Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope stalemate drags on, Kauai mulls mayor-less government, Hawaii council to change law to suit judge's rezoning, Health Department wants comments on Maui cane burning, needles washing up at Keehi beach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Photovoltaic panels in Honolulu

Hawaiian Electric Co. has submitted a new plan to Hawaii regulators regarding rooftop solar, which includes raising the cost of new systems being installed. Pacific Business News.

If there are new challenges to the construction of telescopes on Mauna Kea, the expansion of Turtle Bay Resort or the Honolulu rail system’s impact on historic sites, they could be heard in Hawaii’s Environmental Court, which debuted Wednesday. Supporters hope it will bring more consistency to environmental rulings. Last year, opponents said judges designated to the Environmental Court would be prone to improper influence. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City Environmental Services Director Lori Kahikina acknowledged a shopping bag ban will be an adjustment for residents of Oahu, the last county in the state to implement an ordinance aimed at stepping up use of environmentally friendly checkout bags, but said the law is a compromise between environmentalists and businesses that have to pay more for compostable or paper bags. Star-Advertiser.

Several of the homeless people living in a warren of plywood- and pallet-hardened tents around the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center worry that Monday’s attack on state Rep. Tom Brower by two homeless teenagers will bring unwanted attention and force them to set up shop in someone else’s neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Those who frequent Keehi Lagoon Beach Park say needles have been washing up on shore more often. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The County Council will fast-track changes to its concurrency laws to accommodate a Hilo District Court judge’s application to subdivide his property. Judge Harry Freitas and his wife, Sandra, want to rezone their 50-acre Mountain View property from agriculture 20 acres to agriculture 5 acres. The Windward Planning Commission had recommended against the rezoning. West Hawaii Today.

As University of Hawaii officials offer no timeline for reopening the Mauna Kea summit road and visitor center, some tour operators who rely on the mountain for business say that each day brings them closer to layoffs. West Hawaii Today.

Tourists and island residents hoping to visit Mauna Kea’s summit anytime soon likely will be left disappointed as the road closure is expected to continue through the end of the week. Tribune-Herald.

The Mauna Kea summit will remain closed to the public well into next week while officials ensure the safety of a road damaged last week during the protest that blocked construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Many of the protesters opposed to plans for a giant telescope atop Mauna Kea came down from the mountain for a large gathering Wednesday around the King Kamehameha statue in Honolulu. Associated Press.

A Hawaiian mediation process known as ho‘oponopono is being offered to the first group of protesters arrested on Mauna Kea as an alternative to prosecution. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources approved more than $9,000 in fines for a Big Island tour company that operated unpermitted tours of the lava flow near Pu‘u ‘O‘o. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The state Department of Health is soliciting public comments regarding cane burning on Maui after residents called in earlier this month with concerns about a May 27 burn that enveloped South Maui, an official said. Maui News.

Sign-waving protesters line Piilani Highway near the entrance to a Monsanto farming operation in north Kihei on Wednesday morning. The protest came a day after a federal judge struck down the Maui County moratorium on genetically engineered crops passed by voters last fall. The judge ruled Tuesday that the ordinance was "invalid and unenforceable." Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously approved a resolution on Wednesday to form a council subcommittee to study a county manager form of government. Garden Island.

Members of the public testified Wednesday on a measure that would charge hikers who ignore warning signs for costs to rescue them if they get in trouble. Garden Island.

Schatz vs. Hanabusa -- Down to the wire

Colleen Hanabusa, Brian Schatz recent debate screen shot

Only in Hawaii would a challenger to a sitting incumbent be known as the insider, and a race between two seasoned politicians be seen as a fight between a dead senator and President Obama.

But that's apparently the case in the down-to-the-wire showdown between U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Schatz, formerly lieutenant governor and an appointee of longtime Obama friend and supporter Neil Abercrombie, faces challenger Hanabusa in the Democratic primary Saturday in Hawaii.

It's a grudge match for Hanabusa, who viewed as a personal affront Abercrombie's 2012 appointment of Schatz over her despite an apparent deathbed request from the powerful U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Inouye's widow continues to endorse her.

(Abercrombie, it should be noted, is facing his own problems in his reelection bid, posed by fellow Democrat and state Sen. David Ige.)

"On Saturday, Hawaii brings a test of Mr. Obama’s pull in contested Democratic primaries," said a Wall Street Journal political post.

Obama is backing both Schatz and Abercrombie.

There's a lot of history there. Schatz endorsed Obama in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary. Inouye and Hanabusa backed Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Dueling polls show either Schatz or Hanabusa in the lead, and many predict it's going to be a close one. It's an important contest because it's just about a given that the real election in this race is the Democratic duel in the primary.

Hanabusa leads Schatz 50 percent to 42 percent, with 8 percent undecided in a July 21-29 Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll.

A Civil Beat poll July 24-28 of likely Democratic voters shows Schatz with a 49 percent to 41 percent edge on the congresswoman.

But what about those polls?

"Polling in Hawaii— and especially primary polling— is notoriously unreliable. And we don't mean off-by-a-few points unreliable. We mean often vastly different-from-the-final-result unreliable," said a Washington Post blogger in a The Fix posting titled " Hawaii: Where good polling goes to die."

It's trite but true, and it's become a mantra for several candidates these past few days: The only poll that really matters is the one the state tallies up on Election Day.

