Hannemann to run for governor as Independent, state budget negotiations snarled, Kauai group starts anti-GMO ballot initiative, jury says Haleakala trail belongs to the state, Honolulu bus signs bill advances, would-be bidder pans Hawaii County waste reduction plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mufi Hannemann and supporters 2012 file photo © All Hawaii News

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, hoping voters have grown weary of both Democrats and Republicans, will run for governor as an independent. Star-Advertiser.

Minimum wage, transient accommodations tax, construction spending snag Legislature's budget negotiations. Civil Beat.

Hung up over construction spending, state House and Senate negotiators have pushed deliberations on the state budget to Friday, the deadline to have bills ready for final votes next week before the session adjourns. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers passed a bill out of conference committee Wednesday that will force county police departments to disclose more information about officers who get in trouble for misconduct. Civil Beat.

Victims of child sexual abuse in Hawaii would have more time to file lawsuits against abusers if lawmakers and the governor approve one of two bills pending in the Legislature. In a highly publicized law, victims have been given a two-year window to file lawsuits in cases that passed the statute of limitations, which led to a surge of filings. Associated Press.

A Republican lawmaker in Hawaii is saying the state Department of Education is being secretive about its sex education program. Rep. Bob McDermott is taking issue with the Pono Choices curriculum that’s being developed by the Department of Education. He says it sexualizes the innocent by teaching 11-year-old children about anal sex. Associated Press.

The state Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the Circuit Court can hear a legal challenge to former House Speaker Calvin Say's residency. Six voters in Say's Palolo state House district had questioned his residency, arguing that the Democrat actually lives with his family in Pauoa Valley. Star-Advertiser.

The search for the next University of Hawaii president is advancing, though mostly under the radar as the presidential selection committee led by Carl Carlson prepares to present its final report on Monday to the Board of Regents and Chairman John Holzman. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and its sister utilities did not fare well in a new opinion poll that showed 9 out of 10 residents in their service areas believe the companies have slowed rooftop solar installations to protect their profits. Star-Advertiser.

State-of-the-Art Political Campaign Intimacy. Civil Beat.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 24. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings, meetings and events for Thursday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Honolulu
Selling advertising space on the sides of Honolulu buses may yet become reality after the City Council Budget Committee voted to revive Mayor Kirk Caldwell's revenue-generating plan Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of a critical deadline, a woman Wednesday sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu and its former vicar general, Marc Alexander, accusing him of sexually abusing her 30 years ago when she was a minor and he was working at St. John Vianney in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

TRO against Honolulu police major dropped. KHON2.

Two coqui frogs were captured on Oahu this month, one in Waikiki and one in Kalihi Valley, state Department of Agriculture officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

When the Polynesian Voyaging Society's two double-hulled canoes embark on their unprecedented worldwide sail next month, they aim to spread a message to protect what the group has dubbed "Island Earth." But they'll need the help of environmental leaders back home to put that call for stewardship into practice. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A would-be bidder for Hawaii County’s waste reduction facility claims the county’s bid solicitation was designed to favor large-scale waste-to-energy incinerators. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida is taking a job with a private practice May 1, ending a nearly three-decade tenure with the county. Ashida, who has been the county’s top civil attorney for 13 years, is joining the Hilo office of Torkildson, Katz, Moore, Hetherington &Harris as senior counsel. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Police last week said Randall Hatori died as a result of cardiac arrest not because he was tased. But an independent autopsy obtained by Hawaii News Now said the 39-year-old Kona man's death was a homicide.

A David Ige supporter woke up Wednesday morning to find the campaign signs he had put up Tuesday evening had already been vandalized. West Hawaii Today.

Thousands expected to try out for ‘Wheel of Fortune’ shows on Big Isle. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A jury on Maui ruled Wednesday that the Haleakala Trail on Maui belongs to the state, dismissing Haleakala Ranch Company’s claim to the land. The decision followed a 14-day jury trial brought by Public Access Trails Hawaii. The Maui-based nonprofit has been advocating since 2011 to secure public access to the historic trail. Civil Beat.

Jurors decided Wednesday that the state, not Haleakala Ranch, owns a section of a historic trail that once ran from Makawao town to the summit of Haleakala. Maui News.

A proposed settlement between Maui County and Neldon Mamuad, creator of the popular MAUIWatch Facebook page, has yet to be agreed on, forcing the county to file a memorandum of opposition against Mamuad's federal lawsuit. Maui News.

Local developer Peter Savio plans to expand his Pagoda hotel brand to Maui with the purchase of the Maui Beach Hotel, an adjacent golf course and a vacant lot where the circa-1953 Maui Palms Hotel once stood. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai
Some Kauai residents are collecting signatures that would put to vote a citizens’ initiative aimed at regulating the GMO industry. Garden Island.

Hawaii, Turtle Bay reach conservation deal, salary hikes for Honolulu, Hawaii County officials, minimum wage hike could be delayed, GAO to probe Hawaii Obamacare exchange, police to be barred from sex with prostitutes, Maui County to settle blogger's First Amendment lawsuit, Ethics Commission to investigate nepotism at state hospital, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Turtle Bay Resort public domain image

The owner of Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore has agreed to sell some of its development rights to the state, the city and a trust for $48.5 million in a deal that will reduce the resort's expansion plan and preserve much undeveloped land. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii state and city officials have reached a $48.5 million deal with Turtle Bay Resort to conserve more than 600 acres of the resort's land that was slated for development. Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the agreement on Thursday at the Hawaii State Capitol along with Attorney General David Louie, Sen. Clayton Hee, Turtle Bay's CEO Drew Stotesbury, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin, the Trust for Public Land Hawaiian Islands Program Director Lea Hong, and North Shore Community Land Trust Executive Director Douglass Cole. Civil Beat.

