HECO to farm wind on Neighbor Islands, state Senate Dems hold major money advantage, Sierra Club targets PLDC, Maui could end water waiting list, geothermal drilling draws friends and foes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

wind farm courtesy photo

Meeting part of Hawaiian Electric Co.'s renewable energy target with large-scale wind projects on the neighbor islands would have a net positive effect on the state's economy, according to preliminary findings of a study being done by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

With the election a week away, the Hawaii Sierra Club is making a final push to ensure the Public Land Development Corporation is a major issue in legislative campaigns. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter has called for repeal of the Public Land Development Corp. and has begun a campaign to target state lawmakers who have supported the law. Star-Advertiser.

Democrats running in the general election for the state Senate have raised a combined $1.9 million compared with just $145,300 raised by their Republican opponents. Civil Beat.

Barbeque spare ribs. Oxtail Soup. Onolicious chicken? Not exactly what comes to mind when you think politics. Unless you reside in Hawai'i, where politicians have been passing out free recipe pamphlets for years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Colleen Hanabusa doubled her advantage over Republican Charles Djou in about a month, pointing to another term for the Democrat, according to The Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is recruiting more applicants for its program to groom people with business, military and other non-education backgrounds to become public school administrators. Associated Press.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is proposing a 5.3 percent rate increase on Jan. 1 for more than 150,000 members covered by employer-sponsored health plans. Star-Advertiser.

A new analysis by Edmunds.com of Polk’s new car registration data found that Hawaii ranked 10th in the nation for electric vehicle registrations, with 2.9 percent of all new electric vehicles sold to date this year in the United States registered in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Since the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation started its archaeological inventory survey in Kakaako in September, bone fragments have been found in a couple of sites under some watchful eyes. Hawaii News Now.

Punahou and Damien Memorial boys were front and center Wednesday at a change of command for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Hawaii-based military unit that investigates, recovers and identifies Americans missing from past wars. Star-Advertiser.

Unions and special interest groups are feeding the campaign coffers of the leading candidates for the three open Honolulu City Council seats. Civil Beat.

Former state Rep. Colleen Meyer is seeking election to the state Senate, challenging incumbent Clayton Hee in a reconfigured district that now includes Waialua, Hale­iwa, Sunset Beach and Pupukea. Star-Advertiser.

An East Honolulu and Windward Oahu state senate race will pit veteran lawmaker Fred Hemmings against the daughter of a fellow Republican.  But, Laura Thielen is a Democrat making her first run for a key office. KITV4.

On Oahu, there are two county charter amendments on the ballot. KITV4.

An Oahu company will soon take over towing responsibilities for the Honolulu Police Department, which is expected to benefit HPD and the public. KHON2.

Drivers beware: All freeway ramps to and from Aiea will be closed tonight through early Friday so crews can reattach a 5-ton, 35-foot-long section of a pedestrian overpass sheared off by an oversize load on a truck trailer last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A Hawaii economist offered continued optimism for Hawaii’s economic recovery, according to a report First Hawaiian Bank released Wednesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Geothermal Venture, criticized for around-the-clock drilling earlier this year, plans to take extra steps to reduce its noise impact. Tribune-Herald.

Opposition is growing to a County Council bill that would limit the drilling of geothermal wells to daytime hours. Big Island Now.

Less than a week after Hawaii County evicted Abel Simeone Lui and a group living on county-owned property at Kawa Bay, the state Intermediate Court of Appeals on Tuesday denied Lui’s appeal of a June 2011 eviction order granted by the 3rd Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

In a candid interview, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Ben Fuata shared what worked and what didn’t during Saturday night’s tsunami scare. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee has advanced a bill that would ban new applicants from joining the longstanding waiting list for water meters in Upcountry. Maui News.

Both political newcomers running for Maui County Council's Molokai residency seat tout their ability to collaborate and understand other as part of their personal strengths they would bring to the council if elected. Maui News.

Anthony Natividad, renowned for his playing and building of nose flutes and an original cast member of 'Ulalena, died Sunday. He was 48. Maui News.

Kauai
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Sunday praised all parties involved in the “excellent response” to a tsunami threat Saturday night. But to some Kaua‘i residents, there was a lot to be improved in future disaster threats, especially when it comes down to giving proper public notice. Garden Island.

Following a meeting convened by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. earlier this week, the Kaua‘i Police Department has agreed to resume referrals of status offenders to the Teen Court program operated by Hale ‘Opio, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. partnered with the Committee on the Status of Women and the American Cancer Society Tuesday for the final Walk and Talk Story with the Mayor. Garden Island.

Hawaii DLNR sued over tropical fish-collecting, tax office loses records, Maui, EPA settle landfill pollution case, and plenty politics from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Moorish Idols (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Department of Land and Natural Resources should have conducted environmental reviews before issuing aquarium fish collecting permits, environmental groups and several Hawaii residents say in a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Oahu’s 1st Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: DLNR Must Study Effects of Aquarium Fish Trade on Hawaii Reefs. Civil Beat.

