Coral damage minimal, Uber and Lyft to be regulated on Oahu, rail favored in poll, Maui's $600k garbage shortfall, alcohol coming to Wailua Golf Course, Yamane named Honolulu ethics director, polystyrene task force mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral with tropical fish © 2016 All Hawaii News

Most of the coral around Hawaii hasn’t changed dramatically, according to initial reports from researchers aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s ship, Hi’ialakai. Garden Island.

The tally of cases in the largest hepatitis A outbreak in Hawaii in decades jumped by more than 45 percent in a week, according to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

The outbreak of Hepatitis A in the islands has now sickened 135 people, the state Health Department said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given Hawaii’s Department of Health $3.7 million to fight infectious diseases. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council voted 8-1 Wednesday to approve a bill that imposes new regulations on operators of Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing vehicles and, to a lesser extent, traditional taxicab drivers. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a bill to regulate ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft on an 8-1 vote Wednesday in a victory for taxi companies that ended months of discussion. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council passed a bill to regulate taxicab and internet-based companies today following a year of discussion and debate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voters Aren’t Happy About Rail, But Still Want It Fully Built. A majority of those surveyed say they want the route to go all the way to Ala Moana Center as originally planned. Civil Beat.

The wide range of prices for the contract to build the latest major stretch of rail has the Honolulu City Council chairman worried that costs could rise — and he wants to know what project officials plan to do to keep costs in check. Star-Advertiser.

Yamane

Onetime acting state auditor Jan Yamane this week was appointed executive director and legal counsel for the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Jan Yamane is the new executive director and legal counsel of the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Civil Beat.

New Honolulu Police Commission member Loretta Sheehan said Wednesday the panel should exert more effort in investigating controversies involving police officers as well as Police Chief Louis Kealoha, who is the subject of a federal investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s nominee for a fresh face on the Honolulu Police Commission, former prosecutor Loretta Sheehan, was confirmed by the City Council on Wednesday morning — but not unanimously. Civil Beat.

Newly confirmed Honolulu police commissioner Loretta Sheehan says she wants the body to investigate mounting allegations against embattled Police Chief Louis Kealoha immediately. Hawaii News Now.

There’s a new member of the Honolulu Police Commission, and in the midst of a lot of questions about Chief Louis Kealoha’s leadership, Loretta Sheehan is not holding back her opinion. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is taking heat from his political opponents who say he hasn’t done enough to lessen homelessness and increase affordable housing in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s newest homeless shelter, scheduled to open in Kakaako in late September, uses a new approach designed to quickly get homeless families off the streets and into long-term housing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators have approved The Howard Hughes Corp.’s (NYSE: HHC) $20 million plan to upgrade Kewalo Basin Harbor in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, an official with the state confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Oahu Publications, the publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and a number of other Hawaii publications, trimmed its staff this week, eliminating eight nonunion employees who worked for several of the company’s titles, including MidWeek. Civil Beat.

A University of Hawaii engineering professor was arrested this afternoon for possession and distribution of child pornography. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Sixty percent of Hawaii Island residents support building the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, according to a new poll. That’s almost identical to a poll conducted last October that found 59 percent of Hawaii Island residents and 62 percent of residents statewide in favor of the $1.4 billion project. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii island residents continue to show strong support for the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to a public opinion poll commissioned by the nonprofit that aims to build and run the $1.4 billion project atop Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

A resolution to create a packaging waste task force received mixed reviews Wednesday at a Hawaii County Council meeting two months after a proposed ban on polystyrene food containers was tossed in the trash. Tribune-Herald.

The winning bid for the single most expensive part of the ongoing $170 million Kona International Airport upgrade is now under protest. West Hawaii Today.

The public will be afforded opportunity to speak on behalf of several types of endangered species, which may be harmed due to operations at two wind turbine facilities on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

A new crosswalk and flashing lights will soon crop up on Manawalea Street near the Montessori school in Kailua-Kona, with an assist from county property taxpayers. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

To assist with a $600,000 budget shortfall, county fees may change in October for commercial businesses bringing uncontaminated greenwaste along with grease trap and contaminated cooking oil to the landfill. Maui News.

When Maui County voters head to the primary polls to cast their ballots for the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council, they'll have four candidates to choose from. Maui News.

The Commission on Water Resource Management will be performing work on the waterfall at the Waihe‘e Ditch siphon where it crosses Wailuku River*.  The Commission has asked Wailuku Water Company, LLC (WWC) to reduce the amount of water to Wailuku River, in order to perform the work and provide a safe work environment. Maui Watch.

Kauai

After a lengthy debate about depoliticizing the police department and policy making, the Kauai County Council Wednesday decided to expend up to $15,000 for special counsel to represent the police commission. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council referred a bill to committee Wednesday that would allow additional rental units in the Lihue Planning District, citing a need for fairness for other parts of the island. Garden Island.

A measure that would allow the sale of alcohol on Wailua Golf Course was passed on first reading by the Kauai County Council Wednesday, but some members of the public expressed concerns about promoting the intoxicant at a public facility. Garden Island.

Bob Bartolo was frustrated with traffic and finding labor for his business as he met with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard during “Tulsi in Your Town”at Ha Coffee Bar. Garden Island.

