Honolulu rail gets federal boost, tax collections up 10.6%, ethics chief keeps job, bird poop bill advances, tax hikes in store for Hawaii County, more flights to Hawaii, Honolulu may ban smoking at all city parks, defamation lawsuit seeks to add online commenter, Ellison top-paid public CEO, Schatz builds Senate war chest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2011 Honolulu rapid transit groundbreaking, HART photo

Under President Barack Obama's budget proposal released Wednesday, Honolulu's future elevated rail system would get its full federal funding for 2014 — a move that local proponents say shows the project is in good health. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says she's concerned about cuts to missile defense as Hawaii and the rest of the country face direct and heightened threats from North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz raised more than $1.1 million in the past three months for his election campaign next year, a warning flare to other Democrats who are thinking about challenging him in the primary. Star-Advertiser.

State tax collections are up 10.6 percent through the first nine months of the fiscal year, the state Department of Taxation announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers met at the state capitol yesterday for several hours for the second “crossover” of the 60-day working session. They debated and voted on bills before the legislation passed third reading in their respective Houses. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Ethics Commission on Wednesday gave Leslie Kondo, its executive director, a vote of confidence after the commission’s former executive director asked that he be fired. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers this session are close to passing a bill that would make feral bird feeding a public health misdemeanor. Star-Advertiser.

House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke and Senate Ways and Means Chair David Ige have announced that the first conference committee meeting on the state budget will be held on Thursday, April 11, 9:30 a.m. in room 309 at the State Capitol. Hawaii Reporter.

An online tool that predicts where and when vog may move into your neighborhood is in jeopardy because of a lack of funding. KITV4.

Homeowners with cesspools and septic tanks may breathe freely now that lawmakers have killed a bill that would have required them to pay an annual fee for monitoring water quality. Maui News.

Wednesday was a busy day for Hawaii airline news, with announcements of a new international route to China, another route to the Philippines would end, and that Mainland carrier Virgin America would introduce service to Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

State 4/11. Associated Press.

Oahu

A state agency decided Wednesday to make $6 million in repairs to the historic but vacant Royal Brewery building in Kakaako and use it as a headquarters, after a lengthy and vigorous debate over whether the move makes good financial sense. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Department refuses to release investigative details about an officer who was fired after sexually assaulting a Waikiki prostitute even though state law requires the information to be made public once a discharge is finalized. Civil Beat.

A new bill authored by City Councilman Ikaika Anderson would make smoking illegal at all city parks and beaches. Star-Advertiser.

The Slipper House, one of the few remaining original tenants at Ala Moana Center, will close at the end of May and the store's owner is going to great lengths to find jobs for his 19 employees. Hawaii News Now.

KITV takes a tour of new FBI building in Kapolei.

The population of Kalaeloa is envisioned to surge over the next two decades under a private developer's plan to add roughly 4,000 homes and 7,000 jobs to the West Oahu area that was once Barbers Point Naval Air Station. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Shark surprises fishing kayaker in waters off Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii
Hawaii Island property owners could see a tax hike this year as the county struggles to meet rising costs with a budget diminished by a decrease in property values. West Hawaii Today.

The attorney for two Hawaii County employees suing former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong and former Clerk Jamae Kawauchi is trying, again, to get information from an anonymous online commenter. West Hawaii Today.

A recent Hawaiian sovereignty protest at the Kamehameha the Great statue on Hilo’s Bayfront isn’t sitting well with some of the folks who worked to install the statue in 1997. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii’s Palamanui campus passed another hurdle late last week. West Hawaii Today.

A group that includes Big Island business and community leaders is asking the state House of Representatives to fund a permanent home for the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s pharmacy school. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Senate judiciary committee Chairman Clayton Hee has shot down two resolutions asking federal authorities to release Roger Christie from federal prison on bail. Associated Press.

Maui

Valley Island Welcomes Gov's Cabinet With Aloha. Civil Beat.

Ongoing milo tree thefts on Maui will prompt the temporary closure of parking at the area commonly referred to as “Baby Beach” in Spreckelsville, officials said. Maui Now.

Target Corp. has reached an agreement to build its fifth Hawaii store — and first on Maui — in a shopping center being built by a subsidiary of Safeway Inc. Pacific Business News.

