Showing posts with label reapportionment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reapportionment. Show all posts

Monday, February 27, 2012

Ala Wai Harbor to get upgrades, 60 retired workers get big state pensions, state mulls mongoose control, inmates may return, Kauai police chief battle continues, zip-line death could spur lawsuit and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai Boat Harbor (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Commercial subleasing has begun on the $20 million Kalia Marketplace project that plans to bring two wedding chapels, retail and office space and return a boat repair facility to the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

In 1890, the Kingdom of Hawai’i was an independent nation, with diplomatic relations with other countries. Within ten years, the government was overthrown and the nation was annexed as America joined the ranks of colonial powers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii could become a key state in the discussion over a patient's right to ask for a physician's help to die, according to a group seeking to expand awareness of the issue in the islands. Maui News.

Nearly 60 retired state and county workers in Hawaii each receive government pensions of more than $100,000 annually. Star-Advertiser.

The state plans to return Hawaii inmates incarcerated on the mainland to the islands. Two Senate committees will hear more details of the plan from the Abercrombie administration on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is a hot spot for sex and labor trafficking. Hawaii Reporter.

A proposal to make abusive conduct against an employee an occupational safety violation would allow Victims to be eligible for workers’ compensation. Associated Press.

Despite several hundred calls to the agency’s tip line a year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has closed only one case on Kauai and three cases on Oahu during the past decade. Civil Beat.

The state land board approved a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to come up with a mongoose eradication plan. KITV4.

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission meets Monday at 2 p.m. at the state Capitol to act on its district maps for state Senate and House. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill to be heard Tuesday would outlaw the taking of opihi from below the waterline, set seasons for opihi picking and limit the amount of opihi that can be taken for non-commercial purposes. It would also essentially ban opihi picking on the island of Oahu for five years. Tribune-Herald.

Four of Hawaii’s five largest private K-12 schools plan tuition increases for the 2012-13 school year. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for Feb. 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

A complaint about a chemical odor led to the discovery of an illegal gambling room in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

The man whom Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials have tapped to serve as the agency's new CEO had a rocky departure from his job as general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Civil Beat.

The Coast Guard in Honolulu wants to retire its two biggest ships, the aging 378-foot cutters Jarvis and Rush, but can't because it has no replacements, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Past the chaperoned façade of school bus transport, first time home buyers, optimistic and anxious, were shuffled around by Hawaii HomeOwnership in Waipahu. KHON2.

Hawaii

More than 6,000 Big Island low-income individuals and families are on a waiting list for federal rent assistance, according to a recent report the Hawaii County Housing Agency filed with the federal government. West Hawaii Today.

The mother of the man killed in last summer's collapse of a zip line tower in Paukaa may follow a lawsuit challenging Hawaii's failure to regulate its zip line industry. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
There were no grandiose plans or brand-new ideas in Mayor Alan Arakawa's State of the County address Friday. Maui News.

In his State of the County address on Friday, Mayor Alan Arakawa noted his administration's accomplishments last year. Maui News.

A community meeting will be held Monday night to familiarize people with their legal rights and the Hawai'i Access to Justice Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

There may soon be some clarification over who's in charge of Kauai's police chief. Hawaii News Now.

With six small-scale hydroelectric projects, a 12-megawatt solar farm and an island-wide rollout of smart meters all on the horizon, it’s arguably the most significant time in the history of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

“Free health care for all” on Kaua‘i this week has the state Department of Health phones ringing constantly. Garden Island.

Molokai

A shiny new fire engine, made specifically to fit Molokai’s needs, has joined the fleet at the Kaunakakai Fire Station. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Hawaii is the favorite state, political maps continue to draw fire, state Senate mulls Internet sales tax, Honolulu quietly breaches debt limit on rail, Big Island to host Mars training center, Kauai police chief furor continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Child plays at Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A new poll confirms what residents of the Aloha State already knew — Americans love Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie left for Washington, D.C., Wednesday night to attend the 2012 National Governor's Association Winter Meeting. Associated Press.

Residents from all corners of Oahu urged members of the state Reapportionment Commission to make further changes to proposed political boundary maps and make greater effort to keep communities together. Star-Advertiser.

New political boundaries are working toward reality, as the 2011 Reapportionment Commission races to meet a Feb. 29 deadline. Few like the lines; not only do they split up distinct neighborhoods, many say, but two state senators and five sets of state representatives will be forced to face each other should they seek re-election. Civil Beat.

State senators appear poised to pass a measure that would allow Hawaii to tap into millions of dollars in uncollected taxes on Internet sales. Civil Beat.

A Senate committee is hearing a bill today that would establish a tax credit to help offset teachers’ out-of-pocket expenses. Associated Press.

Weaknesses in Hawaii's child pornography laws would be strengthened to address possession of particularly violent or egregious images, under an effort in the Legislature. Associated Press.

The concern over the dwindling supply of opihi has renewed calls for a ban on opihi harvesting. KITV4.