Turtle Bay Resort public domain image

A $48.5 million deal has been reached to establish a conservation easement on about 666 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore, saving portions of this land from future development forever, Hawaii state officials said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Turtle Bay Resort is agreeing to protect more than 660 acres of land on Oahu’s North Shore in a deal reached with the state, county and a nonprofit organization. The resort will continue to own and use the land. But it and future owners will be bound by conservation easement restrictions. Associated Press.

Turtle Bay Resort public domain image

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced an agreement has been reached between the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, The Trust for Public Land, and Turtle Bay Resort (TBR) to establish a conservation easement on 665.8 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku. Hawaii News Now.

There’s been a new development in the battle over land belonging to the Turtle Bay Resort. Governor Neil Abercrombie has announced a deal that would conserve 665 acres of land on Oahu’s North Shore. The $48.5 million agreement establishes a conservation easement, protecting the coastal area from future resort development. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers in both chambers agree that legal permission for police to have sex with prostitutes should end. House and Senate members are still negotiating on the version of House Bill 1926 they will send to the governor. But they concur that the crime bill should revoke a peculiar exemption that permits police in Hawaii, in the course of their duties, to have sex with prostitutes. Associated Press.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office said Wednesday it will investigate Hawaii Health Connector’s spending of its $204 million federal grant. Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom filed a complaint March 27, asking for the investigation. Hawaii Reporter.

Republican state Sen. Sam Slom said the U.S. Government Accountability Office will investigate the Hawaii Health Connector's use of $204 million in federal grants. Slom complained in March to the GAO, an independent, nonpartisan agency that investigates federal government spending for Congress, that Hawaii had spent more than $80 million on information technology contracts for a faulty website. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House members put forward a new minimum wage plan Thursday that would allow most employers in the state to take a longer time to increase wages. In the new proposal presented to a conference committee of Senate and House members, employers with fewer than 100 employees — most employers in the state — would not have to pay $10 an hour until 2019, phasing in the increase over five years. Associated Press.

House and Senate lawmakers found common ground Thursday on a few dozen differences between their chambers’ respective versions of the state budget, but it was mostly minor stuff on the second day of hearings in conference. But with an April 25 deadline to iron out a final draft, the pressure will be on the 29-member joint committee to tackle the bigger disagreements when it reconvenes Monday. Civil Beat.

Sen. Clayton Hee wants to see how Gov. Neil Abercrombie feels about requiring some of the most powerful state boards and commissions to start filing public financial disclosure statements.  If Senate Bill 2682 can avoid a veto, Hee said he’s inclined to go along with the House version of the legislation despite its broader reach. Civil Beat.

The state Ethics Commission has agreed to open an investigation into nepotism at the Hawaii State Hospital. A state Senate panel investigating mismanagement and assaults on staff at the Kaneohe psychiatric hospital has documented that at least eight staffers have relatives working at the facility. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is making her first trip to Japan, South Korea and China as a member of Congress. Gabbard, a Democrat, announced Thursday she will be part of a mostly Republican delegation to meet with leaders in the three Asian powerhouse nations. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for April 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu Salary Commission is proposing 8 percent raises be given to Mayor Kirk Caldwell, City Council members and most department heads starting July 1. Star-Advertiser.

With its court battles behind it, Oahu's elevated rail project is poised to become a concrete-and-steel reality and city officials have launched an effort to show the public the construction that's already happening. Star-Advertiser.

If you change channels between local television newscasts, you may have noticed that some of the broadcasts are identical. The Federal Communications Commission, which has the power to regulate such matters, recently concluded that it is a problem worthy of its attention. A recent FCC decision will prohibit a single company from controlling two or more television stations in the same market, which could signal changes in Hawaii’s TV news market. Civil Beat.

A high ranking Honolulu Police officer has been stripped of his police powers.  Maj. Ryan Borges has turned in his gun and badge while the department investigates harassment complaints from a 33-year-old man. Hawaii News Now.

A study on traffic lights passed second reading and would cost $5.6 million. KHON2 wanted to know why this study would be so expensive and how it would help.

Hawaii

The county Salary Commission has pay hikes in store for county officials who didn’t get raises last year, including the next mayor and County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s tourism industry has steadily increased over the years, but an increase in hotel prices and air fares could have an adverse effect on the market this year. That was the message David Uchiyama, brand manager and vice president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, gave at a luncheon with the Japenese Chamber of Commerce Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

EPA official tours Kona reuse site. West Hawaii Today.

An advocacy group for victims of sexual abuse is asking the state Department of Human Services and Catholic Charities to explain how children were continually placed in the care of Jay Ram, accused in a lawsuit of abusing boys he fostered and adopted. Tribune-Herald.

The Leeward Planning Commission is sending a bill requiring subdivision site visits back to the County Council with an unfavorable recommendation, but not before conceding the concept behind the proposal has some value. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
For the first Lanai Planning Commission meeting since the February plane crash that killed two Maui County planning staff members, all county officials from Maui attending Wednesday night's meeting elected to take the ferry to and from Lanai. Maui News.

A Maui County Council committee recommended Wednesday to authorize a settlement of a federal lawsuit in which county administration officials were alleged to have violated an employee's First Amendment right to free speech in a case involving the popular MAUIWatch Facebook page. Maui News.

Maui Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray received a positive evaluation from the Maui County Fire and Public Safety Commission during its annual mandated review, the commission announced today. Maui Now.

Despite having to relocate their businesses to Lahaina and Maalaea harbors after Mala Wharf closed for repairs March 16, boaters and commercial tour operators say business is still "on par." Maui News.

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is researching options that could possibly end the need to burn the leaves off its sugar cane crop before harvest. Maui News.