Maui County is inviting bids from contractors to demolish and dispose of the Montana Beach house. May 1 is the deadline to submit bids. Maui News.

Kauai

The county Parks and Recreation Department presented Tuesday to the Kaua‘i County Council its plans for the upcoming fiscal year and operational budget, which is slightly smaller than its current budget. Garden Island.

Four monitors broadcasting an ocean safety video were dedicated Wednesday at the Lihu‘e Airport. Kaua‘i has seen 11 drownings this year, and community members hope the video will help spread water safety awareness. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison, the billionaire majority owner of Lanai, was the top paid CEO of a public company in the United States in 2012 with total earnings of $96.2 million, a 24 percent increase from 2011, according to CNN Money. Pacific Business News.

More housing, a skateboard park, keeping the shorelines development-free and restoring an old bowling alley were some of the ideas that came out of a two-day Lanai community planning workshop on the Pine Isle last week, county officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kilauea volcano rumbles, Hirono and Lingle prep for Tuesday debate, Kauai fights GMO, Monsanto donates $200k to Nature Conservancy, Public Land Development Corp. and University of Hawaii woes continue, Big Island looks to allow chickens in residential districts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Volcano (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

On trade wind days, which prevail much of the year, visitors to Kilauea’s summit are greeted by the majestic sight of a towering eruption plume that drifts to the southwest. At night, the deep red glow of the lava lake’s overturning surface is reflected by the fume above the vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Tribune-Herald.

Health officials insist the possibility is remote that radioactive debris will wash up on Hawaii shores from the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan, but some residents maintain the state isn't doing enough to monitor the situation. Star-Advertiser.

With the 2012 general election just over three weeks away, the state will begin mailing absentee voting ballots on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat campaigning for U.S. Senate, voted for the Budget Control Act because she thought it would stabilize the nation's fiscal situation and avoid plunging the economy into a double-dip recession. Former Gov. Linda Lingle, the Republican candidate, said she would have voted against the law because of the potential for "dangerous cuts" to the military and other federal spending that could harm Hawaii's economy. Star-Advertiser.

No bill sponsored by three-term Democratic congresswoman Mazie Hirono has ever become law, and just one of the 49 measures she's introduced has even passed the House of Representatives, according to GovTrack.us, a legislative research site. Civil Beat.

The Public Land Development Corp., the controversial new state agency designed to increase revenues from state lands using public-private partnerships is continuing its efforts to establish its administrative rules.Big Island Now.

The PLDC is looking to bring a combination of prosperity and protection to publicly owned land, but many concerned residents say this can’t be done without conflicts of interest. Hawaii Public Radio.

J.N. Musto, executive director of the University of Hawaii faculty union, looks at the hiring of former UH President Evan Dobelle in 2001 as the point when Hawaii joined the rest of the nation in granting high salaries and benefits to top public university executives. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Regents met behind closed doors to discuss the future of UH President M.R.C. Greenwood but adjourned after 90 minutes, saying the discussion would continue next week. Hawaii Reporter.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents held a special meeting at the School of Medicine Friday to talk about President M.R.C. Greenwood. KITV4.

State roundup for October 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

Supporters of mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano are fighting back against the $1 million barrage of advertising by pro-business and pro-labor groups that favor the rail transit project and Kirk Caldwell, Cayetano's opponent. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate and former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano gave more details about his bus-rapid-transit plan during an exclusive interview with PBN Friday. Pacific Business News.

It's been just over a year since the owners of Aloun Farms were on trial for human trafficking. Their names have since been cleared and now their business is booming. KHON2.

Questions about bidding procedures taint a $142 million affordable housing deal that is the crowning achievement of Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration. Civil Beat.

Hawaii
Hawaii County voters will consider whether county redistricting commission members should be able to run for council office the year after they redraw the council district lines. West Hawaii Today.

It’s a chicken and egg debate: Should people in residential districts be allowed to raise a few chickens for fresh eggs? West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's local and grass-fed beef industry will get a boost this week when Hawaii County breaks ground on renovations to a state-owned slaughterhouse on the Hamakua Coast. Associated Press.

Hilo Councilman Donald Ikeda is proposing $500,000 be spent on designing a new stadium. Tribune-Herald.

After months of political sparring and passionate testimony, opponents and supporters of geothermal energy may soon find themselves sitting at the same table. Tribune-Herald.

