Hawaii recycling fee to drop, state sheriff and deputy on leave per investigation, state workers still accepting free golf, lobbying laws lax on Maui, Ige creates task force to address Honolulu homeless, Hawaii County buys land to fix 15-year-old error, Kaui to learn about Roundup, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Plastic HI-5 bottles await recycling © 2015 All Hawaii News

People aren’t returning their HI-5 bottles and cans as often as they used to, so the state is trimming a half-cent off its administrative fee. West Hawaii Today.

Spurred by falling recycling rates, the state Department of Health announced Monday it will reduce the container fee it charges to manufacturers, distributors and importers of HI-5 beverage containers by a half-cent effective Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety has confirmed that State Sheriff Robin Nagamine and First Deputy Patrick Lee have been placed on “unspecified leave.”  Star-Advertiser.

Some state workers are continuing to accept free rounds of golf despite the Hawaii State Ethics Commission cracking down on the longstanding practice. Civil Beat.

During the 2013-2014 school year, there were 2,422 homeless students enrolled in the state Department of Education’s public and charter schools out of a total of 185,273 students, according to DOE spokeswoman Donalyn Dela Cruz. Star-Advertiser.

Federal regulators have collected more than 475 written testimonies about a proposal that would shed Hawaii’s humpback whales of their endangered species status. Garden Island.

Oahu

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is creating a new team of city, state and federal representatives to tackle homelessness in the state. Associated Press.

City and state officials do not plan a huge sweep of Kakaako’s expanding homeless encampment and instead will slowly find alternate housing for a few occupants living on the outer edges, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday at an unusual joint news conference with Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige announced Monday that he was launching an “unprecedented” effort to address the state’s growing homeless problem. Civil Beat.

Governor David Ige announced Monday his office has created a leadership team to address homelessness that will work in collaboration with federal and county partners to establish "best practices" for assisting the variety of needs and the complexity of housing the state's growing homeless population. Hawaii News Now.

There are more than 13-thousand homeless residents in the state according to the Department of Human Services.   The Governor announced a major effort to address this growing problem. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency started the day Monday by recovering USS Oklahoma “unknowns” from Punchbowl cemetery, and followed that up by dedicating a new $85 million facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty-six caskets draped in the American flag arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Sunday evening.  Inside, the remains of Marines who lost their lives in the battle of Tarawa some 70 years ago. KITV4.

Pumped hydro storage has potential on Oahu. It works by using cheap solar energy during the day to pump water uphill to a reservoir, and then releases that water at night, running down a pipe, turning a turbine and making electricity. Pacific Business News.

Ben Jay accumulated an average of more than $13,200 per month in bonuses during his tenure as the University of Hawaii’s athletic director and was due a lump sum $370,000 bonus payment upon his departure under terms of his 2012 contract, records show. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council is trying to settle a lawsuit over a 15-year-old Planning Department error by buying the disputed land. West Hawaii Today.

A new Department of Hawaiian Home Lands subdivision plan would make 80 agriculture lots in Panaewa available to beneficiaries, including residents of the Makuu Farm Lots who faced relocation due to lava. Tribune-Herald.

At the north end of Hilo Bayfront, next to Singing Bridge, sits Kaipalaoa Landing — a historic and often overlooked strip of land. By year’s end, however, the half-acre parcel — home to a small lighthouse — will undergo a $349,000 face-lift. Tribune-Herald.

Three young dolphins will be airborne between Dolphin Quest facilities in Waikoloa and Oahu, under a permit the company is seeking from the state Board of Agriculture. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Chair Mike White wants Mayor Alan Arakawa’s administration to breathe life into the county’s 34-year-old law requiring lobbyists to register. Civil Beat.

A public hearing will be held on a request for a special use permit and a conditional permit to allow for the development and operation of a transient camp in West Maui. Maui Now.

The developers of the proposed Ma'alaea Plantation subdivision have scaled back their plans from what had been the controversial Ohana Kai development, a 1,100-unit affordable home subdivision on 257 acres that command sweeping views of South Maui's coastline. Maui News.

Kauai

Strong reaction to proposed Haena changes. Master plan restricts daily number of visitors, cuts parking in half. Garden Island.

Kauai residents have three chances to catch a panel discussion about Roundup’s potential dangers featuring science and environmental health scholars from around the world. Garden Island.

Mauna Kea telescope protestors shut down state website, invasive fire ants spotted at Thirty Meter Telescope protest site, Hawaii could be first state to raise smoking age, Sea-Based X-Band Radar could move to mainland, Kalaupapa plan released, Maui mulls recycling, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea sunset in the clouds © 2015 All Hawaii News

Hawaii state government’s official website went down Sunday, along with the main site for the organization building the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea. A group of hackers associated with Anonymous claimed responsibility for the cyberattack that began at 9:21 a.m. and lasted for several hours. Civil Beat.

The hacking group Anonymous claimed responsibility today for shutting down the websites for the Thirty Meter Telescope and state of Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

The official website of the Hawaii state government was allegedly hacked by an online group opposed to construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea.  A Hawaii Community Affairs official confirms the telescope's website was hacked as well. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea protesters who want to stop the Thirty Meter Telescope apparently brought with them a potentially destructive force of a different kind — invasive ants. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents listened to more than four hours of testimony Sunday from speakers opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope, with many Native Hawaiians expressing their spiritual and cultural connection to Mauna Kea where the $1.4 billion observatory is planned to be built. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will meet again on Thursday, April 30 where they are expected to (again) take a position on the Thirty Meter Telescope planned for the summit area of Mauna Kea. OHA voted to support the project in the past, but with the emergence of a vocal and determined opposition from beneficiaries, the Board of Trustees is entertaining the demand to reconsider. Big Island Video News.

As protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope continue, many critics say they’re worried that the $1.4 billion project will damage Mauna Kea’s pristine environment. Thirteen observatories have already been built on the top of the state’s tallest mountain, but the TMT will be by far the largest. Once completed, the observatory and its support building will span 1.4 acres. Civil Beat.

Putting a stop to the Thirty Meter Telescope also would mean losing $1 million a year for Native Hawaiian scholarships and other programs provided by the project’s education fund, an issue that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board chairman is keeping in mind as the state agency faces pressure from protesters to change its endorsement. Tribune-Herald.

