Vacation rental cap looms, climate change bills die, Kouchi recovering from surgery, Ige to decide midwife license bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii vacation rental

Honolulu Council considers caps on vacation rentals, fines of up to $50,000 for rule breakers. Proposals before the City Council this week are aimed at drastically reducing the number of vacation rentals on Oahu -- and put in place big fines for lawbreakers. Hawaii News Now.

The Council will decide on measures to rein in short-term lodging. The latest version of Honolulu City Council Bill 89 (2018) — which is up for a final vote Wednesday — would allow homeowners who live in part of the home they're renting and have homeowners exemption to apply for one of an estimated 1,715 new vacation rental permits. Star-Advertiser.

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Dozens Of Climate Change Bills Went Down The Political Drain This Session. There was a lot of talk about the need to address sea level rise and other problems but virtually no action in the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

Sharks removed from marine protection bill. Hawaii’s shark population will be left to fend for itself, at least for another year, after legislation meant to protect the fish was altered at the 11th hour. West Hawaii Today.

New Act Establishes Licensure Of Midwives. Regulation of midwifery was repealed in 1998 when nurse-midwives were put under the purview of nursing board. Civil Beat.

Kouchi recovering after surgery. Senate President Ron Kouchi is recovering after successful rotator cuff surgery on Oahu Monday. Garden Island.

A new magistrate judge will start Wednesday at the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Wes Reber Porter replaces Magistrate Judge Richard Puglisi, who retired at the end of March, the district court said in a news release Monday. Civil Beat.

Queen’s chooses longtime health care executive to replace Art Ushijima as CEO.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Federal prosecutors detail case against Kealohas.  former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and her retired Honolulu police chief husband, Louis Kealoha and three former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit are scheduled to stand trial this month on charges that they staged the theft of the Kealohas’ mailbox, framed Katherine Kealoha’s uncle for it and lied about it to investigators. Jury selection starts Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Halawa Correctional Facility employee found dead in bathroom. An employee found dead today in a Halawa prison bathroom was the cook supervisor at the staff dining hall at the Halawa Medium Security Facility, the Department of Public Safety said. Star-Advertiser.

Employee Death at Halawa Correctional Facility. An employee at the Halawa Correctional Facility was found unresponsive in a staff bathroom at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2019, state officials confirmed. Maui Now.

To shore up finances, Wahiawa General will stop doing surgeries.  A Central Oahu medical facility that has been struggling financially for years is now cutting back on services. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools confirms case of mumps at Kapalama campus. Kamehameha Schools administrators sent home a letter to families Monday informing them of a case of mumps at the Kapalama campus. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha sends letter to parents after mumps case. The Kamehameha Schools sent letters to parents alerting them of a mumps case at the Kapalama campus. KHON2.

Utility work to close Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail May 9th through May 24th. Hawaiian Electric crews will close the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail above Wai'alae Iki while they install steel poles to support high-voltage lines feeding Windward and East Oahu. KITV.

Oahu home sales snap negative streak. Oahu home prices didn’t budge much in April, but the same wasn’t true for sale volume, which surged for single-family homes and plummeted for condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Volcanoes Park Seeing Visitors Return But Popularity Poses Issues. With the eruption now over, visitors have been returning in droves again. Officials see this as an opportunity to plan for better management of the park for the future.  Hawaii Public Radio.

State Legislature provides funds for improvements, new academic program, other needs at UH-Hilo. Among funding appropriated for the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the Legislature provided funds for a new academic program set to launch in the fall, athletics, custodial and maintenance positions, and other campus improvements. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands officials were put on the spot last week during a senate committee hearing concerning a contract to remove cattle from Humuula lands. Senator Kai Kahele told Hawaiian Home Lands administrators that "we're gonna have major problems" if the Humuula cattle removal contract goes to an off-island vendor. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii's Big Island sees home sales rise in April. There were 209 single-family homes sold last month, a 5.03 percent increase from 199 sold in April 2018. The median price of those homes was $355,000, a decrease of 8.69 percent from $388,800. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Complaint says stream water being wasted. Groups allege firms failing to maintain their infrastructure at Honokohau Stream. During a time when water rights issues are boiling over throughout the state, two groups representing West Maui taro farmers, environmentalists and families filed a complaint last week reporting that three companies are wasting water from Honokohau Stream. Maui News.

Hana Pasture Gets Grant for Conservation Protection. A coastal pasture in Hana, Maui is among a list of locations set to benefit from grant funding from the State Legacy Land Conservation Program.  The area includes 27 acres from Mokae to Makaalae in East Maui. Maui Now.

Lanai’s only small boat harbor could be privatized, worrying fishermen and boaters. Many fishermen and boaters on Lanai are angry after learning lawmakers recently passed a bill that calls for the privatization of the island’s only small boat harbor. House Bill 1032 is now awaiting Governor David Ige’s signature. Hawaii News Now.

TSA X-ray unit at airport repaired. A security checkpoint with a broken X-ray unit that slowed travelers Friday at Kahului Airport was repaired by midday Saturday, the Transportation Security Administration said. Maui News.

Kauai

Kekaha fish kill. State officials are saying an algae bloom killed hundreds of fish in a drainage canal between Waimea and Kekaha during the first week of May. Garden Island.

Tracking The Feral Cats That Kill Kauai’s Endangered Seabirds. Researchers are using satellite collars and other new tools to improve efforts to identify, isolate and dispose of the cats that pose the biggest risk. Civil Beat.

Kauai single-family home sales rise in April as condo sales stay flat. There were 57 single-family homes sold in April, a 42.5 percent increase from the 40 homes sold during the same month in 2018. The median price of those homes was $630,000, which was 0.79 percent less than the median price a year ago, which was $635,000. Pacific Business News.

Lanai

Lanai’s only small boat harbor could be privatized, worrying fishermen and boaters. Many fishermen and boaters on Lanai are angry after learning lawmakers recently passed a bill that calls for the privatization of the island’s only small boat harbor. House Bill 1032 is now awaiting Governor David Ige’s signature. Hawaii News Now.