Cost of living mars Hawaii retirement dreams, feds to hold hearing today on Native Hawaiian recognition, Abercrombie to announce likely vetoes today, Apache helicopters arrive, gubernatorial candidates oppose Kakaako condos, famed Molokai mule guide dies, UFO landing pad for Puna, Wow Wie, Michelle! and more top news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki retirees © 2014 All Hawaii News

Cost of living spoils Hawaii’s retirement rank. The expense of the 50th state lands it at 46th on a recent list for post-career life. Star-Advertiser.

What would a Native Hawaiian government look like? No one knows. But as of Monday morning, federal officials are gathering public input on whether the United States should establish a government-to-government relationship with Hawaii’s indigenous community, starting with a hearing at the State Capitol. Civil Beat.

There are efforts by the Governor of the State of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Congressional Delegation, State of Hawaii Legislators and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to seek State and Federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. Over the next few weeks, the US Department of Interior will hold public meetings in Hawaii and Indian country to solicit input on how this should proceed. Hawaii Independent.

The deadline has arrived for Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie to tell lawmakers which bills he plans to veto. Those potential vetoes must be announced on Monday. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed 16 bills into law Friday afternoon on proposals ranging from modernizing the electric grid to stopping police officers from having sex with prostitutes in the line of duty. Several of the proposals dealt with protecting children from harm and restoring justice to victims of Internet crimes. Associated Press.

Governor’s Travels: Island Trips, Economy Travel and Obama Abercrombie took five trips in January and February, including a weeklong stay in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Sixty five percent of Hawaii’s public school principals are predicting a drastic drop in math and reading test scores the coming school year, in one case by as much as 50 percent. Hawaii Reporter.

Commentary: Hawaii's 2014 election has drawn refreshing competition at the top of the ballot, with most action set in motion by the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Down the ballot in legislative races, however, are reminders of how far our state must come to restore our once-vibrant democracy. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Does the AJA Vote Still Matter? Support of Japanese Americans has historically been critical to win elections in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Eight of the U.S. Army’s most advanced attack helicopters arrived in Hawaii on Friday for this summer’s Rim of the Pacific joint exercises, after which half of those Apache Guardians will be sent deeper into Asia as part of the Army’s Pacific Pathways initiative. Stars and Stripes.

After nearly a decade on the LPGA tour, Michelle Wie has finally won the first major tournament of her career. The Punahou grad finished -2 over the weekend to become the champion of the 69th U.S. Women's Open Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Hawaii News Now.

Michelle Wie’s big win at the U.S. Women’s Open is the talk of the town and lots of people were glued to the TV Sunday morning to watch her play. KHON2.

Oahu

State transportation leaders still can't say for sure that their proposed Ewa-bound Zipper Lane is officially dead, but they are moving ahead anyway with H-1 freeway improvements in Central Oahu that no longer include such a contra-flowed traffic lane. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige both say they do not support giving the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs the authority to develop high-rise condominiums near the waterfront at Kaka­ako. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy confirmed more tiny holes in a leaking storage tank in Red Hill that appears to be a cause of the release of an estimated 27,000 gallons of jet fuel in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Electric Light Co. is using a new timeline for approving another geothermal power project for Hawaii Island as it attempts to address issues raised by the state Public Utilities Commission and an independent observer. Tribune-Herald.

Candidates for the House District 5 seat and the County Council District 6 slot tackled taxes, garbage, GMO labeling and other issues at a candidate forum Saturday in Kealakekua. West Hawaii Today.

With illegal signs cluttering walkways, little enforcement of existing laws and too many people wandering around lost, Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille is asking for public input before she drafts a revision to the county sign code. West Hawaii Today.

Kawaihae Harbor will have a new home for vessels by the end of next month. That’s assuming all goes as planned as contractors finish up a new floating dock, trailer parking and wash down area at the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Last-minute changes to make University of Hawaii at Hilo’s new Student Services Building wheelchair accessible delayed the facility’s opening by about a year and racked up just under $230,000 in additional expenses. Tribune-Herald.

If all goes as planned, E.T. may soon be calling Puna home. A UFO landing pad and star visitor sanctuary is set to be dedicated Friday on land accreted by the 1983 lava flow fronting Uncle Robert’s Kawa Bar in Kalapana. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A 2nd Circuit judge is being asked to consider whether Neldon Mamuad is qualified to remain on the ballot as a mayoral candidate, following a preliminary ruling last week that he should be disqualified. Maui News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $19.5 million Friday for the state's purchase of Lipoa Point, with West Maui Rep. Angus McKelvey calling it a "huge" step toward the public acquisition of the scenic coastline area as open space free of development. Maui News.

The effort to preserve and utilize the Palauea Cultural Preserve marked a beginning earlier this week with a blessing on the nearly 21-acre site in Makena that sits among multimillion-dollar homes. Maui News.

Kauai

A vision to boost the island’s agriculture and food industries by creating a centralized processing facility may not be such a good idea after all, according to a county study conducted through the Office of Economic Development. Garden Island.

Coco Palms was a popular destination for movie stars, including Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Before history-making memories were made, a story of another sort — with an even deeper history — took place. “I exhumed 81 skeletons all buried sitting down and facing east with their arms crossed over their chests,” said Valentine Ako, who was contracted to excavate for the construction of buildings Two and Three of the iconic Coco Palms resort in the early 1950s. Garden Island.

Although the County Council has not acted yet on a line-item veto by Mayor Alan Arakawa involving restrictions on funding for the county Department of Environmental Management, the department announced Thursday that there will be reductions in county landfill hours and no refuse collection on county holidays, effective Aug. 1. Garden Island.

Molokai

For 40 years Buzzy Sproat, wearing his signature black cowboy hat, led the mule rides down to the remote Kalau­papa peninsula on Molo­kai, regaling visitors with stories and whistling elaborate tunes. Star-Advertiser.