State public schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said the Department of Education is “working hard on a lot of things,” but she stressed the need for partnerships outside of the DOE to prepare Hawaii students for entry into colleges and job markets. Tribune-Herald.

This school year, Kealakehe Elementary began using a new system that allows students to use their finger to check in and pay for their meals, rather than holding up the line and searching for their meal tickets. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Wailuku Main Street Association and its board chairman have come under fire again by the state Department of the Attorney General after the organization and its top officer failed to comply with an order to provide additional financial and organizational records in an ongoing investigation into the nonprofit's operations and governance, a court filing details. Maui News.

Neighbors have been complaining of what one calls the "earthquakelike noise" of construction of a 28-unit, four-story affordable rental complex in Wailuku's Sand Hills area, but a Maui County spokesman said that Friday was expected to be the last day of the disruptive work. Maui News.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced Friday that nationwide funding of more than $10 million in research grants will include a project on Maui to study the Haleakala silverswords. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai’s small, member-owned electric utility is quickly becoming a leader when it comes to renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Paul Massey, Kaua‘i Community Seed Bank manager and event coordinator, said the 10th Kaua‘i Community Seed and Plant Exchange focuses on GMO education and the impact to growers and to everyone as consumers. Garden Island.

The state Campaign Spending Commission at its meeting Wednesday dismissed a complaint against the re-election campaign of Kaua‘i County Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Monsanto Fund awarded a $20,000 grant to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of Hawaii for watershed protection at Kamakou Preserve on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Four months after a fire in June destroyed Hotel Molokai’s kitchen, rebuilding is scheduled to begin in January, according to the hotel’s General Manager Michael Drew. Molokai Dispatch.

Mother Marianne's road to sainthood started at a Syracuse church. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii could ban Kona spearfishing, boaters fight licenses, Democrats sue to keep Thielen off the ballot, Pro Bowl returns, Honolulu firefighters fight over mayoral endorsement, bed and breakfasts to be limited on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ornate butterflyfish (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

West Hawaii’s shores could soon be the first in the state to become off limits to scuba spearfishing. Tribune-Herald.

50 Oahu boaters gathered in Aiea for the first of five public hearings on whether boaters should have a safety certificate or license. But the idea didn't go over well. KHON2.

A proposed rule requiring power boat operators to complete a boating safety course faced fierce opposition Wednesday at a packed meeting at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Harbor. West Hawaii Today.

Laura Thielen

State Democrats have authorized the party to file a legal challenge to prevent Laura Thielen, a director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources under former Gov. Linda Lingle, from running for the state Senate as a Democrat. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, filed her nomination papers today for the U.S. Senate race. She's taking on former Congressman Ed Case in the primary, and if successful, will be pitted against former Gov. Linda Lingle or former State Senator John Carroll. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii needs to move away from identity politics, says a former Congressman now vying for the Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination. West Hawaii Today.

The National Football League has given its embattled Pro Bowl a one-year reprieve for 2013, challenging its players and Hawaii to demonstrate how the 73-year-old all-star game can be made viable for the future. Star-Advertiser.

The National Football League said Wednesday that the 2013 Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, and league officials said they were working with the players to make the game more competitive. Pacific Business News.

Nearly a year after Gov. Neil Abercrombie equated a $4 million fee to keep the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii to a "bribe," the governor has changed his tune. KITV4.

In 2011, 26 Hawaii non-profits received needed dollars and cents from the NFL Charities Pro Bowl Grant Program. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu officials abandoned a bus rapid transit system nearly a decade ago after public support waned and a new mayor took office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's job market is improving, but at a slower pace than in the best-performing mainland cities, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A rift between organizations representing firefighters and former firefighters widened Wednesday with Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva joining the finger-pointing. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighter retirees and union membership are at odds over endorsement of Ben Cayetano in Honolulu mayoral race. Civil Beat.

Retired Fire Chief Says Since Political Endorsement of Cayetano for Mayor, He's Received Threats, Retaliation; Current Chief Denies Tie. Hawaii Reporter.

Former teamsters leader Mel Kahele filed papers to run for the Honolulu City Council spot currently held by Tom Berg. KHON2.

The Honolulu Museum of Art received a 346-thousand dollar check from the State today for investing in an energy efficient cooling and ventilation system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii is under fire from the state auditor's office for poor management and lack of transparency. Civil Beat.