The furor over Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointments to the state water commission isn’t likely to die down any time soon. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Managing Director Douglas Chin quietly approved a request to suspend city debt guidelines last year in a move that clears the way for the extraordinary borrowing necessary to finance the city's $5.27 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s top-paid city job will soon be filled -- the head of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. But public feedback won't be possible before the offer is made.  KHON2.

A look back at what Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle said in his first such speech almost one year ago. Did he make good on his promises? How did his initiatives fare with the Honolulu City Council? Civil Beat.

former U.S. Rep. Ed Case
Hawaii

With the help of cheering supporters, Hawaiian music and fragrant food, a former restaurant was transformed Wednesday into the East Hawaii campaign headquarters for native son and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case. West Hawaii Today.

An unusual flurry of more than 60 small, shallow quakes at Kilauea volcano Wednesday is no cause for alarm, U.S. geologists say. Star-Advertiser.

A seismic swarm can be seen as a precursor to a lava outbreak, but in this case scientists say other factors are at play. Tribune-Herald.

Five homes will be built in just 240 hours this fall by Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii and other volunteers in an effort to increase affordable housing in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii and NASA are on the hunt for participants for a first-of-its-kind habitat study to Mars. NASA has a mission to Mars in its sights, and Hawaii Island is about to play a big part. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A once-luxurious beachfront house that has been left vacant for more than 10 years would be removed and sold to the highest bidder under a proposal by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Planning for a proposed 4.5 story parking garage in the center of Wailuku town has been put on hold by the County of Maui and future meetings of the design team have been canceled. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Charter Review Commission is scheduled to meet Monday to look at whether Mayor Bernard Carvalho has the authority to keep Police Chief Darryl Perry on leave. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry was working in his office Wednesday afternoon for the first time since Feb. 1, even though the mayor said Wednesday morning the police chief was still on paid leave. Garden Island.

With six small-scale hydroelectric projects, a 12-megawatt solar farm and an island-wide rollout of smart meters all on the horizon, it’s arguably the most significant time in the history of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

Molokai

The nun who served Hansen’s disease patients who were exiled to Kalaupapa for over 30 years will become a saint in a canonization ceremony to take place on Oct. 21 of this year, the Vatican announced last Saturday. Molokai’s Mother Marianne Cope was green-lighted for sainthood by Pope Benedict XVI in December, after confirmation of a second miracle was attributed to her. Molokai Dispatch.






Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Hawaii legislative maps aired at public hearing, Gov. Abercrombie agrees with same-sex couple challenging state marriage law, state Board of Education approves new standards for teachers, Kauai police chief back on the job, Honolulu tractor rally protests lost farmland, more Hawaii news

Former Hawaii Sen. Lorraine Inouye mulls maps (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Big Islanders — whose colleagues sued to force a fourth Senate seat and a second round of public hearings on new legislative maps — formed a small but vocal crowd Tuesday evening when the state Reapportionment Commission came to town. West Hawaii Today.

The state Reapportionment Commission found out Tuesday that you can’t please everyone. Big Island Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie acknowledged Tuesday that the state's marriage law is unconstitutional because it denies same-sex couples the "fundamental right" to marry, but the state will still defend the statute in federal court on behalf of the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie told a federal court Tuesday that Hawaii's existing marriage law denies federal constitutional rights to same-sex couples who want to marry. Associated Press.

Separate answers have been filed in response to a lawsuit that challenges Hawaii’s ban on same-sex marriage. Maui Now.

The Hawaii State Board of Education approved new performance management policies for teachers on Tuesday that might be the most tangible progress the state has made in its Race to the Top since December. Civil Beat.

Against the objections of scores of teachers, the Board of Education approved proposals Tuesday to make it board policy that the state change to a performance-based management system for teachers and principals. Star-Advertiser.

Breastfeeding mothers could find it easier to pump milk at work under a bill before the state House. Associated Press.

The majority of births to Hawaii women younger than 30 are taking place outside of marriage for the first time, according to a Washington-based nonprofit research group that tracks national birth data. Civil Beat.

The House Judiciary Committee chairman deferred a bill proposing to exempt Hawaii's four county councils from the state's Sunshine Laws. West Hawaii Today.

A $500 million construction package aimed at stimulating job growth has cleared the state Senate. Associated Press.

The state Senate unanimously voted to pass SB 2012, known as “The Invest in Hawai‘i Act of 2012,” on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Judge David Ezra


U.S. District Court Judge David Alan Ezra, the longest serving active federal judge in Hawaii’s history, will take senior status after June 27 when he turns 65 years old. Hawaii Reporter.

A trial began Tuesday in the case of a Hawaii-based Marine accused of punching, kicking and pouring sand in the face of a fellow lance corporal who fell asleep on watch in Afghanistan. Associated Press.

