Governor's new homelessness emergency comes with rules; tourist fee, general excise tax plans scaled back; judge ends aquarium fishing ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The state's homelessness proclamation isn't new, but now has a few 'rules'.  This isn't the first time a Hawaiʻi governor has issued an emergency proclamation on homelessness. However, Gov. Green's coordinator says this could be the first with cultural and environmental limitations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Green pledges new approach to state government. Gov. Josh Green added new details to a range of ideas including how to add more tourist fees to access state parks and trails while renewing his promise that his administration will be transparent and “nimble.” Star-Advertiser.

Governor’s ‘green fee’ plan scaled back to target park, trail and beach users. In bills introduced to the Legislature by his office, the governor’s proposal is now for what could be called a “paradise passport,” targeting only people who visit “a state-owned park, beach, forest, trail, or other state-owned recreational natural areas.” Hawaii News Now.

Tax breaks urged for ALICE families: Gov. Green pivots from GET reform efforts. Removing the general excise tax on food and medicine might not be the best way to help struggling Hawaii residents, Gov. Josh Green said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers Want More Information Made Public On Inmate Deaths In State Prisons And Jails. House and Senate measures would require corrections officials to announce each prisoner death on a website, and include information on what caused each fatality. Civil Beat.

Upping the ante: State lawmakers introduce several gambling bills. A raft of gambling-related bills have been introduced in the state Legislature and have passed first readings on their respective chamber’s floors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii arrivals hit 9.25M in spite of Japan drop-off. Hawaii ended 2022 with less than 90% of the visitor arrivals that it had in the pre-pandemic 2019, mostly because of the drop in international visitors, especially from Japan, which is historically Hawaii’s top international market. Star-Advertiser.

Feds award Hawaii Title I schools $73 million. Hawaii’s Title I public schools, which serve a disproportionate number of students living in poverty, will get $73 million in added federal funding for the 2023-2024 school year — an increase of $15 million over 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers Hope Hawaii Lawmakers Fund Cancer Research This Year. A new study would seek to get to the bottom of why Native Hawaiians, Filipinos and Pacific Islanders face high rates of many cancers. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi researchers' work could change life expectancy of mesothelioma patients. Michele Carbone and Haining Yang, both doctors leading a team of UH researchers, received several grants for the project — including a $2.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Jim Leahey was the golden voice of Hawaii sports. Leahey, who was considered the “voice of University of Hawaii sports” during a six-decade broadcasting career, died on Monday morning at The Queen’s Medical Center. He was 80. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Oahu

New Hawaii Governor Plans A Tougher Stance On Red Hill. Environmental advocates want the Green administration to demand more from the Navy. Civil Beat.

Former police chief prevails in defamation suit brought by ex-SHOPO president. A jury on Monday sided with former Police Chief Susan Ballard in a defamation suit. The suit was brought by Tenari Maafala, who stepped down as president of the police union in 2018. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Under pilot, some repeat law-breakers in Chinatown are being given a choice: Jail or treatment. Under a pilot project, treatment is approved by the court before a judge ever rules on the case. The idea is to get homeless drug addicts into residential drug treatment programs right after they’re arrested. Hawaii News Now.

A new development offers affordable land for small farms on the North Shore. Developer Peter Savio is launching a new agricultural project called “Orchard Plantation,” which provides 155 acres of Waialua orchard land. Hawaii News Now.

Avalon Group buys Downtown Honolulu building; to convert part of it into housing. Avalon Group said Monday that its newly-acquired 378,000-square-foot Davies Pacific Center office building along Bishop Street will be converted to a mixed-use development with up to 120,000-square-feet of office and retail uses and the balance will be converted into up to 400 workforce and market-rate residential units. KITV4.

Marine biologists near end of 5-year study on health of Hanauma Bay. The University of Hawai‘i Institute for Marine Biology is winding up a five-year visitor capacity study on Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Ban on West Hawaii aquarium fish collecting ends. An Oahu Circuit Court judge lifted an injunction Monday that effectively ends a five-year ban on aquarium fish collection in the waters of West Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Pōhakuloa Training Area receives funding to protect and restore native plants and species. The U.S. Army Garrison-Hawai‘i, Pōhakuloa Training Area, located between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the Saddle Road region, will receive $1.3 million for its Nāpu‘u Natural Resource Protection: Mitigating Rare Plant Impacts project. Big Island Now.

Maui

County council fails to override Victorino’s vetoes. Former mayor had nixed bills on housing resale rules, cultural overlay map. With a new majority on the Maui County Council, members failed to override two vetoes by former Mayor Michael Victorino, who prior to the end of his term opposed a bill relating to deed restrictions and the resale of workforce housing and another measure to establish a cultural overlay map for the county. Maui News.

‘A Sleepover For County Council’: Marathon Maui Meeting Raises Concerns About Public Participation. In the wake of a tumultuous, 18-hour long meeting in which residents said they felt “disenfranchised” and held “hostage” while waiting to have a say in their local government’s decision-making process, the new Maui County Council chair says she’s planning to change up the rules to make it easier to testify.  Civil Beat.

Kanahā Pond on Maui to get predator-proof fencing to protect nesting habitats. Pono Pacific Land Management was recently awarded a contract by the state to install 8,000 linear feet of an anticipated 14,785-foot predator-proof fence at Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary on Maui. Maui Now.

3 days of downpours bring 23.61″ of rain to Puʻu Aliʻi, Molokaʻi, up to 15″ to parts of Maui. Crews on Maui continued to assess flooding and saturation from three days of heavy rainfall. Maui Now. Maui News.

