carl Vinson en route to Western Pacific. KITV.

Across the state, thousands turn out for women's marches, rallies. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Councilman Ernie Martin wants Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to convene “a false missile alert working group” to assess how the city Department of Emergency Management and other city agencies responded to the Jan. 13 alert issued by mistake by state emergency officials. Star-Advertiser.

Mismanagement Could Cost Honolulu Another $10 Million. The city is scrambling to figure out how to make use of empty buildings in Waipahu and Chinatown. Civil Beat.

Private sponsors sought for programs at city zoo. Star-Advertiser.

Auction begins for Ryan’s Grill Honolulu as it closes after 34 years in business. Oahu Auctions will sell kitchen equipment and restaurant decorations from Ryan’s Grill Honolulu, which will serve dinner for the last time on Saturday, after more than 34 years in business. Pacific Business News.

Porn law’s loophole helped Oahu man avoid charges, critics say. Star-Advertiser.

Kapolei parcel sails back on the market, but this time not for sale. An affiliate of the James Campbell Co. has listed 14 acres of commercial land in Kapolei, but the parcel sandwiched between Farrington Highway and the H-1 freeway is being offered under long-term ground leases rather, as well as for sale.  Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

General excise tax hike mulled as county drains fund balance. Mayor Harry Kim on Friday sent the County Council a bill to raise the general excise tax by one-half percent to balance next year’s budget, while telling a state legislative panel the county exhausted its fund balance to pay for this year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim traveled to the State Capitol Friday, joining the state’s other county mayors for an informational briefing before the Senate Ways and Means Committee and House Finance Committee. Big Island Video News.

Crawford returns as Finance Department deputy. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed portions of the park to the public as a result of the federal government shutdown. Tribune-Herald.

EnVision Maunakea’s process coming to a close; about 100 people participate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Three Lawsuits Filed on Maui Over Shoreline Access. Maui Now.

Mayor looking into perks given to affordable housing owner. An apartment building owner who received millions of dollars in benefits to create an affordable housing project in Lahaina is coming under county scrutiny in light of the owner’s plans to raise affordable rents to market rates in 2019. Maui News.

Low inventory, higher housing prices persist in Maui County. Year-end real estate sales remain hot. Maui News.

Federal Government Shutdown Results in Haleakala Sunrise Summit Closure. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines reinstated daily nonstop service Friday between Portland, Ore., and Maui. Star-Advertiser.

East Maui drivers brace for closures due to highway repairs. Hawaii News Now.

A public presentation on a proposed renewable energy conversion and sludge processing project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility will be held Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

County leaders reflect on 2017 accomplishments. Garden Island.

Feral pig population holding steady. Garden Island.

One month without plastic. The average resident on Kauai produces around 1,300 pounds of waste per year, and county officials said that points to the potential impact of every individual’s choices. Garden Island.

FCC advisors investigate false missile scare, FBI probes Honolulu prosecutor as Ethics Commission drops charges, big raises for Big Island mayor, County Council, federal complaint over Takai campaign account, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cold War stockpiles on Oahu, courtesy HI-EMA

Gov. David Ige and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Administrator Vern Miyagi will brief state lawmakers today on the ballistic missile attack false alarm that frightened residents and tourists across Hawaii on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Investigators with the Federal Communications Commission met with state officials and members of the media at the Diamond Head Emergency Operations Center on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Advisors from the Federal Communications Commission are in Hawaii looking for answers after Saturday's false alert. KITV.

Everything you need to know about Hawaii's false ballistic missile alert in one place. Hawaii News Now.

State’s missile alert program rife with problems, Kim says. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says the state needs to reassess everything about its missile warning program, not just what led to last week’s false alarm that caused panic across Hawaii.  Tribune-Herald.

In the alert’s aftermath, some seek comfort in guns, MREs and supplies. Star-Advertiser.

Heartbreaking moment on social media when man puts child down manhole during false missile alarm. KITV.

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Republican gubernatorial candidate John Carroll has dubbed Democratic Gov. David Ige as “Doomsday David” and is calling on him to resign in the wake of Saturday’s ballistic missile false alarm. Star-Advertiser.

