Legislative committees begin budget negotiations, Ige picks Hashimoto to fill Souki's House seat, Molokai leprosy memorial project approved, Kauai taxpayers get tax filing relief as they dig out from floods, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Monk seal pup with knife PC: Hawaii DLNR

Endangered monk seal pup spotted with knife; but all is OK. West Hawaii Today.

The state House and Senate on Tuesday began public discussions on next year’s budget, which is expected to total more than $14 billion. Star-Advertiser.

State Office of Information Practices: Funding Denied, Again. The State Budget is in a joint conference committee this week to work out Senate and House differences. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers May Expand Definition Of Drugged Driving. A measure to ensure that driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal also addresses other substances. Civil Beat.

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Gov. David Ige has appointed Troy Hashimoto, former chairman of the Maui Democratic Party, to the Maui House seat vacated by Joseph Souki, who resigned last month to resolve sexual harassment allegations. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Selects Replacement For Vacant Hawaii House Spot. Troy Hashimoto will take former speaker Joe Souki’s Maui post. Associated Press.

Governor David Ige picked Troy Hashimoto to replace Joe Souki in the State House of Representatives Tuesday. KITV.

Ige appoints Hashimoto to serve remainder of Souki’s House term. Appointment follows Souki’s resignation in late March over sexual harassment charges. Maui News.

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With less than four months until the primary election, three candidates vying for the U.S. House seat representing urban Honolulu raised more than $200,000 each in the first three months of the year. Star-Advertiser.

The late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka will lie in state at Hawaii’s Capitol rotunda prior to his memorial services next month. Star-Advertiser.

Late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka to lie in state before private burial. KHON2.

Whose Side Is This Workers’ Comp Doctor On? Chris Brigham has exerted major influence on how Hawaii’s insurers treat injured workers claims. Critics say he has mostly made it easier to slash benefits. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday aimed at remedying a sore spot among drivers and businesses in Kakaako. The measure, House Bill 2275, would require that owners of private roads in the area pay to conform with city standards if they charge for parking on those streets. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Planning Chairman Ikaika Anderson said Tuesday he is looking at introducing legislation giving city officials clear authority to tear down structures that are built while under a stop-work order for constructing without a building permit. Star-Advertiser.

New Waikiki senior apartments blessed. A nonprofit developer with heavy government financing held a blessing Tuesday for a new affordable rental apartment building expected to welcome its first residents early next month. Star-Advertiser.

Man released after deadly shooting in Ewa Beach, but will self-defense claim hold?  KHON2.

Olomana Golf Links owed the state of Hawaii more than $110,000 when the operator of the 18-hole Windward Oahu golf course closed last week without notice. Pacific Business News.

Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele, head of the sovereign Nation of Hawaii, envisions Olomana golf course as site for homeless. Star-Advertiser.

3 Oahu homes destroyed, dozens more damaged in Oahu flooding. At least 67 Oahu homes were seriously impacted by the weekend's heavy rains that caused flooding in several areas on the east side of the island. Hawaii News Now.

The Board of Water Supply crews are working tonight to repair a 24-inch water main break near the entrance to Waimanalo Gulch Landfill in the westbound shoulder of Farrington Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Whole Foods sets opening date for new Kakaako location. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

If each man, woman and child living on the Big Island dug into a pocket and handed over his or her share of the cost of operating county government, that amount would be $2,449. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council Committee on Finance began its week of department budget and program reviews on Tuesday in Hilo, starting with the traditional opening presentation from the mayor. Big Island Video News.

The state attorney general’s office executed a search warrant at Ka'u Learning Academy on Tuesday morning, school leaders confirmed Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Residents packed a public meeting on Saturday to sound off on satellite launch project representatives who were eyeing Ka'u as a potential location. Big Island Video News.

Police officers and staff at the Kealakehe police station have been working on a plan to remove feral chickens as their presence has become annoying. West Hawaii Today.

The restroom facilities at Glenwood Park on the Big Island have been temporarily closed after thieves stole utility equipment from the park site. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea Volcano Showing Signs of Increased Activity. Big Island Now.

Maui

The southern terminus of the Lahaina bypass will open about 6 a.m. Monday, the state Department of Transportation announced. All northbound traffic will be routed to the bypass at the southern terminus, which starts at “cut mountain” near Olowalu. Maui News.

High Enterococci Bacteria Count at Hanakaoo. Maui Now.

Environmental assessment is approved for memorial project honoring the 8,000 people sent to Kalaupapa. Completion and opening targeted for October 2020. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. David Ige has directed the state Department of Taxation to provide relief for Kauai residents affected by the devastating floods and landslides. Garden Island.

Kauai residents get extension to file state tax returns. Hawaii News Now.

It could be weeks before roads on Kauai's north shore reopen. Hawaii News Now.

State explains what needs to happen before Kuhio Hwy. can reopen on Kauai. KHON2.

The devastation is all around in hard-hit Wainiha, but so is hope. Garden Island.

Hanalei residents cleaning up, assessing damage. Garden Island.

Westside ohana boats in supplies to flood victims. Garden Island.

Molokai

Environmental assessment is approved for memorial project honoring the 8,000 people sent to Kalaupapa. Completion and opening targeted for October 2020. Maui News.

Hawaiian monk seals rebounding, House shaves $35M off governor's budget, paid family leave bill advances, Navy wife awarded $24.7M in Tripler lawsuit, Kauai fights for beach access, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Monk seals PC:NOAA

NOAA's annual monk seal population count has a promising outlook. According to NOAA's annual monk seal population update, the seal count is on the upswing. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would protect sharks and expand protections to all rays within state waters is cruising through the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Senate Bills Address Sustainability, Climate Change. Maui Now.

