Takai's decision not to run leaves rare vacancy in U.S. House, Maui study shows shallow ocean shelf attracts sharks, Pro Bowl likely moving to Orlando, medical marijuana scores released, Kauai bans smoking in cars with minors, National Park Service fights to limit Kona water use, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige, left, with U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, courtesy governor's offie

Saying he needs to focus on recovery instead of re-election, U.S. Rep. Mark Takai announced Thursday he will not seek a second term in Congress. Takai was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer seven months ago, and his decision to step down touched off much speculation about who will run to succeed him. Star-Advertiser.

Citing health concerns, U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, the Democrat of Hawaii, announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election this year. Civil Beat.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Mark Takai said Thursday he will not seek re-election this fall and will step down when his term ends, because his cancer has spread. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai has announced he will not seek a second term in Congress due to health problems. Associated Press.

US Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01) today announced his decision to step down after serving out the remainder of his term due to health concerns. Maui Now.

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Consumers and businesses in Hawaii risk getting ripped off in routine business transactions because the state agency tasked with inspecting gas pumps, weight scales such as those at supermarkets, and taxi meters still isn’t inspecting those devices as often as it should, according to a new state report. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has yet to receive a single application from anyone interested in replacing Les Kondo as executive director. The commission has been advertising for the position since May 3. Civil Beat.

The economy in Hawaii’s four counties has been strong in recent years and prospects remain good for the near future, although growth rates will start trending lower, according to the annual county-by-county forecast released Friday by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Pacific Business News.

The president of Hawaii’s Local 5 Unite Here, Hernando Ramos Tan, filed a lawsuit Thursday morning in U.S. District Court against the labor union’s secretary-treasurer, Eric Gill. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Health has released the application scores for the eight companies who were awarded licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines unveiled its new seating that allows passengers to lie down completely flat and drift to sleep. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Once more Orlando, Fla., thinks it has won the tug-of-war with Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, only this time others are saying so as well. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is moving one its busiest satellite city halls after more than a year delay. Hawaii Public Radio.

With the cost of Honolulu’s rail project doubling, transit officials are scrambling to figure out how much more of it they can afford to build, where it will have to stop short, and what to do from there. KHON2.

The head of the local electrical workers union is now the target of dueling investigations. Earlier this week, criminal investigators with the state Attorney General's office subpoenaed financial records from the IBEW Local 1260. That follows a separate federal investigation that was launched after the union was placed under trusteeship and its Business Manager Brian Ahakuelo was put on leave. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The National Park Service didn’t provide a requested gallon figure for how much water it needs at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to sustain its ecosystems and the cultural practices that surround them. But the Park Service did bring the state Commission on Water Resource Management up to speed Thursday on the species that it feels would be threatened by any changes in water salinity due to future pumping of the Keauhou aquifer, which drains to the sea beneath it. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuits against the county over a Kawa Bay police action and a zip line death are on their way to being settled, with votes earlier this week by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC, the developer of a $225 million biomass plant on the Big Island of Hawaii that is about 50 percent complete, is asking state regulators to investigate a Hawaiian Electric Co. subsidiary’s attempts to cancel the power purchase agreement with the two companies. Pacific Business News.

Dust, noise, health problems, lower property values and lawyers. Mix prime real estate and subdivisions with a plan for a commercial gravel crushing operation, and that’s what you get, said 20 residents who testified against a Bolton Inc. plan for that activity off of Hualalai Road above Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

There’s a reason Maui sees more shark attacks than any other Hawaiian island, according to the results of a new study: It’s the large and protected shallow ocean shelf that acts as a magnet for tiger sharks near and far. Star-Advertiser.

Tiger shark bites peaked in 2012 and 2013, including two fatal attacks that spurred the state Department of Land and Natural Resources — working with the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, a data collection project — to commission a nearly $200,000 two-year study of shark spatial behavior on Maui. The University of Hawaii’s Institute of Marine Biology conducted the research, which culminated this week in a report finding that the spike most likely isn’t due to changes in what humans are doing. Civil Beat.

New research released Thursday shows tiger sharks naturally favor waters near Maui that are close to some of Hawaii’s most popular beaches for humans. Associated Press.

A spike in shark bites off Maui in 2012 and 2013 prompted the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with additional support and funding from the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, to commission a two-year-long study of shark spatial behavior on Maui. Maui Now.

Scientists are getting a better idea of how sharks behave and why so many attacks have occurred off Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

A rising tide of shark bites off the Maui coast over the previous two decades appeared to indicate that sharks in the area had acquired a disturbing affinity for the taste of human flesh. West Hawaii Today.

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Buildings are being eliminated and the color scheme and other aesthetics are being altered in development plans to address public opposition to the Makena Resort's proposed 47-acre, 158-home and commercial project. Maui News.

A day after a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals order temporarily halted work to transfer Maui public hospital operations from state to private control, administrators first had to stop the momentum of what's been a "massive" effort to make the transition as of July 1, said Wesley Lo, Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Maui Region chief executive officer. Maui News.

Days after the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a preliminary injunction to halt the transfer of Maui hospital operations from the state-operated hospital system to private contractor Kaiser Permanente, Maui Memorial Medical Center’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Ron Boyd, characterized the delay as an “unfortunate expectation.”  Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Council unanimously voted Wednesday to approve a bill that prohibits smoking in cars with children under the age of 18. Garden Island.

A resolution that seeks to institute a county manager was postponed until June 15 during the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Genetically modified food has been cleared of connections to health problems in a 388-page report released Tuesday from the National Academies of Science. Garden Island.

The Board of Education’s vote to change a policy that required principals to consider test results in teacher evaluations is a win for educators, said several local teachers. Garden Island.

