Schatz-Hanabusa still tied for Senate, GMO could be on Maui ballot, food safety rules tighten, Hanohano meets with speaker, minimum wage opposed, Kauai mulls redistricting, drones on the Big Island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa

Just five months before the first votes are cast, likely Democratic primary voters are evenly split on who to support for the U.S. Senate. A new Civil Beat Poll shows U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa with 40 percent each. Another 20 percent are not sure who they'll vote for. This is the third time Civil Beat has polled the Schatz-Hanabusa matchup in eight months, and there has been very little movement in either direction for either candidate.

Scientists revealed the results of a comprehensive study relating to the levels of radiation in the Pacific Ocean as a result of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. As it relates to Hawaii, the findings were positive. Hawaii News Now.

A new wide-ranging set of food safety rules went into effect Monday for some 10,000 restaurants, lunch wagons and food establishments in Hawaii, but the state Health Department will not begin enforcement until June. Peter Oshiro, state environmental health program manager, said inspectors will visit every food establishment in the state to explain the new rules before enforcing regulations that require everything from gloves for those who handle food to patron notification of the risk of eating raw and undercooked food. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Health Committee held an emotional hearing Monday as senators began vetting Gov. Neil Abercrombie's appointee for director of the Department of Health — a position left vacant when Director Loretta Fuddy died in December after a plane crash off Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Faye Hanohano met privately Monday with House leaders to give her side of the controversy that has swirled around her conduct. Hanohano, who had postponed two previously scheduled meetings with House leaders last week, spoke with House Speaker Joseph Souki, House Vice Speaker John Mizuno, House Majority Leader Scott Saiki and others for about a half-hour. Rep. Marcus Oshiro accompanied Hanohano in what he described as "moral support." Star-Advertiser.

The public may soon see more timely and detailed reports from people who are paid to try to influence policy decisions in Hawaii. That’s good news for a state with lax lobbying laws. A nationwide survey conducted two years ago found Hawaii lagging far behind — especially when it comes to disclosure — and the Legislature has done little since then to address the problem. Civil Beat.

Senate Bill 2609, which raises the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2017 and eliminates the tip credit, has a hearing set for Wednesday in Senate Ways and Means. Civil Beat.

Mentally and physically debilitated prisoners in Hawaii are likely to gain easier access to parole hearings under changes state agencies are making. Associated Press.

Six of the seven announced Democratic candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat stepped up efforts to separate themselves from the rest of the field during a forum Monday, while attempting to make special appeals to a largely older crowd. Sponsored by the Hono­lulu-based Kokua Council, which advocates for seniors, the forum drew about 50 people to Harris United Methodist Church in lower Nuuanu. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates in the crowded race for Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa’s seat met for the first time today in a face-to-face political forum hosted by the Kokua Council in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the months since the Sandy Hook mass shooting that left 26 students and staffers at the Connecticut elementary school dead in December 2012, Hawaii has stepped up its security and safety training at public schools to prevent similar tragedies here, school officials told lawmakers Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers want to help the state’s seniors avoid a situation where they’ve fallen — and can’t get up. The Legislature plan to allocate $80,000 for a new “fall prevention coordinator” position in the state Department of Health’s Emergency Management Division. Hawaii Reporter.

In the last seven years there have been 13 security breaches at Iolani Palace or on the palace grounds. Some of the incidents have resulted in the destruction of irreplaceable treasures. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is trying to make it easier to check whether a professional in Hawaii is licensed. The department said Monday more than 375,000 Hawaii licenses can now be accessed on mobile devices. Associated Press.

State roundup for February 25. Associated Press.

Oahu

Proposed military cuts could have negative impact on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific University has completed a draft environmental assessment for its proposed conversion of Aloha Tower Marketplace into an extension of its downtown Hono­lulu campus sprinkled with some retail and restaurant use. Star-Advertiser.

Walmart plans to hire 150 people for its new Downtown Honolulu store, which will open this summer in the former Macy’s department store, the discount retail giant said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Plan expands types of events OK'd for Stan Sheriff Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Hilo announced Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration granted a Certificate of Authorization for the use of an unmanned aircraft to assess wiliwili trees on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Earlier this month, five men stood outside of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, their gaze locked on what resembled a miniature spaceship hovering above their heads. The object: a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), or drone. Its implications: many. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Pacific University Oceanic Institute’s long-planned $5 million Feeds Research and Pilot Production Facility to be developed at the University of Hawaii at Hilo on the Big Island is finally getting some traction with the filing of a draft environmental assessment. Pacific Business News.

Kamehameha Schools will be buying the Hualalai Academy campus, the closing school’s board president says. West Hawaii Today.

Access to water in dry Kawaihae was one of the top concerns about the state’s proposal to add water lines to the small boat harbor under construction there. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands official noted the draft environmental assessment, issued in December, said the water line and road construction project will increase demand on the region’s water system. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Come November, the citizens of Maui County could be voting on a temporary suspension of all genetically modified crop production in their county. The only thing standing in the way of a public vote on the matter is the collection of 8,500 signatures. Kauai County Councilman Tim Bynum said it is a more comprehensive moratorium than the one proposed in the original version of Bill 2491, which would have placed a moratorium on field expansion. Garden Island.

The battle against genetically modified farming is heating up on Maui, where residents are pushing a citizens’ initiative to temporarily ban the use of such biotechnology. While Hawaii doesn’t allow residents to bring statewide ballot initiatives, the Maui County Charter has a provision for county-level efforts. Civil Beat.

Four Upcountry farms and one farm labor contractor were fined by the United States Department of Labor last year for violating minimum wage and other federal standards for migrant fieldworkers, prompting Maui County to adopt a code of conduct for agricultural employers. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Friday passed a bill to honor raises in five departments and appropriated $864,000 to assist with the costs of landfill operations and refuse collection and Department of Environmental Management compliance with regulations. Maui News.

A total of 24 Maui residents have pulled papers for the upcoming 2014 elections since the candidate filing period began on Feb. 3. Maui Now.

Three people were appointed to the Molokai Planning Commission and a longtime Maui educator was named to the Maui Planning Commission as the Maui County Council approved the mayor's nominees to various boards and commissions Friday. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Water Supply filed a draft environmental assessment for a 1.44 million gallon per day exploratory well in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

A coalition of Kauai residents and public interest groups, represented by the Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice, filed papers in federal district court Monday to intervene as defendants in the legal challenge of Ordinance 960, formerly Bill 2491, which regulates pesticides and GMOs on the island. Garden Island.