A nonprofit campaign finance watchdog in Washington, D.C., has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission against the campaign treasurer for the late Congressman Mark Takai, alleging that Dylan Beesley “illegally converted the late Congressman’s leftover campaign funds to personal use.” Star-Advertiser.

Complaint Filed Over Use Of Late Congressman’s Campaign Funds. The Campaign Legal Center says Dylan Beesley illegally converted funds to his own use after death of U.S. Rep. Mark Takai. Civil Beat.

Residents are urged to help combat climate change. The Hawaii Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report, adopted by the Hawaii Climate Commission at the end of December and delivered to the state Legislature, projects climate change-driven sea level rise of 3.2 feet over the next 30 to 70 years. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How Climate Change Is Already Threatening Hawaii. We’ve seen flooded streets and washed out beaches, but even the birds, the animals and the forests are being affected by global warming. Civil Beat.

State says it is past time to address climate change. Garden Island.

New questions in homeless survey aimed at better understanding lives of those on streets. Hundreds of volunteers are gearing up to canvass the state next week in an effort to count every person living on the street. Hawaii News Now.

Coming soon: Online inspection reports for neighbor island restaurants. KHON2.

Solar installations surged in 2017 while permits declined. Solar installations across Hawaiian Electric Cos.’ service territories rose in 2017 by the most megawatts in five years even as the number of permits that were issued continued a multiyear downward trend. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii solar installations see largest gain in 5 years, driven by rooftop solar. Hawaiian Electric Cos. said it added more than 100 megawatts of solar energy across its service territories in 2017. Pacific Business News.

Civil Beat: The 2018 legislative session. KITV.

Thousands of native Hawaiians turned out for the Onipaa Kakou march yesterday. The event commemorated the 125th Anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

FBI corruption investigation targets city prosecutor. Honolulu prosecuting attorney Keith Kaneshiro is the target of an FBI investigation into corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha cleared of ethics claims despite charges. The attorney for the man who filed an ethics complaint against embattled lawyer and Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha has called for the removal of the leader of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel because he cleared Kealoha of wrongdoing. Associated Press.

Mayor’s Affordable Housing Mandate Loses Ground. A City Council committee agrees to incentives for developers, but hesitates to impose requirements to build affordable units. Civil Beat.

1 of 2 affordable housing bills moves. A City Council committee gave preliminary approval Thursday to one bill that’s considered a key component of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s affordable housing strategy, but held off taking a vote on a companion measure. Star-Advertiser.

Officers At Bar Shooting Denied City-Paid Legal Defense. They were off-duty, out of uniform and drinking when HPD Sgt. Anson Kimura accidentally shot a bartender. Civil Beat.

At Kualoa Ranch, a real WWII-era bunker came in pretty handy this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

State Department of Health officials said this morning they are investigating a possible case of hepatitis A in a Mapunapuna restaurant employee. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers collect 10,000 pounds of invasive algae from Maunalua Bay. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Raises approved: Mayor, County Council, others get big hikes. The Salary Commission approved raises up to 34.6 percent Thursday, while a County Council member has introduced a charter amendment to slow down the money train. West Hawaii Today.

Neighbors push back against resort project. The Leeward Planning Commission Thursday held off on approving a slate of requests from Waikoloa BC, LLC, related to a proposed 40-unit resort development. West Hawaii Today.

A crowd showed up to the Leeward Planning Commission meeting in Kealakehe on Thursday to share their opinion on a small resort complex being proposed for the cherished sandy beach of Anaehoomalu. Big Island Video News.

Power generation up but number of Big Island permits down. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakala sunrise reservations gone in minutes; tweaks considered. Waitlist, cancellation capability mulled but changes not likely soon because park lacks control over system. Maui News.

It’s been two days since the latest road work started on Tuesday on the Honoapiilani between Keawe Street and Kapunakea Street. Maui Now.

