Homeless count drops in point in time survey, Honolulu delays rail vote, Maui rethinking 24 hour liquor sales, state GOP to meet on Kauai, coral study released, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s homeless population decreased 9 percent statewide, with Honolulu as the only county to see a slight increase of 19 people, according to data released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is seeing hopeful signs that the state’s homelessness crisis is finally abating. Civil Beat.

The annual Point in Time count, which is a census of people experiencing homelessness, showed a 9 percent overall decrease in the number of homeless individuals across the state compared with the same time period last year, according to Gov. David Ige. KITV.

Homelessness in Hawaii has been decreasing since last year. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s homeless population has decreased for the first time in eight years, the governor announced Wednesday. KHON2.

© 2017 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige said that the “tide has turned” on the state’s homelessness crisis, citing a study of Hawaii’s homeless population that showed double-digit percentage decreases in Maui County and on the Big Island. Maui News.

The state Department of Human Services released its annual Point-in-Time count results on Homelessness for 2017 today, noting a 9% statewide drop in homelessness.  The drop represents the first statewide drop in homelessness in eight years. Maui Now.

New management strategies are outlined in the newly released Hawaii Coral Bleaching Recovery Plan, which aims to promote the health of the reefs that were bleached in the summers of 2014 and 2015. Garden Island.

Google says it has contributed $127 million in economic activity to Hawaii through the 5,200 businesses and nonprofits that used its advertising tools in 2016. Pacific Business News.

The latest Hollywood flap over a controversial motion picture casting decision hits close to home for Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Community Foundation taps Micah Kane to be CEO. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council voted 5-4 Wednesday to delay a decision on a bill that would allow the city to use property taxes or other general operating funds to build Oahu’s rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to temporarily shelve a bill allowing the use of property tax revenue for construction of the $10 billion rail line. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council deferred action on a measure to use real property taxes to fund the construction of the rail project, whose costs have nearly doubled to $10 billion. Hawaii News Now.

A vote on a bill that would require businesses in Honolulu County to charge 10-cents for plastic bags is delayed until June. KITV.

Honolulu City Council members planned to vote on whether to repeal or replace the city's plastic bag ban on Wednesday. However, a last minute amendment by Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga put that vote on hold. Hawaii News Now.

A plan aimed at blocking Mayor Kirk Caldwell from transferring oversight of Thomas Square to the Department of Enterprise Services was approved 9-0 by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Tow companies on Oahu complain they are swamped and overcrowded with abandoned and derelict vehicles, and there's no room for anymore. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu International Airport’s name will be officially changed to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at a ceremony on Memorial Day weekend, but not everyone will be celebrating. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbors raise concerns about plans for Windward Oahu homeless 'igloo' shelter. Hawaii News Now.

‘Food insecurity’ study surveys UH students. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Homelessness in Hawaii County decreased dramatically in the past year, according to the office of Gov. David Ige, who declared homelessness an emergency in 2015. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island led the way with a 32 percent decrease in its homeless population. The county tallied 953 homeless people in 2017, down 441 individuals from the all-time high of 1,394 counted in 2016. Hawaii County’s homeless had been growing at a higher rate per capita than every other county in the state. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim’s first major borrowing — $20 million to begin the closure process for the Hilo landfill — is scheduled for a County Council vote Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. and Hu Honua Bioenergy have come to a tentative agreement on a new power purchase contract. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC said Wednesday it has reached an agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co. on an amended power purchase agreement for its half-completed biomass plant on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. has revived a contract it ended last year with the owner of a biomass facility. Star-Advertiser.

Identifying cases of rapid ohia death on Hawaii Island just became easier thanks to a new tool that allows teams to diagnose infected trees while in the field. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Liquor Commission Votes to Revisit Maui Liquor Laws. Maui Now.

Single-family home prices were flat on Maui last month, while condominium prices jumped 10 percent, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Prices rose 10 percent for condominiums sold on Maui in April made significant movements while the market for single-family houses on the Valley Isle was close to flat, according to a report published Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The JUMPSmartMaui renewable energy demonstration project that helped set up electric vehicle charging station infrastructure and smart-grid EV technology on the island came to a “successful” conclusion in February after a nearly six-year run, the project announced this month. Maui News.

As many as 30 green sea turtles come ashore at the Hana end of the popular county beach. Maui News.

Kauai

Homelessness on Kauai dropped 7 percent in the 2017 Hawaii Statewide Homeless Point-In-Time count. Garden Island.

In the current Kauai Police Department recruit class, few are from Kauai. That raised questions for councilman Ross Kagawa. Garden Island.

A recent assessment of residential materials disposed at the refuse transfer stations and in refuse carts has prompted county officials to issue a reminder about the proper disposal of liquid household waste. Garden Island.

The Kauai Republican Party will be hosting the 2017 Hawaii Republican Party State Convention at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort on Friday and Saturday. Garden Island.

Legislative session ends, Saiki takes over as House speaker, no deal reached on rail, state schools superintendent finalists meet public, economy to grow more slowly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol, courtesy Henry Curtis, Ililani Media

The Hawaii Legislature concluded with a sudden change in leadership in the state House of Representatives, ending a session marked by a failure to pass a major bill to fund Honolulu’s troubled rail transit project and the death of many other significant proposals. Associated Press.

