Ron Kouchi voted Senate president, Honolulu rail tax bill goes to governor, Szigeti named tourism chief, Hawaii to be first with 100% renewable energy, Kenoi to add 30 positions in new budget, jury sides with Maui County in takings case, humpback whale plan draws Kauai's ire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate President Ron Kouchi

Hawaii Senate President Donna Mercado Kim passed the gavel to Ron Kouchi on Tuesday after a “bloodless coup” that changed leadership just two days before the 2015 session is set to end. The 16-9 vote followed a two-hour floor session in which the Senate gave final approval to dozens of bills. Sens. Les Ihara, Gil Riviere, Russell Ruderman, Sam Slom, Laura Thielen and Kim voted against the resolution that makes Kouchi president and keeps Will Espero as vice president. Civil Beat.

The State Senate ousted its president today and the new leadership vowed to set a course for a stronger legislative body. Hawaii Public Radio.

Donna Mercado Kim

Sen. Donna Mercado Kim says she never wanted to be Senate president because she knew that someday someone would seek to unseat her. That day arrived Tuesday as state Sen. Ron Kouchi was voted in by his colleagues as the new Senate president, marking the first time since 1994 that a sitting president was replaced in midsession. The Senate voted 19-6 to oust Kim and elevate Kouchi. Star-Advertiser.

There is a new State Senate president after a move to oust State Senator Donna Mercado Kim. The abrupt change in leadership came after a 19 to 6 vote in favor of State Senator Ron Kouchi of Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The Legislature approved more than 100 bills Tuesday, including a $26 billion budget, legislation that requires Hawaii to reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 and a bill criminalizing sex trafficking. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature on Tuesday gave final approval for a $2 million general fund appropriation to the Hawaii Health Connector, only 20 percent of the $10 million that had been initially requested. Pacific Business News.

A bill that would make Hawaii the first state in the nation with a 100 percent-renewable-energy standard cleared the Legislature on Tuesday and is headed to the governor. House Bill 623 would set 2045 as the year Hawaii should reach a goal of producing 100 percent of its electric power from renewable energy sources. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii moved a huge step closer to becoming the first state in the nation to adopt a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio standard, with a bill passed by the state Legislature on Tuesday that’s now headed to the governor’s desk for his signature. Pacific Business News.

A bill passed by the State Legislature today, May 5, makes Hawaii the first state in the nation to adopt a 100 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard, which means Hawaii utilities will generate 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2045. Hawaii Independent.

Opinion: The State Ethics Commission introduced a package of nine bills with House and Senate versions. Not a single one was passed. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature has passed a bill that could make it a lot easier for transgender people to change their gender on their birth certificates. KITV4.

Hawaii's visitor industry reacted positively to the news that hotel industry leader George Szigeti had been tapped to lead the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which markets the state as a travel destination. Star-Advertiser.

The state Board of Education is approving the appointment of Stephen Schatz to be the Department of Education's new deputy superintendent. Hawaii News Now.

Last week, protestors of another planned U.S. military base in Okinawa rallied outside the Japanese embassy in a show of solidarity with Hawaiians and other occupied indigenous peoples around the world. Hawaii Independent.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's chief operating officer will make an annual salary of $198,000, more than she made running the state of Hawaii. The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises reports Linda Lingle will start drawing the pay after her current $60,000 contract with the state ends in June. Associated Press.

Oahu

The state Legislature has approved a five-year extension of Oahu's rail tax surcharge, sending to Gov. David Ige a bill that aims to help pull the largest public works project in the state's history out of a huge cash crisis. With the Senate's 21-4 vote and the House's 39-12 vote Tuesday, lawmakers ended their months­long debate on rail by concluding that the train has already left the station. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is expected to take a final vote on a proposed 11,750-unit Ho‘opili housing project Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council on Wednesday is expected to give final approval to Bill 6, which includes the two sides of Kapalama Canal and other areas under restrictions of the sit-lie ordinance. Specifically, the expansion would also include both sides of the street of all existing sit-lie boundaries, as well portions of McCully and the Aala-Kukui area mauka of North Beretania Street. Star-Advertiser.

Two former directors of the Waikiki Aquarium told Hawaii News Now it suffers from dysfunctional management that has led to rapid turnover in key positions and may have resulted in some of its animals dying recently, a charge the current man in charge denied.