Aloha Recycling HI5 redemption centers reopened early Thursday afternoon after closing a day earlier over alleged late payment from the state Department of Health. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms continued. Thursday’s continuance in the Coco Palms civil case was continued again to this morning because Hawaiian language interpreter Kumu Hina wasn’t present. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature opens session as thousands commemorate 125th anniversary of overthrow, Ige praises Big Island false missile alert while officials call for statewide investigation, Chin defends campaign manager, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

125th anniversary of Hawaiian overthrow observed PC: Treena Shapiro

Palace And Capitol: Hawaiian Event Bridges Two Worlds. On the same day the ruling government reconvened its Legislature, thousands noted the 125th anniversary of the former government’s overthrow. Civil Beat.

January 17 was the opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature. But the day also marked the 125 anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Big Island Video News.

125 years later, overthrow of Hawaii's last monarch marked with tears, reflection. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of Native Hawaiians marched through the streets of Honolulu Wednesday and then rallied at Iolani Palace and the Capitol rotunda to mark the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of Hawaii’s last monarch. Star-Advertiser.

Onipaa Kakou - Observing 125 years since Hawaiian Kingdom overthrow. KITV.

A look back at the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. KITV.

Saturday’s nerve­wracking missile alert was top of mind as lawmakers opened the 2018 session of the Legislature Wednesday, with House and Senate leaders vowing to investigate what led to the false alarm, and to make sure the problem gets fixed. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Convenes Amid Buzz Over False Missile Alert. Lawmakers highlight housing and education priorities while addressing public concerns over the Saturday panic. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers want to boost housing, prevent false alarms. State lawmakers opened the 2018 Legislative Session on Wednesday with vows to tackle the housing crisis and homelessness. Associated Press.

False Missile Alert and Homelessness Highlighted in Opening Day Remarks. Maui Now.

Counties push for bigger TAT share again. On the heels of a tumultuous summer special session that raised the transient accommodations tax by 1 percent, the state’s local governments and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim are pushing for a bigger slice of the pie. West Hawaii Today.

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Federal responsibility in nuclear attack alerts is unclear. The astonishing error and dismal response has prompted both state and federal investigations and left one of the state’s U.S. senators wondering aloud if top brass at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency should be replaced. Associated Press.

Schatz: Missile-Alert System Is Still Hawaii’s Kuleana. State and federal officials aim to fix the warning system — and hopefully, rebuild the public’s trust — by this summer. Civil Beat.

FEMA confirms state’s delay in call for guidance. It took Hawaii emergency management 23 minutes to connect with the Federal Emergency Management Agency after a state employee triggered a false ballistic missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

Tick Tock Of Terror: Timeline Of False Missile Alert. The sequence of events involving the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s infamous Saturday morning. Associated Press.

Not an ‘oops’ button: Missile alert took many clicks, long scroll state never mentioned. KHON2.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Briefed On False Emergency Alert. Maui Now.

Parents of Hawaii public school students have been told not to pick up their children at school during a missile attack. Star-Advertiser.

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Doug Chin’s Opponents Pile On Criticism Of Candidate’s Campaign Manager. Kaniela Ing will file an ethics complaint with the FEC, while Chin’s other foes for a congressional seat also criticized him. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines and Jetstar Group launched a new interline partnership on Wednesday that offers travelers from cities in New Zealand and Japan convenient flight connections to Hawaii and the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines expands Japan, New Zealand service through interline agreement. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City received 29 medical calls within 1 hour after alert. That’s substantially up from the average of between eight to 15 calls an hour. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens, if not hundreds, of volunteers are still needed for next week’s census of Oahu’s homeless population — but the head of the annual Point in Time Count isn’t concerned. Star-Advertiser.

Final public meeting set for Ala Moana Park project. The city will hold a final public meeting on the Ala Moana Regional Park Master Plan at 6 p.m. Jan. 29 at the McCoy Pavilion Auditorium. Star-Advertiser.

Family demands answers after state hospital patient drowns in shower. KHON2.