Kauai

Dead sperm whale removed from Kaua’i beach; buried at undisclosed location.  A disappearing act of colossal proportions has taken place at on the East Side of Kaua‘i, after county, state and federal personnel worked through the weekend to remove a 120,000-pound sperm whale from Lydgate Beach Park — and bury it at an undisclosed location. Kauai Now. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua‘i receives funding for invasive species. Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands is set to receive funding for detection and management of high-impact aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. Kauai Now.

County property taxes due soon. County Department of Finance officials said in a press release that the second installment of real property taxes for the 2022-23 tax year is due on Feb. 20. Garden Island.

 

Ige reinstates gathering restrictions, vows to prosecute forged vaccination records, state to get $2.8B in latest federal bailout, NPR's Neal Conan dies in Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige announces new restrictions Aug. 10, 2021

Gov. David Ige reinstates restrictions in response to surge in COVID-19 cases. The new executive order, which took effect immediately, limits social gatherings to no more than 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Bars, restaurants, gyms, churches and other social establishments also must reduce their capacity by 50%. Patrons must remain seated, with 6 feet of distance maintained between parties, and cannot mingle. Masks are required at all times, except when eating or drinking. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

State to prosecute traveler who forged vaccination records, warns others of tough penalties. Forging a vaccine card could land someone behind bars. It’s something officials say they’re seeing as travelers look to skirt the quarantine rules and costly tests. KHON2.

Hospitals Near A Breaking Point As Hawaii’s COVID Case Count Grows. Hawaii hospital resources and staff are more stretched than they’ve been at any other point in the pandemic, prompting Hawaii to bring in more medical staff from the mainland to handle the growing COVID-19 cases and other patients. Civil Beat. KHON2.

During first week, 105 COVID cases were tied to public schools. Parents are frustrated. After more than 100 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Hawaii public schools last week, some parents say they want more control and distancing in classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

Social gatherings limited, but ‘professionally organized’ events can still happen. There’s a caveat to Gov. Ige’s latest restrictions on social gatherings: Professionally organized events can still happen with the proper safeguards in place. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii will get a $2.8 billion chunk of the $1.2 trillion in federal investments, which was made possible by today’s passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Hawaii’s senators announced. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii to receive $2.8B with passage of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Neal Conan, Longtime Host Of NPR's 'Talk Of The Nation,' Dies At 71.  Neal Conan, who spent 36 years with National Public Radio and 11 years as the host of the network's Talk of the Nation died Tuesday in Hawaii of glioblastoma at the age of 71. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sees 436 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 47,376. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 292 new cases on Oahu, 33 on Maui, 76 on Hawaii Island, 15 on Kauai, three on Molokai and 17 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Meeting with federal prosecutors could mean public corruption probe nearly finished. Assistant United States Attorneys and an FBI agent paid a visit to the Honolulu Prosecutor’s office last month for a meeting that lasted about an hour, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

‘The tensions are very high’: Latest COVID-19 outbreak forces lockdown at Hawaii’s largest prison. The Halawa Correctional Facility has been on lockdown for the past week due a new COVID-19 outbreak at the prison. A total of 48 Halawa inmates have recently tested positive and another 147 have been placed in quarantine because they are suspected of being in contact with other infected inmates. Hawaii News Now.

City to accept 5,000 new rent relief applications from Honolulu residents. The city will accept 5,000 new applications starting at noon Thursday from renters who need relief and are struggling from the COVID- 19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

TheBus Spent $3M on Sanitization Efforts. The City and County of Honolulu has used $3 million of federal funding to sanitize TheBus during the pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Army shifts scoping meetings on Oahu training ranges to online format after Gov. Ige’s executive order. In light of new COVID-19 restrictions announced today by Gov. David Ige, the U.S. Army is shifting its in-person scoping meetings scheduled for today and Wednesday on its plans to retain leased state-owned land on Oahu for military training to an online-only format. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial superintendent position has high turnover. The USS Arizona Memorial, overseen by the National Park Service at the site of Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and one of the state’s most visited attractions, has its fifth superintendent in less than 1-1/2 years’ time. Star-Advertiser.

Hanauma Bay reopens for visits as usual Wednesday. The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be open as usual Wednesday following Sunday’s sudden closure due to a water outage caused by a broken water main on Kamehameha Highway. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Medical Center full amid latest COVID-19 surge. Two active and three long-term patients occupied five of the hospital’s 11 ICU beds Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Help is on the way: 50 frontline caregivers from the mainland to arrive on Hawaii Island this weekend. Hawaii’s hospitals are being pushed closer to their breaking point. Triage tents have started popping up at some facilities across the state, while the surge in admissions is leaving frontline caregivers exhausted. Hawaii News Now.

No COVID cases at HCCC — for now. Hawaii Community Correctional Center is free of active COVID-19 cases for now, according to a statement Tuesday by the state Department of Public Safety. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR eyes ‘Love Island’ for impact on wildlife. Department of Land and Natural Resources investigators will observe the set of “Love Island” this week to determine if the production is having a negative effect on local wildlife. Tribune-Herald.

Groups irked by agricultural theft. Farmers and law enforcement officials expressed their frustrations Monday evening in a community meeting about agricultural theft in Honomu. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Meetings for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Now Virtual on Aug. 11 and 12. This week’s two meetings of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs scheduled to be in person in Kahului now will be hosted virtually for safety reasons due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

DOE: Shots avoid virtual, canceled athletics season. In the wake of Maui and Oahu rallies against state and county vaccination mandates, state Department of Education officials on Monday afternoon said that requiring vaccinations for student athletes is the best way to avoid a virtual or canceled season. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Jail Latest Facility With COVID Outbreak. Widespread testing reveals 31 Kauai Community Correctional Center inmates have the coronavirus. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

State releases $3.18M for sports facilities on Kaua‘i. Over $3 million in state capital improvement project funds has been released to upgrade three sports facilities on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Triple certification for nation’s largest coffee farm. The Kaua‘i Coffee Company, the nation’s largest coffee farm, has earned three certifications guaranteeing increased worker and environmental protections. Garden Island.