The nonprofit environmental-law organization Earthjustice on Wednesday filed a civil complaint in First Circuit Court in Honolulu against the state of Hawai‘i and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, seeking to stop all commercial collection of aquarium fish until the industry complies with the Hawai‘i Environmental Police Act. Garden Island.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou have different philosophical approaches to reducing the federal deficit and national debt, with Hanabusa favoring steps already taken by Congress and President Barack Obama and Djou preferring more structural guarantees. Star-Advertiser.

The only Native Hawaiian ever elected to the U.S. Senate is about to retire. Civil Beat.

Candidates for Hawaii’s U-S Senate seat cast their ballots today during early walk-in voting. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu's press corp waited patiently outside Honolulu Hale midday Wednesday for U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono to arrive for scheduled interviews. Civil Beat.

One after the other, the candidates for U.S. Senate filed in to Honolulu Hale on Wednesday, joining the line of walk-in voters, followed by cheering fans and well-wishers. KITV4.

A 1994 Chevy Silverado, the only vehicle in the state with an "OBAMA" personalized license plate will be auctioned off this weekend. KHON2.

Oahu

Unlike some of his predecessors, it’s doubtful Ben Cayetano will kiss the ring of U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye if he’s elected Honolulu mayor. Civil Beat.

In urban Oahu’s storied Distr. 20, a Green Party candidate who refuses corporate contributions is seeking to unseat the veteran Speaker of the state House of Representatives. Honolulu Weekly.

A World War II veteran who inspired many with his determination to vote even though he had end-stage liver cancer died Wednesday. Associated Press.

What's the in waters off Makua Valley, where the U.S. Army held live-fire military exercises for several years? The Army is now trying to find out by asking those who actually live in the area. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has released a draft environmental assessment detailing its $600 million plan for modernizing Honolulu International Airport. Pacific Business News.

A state agency has decided to give the public an early look at tentative proposals from two developers competing to build a 650-foot residential tower in Kakaako that would soar above Honolulu's tallest existing buildings. Star-Advertiser.

A Coast Guard aircrew was forced to return to Barbers Point late Tuesday after someone shone a laser at their MH-65 Dolphin helicopter when it was two miles offshore of Oahu, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Chinatown businesses are asking for increased police presence after a spate of burglaries in recent months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A contracted courier recently lost a bag containing tax documents filed by businesses and individual taxpayers with the Hilo and Kona state tax offices. Tribune-Herald.

Car trouble: Kenoi ticketed for talking on cellphone while driving Kim’s 2009 accident cost county $100K. West Hawaii Today.
Big Island hunters may soon be granted permission to kill axis deer. Tribune-Herald.

Geophysicists in Hawaii and Texas have come up with a mathematical model that could explain how Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes are linked yet have distinct, separate eruptions. Star-Advertiser.

Maui
Maui County has agreed to a $5.1 million settlement with federal officials about alleged clean air violations at its major landfill, including uncontrolled release of gases from rotting garbage. Star-Advertiser.


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today a $5.1 million settlement with the Maui County to address alleged air pollution violations at the Central Maui Landfill in Puunene, including the construction of new gas-collections systems and a wind farm. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa today called a settlement reached between the county and the Environmental Protection Agency a “win-win.” Maui Now.

Dozens of luxury condominiums and hundreds of time-share interests at the financially troubled Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay are headed for the auction block in December. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday took a few minutes to give its final approval to a bill setting bulk rates for bus passes for Kaua‘i Community College students. Garden Island.


Molokai

Hawaiian Airlines announced last week that their parent company, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., will begin service to Molokai and Lanai sometime next year. Molokai Dispatch.

Molokai's iconic Kanemitsu Bakery remains closed, now for nearly four months, but the 75-year-old establishment's owner said work is nearly complete on improvements aimed at correcting health violations, and he hopes to reopen in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday. Maui News.

WWII vet voting photo tugs at heartstrings, bitter U.S. Senate, Honolulu mayoral races enter homestretch, officials foresaw Hawaii County election day problems, Dems rally on Kauai, Ellison's Lanai plans draw biz buzz, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Associated Press/Irene Tanabe - In this Oct. 17, 2012 photo provided by Irene Tanabe, Frank Tanabe, center, gets help from his daughter Barbara Tanabe, left, to fill out his absentee ballot in Honolulu while his wife Setsuko Tanabe sits in the foreground. The photo of the 93-year-old World War II veteran casting what will likely be his last ballot has captured the hearts of tens of thousands of Internet users. (AP Photo/Irene Tanabe)

A photograph of a 93-year-old World War II veteran casting what will likely be his last ballot has captured the hearts of tens of thousands of Internet users. Associated Press.

A state agency responsible for protecting Hawaii's historic and cultural sites, including construction sites where Hawaiian burials are found, is declaring success fixing serious deficiencies the federal government flagged two years ago amid chronic struggles to properly carry out its mission. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian groups from across the country convened this past week to talk about some of the key issues facing their community. But rather than gather in the place of common ancestry, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs held its annual convention here in the nation's capital, just steps from the seat of the government many Hawaiians still distrust as an illegal occupier. Civil Beat.