For the next year and a half, first-time juvenile offenders busted for minor law violations in Honolulu’s 5th Patrol District — which includes the neighborhoods of Kalihi, Liliha, Nuuanu and Punchbowl — will be given the option of going to the Susannah Wesley Community Center instead of going to court. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Buoyed by an improved economy, Mayor Billy Kenoi on Tuesday released an amended budget that bumps spending up a notch and adds 30 new positions without raising property taxes. The new proposed budget, at $438.8 million, is 5.25 percent higher than last year’s budget and about $4 million higher than a proposed budget released earlier this year. West Hawaii Today.

The Attorney General's office has issued about a dozen subpoenas directed at Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi's questionable spending, Hawaii News Now has learned.

Mayor Billy Kenoi, once considered a bright star in Hawaii politics, is turning out the lights of his campaign organization. Star-Advertiser.

Ka‘u rancher Kyle Soares spread his tax bills out before the County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday, driving home his contention that farmers and ranchers need more of a tax break, not less of one. At issue for Soares and several other testifiers was Bill 317, which would tighten up requirements to qualify for special tax breaks for agriculture. The bill, a product of a task force that met last summer, would do away with the so-called “nondedicated” agricultural exemption, and require commitment to a three-year period to qualify for reduced property values. West Hawaii Today.

After being hit hard by a pair of natural disasters — Hurricane Iselle in July, followed by the June 27 lava flow — Hawaii Island’s southern district of Puna became fuel for numerous legislative bills. Some of those measures passed, including Senate Bill 1211, which increases the expenditure ceiling on major disaster fund money from $2 million to $5 million. Other bills, including those that would have appropriated funds for the removal of downed albizia trees and to establish an emergency ambulance service in the Puna area, died. Tribune-Herald.

More than two years after the Hualalai deepwell broke down, the cost of the repair project has increased more than eight-fold, and there is still no water. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A 2nd Circuit jury found in favor of Maui County on Tuesday in a lawsuit in which California venture capitalist Douglas Leone and his wife, Patricia, alleged that county officials effectively took their Palauea Beach property as a public park without paying just compensation. Maui News.

Panel sends $621 million budget to full council. Proposal includes reduced property tax rates and increased user fees. Maui News.

Major investigation into Maui County pCard abuse, misspending. KHON2’s Always Investigating has uncovered another major case of taxpayer money misspent on government credit cards, this time on Maui.

Maui County has set aside $30,000 to pay a consulting firm to study what utility model would be the best for the island. The Mayor's Office of Economic Development filed a request for proposals Tuesday seeking the costs and benefits associated with public power and energy cooperatives' forms of electric utility ownership. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai
A new management plan for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary drew widespread anger in the testimony of captains, fishermen, surfers and local business owners, who made it clear they will do whatever it takes to fend off what they view as the increasing oversight of state waters by a federal government they don’t trust. Garden Island.

Friday, May 15 is the last day for residents to tell the Solid Waste office whether they want a 96- or 64-gallon refuse cart for trash collection. Garden Island.

About 10,000 gallons of treated waste water from the Wailua treatment plant overflowed from a manhole Tuesday morning and made its way to an area just outside the fence line of the plant at Lydgate Beach Park, Kauai County officials said in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

Treated and disinfected effluent from the Wailua wastewater treatment plant overflowed Tuesday morning from an onsite manhole and made its way to an area just outside the fence line of the plant at Lydgate Beach Park near the county’s park maintenance building. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai residents called on Maui County Council members Tuesday to undertake "any and all efforts to sustain the ferry" system that has seen steep declines in ridership and revenue in the last six months. Maui News.

Hawaii officials urge U.S. Army not to leave islands, Navy working on renewable energy research, Abercrombie recognized for gay marriage, lava flow poised to consume garage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area © 2014 All Hawaii News

State and city officials are asking for the public's help in fending off a proposal that would reduce Army personnel in Hawaii by 20,000 and cost the state $1.35 billion. Star-Advertiser.

With the U.S. Army looking at restructuring its forces, community leaders, lawmakers and military supporters gathered at Honolulu Hale this morning to launch a campaign that aims to keep Hawaii's heroes in the islands. KITV4.

The U.S. Army is considering a proposal that would eliminate close to 20,000 soldiers and civilian workers from Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter as part of its 20-20 “force structure realignment.” This could severely impact Hawaii’s economy, with officials estimating a loss of $1.35 billion. KHON2.

The U.S. Navy is putting millions of dollars into renewable energy research in Hawaii. The Defense Department is the largest energy consumer in the U.S., and has long been worried about having to rely on expensive fuel oil for military operations. Associated Press.

Hawaii has become ground zero for a Pentagon research drive to develop alternative energy in areas including Asia and the Pacific, where the need to travel long distances -- and use lots of fuel oil to do it -- has been identified as a national security risk. Star-Advertiser.