Kilauea lava flow returns to ocean, Hawaii delegate booted from DNC convention following inappropriate gesture, new telescope planned for Maui's Haleakala, battle over expanded marine zone brings out environmentalists, politicos, Honolulu mayor candidates spar over rail, pCard looms over Big Island mayoral race, cremated remains could form new reef, hepatitis speads, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava enters ocean, courtesy Capt. Shane Turpin, Lava Ocean Tours

Lava entered the ocean early Tuesday morning, just two months after emerging from a vent at Kilauea Volcano and beginning a steady flow toward the sea. It’s the first time lava has reached the ocean since August 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Lava began spilling into the ocean early Tuesday morning, sending a plume of volcanic gas skyward while adding new land to Hawaii Island’s southeast coast as waves crashed into 2,000-degree molten rock. Tribune-Herald.

The first video of the new lava ocean entry is already hitting social media, thanks to the tour guides who track Hawaii’s volcanic activity. Big Island Video News.

On Hawaii Island, lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano has reached the ocean. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, a flow that extends southeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō entered the ocean at 1:12 a.m. Tuesday. KHON2.

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With thousands of government dignitaries, scientists, environmentalists, business leaders and possibly President Obama set to descend on Honolulu in a month for one of the world’s largest conservation conferences, a local fight over whether the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should be expanded to further protect the marine ecosystem is escalating. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. George Ariyoshi said Tuesday that he doesn’t want “somebody from the outside” dictating how Hawaii residents can use the waters around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

New Army Secretary Eric Fanning is in Hawaii with an agenda for his first Pacific tour that includes robotic technology, jungle training and ballistic missile defense. Star-Advertiser.

Several community groups and national environmental nonprofits have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Navy to prevent bombing and other live-fire training from occurring on the islands of Pagan and Tinian in the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii delegate was removed from the Democratic National Convention and the Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii has issued a statement after the delegate, Chelsea Lyons Kent, District 27 Chair, appeared to make an inappropriate gesture during the vote to nominate the party's candidate. KITV.

Commentary: How not to send a unity message: File into the City of Brotherly Love and spend the first day of the Democratic National Convention booing each other. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: The State Ethics Commission took another beating in court this month, when the Hawaii Supreme Court threw out the commission’s case against a Big Island charter school administrator who it had charged with numerous counts of conflict of interest and self-dealing. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell, former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou and former Mayor Peter Carlisle criticized one another for their respective positions on rail but failed to provide specific plans of their own during a forum Tuesday sponsored by the Rotary Club of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

When rebuttal time came at a Honolulu mayoral candidate forum Tuesday, Peter Carlisle acted like he didn’t have anything more to say about his opponents, Kirk Caldwell and Charles Djou. Civil Beat.

There are 8 candidates running for Honolulu Mayor who have never been elected to public office. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cedric Gates, a Democratic candidate running for state House District 44, said he felt shocked and disgusted after finding out Tuesday morning that some of his campaign posters had been defaced and spray-painted with a racial slur. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is moving ahead with its effort to replace about 52,000 of its streetlights with more efficient LED lighting, a city spokesman confirmed to Pacific Business News.

A unique proposal for an artificial reef off Oahu’s west and southeast shores using the cremated remains of loved ones has created backlash from some community members. Hawaii News Now.

A Pacific Business News panel discussion featuring five leaders of Hawaii nonprofit organizations touched on raising money, collaborating with other groups and what qualities to look for in new board members.

Hawaii

The Ghost In The Big Island’s Political Machine. Billy Kenoi isn’t among the 13 candidates for Hawaii County mayor, but the incumbent’s credit card scandal looms over the race. Civil Beat.

A mayoral candidate who was shut out of several Big Island forums said he’s filed a complaint with the American Civil Liberties Union, believing nonprofits that sponsor forums are required to invite all candidates. West Hawaii Today.

Kai Kahele is the state’s newest senator, but he’s proving to be one of its most adept fundraisers. Campaign finance records show the District 1 Democrat, appointed by Gov. David Ige in February following the death of his father, the late Sen. Gil Kahele, raised $109,362.76 for his campaign during the first half of 2016. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Kai Kahele has passed along a controversial state land lease in Milolii to a relative. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved transferring the residential lease to Orasa Fernandez during its meeting Friday in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Employees at a Waikoloa fast food and catering restaurant have been ordered to undergo blood testing after one employee tested positive for hepatitis A earlier this month. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii outbreak of hepatitis A has grown to 93 cases, including an infected sushi restaurant worker who might have exposed diners, the state's Department of Health said Tuesday.Associated Press.

A 32-year-old man convicted in May of damaging the statue of King Kamehameha the Great on Hilo’s Bayfront and stealing the top portion of the statue’s bronze spear during last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend was sentenced this morning to five years in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A year after vehement protests attempted to block construction of a solar telescope on Haleakala, plans are being made for another, smaller telescope in an existing building near the summit. Maui News.

Kaiser Permanente has hired seven new care providers for its facilities, including a pediatric hospitalist and family medicine physician on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hidden away in Kalaheo, about a quarter mile west of mile marker 12 on Kaumualii Highway, is a dirt road that leads to a property with a storied history. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Darby leaves Hawaii, state Democrats split at convention, new marijuana magazine begins, cost of Maui special session, hot classrooms to greet returning students, audit find sloppy records at Big Island Parks&Rec, pollster predicts Kim lead for mayor, OHA threatens Mauna Kea lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Darby cleanup in Puna, courtesy Sen. Russell Ruderman

Darby swept through the state over the weekend as a tropical storm, but it weakened to a depression early Monday. The Tropical Storm Warning has been dropped for all islands as it moved away from Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The 70-foot Spirit of Kona vessel grounded and sank early Sunday near Kukailimoku Point in Kailua-Kona. The coastline was closed from King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel to Kukailimoku Point until further notice. West Hawaii Today.