A once-in-a-generation open seat for U.S. Senate. A Honolulu mayor's race that could decide the fate of a $5.26 billion rail project. A rematch for Congress in urban Honolulu. A favorite son who wants another four years in the White House. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Senate race between Democrat Mazie Hirono, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Republican Linda Lingle, the former Hawaii governor, has been dominated by strong attacks on each other's campaign. Civil Beat.

Press Secretary Donalyn Dela Cruz, who has been handling media liaison duties for Abercrombie since he took office, departs at the end of this month for a new job with the state Department of Education. Hawaii Reporter.

A contingent of Hansen's disease patients, nuns, priests, Catholic pilgrims and hula dancers from across Hawaii traveling on a nearly 10,000-mile pilgrimage to Rome attracted crowds wherever they went — from San Francisco to Syracuse, N.Y., to Rome. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell wants to change the face of Honolulu. Ben Cayetano doesn’t. Civil Beat.

A feisty Ben Cayetano attacked Honolulu's former Mayor, Mufi Hannemann, for a letter Hannemann wrote last week to his supporters asking them to back his previous managing director, Kirk Caldwell, in the November mayor's election. Hawaii Reporter.

On Tuesday, Honolulu International Airport will join dozens of airports across the country already part of the TSA pre check expedited screening program. KHON2.

The Waikiki 20/20 conference recently wrapped up at the Hawaii Convention Center, and this year, transportation, pedestrians and building on what began decades ago are taking center stage. KITV4.

Thanks to a unique partnership, a special place just for homeless women veterans is about to open up. KITV4.

The Karsten Thot Bridge reopened to traffic early Friday morning, but this was the first weekend that Wahiawa area businesses have had a chance to see if things are returning to normal. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Two days before the Aug. 11 primary, state and county officials were aware that a “blue flu” was about to hit the Hawaii County Elections Division, resulting in the election day absence of more than half of the permanent division staff — including the top administrator. West Hawaii Today.

Robert K. Lindsey Jr. will face a pair of challengers for his seat on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is preparing for an influx of visitors as lava lake levels in Halemaumau Crater continue to rise to their highest point since since its formation following an explosive eruption on March 19, 2008. Tribune-Herald.

The bank holding the mortgage on the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort is moving to foreclose on the beleaguered Hilo hotel. Big Island Now.

The picture-wing fly, anchialine pool shrimp and certain plants are among 15 species on Hawaii island that are in danger of becoming extinct in the foreseeable future, according to the agency, which is proposing that they be protected under the Endangered Species Act. The agency is soliciting information from the scientific community and the public until Dec. 17 to help make a final determination. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercromie on Friday announced the release of $91.9 million for various capital improvement projects across the state, including numerous projects on the Big Island — with $10 million earmarked for electrical and telecommunications improvements at several Big Island schools. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A former Maui liquor control officer claims in a lawsuit against the county that he was fired for reporting that several supervisors received free food and drinks from various establishments and had sexual contact with hostess bar employees. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County residents are being asked to watch out for seabirds that may get disoriented in bright lights at night and collide with wires or structures and fall to the ground, officials said. Maui News.

Push to Resume Hunting of Hawaiian Turtles Underway. Maui Now.

Mother Marianne Cope, who came to Hawaii more than 100 years ago to care for leprosy patients, is now a saint. Maui News.

Kauai

Several hundred Democrats filled Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria Saturday for the Kaua‘i Democratic Party Grand Rally. Garden Island.

Work began earlier this month to identify and restore sections of a popular nine-mile section of Kalalau Trail. Garden Island.

A giant sea turtle is still alive thanks to a Washington state couple visiting Kaua‘i on vacation. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison’s sustainability/renewable energy plan for Lanai has sent shock waves through this “green” part of Hawaii’s business community. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

When Mayor Alan Arakawa and his team of county officials visited Molokai last week, they did what many Molokai residents do every day–they waited for a ride from the Maui Economic Opportunities (MEO) bus. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu rail costs rise $114M, Kauai plans wood-burning power plant, Hawaii County council chairman clears election ethics charge, Oahu landfill decision delayed, remains found on military site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail route courtesy photo

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation now estimates that contractor delay claims, change orders and new expenses tied to the court-ordered construction shutdown of the rail project will cost the city more than $114 million, the City Council was told Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The discovery of more human bones in Kakaako along the rail route will mean more delays and more costs to the $5.2 billion dollar project. Hawaii News Now.

Ben Cayetano says the bus rapid transit system he plans to implement instead of rail if elected mayor will be in line for some of the same federal funding as the project it's replacing. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners urged the head of the Honolulu rail authority on Wednesday to find a way to leave burials and other human remains in place when they are discovered along the rail route. Star-Advertiser.

The effects of a state law forcing foreclosure actions in Hawaii to go through the judicial system continued to slash the number of properties going through the process in September, as the number of foreclosure filings dropped 72 percent compared to the same month a year ago, according to RealtyTrac. Pacific Business News.