State roundup for Feb. 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

As he prepares for his second State of the City address, Mayor Peter Carlisle confronts a sagging job approval rating and growing public skepticism about the biggest public works project in Hawaii's history. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu became the latest battleground between farmers and developers. A fleet of tractors circled around the business district during lunchtime to protest the potential loss of more than 2000 acres of active farmland. Hawaii Public Radio.

The embattled Wahiawa senior center at the center of a federal investigation is abandoning plans to seek continued Community Development Block Grants, according to a Jan. 31 letter obtained by Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

Unrelated power failures Tuesday morning in Manoa and at Honolulu Airport closed schools and delayed dozens of interisland flights, respectively. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys for the City and County of Honolulu have asked the federal court to declare that the plaintiffs in a lawsuit to stop the rail transit project lack standing to pursue some claims under a section of the Department of Transportation Act that applies to publicly owned land or historic sites. Pacific Business News.

Guests and staff members had a brief scare at two Waikiki hotels early Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Along the Waianae mountain range, tucked in thick shrub is a safe haven for an endangered native species. KITV4.

An early morning power outage at Honolulu International Airport's inter-island terminal caused major delays for Hawaiian Airlines' neighbor island flights. KHON2.

Hawaii

A former County Council chairman and his former clerk are headed for an election-day showdown to represent the vacant 2nd council district. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona property that Hokulia developer Lyle Anderson tried to convert into a golf course before being rebuffed by the Sierra Club and others is up for sale. West Hawaii Today.

A winter storm that caused a voluntary evacuation of Mauna Kea on Tuesday morning likely will continue throughout the week, bringing more rain and chilly temperatures to East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

When the Maui County prosecutor's office was created Feb. 1, 1977, John Tam was one of its four attorneys. Maui News.

A blessing ceremony will be held on Wednesday for a new vessel on Maui that will support whale response and research efforts throughout the state. Maui Now.

A Kapalua retiree has found a way to harness the power of ladies who lunch. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry, after being first suspended for “insubordination” on Feb. 1 and later placed on paid leave by the mayor, will be back at work today after a unanimous vote by the Kaua‘i County Police Commission to return him to his job, Perry said Tuesday. Garden Island.

About two dozen people dressed as lab rats held signs and marched to the sound of a drum during a GMO Free Kaua‘i afternoon rally Tuesday. Garden Island.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Kona coffee battles continue, Hawaii Legislature advances bill allowing smoking in Oahu bars, Superferry redux, gas prices jump, Kauai camp-dwellers face eviction, bag fee advances, big bucks for high-school principals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona coffee on the vine (c) 2012 All Hawaii News



Coffee farmers and blenders are split over a proposed bill that would eliminate inspection and certification requirements for green coffee beans being shipped off island. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Reapportionment Commission's rushed redistricting plan leaves some Oahu legislators unhappy. Hawaii Reporter.

The Big Island's fourth state Senate seat is creating new opportunities for current and former lawmakers. West Hawaii Today.

Inouye Wants to Revive Interisland Ferry. Civil Beat.

Zipline operators push for mandatory safety regulations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu nightclub and bar owners might be given the choice to allow smoking in their establishments. Associated Press.

Bar and nightclub owners trying to get an exemption from Hawaii's ban on indoor smoking were able to further their argument before lawmakers Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

By a vote of 10-1 members of the House Economic Revitalization and Business Committee approved a measure that would allow bars and nightclubs on Oahu to offer indoor smoking. KHON2.

High school prinicpals average $130,500 annual pay, $10,000 more than the average pay of the state's 15 complex area superintendents and some $20,000 more than seven state-level assistant superintendents. Two principals earn more than schools Superintendent Kathryn Mata­yo­shi. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to collect fees from customers who choose disposable paper and plastic shopping bags is gaining support as it works through the state Legislature. Associated Press.

Ag officials say they are struggling to control the problem of invasive species, which can wreak havoc on Hawaii’s ecosystem, amid budgetary cutbacks and reductions in inspectors. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Heather Haunani Giugni, a documentary filmmaker and producer, to the Halawa-Aiea state House district seat to replace Rep. Tom Oka­mura, who resigned last month for health reasons. Star-Advertiser.

Air Australia announced today that it will suspend all flights immediately, including two from Honolulu to Brisbane and Melbourne. Maui Now.

Hundreds of visitors were stranded in Hawaii -- and thousands more worldwide -- when Air Australia abruptly suspended operations Thursday. KHON2.

Gas prices in Hawaii rose again this week, with the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline increasing by 2 cents to $4.21, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for Feb. 17. Associated Press.

Oahu

Hawaii's Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday outside its courtroom and inside a high school. KITV4.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano said Thursday he was telling his campaign to remove Civil Beat from its media list. Civil Beat.