Bob Stout minces few words when it comes to proposals to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage: It’s not a good idea. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai Charter Review Commission will consider five redistricting proposals next month, when its members will decide whether voters will take up the question during this year’s general election. A report released by a special Charter Review Commission committee Monday suggested that the entire governing body reconsider its initial proposal to establish seven geographic districts and elect Kauai County Council members based on the district in which they both reside. Garden Island.

Supreme Court nominees named, GMO labeling bill advances, Monsanto ups Hawaii PR, airport screens for flu, school AC bill dies, unemployment at 4.5%, new buses for Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Judicial Selection Commission has selected six nominees for a vacancy on the state Supreme Court. The commission says Gov. Neil Abercrombie will draw from the list to appoint the judge who will replace retiring Associate Justice Simeon Acoba Jr. The nominees announced Monday were selected from 16 applicants. They are: Derrick Chan, Jeffrey Crabtree, Craig Nakamura, Richard Perkins, John Tonaki and Michael Wilson. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie must now name Hawaii's next associate justice on the Hawaii Supreme Court from a list of candidates that includes four state judges, the state public defender and a private attorney. The state Judicial Selection Commission submitted the names Monday to fill the vacancy on the court when Associate Justice Simeon Acoba leaves late next month because of the state Constitution's mandatory retirement provision at age 70 for judges and justices. Star-Advertiser.

A GMO labeling bill passed the state Senate Health Committee on Monday evening but faces a tortuous path to get through the rest of the chamber. The bill would establish labeling requirements, starting in January 2015, on any food sold in Hawaii that contains or was produced with genetically engineered material. Star-Advertiser.

If Monday’s Senate Health Committee Hearing on a bill to require labels on genetically engineered food is any indication, the debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Hawaii’s legislative session this year will be emotional. Monday’s hearing was the first time this session that lawmakers took up the GMO issue. The committee approved the bill, Senate Bill 2736, which would require labeling on all food that has genetically engineered material effective on Jan. 1 next year. Civil Beat.

A major seed company in Hawaii wants to improve its relationship with the community after two counties took a stand to regulate pesticide use and growth of genetically modified organisms. Monsanto Hawaii launched a new Web page, www.monsantohawaii.com, as a tool to inform the public about its agricultural practices. Community forums and more farm tours are also planned to respond to concerns, according to Vice President Fred Perlak. Star-Advertiser.

In a decision that strongly reaffirms beaches as a public trust resource, the Hawaii Supreme Court  has ruled the state must consider historical evidence when determining the shoreline. The opinion, released Monday morning, also reiterates the high court's 2006 ruling that vegetation may not be planted to manipulate the shoreline, which becomes the starting line for a building setback. Kauai Eclectic

An ambitious proposal that would have mandated air-conditioning in all public schools within the next five years was shelved Monday by a state Senate committee, which instead opted to have the Department of Education study the issue and come up with a strategy. Star-Advertiser.

A group of lawmakers wants to increase the state dental board’s regulation of dentists in Hawaii by clamping down on the ones who misrepresent themselves as certified specialists and legally requiring board approval of dentists who administer anesthesia and various types of sedation. Civil Beat.

Understanding Hawaii’s early-education initiative. Investing in our keiki through effective early-ed programs will save the state money in the long run, if the governor's proposal finds support in the legislature. The question is the overall quality of the program.  Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Senator Wants to Keep Guns Out of the Hands of Drunk Cops. Civil Beat.

Minors, incarcerated criminals and illegal immigrants are represented in the 2012 Hawaii Reapportionment Plan. Military members and their “attached” spouses, as well as non-resident students, are not. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling, issued Jan. 21 in Kostick v. Nago, affirmed the constitutionality of the Reapportionment Plan, issued in 2012. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in December, compared to 5.1 percent during the same month in 2012, the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's seasonally unemployment rate edged up to 4.5 percent in December from 4.4 percent in November, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Monday. Despite the increase, the report painted an overall positive picture of Hawaii's job market. Star-Advertiser.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: Jan. 28. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Tuesday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii lawmakers are responding to last year’s molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor by suggesting any fines or settlements the state collects for ocean spills be put toward restoring coral reefs. Associated Press.

A group of state legislators called Monday for several molasses spill-related fixes to Hawaii law. Their proposals come as the public continues to wait for more details on what caused last fall's devastating leak of the thick substance into Honolulu Harbor — and the full scope of the damage it wreaked on the marine life there. Star-Advertiser.

The latest arrest of a Halawa prison guard for alleged drug smuggling is renewing new calls for reforms. And one of the biggest advocates is the head of the prison system himself. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu airport has a program to screen and swab any passengers who appear to have the flu but they depend on the airlines to report it to them. KHON2.

Honolulu city councilwoman Ann Kobayashi has introduced a bill that would allow city officials to remove nuisances on a person's property, outside of a home. KITV4.

Hawaii

State and county officials are working with the federal government to get a five-year exemption from meeting security standards at Kona International Airport in order to reopen an international inspection facility that’s been closed since 2010. West Hawaii Today.

East Hawaii drivers might get a taste of Honolulu-style traffic beginning in March as a lengthy road reconstruction project reduces a stretch of Kamehameha Avenue from four lanes to two. The $13 million project will run from Ponahawai Street to near the Wailoa River bridge on one of Hawaii County’s busiest corridors. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The state Department of Transportation has completed a draft environmental assessment for a nearly $3.2 million project to protect the shoreline and Kahului Beach Road from eroding into the ocean. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Transportation hosted a dedication ceremony today for the addition of 10 new buses to the Maui fleet. County Transportation Director Jo Anne Johnson Winer said the buses cost a total of $4.8 million and were acquired with 20% county funds, and 80% federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s competitive Administration’s competitive State of Good Repair grant. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lawmakers in both the Hawaii Senate and House are pushing for legislation that would prohibit outsiders from fishing around “The Forbidden Island” of Niihau. Kauai legislators, however, aren’t taking the bait. Garden Island.

A Maui-based attorney is challenging Kauai County’s attempt to obtain free legal services. The procurement protest, filed Monday by Lance D. Collins of Wailuku, alleges the county’s solicitation to defend Ordinance 960 in federal court, regarding pesticides and genetically modified organisms, includes unethical legal practices and violates state and county laws. Garden Island.