State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim said she has sent University of Hawaii at Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple a letter asking him to "clarify" some of the statements he made to the Senate Special Committee on Accountability on Oct. 2. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for October 11. Associated Press.

Oahu

A resolution urging Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration to proceed with plans to continue using the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill was shelved by the City Council's Public Works and Sustainability Committee after it received written testimony from West Oahu leaders opposing the idea. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg was fined $250 by the state Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday for failing to disclose that he had received 24 T-shirts from a campaign supporter. Star-Advertiser.

A former staffer for City Councilman Tom Berg has claimed in a sworn affidavit that he collected $28,643 in city salary for 77 days of work he actually performed for Berg’s political campaign. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg tongue-lashed his former chief of staff Wednesday morning as he defended himself during a tense Campaign Spending Commission meeting. Civil Beat.

A new federal study of security failures at Honolulu International Airport in 2010 partially blames Transportation Security Administration officers for the lapses but mostly faults top TSA managers for poor planning and supervision. Hawaii Reporter.

Three residential high-rises could start coming out of the ground at Ward Centers in 2014 as part of a revised master plan transforming 60 acres of retail and industrial businesses into an almost entirely new neighborhood dominated by condominium towers and twice as many shops and restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

A pre-20th Century linear fish pond once owned by Victor Ward is the inspiration for an open-air plaza that's the centerpiece of redevelopment plans for 60acres of Kakaako land owned by the Howard Hughes Corporation. Star-Advertiser.

Waihonua at Kewalo, a half block from Ala Moana Center, has been under construction for months. In recent weeks, workers came across a burial site with 18 sets of human remains some believe are of historic significance to Hawaii. KHON2.

Beginning Monday, the Haleiwa-bound lane of Karsten Thot Bridge in Wahiawa will be open for afternoon rush-hour traffic as major repairs continue. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will conduct controlled underwater explosions of unexploded ordnance on Thursday that will close Mâlaekahana State Recreation Area. Hawaii News Now.

Unexploded Ordnance Found Off Oahu’s N. Shore. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A divided county Ethics Board couldn’t muster the votes Wednesday to proceed on a request forwarded by state Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago for an investigation into County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong’s involvement in the county Elections Division. West Hawaii Today.

The county Board of Ethics today deadlocked on whether it should pursue an investigation into whether County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong may have been inappropriately involved in the operations of the county Elections Division. Big Island Now.

Human skeletal remains have been discovered at Pohakuloa Training Area, an Army spokesman said Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

A call has been issued for Native Hawaiian individuals or organizations with ancestral claims or cultural affiliation with human remains found recently in the US Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area. Big Island Now.

The two men running for Hawaii County mayor highlighted actions their administrations took to help the island’s poorer residents at a forum Wednesday night in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

The owners of the only trail to Papaikou Mill Beach have made an offer that may be hard for Hawaii County to refuse. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A hui of beachfront homeowners in Spreckelsville wants to move ahead with installing rock groins at a beach along Stable Road, replacing temporary sand-filled "geotubes" that were laid two years ago to slow beach erosion. Maui News.

A project is being proposed to protect a stretch of beach along Stable Road in Central Maui. Maui Now.

A conversation on plastic pollution comes to Maui this week in a series of presentations planned across the island. Maui Now.

Maui hotel rooms were occupied at a rate of 75 percent in August, a 3.9 percent increase over the same month in 2011, Hospitality Advisors reported. Maui News.

Kauai

A company plants to generate electricity for Kauai by burning wood chips from trees grown and harvested on the island. Garden Island.

A renewable-energy developer building a wood-fired power plant on Kauai has finalized its financing plans and is scheduled to begin construction early next year on the facility that will provide an estimated 11 percent of the island's electricity needs. Star-Advertiser.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday by a 4-2 vote approved a request of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to apply for a federal grant to establish a Keiki POHAKU program. Garden Island.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai‘i, was honored Wednesday on Kaua‘i for a lifetime of public service in Washingont, D.C. Garden Island.

Kayaks could be halted at famed Captain Cook monument, protecting seals, turtles, Honolulu permitting director resigns, Hawaii identifying tsunami debris, restaurant jobs on the uptick, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kayaks at Kealakekua Bay

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, citing concerns about impacts to Kaawaloa, compliance and under-reporting of commercial activities, as well as worries about public safety, has issued a de facto ban on kayak tours in Kealakekua Bay, starting next year. West Hawaii Today.

State and federal officials are asking fishermen to quickly call a hotline when they see a hooked or entangled Hawaiian monk seal. Associated Press.

De-listing the Hawaiian green sea turtle as an endangered species would still keep the animal protected, according to a presentation at Kapa‘a Public Library Wednesday. Garden Island.

Democrats are on track to begin the 2013 session with dominant majorities in the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Hanabusa has looked for signs of optimism in her re-election campaign in urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District. Former Congressman Charles Djou, the Republican, sees a starkly different picture. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Campaigning In The 21st Century. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Office of Elections is reminding citizens Monday is the last day people may register to vote in November’s general election. Associated Press.

