Small savings, possible layoffs from NextEra sale of Hawaiian Electric, net metering could survive Public Utilities ruling, second homeless shelter for Kakaako, Hawaii County Council rejects bigger Ethics Board, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Utility sale pending in Hawaii

The $60 million that NextEra Energy Inc. is promising to save customers if its purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries is approved comes out to only $1 on a monthly bill, the head of the state’s largest utility company acknowledged Tuesday when testifying during trial-like hearings put on by state regulators. Star-Advertiser.

Sometimes a Public Utilities Commission hearing isn’t public at all. That was the case on Tuesday afternoon at Blaisdell Center where, on the second day of a quasi-judicial process that will decide whether NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric is allowed to go through, the public was cleared from the room for 45 minutes while the PUC and other parties directly involved in the hearing met behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

Alan Oshima, the head of Hawaiian Electric Co., which could be purchased by NextEra Energy Inc. for $4.3 billion, could not guarantee that there would be no layoffs after the two-year period following the closure of the acquisition. Pacific Business News.

The Alliance for Solar Choice, a group representing rooftop solar interests in Hawaii and on the mainland, released a poll Tuesday the group said showed most Hawaii residents oppose the sale of Hawaiian Electric Co. to NextEra, especially when told they could lose local control of their utility company. Civil Beat.

The Public Utilities Commission has suspended the Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) proposed community based solar tariff and instead opted to open a formal investigative docket. Ililani Media.

More than 25 Hawaii companies and organizations have thrown their support for NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. in recent weeks, the two firms said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: A recent study by a nonprofit consumer watchdog agency ranked Hawaii as one of three states doing the best job of informing the public about consumer complaints against businesses and licensed professionals. Civil Beat.

More than 18-thousand homes are sold each year in Hawai’i. And now, for the first time, we have data to show us where these buyers are coming from. Hawaii Public Radio.

Timothy Ray Brown, the renowned Berlin patient whose recovery was chronicled in the New England Journal of Medicine, is in Honolulu to help kick off a multimillion-dollar initiative that aims to transform Hawaii into the first HIV-free state in the U.S. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A second homeless shelter will open in February in Kakaako, where three homeless encampments have been allowed to mushroom as city and state officials wrestle with how to handle Oahu’s persistent homeless population — the largest per capita in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Construction is underway for a temporary shelter for homeless families near the Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park. Hawaii Public Radio.

Your voices will be heard. That was the message that State Homeless Coordinator Scott Morishige stressed at the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board meeting on Tuesday, while also trying to reassure people that no sweeps are currently planned for The Harbor homeless community. Civil Beat.

A homeless encampment continues to grow along a bustling avenue heading into Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Trash pickup problems aren’t going away. In fact, they seem to be getting worse. While we’ve had several reports of lingering trash in Kaimuki, Kalihi, and Hawaii Kai, more residents are now having problems. KHON2.

On Wednesday, a second access route to the Mehana Subdivision in Kapolei will officially open. The access route connects the subdivision to and from Kapolei Parkway via Kama’aha Avenue. KITV4.

Hawaii

A bill seeking a larger Board of Ethics with more County Council authority over its members found very little traction Tuesday in the council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Between 2008 and 2015, mainland buyers purchased more homes in Hawaii County than anywhere else in the state, according to a new report. Tribune-Herald.

A bill making it easier for small agricultural tourism enterprises to operate in Hawaii County is a long way from fruition. West Hawaii Today.

An updated map showing the locations where dengue fever has been investigated and confirmed on Hawaii Island has been released by the Hawaii County Civil Defense. The map depicts case locations as of November 30th when the number of confirmed cases of dengue fever totaled 112. Today that number rose to 117. Big Island Video News.

Several weeks after work began on the Big Island’s first roundabout project, a significant change to traffic patterns is beginning. A construction detour located near mile marker 10 on Highway 130 goes into effect today. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Since January 2008, a solid 52 percent of homes sold in Maui County have been to buyers from either the Mainland or foreign nations, states a new report from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). MauiTime.

Visitor arrivals and spending on Maui rose slightly in October, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority reported in preliminary data Monday. Maui News.

More than 2.1 million visitors spent $3.5 billion on Maui from January through October of this year, an increase of 5.3 and 5.9% respectively. Maui Now.

Kauai

A recent ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court is expected to affect fewer than a dozen drunken driving cases on Kauai, according to the prosecuting attorney. Garden Island.

Visitor arrivals up but spending down, outsiders buy big percentage of Hawaii homes, hearings begin on NextEra sale of Hawaiian Electric, Kauai tackles B&Bs, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona luau at sunset © 2015 All Hawaii News

Visitor arrivals hit their eighth consecutive monthly record in October, but year-over-year spending fell because visitors generally spent less per day and on each trip. Total arrivals to the Hawaiian Islands grew 4.8 percent to 692,930 visitors in October, according to preliminary statistics released Monday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

The number of travelers to Hawaii climbed 4.8 percent last month compared to the same month last year. The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Monday more than 690,000 visitors came to the islands in October. Associated Press.

The Public Utilities Commission and the state Consumer Advocate pressed Hawaiian Electric Co.’s chief executive Monday on the potential costs ratepayers could shoulder if Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. buys the utility. Star-Advertiser.

