Hawaii research ship studies Japan radiation, half of Hawaiian Airlines revenue from baggage, TSA fights firing, Honolulu good place to raise family, Maui getting more cops, Aiea to get library, more Hawaii news

Kaimikai-o-Kanaloa courtesy photo

A research ship from Hawaii is carrying an international team of scientists. They're studying the impact of radiation releases in the waters off Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Hawaii News Now.

About 20 percent of the increase in next year's state budget is tied to the cost of putting people back to work on furlough days. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has dropped its appeal to a federal court ruling that lifted a $1,000 limit on donations to political action committees that make independent expenditures, so donors are free to give unlimited amounts of money to such committees. Star-Advertiser.

Last week’s indictment of an alleged electronic sex predator demonstrates the need for parents and children to be vigilant and cautious when going online or using cell phones, Attorney General David Louie said in news conference this morning. Hawaii Reporter.

A union attorney who flew to Honolulu to consult with airport security workers being fired said Monday at least some of those workers will contest their termination. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian, the state's largest airline, raked in $54 million last year from checked-bag fees, or roughly half of its $110 million profit. Star-Advertiser.

The American Cancer Society projects Hawai’i will have 66-hundred new cases of cancer this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu hits the top ten when it comes to places to live and raise a family, according to Parenting magazine. KITV4.

Aiea residents will be getting a new library. KHON2.

Safeway's Property Development Centers to build Ewa site Pacific Business News

A fungus that kills coconut palms might have taken root along the Puna coastline. Tribune-Herald.

Group that turns fruit destined to rot into food for others uses grant to improve and grow program. Maui News.

A community policing program is restarting in areas on Maui that had been without those resources for several years. Associated Press.

The public is invited to two free presentations by Sue Arnold, founder of the Gray Whale Coalition. Garden Island.

The children of a retired NFL player are suing a North Kohala doctor, claiming the doctor's actions led to their father's death. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers ranked, GOP cleared, multimember districts possible, developer sues state Land Use Commission, Historic Preservation, property exemptions under review, Hyatt employees to strike, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii GOP candidate James "Duke" Aiona (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The state Campaign Spending Commission voted Wednesday to dismiss a complaint by Hawaii Demo­crats that alleged Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and the Republican Governors Association improperly coordinated advertising during Aiona's unsuccessful campaign for governor last year. Star-Advertiser.

The state Attorney General's Office has advised commissioners redrawing the state's political boundaries that they can consider going back to multimember legislative districts. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has hired a private company to bring the Historic Preservation Division into compliance with federal mandates and avoid losing up to $550,000 in federal grant money. Star-Advertiser.

Each legislative session, since 1986, PAYCHECKS HAWAII, the independent non-partisan, political action affiliate of Smart Business Hawaii (created in 1984), rates each of Hawaii’s 76 state legislators (51 House and 25 Senate). Hawaii Reporter.

The former developer of a South Kohala project is suing the state Land Use Commission for $35.7 million. West Hawaii Today.

The Wahiawa elderly daycare center that misused $7.9 million in federal grant money refused to cooperate with federal investigators, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's acting mayor has signed a bill that should help the city make sure people are rightly claiming a property tax exemption given to those who own historic homes. Associated Press.

Unionized workers at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa — trying to gain leverage in stalled contract talks — have approved calling for a boycott of the hotel. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a $564.73 million budget for 2012, with funds for road resurfacing, a new Kihei police station and the replacement of the county's aging emergency responder radio system. Maui News.

Servicing the island's fastest-growing district has Hawaii County spending nearly as much money on trash disposal as it did building recreational and public safety facilities. Tribune-Herald.

A Department of Land and Natural Resources representative said the state attorney general’s office plans to intervene in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proceedings involving hydroelectric development in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Andy Irons' cause of death revealed. Hawaii News Now.

With a laid-back, local style charm, Hari Kojima taught several generations of island television viewers how to fish, cut fish and cook fish. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii agriculture officials are asking for the public's help in spotting infestations of the stinging nettle caterpillar, which appears to have recently spread to Kauai. Associated Press.