Hawaii national parks bring in the green, Ige to attend White House dinner for Japanese prime minister, less instruction, more pay for teachers, $14M wasted on computer system, three telescopes to be idled, $50M bond float likely, Oahu pig farm could close, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Halemaʻumaʻu caldera © 2015 All Hawaii News

National park service visitation rebounded in 2014 in Hawaii, generating an estimated $417.3 million in economic benefits. Some 5.2 million people, or just over 6 percent more than in 2013, visited Hawaii's seven national parks last year, according to a visitor spending report Thursday by the National Park Service. Star-Advertiser.

More than 5.2 million visitors dished out an estimated $340.5 million around Hawaii’s national parks in 2014, according to a new report by the National Park Service. More than half that money, $175.6 million, was spent on the Big Isle, home to three parks and a historic site. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. David Ige's office says he will represent Hawaii at a White House state dinner honoring Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week. President Barack Obama will host the dinner for Abe on Tuesday. Associated Press.

Public schools will no longer be required to tally the number of "instructional" minutes students receive throughout the school year under revisions made to a 2010 law that mandates minimum learning time. Under Senate Bill 822, which Gov. David Ige signed into law Thursday, the term "instructional hours" in Act 167 has been replaced with "student hours," meaning learning time will now apply to any time that students are in school. Star-Advertiser.

A new law gives Hawaii public schools flexibility to create schedules based on the amount of days and hours required for a school year. The union representing Hawaii's public school teachers says Gov. David Ige signed the bill Thursday. Associated Press.

The price tag for the contract covering Hawaii's 13,500 public school teachers has climbed to more than $388 million now that the teachers union has negotiated additional compensation for the remaining two years of the deal. Under the settlement, which the Legislature is expected to approve, teachers will receive a one-time bonus in the fall; a boost to their base salary in two years; more paid professional development training; and a decrease in health insurance costs. Star-Advertiser.

Contract ratification meetings for members of two units of the Hawaii Government Employees Association were suspended by the union Thursday, a development that will delay indefinitely any agreement or raises for about 14,400 state, city and county workers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are looking for ways to prop up the state’s financially struggling health exchange, and they’re considering cash from the general fund. All state-run insurance exchanges that are part of the Affordable Care Act must be financially sustainable this year. But the Hawaii Health Connector doesn’t have enough money for its operations. Associated Press.

The state spent $13.88 million on what was dubbed the "FAST" project to replace an out-of-date computer system in the state Highways Division, but the new system still doesn't work, and Gov. David Ige finally stepped in last month to cancel the project. Star-Advertiser.

The state spent $13.88 million on a failed effort to improve the Department of Transportation's financial accounting system, so the state terminated the contract last month, Gov. David Ige said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A special Senate committee has adopted rules to govern its investigation into whether Sen. Brickwood Galuteria is qualified to serve in the Senate. The committee met briefly Thursday morning and plans to hold another hearing on Monday at 10 a.m. in response to a complaint alleging that Galuteria doesn’t actually live in Kakaako, the district he represents. Civil Beat.

Key state lawmakers in the House still want Oahu's rail tax cut in half if it is to be extended — and they also aim to put an end to any talk of neighbor islands enacting a surcharge to help fund transportation-related projects in their respective counties. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are divided on how best to bail out Honolulu’s over-budget and underfunded commuter rail project that, when completed, will be the nation’s first fully driverless transit system. Civil Beat.

A long-awaited sludge-receiving station at the HPOWER waste-to-energy incineration facility opens next month at Campbell Industrial Park to try to reduce the need for landfill space on Oahu. Mayor Kirk Caldwell and other officials dedicated the $10.6 million injection station Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The pit at the H-POWER plant has a sliding door that opens and a truck backs in, dumping a mixture of human waste and regular garbage down to the bottom. That nasty mixture is turned into sludge and burned. KITV4.

Shinsato Farm could close if a buyer for its Windward Oahu property can't be found, co-owner Amy Shinsato told Pacific Business News this week. The farm, which has been in business for about 75 years, produces pork that can be found on the menu in many Hawaii restaurants.

A Department of Land and Natural Resources crew on Thursday retrieved a 20-foot skiff from an Oahu shoreline area that may be debris from the March 2011 Japan tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

Some Leeward Oahu residents say a half-million dollar beautification project is compromising the safety of drivers. Concrete barriers are all along the median on Farrington Highway, but there’s about a mile stretch that’s strictly lined with plants. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council will soon be asked to authorize borrowing as much as $50 million to $60 million in general obligation bonds, as Mayor Billy Kenoi works to finish a list of projects before his term ends late next year. West Hawaii Today.

Decommissioning of as many as three telescopes could be expedited as the University of Hawaii responds to protests from Native Hawaiians over the construction of the largest observatory yet on Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees decided Thursday to formally reconsider its endorsement of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope planned for the summit of Mauna Kea. The board, which voted to support the $1.4 billion telescope in 2009, scheduled a special meeting for Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Battle Over Geothermal Contract Plays Out in Court and at PUC. Critics say they will contest a new geothermal energy deal between Hawaii Electric Light Co. and Ormat, its longtime partner. Civil Beat.

New kayak tour could make Kohala Ditch self-sustaining. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Brewing Co. announced Thursday that it will be expanding and moving its current brewery in Kona to a new, undisclosed location. West Hawaii Today.