Political conventions usually strive to project an image of unity, but Hawaii’s rough-and-tumble primary race this year caused a rift in the party that is reflected in the divided Hawaii delegation. Based on vote totals, Sanders secured 17 Hawaii delegates while Clinton won eight. That means most of the Hawaii delegates traveling to Philadelphia prefer Sanders, including newly elected Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Tim Vandeveer, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Democratic National Committeeman-elect Bart Dame. Star-Advertiser.

A new statewide publication called The New Leaf aims to provide comprehensive information on all aspects of Hawaii’s emerging cannabis industry. Pacific Business News.

Next Monday, Hawai‘i public school students will return to classrooms across the state. And chances are, many of those school rooms will be hot. Hawaii Public Radio.

According to dockets filed with the Hawaii state Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday, NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE: NEE) has filed to withdraw from its ongoing projects in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Big Risks Led To Big Losses For Hawaiian Electric. Hawaiian Electric leaders tried to turn an electric utility into an investment powerhouse. It didn’t quite stick. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Federal Transit Administration has agreed to give city officials more time to come up with a plan to either find the money to finish the Honolulu rail project as originally planned or end it at Middle Street. Civil Beat.

Although the Federal Transit Administration has granted an extension until the end of the year for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and the city to develop a recovery plan for the Honolulu rail project, it's not as much time as Mayor Kirk Caldwell had requested. Pacific Business News.

The state is moving forward with plans to build a community of more than 200 affordable housing units in Honolulu as part of an effort to address Hawaii's homelessness problem. KITV.

Frustrated Hawaii health officials say they have faced a number of challenges trying to identify the source of a hepatitis A outbreak that has affected at least 74 people on the island of Oahu. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Department of Parks and Recreation has plugged a leak in its cash-handling procedure following an audit that pointed to lax security. It’s not known how much money might not have found its way into the county coffers that should have been deposited there. West Hawaii Today.

It may not be the most scientific survey, but George Yokoyama said his political polling hasn’t been wrong in the 40 years he’s been doing it. Yokoyama’s latest poll, mailed to 3,000 Big Island households in early June, showed former Mayor Harry Kim leading former county Managing Director Wally Lau by double digits, Yokoyama confirmed this week. West Hawaii Today.

Accusing the state and University of Hawaii of having “grossly mismanaged” Mauna Kea, the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been working behind the scenes for months in a move to gain some control over the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Now, having been rebuffed in its attempts, OHA is threatening to go to court over the issue. Star-Advertiser.

Now, it’s time for Hilo voters to decide who will be their state senator. The District 1 seat is up for grabs after the death of Sen. Gil Kahele last January at age 73.  Tribune-Herald.

Greggor Ilagan, a Hawaii County councilman, is seeking to unseat state Sen. Russell Ruderman in the Democratic primary. And the race is getting heated. Tribune-Herald.

Democrats voting in the District 2 state House primary race have three vastly different choices. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The dollar amount to help public employees at three Maui-area hospitals is not yet known, but the cost to taxpayers to hold a special legislative session was at least $10,000. Civil Beat.

A cascading waterfall surrounded by vibrant green grass and palm trees at the airport will be the new gateway for visitors arriving and leaving Maui starting today. Maui News.

Young Brothers is proposing a 4.4 percent general increase to its shipping rates that the company says would make up for rising expenses and low cargo growth, but some Maui County residents fear it would create hardships on agriculture and small businesses. Maui News.

A consent order between Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and the state Health Department over air quality and reporting violations that calls for the sugar plantation to pay $600,000 in fines and other remedies has been finalized. Maui News.

Kauai

Former state land surveyor Thomas Oi is challenging incumbent state Rep. James Tokioka for the District 15 seat. Star-Advertiser.

In March, something unexpected happened. State Rep. Derek Kawakami gave up his secure spot in the House after a five-year stint and decided to run for the Kauai County Council. The rare open seat has spurred a three-way race to represent District 14, which runs from Wailua on the east side through Hanalei on the north shore. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell in June to 3.3 percent, down from 3.6 percent during the same month last year. However, Lanai saw a tripling of its unemployment rate. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Supreme Court supports Green Party in ballot lawsuit, Hawaiian Electric ends natural gas plan and vows to go it alone, $875M Honolulu rail segment awarded, Legislature back for more on Maui hospital sale, poll workers needed, former Kauai police officer pleads to $25k theft, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Elections Chief Scott Nago © 2016 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the the method the state Elections Office used to order an insufficient number of ballots in the 2012 general election should have undergone an official rule-making process instead of just being an internal management decision. The Green Party of Hawaii sued Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago and the state in December 2012, asking the courts to stop him from conducting another election until there were new rules in place to prevent the type of voter disenfranchisement that occurred that November. Civil Beat

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle was one of the speakers at the Republican National Convention on the event’s opening day, but her appearance forced the party to shut down online live chat because of anti-Semitic remarks being posted on its YouTube page. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president of the United States. Ige’s support for the former secretary of state is unsurprising given that both are Democrats. But his endorsement may irk some die-hard Bernie Sanders supporters in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's attorney general is the new chairman for a group of his counterparts in the western states. The Conference of Western Attorneys General elected Doug Chin to be its chairman. The selection was announced Tuesday at the conference's annual meeting in Idaho. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Co. ended its contract Tuesday to bring liquefied natural gas into the state one day after NextEra Energy Inc. walked away from its bid to buy the electrical utility’s parent company. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday that the company has withdrawn its applications with the state Public Utilities Commission for approval of a liquefied natural gas contract with Fortis Hawaii Energy, plans to upgrade its Kahe power plant to use the gas and a waiver from the competitive bidding process. Civil Beat.

