Teachers to vote on contract, police commission nominee says no racism in Hawaii, two counties pass annual budgets, studying the sea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Whale frolics off Hawaii Coast ©2021 All Hawaii News

NOAA Awards UH $210 Million To Host Institute for Marine & Atmospheric Research. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration selected the University of Hawai‘i to host a new Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, with the federal agency providing up to $210 million in funding over five years. Maui Now.

Hawaii Teacher Salaries Won’t Change If New Contract Is Approved. The Hawaii State Teachers Association has reached a preliminary agreement with state officials on a new contract for the next two years, but it still must be approved by members. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Why Is It Still So Hard To Reach Hawaii’s Unemployment Office? The physical office is still closed and the agency is only two months into an 18-month technology overhaul. Civil Beat.

As mainland cities reopen, some question what’s holding Hawaii back. As tourist destinations on the mainland celebrate their reopening, Hawaii’s governor continues to push back against reducing business restrictions in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Survey finds changing attitudes in Hawaii regarding the pandemic. According to a statewide poll, most people think the coronavirus crisis is getting better and the government’s management of the situation is headed in the right direction. Star-Advertiser.

Shipments of COVID vaccines to Hawaii slow as demand drastically drops. The state Department of Health turned away more than half of its federal allotment of the Pfizer vaccine this week as demand for the shot continues to drop. Health officials say Neighbor Island hospitals won’t be getting any doses at all. That’s because they’re are having trouble getting rid of what they already have. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii counts 25 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 36,357. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island included 13 new cases on Oahu, 9 on Maui and 4 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council unanimously passes $2.92 billion budget. The budget is about $10 million more than the one submitted to the City Council by Mayor Rick Blangiardi in March, which was $73 million less than the previous year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Police Commission nominee denies racism exists in Hawaii. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s second attempt to fill the final vacancy on the Honolulu Police Commission was met with near unanimous opposition Wednesday as opponents cited concerns about the nominee’s record as a police officer and his career in private security while the candidate said he does not believe racial discrimination exists in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

HPD says it will not release new information about two controversial fatal shootings. Honolulu's Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic says HPD will not release new information about two controversial fatal shootings -- and that includes the identities of the officers involved.  KITV4.

HPD Officer At The Center Of A $1 Million Wrongful Death Settlement Has A History Of Complaints. Cpl. Scott Valdez has faced criminal charges, which led to hung juries, two lawsuits that led to settlements and a Honolulu Police Commission complaint. Civil Beat.

In deposition, Louis Kealoha gets tearful when talking about wife’s manipulation. Kealoha also said his estranged wife, Katherine Kealoha, who is serving a 13-year prison term, manipulated him when she cheated on him with a firefighter from the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation tax revenue higher than expected. The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization had forecast combined general excise and transit accommodation taxes of $55 million for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation in the first quarter. But the actual amount was $67 million. Star-Advertiser.

HART Asks The City To Borrow Up To $550 Million To Keep Rail Moving. The rail authority has also been borrowing on its own to cover its costs and pay its contractors. Civil Beat.

City Council approves first-ever Oahu climate action plan. Through the plan, the city said it is committing to a path to cut carbon pollution by an estimated 45% by 2025 and 60% by 2035. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kamehameha Schools receives Kakaako plan extension. Kamehameha Schools has received an extra 10 years to finish redeveloping 29 acres in Kakaako under a master plan amended by a state board Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Manoa Neighborhood Board voted Wednesday to support the public acquisition of Paradise Park land that’s up for sale. According to the listing, the 76-acre site is selling for $20 million. Hawaii News Now.

Rent, utility relief on hand to help Oahu residents during pandemic. The City and County of Honolulu will reopen the Rental and Utility Relief Program to another 10,000 applicants Monday evening. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Seeking to steer stimulus: Council wants more say on American Rescue Plan. Hawaii County has received its first installment of a $39 million federal stimulus package and County Council members are brimming with ideas on how to spend it. West Hawaii Today.

Board OKs decommissioning plan for Caltech observatory. The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory is the first of five summit observatories scheduled for decommissioning in exchange for the planned construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, and ceased operations in 2015. Tribune-Herald.

Public Comment Sought on Proposed Use of Additional Grant Funds for Buyout Program. The County of Hawai‘i is accepting public comment on a draft Substantial Amendment to its Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Action Plan. The public comment period runs June 2 through July 1. Big Island Now.

Healing the bay: Public asked to stay out of Kahaluu Bay for final days of spawning. The park’s closure has largely kept the bay’s waters clear of beachgoers and swimmers. Frustrations have been voiced, however, over the sight of surfers in the water. West Hawaii Today.

‘Love Island’ a boon for island: Largest production since 2008 starts shooting in July. “Love Island,” a dating reality show in which a group of singles gather at a tropical resort and compete to pair up with each other, will film its third season this summer in East Hawaii — and inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Post Arrival Test to End on June 4. From the start of the program on May 4, through May 31, the program has tested 92,963 travelers.  Maui Now. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Alexander & Baldwin Under Scrutiny in Maui Water Rights Court Case. New information has emerged in a court battle over water on Maui, and it's prompting the state to reevaluate annual water permits issued to Hawaiʻi developer Alexander and Baldwin. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

United Launches Kahului to New York Nonstop Flight, June 3. This is the airline’s only nonstop flight from Maui to the US mainland’s east coast. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council passes $243.3M FY22 operating budget. The budget plans no layoffs, furloughs or additional tax rate increases on residents and primarily focuses on deferred maintenance on bridges and the landfill, adds money toward housing and homeless initiatives and seeks wastewater solutions throughout the island. Garden Island.

