Prison oversight panel takes shape, Kaneshiro impeachment setback, herbicide ban vetoed, car towing for DUIs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bunks at Hilo jail, Hawaii's most crowded ©2019 All Hawaii News

Critics: New Hawaii Prison Commissioners Too Connected To Long-Troubled System. The new state commission is supposed to bring a new vision for prisons. But it’s made up of people who have been part of the problem. Civil Beat.

Case Takes His Time To Make A Historic Decision On Impeachment, The Hawaii congressman says he wants to see if President Donald Trump has a “plausible explanation” for his conduct before making up his mind. Civil Beat.

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Judge Rules American Samoans Are US Citizens. A federal judge in Utah ruled denying birthright citizenship to people born in American Samoa is unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

US should recognize American Samoans as citizens, judge says. People born in the territory of American Samoa should be recognized as U.S. citizens, a federal judge in Utah decided Thursday in a case filed amid more than a century of legal limbo but whose eventual impact remains to be seen. Associated Press.

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DOH: Hawaii Needs To Remain On Guard Against Measles. Hawaii is unlikely to see a measles outbreak at the scale of what Samoa has experienced, but its location in the Pacific heightens the risk for imported cases. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kaneshiro impeachment effort suffers setback. The effort to remove Keith Kaneshiro as city prosecutor suffered a small setback Thursday when the Hawaii Supreme Court rejected a request to require a lower court judge to reopen the impeachment case that he dismissed. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu businesses have until the end of the month to switch from using plastic bags. Businesses in Honolulu have until the end of the month to stop using plastic or non-biodegradable bags. KITV.

HPD adding more detectives to combat rash of violent crimes. Authorities are asking the elderly to travel in groups after a huge spike in purse snatchings lately. Hawaii News Now.

Ewa Wind Farm Seeking Community Input. The large project is awaiting word from Hawaiian Electric. Civil Beat.

Homeless seniors check out city-backed apartments. Ten low-income, homeless seniors — most of whom are living in transitional shelters — got their first glimpse of their new studio apartments Thursday and proclaimed them “beautiful” and “nice.” Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers help patch up Waikiki walkways. Crumbling, cracked and lifted sidewalks in Waikiki are a hazard for pedestrians and contribute to Hawaii’s ranking by the National Complete Streets Coalition as No. 1 in the nation for fatalities among pedestrians age 65 and older. Star-Advertiser.

What To Know About Oahu Real Property Assessments Coming To Mailboxes Soon. The city plans to send out real property assessment notices for the 2020-2021 tax year by Dec. 15. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waipahu High incorrectly announced there was an active shooter on campus. Waipahu High School caused some panic Thursday when they incorrectly announced there was an active shooter on campus while police were searching for armed suspects in the area. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kim vetoes herbicide bill. Mayor Harry Kim on Thursday exercised his first veto of this term, sending a ban on county herbicide use back to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Public gets information about draft waste management plan. Environmentally minded residents had mixed feelings about the county’s proposed new solid waste management plan during a public information meeting Wednesday evening. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bill to Tow Drunken Drivers Passes First Reading. A new bill that would allow police to tow the vehicles of drunken drivers upon arrest passed its first reading before the Maui County Council on Thursday. Maui Now.

Drunken drivers may get towed. Bill would allow police to remove vehicles after DUI arrestsThose who get arrested for drunken driving may have their vehicles towed on the spot, according to a bill up for first reading before the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Olowalu project includes 59 units. A new affordable housing proposal for undeveloped West Maui land is on the horizon, and landowner Peter Martin will be asking to fast-track the project early next year if all goes according to plan, the project manager said Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Police finances under investigation. The Hawaii State attorney general’s office is investigating the Kauai Police Department’s finances. Garden Island.

DOE fumbles education impact fees, HECO seeks greenhouse gas cap changes, cop pleads guilty for role in forcing man to lick urinal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii school ©2019 All Hawaii News

Audit: Over a decade, DOE has collected just $5M in school impact fees. Over a decade ago, the state Education Department was given the authority to set up developer fees in areas where significant residential growth is expected. Hawaii News Now.

Public safety trainer a ‘no show’ at hearing to question her qualifications. The controversial head of training for more than a thousand state deputy sheriffs and adult correctional officers did not show up Wednesday for a hearing to defend her qualifications. Hawaii News Now.

Court Affirms Ethics Panel Ruling On Rowena Akana. The former OHA trustee was penalized for multiple ethical violations. Civil Beat.

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HECO wants to modify greenhouse gas caps. Hawaiian Electric Co. wants to combine the annual greenhouse emissions caps for 13 power plants in Hawaii, a move some believe would allow Hawaii’s lone coal-fired power plant to increase greenhouse gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Climate Change Is Hurting Oceans — And Us — More Than Expected. The first ocean-specific report by a prestigious international panel underscores the urgency of taking action now to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming. Civil Beat.

Time is running out for Hawaii's share of federal disaster mitigation funds. Now is the chance for residents to alert emergency planners of potential problems in their communities. KITV.