State may divert rail money, Hee as gubernatorial spoiler, Sandwich Island Communications plans to close and layoff 62 workers, students plan walkout, Kauai County sues for Secret Beach access, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail project PC: HART

State May Divert $500,000 A Year To Cover Its Own Rail Project Costs. A House bill could take a total of $6.5 million out of rail’s recovery plan, which is already stretched thin. Civil Beat.

At private and public schools across the state, students are planning to walk out of class for 17 minutes on March 14 in solidarity with the 17 victims of the Florida high school shooting. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Say Hawaii Falls Short In Dealing With School Bullying. The Hawaii Department of Education says improvements have already been made, but the federal findings are bleak. Civil Beat.

Nearly 1 in 3 Hawaii public school students said they've been the victims of bullying or harassment, according to a survey conducted as part of a years-long federal compliance review of the state Education Department's handling of bullying and harassment complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. submitted a letter to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on Jan. 3 announcing it could close as early as March 4 and lay off its 62 employees. Star-Advertiser.

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the medical aid in dying measure today. Hawaii Public Radio.

As popularity of electric cars grows, lawmakers want to require more charging stations. Hawaii News Now.

Cyclists urge Hawaii lawmakers to adopt 'safe passing' bill. Hawaii News Now.

Spying On Injured Workers Often Adds To Their Pain. Surveillance is accepted practice in workers’ comp cases. It can lead to a cutoff of benefits, but things are not always as they appear. Civil Beat.

Meet the Detective Who Tails Injured Workers. George Copeland’s tricks of the trade include cameras hidden in a key fob or shirt button, or hours spent staring at an apartment door. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s state epidemiologist says she’s hopeful the mumps outbreak might be slowing. The state’s tally of confirmed mumps cases reached 902 as of March 1, the anniversary of the outbreak’s first diagnosis, including 719 people in the City and County of Honolulu, 131 in Hawaii County, 49 in Kauai County and three in Maui County. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige made it clear Monday he disagrees with with proposals to arm teachers, or have armed guards at schools. Garden Island.

Commentary: Guns Suddenly Become An Issue In Governor’s Race. Challenger Clayton Hee demonstrates that he has not lost his ability to shake things up, politically and policy-wise. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Hee poised to roil gubernatorial race with ideas to legalize gambling and marijuana. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Back in mid-January, a political “hit” piece was quietly making the email rounds. Among other things, it accused a cabal of Governor David Ige’s campaign insiders of soliciting former senator Clayton Hee to enter the governor’s race in order to “siphon off Hawaiian Votes from Colleen Hanabusa.” Ian Lind blog.

Oahu

City starts citing ride-hailing drivers; taxis bear brunt. A few ride-hailing drivers have been caught violating city regulations since March 2017, when restrictions on ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft were brought more closely in line with taxicab companies. Star-Advertiser.

Rideshare driver's confrontation with city inspectors reveals communication breakdowns. Hawaii News Now.

The civil lawyer of former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha, is asking a federal judge to allow the Kealohas to sell their Hawaii Kai home so he can collect the attorney fees the Kealohas owe him. Star-Advertiser.

Lienholder On Ex-Police Chief’s Home Wants It Sold. Attorney Kevin Sumida wants to recoup money he says he’s owed by Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

City looks to convert barely-used safe house for abused women into homeless shelter. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the city prosecutor are in discussions over the future of a $5.5 million shelter for abuse victims that's been barely used since it opened in 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Black-Footed Albatross Chicks Take Refuge From Climate Change On Oahu. The North Shore’s James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge now hosts 23 birds that faced threats in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

A federal bankruptcy judge approved a business divorce between The Filipino Community Center and a prominent local catering company Monday, though the two will share custody of some clients through the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of condominiums on Oahu rose 5 percent in February, as prices rose by the same percentage point, while single-family home sales recorded a slight decline in sales and a slight increase in prices, according to a report from Hawaii real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hu Honua says outfall issue now moot. The project, which would burn wood from eucalyptus trees to generate electricity, has faced numerous fits and starts because of legal disputes, including with a contractor and Hawaii Electric Light Co. Tribune-Herald.

New mass transit administrator hits the ground running. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s lone sheriff’s lieutenant publicly opposed a bill that would allot money to fund a second lieutenant on the island, despite strong support for the measure by his superiors. West Hawaii Today.

The Royal Order of Kamehameha I received a building permit to construct an annex at the back of Kamehameha Hall in Keaukaha. Tribune-Herald.

Former Big Island coffee farmer among 300 people suing agribusiness giant Monsanto. KITV.

Sales of single-family homes on Hawaii’s Big Island declined last month, compared to February last year, along with median prices, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

A bill that would’ve raised rental car taxes at the Kahului Airport to pay for Maui bypass projects has morphed into a proposed statewide rental car tax to fund projects most likely on Oahu, frustrating the Maui lawmakers who originally introduced it. Maui News.

While Alexander & Baldwin continues work to diversify its Maui agricultural lands, redeploying 4,500 acres of former sugar cane lands last year, the company sees progress as slow, difficult and unlikely to turn a profit, A&B President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Benjamin told investors. Maui News.

Kauai

For decades, a legal public trail to the eastern side of Kauapea Beach has been closed. Now, the county is taking legal action to reopen access to the area known as Secrets Beach. Garden Island.

Kauai County filed a lawsuit seeking public access to East Kauapea Beach, also known as Secret Beach. KITV.

The County of Kauai Housing Agency announces a public meeting to present the draft Environmental Assessment for the Pua Loke Affordable Housing Development project. Garden Island.

Democratic Party of Hawaii precinct meetings set. Garden Island.

Home sales on Kauai rose in February, along with the median price of a single-family home, while the median price of a Garden Isle condominium fell by 28 percent, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Kauai Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Audit blasts state energy office, Hanabusa more popular among business leaders, new U.S. attorney named, dialysis clinics vacant as inspections awaited, rats return to Lehua Island, Kealoha accused of coercing witness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki king tides July 2017, courtesy UH Sea College Grant program

For the past two years, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program has been recruiting citizen scientists from across the Pacific. They were trained to document high water levels or King Tides in an effort to understand and adapt to sea level rise. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Auditor’s report blasts energy office. The Hawaii State Energy Office awarded a contract for more than $250,000 to plan a “state-of-the-art” energy innovation center last year, and then seven months later commissioned another consultant to assess whether that center is actually needed, according to an audit of the office. Star-Advertiser.