Kauai beat COVID-19, but now faces a new challenge: Rebuilding its economy. Homeless people here on Hawaii’s northern island got an unusual invitation last year: Come set up camp at a spectacular beach, with showers, toilets and electricity, and meals delivered by the local food bank. Los Angeles Times.

6 arrested during efforts to close Lydgate camp. Six people were arrested, Wednesday as the county attempted to transition the Lydgate Beach Park out of its Shelter In Place camping permit program. Garden Island.

COVID cases rise as vaccination passport system in works, guilty plea in CARES funds scam, HGEA files grievance over mass rail layoffs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale watching off Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Data gathered for humpback whale count from Kaua’i, O’ahu, Hawai’i, and Maui. Marine experts held the last humpback whale count of the season Saturday, March 27, 2021. About 68 trained leaders from NOAA gathered data from the 42 sites across Kaua’i, O’ahu, Hawai’i, and Maui. KHON2.

Neighbor island lawmakers’ per diem overlooked as 10% raise could go into effect. Neighbor island state senators and representatives continue to earn $225 for every day of the legislative session, weekends and even after the session — valued at nearly half of their $62,604 legislative salaries — even as some have criticized the possibility of legislative pay raises in July. Star-Advertiser.

Bills to get Hawaii income taxes from real estate investment trusts die. State lawmakers have once again taken a pass at trying to abolish a tax break for real estate investment trusts operating in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Nonprofit Leader Pleads Guilty To Embezzling And Agreeing To Take A Bribe. Hanalei Aipoalani also admitted using his position as a Honolulu grant administrator to direct money to the CEO of Hawaii island’s public access TV station. Civil Beat.

Should Hawaii Invest To Help Workers Displaced By The Pandemic Find New Careers? Hawaii paid hundreds of unemployed tourism workers to learn new job skills last year. Now state lawmakers want to create a permanent jobs corps — but no one knows how to fund it. Civil Beat.

Cocktails To Go? Hawaii Restaurants Hope Service Will Outlast The Pandemic. To help struggling bars and restaurants stay in business amid COVID-19 lockdowns, Gov. David Ige signed an executive order last April to allow establishments with a liquor license to sell alcohol to-go and for home delivery for the first time in state history. Civil Beat.

Many Inmates Leaving Prison Are Still Having Trouble Getting ID Cards. Advocates say something as simple as a state ID card can make all the difference for released convicts. Civil Beat.

Vaccination Passport System in the Works, Lt. Gov. Green Says. Governments in other parts of the world have started setting up vaccination passport systems in an effort to further open up borders, live events and tourism. As for Hawai‘i, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said he sees a vaccination tracking system coming soon. Hawaii Public Radio.

As COVID case counts rise, health officials push more testing across the state. The statewide COVID case count average rose nearly 60% in the past two weeks, and experts are worried about a drop in testing for the virus. They fear the vaccination rollout has caused people to let down their guard. Hawaii News Now.

March 28, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 102 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 61 on O‘ahu, 26 on Maui, and 15 on Hawai‘i Island. Maui Now.

Oahu

Rising COVID-19 cases could push Oahu back to Tier 2. If the number of positive COVID-19 cases on Oahu continues to climb, the island could move back to Tier 2 restrictions on business and social activities, which limit gatherings to five people. Star-Advertiser.

Police break up another large concert in Kapolei as partiers ignore COVID rules. Another weekend, another large concert on the west side. This time, HPD took action, arresting one man. Hawaii News Now.

In an effort to ‘Stop Asian Hate,’ scores gather at the state Capitol to push for change. Scores rallied at the state Capitol Saturday to call for an end to racism and misogyny. The event on Oahu, known as the “Stop Asian Hate Rally” was one of many rallies that were held across the country to advance an important conversation -- fighting hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu man pleads guilty to embezzlement, bribery over CARES Act funds. Prosecutors say a Waianae man agreed to accept a bribe in exchange of federal pandemic aid money. Hanalei Aipoalani, 42, pleaded guilty to the charges of embezzlement and bribery on Friday. He was hired by the city last August to administer the federal funds. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

HGEA files grievance against HART after interim CEO lays off dozens without notice. The state’s largest labor union has filed a grievance against the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation over recent layoffs at the troubled rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu rail’s future tied to questions of federal obligation. Joe Uno, a member of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors, has been frustrated in trying to get the board to discuss ideas for an unspecified “Plan C” for how to complete and fund the city’s troubled rail project, which faces a budget shortfall of $3.68 billion. Star-Advertiser.

Developers readying affordable apartment projects on Oahu. Thirteen developers have submitted applications for building permits to produce roughly 300 apartments under a 2-year-old city ordinance that provides incentives for private developers to build such projects in areas zoned for apartment use. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako streets remain in disrepair after judge rules ownership away from two brothers. A state judge recently removed what some Kakaako business owners and residents regarded as a troll of sorts that collected tolls to park on several longtime public streets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kahele talks COVID relief, infrastructure. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele is touting the merits of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan — the third and probably last federal coronavirus relief package — and President Joe Biden’s plan to spend upwards of $3 trillion on America’s infrastructure. Tribune-Herald.

Roth addresses West Hawaii Forum. It’s all still a waiting game as Mayor Mitch Roth works on his proposed budget, with the county awaiting word from the state and the state awaiting word from the federal government before anticipated revenues become more solid. West Hawaii Today.

Solar water tax break program dims. The County Council will soon be considering a bill eliminating a tax break for property owners who install solar hot water panels on their property. West Hawaii Today.

Researcher: Hilo evacuation maps should account for possible megatsunami. Hilo’s existing tsunami evacuation zones are not sufficient to respond to a hypothetical megatsunami, according to a University of Hawaii researcher. Tribune-Herald.