House Shaves $35 Million From Governor’s Budget. The Finance Committee’s cuts create a balanced budget over six years, but the spending plans could still change. Civil Beat.

State budget draft funds foster settlement, school construction. The proposed House draft of the state budget totals $14.3 billion in state, federal and special funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and lawmakers also announced a proposed two-year, $4.48 billion construction budget. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers take a stand against federal Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. The Hawaii House and Senate will discuss two resolutions Thursday that take aim at a controversial gun bill moving forward at the federal level. KITV.

A bill that would establish a paid family leave program in Hawaii crossed over from the Senate to the House on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

A bill that would fine people who fraudulently represent their pets as service dogs may finally have some bite at the Hawaii Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Curbing opioid addiction in the islands. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are two of the most commonly abused opioids in Hawaii according to emergency room doctor William Scruggs. KHON2.

State Auditor Discusses Reviews of OHA, HTA. The findings of the two agencies - the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawaii Tourism Authority is what Les Kondo is particularly concerned about. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Federal Judge Nomination Offers Glimpse Of Partisan Dealmaking. Prosecutor Jill Otake, who once had a shot at the job under Obama, takes her first step toward confirmation in the Trump era. Civil Beat.

HTA Spring Marketing Update: More Airline Seats! The Hawaii Tourism Authority hosted its Spring Marketing Update today. The tourism industry does not appear to be slowing down. Hawaii Public Radio.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who owns hundreds of acres of land on Kauai’s North Shore, held on to his No. 5 ranking on Forbes’ 2018 ranking of the world’s billionaires, while eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, Hawaii’s only full-time resident on the list, moved up nearly 20 slots as his fortune grew by some $2.5 billion. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines announced today that its employees were awarded $23.8 million as part of the company’s profit sharing, its largest annual payment ever. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A Navy wife and her family have been awarded $24.7 million for “severe and permanent” kidney damage she suffered from treatment at Tripler Army Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Wife Who Lost Kidneys After Giving Birth Awarded $24.7M. The government acknowledged its liability for the treatment she received at Tripler Army Medical Center. Civil Beat.

Navy wife, Marites Campano, and her family were awarded $24.7 million on Wednesday, in part of malpractice suit against Tripler Army Medical Center. The Campano's attorney claims it’s the largest verdict ever against Tripler. KITV.

Tripler Army Medical Center faces $25M malpractice payout. KHON2.

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The state board regulating development in Kakaako will take another crack at amending its rules for producing affordable housing after Gov. David Ige objected to one piece of a comprehensive overall plan put forth in September. Star-Advertiser.

A second phase of rental apartments in Mililani for seniors with low incomes is now open, and work on the third of four phases has begun. Star-Advertiser.

State Plans To Sweep Longtime Homeless Camp At Waianae Boat Harbor. For more than a decade, people have been living in the self-governed community, and about 200 are there now. Civil Beat.

Waialua Landowner Proposes 30-Home ‘Affordable’ Subdivision. The 8-acre site is currently zoned for agricultural use. Its owner says some of the homes would be for his children. Civil Beat.

Study: New Federal Tax Law Will Hurt Many Honolulu Homeowners. The loss of some deductions for mortgage and state and local taxes impacts areas with the most expensive real estate. Civil Beat.

As the Honolulu Police department gets ready to graduate it’s newest recruit class Wednesday, the police chief is letting us in on one of the biggest roadblocks to hiring. She says many applicants can’t pass the background check. KHON2.

HPD graduates new recruits, but hundreds of vacancies remain. Hawaii News Now.

City offers OHA $30M for 3-acre land parcel to build sewer pump station. Hawaii News Now.

Kalihi businesses fed up with the illegal dumping of derelict cars. Hawaii News Now.

Car Share a Potential Game Changer in Urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

After 51 years, the iconic steak house will call it a day. Chuck’s Steak House, a mainstay in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort since 1967, is closing at the end of the month to make way for a luxury Voyager 47 Club Lounge for hotel guests. Star-Advertiser.

Tony Roma's, a culinary fixture in the Aiea community, will be closing up shop — and taking its ribs with it. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Despite the uncertain future of a bill that seeks to create a new management authority for Mauna Kea, the lawmakers behind the proposal are working overtime conducting a community campaign to whip up public support for the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Alarmed by photos on social media showing needles and other drug paraphernalia at a county soccer field, Mayor Harry Kim called emergency meetings of state and county officials, creating a task force to tackle the problem head-on. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hilo Lanes to become new Penn gym. A Hilo businesswoman said Wednesday her purchase of the long-vacant Hilo Lanes bowling alley for $2.55 million closed Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

E. coli found in Molokai well, but water safe. The bacteria was detected in the well shaft but not found in the water source. Maui News.

Maui Lifeguard ATV Stolen From DT Fleming Beach. Maui police are seeking the public’s help with information relating to the theft of an ATV belonging to the County of Maui Lifeguard Department. Maui Now.

Barnes & Noble will open at its new temporary store Monday at the Maui Marketplace in Kahului, in the former Petco retail space, the national bookstore chain announced. Maui News.

Home sale volume often plummets on Maui in January or February, but this year it didn’t, and the result was what looked like a spike in the number of single- family houses sold last month. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Maui soared last month, as prices posted slight gains of less than 2 percent for single-family homes and condominiums, according to data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

County battling billionaire over beach access. Questions about responsible upkeep and safety were voiced at the Kilauea Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday night, as county attorneys explained current legal action to reopen a public access to Kauapea Beach. Garden Island.

Coco Palms land dispute may continue. Defendants in the Coco Palms land dispute want to charge rent for the use of the Wailua land upon which the old hotel sits and they’ve set the price tag at $200 million. Garden Island.