Kauai

Review: Police shooting justified. Following a Kauai Police Department investigation, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney has concluded its review of the police-involved shooting of Mason Saio on Aug. 16. Garden Island.

Court documents released Wednesday by the state attorney general’s office show a company owned by retired auto dealer James Pflueger has paid $350,000 to the state of Hawaii. The money was part of a controversial plea deal that let’s Pflueger’s company, Pacific 808 Properties LP, and not Pflueger himself, take responsibility for 7 manslaughter charges. Hawaii Reporter. In November 2008, Pflueger was charged with 7 counts of manslaughter and one count of reckless endangerment in the first degree for recklessly causing the deaths of 7 people when his Ka Loko dam breached on March 14, 2006. Hawaii Reporter.

Dirty tricks in Hawaii Legislature, Democrats fight open primary, 2k acres of Maui farmland could go to bioenergy, state mental hospital under fire, safe harbor for child prostitutes, Obamacare health exchange seeks more money, Pfleuger trial delayed again, developer stymied by graves, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

A series of bills lawmakers passed in the Hawaii Senate were drafted without giving the public the proper chance to weigh in, following a “gut-and-replace” maneuver scorned by government watchdog groups. Associated Press.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii argues in a new legal filing that there is no important difference between Hawaii's open primary and a California blanket primary that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled was unconstitutional in 2000. The Democratic Party of Hawaii has challenged the state's open primary as a violation of the First Amendment right to free association. The party wants to restrict primaries to party members and voters who publicly choose to affiliate with the party before the elections. Star-Advertiser.

The head of the Hawaii Health Connector told a panel of lawmakers Wednesday that the troubled health exchange will need $4.7 million to be financially sustainable next year. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Health Connector, which has struggled to enroll Hawaii residents in health insurance plans, is proposing to shift a key part of the application process to the state Department of Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate has passed a measure that would allow some child prostitutes to go free, in the hopes of sending them to so-called "safe harbors," such as social service agencies. Hawaii News Now.

Sens. Josh Green and Clayton Hee are certain nepotism runs rampant at the Hawaii State Hospital, they’re just looking for more proof. During an investigative committee hearing Wednesday, the senators peppered the hospital’s acting administrator William Elliott with questions about hiring practices and employee relationships at the facility. Civil Beat.

The acting director of the troubled Hawaii State Hospital admitted Wednesday that he lacks the minimum educational qualifications to head the facility and was grilled about charges that managers manipulate the hiring process to unfairly hire some of their relatives. Hawaii News Now.

The state Senate Education Committee unanimously voted Wednesday to recommend retired bank executive Don Horner for a second term on the board overseeing Hawaii public schools, crediting his leadership as chairman for recent strides in student achievement and more accountability within the Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Education Committee got an earful Wednesday about why Don Horner should not be reappointed to a new three-year term as chairman of the Hawaii Board of Education. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat obtained Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s travel records for August, September and October in response to a Uniform Information Practices Act request.

Hawaii state government no longer is failing when it comes to spending transparency. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund’s new report “Following the Money 2014: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data” gives Hawaii a “C” this year. Hawaii Reporter.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 10. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Thursday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu city and rail leaders are in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss the latest on the island's 20-mile transit project with lawmakers and transportation officials. Star-Advertiser.

Three bills designed to significantly increase penalties and stiffen other language against illegal dumping, stockpiling and grading have been introduced by West Oahu City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine to stem a growing environmental problem along the Leeward Coast. Star-Advertiser.

The Palolo Chinese Home has received a $750,000 capital improvement grant from the state of Hawaii on Wednesday to support the fourth phase of the nonprofit’s $25.5 million master plan to build a progressive care complex. Pacific Business News.

King's Village, a retail complex in Waikiki designed to resemble Honolulu around 1900, along with Prince Edward Apartments and Hale Waikiki would be razed to make way for a project's 256-unit condominium hotel, parking deck, retail and office center, and a small park. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran Honolulu editor A. Kam Napier has been named editor-in-chief of Pacific Business News, Publisher Bob Charlet announced Wednesday.

Hawaii

Maile David can keep her position as deputy county clerk while running for the County Council, the Board of Ethics voted Wednesday after hearing about certain “shields” that have been put into place to protect the integrity of the election. West Hawaii Today.

The head of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources visited Honokohau Harbor on Wednesday to make the case that the island is not getting the short end of the stick. West Hawaii Today.

Keauhou Bay isn’t too shallow to accommodate planned expanded use there, several proposed new moorings won’t prevent Keauhou Canoe Club from operating in the bay and the Department of Land and Natural Resources isn’t in violation of Chapter 343, the state statute that requires environmental assessments for state projects. Those were just some of the denials DLNR made in its response to Keauhou Canoe Club’s lawsuit, filed in December, about the department’s plan to add moorings to the bay. West Hawaii Today.

Developers of a proposed timeshare and single-family home development just above Alii Drive say they’re working with families concerned about graves on the site and preparing a revised cultural impact statement before proceeding with their plans. West Hawaii Today.

The state House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill that looks to further implement the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Community College’s aviation programs on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Kona police officer delivers his own baby in squad car. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A California-based renewable energy company hopes to revitalize about 2,000 acres of West Maui's fallow farm lands to grow a biocrop that could be used to generate electricity while using county wastewater for irrigation. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee is considering deferring the mayor's proposed water service fee increases until it gets more input from the public. Maui News.

A grenade and 12-inch mortar shell, found by a man in his late father's belongings, were disposed of at the Ukumehame Firing Range on Tuesday night by a bomb disposal team in an incident that shutdown the Maui County Service Center, parking lots in the area and part of East Kamehameha Avenue for most of the afternoon and early evening. Maui News.