Obama seeks Pacific Ocean protections, UH gets $40M oceanic research grant, Kauai ex-police commissioner pleads guilty to gambling ring, Aiona offers homeless plan, Hawaii teens improve health habits, Maui mayor trims budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilo Moana, courtesy NOAA

The University of Hawaii will take the lead on a global oceanographic research project that comes with $40 million in funding — representing the largest-ever philanthropic gift to the university. David Karl and Edward DeLong, professors in UH-Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, were awarded the funds by the Simons Foundation to lead the newly launched Simons Collaboration on Ocean Processes and Ecology, or SCOPE. Star-Advertiser.

A private foundation is awarding two University of Hawaii scientists $40 million to research microscopic organisms in the ocean. The award from the Simons Foundation is the largest private foundation gift ever received by the university. Associated Press.

Kilo Moana

President Obama on Tuesday will announce his intent to make a broad swath of the central Pacific Ocean off-limits to fishing, energy exploration and other activities, according to senior White House officials. Washington Post.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday will announce his intent to make a broad swath of the central Pacific Ocean off limits to fishing, energy exploration and other activities, according to senior White House officials. Associated Press.

With a congresswoman out for his head and a U.S. senator calling for an investigation, the new director of the Hawaii VA vowed Monday to stay on the job and, within three months, dramatically reduce the time it takes military veterans to see their doctors. Star-Advertiser.

The Veterans Affairs director in Hawai’i wants to assure veterans and the public that he is working hard to provide better access to primary care. Hawaii Public Radio.

Republican candidate Duke Aiona placed homelessness at center stage in Hawaii gubernatorial campaign Monday by proposing two novel ideas. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii National Guard would reach out to homeless veterans and guide them toward counseling and services under a proposal by Republican gubernatorial candidate James "Duke" Aiona to reduce homelessness in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Today, at Kaka‘ako Makai Gateway Park, Duke Aiona outlined a plan to address the houseless crisis in Hawai‘i. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii tea party leaders are outraged over the news the Internal Revenue Service has lost emails of its former director, Lois Lerner, during a critical time when the agency admitted to targeting conservative groups for additional scrutiny. Hawaii Reporter.

During an interview with Keahi Tucker on Hawaii News Now, Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson, a Democrat, said his No. 1 priority representing the First Congressional District of Hawaii will be to focus on middle-class families.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is appointing two Oahu executives to state boards. Kailua resident Wesley Furtado is being appointed to serve on the Board of Land and Natural Resources.The governor is appointing Sean Dee of Honolulu to the Hawaii Tourism Authority board of directors. Associated Press.

Hawaii's newest medical insurer is ramping up to gain more market share as the bulk of small businesses renew health plans in July. Family Health Hawaii, which launched Oct. 1 as a nonprofit mutual benefit society, has roughly 4,000 employees so far on its rolls, or about half of its annual enrollment goal, said former state Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt, who is heading the startup insurance firm. Star-Advertiser.

Teenagers are smoking less, fighting less and having less sex than a decade ago, a Hawaii Department of Health report indicates. Civil Beat.

Innovate Hawaii, a program of the High Technology Development Corp., has given a total of $248,310 to four local companies as part of the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research matching-grant program. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

An Obama presidential library located in Hawaii would generate $556 million in economic activity and create 2,130 new jobs, in the construction phase alone, according to officials who submitted a bid by Monday's deadline. Star-Advertiser.

Two escapes in one week from the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Daniel Skelton, the inmate who escaped from the Oahu Community Correctional Center on Monday morning, is still on the loose. That’s two escapees for OCCC in as many weeks. KHON2.

Some Ewa Beach residents are fed up with the plane noise from Honolulu International Airport. That's because a construction project is diverting planes from one runway to another that's in line with homes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii County middle school students were more likely to try smoking cigarettes last year than students anywhere else in the state, according to new findings reported Monday. Tribune-Herald.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization spent nearly $8 million last year lobbying federal officials, making it one of the top 50 spenders on national lobbying, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Now the influential global trade group that includes more than 1,000 biotechnology companies has turned its sights on Hawaii. The organization joined nine local groups and individuals from the Big Island last week to challenge Hawaii County’s ban on genetically modified farming. Civil Beat.

Produce thefts have some isle farmers on edge. West Hawaii Today.

Surrounded by chain link fence is a little pond fringed by greenery. The pond is fed by a white pipeline, from which water gushes out at a rate of about 1.5 million gallons daily. This site, not far from the Kealakehe Police Station, is the destination of the sewage treated at the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kona and one West Hawaii resident is hoping to see it closed down sooner rather than later. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa on Monday issued eight line-item vetoes, cutting $29.7 million in capital improvement projects proposed by the County Council. Star-Advertiser.

No state has a worse voter turn out than Hawai'i, and no districts have more apathetic voters than South and West Maui. Recent reports rank them right at the very bottom of the list, but this year both areas have become a hotbed of political activism. Maui Weekly.

The county Public Works Department submitted a final environmental assessment for the final phase of the North Shore Greenway . Maui Now.

A final environmental assessment has been submitted for the final phase of the proposed North Shore Greenway, a pedestrian and bike path that would connect Kahului to Paia. Maui News.

The county Department of Housing and Human Concerns submitted a Final Environmental Assessment for the 64-unit Kulamalu affordable housing project in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Kauai

A Department of Corrections program manager and former Kauai Police Commissioner pleaded guilty to federal gambling charges on Monday in U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii. Garden Island.