This Facebook Campaign Is Teaching Tourists How To Behave In Hawaii. Officials believe visitors will follow local customs if they simply understand them. Civil Beat.

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Kaiser Permanente reaches tentative contract covering 85,000 workers. Kaiser Permanente said Wednesday it reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract with unions for 85,000 of the health care giant’s workers, averting a potential strike planned for next month. West Hawaii Today.

Kaiser, nurses OK tentative contract. Kaiser Permanente has reached a tentative agreement on a national, four-year contract with the union representing nearly 1,000 Hawaii nurses. Star-Advertiser.

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Young Brothers propose rate increase; what this could mean for consumers. Young Brothers, one of the state’s largest shipping companies, is asking regulators to allow it to raise its revenue by $27 million, a rate of 34 percent overall rate increase. KHON2.

AG Fights Proposed Changes to SNAP Food Assistance Program. Hawaiʻi Attorney General Clare Connors joined a coalition of 24 Attorneys General in opposing proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Maui Now.

Oahu

Co-defendant: Officer accused of forcing homeless man to lick urinal has done it before. A Honolulu police officer who’s accused of forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal to avoid arrest had done it before, according to a former Honolulu officer who pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to trying to cover up the alleged 2018 incident. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-Cop Pleads Guilty To Role In Forcing Man To Lick Urinal. Another Honolulu police officer has pleaded not guilty in the case. Civil Beat.

HPD officer agrees to testify against fellow officer in urinal licking case. One of the HPD officers accused in the case of a man forced to lick a public restroom urinal has agreed to testify against the other officer. KHON2.

Homeless man forced to lick urinal: Former HPD officer pleads guilty for failing to report incident. Reginald Ramones John Rabago were indicted back in April for depriving a man of his civil rights. KITV.

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Honolulu Is Slashing Crosswalks As It Touts Pedestrian Friendly Policies. The city has plans to remove 45 crosswalks deemed unsafe instead of making them safer. But pedestrians can still legally cross at those spots. Civil Beat.

Ala Moana seeks 400-foot height limit. The new majority owner of Ala Moana Center wants to take the state’s largest shopping mall to a higher level. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Corruption Probe Is Why Honolulu Is Paying A Mainland Law Firm To Fight The Feds. Federal agents seized a “very broad” set of emails in connection with an investigation that is now before a grand jury, according to Honolulu City Council member Ron Menor. Civil Beat.

Keep The Change: Honolulu Won’t Try To Recover Almost $100,000 It Overpaid Workers. Despite a state law that says governments “shall” recover overpayments, Human Resources Director Carolee Kubo says it’s too late and, besides, the city made the mistake. Civil Beat.

A majority of Hawaii voters polled believe homelessness has gotten worse. A majority of registered Hawaii voters across all islands believe homelessness has gotten “worse” over the last year — but they’re split on whether homeless sweeps are “worthwhile,” according to the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell feeling confident of financing toward rail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is adamant that the city’s financial picture is in good shape and that warnings raised by opponents that the now $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana Center rail project will drive the city into bankruptcy are unfounded. Star-Advertiser.

City's Share Of $772M Blaisdell Redevelopment Cost Still Unclear. The city is planning a major $772 million redevelopment of the landmark Neal S. Blaisdell Center in partnership with the private sector but the city's share of the cost remains unclear. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore 'Overcapacity' Says Honolulu Council Member. Honolulu City Council Member Heidi Tsuneyoshi made the assessment on Tuesday at a hearing covering North Shore issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

Crews left with 5 tons of garbage (and counting) after Diamond Head sweep. Crews worked through the rain Wednesday morning to start clearing a massive homeless camp that had taken over a large part of the beach below Diamond Head. Hawaii News Now.

Build the Track LLC holds press conference to announce vision for new motorsports facility. Build the Track LLC held a press conference earlier today to discuss their vision for the future of Hawaii motorsports, including the possibility of a new race facility on Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Puna nonprofit contracted to help those recovering from 2018 eruption with still unmet needs. Neighborhood Place of Puna was awarded a case management contract to help individuals and families recovering from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano address still unmet needs. Tribune-Herald.

Largest Cruise Ship Ever To Make Kailua-Kona Port Call Anchors Sunday. The average cruise ship that calls on Kona typically has 2,500 passengers. But this one will have 4,000. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona to welcome largest cruise ship to ever make a port call in the bay. The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced today that the largest cruise ship to ever make a port call to Kailua-Kona will anchor in Kailua Bay on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Public servant, medical miracle and island treasure Virginia Isbell remembered. Virginia Isbell, a former politician, public servant and pillar of the Kona community, died Sept. 19 on Oahu. She was 87. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Family, Friends Mourn Loss of Danny Mateo, Longtime Maui Councilmember and Former County Clerk. Longtime Maui County Councilmember from Molokai and recently retired County Clerk, Danny Mateo, died Tuesday in the company of family members. Maui Now.

Supreme Court’s appeal of injection well case in murky waters on Maui. Members of the Maui County Council majority and their attorneys insist it is over. Mayor Michael Victorino and attorneys with the county’s Department of the Corporation Counsel say otherwise. Star-Advertiser.