Read full audit here.

Auditors couldn't figure out what this state office does — or plans to do. Hawaii News Now.

Audit: State Energy Office ‘Is Not Doing Its Job’ A scathing report cites the office’s failure to document what it’s doing to help Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy resources. Civil Beat.

Why Colleen Hanabusa Can’t Sit Still. The Hawaii congresswoman talks about ambition, office-hopping and her quest for the Hawaii governor’s office. Civil Beat.

BOSS Asks Business Leaders: Ige or Hanabusa? Hawaii Business.

Kenji Price — a former federal prosecutor and Army Ranger who is now a director at the Honolulu law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing — has been appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for Hawaii by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Army Ranger Named Temporary US Attorney For Hawaii. Kenji Price has been focusing on white collar criminal defense and commercial litigation at a Honolulu firm. Associated Press.

Delays in clinic inspections hurt dialysis patients. Lawmakers are trying to find solutions to a three-year delay in inspections for some dialysis clinics that largely remain closed as the number of residents with kidney failure continues to climb. Star-Advertiser.

One aspect of the homeless crisis: State realizes policing encampments is pricey. DLNR is requesting $330,000 in related funds. Gov. David Ige's administration also wants $419,302 to pay for eight new deputy sheriffs that could respond to complaints about illegal camping and trespassing on state lands. There is also a $5 million lump sum request in the state Department of Human Services' budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii joins 'tele-abortion' pilot amid debate about procedure's safety. Hawaii is one of only four states taking part in a "tele-abortion" pilot project, and the politically-charged issue is riling up abortion foes. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool Open Door Program Open for Enrollment. Low and moderate-income families in Hawaii can tap a state subsidized program to give their keiki a head start in early learning. Hawaii Public Radio.

No end in sight for mumps outbreak. In addition to containing clusters of mumps cases, the state is gearing up for the peak of flu season. KITV.

Mumps booster needed to avoid virus. Even if you had a mumps vaccination, you are being urged to get a booster shot. KITV.

Foreign fishermen settle human trafficking suit. Two Indonesian fishermen who say they were enslaved on an American fishing boat have settled their lawsuit against the vessel’s owner seven years after escaping and receiving special U.S. visas as victims of human trafficking. Associated Press.

Kmart to pay over $84K for overbilling Hawaii Medicaid customers. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines awarded share of $227M federal contract. Hawaiian Airlines Inc. on Friday received a share of a $227 million federal contract for international commercial scheduled air cargo transportation services. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha coerced man to lie to grand jury, charges say. The deputy city prosecutor wife of a Honolulu police chief convinced a man whose trust she allegedly stole from when he was a child to lie for her before a grand jury looking into corruption allegations against the couple, according to court documents filed today. Associated Press.

An alleged victim in the case against former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine, is now a suspect. KHON2.

Police Commission Loosens Rules On Legal Fees For Officers. For years, city attorneys have been strict when it comes to paying an officer’s attorney fees in lawsuits and criminal complaints. Civil Beat.

Rise in attacks by state hospital patients prompts call for change. KHON2.

Medical Pot And Veterans: Groups Offer Free Evaluations. The cost of getting evaluated usually far exceeds the price of the actual registration process for cannabis users. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS announces the need for more money. KHON2.

Warning signs posted after big sewage spill into Kaneohe Bay. The public is being told to stay out of Kaneohe Bay after a spill sent 30,000 gallons of sewage into the water. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimana the monk seal is hooked again. Kaimana the monk seal got hooked — a second time. This time, she needed help getting it out. Star-Advertiser.

$500K-plus micro condo units to hit Kakaako market. About 200 studios range from 277 square feet to 373 square feet, with the smallest of those starting between $500,000 and $600,000. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes to open sales office for new Honolulu tower. Pacific Business News.

Petitioners want to preserve monkeypod trees at Manoa Marketplace. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige releases additional $1.3M for outreach, research in battle against rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim’s lobbyist to the state Legislature appeared before a more local body Wednesday, where he defended his track record and pledged better communication with the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The traffic signals are in place, but it may take until the end of the month before intersection improvements at Shower Drive and Highway 130 in Puna are complete. Tribune-Herald.

A former driver for The Arc of Hilo who sexually assaulted a physically and mentally disabled woman last year in a van owned by the nonprofit organization was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Makawao is Highest Priority Area for Cesspools, Public Meeting Announced. Maui Now.

Water Director Taylor remains at home. Water Department leadership in limbo following council vote in support of director. Maui News.

Kauai

Rats! signs of life. A rapid assessment team flew to Lehua Island Tuesday after checks of motion-detecting field cameras showed the presence of two rats. Garden Island.

Housing crisis lingers as additional rental unit bill deferred. A bill aimed at allowing homeowners to build small rental units on their land in order to help meet an affordable housing shortage was deferred to the end of February during a Kauai County committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii reacts to Trump tax package, Otake nominated federal district judge for Hawaii, medical marijuana approved for ALS, Marines honored for combat drones, Kauai council seeks GET change for housing, social media vigilantism in Honolulu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump receives lei at Joint Base Hickam AFB, Nov. 3, 2017, (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)

Most Hawaii taxpayers will pay less in 2019 under new federal law. The nonprofit, nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy has compiled data for Hawaii that show a wide variety of possible effects of the bill on Hawaii taxpayers depending on their personal circumstances. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Delegates Speak Out Against GOP Tax Bill ‘Scam’. But President Trump calls passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act “a big, beautiful tax cut for Christmas.” Civil Beat.

Congressional representatives for Hawaii reacted with dismay to the $1.5 trillion tax package that the Senate and House passed Wednesday morning that is being billed as the first major overhaul of the nation’s tax laws since 1986. Tribune News Service.