Outgoing Gov. Neil Abercrombie will be given an award for his work to legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who leaves office Dec. 1, will be given an award next week for his work to legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Gov.-elect David Ige took his first step as the incoming leader of Hawaii, announcing he will appoint Mike McCartney as his chief of staff. Associated Press.

David Ige: Engineer, Technocrat … and Ballet Dad? Hawaii's governor-elect recently opened up to Civil Beat about his entry into politics, why he stayed and how fatherhood may have slowed his legislative ascent. Civil Beat.

David Ige takes office with few political debts. The new administration's first test may be dealing with powerful interests. Star-Advertiser.

With 12.5 percent of all children born prematurely in the islands, Hawaii once again earned an average "C" grade for premature births even as the national rate dropped to a 17-year low of 11.4 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Students and faculty at the University of Hawaii are joining forces to try to force solutions to the system's spiraling financial crisis. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration is having second thoughts about relocating 100 homeless people to a vacant lot on Sand Island. Civil Beat.

Interest in Hawaii as a test bed for wave energy technology is swelling as companies flock to Kaneohe Bay to prove the durability of their power-generating devices in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

A house in the Windward Oahu town of Kailua that Hawaii native Barack Obama once used as a getaway just months before he was elected president has been sold for $9.5 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A lava breakout in the area of Apa’a Street near the cemetery has entered a private property and is only 5 yards away from the garage area of a residential structure. Civil defense says it is possible that these buildings may be affected by the advancing flow later today. Big Island Video News.

According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, Sunday morning’s assessment of the June 27 lava flow from Kilauea Volcano shows that the flow front remains stalled with very little activity and has not advanced over the past 10 days. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Friday officials are not considering re-opening Pahoa Village Road despite the front of the June 27 lava flow from Kilauea stalling for more than a week.Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard might have been in Pahoa as a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, but her fatigues hardly helped in her blend in with the other men and women in uniform at a lava informational meeting Thursday evening. Tribune-Herald.

People seriously late on their sewer bills could soon find their water shut off, under a measure winning initial approval Friday. West Hawaii Today.

A team of representatives from the research and development company Makani spent Wednesday evening in Waimea assuring pilots that an experimental wind project won’t interfere with flights. West Hawaii Today.

Group launched to stop alleged turtle poaching. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Some Maui parents cheered the Legislature's approval of $130 million for a new high school last year, believing it meant a new school would open by 2016. But due to how the funding was structure, the state Department of Education said the school will have to be built in phases and won't open until perhaps 2020. Associated Press.

The Maui County Council on Friday approved amendments to the county's public sign ordinance in accordance with a U.S. District Court settlement involving a free-speech lawsuit stemming from a Martin Luther King Jr. Day march in Wailuku. Maui News.

Maui County Council Chairwoman Gladys Baisa and other concerned citizens have been assured by Gov. Neil Abercrombie that he will not sign off on proposed changes to cesspool rules in Hawaii, Baisa told The Maui News on Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Living treasures honored. Garden Island.

Common Core standards have Hawaii educators on edge, no federal relief for storm damage, targeting Kahoolawe, bloated voter rolls, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii public school, courtesy Hawaii Department of Education

After three years of preparation, the state Department of Education rolled out Common Core at public schools statewide last school year, a more rigorous set of standards in English language arts and math intended to better prepare students for college and the workforce. Star-Advertiser.

This year, more than ever, teachers are feeling the pressure of high-stakes testing. Teachers are expected to prepare their students using the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a new set of rigorous learning standards to guide their lessons for the year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s infamously low voter turnout may not be quite as bad as it seems. That’s because thousands of people who are still on the registered voter list have moved, gone to prison or died since the last election, lowering the overall turnout percentages published by the state Office of Elections in any given year. Heading into the Nov. 4 general election, the state has identified 626,431 people as “active” on its master list of 706,890 registered voters. Civil Beat.

Private islands, super-yachts and Marine Protected Areas How Marine Protected Areas have given rise to a surge of profit-seeking Eco-tourism investments. Hawaii Independent.

Renewable energy technologies are highly favored with 97 percent of the public supporting increased development of at least some forms of renewable energy in Hawaii, according to a new report by the University of Hawaii Center on the Family. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Nanakuli residents will get a chance to air their concerns this week on a proposal to dispose of a large cache of fireworks — remnants of the fatal 2011 Wai­kele storage bunker explosion — by shooting them off at a property in their neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents may see lower prices from Hawaii Gas if the utility's request to bring in more liquefied natural gas is approved. Hawaii Gas filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission on Thursday seeking to import more LNG. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Too Many Forums for Gubernatorial Candidates? There have been some two dozen debates or forums since late August. But do they really help voters make up their minds? Civil Beat.