About 7,000 sailors are pulling into Pearl Harbor for leave with the John C. Stennis aircraft carrier strike group following a more than six-month deployment to the Middle East and Western Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

HPR PRESENTS JOURNALISM PANEL WITH NPR NEWS HOST NEAL CONAN; Local Journalists Gather For Feb. 28th Discussion on Journalistic Ethics. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The little town of Waimea rose up on Thursday evening and told its charter school board of directors from Honolulu in no uncertain terms that it would not be pushed around. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Army National Guard Col. Benedict L. Fuata was named Civil Defense administrator by Mayor Billy Kenoi Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald reporter Jason Armstrong on Thursday assumed a newly created position in county government. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After years of planning and funding delays, the Kahului Airport access road and parking lot expansion projects have money lined up to start construction in mid-2013. Maui News.

Maui County Council members recommended that two nominees for the Molokai Planning Commission be disapproved, saying Karen Ashley and Amy Maeda needed more experience with planning issues and the community. Maui News.

Kauai
Grove Farm Co., which owns the land at Koloa Camp on Kauai, has turned down an offer from a local developer to purchase the property to help tenants facing eviction stay in their homes. Star-Advertiser.

Surfrider Kaua‘i is seeking volunteers to help remove two large derelict fishing nets near Kealia Beach on Saturday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Last week, a bill passed another hurdle on its way to establishing a working group to explore options for reducing shipping costs from Molokai and Lanai to Oahu. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Watershed protection advances, sweet soft drink tax killed, rentals limited at Oahua beaches, Honolulu Council mulls plastic bag ban, UH settles data breach lawsuit, Hawaii Island may declare food emergency, family of murdered inmate files lawsuit, Kauai students want free bus, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waipio Valley watershed (c) 2012 All Hawaii News


There are more than 60 bills relating to natural forest watershed protection before the State Legislature this session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Senate Health Committee shelved a bill Wednesday that would have imposed a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and the syrup and powder used to make them, in an effort to combat childhood obesity. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Calvin Say is raising the ire of environmental activists by sidestepping normal legislative procedures on a bill they think would weaken environmental protection in the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s newspapers will continue collecting some $1 million for at least another year to print government legal notices, according to the state’s Chief Information Officer. Hawaii Reporter.

The foreclosure count for January was the highest since June, it was still 34 percent below the 985 cases filed in January 2011, suggesting that Hawaii's new foreclosure mediation is still having a dampening effect and providing relief to troubled borrowers. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority approved a 5 percent increase for executive director Tony Ching at a time when other state officials are subject to a 5 percent salary cut because of tight fiscal times. Civil Beat.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii announced a lawsuit this morning against the state and a private prison company for the murder of a Hawaiian inmate in Arizona in 2010. Hawaii Independent.

Bronson Nunuha's family filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the state and its contractor, Tennessee-based Corrections Corp. of America, alleging understaffing and their failure to protect Nunuha, who was killed by fellow inmates on Feb. 18, 2010, in a CCA prison in Eloy, Ariz. Star-Advertiser.

A state judge has approved a $9 million settlement between Bank of Hawaii and 160,000 customers in a class-action lawsuit over improper overdraft charges. Associated Press.

A judge has approved the University of Hawaii's settlement over a major data breach involving thousands of students, faculty, alumni and employees. Hawaii News Now.

The state Reapportionment Commission expects to finalize new political boundaries for state House and Senate offices by the end of the month. Star-Advertiser.

A new attempt to redraw political boundaries drew opposition at the unveiling of the new election maps. KITV4.

Norwegian Cruise Line agreed to pay $526,602 in back wages to 2,059 employees in Hawaii after a federal labor investigation found that the company had violated minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping provisions for employees on the Pride of America cruise ship. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for Feb. 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

Seeking to curb increasing commercial activity at two of Kailua's most popular beach parks, the Honolulu City Council Wednesday approved a ban on such enterprises at Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach on Sundays and most of Saturdays. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would ban the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags passed the first of three required votes at the City Council Wednesday. KHON2.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday voted to approve the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan with the controversial "purple spot" of light industrial zoning in Lualualei Valley inside it. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has pledged to improve a staffing shortage which resulted in just one inspector left working in the field to test the accuracy of thousands of gas pumps, supermarket check-out scanners and taxi meters on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

The Seaside Hotel in Waikiki is about to change hands with the pending sale of the 1970s-era building from owner United Airlines to an unnamed buyer. Pacific Business News.

A killer monk seal named KE18 is expected to return to Hawaii and spend his days at Sea Life Park outside Honolulu, one of just four institutions authorized to house Hawaiian monk seals. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council will likely declare an emergency in order to give money to the Food Basket. West Hawaii Today.

A 10-day-long effort to gather 100,000 pounds of food for the island's only food bank reached its goal, but the "tremendous" increase in demand for food remains and the call for help is continuous, said Nani Lee, executive director of The Food Basket. West Hawaii Today.

Native Hawaiian homesteaders owe more than $1.6 million in back property taxes, penalties and interest that Hawaii County needs but is virtually powerless to collect. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea Middle School officials have scheduled a community meeting for tonight to discuss the departure of Principal John Colson. Tribune-Herald.

Maui


After years of planning and funding delays, the Kahului Airport access road and parking lot expansion projects have money lined up to start construction in mid-2013. Maui News.