Hui files complaint over water levels from Waihee River. State hydrologist says stream flows are being met. Maui News.

Kauai

Malama Pono opens new clinic. Malama Pono Health Services is hosting a grand opening of its new clinic from 3 to 5:30 p.m. today. Garden Island.

Annual Kauai County vehicle and equipment auction begins. County officials today announced that its annual vehicle and equipment auction begins Wednesday, Sept. 25. KHON2.

Public Safety Director Espinda confirmed, no budget surplus tax refunds this year, Maui may withdraw injection well appeal, Kauai officials get raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda, courtesy photo

Hawaii Senate reconfirms Public Safety Department leader Nolan Espinda. Nolan Espinda was confirmed by the Senate to lead Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety for another four years, but he will do so amid numerous internal and external investigations into a recent riot at the Maui jail that took more than three hours to contain, and the fatal shootings of an Oahu jail inmate and homeless man outside the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Senate voted 17-8 on Wednesday to reconfirm Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda for another term. The Senate’s vote came after a tumultuous couple of months for Espinda and his department. Civil Beat.

State Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda was confirmed by the Hawaii Senate Wednesday after critical remarks by several of his opponents. Hawaii Public Radio.

After intense debate, senators vote to reconfirm embattled Public Safety head. Hawaii News Now.

Senate votes to reconfirm Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. KHON2.

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Lawmakers decline to issue budget surplus refunds. State lawmakers have decided to make a modest $5 million deposit into the state’s “rainy day” budget reserve fund instead of issuing taxpayer refunds from the state budget surplus this year. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters, critics of $15 minimum wage make last-minute appeals to lawmakers. The deadline to raising Hawaii’s minimum wage is getting closer and both sides of the debate have strong opinions on the issue. Hawaii News Now.

State To Housing Applicants: Sign Up Online Or Lose Your Spot On Wait List. Nearly 14,000 applicants for public housing in Hawaii must sign up online or risk losing their spot in line for one of about 6,100 federal and state-subsidized low-income housing units. Civil Beat.

Members of AARP urged Hawaii lawmakers to save a bill that would help residents save for retirement. They rallied outside the capitol Wednesday hoping to push Senate Bill 1374, which would create a "Hawaii Saves Retirement Savings Program." KITV.

Lost Your Firearm? You Have To Report It. Hawaii’s governor signed the enabling legislation into law Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Attorney general investigates use of illegal GPS jammers by DOCARE officers. The state Attorney General’s Office is investigating the use of illegal GPS jammers by state conservation officers. Hawaii News Now.

Are Medical Costs Dropping Under HMSA's New Doctor Payment Plan? HMSA now pre-pays primary care doctors with a capped amount per patient. The new system has been in place for two years, and the jury is still out on whether it's met its goal of lowering medical costs and improving the quality of care. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu leads state in population loss, Census finds. Honolulu was the biggest population loser over the eight-year period, having posted a net loss of more than 61,700 residents from domestic migration — residents leaving Oahu for other U.S. counties versus newcomers arriving. Star-Advertiser.

A Nonprofit Honolulu Rehab Center Mixes Taxpayer Support With Lavish Pay. The executive director of the nonprofit Sand Island Treatment Center has been paid as much as $500,000 a year — and many counselors make over $100,000 — far in excess of their peers in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Residents run into red tape in push to tackle squatters’ village in Kalihi Valley. Homeless squatters have built a new village in Kalihi Valley, and the city says they can’t evict them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit filed raises allegations of conspiracy and abuse against HPD and several officers. KHON2.

Public input still open for "Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan". The City and County of Honolulu wants to improve pedestrian safety by creating "Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan" to update streets. It's currently taking public feedback of pedestrian areas that need additional safety measures. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

DLNR Chair Gives Pohakuloa, Mauna Kea, TMT Update. During the nomination hearing before the Senate Water & Land Committee, Sen. Kai Kahele asked DLNR chair Suzanne Case for an update on the hot-button land management issues. Big Island Video News.

Council approves software upgrade. The County Council approved a three-year, $320,000 software license Wednesday that the administration said will fix the problem holding up the county’s $2.3 million building permit system as well as improve geographic information systems at the Civil Defense Agency, Mass Transit Agency and other county departments. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Ige Releases $1.9M for New Waikoloa Public Library. Ige released $1.9 million in Capital Improvement Project funds on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, to buy a 1.750-acre parcel for a new Waikoloa Public Library. Big Island Now.

Maui

Council looks to have final say over injection wells settlement. Chairwoman King wants to see county withdraw appeal from US Supreme Court. Maui News.

Tsuhako approved as housing director. Lori Tsuhako was unanimously approved as director of Housing and Human Concerns on Tuesday by the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

Raises get green light. Raises for some county officials and employees were approved Wednesday. Garden Island.

Homeless camp cleared. In what is the start of an islandwide homeless encampment sweep, government agencies began removing unauthorized property and persons on a parcel of state land along Rice Street Wednesday morning. Garden Island.