Administrators restricted access to Kona Community Hospital Wednesday morning after receiving a threat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Regional Haze Implementation plan for Hawaii will be the focus of discussion during a public hearing on Maui tomorrow (Thursday, May 31, 2012) hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Maui Now.

South Maui residents worried about extra traffic and potential development blurring the boundary between Kihei and Kahului urged Maui County Council members Monday to resist the inclusion of several hundred acres of land in Puunene in the urban growth boundaries of the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News.

A meeting tonight in Lahaina called by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will help shape the restoration of Moku'ula, a political and spiritual center of Hawaii and home of ancient chiefs. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced the release of $250,000 for the planning and design of a community center on two acres of land in Nahiku on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Hanalei Watershed Hui is inviting the public to a  June 6 meeting to address what is going on with Hanalei Bay Watershed. In addition, the hui is reminding the public the Hanalei Watershed Management Plan is ready for review and comment. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i beekeepers could sleep in peace, knowing the Garden Isle is the only major Hawaiian island free of the small hive beetle, a serious pest to honeybees. Until last week. Garden Island.

Molokai

A bill was signed into law last week that establishes new regulations for short-term rentals, also known as transient vacation rentals, in Maui County. Molokai Dispatch.

Judge could rule today on civil union challenge, Occupy Honolulu protesters arrested, Hawaii mortgages top $3,000, Obama visits Pearl Harbor, lava-peepers visit Kilauea, Maui high school, food center advance, Kauai timeshare buyers gripe about fees, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Lava flows courtesy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A pause in the supply of magma since Tuesday to Kilauea's East Rift Zone vent has slowed the output of lava, but that hasn't stopped hundreds of people from visiting the end of the road in a remote corner of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Lava slideshow

The 2012 New Year will ring in several new State measures, including Hawaii’s civil unions law. Other measures include a law that provides workplace protections for domestic or sexual violence victims, a law that allows for anonymous filings in a court of law, as well as several new insurance provisions. Hawaii Independent.

A federal judge could rule as early as today on a request by two Oahu Christian churches to block the new state law that allows same-sex couples to enter into civil unions. Star-Advertiser.

Two Christian churches on Oahu and their pastors are seeking a court order to halt Hawaii's civil union law, which goes into effect Jan. 1 — in less than three days. Civil Beat.

Two Christian churches have filed a federal complaint to stop Hawaii's new civil union law in its tracks, claiming the legislation is unconstitutional.Hawaii Reporter.

President Barack Obama has now done what every president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has done -- visited the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. CNN.

President Barack Obama laid a wreath at a memorial honoring those killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Associated Press.

It's been an event filled day for the President and First Family. KHON2.

Hawaii had the biggest average home mortgage amount in the nation in 2011, and an average monthly payment that is more than three times higher than the national average, according to statistics from LendingTree.com. Pacific Business News.

Predicting ahi prices for New Year's sashimi and poke is like gambling. Star-Advertiser.

The state Reapportionment Commission Chair, Retired Judge Victoria Marks, and her project manager, delivered the commission's final report and 2011 reapportionment plan prepared by the 2011 Reapportionment Commission to Hawaii lawmakers today. Hawaii Reporter.

State Roundup for Dec. 30. Associated Press.

Oahu
Acting on newly confirmed boundaries, Honolulu police swept in late Thursday night and evicted Occupy Honolulu campers at Thomas Square Park, arresting two protesters. Star-Advertiser.

New overnight, "Occupy" protestors were forced out of Thomas Square after a two month stand. Hawaii News Now.

Feds OK Final Rail Design Work, But Demand Stronger Financial Plan. Civil Beat.

The City and County of Honolulu has moved one step closer to receiving federal funding for its $5.3 billion rail project. KHON2.

Change orders and problems have plagued two city construction projects in Ewa, a new gym and a new fire station, adding to their costs and causing months of delays. KITV4.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members are lining up their priorities for the new year. West Hawaii Today.

As Hilo Councilman J Yoshimoto makes plans to run for the District 2 council seat, now that he's been moved there from his current District 3, he's going to face competition. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
State funding of nearly $1.3 million has been released for design, planning and a portion of construction for a project to convert the University of Hawaii Maui College's former cafeteria into the new UH Food Innovation Center. Maui News.