Maui County Council members on Friday deferred a proposal that would require house lots on agricultural land to be taxed the same way as any other residential property. Maui News.

The EA Sports Maui Invitational brought more than 5,000 visitors, including college basketball fans, coaches, players and sports media, to the Valley Isle and generated $8.1 million for the island's economy, according to an announcement from KemperLesnik, operator of the annual tournament hosted by Chaminade University. Maui News.

Kauai

A group of Kaua‘i Community College students rode The Kaua‘i Bus from their campus in Puhi to urge the Kaua‘i County Council to continue the island’s free bus fare program for students. Garden Island.

About 50 people gathered at the Hanalei School cafeteria Wednesday evening for the first of five forums featuring candidates for the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative board of directors. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved on first reading Resolution 2012-22 calling for the following ballot question to be added to the November elections: “Shall the terms “must” and “shall,” when used in the Kaua‘i County Charter, be interpreted as mandatory directives and shall the term “may,” when used in the Kaua‘i County Charter, be interpreted as permissive?” Garden Island.

The deadline to submit an application for a seat on the Kaua'i County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission has been extended to March 2. KHON2.


Molokai

A product being sold as incense on Molokai is causing concern, especially for its possible abuse among students and teens who are reportedly smoking it. Known as Spice, K2, herbal incense and other names, the substance, legal in Hawaii, is classified as synthetic cannabis and is chemically blended with herbs. Molokai Dispatch.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Poll: Hannemann hands-down favorite for Congress, new maps give Oahu state Senate seat to Big Island, sugary drink tax on the table today, military pulling cruisers from Pearl Harbor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News


If the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District were held today, Hannemann would walk away with 65 percent of the vote, compared with just 20 percent for his best-known challenger, City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard. Star-Advertiser.

Former Congressman Ed Case isn't raising as much money in his campaign for U.S. Senate as Democratic opponent Rep. Mazie Hirono and Republican candidate Linda Lingle. Civil Beat.

New political maps being proposed by the state Reapportionment Commission would shift an Oahu state Senate seat to Hawaii Island and put two Democrats into the same Senate district in the Makiki-Moiliili area. Associated Press.

New redistricting maps give Big island a fourth Senate seat, taking one from Oahu, likely at the exepnse of Sen. Carol Fukunaga, D-Makiki/Punchbowl, Ala Moana, McCully. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Health Committee will vote today on a bill to tax sugary beverages after a hearing on the measure earlier this week in which the committee's chairman told industry representatives he believes sodas are a public health problem. Star-Advertiser.

In recognition of the 50th State’s official marine mammal, Governor Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Brian Schatz have officially proclaimed February 2012 as Humpback Whale Awareness Month in Hawai‘i. Hawaii Reporter.

A bill in the state Legislature proposing to end sales of unsterilized cats and dogs in Hawai‘i cleared two committees Tuesday and made potential headway for final approval, but not before erasing its spay and neuter section. Garden Island.

State health officials hope to build on the success of a bottle recycling program and expand it to include electronic devices. KITV4.

The president of Young Brothers is withdrawing from the state water commission a day before he was supposed to show up for his first meeting. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Education has approved a handful of new amendments to the state's Race to the Top plan but cautioned it wants to see results when federal reviewers visit next month. Star-Advertiser.

Charter school employees should not be state employees, experts told Senate Education Chairwoman Jill Tokuda in a briefing about her omnibus charter bill last month. Civil Beat.

Several Molokai residents and University of Hawaii students have assembled a stone platform with a kii, or wooden statue, on the grounds of the state Capitol to bring attention to legislative bills that would require the labeling of genetically modified food in Hawaii stores. Star-Advertiser.

A bill before the Hawai‘i Legislature would make it impossible for counties to pass laws mandating new or existing one- and two-family dwellings to be equipped with fire sprinkler systems. Garden Island.

The Navy plans to retire two of three cruisers at Pearl Harbor under a leaner defense budget — a move that, along with other cutbacks, is expected to have a negative effect on Hawaii's economy. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for Feb. 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers union Tuesday announced its endorsement of former city Managing Director Kirk Caldwell in the race for Honolulu mayor. Star-Advertiser.

An amended city ordinance aimed to eliminate "gentleman farming" on Oahu has the equestrian community concerned it could eliminate businesses. KHON2.

Hawaii’s highly praised Drug Court program “is being used as a dumping ground” for criminal offenders who have washed out of another very successful program of the state Judiciary, HOPE probation, according to Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and state Public Defender Jack Tonaki. Hawaii Reporter.

The Honolulu City Council is set to debate Bill 50, which approves the Waianae Sustainable Communities Plan, on Wednesday. Hawaii Independent.

Inmates at Hawai`i’s only women’s prison are cultivating Breadfruit trees around the prison grounds. The women say the trees are helping them as well. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu firefighters have put the brakes on their long-standing practice of assisting paramedics by driving ambulances during critical cases. Hawaii News Now.

