Fallen police officer mourned, hunt still on for killer; Honolulu police to roll out body cameras next month; first wave of free wi-fi hotspots unveiled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bronson K. Kaliloa

The Big Island mourned the loss of Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa Wednesday, only the fifth police officer to be killed in the line of duty on Hawaii island in the last 100 years. Star-Advertiser.

Condolences to the family of fallen Puna patrol Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa poured in Wednesday as word spread that the 10-year Hawaii Police Department veteran was shot and killed Tuesday night, allegedly by a man wanted on an arrest warrant. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s entire Big Island police force was on alert Wednesday for a suspect wanted in the killing of an officer during a traffic stop, including off-duty officers and some who returned to work from vacation and days off to join in the search. Associated Press.

5 Big Isle cops died in the line of duty since 1918. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Police Chief Speaks After Officer Kaliloa Killed In Line Of Duty. Big Island Video News.

Tribute to Fallen Officer Bronson Kaliloa. Big Island Now.

Fallen officer remembered as proud father of 3 who loved to help others. KHON2.

How officials react to the fallen Big Island officer. KITV.

Authorities are still searching for a suspect accused of fatally shooting a Big Island police officer on Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

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The state says it has rolled out the first wave of more than 1,000 public Wi-Fi hot spots offering one hour of free service throughout Hawaii as a result of a deal with Spectrum. Star-Advertiser.

List and maps of designated hotspots can be found here.

Here’s Why These Rookie Candidates Decided To Get Into Politics. This year’s newcomers come from all over the political spectrum, and a variety of issues inspired them to run. Civil Beat.

State Workforce Development Council Wants to Hire Transitioning Military Members and Spouses. Military service members and their families make up more than 10 percent of Hawaii’s population and the state wants to hire those leaving the military to fill critical shortage jobs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Diversion programs are an alternative to incarceration. The idea is to divert people away from prisons and into treatment programs. They’re being used in a growing number of communities across the country and they’re generating some excitement here in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Donors pick up $3.7 million tuition tab for University of Hawaii medical students. A trio of donors is aiming to tackle the physician shortage in an unusual way — they are picking up the entire tuition tab for nearly a third of the incoming class at the University of Hawaii Medical School. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced new legislation on Wednesday in an effort to protect native Hawaiian plants. Hawaii News Now.

Law proposed to improve missile alerts. Earlier this week, U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and John Thune, R-South Dakota, introduced the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act of 2018. Garden Island.

University finds new life in the abyss. While manganese mining operations eye the Pacific Ocean floor as their potential next frontier, scientists have found the seafloor plains are anything but vacant. Garden Island.

Panda Express to hire 85 people in Hawaii. Panda Express is hiring through a weeklong Panda Career Event, starting today at 400 locations nationwide, including Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HPD rolling out body cameras next month. The body cameras will be deployed to HPD stations in phases, going district by district, starting next month. KHON2.

City mistakenly overstates number of homeless getting permanent housing. Hawaii News Now.

Hoarder house no more: City hires contractor to clean Makiki eyesore. Hawaii News Now.

City will remove old vehicles, rubbish, overgrowth from Pensacola Street home. Star-Advertiser.

Can An Algae Supplement Turn Around A Struggling Hawaii Startup? Cardax, after burning through nearly $58 million, is finally making money and trying to expand sales on the mainland. Civil Beat.

An award-winning multi-million dollar organic farm in Waialua is now on the market. The five-acre lot is in Poamoho Estates in Waialua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Finding safe lava viewing site proves challenging. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii searches for safe spots for people to see lava. Stunning images of Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano have captivated people around the world. But ironically it's nearly impossible for residents and visitors on the ground to see the lava - a fact that's squeezing the tourism-dependent local economy. Associated Press.

Planning efforts for temporary and permanent housing solutions were a focus of Tuesday night’s public meeting in Pahoa on the Kilauea eruption. Big Island Video News.

After nearly 11 weeks, eruptions are still claiming homes on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Collapse explosion destroys structure at Leilani Estates. Star-Advertiser.