Biki ridership holds steady. Bikeshare Hawaii says Biki ridership in the second three-month period of the program matched the first three months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige praises Big Island response. Gov. David Ige praised Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County’s swift response to correct Saturday’s erroneous ballistic missile threat alert that was issued to the public statewide. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit filed in fatal police shooting in Hilo. A woman shot by police in Hilo almost two years ago is suing the county, alleging the officers who shot and killed her husband and injured her used excessive force. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakala National Park updated the public and gathered community input last night on its Environmental Assessment for sunrise visitor management at the summit of Haleakala. Maui Now.

Teenage mom programs crowded out at Maui High. School faces space crunch with record 600-plus freshman class expected next year; ‘hard decisions’ had to be made, says principal. Maui News.

Goode heading to Kaupo to hear about the impacts of bridge closure. Residents seeking access while Waiopai Bridge repairs are ongoing. Maui News.

All county HI5 redemption centers operated by Aloha Recycling have been closed temporarily, beginning Wednesday, while the company waits for reimbursement from the state, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai lawmakers talk session priorities. Garden Island.

The first-ever hackathon to improve Hawaii agriculture using computer technology has produced a smart camera prototype that could be valuable to the state’s biggest coffee farm. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai solar permits fell 12% in 2017. Kauai posted the smallest drop-off among Hawaii counties for solar permits issued in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Celebrating the vision of Queen Liliuokalani. Garden Island.

Airbnb tax back before the Legislature as session opens today, 125th overthrow anniversary brings Native Hawaiians together, false nuke alarm fallout continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol courtyard PC: Charles Freedman

Ige won’t sign proposed Airbnb tax agreement. Gov. David Ige has rejected a proposed agreement with Airbnb that would have authorized the company to collect vacation rental taxes on behalf of the state, a decision that effectively punts the issue back to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Politics could jeopardize Ige’s agenda. Election-year politics often drive events at the state Capitol, but devotees of U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa could cause the 2018 session of the state Legislature that opens today to devolve into a particularly partisan affair. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers welcome in the 2018 legislative session Wednesday morning at Hawaii State Capitol. KHON2.

The 2018 legislative session officially kicks off Wednesday. That means lawmakers will begin reviewing thousands of measures and soliciting public input on bills. Civil Beat.

County Councils, Through HSAC, Present Legislative Agenda. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii State Attorney General is asking for an extra $2.5 million in the department’s budget to cover the cost of security operations during large incidents. AG Doug Chin – who is stepping aside to run for Congress – presented the request to the Senate Ways and Means and Judiciary Committees during a January 9 informational briefing. Big Island Video News.

35 Hawaii Legislators have a Second Job. Nearly half of our state legislators hold second jobs, from pilot, doctor and lawyer to business owner, real estate agent and more. Hawaii Business.

Thousands will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom Wednesday. KITV.

Thousands are expected to join today’s march and Iolani Palace rally marking the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Star-Advertiser.

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North Korea mocks Trump, calls Hawaii’s false alarm a ‘tragicomedy’. Associated Press.

Experts say North Korean missile strike on Hawaii still highly unlikely. Hawaii News Now.

Saturday’s ballistic missile false alarm glaringly pointed out one thing: The state’s North Korea nuclear preparedness plan, unfortunately, is still very much a work in progress. Star-Advertiser.

False missile alert had potential to be ‘totally catastrophic,’ Hirono says. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen says the agency will be working with states to follow proper protocols when issuing safety alerts and can quickly retract incorrect alerts like Hawaii’s warning of a ballistic missile over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa are asking the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services to look into giving U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) access to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s alert system. KHON2.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard have requested a formal Congressional investigation into the policies, practices and procedures governing the issuance of a ballistic missile alert, following Saturday’s false ballistic missile alarm. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency officials have yet to contact Honolulu police about “dozens of death threats by fax, telephone, social media” that its executive officer said were directed at the warning officer who triggered a bogus missile alert on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency says it is taking formal action against death threats made to its employees after Saturday's false missile warning. Associated Press.

Hawaii businesses are evaluating policies in the case of a statewide emergency in the aftermath of Saturday’s false missile alert. The review comes after widespread reports of people being kicked out or not allowed entry into stores such as Walmart, Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, Costco and City Mill in the midst of a supposed ballistic missile attack. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority: Travel Demand Unaffected By Alert Scare. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Distributed Phony Image Of Missile Warning Screen. Gov. David Ige’s office mistakenly sent out a screenshot of menu options for emergency warnings that it thought was real. Civil Beat.