A divided state Legislature closed out the turbulent 2017 session and headed home Thursday without approving any bill to provide more funding for rail, but Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he plans to press lawmakers for a new rail funding agreement that could be ratified in a special session later this year. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Adjourn Without Deal To Pay For Rail. Civil Beat.

With nerves raw and no clear timeline for future talks, state lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session Thursday without reaching a deal on funding for Honolulu's beleaguered rail project. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Legislature adjourned Thursday after passing a total of 233 bills this session, including a state budget of $14.1 billion for fiscal year 2018 and $14.3 billion for fiscal year 2019. Pacific Business News.

House Speaker Joe Souki has officially resigned from that post effective immediately in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s House leadership reorganization. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Joseph Souki has resigned as speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii House Speaker Joe Souki resigned from his leadership post on Thursday, the final day of the Hawaii legislative session, citing “disappointments” during the session that included a failure to reach a deal with the Senate over funding for Honolulu’s rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

The highest-ranking elected Republican in Hawaii also wants to lead the state party. State Rep. Andria Tupola said Wednesday that she was officially running to be chairwoman of the Hawaii Republican Party. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s economy is expected to keep growing at a slower pace even as tourist arrivals head for a sixth straight record year and the construction industry remains busy. Star-Advertiser.

In their first public remarks in Hawaii on Thursday, the two candidates vying to be the next superintendent of public schools emphasized a commitment to ensuring equitable access to a high-quality education. Star-Advertiser.

The two finalists for Hawaii schools superintendent made statements and fielded questions from reporters Thursday, and one of the two could be offered the job next week. Civil Beat.

The two women vying to become Hawaii public schools' next superintendent have made their first public remarks. The candidates are 48-year-old Christina Kishimoto and 46-year-old Linda Chen. Kishimoto and Chen have been selected from an initial candidate pool of 92 applicants. Associated Press.

Linda Lingle to join panel of ex-governors at Harvard. Associated Press.

State regulators approved a 0.12 percent increase in Young Brothers Ltd.’s interisland shipping rates, denying the company’s request for a 4.36 percent increase. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

With legislative session over, councilwoman demands tough rail decisions be made at city level. KHON2.

If the rail project continues, taxpayers may be left to pick-up the tab, and that's not likely to go over well. KITV.

Affordable-housing advocates maintain that a city proposal for interim housing requirements for projects with zoning exemptions in transit-oriented development areas does not go far enough to meet Oahu’s housing shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Immigrant Investor Project Gets Rocky Reception From City Council/ A developer is using a federal cash-for-greencards investment program designed for economically distressed areas to finance a condominium project near Ala Moana Center. Civil Beat.

Inmates become farmers at the Waiawa Correctional Facility. KITV.

The wife of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” reality TV star Duane “Dog” Chapman should have a role in helping select the next chief of the Honolulu Police Department, the Police Commission’s chairman said. Associated Press.

Police Commissioner Cites Another ‘Failed Investigation’ Of Possible Abuse. Civil Beat.

There's more turnover at the top of the Honolulu Police Department as another high-ranking officer is leaving. Deputy Chief Jerry Inouye announced his retirement after 30 years with the force. Hawaii News Now.

A rehabilitation project by the Hawaii Department of Transportation Highways Division will close Kipapa Stream Bridge (Roosevelt) over the weekend. KHON2.

Alexander &Baldwin Inc., one of Hawaii’s largest landowners, reported net income Thursday of $7 million, or 14 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter, compared to a loss of $7 million for the same quarter last year. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Astronomers say the best place on earth to practice their science is on Hawai‘i Island: Mauna Kea. The mountain is also important to cultural practitioners, hunters, hikers and sightseers. The mayor of Hawai'i County has been sharing his vision for the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three Big Island airports are slated for lighting improvements, the state Department of Transportation announced this week. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Ethos — one of the two medical marijuana-licensed entities permitted on Hawaii Island — hopes to have its cultivation site up and running later this year. West Hawaii Today.

About 45 Volcano residents met Wednesday at Cooper Center with Puna police commanders and community policing officers to express concern about a spike in crime, especially burglaries. Tribune-Herald.

The old Keauhou Beach Hotel is coming down. West Hawaii Today.

It took only five minutes for nearly the entire delta to disappear into the sea on May 3, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Matt Patrick said. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Environmental and cultural preservation groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to invalidate the Maui Planning Commission’s approval of the proposed $354.5 million, mixed-used Makena Resort project. Maui News.

Maui County Councilmember Elle Cochran has coordinated a series of events that includes county, state and private property managers, in what is being called Maui’s first-ever large scale training series on alternatives to landscape pesticides. Maui Now.

The Honolulu-based concrete production company that has been moving sand from Central Maui to other places off-site, including Oahu, has stopped transporting sand, following a formal notice from Maui County regarding permit issues on Monday. Maui News.

There’s been a major breakthrough in the fight to stop sand shipments from Maui to Oahu. KHON2.

