Sunscreen, pesticide, fake service animal bans move to governor as Legislature nears final days, Big Island braces for Kilauea volcano eruption, Honolulu homeless sweep nets tons of trash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House of Representatives PC: House Majority

Lawmakers say they made good on their pledge to address the state’s homeless and affordable-housing crises with strategies they described as groundbreaking and bold during the 2018 legislative session, which ends Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Most Progressive Legislative Session In A Long Time. From approving medical aid in dying to banning certain sunscreens and pesticide chemicals, legislators passed bills they only thought about in years past. Civil Beat.

After months of back and forth, lawmakers have settled on dozens of measures that could soon become law. The following list contains some of the measures now heading to the governor's office for approval. KHON2.

Bills awaiting the governor's action can be found here.

Hawaii lawmakers on Tuesday passed a measure that would ban sunscreen containing oxybenzone in an effort to protect coral reefs. Senators and representatives also voted to prohibit licensed professional counselors from attempting to change the sexual orientation of minors. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers passed a bill today banning the sale of sunscreens containing chemicals believed to be harmful to coral reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers approved a ban Tuesday on the sale of sunscreens with chemicals that could be harmful to the environment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Legislature has approved the first chlorpyrifos ban in the nation as a component of a pesticide disclosure bill approved by both the Senate and the House Tuesday. Garden Island.

A bill that would fine people fraudulently representing their pets as service dogs was approved unanimously on both floors of the state Legislature today, and now awaits the governor’s signature to become law. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would penalize people who falsely present their pets as service animals passed its final reading Tuesday and now goes to Gov. David Ige for final consideration. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii moved a step closer to expanding protections for students discriminated against on the basis of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation when the Legislature passed a bill Tuesday establishing a law to prohibit such treatment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tourism officials are offering a sweet deal to six New York City workaholics: Come to Hawaii for an all-expenses-paid, week-long vacation to "work from home" — island style. Hawaii News Now.

A state judge has scheduled a hearing on state Rep. Andria Tupola’s petition for a temporary restraining order against fellow Hawaii Republican Party member Eric Ryan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators have finally approved an on-bill financing program to boost the adoption of clean energy technology across the state, almost seven years after lawmakers passed a corresponding piece of legislation to investigate such a program. Pacific Business News.

Matson Inc. doubled its profit in the first quarter despite delivering about the same number of shipping containers to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based shipping company Matson Inc. reported net income of $14.2 million, or 33 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 102 percent compared to net income of $7 million, or 16 cents per diluted share, during last year’s comparable period. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City clears out 5 tons of trash during sweep of Kakaako parks. The estimated 80 homeless people living in Kakaako Waterfront Park and its sister parks had dwindled to about 30 to 50 Monday afternoon following days of warnings about the impending sweep. Star-Advertiser.

Price tag grows to move homeless off state land — and keep them off. Hawaii News Now.

A recreation center at the University of Hawaii needs hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs, only four years after opening. KHON2.

Sidewalk Extensions Please Some But Infuriate Others. A City Council committee passes a bill that would prohibit any more extensions, even though they’re intended to increase safety. Civil Beat.

City Councilmember Ikaika Anderson is spearheading a measure to crack down on illegal monster homes. Hawaii News Now.

A majority of condo owners at the 35-story Marco Polo have voted in favor of retrofitting the building with automated sprinklers several months after a deadly fire raged through the building, killing four people. Associated Press.

Another high rise is being planned for Ward Village. It will be 41 stories and will have 570 condo units. KHON2.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam will conduct anti-terrorism force protection training exercises Wednesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 3 from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. KITV.

State crews completed a four-day clean-up of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor Tuesday. KITV.

The city intends to enter into a public-private partnership with Topgolf Hawai‘i, which would invest $50 million replacing the Ala Wai Golf Course’s traditional driving range with a high-tech version and other golf-related activities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An intrusion of magma into Kilauea’s East Rift Zone shook the ground under lower Puna residents’ feet Tuesday and stirred worries about a new volcanic vent opening near populated areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Civil Defense was activated at 3 a.m. Tuesday in response to a significant increase in seismic activity and deformation — changes in the surface of a volcano — following the collapse of the Puu Oo crater floor on Kilauea’s East Rift Zone. Star-Advertiser.

Earthquakes, Crater Collapse On Kilauea May Indicate New Eruption. An “intrusion” of lava could affect a popular access point where people can hike or bike into a viewing area. Associated Press.

A half mile long, steaming crack was discovered just west of Puu Oo crater during an overflight by scientists on Tuesday, following the collapse of the crater floor the day before. Big Island Video News.

New USGS Map Shows Location of New Crack in Kilauea. Big Island Now.

Residents in Puna are being urged to be on alert after a series of small earthquakes in Kilauea volcano's east rift zone, which may indicate an eruption is imminent. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Senate passed a Senate Bill on Tuesday that would create a Hilo Community Economic District. Big Island Video News.

Effort seeks to preserve native trees south of Palamanui campus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Starting May 1, the County of Maui’s free Electronic Recycling Program will no longer accept a list of items including: DVDs and VCRs; phones; audio-visual equipment including AV screens, cameras and projectors; transmission devices; audio equipment including receivers; CD and record players, amplifiers or speakers. Maui Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard hosted a “Congress On Your Corner” event at the Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului on Monday, where she visited with local residents and updated them on her work in Washington, DC.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Three meetings scheduled this week are aimed to respond to questions about disaster recovery, health concerns, relief loans and assistance. Garden Island.