The author of a violent, profanity and hate-filled rant on Facebook that targeted supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island now says he's sorry. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would make Hawaii the first state to raise the legal smoking age to 21 cleared the Legislature on Friday and is headed to the governor. The bill would prevent adolescents from smoking, buying or possessing both traditional and electronic cigarettes. Associated Press.

There’s a proposal in the State Legislature that could ban something you probably have in your home. Lawmakers are pushing to ban the manufacture and sale of personal care products that contain synthetic plastic microbeads, saying they’re harmful to marine life, possibly even carcinogenic. KHON2.

It's the final rush in the Legislature, and major decisions are looming on several issues, including the Hawaii Health Connector. All state-run insurance exchanges are required to be financially sustainable this year, and the federal government has been in discussions with the state about whether the Health Connector will be partially taken over by federal officials. Associated Press.

Suzanne Case, who has been with The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii for 28 years, won confirmation from the Hawaii state Senate to serve as the chair of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Pacific Business News.

The Jones Act Pays Off — in Politics. The state’s delegation in Washington, D.C., enjoys outsized donations from maritime lobbyists, but several members told Civil Beat this doesn't affect their stances. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu's rail project faces a new challenge against its construction bid process, and the officials overseeing the project say this latest bid protest could create a ripple effect that might delay the project's completion and opening. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Fire Commission gave Fire Chief Manuel Neves an excellent rating on his annual performance evaluation despite ongoing tensions between the chief and the firefighters union. Star-Advertiser.

Some in Congress want to move the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, otherwise known as the floating golf ball, from Pearl Harbor to the East Coast to provide greater missile defense over the Atlantic and a hedge against attacks from Iran. Star-Advertiser.

More than 40 veterans have been in limbo because they haven't been able to use their Housing Choice vouchers, which would cover all or most of their rent, due to the lack of affordable housing in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A rekindled effort is underway to build homes with golf course views on a strip of land in Hawaii Kai once intended to become a city road. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The University of Hawaii at Hilo will receive $800,000 from the state Department of Transportation as part of the agreement forged around the widening of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

When it’s not an election year, only the most faithful of the party faithful show up for the convention, as was the case Saturday when the Hawaii County Democratic Party held its annual event. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Innocence Project has taken up the case of one of three men convicted for the 1991 rape and murder of Dana Ireland. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Dozens of Maui Meadows residents had expressed a willingness to pay an extra $5 or $6 per month to keep their curbside recycling program, but cost estimates released last month by the Maui County Solid Waste Division have some residents reconsidering. Maui News.

House Speaker Joe Souki said Friday afternoon that he was "very confident" a version of the much-debated, public-private partnership bill for Maui Memorial Medical Center and the Kula and Lanai Community hospitals would be passed by the state Legislature. Maui News.

Mike Atherton, owner of Maui Tropical Plantation, has big plans for the small town of Waikapu and is looking to build thousands of homes and businesses in the area over the next decade. Maui News.

A group of youth volunteers spent recent weeks planting thousands of native trees on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā as part of an effort aimed at restoring dryland habitat for endangered native plant and bird species including the Kiwikiu or Maui Parrotbill bird, which numbered only 500 at last report. Maui Now.

Kauai

Providing quality service under a balanced budget is the goal. Kauai County officials say they’re hashing out their proposed fiscal year 2016 budget with both of those components in mind, but with collective bargaining raises coming online, that task has been difficult — and will require that some positions go unfilled. Garden Island.

County of Kauai officials say rough portions of several highly traveled roads are scheduled to be smoothed out over the next two years as a part of a $3.5 million initiative to address those in most need. Garden Island.

Kauai North Shore Community Foundation member Lorraine Mull and others are pushing for a public middle and high school on the North Shore. There are elementary schools in Hanalei and Kilauea but no public school on the North Shore that goes beyond the sixth grade. Garden Island.

Island residents and visitors still have an opportunity to view rare prints of plants collected during Capt. James Cook’s first of three Pacific voyages. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Kalaupapa National Historical Park Draft General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement is now available for public review. Molokai Dispatch.

Inauguration Day: Ige sworn in as governor still seeking a Cabinet, Hawaii and Kauai counties seat councils, lava flow picks up steam, deadly pig virus confirmed, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige inauguration, courtesy photo

The wind-swept, cool afternoon on inauguration day was a dramatic change from the hot and dry outdoor ceremony four years ago that brought a new Hawaii governor into power. Star-Advertiser.

David Ige was sworn in as Hawaii’s eighth governor on Monday following a patriotic ceremony that culminated in a 19-cannon salute reverberating through the Capitol halls. Standing on a stage with Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, Ige introduced himself to the hundreds of people seated in the open-air rotunda. Civil Beat.

Democrat David Ige was sworn in Monday as Hawaii’s eighth governor, taking the oath of office in the state Capitol in a ceremony that featured hula dancers, conch calls and ukulele serenades. Associated Press.

Democrat David Ige was sworn in as the eighth Governor of Hawaii during an inauguration ceremony at the State Capitol Monday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Democrat David Ige was sworn in as Hawaii's eighth governor since statehood Monday, calling for members of his administration to work together to engage the public with the state government. Pacific Business News.

Hawai’i’s new Governor was sworn in today at the State Capitol. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi’s newly sworn in Governor, David Ige and Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui of Maui delivered their inaugural addresses at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol this afternoon. The theme, “Honoring the Past, and Charting a New Tomorrow,” was apparent as both honored their family history and spoke of their hopes for the next generation. Maui Now.

Hawaii entered a new era on Monday with a new leader in charge of our state. Gov. David Ige was sworn into office at noon Monday on the rotunda of the State Capitol. KHON2.

During Monday's inauguration celebration, David Ige talked about Hawaii's future years from now. The new governor also outlined what will happen in the next few weeks, after being on the job for just a few hours. KITV4.

Inauguration Day Slideshow: ‘I’m David Ige’ A day of pageantry and celebration unfolds at the Hawaii Capitol before the new governor gets down to the business of running state government. Civil Beat.

TRANSCRIPT: Ige's 2014 Inaugural Address. KITV4.