The real estate arm of Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced on Wednesday it has sold a Texas shopping complex and bought an office complex in Washington State. KITV4.

A grand jury subpoena for the identities of 33 people who posted comments to a story published on the Maui Time’s website could set a dangerous precedent for free speech, according to local attorneys. Pacific Business News

Family, friends and church members have come together tonight to pray for 54 year-old Tammy Nguyen, 24 year-old Amie Asuncion and 38 year-old Samson Naupoto. KHON2.

Small business, we are told, is the backbone of America—and Hawaii, too. According to the Small Business Administration, there are 120,000 small businesses in Hawaii. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Gov. Lingle takes 'serious' look at 2012 Senate seat, feds ban campaign money limits, charter school enrollment up, more on food stamps, Honolulu voter confidentiality breached, UH rally boosts voting, Hawaii Five-0 set for season, more

In a performance worthy of the excruciatingly slow decision-making process of former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Gov. Linda Lingle is toying with a run for the U.S. Senate in 2012. Star-Advertiser.

 The two top candidates for urban Honolulu's congressional seat argued about spending for social security benefits in their last live, televised debate before the election Thursday night. KITV4.


An independent expenditure committee called Working Families For Hawaii has launched a TV ad portraying GOP congressional candidate Charles Djou as a lock-step Republican who votes to hurt Hawaii. KITV4.

The two candidates for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District have sparred over the economy, government spending and senior citizen programs such as Social Security and Medicare. Associated Press.


 A federal court’s decision to stop the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission from enforcing a limit on contributions received by political committees doing only independent spending for political speech will remain in effect for now, according to the federal appeals court. Hawaii Reporter.

Non-partisan ‘Use Your Voice, Use Your Vote’ rally at UH Manoa raises voter awareness. Hawaii Independent.

More Hawaii working families getting government food aid. Associated Press.

Hawaii didn't fare too well in a new national survey of policies covering how mothers and expectant mothers are treated in prison. Associated Press.

Stimulus supporting state energy storage. Maui News.

Molokai General Hospital (MGH) has recently completed installation of the largest solar electricity generation system on the island. Molokai Dispatch.

Aunty Puanani Lindsey shares a pule/oli (prayer/chant) for the Earth with those joining her on weekly volunteer service trips to malama (care for) Honokowai Valley or Hanaula. Lahaina News.

Next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Honolulu is expected to generate some $120 million in economic impact for Hawaii. Associated Press.

Teen traffic deaths have declined dramatically over the past six years. KHON2.

New Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro has added three new deputy prosecutors including a former legislator who was convicted of drunken driving and the Honolulu police chief's wife. KITV4.

Former lawmaker joining Honolulu prosecutor's office. KHON2.

Hawaii Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu is taking a job in the Honolulu city prosecutor's office after an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor. Associated Press.

The Honolulu office of elections promises to protect the confidentiality of voters who face life threatening circumstances, but Civil Beat has learned that it doesn't live up to its word. Civil Beat.

The race to represent Puna makai on the Hawaii County Council is between a colorful, two-term incumbent and a retired businessman. Tribune-Herald.

The number of students attending public charter schools statewide continued to grow this year, even though no new campuses opened, while enrollment at regular public schools was largely unchanged. Star-Advertiser.

Public school enrollment on the Big Island continued its slow decline this year. Tribune-Herald.

Ryan Ozawa may well be the most influential social media maven in Hawaii, although one is hard-pressed to get him to admit it. Hawaii Independent.

Pesky problem apparently wiped out in Maui. KHON2.

Waikiki hotels ran fuller last week despite a strike at Hilton Hawaiian Village, and occupancy also rose in Maui County, but fell on Kauai and the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

A federal bankruptcy judge in New York has approved a reorganization for General Growth Properties that will split it into two companies. Hawaii News Now.