Two important decisions by Hawaiian Electric Industries herald a new era for the state’s largest electric utility. The board of directors authorized a terse news release Tuesday evening that it has decided “to remain independent.” Hawaii News Now.

One day after NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries abandoned their efforts to merge, leading foes of the deal gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday, partly to say they were right all along. Civil Beat.

People in Hawaii are talking about what’s next for the state’s largest utility now that a merger between NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric failed. Associated Press.

How A Mideast War Made HECO Start To Think Green. The Arab oil crisis brought a new awareness of the promise of renewable energy. But the spark fizzled. Hawaiian Electric was hooked on oil. Civil Beat.

Par Hawaii Inc., one of the largest owners of retail gas stations in the state, is in the process of changing the names of many of these stations from 76 and Tesoro to Hele at a cost of $4 million, its top executive confirmed to Pacific Business News on Monday.

Oahu

Shimmick/Traylor/Granite, a California- and Indiana-based joint venture that’s new to the project, was picked Tuesday for its $875 million proposal to build rail’s next 5.2 miles of elevated guideway and four stations, getting the project as far as Middle Street. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s $8.3 billion rail project is now officially stuck. On Tuesday, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation awarded an $875 million construction contract to a joint venture of three companies to build roughly five miles of guideway and four stations from the airport to Middle Street. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said Tuesday it has awarded an $875 million contract to build the elevated guideway and stations around the Honolulu International Airport to a trio of contractors from the Mainland. Pacific Business News.

Rail officials are touting some good news for a change on the cost of the project. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Tuesday that the airport section of the rail project has come in on budget. KHON2.

The last time voters had a direct say on Honolulu rail was in 2008 when a slim majority approved the project. Now that the project costs much more than projected, and with public officials talking about stopping it at Middle Street before finding the funds to build all the way to Ala Moana Center, a new group proposes that voters weigh in once again. Civil Beat.

Seven Oahu nonprofit groups that lost their federal funding this year to serve an estimated 300 of the island’s most vulnerable formerly homeless people got a temporary reprieve this week from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Farrington Highway is a deadly stretch of road in West Oahu -- with 6 fatal pedestrian accidents this year alone. So it is no wonder Waianae crosswalks are getting a closer look. But instead of adding more pedestrian crossings, some will be taken away. KITV.

The city is making good on the promise made more than a decade ago to turn a derelict lot in the heart of Waikiki into a neighborhood park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

With time running out for poll workers to be recruited and trained for the Aug. 13 primary election, county election officials are sending out a plea for help. West Hawaii Today.

The state Supreme Court on Tuesday reversed the state Ethic’s Commission’s ruling that a Connections New Century Public Charter School employee violated the state’s conflict-of-interest law for purchases made in 2006 and 2007. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of a Hilo charter school employee, saying he was not subject to the state Ethics Code and should not have been held liable for violating conflict-of-interest laws. Star-Advertiser.

Those stuck in traffic on Alii Drive may find this hard to believe, but the number of vehicles using the road has actually decreased over the past few years. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Legislature will try again Wednesday to come up with amendments to a bill vetoed by Gov. David Ige that was designed to assist state employees at Maui County's three public hospitals who could be adversely affected when the private Kaiser Permanente takes over operations. Maui News.

As new director of the county Liquor Control Department, Glenn Mukai said Monday that he plans to increase transparency with liquor licensees, expand the department's educational program and identify laws that must adapt to the changing liquor industry. Maui News.

The Department of Public Works will be closing down a portion of Piʻilani Highway in Kīpahulu for geotechnical testing next week. Maui Now.

Kauai

A former Kauai police lieutenant pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing $25,000 in federal grant money from the department. Garden Island.

Former Kauai Police Department Lt. Karen Kapua pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court this afternoon to stealing $25,000 from the department. Star-Advertiser.

Parking on the sand is part of life at Black Pot Beach and at Tuesday night’s meeting, it was a main concern as the community shared its thoughts about the new plan for developing the beach park. Garden Island.

Biden visits Hawaii as Pacific RIMPAC war games continue, state still needs 625 teachers, poverty and rail on tap in mayoral debates on two islands, Maui Mayor Arakawa's ties to land deal probed, Chinatown development brisk, Kauai council punts auxiliary housing bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Chinatown © 2016 All Hawaii News

Economic development in Honolulu’s Chinatown is brisk but faces lingering challenges with homelessness, crime and sanitation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vice President Joe Biden flew onto the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis off Hawaii on Thursday to thank the crew for their service and role in helping maintain economic prosperity and stability in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser.

Joking that it's a "terrible sacrifice to come to Hawaii," Vice President Joseph Biden launched into his quick stopover in the 50th state, joining high-ranking officials from the Republic of Korea and Japan. Hawaii News Now.

With the new school year just three weeks away, the state Department of Education is still trying to fill 625 teacher vacancies. Hawaii News Now.

Federal officials plan to hold two public meetings next month — one on Oahu and the other on Kauai — to discuss the proposed expansion of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, according to a draft notice that’s expected to go out Friday. Civil Beat.

The search for an executive director for the state agency overseeing Hawaii’s public charter schools is starting again following an announcement that a finalist who was offered the job has declined it. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige signed into law on Tuesday a bill that will alleviate some economic pressure on Hawaii’s working poor who care for minors, the elderly or infirm individuals. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu
The city’s troubled rail project took center stage Thursday in an often fiery exchange between Honolulu’s leading mayoral candidates, who appeared together to field questions in their first forum before the August primary election. Star-Advertiser.