Plans for a new Kihei high school call for building a campus in two phases, with the first targeted for opening in 2016 for 800 students and 120 staff members, according to a draft environmental impact statement posted last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Time share owners at The Point at Po‘ipu are yelling foul in what might just might be a case of buyer beware. Garden Island.

County officials this week reminded Kaua‘i residents that more tax relief is now available for eligible homeowners. Garden Island.

Hawaii mourns death of noted law professor, author, Jon Van Dyke, Congressman seeks probe of Honolulu TSA, drunk Honolulu councilman causes a stir at APEC, Hawaii County completes redistricting, Molokai Dispatch cutting back, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

UH law professor Jon Van Dyke courtesy photo

University of Hawaii law professor Jon Van Dyke was a leading authority on Native Hawaiian, U.S. constitutional, environmental and international issues. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Professor of Law Jon Van Dyke passed away in his sleep last night while at a conference in Australia. Hawaii Reporter.

Jon M. Van Dyke, a prominent University of Hawaii law professor, author and advocate for Native Hawaiian rights, has died. He was 68. Associated Press.

There are few people in Hawaii more influential than Professor Jon Van Dyke. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii has lost one of its greatest legal minds. KHON2.

The following is a message by Aviam Soifer, a dean at the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law, notifying UH law students of the recent passing of professor Jon Van Dyke. Hawaii Independent.

Sen. Daniel Inouye issued a statement in remembrance of Jon Van Dyke, the well-known Hawaii constitutional law professor who died on Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Jon Van Dyke, a constitutional law professor at the University of Hawaii’s Richardson School of Law, has died. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg denies being drunk but doesn't dispute a police report that says he became argumentative and combative with Secret Service agents at a Nov. 12 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation reception. Star-Advertiser.

The chair of the Honolulu City Council says he will not strip Councilmember Tom Berg of his committee voting rights after recent reports of "unruly" behavior. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Councilman Breene Harimoto says colleague Tom Berg’s “argumentative and aggressive behavior” is disruptive and warrants his removal from all committee assignments. KHON2.

The ranking Democrat on the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee has sent a letter to the Transportation Security Administration, demanding information and a halt to a controversial TSA program, in reaction to an investigation by KITV 4 News earlier this month. KITV4.

Rail opponents say they're ready to ask a federal judge for an immediate stop to Honolulu's rail project if construction gets underway before an environmental suit is resolved. KHON2.

Federal environmental protection officials have set new monitoring rules and deadlines for the city to complete improvements at Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, nearly a year after the uncontrolled release of stormwater swept refuse strewn with medical waste into the ocean along the Waianae Coast. Star-Advertiser.

The lawsuit against the Honolulu rail project is on track for a February showdown that will determine if the city can proceed with construction. Civil Beat.

A contract for a new wind farm on Oahu's north shore is raising questions about why a project developer doesn't have to reveal seemingly critical financial information to state regulators who are charged with protecting consumer interests. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

After tweaking the boundary between North and South Kona, smoothing the line between North Kona and Kohala and ensuring most of Keaau stayed in Hilo's District 3, the county Redistricting Commission put its stamp of approval Wednesday on new County Council districts for the next 10 years. West Hawaii Today.

Starting with next year's elections, Hilo will have two County Council members rather than the current three, while Puna will gain a second seat.Tribune-Herald.

The administrator of Hawaii County's Civil Defense Agency is retiring effective today. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui island saw a dip in visitor arrivals and spending in October compared with the same month last year, according to statistics released Tuesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

County Council members will continue their review of the Maui Island Plan at a meeting Thursday. Maui News.

The County Council Water Resources Committee heard public testimony Tuesday on proposed changes to the "Show Me the Water" ordinance, but the panel deferred action. Maui News.

Council members in Maui County are in the middle of difficult decisions about how to bring more fairness to the way property is taxed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

The state Department of Health has cited a Honolulu company for violating asbestos removal requirements last April at Kekaha Sugar Mill. Garden Island.

Merriman’s Fish House in Po‘ipu is the locale of the next episode of “Chef Hunters” on the Food Network airing at 5 p.m. today. Garden Island.

Molokai

Kalaupapa airfares should drop significantly in the coming month. Molokai Dispatch.

Changes Coming to The Molokai Dispatch. Molokai Dispatch.