Air Canada announced Wednesday it is launching a new winter service from Vancouver to Kauai in December with its new Boeing 737 Max-8 fleet. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu jail site selected, Office of Hawaiian Affairs sues state over Mauna Kea management, Kealoha judge wants proof they can't afford lawyer, Sen. Kim announces congressional bid, high cost to retrofit high-rise sprinklers, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Concertina wire over Hawaii jail © 2017 All Hawaii News

Animal Quarantine Station site marked for new Oahu jail. The preferred location for Oahu’s new jail is the Animal Quarantine Station site in Halawa Valley, and the latest cost estimate for the project is $525 million, according to the project’s draft environmental impact statement. Star-Advertiser.

‘Preferred’ Jail Site Currently Houses Animal Quarantine Station. The Halawa Valley project’s $525 million price tag includes $17.5 million for a new quarantine facility. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reveals preferred location for new Oahu jail. An underused animal quarantine facility near the confluence of two freeways on Oahu is the state of Hawaii’s preferred site for Honolulu’s new jail, a $525 million project that would replace the aging and overcrowded Oahu Community Correctional Center. Pacific Business News.

OCCC Relocation: $525M. The state reached a major decision-point in its plan to replace the outdated Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

State selects Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa as preferred location for OCCC. Gov. David Ige announced on Wednesday that his administration has selected the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa as the preferred site for the relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KITV.

Construction at Halawa prison stirs up rats. Recent construction work at Halawa Correctional Facility has stirred up the rat population at the state’s largest prison, but Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda says the department has contracted with exterminators who have the situation under control. Star-Advertiser.

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Why Gov. Ige’s Secret Talks With Airbnb Have So Many People Upset. A backlash is brewing against a potential deal for the company to collect Hawaii taxes — in part, because no one knows what’s in the agreement. Civil Beat.

Donna Mercado Kim enters race for US Congress. Veteran State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim is making another run for U.S. Congress. Hawaii News Now.

Attack Warning Siren Tests Begin in December. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency will begin testing its Attack Warning Signal or “Wailing Tone” next month as they continue preparedness and consequence management plans related to potential attack scenarios. Maui Now.

Judge ‘troubled’ as Island Air seeks cash infusion. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris expressed concern Wednesday about Island Air’s dire financial condition and gave the company a one-week extension to use its cash and provide more evidence of its financial situation before he decides how to proceed with the case. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ballard names 2 HPD captains as her top deputies. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard has named HPD captains John McCarthy and Jonathon Grems as her two deputy chiefs. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys ask to be removed from case; Kealohas to file financial disclosures. A federal judge has continued a hearing to Thursday morning on whether the attorneys representing Louis and Katherine Kealoha should be removed from the couple’s high-profile public corruption case. Star-Advertiser.

Judge To Kealohas: Show Me Your Finances. A federal judge says he won’t consider taxpayer-funded attorneys for the former Honolulu chief and his prosecutor wife until he verifies their financial situation. Civil Beat.

Kealohas claim they can't afford attorneys; judge says prove it. The Kealohas will have to turn over financial information before a U.S. District Court Judge will order taxpayer-funded attorneys for the couple fighting a 20-count federal indictment. Hawaii News Now.

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Rail costs cast shadow over Blaisdell plan. As the plan to make over the Neal S. Blaisdell Center moves ahead, one prominent state lawmaker continues to question whether the city should tackle that nearly $700 million endeavor before it finishes funding rail. Star-Advertiser.

Bringing the Blaisdell Center into the 21st century could cost $530M. Community members had their third and final opportunity to weigh in on the future of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center on Wednesday evening. Hawaii News Now.

City holds final public workshop on Blaisdell Center Master Plan. KHON2.

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Fire safety panel recommends retrofitting sprinklers in 150 older Honolulu buildings. Five months after the deadly fire at the Marco Polo Building, an advisory committee formed in response to the tragedy is making a recommendation to the Honolulu City Council. KITV.

Here's what it would cost to retrofit high-rises with fire sprinklers. A residential fire safety panel led by Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves is recommending that only older residential high-rises with interior hallways should be required to install automatic fire sprinklers. Hawaii News Now.

New report whittles down older high-rises in need of new sprinkler systems. In the wake of the deadly Marco Polo fire, the mayor called for older residential high-rises to be retrofitted with sprinklers. KHON2.

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North Shore safety, traffic frustrations continue with solutions overturned, unenforced. The bottleneck on Kamehameha Highway near Laniakea Beach has long been a source of frustration for Oahu’s North Shore residents. KHON2.

Leader of Kakaako development agency resigning. Jesse Souki, head of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, notified the agency’s board and staff last week that he is stepping down Nov. 30 after one year on the job. Star-Advertiser.

NRG Energy seeks $350M in financing to build solar farms in Hawaii. NRG Energy acquired the three solar farm projects from bankrupt SunEdison last November. Pacific Business News.

Cat sterilization non-profit seeks new home after losing lease. After seven years, the non-profit CatFriends lost the lease for their facility in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

OHA sues UH over Mauna Kea; Attorney says agency willing to work with DLNR on new management structure. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Honolulu Circuit Court, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is alleging the University of Hawaii is in violation of its general lease for the Mauna Kea Science Reserve and asks for the agreement to be cancelled. Tribune-Herald.