Portuguese cultural center plans scaled back. Nearly five years after fundraising for the effort began in earnest, plans for the Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce Cultural and Educational Center have gone back to the drawing board. Tribune-Herald.

Vaccinating a village: 120 residents of the Miloliʻi Fishing Village receive one-shot vaccine. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

1,000 People Get Shots at Mass Vaccination Site in Wailuku. More than 1,000 eligible individuals, both Kaiser Permanente members and non-members, were vaccinated at a mass vaccination event held on Saturday, March 27, at the Kaiser Permanente Wailuku Medical Office. Maui Now.

As travel returns, some changes here to stay. Airlines, hotels say increased cleaning, digital services among lasting effects. One year later, Hawaii’s travel and tourism industries are turning the page to a “new normal,” a term that has been tossed around throughout the pandemic and at times still feels like a moving target.  Maui News.

More Rental and Mortgage Assistance Available on Maui. A Maui Economic Opportunity rental and mortgage assistance program targeting Maui County residents economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic received an additional infusion of $900,000 from the county managed Community Development Block Grant fund. Maui Now.

Kauai

Half of Kaua‘i’s population vaccinated. Professor Amy Ebesu Hubbard of the Department of Communicology said in Hawai‘i, 31% of the adult population have received at least one dose, and 36% have indicated that they will definitely get the vaccine. Garden Island.

Hanapepe bridge project takes step backward. After a month of pouring new concrete on the north side of the new Kaumuali‘i Highway bridge over the Hanapepe River, Kalaheo resident Robert Brodowy spotted some highway workers jackhammering out yards of the new pour. Garden Island.

Team Rubicon cleans up after flooding. A veteran-led organization has launched a statewide operation to support recovery on three of the most-heavily-impacted islands, including Kaua‘i, which was affected by the recent heavy rain and flooding earlier this month. Garden Island.

Ige confident facing Hanabusa challenge, black Hawaiian Airlines employee files suit after noose found near locker, Legislature gets extra $13M to spend, almost half of residents struggle to make ends meet, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Japanese training sailing ship Nippon Maru visits Hilo, PC: Hollyn Johnson, Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Hawaii Gubernatorial Candidates Up to the Challenges. Governor David Ige won a lopsided victory in the 2014 primary election.  He says it wasn’t a fluke. It was a voters’ mandate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials are bracing for at least $6.2 million in federal cuts to state programs that cover everything from emergency preparedness and immunizations to water-quality testing, air-pollution control, children’s health and hazardous waste. Civil Beat.

Legislature Gets An Extra $13M To Spend This Session. The Council on Revenues slightly upgraded its growth projection for this fiscal year to 4.5 percent. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will announce its annual homeless grant awards in support of thousands of local housing and service programs across the U.S. Thursday. Garden Island.

Nearly half of Hawaii’s households earn too little to cover their basic needs, even though many are holding down more than one job, according to a study released Tuesday by Aloha United Way. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly Half Of Hawaii Residents Struggle To Make Ends Meet. Finding affordable housing and a job that pays enough on the same island is tough, according to a new report. Civil Beat.

According to a new report from Aloha United Way, nearly half of Hawaii’s households can’t make ends meet. KITV.

Officials acknowledged Tuesday that connecting houseless or at-risk people with the services they need is paramount to solving Hawaii’s homeless crisis. Garden Island.

A Hawaiian Airlines employee stationed in Kona has filed a racial harassment and discrimination suit against the carrier, saying that his life was threatened by colleagues who placed a noose and a lynching rope near his locker. Hawaii News Now.

Trump Immigration Plans Would Hit Hawaii’s Filipino Families Hard. Filipinos have become the state’s largest ethnic group, in part because of family-friendly immigration policies. Civil Beat.

Results are in from a new state study: The ferry isn’t going to happen. There’s more hype than actual interest. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state identification cards will be issued with a new “star in a gold circle” marking starting Tuesday, Jan. 16. Tribune-Herald.

The PGA Tour and the Hawaii Tourism Authority signed a $2.1 million contract Tuesday extending their marketing partnership through 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

 The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is planning to build 800 units of affordable senior rentals as part of a $370 million mixed-use development on the six-acre site of its current administrative campus in Honolulu under a public-private partnership with Retirement Housing Foundation. Pacific Business News.

Developer to seek city concessions for Waikiki condo. OliverMcMillan, the company developing approximately 500 rental units on Queen Emma trust land, told the Waikiki Neighborhood Board on Tuesday that it plans to ask the city for variances to increase density, height and transitional setbacks in exchange for providing affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric looks to unplug from longtime operating base. Hawaiian Electric Co. is offering up one of its biggest real estate assets for sale in an effort to consolidate operations, and the opportunity could result in more condominium towers in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

OliverMcMillan Inc. expects to submit a draft environmental assessment later this month for what will be the first new high-rise apartment project in decades, a 500-unit market-rate and affordable mixed-use rental project in the center of Waikiki on 2.5 acres of land owned by the Queen Emma Land Co. Pacific Business News.

Homeless shuffle to avoid Kakaako park closures. More than a dozen homeless encampments returned to the mauka Kakaako Gateway Park as state and city officials continue to close and reopen parks overrun by homeless people in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu ranch to re-establish native forest. An Oahu ranch operated on land owned by an affiliate of the Mormon Church has partnered with its landlord and a nonprofit to re-establish a native forest on most of the 750-acre property in Laie and Malaekahana. Star-Advertiser.

New Chinatown bus schedule draws complaints from businesses. Hawaii News Now.