Research rockets launched from PMRF. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and Sandia National Laboratories launched two research rockets this week from the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

Senate panel votes against Public Safety director's confirmation, more details emerge on federal rail fund withholding, AC Hotel Wailea by Marriott breaks ground on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate panel votes against reappointing public safety director. A state Senate committee voted Thursday against reappointing Nolan Espinda director of the Department of Public Safety, citing last month’s riot at the Maui jail, recent shootings of an Oahu jail inmate and a homeless man, detention of prisoners beyond their release dates and an alleged culture of retaliation and intimidation within the department. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Stands By His Public Safety Chief After Senate Panel Calls For Espinda’s Ouster. A Senate committee harshly criticized Nolan Espinda’s leadership of Hawaii’s prisons and the Sheriff Division. Civil Beat.

Senate Committee Votes Against Confirming Public Safety Director. Nolan Espinda, Gov. David Ige’s nominee to head the state Department of Public Safety, won’t get the backing of a key legislative committee. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senate committee won’t recommend Espinda’s return as public safety director. Hawaii News Now.

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Administrator in charge of DPS training programs accused of lying on her resume. The woman in charge of training more than 1,500 of Hawaii’s deputy sheriffs and adult corrections officers is facing public scrutiny for allegedly being dishonest about her job qualifications. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Rifle Association, NRA Seek Injunction To Suspend Gun Carry Requirements. Gun advocates filed a motion Thursday in U.S. District Court asking for an immediate injunction stopping enforcement of permit requirements that they say amount to a de facto ban on carrying guns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Urgency claimed in isle lawsuit over public carry of guns. The Hawaii Rifle Association is attempting to obtain quick action in a 2-week-old federal lawsuit aimed at allowing many residents statewide to carry loaded handguns in public. Star-Advertiser.

The number of farms in Hawaii grew substantially from 2012 to 2017, though the market value of the industry dropped nearly $100 million over the same period. That’s according to numbers released Thursday morning by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in its 2017 Census of Agriculture. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii School Chief Asks DeVos About Teacher Shortage. Christina Kishimoto mentioned the challenge of teacher retention in remote areas. Civil Beat.

Oahu

With still two days left, record number of ballots cast in City Council special election. Ahead of Saturday’s deadline, more than 31,000 votes have already been cast in the City Council District IV special election. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Rail’s Final Federal Money Not Expected Until Next Year. The Federal Transit Administration has withheld $744 million from the project since 2015. Civil Beat.

Federal agency demands faster city contributions for rail. The Federal Transit Administration wants to see the city accelerate the pace of its contributions to help fund the Honolulu rail project before the FTA releases $744 million in federal funding it has withheld from the project. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Delaying Rail Funding, Citing Concerns About The Project. The Federal Transit Administration is withholding payments for Honolulu's rail system until officials make changes to its plan to get the $9 billion project back on track. Hawaii Public Radio.

Feds to delay release of millions in rail funding over construction concerns. Citing concerns about two impending construction contracts, the FTA has decided to delay the release of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding intended to help propel Honolulu’s rail line toward completion. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Transit Administration withholding rail transit funding until February 2020. KHON2.

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Health director wants Navy to move Red Hill fuel tanks. State Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson is urging the Navy to relocate its underground fuel storage facility at Red Hill away from a major source of Oahu’s drinking water.  Star-Advertiser.

Worried about 'catastrophic’ spill, state wants U.S. Navy to move its Red Hill fuel tanks. Hawaii News Now.

Turtle Bay to start $70M renovation. Turtle Bay, which is owned by Blackstone and managed by Benchmark Resorts &Hotels, plans to start a $70 million renovation by the fourth quarter of this year that will be the precursor for its plan to add about 725 more units during a lengthy build-out that could start two or three years from now. Star-Advertiser.

An Ewa Elementary School A-plus teacher is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old former student. An Oahu grand jury returned an indictment today charging Jordan Cortez with eight counts of sexual assault. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of items from the Honolulu Police Department’s evidence room are up for auction. HPD amassed the items from various criminal cases over the years as well as from personal property turned in by the public that was never claimed by their owners. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lawmakers talk successes, failures at legislative forum. A handful of lawmakers took some time Wednesday to return to Hawaii Island for a Community Forums event and talk story on a few measures of note in the 2019 legislative session, both those that look promising and those that have fallen short. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council approves two of three lava disaster aid bills. Bills passed on final reading clear the way to accept $40 million in loans from the state and adds restoration of Highway 132 to the capital budget. Tribune-Herald.

An old hospital in Hilo is being transformed into a haven for the homeless. In Hilo, an old hospital is being transformed into one of the state's first homeless Ohana Zones. It's one of two Ohana Zone projects in the works for Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Wally Lau, Kimo Lee Named To Kahu Ku Mauna. The Maunakea Management Board voted to approve the two selections to the volunteer advisory board during its April 2 meeting. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Hale Mahaolu Lahaina Surf will not raise rents on tenants. Housing complex only looking to raise subsidy that HUD pays  Maui News.