OHA sues to end UH’s stewardship of Mauna Kea summit. After threatening to go to court for months, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs finally pulled the trigger, accusing the University of Hawaii of aggressively developing the Mauna Kea summit for astronomy at the expense of its environment and cultural significance. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Sues State, UH Over ‘Longstanding Mismanagement’ Of Mauna Kea. The legal action follows a ruling allowing the Thirty Meter Telescope project to go forward on a mountain considered deeply sacred by many Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says it is moving forward with its lawsuit over the management of Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

OHA: State incapable of giving Mauna Kea 'level of aloha' it deserves. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the state, claiming "longstanding and well-documented mismanagement" of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

OHA sues state over management of Mauna Kea. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the state and the University of Hawaii for what the group calls the "longstanding and well-documented mismanagement of Mauna Kea." KITV.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs sues state, University of Hawaii over Mauna Kea. The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the state of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii for what it calls “their longstanding and well-documented mismanagement of Mauna Kea,” and seeks to terminate the university’s lease of the land on the mountain, which is home to a dozen observatories. Pacific Business News.

University Of Hawaii, State Respond To OHA Mauna Kea Lawsuit. Big Island Video News.

Memorial service, music program mark 100th anniversary of Liliuokalani’s death. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Navy expands zone limiting sonar testing around county. The U.S. Navy has expanded its no-sonar-testing zone around Maui County by about 50 percent, according to its latest draft environmental impact statement for personnel and weapons systems training between Hawaii and California, officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

Liquor department faces new gripes. Boys & Girls Clubs ‘Little Chefs’ not allowed with ‘Big Chefs,’ to receive awards on stage; no alcohol allowed at VFW luau. Maui News.

Man On Trans-Pacific Voyage In Ocean Rowboat Rescued Off Maui. He was headed from California to China aboard an 18-foot vessel, according to the Coast Guard. Civil Beat.

Progress made in converting old sugar cane lands. Half of company’s 36,000 acres may be leased more quickly than expected – A&B. Maui News.

Maui home sales jump 35% in October as prices rise. Home sales on Maui increased by more than 35 percent in October, when compared to the same month last year, while median prices rose for both single-family homes and condominiums, according to statistics released by the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Sammy Hagar Lists Haiku Oceanfront Retreat for $3.3M. Maui Now.

Kauai

Navy outlines plans for future activity. Weapons and whales came head to head in Lihue Wednesday afternoon as the U.S. Navy presented its newest evaluation of the impacts training and testing activities have on the environment. Garden Island.

Housing, safety at forefront of county requests. On Wednesday, the county committee meeting began dialogue regarding the priorities for formulating the 2018 Kauai County Legislative Package. Garden Island.

Fat and molting, Kauai’s yearling Hawaiian Monk Seal RH38 has returned to Kauai waters after spending two months at Ke Kai Ola, a dedicated Marine Mammal Center hospital for monk seals on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature holds secret meeting today on military threat response, Sea-Based X-Band Radar returns to Pearl Harbor, HART submits rail recovery plan, SBA seeks small R&D companies, monk seal dies on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sea-Based X-Band Radar, PC: U.S. Missile Defense Agency

The Sea-Based X-Band Radar returned to Pearl Harbor on Friday after spending months at sea likely watching for any North Korean missiles that would have come across the Pacific in the direction of Hawaii and the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Internal memo shows HI legislators to hold secret meeting Tuesday to discuss recent military threats (AKA N. Korea) and planned responses. Civil Beat.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, added provisions to the National Defense Authorization Act that direct the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate additional steps that can be taken to protect Hawaii and the Indo-Asia-Pacific region from growing threats, including recent actions taken by North Korea. Maui Now.

Helber Hastert and Fee Planners Inc. Monday received a $20 million architect and engineering contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for the preparation of Navy and Marine Corps National Environmental Policy Act, along with related documents. Pacific Business News.

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The University of Hawaii is tackling Hawaii’s chronic teacher shortage with a public campaign to attract more people to the profession, dubbed “Be a hero. Be a teacher.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s emergency rooms see more than 500,000 patients annually, and the most common complaint is long wait times. Star-Advertiser.

Armed with a $400,000 grant, a University of Hawaii researcher is launching a new initiative to find ways to prevent the transmission of the Zika virus between pregnant women and the fetus they carry. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Small Business Administration Looking for Small Company Innovators. Federal agency representatives are on a road tour, visiting Hawaii to offer funding for smaller companies doing research and development. Hawaii Public Radio.

A recent report from the US Drought Monitor showed that 90.65% of the State was abnormally dry or drier than year-ago data. Maui Now.

Oahu

The city announced last week it has sold $767 million in general obligation bonds, including $350 million that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation deemed significant to keep construction going for the 20-mile, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana project. Star-Advertiser.

The Estimated Cost Of Honolulu Rail Just Dropped By $1 Billion. A $10 billion figure was often cited as rail’s total cost, but HART tells the feds it thinks it can finish the project for $9 billion. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu rail authority says the cost of the rail system is now at $9 billion. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu rail officials said Monday they submitted their recovery plan to the Federal Transit Administration last week, which includes an updated financial plan, following the state Legislature’s special session last month. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has released its recovery plan for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. KHON2.

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Condominium sales in Waikiki jumped 40 percent in August, while Kakaako condo sales increased 33 percent, according to a local market update by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Head of model homeless village: State told me to turn people away. Twinkle Borge oversees the homeless camp at Waianae Small Boat Harbor known as Puuhonua o Waianae. Hawaii News Now.

AEG Facilities has appointed Lee Conching, previously the director of sales, service and support for the Hawaii Convention Center, as vice president of Meet Hawaii citywide sales. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The 23 parties that sparred and skirmished for more than four months during the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing replay will get one last opportunity to argue their case before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Private wells fail in North Kohala: Situation demands Department of Water Supply resources, creates setbacks in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council is proposing to audit the water department as five wells remain offline in North Kona, while the Water Board OK's a permitted interaction group. Big Island Video News.

Manpower and budget issues continue to plague the Hawaii Police Department. Police described to commissioners during the Police Commission’s monthly meeting held Friday of the struggles they face in filling vacancies on the force as well as dispatch. West Hawaii Today.