About 500 gallons of fuel oil leaked from a Hawaiian Electric underground pipeline in Pearl City Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Conspiracy Charges Up The Ante For Kealohas. The former police chief and his prosecutor wife could be punished for crimes that were committed by other defendants. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board policies, procedures under review. Two 2016 ethics complaints against the Hawaii County Building Division have resurfaced in a complaint about the procedures of the Board of Ethics itself. West Hawaii Today.

As of this morning, the 25 percent mandatory North Kona water restriction, that has been in effect since Jan. 12, 2017, is officially downgraded to a 10 percent voluntary water conservation. West Hawaii Today.

Forty-seven attorneys were honored during the Hilo Self-Help Center Recognition Awards on Monday for providing free legal information to more than 1,000 people on Hawaii Island who sought assistance at the Hilo Courthouse Self-Help Center in 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawyers to mayor: Let Dave Taylor go back to work. Attorneys for Water Supply director hand Maui County Mayor Arakawa an ultimatum. Maui News.

Senior housing project clears a hurdle. The Maui Planning Commission granted a special management area use permit Tuesday for a 164-unit affordable senior housing project near the Foodland Kaahumanu store and the Kahului Public Library. Maui News.

Smoke-Free Vehicles with Minors Passes Through Committee. Maui Now.

Maui home prices set new record. It took 11 years, but Maui’s real estate market finally eclipsed a prior record for the annual median sale price of single-family homes. Star-Advertiser.

Kihei Charter School Construction Two-Thirds Complete. Maui Now.

Kauai

Testimony continued Tuesday in the Coco Palms civil trial, with the defendants maintaining direct lineage to Hawaiian royalty and their right to occupy the land. Garden Island.

Former DLNR chairman Aila to be deputy Hawaiian Home Lands director, Green Party missed vote requirements, Honolulu Mayor Caldwell's state of the city today, rail transit board planned political strategy in secret, new doctors for Maui, Steve Case, Pierre Omidyar plans unveiled in book, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

DHHL housing © 2015 All Hawaii News

A legislative panel has recommended that the state Senate approve Gov. David Ige's nominees to lead the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs on Monday approved Jobie Masagatani to remain as the department's director and chairwoman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, over the opposition of some key groups that represent Native Hawaiians. The panel also approved William Aila, who until recently was chairman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to be her deputy director. Associated Press.

David Ige says he was caught by surprise when President Barack Obama singled him out early during remarks Saturday at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Green Party will have to step up its game if it wants to continue fielding candidates beyond the 2022 election, according to the state Office of Elections. The office found the Green Party last year did not meet the voting threshold set in state law to continue qualifying as a political party after 10 years. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's public education system has a difficult time recruiting experienced technology workers to support the state's schools, and the Department of Education is now backing a bill at the Legislature to allow high-tech employees to move more freely from one employer to the next. Star-Advertiser.

A program that allows retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm is drawing controversy at the state Capitol. The program is based on a federal law adopted in 2004. The federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, or LEOSA, allows for active and retired officers to carry a concealed firearm. KHON2.

The state Senate is reviewing two bills that would grant county mayors the power to fire police chiefs and require more qualifications for police commissioners. Garden Island.

Bill aims to tighten access at public housing properties. KHON2.

The 12 countries involved in a proposed Pacific-Rim free trade initiative will convene a chief negotiators’ meeting in mid-March in Hawaii, sources close to the matter said on Friday, as they scramble to secure a deal by the end of this spring. Japan Times.

This week marks the start of the 3rd Annual Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Week. In observance, state agencies and private partners working to rid the islands of these damaging species are highlighting 10 particularly bad offenders. Maui Now.

Opinion: Being Black in Hawaii Is Something Few People Talk About. It has been my experience that some black people will attempt to find alliances with non-white people when they come to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Hawaii and Annexation. A student from Hawaii queried the judicial firebrand about the way the U.S. took formal control of the Islands. He got an answer. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Using the Foster Botanical Garden as his backdrop, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is expected to emphasize park improvements Tuesday morning during his third State of the City speech. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell will deliver his third annual State of the City address on Tuesday at 8 a.m. at Foster Botanical Garden. It’s an invitation-only event, as was the mayor’s first address in 2013. Civil Beat.

An announcement on a new Honolulu zoo director, the unveiling of the city's first hybrid electric bus and progress on how the city is battling Oahu's homeless problem are among key topics Mayor Kirk Caldwell will address in his State of the City speech Tuesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Newly released records show top Honolulu rail officials were pumping state lawmakers for money before telling the public the project was over budget and facing a nearly $1 billion shortfall. The documents describe what was said during a Dec. 18 closed-door meeting between the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board of directors and city attorney Gary Takeuchi. Civil Beat.

Mililani Uka Elementary School teacher Jana Fukada, 32, was named a recipient of the Milken Educator Award, a national honor that recognizes excellence in education and comes with an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. Star-Advertiser.

The National Park Service is suggesting historic designation for a larger area of the Dec. 7, 1941, Ewa Field battlefield, which would help preserve the site and stave off development plans, said John Bond, a proponent of the measure. Star-Advertiser.

The Army in Hawai’i is in the midst of completing another environmental study related to Makua Valley, the military’s live-fire range on O’ahu.  Hawaii Public Radio.

The Navy's public ceremony at Pearl Harbor will have African-American history and heritage as its theme this month. The ceremony will be held at the Pearl Harbor visitors' center at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is moving forward with plans to demolish one of Oahu's most sought-after hikes. On Monday, the Board approved a $500,000 budget to study the demolition of Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven. Hawaii News Now.