City Environmental Services officials say 5,000 gallons of waste water spilled into Honolulu Harbor Sunday afternoon. One of the primary clarifier tanks could not handle the water surge from the storm, officials said. KITV4.

Hawaii businessman Jay Shidler, who on Friday quadrupled his gift to the University of Hawaii business school that bears his name to a total of $100 million, told Pacific Business News that he started thinking about making this big move about four years ago.

Hawaii

Hawaii County officials announced an appeal for federal relief funding for damages wrought by Tropical Storm Iselle was denied. The Oct. 7 appeal was submitted in response to an Aug. 28 decision by President Barack Obama to not declare a major disaster in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Although he performed before a crowd of 20,000 a few nights ago, rock 'n' roll superstar Steven Tyler admitted to a touch of nerves as he addressed 11 Maui Drug Court graduates and their families Thursday afternoon in Circuit Court. Maui News.

Newcomer taking on incumbent mayor. 2014 Election: Tamara Paltin has experience running a grass-roots campaign. Maui News.

Maui boy Lui Hokoana was approved by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Thursday afternoon to be the next chancellor at UH-Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

One person who did have a role in the Pflueger dam breach, but has received little publicity, has walked away without consequences. MaryAnn Kusaka was the mayor of Kauai in 1997, the year Pflueger allegedly illegally graded around his dam and reservoir and covered the spillway. Hawaii Reporter.

A former police officer and DLNR enforcement manager has been indicted on 30 counts of sexual assault. Tarey William Kahana Low, 53, of Kapaa, was arrested on Oct. 10 and charged with 26 counts of first-degree sexual assault, forcible rape and four counts of third-degree sexual assault. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Promised Land: Will Kahoolawe Ever Be Saved? FIRST OF THREE PARTS: The state agency tasked with restoring the island for Native Hawaiian cultural uses is running out of money, and the Navy left unfinished the job of removing unexploded ordnance from the former bombing range. But the volunteers keep coming, at least for now. Civil Beat.

Hawaii a finalist for Obama library, out-of-state deep pockets power gubernatorial candidates, counties want more tax revenues, lava enters subdivision, misses homes, Kauai law firm works free to defend anti-GMO law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed site for Obama library, courtesy Barack Obama Foundation

Hawaii officials have three months to submit a formal bid to host Barack Obama's future presidential library following Monday's announcement that the University of Hawaii is one of four institutions selected to compete for the center. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii is one of four universities chosen to compete for the site of President Barack Obama’s presidential library, the Barack Obama Foundation said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Chicago, New York and Honolulu have made the short list to host Barack Obama's future presidential library. The Barack Obama Foundation, which is developing and raising money for the massive legacy project, announced Monday that it has selected four universities to compete for the library, culled from an initial list of 13 applications submitted earlier this year. Associated Press.

David Ige may have dethroned an opponent who raised 10 times the amount of campaign cash in the primary election. But, finding himself in a four-way general election contest for governor, the Democratic nominee for governor has kicked up his fundraising schedule. Civil Beat.

GOP Wants Hawaii Voters to Believe Ige, Abercrombie Are ‘Good Partners’ The Republican Governors Association is targeting David Ige in new ads to help Duke Aiona. Civil Beat.

County officials agree on at least one thing as they prepare to lobby the Legislature next year: They want more funding for local government services ranging from roads to rescues. But Kauai, Maui, Big Island and Honolulu council members and mayors have different ideas on how to go about boosting their revenues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's middle class are the third-most overtaxed in the U.S., and the 20 percent of residents with the lowest incomes are the fourth-most overtaxed, making Hawaii's tax system second-worst in the nation, according to a study released Monday by the personal finance site WalletHub.com. Star-Advertiser.

The Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit convened today in Honolulu.  Attendees are learning about the latest innovations that will transform electrical power generation and usage in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

The grade is in on Hawaii's Renewable Energy Report Card. While the Aloha state has improved a bit from last year's 'C-', it was raised only to a 'C' by the Blue Planet Foundation. KITV4.

Classes Off to a Hot Start in Schools Without Air Conditioning. Lessons are taught in sweaty, smelly conditions where sweltering students have a hard time concentrating. Civil Beat.

Oahu

With the release of final environmental documents, the state is moving closer to constructing a $266 million container terminal designed to handle the surge of overseas cargo expected at Hono­lulu Harbor in the next few decades. Star-Advertiser.