A Kauai police commissioner who resigned in the midst of an FBI gambling investigation admitted in U.S. District Court on Monday that he ran a sports betting operation from his home and lied on his taxes. Bradley Chiba, 37, pleaded guilty to owning and running an illegal gambling business with eight others and to failing to report to the Internal Revenue Service that he earned $39,779 in 2012 from the business. Star-Advertiser.

Long week ahead for Hawaii Legislature, state to pay Turtle Bay to conserve North Shore land, attorney general wants more money, Pacific Biodiesel leaves Maui, Hawaii County plans Mauna Kea park takeover, tipping fees to rise on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House of Representatives

Hawaii lawmakers are preparing for an onslaught of bills to move through their chambers this week, in advance of a legislative deadline to pass bills out of the second chamber. Associated Press.

A House committee approved a bill to outlaw eating cats and dogs in Hawaii, a measure supported by animal lovers who lobbied lawmakers with their pets. Associated Press.

Hawaii Attorney General David Louie asked the Legislature in December to give his office an extra $5.3 million for fiscal 2015, which starts July 1. But the latest draft of the budget, which lawmakers will finalize over the next few weeks, adds only $1.5 million. Civil Beat.

Rep. Bob McDermott is troubled about new classroom materials that are being tested out by some Hawaii public school teachers. The vocal, socially conservative Ewa Beach lawmaker recently wrote a memo to Hawaii Department of Education Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi requesting that the department prohibit teachers from using any materials or lesson plans from the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance program in their classrooms. Civil Beat.

With affordable-housing and homelessness problems persisting, measures aimed at promoting affordable-housing construction, assisting the Hawaii Public Housing Authority with repair and maintenance, encouraging Housing First programs and funding the up-and-coming concept of micro-apartments continue to move through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

A measure that would have allowed rock climbers to resume their sport has been amended, catching outdoor enthusiasts by surprise. Hawaii News Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is canvassing communities in an effort to expand a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians interested in participating in their own government. Associated  Press.

Charles Djou, a Republican who served six months in Congress in 2010 after winning a special three-way election, has launched a campaign to reclaim his District 1 Congressional Seat. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Time is running out for the state and the owners of Turtle Bay Resort to decide how much Hawaii should pay the hotel to conserve some of the land it owns on Oahu's North Shore. Civil Beat.

City officials are promising at least one public hearing in the coming weeks on rules governing how food trucks can operate in Hono­lulu's Capitol Special District under a two-year pilot program that became law last week. Star-Advertiser.

Selling rail. Yes, half of the audience at this public meeting were HART employees. Hawaii Independent.

Tuition at three of Hawaii's largest private schools — ‘Iolani School, Mid-Pacific Institute and Punahou School — will hit the $20,000 mark for the first time next school year as most schools plan hikes of between 3 percent and 7 percent. Star-Advertiser.

They were small, but price gains achieved by Oahu's housing market last month continued a rising trend reaching further into its third year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County will be able to improve and maintain its portion of the Mauna Kea State Recreation Area without a big budget increase or neglecting other county parks, officials assured the County Council Finance Committee on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

A bill establishing a temporary working group to help the state acquire lands in Waipio Valley was passed by the state House committees on finance Wednesday with amendments. Tribune-Herald.

Whether residents and business owners think it’s a good idea or not to limit commercial use of the ocean, they appear to agree on one thing — a package of proposed rules governing commercial use is convoluted and confusing. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui businesswoman and former vice chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Maui Del Rosario has been appointed the party chairwoman of the newly formed Hawaii Independent Party. Maui News.

Pacific Biodiesel has eliminated two employee positions and closed its biodiesel production plant at the Central Maui Landfill in Puunene, according to an announcement Friday from the pioneering Maui alternative fuel company. Maui News.

Sales of Maui condominiums soared by 31 percent last month, while prices of both condos and single-family homes in Maui County increased by double digits in March, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Businesses owners may soon be paying more to dump or haul their waste into County of Kauai landfills. That’s if the Kauai County Council chooses one of two options before it to raise the landfill tipping fee. Garden Island.

A Kauai councilman who sued the county for claims his civil rights were violated for going against political foes agreed to settle the lawsuit for $290,000. Associated Press.

Challenging times, state Department of Transportation consultants say, lie ahead for Kauai. The Garden Isle is expected to face a nearly $2.2 billion shortfall in transportation project funds at a time when it will also face a significant population and economic boom. Garden Island.

Tulsi in the spotlight, Honolulu arrest death ruled homicide, electricity bills double, Hawaii state counties conference gets rowdy, Honolulu council sets sights on tax hikes, Maui aims to save the trees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard at 2012 Democratic National Convention

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will have a leading role in a bipartisan coalition to reduce government waste and inefficiency as the freshman Hawaii Democrat positions herself as a problem solver in Congress. No Labels is expected to announce a package of reform legislation this morning backed by more than 70 House and Senate Demo­crats and Republicans. Star-Advertiser.

Freshman Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday expressed deep disappointment with Congress even as she urged more women, young people and diverse candidates to run. Politico.

Electric bills have doubled over the past decade in Hawaii as state regulators search for sustainable ways to provide power to thousands of homes and businesses. Meantime, utility executives are banking millions of dollars in annual salaries and benefits while they bemoan declining sales due to more people going off the grid. Civil Beat.

Robbie Alm is leaving his post as executive vice president of Hawaiian Electric Co. as of Aug. 30 after more than a decade at Hawaii’s largest utility, HECO said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Robbie Alm, who has been the public face of Hawaiian Electric Co. for the past decade, will be leaving the company August 30, according to a company press release. Civil Beat.