The state Department of Health and Kauai County are seeking public feedback on a plan for the expansion and continued operation of Kekaha landfill. Officials will hold a public meeting on the proposal Thursday evening at the Waimea Neighborhood Center. Comments may also be sent by mail to the landfill office, Kauai County's solid waste division and the department's solid waste branch. Associated Press.

Sex ed among Hawaii House keiki caucus priorities, senator seeks Roundup moratorium, county council to hear general excise tax plan, Lingle to teach at California college, Honolulu mayor pushes for bus ads, Kauai hit and run victim solves own case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Namaste rests in a bamboo thicket (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Zoo-goers were saddened Thursday by the death of Namaste, longtime star attraction at Hilo’s Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo &Gardens. Clayton Honma, county Parks and Recreation director, said the 15-year-old white Bengal tiger was euthanized Thursday morning because of complications from hip dysplasia. Tribune-Herald.

The state's bipartisan Keiki Caucus on Thursday announced a package of bills it plans to support this session, including measures that would help fund after-school programs and amend Hawaii's sex education law. Star-Advertiser.

A new report card evaluating Hawaiʻi's education policies and their effectiveness at improving the quality of education gave the state a C; still the 7th best in the nation. Hawaii Independent.

A popular weed killer would be pulled from store shelves under a bill a Big Island senator introduced. State Sen. Josh Green proposed a five-year moratorium on the sale and use of products containing glyphosate, a chemical found in common herbicides such as Roundup. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii House committee is wading into a longtime gambling debate — but not to consider legalizing it. The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday planned to debate a bill to add gambling to a list of offenses that can result in civil nuisance lawsuits. Associated Press.

Democrats in the Hawaii House and Senate presented a joint package of bills for the 2014 session on Thursday, with priorities including funding for seniors programs and addressing climate change and invasive species. Party leaders in the chambers said the bills address issues that are big concerns to many people across the state. Associated Press.

2014 House Committee Assignments and Appointments. Hawaii Reporter.

A national report card gave Hawaii an F grade for disaster preparedness and access to emergency care, ranking the state among the bottom 10 in the nation. The report card, released Thursday by the American College of Emergency Physicians, ranked Hawaii second in the nation, scoring an A grade, for its commitment to public health and injury prevention, with both low rates of chronic disease and fatal injuries. It also received a B-minus grade for quality and patient safety environment but scored a D-plus for its medical liability environment due to the lack of protections for the state's health care workforce. Star-Advertiser.

The misuse of a photograph in the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts collection has revealed improper and possibly illegal actions regarding the State’s art holdings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lingle (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is returning to her alma mater this spring to teach an upper-division course on public policy in California State University, Northridge’s Department of Political Science. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's attempt to make a bus advertising plan acceptable to critics is failing to win over the nonprofit group raising the loudest objections. Caldwell unveiled an amended draft of a bill, making it clear that advertising "shall be restricted to the sides and/or back of city transit buses" and that "bus wraps" or "oversized, multi-sided advertisements" would be excluded. The new version also clearly excludes exterior advertising on transit vehicles, bus stops, benches and stations. Star-Advertiser.

The appeal of a federal lawsuit seeking to stop Honolulu’s $5.16 billion rail project could stall work again if a judge doesn’t issue an opinion on the matter by late spring or early summer, the executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation warned the agency’s board Thursday. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has awarded two major contracts worth a total of $117.2 million to oversee construction of the city’s $5.16 billion rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

The Navy confirmed Thursday that jet fuel leaked from a tank at the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility, but local and federal officials say the city's water is safe to drink. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Navy confirmed Thursday that one of its massive underground tanks near Pearl Harbor has a leak and may have spilled up to 20,000 gallons of aviation fuel, raising concerns about potential drinking water contamination. Civil Beat.

Five homeless men have been killed on Honolulu streets in the past six months, prompting concern from the state's homeless coordinator about the dangers facing many who live without shelter. Star-Advertiser.

High-surf warnings continue today for the North Shore, with waves up to 35 feet. In Oahu, winter waves are expected today to reach heights from 25 to 35 feet on the North Shore, 15 to 25 feet on western shores, 1 to 3 feet on eastern shores and up to 2 feet on southern shores, the weather service said. It's of the biggest swells of the season so far. Star-Advertiser.

A rezoning plan for the "Live Work Play ‘Aiea" mixed-used development project at the former Kam Drive-In in Aiea received positive testimony before the City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday but will have to wait a month to advance. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council Finance Committee is the next venue for a proposal by state mayors to allow them flexibility to add a 1 percent surcharge to the general excise tax. South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Brenda Ford has added a discussion of the proposal to the committee’s agenda for an 11 a.m. Tuesday meeting at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Medical Center once again showed strong improvements in an annual report rating patient satisfaction. However, the hospital might see cuts of up to $60,000 this year from its Medicare reimbursements, as its scores continue to fall below other hospitals in the state and around the country. Tribune-Herald.

Twenty years ago, West Hawaii Explorations Academy opened its doors, offering project-based learning to West Hawaii students out of a temporary facility near Keahole Point. On Thursday, crews began pouring the foundation of a permanent facility for the public charter school. West Hawaii Today.

State attorneys are appealing a court decision that overturned Hawaii Ethics Commission charges against a Big Island charter school employee. Last February the commission fined Connections Public Charter School administrative assistant Eric Boyd $10,000 for 20 violations dating back to 2006. Civil Beat.

Maui

The US Department of Agriculture declared Hawaiʻi and Maui Counties disaster areas due to ongoing “severe” and “extreme” drought conditions. Kalawao County at Kalaupapa on Molokaʻi was also named a contiguous disaster county also eligible for federal assistance. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa asked state legislators Wednesday for more state agriculture inspectors to help combat the little fire ant, a stealthy invasive species confirmed to have made its way from the Big Island to Maui and Oahu late last year. Maui News.

Perry Artates, a former Maui Hawaiian Homeland commissioner and prominent labor leader, will spend 45 days in federal prison for his role in a mortgage fraud case that left a Maui family homeless. Hawaii Reporter.

A judge dismissed a case against a man charged with threatening to kill Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. But prosecutors are expected to refile the terroristic-threatening charge against Austin Gerard Jr. Associated Press.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is planning to build a new, nearly $5.7 million replacement administration building on an acre in Wailuku and next to The Maui News offices.