Lahaina Cannery Mall eyes expansion with gas station. Plans call for 8-pump gas station and convenience store. Maui News.

New AC Hotel Wailea Breaks Ground. The 110-room AC Hotel Wailea by Marriott is being built on a three acre-lot situated at the corner of Wailea Ike Place and Wailea Ike Drive, adjacent to the Wailea Tennis Club. Maui Now.

Ex-Maui inmate gets $10K in sex assault lawsuit settlement. A former inmate who says Hawaii officials didn’t protect her against a guard convicted of sexually assaulting her is settling a lawsuit for $10,000. Associated Press.

Ex-Maui inmate gets $10K in sex assault lawsuit settlement. A former inmate who alleges Hawaii officials didn't protect her against a guard convicted of sexual assault is settling a lawsuit for $10,000. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Former lifeguard’s lawsuit dismissed. A Fifth Circuit Court judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit brought by a former firefighter, alleging his supervisors in the Kauai Fire Department threatened and retaliated against him for testifying about their alleged misconduct. Garden Island.

Hawaii jobless rate hits 10-year low, legislation sought for pension spiking, Honolulu rail board accepts oversight, changes coming to public records and Sunshine Law, Coast Guard cutter leaving Hawaii Island, campaign on for Maui mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige visits Women’s Community Correctional Center hydroponics project, courtesy photo

Hawaii’s jobless rate fell to a 10-year low of 2.6 percent last month.The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said Thursday the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage point from July.The rate was last this low in April 2007. Associated Press.

Jobless rate at its lowest in 10 years. Star-Advertiser.

Pension Spiking Costs Taxpayers Millions — Now The Push Is On To Stop It. Honolulu City Councilman Joey Manahan urges state to change how it sets retirement payouts to prevent overtime abuse. Civil Beat.

Changes are coming to Hawaii’s records and open meeting laws, affecting how people can find out about public meetings as well as how much they’ll pay for public records. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Airlines’ parent company Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: HA) has appointed Abhi Dhar, the previous chief information officer of Walgreens, to its board of directors. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu Rail Board: What Do You Do With A $2.4 Billion Bailout? A board member expressed concern about new oversight rules, but rail managers say those are “not much of an issue.” Civil Beat.

An environmental consulting firm has found soot and dust containing potentially hazardous byproducts of the deadly and destructive Marco Polo high-rise fire in condo units and common areas, the homeowners association told owners this week in a memo. Star-Advertiser.

Residents of the Marco Polo condominium on Kapi’olani Boulevard are now eligible for low-interest loans following a devastating fire two months ago. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser is starting on Monday a daily digital news program, anchored by veteran journalists Yunji de Nies and Ryan Kalei Tsuji. The one-minute newscast will feature headlines from the Star-Advertiser and run on the Digital Billboard Network, a network of screens in more than 70 stores across Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Constant Flooding in Mapunapuna Prompts State To Cut Lease Payments. Businesses that rent from DLNR in Mapunapuna can ask for rent reductions when their leases come up for renewal. Civil Beat.

For years, residents have wanted safety improvements for years on this stretch of Leahi Avenue between Monsarrat Avenue and Noela Street, just mauka of Kapiolani Park. But there's one major problem. No one knows who actually owns this stretch of roadway. Hawaii News Now.

The debate over what to do about a fallen seawall on Oahu's North Shore is causing tension in a Sunset Beach neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

Construction of a four-story student apartment complex being built on the corner of South King and University Avenue is raising safety concerns for some neighbors of the project. Hawaii News Now.

The future of 133 Kaiulani, the 32-story high-rise condominium hotel that was planned to replace the aging King’s Village Shopping Center in Waikiki, is less certain following the filing of a lawsuit in Honolulu 1st Circuit Court on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Coast Guard cutter Kiska is scheduled to pull out of Hilo Harbor for good Saturday en route to its new home in Guam, leaving Hawaii island with only two Coast Guard personnel and prompting concern over how open-water searches and rescues there will be conducted. Star-Advertiser.

A federal after-school program that has been on the chopping block is now almost certain to stay in the 2018-19 school year. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program has been in limbo since March when President Donald Trump proposed to cut it in his 2018 fiscal budget. Tribune-Herald.

A website is about to go live for bird lovers seeking the best spots from Hilo to Kona to see the diversity of the Big Island’s feathered friends. Tribune-Herald.

Six NASA-backed space psychology research subjects are set to emerge Sunday after eight months of isolation together in a Mars-like habitat on a remote Hawaii Volcano. Associated Press.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa suggested the Maui County Department of Liquor Control return to “common-sense rules” Wednesday after his office was inundated by complaints from the community over the past year. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Don Guzman announced his candidacy for mayor Thursday evening, packing in an enthusiastic crowd of more than 700 supporters at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Some West Maui residents believe they have a solution to the nagging issue of traffic jams on Honoapiilani Highway, and it doesn’t have to do with the Lahaina bypass. Maui News.

Kauai

The county is shutting down parking on Black Pot Beach until further notice because of sand erosion, starting today. Garden Island.