In Honolulu Mayoral Forum, It’s All About The Rail Project. Kirk Caldwell, Charles Djou and Peter Carlisle clashed over differing approaches to the costly mass transportation project. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has collected significantly more contributions — and spent exponentially more — than either of his two major rivals, former Mayor Peter Carlisle and onetime U.S. Rep. Charles Djou. Star-Advertiser.

Former congressman Charles Djou raised nearly $260,000 in the first three weeks of his campaign for Honolulu mayor, a sign that he’s a strong challenger, but one who is up against an incumbent with close to $1.2 million in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

The board overseeing Honolulu’s rail project spent another 2-1/2 hours Thursday discussing its CEO’s job performance behind closed doors but didn’t have anything to report publicly afterward. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu rail project has suffered from severe budget issues, and the numbers recently changed drastically within days. Pacific Business News.

Duane Kurisu’s vision to reduce Oahu’s homeless population by creating a plantation-era-style community has brought together the state and city to help turn the idea into reality. Star-Advertiser.

A group that advocates for the vacation rental industry has filed a lawsuit against the city of Honolulu over the way it enforces its bans on certain bed-and-breakfasts and transient vacation rental units. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Four candidates for mayor tried to stand out from a crowded field Thursday during a forum that concentrated on the island’s problems of homelessness, poverty and lagging infrastructure. West Hawaii Today.

A Hilo Circuit judge this week issued a ruling that gives Hawaii County the legal green light to begin construction of planned improvements to Kukuihaele Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa said he and officials from a photovoltaic company that is leasing property rights from him and his brother visited Maui Electric Co. to discuss a possible PV park on the Omaopio properties owned by the brothers. Maui News.

All satellite DMVL offices in Maui County will close on Friday, July 15 to accommodate the reopening of the Kahului location, county officials announced earlier this week. MauiTime.

On the second Saturday of every month, a small group of hikers is led into the Waikamoi Preserve, Hawaii’s largest private nature preserve at 8,951 acres on the windward slope of Haleakala, Maui’s dormant volcanic giant. Civil Beat.

Kauai

The intention of a bill that would allow people to build additional rental units on their property was to increase inventory, not affordable housing options. Because of that confusion, the Planning Committee for the Kauai County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to defer Bill No. 2627 until the purpose of the bill is clear. Garden Island.

Alleviating traffic gridlock is a top priority for two Democratic candidates vying for the state House seat on Kauai representing Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa and Wailua. Star-Advertiser.

An open house is scheduled Saturday, July 23 at Haena State Park to discuss changes and updates to the draft master plan and environmental impact statement. Garden Island.

Russian spy ship watching RIMPAC war games, Ige signs murder, rape crime bills, Honolulu City Council reorg fails, affordable housing breaks on Honolulu and Kauai, solar industry falters, homeless turnaround plan a success, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige signs Joel's Law, courtesy governor's office

Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed “Joel’s Law,” or Act 214, an amendment to the state’s narrow first-degree murder law adding anyone who knowingly causes a death while restraining or holding a person for ransom or reward, or using a person as a shield or hostage. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill into law Wednesday that broadens the offense of first-degree murder. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill into law that broadens the offense of first degree murder. Previously, the offense has been narrowly defined and limited to rare cases in which there are multiple victims, the victim is killed by a hired killer or the victim was under the specific protection of the courts or law enforcement system. Press release.

A parent of a child conceived through rape in Hawaii could lose parental rights if they’re accused of sexual assault. Gov. David Ige signed a bill today which aims to deprive rapists of parental rights. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday signed into law a bill requiring insurers cover a year’s worth of birth control at one time. The signing of Senate Bill 2319, which the governor’s office touted as “a groundbreaking bill that will dramatically expand access to birth control in Hawaii,” makes Hawaii the first state in the nation to require all public and private insurance providers to cover 12 months of birth control at a time, meaning that women will only have to pick up their prescription once a year. West Hawaii Today.

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The U.S. Navy has confirmed that a Russian spy ship has been stationed in international waters off Hawaii, but says its presence is not affecting military exercises. Associated Press.

State senators are taking their first legal steps in a fight with the governor over a Public Utilities Commission appointment. KHON2.

After unexpectedly high construction bids delayed the state’s efforts to cool 1,000 classrooms before 2017, the Hawaii Department of Education is seeking new bids for the project, according to a July newsletter. Civil Beat.

More than 1,500 scientists from around the world have signed a letter urging President Obama to use his executive authority to expand Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

A large majority of Hawaii solar energy industry companies are reporting job losses. Star-Advertiser.

Islandwide Solar is in the midst of a “restructuring,” central to which is the liquidation of assets totaling more than $800,000 in wholesale value from the company’s operations on Hawaii Island, Kauai and Oahu. West Hawaii Today.

Friends In High Places Helped HECO Tighten Its Grip On Hawaii. The federal government’s takeover of Hawaii proved extremely fortuitous for Hawaiian Electric. So was the involvement of leading local. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council green-lighted a bill Wednesday that waives building permit and sewer hookup fees for homeowners who want to build accessory dwelling units — secondary rental units on their property. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday confirmed John Henry Felix to a seat on the board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Pacific Business News.

A move to oust Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson as Council vice chairman was shelved just before a vote on the maneuver was to happen Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council shelved a resolution today to reorganize its committee leadership positions. But they did pass a few measures relating to the Rail Transit Project. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to shelve a bill that would have given the position of vice chair to Joey Manahan from Kalihi instead of Ikaika Anderson from Waimanalo. Civil Beat.

Kakaako’s state-owned Mauka and Makai Gateway parks, home to a persistent group of homeless encampments, are now closed indefinitely for repairs and a cleanup. Star-Advertiser.