The Waiehu Golf Course driving range will be closed for repairs starting Monday, May 8, and will reopen again on Friday, May 19. Maui Now.

Kauai

Water flow will more than double in the Waimea River system once all of the diversions in the Kekaha and Koloa ditch systems are addressed, and some if it is already back in the watershed. Garden Island.

John Lydgate was a family man, a teacher and a historian who invested the last two decades of his life to building a park for the Kauai community. Garden Island.

Intrigue at state Capitol: Souki, Tokuda expected to lose posts today, Ige rejects extended session, Bounty Hunter wife could help pick Honolulu police chief, senator accused of trying to influence police commissioner, Maui sand removal stopped, Banyan Drive revitalization bill killed, gun registration up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige press conference, courtesy Rep. Kaniela Ing

Gov. David Ige rejected the notion Wednesday of extending the 2017 legislative session to try to salvage a rail-funding deal, calling it a “waste of time” if state legislators don’t already have an agreement in place. Star-Advertiser.

With the Hawaii House and Senate unable to resolve fundamental differences over how to help pay for Honolulu’s beleaguered rail project, Gov. David Ige said Wednesday he will not extend the legislative session unless legislators can reach an agreement. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige rejected calls Wednesday to extend the Legislative session to break the deadlock over funding Honolulu's embattled rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige said Wednesday he will not extend the session, which adjourns Thursday, unless lawmakers can come together. KHON2.

The state’s top-elected official said Wednesday an extension of the legislative session to resolve issues involving Honolulu’s rail project would be a waste of time.” Garden Island.

Mayors of all four Hawaii counties are asking Gov. David Ige to extend the 2017 legislative session to find funding for the troubled Honolulu rail transit project, but Ige says he’s not inclined to do so. Associated Press.

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House Speaker Joe Souki and Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Jill Tokuda are expected to be ousted from their positions of power today in an end-of-session leadership shakeup. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Joe Souki Expected to Lose His Post, Members Say. The expected shakeup in House leadership comes as the Senate is undergoing its own significant reshuffling. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Jill Tokuda is being forced out of her position as head of the powerful money committee in the midst of 11th-hour debate over funding for the Honolulu rail project. Civil Beat.

Sen. Jill Tokuda will be removed as chair of the Ways and Means committee. KHON2.

Retaliation blamed: Some legislators say a Big Island rat lungworm funding bill died because of a political fight between Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Jill Tokuda and Sen. Kai Kahele, who played a central role in trying to reorganize the Senate, including plans to oust Tokuda from her powerful position overseeing the budget. Star-Advertiser.

First Term House of Representative Members Talk About Their First Session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why The Stakes Are So High In Hawaii Police Union Negotiations. There are huge financial ramifications, especially for Honolulu. Meanwhile, a state senator wants to make it easier to fire bad cops. Civil Beat.

Consumer Reports, the respected consumer product testing organization, on Wednesday unveiled a new study on home-sharing services such as Airbnb that should make the Hawaii hotel industry and the tens of thousands of people who work in the business more than a little nervous. Pacific Business News.

The Department of the Attorney General released new numbers from 2016 that show an increase in registered firearms in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

First-quarter profit at Matson Inc. tumbled 61 percent as the largest ocean cargo transportation company serving the state absorbed higher fuel prices and small cargo volume declines in Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. Star-Advertiser.

Shipping company Matson Inc. reported a 61 percent decrease in net income for the quarter ending March 31. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Beth Chapman, reality TV star and wife of Dog the Bounty Hunter, could help select the next police chief of one of the largest departments in the country. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii state senator tried to influence a Honolulu Police Commission member to vote against a pricey severance package for a retiring chief under federal investigation, according to a letter from the commission chairman. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii State Senator is accused of trying to influence a controversial vote with the Honolulu Police Commission. KITV.

Former Police Chief Louis Kealoha is threatening to complain to the Honolulu Ethics Commission about Police Commissioner Loretta Sheehan if she doesn’t disqualify herself from an upcoming vote. Civil Beat.

Environmentalists pushing for a ban on all plastic checkout bags to reduce litter and protect marine life maintain that a Honolulu City Council bill that was advanced Wednesday does not go far enough. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require stores to charge 10 cents for bags, while allowing businesses to continue offering thick plastic bags, passed out of a Honolulu City Council committee Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Oahu's residential real estate market has experienced the tightest supply conditions and shortest days on market in over 10 years in April, according to Locations. Pacific Business News.

A Waipahu cultural center troubled with overnight homeless campers. Hawaii News Now.

In a ceremony Wednesday, the city opened the South Street Protected Bike Lane to give bicyclists a mauka-makai route in the heart of Honolulu, improving access to downtown and Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Oceanit has been awarded a $750,000 Phase II contract by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to develop a prototype of a device for first responders. Pacific Business News.

The developer of Ward Village announced Wednesday that it sold an additional 34 condominium units among five towers in the emerging Kakaako community during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano is in talks to expand her laundry business on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Senate rejected the last remaining Banyan Drive redevelopment bill Tuesday following the return of broad language intended to help extend land leases for Mauna Kea observatories. Tribune-Herald.