Severe erosion issues have forced Kauai County officials to close off a portion of a popular Hanalei beach park to any vehicular traffic, a county spokesperson says. Hawaii News Now.

Students at Kauai Community College can count on new support for academic issues. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents elected Norma Doctor Sparks of Kauai to replace outgoing regent David Iha. Garden Island.

International Coastal Cleanup Day is Saturday. It’s the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day, and worldwide people will be joining together to pull trash from beaches and catalogue it into a database. Garden Island.

Meet the monk seals. Scientist outlines misconceptions about endangered species. Garden Island.

Parole administrator reassigned pending investigation, Kauai study shows glyphosate in honey, Maui school bus shortage reaches crisis, Big Island council members fly high on pCards, Ellison describes Lanai ag plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Wiki bikestand in Waikiki, courtesy U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

You’ve seen the new Biki bikeshare stations around town but who are the people pedaling them? Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Public Safety has temporarily reassigned longtime Paroles and Pardons Administrator Tommy Johnson pending the outcome of an internal investigation, according to Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety has temporarily reassigned longtime Paroles and Pardons Administrator Tommy Johnson pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Associated Press.

Robert K. Masuda has been appointed as First Deputy Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources by Gov. David Y. Ige on Friday. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige has joined 38 other governors in signing a cybersecurity compact in an effort to enhance state cybersecurity and develop the cyber workforce. Star-Advertiser.

As summer winds down, thousands of Hawaii students return to school. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 40 Hawaii public school graduates have received the state’s first round of awards signifying they have mastered two languages. Star-Advertiser.

John H. Radcliffe, a retired Hawaii lobbyist who became, as he puts it, the “poster child” for legalizing medical aid in dying in Hawaii, got some astounding news last month. His inoperable cancer was deemed operable. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former city Community Services Director Pam Witty-Oakland returns to the post effective Oct. 1, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office announced Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Junk Cars Are Piling Up On Oahu. As scrap yards close or start charging to take derelict vehicles, it’s often cheaper to ditch a worn-out car than legally dispose of it. Civil Beat.

Couple OK’d as foster parents despite marred past. Star-Advertiser.

A judge ruled Friday that statements an Army medic made to an investigator after his wife was found dead were coerced. Star-Advertiser.

Cleanup of Ala Wai has start in Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu condo prices climb: Previously owned Oahu condos sold for a median $425,000, increasing 6.3 percent from $400,000 in July 2016, according to resale figures released Sunday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Some County Council members are flying high on the taxpayers’ dime. The council spent $58,453 on travel during the first seven months of the two-year term, almost twice the monthly average of prior years, according to a West Hawaii Today analysis of purchasing card and travel records. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim claims to be a “pretty dull guy,” and his purchasing card and travel expenses seem to reflect he’s no social butterfly. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island Invasive Species Committee has declared victory in its effort to remove axis deer from Ka‘u, nearly eight years since they were introduced. Tribune-Herald.

It's official. Axis Deer are no more on Hawaii Island. Big Island Video News.

Lance Niimi, the Hawaii County's assistant housing administrator, has been sleeping among the homeless at the Hale Kikaha tent-city. Big Island Video News.

The Hilo Drag Strip is set to reopen by the end of 2017 after being closed nearly two years for renovations. Tribune-Herald.

It didn’t take long for a mishap to befall the beleaguered Mass Transit department’s new buses, which were just donated to the Big Island from the City and County of Honolulu. Big Island Video News.

A Hawaiian Paradise Park woman and her two young children were uninjured after being involved in a minor collision with a reportedly stolen Hele-On bus in Hilo Saturday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

State emergency officials want public schools to be prepared for a possible North Korea missile attack, though Hawaii’s education leaders aren’t planning any drills specific to nuclear detonations just yet. Tribune-Herald.

The state land department is accepting proposals to move forward with a carbon credit system that will fund forest restoration on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, the Department of Education, and one of Hawaii’s largest school bus providers met Friday to try to fix the Valley Isle school bus crisis, but to no avail. KHON2.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said the county's bus service can't accommodate the 250 students whose school bus service has been cut because of a driver shortage. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Department of Education advises parents and guardians of students at Lahainaluna High and Baldwin High who depend on school bus routes exclusively serving grades 9 to 12 to find alternate rides. Maui Now.

Power grid showing its age as more renewable energy produced. Maui News.

Community input is being sought on a proposed light industrial and commercial business park at Pulehunui in Central Maui, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced. Maui News.

The Iao Valley State Monument has reopened, at least temporarily, after sustaining severe damage from a massive flood in September. Associated Press.

Kauai

Another study looking at pesticides in beehives is underway in Hawaii. And results are showing a connection between agriculture-dense areas and an increase in the chemical glyphosate — the active ingredient in Roundup — in honey. Garden Island.

Taxes and establishing bus stops will be discussed at the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday. Councilmembers are expected to approve two bills relating to taxes. Garden Island.

The project to eradicate the rats on Lehua Island won’t be starting on Tuesday, according to Scott Enright, director of the state’s Department of Agriculture. Garden Island.