New Gov. David Ige plans to spend the next few days with his closest advisers looking over resumes and reviewing the state's fiscal situation as he fills out his Cabinet and puts together the executive budget to submit to the Legislature in three weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige had just two members of his cabinet in place as he took office Monday, far fewer than his predecessor, fellow Democrat Neil Abercrombie, had on board when he was sworn in four years ago. Hawaii News Now.

David Louie’s term at Hawaii’s attorney general ended when David Ige was sworn in as governor Monday at the State Capitol. David Louie is no longer Hawaii’s attorney general. Ige will not keep Louie in his cabinet, and instead will be relying upon Russell Suzuki on an interim basis until a successor is chosen. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige has selected Rachael Wong as the next director of the state Department of Human Services. Star-Advertiser.

Richard Rapoza, the longtime communications director for U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, starts a new job today as director of strategic communications for Hawaii Pacific University. Civil Beat.

Landlords’ Rejections Keep Hawaii Homeless on the Streets Longer. Many Hawaii property owners refuse to accept renters using vouchers from Housing First and Section 8 programs. Civil Beat.

The number of University of Hawaii freshmen taking 15 or more course credits has increased by 50 percent over the past three years — an improvement the university says will help more students graduate on time and enter the workforce more quickly. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The theft of the Honolulu police chief's mailbox not only brought allegations of undue influence after a crack police squad made an arrest, but also exposed a messy family financial dispute. Star-Advertiser.

A bill expanding the city's sit-lie ordinance into downtown Honolulu and 14 other business districts throughout Oahu will be signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials confirmed the first outbreak of a deadly pig virus on a farm on Oahu, Reuters reported on Monday. According to the state agriculture department, the outbreak of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, or PEDv, occurred on a farm with about 150 pigs, and about 25 percent have died. The state quarantined the infected farm, but officials are still uncertain how the virus arrived in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Friends of Hanauma Bay say the City has been mismanaging the nature preserve for years and they want the facility's budget separated from the general fund. Hawaii News Now.

The developer of a planned $500 million regional shopping center in Kapolei has signed a 65-year lease with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, overcoming a major hurdle for the ambitious project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Tears, joy, controversy and even silly hats marked the changing of the guard Monday, as three members of the County Council were replaced by newcomers eager to get on with the people’s work. West Hawaii Today.

After staying far upslope for the past two weeks, the lava flow advanced hastily over the weekend with a fresh ribbon of red molten rock establishing itself as its new front. Tribune-Herald.

An active lava breakout near an abandoned geothermal well has been declared the new flow front, a stream of lava that could threaten the Pahoa area in as soon as 12 days if it continues on its current pace. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to use an abandoned pipe to transport biofuel from ships docked at Hilo Harbor to a nearby storage facility will likely be approved after it cleared an environmental assessment. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui started a pilot project to encourage more recycling by offering curbside pickup, but the economics have not worked out. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lui Hokoana said he brings a "student-centered" philosophy, or one that "puts students first," to his role as the University of Hawaii Maui College's new chancellor. Maui News.

Kauai

It’s back to basics for the County of Kauai. That’s the common concept that Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and newly selected County Council Chair Mel Rapozo say is needed to heal past wounds, regain the trust of residents and strengthen community bonds. Garden Island.

Two staunch opponents of a controversial and yet-to-be-implemented county law that regulates some pesticide use and cultivation of genetically modified crops will lead the new Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Under the new Pay-as-You-Throw ordinance, which takes effect in July 2015, customers can choose between a 64- or 96-gallon cart for their automated curbside refuse collection. These options are available to customers who have 96-gallon carts, as well as to the 9,000 residents around the island who will begin to receive the automated service come July. Garden Island.

The County Planning Director can be subpoenaed for deposition as a witness in a civil matter, even if the county was already dismissed as a defendant in a negligence case brought by former Hanalei boatyard owner Michael Sheehan against his neighbors. Garden Island.

Cesspool rules in limbo, OHA chair and UH Cancer Center head step down, Kauai dairy farm wins approval, agencies seek FEMA funds in lava disaster, Maui ends Kihei curbside recycling, rail speeds up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hibiscus blooms along Hawaii coast © 2014 All Hawaii News

Responding to public opposition, the state Department of Health dramatically watered down its proposed rules phasing out cesspools, but it’s unknown if Gov. Neil Abercrombie will sign the package before he leaves office Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Colette Machado announced Tuesday that she would step down as chairperson of the nine-member board when the new panel takes office in December. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Inc., the largest ocean cargo transportation company in the state, announced Tuesday that freight rates to and from Hawaii will rise an average 5.4 percent effective Jan. 4. Star-Advertiser.

A strong flow of recovery and reconstruction supplies through Hilo Harbor kept Young Brothers shipping totals on the rise at that port, even as other maritime entry points around the neighbor islands saw cargo volume slip 2.1 percent in the third quarter. West Hawaii Today.

Texas-based Blue Jay Wireless, has received so much government money through the federal Lifeline cellphone program over the past year that the former head of the state Public Utilities Commission is calling for an investigation. Civil Beat.

Michele Carbone, the embattled leader of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center who resigned on Friday, has issued a detailed account of his triumphs while director of the center. Civil Beat.

A report by the Center for Disease Control found that lax security measures and a number of safety hazards at the University of Hawaii's biolab. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii State Rep. Bob McDermott is slamming the University of Hawaii over its refusal to disclose data collected from middle school students during a controversial sex education program. Hawaii Reporter.

A state employee has been charged with felony theft after an act she allegedly committed while working for the governor. Authorities said Roxanne Kamalu used a computer in September 2013 to spend hundreds of dollars in state money for personal benefit. KHON2.

Opinion: Why is Medical Marijuana Legal Only for Green Thumbs? Fifteen years after its approval, Hawaii’s process is changing. But that won't necessarily make it any easier for patients to get their medicine. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former banker Roy Amemiya Jr., once praised by politicians and civil servants for helping maintain the integrity of city government, is back at Hono­lulu Hale, this time as Mayor Kirk Caldwell's second-in-command. Star-Advertiser.