Hawaii heads toward full shutdown if coronavirus cases don't subside, 'right to die' lobbyist Radcliffe dies, Caldwell denies city employee potluck source of COVID-19 cluster, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

An exhausted Lt. Gov. Josh Green at July 29, 2020, press conference Facebook Live

Green says ‘full shutdown’ might be necessary if COVID-19 cases don’t decline. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday that if the daily statewide COVID-19 case numbers continue to be in the 150-200 range in a week, he’d advise Gov. David Ige “to do the full shutdown and go back to a four-week period of stay-at-home” mandates. Tribune-Herald.

Hospitals could be overwhelmed in a month if cases of COVID-19 continue to increase at the current rate. Hospitals could be overwhelmed within a month if the number of COVID-19 cases doesn’t start to decrease according to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green. KHON2.

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Governor Defends Anderson, Park In Face Of Growing Criticism. New reporting out yesterday from Hawaii Public Radio shows that the state Department of Health significantly exaggerated its capacity to perform contact tracing, while downplaying challenges facing the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health Department has new contact tracing leader. Hawaii’s top health officials have turned their much maligned “contact tracing” program over to a new hire, following record numbers of COVID-19 cases and a call for the removal of the state’s health director and epidemiologist. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Contact Tracing Effort Falls Short Of National Standards. The state Department of Health is trying to hire new staff to address a shortage as the virus spreads. Civil Beat.

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Triple-digit cases persist with death toll hitting 38. Hawaii recorded 202 cases of novel coronavirus and two more deaths Wednesday as various clusters of infection continued to pop up around Oahu and some clusters grew. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Data Shows Hawaii Is In A ‘Very Dire Situation’. Despite a troubling rise in the number of cases, the public does not seem to have an appropriate sense of urgency, an epidemic tracking expert says. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 12: 202 New Cases And 2 Deaths. Health officials have reported four deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the state’s coronavirus death toll to 38. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 12th: 202 New Cases, 4 Deaths. The state has identified several distinct restaurant clusters. Big Island Video News.

202 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i (O‘ahu 197, Kaua‘i 2, Hawai‘i Island 2, Maui 1). The state has reported another triple digit increase in new COVID-19 cases with 202 new cases today including 197 on Oʻahu, two each on Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island, and one on Maui.  There were also four deaths on the island of Oʻahu. Maui Now.

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Longtime lobbyist of Hawaii's 'right to die' legislation passes away. When the state passed the "Our Care, Our Choice" act last January allowing patients to end their life with lethal medication he decided to take his life and his death into his own hands. KITV4.

John Radcliffe / 1942-2020: Fought for dignity for the dying. John Radcliffe, an educator, lobbyist, former executive director of the Hawaii State Teachers Association and unrelenting advocate for death with dignity, died Tuesday night in his Makiki home surrounded by family and close friends after ending his life with prescribed medication. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran Hawaii Lobbyist John Radcliffe Dead At 78. He helped lead the fight to legalize medical aid in dying. Civil Beat.

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State pension fund pops in final quarter to end year in the black. It was a get-well quarter for the state’s largest public pension fund as it overcame the effects of COVID-19 to post a 6.2% investment return and edge into positive territory for fiscal year 2020. Star-Advertiser.

HMSHost may layoff up to 500 furloughed Hawaii airport food service staff. In a notice to the State Labor Department, HMSHost, which runs most of the food stands at Hawaii’s airports in Honolulu, Kahului, and Lihue, says it began furloughing employees back in March. KHON2.

Over 220 Securitas employees get back pay for Fair Labor Standards violations. Securitas is paying more than 220 employees $176,000 in back wages. The U.S. Department of Labor found the private security company wasn’t paying staff that went back on the job during meal breaks. Hawaii News Now.

Vote-By-Mail Helped Perk Up Hawaii Turnout But So Did Some Competitive Races. Voting was up throughout the state, in some areas more than others. Civil Beat.

People In Hawaii Are Struggling. The Nonprofits That Help Them Are Too. The pandemic will force some nonprofits to close. Others will have to change and adapt to survive. Civil Beat.

DOH cites four companies for air permit violations. The Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Air Branch issued fines to four companies last week for violating air permit regulations, including one on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

4 monk seals released on Midway Atoll refuge. Four healthy Hawaiian monk seals were successfully released on the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge after staff at Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s monk seal hospital on Hawaii island, cared for the endangered mammals for more than 10 months. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell says no coronavirus cases tied to employee retirement party at Honolulu Hale. Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who last week issued an executive order instructing Oahu residents to stay away from those not in their immediate family, on Wednesday sent a memo to about 10,000 city employees urging them to not gather for lunch or other social occasions. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor: ‘Give Us Evidence’ Potluck Caused Virus Cluster At Honolulu Hale. The headquarters of Honolulu’s city government has seen its total cases rise to at least 13. Civil Beat.

Caldwell denies retirement potluck was source of COVID-19 infections at Honolulu Hale. Two days after a cluster of COVID cases led to the closure of Honolulu Hale, the Department of Health reports the virus may have spread at an employee potluck at the city building ― and that 11 cases are “potentially linked” to the luncheon. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell says no known COVID-19 cases linked to an employee retirement party.  Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said they investigated details surrounding a retirement party in late July on municipal grounds after Hawaii state officials said an employee gathering or potluck had the potential to transmit the illness to 11 city and county workers. KHON2.

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Campbell High School teacher arrested for violating Hawaii quarantine. A Hawaii high school teacher was arrested for violating the 14-day traveler quarantine the state mandated to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Schofield Barracks School Age Center employee tests positive. The employee is not a direct caregiver. KITV4.