More than 27,000 U.S. and Australian forces are taking part in military training exercises for the next two and a half weeks. Most of the drills are off the coast of Australia—but the Navy says some activities will take place in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

The University of Hawaii has signed a new five-year contract with the U.S. Navy for a controversial research lab even though anticipated revenue is significantly less than expected and officials will reveal little about the lab's operations. Civil Beat.

Ever since KHON2 did a story about a state hummer, the questions keep on coming about the state using everything from fancy SUVs to brand new Harley Davidsons. People are asking KHON2 to dig deeper about what the state sheriffs are driving, and at what cost.

State roundup for July 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

Nine bills designed to curb property tax exemptions and create new tax categories that would make it easier for the City Council to raise rates on some targeted groups of owners were passed by the Council Budget Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office has ruled as a homicide the death in June of Stephen Dinnan, who was restrained by a police officer investigating a stolen vehicle report in Waimanalo. Star-Advertiser.

A rapidly growing network of police cameras is capturing, storing and sharing data on license plates, making possible a stitching together of people's movements whether they are stuck in a commute, making tracks to the beach or up to no good. And Honolulu police plan to get on the nationwide bandwagon. Star-Advertiser.

The head of the police officers union in Hawaii told City Council members on Wednesday that officers are given a standard of conduct differential pay allowance because officers are expected to carry their firearms and confront danger 24 hours a day, unlike other government workers. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako is envisioned to become Oahu's "third city" as it is redeveloped with thousands of homes, more retail, parks and upgraded roads and sewers. But no one, including the state agency regulating development in the area, plans to add any schools. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa Beach homeowners sue over scrapped marina. Homeowners in Ewa Beach's Hoakalei Resort and Ocean Pointe communities say they bought their properties because developer Haseko Inc.'s government-approved master plan project included as the main physical attraction a small boat marina that connects to the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

It Wasn't Magic — a Real Estate Developer Made an Entire Marina Disappear. Civil Beat.

Some Kahala homeowners say the city hasn't done enough to enforce a new property blight law in their neighborhood, but city leaders say they've gone so far as to begin the process of putting up a lien on one particular repeat offender. Hawaii News Now.

A prosecution witness testified Wednesday that U.S. State Department special agent Christopher Deedy smelled of alcohol the morning of the 2011 fatal shooting of Kollin Elderts at a McDonald’s restaurant in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Day 7: Jury shown police photographs of Deedy after arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific University and the Oceanic Institute plans to merge in a move that would make the Waimanalo-based nonprofit research and development organization the research arm of the state’s largest private university, HPU has confirmed to PBN. Pacific Business News.

The Howard Hughes Corporation envisions a 38-story tower at the old Dixie Grill location on the corner of Ward and Halekauwila streets. KITV4.

About 300 people were seen running down Lewers Street in a panic Wednesday night. But those people were extras in the latest motion picture production of "Godzilla," which wraps up its filming early Thursday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Monster on Lewers street! Moviemakers producing “Godzilla” place film extras in Waikiki for a scene in which they flee in panic from the terrible lizard. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hotel security shut down a loud hospitality suite hosted by a lobbyist whose client list includes a GMO company, but most Hawaii County Council members attending the Hawaii State Association of Counties conference on Kauai last month said there was more county business than partying going on. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island public school buses will begin using high-tech routing software and global positioning system (GPS) tracking in the 2015-16 academic year, as the state Department of Education expands a plan to overhaul its transportation system. Tribune-Herald.

Speed limit signs will soon become more than an advisory in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

Ka’u radio station closes. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

It likely will be more difficult to remove trees on public and private property under bills proposed by Maui County Council Vice Chairman Robert Carroll. Maui News.

Year after year, Maui veterans have fought to update and relocate several offices to create a one-stop medical complex in Central Maui. Over the next few years, their dream may finally come true. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs approved earlier this year a 15,000-square-foot facility with a budget of just under $10 million. Maui News.

In response to complaints about its paratransit service, Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. announced that it is hiring more qualified drivers to meet the demands of its hundreds of new disabled clients. Maui News.

Maui County will work with three Hawaii affordable housing experts to make recommendations on how to handle the more than $10 million owed to the county by the nonprofit agency that runs the low income housing project Hale Makana O Waiale in Wailuku. Maui News.

A man who was awarded a state contract to start a recycling business on Maui has been charged with forgery and theft for allegedly submitting false invoices and obtaining more than $200,000. Maui News.

Kauai

Over the last two months, the Open Space Commission has held meetings around the island to gather input regarding places on Kauai that community members feel should be preserved and protected . The last in this round of meetings will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 24 at The Hanalei Community Center. Garden Island.

The Department of Education is continuing to investigate a complaint filed against Kapaa Middle School Principal Nathan Aiwohi. Garden Island.

Four years after the demise of the Hawaii Superferry, the ghosts of the interisland ocean route that sank millions of dollars of public money still linger. Garden Island.

Commentary: Proud to be Hawaii's #1 solo news blog, three years in a row!

I am beaming.

The judges for the Society of Professional Journalists 2012 Excellence in Journalism awards recognized what I already know-- maintaining All Hawaii News day in and day out is a lot of work:

"This site represents an impressive amount of work for a single blogger. And it's incredibly informative. Nice job."

All Hawaii News, which will celebrate its 5th anniversary later this year, has become for me a labor of love. That's a good thing, as it certainly hasn't made me a millionaire.

This blog is how I read the day's news each morning. It's a way for me to share my passion for government and political news with the world.

All Hawaii News is a boutique blog. It appeals to a small but steadily growing group of decision-makers and media types. It attracts readers from across the state, the Mainland U.S., China, the South Pacific and Russia.