An envisioned high-rise condominium on top of the Nordstrom parking garage at Ala Moana Center will be one project taken over by a major new player in Honolulu's condominium development scene, as part of the bankruptcy reorganization of mall owner General Growth Properties. Star-Advertiser.

Bad news for the terrorists, gang lords and street scum running amok in town: CBS Television gave "Hawaii Five-0" yesterday a full 22-episode season to fight crime. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Council accepted a pared-down slate of exemptions for a North Kona affordable housing development, but delayed approving the document until county officials and developers have more time to review and refine the request. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council on Wednesday approved an amended Puna Community Development Plan that's now headed to Mayor Billy Kenoi's desk. Tribune-Herald.

At Kapa‘a High School, Christine Farina has taken part in an organization to help teach her economics class what business is all about. Garden Island.

Maui County Council members voted 6-2 late Tuesday to approve the Kula Ridge project that promises to build 59 affordable homes for senior citizens and single families. Maui News.

Kauai revisits plastic bag ban, Maui plans bird-proof football, new Honolulu mayor has big to-do list, tourism continues rebound, feds buy superferries, poll shows Hanabusa with slight lead, lawmakers probe securities purchase, airport chief says dysfunctional office jeopardizes safety, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu has a new Mayor. KHON2.

New Honolulu Mayor has long list of problems to fix. Hawaii News Now.

The final campaign spending reports for the Honolulu Mayor's race due Monday showed that former acting Mayor Caldwell raised $1,201,595 total for the race while former Honolulu prosecutor Carlisle raised a total $580,557. KITV.

In his first minutes in office, new Mayor Peter Carlisle pledged to follow up on his campaign promise to cut waste in city spending and committed to push full speed ahead on the $5.5 billion rail transit system. Star-Advertiser.

Peter Carlisle once told one of his deputy prosecutors that he would become mayor when pigs learn to fly. At his swearing-in ceremony at Honolulu Hale Monday, the winner of the September 18 special election for mayor unveiled a statue of a pig with wings and wasted no time outlining his priorities. Hawaii News Now.

The latest poll in the First Congressional District race shows Colleen Hanabusa leading Congressman Charles Djou. KHON2.


Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie spent more than $2.8 million to win the Democratic primary for governor in September, or about $20 a vote in his victory over former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat Neil Abercrombie has more campaign fundraising momentum than his Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, reports show. Civil Beat.

This afternoon, Keith Kaneshiro was sworn into office as Honolulu's new prosecutor. KHON2.

An investigative committee made-up of state lawmakers is probing whether any laws were broken when the Department of Budget and Finance purchased more than $1 billion worth of student loan auction rate securities. KHON2.

Some 93,000 public school students in Hawaii begin taking the Hawaii State Assessment tests next week. Associated Press.

The foreclosure scandal has touched a nerve with the state’s consumer protector. KITV.

The chief for airport fire stations on three islands said today he is dangerously short of firefighters -- because of what he called an “inept” airports personnel office. KITV.

Council to revisit plastic-bag ban. Garden Island.

A hotel, tourism and real estate consulting services firm says a new survey shows Hawaii's tourism industry continues to recover from the economic recession. Associated Press.

Maui hotel occupancy bounded up by nearly 10 percentage points as the entire state enjoyed a "relatively strong summer," according to the consulting firm Hospitality Advisors. Maui News.

Molokai is again without a staff planner with the county’s Planning Department. Molokai Dispatch.

The dream of Friday night lights and football at Lahainaluna High School continues to take shape on the historic campus, as a state-of-the-art system from MUSCO Sports Lighting has been installed at the Luna Athletic Field. Lahaina News.

There were lots of extras to interest buyers -- furniture, apparel, tools, machinery and spare parts. But no one was willing to outbid the federal government for the two former Hawaii Superferry high-speed catamarans at a recent foreclosure auction. Star-Advertiser.

A federal jury has awarded a Texas woman $5.67 million for injuries she suffered when she slipped and fell in a McDonald's restaurant in Kahului. Star-Advertiser.