The lava lake in Halemaumau at Kilauea’s summit could be visible from the edge of the caldera as early as today if it continues to rise, geologists say. The lake, which rises and falls during periods of inflationary or deflationary tilt, reached new heights Thursday afternoon when it was less than 70 feet from the crater floor, surpassing the last record from October 2012 by more than 2 feet. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Tourism to Haleakalā National Park in 2014 generated more than $70.3 million in visitor spending and supported 837 jobs in the area, according to new data released by the National Park Service. Maui Now.

Kauai

A Hawaii family donated two perpetual conservation easements on Thursday to the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust. The donation comprises about 40 acres of wetland taro located in Waioli Valley and was given to ensure it remained in its natural state forever. Garden Island.

Hundreds of high school students had their day in court on Thursday, but it wasn’t for anything bad. Instead, the hour-long court proceeding allowed them to see the legal system in action as five state Supreme Court justices took on a longstanding dispute between the County of Kauai and State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, which represents unionized Kauai Police Department employees. Garden Island.

Hawaii Island historic sites threatened by rising seas, Disney cruise line returning, CDC threatens to close UH lab, Kauai celebrates tsunami debris, OHA squabble settled, Abercrombie signs Turtle Bay bill, Aiona runs for governor on GOP ticket, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Puuhonua o Honaunau © 2014 All Hawaii News

The grounds of Puuhonua o Honaunau, along with another important cultural site, Koloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, are endangered by a rising sea that is lapping away at the centuries-old structures and seawalls at both sites. West Hawaii Today.

A new report out Tuesday from the Union of Concerned Scientists highlights two Hawaii Island historic places and other U.S. historic places put in serious peril by rising seas, fiercer wildfire seasons and other impacts linked to man-made climate change. Star-Advertiser.

© 2014 All Hawaii News

Two National Park Service sites on the western side of the Big Island are on a list assembled by the Union of Concerned Scientists of iconic landmarks and cultural heritage sites threatened by climate change in the United States. Big Island Now.

A new report released today by independent research and science-policy think-tank the Union of Concerned Scientists  utilizes case studies on U.S. historic sites to illustrate the dramatic and immediate threat that human-created climate change poses. Hawaii Independent.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamana‘opono Crabbe and the OHA trustees emerged from an all-day session of Hawaiian reconciliation and forgiveness Monday with what they called "one voice" traveling on "one path." Star-Advertiser.

The CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs emerged vindicated and relieved after an all-day board meeting Monday that had him concerned for his job. Associated Press.

OHA trustees, CEO settle their differences over nation-building. Civil Beat.

Former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona has made it official that he's running for governor.Republican Aiona announced his candidacy Monday after filing papers with the state office of elections. Associated Press.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who is running for governor as an independent, almost lured an interesting recruit as his lieutenant governor: former University of Hawaii football coach Dick Tomey. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang uses his first congressional campaign ad on TV to promise voters that he will champion a progressive agenda if they send him to Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

The chair of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents claimed the written nomination of a highly qualified dean from an Ivy League university who came from Hawaii to be the next UH president "fell through the cracks," prompting former Gov. Ben Cayetano, who recommended her for the UH job last July, to say the regents mishandled the situation because of "negligence." Hawaii News Now.

Governor’s Preschool Effort Struggles to Get off the Ground. Civil Beat.

Disney Cruise Line said Monday that it will return to Hawaii in September 2015 with the Disney Wonder making two 10-night cruises to the Islands. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for May 20. Associated Press.

Oahu

It’s official — Hawaii is paying Turtle Bay Resort millions of dollars not to develop 665 acres of land on the North Shore of Oahu. Gov. Neil Abercrombie held a bill signing ceremony Monday at the resort to celebrate the deal, which comes after more than a decade of lawsuits contesting the hotel’s expansion plans.  Civil Beat.

courtesy Hawaii Governor's Office

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed legislation to preserve more than 665 acres of land on Oahu’s North Shore. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie traded his koa-paneled office for a Kawela Bay shoreline filled with ironwood trees Monday as the site to sign a "landmark" bill protecting 665 acres at Turtle Bay Resort from development. Star-Advertiser.

Turtle Bay Resorts hosted a bill-signing ceremony today at the scenic Kawela Bay on the North Shore.  The measure, which was signed into law by the Governor, sets aside undeveloped land for future generations of residents and tourists to enjoy. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Centers for Disease Control is threatening to suspend the University of Hawaii medical school's ability to conduct research on highly contagious diseases. Hawaii News Now.

A Windward Oahu facility that houses hundreds of often violent mentally ill patients has had to answer to lawmakers lately. KHON2.

A rebound in shipments of agricultural products helped cargo volumes between Oahu and six neighbor island ports maintain their upward trend in the first quarter, interisland shipper Young Brothers reported Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

There are two new faces at the top of the Office of Corporation Counsel, now that Mayor Billy Kenoi has rearranged staff in the wake of the resignation of longtime Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science Governing Board frustrated some parents last week when it relocated a closed-door meeting with a teacher accused of abusing students without announcing the new location. But did it break the law? Likely not, according to the state Attorney General’s Office. Tribune-Herald.

Kai Ehitu Coach Richard Kimitete apologized Monday for rocks used during Saturday’s regatta damaging coral in Kailua Bay. Kimitete said he even contacted the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to make the same apology. West Hawaii Today.

Fire ants have made their way into Waipio Valley. About a year ago, Dr. Casper Vanderwoude with the Hawaii Ant Lab heard there were fire ants in the valley and has since been working with the community to tackle the pests. Tribune-Herald.

Something weird is happening in West Hawaii’s water, William Walsh, a biologist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources, said Monday. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park staff found about 15 porcupine fish with all fins removed, Walsh said. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation officials were preparing to carry out an emergency salvage removal of a 40-foot sailboat which ran aground on the reef off the Old Kona Airport Park Sunday. West Hawaii Today.