A crucial stage of deliberations over the proposed $4.3 billion merger of NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries began with a surprise announcement Monday. The U.S. Department of Defense, a huge consumer of electricity in the state, is seeking to withdraw from its intervenor status in the case, saying it is satisfied that the merger would be in the best interest of ratepayers. Civil Beat.

NextEra Energy Inc. has no plans to place Hawaiian Electric Co. executives or other Hawaii-based officials on its board of directors if its $4.3 billion acquisition of the Honolulu-based utility to the Florida energy giant goes through. Civil Beat.

The Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission started nearly two weeks of hearings today on the proposed sale of the state’s largest electricity provider. Hawaii Public Radio.

Groups in support and opposition of NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries rallied around the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Monday morning as state regulators began the trial-like hearings to investigate whether the $4.3 billion sale is in the public interest. Star-Advertiser.

The first day of hearings in the proposed acquisition of Hawaii’s electric utilities consisted of questioning of Hawaiian Electric Co. President and CEO Alan Oshima. Tribune-Herald.

The monthlong Hawaiians-only election that was to end Monday has been extended three weeks. Nai Aupuni, the organization that is holding the election — one that could lead to a path toward Native Hawaiian self-governance — took the action three days after a court injunction halted any counting of the votes. Civil Beat.

A Supreme Court order halting the counting of ballots in an election for Native Hawaiian sovereignty has prompted an extension of the voting period by another three weeks. Garden Island.

The Board of Education is holding a “charter school listening tour” and exploring the possibility of creating additional charter school authorizers, after complaints from school leaders about a state commission created three years ago to improve charter accountability. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Connector will end operations on Friday instead of today as originally expected, a state official said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State computers crashed on Cyber Monday, but apparently it wasn’t because too many workers were searching the Internet for bargains. State Chief Information Officer Todd Nacapuy said the state’s mainframe was down because of a power failure caused during routine maintenance to the system’s backup power supply. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism released its first report on Hawaiʻi home buyers, saying about 47% of neighbor island homes were sold to out-of-state residents, while only 15% of Oʻahu homes were sold to out-of-state residents. Maui Now.

Oahu

City officials said Monday they are taking steps to ensure essential services to 35 residents of Mapele Road after heavy rain washed away a section of the roadway, making it impossible for refuse and fire trucks to pass. Star-Advertiser.

As the number of Dengue Fever cases rose to 112 Mayor Kirk Caldwell held a news conference this morning to discuss what the city is doing to prevent a potential  outbreak on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Even though work on the Honolulu rail will continue through the holidays, drivers will be getting some traffic relief in just a few days. Rail officials say crews will still be working on the 20-mile rail line, but there won't be any major lane closures from Dec. 11 through Jan. 3, 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Walgreens has sold its flagship Hawaii store across from Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, along with the adjacent Heald College Building on Kapiolani Boulevard, to Los Angeles-based investment bank and wealth management firm Salem Partners for a total of $73.5 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines on Monday announced plans to begin daily nonstop service between Narita International Airport (NRT) and Honolulu International Airport starting July 22, 2016. Narita marks the airline’s 11th international destination and its fourth destination in Japan. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii

Hawaii County officials say they can save taxpayers $12.3 million by refinancing $270.2 million in bonds. West Hawaii Today.

Confirmed dengue fever cases continue to rise on the Big Island more than one month after state health officials first confirmed the presence of the mosquito-borne virus. West Hawaii Today.

The total number of confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue fever on Hawaii Island is now 112. The rise follows the long Thanksgiving weekend in which the reported case count held at 107. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Since 2008, more homes in Maui County were sold to people from the American mainland and foreign countries than to Hawaii residents, according to a state report. A new analysis from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism covers trends in Hawaii’s housing market from January 2008 through September 2015. Civil Beat.

The Maui County Council’s Water Resources Committee is scheduled to take up the old “Show me the water” law during their Dec. 2, 2015 meeting. According to a Nov. 27, 2015 press release from the Maui County Council’s media office, the reason is to discuss a new bill–introduced by Councilmember Mike Victorino–that would repeal the old law. MauiTime.

The public is invited to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of the Upcountry Dog Park in Makawao on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9 a.m. Maui Now.

A demonstration on the eve of the Paris climate summit barred a group of Maui residents from delivering sections of a mile-long lei Sunday, but the group remains steadfast in its mission to spread aloha to those affected by the recent Paris terror attacks. Maui News.

Kauai
Should you be able to rent out part of your property as lodging for tourists, even if you don’t live within a designated Visitor Destination Area? That’s the question that will be discussed at the Kauai County Council meeting on Wednesday.  Garden Island.

Visitor spending on the Garden Isle is on the rise thanks to a 5 percent year-over-year growth in arrivals through October. Garden Island.

Commercial real estate booming, judge extends moratorium on Maui GMO ban, Aloha Stadium needs $200M, fire chief suspends critics, over-budget Honolulu rail project seeks bailout, tech troubles Hawaii County, rats plague Health Department, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Downtown Honolulu © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's commercial real estate market has moved from a rebound to full-blown boom, according to a tally of major property sales last year. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige earned the respect of his colleagues during his long, successful career in the Hawaii Senate, which an outsider might assume earned him political capital to sway votes. But that wasn't the case during Ige's first major political test as governor, when most of the members of his old political faction in the Senate — the Chess Club — were among the majority of senators who planned to reject his nominee for Department of Land and Natural Resources before a scheduled vote on the Senate floor. Associated Press.