The owners of Hawaii's second-largest farm are looking to get back $192,000 from the federal court clerk in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Of the six contested County Council races this year, only the South Maui rematch could be called a negative campaign. Maui News.

Mayoral, council candidates to discuss issues at Sunday forum. Garden Island.

Councilman Guy Enriques, responding to voters' concerns that he hasn't shared enough information about himself, is touting his accomplishments as a freshman district representative. West Hawaii Today.

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D- Hawaii) recently announced $10,302,629 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grants to address pressing construction and renovation needs and expand access to quality health care at community health centers in Hilo and Waianae. Hawaii Reporter.

More good news for "Hawaii Five-0." It is the most played back show in DVR history. That's what Nielsen ratings showed when the information was released by CBS Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Campaign contributions map shows Abercrombie's strength, Hannemann says Civil Beat poll flawed, pastors decry campaign ads, Maui mayoral race crowded, Hawaii Five-0 premieres, more news

If money equals votes, support for Democratic gubernatorial front-runners Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie appears fairly evenly spread across the islands, with Abercrombie claiming more coastal areas and Hannemann locking in the mauka regions. West Hawaii Today.

Neil Abercrombie describes himself as an "agent of change," but he also has been a member of Hawaii's political establishment for a very long time. Associated Press.

Politicians tell you every vote counts, but what political office seekers are hoping for this election is that their supporters will be able to find where to cast that important vote. KITV.

A group of Hawaii pastors spoke out Sunday about what they called a disturbing trend in the current election campaign. KITV.


Hawaii voters don't want the Hawaii Legislature to bring the issue of civil unions up for a vote again in the near future, according to a new Civil Beat poll. Civil Beat.

Hannemann: Honolulu Civil Beat Poll Showing Him Behind in Gubernatorial Race is Faulty. Hawaii Reporter.

Sen. Dan Inouye has represented Hawaii in the U.S. Congress since 1959 when Hawaii became a state. In June, he was elected President pro tempore of the Senate by his colleagues, making him the second-highest-ranking official in the Senate and third in line for the presidency. Molokai Dispatch.

On a recent trip to Molokai, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono experienced first-hand what goes into restoring one of Molokai’s precious 68 fishponds – the most of any Hawaiian Islands – and some of the passionate people behind the movement. Molokai Dispatch.

With 11 candidates, Maui voters are watching one of the most crowded mayoral primary races in memory - and more than half the hopefuls have prior experience in government. Maui News.

At a recent discussion of what strategies should be adopted to improve the economic outlook of Hawaii, some of the participants advocated the use of tax incentives and, more specifically, tax credits as essential to attracting new businesses to Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

After two years of litigation, the battle between Molokai Properties Limited (MPL) and Maui County over water service has ended in an out-of-court settlement. Molokai Dispatch.

Recent high-profile federal cases in Hawaii alleging abuse of immigrant farm workers are causing some worry for local farms that rely on foreign labor. Star-Advertiser.

You can catch a sneak peak of the premiere episode of the new Hawaii 5-0 before it airs nationally next week. KHON2.

Work crews set stage for star-studded premiere of Hawaii Five-0. Hawaii News Now.

About 150 Marines in a Hawaii-based helicopter squadron are due to return to the islands from Afghanistan this week.KHON2.

Starting today, the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency will be hosting its annual, week-long Weapons of Mass Destruction exercise in conjunction with the Hawai‘i National Guard 93rd Civil Support Team. Garden Island.

Hawaii coffee growers are plotting a war on the coffee cherry borer, a pest that poses a serious threat to Hawaiian coffees. Hawaii News Now.

In this land of abundant agricultural resources, some families don't know when or what their next meal will be. Tribune-Herald.

A recent survey by the National Golf Foundation showed public golf courses are in financial trouble, with fewer people hitting the links these days. Hawaii's municipal courses appear to be no different. KITV.

Hundreds waited for hours and some even camped out all week, for a chance to get their hands on a condo unit in Kakaako's newest highrise. KHON2.