Experts differ on new federal tax law’s impact in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii affordable housing developers dodge tax bullet, sort of. The final tax bill headed for President Donald Trump’s signature preserves the private activity bonds and low-income housing tax credits used by affordable housing developers in Hawaii and across the U.S. to build affordable rentals, but the slashing of the corporate tax rate could mean $1.7 billion in lost equity each year, according to a new estimate. Pacific Business News.

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The Trump administration has nominated Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Otake as the new federal district judge for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Trump Nominates Honolulu Attorney Jill Otake For Federal Judgeship. The announcement was praised by by Hawaii’s two Democratic senators, Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat.

Hawaii study: Impacts of sea level rise already being felt — and it will only get worse. A new report is providing the first statewide assessment of the potential hazards and costly impacts to Hawaii's economy and shorelines with rising sea levels. Hawaii News Now.

2 Marines honored for use of drones in combat. Two Marines with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 at Kaneohe Bay received a first-of-its-kind recognition for the use of drones in a combat zone. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Approves Medical Cannabis Use for ALS Patients. The Hawai‘i Department of Health announced it has added Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS, to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines announced today that it will no longer accept “smart” bags containing non-removable lithium-ion batteries as either checked or carry-on luggage, starting Jan. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Sun Country Airlines is planning to offer seasonal service from its home base in Minneapolis to Honolulu next year with a brief stopover in Los Angeles. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines this week is expanding its portfolio of nonstop flights from Denver to Hawaii and to Mexico. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Department, under its first female police chief, has named Lisa Mann to head its Investigative Bureau, becoming one of three women among HPD’s top brass. Star-Advertiser.

An estimated 50 chronically homeless people who were swept out of Kakaako Waterfront Park and its sister parks have erected dozens of tents and shelters in nearby Mother Waldron Park and along Pohukaina Street this week as city officials figure out what to do next with a homeless population they inherited from state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council: Rail Beyond Ala Moana? The 9.5 billion dollar Honolulu Rail Transit Project is awaiting award of a contract to complete the line to Ala Moana Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

Councilman wants 19 more affordable units in Keeaumoku tower. Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson is endorsing a city administration suggestion that the developer of a planned residential tower on Keeaumoku Street make more homes in the building affordable to moderate- income residents. Star-Advertiser.

City Repaves Aggressively But Falls Behind On Other Roadwork. None of the nearly 1,800 lane-miles repaved in the last five years has been treated with materials routinely used to extend street life. Civil Beat.

Oceanic Institute makes major breakthroughs in raising Yellow Tangs. KITV.

Crime and Social Media Vigilantism. An emotional appeal to find suspects in the recent murder case of a North Shore woman led to two arrests thanks to social media posts. But can online calls to action go too far? Hawaii Public Radio.

A mumps outbreak has forced a Waianae charter school to schedule a longer winter break than originally planned. In a letter to parents, Kamaile Academy says five people are confirmed to have mumps with two more possible cases. KHON2.

Chef Mavro Restaurant is once again the only restaurant in Hawaii to be recognized in the Gayot 2017 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Health Officials ID Priorities For Cesspool Upgrades. In a report to the legiuslature, 14 priority areas of the state where cesspool upgrades are critically needed are identified, with many on Hawaii Island. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii County Council will chip in $16,500 from members’ contingency funds to support rat lungworm disease research. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County officials say the long-awaited Mauna Kea Recreation Area’s Bunkhouses will be available for public use starting on January 3. Big Island Video News.

Members of East Hawaii’s Jewish community have launched an effort to build Hawaii Island’s first synagogue. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

A Maui Publisher Notches A First Amendment Win. The Hawaii Supreme Court tosses out a case against MauiTime’s Tommy Russo, who filmed cops on the job. Civil Beat.

Mokuhinia Draft Archaeological Survey Completed. The public is invited to review the Draft Archaeological Inventory Survey for the Mokuhinia Ecosystem Restoration Project, which was recently completed by Cultural Surveys Hawaii. Maui Now.

UH Board of Regents Announces Finalists to Fill Maui County Seat. Maui Now.

Erosion on Maui threatens temple, washes away gravestones. Associated Press.

Erosion devouring mission property. Members of the 111-year-old Mantokuji Soto Zen Mission of Paia are hoping to save their temple building and cemetery from rapidly increasing erosion that has swept out into the shore break close to a hundred gravestones and claimed several acres of land over the years. Maui News.

Kauai

State ends cesspool program. One day after the state identified Hanalei as one of 14 priority areas where cesspool upgrades are critically needed to protect public health, the Department of Health has withdrawn a program to help residents in the area. Garden Island.

Councilmembers debate use of surplus GET funds for housing. A bill proposed by Councilman Derek Kawakami to use some of the projected surplus from the recently passed General Excise Tax increase towards affordable housing was withdrawn following a heated, 20-minute argument during the county council meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Unidentified Kealia object not bomb. It was a metal buoy, not an unexploded bomb, that has been rolling around at Kealia Beach over the last three days. Garden Island

Grounded fishing boat finally moved off Waikiki, Honolulu council approve state hospital expansion, Pearl Harbor survivors commemorate anniversary, Miss Hawaii wants to be state rep., Kauai mayoral candidates meet, Queen Kaahumanu Highway costs escalate, LUC mulls Maui development, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pacific Paradise PC: Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Levasseur / U.S. Coast Guard

Pacific Paradise finally towed away, sunk at sea. The Pacific Paradise sank to its watery grave Thursday afternoon, ending a nearly two-month saga to get the grounded fishing vessel off the reef at Kaimana Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Salvage Team Tows Wrecked Fishing Boat Off Waikiki Reef. Aided by a high tide, a tugboat pulls the Pacific Paradise out to sea where it will be sunk two months after it ran aground. Associated Press.

2 months after it grounded off Waikiki, big fishing boat finally removed. Hawaii News Now.

Remaining survivors determined that Pearl Harbor not be forgotten. The dwindling sentinels of Pearl Harbor faithfully returned on the 76th anniversary of the surprise Japanese attack Thursday to reminisce and honor fellow warriors from the greatest generation still living and gone. Star-Advertiser.