State boating officials Tuesday hope to remove a sailboat that ran aground a coral reef off old Kona Airport on Sunday night. Star-Advertiser.

A 45 foot sailboat ran aground on the reef fronting the first pavilion at the Old Kona Airport on Sunday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Maui Police Commission released information today saying it is moving forward in fulfilling its responsibility to appoint the next chief of police, following Chief Gary Yabuta’s announcement on Friday that he is retiring from the post to take on federal employment with the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program. Maui Now.

Two Australians, who train dogs to detect the little fire ant as part of an effective eradication program in a northeastern Australian state, toured infested sites in Hawaii - including on Maui - last week as they developed recommendations on how to battle the tiny but potentially devastating pest. Maui News.

Cargo shipments between Kahului Harbor and Honolulu Harbor rose 4.2 percent in the first quarter, compared to 2013, though outbound agricultural shipments fell 8.1 percent, possibly due to the recent wet weather, shipper Young Brothers reported Monday. Maui News.

The Outlets of Maui announced a new West Maui shuttle service that is being offered to customers between Kāʻanapali and Lahaina. Maui Now.

Kauai

Two Kauai County board proposals that would let voters decide whether the amount of petition signatures needed to place public measures on general election ballots should be changed was met with resistance on Monday. Garden Island.

Around 100 people gathered at Port Allen Monday to celebrate the unveiling of a display memorializing the 7,000-mile journey a piece of tsunami debris made from the shore of Iwaki City, Japan to its sister city of Kauai. Garden Island.

Kauai County is putting tsunami debris from its Japanese sister city on display. Hawaii News Now.

National parks visitors bring in bucks, marijuana decriminalization bill dies, building boom causes construction crane shortage, Kaui council passes dog barking bill, workaround averts silent tsunami sirens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

More than 5 million visitors to national parks in Hawaii spent more than $314 million and supported 3,723 jobs in the state in 2012, the National Park Service said in a new report. Released Monday, the report showed that national park tourism returned $10 for every $1 invested in the park service. Star-Advertiser.

A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 5.1 million visitors to national parks in Hawai`i spent more than $314 million and supported 3,723 jobs in the state in 2012. Hawaii Reporter.

Last October was a tough time for visitors and locals who enjoy Hawaii’s national parks. They were closed during the 16-day government shutdown. A new report by the National Park Service estimates a nationwide loss of $414 million and 8 million fewer visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Find the full Hawaii National Parks report here.

What Bills Are Still Alive at the Halfway Point of Hawaii's Legislature? Hawaii lawmakers are expected to approve hundreds of bills this week ahead of Thursday's "crossover" deadline when House and Senate bills receive a final vote on whether they should pass from one chamber to the other for consideration. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers plan a fast-paced session of final votes as a major legislative deadline approaches. The House and Senate must pass most bills by the end of Tuesday to send them to the other chamber. Those that miss the crossover deadline can't become laws. Associated Press.

Juvenile offenders in Hawaii could no longer be sentenced to life without parole under a bill scheduled for a vote by state lawmakers. The bill up for a vote in the House on Tuesday would guarantee the possibility of parole to prisoners who commit first degree murder or first degree attempted murder before they turned 18. Associated Press.

A bill that would have made possession of an ounce of marijuana or less a civil rather than criminal offense is dead for the session. Big Island Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday released $96.6 million that will go toward improving Hawaii’s airports, including $50 million for the reconstruction of a taxiway and $35.7 million for a new commuter terminal east of the Diamond Head concourse at Honolulu International Airport. Pacific Business News.

Patent reform legislation that is backed by the Obama Administration and a coalition of Hawaii hotels and restaurants could hurt individual inventors and stymie innovation at the University of Hawaii, local patent lawyers say. The Innovation Act, which is up for consideration in the U.S. Senate just two years after the last major patent reform passed in Congress, is aimed at eradicating so-called patent trolls. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has recently sent out new rules to solar photovoltaic contractors to address safety and reliability concerns on circuits with high amounts of PV, including increasing circuit penetration levels, which could speed up the slowing industry. Pacific Business News.

About one out of every four households in Hawaii don’t speak English at home, according to statistics from Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Civil Beat.

State roundup for March 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

International Market Place has stood in the heart of Waikiki for 57 years, but Tuesday it will start to disappear as demolition work begins to clear the way for a new $350 million open-air shopping mall. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell summed up what the International Marketplace means to the community as "there's no more critical place for our visitors, and when it is redone, it's going to revitalize the heart of Waikiki". Governor Neil Abercrombie, also in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony, pointed to the economic impact. Hawaii News Now.

The USS Arizona Memorial has been selected as a design on a new Priority Mail Express stamp to be issued March 13, the U.S. Postal Service announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command plans to move into a new $82 million headquarters and lab being built at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam — as the Pentagon and Congress look at restructuring the command and the possibility of moving it to the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii News Now has learned that the University of Hawaii Medical School disposes of hundreds of pounds of dead research mice each year into the city's sewers -- after cooking them and breaking them down into a soupy liquid.

Construction crews are getting ready to build one of the most challenging parts of Honolulu’s rail project over the H-1 Freeway near the Waipahu exit. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation released a rendering of the area with pillars as high as 35 feet on the freeway, taller than the ones being built in Kapolei. KHON2.