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16 cases at OCCC after 7 more inmates test positive for COVID-19. The Department of Public Safety announced today that seven inmates at the Oahu Community Correctional Center have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of inmates at the facility with the virus up to 16. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC corrections officers plead for change as COVID-19 outbreak grows. "When I broke the news to my family, it was hard," described an adult corrections officer at the O'ahu Community Correctional Center who tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. KITV4.

Mainland college students seek rentals on Oahu. One realty company is apprehensive. There's high demand from mainland college students who want to rent homes together in Hawaii to ride out the pandemic, but one realty company says it's rejecting the new business. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu North Shore businesses closing as tourist torrent slows to a trickle. It’s not just Waikiki that’s been hit hard by the drop in visitor numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Mayoral race analysis shows Blangiardi won 26 of 34 districts in primary election. A Hawaii News Now analysis also shows that Blangiardi won in all but eight House Districts and held double-digit percentage point leads in places like Hawaii Kai and Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kamehameha Schools Hawaii student tests positive for COVID-19. The student is in isolation, and contact tracing is underway to identify and follow up with all close contacts. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i to Transition to Distance Learning Thursday. Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i will transition to distance learning for at least the rest of August after a case of COVID-19 was identified in a high school student on its Big Island campus Wednesday. Big Island Now.

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Maunakea protest camp spurs ethics complaint: Ethics Board debates jurisdiction, postpones action until September. The Board of Ethics considered a citizen petition Wednesday asking why Hawaii County isn’t enforcing laws on Maunakea ranging from last year’s blockade of the mountain’s access road to the construction of unpermitted structures near the protest site. West Hawaii Today.

Location Chosen For Student Telescope On Mauna Kea, As Hōkū Keʻa Removal Planned. The precise location preferred by scientists for the new UH-Hilo student telescope was revealed this week, as the process to decommission the Hōkū Keʻa observatory on the summit of Maunakea continues. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County may see bump in COVID-19 case numbers soon. There was one new COVID-19 case reported on Maui, but officials say there may be a bump in COVID-19 cases reported on the island within the next few days. KHON2.

Maui County says they’re flooded with traveler quarantine exemption requests. It is day two of the inter-island travel quarantine requirement and Maui county has already received thousands of exemption requests. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Maui Campus Announces Full Distance Learning Through Aug. 31. The Kamehameha Maui campus transitions to a full distance learning program today, through at least the end of the month. Maui Now.

Illegal encampments blocking sewage pumping station. Maui County has issued notices to vacate to people with illegal encampments and vehicles blocking access to the Wailuku sewage pump station off Kahului Beach Road. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i looking to limit outdoor gatherings. Mayor Derek Kawakami requested an additional amendment to an emergency rule that would bring the maximum number of people at a social outdoor gathering from 100 down to 25. Garden Island.

FTA funds to replace six in Kaua‘i Bus fleet. The County of Kaua‘i received $1.4 million in funds, as part of a Federal Transit Administration package of $9,596,669 to purchase new buses on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. Garden Island.

University of Hawaii cleared to import zika virus, Department of Education seeks contractors for $100M school cooling project, biggest RIMPAC yet coming to Hawaii, most ocean debris not from Japan, tourism chief laments Pro Bowl loss, solar capacity varies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dr. Vivek Nerurkar, chairman, Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, courtesy University of Hawaii

The Board of Agriculture voted unanimously Tuesday to allow University of Hawaii scientists to import the Zika virus to Hawaii for vaccine trials, paving the way for local researchers to join the growing clamor among companies and scientists worldwide to develop methods to control the virus, which is linked to devastating birth defects in newborns. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education has reopened its request for contractors to prequalify to bid on cooling projects, including the installation of air conditioners at public schools, as part of the state’s $100 million initiative to cool 1,000 classrooms this year. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy says 27 nations will participate in the world’s largest maritime exercises in coming weeks. This is an all-time high for the Rim of the Pacific exercises, which date to 1971. They drills are held every two years. Associated Press.

A study of the eight main Hawaiian Islands shows that ocean debris regularly accumulates around the archipelago, and that most of it is not linked to the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, state officials said Tuesday. Associated Press.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has picked up a superdelegate vote in Hawaii, but he still faces a steep uphill battle in his quest to overtake Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Industries and Florida-based NextEra Energy each have until Friday to walk away from their $4.3 billion merger deal without paying a $90 million termination fee and up to $5 million in related expenses. Civil Beat.

Oahu is half full. Maui County is 70 percent full, and the Big Island is 38 percent. That’s how close each county is to reaching its capacity for residential solar systems that can export excess power to the grid and receive credit. Star-Advertiser.

The head of Hawaiian Electric Co., the state’s largest utility, had some choice words aimed at some in the solar photovoltaic industry, a sector that was once one of the fastest-growing industries in the state but has slowed since the ending of net energy metering. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: For the second time in just six years, a class action lawsuit brought by a group of retired state and county employees challenging what they say were unconstitutional cuts to their health benefits upon retirement is back before the Hawaii Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Jimmy Borges, Hawaii’s gentleman of jazz, died Monday at age 80, having faced his recurring cancer with the same gutsy attitude that propelled him from hardscrabble Kalihi to the glittering stages of Las Vegas. Star-Advertiser

Hawaii jazz singer Jimmy Borges died of cancer Monday, two days before his 81st birthday and two days after he won four Na Hoku Hanohano awards. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The president of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association said Tuesday the departure of the NFL’s Pro Bowl for Orlando, Florida, is a black eye to the state’s sports tourism sector. Mufi Hannemann said it will be difficult to get the game to return. Associated Press.

The Pro Bowl’s relatively low return on the $5.2 million price of bringing it to Hawaii sparked years of debate about whether the money would be better spent elsewhere. According to HTA statistics, the 2016 Pro Bowl generated $26.2 million for the state’s economy, second only to the PGA Tour, which brings in $55 million. Star-Advertiser.