Opinion: It is remarkable that while public open space in Honolulu is increasingly threatened by development, a beautiful new public park has quietly sprung up in the heart of the urban core. This is the new Fort Ruger Pathway on the exterior backside of Diamond Head crater along Diamond Head Road. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A 3rd Circuit Court judge heard arguments Monday on the dispute regarding whether Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd is qualified for the position she has held for the past three years. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has issued a finding of no significant environmental impact for the second phase of improvements to Kekaha Kai State Park. The finding, released Monday, says a full environmental impact statement isn’t needed because of the minor nature of the expected improvements. West Hawaii Today.

Two lanes will be available for Pahoa-bound motorists on Highway 130 near Keaau during peak hours as early as today, a state Department of Transportation spokeswoman said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Three doctors have joined Maui Memorial Medical Center's new outpatient clinic in Maui Lani, a welcome sight for Maui County as residents cope with a shortage of doctors. Maui News.

More competition in Central Maui is one reason the Salvation Army's Kahului Corps will close its Family Store in Kahului on Saturday, an official said Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Grove Farm once planned to build resorts along Kauai's South Shore, but heavy community opposition nixed those plans, according to a new book about one of Hawaii's largest landowners. Grove Farm, which is owned by AOL founder Steve Case, instead opted to partner with Ulupono Initiative, eBay founder Pierre Omdiyar's investment firm, on a dairy farm project near the existing Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort in Poipu. Pacific Business News.

The county is considering a plan to transform the vacant Nawiliwili Bulk Sugar Building into a self-storage facility and recycling center for construction materials. Garden Island.

A former county public works employee claims his dismissal was due to race, age and disability. Amadeo Dullaga, 65, was hired as a temporary assignment markings crew lead supervisor for the county on May 1, 1996. He was seeking a full-time permanent supervisor position when his job was terminated on Sept. 9, 2013. Garden Island.

Rental units are still available in the new Rice Camp Senior Apartments on Hoala Street behind the Lihue fire station. Garden Island.

Molokai

More than a decade after Molokai veterans first began the process to build their own center, the Kaunakakai building is only one step away from being complete, veterans said Monday. Maui News.

Pay raises for government officials, more racism in the Hawaii capital, Lt. Gov. Tsutsui seeks $200k Maui office, defense contractor charged with spying, tourist tax deferred, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea lava flow, USGS courtesy photo

South winds permitted clear views into one of Hawaii's natural beauties recently: the lava lake from Kilauea Volcano's active flow on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

The state salary commission voted Monday to recommend pay raises for the governor, judges and legislators, concluding that higher salaries are justified to attract the "best and brightest" to public service. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers could soon get a huge pay increase. The state salary commission recommended legislators get a 21 percent raise this summer. KITV4.

Hawaii Fight Over GMO Labeling Turns Ugly. Environmental activist tells committee chair, "Go back to Japan." Civil Beat.

The attorney general is cautioning state senators that a House bill requiring genetically modified imported produce to carry labels would likely be struck down by the federal government if it becomes law. Star-Advertiser.

House Tourism Committee Defers Hotel Room Tax Hike. Hawaii Public Radio.

The record-breaking tourism industry has the Honolulu Mayor and the governor asking for a bigger piece of the pie. On Monday, they asked the state legislature to raise the hotel room tax. KHON2.

The Senate Education Committee voted Monday to move forward a bill that would allow the state to develop public school lands through private-public partnerships. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s three early education proposals are sailing through the Legislature, but the money he originally proposed to pay for the initiative’s first phase — the School Readiness program — got scrapped by the state House last week. Civil Beat.

Opponents of decriminalizing marijuana has a new partner -- a powerful national figure who has made it a point to fight legislation through education. KITV4.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking to shore up its rules regarding coral damage in order to help protect the marine invertebrates. Tribune-Herald.

Push to create a statewide cell phone ban. KHON2.

State roundup for March 19. Associated Press.

Oahu

A defense contractor who works in intelligence at the U.S. Pacific Command has been charged with giving national security secrets to a 27-year-old Chinese woman with whom he was romantically involved, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday. Associated Press.

A civilian defense employee in Hawaii charged with leaking classified information about nuclear weapons, early-warning radar systems and other secrets to a Chinese national who was his girlfriend may have been targeted because he had access to such information, the FBI says. Star-Advertiser.

Benjamin Pierce Bishop, 59, a former U.S. Army officer who works as a civilian employee of a defense contractor at U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) in Hawaii, has been arrested on charges of communicating classified national defense information to a person not entitled to receive such information. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu's residential electricity rates were higher in February and March largely because a coal-fired plant that provides the island's cheapest source of power was down for maintenance, Hawaiian Electric Co. officials said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The city Board of Water Supply is offering up its sprawling main base of operations in Honolulu for lease and redevelopment in a move to earn income that helps pay for agency expenses and possibly reduces customer costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is poised to issue a 10-year contract to divert most of its waste from the county’s two landfills, a contract that would all but close the door on the prospects for a waste-to-energy facility that has been endorsed by Mayor Billy Kenoi. West Hawaii Today.

Campus administrators are keeping their fingers crossed after the Legislature dropped from a working version of the state budget a request for $38 million to fund a new pharmacy school building at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

There are conflicting reports over whether the Kohala Watershed Partnership is using aerial hunting during its current feral goat eradication efforts. However, the partnership, which is helping to restore native forests in the watershed above Pelekane Bay, denies using such a method. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Plans to open a Maui office for the state of Hawaii's no. 2 executive will cost nearly $200,000. Hawaii News Now.

The Pan-STARRS space program, which operates the powerful PS1 telescope atop the summit of Haleakala on Maui is the recipient of an anonymous $3 million gift. Maui Now.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii plans to open a 9,300-square-foot rehabilitation center in Central Maui this fall. Pacific Business News.

The drought watch for Upcountry Maui was officially lifted on Friday, March 15, after nearly four years of voluntary restrictions, said County Water Department officials. Maui Now.