The public is invited to comment on the Maui Police Department's services and performance as a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will be visiting Maui County Monday to April 17. Maui News.

Kauai

Big changes, Kauai County officials say, are in store for Hardy Street as contractors fine tune the last details needed to kick off a multi-million dollar project aimed at improving connectivity in the area. Garden Island.

Sentencing has once again been delayed for James Pflueger. The retired car dealer pleaded no contest in July to first-degree reckless endangerment for his role in the deadly 2006 Ka Loko dam disaster on Kauai’s North Shore. Garden Island.

Legislature honors fallen warriers, cops agree to stop having sex with prostitutes, Schatz and Hanabusa don't like each other, West Hawaii water wars, Maui mayor proposes $687M budget, Kauai GMO protesters to pay county for march, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii color guard, courtesy Sen. J. Kalani English

Four service members who made the ultimate sacrifice were honored today during a joint session of the state Legislature. This is the 10th year lawmakers have honored the fallen with the Hawaii Medal of Honor. KITV4.

Honolulu police told a key Hawaii lawmaker Tuesday that they’re OK with making it expressly illegal for officers to have sex with prostitutes, as long as undercover officers can still say they’ll have sex so they can make arrests. Associated Press.

Following a closed-door meeting Tuesday with a key Hawaii lawmaker, Hono­lulu police reversed their objection to a potential change in state law that would make it illegal for officers to have sex with prostitutes. Star-Advertiser.

A group protesting the possibility of legal marijuana in Hawaii told lawmakers Tuesday pharmaceutical companies would try to hook people on the drug. Associated Press.

National marijuana policy advocates returned to the isles for a second year to urge state lawmakers to take a common-sense approach on marijuana policy that focuses on science, public health and safety rather than legalizing or demonizing the drug. Star-Advertiser.

It's called Hula, a new app designed to provide your date with proof you're free of sexually transmitted diseases and thus help you "get lei'd." But while the app has earned some nationwide buzz for promoting STD testing and awareness, it is drawing fire from Native Hawaiians who describe it as disrespectful and insulting to their culture. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz, Hanabusa

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says Rep. Colleen Hanabusa can be funny sometimes, but then struggles to find something else positive to say about the woman who is trying to take his Senate seat away. Hanabusa, for her part, doesn’t really have anything nice to say about Schatz except that he chaired Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in Hawaii in 2008. Civil Beat.

Incomes of Hawaii residents increased at the slowest pace in three years in 2013, although the pace of growth was faster than the nation as a whole, according to a report released Tuesday. Personal income in Hawaii rose 2.8 percent in 2013 from 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported. That was down from annual growth rates of 3.7 percent in 2012 and 5.6 percent in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Bill 2682 would require 16 of the most powerful boards and commissions in Hawaii to make their financial disclosure forms public for the first time. Civil Beat.

Oahu

According to the U-S Census Bureau, nearly 40 percent of all single family homes on O’ahu were built in 1969 or earlier, and could experience delays when remodeled or demolished in the near future.   But, there’s a bill making its way through the legislature that could change all that. Hawaii Public Radio.

The great flood of 2008 dumped more than 12 inches of rain in a single day into Makaha Valley, forcing mud, water and debris through nearby homes and roads. Six years later, the state is unveiling a new study which concluded that found that there are no easy and inexpensive solutions. Hawaii News Now.

The entire board of CommonWealth REIT, the majority shareholder of Hawaii’s largest industrial landowner, has been removed and now the search begins for a new board, the Massachusetts-based real estate investment trust said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Brandon Cayetano, son of former Gov. Ben Cayetano and owner and operator of Hawaii All-Star Paintball and Airsoft Games, died early Tuesday at Straub Clinic & Hospital. The former governor confirmed the death. The cause of death has not been released. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii Island’s water supply is their baby, and they don’t want the federal or state government taking over its care, members of the county Water Board said Tuesday. In a unanimous vote, the Water Board agreed to draft a letter opposing a move by the National Park Service asking the state Commission on Water Resource Management to give the area served by the Keauhou Aquifer a state water management area designation. West Hawaii Today.

Students at 19 Big Island public schools began participating this week in the field test of a new English language and math assessment test. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii's largest ranch plans to talk to its neighbors about developing renewable energy and a small electrical grid for their area. Parker Ranch will present the preliminary findings of a study on the issue to the Waimea Community Association town meeting next week Thursday. Associated Press.

A dedication ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday for phase one of the Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood project. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa unveiled his proposed budget for the 2015 fiscal year before the Maui County Council today. The mayor said the $687 million budget “hinges on whether or not the state is going to remove the Transient Accommodations Tax cap” that was imposed by the state a few years back to assist with a deficit. Maui Now.

Kauai

Organizers of the Mana March say they will cut a check to the County of Kauai — $5,627 to be exact — to offset costs incurred during the anti-GMO, pro-Bill 2491 event in September. Fern Rosenstiel, director of Ohana O Kauai, one of the organizations behind the protest and rally, said the money was raised through donations and that she will deliver a check in the next few days. Garden Island.

When the Kilauea Sugar Plantation was shuttered in 1971 after nearly 91 years in business, Malama Kauai co-founder Keone Kealoha said it didn’t take long for developers to eye the company’s former land for homes. Garden Island.

Medical marijuana task force evolves, Legislature to halt cop sex with prostitutes, flood insurance rising, Hawaii County councilman, corporation counsel seek judgeship, state to fight child death ruling against Human Services Department, Kauai to suspend well project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pololu Valley Overlook (C) 2014 All Hawaii News

State parks are not only a place of natural beauty, they are also turning into an important source of funds for Hawaii. KITV4.