Tourists unfazed by lava bomb accident. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC exercises hit Hawaii Island. The U.S. Navy LCAC seemingly floats over the sand, kicking up a cloud of dust and mist as the hovercraft’s massive propellers spin, allowing it to turn on a pivot and make its way into the water at Kawaihae Harbor to gather soldiers and equipment from the USS Bonhomme Richard sitting some 3-5 miles offshore. West Hawaii Today.

Incumbent’s Surprise Withdrawal Opens Up Council Race. The departure leaves two newcomers who emphasize agriculture and sustainability facing off for the seat. Civil Beat.

Major components need to be added, attitudes shifted, as the fight against opioid misuse marches on. West Hawaii Today.

The Painful Demise Of A Big Island Charter School. Ka'u Learning Academy had its charter revoked after multiple violations, but there were plenty of red flags from the beginning. Civil Beat.

Maui

Familiar opponents went head to head over issues of pesticides, the Kihei high school, the minimum wage and lobbyist donations at a forum held for South and West Maui’s state Legislature candidates
Tuesday night at St. Theresa Church. Maui News.

Candidates for the South Maui state House seat took on topics of nearshore water quality, the growing visitor industry, use of the Piilani Promenade project site and other issues during a candidate forum held Tuesday night at St. Theresa Church. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa today announced that he has appointed Shayne Agawa as the new Deputy Director of the Maui Department of Water Supply, effective July 17, 2018. Maui Now.

Overcrowding worsens at Maui High — and relief is years away. The campus in Kahului is expecting about 2,023 students, including 600 freshmen. Hawaii News Now.

Newly Activated State Hotspots Offer 1 Hour of Free WiFi. Maui sites include business and community gathering places in Hana and Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

State reps, challengers report contributions. Garden Island.

Charter school status in question. Kanuikapono Public Charter School and Learning Center is going before the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission today to keep their doors open for the upcoming school year. Garden Island.

In response to April’s flash floods, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho instituted emergency measures that included a ban on vacation rentals. Now the mayor is considering lifting the ban to address the housing crisis in the wake of the floods. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Goodfellow Bros. Inc. crew reeled in a record-breaking marlin from Kauai waters on Saturday during a trip to do some team building. The marlin weighed in at 1,073 pounds. Star-Advertiser.

Assisted suicide bill clears Senate panel, property taxes could rise to pay for income tax cut, Caldwell's State of the City tonight, Maui may allow advertising at county facilities, firefighters union seeks insignia on uniforms, fewer whales entangled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise © All Hawaii News

Hawaii bill would allow medical aid in dying. Associated Press.

Senate Bill 1129, the “medical aid in dying” bill, which would allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to self-administer medication to end their own lives, with an amendment to allow advanced practice registered nurses in addition to doctors to prescribe lethal drugs, passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health  on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Aid In Dying Bill Stays Alive In Hawaii Senate. The proposal, which didn’t even receive a hearing last year, has cleared one committee and its prospects seem good in a second. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health voted 6-0 Wednesday to recommend passing a “death with dignity” bill after testimony poured in during an emotional hearing Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

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A bill that could force Hawaii’s four counties to raise property taxes was passed Tuesday by the House Tourism Committee. Maui News.

House Bill 1586 aims to reduce income taxes on low-income and middle-income families, as well as seniors, by eliminating the counties' share of the transient accommodations tax on hotels and short-term rentals. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers have advanced hotly contested bills this month that would allow Airbnb, and similar online vacation rental platforms, to collect taxes on behalf of the state. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to deploy high-tech cameras for traffic enforcement by photographing the license plates of motorists who run red lights has been approved by two committees in the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Tightening The Rules For Lobbyists. Lobbyists spent millions trying to influence lawmakers last year. Civil Beat.

Operators of Hawaii’s wind farms are poised to spend more than $4 million on efforts to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, and may eventually spend up to $6 million. Civil Beat.

The federal government has filed a lawsuit against Discovering Hidden Hawaii Tours Inc., alleging that the company’s president sexually harassed male employees for more than a decade. Star-Advertiser.

A man who controls three related Hawaii tour companies subjected male employees to sexual harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Associated Press.

If, as the classic 1980s TV commercial advises, you’re looking for the union label, you’re not likely to find it on Hawaii firefighters uniforms any time soon. West Hawaii Today.

The number of whales getting tangled up in fishing gear in Hawaiian waters has been on the decline. Associated Press.