Relocation of a facility geared toward helping homeless adults with mental illnesses to the city's Pau­ahi Hale housing complex in Chinatown should be completed by the end of the year, officials with the city and the Safe Haven project say. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell will sign into law Tuesday bills that make it illegal to sit and lie on public sidewalks in Waikiki, and two separate laws prohibiting urinating and defecating in public in Waikiki and across Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A preliminary hearing will be held Tuesday in District Court for a homeless man who was arrested after being warned last week to stay away from a Hawaiian monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. Star-Advertiser.

Halawa Correctional Facility’s recent decision to put inmates in striped uniforms, instead of in solid colors, has been derided by prison reform advocates, but was a decision largely based on safety, according to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Striped uniforms are very distinct and help separate inmates from members of the public and prison staff. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The lava flow approaching Pahoa advanced about 300 yards into the northwest section of Kaohe Homesteads on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Lava from Kilauea's East Rift Zone has entered the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Parker Ranch has named former Hawaiian Electric Co. executive Jose Dizon general manager of Paniolo Power Co. LLC, in charge of leading the ranch’s renewable-energy efforts, Parker Ranch President and CEO Dutch Kuyper said Monday. Pacific Business News.

A Hilo grand jury indicted a former supervisor at the state Department of Human Services for allegedly stealing about $45,000 in public assistance, or welfare, benefits from the office. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea Middle School officials did a little math last year and calculated they could save about $60,000 a year by purchasing their two school buses, rather than contracting for transportation services through the state Department of Education. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Attorneys for the nonprofit Maui Lani Neighbors, Inc. filed additional complaints against state, county and federal agencies over the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex, currently under construction in Waikapū. Maui Now.

A Japanese-run planetary observatory atop Haleakala that replaces a facility in Sendai damaged by the destructive 2011 earthquake was blessed Tuesday. Maui News.

A new exhibit at Kahului Airport will help travelers understand the meaning behind the Maui airport’s three-letter OGG code. Associated Press.

Kauai

To appeal a federal judge’s ruling that Kauai County Ordinance 960 related to pesticides and genetically modified crops is pre-empted by state law would cost the county no more than $12,750 — start to finish. The law firm hired by the county to defend the controversial ordinance has offered to waive all legal fees moving forward, and only charge for direct costs. Garden Island.

Chinese warships arrive in Hawaii, Abercrombie and Ige debate, tobacco purchase age turns 21 on Hawaii Island, Honolulu to ban sitting on sidewalks, Maui sugar mill fined $1.3M, Native Hawaiians continue recognition opposition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Chinese destroyer Haikou, courtesy Chinese navy

Four Chinese navy ships arrived at Pearl Harbor on Tuesday as the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise gathers steam as the biggest ever held. The missile destroyer Haikou, flying Chinese and American flags, pulled in at Kilo pier just before 9 a.m., while the hospital ship Peace Ark tied up at 9:45 a.m. The missile frigate Yue­yang and supply ship Qian­daohu followed. Star-Advertiser.

The military's Rim of the Pacific exercise, or RIMPAC, which will bring 25,000 people from 23 nations to Hawaii starting on Thursday through the end of July, is expected to have an initial economic impact of $52.5 million based on the number of exercise participants and their time in port, according to a state report. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Navy has dispatched numerous ships to Hawaii as it prepares for Rim of the Pacific 2014, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. It will involve 49 surface ships and six submarines from 23 countries this year, but the inclusion of one — China — will get an inordinate amount of attention. The People’s Liberation Army of China will participate in the exercise for the first time, sending ships that include the missile destroyer Haikou, the missile frigate Yueyang, the oiler Qiandaohu and the hospital ship Peace Ark. Washington Post.

John Takase has been in the garage door business in Hawaii for 15 years, and as the biennial Rim of the Pacific military exercise, or RIMPAC, gets underway around the Islands on Thursday for the next five weeks, he expects he'll be inundated with phone calls from homeowners complaining that the garage doors he sells are not working properly. Pacific Business News.

A debate between Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige on Tuesday revealed few major differences in their visions of Hawaii's future. Both Democratic candidates want to solve Hawaii's housing problems, support Native Hawaiian sovereignty and improve the state's troubled health exchange. They also both want to keep gambling out of Hawaii and improve its public education system. But the primary rivals are split more on who's to blame for Hawaii's issues than they are on how to solve those problems. Associated Press.