Bishop Museum had to lay off 13 employees last week after losing $2.2 million in federal funding last year. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A new survey of Big Island physicians reveals that 32 percent plan to end their service here within the next five years. Tribune-Herald.

Three Hawaii County police officers dragged an apparently catatonic 68-year-old woman out of a patrol car Saturday, propped her up on a bench at the Mooheau Terminal and advised her to take a bus and go home. West Hawaii Today.

The former Kulani correctional facility has been identified as a possible site for the first culture-based wellness center for incarcerated Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Don't look for widening work on Queen Kaahumanu Highway beyond Kealakehe Parkway before fall. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A proposal that would give County Council members a "maximum term, never to return," was narrowly shot down Monday by the county Charter Commission. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Planning Committee on Monday again delayed action on a bill regulating short-term rentals, with the committee chairman saying he hoped the bill could move forward at the committee's next meeting at the end of the month. Maui News.

The County Council Policy Committee will discuss nominees for county boards and commissions at a meeting starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Maui News.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation will be updating the Regional Long-Range Land Transportation Plans for the islands of Maui/Molokai/Lanai, Hawaii and Kauai and is asking the public to participate. Maui Now.

Kauai

County officials will hold five public workshops during the next two weeks on the proposed Kaua‘i Multimodal Land Transportation Plan. Garden Island.

Molokai

Someone is shooting horses dead on Molokai, and the owners of the ranch where it happened are mystified as to why it's happening. Hawaii News Now.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Hawaii poll: Dems likely to keep U.S. Senate seat, tourism bounces back, election nominations start Wednesday with no legislative maps, Oprah Winfrey mulls Maui move, Georgia woman pleads guilty to stealing Sen. Inouye's Identity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polynesian Cultural Center (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii is seeing a solid recovery in tourism with increases in both arrivals and tourist spending. Associated Press.

An improving global economy and more air service helped boost tourist arrivals and spending in Hawaii to near-record levels last year. Star-Advertiser.

The month of December 2011 reached $1.298 billion in visitor spending, the highest single month on record. Hawaii Reporter.

Both Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate have the edge over former Gov. Linda Lingle, according to the latest Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat.

The 2012 election season in Hawaii officially gets underway on Wednesday, February 1, with the commencement of the candidate filing period. Maui Now.

The State Office of Elections is unable to start establishing polling locations and assigning the roughly 600-thousand Hawaii residents to polling locations across the state. KITV4.

Under a best case scenario, the Technical Committee of the Reapportionment Commission would start redrawing political districts as early as Feb. 9. Civil Beat.

Candidates for state House and Senate races will not be able to file for election when the season officially kicks off this Wednesday. But fundraising can get underway. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
A Georgia woman pleads guilty to being involved in stealing the identity of a U.S. Senator from Hawaii Monday. KITV4.

The teachers union is calling bills before the state House and Senate that would nullify teacher tenure protections a "direct attack on our membership." Star-Advertiser.

Although Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration has made much of its need for the Hawaii State Teachers Association's cooperation in reaching federal Race to the Top grant targets, a veteran labor attorney says the grant is not dependent on the teachers union, thanks to a loophole in state labor law. Civil Beat.

Retired Washington Army National Guard Lt. Col. Doug Mayne will assume the duties of vice director of state Civil Defense in March, the state announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers cleaned up and advanced a bill Monday that would require motorists to move over and slow down when approaching and passing stopped emergency vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

Restaurants going to the dogs: Senate Bill 3032 would allow dogs in restaurants at the restaurant owner’s or manager’s discretion if certain conditions are met. Garden Island.

Several protests have been filed with the Hawaii Republican Party over the selection of Ted Liu as the party’s new national committeeman. Civil Beat.

A half-hour television special illustrating the importance of Hawaii’s watershed and its protection will be airing on local stations this month and next. Molokai Dispatch.

State roundup for Jan. 31. Associated Press.

Oahu
Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle collected $53,000 in campaign donations in the second half of 2011, less than 20 percent of his haul from the first half of the year, according to a filing Monday with the Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

The closure of two Hawaii Medical Center emergency rooms on O’ahu has prompted State lawmakers to pass legislation that could provide additional funds for county ambulance service island-wide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Doubling the rate for parking meters outside public parks like Kapiolani and Aala would help raise money for park maintenance, but it's a move that opponents say could spread beyond Waikiki and downtown and keep people out of public parks and beaches. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor announces new smart phone reporting system. KHON2.

The swell was big Monday evening at Waimea, as surfers -- and spectators -- tried to catch the last waves before sunset. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Just who would be responsible for building the Mamalahoa Highway bypass remained unclear Monday, following a court hearing on a motion to enforce a recently reached settlement. West Hawaii Today.

A Honokaa woman said Monday she's running for mayor. West Hawaii Today.