100-year-old veteran inspires bill for Pacific war memorial. A bipartisan bill called the “Admiral Lloyd R. ‘Joe’ Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act” unanimously passed the U.S. House on the 76th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Trump travel ban to be heard by federal appeals court. President Donald Trump’s updated travel ban is headed back to a federal appeals court in Virginia. Associated Press.

VIDEO: Hawaii vs. Donald Trump At Appeals Court. A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Wednesday on the merits of the third version of the President’s ban on travel from several Muslim-majority nations. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Urges DHHS Not to Roll Back Contraception Coverage Mandate. Attorney General Doug Chin announced that Hawaii has joined a letter authored by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman pressing Eric Hargan, Acting Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, not to roll back the contraception coverage mandate that is part of the Affordable Care Act. Maui Now.

Feds: Many Public Housing Units For The Disabled Aren’t Really Accessible. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is appealing the preliminary findings of a federal investigation. Civil Beat.

Island Air bankruptcy is 'a catastrophe,' judge says. A federal bankruptcy judge lashed out at Island Air in court Thursday for the treatment of its employees as the liquidation of the state’s second-largest airline appeared to be headed for an early termination due to lack of funds to administer the case. Star-Advertiser.


Trade "Clusters" and Hawaii's Economy. U-H Economic Professor, Carl Bonham, says the Hospitality and Tourism cluster in Hawaii is five times more concentrated based on employment than in other states. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii employees of GE's power division not affected by layoffs, source says. Hawaii employees of General Electric Co.'s power division are currently not affected by the company's decision to cut its global workforce by 12,000 positions. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii mumps cases reach 685; health officials broaden recommendation. The Hawaii Department of Health is asking all residents to get an “outbreak vaccination” against the ongoing flareup of mumps cases statewide. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

City Council approves expansion of State Hospital. Long-range expansion plans for the Hawaii State Hospital have been approved by the Honolulu City Council after the facility’s staff gave assurances that improvements would include a perimeter fence and other public safety measures prompted by the recent escape of a patient deemed to be dangerous. Star-Advertiser.

City to convert empty building into 30 affordable apartments. The city has purchased another three-story building in town — on Young Street, Ewa of McCully Street — which will add another 30 studio apartments for people who earn just over $36,000 per year. Star-Advertiser.

One Ala Moana Condo Development Approved And Another In The Pipeline. Developer Jay Fang wins approval for his 26-story tower despite some rocky moments at Wednesday’s City Council meeting. Civil Beat.

Former Kawamoto lot on Kahala Avenue sells for $13M. A 1-acre beachfront lot on Kahala Avenue that once belonged to Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto was sold this week for $13 million to a Chinese multinational company that is planning to build a new house on the site. Pacific Business News.

Fire department releases 911 calls made during deadly Marco Polo building fire. KHON2.

No threats against Honolulu Marathon, but authorities aren't taking any chances. On Sunday, 28,000 runners from all over the world will participate in the 45th annual Honolulu Marathon. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Queen Kaahumanu Highway project costs rise again. It’s going to cost another $16.3 million to widen Queen Kaahumanu Highway from Kealakehe Parkway to Keahole Airport Road, compared to numbers released earlier this year, putting the project more than $30 million over initial estimates from its groundbreaking two years ago. West Hawaii Today.

Miss Hawaii 2015 to run for state House. Former Miss Hawaii Jeanne Kapela announced Thursday she’s throwing her crown in the ring for what’s shaping up as a competitive race for the open District 5 House seat. West Hawaii Today.

Paradise Helicopters expands fleet with first twin-engine helicopter. Paradise Helicopters has added a twin-engine Bell 430, becoming the first Hawaii tour company to operate a twin-engine helicopter. Pacific Business News.

Ohio investor to buy state’s second-largest dairy. An Ohio entrepreneur and financial planning company executive is advancing an initiative to acquire Hawaii’s second-largest dairy as part of a plan to more than double the production of local milk in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Three injured after state vehicle strikes school bus. Two children and a state employee were injured Wednesday morning after a state pickup truck struck a school bus in Mountain View. Tribune-Herald.

Keauhou Beach Hotel demolition progresses.  The Keauhou Beach Hotel is literally a shell of its former self — the soft demolition completed and the inside of the structure gutted. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighter disciplined after reportedly ‘reeking of alcohol’ while on duty. A Hawaii island firefighter is being disciplined for having alcohol in his system while on duty. KHON2.

Thieves target Big Island humane society — twice. The Hawaii Island Humane Society is looking for crooks who stole animals at a shelter. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Atherton’s Waikapu project finishes evidentiary phase. LUC chairman orders drafting of panel’s proposed final action. Maui News.

LUC members hear testimony backing ‘agrihood’ project. Land Use Commission members heard several hours of testimony Wednesday as part of hearings on proposed state district boundary amendments for the nearly 500-acre Waikapu Country Town project. Maui News.

Maui Cannabis Conference hosts its inaugural Maui Cannabis Conference on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 6-7, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor candidates state cases. Derek Kawakami, Lenny Rapozo and Mel Rapozo mingled with attendees at the Christmas party setting before taking the stage Thursday at in the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club. Garden Island.

Bankrupt Island Air grounded, taxpayers to fund Kealoha defense, Land Board allows Alexander & Baldwin to continue diverting streams, court rules in favor of Syngenta, Navy wraps up bombing meetings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Veterans Day parade © 2017 All Hawaii News

Complicated U.S. Relations Leave Veterans Without Full Health Benefits. This coming Veterans’ Day, we will likely hear stories of service from those who have been to the frontlines of war. As America honors those who served in the U.S. military, the conversation also centers on how the U.S. can serve its veterans.  HPR Reporter Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi shares the story of an often overlooked group of veterans who are hoping the country they served will return that obligation. Hawaii Public Radio.

100-year-old WWII veteran sparks bill for Pacific War memorial. A 100-year-old Oahu veteran has inspired a bipartisan bill to add a commemorative display honoring U.S. service members who fought in the Pacific theater to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which is home to the USS Arizona Memorial.. Star-Advertiser.