Stakeholders, supporters and opponents of a second 350-foot condominium-hotel tower on Kuhio Avenue are being asked to attend an open, informal meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday hosted by City Council Zoning Chairman Ikaika Anderson in the City Council's second-floor committee room at Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

So far this year, at least 10 of the mostly yellow tower construction cranes are busy building everything from a Walgreens store to high-rise condominiums in Honolulu. And at least eight more are expected to rise by the end of the year as part of a condo development boom in Kaka­ako. The demand is using up the local supply of 18 cranes and forcing the state's largest crane supplier, Morrow Equipment Co., to ship in more from the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A new report from the National Parks Service estimates its four parks here generated about $153 million in visitor spending in 2012. The parks — Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Puuhonoua O Honaunau National Historical Park and Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site — also recorded about 2.2 million visits annually. West Hawaii Today.

Using a little ingenuity, workers with Hawaii County Civil Defense and Hawaii Police Department managed to avoid a technical problem that might have resulted in the failure of multiple tsunami sirens during Monday’s monthly test. Tribune-Herald.

The historic Koehnen Building in downtown Hilo will soon open its doors for the grand reopening of the Mokupapapa Discovery Center. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakalā National Park on Maui attracted 1,094,668 visitors in 2012, generating $64.4 million in spending, and supporting 736 jobs, according to information compiled in a new economic report released by the National Park Service. Maui Now.

Almost 1.1 million people visited Haleakala National Park in 2012, 14.3 percent more people than the previous year, according to a National Park Service report. Maui News.

Maui County is proposing to drill an exploratory groundwater well in West Maui that officials hope will provide a potential new water source to meet future demand. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns submitted a draft environmental assessment last month for a 64-unit, multifamily affordable housing project next to the Kulamalu Shopping Center in Pukalani. Maui News.

Kauai
The Kauai County Council passed a bill to assist pet owners whose dogs bark excessively, but also penalize those whose dogs become a continual nuisance. The council passed the bill 5-1 last week after it took up the topic in December saying something needed to be done on the noisy issue. Garden Island.

Waimea resident Arthur Brun has filed to run for a County Council seat in this year’s election. He becomes the third person to declare a candidacy for the seven-member governing body. Garden Island.

Hawaii's $205M health exchange has security holes, newspaper involvement; gay marriage battle burns; safety check changes blasted at public hearing; National parks still closed; Honolulu loses $1.8M in taxes; Maui seeks film commissioner; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Connector website

Even though it's not yet selling health plans, the Hawaii Health Connector is collecting personal information from people who fill out forms online. KHON2 asked computer experts to look over the site with us, and what we found was surprising -- a Wordpress website platform the industry considers entry-level, along with what they call some “amateur” mistakes that could have opened the site to real hacker risks.

Ten days after the Hawaii Health Connector was scheduled to be up and running, the Obamacare virtual exchange is still unable to provide users any pricing or other health care plan details. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii's health insurance marketplace is hoping to turn around a stalled start by providing plans and pricing to consumers by Tuesday - but there are no guarantees, its executive director said Wednesday. Associated Press.

The U.S. Department of Interior announced Thursday it will consider letting states reopen national parks if they put up the funds. All national parks have been closed as a result of the government shutdown. So far, Hawaii has not joined Utah, South Dakota, Arizona, and Colorado in asking permission to reopen national parks under state jurisdiction. KHON2.

Under pressure from governors, the Obama administration said Thursday it will allow some shuttered national parks to reopen — as long as states use their own money to pay for operations. While at least four governors have asked for authority to reopen national parks within their borders because of the economic impact of keeping them closed, Hawaii so far is not one of them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Delegates Frustrated by Federal Shutdown Gridlock. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Marcus Oshiro, who wants to slow the drive toward marriage equality, is reminding lawmakers they do not have to take any action when they meet in special session this month. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has called a special session starting Oct. 28 to consider a gay marriage bill. But neither the House nor the Senate is obligated to hear or vote on legislation, and could simply meet and adjourn. Oshiro's message, which has been privately likened by some to a Hail Mary pass, is meant to unsettle House leaders who are trying to steer a wobbly majority in favor of gay marriage toward a final vote. The Senate overwhelmingly supports marriage equality. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i News Now was the first to report on an anonymous flyer targeting lawmakers and urging recipients to ask them to vote no on same-sex marriage.  We have learned the First Assembly of God is behind the mysterious mailers, which has grown to focus on another legislator, and now the Hawai'i State Ethics Commission is getting involved.

Testifiers at a statewide public hearing Thursday generally took a dim view of the Department of Transportation’s plan to hike fees and create an electronic system for annual vehicle safety checks. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii officials are celebrating the opening of state-funded immigrant resource centers. The Office of Community Services on Thursday announced opening celebrations that will take place at four centers on Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. The office's Executive Director Mila Kaahanui says restoration of state-funded, comprehensive services for Hawaii's immigrant communities comes after two decades of gaps in services. Associated Press.

Hawaii is a natural American business and security bridge to Asia and the state would benefit from a possible trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union, the EU's ambassador to Washington says. Civil Beat.

Attorneys representing two churches being sued over renting Hawaii public school buildings for services say the churches aren't doing anything wrong and the state knows how the facilities are being used. A lawsuit filed in March by Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of Church and State founder Mitchell Kahle and public advocate Holly Huber claims the churches owe more than $5.6 million in unpaid or underpaid fees. Associated Press.

The state Department of Health has ordered stores to pull a dietary supplement from shelves while it investigates a growing number of cases of liver damage. As of Thursday the Health Department is investigating 32 cases of acute hepatitis or sudden liver failure (up from 30 reported Wednesday): 21 cases on Oahu, seven on Hawaii island, two on Kauai, one on Maui and another in which the location has yet to be identified. Of the 32 cases, 24 reported using OxyELITE Pro before their illnesses. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
The city of Honolulu could have collected more than $1.8 million had it done a better job of following tax procedures, such as keeping assessments updated and accurate and toughening enforcement of historic-property dedication requirements, a report this week from city Auditor Edwin Young concluded. Star-Advertiser.