Kauai

Approximately 150 people, mostly county officials and staff, gathered at the Mo‘ikeha building’s rotunda Monday morning for Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s fifth State of the County address. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s State of the County Address was presented Monday, March 18, 2013 in Moikeha Courtyard. Hawaii Reporter.

Recent samples taken from the inner wall of a Princeville water tank — part of a private water system — have been confirmed to contain the organic chemical polychlorinated biphenyls, according to state officials. While they say the water remains safe to drink, the source of contamination has yet to be determined. Garden Island.

Feds delay Hawaii historic review, monk seal relocations, Honolulu mayor wants more taxes, 6.5% budget hike, lawmaker's racist comments still reverberate, busy week ahead for state Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian petroglyphs (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Sequestration has given the State Historic Preservation Division a reprieve from a long-awaited federal review. SHPD, which is battling to retain its federal certification and funding, was supposed to face its day of reckoning this week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Friday his budget planners have penciled in $25 million for a contingency fund to help state programs that are expected to lose millions of dollars in federal funding. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants state lawmakers to establish a $25 million fund to help pay for local shortages in federal funding due to the sequester, which went into effect Friday after President Barack Obama and Republicans in Congress could not agree on a deficit reduction plan. Pacific Business News.

Federal officials on Friday said they’re temporarily giving up a plan to boost survival rates for juvenile Hawaiian monk seals by moving a few of them from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to the main Hawaiian Islands each year. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Legislature is anticipating a marathon of votes this week as state lawmakers race to meet Thursday’s first crossover deadline. Associated Press.

A battle has waged at the state Capitol for years between corporations, some farmers and businesses that stand behind the Food and Drug Administration's determination that genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, do not need cautionary labeling, and environmental groups, organic farmers and community members who strongly believe biologically engineered food is harmful for people and the environment. Sen. Clarence Nishihara (D, Waipahu-Crestview-Pearl City), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said he is not planning on hearing the labeling bill because he believes it would violate federal interstate commerce laws. Star-Advertiser.

A number of measures making their way through the current Legislative session aim to decrease Hawaii’s dependence on the mainland when it comes to food. Tribune-Herald.

After years of cuts, the state is gradually restoring adult mental health services and looking to streamline operations in an effort to rebuild a safety net that advocates say is failing too many. Star-Advertiser.

Faye Hanohano

Inflammatory remarks attributed to Rep. Faye Hanohano regarding the artwork in her Capitol office are the talk of the islands. But has Hanohano raised an important point? That art by Hawaii's indigenous people should be celebrated? Civil Beat.

State Representative Faye Hanohano, a Democrat from Puna who chairs the House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs, has apologized for racial slurs she made to state exhibition experts from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as they hung artwork her office manager requested in her capitol office on Monday. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii state Rep. Faye Hanohano certainly struck a chord with the wrong crowd at the Capitol building this week, firing off ethnic slang with the same fearless abandon as an ‘80s action hero spraying bullets. Big Island Now.

A scripted apology on the House floor might not be enough to get Rep. Faye Hanohano out of hot water. Workers complained that she went off on a racist rant about artwork in her office, managing to offend multiple ethnic groups in one tirade. KITV4.

Two state Senate committees plan to hold confirmation hearings next week to consider candidates for various Hawaii agencies nominated by Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

For the first time, the state will participate in National Invasive Species Awareness Week, observed from Monday to March 10. Tribune-Herald.

The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan's Hawaii region is reporting an operating loss of $600,000 in the fourth quarter of last year and a $1.6 million deficit for all of 2012. Pacific Business News.

It’s Your Money: Faulty Hose Sends Taxpayers' Dollars Down the Drain. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's proposed budget includes a 6 1/2 percent increase over last year, but Caldwell says he's paying for promises he made on the campaign trail, even if those promises aren't cheap. KITV4.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Aina Haina Community Association are asking the city to stop grading work on property in Aina Haina owned by developer Jeff Stone until an archaeological inventory survey is conducted. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply plans to spend an estimated $9.5 million on a 30-year master plan that will include an investigation of how climate change could affect the island's water resources and delivery system. Star-Advertiser.

A lot of people have been buying guns recently and that's putting a strain on Oahu's only public firing range. KHON2.

A marine mammal response team received a call on Sunday morning about a stranded humpback whale, but the calf was already dead by the time volunteers arrived in Waianae. Hawaii News Now.

Byron’s, bye-bye. Hawaii celebrates 47 years of fried Oreos, shrimp burgers, and late nights. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s long-sought-after student housing complex, which is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in August, is falling under intense scrutiny. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County could manage but not own the Banyan Drive area and two state parks under legislation amended last week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The governor has released $50 million for highway construction and improvements that will dramatically change how people maneuver around Kahului Airport. Maui News.

The relocation of the Harbors Maui District Office from the waterfront at Kahului Harbor to the historic Old Kahului Railroad Building along Kaahumanu Avenue has received $600,000 in funding. Maui News.

More than three dozen South Maui residents heard Saturday that the proposed Kihei high school is not having smooth sailing through the state Legislature. Maui News.

A public hearing is planned on Monday, March 4, 2013, for the Draft Habitat Conservation Plan proposed by Honuaula Partners LLC for the project formerly known as Wailea 670. Maui Now.

Selling $50 million worth of condominiums in a year isn't as astounding as $425 million in two months, but the sales team at a luxury Maui condo project is celebrating what one analyst said represents a leading edge of a broader recovery. Honua Kai, a 700-unit condo complex that opened its initial phase in the wake of the recession four years ago, reported $50 million in sales last year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

A letter from the publisher: Change is inevitable, sometimes necessary and often a good thing. That is certainly the case with recent and ongoing changes here at The Garden Island.