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Island Air, the state’s second-largest airline, said today its last day of service will be Friday after having exhausted all options to remain flying. Star-Advertiser.

Bankrupt Hawaii interisland carrier Island Air will cease all operations as of midnight Friday after having exhausted all its legal options to stay in business. Pacific Business News.

Island Air announces abrupt shutdown; 100s to lose their jobs. Cash-strapped Island Air, Hawaii's second-largest inter-island carrier, has announced it will halt all service Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Island Air to shut down after 37 years. KHON2.

Island Air to cease operations after Friday. Island Air says it will close operations as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday due to legal pressures imposed by its aircraft lessors. KITV.

Interisland air carrier Island Air announced it will shut down operations as of Saturday, significantly diminishing the number of interisland flights available. In a Thursday afternoon statement, the carrier said “all Island Air passengers must make alternative arrangements for interisland transportation, effective this Saturday, November 11, 2017.” Tribune-Herald.

Island Air said Thursday it will cease interisland service Saturday, having exhausted all options to remain flying. West Hawaii Today.

On Saturday at midnight, Island Air will end 37 years of service to Hawaii "due to legal pressures imposed by aircraft lessors." Big Island Video News.

Island Air announced Thursday it will close operations at midnight tonight. The move ends 37 years of service in Hawaii, leaves passengers scrambling to find flights for interisland transportation and puts 400 employees out of work. Garden Island.

Island Air to Shut Down After 37 Years. Maui Now.

Island Air ends 37 years of flying today. Airline to file for Chapter 7 Monday, Hawaiian offers help. Maui News.

Looking beyond Island Air’s last day: what happens next? Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Regulates Manicurists And Bartenders — Why Not Midwives? Several legislative proposals to license people who assist with births, often at home, have failed. Another may be coming next session. Civil Beat.

There have now been 557 cases of mumps in Hawaii this year. Hawaii has seen 557 cases of mumps in 2017, and 16 people have suffered from complications. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Don’t Ban Campaign Fundraising During Legislative Sessions. Some people seem to equate holding fundraisers during sessions to accepting bribes, but there’s a free speech issue here. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Taxpayers to fund defense team for ex-police chief, wife. Taxpayers will be funding attorneys to defend a former Honolulu police chief and his wife in a corruption case, a judge ruled Thursday. Associated Press.

Former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his city deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha will receive court-appointed attorneys in their public corruption case as early as next week, a federal judge ruled today after discussing the couple’s financial situation with them in private. Star-Advertiser.

Judge: Kealohas Are Too Broke To Pay For Their Own Defense. A federal judge will assign new, publicly funded counsel to represent the former Honolulu police chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

Former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife will get taxpayer-funded attorneys to battle charges in a public corruption case. Hawaii News Now.

Judge approves court-appointed attorneys, taxpayers to fund Kealohas’ costly defense. KHON2.

Federal judge approves court-appointed counsel for Kealohas. A high profile public corruption case will soon be costing taxpayers. KITV.

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Is a ‘big house’ coming to your neighborhood? Plans in the works as officials weigh fixes. Honolulu’s mayor is asking his administration to take action as the “big house” trend continues to spread on Oahu. KHON2.

Honolulu moving ahead with Blaisdell redevelopment, but questions linger for business. The City and County of Honolulu is moving forward with its plan to redevelop the 50-year-old Neal S. Blaisdell Center and plans to submit a draft environmental assessment in the first quarter of next year, but residents and business owners are concerned the plan won’t provide enough parking. Pacific Business News.

Despite high-profile sweep, parts of Nimitz Viaduct still overrun with squatters. As crews hired by the state work to clear massive piles of garbage from one side of the Nimitz viaduct, many of the squatters who created that mess are making themselves at home on the opposite side. Hawaii News Now.

Boat’s grounding points up risks of fishing fleet’s labor practices. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Despite Navy assurances that the military is using the latest science to protect marine mammals during bombing and sonar training exercises, most of the approximately 75 people attending a public meeting Thursday evening remained skeptical. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, the owners of a lot in a Pepeekeo shoreline subdivision took their objection over a recently issued violation to the Board of Appeals. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii researchers need the help of Big Island residents to gather information about the natural cycles of breadfruit trees. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Arakawa ‘leaning very strongly’ at run at council seat. Mayor hasn’t ruled out bid for governor, lieutenant governor. Maui News.

Land Board: Alexander & Baldwin Can Keep Diverting Maui Water. Opponents say water drawn from streams by the Hawaii land company harm the environment. Civil Beat.

First Amendment right to record video of police officers at work at the center of a court case. Thomas Russo of media outlet Maui Time, shot the video back in 2012 and got arrested for it. KITV.

Kauai

Court rules in favor of state, Syngenta. A lawsuit calling for environmental review of Syngenta seed company operations was dismissed by Judge Randal Valenciano on Thursday. Garden Island.

Turtle Bay to be sold, AG Chin could run for Congress, Kauai man gets one year for stabbing turtle, Honolulu rail price tag questioned, Hawaii unemployment close to all-time low, former HPD chief prepared for arrest, Maui moves to mail newspaper delivery, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Turtle Bay Resort courtesy photo

Turtle Bay Resort looks likely to be sold for $350M. A giant real estate investment firm and former owner of major Hawaii hotels has made a deal to buy Turtle Bay Resort. As part of a preservation deal, the state in 2010 paid $45 million for 53 acres fronting Kawela Bay plus an easement prohibiting development on 568 acres that includes land below and around Turtle Bay’s golf courses. Star-Advertiser.

A New York-based real estate investment firm has struck a deal to buy the Turtle Bay Resort. According to a report by Real Estate Alert, investment firm Blackstone is paying $330 million for the hotel. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate is flirting with making state history. The seasonally adjusted number dipped to 2.5 percent in September and is now one-tenth of a percentage point away from its all-time low, according to U.S. Labor Department data that go back to 1976. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 2.5 percent in September, from 3 percent during the same month a year ago, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii has joined 11 other states and the District of Columbia to argue in federal appeals court that all states must be allowed to continue to impose their own customized restrictions on firearms. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Doug Chin Sure Sounds Like He Might Run For Congress. The AG’s dominance of the headlines may be scaring off potential candidates for outgoing Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s seat. Civil Beat.