Rum Distilleries Keep Hawaii’s Sugar Industry Alive. The islands’ cane crop will never return to the production levels of plantation days, but it’s essential for these local businesses. Civil Beat.

Legislature bans gay conversion therapy, conference committees advance sunscreen and pesticide bans, new money for homeless housing, pot sales to tourists, Land Board rejects Shangri La plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo gay pride parade ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii becomes 12th state to ban gay conversion therapy for minors. Hawaii News Now.

From homelessness to agricultural issues, conference committees on Friday worked to reach final deals on bills before they advance in the legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Want To Spend $30M On Legal Homeless Encampments. Three “ohana zones” would be built on Oahu, and one each on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Offer Hawaii Developers Big Tax Break To Build Apartments. But critics question a proposal that would subsidize rents as high as $3,000 for a one-bedroom unit. Civil Beat.

Out-of-state marijuana patients visiting Hawaii soon may be allowed to buy their medicinal pot at local dispensaries, a potential boon to the fledgling cannabis industry. Star-Advertiser.

Sunscreen ban one step closer to becoming law. KHON2.

Bills regulating pesticide use and protecting Hawaii’s coral reefs advanced in conference committee ahead of Friday’s final decking deadline. Maui Now.

Pesticide Compromise Reached As Conference Committee Time Expires. Measures on medical marijuana and all-mail voting are moving forward before the session wraps up next week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is one step closer to buffering the use of several pesticides around schools, while outright banning the use of another throughout the state. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers have tentatively agreed to amend state law to position Hawaii to quickly begin collecting excise taxes from online sales if the U.S. Supreme Court authorizes the states to do so. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers agreed last week to trim the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s funding but lessened the impact by agreeing to forgive its debt on the Hawaii Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

A renewed call from a national hotel group asks state and local government leaders to start taxing Airbnb and other short-term rental sites with the same oversight and transparency as hotels. KITV.

Domestic violence victims decry legislative inaction. Star-Advertiser.

2018 Legislative Wrap Up. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Campaign Spending Commission is taking a close look at state lawmaker and Congressional Candidate Kaniela Ing's campaigns for his state House seat. Hawaii News Now.

UH campuses take the lead with solar power. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Agriculture announced earlier this month that it is accepting applications for state licenses to grow hemp. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ballard Promises Aggressive Recruitment To Fix Cop Shortage. Honolulu’s police chief offers blunt assessments of homelessness and the scandal that tarnished her predecessor. Civil Beat.

City officials plan to send Honolulu police into state-owned Kakaako Waterfront Park and adjacent parks starting at 11 p.m. Monday to sweep an estimated 80 — mostly chronically — homeless people. Star-Advertiser.

State rejects plan to remove breakwaters near Doris Duke's Shangri La. KHON2.

The state Health Department said the Weinberg Foundation must conduct lead abatement at the former site of the Swat Gun Club in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Olomana Golf Links reopened Friday, two weeks after shutting down operations at the 18-hole Windward Oahu golf course, and has paid more than $100,000 in back rent to the state of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

After two decades in service, the Hawaiian Airlines Drive-Thru Check-In will say goodbye to its final guests. The full-service check-in opened in the summer of 1998 on the ground level of the inter-island terminal. KHON2.

Hawaii-based Wi-Fi service provider Sun Global Broadband signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japanese Wi-Fi service provider NTT Broadband Platform for services in Waikiki on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim recuperating at home. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would create a sprawling redevelopment district for Hilo under a 10-year pilot program is headed for a vote in the state House and Senate. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii State House and Senate conference committee approved a bill on Thursday that would give Hilo a needed economic boost, according to the senator who introduced it. Big Island Video News.

Lawmakers Wednesday signed off on $69 million to construct a permanent federal inspection station at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. West Hawaii Today.

The future of the Na Hoa Holomoku of Hawaii Yacht Club might be scuttled after the county Department of Parks and Recreation ordered the club to move its boats off of Hilo Bayfront shores. Tribune-Herald.

The Days Are Numbered For These Lava Flow Vendors. Hawaii County looks to clear out roadside businesses and relocate the parking lot for its lava flow viewing area. Nearby residents are unhappy. Civil Beat.

Police have charged a 32-year-old South Hilo patrol officer with misdemeanor assault for an incident that occurred on duty. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii Police Department officer has been charged with assaulting a boy who ran away from the Salvation Army Interim Home in Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools completed construction Tuesday on a produce processing facility in East Hawaii for farmers to prepare crops for sale. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State bill mulls condemnation of land under Front Street Apartments. Compromise measure also sets aside $30 million for affordable housing in Lahaina. Maui News.

A Maui County Council committee rejected a draft settlement agreement earlier this month that was aimed at resolving a lawsuit over Mayor Alan Arakawa’s termination of Department of Water Supply Director David Taylor. Maui News.

Japanese training ship to anchor at Kahului Harbor. Visit of tall ship to celebrate the 150th anniversary of first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. Maui News.


Kauai

Disaster worsens rental housing, labor pool woes; can General Plan help? Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and county officials continued his tour on Saturday visiting residents in Koloa and Hanalei affected by the recent flood. KITV.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe Bill Passes: Reestablishes Cultural Resources Coordinator. Maui Now.

Hot, hot, hot! Hawaii tourism breaking records, lawmakers fail to reach Airbnb tax deal, state could be the last one to set police standards, Big Island mayor hospitalized, Honolulu homeless sweeps fail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea lava hits ocean PC: NPS J Wei

The more than 2 million visitors that visited the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 2017 spent $166 million in communities near the park, according to a new National Park Service report. Pacific Business News.