Lanes in sections of H-1 and H-2 near Leeward Community College will be closed at night beginning next week as workers begin building a section of Honolulu's $5.16 billion elevated rail guideway that will connect Waipahu to Pearl City, officials with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said. Pacific Business News.

Another round of partial freeway closures is slated to begin next week — this time for construction of the rail guideway overpass. Star-Advertiser.

Starting Monday the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (Hart) will start the most dramatic piece of construction along the 20 mile rail route and with it there will be considerable traffic impacts. Hawaii News Now.

Removal of a filthy water feature at Chinatown's Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park should be completed by the end of November, giving hope to residents that the work will eliminate an unhealthy and unsafe haven in the neighborhood and draw more people to the Hawaii Theatre next door. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Community Development Authority met one last time before the new Governor takes office and approved the development of two high rise towers in Kaka’ako. Hawaii Public Radio.

Attorney General's Office staffers armed with a search warrant seized records from the financially ailing Halau Lokahi Public Charter School on Tuesday for an investigation into expenditures. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Lava that recently was threatening homes and a nearly $4 million waste transfer station continued to cool Tuesday as Hawaii County prepared to reopen a closed section of Pahoa Village Road in time for Thanksgiving. Tribune-Herald.

Eight applications have been submitted by qualifying organizations and state and county agencies seeking federal reimbursement for protective actions taken or planned in response to the June 27 lava flow ahead of the Dec. 3 deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Maui County announced that its pilot "3 Can Plan" curbside recycling project in Kihei will end Feb. 1 after a 2year run. Maui News.

Future plans for Pāʻani Mai Park in Hāna, Maui, will be the focus of discussion for an upcoming meeting hosted by the Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawaii Dairy Farms has been awarded building permits for its proposed $17.5 million, 578-acre dairy in the Mahaulepu Valley. Garden Island.

A planned Kauai dairy has received building permit approval from the county. Hawaii Dairy Farms announced Tuesday the state Department of Health has completed its review, which allowed for the approval of the building permits. Associated Press.

A county employee has filed a civil complaint against the County of Kauai, alleging retaliation and violations of the whistleblower’s act. Garden Island.

The old pavilion/comfort station at Hanamaulu Beach Park is scheduled for demolition starting at 8:30 a.m. today and is expected to be completed by the end of the day. Garden Island.

University of Hawaii plans no tuition hike, Aloha Petroleum sold, Honolulu police chief denies special treatment, plastic bag ban signed, lava slows, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii Manoa campus © 2014 All Hawaii News

The University of Hawaii has come up with a draft operating budget that assumes zero tuition increases over the next two fiscal years, but officials say the decision to adjust tuition up or down won't happen until May, after the Legislature finalizes the state's budget. Star-Advertiser.

No More PLDCs: Hawaii’s Top Gov Candidates Talk Development. Mufi Hannemann, David Ige and Duke Aiona share ideas on tackling the housing shortage, preserving farmland and improving land use controls. Civil Beat.

State Sen. David Ige, asked on Thursday evening whether he has the leadership ability and charisma to inspire Hawaii as governor, said his nearly three decades in the Legislature and private sector experience have prepared him. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Petroleum Ltd., which markets 100 Shell, Aloha and Mahalo branded gas stations and operates 44 Aloha Island Mart convenience stores statewide, is being purchased by a mainland partnership for $240 million. Star-Advertiser.

The sale of Hawaii’s Aloha Petroleum to Houston, Texas-based Susser Petroleum Partners is good news for the state, according to a couple of industry consultants. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The City and County of Honolulu moved one step closer to an outright ban on all plastic shopping bags today. A bill was signed into law at Ala Moana Beach Park and will strengthen the plastic ban when it’s implemented next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

The bill the Mayor signed today (Bill 38, CD2) amends a law enacted in 2012 under the previous mayoral administration (Ordinance 12-8), implementing a ban on plastic and non-recyclable paper bags set to take effect July 1, 2015. Hawaii Independent.

When someone stole Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha's mailbox in Kahala last year, the HPD turned to its crime reduction unit to make the arrest. What's raising questions is that the department sent at least six officers for what appears to be a minor crime and that the man arrested is an uncle of the chief's wife, who's involved in a financial dispute with her. Hawaii News Now.

Blue Angels practice triggers noise complaints, flight delays. KHON2.

Zip line planned for Waikiki resort. An activities company wants to establish a high-flying ride over a public beachside lagoon. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Publications Inc., publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, is launching a new publication called Metro on Wednesday. The free community newspaper will be distributed weekly to downtown Honolulu, Nuuanu, Kakaako, Manoa and McCully.

Hawaii

Tourism is booming in Kohala, one of several bits of good news economist Jack Suyderhoud highlighted Thursday during the 40th annual First Hawaiian Bank Economic economic outlook forum. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai'i County Civil Defense officials say Thursday morning's assessment shows the leading surface edge of the Puna lava flow is still inactive and has not advanced since Wednesday. They say the flow front remains approximately 100 yards wide. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Education on Thursday announced a plan to build an alternate classroom site for elementary school students and teachers in Pahoa who may be displaced by lava. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Environmentalists and sustainability advocates are hoping to move the county more toward a zero waste policy, but council members are uncertain how such a move would affect the administration's recently signed contract with Anaergia Inc. to build a waste-to-energy facility. Maui News.

Kauai

A homeless man who struck a man who was harassing his wife received a $1 fine for a violation on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. Garden Island.

A post-Inouye Hawaii Democratic Party, UH Manoa chancellor Apple ousted, Kauai GMO rules hearing Tuesday, Maui mayor candidate tased, arrested, property tax shock on Oahu, state tops in solar power, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie campaigning ©2014 All Hawaii News

Primary voters will help direct the course of state Democratic Party politics in August in the first election since the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, the dominant figure in Hawaii's political culture for half a century. Star-Advertiser.

How Did the ‘New Day in Hawaii’ Plan Work Out? Four years ago Neil Abercrombie outlined a vision for the state. Civil Beat analyzes whether the governor delivered.

Hawaii now has more solar power per person than any other state in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Public elementary schools across the state will see around 5,500 fewer kindergartners this upcoming school year, beginning Friday when a new law goes into effect. Maui News.