Hawaii taxpayers are suffering a crippling tax load due to the state debts, particularly the unfunded retiree health care and unfunded pension costs.Hawaii Reporter.

The federal government now has a much clearer understanding of how serious a problem bullying and suicide is for Hawaii kids, especially among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Civil Beat.

Hawaii had the third-highest growth in the number of restaurant jobs in the past year, according to an analysis by the National Restaurant Association that shows the restaurant industry has been posting job growth at more than twice the rate of the overall economy. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for October 8. Associated Press.

Oahu

Sirens are going to become more reliable. A statewide siren modernization project is under way. KITV4.

City director of planning and permitting David Tanoue resigned. KHON2.

Hawaii

State officials have yet to determine if a large metal object that washed ashore near Naalehu on Hawaii island is a piece of debris from last year’s tsunami in Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Former Mayor Harry Kim is quick to point out the tough economic straits Hawaii County was in when he took office in 2000. Perhaps it’s a reaction to his opponent for the office, incumbent Mayor Billy Kenoi, equally as quickly noting how his office dealt with declining property tax revenues the last four years, something Kim never faced in his eight years at the county’s helm. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Ethics Board on Wednesday is scheduled to hear a complaint against Jamae Kawauchi, the Big Island’s embattled clerk, alleging she violated county code in her handling of the island’s elections. Civil Beat.

Maui

Rapid development, fallow plantations and byproducts - like herbicides and pesticides still in the soil and abandoned dirt roads - as well as animal feces, landscaping fertilizer, treated wastewater and open storm water drains are all damaging West Maui's coral reefs, members of a multiagency nonprofit community task force announced last week. Maui News.

Members of the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission will hold hearings on Oahu and Maui this month to hear public input on how to preserve a large, flat, petroglyph-inscribed boulder perched at the edge of an eroding gully on Kahoolawe. Maui News.

Farmers and ranchers have an opportunity to sign up for federal funds to install conservation practices through the West Maui Coral Reef Initiative, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Maui News.

The latest marine debris to arrive in Hawai’i from the Japan tsunami was recovered in waters off of Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

County officials announced the acquisition of two Lihu’e parcels that will be used to develop affordable housing units for seniors. Garden Island.

Most Hawaii families are the mom and pop type, state mulls federal waiver for welfare-to-work, unions can force employees to campaign, Kauai drought brings disaster declaration, Molokai man's DNA lawsuit explored, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii mom (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Almost three quarters of all families in Hawaii are literally "mom and pop" operations, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration is considering whether to accept a waiver that would allow states to develop their own welfare-to-work programs under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program with a decision expected by the Department of Human Services as soon as November. KITV4.

Unions and corporations are prohibited by federal law from coercing employees to make financial contributions to candidates, but UPW's attorneys argued — and the three Republican appointees to the FEC agree — that employees can be required to participate in activities such as sign-waving, telephone banking and canvassing for candidates as they did in 2010 for congressional candidate Colleen Hanabusa. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Democrats will meet Saturday to act on a complaint against state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz that could lead to his censure. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has no official plan for dealing with Japanese tsunami debris that has begun showing up in offshore waters, no task force to help coordinate federal, state and city response efforts and virtually no funding to deal with the issue. Civil Beat.

The Federal Aviation Administration has put up money to help search for the best site in Hawaii for a commercial spaceport, and to study the environmental impacts of launching and landing commercial spacecraft from Hawaii airports. Star-Advertiser.

A team from the University of Hawaii's accrediting agency that visited earlier this month supports a plan to form a working group to review "delegations of authority" in the wake of a botched benefit concert, and wants to be apprised of any report or legislation resulting from the concert fallout, according to a draft synopsis of the team's conclusions. Star-Advertiser.

The aftermath of the Stevie Wonder blunder has caught the attention of the agency that accredits the University of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Epic Talent LLC - the company that took a $200,000 deposit on the promise of staging a Stevie Wonder concert at the University of Hawaii in August but had no authority to do so -bills itself as “reliable consulting source for accessing big name entertainment for public concerts, corporate events and fundraisers around the world” amd promises to look out for their “clients’ best interests.” Hawaii Reporter.

With less than a week before the 11th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention opens on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the Hawaii Convention Center, registration has hit 600 participants during the three-day event. Hawaii Reporter.

Today the Army is shutting down regular operations to focus everyone’s attention on a “silent enemy”. The stand down day will train soldiers of all ranks in preventing suicide,  the Army’s fastest growing threat, and military leaders are asking for everyone’s help. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former state lawmaker Kenneth Koon Leong Lee 'compassionate,' 'tough'. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for September 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and Ben Cayetano will meet in a live, televised setting on two consecutive nights next week, the only chances the public will have to see the two candidates face off against each other on television before the Nov. 6 general election. Star-Advertiser.

The pro-rail group that spent more than a million dollars this election season has launched its first ad since the primary election. KHON2.

Roads, sewers and homelessness. That's what's on the minds of leading contenders for Tulsi Gabbard’s vacant Honolulu City Council seat. Civil Beat.