Of the eight bills introduced by East Hawaii legislators this year to address economic revitalization in Hilo, just one will make it to Gov. David Ige’s desk. Tribune-Herald.

It’s use it or lose it time for the County Council. Facing a possible cutback of contingency funds in next year’s budget, council members Wednesday polished off $73,060 for 19 projects as they rushed to meet the deadline to spend their 2017 largess. West Hawaii Today.

A parade of Bodacious Ladies and their supporters testified in favor of a Food Basket grant from the Hawaii County Council. Big Island Video News.

Still working to fill the gap left when its popular Senior Produce program ended this year, the Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, is starting a new kupuna initiative and expanding other efforts to offer fresh fruits and vegetables. Tribune-Herald.

Following concerns from community residents and an environmental legal group, Marine Corps Base Hawaii agreed to reduce operations at North Kohala’s Upolu Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Environmental and cultural preservation groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to invalidate the Maui Planning Commission’s approval of the proposed $354.5 million, mixed-used Makena Resort project. Maui News.

The Honolulu-based concrete production company that has been moving sand from Central Maui to other places off-site, including Oahu, has stopped transporting sand, following a formal notice from Maui County regarding permit issues on Monday. Maui News.

Small businesses are a favorite target of cyber criminals, and owners need to prepare for attacks as they would a flood, fire or other risk, experts said Wednesday at the Hawaii Small Business Conference. Maui News.

A notice has been posted in Baldwin Beach Park informing the homeless community they have until May 23 to vacate the area. Associated Press.

Kauai

Hawaii shouldn’t be held for “nuclear ransom” by North Korea and needs to activate its Aegis Ashore missile testing facility on Kauai in times of emergency to provide a layered missile shield for the isles, a defense expert told Hawaii state lawmakers Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Developers may be facing a ticking clock on the North Shore if a policy on resort-designated land is approved by the Planning Commission. Garden Island.

Neighbor Island budgets in the balance as state lawmakers dicker over rail, land lease bill killed, Legislature passes budget, Oahu hepatitis scare, Punahou president retiring, Maui to oust homeless from beach, Marines agree to cut back Upolu airport use, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea timelapse, courtesy University of Hawaii

The Hawaii Senate killed a bill Tuesday that would have allowed the state to lease land in perpetuity. House Bill 1469 raised alarm on social media Tuesday and among environmental organizations who feared it would allow the state to give away public land, particularly conservation land on Mauna Kea for the purpose of building telescopes. Civil Beat.

The state Legislature passed dozens of bills Tuesday, including measures that would decriminalize drug paraphernalia and limit prescriptions for painkillers. Lawmakers also tackled cost-of-living issues, agreeing this year to tax the rich at higher rates in order to give a tax break to low- and middle-income workers. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers voted Tuesday to spend $28 billion during the next two years in a budget that includes money for homelessness programs, improving school buildings and fighting rat lungworm disease. Associated Press.

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State House and Senate lawmakers extended their fierce disagreement today over how to bail out the financially strapped Honolulu rail project, with senators proposing to extend the half-percent excise tax surcharge for rail for another decade, and the House rejecting that idea. Star-Advertiser.

The House and Senate remain at a standoff on how to pay for rescuing Honolulu’s troubled rail project, with the two chambers passing competing tax proposals Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The State Senate and House today each advanced separate measures to fund Honolulu’s Rail Transit System. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rail tax in turmoil: Senate, House pass dueling bills. KITV.

Two days before the legislative session is set to end, a solution to fund Honolulu’s rail project is still up in the air. KHON2.

The tussle for Transient Accommodations Tax allocation is continuing. Garden Island.

Mayor Kim: Property Tax Increase Will be Necessary, Due To Rail. Big Island Video News.

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All Hawaii private homeowners, businesses and organizations with cesspools would have to stop using them by 2050, according to a bill passed Tuesday by the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

A quarterly report from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the state agency tasked with overseeing the program, shows the multiple attempts made over the first three months of 2017 to lend funds have failed or are still pending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii won’t start to get a previously announced 2,700 Marines from Okinawa, Japan, until 2027 in a move that is expected to cost $1.3 billion to $2.5 billion for infrastructure (in 2012 dollars), with training ranges a particular concern, the U.S. Government Accountability Office recently said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s public schools chief told parents in a letter Tuesday the state has “serious concerns” about a popular new Netflix series called “13 Reasons Why.” Tribune-Herald.

As a new Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” grows in popularity, mental health professionals and schools across the country, including in Hawaii, are warning parents about the messages the show may be sending. Hawaii News Now.

For the second year in a row, Hawaiian Airlines topped the $100 million mark in fees for checked bags, canceled reservations and flight changes, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Island Air, which has been expanding under new ownership, ended 2016 with its 15th straight quarterly loss as it began its change to larger, more efficient aircraft. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A city proposal could give back Oahu retailers the ability to use any type of plastic bag again, with a consumer fee. Hawaii News Now.

A Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday deferred action on a bill that would prohibit pedestrians from viewing mobile electronic devices while crossing a street or highway, after concerns were raised that the measure’s language might be too vague. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature’s struggle to agree on a rail tax plan isn’t the only fiscal uncertainty facing Honolulu Hale, where officials also await word on negotiations for a new police contract. Civil Beat.

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Imported frozen raw tuna or ahi cubes distributed by Tropic Fish Hawaii LLC is being recalled after it tested positive for hepatitis A, the state Department of Health said today. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Health announced Tuesday that frozen ahi cubes distributed to a dozen grocery stores and food establishments on Oahu have tested positive for hepatitis A. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials say frozen raw tuna or ahi cubes sold at a dozen grocery stores and eateries on Oahu is being recalled after it tested positive for hepatitis A. Associated Press.

The state Department of Health is advising caution for Oahu residents who have recently eaten poke or ahi from a series of local stores and restaurants. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ahi poke sold at a dozen grocery stores and eateries on Oahu may have been contaminated with Hepatitis A, the state Health Department announced Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Imported frozen ahi cubes caused a health scare at several Oahu food establishments after it tested positive for Hepatitis A. KITV.

The Hawaii State Department of Health has been notified of imported frozen raw tuna or ahi cubes distributed by Tropic Fish Hawaii, LLC on Oahu that tested positive for hepatitis A. KHON2.

Hepatitis A vaccination shots will be offered at the Hawaii State Capitol to state employees Wednesday in wake of the recent voluntary recall of ahi tuna cubes that were used to prepare ahi at businesses across Oahu. KHON2.

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Construction costs in Honolulu were the second-highest in the nation during the first quarter, but Hawaii’s largest city had the smallest annual increase in costs among 12 cities monitored by Rider Levett Bucknall for its first quarter construction cost report. Pacific Business News.

WCCC inmates convert shipping containers to homes for final college project. Hawaii News Now.

Punahou School’s longtime president, James Scott, announced today he plans to retire from the private school at the end of the 2018-19 school year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A bill to give the County Council more oversight of the administration’s temporary hires was unanimously endorsed Tuesday by the council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

The Marine Corps has agreed to cut back its use of Upolu Airport on Hawaii island after residents complained about hundreds of tilt-rotor Osprey and helicopter operations there. Star-Advertiser.

In a media release issued today, the Hawaii Center for Food Safety announced they are joining with Kupale Ookala to take Big Island Dairy to court for allegedly polluting the waters around the Hāmākua coast village. Big Island Video News.

The Waiaka Bridge replacement project could be back on. Lawmakers approved a two-year state budget Tuesday that includes $6 million for planning and land acquisition. Tribune-Herald.

International Pacific Research Center researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa are predicting the permanent end of snowfalls on Big Island summits by 2100. Tribune-Herald.

An estate within the Big Island of Hawaii's Mauna Kea Resort, which is currently listed at $6.85 million, will be auctioned next month by New York-based Concierge Auctions. Pacific Business News.

Maui

The homeless community living at Baldwin Beach Park has until May 23 to vacate the area, according to a notice posted in the park Tuesday morning. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee finalized a proposed $704.8 million county budget for fiscal 2018, which includes saving the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course, increasing trash collection fees and dedicating funds to road resurfacing. Maui News.

Pacific Biodiesel has begun preparations for its first sunflower harvest this month and has purchased a combine harvester, which was delivered Thursday. Maui News.

The Kaupo Community Association, with support of the Jonathan Starr Foundation, Hawaiian Airlines and state Sen. J. Kalani English, gave away 680 Victor M210 rattraps at the East Maui Taro Festival at the Hana Ball Park on Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai gets $167.5 million in CIP funds. Garden Island.

A hub aiming to grow the island’s creative-technology market has received a $100,000 grant from the federal government. Garden Island.

Humane society turns 65. Garden Island.

Legislature's budget agreement to raise hotel taxes for Honolulu rail, give less to counties; more union raises; immigrant protections; Ige gears up for re-elecion bid; trouble-shooter hired for Hele-On buses; new police cars for Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature 2017, courtesy Hawaii House majority

Rail and the political turmoil that surrounds it helped steer the state Legislature into dramatic new positions last week on some longstanding, contentious issues, with results that startled even some of the politicians involved. Star-Advertiser.

Senate conferees agreed to the House conference draft of Senate Bill 1183 to scrap a proposed two-year extension to Oahu’s general excise tax surcharge and instead boost Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax to 12 percent, from the current 9.25 percent, starting Jan. 1. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers Strike Deal to Fund Honolulu Rail Project With Higher Hotel Taxes. Negotiators agreed on a plan Friday to increase the hotel tax, but the deal must still be approved by the full House and Senate. Civil Beat.

New Public Union Deals Will Be Costly For State. A handful of union contracts have yet to be finalized, but the state’s top budget official says the estimated cost so far tops $460 million. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers decided not to pass a bill Friday that would have mandated the state Department of Health post inspection reports for day care centers. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers passed a resolution to help protect immigrants in Hawaii. House Resolution 76 asks local law enforcement to not execute an immigration arrest unless they have a warrant from the federal government. KITV.