Abercrombie to announce 'sensational' news, plastic bag ban nearing for Hawaii Island, Honolulu faces 70% water rate hike, $1.4B rail contract inked, Molokai fights tourist yacht, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahuku guided hike (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials are debating how to develop its Kahuku Unit, more than seven years after it opened to the public. Tribune-Herald.

Later this week, Gov. Abercrombie is scheduled to announce "sensational" news about the sale of a state bond issue and tell the public what it says about the state's financial condition and what work it might make possible. Civil Beat.

After initially saying it couldn’t be done, the Hawaii State Judiciary has upgraded electronic access to state Circuit Court records. Hawaii Reporter.

The list of candidates Gov. Neil Abercrombie released for the associate justice vacancy he filled with Sabrina McKenna's appointment includes three finalists for chief justice last year, who could be nominated again for an upcoming opening on the Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

The state Reapportionment Commission should be ordered to redraw new political boundaries to more accurately reflect the total permanent resident population of the islands, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's office contends, a move that would shift a state Senate seat to Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

More than 3,000 volunteers are expected to help make 60,000 pages of Hawaiian language newspapers available to the world via the Internet on this Lā Kū‘oko‘a, Hawaiian Independence Day. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii's progress on Race to the Top education reforms and a timeline for implementing common core standards are on the state Board of Education's agenda this weekend. Associated Press.

Officials with Schofield Barracks identified the soldier who died in an early morning roll-over crash Saturday as Spc. Phillip S. Bullins, 23, of Carthage, North Carolina. KITV4.

Oahu

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply on Monday unanimously approved a 70 percent increase in water rates through the next five fiscal years. Star-Advertiser.

On Monday, Abercrombie riffed on a new idea, his boldest yet: a third city for Oahu, after Honolulu and Kapolei. Civil Beat.

Ansaldo Honolulu JV signed a $1.4 billion contract with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation for 80 rail cars on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Rail Transit contract for rail cars was signed late this afternoon … one day before the Project is challenged in Federal Court. Hawaii Public Radio.

The City of Honolulu is shifting its towing contract. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s largest metropolitan area had 300 fewer businesses after the onset of the recession, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

The Traffic Violations Bureau in the Honolulu District Court at 1111 Alakea Street will no longer be open until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. KHON2.

Hawaii

Having heard from communities around the island, the County Council is moving closer to deciding whether to prohibit businesses from giving plastic shopping bags to their customers. Tribune-Herald.

State and county officials are OK with letting a Puako home owner keep a seawall that protects about 30 feet of personal property above the shoreline. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Fortunately for Maui and the Hana community, there weren't many teaching jobs in Michigan for Mitzi Hasegawa. Maui News.

Kauai

Members of the Kapa‘a Middle School Choir and ‘Ukulele Band offered shoppers some holiday cheer on Sunday during its “Singing for Tips” fundraiser at the Walmart and Safeway stores. Garden Island.

Molokai

An American Safari Cruises vessel was able to dock at a Molokai harbor a day after protesters on small boats and surfboards blocked its previous attempt. Associated Press.

A Molokai protester said a cruise ship that he and others stopped from entering into Kaunakakai Harbor on Saturday "snuck back in" on Sunday. Maui News.

A group of protestors on small boats and surfboards physically blocked an American Safari Cruises’ (ASC) yacht, the Safari Explorer, from docking at Kaunakakai Wharf last Saturday morning. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu rapid transit headed back to court, Abercrombie reluctantly releases public records, Hawaii businesses get record SBA loans, Kauai police start accreditation, Hawaiians celebrate makahiki and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii makahiki (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

This is a season of thanksgiving in many cultures, including in Hawaii where the Makahiki season is just beginning. Hawaii Public Radio.

Attorneys for the city and Federal Transit Authority will be in U.S. District Court on Wednesday at 10 a.m. seeking to have several high profile plaintiffs challenging the legality of the city’s rail system thrown out. Hawaii Reporter.

Before Christmas trees are put on display, each are inspected by the state to ensure no invasive species are brought to Hawaii. KHON2.

Average room rates at Hawaii hotels rose by more than 4 percent last week, while occupancy on the Neighbor Islands got a boost from pre-Thanksgiving week travelers, according to a weekly report by Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research  Pacific Business News.