Several bills to establish medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii have failed in recent years in the State Legislature, and this year's session is no exception. But a resolution aimed at laying the groundwork for such dispensaries has been approved by a House committee. Hawaii News Now.

A state House Health Committee passed resolutions Friday that aim to develop a task force for the establishment of a regulated statewide medical marijuana dispensary system. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers will be tackling everything from prostitution to school lunches this week in hearings on bills and resolutions. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to remove the legal protection that allows undercover police officers to have sex with prostitutes during investigations in the version of House Bill 1926 it's taking up Friday. Associated Press.

Lawmakers are going forward with changes to a bill that would end a police exemption allowing undercover cops to have sex with prostitutes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Under Hawaii law, police officers may engage in sexual penetration during investigations into prostitution. Senate Judiciary and Labor Chair Clayton Hee and his committee members are backing a request by sex trafficking advocates to put a stop to the practice through new legislation that also aims to strengthen Hawaii's anti trafficking laws. Hawaii Reporter.

Premiums are going up on nearly 14,000 federally subsidized flood insurance policies in Hawaii as Congress looks to get a federal program out of a $24 billion hole. Legislation signed by President Barack Obama on Friday means homeowners won't see premiums jump all at once, as scheduled under a 2012 overhaul. Associated Press.

Hawaii taxpayers paid the tab for Gov. Neil Abercrombie, his deputy chief of staff and two security guards at the swanky St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. for a few nights last December. Their lodging alone cost $3,520. Add $7,929 to fly the four of them there — including the governor’s nearly $5,000 first-class ticket — and the five-day trip totaled $11,449. They were there for a mixed plate of state business. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says he plans to focus on Social Security, climate change and middle-class issues such as college affordability in his work in the Senate and his campaign to hold on to his seat. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Audubon Society is opposed to a proposal that could take the Hawaiian hawk off the endangered species list. Star-Advertiser.

House Bill 2560, which would allow family care centers to operate on agricultural land, is one of several that the Legislature is mulling this session that would add more exemptions to the growing list of structures that are permitted on Hawaii’s farmland. Civil Beat.

A Big Island state senator has started an email campaign seeking to stop colleagues from reappointing Richard Ha to the state Board of Agriculture. Tribune-Herald.

The ongoing practice of OCCC prison guards calling in sick on weekends and big sporting event days appears to have consequences for everyone except the guards who abuse leave. Star-Advertiser.
Are We Criminalizing Homelessness in Hawaii? Civil Beat.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 24. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Monday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The state plans to appeal a judge's ruling in which the state Department of Human Services was found negligent — along with a Navy diver based at Pearl Harbor — in the 2009 death of the sailor's 14-month-old boy, who was struck or shaken to death. Star-Advertiser.

Hunt Cos. Hawaii is expected to bring about 12,000 new residents to Kalaeloa after its master-plan for the area is all said and done in the next two decades. Pacific Business News.

Public meeting will provide updates on Makaha Valley flood study. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
In one of the early signs that Hawaii County is serious about what is likely to be its largest public works project in county history, officials on Friday shuttled a dozen potential bidders to the Hilo landfill. West Hawaii Today.

A group of Puna residents is intensifying its battle against a bill that would authorize Hawaii and Maui counties to issue so-called “sustainable living research permits” that would skirt building and zoning codes on parcels from 1 to 15 acres. West Hawaii Today.

Two Hawaii County officials are among six finalists to fill a vacancy in the District Court in Hilo. Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida and County Council Chairman J Yoshimoto both made the short list. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie told a class of 26 adult corrections officer recruits Friday that they are getting in on the ground floor of what he described as a statewide initiative to revamp and reorient the corrections program. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County is in the final stages of permitting for an estimated $4.5 million rock revetment extension to protect the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility from erosion, county officials said. Maui News.

Motorists may get some relief from the most congested portion of Puunene Avenue if state lawmakers continue to support a $10 million project to expand the two-lane portion of the street to four lanes. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Department of Water is recommending the county suspend its proposed Kahili Horizontal Directional Drilled Well project. Garden Island.

GMO still hot Hawaii topic, Honolulu cops have sex with prostitutes, UH presidential finalists to be public, Kauai mayor seeks 3rd term, Hawaii wants piece of Obama library, birth control for chickens and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii store sign (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

 Honolulu police officers have urged lawmakers to keep an exemption in state law that allows undercover officers to have sex with prostitutes during investigations, touching off a heated debate. Associated Press.

An effort to require labels on genetically modified foods in Hawaii was brought back to life in the state Legislature, but it died in committee on Thursday almost as quickly as it was revived. Associated Press.

State Rep. Jessica Wooley on Thursday unsuccessfully attempted to resurrect a proposal to require labeling for genetically modified food sold in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

In an attempt to get a GMO-labeling bill heard this session, Rep. Wooley turned to a legislative strategy that most would agree is, usually, a less-than-savory tactic. Hawaii Independent.

GMO’s and Pesticides in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii lawmaker introduces chicken birth control measure. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii may end up working with Chicago as the process moves forward to choose a site for the Barack Obama Presidential Library. Hawaii officials Thursday acknowledged meeting with their counterparts from the Windy City regarding possible ways to collaborate in the building of the library complex. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz visited Civil Beat on Tuesday for a wide-ranging discussion on everything from climate change and college affordability to local values and his race against U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who is challenging him in the Aug. 9 Democratic primary.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted today to make public the names of its top three presidential candidates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's lone Republican senator is preparing to ask the federal government to investigate the state's use of $204 million in Affordable Care Act grants meant to fund the troubled Hawaii Health Connector. Star-Advertiser.