David Ige, Neil Abercrombie

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige on Tuesday set the contours for their Democratic primary, with the governor reminding voters of the state's economic rebound during his first term and Ige offering himself as a more thoughtful, sensible alternative as chief executive. Star-Advertiser.

For much of 90 minutes Tuesday, Neil Abercrombie reminded a lot of folks why they may have voted for him all these years. The occasion was a Democratic gubernatorial candidate forum at the Japanese Cultural Center in Moiliili. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state Sen. David Ige faced off in a debate Tuesday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, as the two gear up for a primary election showdown. KHON2.

It was a rare event, seeing the two 2014 Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor square off in the same venue. Gov. Neil Abercrombie and his primary election challenger, state Sen. David Ige, are scheduled for only two more joint appearances. Civil Beat.

A federal panel hearing opinions on a possible relationship with a potential Native Hawaiian government has heard the passion pouring out over two days of testimony, a Justice Department official said. Star-Advertiser.

Obama administration hearings in Hawaii incite racial disputes. A proposal by the Obama administration to create a new relationship with ethnic Hawaiians backfired on the administration Monday as native Hawaiians rallied in force against the proposal to reestablish a “government-to-government relationship” between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community. Hawaii Reporter.

Overthrow redux? An American Indian scholar asks if the lure of federal benefits is worth Hawaiians' cession to the U.S. of Hawaiian political and territorial claims. Hawaii Independent.

Native Hawaiians meet in West Oahu over self-governance. Video only. KITV4.

State lawmakers want to hear the Hawaii Health Systems Corp.'s plan to streamline operations and address anticipated budget shortfalls in preparation for next legislative session when they expect to once again consider proposals for potential privatization of the financially strapped system. A series of statewide briefings, which will include details from members of the various regional boards, is scheduled to begin Wednesday before heading to Kauai on Monday. Briefings are expected to be held on Hawaii Island and Maui in July and August. Star-Advertiser.

Despite recent efforts to cool down Hawaii’s most sweltering classrooms, just one school has gotten the go-ahead to install campus-wide air conditioning since that campaign intensified nearly a year ago. Civil Beat.

Oahu

With the Honolulu City Council scheduled to hear bills Thursday that make it illegal to sit and lie on sidewalks in two parts of Hono­lulu, Councilman Ikaika Anderson said he will press to have colleagues consider a third proposal that imposes the same prohibition throughout Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents will pay more for sewer and water service come Tuesday as a result of rate hikes approved in previous years. Star-Advertiser.

A bill allowing Oahu consumers to set off sparklers and fountains on New Year's Eve has been deferred by a Hono­lulu City Council committee. Star-Advertiser.

A chimpanzee made a brief escape from its enclosure at the Honolulu Zoo Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A county ordinance raising the legal age to buy tobacco products to 21 goes into effect in less than a week and Big Island retailers are gearing up to comply with the new law. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island could be completely powered by renewable sources within 10 years, an advocate said Tuesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Attendees of Monday’s Tech Pau Hana got a glimpse of off-the-grid living at Puu Waawaa Ranch, as well as a look at a test of hydrogen fuel cells in action. Blue Planet Research, which has a laboratory at the ranch, hosted the monthly technology gathering, with Director Paul Ponthieux giving the tour and explaining what the organization has been working on here on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii researchers were set this morning to kick off an exploration of the deepest reaches of the erupting undersea volcano located about 20 miles southeast of the Big Island. Including scientists from the University of Minnesota, France’s IFREMER Centre de Brest and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, the expedition will seek to map the largely unexplored base of the volcano. Tribune-Herald.

A Honokaa plantation development that has languished almost 40 years is being reborn as a retirement community, thanks to action taken Tuesday by the county Water Board. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The primary election for the West Maui County Council seat is a litmus test for how Maui feels about the genetically modified organism (GMO) issue. Maui Weekly.

The state of Hawaii is seeking $1.3 million in fines from Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. for 400 alleged violations over a five-year period at its Maui sugar plantation. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Clean Air Branch today announced that it cited Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company for excess emission and reporting violations for alleged incidents between 2009 and 2013 in Puʻunēnē on Maui. Maui Now.

Suspensions ranging from one to 10 days were ordered for five Maui Police Department officers as part of internal investigations concluded in March and April, police reported. Maui News.

Kauai

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Nihoku, also known as Crater Hill, this week within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in preparation for the construction of Kauai’s first predator-proof fence. The project will create a seven-acre refugium for native plant and animal communities, and enhance existing seabird colonies on the refuge by using the latest technology in predator-proof fencing. Garden Island.