Maui police cordoned off a section of Papohaku Park in Wailuku on Thursday afternoon, but police on scene could not say what they were investigating. Two individuals with gloves were observed sifting through the contents of a dumpster and taking photographs. Maui Now.

Kauai

Unleashing a new law? Public weighs in on proposed county dog barking ordinance. Garden Island.

A victim of a hit and run accident one year ago found some closure from solving the case with her own detective work. Another chapter to the victim’s remarkable saga closed Thursday in 5th Circuit Court when the suspect was sentenced to probation during an emotional hearing. Garden Island.

Federal court criminal hearings for violations and some offenses that occurred on Kauai can be now be heard quarterly at 5th Circuit Court. On Wednesday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii held hearings in Lihue with U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang and courtroom manager Shari Afuso. The hearings were held in Courtroom No. 5, which is usually vacant at 5th Circuit. Garden Island.

Hawaii legislative session opens today, Kauai ag firms post pesticide reports, mayors seek to raise excise taxes, Maui tourism agency reveling in same-sex weddings, Honolulu PAC funding exposed, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol courtyard, courtesy photo

Hawaii lawmakers have several issues on their agenda as they get set to report for the 2014 legislative session today. Health care and education funding debates are expected to divide legislators. And other priorities include bills that would legalize marijuana for recreational use, increase the state’s minimum wage and direct officials to plan for a significant sea level rise. Associated Press.

An anti-paparazzi celebrity privacy law and proposals to decriminalize marijuana were among the bills that kept lawmakers busy last session – both made headlines, neither became law.  Several Representatives and Senators who spoke to Hawaii News Now say they don't think either will be major issues during the 2014 Legislative Session, which convenes Tuesday. One topic that is expected to be widely discussed is the use of genetically modified organisms.  In recent months, counties across Hawai'i have taken up the GMO issue.  Now all eyes are on the State Capitol.

The state House and Senate will open the 2014 legislative session this morning by honoring the past and celebrating the 55th anniversary of statehood. Hundreds of former lawmakers have been invited to attend the opening-day ceremonies, and each chamber has prepared booklets that document the state's legislative history. Star-Advertiser.

The message delivered at the annual Diocese of Honolulu's Red Mass, held on the eve of opening day at the Legislature, stressed stepping up collaboration in providing affordable housing for Hawaii's most vulnerable residents. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Health Connector will be on the hot seat as it heads into the legislative session today without permanent leadership or an adequate funding source once federal grants expire at year's end. Lawmakers are considering turning the nonprofit they created in 2011 into a state agency three months after it fumbled the start of the online insurance marketplace created by President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. Star-Advertiser.

The number of small businesses that have signed up for health-care through Hawaii’s exchange network is decidedly miniscule. Of Hawaii’s 30,000 small businesses, 296 registered for insurance through the Hawaii Health Connector by the Dec. 25 deadline, according to the exchange. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii Department of Education is asking lawmakers for $25 million to help keep classrooms cool. The department presented its supplemental budget request before the state House Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The request totals nearly $32 million in operating funds and $164 in capital improvement project funds. Associated Press.

Lawmakers took the Department of Education to task Tuesday for moving ahead with a "Cadillac" version of a new performance-based teachers evaluation system, saying resources to implement it are "grossly underfunded." The criticism comes as the DOE seeks $14 million for next year for schools to each hire the equivalent of one teaching position. Star-Advertiser.

The $1 trillion federal omnibus bill includes more than $744 million for Hawaii for military, education, health care, transportation and the environment. The bi-partisan bill would fund the U.S. government through October, the rest of fiscal year 2014. Civil Beat.

Local, state and national regulations intended to protect the public and the environment can be swiftly overturned if President Obama signs the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the world’s most ambitious and far reaching free trade agreement yet. On January 9, the U.S. Congress introduced “fast-track” legislation allowing the Obama administration to sign the TPP without undergoing public debate. Fast-track authority would grant the White House the power to speed up negotiations, while giving Congress only 90 days to review the TPP before voting. Hawaii Independent.

University of Hawaii's interim president, David Lassner, will be at the White House for a national workshop on increasing college access and success for disadvantaged students. Associated Press.

Skepticism Over Kingdom Land Title Claims. Civil Beat.

Oahu

(c) 2014 All Hawaii News

City Councilman Ikaika Anderson has introduced a bill that aims to get police more involved in enforcing the sidewalk nuisance law despite objections by homeless advocates who say the ordinance unfairly punishes the disadvantaged. Star-Advertiser.

The East-West Center, hit by the recent resignation of its energy research team and criticized for "poor leadership," would see its pre-sequestration funding of $16.7 million restored under the omnibus spending bill now being considered by Congress. Hawaii U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Tuesday that Senate appropriations leaders increased East-West Center funding by nearly $6 million above the request in President Barack Obama's budget, and the $16.7 million allocation was included in the bill even though the House of Representatives originally dropped financial support altogether. Star-Advertiser.

When the Pacific Resource Partnership began its work to keep former Gov. Ben Cayetano from becoming Honolulu’s next mayor, it was a campaign unlike any seen before in local politics. But tax forms filed with the IRS are now providing a clearer picture of how much PRP actually invested in 2012 to keep rail on track and Cayetano out of Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

First Wind's wind farm sits north of 300-plus homes in Kahuku's Koolau housing area. Now another wind farm company -- Champlin GEI Wind Holdings -- wants to plant 15 more wind turbines above Kahuku. The Kahuku Community Association opposes the idea. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Health ordered warning signs at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park to be taken down on Friday after a sewage spill, even though its own test data showed that bacteria levels in the water significantly exceeded Hawaii's safe water standards. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii National Guard soldier who was the married father of a 4-year-old son with another child on the way was killed in the crash of a surveillance plane in Afghanistan on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

The selected buyer of 12 rental complexes is asking for an additional six months to a year to pay a large share of $142 million it promised to Honolulu -- and 20 more years to pay the rest, city administration officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi says he isn’t seeking a higher general excise tax, but he’s supporting fellow mayors in asking the Legislature for the flexibility to raise it with a county surcharge. The Hawaii Council of Mayors is asking the Legislature to allow counties to add a surcharge of up to 1 percent on the state GET, which is currently at 4 percent. West Hawaii Today.