Another Dental Nightmare Renews Call for Stronger Oversight in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A federal appeals court is giving a Hawaii man another chance to argue that he should be allowed to have a rarely given license to carry a gun in public. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Co. expects a cost-savings of up to $500 million each year for its customers when it begins utilizing liquefied natural gas as a replacement fuel for power generation on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai, a top official from the state’s largest electric utility said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has put online graphs that show how much solar and wind power is being generated on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island throughout the day and how much the renewable sources contribute to total power consumption. The utility wants consumers to understand the variable nature of solar and wind power and the important role of the so-called "firm" power generated at HECO plants. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines is looking at outsourcing neighbor island ground operations, which could result in the layoff of 223 employees at the Kona, Kahului and Lihue airports. Star-Advertiser.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 21 A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Friday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu


A bill making it easier for shoreline property owners to put up retaining walls and other structures is advancing through the Honolulu City Council, although some members said they want more information before they'll give it final approval. Star-Advertiser.

A controversial bill that would make it easier for homeowners to build retaining walls along their shoreline properties passed out of the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Renovations at Honolulu Hale are drawing major health concerns. There’s fear that city leaders and the general public may have been exposed to asbestos. KHON2.

State and city officials announced plans on Thursday to protect the Hāwea heiau complex and Keawawa wetland in East Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Construction on Farrington auditorium to start in summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has received a second $5 million grant to study how plants, animals and microbes respond to climate change. Associated Press.

From courts to classrooms to Kona tourists, the Big Island stands to gain lots of funding from the budget passed last week by the state House of Representatives. Big Island Now.

Finance Department officials say a regular review cycle of all Hawaii County parcels, developed and unimproved, would realistically take at least 7.3 years. West Hawaii Today.

The first students could graduate from Hawaii Community College at Palamanui in 2017. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
House lawmakers from Maui today issued an announcement saying they have secured more than $460 million in capital improvement project funds, including $130 million for the construction of the long-awaited Kīhei High School in South Maui. Maui Now.

The library at Paia School is scheduled to reopen today after being used primarily as storage space for the last five years. Maui News.

Kauai

On the west side of Kauai, many acres of former sugar cane fields have been converted to a major testing area for genetically modified seeds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two-term incumbent  Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who was first installed in 2008, made good on that promise Thursday, when he filed his nomination papers with the Office of the County Clerk’s Elections Division. Garden Island.

‘A desire to be of service’ U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard honored at ‘Women of Inspiration’ Garden Island.

Wilson confirmed to Hawaii Supreme Court, Legislature to mull GMO, ILWU backs Abercrombie, go! loss could hike interisland fares, Kaui mayor seeks tax hikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

The state Senate voted Monday to confirm Circuit Judge Michael Wilson as an associate justice of the state Supreme Court after finding that Wilson has the experience, temperament and legal insight to serve on the state's highest court. The 23-1 vote sent a forceful message that senators rejected the Hawaii State Bar Association's rating that Wilson was "unqualified." Star-Advertiser.

Mike Wilson's fate was in the hands of 24 elected officials Monday, and 23 of them decided to approve his nomination to the Hawaii Supreme Court. The lone "no" vote in the state Senate came from Roz Baker, who questioned Wilson's work ethic, his diligence and his behavior toward subordinates, especially women. Civil Beat.

Wilson

The state Senate overwhelmingly approved the nomination of Circuit Judge Michael Wilson to the state Supreme Court Monday, but not without detailed criticism from the lone senator who voted against him. Hawaii Public Radio.

It took not just one, but two marathon confirmation hearings before Judge Michael Wilson was elevated to the high court. KITV4.

The names of police officers who are suspended for a year or more could be disclosed to state lawmakers under a measure moving through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

House lawmakers are working to revive an effort to label genetically modified food in Hawaii.  The Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Rep. Jessica Wooley, is set to hear a gut-and-replace bill Thursday morning. The proposed House Draft 1 of Senate Bill 2435 would require genetically modified food sold in Hawaii to be labeled as such starting July 1, 2015. Civil Beat.

Wayne Yoshioka visits the town of Waialua on O’ahu’s North Shore, home to a large biotech farm located right next to a public school and residential area. Hawaii Public Radio.

The head of Hawaii’s health insurance marketplace under President Barack Obama’s federal health care overhaul says it has to trim costs to remain sustainable. Tom Matsuda, the interim executive director of the Hawaii Health Connector, told lawmakers at a Senate hearing Monday that the nonprofit is woefully behind its projections of individual enrollment, with only about 5,400 people fully through the process of buying coverage. Associated Press.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union on Monday endorsed Gov. Neil Abercrombie's re-election campaign. The state's largest private-sector labor union, with 18,000 members, said the Demo­crat has consistently supported workers' rights. Abercrombie is facing state Sen. David Ige in the Democratic primary. Star-Advertiser.

Decision making was deferred Monday for a measure that would allow the state to study implementing noncommercial fishing permits. West Hawaii Today.

An analysis of data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 16 percent of Hawaii’s roughly 214,000 school-age children attended private schools during the 2010-11 school year, the most recent year for which comparable national statistics are available. Hawaii leads all states. Civil Beat.

Hawaii interisland airline go! will end its operations after nearly eight years in service effective April 1, the airline's Phoenix-based parent, Mesa Air Group Inc., announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

The departure of go! airlines could hurt neighbor island tourism and lead to higher interisland fares, but the impact will be muted due to the small size of go! Star-Advertiser.

Keoni Kali has been confirmed by the Senate on Monday as the Chief Information Officer for the Hawai’i Office of Information Management and Technology. KHON2.