Forum ends with consensus: Seek ways to preserve marine species. Garden Island.

Lanai

Tech billionaire Larry Ellison sees potential for agriculture on Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Grand Old Party convenes, bonus in store for principals, tax revenues up, sewer work to halt Oahu projects, Hawaii Island tax base lopsided, Kauai poi mill may close, Ka'u celebrates coffee, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

File photo 2008 GOP national convention (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Former Gov. Linda Lingle is calling on Hawaii Republicans to join together to make gains in the Democrat-dominated state. Associated Press.

Republicans from around Hawaii gathered this weekend on Oahu. KITV4.

In just 177 days, the Hawaii Republican Party will know whether it will finally make real inroads in a state dominated by Democrats, or remain mired in the minority. Civil Beat.

Speaking of the need for bipartisanship on Capitol Hill and the need for Republican representation for Hawaii if both houses of Congress go to the GOP this fall, former Gov. Linda Lingle urged party faithful to support her campaign for the U.S. Senate and help overcome the Democratic Party's stronghold in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

With Hawaii's primary election just three months away, candidates and their parties are gearing up for a big showdown. KHON2.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court could decide to throw out the political district boundary maps created by the state Reapportionment Commission. Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said the state is too far along in the planning process to start over and that because the state Constitution sets the election timeline, any order to redraw the maps would not leave adequate preparation time. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature's recent approval of the undersea cable bill earlier this month is generating added interest in projects seeking to bring energy from neighbor islands to Oahu. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Navy says its use of sonar and explosives could potentially hurt more dolphins and whales in Hawaii and California waters than previously thought. Associated Press.

Principals who attain high ratings under a performance-evaluation pilot program in 82 schools this fall will be eligible for a one-time $10,000 bonus in what officials are calling the first experiment of a merit pay system for public school educators in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

The number of foreclosure cases going through the courts could slow further or stop altogether because of another change the Legislature passed last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials say the state’s tax revenues are up nearly 13 percent for the first 10 months of the fiscal year through April. Associated Press.

The Judicial Selection Commission on Friday announced its nominees for Hawaii Supreme Court associate justice and for a judge in Maui County’s 2nd Circuit Court. Pacific Business News.

Jodie Maesaka-Hirata will become Deputy Director of Corrections while Ted Sakai has been appointed as the new public safety director. Associated Press.

Jobie Masagatani has been named director of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine welcomed 64 new doctors Sunday. But as the graduates move on, there are concerns about how many of them will return to practice in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists in Hawaii have already counted eight monk seal hooking incidents in the islands this year, including one that killed a 10-month-old male seal in March. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Construction of an assisted-living facility is on hold and other major proj­ects from Halawa to Pearl City could be in limbo while the city works to improve sewer lines at two Central Oahu sites. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano shied away from making any promises about property taxes during the debate last week. Civil Beat.

The Departments of Health and Agriculture launched an investigation into whether pesticides are being used incorrectly at several Thai and Sweet Basil farms in Kunia and Ewa on Oahu. Hawaii Reporter.

The city is soliciting bids for a transitional housing project in urban Honolulu. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Property owners in just two West Hawaii County Council districts — North Kona’s District 8 and Kohala’s District 9 — pay more than half the property taxes that will be collected from the entire county this coming fiscal year. West Hawaii Today.

The Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal will get a makeover later this year as part of an effort by Hawaii County to make its facilities more accessible to the disabled. Tribune-Herald.

Kau coffee, which is mostly grown and produced in Pahala, a former Hawaii island plantation town of 1,356 residents, is getting a big name. Star-Advertiser.

The Ka‘u coffee industry, which sprouted from fields left untended when the area’s sugar plantations faltered nearly two decades ago, is providing opportunities for residents in the south Hawaii district. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public informational meeting Wednesday in Kaunakakai on a $5 million Kaunakakai Harbor improvement project set to begin late this month. Maui News.

Through work to restore ancient taro patches, troubled youths dig up valuable life lessons. Maui News.

Development planned for both sides of the southern end of Mokulele Highway will be discussed by a three-member panel Tuesday evening during a meeting sponsored by the Kihei Community Association. Maui News.

Federal and state disaster recovery officials have scheduled an applicant briefing for Monday on Maui County concerning the Federal Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. Maui Now.

Kauai
Only poi mill in Waimea, Kauai suspending operations. KHON2.

Employees, supporters try to stave off Kauai poi mill closure. Hawaii News Now.

Morgan’s Ponds, beloved by visitors and locals alike, is still struggling with the aftermath of nature’s inevitable course and man’s recourses, according to some residents. Garden Island.

Time-share owners have filed a federal class-action lawsuit over an assessment fee they claim was forced by a management-based board without approval of the owners. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiians on Kaua‘i will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at a community forum as well as at a regular OHA Board of Trustees meeting, both scheduled for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Public Library will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with special music, hula, and dance on the front lawn, and exhibits in the library on Wednesday, May 23. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii prepares for Obama visit, Inouye pushes earmarks bill, inmates sue state, Abercrombie to name more Cabinet picks today, Kona coffee farmers optimistic, more news from around the islands

A hat trick of all three of the Big Island's state senators moving to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Cabinet is still a possibility, the governor confirmed Monday. West Hawaii Today.