It’s a pivotal time in history for Native Hawaiians and an unprecedented number of candidates want to be a part of it. Events coalescing around the state have brought a dramatic increase in candidates seeking a seat on the board of trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. West Hawaii Today.

The Army in Hawaii has landed Black Hawk and Kiowa Warrior helicopters on the decks of underway Navy ships in the past as the land service seeks to prove its sea-based flexibility. Star-Advertiser.

Matson Navigation Co. Inc., Hawaii’s largest cargo container shipping company, will pay $9.95 million as part of a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Illinois freight consultant Mario Rizzo. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Two years into what was supposed to be a five-year appointment, University of Hawaii at Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple will be removed from the position, but he may remain at UH as a professor, sources told Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Hall, where the office of the University of Hawaii's Manoa chancellor is located, was closed for the weekend, but it's been anything but quiet among the allies of Tom Apple. Hawaii News Now.

After just over two years on the job, University of Hawaii at Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple will soon be leaving his position as chancellor at the university, according to sources familiar with the situation. Several sources told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that Apple's ouster as chancellor is imminent, but the UH administration said in a statement Sunday that Apple is still chancellor.

Opinion: What’s the Story Behind Tom Apple’s Ouster as UH Chancellor? UH officials should be forthcoming about why the chancellor has been canned just a few weeks after new president takes over. Civil Beat.

Glass in the trash. A lack of funding for recycling non-Hi5 glass has forced businesses to begin throwing their wine and spirit bottles out with the trash. Hawaii Independent.

The Honolulu City Council’s District 6 covers much of Oahu’s urban core — including downtown Honolulu and a portion of the up-and-coming Kakaako — so it’s not surprising that high-profile issues such as homelessness, development and affordable housing are at play in the four-way Council race. Civil Beat.

This fall, Oahu is poised to be the first place in the United States where electricity generated by ocean waves is connected to a power grid — a milestone in the budding wave energy industry, officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Property valuations by city spur disbelief, derision. Shocked homeowners complain the numbers are way off and their tax bills are unreasonably high. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Thirty Meter Telescope cleared its last major hurdle Friday. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources dismissed the remaining contested case hearing requests for the $1.3 billion project’s sublease, allowing construction to begin on Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

A final environmental assessment released last week found no significant impacts to a proposed project that aims to improve access from the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority to Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Kona International Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

State Sen. David Ige stopped by a luncheon for seniors Saturday at the Grand Wai­lea Resort in Kihei, Maui. He and his wife, Dawn, met in the afternoon with women who support his Demo­cratic primary campaign for governor at Cafe o' Lei at the Dunes at Maui Lani here. Star-Advertiser.

Maui mayoral candidate Beau Hawkes was arrested and released on bail after an encounter with police that resulted in him being tazed and handcuffed in Wailuku Town. Maui Now.

A bill seeking a ban on the use and sale of polystyrene disposable food service containers in Maui County comes up for review before a council committee on Monday. Maui Now.

One day after a Maui County Council committee deferred a citizen's initiative that calls for a temporary moratorium on genetically engineered crops, Mayor Alan Arakawa said at a Maui Chamber of Commerce luncheon Friday that he, personally, believes genetically modified organisms are not harmful. Maui News.

Maui County voters will cast ballots in November on a proposal to impose a moratorium on the cultivation of genetically engineered organisms. Associated Press.

The state has released $3.5 million to renovate University of Hawaii Maui College student housing and transform the former Hale Haumana into the Hospitality Academy of Maui, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Office of Economic Development will hold a public hearing on draft rules that could be utilized to implement Ordinance 960. The ordinance was passed by the County Council in November 2013 to govern genetically modified organisms and pesticide use by large ag companies on Kauai. The hearing is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

Three candidates in Kauai County's mayoral race strongly oppose operations of seed companies on the lush island, while incumbent Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. seeks to strike a balance between the community and the biotech industry. Star-Advertiser.

A French battery maker has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative to provide a battery energy storage system for the Lihue-based utility’s $54 million, 12-megawatt Anahola Solar project, which started construction late last month. Pacific Business News.

The general partners of early-stage investment fund mbloom and the president of the Hawaii State Development Corporation addressed questions from the local tech community regarding conflict of interest in a town hall meeting at Box Jelly in Kakaako on Thursday night. Pacific Business News.

Plans for a Kauai dairy farm are being modified in response to odor and other environmental concerns. Hawaii Dairy Farms modified its application to the state Department of Health, with plans for starting on a smaller scale with 650-699 cows, backers announced Friday. Associated Press.

HI-5 recycling programs suspended, marijuana dispensaries mulled, Honolulu Hale could move to Kapolei, Kaui chamber hopes to limit charter petitions, Honolulu police problems, Hawaii County building inspector dinged for ethics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii HI-5 recycling © 2014 All Hawaii News 

The state’s largest beverage container recycler Reynolds Recycling will not be collecting bottles and cans beginning Thursday, and there is no definite date on when it can resume. Reynolds says the state owes the company more than a million dollars, and without that money it cannot keep most of its staff on the job, about 100 people. That means no one will be manning the 40 redemption centers statewide on Thursday. KHON2.

The 21 members of the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Task Force met for the first time Tuesday to begin the work of developing recommendations to the 2015 Legislature for establishing a medical marijuana distribution system. Without dispensaries, patients must grow it themselves, have a caregiver to grow it for them or obtain it illegally. There are 13,000 people registered for the state medical marijuana program — among the first in the nation when formed 14 years ago. Star-Advertiser.

At the capitol, a series of public meetings began Wednesday so lawmakers can learn more about why Hawaii Health Systems Corp. is facing a $48 million shortfall. KITV4.

Federal hearings that began this week about a future relationship with a potential Native Hawaiian government have tapped deep emotions — spurring anger and fury among hundreds who have testified. But the first four sessions have also raised concern that not all Native Hawaiian views are being reflected in the process. Star-Advertiser.

A state senator is calling for lawmakers to override a potential veto by Gov. Neil Abercrombie on a bill requiring more financial disclosures from people serving on more than a dozen state boards and commissions. But Republican Sen. Sam Slom said Wednesday he doubts his colleagues will be inclined to override a veto even though the bill unanimously passed the Senate and House. Associated Press.