Updates to Hawaii Island's Flood Maps. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has taken a new look at the island’s flood zone maps and that could have an impact on your flood insurance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui County Council committee members want to protect minors from secondhand smoke but have questions regarding enforcement and privacy issues surrounding a bill to ban smoking in cars when minors are present. Maui News.

The state is proposing improvements to the Lower Waiohuli Trail that would heighten public safety and allow for bicycle use on the 1.5-mile path on Haleakala’s western slope. Maui News.

A Hawaii nonprofit has found a use for Puunene Mill's leftover sugar cane stalks that dot the Maui landscape. Associated Press.

Sugar cane may no longer be processed at the Puunene Mill, but one Hawaii island nonprofit found a use for the leftover stalks still dotting the Maui landscape. Maui News.


Kauai

County looks to bolster use of The Kauai Bus. The County Council is scheduled to review transportation plans at its Wednesday meeting, including a resolution accepting and endorsing the Short-Range Transit Plan. Garden Island.

Another group of Newell’s shearwater chicks took their first flight in mid-September, safely tucked in cardboard carriers aboard a much bigger bird. Garden Island.

Endangered birds left Kauai's Friday night football games in the dark — but not anymore. Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho announced some nighttime games would be brought back after he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hawaii News Now.

The county announced Monday it was able to work out a solution with officials from the state and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to play four games at night this season. KHON2.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will be meeting Oct. 10-12 at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort. Garden Island.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kauai/Niihau Trustee Dan Ahuna will be meeting with the public at 6 tonight at Ko‘olau Hui‘ia Church in Anahola to hear how OHA can serve Kauai and Niihau. Garden Island.

Molokai

The federal government is investigating what it calls a suspicious monk seal death on Molokai. KITV.

Ige says he can beat Hanabusa, Muslim files civil rights lawsuit against Hawaiian Telcom, Merrie Monarch participants can't stay overnight at gyms, gun range measure passes, artist fights to keep airport mural, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian monk seal, Kaimana, NOAA

New photos of Kaimana, the Hawaiian monk seal removed from Waikiki, show her doing just fine on her own. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige says he can beat Hanabusa in a potential 2018 match-up. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige Talks Schools. The governor is pleased with the selection of the new superintendent, but says he played no role in her selection or the ouster of her predecessor. Civil Beat.

Close to 1,000 students enrolled at the University of Hawaii’s community colleges stand to benefit from a new state-funded scholarship designed to eliminate cost as a barrier to higher education. Star-Advertiser.

An Iranian-born Muslim has filed a federal civil rights suit against Hawaiian Telcom, saying he was fired on the basis of his national origin, race and religion. Civil Beat.

Letter spurs Fukumoto to urge GOP to change. State Rep. Beth Fukumoto says she’s hoping to turn a personal attack she recently received through a profanity-laced letter from a self-­proclaimed supporter of President Donald Trump into a teachable moment. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Education said Thursday that progress is being made by school bus contractors to address the shortage of commercial driver licensed drivers on Kauai and Maui qualified to operate school buses. Garden Island.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education reports that progress is being made by school bus contractors to address the current shortage of Commercial Driver Licensed drivers on Maui and Kauai. Maui Now.

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The parent company of interisland cargo carrier Young Brothers Ltd. intends to launch a new shipping service between the mainland and Hawaii that would go head-to-head with two existing competitors that bring the vast majority of goods to the state. Star-Advertiser.

New shipping company to enter U.S.-Mainland-Hawaii trade route. TOTE, a transportation and logistics company, is entering the Hawaii market. Pacific Business News.

New competition is on the way for shipping between the Mainland and Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

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The U.S. Coast Guard said Thursday it was now searching up to 50 miles off Hawaii for five soldiers missing after their Black Hawk helicopter crashed during nighttime training. Associated Press.

Crews find 'significant' wreckage, but no sign of 5 on downed chopper. Hawaii News Now.

The search for the missing five crew members of an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter has expanded to 50 miles from the shore due to “swift and dynamic currents” in the area, Coast Guard officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

Increasingly worried family members Thursday identified a second crew member of the five missing from an Army Black Hawk helicopter that went down at sea off Kaena Point on Tuesday night as an urgency was added to the search-and-rescue mission now entering its fourth day. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The 10-member board overseeing the Honolulu Rail Project met today to consider actions it needs to take following a public information hearing Monday on additional funding for the 8.2 billion dollar project. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Councilman Ernie Martin wants the Honolulu Police Commission to speed up its search for a new police chief, and he suggests the hiring process “should be shortened by choosing the new chief from one of the qualified leaders currently serving in the department.” Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit groups that clean up beaches, parks and trails are being told they can’t dispose of their trash at most refuse centers, even though those are open to residents. Civil Beat.

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Internationally renowned marine artist Wyland is fighting Hawaiian Airlines over the future of two murals he painted 18 years ago on the Airport Center building on Ualena Street. Star-Advertiser.

Marine life artist Wyland is locked in a legal battle with Hawaiian Airlines over the ownership of two Hawaii whale murals the artist painted nearly 20 years ago on the sides of an office building owned by the airline near Honolulu International Airport, and said the airline has threatened to begin painting over the murals as soon as Friday. Pacific Business News.

Well known Hawaii artist Wyland is in a battle with Hawaiian Airlines over the potential removal of two landmark murals near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KITV.

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After community outcry from unhappy residents and business owners, the city is scaling back the curb extensions in Chinatown. Hawaii News Now.