More than 2 million visitors entered Hawaii Volcanoes National Park last year and collectively spent nearly $170 million in communities around Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Get ready for 10 million tourists. The state’s rampaging visitor industry could top that benchmark this year. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $4.8 billion in the first quarter, an increase of 10.1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2017, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Garden Island.

Lawmakers appear to have failed for a third straight year to resolve the conundrum over how best to tap into millions of dollars in uncollected state taxes from short-term vacation rentals without encouraging or endorsing illegal operators. Star-Advertiser.

What bills passed as the legislative session is near the end. KITV.

Hawaii May Soon Join The Other 49 States In Setting Police Standards. A conference committee of legislators agrees to a bill that establishes a standards board instead of just studying the idea. Civil Beat.

Passage of Restrictive Pesticide Use Reporting Bill Delayed. The state legislature has only one day left to settle House and Senate differences on all money-related bills for final passage next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

A measure that would require the counties to remove abandoned vehicles from public roadways in ten business days is going to a vote before the full house and senate. Hawaii News Now.

Two former Hawaii prison inmates are urging lawmakers to audit the state prison system and to focus the inquiry on the use of long-term lockdowns and chemical irritants such as pepper spray on Hawaii inmates housed in a privately run prison on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

House Halts Bill To Water Down Financial Disclosures Of Key State Leaders. Supporters wanted volunteers on state boards to be more comfortable; critics wanted to preserve transparency. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students are far more likely to be suspended and expelled in Hawaii than students of other ethnicities, causing them to miss more school days overall, according to newly released federal data. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Hospital escapee Randall Saito deemed fit to stand trial. Associated Press.

The lawyer for Randall Saito says if the state wants to find out how the acquitted killer escaped from the Hawaii State Hospital, state lawyers should offer Saito a deal. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Airlines plans to start service to Hawaii from one mainland city, then ramp up “very, very quickly” based on having the lowest fares to the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Airlines is coming to Hawaii, but there are still a few layovers before the airline officially touches down. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

State conducts homeless sweep in Diamond Head. State enforcement officers cleared the slopes of Diamond Head Thursday, which have become a hideaway for the island's homeless. KHON2.

Crews cleared 26 homeless camps along Diamond Head Road early Thursday morning. KITV.

Homeless return to Kakaako park, dodging enforcement through a jurisdiction loophole. Hawaii News Now.

A controversial plan to partially destroy a popular man-made swimming cove at Black Point near Diamond Head has won the support of a state coastal lands office. Star-Advertiser.

Community clean up planned for a mass of nets at a Diamond Head beach. Hawaii News Now.

Cleanup efforts underway at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation says the debris comes from upstream in the Ala Wai Canal. KITV.

Will The Kealoha Case Be One Big Show Or Separate Trials? A judge will soon decide whether to grant defendants’ wishes to split up the case or fulfill prosecutors’ desire to keep it intact. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has directed the state Department of Agriculture to assist farmers whose operations were heavily damaged by the severe flooding on Kauai and Oahu earlier this month. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu medical examiner forced to store human remains off site. Hawaii News Now.

As drivers endure weekend freeway closures, DOT adjusts work schedule (again). Hawaii News Now.

A transformer fire at the University of Hawaii at Manoa that sent thick, black smoke into the air over Honolulu last week has been ruled accidental, according to the Honolulu Fire Department. Hawaii News Now.

Sinkhole forces closure of block of Ward Avenue. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran newsman Ron Mizutani is leaving television station KHON to become president and CEO of the Hawaii Food Bank. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and its parent company, Oahu Publications Inc., are attracting international media industry interest and accolades after the newspaper’s successful launch of its Digital Billboard Network. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Well-wishers flooded Mayor Harry Kim’s office Thursday with phone calls, emails and get-well cards and were turned away from his Honolulu hospital room after the mayor, who previously suffered three heart attacks, checked himself in for evaluation after experiencing chest pains. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is in stable condition at The Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, officials say, after being medevaced early Thursday as a precaution due to chest pains. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County mayor Harry Kim is in stable condition at the Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu after experiencing chest pains Thursday morning. KHON2.

Overflows largest since Kilauea summit eruption began. Tribune-Herald.

Kalapana residents to county: Don’t move lava viewing area parking. Tribune-Herald.

County officials met with a crowd of Kalapana area residents and entrepreneurs in Pahoa Wednesday night concerning a July 1 prohibition on commercial activity within any County right-of-way at the lava viewing area. Big Island Video News.

Committee Passes Hilo Economic Revitalization Bill. Big Island Now.

The college enrollment rate among East Hawaii high school students increased last year, albeit still shy of the statewide average. Tribune-Herald.

Students witness high court in action. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui visitor spending increased +12.7% to $1.46 billion in the first quarter of 2018, according to new information compiled by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Economics professor Carl Bonham asked, rhetorically, Thursday whether Maui has reached its capacity to accommodate growing numbers of tourists. Maui News.

Southwest Airlines’ chairman announced Thursday that the airline intends to service four Hawaii airports, including Kahului Airport, with Maui officials saying they have been in discussions with the airline about the “pockets” of open slots at the crowded terminal. Maui News.

The Hawaii Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Kirstin Hamman to the District Court of the Second Circuit on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Concerned citizens gathered Thursday to better understand the present flow of Kauai’s inland waters. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is on track to open an emergency access route to Wainiha and Haena on Saturday. Garden Island.

The only highway into and out of the flood-devastated communities of Wainiha and Haena isn't expected to partially reopen for residents for at least two more weeks, but emergency vehicle access to those areas may happen sooner than expected. Hawaii News Now.