Unlike the Carleton Ching nomination for the director of DLNR, the confirmation of the director and deputy director for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism passed committee and the full senate with no hang-ups. Hawaii Independent.

Department of Health employees say they're getting sick from unsanitary working conditions at their office, caused by an infestation of rats. Hawaii News Now.

The deadline for applications to fill vacancies on the state Ethics and Campaign Spending commissions has been extended to March 31. There is one vacancy on the Ethics Commission, and two on the Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

The number of visitors filling hotel rooms in January declined across all major islands except Maui, causing a dip in statewide occupancy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s hotels had a good week last week, showing increases in both occupancy and room rates, according to the weekly report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and STR, Inc. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The latest report from the independent contractor monitoring Oahu's public rail transit project echoes what rail leaders first acknowledged publicly in December: that despite their public assurances that the project would come in on time and on budget, the effort will "most likely exceed" what it was supposed to cost. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers seem poised to bail out Honolulu’s over-budget elevated rail system, but they have yet to find the right tax formula. On Thursday, a state Senate panel approved a convoluted House measure that could extend Oahu’s 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge for an additional 25 years. Civil Beat.

To keep Aloha Stadium operational for the next 30 years will cost $200 million just to address priority health and safety problems, a consultant told the Aloha Stadium Authority on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has reaffirmed an earlier informal opinion by its staff that said Mayor Kirk Caldwell and other city officials were acting within the scope of their duties when they used city resources in an attempt to rally the community behind an effort to stave off possible downsizing of military troops on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of people have weighed in so far on the future of Ala Moana Beach Park. But many are asking – why not work on the things that need to be fixed now? KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers’ latest attempt to swap urban state property for private farm land appears to be dead this legislative session. The Senate passed a bill earlier this month that proposed spending $400,000 next fiscal year to investigate the possibility of acquiring lands owned by Dole Food Company between the North Shore and central Oahu that may be suitable for long-term diversified agriculture production. Civil Beat.

The buyer of the $8.7 million Hawaii beachfront estate known as the home of Tom Selleck’s 1980's television character “Magnum P.I.” — a Chicago entity with close ties to President Barack Obama — has "strong ties to Hawaii," the firm that represented the seller said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

A former program director of an Oahu transitional homeless shelter has been charged in the theft of more than $700,000 from her former employer. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The county has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on two audiovisual systems that were supposed to connect the West Hawaii Civic Center with the county building in Hilo. Four years after buying the system, the county in January finally tried to use it, only to find it doesn’t work properly and one of the warranties has already run out. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Fire Chief Darren Rosario has suspended two battalion chiefs after they complained about his alleged mismanagement of the department. They've been on paid leave for four months -- and now are under investigation themselves for speaking out. Hawaii News Now.

There will be no changes this year to laws governing how Kona coffee and Kona blends are labeled. A House bill requiring that the origins of coffee used in blends be listed on the package — plus a provision that coffee carrying the Kona label have at least 51 percent coffee from that region — never received a hearing. West Hawaii Today.

While it never left Pahoa, the Puna Community Medical Center is eager to return to its home at the Pahoa Marketplace, said Clinical Programs Director Dan Domizio. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A federal judge has extended an injunction blocking Maui County’s voter-approved moratorium on genetically engineered farming from going into effect for at least another three months. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers advanced a bill today to enable neighbor island hospitals to transition into public-private partnerships, beginning with Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state House of Representatives approved its version of the state's biennium fiscal year budget Wednesday, including nearly $64 million for Central Maui capital improvement projects. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Land Use Committee recommended approval on Wednesday of community plan and zoning changes that would move the long-awaited Downtown Kihei project forward. Maui News.

The Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel and its twin resort, The Plantation Inn, have been voted “Number One Hotel with the Best Aloha Spirit” and “Number One Best Budget Hotel” respectively, by readers of Hawai‘i Magazine. Maui Now.

Kauai

When the maile lei to Kanikoo senior housing project was undone Thursday, 36 residents were already moved into their apartments at the site of the former in Lihue. Garden Island.

Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, in collaboration with the Kauai Fire Department, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Kauai Civil Defense Agency, will hold community input meetings to develop a Kauai Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Garden Island.

An 11.78-acre slice of vacant, beachfront land set aside for the proposed Coconut Plantation Resort has new owners. And the buyers, who purchased it on Thursday at an absolute auction, didn’t have to look far beyond their backyard to find it. Garden Island.

Police probed on Oahu and Kauai, WWII-style planks may bridge lava flow, salary hikes nixed on Kauai, nene geese close rifle range, no corporate taxes for REITs, Carroll steps down as committee chair, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police © 2015 All Hawaii News

Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha on Wednesday dismissed a recommendation issued by four state senators that calls for assembling a team of co-chiefs to run the department. Star-Advertiser.

Four state lawmakers are calling on the Honolulu Police Commission to appoint someone to help Police Chief Louis Kealoha run his department in light of recent events involving his mailbox, a mistrial, his prosecutor wife and her estranged uncle. Civil Beat.

Four state senators say Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha needs help running the department. Hawaii News Now.