All-Mail Balloting Bill Dies In Final Hour Of Conference. The measure’s author says it’s only a matter of time before it becomes law. Civil Beat.

A bill that would have appropriated tax money for a study regarding the effects of sunscreen on coral reefs was rejected at a hearing Friday, as lawmakers refused to release the state funds required by the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Invasive species bills see mixed results. Tribune-Herald.

Rat lungworm, a disease long endemic to Puna, has gained national attention after Maui residents and two tourists from the mainland have become ill. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Senate rejected Gov. David Ige’s nomination of Tom Gorak to the three-member Public Utilities Commission on Friday night on a 15-10 vote. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii state Senate has rejected Gov. David Ige’s nomination of Hawaii Public Utilities Commission commissioner Thomas Gorak — who was appointed as an interim commissioner last year two weeks before the agency voted to reject NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. — to serve a full term until 2022. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s 13 largest publicly traded companies rewarded their CEOs last year by increasing their total compensation an average 13.8 percent to $2.2 million, according to a Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser analysis of Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Six officers, including the non-CEO, received a pay package of at least $3 million. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor spending in Hawaii jumped 12.3 percent to $1.4 billion in March, partially due to a surge in spending by visitors from the Japan market, according to preliminary statistics released Friday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

A comeback from the Japan visitor market helped boost statewide March tourism numbers, including the industry’s highest monthly spending increase since December 2012. Star-Advertiser.

Were These ‘Local’ Products Really Made In Hawaii? Firms connected to the mainland like to evoke Hawaii in their marketing. Many have island origins, but have found it’s hard to expand here. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s American Savings Bank reported first quarter net income of $15.8 million, a 24.7 percent increase from net income of $12.7 million during the first quarter of 2016. Pacific Business News.

Trump May Try, But Only Congress Can Undo National Monuments. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Ishii ramps up policy effort for Ige’s re-election drive. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Voting began Friday for Oahu’s 33 neighborhood boards in what the Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office hopes will be a largely paperless process. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu International, the state’s busiest airport has been renamed after the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is seeking 3.1 million gallons of sustainably produced, renewable biofuel per year for three years to power biofuel-capable power plants on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds marched in Waikiki on Saturday morning in a demonstration to fight climate change, joining similar marches across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The wheels come off: Chaos at Mass Transit baseyard reflects turmoil in agency. West Hawaii Today.

A May 30 deadline has been set for submitting final arguments in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing, but project foes contend it’s not enough time considering the volume of documents, exhibits and transcripts generated by the proceeding. Star-Advertiser.

Several bills introduced by Hawaii Island legislators died in the final hours of conferencing Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Appropriations aim to alleviate homelessness, invasive species in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Researchers hopeful biocontrol measure will help protect Kona coffee. West Hawaii Today.

One of the biggest players in Hawaii’s Kona coffee industry is in shambles after a legal battle that has left many small farmers unpaid along with questions about what happened to a business whose coffee retailed for up to $69 a pound. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors traveling to the Big Island spent $203.3 million last month, a 25.3 percent jump from last year, caused by double-digit growth in visitor arrivals from U.S. West, U.S. East, Japan and Canada, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui Land &Pineapple Co. is only $1.2 million away from being debt free after selling a three-hole practice golf course in February for $7 million. Star-Advertiser.

After an anxious month and steep learning curve about how to co-exist with invasive slugs carrying rat lungworm disease, Hana celebrated itself at the 25th East Maui Taro Festival. Civil Beat.

DOH to hold community meetings on Maui to discuss rat lungworm disease. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Police Department will be getting new patrol cars. The Kauai County Council unanimously approved a budget request from Chief Darryl Perry last week to spend $178,000 a year for five years to lease new Ford Explorers. Garden Island.

Grant limits could be placed on a $200,000 county allocation distributed to Kekaha residents. Garden Island.

Kaui projects included in state operating budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. Garden Island.

Lanai

For the third time in three decades, the state Land Use Commission has come to a different conclusion on whether Larry Ellison, owner of Lanai is using a proper source of water to irrigate its luxury ocean-view golf course. Star-Advertiser.

PACOM warns Congress of North Korean nuclear missile threat, Maui mayor to run for lieutenant governor, two candidates for schools superintendent, Legislature spars over rail, Honolulu council advances tax hike, lifeguard liability protection at risk, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Adm. Harry Harris C-SPAN3 screenshot

The head of the U.S. Pacific Command told Congress on Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “is clearly in a position to threaten Hawaii today,” adding that a defensive radar for the islands is being planned and that installing intercontinental ballistic missile interceptors here is being discussed. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Command Head Calls For Missile Interceptors In Hawaii To Defend Against North Korea. Adm. Harry Harris said Hawaii needs missile interceptors and improved radar capabilities. American Military News.

U.S. ballistic missile architecture is sufficient to protect Hawaiʻi today, Navy Adm. Harris testified, but it can be overwhelmed. Big Island Video News.

In a House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday, Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, confirmed the threat of North Korea to Hawaii. Garden Island.

Does Hawaii face a nuclear missile threat from North Korea? The top U.S. commander in the Pacific says yes. KHON2.