There's some buzz about a bill seeking $10,000 in funding from the Legislature to establish new bee hives for the University of Hawaii at Hilo's beekeeping program.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns hundreds of acres of land on Maui, is thinking about making Hawaii her home. Pacific Business News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii held a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony Friday morning for the completion of the expansion and renovation of its pharmacy at its Maui Lani Clinic. Maui News.

Kauai

An audit of the Kilauea Gym project suggests that loss of experienced staff is hindering the ability of the Department of Public Works’ Building Division to execute capital projects. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i saw strong growth in both visitor arrivals and spending in 2011, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority reported Monday. Garden Island.


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Abercrombie's State of the State emphasizes recovery, $2.8M for fired Honolulu whistleblower, federal judge cites Hawaii for slow food stamp processing, rail tax better than expected, Honolulu wages average, governor, teachers union mull contract failure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Abercrombie's 2012 State of the State address, courtesy photo
Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that Hawaii has weathered the most difficult choices needed to balance the budget, urging lawmakers to leave the drama of the past few years behind and consider targeted investments to improve the state's economic future. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie told the state Legislature on Monday that it's time to move forward and leave behind the drama of the recent past, saying lawmakers have an opportunity to maintain economic momentum, bolster education and help provide older Hawaii residents better access to long-term support. Associated Press.

The State’s Chief Executive says the worst of the Great Recession is behind us…and he’s committed to moving forward … Hawaii Public Radio.

"We have started to turn the corner," Governor Neil Abercrombie said while delivering his State of the State address Monday at the State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Abercrombie pledged Monday to keep Hawaii on the path of economic recovery during his second State of the State address. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that he is asking state lawmakers for $10 million to consolidate all of Hawaii’s state technology under one office, and for another $2.9 million for the state’s Broadband Initiative. Pacific Business News.

In his State of the State address, Neil Abercrombie made sure the Hawaii Legislature — especially leaders Calvin Say and Shan Tsutsui — understands his gratitude. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie in his State of the State address Monday touched on one of Hawaii's hottest topics — sustainable and renewable energy. West Hawaii Today.

Governor Neil Abercrombie reiterated his request for the Hawaii State Teachers Association to provide a new proposal for a contract in his 2012 State Of The State Address Monday. KITV4.

Hawaii House Republicans Respond to Governor's State of the State. Hawaii Reporter.

One Year Later - 2011 State of the State Scorecard. Civil Beat.

Governor Neil Abercrombie delivered his second state of the state address this morning, touching upon early childhood education, investment in infrastructure and moving forward on the state’s broadband initiative. Maui Now.

A federal judge has issued preliminary injunction against the state of Hawaii for failing to process food stamp applications quickly enough. Civil Beat.

The state will provide seed money to help the Queen's Medical Center quickly launch an organ transplant facility to replace the one closed in the Hawaii Medical Center's bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court wants the state Reapportionment Commission to get out of court and get back to work, according to a tersely worded order filed Friday. West Hawaii Today.

The leader of Hawaii's teachers union said Monday he should have given members more time to consider a six-year proposed contract they overwhelmingly rejected last week, and has been "humbled" by the vote. Star-Advertiser.

"I cannot think of a single thing we did not do to try to accommodate the concerns of the teachers union in this agreement," Gov. Neil Abercrombie said at a press conference last week about the vote by Hawaii teachers to reject a tentative contract with the state. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is calling the first year of the state's ignition interlock law a success. Tribune-Herald.

State roundup for January 24. Associated Press.
Oahu


The half-percent excise tax surcharge levied on Oahu residents and visitors has brought in more than $810 million so far to fund the Honolulu rail project, with collections continuing to run ahead of projections, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Paychecks for workers in Honolulu fall somewhere in the middle when compared to 405 other metropolitan areas in the nation. Pacific Business News.

A woman who said she lost her job with the city for blowing the whistle on wrongdoing nearly ten years ago has been awarded a $2.8 million settlement by the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

A 2010 report commissioned by the Department of Environmental Services shows the city could recuperate tens of millions of dollars every year by charging Oahu residents for regular trash pickup. KHON2.

Hawaii

Seven Hawaii County Council candidates have so far filed declarations of intent to seek public funding as the second election year of the three-election-cycle pilot program begins. West Hawaii Today.

Hunters and their supporters took to a Hilo street Monday to protest a state plan to ban hunting within 4,800 acres of public forest located south of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Students attending summer classes at the University of Hawaii Maui College will benefit from a reduction in tuition, following action taken by the university's Board of Regents last week on Kauai. Maui News.

The last in a series of community outreach meetings hosted by the Maui Charter Commission takes place this Wednesday in Pukalani. Maui Now.

Maui County could streamline the way it grants millions of dollars to nonprofit agencies and eliminate the volunteer Grants Review Committee under changes being considered by the administration and County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. will hold two community outreach meetings this week. Star-Advertiser.

An update on the Victim Witness Program requested by the Kaua‘i County Council to the Office of Prosecuting Attorney last week turned into a heated, four-hour discussion, marked by the recusal of one council member and repeated interruptions for discussions with attorneys. Garden Island.