A handful of our states senators are challenging Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. They're questioning whether the chief can do his job alone, or if he needs some help. KITV4.

A Multimillion-Dollar Tax Loophole Bigger Than Ala Moana Center. Real Estate Investment Trusts don't pay corporate income tax in Hawaii, despite benefiting from local infrastructure. Civil Beat.

Hawaii state Rep. Mele Carroll has relinquished her chairmanship of the Committee on Human Services in the Hawaii House of Representatives. Carroll said Wednesday that she asked House Speaker Joseph Souki to reassign the chairmanship because she's having health issues. Associated Press.

Maui Representative Mele Carroll, D–13th District, is stepping down as chairwoman of the House Human Services Committee, according to a news release just sent out from the state House of Representatives communications office. Her reason: undefined “health issues.” Maui Time

A University of Hawaii Cancer Center researcher on Wednesday joined the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology in calling for federal, state and local governments to not only regulate e-cigarettes but also to ban all youth-oriented e-cig advertising and marketing. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Despite grim statistics, industry representatives remain optimistic for 2015 as Hawaiian Electric Co. begins to approve customers who have been waiting to install rooftop photovoltaic systems. The City and County of Hono­lulu issued 6,554 rooftop solar building permits in 2014, compared with 13,303 in 2013. Star-Advertiser.

A local ice rink is tapping into the sun to keep its facilities cool. Ice Palace Hawai‘i announced the completion of a rooftop solar power project that could cut down their energy bill by 25%. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday voted in favor of borrowing up to $20 million for emergency road projects in lower Puna as the county waits to see how much disaster relief the federal government will provide. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation is considering using the same material that allowed the military to rapidly build airstrips in World War II to reopen Highway 130 if it’s covered by lava. Tribune-Herald.

After an hour-long closed-door session Wednesday, the Hawaii County Council unanimously agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by a homeless panhandler who said his civil rights were violated when police officers cited him for “aggressive solicitation.” West Hawaii Today.

A man affectionately known as Hilo's welfare doctor for aiding the underserved stands accused of fraud. But many on the Big Island are rallying to his defense. In September, the state cut off Medicaid reimbursements to Dr. Frederick Nitta, saying he overbilled the program more than $1.2 million when he gave drug screening tests to patients. Hawaii News Now.

The dean of Hilo’s College of Pharmacy plans to remain at the school until the end of the academic year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui region of the state public hospital system wants to engage in formal talks with Hawaii Pacific Health to address its financial difficulties. Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Maui Region and Hawaii Pacific Health must seek the state Legislature's approval to enter partnership discussions and provide solutions. Associated Press.

A Civil Air Patrol plane that had been stationed at Kahului Airport for missions hasn't been on Maui since March, leaving an empty hangar and concerns about providing adequate tsunami and hurricane warnings to remote areas of Maui County. Maui News.

A nesting nene goose has prompted the closure of the rifle range at Maui's Ukumehame Firing Range. The county Department of Parks and Recreation said the goose, a member of an endangered species, was spotted wandering around the rifle range Sunday by a firearms instructor. Star-Advertiser.

Maui’s only public rifle range is temporarily closing after an endangered goose was spotted wandering around the property. A biologist also found a nene nest in the area. Associated Press.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday narrowly rejected a Salary Commission proposal that would have increased the maximum salary limit for 22 department heads, including Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., County Engineer Larry Dill and County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask. Garden Island.

Police body cameras are getting support, but there are privacy concerns and labor contract issues to deal with before they become a reality. The Kauai Police Department briefed the Kauai County Council Wednesday on the department’s $134,000 request to purchase 142 police body cameras, and the committee said it was in favor of equipping officers with electronic surveillance. Garden Island.

Deadly pedestrian crash involving Kauai police vehicle under investigation. KHON2.

Local dive companies say the state Department of Land and Natural Resources cost them tens of thousands of dollars by implementing — prematurely, and with little or no notification — a new rule requiring businesses to obtain permits for commercial shoreline operations. Garden Island.

Lanai

Life on Lanai: Still a Good Place to ‘Just Be’. On this island, it's the small things that count most toward a good life. Civil Beat.

Rare coral found off Hawaii, judge strikes gay marriage challenge, police misconduct kept secret, health exchange to get cheaper, GOP wants people power, Kauai passes cat license bill, 100 testify on Maui GMO bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rare coral, courtesy Hawaii DLNR

A state research team has discovered a coral species that's new to the main Hawaiian islands. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Wednesday that a team of divers along the Kona coast came across a large number of coral colonies they had never seen before. Associated Press.

DLNR coral image

A research team with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources discovered off the South Kona Coast a species of coral new to the main Hawaiian Islands. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it removed nearly 1 million pounds of decades-old shipwreck debris from two remote national wildlife refuges in the Pacific. The agency said Wednesday the removal is the first phase of coral reef restoration work at Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuges. Associated Press.

A state House committee deferred a series of bills backed by Niihau residents to sustain fishing and other marine life for future generations. The Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs plans to submit a short-form bill relating to ocean resources to provide funding to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Chairwoman Rep. Faye Hanohano said the state agency needs money to study coastal resources statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Between 500 and 800 lanternfish and squid were found dead or dying in the Nawiliwili Harbor area on Monday, prompting in investigation by state and federal officials into what caused the die-off. Star-Advertiser.