Green thumb or not, Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto has been busy recently working to transform another one of his Kahala Avenue home lots into a public garden — this one a Japanese tea garden. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is adjusting its game plan for the Nov. 6 general election in order to avoid the problems that plagued the primary. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation won’t be starting construction on Queen Kaahumanu Highway this month, and just when construction will begin is unclear. West Hawaii Today.

When it comes to politics, Russell Ruderman and Daryl Smith might as well be from different worlds. Tribune-Herald.

State House District 3: Race features community activist, former teacher and man of ideas. Tribune-Herald.

A worldwide shrimp breeder is moving its headquarters from Florida to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and expanding its Hawaii operations. Tribune-Herald.

A 12-year-old dolphin at Hilton Waikoloa Village gave birth to a female calf that seemed to instantly recognize her mother. Associated Press.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously approved Tuesday a permit for the University of Hawaii Maui College to expand its ongoing investments in renewable, photovoltaic energy. Maui News.

An environmental group wants to put an end to cane burning on Maui. StopCaneBurning.org says smoke from operations at HC&S, Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar company, is making residents sick and could potentially cause life-threatening illness. On Wednesday, the two sides met to discuss concerns at the HC&S office in Puunene. Hawaii News Now.

Officials at Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company responded today to a cane burning petition presented by members of an opposition group on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council candidates have already gone through a series of public meetings during this year’s election season, but Tuesday night was the first time they participated in a debate leading to Nov. 6 General Elections. Garden Island.

The U.S. Agriculture Department has designated Kaua‘i County as a natural disaster area due to a “severe” drought, which has lasted for more than eight straight weeks during the growing season. Garden Island.

Federal officials said Wednesday that based on wind and currents, the floating dock suspected of being 2011 tsunami debris from Japan could be headed toward Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

A list of recommended rules that would regulate commercial boating and commercial surf activities at Hanalei Black Pot Beach Park were presented to the mayor on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A Molokai man has filed a lawsuit seeking to use DNA to prove his ancestry so he can qualify for the Hawaiian homelands program. Star-Advertiser.

A Molokai man has filed a lawsuit seeking to use DNA to prove his ancestry so he can qualify for the Hawaiian homelands program, which leases land at almost no cost to Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Kukui nuts have long been used by Hawaiians for food and medicinal purposes, but it may soon be also used for fuel –specifically, biodiesel fuel. Wayde Lee, who created the Molokai Sustainable Farming Project (MSFP) last year, has been exploring biodiesel initiatives that he said may lead to economic stability and energy security for Molokai farmers. Molokai Dispatch.

Green sea turtle moves closer to dinner plate, fire sets back Oahu's First Wind, RIMPAC pau, Hawaii mayor's geothermal vetoes stand, documents outline Murdock-Ellison Lanai deal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green sea turtle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Federal officials will conduct a worldwide review to see whether Hawaii's green sea turtles should be classified as a population separate from other green sea turtles — an action that could result in removing Hawaii's turtles' protection as a "threatened species." Star-Advertiser.

A decision from researchers in Hawai`i could potentially change the protected status of green sea turtles around the world. Hawaii Public Radio.

honu green sea turtle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service announced Wednesday it will work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a global status review of green turtles, which have been listed under the federal Endangered Species Act since 1978. KITV4.

Hawaiian sea turtles (leatherback, loggerhead and green) seem to have a target on their backs these days. Civil Beat.

On summer nights, female green sea turtles, or honu, make their way to the beach they were born on about 30 years before. Molokai Dispatch.

Mufi Hannemann, the former Honolulu mayor, may well pull off a win in the race for the Congrssional District 2 seat Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard is trying to make political hay out of pay-to-play and leaving it to voters to find the connection to Mufi Hannemann, her main opponent in the 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Rim of the Pacific exercises went out with a bang. Ten amphibious assault vehicles launched from the USS Essex churned through the surf Wednesday and came ashore at Pyramid Rock Beach at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

The Gas Co. has changed its brand to HawaiiGas to better reflect its identity in Hawaii’s energy community, the company said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for August 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

Oahu's only large-scale wind farm was shut down indefinitely Wednesday after a stubborn fire destroyed the Kahuku facility's battery system that transfers power from 12 giant turbines to the electrical grid. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Resource Partnership, which supports the city's rail project, has spent more than $1 million since January on political advocacy with most of the money used to attempt to influence the mayoral election. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Resource Partnership poured nearly $900,000 into this year’s Honolulu mayoral race, much of it on negative advertising that targeted pro-rail candidate Ben Cayetano, according to spending figures disclosed today. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano has raised $951,000 since the campaign began, compared to $875,000 for Kirk Caldwell and $662,000 for Peter Carlisle. Civil Beat.

What began as a fight over the Honolulu Rail became a raging battle over environmental regulation, which in turn became an all-out political war over land and power. Honolulu Weekly.

Two former Democratic legislators hope to fill the 19th House District seat held by longtime Republican legislator Barbara Marumoto, who is not seeking re-election. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department's new mobile command vehicle is 65-feet long and costs just over $1.5 million. Hawaii News Now.