After hours of testimony and questioning Wednesday afternoon, the council deferred for seven months a six-page resolution endorsing some 6,000 Kaua‘i ocean users who oppose to the expansion of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island

Soda tax dies, legislator apologizes for racist remarks, deal near on deadly 2006 Kauai dam breach, Hawaii County budget seeks to end furloughs, geothermal RFP released, police mum on disciplinary records, Hawaii is the best place to work, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii bartender (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii workers have the best work environments in the United States, according to a new Gallup poll that also ranked the state No. 1 for having the highest overall well-being in the nation. Pacific Business News.

State senators have chosen not to advance a soda fee of 1 cent per ounce that would have brought in about $37 million a year to counter obesity. The Abercrombie administration had hoped that the soda fee, as with higher taxes on tobacco, would discourage consumption. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Faye Hanohano apologized Thursday and accepted full responsibility for racial and ethnic remarks she made earlier this week after being disappointed with artwork installed in her state Capitol office. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Rep. Faye Hanohano has apologized on the House floor for offending people by using racial slurs to express disapproval of art in her office. Associated Press.

State representative Faye Hanohano has made a name for herself advocating on behalf of Native Hawaiians, but it's what she admits to saying about other ethnicities that has raised some eyebrows. Hawaii News Now.

POLL: Was Rep. Hanohano's apology for racial slurs enough? KITV4.

Lawmakers are considering a bill that could move the balance of power in the state Legislature even more toward Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

A House committee has revived a proposal to strip the University of Hawaii of procurement oversight of its construction projects as a prominent engineer has expanded on allegations that a top UH executive wasted potentially tens of millions of taxpayer dollars through blatant mismanagement. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state Senate Committee on Ways and Means has approved a measure aimed at increasing the number of candidates who receive public funding for Big Island elections. Associated Press.

A bill that would force the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to issue timely decisions on cases was passed by the House Finance Committee on Wednesday, much to the satisfaction of the teachers union. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's visitor industry recorded gains in both visitor arrivals and spending in January, but the pace of growth slowed from last year's record-breaking performance, the Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

How widespread protests and a dissident legislative faction combined to topple the PLDC – for now. Hawaii Independent.

Carmille Lim, the newly appointed executive director of Common Cause Hawaii, has jumped into the deep end of democracy, starting at her new post just about when the Legislature convened. Star-Advertiser.

Linguists say they have determined that a unique sign language, possibly dating back to the 1800s or before, is being used in Hawaii. Associated Press.

In the Name of the Law: 5-part series on police misconduct. Civil Beat.

In-depth public service reporting on police agencies isn't possible in Hawaii, where misconduct records are exempt from public disclosure under a state law pushed through by Hawaii's own politically powerful police union. It's an exemption afforded only to the police; no other public employee has that protection. Civil Beat.

Eighteen years ago former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano let bad cops off the hook when he allowed county police officers who got in trouble to remain anonymous. Civil Beat.

State roundup for March 1. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Liquor Commission Administrator Greg I. Nishioka has resigned from practicing law and agreed to repay misappropriated money to clients, according to the state Disciplinary Board of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Liquor Commission administrator is on the hot seat after misappropriating client money in his prior career as a lawyer, voluntarily surrendering his law license, and not disclosing any of it to the liquor board. KHON2.

Tourism officials discuss future management of Hawaii Convention Center. Pacific Business News.

The operator of the city's Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill has spent $1.5 million to design and construct a gas collection and control system to rectify alleged violations of the U.S. Clean Air Act that were resolved by a federal consent decree. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council members are considering a bill to encourage compliance by dead-beat homeowners who fail to clean up their yards. Hawaii Public Radio.

An island-style drive-in restaurant known for its unusual seafood burgers and 24-hour service has closed after 47 years of business. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Girl Scouts from public and private schools across the island are part of the first high-schoolers in the state to send a Microlab — an automated, self-contained science lab in a 4 1⁄2-by-2-by-2-inch module — to the International Space Station. Star-Advertiser.

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the opening of Hono­uli­uli, the largest of the 13 internment sites in Hawaii during the war. The Nishi­muras are one of the families featured in the Japa­nese Cultural Center of Hawaii documentary "The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawaii." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Anticipating a slight rise in property values this year, Mayor Billy Kenoi on Thursday proposed a $370.8 million operating budget that holds the line on property taxes and eliminates the monthly unpaid furlough day for county employees. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. announced Thursday it is ready to receive offers for expanding geothermal power on the Big Island by up to 50 megawatts. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County residents could have to pay double the current price for a new water meter come July 1 under a proposal by the Department of Water Supply. Maui News.

The Kahana Sunset's draft environmental assessment for a replacement seawall and drainage improvements underwent a review by the Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday. Maui News.

Four projects on Maui were named as recipients for funds in the first round of county grants for small town planning. Maui Now.

The Allied Health Center at the University of Hawaii Maui College was one of four University of Hawaii programs or facilities renamed in honor of the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. Maui News.

Kauai

The state attorney general and James Pflueger’s attorneys are finalizing a plea deal that would allow the 86-year-old automobile dealer to have his company take the brunt of charges filed against him over the breach of his Ka Loko Dam. Hawaii Reporter.

The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Lihu‘e Business Association, hosted the first of three panel discussions with candidates for the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors Wednesday night at Kaua‘i Community College. Garden Island.

The head of the Planning Department took a lashing from the Kaua‘i County Council Wednesday for using funds earmarked for enforcement of transient vacation rentals in a different manner than approved by the council in 2012 and refusing to reveal additional details publicly. Garden Island.