Habitual no-show riders of the city's Handi-Van para transit service will be temporarily banned from getting rides under a policy set to begin November 1. Hawaii News Now.

A tower of up to 350 feet on Atkinson Drive across from Ala Moana Center and the expansion of the Kapaa Industrial Park next to Kawai­­nui Marsh were given final approvals by the Hono­­lulu City Council on Wednesday. Each project faced opposition but also had its share of supporters. Star-Advertiser.

City prosecutors are opposing a request by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and other news organizations asking the Hawaii Supreme Court to unseal transcripts of closed proceedings in federal agent Christopher Deedy's murder case. The newspaper and Hawaii News Now also asked the high court to prohibit Circuit Judge Karen Ahn from closing future court proceedings in the case without first giving the public a chance to object. Star-Advertiser.

New Age Toilet Paper Clogging Honolulu's Sewer Pipes, Causing Headaches. Civil Beat.

The wonder and promise of the 21st century has landed big time on the tradition-rich campus of ‘Iolani School. It's called the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, a modern 40,000-square-foot building dedicated to high-tech innovation and hands-on learning using state-of-the-art technology and experts in cutting-edge fields as teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The ongoing partial federal shutdown is providing helicopter operators, and some tourists, with nowhere to go but up. While other tourist-oriented businesses are being hit, the closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during the shutdown is causing visitors hoping to get a view of the park and the lava flowing from Pu‘u ‘O‘o to flock to helicopter tours. Tribune-Herald.

The state has released $1.8 million to train more primary care physicians in an attempt to alleviate a shortage of more than 30 percent on the Big Island. The funds go toward the Hilo Medical Center's primary care training program that will prepare a dozen new residents over three years to enter the field. Star-Advertiser.

Monk seal captured

Big Island photographer Doug Perrine captured people getting too close to a monk seal pup on Sunday-- one day before it bit two Kona Ironman Triathletes. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

As Maui County continues the search for its next film commissioner, Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson stressed the importance of finding someone who will be able to "bridge the gap" for industry producers while still respecting the sensitivities of Hawaiian culture. Maui News.

The non-profit Hale Makua Health Services on Maui will benefit from fuel sales at participating ʻOhana Fuels gas stations through the end of the year, under a partnership announced today. Maui Now.

Participants in Wednesday evening’s candlelight vigil against domestic violence listen as 101 names of fatal victims of domestic abuse in Hawaii are read aloud in front of the Kalana O Maui building. Maui News.

Kauai
Although nothing short of spectacular, the Na Pali Coast State Park — home of the Kalalau — is also a persistent headache for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Several human remains were uncovered at the Kauai Sands Hotel in Waipouli while workers were digging to install utility lines near the resort’s swimming pool. An archeologist on site Thursday afternoon, who asked to remain anonymous, said the discoveries included “human burials — less than 10, (but) more than four.” Garden Island.

Schatz tours Hawaii Island parks, Navy moves missile defense closer to North Korea, fees for cesspools, marijuana bill pending, 4% raises for Honolulu mayor, officials, free wi-fi on Maui, April Fool's prank spurs panic over Saddle Road lava flow, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Schatz tours Hawaii national park, courtesy photo

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, whose first bill in Congress would expand Hawaii national parks, on Monday visited Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, which The Trust for Public Lands is seeking to expand. West Hawaii Today.

The towering Sea-Based X-band Radar, a fixture at a Ford Island pier for most of the past year, left Pearl Harbor recently for the second time amid heightened concerns about North Korea's missile program. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy is moving the largest and most sophisticated mobile radar system in the world closer to North Korea. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Committee has published its budget proposals for the judiciary and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for fiscal years 2013-2015. Associated Press.

A bill that would strip the University of Hawaii of procurement responsibilities for new construction was passed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Monday, signaling continuing legislative concern over the way the school has handled millions of dollars in projects. Star-Advertiser.

A decade-long court battle that has pitted the state against thousands of substitute and part-time teachers who say the Hawaii Department of Education underpaid them for years could end up costing taxpayers as much as $75 million, according to the teachers’ lead attorney, Paul Alston. Civil Beat.

Legislators are moving closer to repealing the law that created the Public Land Development Corp., with only a few technical issues to resolve. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii senators in the Ways and Means Committee have agreed to compromise on a bill to repeal the state Public Land Development Corp. Associated Press.

A bill calling for decriminalization of possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is pending this week before the House Judiciary Committee. Civil Beat.

Cesspool and septic tank owners would be charged a new fee to pay for water quality monitoring, under a bill moving through the state Legislature that’s part of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s “New Day” plan. West Hawaii Today.

John Marra, the Honolulu-based climate services director for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the East-West Center, says policymakers need to be engaged in "climate proofing." Marra is one of the featured speakers at an international climate change conference being held at the University of Hawaii this week. Civil Beat.

State roundup for April 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell indicated he likely would allow 4 percent pay increases for himself and department heads to take effect as proposed Monday by the Honolulu Salary Commission. Star-Advertiser.

As many as 100,000 Oahu drivers are having to renew their vehicle registrations in-person because of a mainland company's mistakes. Hawaii News Now.

The city of Honolulu is working to save the Kailua Beach Park Boat Ramp from being undermined by ocean currents. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Pacific University has resolved a dispute with a development partner over ownership of Aloha Tower Marketplace, allowing a planned $34 million makeover on the retail complex to move forward this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu office vacancy rate falls below 13% for first time in three years. Pacific Business News.