It has been less than two months since Biki – Honolulu’s bike sharing business launched. And now, a car sharing business is set to launch in Kaka‘ako by the end of the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu has been named the most livable city in the U.S. and one of the top 20 worldwide, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim has informed the Merrie Monarch Festival it no longer will be allowed to house halau competing in the festival’s hula competition to stay in county gymnasiums. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Mayor has alerted Merrie Monarch Festival organizers that overnight stays at county gyms is now prohibited. Hawaii News Now.

The county Game Management Advisory Commission is shooting for a quick solution to the lack of gun ranges on the island. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply believes it can restore service to the Honokohau Deepwell by some time early next week. West Hawaii Today.

Repair and reinstallation work on the Honokohau Deepwell will continue through the holiday weekend, water supply officials report. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mutual insurance company Sentry has agreed to a five-year deal with the PGA Tour to become the title sponsor of the Tournament of Champions golf event at Kapalua Resort on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Famed voyaging canoe Hokulea makes Maui first stop on ‘Mahalo’ sail around state. Maui News.

Hokulea Stops at Olowalu Reef, Announced as “Mission Blue Hope Spot” Maui Now.

While some progress was reported Thursday in easing suspended public school bus services on Maui, the battle for public opinion escalated. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai lawmakers aren’t entirely in agreement on a proposal to tax neighbor islands to pay for the Honolulu rail project. Garden Island.

Connecting the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path from Kapaa Town to Lydgate Park is a step toward the project’s full vision, according to organizers. Garden Island.

Officials, residents worry over North Korea threat, first marijuana dispensary opens, gag order rescinded in foster care death, endangered monk seal pup to be moved, Honolulu homeless sweeps continue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

North Korea missile test, photo released by government

As the heated rhetoric between President Donald Trump and North Korea reaches a boiling point, the chances of Hawaii, with its large military bases, being pulled into the conflict are increasing as well. Civil Beat.


Two members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation expressed faith in the head of U.S. Pacific Command and the U.S. military Tuesday and called for diplomacy as North Korea threatened a missile strike on Guam. Star-Advertiser.


In a live interview with Hawaii News Now Tuesday, U.S. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa said she believes the threat from North Korea to Hawaii is minimal. Hawaii News Now.


Concern from former residents of Guam about what the threat from North Korea could mean for their family still living there. KITV.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings remained at historically low levels last month as they fell 8.3 percent to the smallest July total in 10 years. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc. said Monday that it will introduce service to Tahiti, providing twice a month arrivals from the U.S. Mainland and Honolulu to French Polynesia. Pacific Business News.


Oahu

The City Council is expected to vote Wednesday on making it easier for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply to transfer the Haiku Stairs to another government agency — a key step if the popular but legally off-limits trail atop the Koolaus is to be saved. Civil Beat.

A bill that would create a new, low-cost spaying and neutering option for feral or community cats is scheduled for a final vote by the Honolulu City Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Neuter Now program helps pet owners sterilize their cats and dogs at reduced rates and costs taxpayers $500,000 annually. Now some members of the Honolulu City Council want a portion of that money to fund the effort to sterilize Oahu’s feral cat population. Civil Beat.

Government officials have decided to relocate an endangered Hawaiian monk seal pup from a popular beach in Waikiki to a remote, undisclosed shoreline on Oahu amid safety concerns for the animal and the public. Civil Beat.

Kaimana, the Hawaiian monk seal pup officially known as PO3, will be moved to a “remote, undisclosed shoreline area” so she can grow up wild and with less human interaction than she’s having in Waikiki, state officials announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Kaimana, the monk seal to be relocated to remote Oahu beach. KITV.

A Hawaii marine park's purchase of Kina, a 40-year-old false killer whale long used in echolocation research, has reignited a debate about captive marine mammals and the places that care for them. Associated Press.

At the Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting Tuesday night, community members voiced concerns over the future of the state's largest boat harbor. Hawaii's Land and Natural Resource's Division of Boating and Ocean Resources is looking at ways to redevelop the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and generate additional revenue. Hawaii News Now.

A North Shore preservation group initiated state hearings this week to force the developer of a 25-megawatt wind facility to improve its habitat conservation plan for the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. Star-Advertiser.

A special city clean-up crew Tuesday began dismantling dozens of homeless encampments on Navy land fronting Blaisdell Park from Hawaiian Electric Co.’s Waiau power plant to Waimalu Stream. Star-Advertiser.

The City began clearing homeless encampments along the Pearl Harbor Bike Trail today fronting Neal Blaisdell Park. Hawaii Public Radio.

City says Topgolf interested in possible partnership at Ala Wai Golf Course. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A family court judge has rescinded a gag order in the case involving 3-year-old Fabian Garett-Garcia, who died while in foster care last month. West Hawaii Today.

Several Hawaii Island lawmakers are opposed to having neighbor island taxpayers shoulder some of the burden for Honolulu’s cash-strapped rail system. Others are taking a wait-and-see approach. West Hawaii Today.

A Hu Honua Bioenergy official says construction of its biomass power plant near Pepeekeo is moving “full speed ahead” and is on track to be complete in December 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo is on pace to have one of its drier years on record, and July’s rainfall totals brought little if any relief to drought-affected areas of the Big Island, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to maintain and restore the Kawaihae watershed will get a funding boost from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Hattie is returning to the Big Island of Hawaii next month with a new store in Kailua-Kona. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Hawaii history was made today with the first legal sale of marijuana, nearly two decades after the state approved the use of pot for medical purposes. Star-Advertiser.

First Hawaii Dispensary Approved For Medical Marijuana Sales. Maui Grown Therapies gets the green light from the state Department of Health. Civil Beat.

Dispensary sales of medical marijuana in Hawaii are beginning after patients waited 17 years for a legal way to purchase the drug. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s first medical cannabis dispensary has received the green light from the state Department of Health to begin selling products to registered patients, 17 years after its legalization. Pacific Business News.