The waters off Hawaii Island are home to a half-million brightly-colored tropical fish that are scooped up into nets each year and flown across the globe into aquariums from Berlin to Boston. Scientists say the aquarium fishery off the Big Island is among the best managed in the world, but it has nevertheless become the focus of a fight over whether it's ever appropriate to remove fish from reefs for people to look at and enjoy. Associated Press.

Oahu

A measure now moving through the City Council would require the administration to study the feasibility of moving the City and County of Honolulu's seat of government — the familiar California-Spanish building on King and Punchbowl streets — to spacious new digs in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

A bill adding bags described as biodegradable and compostable to the list of plastic bags that retailers cannot give to Oahu customers starting in 2015 continues to move through the Hono­lulu City Council. Bill 38 advanced out of the Public Works and Sustainability Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Councilman Stanley Chang is behind a bill to ban foam food containers for environmental reasons. But the bill's opponents insist most containers are burned at HPOWER and don't go to the landfill. Hawaii News Now.

In June 2013, the Honolulu Police Department paid $238,988  for 12 automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) to help it recover stolen cars and solve other crimes. A year later, the department is still assessing the effectiveness of its purchase, and there are concerns about whether the technology is spying on innocent citizens under the guise of law enforcement. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu Police officer has been indicted on multiple federal charges. According to police sources, Roddy Tsunezumi was involved in an elaborate scheme involving stolen cars. Hawaii News Now.

Chimpanzees at the Honolulu Zoo will be kept in a pen near their sleeping quarters until an investigation is done into how one of the primates escaped from the exhibit for a short time Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The latest piece of a master-planned community of residential towers by Kamehameha Schools in Kakaako has been fleshed out with details that include a putting green, guest suites and unit prices projected to start at $900,000. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii developers the Kobayashi Group and The MacNaughton Group have received approval from the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board to move ahead with its Vida at 888 Ala Moana luxury condominium high-rise on a 3.5-acre site in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

As the state's largest private landowner, Kamehameha Schools prides itself as a good steward of its land and natural resources. But just several hundred yards from its flagship Kapalama Heights campus, an illegal dump site has been discovered. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii
A county construction inspector who became too involved in a Holualoa neighborhood dispute was found Wednesday to have violated the county ethics code. West Hawaii Today.

Puna County Council candidate and former Councilwoman Emily Naeole gave the Board of Ethics a piece of her mind Wednesday after the board voted it had no jurisdiction over an ethics complaint against her. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is drafting a request for proposals for a study on whether geothermal development in Puna is having an impact on the health of residents. The study is one of the recommendations made by the Geothermal Public Health Assessment Study Group in its report to the county last year. Tribune-Herald.

The Environmental Protection Agency is giving Puna Geothermal Venture another month to respond to a report that alleged Clean Air Act violations. The 14 violations cited in the April report apply to the act’s general duty clause and risk management program requirements. Tribune-Herald.

A plan to recommission the Lalamilo wind farm to power county water wells could save ratepayers $1 million a year. A draft environmental assessment released this month found no significant impacts to repowering the old South Kohala site with five Vestas 660 kilowatt wind turbine generators. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaii’s rising movement against genetically modified farming has seen successes in Kauai County and Hawaii County, but the latest proposal in Maui County will test how far residents are willing to go to get rid of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Maui County Council — which represents Maui, Molokai and Lanai — recently began considering the county’s first-ever citizens initiative, which seeks to temporarily ban genetically modified farming until biotechnology companies pay for a study to analyze its health effects. Civil Beat.

A Maui man who sued the county then attempted to run for mayor was blocked from the race Wednesday because of how he filed financial disclosure statements. Associated Press.

Judge Peter Cahill today ruled to uphold the invalidation of Neldon Mamuad’s mayoral nomination, which the County Clerk’s office had determined was incomplete. Maui Now.

Second Circuit Judge Peter Cahill disqualified Neldon Mamuad as a candidate for mayor on Wednesday afternoon. Maui News.

A Final Environmental Impact Statement for proposed ferry pier improvements at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor will be discussed during a public informational meeting on Wednesday, July 2, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Chamber of Commerce hopes to succeed where the County Charter Review Commission did not. It wants to quadruple the number of signatures required to put a proposed amendment to the Kauai County Charter to a public vote. And it’s organizing a petition drive to do just that, one week after the review commission killed off similarly proposed legislation. Garden Island.

Officials from the state’s public health care provider say they are working to develop financial plans to stabilize operations on Kauai and reverse the region’s cash-strapped path. What that could mean, however, are cuts or consolidations in services and medical staff, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation officials from Kauai acknowledged to state lawmakers. Garden Island.

A NASA flying saucer designed to test Mars lander technology could be launched on Earth this weekend. Associated Press.

Molokai

For the first time as the state’s new Department of Health (DOH) Director, Dr. Linda Rosen visited the Kalaupapa settlement last week and was warmly welcomed by residents. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie lagging in poll, painkiller shortage on Hawaii Island, PAC apologizes to Honolulu mayor candidate to settle lawsuit, fishermen contemplate strike, Navy confirms Red Hill leaks, changes coming to teacher evaluations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

David Ige, Neil Abercrombie © 2014 All Hawaii News

Less than two months before the Aug. 9 primary for Hawaii governor, state Sen. David Ige leads Gov. Neil Abercrombie by 11 percentage points among likely Democratic voters. Ige has 48 percent of the vote compared with 37 percent for Abercrombie. Civil Beat.

Shan Tsutsui has a 12 percentage point lead over Clayton Hee in the Democratic lieutenant governor primary, according to a new Civil Beat Poll.

Cashing In: Tsutsui Taps Maui, New Role as Hawaii Lt. Gov. for Big Bucks. Tsutsui leads challenger Clayton Hee in fundraising, but he has less in the bank, according to the latest campaign spending reports. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz outspent other Hawaii political candidates for a second week in a row, buying 1,088 spots that began June 2 and will run until the Aug. 9 primary at a total cost of $321,370. Schatz is the only candidate besides Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui to have already bought ad space into July and  August. Civil Beat.