When a new nonprofit group, Parents for Public Schools Hawai‘i, asked middle schools in town to offer tours for parents weighing where to send their children, some observers wondered whether anyone would come. Star-Advertiser.

Starting next year, eight schools with model special-education programs will be used as hands-on training sites for teachers and staff statewide as part of efforts to improve services for disabled students. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii school bus companies say rising health-care and fuel costs are only two of many reasons they are now charging so much more to drive kids to and from school. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Hawaii office lent $73.6 million to 343 small businesses in the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, setting a record. Star-Advertiser.

People often ask why the general excise tax applies to necessities such as food and drugs or, for that matter, health care? In the latter, people argue it is inhumane to tax people because they are sick. West Hawaii Today.

Attorney General David M. Louie, acting on behalf of Gov. Neil Abercrombie, on Saturday released three lists of judicial nominees provided to the governor by the Judicial Selection Commission. KITV4.

Oahu

Since coming into office this year, City Councilman Tom Berg has never been afraid to voice his opinion — often as the lone vote in opposition — on any issue that comes before the Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The jolly man in the red suit visited the tropics on Saturday, appearing in Hilo's Christmas parade to walk off what appeared to be a massive turkey dinner. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members said last week that they expect once again to push back their deadline to pass the Maui Island Plan, this time until August 2012. Maui News.

United Continental has decided to halt its Continental service from Orange County to Maui on Jan. 2. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

For the past two years the Kaua‘i Police Department has prepared itself to undergo an arduous process of national accreditation that would essentially streamline standards and policies utilized by law enforcement agencies around the country. Garden Island.

Molokai

While the permitting process to build or improve housing and businesses on Molokai can be stressful, members of the Molokai Planning Commission say it’s a crucial process that allows for community feedback and ensuring the protection of Molokai’s land and resources. Molokai Dispatch.

Lingle, Case stump in Hilo, state shuttle competes with cabs, Big Wind hits resistance, minor protests expected for APEC, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Rapid Transit courtesy photo

Ever since former Mayor Mufi Hannemann resurrected the idea of a Honolulu rail transit line in 2004, supporters and opponents of the project have sparred over the issue of how many jobs would be created during the construction phase of the $5.17 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Two of the leading contenders seeking to succeed U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka got a taste of Hilo and its voters while on the campaign trail Sunday. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono raised more than twice as much money as rival Ed Case last quarter, as the two battle for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Daniel Akaka. West Hawaii Today.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono isn't one to smile just to break the ice. And she knows that some people say she's cold or aloof, but that's OK with her. As the 63-year-old Senate candidate puts it, she's had to "paddle (her) own canoe for a long time."  Civil Beat.

Members of the Hawaii House of Representatives will travel to Taiwan Saturday for a weeklong trip to tour governmental agencies and forge economic partnerships. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who used a number of new media tools to communicate with voters during his campaign for governor, such as livestreaming and twitter, is now being criticized by the media for being too uncommunicative. Hawaii Reporter.

Communications haven’t been a strong point for Gov. Neil Abercrombie to date and now his office has misspelled the name of the new communications director, Jim Boersema. Hawaii Reporter.


Just as it did in 2001 when the Asian Development Bank conference was held in Hawaii, the state's isolation might help limit the size of protests during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next month, some government officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Globalizing the islands: The impact of APEC. Hawaii Independent.

The University of Hawaii is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's climate symposium. KHON2.

A revival of interest in geothermal energy brought key players to Waimanalo on Saturday to address the heavily Native Hawaiian community on the benefits of the renewable energy source. Civil Beat.

The state launched a 24-hour airport shuttle service Sunday that offers door-to-door rides at reasonable fees but which cab drivers say will hurt their struggling businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Karen Gleason said she never thought an eastern part of Maunalua Bay would be free of the acres of an alien alga that choked out a reef and a once-flourishing population of fish and crabs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A plan to use state road improvements funding for private subdivision thoroughfares is back on the County Council agenda Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi said Friday the county carried over $24.7 million from the 2011 fiscal year, which ended June 30. That's $10.7 million more than the administration estimated the county would have left over, Kenoi said. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island's Kau district will be getting its first Federal Emergency Management Agency-certified shelter. Associated Press.