Schatz leads lt. gov. money race, Kauai settles bird complaint, Aloun Farms tackles human trafficking case, political bickering, more news from around the islands

The state Office of Elections says 684,481 people are registered for the Sept. 18 primary election. The number is higher than the 667,647 who registered for the 2008 primary, but lower than the 691,365 registered for the 2008 general election, when Hawaii's Barack Obama won the presidency. Star-Advertiser.

The two leading Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor enter the final week of the primary campaign staring at contradictory signs. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s primary election is a little more than a week away and political candidates are saturating communities with campaign signs. KITV.

In the latest campaign spending report period, Hawaii gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie raised two times more money than his closest democratic party opponent, Mufi Hannemann, and Abercrombie also had three times more big donors who gave maximum $6,000. KITV.

Brian Schatz, the former Democratic Party of Hawaii chairman and state lawmaker, raised the most campaign money during the past two months in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Five Honolulu residents financed a radio ad that criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie for not declaring a religious affiliation. Associated Press.

Dueling endorsements for Governor have led one venture capital group to demand that a rival organization back off. KHON2.

The head of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association says he will ask the state to nullify a similarly named group that formed last month. Associated Press.

At a debate sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Tuesday, former Mayor Mufi Hannemann  said: "His overall cumulative score in his 20 years of Congress on issues important to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was 30 percent." Civil Beat.

The state Republican Party is accusing Democrat Colleen Hanabusa of illegally campaigning by holding a press conference too close to an early polling place. Associated Press.

On a recent trip to Molokai, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono experienced first-hand what goes into restoring one of Molokai’s precious 68 fishponds – the most of any Hawaiian Islands – and some of the passionate people behind the movement. Molokai Dispatch.

Hot topics for candidates running for a seat in the House of Representatives. Big Island Weekly.

In a federal plea agreement, the county Thursday agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanor count of violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act for “taking” endangered seabirds. Garden Island.

Kauai County yesterday acknowledged in U.S. District Court that it is guilty of violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act by killing Newell's shearwater birds through its lighting policies at county facilities over the last five years. Star-Advertiser.

The 20 people ticketed or arrested for an eight-day sit-in at the governor's office this past spring are scheduled to be sentenced in state district court tomorrow. KITV.

The owners of Aloun Farms say they know the 44 workers they imported from Thailand in 2004 were lied to in order to get them to sign worthless labor contracts and that the workers each paid exorbitant recruitment fees to get the jobs. Star-Advertiser.

Three+ days of sentencing arguments in a human trafficking case in Honolulu are now moot, as the owners of Aloun Farms took back their guilty pleas Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Forbes says Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay, is now worth about $5 billion. Hawaii News Now.


A man who turned an online auction into an internet success shared some secrets with local businesses today. KHON2.

Kauai households would face a new tax assessment for trash collection under a measure approved by a Kauai County committee. Garden Island.

The average five-year suicide rate for Maui County from 2005 to 2009 was the highest in the state at 92 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to data from the state Department of Health. Maui News.

Prime Alii Drive property is heading toward purchase by the county, following the County Council Finance Committee's unanimous approval Wednesday of a compromise allowing some of the land to be bought with open space funds. West Hawaii Today.

The public can sound off today on the latest revisions to a plan to lure federal money to boost the Big Island's economy. Tribune-Herald.

The County Council Budget and Finance Committee approved Wednesday a $95,000 grant to Kekaha’s Citizens Advisory Committee, so they can hold a new series of public meetings to figure out what to do with the money from the Host Community Benefit in exchange for that community having the island’s only active landfill. Garden Island.

He didn’t lead in an iron-fisted manner, but instead with the gentle, guiding hand of a nurturing parent. Lahaina News.

Strong mayor to remain for Kauai, Maui police chief steps down after 32 years, Hawaii County rejects raising taxes for poor, disabled vets, Senate panel vote on Supreme Court pick coming Thursday, more

Hawaii's economic recovery is likely to remain on shaky ground. KHON2.