In the waning days of the lame duck congressional session, Democrats led by Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye -- in collaboration with a handful of old-school Republicans -- are pushing to wrap $1.27 trillion worth of unfinished budget work into a single "omnibus" appropriations bill. Associated Press.

A federal government spending measure pending in the U.S. Senate calls for a study on forming a Native Hawaiian governing entity. Associated Press.

Native Hawaiian practitioners have called for a stop to a State of Hawaii construction project in on Oahu’s leeward coast that began last month without the proper precautions to protect against disturbing burial sites. Hawaii Independent.

Aviators face flight restrictions because of Obama visit. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police have hit the streets to prepare for the President. Hawaii News Now.

The average Hawaii household income grew by nearly 30 percent from 2000 to 2009, according to new Census data released yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

On Tuesday, the state of Hawaii began using federal funds to pay for unemployment benefits. KHON2.

The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) will audit the federal funding of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, says Congressman Charles Djou, R-HI, who supports the review. Hawaii Reporter.

Eighteen Hawaii inmates have sued the state of Hawaii and the Corrections Corporation of America. KITV4.

Five employees at the Hawaii Department of Public Safety were paid for more than 2,000 hours of overtime during the 2009 budget year, a Civil Beat investigation found. Civil Beat.

The number of nationally certified teachers in the islands continues to rise, with 44 new names added to the list this year. Star-Advertiser.

A University of Hawaii lecturer who agreed to an unpaid suspension after using foul language in class says he has quit and will refuse to turn his students' grades in to administrators. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii health officials in 2007 and 2008 were unable to rapidly identify E. coli or adequately staff laboratories to respond to an outbreak such as the H1N1 flu, according to a national survey released yesterday that dinged Hawaii's preparedness for public health disasters. Star-Advertiser.

Inter-island carrier go! Mokulele Airlines experienced a drop in the number of passengers last month.KHON2.

New technology to pinpoint the origin of illegal fireworks could be on the way to Honolulu. KITV4.

Although former Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole has been voted out of office, she might continue drawing checks at taxpayers' expense through mid-2011. Tribune-Herald.

Kona coffee farmers say they've got reason to be optimistic, even in light of more reports of coffee berry borer damage. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time in its five-year history, the Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission is recommending taxpayer money be spent on an agricultural easement to lock property into farmland. West Hawaii Today.

Maui Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa has named a new chief for the county Transportation Department. Associated Press.

A project to bring order to many years of haphazard parking near the Keawakapu Beach access would result in less parking, and that has led to protests from neighbors. Maui News.

State and county officials are notifying the public that treated effluent mixed with storm water was discharged into the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. Garden Island.

Big Island police arrested a 21-year-old man Tuesday (December 14) during a lockdown at Kealakehe High School. Associated Press.

Hawaii considers marijuana stamps

HONOLULU -- Talk about your green stamps.

The Hawaii House today advanced a bill that would issue cannabis distribution stamps to participants in the state’s medical marijuana program.

Hawaii has had a medical marijuana program since 2000, allowing doctors to write a pot prescription for everything from glaucoma to AIDS to cancer. The law allows patients with prescriptions to grow what is known in state law as an “adequate supply.”

That’s further defined as “an amount of marijuana jointly possessed between the qualifying patient and the primary caregiver that is not more than is reasonably necessary to assure the uninterrupted availability of marijuana for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms or effects of a qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition; provided that an "adequate supply" shall not exceed three mature marijuana plants, four immature marijuana plants, and one ounce of usable marijuana per each mature plant.”

The problem, unless the patient has the land and the ability to grow his or her own, has been that would-be users must break the law to get their legal supply.

“If a patient is unable to produce enough medicine, they must resort to transacting on the black market, with a variety of inherent risks,” said Big Island proponent Matthew Rifkin in testimony to a House committee.

The Legislative Reference Bureau, in its 2004 publication “In Search Of A Viable Distribution System For Hawaii's Medical Marijuana Program,” recommended the distribution-stamp program.

Under the program, a farmer puts up some land for secure growing facilities and a certified facilitator serves as the go-between from farmer to user. Users are issued stamps at a cost of no more than 50 cents per gram of marijuana.

The bill now moves to two other committees before coming back to the full House for another vote, then on to the Senate. Its chances of passing are pretty good, with only two of the 6 Republicans in the 51-member House voting no.

Law enforcement hopes it can stop the bill before it gets too far.

“The message could be interpreted as the state of Hawaii Legislature legalizing drug trafficking within the state,” said Paul K. Ferreira, acting police chief for the Big Island. “To expand the medical marijuana laws and amend our current statutes from their current restrictions would only assist those individuals now growing marijuana illegally and generating huge profits by allowing them to use the medical marijuana law to aid in avoiding detection.”