State issues different image of screen leading to employee’s false missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

The state can't agree on what the missile alert interface actually looks like. Hawaii News Now.

Agency releases emergency alert list, says worker not doing well after mistake. KHON2.

Techies and the general public are weighing in on the design, logic and layout of the drop-down menu the state employee saw before clicking on the wrong link, leading to the false missile alert sent by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

What should students do in the event of a missile threat? DOE explains. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii public schools are offering additional crisis counseling services for students experiencing emotional trauma after Saturday’s false ballistic missile alert. Tribune-Herald.

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A national group with a new chapter here is activating to advance right wing views. Proud Boys is an international men's organization whose credo is, The West is the Best. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii has joined 22 other U.S. states in filing a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission to block what the suit calls an illegal rollback of net neutrality. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin joined 18 other attorneys general Tuesday in signing a letter to Congress requesting legislation that would allow states with legalized marijuana to bring that commerce into the banking system. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii attorney general wants banks, pot industry to work together. Hawaii News Now.

Randall Saito, the man who escaped from the Hawaii State Hospital last November and was caught in California, entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday morning in Circuit Court, according to Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin. KITV.

$500,000 Cash Only Bail Set for Randall Saito. An initial court appearance was held today for escaped mental health patient Randall Saito.  Counsel Michael J. Green made a special appearance on Saito’s behalf, and entered a not guilty plea. Maui Now.

Oahu

Activists: Hawaii Can Get By With A Much Smaller Jail. As the state looks to build a new Oahu Community Correctional Center, legislators are urged to think small. Civil Beat.

Despite federal charges, body clears former police chief's attorney wife of ethical violations. Hawaii News Now.

Purported witness in Kealoha case disputes court documents. A man whose name appears on a state court document that city Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kea­loha is accused of falsifying says he never met Kealoha and has no idea how his signature wound up on the document. Star-Advertiser.

UH revisits missile response plans after students went running for shelter. The sign that hung at the foot of a stairway at UH Manoa's Bilger Hall read "Fallout Shelter" — but there is no shelter space in the building. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers made another disturbing discovery at a neglected graveyard in Pearl City. Over the weekend, the clean-up crew at Sunset Memorial Park found 35 urns — majority sitting in the bushes surrounding homeless campers squatting on the property. Hawaii News Now.

Largest Honolulu Harbor Expansion Project in State History Starts. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Department of Planning and Permitting said Tuesday the public should be aware of several incidents in which men impersonating DPP inspectors asked for money in exchange for canceling building violations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Banyan Drive redevelopment, rat lungworm research among East Hawaii lawmakers’ top priorities. Tribune-Herald.

Support for college among Chamber of Commerce priorities for session. West Hawaii Today.

Mountain vacation beckons: Maunakea Rec Area bunkhouses now open. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui County Council member warned the state that a lawsuit could be a possibility if work is not temporarily suspended on the current phase of the Lahaina bypass and its controversial merging with Honoapiilani Highway through Keawe Street in town. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park is putting its sunrise reservation program, implemented nearly a year ago to deal with overcrowding at the summit, through the environmental assessment process and will be holding a public meeting on it from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Maui News.

Maui County is accepting bids for the purchase for 55 residential lots at The Fairways at Maui Lani in Kahului that the county acquired in a legal settlement. Maui News.

Rick Volner, who was general manager of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. until the Maui operations’ closure a little more than a year ago, is leaving Alexander & Baldwin Inc. to take a job as general manager of Maui operations for concrete producer HC&D. Pacific Business News.

Rick Volner, vice president of diversified agriculture at Alexander & Baldwin is resigning his post as he prepares for a new opportunity as general manager of Maui operations for HC&D (formerly Ameron). Maui Now.

Maintenance Projects to Begin at Haleakala, Oheo and Pipiwai. Maui Now.

Kauai

Many Kauai residents are struggling to make ends meet. Garden Island.