Not a single whale entanglement has been reported almost four months into whale season in Hawaiian waters. Maui News.

Kelvin Taketa, who has led the Hawaii Community Foundation for nearly 20 years, said Wednesday that he will step down as soon as the board names a new CEO. Pacific Business News.

Gary Caulfield, First Hawaiian Bank vice chairman and chief information officer, is retiring after 34 years at the bank. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s fifth State of the City address tonight will focus on a revamped plan to give incentives to housing developers in exchange for providing more affordable rentals to those most in need — and keeping them affordable longer. Star-Advertiser.

Bills that would extend Oahu’s rail tax easily advanced in both Legislative chambers Wednesday, but the measures now face tougher scrutiny in the House and Senate’s money committees. Star-Advertiser.

Most of the action so far regarding finding more money for Honolulu’s rail project has taken place in the state Senate, but now the House of Representatives is getting involved. Civil Beat.

There were a few key junctures in the long, convoluted story of Honolulu’s rail project.  Getting the point five percent general excise tax increase was one, and the decision to go with an elevated system is another. Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic and affordable housing are the most pressing issues for Island residents according to a statewide survey for the Hawaii Association of Realtors, though less than half of Oahu respondents support extending the general excise tax beyond 2027 to fund rail completion beyond Middle Street. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu International Airport could lose one of its runways under a plan to improve runway safety. KHON2.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner has recommended suspending for two years the search for a chancellor for the Manoa campus, following an unsuccessful nationwide search to fill the position. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission is aiming for the department's new chief to be sworn-in this summer. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Police Department may reopen a criminal case involving the suspected assault of a toddler at a day care run by the wife of a Honolulu police officer in response to a Civil Beat story that uncovered serious flaws in the investigation.

A former student at Pearl City High School has filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Education in a case where she was sexually assaulted by a special needs student in 2012. Hawaii News Now.

Senia, long-planned and recently opened by chefs Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush, and Vino, run by master sommelier Chuck Furuya, have been nominated for 2017 James Beard Awards in separate categories. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The third try might be the charm for securing legislative funding for rat lungworm disease research. Tribune-Herald.

A state Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer on trial for the alleged sexual assault of a then-16-year-old girl on a Hilo beach on New Year’s Day 2016 admitted Wednesday he kissed the girl but testified she initiated it. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County is seeking more income through a bill that would allow businesses and nonprofits to advertise at county parks, sponsor an event or allow an entity to become an exclusive provider for things such as soft drinks at county concessions. Maui News.

Saying “nobody here wants this,” angry residents voiced overwhelming opposition to TEACH, the group that plans to turn Old Maui High School into a center for agriculture, housing and education. Maui News.

Kauai

Increasing tourist traffic, adding user fees and allowing people to book tee times online are just some suggestions to drum up business at the Wailua Golf Course. Garden Island.

County officials hope an audit of the Kauai Humane Society, paired with new leadership, will help steer the organization in a positive direction. Garden Island.

Gary Hooser, former Kauai County councilman, is joining Kauai Community Radio. Garden Island.

One of only six GOP legislators ousted as House minority leader after criticizing Trump, may switch parties; first two marijuana dispensaries get OK to grow; Legislature mulls police cameras, gun silencers; Maui man charged with threats to mayor; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Opening day Olelo interview of Rep. Beth Fukumoto, Facebook photo

The six lone Republicans in the state Legislature ousted their leader today in a House Resolution vote. Hawaii Public Radio.

Republicans in the Hawaii House of Representatives on Wednesday ousted minority leader Rep. Beth Fukumoto over her criticism of President Donald Trump, including calling him a bully at last month’s Women’s March in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Beth Fukumoto, the top Republican officeholder in Hawaii, may jump parties. Civil Beat.

A Republican State Representative in Hawaii is considering leaving the GOP and joining the Democrats due her party’s staunch support of President Donald Trump. Big Island Video News.

A Republican lawmaker in deep-blue Hawaii is considering switching parties to become a Democrat after she was pressured to give up her leadership role for criticizing President Donald Trump. Associated Press.

Hawaii's Republican Party on Wednesday elected State Rep. Andria Tupola as House Minority Leader, hours after passing a resolution that ousted Rep. Beth Fukumoto from the leadership role. Hawaii News Now.