Koloa Rum Company is one step closer to finding a new home and expanding its operations. The seven-member Kauai County Planning Commission unanimously approved a pair of permits on Tuesday that will allow officials from the Kauai-based rum maker to move forward with plans to construct a new company hub across the street from Anne Knudsen Park in Koloa. Garden Island.

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.

Lucky we live Hawaii, the healthiest state. Molasses spill killed coral, Hawaii Obamacare premiums disclosed, Molokai may buy electric utility, rail evictions loom, Honolulu faces $2.5M fine in affordable housing deal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kupuna hula (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is the healthiest state in the nation, while Mississippi brings up the rear, according to the 2013 America's Health Rankings released today. The 50th state has consistently ranked near the top in the long-running index issued by United Health Foundation, which provides a comprehensive look at the well-being of each state. Hawaii placed second last year and third the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Ranked in the top five healthiest states for the past decade, Hawai`i this year rose to the top spot in a survey conducted by the United Health Foundation. The rankings in the “America’s Health Rankings: A Call to Action for Individuals & Their Communities” released today analyzes states based on data relating to behaviors, community and environment, health policies and clinical care. Big Island Now.

The state Insurance Division released a health insurance rate comparison sheet Tuesday to make it easier for consumers to compare plans under President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. The Obamacare plans range from a monthly premium of $72.40 for a Bronze-level option (60 percent of medical expenses covered by the insurer, 40 percent out of pocket) for an individual under 21 years old to an $871.26 Platinum policy (90 percent covered, 10 percent out of pocket) for a 64-year-old. Star-Advertiser.

Unity, empowerment and self-governance were again themes of this year's State of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs address, with special attention paid to the importance of preparing a new generation of Native Hawaiian leaders. Star-Advertiser.

Holiday giving seems to be off this year, according to charities that rely on seasonal donations. It might not have to do with people being any less charitable, but rather with the fact that there are fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition, donations may have been spread thin because of the Typhoon Haiyan relief effort. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for December 11. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Matson molasses disaster killed more than a thousand colonies of coral, Hawaii News Now has learned. The September spill's damage to the Honolulu Harbor's coral system extended beyond the waterway, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The company that agreed to buy 12 city-owned housing projects warned Tuesday that Honolulu likely will have to forfeit at least $2.5 million in damages for jeopardizing the deal's financing. The "notice of default" from Honolulu Affordable Housing Partners LLC claims the City Council's proposal to rescind the sale contract has already undermined the company's financing for the $143 million deal. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanu Street businesses preparing to be evicted for rail. Transit authority gives eviction notice: Summer 2014. KITV.

The incoming operator of the Hawai‘i Convention Center has hired a former Outrigger executive to be its new general manager. Teri Orton, former vice president of condominium resort marketing for Outrigger Enterprises Group, will be the first woman to serve as general manager since the center opened in 1998. Orton will begin Dec. 18. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Departments of Education and Health are conducting an investigation to determine what caused several Waipahu Elementary students to become ill today shortly after lunch. About 40 students were identified as being sick with symptoms that may indicate food poisoning starting at about 1:15 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

New school bus contracts are about to be signed, worth more than $100 million on Oahu over the next five years. But we wanted to know if the safety measures we were told about a few weeks ago are included and we were surprised to find out most are not. In a recent investigation, KHON2 confronted the Department of Education about school bus safety and discipline policies when things go wrong onboard.

The Honolulu Marathon is big business in Hawaii, but it owes much of its financial clout to another Pacific island chain. Japanese visitors often make up the largest share of participants in the race, and have ever since the late 1980s when the number of entrants from Japan first surpassed 50 percent. Civil Beat.

A former traffic signs supervisor with the city was indicted Tuesday on a felony theft charge. Honolulu Police say Patrick Costa stole more than $45,000 by getting paid for hours he didn't work. Hawaii News Now.

Ko‘olau Loa neighborhood board votes in favor of Envision Lā‘ie. Amid continued opposition from residents outside the Lā‘ie and Mormon communities, the board voted 6-4 to support the major development plan. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Biofuel Industry on Big Island Fails to Follow Through on Big Plans. Five years ago, state land on the Big Island experienced the biofuel equivalent of a gold rush. Today, not one biofuel company has obtained a lease of state land under the 2002 law. Civil Beat.

Volunteers wage war against invasive albizia. Tribune-Herald.

Apartment owners at the Country Club condominium are suing the Banyan Drive property’s leaseholders and management, alleging a decades-long scheme to improperly use apartment owners’ common area maintenance fees to finance the building’s hotel operation and pay its state transient accommodations taxes. Tribune-Herald.