Maui

A proposal by the state to expand the scope of the planned Big Wind energy project to include solar and geothermal resources on Maui does not go far enough, according to two groups that opposed the original plan to put wind turbines on Lanai and Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

The Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort has sat empty for more than four years, but workers are on-site now preparing for a partial demolition and reconstruction as the Andaz Wailea Hotel. Maui News.

Kauai

Seventeen cabins in Koke‘e and Waimea state parks have been empty for a few years without anyone maintaining them and some may be beyond repair. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. brought several of his staff and department heads to Hanalei last week to speak with North Shore residents about his Holo Holo 2020 initiative. Garden Island.

Kauai County has hired a consultant to develop design alternatives for improving three bridges in Kapaa and Wailua. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Sen. Mike Gabbard and at least two other legislators will visit Molokai Nov. 2 to discuss the so-called “Big Wind” project with local residents, the senator confirmed today. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu councilman calls Hawaii GOP 'skinheads,' 76% recycle rate means no HI-5 increase, Kauai ends curbside recycling, back to the drawing board for Hawaii County building code, residents fight cell towers, sewer sludge, rail transit, DOE layoffs loom without contract, more Hawaii news

Hawaii damselfly, Dan Polhemus/USFWS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Monday proposed adding 23 shrubs, trees and flies from Oahu to the endangered species list, as well as designating about 68 square miles of the island as their critical habitat. Associated Press.

Four plants that are among the "rarest of the rare" in the world are now being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act, along with three Hawaii damselflies and 16 other plants that can be found on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

About 700 employees could be laid off if the state Department of Education is ordered to cancel the pay cuts, furloughs and higher health care premiums for teachers it unilaterally imposed July 1, the state said in a Hawaii Labor Relations Board filing Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Recycling fees paid on every drink container sold in Hawaii won't be raised for at least one more year, the state Department of Health announced Monday. Associated Press.

Kauai County officials announced that the pilot curbside recycling program currently in place in Puhi and portions of Lihu‘e is scheduled to end this month. Garden Island.

Hawaii residents on Wednesday will get their first look at maps describing new political districts for the state House and Senate, maps that aren't likely to hold good news for the neighbor islands. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie spent far more than he raised during the first six months of the year, leaving his campaign more than $30,000 in the red, according to his latest campaign finance report filed Monday. Civil Beat.

State Lawmakers Wonder About Impacts of Compromise Debt Limit Bill Passed by U.S. House. Hawaii Public Radio.

CNN’s Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley spoke to legislators from 13 Western states who gathered in Waikiki on Monday, August 1, for the Council of State Governments  West division meeting. Hawaii Reporter.

Case's Poll Shows Him Ahead in US Senate Race. Hawaii Reporter.

Not in my backyard!  It's a battle cry a growing number of Hawaii residents are saying about cell phone towers and antennas being built in residential neighborhoods. KHON2.

Hundreds of illegal vacation rentals generating millions of dollars could be shut down under a proposal city officials hope will make it easier to enforce the law that bans short-term rentals without a permit. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Bob Herkes says foreclosures were getting out of control, so he did something about them. West Hawaii Today.

A state senator from Ewa said poor planning may have led to the city's decision to haul sewage from one of its overloaded treatment plants to other plants on the island. KITV4.

The Public Utilities Commission is holding some important public hearings on Tuesday and Thursday on the Big Island and Oahu concerning the proposed Hawaiian Electric Co./Aina Koa Pono-Kau LLC biofuel contract. Pacific Business News.

City Councilman Tom Berg doesn't hold back in city council meetings or as it turns out in voice mails. Hawaii News Now.

Former Governor Linda Lingle delivered a keynote address on Friday and strongly emphasized the need for greater school choice in Hawaii, while criticizing the Hawaii State Teachers Association and legislators of “maintaining the status quo”. Hawaii Reporter.

Several city councilmembers say the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit - or HART - isn't being as transparent as it should about staffing, job descriptions, and salaries. Hawaii News Now.

The Downtown Neighborhood Board is scheduled to meet Thursday, August 4 to hear and discuss a variety of issues that affect residents, businesses, and governments agencies now and for the future. Hawaii Independent.

More than 300 pot plants seized. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Building Code is not pau yet. West Hawaii Today.

One of Maui's well-known Hawaiian community members, Kahu Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr., ordained a grandson as a kahu, or minister, on Sunday, saying it was time to pass the spiritual torch after falling gravely ill two weeks ago. Maui News.