A state Circuit Court judge on Wednesday sided with the state and threw out a House lawmaker's legal challenge to gay marriage. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is the only state without any form of referendum, recall and initiative on a statewide level, so House and Senate Republican leaders are asking the public to rally behind legislation they’ve jointly introduced to change that. But will they get enough backing from the public to sway the state’s majority Democratic party, which holds all but one Senate seat and seven House seats in the 76 member body? Hawaii Reporter.

The cost of running Hawaii’s health insurance marketplace is likely to fall below its original projection of $15 million annually because of low enrollment, its executive director told lawmakers Wednesday. Associated Press.

As high-profile deliberations over whether there should be publicly funded preschool resume, some Hawaii educators and parents are growing frustrated with the limited attention that policymakers are giving to imminent changes to the state’s kindergarten age requirement. The changes are expected to shake up the entire public school system and leave thousands of families without a place for their children to study. Civil Beat.

Hawaii had one of the lowest rates of home “flips” in the United States in 2013, according to figures released by RealtyTrac. A “flip” is when someone buys a home and sells it in six months or less. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

On Sept. 23, 2011, Honolulu police officer James Easley was fired after a woman accused him of raping her on the hood of his patrol car. Easley's case illustrates how difficult it is for the public to check on police misconduct and whether police officials are effectively addressing it, including removing bad cops from the street. But some lawmakers hope to change that situation. They have submitted companion bills in the House and Senate that would require more detailed disclosure of police disciplinary records, although the bills maintain an exemption in Hawaii's public records law that protects cops from having to reveal details of most disciplinary actions. All other public employees are required by law to disclose information relating to suspensions and terminations. Civil Beat.

The state Attorney General’s office is asking for $1 million from the Legislature to pay for past and ongoing lawsuits and to investigate Matson for last September’s destructive molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor. Attorney General David Louie and First Deputy Attorney General Russell Suzuki submitted testimony to House Finance Committee on Wednesday afternoon, estimating that the total cost of “extraordinary litigation” in the next year and a half could exceed $3 million. Civil Beat.

Attorneys for a Virginia boy with cerebral palsy say his family and the Honolulu military hospital where he was born reached a tentative $9 million settlement. The amount, put on the record in federal court in Honolulu on Monday, is subject to final approval by the U.S. Department of Justice, said Loretta Sheehan, one of the family’s attorneys. Associated Press.

There were more employers competing for a shrinking pool of job seekers Tuesday at the state's largest job fair. The 161 companies and government agencies that manned booths at the Job Quest job fair was up from 150 that turned out for the same event a year ago. The job fair drew 3,400 job seekers, down from 3,500 in January 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Condominium towers could sprout in Kakaako just makai of Ala Moana Boulevard if a bill sought by the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs is approved by the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

As has often been the case, there was a surge of hope when General Motors officials arrived in Honolulu in December 2010 to announce a partnership with The Gas Co. — now known as Hawaii Gas — that would "make hydrogen available to all of Oahu's one million residents by 2015." As part of the plan, as many as 25 hydrogen fueling stations would be built on Oahu to support as many as 10,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Development of a public shooting range at Puuanahulu has slowed while organizers work out noise concerns with some of the neighbors. West Hawaii Today.

The winch for lifting boats at Mahukona in North Kohala has been out-of-service since being damaged by high surf in December, forcing some boaters to find alternate locations from which to launch their vessels. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Nearly 100 people testified before a Maui County Council Committee on Tuesday on a hot topic bill to regulate pesticide and genetically modified organisms. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Riki Hokama, the current first vice president of the National Association of Counties, is in line to become the group's president in the summer, a news release from NACo said. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park is implementing a plan to cut back on the number of commercial visitors that aims to ensure preservation of the resources at the park, Maui’s most popular attraction. Associated Press.

The governor announced the release today of $500,000 in funds for land acquisition at Līpoa Point on Maui. Maui Now.

Cultural practitioners working to restore and preserve traditional Hawaiian fishponds don't simply need to wrestle heavy rocks into place in waist-deep water. First, government agencies have them navigate a bureaucratic maze of permits and regulations. Maui News.

Kauai

Cat owners on Kauai would be required to get a license for their pet under a new program passed by the Kauai County Council. The Council voted 4-2 Wednesday to pass Bill 2517 to establish a cat licensing program to help tackle the overpopulation of free-roaming cats on the island. The measure will be sent to the mayor's office for consideration. Star-Advertiser.

The Kauai County Council approved a bill that will require pet owners to license their cats and set up spaying and neutering requirements for cats allowed to roam outside. The 4-2 vote was made during the seven-member board’s Wednesday meeting. Garden Island.

A slew of House bills aimed at prohibiting outsiders from fishing and harvesting opihi around the island of Niihau died in committee Wednesday. However, the discussion will continue. Garden Island.

Park fees for Akaka Falls, Hilo radio station among first to gag Limbaugh, big bill day for Hawaii Legislature, Abercrombie signs emergency declaration as rain pelts islands, tobacco fund raided, National Guard musters, more Hawaii news

Akaka Falls (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Division of State Parks has initiated a new five-year contract with Makai Parking Inc. for the collection of entry fees at Akaka Falls State Park. West Hawaii Today.