Federal funds still in question after Kauai disaster. KHON2.

Legislature's 'gut-and-replace' puts Thirty Meter Telescope at risk, DLNR seeks comment on aquarium trade, 100 rally at Capitol for pesticide ban, teachers want to limit tests, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea telescopes ©2018 All Hawaii News

‘This is not democracy’: Lawmakers slammed for skirting public input with telescope moratorium. As Hawaii waits to see if the Thirty Meter Telescope has a future here, a last-minute bill crafted in the state Legislature has many worried that lawmakers could end up forcing the next-generation observatory out of the state. Tribune-Herald.

Bill up for vote could 'spell the end' of Thirty-Meter Telescope. Supporters — and opponents — of the Thirty-Meter Telescope were surprised to learn about last-minute legislation that would stop all construction at Mauna Kea if the University of Hawaii doesn't meet certain requirements. Hawaii News Now.

Commercial aquarium fish collecting could be returning to Hawaii shores, following a five-month pause. A draft environmental assessment released Sunday by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources anticipates no significant environmental impact from the resumption of the practice around Oahu and Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

About 125 activists rallied Monday at the state Capitol in support of a bill to make Hawaii the first state in the nation to ban the insecticide chlorpyrifos, a chemical that has been linked to learning disabilities and developmental delays in children. Star-Advertiser.

Rally held to protect students from pesticides. Hawaii News Now.

In support of Hawaii’s potential ban on chlorpyrifos and of stricter pesticide rules, several Kauai people added their voices to dozens who gathered at the capitol for Monday’s Keiki First Rally. Garden Island.

Bills that would have limited the cooperation between Hawaii police departments and federal immigration authorities appear to be dead for the this legislative session. The measures would have generally prohibited local police from stopping, questioning or arresting anyone based solely on an immigration hold, or detainer, or an immigration warrant. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Teachers Think Your Kids Are Taking Way Too Many Tests. The state Senate is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a teachers’ union-backed bill that would cap mandatory tests for students at four per year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s public school students boosted their reading scores substantially, but math performance slipped for eighth-graders in the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress, according to results released late today in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz paid tribute to former Sen. Daniel Akaka in Washington, D.C. Monday. KHON2.

The personal-finance website's "2018’s Tax Burden by State" analysis shows that taxpayers on the Islands have a total tax burden of 11.57 percent. Trailing only New York residents, whose total tax burden is 13.04 percent. Pacific Business News.

Military Spending: Feds shell out, Isles cash in. A new report on per-capita defense spending is another indication of Hawaii’s strategic position and hot economy at a time of ongoing financial expansion for the state and nation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii technology and manufacturing businesses contributed more than $1 billion to the state’s economy, according to a study by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Pacific Business News.

Was The ‘Button Pusher’ A Problem Employee? State Won’t Release Details. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said the worker who sent out a false missile alert had a record of incompetency, but he disputes that. Civil Beat.

The Navy's longest-serving sub is about to retire. The USS Bremerton is getting a well-deserved retirement. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A proposal to provide around 100 new or renovated affordable rental apartments in Waikiki as part of a planned tower on Kuhio Avenue is up for revision after the city adopted new affordable-housing requirements last week. Star-Advertiser.

Federal agent Christopher Deedy appeals to halt third trial in Waikiki fatal shooting. Deedy is asking the federal court to prevent the state from taking him to trial a third time for fatally shooting Kollin Elderts in a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant. Star-Advertiser.

Christopher Deedy appeals third trial. KHON2.

Filthy Bathrooms At This Popular Beach Park Are Creating A Stir. Pokai Bay Beach Park has other health and environmental hazards, too. Civil Beat.

Oahu Publications Inc. has put up for sale its 147,000-square-foot print production facility in Kapolei and the 11.61 acres of land beneath it in a lease/buyback transaction to take advantage of increasing prices in the area. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a condominium reached a new high in March, compared to last year, driven by the sales of nearly two dozen multimillion-dollar units, while sales declined slightly, according to statistics released by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks and planner Belt Collins Hawaii will hold a community meeting on the recently released draft environmental impact statement for the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park Master Plan.  West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation announces that plans are being developed to run a trial AM northbound contraflow lane on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Highway 130) from Kaloli Drive to Shower Drive. Big Island Now.

The daughter of Jolene Kapua-Allison, a 54-year-old Mountain View woman killed in an apparent murder-­suicide on Hawaii island, said her mother feared leaving her abusive husband, a police officer. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The developers of the $100 million, 324-unit mostly affordable Wailuku rental project on Maui have resubmitted a draft environmental assessment to the state, two months after withdrawing the initial document that had been submitted last fall. Pacific Business News.

Maui Population Continues to Increase as Honolulu’s Declines. Maui Now.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui fell by 10 percent last month, while the median price of a condominium jumped 15 percent, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

The Pacific Whale Foundation held a traditional blessing ceremony last month for its newest vessel, Ocean Guardian, at Maalaea Harbor. Maui News.

Kauai

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Has Few Friends On This Hawaiian Island. The social media mogul’s neighbors aren’t happy with his new island estate or, for that matter, Facebook in general. Civil Beat.

Aloha Angels sponsors 51 clubs, adopts 192 teachers.  Kauai has 12 public or charter elementary schools. However, school ends in the early afternoon and for many children there’s not much to do. Garden Island.