Ordinarily, finding bones in a cemetery wouldn’t be considered much of a stretch. But in the case of an incomplete set of human remains found Monday at the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo, there was no record of a body having been buried there, said Lt. Greg Esteban with the Hawaii County Police Department. Tribune-Herald.

WHEA student designs, builds 3-D printer. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Two Maui businesses have arranged more than 50 same sex nuptials since a new law went into effect in December, legalizing same-sex marriage in the state, according to new information released by the Maui Visitors Bureau. Maui Now.

Maui-based Ocean Vodka is reporting strong visitor traffic to its new solar-powered home on the slopes of Haleakalā, since opening doors to its new organic farm and distillery in April 2013. Maui Now.

Molokai

The Molokaʻi Landfill was reopened today after an explosive ordnance team detonated a suspected piece of unexploded ordnance found at the facility on Monday, county officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Today is the deadline for Kauai’s largest agricultural companies to submit summaries of all restricted use pesticide applications to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. The monthly post-application reports are one portion of the state’s voluntary Kauai Agricultural Good Neighbor Program, which kicked off Dec. 1. Garden Island.

Early education, invasive species, public hospital funding, and pesticides and genetically modified organisms. These are just a few of the issues state lawmakers will be considering over the next few months as the Legislature convenes today for its first regular session of 2014. It is one that, some Kauai legislators say, promises to deal with a range of issues that have direct ties to the Garden Isle. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will host a candidate’s forum from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Kapaa Public Library. Garden Island.

Hawaii homeless count to begin, Maui mayor signs waste-to-energy contract, seed companies sue over GMO, pesticide law, congressional delegation's wealth, votes tallied, Honolulu food truck law mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii homeless (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

An annual count of the homeless in Hawaii, which will get underway next week, is part of a national snapshot taken on a single night to track the problem and target where resources are needed. Similar "Point-in-Time" homeless counts are conducted across the country under guidelines developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Star-Advertiser.

How Rich Are Hawaii’s Congressional Representatives? Compared to the rest of Congress, Hawaii's reps are middling, at best, in their personal wealth. Hawaii Independent.

Mazie Hirono missed only one vote in 2013, Colleen Hanabusa reached across the aisle a lot to co-sponsor legislation and Tulsi Gabbard and Brian Schatz each had a bill enacted. All four also worked with each other to push legislation jointly. Those are some of the highlights from the 2013 Report Cards for All Members of Congress, released last week by GovTrack.us, a government transparency website. Civil Beat.

Kingdom still in place, courts told. Some homeowners fight foreclosure by claiming that the United States is illegally occupying Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii this week is hosting a series of events as part of its first "Chamber Week," coinciding with the start of the state legislative session, in which the group plans to aggressively promote a pro-business package of bills. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Rep. Bob McDermott has at least one good point. State education officials should have turned over a copy of Hawaii's controversial sex education program as soon as he asked for it. Civil Beat.

State roundup for January 13. Associated Press.

Oahu

Oahu's food trucks and lunch wagons could bid for exclusive rights to park in stalls designated for them under a bill proposed recently before the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

35 Honolulu Police Department officers were suspended or discharged for misconduct in 2013, according to the department's latest annual report that county police agencies are required to file with the Legislature. That’s more than in 2012, when 30 officers were punished for 35 incidents of misconduct. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's Chinatown is an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops and markets. But, when nature calls, you may be on your own.... there are no public restrooms. KITV4.

Hawaii

From living off the land to exploring space, from shielding constituents from eyes in the sky to legalizing Granny’s banana bread, Hawaii Island’s delegation of state representatives and senators is gearing up to present a host of new ideas — as well as time-worn ones that have yet to be fulfilled — to their legislative colleagues starting next week. West Hawaii Today.

There will once again be a doctor in the House. Just days before the regular legislative session is set to begin, Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday appointed Richard Creagan, 68, a Naalehu physician, to fill the District 5 post vacated by former state Rep. Denny Coffman. West Hawaii Today.

A man soliciting people at Kealakekua Bay to rent kayaks will pay more than $3,000 following an undercover operation conducted by the state. The Board of Land and Natural Resources authorized Friday a civil penalty fine of $2,500 and associated administrative costs of $750 against Captain Cook resident Alexander Aquino, 39, for violating Hawaii Administrative Rules prohibiting commercial activities without a written permit from the board of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks, according to a prepared statement from the DLNR. West Hawaii Today.

The Kailua Village Business Improvement District — tasked with making historic Kailua Village a better place to live, work, play and invest — is rolling out a new series of events and activities, in addition to its mainstays, that it hopes will promote the downtown area to residents and visitors alike. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa announced the signing of an agreement this week to finance and build an Integrated Waste Conversion and Energy Project on Maui. Maui Now.

The controversial demolition of the Old Wailuku Post Office is on a list of proposed audits that Maui County Auditor Lance Taguchi plans to conduct by the end of the fiscal year in June. Maui News.

The Maui County Council gave its final approval Friday for the $13 million purchase of 186 acres at Launiupoko. Maui News.

Single-family home prices in Maui County rose 13 percent last year, while the median price of a condo in 2013 rose 5 percent, compared to 2012, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Three seed companies have sued Kauai County in an attempt to block the implementation of a new law that would regulate their use of pesticides and the growth of genetically modified crops on Kauai. Syngenta, DuPont Pioneer and Agrigenetics Inc., doing business as Dow AgroSciences, filed a joint complaint at the U.S. District Court Friday against the county, requesting a permanent injunction on Ordinance 960 (formerly Bill 2491), claiming the new law is flawed and invalid. Star-Advertiser.

It was a move many expected and one the industry itself had promised. On Friday, three of Kauai’s biotech seed companies filed a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking implementation of County Ordinance 960 (formerly Bill 2491) related to pesticides and genetically modified crops. Garden Island.

The battle over genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, on Kauai continues as three companies sue the County of Kauai, hoping to stop the county from implementing a new law. The three companies are Syngenta, Agrigenetics and DuPont Pioneer. They claim that the new law is invalid. KHON2.

It’s clear that gambling is illegal in Hawaii, but that doesn’t stop advocates from pushing for legislation to allow casinos, lotteries and even church bingo each year. Many hotels, stores and organizations on Kauai aren’t publicly supporting a pro-gambling idea. And there isn’t a legislator on island who has signed on to any pro-gambling bill. Garden Island.