The highest-ranking Republican elected official in Hawaii plans to run for governor in 2018. Rep. Andria Tupola, the minority leader in the state House of Representatives, said she will make a formal announcement next month. Civil Beat.

Can School Gardens Get Kids To Eat Their Vegetables? More than 80 percent of Hawaii schools have some kind of garden, part of a booming, nationwide farm-to-school movement. Civil Beat.

More than 40 percent of Hawaii children have experienced trauma including the death, divorce or incarceration of a parent, and violence, drug abuse or mental illness in the home, a federal study shows. Star-Advertiser.

How A UH Scientist Hopes To Improve Early Kidney Disease Detection. The research is particularly vital for Hawaii, where one in seven residents have chronic kidney disease. Civil Beat.

Island Air lost the use of two of its five planes, cut its flights by more than 40 percent and placed some employees on reserve with reduced pay prior to filing for bankruptcy protection this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines parent Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: HA) posted a 27 percent decline in profit during the third quarter of 2017 compared to last year, while revenue increased 7.1 percent to $719.6 million, according to earnings released Thursday by the Honolulu-based company. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines achieved record revenue in the third quarter but saw its net income decline 27 percent after taking two charges totaling $50 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will receive about $1.2 million as part of a $120 million nationwide settlement with General Motors over allegations the Detroit-based carmaker hid safety issues related to faulty ignition switches in its vehicles. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A federal grand jury tasked with deciding whether criminal charges should be brought against retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, wife and Deputy City Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and other HPD officers, wound up two years of hearings Thursday, with U.S. attorneys mum about whether any indictments will be handed down. Star-Advertiser.

No Criminal Indictment Yet In Federal Police Corruption Probe. An attorney for the former Honolulu police chief and his prosecutor wife say the couple are prepared to be arrested by the FBI. Civil Beat.

After two years, the federal grand jury investigating public corruption in the Honolulu Police Department has finally wrapped up. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday is the last day for a federal grand jury that has been meeting for two years on a public corruption probe. KITV.

In its most recent report, the federal contractor overseeing Honolulu rail says it is “not confident” the project’s total construction price tag will remain at $8.2 billion.Star-Advertiser.

Ilikai Hotel workers belonging to Unite Here Local 5 walked off the job Thursday to protest high workloads, low wages and stagnant contract negotiations. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel workers at odds with management are picketing in front of the Ilikai Hotel and Luxury Suites in Waikiki. The workers walked off the job Thursday morning. KITV.

Monster homes are gobbling up communities — and it's all legal. Hawaii News Now.

Some streets in Waipahu may be getting a makeover as part of the city's effort to make them safer. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii notified students today that it has confirmed three cases of mumps on its Manoa campus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's mumps outbreak hits 500 cases; 3 reported at UH. Hawaii News Now.

Students who only had 15 minutes to eat lunch are being given a little more time to eat. But parents say it’s still not enough. KHON2.

Animal advocates are moving out more than 90 dogs from an entrenched homeless camp under the airport viaduct that's set to swept next week. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu startup accelerator Elemental Excelerator has selected 12 startups to participate in next year’s cohort. Pacific Business News.

Reef Capital Ventures has received a $275,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Economic Development Administration’s Regional Innovation Strategies program. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

It’s back to the drawing board in the search for a mass transit administrator, after Mayor Harry Kim decided the advertised salary isn’t high enough to attract the best candidates. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is keeping its options open as it looks for new office space in Hilo. In addition to negotiating a lease for the former Safeway space at Prince Kuhio Plaza, the county also is seeing if it’s feasible to buy a building at 1055 Kinoole St., where the Office of Aging rents space. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation will extend four lanes on Highway 130 to Shower Drive over the next month as it restripes a 2-mile stretch of pavement. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County officials hope to heighten security with surveillance cameras at baseyards around the island in light of continued thefts. West Hawaii Today.

The Honomu Park banyan tree that fell Sunday will cost the county tens of thousands of dollars, Hawaii County’s managing director said. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council adopted a resolution Wednesday urging a peaceful solution to the conflict with North Korea. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Beginning Monday, November 13, home delivery to Maui News subscribers will be via the United States Postal Service. Maui News.

Kula woman is working to help mother on Puerto Rico. Maui group collecting goods and donations to send to people trapped on island. Maui News.

Water can be a contentious subject, especially in East Maui, where streams have long been diverted for sugar. Now, a battle to restore these streams is coming to an end. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

A 36-year-old Lihue man has been sentenced to a year in jail for attacking an endangered sea turtle on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Lance Kaaumoana, 36, was sentenced this week to serve one year in jail for attacking an endangered Pacific green sea turtle in April. Garden Island.

The initial investigation into the deaths of five pilot whales at Kalapaki Beach last Friday showed “no obvious cause of death.” Garden Island.

Wildlife officials are still unsure what caused seven pilot whales to beach themselves along a Kauai beach. Associated Press.

Preliminary necropsies for five whales that died in a mass stranding on Kauai last week showed "no obvious cause of death" for the animals. Hawaii News Now.

The Kauai Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team along with members of the state of Hawaii Sheriff Division conducted a special mission of the Kapaa area on Wednesday, which led to multiple arrests. Garden Island.

Kamalani Kai Playbridge will get sprucing up and a new name. Garden Island.

Felonies charged in FBI probe of Honolulu police, no source determined in Marco Polo condo fire, helicopter crashes off Molokai, Navy says sonar didn't cause whale beaching, Oahu prepares for Trump visit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Police file photo, courtesy HPD

A current police officer and a retired police major were both released from federal custody on $50,000 signature bonds Monday, a day after they were arrested in connection with a public corruption case tied to the investigation of the alleged theft of retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s mailbox. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu police officers have been charged with felonies in connection with the ongoing federal corruption investigation into the Honolulu Police Department, its former chief and his deputy prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu police officer and a retired major are among those who participated in framing a man for stealing a mailbox from the home of the department's former chief, federal prosecutors said Monday. Associated Press.