Trump names former Hawaii AG Bennett to Court of Appeals, Syngenta settles with EPA, Mauna Kea telescopes stir hot debate in Legislature, Maui ferry not feasible, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Farming, courtesy Monsanto

Concerned residents from Maui and Kauai are set to testify in support of a pesticide regulation bill at the State Capitol requiring companies to alert the public before chemicals are sprayed. The Senate committees on Agriculture and Environment and Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health are expected to make a decision Wednesday. KITV.

President Donald Trump has nominated former Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett to the Hawaii seat of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Star-Advertiser.

This Trump Pick Wins Rare Applause from Hawaii’s Democratic Senators. Mark Bennett, the former state attorney general, has been nominated for the Hawaii seat on U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Civil Beat.

Today President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate an eleventh wave of judicial nominees including the nomination of former Hawaii Attorney General Mark J. Bennett as a Circuit Judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Maui Now.

Report: Public Is Being Shut Out On Critical State Information. A new study by a public interest law firm says Hawaii is the worst in the nation when it comes to timely decisions on open records and open meetings issues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund lost about 6 percent of its value in the recent stock market correction. The Employees' Retirement System Star-Advertiser.

Bill Would Require Insurance Coverage Of Emergency Flights To Mainland. Patients who need to travel quickly for organ transplants can pay from $80,000 to $130,000 for air ambulance service. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are pursuing legislation that would update the state’s disaster preparedness protocols after the false ballistic missile alert last month. Tribune-Herald.

DOE could be sued over lack of female locker rooms – a violation of federal law. The ACLU has given DOE a deadline of one month to come up with a plan to provide all student athletes equal access to locker rooms. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii Cancer Center researchers are seeking legislative funding for a three-year study to determine why Hawaii has one of the highest rates of liver cancer in the country. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators approve revised tariffs for Hawaiian Electric rate increase. Pacific Business News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Nina Turner, president of Our Revolution, traveled across Hawaii this past weekend to promote citizen engagement, grassroots organizing, and efforts to reform and strengthen democracy and the Democratic Party. Garden Island.

Oahu

Development Lobbyist Failed To Register With Honolulu Ethics Commission. David Arakawa hadn’t registered to lobby at Honolulu Hale for at least five years. And then a reporter asked him about it. Civil Beat.

Moratorium on ‘monster homes’ faces final vote. A final vote on a bill placing a temporary moratorium on large-scale homes is scheduled for today, and Honolulu City Council members have been getting mounting pressure from both opponents and supporters of the “monster houses” legislation. Star-Advertiser.

Several bills were introduced at this year’s state Legislature to address concerns about large-scale houses. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would prevent sweep of Waianae homeless camp. Star-Advertiser.

Family members of a man who says four officers forced him to lick a urinal allege the extent of the abuse is worse than first reported. Hawaii News Now.

Should buses and other large vehicles be kept out of the freeway’s fast lane? KHON2.

Third Deedy trial pushed back as attorney prepares federal appeal. There's another delay in the latest trial of a State Department special agent who fatally shot a man inside a Waikiki McDonald's in 2011. Hawaii News Now.

Number of Honolulu Zoo exhibits & visitors going up. KITV.

Honolulu has been named one of the healthiest cities in the United States, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Bill would create new authority to run Mauna Kea. Senate Bill 3090, sponsored by state Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele (D, Hilo) and 16 other lawmakers, would establish the Mauna Kea Management Authority as a way of installing “fresh leadership” and “a new model of governance.” Star-Advertiser.

Heated discussion at the State Capitol Monday, over a bill calling for the removal of the board that manages Mauna Kea. That board is currently run by the University of Hawaii. KITV.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim appeared today in Honolulu for the committee hearing on the controversial Senate Bill 3090, which would upend the way Mauna Kea is currently managed. Big Island Video News.

Kahele Grills OMKM Director Nagata Over Bulldozed Ahu. Big Island Video News.

Amid TMT dispute, lawmakers look to establish new body to manage Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless Villages proposal up against deadline. The program would fund 50 homeless units — 25 at two sites in Kailua-Kona and Hilo, respectively — as well as two homeless assessment centers and supportive services under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s preferred Housing First model. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County and Hawaiian Earth Recycling continue to hammer out the details of a new agreement after Mayor Harry Kim nixed plans to build a composting facility in a quarry near the Hilo landfill. Tribune-Herald.

This Hilo Community Fears Its ‘Toxic’ Neighbors. With a nearby airport, landfill, sewage plant, port and petroleum tanks, Hawaiian Homestead residents in Keaukaha want health concerns addressed. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County’s Mayor has about three weeks to send a budget to the County Council. Since 2000, the budget has increased more than 250 percent. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hilton Waikola Village recently became the first resort on the Big Island to discontinue the use of plastic straws and replace them with a compostable, paper alternative. Pacific Business News.

Maui

A ferry system to relieve Lahaina-bound traffic jams and shuttle sports teams within Maui County isn’t in the cards, at least for now. Maui News.

Greg Kaufman, founder of the 38-year-old Pacific Whale Foundation and a pioneer of whale watching on Maui, died Saturday. Maui News.

Pacific Whale Foundation today confirmed the passing of founder and executive director, Greg Kaufman. Maui Now.

Kauai

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Syngenta Seeds LLC have reached a settlement concerning safety violations affecting field workers on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

EPA Settles Syngenta Pesticide Claim For Pennies On The Dollar. The GMO company will pay $150,000 instead of the $4.8 million that had been sought for exposing Kauai workers to pesticides. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency came to an agreement Monday with Syngenta Seeds, LLC, to resolve violations of federal pesticide regulations at its farm in Kekaha. Garden Island.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with Syngenta Seeds to resolve violations of federal pesticide regulations at its farm in Kekaha, Kauai. Pacific Business News.