Organizers announced Wednesday the farmers market will now be held at Waimea Valley and no longer on Sundays. KHON2.

A seal that would normally live in waters around the Aleutian Islands and California has shown up thousands of miles away on an Oahu beach, officials said Wednesday. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council failed to override Mayor Billy Kenoi’s vetoes of bills relating to geothermal energy. Tribune-Herald.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Wednesday assured Hawaii County voters the election is under control, even as the attorney for fired Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto said his client should be reinstated immediately to ensure voting goes off without a hitch. West Hawaii Today.

With less than two weeks until the primary election, Hawaii County Clerk’s Office is sorting through between 50 and 60 duplicate voter registrations to ensure that this time the one person, one vote rule prevails. Tribune-Herald.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi told reporters today that a review of the Big Island’s voter registry turned up irregularities, but nothing that should have an impact on the upcoming primary election. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s attorney general is fighting back against a recent decision by a Big Island judge that critics say weakens the power of the state to hold developers to their promises. Civil Beat.

Maui

The developer of the master-planned Olowalu Town project in West Maui says the area is bound for development whether or not the Maui County Council places the 600-acre project within the island's urban growth boundaries. Maui News.

Tree thieves have chain sawed to stumps about 25 milo trees at Kanaha Beach Park in the past three to four months, and county officials and tree experts suspect the logs are being used for wood carvings. Maui News.

Kauai

A bill proposing to ban all tobacco products in county parks almost turned into a resolution weeks ago, which would take away its enforcement component. Rather, the bill was sent back to committee and now has morphed into an anti-smoking bill. Garden Island.

As part of an ongoing community outreach effort, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. has announced the dates for his next round of community meetings to be held in August. Garden Island.

Lanai

When billionaire David Murdock sold much of the island of Lanai to fellow billionaire Larry Ellison earlier this year, public documents made it clear that Murdock retained the right to develop a controversial wind farm that has been proposed for the island. Civil Beat.

Although the sale price of Lanai, estimated at upwards of $500 million, has never been revealed, a sales agreement filed recently with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission offers new details of what former owner David Murdock is keeping in his possession. Pacific Business News.

Neighbor Island newspapers endorse Case for U.S. Senate, Honolulu voters oppose rail, Big Island elections office in cross-hairs, Marines won't up training on Molokai, teachers squabble over contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ed Case, Audrey Case (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

West Hawaii Today endorses Ed Case for U.S. Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui News endorses Ed Case for U.S. Senate. Maui News.

Mazie Hirono

Voters on five islands will be able to cast ballots before the Aug. 11 primary election at walk-in voting sites that open today. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann holds a 43 percent-to-33 percent lead over City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard in the Demo­cratic primary for the U.S. House 2nd District seat, the latest Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

With less than two weeks before the primary election, the poll results are in for both congressional districts of the U.S. House. Hawaii News Now.

Call them Generation Dan — a crop of leaders that have been waiting in the wings until either Daniel K. Inouye or Daniel Akaka leave office. Civil Beat.

Wednesday is the last day for noncandidate committees and corporations to file their fundraising and expenditure reports covering the first seven months of 2012. Civil Beat.

The chairman of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s political campaign is running a “public-private partnership” with Abercrombie’s office that is soliciting $1.3 million from health care companies for what the governor calls the “Hawaii Healthcare Transformation Initiative.” Hawaii Reporter.

A Hawaii island kiawe forest, a Wai­ma­nalo golf course and farmland on the Ewa Plain are the first pursuits of a quasi-public state agency created last year to optimize the use of state lands and revenue from them. Star-Advertiser.

The new school year starts on Monday and teachers will be heading back to their classrooms without a new contract. Hawaii News Now.

Chief negotiator Neil Dietz delivered another rejection to Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe in a letter Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The state is proposing to overhaul its accountability system for schools, putting less weight on the results of a single annual test and instead using multiple measures — from the year-to-year academic growth of students to graduation rates — to determine how schools are progressing. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers gave the Board of Education a direct order last year: Monitor the Hawaii Department of Education for compliance with rules governing bullying and establish reporting requirements. Civil Beat.

A controversial new rule that requires boat operators to complete a safety course to operate power-driven vessels in state waters was approved Friday by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Maui News.

Groups focused on climate change say the knowledge of ancient cultures and indigenous people needs to be included, to provide the greatest opportunities for adaptation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Despite extensive election-year advertising and campaigning to convince the public of the benefits of the $5.26 billion Hono­lulu rail project, only 44 percent of Oahu residents believe work on it should continue, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

The campaign for Honolulu mayor appears to be a race for second place, with former Gov. Ben Cayetano a clear favorite heading into the Aug. 11 primary, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

A Windward Oahu primary election race could turn out to be a referendum on the Demo­cratic leadership of the state House. Star-Advertiser.

Huge cranes dominate the skyline of the University of Hawaii at Manoa this summer as the campus undergoes $137.5 million worth of construction and renovation. Star-Advertiser.