Billionaire Brad Kelley, one of the largest private landowners in the United States with more than 1.5 million acres of ranch lands in Kentucky, Tennessee, New Mexico, Florida and Texas, has recently purchased “thousands of acres” of agricultural land in Hawaii on the island of Kauai from landowner Grove Farm, according to sources close to the situation. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii, VA, near catchment tank solution, polar bear activist to trail Obama, pesticides reportedly sicken Kauai schoolchildren, legislative committees mull budget, EEOC sues Maui County over police, Hawaii County advances $61.5M bond issue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii veterans with catchment tank (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Veterans in Hawaii may once again qualify for VA home loans on property served by rainwater catchment systems now that the federal and state governments appear close to untying a bureaucratic knot. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stopped guaranteeing the financing for VA loans on homes with catchment systems in late 2011 because of a state Department of Health policy that did not recognize the water as safe for drinking or food preparation. Star-Advertiser.

A trio of top Hawaii economists presented a relatively rosy state financial forecast to the Legislature’s money committees Wednesday at the Capitol, but with caveats. The state has a record $844 million surplus on its hands but the carryover balances are expected to be smaller over the next few years. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations will announce on Thursday the unemployment insurance tax rate for 2014. Hawaii News Now.

Republican Rep. Bob McDermott and Sen. Sam Slom are slamming the Hawaii Department of Education and University of Hawaii for what they’re describing as a deliberate effort to stonewall them in their recent attempts to access all materials in the “Pono Choices” sexual education pilot program.Civil Beat.

A state lawmaker suing the state for legalizing same-sex marriages says a controversial sex education program being taught in some public schools is inappropriate because it promotes a "homosexual lifestyle as a positive or ‘pono' choice." Rep. Bob McDermott (R, Ewa-Iroquois Point) said he heard from concerned parents during the state's debate over marriage equality that middle school students were being taught about same-sex relationships and oral and anal sex as part of the curriculum for a pilot sex education program called Pono Choices. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama is expected to arrive with his family early Saturday for a 17-day holiday vacation at an oceanfront Kailua house with incredible views. This year, it appears Congress will reach a budget deal before the Christmas holiday, raising hopes for a more restful vacation and allowing additional time for bodysurfing, working out at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, shooting hoops and visiting his favorite local hangouts. Star-Advertiser.

An activist in a polar bear costume will be following President Barack Obama around Oahu during his upcoming holiday vacation with the goal of convincing him to reject the Keystone XL pipeline and take action on climate change. Pacific Business News.

Alleged nepotism, broken or unused facilities and key positions unfilled for long periods of time are several of the problems plaguing the Hawaii State Hospital, where employees have complained about suffering serious assaults from patients. Hawaii News Now.

Federal officials are starting a new effort to try to get better health data from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday it’s launching a new project with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase the number of households from those groups in a national health interview survey. Associated Press.

The State Energy Office will provide technical assistance to the Department of Transportation for a recently announced energy efficiency program at state airports that is expected to save $518 million in energy costs over 20 years, the state announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Opponents of a controversial plan to block off parking across the street from Laniakea Beach on Oahu's North Shore say they'll file suit if the Hawaii Department of Transportation puts up barriers along the road. The plan is the state's first effort to improve traffic in the area despite years of complaints by residents and motorists. Civil Beat.

It's called Kapakahi Stream and there's definitely something out of sorts with the Waipahu stream's water quality. Hawaii News Now.

Former Kamehameha Schools teacher Gabriel Alisna was indicted Wednesday on multiple felony charges involving several students and sexual allegations. KHON2.

Patricia Hamamoto will retire from her post as principal of Saint Louis School at the end of the month, school officials announced Wednesday. Before taking on the post about four years ago, Hamamoto had served more than three decades in Hawaii's public school system -- the last eight years as superintendent of schools. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii plans to retain Michele Carbone as head of its Cancer Center, despite calls for a leadership change by some faculty who say the director's poor management has tarnished the center's reputation and jeopardized its funding. UH is working on a solution that would involve the embattled director keeping his job, while providing him support to help stabilize the center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Three County Council members must have been feeling the holiday spirit Wednesday, attempting to load another eight projects and $2.4 million onto a $61.5 million bond authorization requested by Mayor Billy Kenoi. A parliamentary move by Kona Councilman Dru Kanuha stopped the projects before they even got a hearing, when he forced the council to vote for the original bill without considering the amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Developers of the Hu Honua Bioenergy plant in Pepeekeo scaled back work at the site as they await regulatory permits and approvals, according to company CEO John Sylvia. Tribune-Herald.

An apparent landlord-tenant dispute between Alahou Clean &Sober and its landlord, Tante Urban, has resulted in Urban taking over the current clients until a new organization steps in. Meanwhile, Alahou Clean &Sober Executive Director Sandra McCoy is working to move a downsized program to another location. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed suit against the Maui County Police Department, alleging that it violated federal law by not hiring a police applicant in 2009, according to a statement released from the commission. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Maui County for age discrimination Wednesday, saying it didn't hire a 45-year-old to be a police officer because of his age. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Honolulu alleges Maui County police passed over Lars Sandstrom even though it hired several less qualified candidates as police officers. Associated Press.

Christmas came early to West Maui on Tuesday when the second phase of the Lahaina bypass was blessed and opened, allowing motorists the option of skipping several of Lahaina town's busiest intersections. Maui News.

A project was launched Sunday to renovate the first floor of the University of Hawaii Maui College's Noi'i Building as the Daniel K. Inouye Allied Health Center, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai
A noxious smell reportedly left dozens of students at Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary feeling nauseous around 1 p.m. Wednesday, authorities said. But the incident, which county officials believe was caused by a nearby neighbor spraying pesticides, occurred 15 minutes before the end of the school day, so students didn’t have to miss class time. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council approved a measure Wednesday that Coco Palms Resort developers say will give them enough time to obtain building permits and begin restoring the well-known Wailua hotel. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council has given new life to an expedited permit process enacted by ordinance 20 years ago to speed the repair of structures battered by Hurricane Iniki. The Council's 6-1 vote on Wednesday gives an Oahu investment group, Coco Palms Hui LLC, more time to work with the county on matters such as building permits and restoration plans for the iconic Coco Palms Resort, which has remained shuttered since the Category 4 storm hit the island 21 years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Obama family again to vacation on Oahu, Hawaii Supreme Court upholds Hawaiian blood quantum, Bloomberg to campaign for Schatz, DOE tests school bus routes, Honolulu mulls bus ads, warden named for Kulani prison, bill to allow 16-year-olds to vote, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit contending that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs should spend its trust funds on people with 50 percent or more Hawaiian blood. The high court's ruling on Tuesday affirms OHA's use of funds for the benefit of those with any amount of Hawaiian blood. Star-Advertiser.