Rep Beth Fukumoto: Beat up by her party, may defect. KITV.

A Hawaii lawmaker says she’s been bullied and attacked by her own party. Now Rep. Beth Fukumoto says she’s thinking of leaving the Republicans and joining the Democratic Party. KHON2.

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While the state Legislature focuses on an estimated $650 million jail for Oahu, community correctional facilities on the Neighbor Islands are far more crowded. West Hawaii Today.

Aloha Green Holdings Inc. on Oahu and Maui Grown Therapies, led by former Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. CEO David Cole, received approval Wednesday from the state Health Department to start growing medical marijuana. Star-Advertiser.

Two medical marijuana dispensaries are the first to receive approvals to acquire and grow marijuana for medical products in Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

A number of measures have been introduced in both houses of the state Legislature that would dictate the purchase and use of dashboard and body-worn cameras for police officers in departments statewide. Tribune-Herald.

A bill aiming to legalize the use of silencers on firearms is gaining support from local hunters. Garden Island.

Mental health patient’s family hopes bill will prevent tragedy. Star-Advertiser.

Environmental Council Wants Hawaii To Redefine Success. The council is proposing the use of a “genuine progress indicator” to evaluate the state in a way that goes beyond dollars and cents. Civil Beat.

Petition Calls for Tulsi Gabbard’s Removal From Key US House Posts. Organizers and signers are “infuriated and deeply troubled” by the Hawaii congresswoman’s recent trip to Syria, where she met with Bashar Assad. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Public Interest Measures Surface At Legislature. On balance and when push comes to shove, money talks, and ethics walks. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Department will ask the City Council to approve a $250,000 payment to outgoing Police Chief Louis Kealoha as well as reimbursement of those funds, HPD brass told the Police Commission on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department doesn’t have enough money to pay outgoing Chief Louis Kealoha the $250,000 he and his attorney negotiated as part of a lucrative severance package that has raised eyebrows throughout the city. Civil Beat.

They’re supposed to uphold the law, but a new report is outlining some of the illegal activity Honolulu police officers have been caught doing. KHON2.

The Hawaii Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether a federal agent should face a third trial for fatally shooting a man in a Waikiki fast-food restaurant. State Department Special Agent Christopher Deedy's attorney is expected to argue Thursday that another trial would be double jeopardy. Associated Press.

Something's broken at Honolulu Hale: Councilman Trevor Ozawa has been dealing with a shattered window after recent high winds but that's just the beginning of costly repairs for asbestos and water damage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii regulators have rejected a request by The Howard Hughes Corp. to do away with conditions set for the approval of the newest mixed-use high-rise residential project within the developer's 60-acre Ward Village master-planned community in Honolulu, a spokesman for the state agency confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A state House budget bill includes $8.9 million for Hilo Medical Center capital improvement projects. Tribune-Herald.

East Hawaii legislators are encouraging residents to stay active in efforts to pass a series of bills aimed at the long-term economic revitalization of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Pablo M. Rivera, chief financial officer of the University of Nations/Youth with a Mission, has been charged with wire fraud for allegedly embezzling at least $1.5 million from the organization over a period of more than two years. West Hawaii Today.

One of the two people charged with intentionally setting fire to a Kona courthouse last year was recently sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Wailuku man is again facing a charge alleging he threatened Mayor Alan Arakawa five years ago. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park officials reported roughly a third of normal crowds gathered to watch sunrise at the dormant volcano’s summit on Wednesday, the first day of the park’s new reservation system for early-morning visitors. Maui News.

The trend to buy locally grown Maui produce is strong and will last into the future, but a Maui purchaser said the government should step in to help, especially the small, local producers who have to deal with new regulations and Hawaii’s high costs. Maui News.

Medical marijuana sales could begin this summer on Maui after one of the island’s two licensed dispensaries received approval Wednesday to begin cultivation. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has upped its renewable energy goal to achieving 70 percent renewable energy by 2030, the Lihue-based utility said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Asbestos has been found in the tile flooring of the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall entrance. Garden Island.

Joseph Kamai has been fighting for public access to an ancient Hawaiian footpath that encircles Kauai for more than two decades. Garden Island.