The Kauai County Council recently voted six to one to adopt the County’s General Plan. Garden Island.

Tourism outlook sunny, legislative committees advance pesticide bills, emergency shelters, vacation rentals, monster homes, 'survival sex' for young Honolulu homeless, plus Maui politics, Coco Palms lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii visitor arrivals and spending are expected to grow over the next four years. Speakers at the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s annual outlook and economic forecast forum tried to evaluate how much of a boon for Hawaii the latest forecast from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism would be. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said in a new report Hawaii’s overall economic condition in 2018 will be better than previously projected, as a result of the new tax reform bill. Pacific Business News.

Visitor accommodation units statewide increased to 80,336 units (+1.6%) year-over-year, the largest total ever recorded for the State of Hawaii, according to the 2017 Visitor Plant Inventory released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Bills Introduced to Crack Down on Vacation Rentals, Monster Homes. Maui Now.

All new state buildings would have to be designed and built with shelter space capable of withstanding catastrophic disasters under a proposal making its way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

House Emergency Preparedness Task Force Bill Advances. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the hours before the state's infamous missile alert mistake, a documentary crew from NBC News was getting an exclusive tour of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, gathering material for a future story that was meant to focus on communications in the aftermath of an actual attack. Hawaii News Now.

Four bills are moving ahead in the state legislature, and lawmakers believe that a lack of action on the federal level will increase the likelihood that the bills will pass. The bills would regulate the use of some heavily used pesticides, including a popular herbicide called Roundup.  Hawaii News Now.

House Committee Advances Ban On Chlorpyrifos. Big Island Video News.

The House committees on Agriculture and Energy & Environmental Protection passed a complete ban on the pesticide chlorpyrifos during a hearing at the State Capitol on Thursday. Big Island Now.

A statewide ban on chlorpyrifos passed through two Hawaii House committees Thursday, along with measures for stricter restrictions on glyphosate herbicides and public notification requirements for pesticide application. Garden Island.

Modernizing Hawaii’s Electric Grid For Less Than $1 A Month. Hawaiian Electric Co. needs to upgrade its distribution system to accommodate mushrooming rooftop solar. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric reports 1 percentage point increase in renewable energy in 2017. Hawaiian Electric Cos., the state's largest utility company, said on Thursday it was able to increase its renewable portfolio standard to 27 percent during the past year. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Schools Can’t Seem To Give Breakfast Away. Nearly all of Hawaii’s public schools participate in the federal School Breakfast Program, but only 43 percent of low-income students who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches also take advantage of subsidized school breakfast. Civil Beat.

Another government shutdown — even a short one — has particularly bad timing for the Hawaii National Guard, which has its once-a-month drills this weekend. More than 4,500 Hawaii Army and Air Guard soldiers were expected to train Saturday and Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Young homeless on Oahu are forced into “survival sex”. Homeless youth on Oahu tend to have been abused by their parents, became homeless at the age of 14, on average, and generally live a dangerous and disturbing existence where most tried to kill themselves while others were forced to perform “survival sex,” according to the first study of its kind in four decades. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has a lucrative second job at Territorial Savings Bank, and that's raised concerns with members of the state Legislature. Now, legislators are considering a proposal that would prevent acting governors and mayors from having second jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Spill sends 10,000 gallons of sewage into Waianae drainage ditch. The Hawaii Department of Health is urging the public to stay away from a sewage-contaminated drainage ditch in a residential area near Waianae Mall. Hawaii News Now.

City reverses decision to reject gift aimed at supporting young athletes. KHON2.

A woman who stole more than $3.8 million from the company that publishes Honolulu Magazine through a scheme the judge called “intricate” and that the prosecutor said was “exquisitely executed” was sentenced in federal court Thursday to four years in prison. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Nature Conservancy has transferred ownership of 222 acres of land to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Lifeguard liability bills treading water. West Hawaii Today.

A state House committee voted Thursday to advance a bill to establish lifeguards at Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Rep. Richard Creagan and the Hawaii County Council don’t think the Hawaii Department of Health is as serious as it should be about rat lungworm disease. West Hawaii Today.

After two meetings left local business owners with more questions than answers about the proposed surf school regulations, the county has postponed a looming deadline to bid on doing business at Kahaluu Bay. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Army National Guard is replacing its decades-old vehicle and equipment maintenance shop in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Was Maui Official Ousted For Skipping Mayor’s Campaign Event? The director of Maui’s Department of Water Supply is suing his boss after being placed on leave. Civil Beat.

New rental car tax proposed to help fund Lahaina, Paia bypasses. $4.50 per car, per day fee would help build state projects stalled in county. Maui News.

Ongoing discord among Maui County Council members has inspired the launching of campaigns for two candidates: former mayoral candidate and Council Member Alice Lee and Claire Kamalu Carroll, the 48-year-old daughter of Council Member Bob Carroll, who’ll retire this year. Maui News.

Maui resident and community organizer Tiare Lawrence is running for the State House representing Maui. KITV.

Two men who were arrested for allegedly harassing a monk seal in Lahaina could have felony charges dismissed if they make donations to a federal agency responsible for managing ocean resources. Maui News.

Businesses who use the EKO Compost facility that do not have a commercial account are being reminded by Department of Environmental Management officials that they are now required to set up an account and pay green waste tipping fees at $46 per/ton. Maui Now.