Read the entire Kealoha opinion here.

Hawaii News Now has learned that the President, First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia will travel to Honolulu sometime around December 20.

Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland intends to introduce a bill at the Legislature next session that would trigger a ballot initiative to let the people decide on whether the minimum age for voting should be on par with the minimum age for driving solo. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, has landed a big name to help him with his reelection campaign. Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City, will headline a reception for Schatz Jan. 2 in Honolulu. A ticket for the event, to be held at the Kahala home of developer Duncan MacNaughton, is $1,000. Civil Beat.

After more than a decade as New York City's mayor, it looks like Michael Bloomberg has decided which sunset he'll ride off into when his third and final term is over on the first of the year. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, who is up for re-election in 2014, has landed the venerable mayor to headline a fundraising reception in Honolulu on Jan. 2. HuffPost Hawaii.

Financial disclosure requirements for Hawaii Supreme Court justices rate a grade of D, according to a nonprofit digital news organization. But the requirements for the highest state courts in 42 states received an F, the Center for Public Integrity said in a report issued Tuesday. That leaves Hawaii, even with a D, with the sixth-best disclosure requirements among all states, the center said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s health exchange violates the National Voter Registration Act, says the state’s League of Women Voters. The voter act requires all states to provide residents access to voter registration when applying for a driver’s license, welfare, unemployment benefits and a host of public programs. But the Hawaii Health Connector, established by the Legislature as a nonprofit to run the Obamacare exchange and funded with $200 million in federal money, fails to provide information about voting on its website or in other materials. Hawaii Reporter.

The State Department of Health is proposing changes to food sanitation rules. They're holding public hearings statewide to get input on the 172 pages of new regulations. The Department is concerned with food safety.  But there may be consequences for nonprofit agencies that feed those who need help. Hawaii Public Radio.

The new student transportation system that the Hawaii Department of Education is testing out at about 30 schools in the Pearl City and Aiea areas has the potential to significantly slash costs within a few years, preliminary results from the pilot program suggest. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Education announced Tuesday that Roberts Hawaii and Ground Transport Inc. will provide bus service for Oahu schoolchildren in the 2014-2015 school year. At a cost of nearly $21 million, contracts were awarded Nov. 27 following a request for proposal process that began in July. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for December 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

Allowing paid advertising on the sides and backs of city buses is the latest money-raising plan being proposed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Caldwell, who forwarded Bill 69 to the City Council late Tuesday, said the plan could bring in as much as $8 million annually and that all of the money would go to bus operations. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration continues to flout the city Ethics Commission, this time with a not-so-subtle memo that went to all municipal agencies. On Dec. 2, Corporation Counsel Donna Leong said her department will now begin providing ethics advice to all city employees, particularly as it relates to standards of conduct, conflicts of interest and fair treatment. Civil Beat.

The community group Keep the North Shore Country says the plan to deal with environmental impacts caused by the expansion of Turtle Bay Resort is deficient and that the city Department of Planning and Permitting should not have accepted it from the resort owners. Star-Advertiser.

A widely used Diamond Head seawall is old and deteriorating. Now, after a 10-year fight, we finally know who's responsible for taking care of the wall. What we don't know is what the state will do now that it's been deemed the owner. KHON2.

Kamehameha Schools is putting up for sale two of Oahu's largest shopping centers, which combined could fetch upward of $400 million. The trust said Tuesday that it intends to offer for sale the buildings and other improvements at Windward Mall in Kaneohe and Hawaii Kai Towne Center while holding onto the underlying land. Star-Advertiser.

St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii expects it will cost $20 million to turn a portion of the former Hawaii Medical Center East into a 119-bed skilled nursing facility, double the original estimate reported last spring. Pacific Business News.

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz pulled into Pearl Harbor on Tuesday after an extended deployment that saw the big ship positioned for support of a possible strike on Syria in September. The crew and air wing totaling about 5,000 are in port for a few days before the carrier heads to San Diego and then to its home port of Everett, Wash., by Christmas. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Ruth Coller Forbes has been hired as the new warden for the Kulani Correctional Facility. Forbes, who most recently worked as a corrections supervisor for Hawaii Community Correctional Center, took the new job effective Sunday, the state Department of Public Safety said. She will be responsible for overseeing the minimum-security prison and getting it ready for re-opening July 1. Tribune-Herald.

The County Council’s Finance Committee postponed action on a resolution to accept a public easement through a proposed Kohala Coast development Tuesday while questions over the existence of a historical trail continued to be raised. Tribune-Herald.

A proposed 43-lot Kona subdivision got bogged down Tuesday in the County Council Planning Committee after a disagreement between the developers and the Department of Public Works about how much of Hualalai Road the developer is responsible for. After 2 1/2 hours of discussion, the Planning Committee agreed to postpone the rezoning until Dec. 17 to allow several amendments to clarify how much of the improvements will be credited to fair share requirements and how much of Hualalai Road should be improved and to address density and drainage issues. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Supreme Court, taking a rare road trip, Tuesday in the case at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center as part of the state Judiciary’s Courts in the Community outreach program. About 300 people, including high school and UH-Hilo students — and a plethora of lawyers — were in the audience. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The recent shark attacks are prompting calls for action, including a renewed debate about culling  the creatures. Some people want the state to kill tiger sharks. Hawaii News Now.

Two Maui residents were included in the latest round of governor-appointed positions to fill vacancies within the state’s board and commissions. A&B Properties Vice President, Grant Chun, was appointed to a seat on the state Board of Education; and Kula resident, Doreen Nāpua Gomes assumes the Maui seat on the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Maui Now.

Policy and business leaders will explore the electric power generation transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy during a conference March 26-28 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Maui News.

Already burdened with the nation's highest electricity bills, Hawaii residents are paying even more for renewable energy development, and what they pay depends on whether they're among the "haves" or the "have-nots." Maui News.