The Garden Island ran its press for the last time Wednesday night, making Kauai the only county in Hawaii without a daily newspaper printed on island. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is the happiest state, legislator's racial slurs revealed, government stuck in a time warp, Kauai's only press shuts down, Abercrombie pushes public-private partnerships in Kona, plastic bag ban a success, minimum wage, GMO, election bills advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi courtesy photo

People in Hawaii are the happiest and healthiest in the nation, according to an annual national survey released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Faye Hanohano — unhappy with the paintings installed in her state Capitol office as part of a public exhibit — used racial and ethnic slurs in a tirade Monday, according to an email from a state exhibit specialist. Star-Advertiser.

Wednesday may have been the last day of recess for the full Hawaii Legislature, but for some lawmakers it was a marathon of voting on bills. Associated Press.

It could be up to voters to decide whether candidates have to actually live in the district they want to represent. And Hawaii could count military just like most everyone else does on the mainland — as residents, according to several measures before lawmakers. Civil Beat.

The first state minimum wage increase in six years became closer to reality Wednesday after lawmakers passed a bill mandating regular pay hikes through the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii small business owners are imploring lawmakers this session to make changes that will allow them the freedom to make a profit, reinvest in their business and employ more people. Instead, key committee chairs are planning to increase the minimum wage and add even more regulations. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are doing more this session than ever to plug a multi-billion-dollar hole in health and retirement benefits promised to thousands of county and state workers. Civil Beat.

Walking into the windowless office where payroll is processed for the state of Hawaii is like stepping back in time. Associated Press.

Earlier this month, opponents of Genetically Engineered Food lobbied State lawmakers to encourage them to pass legislation to require the labeling of GMO foods.   Today, workers from Hawai’I’s five GMO companies … the  producers of Hawai’i’s largest agricultural commodity … visited the Capitol to tell their story. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has introduced a bill she says will help avert defense cuts that are due to the continuing resolution and avoid the need for layoffs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal is making its way through the State Legislature, that would raise the age limit for foster kids who receive support. KHON2.

Part 4 of a 5-part series. Read all the stories in Civil Beat's special report, In The Name Of The Law.

The number of foreclosure sales in Hawaii during the fourth quarter of 2012 fell 11 percent compared to the year before, but the average sales price of a foreclosed home jumped 24 percent, according to the latest data from RealtyTrac. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Some 3,585 Oahu families who receive rental housing subsidies have been notified that massive federal budget cuts set to kick in Friday could leave them without a roof over their heads. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is suing the city and Waste Management of Hawaii Inc., the operator of the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Leeward Oahu, over gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii senators are moving forward with a bill to direct the governor to purchase land owned by Turtle Bay Hotel and Resort on the North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

After hearing hundreds of complaints from riders who had longer waits for overcrowded buses, city leaders unveiled a plan Wednesday to reverse many of the cost-saving service changes for TheBus system that serves more than 200,000 riders daily. Star-Advertiser.

The company that oversees all police-initiated automobile tows for the city is continuing to overcharge motorists even though the city says it is closely monitoring the contract because of previous problems with overcharging, according to testimony at a hearing Wednesday and towing invoices reviewed by the Star-Advertiser.

Police disciplinary records are supposed to be released when an officer is discharged. But getting those records can be tough — and so expensive that most people likely can’t afford it — as Civil Beat has learned in researching this special report.

For some disabled students at Kipapa Elementary School, it was a nightmare of physical abuse, verbal assaults and emotional attacks. Hawaii News Now.

Chevron Corp.’s Hawaii operation is planning to develop a solar thermal demonstration project at its Kapolei refinery, which will be used to offset burning fossil fuels utilized to generate heat and steam for internal use. Pacific Business News.

Developer accused of ruining Hawaiian cultural site. Hawaii News Now.

Three bills aimed at clearing the homeless and their possessions from city sidewalks passed first reading at the Feb. 20 City Council meeting. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii

The first month of Hawaii County’s plastic bag ban seems to have been a resounding success, members of the county Environmental Management Commission learned Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Five of the nine County Council members will travel to Washington, D.C., this week for the National Association of Counties legislative conference. Tribune-Herald.

Neil Abercrombie came to Kona on Wednesday to push one message: Hawaii needs public-private partnerships. West Hawaii Today.

Police Chief Harry S. Kubojiri gave an overview of crime and traffic trends in Hawaii County on Tuesday to members of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce. Tribune-Herald.

A state transportation official will hold a meeting next week to update the public on the status of an expansion project at Kona International Airport. Big Island Now.

The former home of Miko Meats is undergoing transformation to a new business incubator, creating jobs and building community in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
A new county office building on the old Wailuku Post Office site moved a step closer to being built as a Maui County Council committee recommended approval of $1.5 million for planning and design. Maui News.

Maui Planning Commission members approved Tuesday a special management area permit for HFM Maui to build a 45,000-square-foot warehouse at 120 Kane St. in Kahului on the 2.5-acre former site of Maui Land & Pineapple's administrative and corporate offices. Maui News.

With a 6-3 vote, the state Land Use Commission determined that owners of Kihei property slated for retail--Pi'ilani Promenade and Maui Outlets--and apartment development violated three conditions of the original 1995 order that changed the permitted land use from "Agricultural" to "Urban." Maui Weekly.

Kauai

Kaua‘i is the first major Hawaiian island to not have a press. Starting with Friday’s edition, The Garden Island will be printed on O‘ahu Publication Inc.’s $80,000,000 state-of-the art printing facility launched in 2004 at Kapolei. Out of 42 staff, the new operations retained 17 workers.

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission on Tuesday approved an office building in Hanalei in the front portion of a highway-facing lot, despite the outcry of members of the Hanalei to Ha‘ena Community Association, who wanted the building far from the highway as possible. Garden Island.