Hawaii's economic forecasters are estimating that personal income will grow more this year than previously predicted. Associated Press.

How to Revitalize Hawaii’s Economy. Dozens of ideas to get the Islands back on track. Hawaii Business magazine.

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the heroic service and sacrifices of Japanese-American servicemen during World War II. Associated Press.

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard more than four hours of testimony Monday on whether Katherine Leonard should become Hawaii's next Supreme Court Chief Justice-- the first woman to do so. KITV.

After several hours of hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman expressed concerns yesterday about whether appeals Judge Katherine Leonard possesses the leadership skills to be Hawaii's next chief justice. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Leonard’s nomination as chief justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court was lauded by a stream of supporters on Tuesday but derided by a few who contended she lacks the administrative experience to lead the state’s judicial system. Associated Press.

Katherine Leonard defended her qual- ifications to serve as chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court before the state Senate Judiciary Committee today. KHON2.

One wonders what the conversation was like around the Katherine Leonard-Ian Sandison dining room table Tuesday night in the aftermath of her long state Senate confirmation hearing at the Capitol. Civil Beat.

A few observations about what the latest financial disclosure reports tell us about the political horse races. Civil Beat.

More than a half-million dollars have been raised by candidates running for three seats on the Honolulu City Council, financial reports show. Civil Beat.

Councilman and mayoral candidate Rod Tam, under investigation for how he spent city and campaign money on meals, drastically reduced the amount of campaign funds he’s spent on food so far this year, according to his campaign spending report filed Monday. KITV.

Kaua‘i’s strong mayoral form of government won’t be changing this election. Garden Island.

The city has begun negotiations to cancel a contract with the company that has failed to ship municipal trash to the mainland, leaving thousands of tons of garbage piling up at its facility in West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A woman who pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars in monthly parking fees when she was a manager for the vendors of two downtown city parking garages will not go to prison. Star-Advertiser.

When masked-teenagers attempted to rob an internet gaming center in Kaneohe last Wednesday, gamers fought back. KHON2.

A new service co-sponsored by the city allows Oahu residents to receive emergency disaster warnings and alerts via text messaging or e-mail. Star-Advertiser.

An administration proposal to raise taxes on disabled veterans and poor property owners was roundly criticized Monday by an election year County Council before Finance Director Nancy Crawford bowed to the inevitable and withdrew it. West Hawaii Today.

Although Hawaii County Council members approved Mayor Billy Kenoi's $23 million tax hike in June, they're now unwilling to grant a second property tax increase for 1 percent of that amount. Tribune-Herald.

MPD’s Hirata steps down after 32 years. Maui News.

A county-commissioned study of the downhill bicycle industry received rave reviews during a Maui County Council committee meeting Monday, but no one was ready to formally adopt recommendations addressing safety on state and county roadways. Maui News.

I am a student of `olelo Hawaii with Kumu Manuwai Peters. With the help of Senator J. Kalani English and his wonderful staff, I recently presented Kumu Peters with a Hawaiian Senate Proclamation for Manuwai's contribution and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and language. Molokai Dispatch.

This past week, it was reported that Mayor Hannemann is seeking union support with an appeal based on his local roots. According to a Star-Advertiser report: Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii Five-0 a go, school test scores up, Maui to regulate fish collecting, new fee for UH students, military ruffles feathers, money in politics, more

Rest easy, Honolulu. McGarrett and his crew are back on the case. Star-Advertiser.

A traditional Hawaiian blessing marked the start of production of the reinvented CBS TV crime series "Hawaii Five-0." KITV.

Hawaii's economy is expected to get a much needed boost as a primetime television show kicks off production, along with a major motion picture filming here in the islands. KHON2.

The state says 67 percent of Hawaii public school students scored proficient in reading this year, up slightly from 65 percent last year. In math, 49 percent rated proficient, up from 44 percent. Associated Press.