Kauai

Sunday marked the beginning of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s “Good Neighbor Program” on Kauai. And each large agricultural company — the same five mentioned in controversial Article 22 (formerly Bill 2491) — has expressed its willingness to comply. Those companies include DuPont Pioneer, BASF, Dow AgroSciences, Syngenta and Kauai Coffee. Laurie Yoshida, communications manager at Pioneer, said her company — as well as others — believe Article 22 related to pesticides and genetically modified organisms is legally flawed, and that regulation and oversight of the industry should remain at the state level. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council will hold a public hearing today on a bill that could waive waste disposal fees for approved cleanup efforts on county land. It is a move that some say will help cut the red tape associated with doing volunteer work for the county. Garden Island.

Inouye honored with Medal of Freedom, Hawaii County Council raises tobacco sale age to 21, state art foundation director resigns after photo brouhaha, Maui mayor, Monsanto, sign pesticide agreement, luxury Honolulu homes spared proposed tax burden, Senate to probe State Hospital, sexual harrassment lawsuit against DLNR, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Obama honors Inouye, others with Medal of Freedom

The late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye was among 16 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented Wednesday, 50 years after the death of the award’s founder, President John F. Kennedy. President Barack Obama awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor to Inouye and 15 others, including former President Bill Clinton and iconic talk show host Oprah Winfrey, in a star-studded and often poignant celebration at the White House. Star-Advertiser.

Senator Daniel Inouye becomes only second recipient of both Medal of Freedom, Medal of Honor. Hawaii Reporter.

Irene Inouye reacts to Presidential Medal of Freedom for Sen. Inouye. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will likely face increased pressure for the state to intervene in the debate over genetically modified organisms now that two counties are moving to restrict GMO crops. Star-Advertiser.

The executive director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts has opted to resign after the group’s recent, admitted misuse of a photo of a Hawaiian icon, according to the foundation chairwoman. Star-Advertiser.

Local artists and supporters of the arts, including several Native Hawaiians, are outraged over what is described as the "desecration" of a photograph in the collection of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Civil Beat.

State Hospital employees talked Wednesday about serious injuries from assaults at the mental health hospital in Kaneohe due to lack of staff, support and training. The comments came during a news briefing by state Sens. Clayton Hee and Josh Green announcing hearings to investigate the matter sometime after Thanksgiving. Star-Advertiser.

Assaults on Mental Health Workers Spur Hawaii Senate Investigation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Councilman Joey Manahan's attempt to raise the minimum value to $1.5 million for residential properties to be appears to be failing. The Council Budget Committee on Wednesday voted 4-1 to strip out Manahan's proposal to increase the threshold for the new Residential A tax class to $1.5 million, leaving the original limit of $1 million in place. Star-Advertiser.

With Rep. Tom Brower agreeing to put down his sledge hammer and hang up his cape, we decided to take a look at his 2013 voting record on bills relating to housing and the houseless. Hawaii Independent.

OliverMcMillan Pacific Rim LLC began construction Wednesday on its 388-unit, 45-story Symphony Honolulu mixed-use condominium tower at the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Ward Avenue, across from the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu’s Kakaako neighborhood. Pacific Business News.
There have been several different high-rise building ideas for the mauka-Ewa corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Ward Avenue, but none progressed to construction — until now. A San Diego-based developer held a groundbreaking ceremony and blessing Wednesday at the site of its planned 45-story condominium tower named Symphony Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii public company with major financial power and development experience is going to be the new dominant owner of commercial property in Kailua, though the firm said it won't be moving fast to redevelop what is still largely a bedroom community. Alexander  &  Baldwin Inc. is buying nearly all the Oahu real estate owned by Kaneohe Ranch Co. and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation -- roughly 650 acres -- in a $373 million deal announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has a chief medical examiner on the job for the first time since October 2009. Dr. Christopher B. Happy took over as the head of the city Department of Medical Examiner this week, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

KHON2 News has learned that HECO and solar power companies have come up with a solution to a slowdown in residential solar installations.

As wood beams and logs wash up onto Hawaii's shores, most recently on Sunday on Kauai and another last week on Kailua Beach Park, the debris is usually recycled or just left on shore, but one man is turning them into tikis. At 87, he's been carving out works of art for decades, but this one's different. KITV.

Hawaii

Hawaii County will join a small handful of local governments nationwide — and become the only county in the state — raising the tobacco sale age to 21, under a measure unanimously passed by the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

A former state parks employee on the Big Island has filed a sexual harassment and sex discrimination lawsuit against the Department of Land and Natural Resources and her former supervisor. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi said he expects to make a decision on Bill 113 next week. The Hawaii County Council passed the bill, which restricts genetically modified crops, Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

The International Lunar Observatory Association is planning to build a global headquarters and research center in Waimea. The project, estimated to cost between $2 million and $3 million, will provide a central location for ILOA to manage and operate its four lunar missions, now in development. West Hawaii Today.

In the holistic learning model — a blend of STEM and Hawaiian spirituality that is being piloted at Ka Umeke Kaeo public charter school with the hope that it will later expand to other Hawaiian immersion and charter schools — students adapt an indigenous worldview to understand scientific processes. Civil Beat.

Officials, coaches and parents of Big Island Pop Warner football and the Panaewa Alii team are in what one parent called “crazy fundraising mode” to try to get their midget team to the Pop Warner Super Bowl — the league’s national championship — in the wake of disclosure of embezzlement of $100,000 or more in league travel funds.Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has signed a pesticide disclosure agreement with agricultural giant Monsanto. The county said Wednesday the deal requires Monsanto to disclose what types of restricted-use pesticides it's using and how much. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has signed a pesticide disclosure agreement with agricultural giant Monsanto. The county said Wednesday the deal requires Monsanto to disclose what types of restricted-use pesticides it's using and how much. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa announced that he has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Monsanto, “obtaining assurances from the company that they will engage in safe practices involving restricted-use pesticides.” Maui Now.

Mayor Alan Arakawa has signed a memorandum of understanding with Monsanto, obtaining assurances from the bioengineering company that it will engage in safe practices involving restricted-use pesticides, according to a Maui County announcement. Maui News.

Maui's three homeless shelters served 1,557 people last fiscal year, but experts estimate there are likely twice that number still staying in cars, parks and beaches across the county. Maui News.

Kauai
The fight against drunken driving is one that Kekaha resident Kira Seabury and at least three generations of her family has been engaged in for the last decade. Garden Island.