New West Broadcasting announced today that it is discontinuing the Rush Limbaugh program on KPUA AM 670 in Hilo, Hawaii effective immediately. KPUA.

Hilo radio station KPUA-AM 670 was among the first in the nation to pull the plug on the nationally syndicated Rush Limbaugh talk radio show after Limbaugh called Georgetown University law school student Sandra Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute." Star-Advertiser.

Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul will be on the ballot in Hawaii March 13 as the state Republican Party hosts its first-ever presidential caucuses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Diverts Millions In Tobacco Settlement Funds. KITV4.

Job creation and economic development remain key priorities as lawmakers near the midway point of the 2012 legislative session. Associated Press.

House Bill 1033, which, according to House Minority Leader Gene Ward, recently had its contents “gutted and replaced” by House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro, would create a state bank that would put Gov. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, as its chairman. Hawaii Reporter.

Months after pulling its most-favored-nation card, the Hawaii Government Employees Association has gotten the state to equalize pay benefits for some of its members, matching deals struck with the United Public Workers union. Civil Beat.

The state Department of Attorney General said it wrote off salary over payments of 260 current and former state employees worth $882,639 between 2001 and 2010. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii at Manoa professors are raising concerns about the loss of a federally funded fisheries cooperative, which will move to UH-Hilo, leaving the system's flagship campus without a fisheries program. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education won't be taking over statewide school bus operations anytime soon, based on what officials have learned from an emergency takeover of 12 school bus routes in Kailua-Kona seven years ago. Civil Beat.

State senators are marking Education Week by inviting students to submit questions over email, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. KHON2.

The Hawaii Geographic Coordinating Council launched its 3-day conference today … looking at how we can solve problems using digital data available on the internet …which increases tenfold every 5 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

The 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Hawaii Army National Guard were told to prepare for possible deployment. KHON2.

Oahu

The primary election is about five months away, and the controversial Honolulu rail project is as unpopular as it's ever been. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has a long way to go if it wants to win the confidence of Honolulu voters. Civil Beat.

Daniel Grabauskas appears to be already hard at work for HART, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation , even though he was just named the rail transit agency’s executive director last week. Pacific Business News.

Historic Designation Adds Red Tape To Tantalus Projects. KITV4.

Hawaii

While a majority of county departments are seeing their budgets shrink for the coming fiscal year, some will have moderate increases. Tribune-Herald.

Five sparkling new Chevy Volt electric cars had been set aside at a Hilo dealership even before an invitation for bid for electric cars went out from Hawaii County government last week. And, they’re in Mayor Billy Kenoi’s preferred color. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Finance Director Nancy Crawford has canceled purchase orders totaling $42,499 that Council Chairman Dominic Yagong had issued to outside attorneys to represent the legislative branch in grievances with fired Elections Office employees. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County police seized $18,207 in cash, 17 illegal video gambling machines and gambling records in a raid an on alleged gambling room in Kona Friday, police said. Associated Press.

Maui

Maui Electric Company has appointed Sharon M. Suzuki as the company’s next president. Maui Now.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui jumped nearly 22 percent in February, going from $440,000 last year to $535,000 last month. Pacific Business News.

Melanie Boudar sent over at least 600 pounds of chocolate to the Philadelphia International Flower Show last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Disaster declaration follows sewage spill, evacuations and road, school closures. Garden Island.

Governor Abercrombie signed a disaster proclamation on Friday authorizing the state Department of Transportation to begin emergency highway repair work on Kuhio Highway near Kilauea town on Kaua'i in response to a partial collapse of a 15-foot-diameter culvert running beneath the highway.  KHON2.

Kaua‘i Acting Deputy Police Chief Mark Begley was named to the Wireless Enhanced 911 Board to oversee the development, integration and maintenance of services statewide. Garden Island.

Hawaii tax burden 4th highest in the nation, school lunches, bus fees to increase, Native Hawaiians to protest bill signing, Freddie Mac foreclosures go judicial route, more Hawaii news

USS Constellation U.S. Navy courtesy photo

The USS Constellation needs a new home, and several Big Island residents want to take advantage of the naval vessel's potential to foster new jobs and an economic boon for the entire state. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii will be hit with a one-two punch of summertime surf for south and west shores. KITV4.

Vast quantities of natural minerals necessary to produce everything from iPhones to electric cars to military weapons systems have been discovered across the Pacific by Japanese researchers, leading to concerns that a modern-day gold rush could contaminate waters around Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education is being asked by the Governor to consider further program cuts amidst a projected 50-million dollar annual state-wide budget shortfall. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i will receive $115,257,706 in federal funds for education this fiscal year including more than $39 million for education programs targeting children living with disabilities and more than $47 million for the improvement of existing state programs, Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, and U.S. Reps. Mazie Hirono and Colleen Hanabusa announced Tuesday in a press release. Garden Island.

Looks like more of the same with runaway school bus costs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii families could soon see changes in prices for school meals and bus fares.  Hawaii News Now.

Students would pay $1.25 for a one-way school bus ride, or 50 cents more, under a fare increase proposal aimed at helping make up a $9 million legislative cut in funding to student transportation. Star-Advertiser.

We’re an island chain in the middle of the Pacific trying to feed the energy needs of over a million people—and the millions more who visit Hawaii each year. Hawaii Independent.