HSAC courtesy photo

Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative has a goal of achieving a 70 percent reduction of power generated by fossil fuel by the year 2030.  Where we are and how far we have to go was the focus today of a panel discussion at the Hawai’i State Association of Councils annual conference. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz wants an investigation into allegations that staff members at the delay-plagued U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Hawaii were ordered to "cook the books" regarding patients' appointments. Star-Advertiser.

Senator Brian Schatz has asked the Department of Veterans Affairs to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Hawaii VA healthcare system, including accusations that administrators asked hospital staffers to delete computer data regarding patient wait times. Hawaii News Now.

A state agency is seeking approval for a program that proposes to make it easier for lower-income homeowners, landlords and nonprofits, among other groups, to install photovoltaic systems. West Hawaii Today.

Calling its teacher evaluation system too complicated and "too one-size-fits-all," the state Department of Education on Thursday announced more than a dozen changes to essentially cut in half the workload required to prepare for and perform the annual reviews, which teachers and principals have bemoaned since the rollout last fall. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education is making 18 major changes to the new teacher evaluation system that officials say will significantly reduce its burden on educators and improve teaching quality by focusing on the instructors most in need of a boost. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Bob McDermott and parents of children in Hawaii’s middle schools were successful in persuading the Department of Education to revise the most contentious portions of a controversial sex-education curriculum. Hawaii Reporter.

Faced with soaring business expenses and soft wholesale fish prices, some struggling commercial fishermen are considering going on strike. About thirty captains and owners of longline fishing vessels met Wednesday to discuss a potential stoppage. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Pacific Resource Partnership, a consortium of union carpenters and private contractors that aimed a relentless barrage of negative advertising at former Gov. Ben Cayetano during his unsuccessful campaign for mayor in 2012, has agreed to apologize to Cayetano. The message, which will be published Sunday in a half-page ad in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, settles a defamation lawsuit Cayetano brought against PRP in the weeks before his election loss. Star-Advertiser.

The combination of an annual rate adjustment that went into effect this month and higher fuel prices incurred by Hawaiian Electric Co. will increase the bill on Oahu for a typical household using 600 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month to $216.08 from $210.28 in the previous month, Hawaiian Electric Co. said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Workers with Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. installed the 100th column Thursday on Honolulu's $5.16 billion rail project, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said. Pacific Business News.

The Navy has confirmed finding leaks in a storage tank in Red Hill that may have released an estimated 27,000 gallons of jet fuel in January, touching off more concern about the impact on nearby drinking-water wells. Star-Advertiser.

Iolani Palace has entered the bottled water business with its own Mauliola Hawaiian Premium Deep Ocean Water. Officials say the name comes from the Hawaiian Goddess of Health. KITV4.

After hearing emotional pleas from parents, students and staff, the Public Charter School Commission postponed a decision on whether to recommend closing Halau Lokahi until the debt-ridden charter school produces a new financial plan. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is slashing a subsidy to recyclers that is funded by what’s called the advance deposit fee or ADF, and as a result of the cutback, recyclers can’t afford to do the job of taking in and shipping out the bottles and jars.Nearly 100 tons of glass a week on Oahu could be heading to the trash heap, in what could be the biggest setback since recycling programs in Hawaii began. KHON2.

The city has issued 278 violation notices and 24 fines against property owners for leaving beds, sofas and other bulky-item trash on sidewalk areas since May 2013, when enforcement of a 2010 ordinance first began. Star-Advertiser.

Star Advertiser credit card breach could impact hundreds, if not thousands, of customers. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

Hawaii's Board of Land and Natural Resources is set to make a key decision on the future of a giant telescope. The state board is scheduled to vote on the sublease for the Thirty Meter Telescope on Friday. Associated Press.

Attempts to curb abuse of prescription pain medication appear to be hindering legitimate patients from getting the relief they need, according to Big Island health care professionals.Tribune-Herald.

There’s no question Americans are using too many prescription painkillers, according to state Sen. Josh Green, D-Kona, Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

The USNS Navajo, a 216-foot Powhatan-class fleet ocean tug, visited waters off the Kona Coast this week to conduct training. The Navajo was here Wednesday and Thursday in support of the Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, said U.S. Navy spokesman Bill Doughty. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Startup turboprop operation 'Ohana by Hawaiian is expanding to Maui. Hawaiian Airlines, which has contracted Idaho-based Empire Airlines to run 'Ohana using 48-seat ATR-42 twin-engine aircraft, will begin offering daily flights next month from Kahului to Molokai, Kona and Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

A $5.1 million classroom  expansion project at Maui Waena Intermediate School is scheduled to break ground next week after several delays, Representative Justin Woodson of Maui announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Six potential launch dates. Six days of uncooperative wind conditions. No test flight. Despite the missed opportunity, NASA is regrouping and hopes to have LDSD — a saucer-shaped experimental flight vehicle designed to test new Mars landing technologies — off the ground by month’s end. Garden Island.

The phones are ringing off the hook and the wait lists are growing at preschools on Kauai. Garden Island.

Molokai
State and federal energy officials got a clear message from Molokai residents who voiced their continued opposition to a potential undersea transmission cable in Hawaii that would transport energy interisland. Molokai Dispatch.

Same-sex marriage advances in Hawaii, police boss under fire for anti-gay marriage remarks, audit again slams recycling program, Hawaii tax program millions in overruns, more GMO, $10 milk on Maui, Big Island council balks at diluting Sunshine Law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu gay rights rally file photo (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Two state House committees sent a bill that would legalize gay marriage to the full chamber Tuesday night, ending a five-day public hearing that exposed deep divisions in Hawaii on an issue being considered across the United States. Members of the House Judiciary and Finance committees voted for the bill after hearing more than 55 hours of public testimony, leading to alterations in the measure. Associated Press.

The state House is preparing to take a critical procedural vote today on a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry but would expand a religious exemption. Several lawmakers are expected to push for amendments that would broaden the religious exemption even further, which, if successful, could put the House version of the bill in sharp conflict with the Senate's and possibly prolong the legislative special session. Star-Advertiser.

Same-sex marriage legislation finally cleared another major hurdle. Despite 55-plus hours of oral testimony, most of it weighted heavily in opposition, two Hawaii House committees passed Senate Bill 1 Tuesday by a comfortable margin. The Judiciary Committee passed the bill 8-5. The Finance Committee passed it 10-7. Civil Beat.