The city Department of Emergency Services dedicated six new ambulances Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Heidi Klum Saves Son, Nannies From Rip Current in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Several South Kona residents spoke out Monday against the state authorizing two commercial kayak tour companies to resume operations at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park while a moratorium continues on all other kayaks, vessels, watercraft and flotation devices. West Hawaii Today.

It may not have whipped up hysteria on the scale of Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 broadcast of “War of the Worlds,” but a Big Isle radio station’s April Fool’s Day prank saying Saddle Road had been closed by a lava flow definitely created a headache for some folks. Tribune-Herald.

Opponents of the planned closure of the Kohanaiki jeep trail to vehicular traffic have gathered more than 2,600 signatures in a petition submitted to Mayor Billy Kenoi late last week. West Hawaii Today.

67 years ago, the Hilo coast of Hawaii Island was devastated by a tsunami. It killed 159 people—and changed the nature of Hilo’s waterfront. The anniversary also carries a significance that remains important today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui
Maui County's proposed fiscal 2013-14 budget will be the topic for a live discussion on "Your County with Mayor Arakawa" at 7 p.m. Wednesday on cable Channel 55. Maui News.

The state Department of Education has found no significant environmental impact for a proposed King Kekaulike High School Performing Arts Center. Maui News.

Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center today became the first shopping center on Maui to offer free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) access to its patrons. Maui Now.

Kauai

County officials discussed roads, bridges, automobiles and wastewater during the second day of the Kaua‘i County Council’s review of Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014, which starts July 1. Garden Island.

More than two dozen volunteers attacked the pile of organic debris Saturday at Morgan’s Ponds in the popular Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

Schatz bill would expand national parks, priest admits molesting boys, Steven Tyler bill stalls in House, Hanabusa mulls governership, Senate, Honolulu council kills mayor's gas tax hike, Pro Bowl returns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ka'u coastline (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Ka‘u coast and areas on other Hawaii islands would be candidates for an expanded National Park System under a bill announced Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz introduced a bill Wednesday that seeks to expand Hawaii's national parks while preserving the state's special places and bringing in more tourism dollars. Associated Press.

In the scheme of things, a bill proposing to direct a study of creating more national parks in Hawaii, may not seem like the most monumental of issues. But in addition to it being an “exciting moment” for Hawaii’s economy and environment, as Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz described the measure on Tuesday, it was the latest sign that Schatz, a mere year and a half from a special election to keep his seat, is placing an emphasis on environmental issues. Civil Beat.

Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Brian Schatz on Wednesday could lead to the creation of new national parks on three islands in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Passed over in December for an appointment to the state’s vacant Senate seat by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in favor of now-Sen. Brian Schatz, Democratic Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is deciding whether to challenge one of them in a primary next year. Civil Beat.

The future is looking bleak for a celebrity privacy bill in Hawaii known as the Steven Tyler Act. Associated Press.

Hawaii senators took action this week to advance bills that boost campaign spending transparency and improve voter turnout. But the biggest surprise came when they cut themselves out of plan to create a public funding program for legislative candidates starting in 2016. Civil Beat.

Proponents of solar energy rallied at the state Capitol Wednesday to show their support for a renewable energy tax credit program that lawmakers are proposing to scale back. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Senate bill to establish a Private-Public Partnership Authority is making leaps through the state House. Associated Press.

Two Senate committees have approved a bill to prohibit employers from requiring employees or job applicants to provide access to personal social media accounts. Associated Press.

Hawaii is the only state without a single entity to oversee police officer training and performance standards, raising questions about the qualifications of Hawaii’s law enforcement officers. Civil Beat.

Cash-based businesses could be facing more pressure from Hawaii tax collectors. Tribune-Herald.

Popular travel sites are appealing a Hawaii court decision to fine them $70 million for unpaid taxes. Associated Press.

An Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee has filed a formal ethics complaint against a fellow trustee over what she says are shady dealings in a $21 million property purchase. Civil Beat.

The National Weather Service says a storm in the North Pacific has generated a large west-northwest swell that is on Thursday afternoon and will continue to through the evening. Hawaii News Now.


Oahu

A priest who taught at Damien Memorial School in the early 1980s admitted in a sworn statement last year that he engaged in sexual conduct with teenagers and adolescents in Hawaii and other U.S. locations where he worked, but that he didn't consider his attraction to youth perverted or abnormal, according to portions of his videotaped deposition played Wednesday at a news conference here. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's plan to increase the city's share of the per-gallon fuel tax by a nickel was shot down by a 6-3 vote by the Ho­no­lulu City Council on Wednesday despite a direct, last-minute plea by the mayor to keep the measure alive. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council today voted down a proposal by the Mayor to fund road repairs and public transportation by increasing the tax on gasoline. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's ambitious road repaving plan hit a big bump today.  The plan that would've increased the gas tax by five cents a gallon failed to even make it past the first vote in the City Council. Hawaii News Now.

Smoking at Kapiolani Park, Kuhio Beach Park, Duke Kahanamoku Beach Park, Sandy Beach Park and the beach side of Ala Moana Regional Park will likely soon be a thing of the past, under a bill approved 8-1 by the City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to ban smoking at some beaches on Oahu, including Waikiki and Sandy Beach in Hawaii Kai. Pacific Business News.

An overnight camp-out on the Honolulu Hale lawn by (de)Occupy Honolulu supporters failed to dissuade the Honolulu City Council from advancing a bill on Wednesday making it tougher for people to stay on city sidewalks for long periods of time. Star-Advertiser.