This blog will never get as many Google hits as someone's obese cat. It will never embrace the "If it bleeds, it leads" mentality.

But if one person is better informed about government and politics across our tiny island chain in the middle of the Pacific, my mission has been accomplished.

Don't let that stop you from dropping a buck or two in the collection box to the right, however.

:)
N

Hawaii fishermen lament development, new law gives beekeepers a break, Abercrombie praises Ellison, Tesoro sale saves jobs, pro-rail group snags Inouye aide, Dems file suit over primary, Kauai mulls raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii shore fishermen (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii fishermen asked policymakers to address how runoff caused by land development harms reefs, fisheries and oceans when they consider how to cope with the effects of climate change. Associated Press.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii filed a lawsuit Monday in federal court challenging the state's open primary system as an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment right to free association. Star-Advertiser.

It’s a honey of a bill for local beekeepers. Starting today, small beekeepers can produce up to 500 gallons of honey a year and sell it to retail establishments, as well as directly to the consumer, without having to get a Department of Health permit or use a certified kitchen. West Hawaii Today.

The state has made it easier for at-home honey producers to package and sell their product, enacting a law that exempts small operators from obtaining a Department of Health permit if they sell fewer than 500 gallons of honey per year. Star-Advertiser.

Sweet! A new law will make room on supermarket shelves for locally produced honey. Garden Island.

Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a proclamation to designate Pollinator Week and a related piece of legislation into law today to bolster the honeybee industry in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is many things: underfunded, understaffed, ineffectual, indecisive and absolutely essential. The commission marks its 100th anniversary this year at one of the most critical times in its existence. Civil Beat.

With air travel vital for getting between the islands, local airline officials and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz are pushing to give many interisland commuters new options to zip through airport security. Star-Advertiser.

Today, the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) announced it has unanimously endorsed Brian Schatz for United States Senate in 2014. HGEA joins a fast-growing list of grassroots organizations, now totaling 24, supporting Schatz’s candidacy. Hawaii Independent.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui has received the endorsements of the Ironworkers Union Local 625 and Sheet Metal Union Local 293 as he seeks re-election in 2014. Maui News.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who died last year, was posthumously awarded the U.S. Army Pacific Mana O Ke Koa “Spirit of the Warrior” award during the U.S. Army Pacific’s birthday commemoration ceremony Friday. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for June 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

The non-profit pro-rail group Move Oahu Forward, whose job is to galvanize support for the 20-mile elevated rail line, has just named Inouye’s former chief of staff, Jennifer Sabas, as its new executive director. The group played a lead role in promoting rail during the 2012 mayoral election. Civil Beat.

Tesoro's Corp.'s 18-month quest to find a buyer for its Kapolei oil refinery finally paid off with the company announcing Monday that it will sell the facility and preserve at least 165 jobs that were scheduled to be eliminated. Star-Advertiser.

Tesoro Corp. said Monday that it has signed an agreement to sell Tesoro Hawaii, LLC, which operates the 94,000 barrel-per-day Kapolei refinery as well as dozens of retail gas stations to a subsidiary of Texas-based Par Petroleum Corp. called called Hawaii Pacific Energy LLC for close to $400 million. Pacific Business News.

The city of Honolulu's Department of Community Services is holding a series of mandatory workshops to ensure nonprofit groups who receive taxpayer grants know exactly what's expected of them as well as the paperwork involved. KITV4.

Farrington auditorium rebuild will go out to bid by year's end. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A bill before the Hawaii County Council to restrict the use of genetically modified crops will be the subject of a meeting next week held by GMO Free Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

The lava rocks on this narrow, irregular pathway are hundreds of years old and are part of the 175-mile Ala Kahakai, “trail by the sea,” that linked communities, temples, fishing areas and other important locations along Hawaii Island’s western coast. West Hawaii Today.

Volunteers with the Volcano Community Association and Cooper Center Council invite folks of all ages and locales to join in the village’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

‘The steals are gone’: Real estate market improving. Maui News.

A council committee today recommended a formal investigation into the potential misuse of county funds for the demolition of the Old Wailuku Post Office. Maui Now.

Kauai

In its first meeting of 2013, the Kauai Salary Commission got a short message Monday from Boards and Commissions Administrator Paula Morikami: Get ready to discuss potential pay raises for elected and appointed officials. Garden Island.

More than two hours into a passionate discussion, the Kauai County Council by a 4-3 vote deferred for 90 days a resolution to prompt an investigation into the handling of non-conforming use permits for transient vacation rentals operating outside visitor destination areas. Garden Island.

Molokai

Hawaiian Airlines is now hiring Molokai personnel for its new flight service, `Ohana by Hawaiian, which will serve Molokai and Lanai later this year. Positions will include part time ramp service clerk/agents and a full time supervisor for ramp and passenger services. No start date for launching the new service has been released by Hawaiian, but Worldwide Flight Services, handling Molokai hiring, announced the local positions would tentatively start in mid-August. Molokai Dispatch.

The Molokai Community Health Center is in the midst of transforming its facility to better serve the Friendly Isle’s underserved populations as it nears the end of a three-phase, $8.5 million capital campaign. Pacific Business News.
Lanai

A year after software billionaire Larry Ellison purchased the island of Lanai, Gov. Neil Abercrombie praised what he called Ellison's "very successful" first year as owner of the former Pineapple Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii flunks online transparency, Hawaiian art gets more attention following lawmaker's racist comments, 'Haolenesian' brand name born, Honolulu parks official got preferential treatment, no new council districts for Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii government website http://stayconnected.hawaii.gov/

Hawaii was given an F in a new study on how well states stack up in providing online access to government spending data. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii received an “F” when it comes to government spending transparency, according to “Following the Money 2013: How the States Rank on Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data,” the fourth annual report of its kind by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund. Civil Beat.