Maui Wellness Group, LLC dba Maui Grown Therapies is the first licensed medical cannabis dispensary in the state to receive the green light from the Hawai‘i Department of Health to begin selling medical cannabis to registered patients and their caregivers. Maui Now.

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Maui Judge Rhonda Loo today ruled against plaintiffs in a lawsuit that challenged the handling of rule changes made by the Liquor Control Commission. Maui Now.

Parents with children attending Lahainaluna High School on Monday called the suspended school bus service “messed up” and wondered how long it would last. Maui News.

Maui police responded to 77 burglaries, 87 vehicle thefts and 140 vehicle break-ins in Maui County for the month of July. Two of the burglaries happened on Lānaʻi and one of the vehicle thefts and break-ins occurred on Molokaʻi. Maui Now.

Kauai

Shorelines change on Kauai throughout the year as currents and other factors move the sand around, raise tides and cause occasional flooding. But these routine changes in the environment are getting turbocharged, according to scientists. Garden Island.

Governor Ige attends NTBG fundraiser. Gov. Ige attends Moonlight & Music at McBryde Garden. Garden Island.

The Kapaa Public Library is temporarily closed until further notice, due to the unexpected death of one of its staff members. Garden Island.

Hearings officer gives thumbs-up for Thirty Meter Telescope, Kauai man gets 4 years prison for harassing monk seal, 3-hour wait in line for Dunkin' Donuts, Honolulu $1.5M in arrears in collecting subsidized rents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes on Mauna Kea © 2017 All Hawaii News

The Thirty Meter Telescope received a positive recommendation from hearings officer Riki May Amano, buoying the beleaguered project’s chances less than a year from a self-imposed construction deadline. Tribune-Herald.

A former Hilo judge is recommending the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope project be granted a key state permit for work atop Mauna Kea, ending a lengthy contested case hearing that challenged the $1.4 billion project’s conservation district use permit. Star-Advertiser.

A construction permit should be granted for the Thirty Meter Telescope proposed for the summit of Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island, a hearings officer recommended Wednesday. Associated Press.

A retired Hawaii judge is recommending that the state land board approve a permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope, which would allow construction of the $1.4 billion observatory to proceed on a site atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

The hearing officer in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing has issued her decision, and is recommending a Conservation District Use Permit be granted, allowing the observatory to be built on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

A former Circuit Court judge has recommended that the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope project be allowed to move forward atop Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

A hearings officer is recommending that a construction permit be granted for a giant telescope planned for a Hawaii mountain summit that some consider sacred. KITV.

The contested case hearing officer for the Thirty Meter Telescope is recommending that the controversial project move forward. KHON2.

Read the judge's full 305-page Thirty Meter Telescope report here.

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Community Services Block Grants: $3.7M Funding Uncertain. A joint legislative committee conducted a hearing on the status of federal funding for impoverished residents throughout the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii residents can stay up-to-date on more than 170 highway and road projects with a new interactive online map unveiled this week by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc. plans to speed up its ocean cargo service to the Republic of the Marshall Islands early next year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A federal program administered by Honolulu to subsidize rents for low-income people has $1.55 million in delinquent accounts but doesn’t have a debt collector, according to a city audit released this week. Civil Beat.

Officials with Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration told the City Council Public Works, Infrastructure and Sustainability Committee on Wednesday that they will look at ways of expanding sewer capacity on Oahu in response to concerns that applicants for accessory dwelling units are being turned away because of the limitation. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu City Council members have introduced legislation that would ban cigarette smoking in motor vehicles carrying children under 18. Star-Advertiser.

A new bill introduced by two Honolulu City Councilmen takes aim at smoking in vehicles while a minor is present. Hawaii News Now.

City council considers banning smoking in vehicles in presence of minors. KHON2.

Using an electronic device while crossing the street on Oahu will soon be illegal. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is expected to sign into law Bill 6 Thursday, which bans pedestrians from using cell phones and other electronic devices while crossing the street. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell will sign Bill 6 into law Thursday afternoon. The law makes it illegal to look at a cellphone or other electronic devices while crossing a street or highway on Oahu. KITV.

It could soon cost businesses more to sell alcohol on Oahu. That’s because the fee to hold a liquor license may be going up, in some cases double what it is now. KHON2.

Group Pushes Street-Level Rail For Honolulu. Salvage the Rail proposes ditching the over-budget elevated railway plan in much of the city. Civil Beat.

On Oahu, the latest report by the Honolulu Board of Realtors found there was 2.7 months of remaining inventory for single-family homes and 2.8 months of remaining inventory for condos, meaning that if no more listings came on the market, the homes would sell out in that amount of time. Those numbers have been less than three months for nearly a year. Pacific Business News.

Olomana golf course appeals to state, military on flooding and late rent. Star-Advertiser.

The Diamond Head Lighthouse that stands today has been a lifesaving navigational beacon for the past 100 years, preventing vessels from running aground on the jagged reef over which it presides. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of Honolulu residents waited up to three hours Wednesday morning to get their hands on freshly made Dunkin' Donuts at the company’s opening of the first Hawaii store in more than 10 years. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Smoke caused evacuation of the control room of the Keck 2 telescope atop Mauna Kea Wednesday afternoon. Tribune-Herald.

After months of planning and discussion, Hawaii County is moving forward with plans to clean up the Old Airport Park. West Hawaii Today.

A smarter, stronger, more reliable electrical grid is the goal of Hawaiian Electric’s modernization plan to be discussed during two public meetings next week on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Wide loads of materials for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope will close Haleakala’s summit to visitors from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to an announcement from the National Park Service. Maui News.