A civilian defense contractor accused of giving his Chinese girlfriend military secrets worked on developing military plans to deter potential U.S. enemies when the two began their romance, according to his online professional profile and court documents. Associated Press.

Our aging Honolulu airport is set to get a major multi-million dollar makeover. KHON2.

Federal employees rallied in downtown Honolulu Wednesday to protest across-the-board budget cuts, known as sequestration. KITV4.

The National Football League said Wednesday the Pro Bowl will returning to Hawaii in 2014. Pacific Business News.

A gas spill brought hazardous material crews to Kewalo Basin, and a billionaire has to foot the bill for the cleanup. It is not often a pair of yachts belonging to billionaires are docked in the islands, but at Kewalo Basin, Larry Ellison's Rising Sun is just across the water from Google co-founder Larry Page's mega-ship Senses. KITV4.

Hawaii


The Department of Environmental Management’s wastewater division is facing more than $11 million in repairs to its aging infrastructure and may need to consider a rate hike, Acting Director Dora Beck told Environmental Management Commission members Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The Public Utilities Commission has accepted a settlement between Hawaiian Electric Company and the State Division of Consumer Advocacy, resulting in HELCO canceling its request for a rate increase on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

A large fish kill reported Tuesday at the Waiopae tide pools in Kapoho may have had a human cause, according to senior health officials. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has nominated Eugene Bal III, the executive director of the Maui High Performance Computing Center, to serve in one of two Maui County seats on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Maui News.

A self-described "turtle team" captured a turtle at sea - with the guidance of state officials - and removed a large fishing hook from the animal's fin off Poolenalena Beach in Makena on Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

The State Supreme Court of Hawai‘i will hear arguments today on a two-year-old case involving the destruction of historic sites along the Hapa Trail access in Koloa. Garden Island.

The County of Kaua‘i and the state Department of Agriculture released a report Wednesday on environmental health issues in Waimea. Garden Island.

A federal judge acquitted retired car dealer James Pflueger Wednesday of tax fraud and related conspiracy charges related to a failure to report certain income on his tax returns. Star-Advertiser.

“Happiness.” That is what retired auto dealer Jimmy Pflueger told reporters he felt as he left the U.S.District Court House today, just after U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi found him “not guilty” on four federal tax fraud charges. Hawaii Reporter.

No special session for veto overrides, Hurricane Daniel weakens, Public Housing Authority hiring, Honolulu picking up prostitutes, landowners blocking beach access, Haleakala National Park may limit tours, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

House Speaker Calvin Say and Senate President Shan Tsutsui said today in a memo to fellow legislators there will be no special session this July 10 to override any of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's potential vetoes. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii's main energy efficiency and conservation program — initially focused primarily on hardware upgrades such as compact fluorescent bulbs, Energy Star appliances and air conditioning retrofits — is now getting some help from behavioral scientists in its mission to cut the state's electricity consumption. Star-Advertiser.

There’s a new energy debate heating up, looking at whether liquefied natural gas could play a role in Hawai`i’s fuel future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Across the country, voter turnout has been on the decline since the 1960s, but Hawaii started higher than most and has fallen farther over the years. Civil Beat.

Oceanfront property owners use vegetation--and deception--to thwart rightful public access. Honolulu Weekly.

The state's Public Housing Authority is hiring. Which means dozens of jobs are available, and more people will be able to get housing they desperately need. KITV4.

Adult community schools have gotten a one-month reprieve before a planned consolidation, now set to take place Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu will be making five appearances at a Honolulu cathedral. Associated Press.

The National Hurricane Center says hurricane Daniel continues to weaken as it moves west along the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for July 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu prosecutors say prostitution laws are being more aggressively enforced, and police are making more arrests on weekends. Civil Beat.

The city deviated from state procurement law in its award of a $175,000 Fire Department consulting contract in 2010, said state Chief Procurement Officer Aaron Fujioka. Hawaii Reporter.

More questions are being raised about backroom contracting procedures that have led to a Honolulu Ethics Commission investigation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released more than $75.3 million for Honolulu International Airport projects. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Hirono opens East Hawaii headquarters. Tribune-Herald.

Providing Native Hawaiians already incarcerated with the tools and skills needed to succeed is just one of many ways to address concerns about the over-representation of Native Hawaiians in the criminal justice system, one resident told a state task force Saturday in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

BigIslandRadar.com monitoring, reporting traffic violations to police. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County Council members voted 7-2 Friday to give initial approval to a resolution that would put before voters on Nov. 6 a second version of a proposed Maui County Charter amendment to extend council terms from two to four years. Maui News.

The Public Utilities Commission has appointed Senators Roz Baker and J. Kalani English as members to the newly created Hawaiian Electric Companies’ Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) Advisory Group. Maui Now.

Haleakala National Park officials are seeking public input on a plan that would significantly scale back commercial tour activities offered in the park, including prohibiting tours several days each year and banning motor coaches. Maui News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii plans to open a new behavioral health services location on Maui this week. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

After hearing public concerns regarding a bill to “encourage the use” of county-owned charging stations for electric vehicles, Kaua‘i County Council members on Thursday changed language in the bill to no longer offer free charges to electric vehicles for the next six months. Garden Island.

Even though the price of crude oil went down in June, Hawai‘i drivers are, on average, paying more for gasoline compared to the same time last year. Garden Island.

While some states offer rebates as high as 35 percent,  that’s not the only reason filmmakers select locations. Garden Island.

Molokai

After a scare in April that bus services to Molokai Intermediate and High schools would be cut, parents and students will be relieved to learn that school bus services on Molokai will not be affected for the upcoming school year, according to the Department of Education. Molokai Dispatch.