Housing First rental units didn’t work out for five homeless people out of 166 placed in the program on Oahu last year. Star-Advertiser.

A future wave of new homes in Kakaako could be subject to dramatically different affordable-housing rules based on a report presented Wednesday to the state agency governing development in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Sewage Spill Closes Kewalo Basin. The Hawaii Department of Health advises the public to stay clear of the area because it may have been affected by a sewage spill over the Fourth of July weekend. Civil Beat.

Two Honolulu police officers have been charged in the past week with felonies — one for allegedly assaulting a truck driver during a road rage incident and another, now retired, for allegedly shooting a bartender in a mishap. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The envisioned Puna Makai Alternate Route, or PMAR, has become a political issue in the primary election. Big Island Video News.

Senior’s striptease a hit on TV: Hilo woman, 90, competes on ‘America’s Got Talent’ Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Paia Courtyard, a proposed mixed-use retail, office and residential project along with senior living apartments, is now on its way to seek further county approvals. Maui News.

State Department of Land and Natural Resources officers issued 46 criminal citations and impounded 10 off-road motorcycles as evidence after observing illegal dirt biking Sunday in the Kula Forest Reserve. Maui News.

A live snake was captured by a Maui coffee farm worker on Friday afternoon, July 1, 2016. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to give a tax break to people who rent their homes as long-term affordable housing. Garden Island.

Citing the need to get input from the administration, the Kauai County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to refer to committee a bill that would allow additional rental units in the Lihue Planning District. Garden Island.

Shuttle systems, parking reservations, and rearranging the layout of the welcome buildings are all part of the newly released comprehensive conservation plan for the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

National parks boost Hawaii tourism, Chinese investors coming, coral reef symposium this week, judge allows 20 to participate in Thirty Meter Telescope case, Kaiser curbs Medicaid patients, Kauai mulls smoking ban in cars with kids, Gabbard hasn't embraced Clinton, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park © 2016 All Hawaii News

 In 2015 visitors spent an estimated $364.5 million in local areas while stopping at National Park Service lands in Hawaii — a total up $24 million from the previous year, the U.S. government said. Star-Advertiser.

A 2015 ban on free travel for public school teachers who organize out-of-state field trips was essentially lifted Friday, after a Circuit Court judge invalidated advice given by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is only beginning to see a trickle of what will be coming, in terms of Chinese commercial real estate investments, although developers need to do more to attract these types of key investments, an international real estate expert tells Pacific Business News.

Recent Chinese investments in Hawaii real estate total nearly one billion dollars. Hawaii Public Radio.

The International Coral Reef Symposium convenes Monday to try to create a more unified conservation plan for coral reefs. Associated Press.

After the most powerful El Nino on record heated the world’s oceans to never-before-seen levels, huge swaths of once vibrant coral reefs that were teeming with life are now stark white ghost towns disintegrating into the sea. Associated Press.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has stopped accepting new Medicaid patients, making it more difficult for those on the government-backed health insurance program that in Hawaii is known as "Quest," to find doctors willing to admit them. Star-Advertiser.

Allegations of wrongdoing by University of Hawaii employees and officials can now be confidentially reported by students, faculty, staff and the public through a whistleblower website and hotline the university has launched. Star-Advertiser.

Almost a year after Hawaii’s Environmental Court made its debut, it received high marks last week at a conference in Honolulu on environmental law. Civil Beat.

A group that sued to stop a Native Hawaiian election is persisting with its lawsuit because it fears another race-based vote will happen. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s the harsh truth about the roughly 900 prisoners released each year in Hawaii: The odds are, more than half of them will end up back in trouble. Civil Beat.

Man’s efforts to find birth parents leads to legislation that eases access to adoption records. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s top supporter of Bernie Sanders is not prepared to endorse Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. “I’m not prepared to do that,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard told CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer Friday when asked if she would back Clinton. Civil Beat.

The yearly “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation: Summer Nutrition Status Report,” compiled by the Washington, D.C.-based Food Research and Action Center, ranks Hawaii No. 47 in the country for the percentage of students who ate free federal meals last summer in comparison to the school year. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

An unprecedented and acclaimed Hawaiian feather work show that was years in the making and originally scheduled to appear at Bishop Museum in Honolulu has instead opened in Los Angeles. While the Bay Area show went off as planned, Bishop Museum apparently backed out because of the expense to bring the exhibit to Hawaii and stage it here. Star-Advertiser.

There are more than $20 billion worth of transit oriented developments planned along the rail line from Kapolei to Ala Moana Center.  But experts said that stopping it at Middle Street is going to be devastating for some of these projects.  Hawaii News Now.

One-half of 1 percent of all city general fund collections are set aside for Oahu nonprofit groups each year under a Honolulu City Charter amendment approved by voters in 2012. Star-Advertiser.

Plantation housing in Ewa will be redeveloped by city. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Riki May Amano is giving everyone a seat at the table as she prepares to start a new contested case hearing for the Thirty Meter Telescope’s land use permit. During her first pre-hearing conference in Hilo on Friday, the hearings officer accepted 14 new parties, essentially everyone who applied and showed up to the cramped meeting room at the State Building on Aupuni Street. Tribune-Herald.

There are now 20 participants in permit proceedings for a giant Mauna Kea telescope. The retired Big Island judge overseeing the contested case hearing on Friday allowed the nonprofit company building the Thirty Meter Telescope to participate. Associated Press.