County considering an expansion of ag park with former sugar land. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines is seeking candidates for customer and ramp service contract positions at Kahului Airport. Maui Now.

Building A ‘Farewell Place’ For Maui Pet Owners. A woman gathers a group of volunteers to construct a facility at the Humane Society where people can say goodbye. Civil Beat.

Kauai

A 20-year-old Eleele man has been sentenced to four years in prison for harassing a pregnant Hawaiian monk seal on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe on Wednesday sentenced 20-year-old Shylo Kaena Akuna of Lihue to serve four years in prison for harassing a critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal last year at Salt Pond Beach Park in Hanapepe, Kauai. Civil Beat.

A Lihue man accused of beating up a monk seal will serve four years in prison. Garden Island.

County approves collective bargaining agreement. Some Kauai council members do not believe it is the right time to approve firefighter raises. Garden Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources removed nearly 11 tons of garbage from the Napali Coast in ongoing efforts to clean up the area DLNR officials reported Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii renews challenge to travel ban, Matson workers poised to strike, well failures force Kona water restrictions, $88.3M budget for tourism agency, endangered monk sea births pup on Waikiki beach, Mauna Kea park plan panned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki with Diamond Head © 2017 All Hawaii News

Visitor arrivals and spending rose again, making May the third straight month that Hawaii’s four largest visitor markets reported year-over-year increases in both performance categories. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor spending across the Hawaiian Islands increased by 8.7 percent to $1.3 billion last month, compared to May 2016, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority approved an $88.3 million annual budget Thursday after meeting for more than two hours behind closed doors. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Challenges Trump Administration Again As Travel Ban Takes Effect. Attorney General Doug Chin says the president’s definition of a “close relationship” that would get around the ban is too narrow. Civil Beat.

Hawaii challenges family rules on travel ban. Associated Press.

The state is challenging the Trump administration's definition of the "close U.S. relationship" needed to avoid a travel ban for refugees and those coming from six majority Muslim nations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says he's concerned the Trump administration may be violating the U.S. Supreme Court's travel ban ruling. Associated Press.

The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are about 21,000 undocumented immigrants living in Hawaii. The PEW Research Center says this number could be as high as 45,000. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Matson Inc. sailors and firefighters could walk off the job tonight if no deal is reached on a new contract. Star-Advertiser.

A new Hawaii law requires notifying law enforcement when someone prohibited from owning a firearm tries to get a gun permit. Gov. David Ige signed the bill Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Why The Fishing Industry Wants More Say On Papahanaumokuakea. As federal officials sift through public comments on national monuments, supporters of Hawaii commercial fishermen say they merit special consideration. Civil Beat.

About 500 coffee-growing kits imported from the U.S. Mainland are being pulled from shelves at Longs Drugs stores statewide after the Hawaii Department of Agriculture was informed that the product was being sold. Garden Island.

The CEO of an airport in the northern Philippines said officials there plan to start talks with airlines to launch flights between Pampanga province and Los Angeles and Hawaii. Pacific Business News.


Oahu

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal that usually has pups on the less congested island of Kauai decided to have its latest on a crowded beach at Kaimana beach in Waikiki, delighting of scores of visitors. Star-Advertiser.

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal has given birth on a Waikiki beach — the first such birth there in at least several decades. Associated Press.

Hawaiian monk seal "RH58" and her new pup created quite the spectacle at Kaimana Beach on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

A popular Waikiki beach is drawing even more attention with its high-profile guests. KHON2.

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The Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Housing Committee approved a bill Thursday that would create a privately run special improvement district to regulate traffic on Waikiki streets. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and the state Department of Transportation Airport Division Wednesday said the emergency power facility at Honolulu International Airport is in full operation after years of testing. Pacific Business News.

A backup power plant at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is now in full operation nearly five years later than originally expected. KHON2.

Two startup charter schools looking to open on Oahu will have to wait two more weeks to learn their fates; a third appears headed for rejection. Star-Advertiser.

All of the city’s driver licensing and other customer service operations were back to normal Thursday morning after in-house and contractor technicians were able to make necessary fixes overnight to a days-long computer problem. Star-Advertiser.

KITV President and General Manager Joe McNamara, widely known as “Joe Mac,” resigned his position this week to focus on his health. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An Emergency Water Restriction notice has been issued for North Kona after a fifth water well went down. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply has ordered all residents and customers in North Kona to immediately restrict water use to health and safety needs as well as cease all irrigation activities following the failure of yet another water well in the area. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim and his idea of turning Mauna Kea into an international peace park were thrashed during nearly two hours of testimony Thursday before the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Star-Advertiser.

The world needs a place like Hawaii and a mountain like Mauna Kea, Mayor Harry Kim told the Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim’s plans for a Mauna Kea cultural park is facing strong opposition from Thirty Meter Telescope protesters. Hawaii News Now.

Two Hilo women are suing the state, claiming its negligence resulted in their injuries when the car they were in struck a boulder on Highway 19 about 20 miles north of Hilo four years ago. Tribune-Herald.

There was no spring slump this year for Hawaii Island tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County officials announced that operations at the Division of Motor Vehicle and Licensing are back up to normal after glitches with the Honolulu mainframe slowed services earlier this week. Maui Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs wants faster, stricter protections for central Maui sand dunes after Always Investigating exposed the extent of sand exports and business connections on Oahu. KHON2.

The Department of Environmental Management’s Wastewater Reclamation Division advises customers that the sewer user fee will increase by an average of three percent when rate hikes go into effect on July 1. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Bus announces route, schedule changes. County aims to improve Kauai Bus service with route, schedule changes. Garden Island.

Kauai saw 104,882 guests in May, a 9.8 percent increase from May 2016. Garden Island.