Planning the future of a popular Honolulu park, by looking to its historic past. Thomas Square is set to get a major makeover, but after unveiling improvements to the public -- city leaders got an earful Tuesday evening over the plans. KITV4.

Oahu’s busiest satellite city hall and driver licensing operations at City Square will relocate two blocks to the new Kapalama Hale in the coming weeks, about nine months later than originally anticipated. Star-Advertiser.

The distributor of arcade machines, deemed gambling devices by a federal judge, and two former arcade owners pleaded not guilty Tuesday to state racketeering and gambling promotion charges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
More than two dozen people and groups filed to intervene in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case by Tuesday’s deadline. The motions are scheduled to be considered during a June 17 hearing in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Abandoned vehicles littering the sides of Mamalahoa Highway and elsewhere throughout the island are slowly disappearing, thanks to new contracts inked last month by Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

A much-anticipated mauka-makai connector along Alii Drive is one step closer to reality, following final publication last month of a finding of no significant environmental impact. West Hawaii Today.

Over half of all marine debris on Hawaii Island shores is plastic, according to the results of a state wide aerial survey, and is concentrated on the southeastern tip of the island, particularly around Kamilo Point. Big Island Video News.

On Hawaii Island, 2,200 pieces of marine debris were mapped during the August to November 2015 time period. Fifty-two percent of that was plastic. Most was concentrated at Kamilo Point in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Workers are concerned about the water coming out of the faucet at a school on Maui.KHON2.

The cost of the yet-to-be-built Iao water treatment plant has grown more than 43 percent from an estimated $15 million to nearly $21.5 million. Maui News.

Mayor to discuss ongoing projects.Ongoing county projects will be discussed on the TV show “Your County with Mayor Arakawa” at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Akaku Channel 55. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii’s voters have chosen the people they will be sending to the Republican and Democratic national conventions this summer and Kauai has a few of her own who will be visiting the mainland to cast their votes. Garden Island.

The waters in the United States are relatively safe for swimming, according to the 2015 Clean Water Report released Thursday by the Surfrider Foundation. Garden Island.

Marine debris on the coastlines of Hawaii is predominately plastic, according to an aerial survey of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. On Kauai, the imagery analysis identified 2,878 pieces of marine debris. Nearly half of it was plastic, and most of the debris was concentrated on the eastern shores of the island. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Department of Hawaiian Home Land's refusal to pay a $15,000 bill could wind up costing taxpayers hundreds of thousand of dollars. Back in July, the DHHL hired Red Dirt Construction to build a dirt road through six miles of rugged terrain in Hoolehua on Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Niihau

More discarded plastic, stray fishing nets and other marine debris is washing up on Niihau than on any of the other eight main Hawaiian Islands, according to a recent, first-of-its-kind study by state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii mourns death of Maui state representative, Honolulu council blocks bus money for rail, Aldrich named state librarian, huge Hoopili housing project advances, Maui council nixes county prosecutor reappointment, counties seek greater share of hotel tax, game commission shot down, REIT tax killed, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaii Rep. Mele Carroll, file photo © 2015 All Hawaii News

Former state Rep. Diana "Mele" Carroll, who was elected to six terms in the House of Representatives and was remembered for supporting issues of the underdogs, died Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii state Rep. Mele Carroll died early Wednesday after battling cancer. She was 50 years old. Fighting back tears, House lawmakers took a moment of silence to acknowledge their colleague’s untimely death during their floor session in the afternoon. A black ribbon marked her empty seat. Civil Beat.

The word “mele” in Hawaiian evokes a song or dance, but at a somber floor session of the Hawaii House of Representatives, “mele” was chosen as the Hawaiian word of the day to honor a former colleague. Hawaii Rep. Mele Carroll, who represented Lanai, Molokai and parts of Maui in the Hawaii House of Representatives for nearly a decade, died Wednesday morning surrounded by family, a spokeswoman for the House majority said. She was 50 years old. Associated Press.

The Hawaii House of Representatives on Wednesday announced the passing of former state House Representative Diana "Mele" Carroll. She died at 3:50 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, with her family at her side. Hawaii News Now.

A black ribbon marked the vacant seat where Mele Carroll used to represent her beloved Maui. KITV4.

Former Maui state House Rep. Mele Carroll was remembered Wednesday as a tireless representative for her district, a great listener and for a calm and mellow demeanor that won over constituents. Maui News.

State House Representative Diana “Mele” Carroll passed at 3:50 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 with her family at her side. At this time services are pending and will be announced at a later date. Hawaii Independent.

Former State Representative Diana “Mele” Carroll of Maui passed away at 3:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, according to an announcement from the state House of Representatives. Maui Now.

The adult care home industry supported a bill Wednesday that would increase the number and types of facilities subject to having their state inspection reports posted on the Department of Health’s website. A House panel ended up scrapping the plan, but the industry’s willingness to support an expansion of the online posting of inspection reports represented a remarkable turnaround from two years ago when care home operators strongly opposed the idea. Civil Beat.

With state lawmakers in session weighing decisions on government spending, the state Department of Health sent out a message urging the protection of millions of dollars in tobacco settlement funds earmarked for smoking prevention programs. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Senate panel is planning a confirmation hearing to take up Gov. David Ige's pick to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The Senate Committee on Water and Land will hold the hearing on Carleton Ching's nomination on March 11. Associated Press.

The Senate Committee on Water and Land announced today that the confirmation hearing for the controversial appointment of Carleton Ching as Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be held on Wednesday March 11 at 10 a.m. in room 229. Hawaii Independent.

A bill moving through the Hawaii House would enable people to switch the gender identification on their birth certificates without getting gender-reassignment surgery. Instead, they would provide a statement from a licensed medical or mental health provider. The bill advanced out of the House Committee on Health on Wednesday. It now moves to the Judiciary Committee. Associated Press.