Robbie Melton is the new chief executive officer of the Hawaii Tech Development Corp., the state agency charged with the development of our tech industry. She has her work cut out for her. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
A historic Oahu home is being opened up to generate revenue for state parks, Hawaii officials said. The Nutridge Estate was built in 1922 for Ernest Shelton Van Tassel, who leased out 22 acres of land for Hawaii’s macadamia nut industry. Associated Press.

The Japanese developer of a $31 million redevelopment project at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor in Waikiki has revealed new renderings and details, including a Hawaii Nui Brewing brewpub and a Tropics on the Landing bar, the project developer’s attorney told Pacific Business News.

Waikiki Parc Hotel, the midpriced sister hotel of the uber-luxurious Halekulani, is slated to close in the fall of 2016 for a 16-month renovation designed to upgrade the guest experience and cut the number of rooms at the boutique hotel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The former general contractor for a bioenergy plant under construction in Pepeekeo expanded its $35 million lien request against the power plant’s developer to include several surrounding property owners. Tribune-Herald.

A California investor is trying to sell 10,019 acres of land in South Kohala for $34 million. The properties are separated into 14 parcels, located near Waikoloa Village along Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Mamalahoa Highway and Waikoloa Road, according to the broker, Honolulu-based NAI Chaney Brooks. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Motorists are advised of two road construction projects being conducted by Maui Master Builders on Wākea Avenue in Kahului that will impact traffic this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

To pay for a proposed budget increase, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. is proposing some new fees, including raising the hotel and resort class real property tax rate from $9 to $11 per $1,000 of valuation and the annual transient vacation rental (TVR) renewal fee from $500 to $750, a move that would offset an estimated 90 percent of the TVR program cost. Carvalho is also resurrecting a move from last year’s budget proposal to raise the county’s solid waste tipping fee from $90 to $119 per ton and the vehicle weight tax by $0.005 for commercial vehicles and $0.0075 for all others. Garden Island.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the release of more than $36.6 million for various capital improvement projects, administered by the Departments of Land and Natural Resources. About $500,000 will go for the Mana Drag Strip on Kauai to complete the current construction phase to repair the facilities on the site and remove and resurface the pavement. Garden Island.

Hawaii voters want GMO labeling, Kauai continues GMO fight in court, police discipline records destroyed, homeless increasing, voters unsure about Kakaako development, fishing, surfing, kayaking could be forbidden on 'Forbidden Isle,' more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

GMO sign in Hilo grocery (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Three-quarters of voters interviewed in a new Hawaii Poll want the state Legislature to pass a law requiring that all food from genetically modified organisms sold in Hawaii carry labels. The poll found that only a quarter of voters consider themselves very familiar with GMOs. Yet those with the most knowledge about GMOs tend to be the most concerned about the issue. Star-Advertiser.

SB 2591 — introduced by Sen. Will Espero — aims to make more information available about police disciplinary actions as well as require county police agencies to maintain fired officers’ disciplinary files for six months after the annual legislative summaries are filed. Civil Beat.

A majority of Hawaii residents think the homeless problem has grown worse over the last year and even threatens the state's economy by discouraging visitors from returning. In addition, most folks who responded to the Hawaii Poll say the homeless are reducing the quality of their own lives by their increasing presence on or near beaches, parks, sidewalks and other places where they hang out. Star-Advertiser.

The state’s technology office is in the process of rolling out a half-million dollar system that allows the governor’s office to better manage thousands of communications from constituents and track bills that are moving through the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hunting for sport and subsistence is popular on the neighbor islands and rural Oahu where wild game is more plentiful and accessible. A number of lawmakers are supporting a measure this session to preserve land set aside for Hawai’i’s hunters. Hawaii Public Radio.

New solution to help combat graffiti. HB 2391: “Requires all persons offering aerosol spray paint containers for sale to restrict public access to the containers so that access to them cannot be gained without employee assistance." KHON2.

The io population is secure so this revered Hawaiian hawk can be removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a proposal that’s ruffling feathers with some residents. West Hawaii Today.

The Kamehameha butterfly was once found on all the main Hawaiian Islands. But researchers say the insect, which is found only in the state of Hawaii, is now on the decline. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three Hawaii high schools are preparing for national competitions. The state Department of Education says Maui, Mililani and Waipahu high schools will head to the mainland for national competitions in April. Associated Press.

Oahu

Complaints about condominium tower development being too rampant in Kakaako have gushed this year at the Legislature and at meetings of a state agency governing such development. Yet a new poll suggests that this view is held by only about half of Oahu residents. Star-Advertiser.

Voters asked about development in Kakaako echo the stand protesters took at the State Capitol two weeks ago against the rise in condo projects. 54 percent say, "there's been too much development, too quickly." However, 43 percent believe it's better there than other areas of Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in Honolulu this week. A three-judge panel of the court plans to hear three appeals of decisions by immigration authorities and by the U.S. District Court for Hawaii. Associated Press.

Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is heading back to the islands for his first performance here in 16 years. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Ethics reform just may be the last 2008 campaign promise still on Mayor Billy Kenoi’s plate. He’s hoping the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee finally bites when it meets at 4 p.m. today to consider a bill that’s been twice spurned by the county Board of Ethics and killed by a previous County Council. West Hawaii Today.

A recently signed memorandum of understanding between Hawaii Electric Light Co., Hawaii County and the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority lays out one of the biggest difficulties in adding more renewable energy to a grid: energy storage. West Hawaii Today.

Unexpectedly high water in the Humuula saddle region, between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, has prompted a University of Hawaii researcher to seek a new site for additional tests. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui Federal Credit Union and Kula Community Federal Credit Union have received final approval from the National Credit Union Administration to merge, with an effective back date of Jan. 2. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

A release of the Office of the County Attorney’s confidential legal opinion on the final draft of Bill 2491, regulating GMO and pesticides, is one of the reasons why an outside firm is being sought to defend it in federal court, County of Kauai officials said. That Oct. 24 opinion, penned by Deputy County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask and stamped “DO NOT DISCLOSE” in large, red letters, was released publicly a week later by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. along with an announcement of his bill veto. Garden Island.