A plan to harvest 13,000 acres of Ka'u scrubland to convert plant material into energy is moving forward, following the signing of a law paving the way for electric customer cost-sharing and the establishment of a construction management partnership. West Hawaii Today.

The Institute for Truth in Accounting recently announced completion of a significant, comprehensive study of all 50 states’ assets and liabilities, including pension and retirement healthcare obligations. Hawaii Reporter.

A group of Native Hawaiians has announced a four-hour protest today in Honolulu, opposing a bill they say would “try to revive and jump-start the now defunct Akaka Bill.” Garden Island.

The state has toughened up the law protecting firefighters and water safety officers. KHON2.

Government-backed lender Freddie Mac says it too will convert all of its new and pending non-judicial foreclosures in Hawaii to judicial foreclosures effective immediately.  Civil Beat.

Housing markets on Kauai and Hawaii island were relatively weak in June with mostly lower prices and sales, though activity over the first six months of this year has been more mixed with lower prices and mostly higher sales. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island real estate sales are lagging -- if just a bit. West Hawaii Today.

More of Hawaii's homeless are being fed in shelters instead of public spaces during the first half state's 90-day plan to help move people into housing. Associated Press.

The Army will demonstrate on Friday underwater technology that will be used over the following three weeks to gauge whether old, discarded munitions can be removed from relatively shallow waters off the Waianae Coast. Star-Advertiser.

Councilman Fred Blas is his own faction regarding his vote on Hawaii County's $367.3 million operating budget, he said. Tribune-Herald.

Alien species: "It would help if we had more staff and more people." Hawaii News Now.

Duplication of health services is not an issue for Molokai, said Loretta Fuddy, state Director of Health, last week. Molokai Dispatch.

After a week-and-a-half of haggling over terms, developer Jeff Stone’s proposed gift of 300 acres of land in Leeward Oahu is no closer to its intended recipients, Kamehameha Schools and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Pacific Business News.

An alert guard at the Oahu Community Correctional Center thwarted a daring escape off the rooftop of a third story building. KITV4.

Forty-five Japanese citizens affected by March's deadly earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis arrived on the Valley Isle on Monday to have some time to rest and recuperate. Maui News.

Obama family in Hawaii, Abercrombie completes Cabinet, Washington Place in disrepair, weather wreaks havoc, Tropical Storm Omeka looms, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

While President Barack Obama's standing in Washington has dropped a notch or two in the year since he and his family last spent their holiday vacation in this beach community, the thrill is definitely not gone for many Kailuans about him coming back. Associated Press.

While President Barack Obama and his family have been coming to Hawaii for vacation almost every year, it will be the first island visit for "First Dog" Bo. If he passes a veterinary exam when he lands, he'll be allowed to follow the Obama ohana to Kailua immediately. Hawaii News Now.

First lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, and dog Bo arrived at the beach community of Kailua over the weekend, but President Obama is still in Washington waiting for the lame duck Congress to wrap up its pre-Christmas work. USA Today.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is chiding his Senate colleagues for shelving an omnibus spending measure in favor of a short-term resolution keeping expenditures at current levels. Associated Press.

For 10 years, Hawaiian citizens have requested island wide and U.S. Government official hearings of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act that would reclassify Native Hawaiians as Native Americans and establish a separate, sovereign, race-based nation on all islands of the archipelago. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu will remain under a flash-flood watch through this afternoon following a rain-soaked Sunday that saw a storm-related fire knock out power to parts of Ala Moana Center on the last shopping weekend before Christmas, the closure of the Honolulu Zoo and City Hall, an overwhelmed sewer system that burst manhole covers and wrong-way drivers trying to avoid flooded streets. Star-Advertiser.

A Flash Flood Watch has been extended for all Hawaiian islands through Monday afternoon as deep tropical moisture is drawn up by a strong low pressure system west of the state. Hawaii News Now.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea until Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

An out-of-season tropical cyclone has formed west of Hawaii. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Omeka was located 505 miles south of Midway Atoll, or about 1,210 miles west of Lihue, Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The bulk of the heaviest rain was Saturday night.KHON2.

As heavy rains fell on parts of the state on Sunday, Department of Health officials issued warnings about coastal waters. KITV4.

Heavy rains caused sewer lines to back up into people's homes in Kailua and a sewage spill in Hawaii Kai. KITV4.

A Brown Water Advisory was issued Sunday for Kaua‘i due to heavy showers. Garden Island.

Cargo company Young Brothers has announced they will be increasing their shipping rates statewide. Molokai Dispatch.

Washington Place, the historic home to Hawaii’s last queen and previous governors, has fallen into disrepair.KITV4.

Hawaii's new governor completes his Cabinet by selecting a trial lawyer with 33 years experience in litigation. Civil Beat.

David M. Louie, a trial lawyer and managing partner with the Honolulu law firm of Roeca Louie & Hiraoka, was nominated yesterday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to be Hawaii's next attorney general. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Sunday announced he has chosen David Louie to be his attorney general. KITV4.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has been named president of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association. Associated Press.

Kamehameha Schools plans to convert a four-story office and retail building at 680 Ala Moana Blvd. into loft-style apartments for rent to households at or below the median income level. Star-Advertiser.