A bill to create a statewide game management advisory commission appears to be dead for this legislative session after missing a deadline to be heard by its second committee. The commission would advise the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on hunting matters and be responsible for developing a five-year game management plan, in addition to other duties. Tribune-Herald.

A state Senate panel has watered down a bill that sought to remove a long-standing income tax break for real estate investment trusts that own more than $13 billion worth of property in Hawaii. The Senate Ways and Means Committee voted Wednesday to amend Senate Bill 118 to ask the state to simply study the issue and report back to the Legislature in December. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ranks as one of the top states in the country when it comes to providing the most solar energy jobs per capita, yet the state lost about 400 jobs in this sector in 2014 when comparing the previous year, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Stacey Aldrich has been named state librarian to oversee Hawaii's system of 50 public libraries. Previously, Aldrich served as state librarian of California and as deputy secretary for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries of Pennsylvania. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education announced a new State Librarian on Wednesday. Stacey Aldrich will take over the position, which was held by Richard Burns prior to his retirement in December 2014. Big Island Now.

Oahu

The proposed 1,554-acre Hoopili housing project cleared a hurdle Wednesday with a unanimous first-reading approval from the Hono­lulu City Council. Bill 3, D.R. Horton-Schuler Division's request for 11,750 housing units, would rezone what are now largely farm lands between Ewa and Kapolei, the largest residential project to be considered by the Council in at least two decades. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s lush agricultural past and increasingly urban future were juxtaposed on both sides of Punchbowl Street on Wednesday as City Council members at Honolulu Hale and legislators at the Capitol discussed the fate of farmland in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A new Honolulu City Council resolution directs that all federal "bus funds" be removed from the financial plan guiding construction of the island's cash- strapped rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council has voted to place city bus funds off limits for the rail transit project. Due to increased construction costs, delays and lower tax revenues, the price tag for the rail transit project has ballooned by $500 million to $700 million. Hawaii News Now.

The City Council voted 8-1 Wednesday to remove $210 million in federal bus funds from the rail project's official financial plan. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council is working to ensure millions of dollars used to maintain city buses and HandiVans will not go toward rail. Concerned about the financial struggles of the rail project, council members are making a move to protect funds for other services. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz wants Honolulu’s 20-mile commuter rail line to get built, but he says it will be up to local officials to find a way to pay for it. The $6 billion project has a projected shortfall of up to $910 million, and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has been asking state lawmakers to increase taxes to bridge the gap. There’s worry that construction could come to a stop by this summer if new money isn’t found. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson says time may be running out to save Haiku Stairs as the Board of Water Supply prepares to set aside $500,000 to study the possible removal of the once-popular Windward Oahu attraction, which gives hikers sweeping views of the Koolau mountain range. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is considering two bills to provide funding to maintain Waikiki Beach. Hawaii Public Radio.

A city councilman is trying to clean up the parks by keeping drug dealers out. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council continued to push Wednesday for a greater county share of the short-term lodging tax, approving two nonbinding resolutions to send to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

A recycling company is suing the county for $5.4 million, alleging it breached a contract for the removal and disposal of scrap metal from the Hilo and Kona landfills. The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Hilo Circuit Court by Honolulu attorneys James Bickerton and Steven Tannenbaum on behalf of Big Island Scrap Metal LLC, the parent company of Island Recycling and Atlas Recycling Centers. Tribune-Herald.

No more Hilo Hattie in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A U.S. Forest Service plan to convert an old schoolhouse in Puuanahulu into a science and education center is off the table. Instead, the federal agency plans to pursue build-out of the facility at an old landing strip site located within the 38,800-acre experimental Puu Waawaa dryland forest. West Hawaii Today.

Homelessness on Hawaii Island is a challenging issue requiring creative solutions that combine compassion, sustained effort, collaboration of resources and knowledge, county Managing Director Wally Lau said during Wednesday’s Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise meeting. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Five Maui County Council members changed their votes to "no" on reappointing John D. Kim as Maui County's prosecuting attorney Wednesday after receiving distressed "phone calls and face-to-face" visits from former and current employees who criticized Kim's leadership. Maui News.

We look at what state and local government is doing to alleviate their employee parking in Wailuku Town. MauiTime.

Drones coming to Hawaii, noted taxpayer advocate Kalapa dies, Bloomberg fundraiser for Schatz irks Hanabusa, SHOPO aims to keep police discipline confidential, sinkhole swallows pickup, Obama hikes, golfs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NASA Global Hawk drone, courtesy photo

Hawaii has been selected to be a test bed for increased drone flights as the Federal Aviation Administration seeks to create rules of the air and incorporate an ever-expanding number of the flying robots into the nation's airspace. Hawaii, Alaska and Oregon are part of a partnership that was picked to become one of six groups nationwide for the effort, with backers hoping the Aloha State will become a mecca for unmanned vehicle research, testing and certification, creating science jobs and adding millions to the economy along the way. Star-Advertiser.

The Federal Aviation Administration included Hawaii as part of a partnership with the University of Alaska and the State of Oregon as one of six test sites that will allow drones to share airspace with commercial aircraft. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiʻi has been identified by the Federal Aviation Administration as a test site range location for unmanned aircraft systems research. Maui Now.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a drone? It could be. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday six institutions where researchers will develop and test drones to fly. KHON2.

President Barack Obama had a full day of activity on his tenth day of vacation, starting with his morning workout before dawn and ending the evening at dinner with friends at Alan Wong's in McCully. The president and first lady were joined by other couples for dinner at one of Obama's favorite restaurants at about 8 p.m. Associated Press

President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, dined with friends at Alan Wong's restaurant Monday night after the family went on a two-hour hike on Makiki Valley Loop Trail. Earlier, the president went for a morning round of golf with friends at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Maunawili. Star-Advertiser.