Kauai

Coco Palms Developer Fights Back With Its Own Native Hawaiian Research. A Hawaiian consultant disputes the claims of the occupiers of a planned resort site on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Milo Spindt, born in Lawai and now a Kalaheo resident, has pulled papers and is running for the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Kapaa grocery store Cost-U-Less is closing after a quarter-century of doing business.  Garden Island.

Phyllis Ann De Graff Kunimura died Dec. 7. She was known as the “First Lady of Kauai” during her husband Tony Kunimura’s tenure as mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell mulls future of Waikiki Natatorium, tourism officials fined for ethics violations, state pension shortfall increases, voters want more say in government, UH athletics a tax drain, Kauai pesticides studied, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Natatorium © 2017 All Hawaii News

Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he’s willing to consider the idea of making improvements at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium that would allow the public to swim in it again, but only if a new proposal being offered pencils out financially and makes sense. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell outlines four alternatives for future of historic Waikiki Natatorium. The City and County of Honolulu is considering four options for the reconstruction of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, with an environmental impact study expected to be released in spring 2019. Pacific Business News.

City outlines potential options for future of Waikiki Natatorium. KHON2.

All the plans for Waikiki Natatorium share one thing: They're costly. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu mayor backs governor for re-election. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is throwing his support behind Gov. David Ige. KHON2.

Civil Beat Poll: Power To The People — Voters Want More Control. Respondents support term limits for legislators, all-mail balloting and establishment of a statewide system for initiatives, referendums and recalls. Civil Beat.

State pension fund shortfall rises to $12.95 billion. A preliminary report presented Monday by an independent actuary to ERS trustees showed the deficit in the fund widened from last year’s $12.44 billion, but the funded ratio — what is needed to meet future obligations — improved to 54.8 percent from 54.7 percent. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has fined Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO George Szigeti and three other tourism officials more than $12,000 for allegedly violating the state’s Ethics Code when accepting and soliciting travel upgrades for business trips. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism authority execs fined for failing to report travel upgrades. The Hawaii Ethics Commission has fined four top current and former Hawaii Tourism Authority executives more than $12,000 for failing to report that they received free travel upgrades from international airlines. Hawaii News Now.

Insurance ‘Hell’ Leaves Many Injured Workers Broken. In Hawaii’s workers’ comp system, people with long-lasting injuries are often forced to battle doctors hand-picked by insurance companies to get treatment. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii won a $23 million federal grant to help improve the well-being of residents at risk due to serious health disparities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Health Institute: Farm to School and Obesity Prevention. The Hawaii Public Health Institute is focusing on childhood obesity prevention in the upcoming legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Charter School Debuts An Online Hawaiian-English Dictionary. Students at the immersion school say the product could prepare them for a vocabulary test. But it’s also designed for the wider community. Civil Beat.

Former Island Air employees will get about $35,000 of their misdirected 401(k) contributions restored to their accounts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Even with a combined $3.4 million infusion from the Legislature and the Manoa campus, University of Hawaii athletics ran at a $1.7 million deficit for the 2017 fiscal year, according to an independent auditor’s report. Star-Advertiser.

Sweeping The Boat People Of Ala Wai Harbor. Plenty of them are illegally sleeping aboard vessels — only 129 “live-aboard” permits are allowed out of the 747 slips. Civil Beat.

Howard Hughes gearing up to launch public sales efforts at next Honolulu tower. The Howard Hughes Corp. is getting ready to launch public sales efforts next month for its next Ward Village mixed-use tower, the 42-story Aalii, which is being marketed as a building for “smarter living” with units ranging from less than 300 square feet for a studio to nearly 850 square feet for a two-bedroom unit. Pacific Business News.

Aging fuel storage tanks at Red Hill could soon get an upgrade. A newly released study could get the ball rolling on upgrades to the aging fuel storage tanks at Red Hill. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Meeting On The Future Of Mauna Kea. An aha has been convened, bringing together Hawaii Island residents who sometimes find themselves on opposite sides of tough issues facing the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Two new meatpacking facilities might open on the Big Island next year following the success of the Hawaii Island Meat Cooperative’s mobile slaughterhouse. Tribune-Herald.

Arsenic-Contaminated Soil Removal Considered For Hilo Land. There is a potential buyer for the 6.2-acre portion of the former cane plant site near Waiakea Pond, and a Removal Action Report has been drafted. Big Island Video News.

As North Kona approaches the one-year anniversary of its first mandatory water usage restriction, questions about how and why deep well equipment prematurely failed at several sites across the region remain unanswered. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s nonnative birds might have found a friend in the coqui frog. A new study on coquis, an invasive species known for its piercing two-tone chirp, noted a connection between the abundance of the small frogs and higher populations of introduced birds in a forest. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor says water chief lacks management abilities. Arakawa cites low morale in his request to terminate Taylor. Maui News.

$14K in Back Wages, Penalties Recovered for Maui Surf Instructors. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations recovered $14,360.12 in back wages and penalties on a wage complaint made by two surf instructors hired by a Maui business that offers a variety of ocean-related recreational activities. Maui Now.

State puts up delineators to deter illegal parking on Hana Highway. East Maui residents who were frustrated by traffic backups from cars illegally parking on narrow portions of Hana Highway near scenic areas got some relief last week when the state Department of Transportation installed delineators to deter motorists from parking at one popular spot. Maui News.


Kauai

Pesticides remain key concern. The purpose of the briefing to the House Committee on Health and Human Services and the House Committee on Agriculture was for legislators to find out how to help move forward the fulfillment of the 2016 Kauai Pesticide Joint Fact Finding Study Group’s recommendations. Garden Island.