If Gov. Neil Abercrombie were sitting in a classroom with the other 49 state governors, he would be among the bottom-three students regarding grades on online transparency of government spending, according to a report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund, a nonprofit organization that works to protect consumers and promote good government. Garden Island.

Should legislators be barred from holding fundraising events or soliciting money from lobbyists and interest groups while the Legislature is in session? Civil Beat.

A grudge by some legislators against the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts may still be on even after state Rep. Faye Hano­hano's apology for her racially abusive threats to SFCA staff for placing works by non-Native Hawaiian artists in her office. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers say they’re “cautiously optimistic” that the Hawaii Department of Education is moving in the right direction to rein in school bus costs and overhaul management of the branch so that it’s more efficient and accountable to the public. Civil Beat.

Three frequent visitors to Hawaii who are considering starting a business here want to trademark “Haolenesians” for the purpose of selling apparel bearing that name. Pacific Business News.

Even though State Civil Defense has not received any kind of alert about a potential threat from North Korea, Hawaii does have a plan in place. KHON2.

State roundup for March 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Transportation Security Administration manager fired from Honolulu International Airport has been reinstated, the fourth TSA manager to win a settlement or successfully challenge his firing after a baggage-checking scandal that resulted in the termination of 36 TSA employees. Hawaii News Now.

An Ethics Commission advisory opinion said that on at least 10 occasions over a one-year period in 2011-2012,  former Deputy Parks Director Albert Tufono sent emails to Parks Department recreation directors seeking permits to reserve city gyms and ballfields for teams and leagues that he coached, teams his sons played on and a hula halau in which his daughter was a student. Star-Advertiser.

A survey done late last fall found that 72.8 percent of District 2's roads were in "fair" condition or better. That's just about on par with the 72.2 percent of city roads islandwide that were in fair shape or better.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

After West Hawaii Today questioned him about it Monday, Puna Councilman Zendo Kern said he is canceling a $500- to $1,000-per-person fundraiser planned for today in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The kahu of a collection of North Kona churches is hoping state and county officials pay millions for what he claims is years of unauthorized use of church property. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association on Tuesday announced plans to build a new office building in Keaau. Tribune-Herald.

After nearly three decades of planning, lawsuits, Supreme Court action, community activism, bankruptcy, foreclosure, discussion and, finally, agreement, the development of Kohanaiki is nearing fruition. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A few Maui teachers willing to speak on the record Monday about a tentative contract agreement with the state were positive but cautious. Maui News.

Wanting to lay a solid foundation for Maui County in years to come, Mayor Alan Arakawa unveiled his 2013-14 budget request Monday with a wish list of more than $105 million for infrastructure and facility improvement projects. Maui News.

A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for this week to discuss the proposed Central Maui Regional Park. Maui Now.

Kauai

On Monday, the Kaua‘i Charter Review Commission — in a 5-1 vote — tabled a proposal to divide county council seats into different districts. Garden Island.

The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge will be closed for the third and final phase of the Kilauea Lighthouse restoration, starting Sunday and lasting a whole week, according to a press release from the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Garden Island.

Hawaii bids aloha to 2013, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona luau (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's economy prospered broadly in 2012, but it particularly surged in two areas: tourism and real estate. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz accepting resumes for Washington, isles staff jobs Star-Advertiser.

Campaign Cash Already Fueling Hawaii's 2014 Senate Race. Civil Beat.

All public school juniors in Hawaii will take the ACT college entrance exam this spring in an effort to boost college-going rates and better gauge student preparedness for life after high school. Star-Advertiser.

The National Park Service says it remains concerned about the State Historic Preservation Division's ability to review projects and respond to permits once federal oversight ends. Civil Beat.

Inouye's death capped year of political shifts. Star-Advertiser.

Every year, like clockwork, the four county mayors join a procession of state agencies, the Judiciary and the University of Hawaii to make their funding requests at a joint session of the state House Finance Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee. But not this coming year. West Hawaii Today.

As the northeastern United States digs out from one snow storm and prepares for another, the timing is perfect for Hawaii to benefit from hosting the first PGA Tour event of the season. Pacific Business News.

The eBossWatch panel of workplace experts has selected and ranked the fourth annual list of America’s Worst Bosses. Two Hawaii employers made the list, including Hawaii Professional HomeCare Services owner Carolyn Frutoz-De Harne (ranked 38th worst) and Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho (ranked 39th worst). Iseri-Carvalho was recently was voted out of office. Hawaii Reporter.

As national debate and focus on gun control grows in the wake of recent violent shooting incidents, Hawaii, with some of the nation’s toughest gun-related laws, keeps a tight rein on gun ownership, registration, transportation and use. West Hawaii Today.

State roundup for December 31. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell may have been elected Honolulu mayor because of his support for the city rail project, but as leader of Hawaii’s most populous island he'll also have a host of other issues to tackle. Civil Beat.

Mayor-elect Kirk Caldwell has announced key members of his cabinet. Civil Beat.

As the United States weighs further troop reductions in a waning Afghanistan War, Schofield Barracks is preparing for two major deployments there sometime next year. Star-Advertiser.

Sour relations are brewing over the future of the Makaweli Poi Mill. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Pu’u O’o: Three-decade eruption of Kilauea yields scientific discoveries. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Democrats are officially seeking a party member to fill the Central Maui Senate seat vacated when Shan Tsutsui accepted the job of lieutenant governor last week. Maui News.