It doesn't matter that they belong to President Barack Obama -- first family dogs Bo and Sunny had to go through Hawaii's strict quarantine procedures to travel to the islands for their holiday vacation. Associated Press.

Denby Fawcett: A Presidential Obama Center at Point Panic Is a Bad Idea. Civil Beat.

On Thursday evening, a mere 48 hours after he steps down as New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg will arrive in Hawaii to headline a fundraiser for Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) -- an appearance that Schatz's primary challenger, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, is using as political fodder in an already heated race. Huffington Post.

The mayor of New York City will headline a Sen. Brian Schatz fundraiser in Kahala Thursday, something Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is using as political fodder. Hanabusa’s Senate campaign sent out fundraising appeals to supporters today and last week that condemn Schatz for spending time with Mike Bloomberg, a billionaire that “long championed deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Civil Beat.

The state has approved rate hikes for reinstated health plans that were set to be canceled today because they did not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. The state Insurance Division said Monday that Kaiser Permanente Hawaii would be allowed to boost premiums by an average 9.2 percent for individual plans with 11,000 enrollees and by 5 percent for 26,300 small-business policyholders at their contract renewal dates. Star-Advertiser.

Relaxing marijuana restrictions around the country have some hoping there will also be changes to Hawaii's pot policies. KITV4.

The emotionally charged special session of the Legislature that led to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's signing of the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act was the top local news story of the year, but also dominating the headlines were shark attacks, including two fatalities, a massive molasses spill, the Christopher Deedy murder trial and GMO restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

The past year has been a strong one for Hawaii’s economy with tourist arrivals expected to set another record, although the pace of growth slowed. Construction picked up speed helped by a boom in Kakaako condo projects. The most notable property transaction of the year was Alexander & Baldwin’s purchase of most of downtown Kailua. The troubled launch of the Hawaii Health Connector and a slowdown in the growth of residential solar energy systems round out our major business stories of 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Kalapa

Lowell Kalapa, president of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since the 1970s, died Monday of unknown causes. He was 64. A respected economic voice in the halls of both the state Capitol and Honolulu Hale, he preached fiscal restraint by lobbying for fairness and equity in taxes, reduced government spending, and ensuring lawmakers and citizens alike understood the impacts that the measures introduced by state and county lawmakers had on regular people. Star-Advertiser.

Lowell Kalapa, president of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, died Monday. He was 64. The cause of his death was not revealed. Pacific Business News.

Lowell Kalapa, well-known government watchdog who headed the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, died over the weekend, his office confirmed today. Hawaii Reporter.

He never held an elected office but Lowell Kalapa was one of the most influential voices in the state Legislature. Kalapa, executive director of the nonprofit Tax Foundation of Hawaii since 1979, died at his home. He was 64. Hawaii News Now.

Remembering My Friend Lowell Kalapa, a personal remembrance of Kalapa from a Civil Beat columnist and close friend. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Castle & Cooke Hawaii said Monday the company has had inquiries from people who want to live in Koa Ridge, the 3,500-home development it will build in central Oahu. In a statement, Castle & Cooke said it will proceed with the development despite a Dec. 23 state Supreme Court decision invalidating a 2010 Land Use Commission approval of the project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s politically powerful police union wants to intervene in a public records lawsuit in order to protect the identities of 12 Honolulu officers who were suspended for 20 days or more after committing serious acts of misconduct. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Zoo Director Jeffrey Mahon announced last week that he is resigning, less than six months after starting the job. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A short list of three candidates to finish state Rep. Denny Coffman’s unexpired term is on its way to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, culled from nine Democrats who submitted applications for House District 5 representing West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Since the newest segment of Saddle Road — also known as the Daniel K. Inouye Highway — opened, letter writers and callers to the Tribune-Herald have complained police are operating a speed trap on the east-west traffic artery. Hawaii Police Department statistics indicate there will be fewer speeding tickets written on the Saddle this year than in 2012, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. Tribune-Herald.

sinkhole

Heavy rains drenched Hawaii island's Windward coast Monday morning, scattering runoff and debris across the area -- and even causing a Paauilo Mauka road to collapse beneath a truck, according to officials. Star-Advertiser.

Sometimes even Mother Nature likes to end the year with a bang. The Big Island’s strongest storm of the season pounded windward areas Sunday and Monday with heavy rain, rolling thunder and countless flashes of lightning that put on a show that could rival even some of tonight’s celebrations. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii woman whose last name is 36 characters long has finally gotten the whole thing to fit on her driver's license and state identification card. Janice "Lokelani" Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele has a surname that consists of 35 letters plus an okina, a mark used in the Hawaiian alphabet. Associated Press.

Maui

Expeditions, which operates the only ferry service between the islands of Maui and Lanai, is seeking to build a new $2.7 million vessel that would replace one of its existing ferries. Maui News.

Despite having an information kiosk burn down in March and then having the former refuge manager leave her post in July, the small four-person refuge staff at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge has dealt with challenges this year and "learned more about the refuge" in the process. Maui News.

Kauai

Storywise, it’s been quite a year. Everyone probably remembers Bill 2491, the back and forth, the Mana March, the veto, the override, the threats. And who can forget Jeff Horton, who punched a shark in the nose and lived to tell about it? Lots of people wanted to hear Horton’s story, too, No. 9 on our list. Media agencies from New York to San Francisco, including Diane Sawyer’s office, called The Garden Island looking to cover the surfer after TGI ran its story. Garden Island.

Molokai
A Woman Attempts to Rebuild Ohana Broken by Fear of 'Lepers'. Civil Beat.