In a House Armed Services Committee hearing today, Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of the US Pacific Command, confirmed the threat of North Korea to Hawaiʻi and detailed potential vulnerabilities that exist within current US missile defense capabilities that could put Hawaiʻi at risk. Maui Now.

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Two mainland schools chiefs are in the running to become the next superintendent of Hawaii’s public school system. The Board of Education announced Linda Chen and Christina Kishimoto as the top candidates for the position. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Board of Education is one step closer to finding the state’s next schools superintendent. KHON2.

The state Department of Transportation wants to transfer management of Hawaii's airports from the DOT's Airports Division to a separate entity that it would no longer manage. KITV.

Hawaii airports chief admits failure to bring about changes addressed in airport authority bill. Pacific Business News.

State lawmakers have less than a week to agree over a bill that would protect county lifeguards on state beaches or to let it expire and open the state up to the possibility of personal injury lawsuits — and it appears neither side is budging, a Maui senator said Wednesday. Maui News.

Despite the upswing in rat lungworm cases, researchers who have been studying the disease for years at the University of Hawaii at Hilo are still pleading for state funding. Hawaii News Now.

Extensive environmental protections put in place by former President Barack Obama in waters surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could be in jeopardy following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on Wednesday that requires a review of national monuments. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Key state lawmakers gathered Wednesday to discuss a new plan to extend the Oahu excise tax surcharge for rail by another 10 years, but it isn’t clear whether the idea has the support it would need to win approval in either the Senate or the House. Star-Advertiser.

Feuding over the future funding of Honolulu’s rail project, normally confined to behind-the-scenes negotiations, broke out into the open Wednesday at a crowded legislative hearing. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers clashed Wednesday over plans to extend a tax to cover a $3 billion shortfall for Honolulu's rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Some called it a drastic departure for Honolulu's train. A new Senate draft of the bill that would fund rail extends the tax by 10 years. That's longer than the two years the House proposed. KITV.

In a series of 5-4 votes, several of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposals to increase taxes and fees won preliminary approval Wednesday from the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

In bid to boost revenues, council passes bill to allow sponsorship of city properties. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a bill banning sitting and lying on sidewalks in parts of Kapalama and Iwilei. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s Water Pipes Keep Rupturing. Customers pay millions annually to repair main breaks, but the Board of Water Supply would need far more to fully upgrade the infrastructure. Civil Beat.

Sears is planning a homecoming of sorts at Ala Moana Center, where the retailer closed a store in 2013 after spending more than 50 years at Hawaii’s largest shopping mall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The state’s proposed budget includes $40 million for additional widening of Highway 130, according to Puna lawmakers. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Parker Land Trust, the sister entity of Parker Ranch Inc., one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States, has filed a foreclosure lawsuit against German industrialist and clean energy pioneer Michael Saalfeld for not paying the trust the full amount for the 3,509 acres of land he purchased in 2010 at the Big Island ranch, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

After decades of discussions, adjustments and scrapped plans, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has released an environmental impact statement preparation notification for the master plan for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park in South Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Several cases of rapid ohia death were confirmed in the main unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, marking the first instances of the deadly fungal disease in one of the most visited locations on the island. Tribune-Herald.

Father reportedly said he disposed of Peter Boy’s body in ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Family members of Peter Kema Jr. were escorted Wednesday morning to the Puna site where Peter Kema Sr. said he left the body of his son, also known as “Peter Boy,” in 1997. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa said Wednesday that he is “very strongly inclined” to run for leiutenant governor, the second-highest office in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

On the surface, it seems that the more than 600 workers who lost their jobs with the closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar last year have been absorbed by the labor market with Maui unemployment rates below 3 percent and falling, a University of Hawaii economist said Wednesday. Maui News.

An Upcountry dance academy has until Monday to vacate its longtime studio at the Old Kula Community Center, after Maui County condemned the 82-year-old building earlier this week. Maui News.

With worries about rat lungworm disease in the East Maui community, the Kaupo Community Association and the Jonathan Starr Foundation will be sponsoring a free rat trap giveaway during the East Maui Taro Festival on Saturday at the Hana Ballpark. Maui News.

Kauai

Alakai O Kauai Public Charter School will not be opening in August. That decision came after an almost eight-month endeavor to find a space for the school came up short. Garden Island.

Speedie Lube closing Saturday after 30 years in business. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines has best record for not kicking people off plane, Tulsi Gabbard big hit on Big Island, House passes Oahu rail tax extension, 100 rally against Maui 24/7 alcohol law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines interior © 2017 All Hawaii News

In 2016, Hawaiian Airlines had an involuntary denied boarding rate of 0.05 per 10,000 passengers, the best out of the 12 reporting U.S. carriers, while United Airlines came in at No. 5 with a rate of 0.43, according to the 2016 Air Travel Consumer Report. Pacific Business News.

© 2017 All Hawaii News

Under Fire In DC, Tulsi Is Still A Hit On The Big Island. About 400 people turn out for Congresswoman Gabbard’s town hall, and seem unconcerned about her controversial stands on Syria. Civil Beat.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard held true to her unpopular doubts and criticisms surrounding war crimes in Syria and President Donald Trump’s military response at a town hall meeting at Kealakehe Intermediate School Tuesday night. West Hawaii Today.