Nevada-based Blue Earth Inc. has acquired the rights to a 497-kilowatt solar farm in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu says contractors will perform archaeological studies this week near Pearl Harbor, the airport, and Kakaako.Associated Press.

State and federal officials plan to meet residents to discuss upcoming plans to clean up former sugar plantation soil in what is now a Kauai residential neighborhood. Associated Press.

An underground sewer tunnel the city is proposing to build in Windward Oahu is facing some stiff opposition. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to help sort out apparent discrepancies in the county voter registration database. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council Chair Dominic Yagong defended the County Clerk's actions following concerns about apparent discrepancies in voter registration rolls. KITV4.

In this election, Big Island voters will decide which direction the Hawaii County mayor will take over the next four years. Tribune-Herald.

Of the three lawyers running to be county prosecutor, one describes himself as “the law-and-order candidate,” another as “a community-oriented prosecutor,” while the third said he was blessed with “the spiritual gift of discernment.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The county Board of Variances & Appeals on Friday dismissed an appeal of Maui County's issuance of grading permits for the planned Maui Outlets and Piilani Promenade shopping complexes in Kihei. Maui News.

Kauai

There were significantly more Japan and Canada visitor arrivals to Kaua‘i this June than last June and they, along with all other visitors, spent considerably more on the island than last June. Garden Island.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has budgeted more than $136 million for Kaua‘i roads. Garden Island.

Molokai

After receiving opposition from residents as well as state and federal agencies, the U.S. Marine Corps says it won’t increase training activity in the Kalaupapa settlement. Molokai Dispatch.

U.S. Senate campaign simmers through emails, federal judge to hear gay marriage case, voter registration up, Hollywood coming to Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki highrises (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Waikiki may soon see its first new high-rise hotel in more than three years. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge in Hawaii will hear arguments today on whether Gov. Neil Abercrombie should remain as a defendant in a lawsuit by two women who claim they’re being denied the right to marry. Associated Press.

In a campaign email sent out Sunday, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Ed Case criticized political rival Mazie Hirono for accepting more than $700,000 from political action committees this election season. Civil Beat.

Mazie Hirono last week accused Linda Lingle and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce of being "two peas in a pod" for opposing President Barack Obama's priorities. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, a candidate for U.S. Senate, missed three additional votes last week so she could continue to fundraise and campaign for the seat left open by the retirement of U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

A $2.2 million expedition that hoped to find wreckage from Amelia Earhart's final flight is on its way back to Hawaii without the dramatic, conclusive plane images searchers were hoping to attain. Associated Press.

Voter registration increased statewide this year for the fourth primary election in a row. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii may require skippers of power driven boats in state waters to complete a boating safety course. Associated Press.

State roundup for July 24. Associated Press.

Oahu
Being Honolulu mayor has its perks. Just ask Peter Carlisle. In November, he rolled out the red carpet for 21 world leaders from the Asia-Pacific region — including President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama — arriving in Honolulu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation biannual summit. Star-Advertiser.

Not So Public: Open Records Agency Takes Up Civil Beat Appeal, 1 Year Later. Civil Beat.

Reapportionment – the redrawing of Hawai’i’s Legislative boundaries based on population changes in the 2010 Census – has forced a number of veteran lawmakers to face each other in a Primary Election run-off. Hawaii Public Radio.

More highway lanes will soon be available through one of the H-1s bottleneck areas, as lane re-striping gets underway. KHON2.

Hawaii

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi closed the Hilo Elections Office on Monday for an audit of the county voter registration list, an action a state elections official called unprecedented and a county councilman called “fishy.” West Hawaii Today.

The county Office of Elections was closed Monday for a manual check of its more than 101,000 registered voters and to weed out any irregularities. Tribune-Herald.

Mayors Race Erupts on Big Island Over Geothermal. Civil Beat.

Maui

Two first-time Maui political hopefuls are among the few Hawaii candidates to so far tap into the state's public funding program that matches dollar-for-dollar campaign contributions of $100 or less. Maui News.

The Oscars of the Hawaii coffee industry brewed a lot of interest Saturday at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. Maui News.

Jo Anne Johnson Winer – Maui’s Veteran Public Official. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai may not be getting “The Hunger Games” sequel, but it looks like another Hollywood feature will be filmed in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The Kaua‘i Charter Review Commission on Monday approved the final list of questions related to proposed Kaua‘i Charter amendments to be included in this year’s ballot. Garden Island.

Next year the Kilauea Lighthouse, the northernmost place of the Main Hawaiian Islands, will celebrate its 100th anniversary. As a result, the Kilauea community is going through a comprehensive restoration. Garden Island.

Lanai

For months, it's been a battle of the Big Wind signs on Lanai. Both pro and anti wind farm factions have draped banners on buildings and placed signs in front yards that read, "No Windmills on Lanai!" or "Wind Power - To Keep Lanai Green." Civil Beat.

Molokai

In order to bring more tangible data to ongoing efforts to better understand Hawaiian monk seals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed a research project that will attach Crittercams, or small video cameras, to the backs of the seals. Molokai Dispatch.