Tourist injuries rise, sugary drink tax controversial, Tax Dept. snoops investigated, Legislature spurns Supreme Court, teachers want tax hike, Maui waste-to-energy bids roll in, Public Land Development Corp. targeted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourist watches Hawaii surf (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Tourism officials and first responders are redoubling their efforts to raise visitor awareness about the potential perils of Hawaii's natural attractions after at least 11 accidental deaths of tourists this year. Star-Advertiser.

Public-health advocates on Wednesday called on state senators to approve a steep new fee on soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages to raise money to combat obesity, but beverage, restaurant and retail interests argued that singling out soda is unfair. Star-Advertiser.

A measure that would add a penny per ounce fee to sugary beverages will get another hearing before the state Senate’s Health Committee takes a vote on it. West Hawaii Today.

More than 57 percent of the people in Hawaii are obese or overweight. Hawaii News Now.

In an historic first, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald on Wednesday delivered his biennial State of the Judiciary address on YouTube. The Hawaii Legislature didn't invite him to address lawmakers, as is customary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald started a new tradition Wednesday when he delivered his State of the Judiciary address via YouTube, making it the first time that speech has been delivered through social media. Pacific Business News.

A software glitch mistakenly added Hawaii to a tsunami watch alert sent out globally on Tuesday, an official with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Star-Advertiser.

A legislative inquiry has been made into the state taxpayer record breaches that KHON2 revealed yesterday had raised red flags with federal investigators. And the tax department itself is seeking tougher laws in the wake of the case. KHON2.

Hawaii’s educators are asking state lawmakers to bump up funding for education by increasing the general excise tax by 1 percent. West Hawaii Today.

There are 19 bills going through the Legislature dealing with election registration and oversight, and 16 regarding Internet or by-mail voting. Honolulu Weekly.

Connecticut and Illinois are ranked worst in the nation when it comes to taxpayer burdens from unfunded liabilities, but Hawaii is close behind them, coming in as the third worst “sink hole” state. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are moving forward this session with bills to fix the state’s broken school bus program. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers want to dedicate more than $1 million over the next two years to mitigate the effects of a beetle that is endangering the state’s coffee crops. Associated Press.

More than a dozen national media organizations have signed on to a letter opposing Hawaii's so-called "Steven Tyler Act," a bill that seeks to prevent paparazzi and reporters from stalking celebrities who vacation in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

A state education task force formed to help come up with a teacher evaluation system is causing some consternation among members who worry little is being accomplished as a deadline for recommendations quickly approaches. Civil Beat.

A Senate committee recommended Wednesday approving Gov. Neil Abercrombie's controversial nominee to run the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands even though the nominee's former deputy said she was fired in December for not accepting a position in another department that was to be paid for using DHHL money. Star-Advertiser.

The solar industry has been booming in Hawaii, but state officials worry the industry’s tax credits are draining state coffers. Associated Press.

One of the strongest measures of a politician's electoral strength is how much campaign cash they have and who gave it to them. In that regard, Gov. Neil Abercrombie would appear a formidable candidate. Civil Beat.

Between 12 and 15-thousand people are homeless at any given time in Hawai’i.  The state legislature is proposing a number of bills this session that attempt to ease the situation on all islands…especially for Native Hawaiians who comprise the largest segment of the homeless. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two bills aimed at providing more legislative access for neighbor island residents passed out of key committees. Maui Now.

Popular parrot fish could soon be off limits permanently. KHON2.

“Catching Fire,” the second installment of “The Hunger Games” movies, is due to resume filming in Hawaii at the end of this month. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A proposal for a year-round fairground in Kakaako with go-kart racing, a zip line, indoor skydiving and a surfing wave pool received limited but wholesale public support at a Wednesday hearing held by the state agency overseeing development in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Worse than ever and with no end in sight -- that's how some Chinatown merchants are describing conditions in their neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

After KHON2 broke the story of private donors paying for a $10,000-a-month assistant to Honolulu's mayor, a list of who gave will be disclosed, and the Honolulu Ethics Commission may weigh in. KHON2.

A female green turtle that traveled more than 500 miles from the French Frigate Shoals to Oahu died Wednesday after being struck by a boat. Star-Advertiser.

A former high school teacher charged with having sex with a female student in his classroom was sentenced to 10 years in jail on Wednesday. KITV4.

Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy administrators are warning that the fledgling program is in danger of having its wings clipped before it has barely had a chance to fly. Tribune-Herald.

For the second time in six months, the Hawaii County Council voted unanimously to send a message to the state Legislature that the county opposes threats to its home-rule powers posed by the Public Land Development Corp. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii island physician who was severely injured in a car crash two years ago involving former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan reached an out-of-court settlement Wednesday in her personal injury lawsuit, her lawyer said. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui County has received 20 bids from potential developers to build and operate a waste-to-energy plant that is proposed for a 10-acre site next to the landfill in Puunene. Maui News.

The state Land Use Commission on Thursday is scheduled to hear oral closing arguments and to consider a challenge to the development of two large retail centers and 250 affordable housing units proposed in north Kihei. Maui News.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing the designation of critical habitat to protect some 135 plant and animal species in Maui Nui. Maui Now.

Hundreds of Maui residents paid their last respects to noted Maui Attorney B. Martin Luna at services held at the Ala Lani United Methodist Church on Saturday. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

Police arrested two men Wednesday at Wailua Beach for obstructing a construction site for the county multi-use path. But to James Alalem, 55, of Wailua, and Ray Catania, 62, of Puhi, they were only protecting their religious rights. Garden Island.

A new data projector and an audio-visual screen are just a few of the new toys Lihu‘e Library patrons will be able to enjoy once construction is finished. Garden Island.

A small but fiery crowd of biologists, fishermen and ocean enthusiasts gathered in Lihu‘e Monday to ask questions and provide comments related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s proposal to list 66 species of corals under the Endangered Species Act. Garden Island.