Today the joint House committees recommended to pass SB1 out of committee with amendments. The joint House committee hearing on SB1 (between the Judiciary and Finance committees) recommended to pass SB1 back to the full house today but with three amendments. Hawaii Independent.

A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii has passed through a House joint committee. Senate Bill 1 passed through with three amendments: Adopts law consistent with Connecticut law. Remove sections on parental rights (§572-C) Effective date moved to Dec. 2, 2013. KHON2.

A Joint House Committee ended public testimony this afternoon on the marriage equality bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

A controversial same-sex marriage bill has passed a joint House committee and will advance to the House floor for a second reading and vote Wednesday morning. SB 1, the "Hawai'i Marriage Equality Act of 2013" passed 18 - 12 Tuesday afternoon. The biggest change in this amended version is the expanded exemption that will apply to both non-profit and for-profit religious organizations -- protecting them from fine or penalty if they refuse to perform a wedding ceremony for same-sex couples. Hawaii News Now.

SHOPO President Tenari Ma'afala

The head of Hawaii's police officers union said he is standing by his opposition to the same-sex marriage bill and other comments he made before a legislative committee Monday despite the charge by a gay Honolulu police officer who said the actions cast a shadow over the Police Department's integrity when dealing with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Star-Advertiser.

A gay Honolulu police officer is asking Chief Louis Kealoha to distance the department from comments made by police union president Tenari Maafala. On Monday, Maafala, an HPD officer and president of the State of Hawaii Police Officers Union, told Hawaii legislators he would never enforce such same-sex marriage legislation should it become law. Civil Beat.

"You would have to kill me." Any way you slice it, it's a dramatic, provocative statement. So it's easy to see why those six words — spoken by police union President Tenari Maafala during marathon hearings on same-sex marriage — resonated with Civil Beat.

Holding his bible, SHOPO President Tenari Ma'afala testifies against SB1, the same-sex marriage bill.  He told lawmakers this bill will turn him, a law abiding citizen, into a law breaker. While many in the crowd threw up shakas in support, members of the gay community listened in shock.   Including another Honolulu Police Officer, Corporal John Zeuzheim.  Hawaii News Now.

The contractor responsible for the troubled Hawaii Health Connector website is the same company the state hired 14 years ago to build a tax collection system that state officials say has never worked properly. Canadian-based CGI Group Inc. was paid $87.5 million between 1999 and 2011 to modernize the Hawaii Department of Taxation's collection system. Because of flaws in the system CGI built, the state is preparing to spend at least another $32 million to redo the project, Tax Department officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The state's Deposit Beverage Container Program has been around for a decade, but a new report claims the program is broken. KHON2.

Long-standing problems with the state's beverage container recycling program continue to result in overpayments of millions of taxpayer dollars, exposing the operation to abuse and possible fraud and undermining its financial viability, according to a new state audit. Star-Advertiser.

A new administrator is poised to take over the embattled State Historic Preservation Division. The news comes four months after the division's previous head stepped down, following repeated criticisms by federal officials of how the division was run. Alan Downer will join the agency Dec. 2. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has released a request for qualifications for a contractor to represent Hawaii in the Latin America market in an effort to boost tourism from the area to Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for November 6. Associated Press.

Oahu

HECO warns solar companies about unapproved PV systems. KITV.

An attorney representing many Kahuku Village V residents has launched a new salvo in a fight to keep his clients from being evicted from their rental homes -- a 233-page lawsuit filed in state court Monday. Star-Advertiser.

A pedestrian spotted a live 2 1/2-foot-long boa constrictor on a Nuuanu Avenue sidewalk Tuesday morning. The nonvenomous rainbow boa constrictor was seen on the sidewalk in front of the Kukui Plaza condominium at about 7 a.m., captured and turned over to police, the state Agriculture Department said. Star-Advertiser.

Sometime before the end of 2013, Bank of Hawaii will distribute the last $5.6 million in assets of the George Galbraith Trust to more than 1,300 current heirs. That final distribution will terminate both the trust and the bank’s own role as trustee, just over 109 years after Mr. Galbraith’s death. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council will not support attempts by other counties to weaken the state Sunshine Law. The council Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development voted 8-0 Tuesday to reject a proposal from Maui County, a move that removes it from a package of initiatives the Hawaii State Association of Counties will present to the Legislature for the regular 2014 session that starts in January. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii officials want to extend the leases that authorize telescope usage on Mauna Kea by another half century. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council recessed its meeting on Bill 113, limiting GMO, on Tuesday evening after receiving over four hours of public testimony. Supporters of the bill exceeded opponents by more than 4-1. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Buying locally produced milk in upcountry Maui is likely going to cost a bit more than buyers may be used to. Photos courtesy of MAUIWatch show a gallon of Haleakala Dairy milk at the Safeway store in Wailuku costing $10.19. Hawaii News Now.

While the presence of sharks is seldom enough to deter Maui's most avid watermen and -women, some say they are taking more precautions before entering the water in light of recent attacks. Maui News.

A waterline break reported at around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will result in a water outage along a portion of Baldwin Avenue in Pāʻia until around 9 p.m., water officials announced. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state Senate approved $7.3 million in emergency funding Tuesday to sustain two rural Kauai hospitals through spring. The Senate passed House Bill 3, unamended, to help keep the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Kauai regional health care system afloat. Sen. Sam Slom (R, Diamond Head-Kahala-Hawaii Kai) was the lone opponent of the bill. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency funding for Kauai’s public hospitals appears to be on its way. The Hawaii State Senate Tuesday passed House Bill 3 that will provide $7.3 million in emergency funds to the Kauai Regional Health Care System of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. Garden Island.

Proponents of Bill 2491, restricting GMO and pesticides, are saying Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. added insult to injury last week by vetoing the bill and releasing the County Attorney Office’s legal opinion on the matter. Garden Island.

The stage is almost set for deciding the future of Bill 2491, restricting pesticides and GMOs on the island. Four of the council members, including Jay Furfaro, Tim Bynum, JoAnn Yukimura and Gary Hooser, said their initial vote to approve the measure is not likely to change.Garden Island.