With the median sale price of a Big Island home down 5.8 percent from the same time a year ago, it's still a buyer's market -- and the buyers are starting to return. Tribune-Herald.

Across the country, a few of the millions of people who have had their homes foreclosed are counterattacking in the courts. Maui News.

Last week, we looked at some measures the new administration might want to consider to improve the business climate in Hawaii and reduce the burden on taxpayers and consumers who continue to struggle to make ends meet. But finances and taxes are not the only things that need fixing. West Hawaii Today.

For most of its 40-year history, Kumu Kahua Theatre has told Hawaii’s story through theater, offering talented local playwrights and actors a crucial venue for their craft, and giving the Hawaii community new perspectives on its island home. Many of its productions have become statewide touchstones, such as the hits Folks You Meet at Longs by Lee Cataluna and Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers by Lois Ann Yamanaka. Hawaii Independent.

Good time for renters, buyers, GOP on the way, Lingle's last State of the State, more Hawaii news

After riding out the housing boom, when rents skyrocketed, Hawai'i renters are finally seeing things turn in their favor.

Sales of previously occupied homes took the largest monthly drop in more than 40 years last month, sinking more dramatically than expected after lawmakers gave buyers additional time to use a tax credit.

Gov. Linda Lingle gives her final State of the State speech today, one of her last chances to try to shape public policy before her time as Hawai'i's chief executive fades into history.

A Democratic bastion for five decades and President Barack Obama's birthplace, Hawaii would seem a curious place for the Republican National Committee to hold its winter meeting.

A lawmaker says he has an idea to restore some Furlough Fridays beginning this week.

It's another step forward in Hawaii's initiative to reduce its imported energy from 90% to 30% within 20 years.

A massive wind farm proposed for Lanai has been anticipated as a major potential source of green power for Honolulu, but it remains a controversial project on the Pineapple Isle.

The Hawaii County Council talked drugs and money Friday, but decided to lobby the state Legislature only for the latter.

Jim Donahue doesn't know how many dogs he and his business, Lucky D Kennels, have been able to save through a dog fostering program.

The Important Agricultural Lands advisory committee kicked off its inaugural meeting Thursday at the Lihu‘e Civic Center.

Beach ownership at issue, changes in H1N1 vaccine rules, North Shore land for sale and other news

The Intermediate Court of Appeals is scrutinizing a Hawaii law passed in 2003 that declares that new, naturally formed beach land above the high-water mark should belong to the public -- not adjoining private property owners.

In response to mounting criticism about how the short supply of swine flu vaccine is being distributed in Hawai'i, the state will change the way it doles out the vaccine.

Nearly 100 acres of agricultural land next to the Turtle Bay Resort on O'ahu's North Shore are headed for a sealed-bid sale, four years after a Florida-based investment firm bought the oceanfront property for $2 million with plans to subdivide it for potential residential use.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka will be holding 15 information briefings from December 1 to December 8 to explain changes in the way federal workers in Hawaii will be paid.

Honolulu police said officers opened fire on a car that as accelerating toward them on Saturday, marking the third officer-involved shooting in a month.

A North Shore surf instructor on Saturday rescued a family visiting from the Mainland who had been swept out to sea while bodyboarding at Hanalei Bay.

Longtime Hana community leader, Realtor and former Maui News community correspondent Carl Lindquist and his wife, Rae, have been reported missing after the wreckage of their car was found in a Hana streambed, police said Saturday evening.

Hundreds of children and children-at-heart lined the streets of downtown Hilo Saturday evening to catch their first glimpse of Santa Claus.

On a Sunday in October, three Waimea men gather at 7 a.m. on private grazing land in South Kohala to hunt goats. For them it is partly foraging and partly tradition.

Ulupalakua Ranch owner Pardee Erdman has donated more than 11,000 acres to the Maui Coastal Land Trust.

When Debbie Hecht suggested to the Hawaii County Charter Commission that it should add an amendment making the Two Percent for Public Lands law a part of the County Charter, she got less than she bargained for.

Hawaii banks less 'troubled'

HONOLULU -- Hawaii banks are more solid than financial institutions in most other states, according to an online comparison project created by a journalism partnership.

The analysis of bank financial statements by the Investigative Reporting Workshop and msnbc.com found nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties on bank books nationwide more than doubled last year.

But Hawaii banks, which tended to avoid many speculative loans, seem on more solid footing, according to the reports filed by the group. That’s especially true of the larger banks. (Check out your bank here.)

“While the recession has put borrowers of all kinds under increasing pressure, the Workshop's analysis makes it clear that real estate lending is causing banks the most difficulty,” said author Wendell Cochran in the report.

“At the end of 2008, nearly 80 percent of the troubled assets were connected in some way to real estate lending, even though only about 60 percent of all loans were real estate-related.”

The analysis is based on reports every bank is required to file each quarter with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the federal agency that protects deposits and is part of the bank regulatory system.

Bank profits have fallen dramatically, and the troubled asset ratio has risen. The troubled asset ratio is a measure of the stress placed on banks by loans. It compares loans that are not being paid on time, and property already acquired by the bank, against the bank's capital and loan loss reserves. The national average was 9.9.

In comparison, Hawaii’s largest bank, First Hawaiian Bank, had a troubled asset ratio of just 2.5 percent and the second largest, Bank of Hawaii, had a ratio of 3.4.