Despite spending fewer days in the classroom, public school students continued to make gains in reading and math test scores this year, according to results released yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Most grade-level scores trended upward but when it comes to federal progress standards high schools are still showing more room for growth. KHON2.

Hawaii public school student test scores went up this past year in every category except one, according to statistics released by the Department of Education on Thursday. KITV

With this year's elections fast approaching, the call for election day volunteers is getting louder. KHON2.

When it comes to campaign donations, who comes out ahead in Hawaii's contests for a U.S. Senate seat and the two U.S. House of Representative seats? Civil Beat.

Quickly recharging their fundraising operations after the special election for Congress in May, U.S. Rep. Charles Djou raised $176,980 in the last weeks of June while state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa brought in $107,224. Star-Advertiser.

Is the Bluest of States Bleeding Red? Civil Beat.

Special election decision to replace Mayor and City Prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii regents have approved a new, $50 per semester student athletic fee for the Manoa campus. Associated Press.

Despite what one student decried as "being forced to pay for a steak and champagne dinner and ... getting, maybe, the after-dinner mints," the University of Hawaii Board of Regents overwhelmingly adopted a mandatory athletic fee yesterday as an investment in its financially challenged sports program. Star-Advertiser.


Council members Wednesday took a step closer to regulating the aquarium fish trade, when a committee approved a bill to require county licenses for people who take reef fish to sell. Maui News.

The Navy is studying the effects its training and testing activities have on the environment off Hawaii, Southern California and the ocean in between. Associated Press.

Feathers might have literally been ruffled this weekend when a “large, charcoal-colored military helicopter” flew at a “very high speed” less than 20 feet from native sea bird dwellings Sunday morning at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

Hawaii County got hit with an unexpected $217,000 bill in the fiscal year that ended June 30, thanks to the federal extension of unemployment benefits. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu residents will be paying higher sewer fees for years to come because of a tentative settlement of a six-year-old lawsuit. KITV.

Mayor imposes trash shipping deadline. Hawaii News Now.

After three months of halted access to the Kalaupapa settlement because of an eroded bridge along the pali trail, National Park Service (NPS) officials say it could take another three months before the trail re-opens to the public. The closure has left Kalaupapa’s visitor industry – the mule rides and charter tours – struggling for survival. Molokai Dispatch.

A messy situation at Waialea Bay in South Kohala has raised a stink among some Big Island residents and visitors. West Hawaii Today.

Opponents of Hawaii County's attempts to sell Hamakua lands took their grievances to the Board of Ethics on Wednesday, but found no sympathetic ears. Tribune-Herald.

Whether Hamakua lands were stolen from Native Hawaiians is an issue way beyond its purview, the Hawaii County Board of Ethics said Wednesday in rejecting a petition from a group seeking to halt the county's sale of the land. West Hawaii Today.

The Lahaina community, in its usual way, stepped up big time last week Thursday, when more than 200 guests attended a spectacular fund-raiser for Lahaina Public Library at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Lahaina News.

Open arms, closed wallets

Hawaii residents may be welcoming president-
elect Barack Obama with open arms during his Oahu holiday stay, but they haven’t been opening their wallets to help pay for his inauguration.

An allhawaiinews.com analysis of the $21.9 million in $200-plus donations made for inauguration festivities show $9,000 from one contributor as the only donation from Hawaii.

And that sole Hawaii contributor is actually a Chicago resident. Kehaulani Lum, who has homes in both Aiea, Hawaii, and the Loop in Chicago, is an Obama Mama who made news in the Windy City by holding a pre-election workshop for 11- to 15-year-olds called “Kid Filmmakers for Obama.”

The four days of inauguration festivities beginning Jan. 18 are expected to cost taxpayers as much as $50 million for preparations and protection for the estimated 2.5 million people expected to show up in Washington D.C. for the historic event.

The Aloha State showed more generosity during the election itself. Hawaii’s 1.3 million residents account for 4.3 percent of the United States population, but the $3.1 million in contributions to the Obama-Biden ticket was 4.7 percent of the $656.6 million the campaign raked in.