Hundreds packed into the Kealakehe Intermediate School to hear from Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, as the Democratic representative began her statewide Town Hall Tour during the April District Work Period. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii Senate zipped through a pile of bills ahead of a major legislative deadline looming Thursday, addressing airport contract reforms, jurisdictional issues with disputed roads and treating mentally ill patients against their will. But the House was a different story, with members tussling Tuesday over a measure to scale back pensions for state judges. Civil Beat.


A bill that decriminalizes the possession or sale of drug paraphernalia — downgrading the offenses from a felony to a civil violation — is sailing through the Legislature, despite fierce opposition from state and county prosecutors. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Why Condo Associations Are Sweating After A Judge’s Ruling. Improper foreclosure procedures were sometimes used, a federal judge found, and the stakes could be staggeringly high. Civil Beat.


Attorneys representing Hawaii in the state's challenge to President Donald Trump's revised travel ban are asking that the full panel of a federal appeals court hear the case. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear the case May 15. Associated Press.

Incoming Hawaii seventh-graders will need to schedule health checkups sometime before the 2017-18 school year begins in August. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

House lawmakers easily approved a two-year extension of the excise tax surcharge on Oahu on Tuesday to help bail out the financially strapped Honolulu rail project, but some charged that Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s dire warnings about raising property taxes to fund rail amount to “threatening” or even “blackmail” of the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.


State lawmakers advanced a measure today to provide more money for Honolulu’s Rail Transit Project. Hawaii Public Radio.


The city’s nascent Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency is on the chopping block pending the state’s approval of additional rail funding. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Resilience and Sustainability hasn’t opened yet, but it’s already on the City Council’s chopping board. Civil Beat.


Ancient human skeletal remains, or iwi, have been discovered at The Howard Hughes Corp.’s 466-unit Aeo mixed-use condominium site in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako that includes Hawaii’s flagship Whole Foods Market, an executive with the Texas-based developer confirmed to Pacific Business News.


In a deal that state officials hope will be the first of more to come, the Coca-Cola Co. has agreed to contribute financially to a public project aimed at helping to protect a remote watershed area that feeds the aquifer that serves a majority of Oahu’s drinking water. Star-Advertiser.


Mayor Kirk Caldwell has allowed a City Council bill permitting live Christmas trees in Honolulu Hale to become law without his signature, but said he will ask city departments to continue using artificial trees during Honolulu City Lights, citing safety concerns. Star-Advertiser.

A former Campbell High School softball player has filed suit against state Department of Education Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi and six school officials and athletics personnel, alleging that she was sexually assaulted by an assistant coach. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

As Mayor Harry Kim kicked off three days of department-by-department budget reviews Tuesday, he and members of the County Council Finance Committee agreed that some tax or fee hikes are probably inevitable. West Hawaii Today.


When it comes to government revenues and appropriations on Hawaii Island, its a wait-and-see situation. Big Island Video News.


Two former inmates at Hawaii Community Correctional Center are suing the state Department of Public Safety, alleging they were incarcerated longer than a judge ordered. Tribune-Herald.


Hawaii County police have arrested a school booster club leader for allegedly staging a burglary in a plot to steal money meant for kids. Hawaii News Now.

More than 7 tons of derelict fishing nets and fishing lines collected on Hawaii Island are being sent to Oahu to be converted into energy for the City and County of Honolulu, thanks to ongoing cleanup efforts by the nonprofit Hawaii Wildlife Fund. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

A public sign waving took place this afternoon in Kahului to oppose Maui County’s new 24-hour alcohol sales law. Nearly 100 residents showed up to repeal the law, including the founder of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaiʻi and a representative of the State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers. Maui Now.

About 100 people representing law enforcement, youth and substance abuse treatment organizations demanded that the Maui County Liquor Control Commission repeal new laws allowing the retail sale of alcohol 24/7 on Tuesday afternoon outside Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. Maui News.

Makena State Beach Park could lose its Maui County lifeguards if a law protecting them and the county from personal injury lawsuits isn’t extended by the state Legislature. Maui News.


A Maui County employee was assigned to non-driving duties after he was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs Friday morning in a county Jeep. Maui News.

Maui County has inked a $1-a-year lease for 65 years with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. for 20 acres adjacent to the Lahaina Civic Center, Mayor Alan Arakawa announced Tuesday. Maui News.


The sudden increase in rat lungworm disease cases on Maui is already hitting some farm sales hard, and spurring growers to look for new ways to protect their crops from contamination. Hawaii News Now.


Maui Land &Pineapple’s comeback efforts pay off. Shares of Maui Land stock have been surging over the past two months following a long slog after tumbling sharply in 2008. Star-Advertiser.


Kauai

Kauai Police Department closed access to the Port Allen Marina Tuesday afternoon following a bomb threat. Garden Island.

Kauai Humane Society has temporarily halted its spay and neuter program following the deaths of two feral cats in March. Garden Island.