Unpaid leave for officer charged in mailbox case. Associated Press.

A Honolulu police officer and retired major appeared in court Monday after being charged as part of the years-long federal investigation into public corruption at some of the highest levels of Oahu's law enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

Attorneys claim arrests made to compel cooperation in alleged corruption investigation. A retired Honolulu police major and current officer are out on bond after being arrested as part of an alleged corruption investigation involving Honolulu’s former chief of police. KHON2.

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President Donald Trump’s first official trip to Hawaii and Asia will include a stop at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, the White House said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Pro-Rail Groups Spent $200K On Special Session Lobbying Blitz. Most of the money came from developers, laborers and contractors with a stake in the Honolulu rail project. Civil Beat.

Astronomy’s ‘discovery of the century’ helps explain ‘cosmic bling’. Confirmation of the collision, the first ever detected kilonova, was announced Monday following a blitz of science throughout two months. Tribune-Herald.

Researchers from the University of Hawaii were part of a major scientific discovery, after they were able to confirm the observation of a binary neutron star merger and resulting kilonova explosion. Pacific Business News.

Pan-STARRS Observatory captures cosmic event. On the evening of Aug. 17, astronomers atop Haleakala were preparing to train the world’s largest digital camera onto a spot in the sky where, hours earlier, teams on the U.S. Mainland and in Chile had detected strange bursts of energy. Maui News.

'An example of aloha': Akaka reflects on his legacy, retirement and staying active. Surrounded by family and friends, former U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka last month celebrated his 93rd birthday at Chef Chai. Hawaii News Now.

Island Air, which brought in a new fleet of larger aircraft this year amid its aggressive expansion strategy, filed Monday for Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air announced Monday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. KHON2.

Honolulu-based Island Air said Monday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to continue normal operations while dealing with legal challenges recently presented by the airline’s aircraft lessors. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Investigators have been unable to determine the cause of the Marco Polo condominium complex fire, city officials announced today, more than three months after the July 14 blaze, which left four people dead and caused more than $100 million in damage. Star-Advertiser.

Three months after a fire swept through the upper floors of the landmark Marco Polo condominium in Moiliili, killing four people and causing more than $100 million in damage, city officials still cannot say precisely what caused the largest structural fire in Honolulu history. Civil Beat.

Fire investigators have not been able to determine the source of the deadly Marco Polo fire. Hawaii Public Radio.

After an exhaustive analysis, the mayor says the cause of the massive, Marco Polo blaze continues to elude investigators.  Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Fire Chief Manuel Neves say the cause of a deadly, seven-alarm fire at the Marco Polo high-rise building could not be determined. KHON2.

The cause of the 7-alarm fire at the Marco Polo is still unknown following a three-month investigation. Pacific Business News.

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Questions Surface Over Integrity Of HPD Chief Candidate. A well-known former Hawaii judge is raising a red flag about Honolulu police chief finalist Tommy Aiu. But no one will talk about what’s behind it. Civil Beat.

At least 180 squatters living under Nimitz viaduct prepare to move out. More than a dozen outreach workers canvassed the area beneath the Nimitz viaduct Monday morning alerting squatters to an upcoming sweep. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police are increasing patrols in Waikiki after a recent string of crimes in the area. KITV.

A former high-ranking FBI official in Honolulu is under fire after a local nonprofit accused him of stealing more than $33,000. Hawaii News Now.

Weather delays salvage efforts for grounded fishing vessel in Waikiki. The Coast Guard made another attempt Monday to remove a fishing vessel that's been stuck in shallow waters off Waikiki for about a week, but salvage efforts will be delayed again. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Economic Association Panel: International Cargo Ships Too Big for Honolulu Harbor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines has finished tens of millions of dollars in fixes to “defects, deficiencies and incompletions” in a new maintenance and cargo hangar at the Daniel K. Ino­uye International Airport in Honolulu, and its chief executive officer, Mark Dunkerley, is calling for a state investigation to determine how the long-delayed project got so far off track. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. said Monday that the typical HECO bill in October for an Oahu household using 500 kilowatt-hours was $139.91, or 25.9 cents a kilowatt-hour, up 17 cents from $139.74 in September when the effective rate was also 25.9 cents a kilowatt-hour. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County’s Camp Kikaha was offered as an example of a successful homeless safe zone at a meeting in Honolulu last week of a state panel charged with studying the concept. The camp is the only government-sanctioned temporary homeless neighborhood in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

An individual at Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School in Hilo has been infected with the mumps virus, the school confirmed in a letter Monday. Forty-two documented mumps cases in Hawaii County have been confirmed since Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

A fire at the old Hilo jail building at the corner of Waianuenue Avenue and Komohana Street was extinguished Monday evening and one man was arrested, according to the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Drug Court graduates 13. The drug court program continues to increase the number of graduates since its inception in 2011. West Hawaii Today.

Five captive-reared alala, or Hawaiian crow, were released into the wild last week, part of conservationists’ second attempt in the past year to replenish the population of the critically endangered bird in its native habitat. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Eleven East Maui residents have filed a petition to intervene in the Nahiku Community Center project, which currently is undergoing permit and land use change reviews by the Maui Planning Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Navy rules out sonar use as cause of mass whale stranding on Kauai. In a statement, the Navy confirmed it does not have any reports of any sonar use within five nautical miles or 24 hours of Friday's incident that left five whales dead at Kalapaki Beach. Hawaii News Now.

A conservation official says Hawaii's plan to eradicate a small crescent-shaped island's rat infestation via air drops of poison has worked, with no signs of negative impact on marine life. Associated Press.

The County of Kauai has scheduled an eight-hour water shutdown for customers in the Kalepa Village Apartments on Kalepa Circle and Kale Place in Hanamaulu on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Coast Guard is continuing to search for two people from a downed helicopter off of Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

Rescue crews continue searching for missing helicopter off Molokai. Hawaii News Now.