Attorney arguments recorded inside the cramped pre-hearing conference cut together with moments captured outside the old courthouse, as the TMT contested case proceedings begin in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

For many of the 75 or so community members and real estate agents who grabbed lunch at the Kona Elks Lodge on Friday, it was their first good look at eight mayoral candidates in the same room. West Hawaii Today.

Kekaualua steps down from campaign as DOT investigates. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

About 2,800 displaced workers on Maui received some good news on Friday as Gov. David Ige signed two bills into law that will help them during the transition. Pacific Business News.

About 30 farmers and residents gathered at Honomanū bridge along the Hāna Highway on Saturday in an effort to draw attention to their objection of House Bill 2501, which defines water rights on the island. Maui Now.

Kauai

Bill No. 2629 was drafted in an effort to address the potential harmful health risks to children who are exposed to nicotine in cars. On Wednesday, the Kauai County Council hosted a public hearing on the bill. Garden Island.

The conversation about turning Kauai Humane Society into a no-kill shelter will renew next weekend with a conference hosted by Nathan Winograd, director of the National No Kill Advocacy Center. Garden Island.

Recently, eight North Shore community members applied for a $10 million grant through XQ Super School Project, a national competition founded by Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs. Garden Island.

Honolulu considers alternatives for over-budget rail, solar slump continues with loss of incentives, Maui mayor up on ethics charges, Kauai dairy farm releases environmental assessment, Big Island students truants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii coral reef with bird wrasse  © 2016 All Hawaii News

NASA and top scientists from around the world are launching a three-year campaign Thursday to gather new data on coral reefs like never before. Associated Press.

The once-booming solar industry continued its slump in May due to the removal of a state incentive program, according to a report released Wednesday by the Hawaii Solar Energy Association. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has appointed a new director of cultural affairs about six months after the abrupt ouster of the previous director drew criticism from the Native Hawaiian community. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Local rail leaders will have until Aug. 7 to tell federal transit officials what they plan to do about Oahu’s massively over-budget transit project — even though they don’t like any of the options presented to them and say they don’t yet have the details or faith in the numbers needed to make an informed choice. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu rail project may cost as much as $7.967 billion to build and will likely won’t be completed until April 2024, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation acknowledged Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said the city's proposed rail route will likely be shorter or have fewer stations with the revenue it expects to have. Hawaii News Now.

Hart officials are now saying the rail project may not be completed until April 2024 and will cost just under $8 billion. The figures are slightly different from estimates released by the Federal Transit Authority last month. But the HART board learned that Honolulu will not lose its federal funding even with the cost overruns and money budgeted to date. KITV4.

Rail is expected to cost nearly $8 billion and could have a deficit of $1.1 billion. After consulting with the federal government, HART learned without more funds, it needs to consider options for construction with the expected revenue. KHON2.

============================

Duke Aiona wants Charles Djou to be mayor of Honolulu. The former lieutenant governor came out in support of the former congressman in the wake of his own decision Monday to not run office for himself this year. Civil Beat.

The search for a Honolulu police officer who allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage girl Tuesday night, ended Wednesday when police apprehended the 37-year-old on the North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

Some 747 homeless military veterans on Oahu have found housing since January 2015, but the pipeline refills at a rate of 24 new homeless veterans each month. Star-Advertiser.

The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs plans next week to sweep the last remnants of a homeless encampment from the agency’s property in Wahiawa near some historic birthing stones. Star-Advertiser.

The governing board of the Myron B. Thompson Academy public charter school is scheduled to meet today for the first time since the state attorney general filed criminal charges last month against the school’s principal and elementary school vice principal. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The summer just got a whole lot easier for Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter. The second-term District 1 incumbent on Tuesday won outright her seat for another two-year term after no candidate filed to run against her. West Hawaii Today.

For the past two days, the Keaau High School campus has been transformed into home base for Tropic Care 2016, a joint effort of the U.S. Army Reserve’s Innovative Readiness Training program, the state Department of Health and the County of Hawaii. The program, which continues through Saturday, offers a host of medical services provided by more than 170 military physicians and medical providers. Tribune-Herald.

Students on the Big Island missed more school in a single academic year than most of their peers around the state and country, data from the U.S. Department of Education shows. Tribune-Herald.

With Kamehameha Day in North Kohala just days away, community groups remain upset that several large trees were cut down at the park that hosts the annual Kamehameha Day ho’olaule’a. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Maui County Board of Ethics is calling Mayor Alan Arakawa to appear before the panel to answer questions about money he received from a company leasing property rights for a potential photovoltaic farm on Upcountry land owned by Arakawa and his brother. Maui News.

As the candidate filing deadline came and went Tuesday, the political dust cleared and races were set for primary and general elections this year. Maui News.

A murder charge against Alexandria Duval was dropped Wednesday when a judge concluded that she did not intend to kill her identical twin when their SUV plunged over a 200-foot cliff on the Hana Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Hawaii Dairy Farms has published a 2,607-page Environmental Impact Statement in hopes of addressing community concerns about potential water pollution from cow manure or other sources at a proposed 557-acre dairy farm on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Dairy Farms, a proposed 699-cow operation on the island of Kauai being funded by eBay billionaire founder Pierre Omidyar’s Honolulu investment firm Ulupono Initiative, could be operational by 2018. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Dairy Farms says its planned operation in Mahaulepu Valley will provide a model for sustainable agriculture and help protect the environment. Those in opposition of the dairy aren’t buying it. Garden Island.

A Kapaa woman has filed nomination papers to become a candidate for state Senate of Kauai County. A first-time candidate in politics, Kanoe Ahuna hopes to use her 17 years of experience in the fields of public and private health and education to serve the community. Garden Island.