KIUC receives approval for holdover of hydro permit. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will be able to operate two hydroelectric facilities after the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved the holdover of a revocable permit for water use at the Blue Hole Diversion.  Pacific Business News.

Dawn of digital dollars. One Kauai property is opening up its sale to digital currencies in the midst of a rapidly changing cryptoasset market that many are still trying to understand. Garden Island.

Molokai

Latest crash underscores risks of airspace around Molokai. National Transportation Safety Board records show that six of the state’s 12 fatal air crashes occurred in and around Molokai, with four of them happening in just the last 14 months. Star-Advertiser.

Plane crash kills former Kahala dentist and his wife. The family of William F. Vogt, 78, and Lynn Vogt, 74, notified the office of his former dental partner, Dr. Derek Takai, that the two were killed in the crash. Star-Advertiser.

Parole administrator reassigned pending investigation, Kauai study shows glyphosate in honey, Maui school bus shortage reaches crisis, Big Island council members fly high on pCards, Ellison describes Lanai ag plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Wiki bikestand in Waikiki, courtesy U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

You’ve seen the new Biki bikeshare stations around town but who are the people pedaling them? Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Public Safety has temporarily reassigned longtime Paroles and Pardons Administrator Tommy Johnson pending the outcome of an internal investigation, according to Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety has temporarily reassigned longtime Paroles and Pardons Administrator Tommy Johnson pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Associated Press.

Robert K. Masuda has been appointed as First Deputy Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources by Gov. David Y. Ige on Friday. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige has joined 38 other governors in signing a cybersecurity compact in an effort to enhance state cybersecurity and develop the cyber workforce. Star-Advertiser.

As summer winds down, thousands of Hawaii students return to school. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 40 Hawaii public school graduates have received the state’s first round of awards signifying they have mastered two languages. Star-Advertiser.

John H. Radcliffe, a retired Hawaii lobbyist who became, as he puts it, the “poster child” for legalizing medical aid in dying in Hawaii, got some astounding news last month. His inoperable cancer was deemed operable. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former city Community Services Director Pam Witty-Oakland returns to the post effective Oct. 1, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office announced Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Junk Cars Are Piling Up On Oahu. As scrap yards close or start charging to take derelict vehicles, it’s often cheaper to ditch a worn-out car than legally dispose of it. Civil Beat.

Couple OK’d as foster parents despite marred past. Star-Advertiser.

A judge ruled Friday that statements an Army medic made to an investigator after his wife was found dead were coerced. Star-Advertiser.

Cleanup of Ala Wai has start in Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu condo prices climb: Previously owned Oahu condos sold for a median $425,000, increasing 6.3 percent from $400,000 in July 2016, according to resale figures released Sunday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Some County Council members are flying high on the taxpayers’ dime. The council spent $58,453 on travel during the first seven months of the two-year term, almost twice the monthly average of prior years, according to a West Hawaii Today analysis of purchasing card and travel records. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim claims to be a “pretty dull guy,” and his purchasing card and travel expenses seem to reflect he’s no social butterfly. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island Invasive Species Committee has declared victory in its effort to remove axis deer from Ka‘u, nearly eight years since they were introduced. Tribune-Herald.

It's official. Axis Deer are no more on Hawaii Island. Big Island Video News.

Lance Niimi, the Hawaii County's assistant housing administrator, has been sleeping among the homeless at the Hale Kikaha tent-city. Big Island Video News.

The Hilo Drag Strip is set to reopen by the end of 2017 after being closed nearly two years for renovations. Tribune-Herald.

It didn’t take long for a mishap to befall the beleaguered Mass Transit department’s new buses, which were just donated to the Big Island from the City and County of Honolulu. Big Island Video News.

A Hawaiian Paradise Park woman and her two young children were uninjured after being involved in a minor collision with a reportedly stolen Hele-On bus in Hilo Saturday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

State emergency officials want public schools to be prepared for a possible North Korea missile attack, though Hawaii’s education leaders aren’t planning any drills specific to nuclear detonations just yet. Tribune-Herald.

The state land department is accepting proposals to move forward with a carbon credit system that will fund forest restoration on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, the Department of Education, and one of Hawaii’s largest school bus providers met Friday to try to fix the Valley Isle school bus crisis, but to no avail. KHON2.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said the county's bus service can't accommodate the 250 students whose school bus service has been cut because of a driver shortage. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Department of Education advises parents and guardians of students at Lahainaluna High and Baldwin High who depend on school bus routes exclusively serving grades 9 to 12 to find alternate rides. Maui Now.

Power grid showing its age as more renewable energy produced. Maui News.

Community input is being sought on a proposed light industrial and commercial business park at Pulehunui in Central Maui, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced. Maui News.

The Iao Valley State Monument has reopened, at least temporarily, after sustaining severe damage from a massive flood in September. Associated Press.

Kauai

Another study looking at pesticides in beehives is underway in Hawaii. And results are showing a connection between agriculture-dense areas and an increase in the chemical glyphosate — the active ingredient in Roundup — in honey. Garden Island.

Taxes and establishing bus stops will be discussed at the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday. Councilmembers are expected to approve two bills relating to taxes. Garden Island.

The project to eradicate the rats on Lehua Island won’t be starting on Tuesday, according to Scott Enright, director of the state’s Department of Agriculture. Garden Island.

Forum ends with consensus: Seek ways to preserve marine species. Garden Island.

Lanai

Tech billionaire Larry Ellison sees potential for agriculture on Lanai. Star-Advertiser.