Maui County Democrats say any Democrat in “good standing” and who lives in Senate District 5 — which includes Wailuku, Waihee, and Kahului — is welcome to apply for the seat vacated by state Senator Shan Tsutsui. Associated Press.

Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui of Maui arrived at Kahului Airport this morning to a surprise homecoming welcome from family and friends. Maui Now.

Mayor Alan Arakawa signed the Maui Island Plan on Friday, a week after the Maui County Council passed the guide for island planning by a 5-4 vote. Maui News.

The president of the National Audubon Society visited the mountain slopes of Haleakala on Maui Thursday to bring attention to a critical opportunity to preserve endangered Hawaii birds. Star-Advertiser.

Maui bid aloha to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye on Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

After years of struggling with a large number of vacancies, the Kaua‘i P olice Department will close 2012 with only three open positions, according to KPD officers who briefed the Kaua‘i County Council last week. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Police Commission elected a new chair and vice chair for 2013 during a Friday meeting. Garden Island.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz heads to U.S. Senate as Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie bucks the late Sen. Daniel Inouye's faction of the state Democratic Party

Lt. Gov Brian Schatz named to U.S. Senate, screen capture of Gov. Abercrombie announcement

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, who is expected to be sworn in today as the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's successor, said Wednesday that he understands the magnitude of the appointment and promised the islands: "I won't let you down." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz on Wednesday was appointed the state’s next U.S. senator, bucking the dying wishes of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to win the support of Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Who Is Brian Schatz? Meet Hawaii's New U.S. Senator. Civil Beat.

Ten days after the death of Dan Inouye, Hawaii has a new U.S. senator. And it's not Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

The decision drew an immediate backlash on Twitter and Facebook, but Gov. Neil Abercrombie did not back down when asked why he failed to honor Sen. Dan Inouye's final wish. KITV4.

Just hours after receiving a list of three candidates from Hawaii's Democratic Party to replace U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the appointment of his Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to the position. Hawaii Reporter.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz has been appointed to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat held by Daniel Inouye for the past 50 years. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose his Lt. Gov., Brian Schatz, Wednesday to replace the late U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, rebuffing Inouye's request to appoint U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to the post. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercombie has appointed Brian Schatz to succeed the late Daniel Inouye as U.S. Senator. KHON2.

Governor Abercrombie has selected Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to succeed the late Senator Inouye. Hawaii Independent.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie picked Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy left by the recent and sudden death of Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai‘i. The governor’s choice denies Inouye’s deathbed wish for Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawai‘i to succeed him in the Senate. Garden Island.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz has been named to replace the late-Sen. Daniel Inouye in the U.S. Senate. Maui News.

Governor Abercrombie Appoints Brian Schatz to fill Senate Vacancy. Hawaii Public Radio.

The late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye's office says it's disappointed Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose not to honor the Hawaii Democrat's last wish that U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa replace him in the chamber. Hawaii News Now.

A series of statements were released in the moments following the appointment of Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to fill the vacancy of the late US Senator Daniel Inouye. Most of the remarks were congratulatory in nature, but at least one, coming from the Hawaii Republican Party, was critical of the governor’s choice. Maui Now.

President Barack Obama returned to Washington on Wednesday night after spending his last day of vacation at the golf course and the beach. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama left Hawaii Wednesday night, cutting short his traditional holiday vacation. Hawaii News Now.

Not only is the State Energy Office looking to grab a bigger piece of the so-called barrel tax. The state Department of Agriculture is hoping state legislators will nearly triple its share of the barrel tax from 15 cents to 42.5 cents of the $1.05 total for every barrel of petroleum that is imported to Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii State Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division is conducting a series of community focus group meetings to solicit input from communities and stakeholders statewide about AMHD services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Hawaii Reporter.

An anonymous donor has committed to a $9.2 million gift to the University of Hawaii to fund scholarships and support programs and projects in the sciences and culinary arts, the UH Foundation announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Big, potentially dangerous waves are hitting the north shores of several islands, including Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Laurel Stricklin knows firsthand what it takes to be compassionate to complete strangers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County residents can expect improvements in roads, parks and garbage management, modernization of civil defense sirens and a commitment to agriculture, according to 2013 priorities cited by Mayor Billy Kenoi and Council Chairman J Yoshimoto. West Hawaii Today.

Starting Wednesday, Kealakekua Bay is closed for business to kayaks, standup paddlers and boogie boarders. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park plans to challenge an application for a helicopter landing pad in the former Royal Gardens subdivision, according to the Hawaii County Planning Department. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park expects to begin using two hybrid battery/hydrogen-fueled visitor shuttles this spring. Tribune-Herald.

The public is invited to a memorial service today in Hilo for the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will hire both the exiting Council Chair Danny Mateo of Molokai, and the exiting Vice Chair Joe Pontanilla of Kahului. Maui News.

Maui County's call for a developer to build and operate a waste-to-energy plant has attracted some of the nation's top names in waste-conversion technologies. Maui News.

A service for the late Sen. Daniel Inouye will be held Saturday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater, it was announced Monday as another prominent elected leader applied to be considered to fill the seat. Maui News.

Kauai

In an effort to make Makaweli Poi Mill more self-sufficient and increase projects supporting the Hawaiian language on Kaua‘i, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Wednesday it is transferring the poi mill to a local nonprofit group. Garden Island.

Rep. Derek Kawakami’s schedule precluded him from joining everyone else Wednesday at the M. Kawamura Farm Enterprises shop in Pua Loke. Garden Island.