One-fourth of legislative seats up for re-election already decided, draft NextEra/Hawaiian Electric sale document circulating at PUC, public school condom ban continues, rail becomes central issue as Djou enters Honolulu mayoral race, 13 vie for Hawaii County mayor, Civil Beat drops paywall, goes nonprofit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County Election Administrator Pat Nakamoto helps last-minute state Senate filer © 2016 All Hawaii News

Sixteen sitting members of the Legislature are effectively re-elected outright as no one filed to run against them by Tuesday’s deadline to enter Hawaii’s state and federal election contests. Those who won simply by filing for office included one Republican and 15 Democrats. Those uncontested seats amount to about one-fourth of the seats in the state Legislature that were available in this year’s elections. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will likely be easily re-elected to Congress this year with no major candidates opting to challenge them as the filing deadline for candidates running for election closed Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Will NextEra Energy be allowed to buy Hawaiian Electric? That decision is in the hands of three people who are circulating a draft decision as we speak, according to the head of the Public Utilities Commission. KHON2.

Shelter managers in Hawaii are scrambling to figure out how to keep a roof over the heads of hundreds of homeless people, and similar cuts are being made across the nation this month as the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development shifts its grant money to programs that focus on permanent housing. Associated Press.

Transgender students’ options for the use of bathrooms and locker rooms, dress codes and counseling are mapped out in a set of guidelines and policies created by the Hawaii Department of Education for the upcoming school year. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Education will begin training principals and school staff over the summer on new guidelines aimed at providing consistent support for transgender students in Hawaii public schools. Star-Advertiser.

A Board of Education committee was briefed today on guidelines to support transgender students. Hawaii Public Radio.

Outreach workers and health care providers say many children and teens struggle to find proper mental health care. The state Health Department often ends up sending severely mentally ill children and teens to the mainland for treatment, away from the support of friends and family. Associated Press.

Reflections on the impact of crystal methamphetamine on life in Hawaii have begun appearing in local theater and literature. Civil Beat.

Oahu

With former Congressman Charles Djou entering the mayor's race, the future of rail is again at the forefront of a mayoral election. Hawaii News Now.

Djou Jumps Into Mayor’s Race; Aiona Opts Not To Run At All. Many Hawaii legislators will be unopposed, especially the most influential ones. But some lawmakers face tough contests. Civil Beat.

Charles Djou stepped up to file for mayor because of what he sees as mismanagement of rail-- a project not on time, and way over budget. KITV4.

Tuesday was the last day for candidates in Hawaii to file nomination papers for the primary election. Among those who formalized their campaigns: former Congressman and Honolulu City Councilmember Charles Djou. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Co. said Tuesday it is seeking more renewable-energy projects to generate power for Oahu by 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is looking for developers to build new renewable energy projects on Oahu as part of its effort to get the state closer to its 100 percent renewable energy goal by 2045, the Honolulu-based utility said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

It was a packed house at the Lanikai Community Center, Tuesday night as city officials, HPD and residents met to discuss the ongoing traffic and parking issues in the area. Hawaii News Now.

The Board of Water Supply said the swing on top of the Haiku Stairs trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, was removed by about 12:30 p.m. The board, which owns the land, hired a contractor, The Nakoa Companies, for the job at a cost of $23,000. Associated Press.

The city is pursuing a court order to clear a Pensacola Street property littered with trash and derelict vehicles that building and fire officials say pose health and safety hazards. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: The Honolulu Charter Commission commission is poised to vote on two proposed amendments to the city charter described as enhancing public participation by changing and eliminating neighborhood boards and commissions. But that bit of political doublespeak conceals the reality that the proposals would dismantle important structures providing opportunities for active participation in city government. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat is transitioning to a nonprofit entity, drops subscription paywall and vows to continue news coverage.

Hawaii

Candidate deadline passes: The popularity of the mayor's office has left business and civic groups scrambling to decide how to cram as many major candidates as possible into the limited time and limited space onstage during planned candidate forums. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Civil Defense is hiring a University of Hawaii at Manoa professor to model dispersion of hydrogen sulfide from gas releases at Puna Geothermal Venture. The $362,719 study will provide a “comprehensive dispersion and plume modeling program” aimed at improving risk assessments from venting at the power plant. Tribune-Herald.

A Special Permit to allow the establishment and operation of a “Hawaiian Sanctuary” retreat center for health and well-being was approved by the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday, June 2. Big Island Video News.

Fewer than half of Big Island teens used condoms the last time they had sex, one survey shows, but a policy that bans the distribution of prophylactics in Hawaii’s public schools isn’t going away just yet. The state Board of Education voted Tuesday to keep the condom prohibition intact, withdrawing a previous motion to overturn it. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Land & Pineapple has sold a 304-acre planned workforce housing project in West Maui for $15 million to an undisclosed buyer, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Pacific Business News.

A boatload of decision makers visited waters offshore of Maui on Friday to see firsthand how land-based pollutants and unsustainable fishing practices are killing coral reefs. Maui Now.

For single-family homes, the median sales price countywide was $620,000, down 6.7 percent from $665,000 in April but still up 2.1 percent from $607,098 a year earlier. Maui News.

Maui resident Kaulana Mossman and Molokai resident Kamaka Purdy have been named to the five-member board of a nonprofit that plans to address affordable housing on Hawaiian homelands. Maui News.

Kauai

Sen. Ron Kouchi is running for re-election as president of the state Senate because he wants to make sure Kauai will be recognized in the national political arena. Garden Island.

Rats suspected of eating endangered endemic Hawaiian honey creeper ‘akikiki eggs. Garden Island.