More than two dozen people spent a couple of hours removing two large chunks of derelict netting which washed ashore during the recent storm at a Wailua beach. Garden Island.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Hawaii Legislature opens to budget challenge, Hawaii County mayor signs bag ban bill, prison reforms could save money, OT killing pension plan, Honolulu Zoo needs more space for elephants, teachers union faces contract ratification, Kauai's Coco Palms in tatters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
The state Legislature plans a low-key opening day today while lawmakers look ahead to serious issues facing them during the 2012 session, such as economic recovery plans, job growth and funding for medical services. Associated Press.

State lawmakers will open a new session of the state Legislature this morning with brief speeches and little other fanfare, as they take a no-frills approach given the state's uncertain economic recovery. Star-Advertiser.

This time last year, lawmakers and the Abercrombie administration were scrambling for ways to shore up a nearly $850 million deficit that eventually swelled to $1.3 billion. Civil Beat.

Members of the Senate Majority Caucus unveiled their priorities today for the 2012 Legislative Session. Maui Now.

The board that oversees Hawaii's retirement system for state and county workers is unanimously backing a proposal to limit the amount of overtime and other nonbase pay used to calculate pensions for all employees, not just future hires. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to reform overtime rules for Hawaii public pensions didn't get any blowback Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs saw their paychecks go up at the start of the current fiscal year — their third consecutive annual raise. Civil Beat.

The state could save more than $108 million over six years and eliminate the need to send prisoners to the mainland, according to an independent study that seeks to make Hawaii's criminal justice system more efficient. Star-Advertiser.

A national non-partisan research and policy analysis group completed a 7-month study of Hawai’i’s Criminal Justice System today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed changes to Hawaii’s criminal justice system that would speed the release of numerous accused and convicted criminals from jails and prisons were outlined today at the state Capitol. Hawaii Reporter.

The Army will keep its force level about the same in Asia and the Pacific as the service looks to make cuts elsewhere, the chief of staff of the Army said. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission and the chief elections officer filed a motion for reconsideration on January 13, asking the Hawaii Supreme Court to review its January 6 ruling, which said the commission’s redistricting plan is “constitutionally invalid.” Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association has vowed to withdraw its labor case against the state if teachers ratify a collective bargaining agreement reached earlier this month. Civil Beat.

As teachers prepare to vote Thursday on a proposed six-year contract, some are troubled about the deal, which includes a move in July 2013 to a performance-based compensation system that rewards "effective" teachers with raises. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's public school teachers are doing some math to figure out if their six-year tentative agreement adds up to a better deal than the state's imposed contract. Hawaii News Now.

The head of Hawaii's public schools is hopeful a new contract with teachers will be enough to remove Hawaii off the "high risk" list for Race for The Top grant money. KITV4.

On Thursday afternoon, Hawaii's public school teachers will head to polling sites across the state to vote on a new contract. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii wants an extra $15 million from the Legislature, in part for exceeding most of its performance goals. Civil Beat.

State roundup for January 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

An Oahu boat harbor damaged by the tsunami spawned by the March 11 earthquake in Japan will be getting more than $1.4 million in repairs. KHON2.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority is moving ahead on a long-stalled retail and residential high rise planned for the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Ward Avenue. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Zoo took the No. 10 spot at In Defense of Animals' 2011 list of the "10 Worst Zoos for Elephants" on Monday. KITV4.

Hawaii

Hawaii County on Tuesday became the third county in the state to ban plastic bags at the retail checkout, when Mayor Billy Kenoi signed a bill putting the process into motion. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County has joined its two Neighbor Island counterparts in outlawing businesses' long-standing practice of providing free plastic shopping bags at the checkout line. Tribune-Herald.

Alternative building materials, such as structural bamboo, rammed earth and straw bales, have found a place in the international building code and the building codes of Hawaii and many other states. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Board of Education has given itself one week to issue a decision concerning the disagreement between Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School and its state oversight panel, which has said it intends to delay the opening of the school. Tribune-Herald.

A $5 million to $10 million roadway project on Kaiminani Drive could get under way by the second half of this year, the project's manager said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than two dozen Hana residents reacted with enthusiasm and hope in helping shape an income initiative aimed at improving the economic well-being of Native Hawaiians in the area. Maui Now.

Lindsey says she’s set to be sworn in for OHA vacancy. Maui News.

Isle couple sue lender, cite unfair, deceptive practices. Maui News.

Kauai

One of Hawai‘i’s more cherished landmarks, Coco Palms Resort in Wailua, has gone from hero to villain in the last 20 years. Garden Island.

PAHIO Development announced Tuesday that asbestos mitigation activities will begin this month at Lihu‘e Sugar Mill, to be followed by the mill’s demolition, tentatively scheduled Feb. 20. Garden Island.

Molokai

The U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary security zone for when an American Safari Cruises tour returns to Molokai this weekend. Associated Press.