The Attorney General’s Office said it won’t get involved in a statute dispute centered around whether the mayor should have to vacate office. Garden Island.

Molokai

Urban development in Hawaii has left native butterflies with dwindling habitat, but on Molokai, butterflies will soon enjoy a buffet in downtown Kaunakakai. A specially-designed garden in front of the Molokai Public Library, created last week through volunteer community efforts, offers butterfly flower favorites, beauty for passersby and an agriculture education for keiki. Molokai Dispatch.

Niihau
Fishing restrictions around Niihau would be set by a single individual on the island under a bill approved last week by a Senate committee. Senate Bill 180, passed 5-0 with amendments Friday by the Committee on Water and Land, would establish a private fishery around the island under the auspices of a so-called kono­hiki, a term referring to the "village elder" or head of an ahupuaa land division. Star-Advertiser.

A handful of lawmakers in the state Legislature are not only seeking to prohibit fishing within two miles of the “Forbidden Island” of Niihau but also keep out tour boats, kayaks and even surfers. Garden Island.

Legislature mulls tax break for food and meds, aerospace caucus looks up, lawsuits galore at Kauai Community Correctional, lawmakers want to take over Health Connector, cellphone law could loosen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii grocery clerks (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Hawaii would exempt groceries and medical services from its general excise tax if bills advancing through the Legislature become law. Lawmakers heard a chorus of support Thursday from policy analysts, poverty advocates and the food industry for the proposal to stop taxing groceries. Associated Press.

Several House Democrats want the state to take over the Hawaii Health Connector, set up last year as a private, nonprofit. Amid an outpouring of public complaints and scathing reviews, the rollout was called an “epic fiasco.” Hawaii Reporter.

A typical charter school in Hawaii doesn't have much of a campus. Unlike regular Hawaii Department of Education schools, charter schools can’t dip into state capital improvement funds to finance things like building construction and repair. Their operating budgets have to cover every expense — overhead costs, construction, transportation and everything in between. But efforts are underway to solve the nearly two-decade-old facilities dilemma. Among other proposals, a trio of bills advancing through the Legislature would subsidize the schools’ brick-and-mortar needs in one way or another. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers Thursday announced the formation of a caucus that aims to support the development of Hawaii’s aerospace sector and foster the potential for a burgeoning drone industry. In a news conference at the state Capitol, members of the Hawaii State Legislative Aerospace Caucus pledged their support for 12 bills that address a variety of aerospace-related issues, including concerns over unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Star-Advertiser.

Lying to police who are investigating a crime would become at least a misdemeanor under a bill state lawmakers are advancing. Honolulu police officers told members of the House Public Safety Committee on Thursday that they support the measure because witnesses who mislead police can hamper investigations and can get innocent people thrown in jail. Associated Press.

A new Justice Department study shows that allegations of sex abuse in the nation's prisons and jails are increasing — with correctional officers responsible for half of it  — but prosecution is still extremely rare. Civil Beat.

Hawaii drivers would be able to check their cellphones for traffic or weather information while driving, under a bill state lawmakers are considering. Associated Press.

An arrogant disregard for government integrity and the public trust is on full display in House Bill 2287, through which the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands seeks to conceal vital information about its operations. It's shameful that Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who promised transparency in his administration, has included this bill in his legislative package, at the request of the DHHL. Star-Advertiser.

The problem is that for our very different new media, old rules and laws still apply. One sign of this is how lawmakers continue to wrestle with out-dated questions about who is and who isn't a journalist. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The ongoing legal fight over rail in U.S. District Court now boils down to one key issue -- and it could make or break the project. Did rail officials follow proper procedure in selecting the route to Ala Moana Center instead of a route to the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus as originally envisioned? Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority has been under fire for months by residents who worry about whether the agency has been managing development properly in the urban district of Kakaako. Now, state and city lawmakers are grappling with questions about whether they should curb the authority of an agency some critics describe as "rogue." Civil Beat.

The contractor that runs the state's zipper lane on the H-1 freeway was warned to change the brakes five months before brake troubles sidelined a ZipMobile, causing a major traffic jam. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The parents of a New York teen swept out to sea during a Kealakekua Bay hiking and kayaking tour plan to use money from settling their wrongful death lawsuit to fund first responders who helped search for the boy. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

For the second time in a year the Maui Police Department is embroiled in a first amendment lawsuit. The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit claiming they were on a public sidewalk passing out religious pamphlets in front of the Maui County Fair. Hawaii News Now.

Momentum was the recurring theme of Mayor Alan Arakawa's State of the County address Wednesday night. Maui News.

Kauai

The Honolulu investment group that has plans to restore the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai to its original glory plans to select a “nationwide” hotel operator in two weeks, and start demolition and construction on the site as early as the third quarter of this year, the investors told Pacific Business News.

A short form bill introduced Thursday, and passed by a Senate committee about an hour later, proposes to make the privately owned and “Forbidden Island” of Niihau an independent county from Kauai. Garden Island.

A former psychiatric social worker at Kauai Community Correctional Center is suing Warden Neal Wagatsuma and the Department of Public Safety for retaliation and violations of the whistleblowers act. Carolyn Ritchie was employed at KCCC from April 2009 until she left in November 2012, citing “serious abuses and wrongdoing.” Garden Island.

A female inmate is suing the Kauai Community Correctional Center warden on grounds that a prison warden sexually shamed her and other female inmates while she was incarcerated. Garden Island.