The state wants to block the sale of the Naniloa Volcanoes Hotel to a new operator as part of a bankruptcy reorganization involving the hotel on state land in Hilo.the state Department of Land and Natural Resources objected to the sale and said it intends to appeal to U.S. District Court, claiming that assigning the land lease to the new buyer requires state consent under state law. Star-Advertiser.

The buyer of the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort said he has finished transferring money for the $5.2 million purchase to escrow. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Developers are reviving a plan for a Central Maui housing development that would include 450 multifamily units, retail and office space, and a 15-acre park. The Puunani subdivision would be built west of the Kehalani master-planned community south of Wailuku. Star-Advertiser.

Developers have revived and revised a plan for 208 acres just below Wailuku Heights that proposes about 450 multifamily units, 25,000 square feet of commercial retail and office space, and a 15-acre park. Maui News.

Some Maui County Council members were still optimistic Monday about the full council taking a vote on a deal to purchase 186 acres in Launiupoko for $13 million for a coastline parkway in West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

It has been nearly 25 years since the county approved a Princeville Development Corporation plan to expand the Princeville Center and required that the project also include nearby employee housing. Garden Island.

Lanai

The island of Lāna’i was named to Lonely Planet’s Top US Destinations list, rounding out the top ten. Maui Now.

Molokai

Residents on Molokai may follow in the footsteps of Kauai and buy their island’s electric utility, including its power grid, which could be entirely powered by alternative energy sources. The push for energy autonomy is an outgrowth of frustration with Hawaiian Electric Co. that was repeatedly on display during protests against the Big Wind project over the last four years. It also highlights a deep independent streak on Molokai. Civil Beat.

Amid recent concerns over proposed renewable energy project Ikehu Molokai, I Aloha Molokai has cancelled its third annual Renewable Energy Festival that was scheduled for January. The nonprofit feared the event would act as a showcase for Ikehu, falsely implying IAM’s endorsement of the project. While IAM leaders say they feel the project has potential for Molokai, they are not ready to support it based on what they consider to be a lack of public input. Molokai Dispatch.

Honolulu rail project resumes Monday, avocado exports allowed, molasses kill worse than thought, Kailua doesn't want tourists, pot minister religious defense denied, nurses sue Maui Memorial, dog fees hiked on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail work, file photo courtesy HART

Construction workers will be back in the fields of East Kapolei erecting concrete columns for the city’s $5.26 billion rail project come Monday after the City Council’s approval Wednesday of two permits that allow for work to restart after more than a year of delays. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council expedited approval of two critical measures Wednesday that allows construction of the $5.3 billion rail project to resume Monday morning. KITV.

The head of the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism says that in order for the state to reach its renewable energy goal, it needs an undersea cable connecting Oahu, Maui and eventually the Big Island’s electric grid and that, as a transitional fuel, liquefied natural gas, or LNG, needs to be shipped in to the state. Pacific Business News.

The state Public Utilities Commission will allow seven community, environmental and industry groups as well as energy developers and government officials to have a greater say in whether building an undersea cable to connect the electrical grids of Oahu and Maui is in the public interest. Allowing the "intervenors" to participate in the commission's investigation will give authorities better information about the potential costs and benefits of such a project, according to a PUC ruling issued Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Now that Gov. Neil Abercrombie has set a date of Oct. 28 for lawmakers to take up the issue of gay marriage, the timing gives advocates and opponents ample time to lobby the Legislature over the issue. While critics say the five-day special session will stifle debate that would ordinarily take place over the course of a four-month-long regular session, others argue that a special session gives the issue the singular attention it deserves. Star-Advertiser.

Chad Blair: Is Sen. Hirono Our Stateswoman on Syria? Civil Beat.

Hawaii will again be sharing locally grown avocados with mainland consumers, after an overhaul of federal rules that had restricted the fruits from export to other states for more than two decades. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The massive molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor earlier this week, which has already killed thousands of coastal-dwelling fish, appears to be worse than state health officials originally thought. Star-Advertiser.

State officials are rushing to head off an environmental and health disaster in Honolulu Harbor, where nearly a quarter million gallons of molasses from a ruptured pipeline have caused a massive marine die-off. On Wednesday, colorful surgeonfish, pufferfish and eels were swaying limp or lifeless in the currents. Civil Beat.

Thousands of fish are expected to die in Honolulu waters after a leaky pipe caused 1,400 tons of molasses to ooze into the harbor and kill marine life, state officials said. Hundreds of fish have been collected so far, the state Department of Health said in a statement Wednesday. Many more fish are expected to die and thousands will likely be collected, it said. Associated Press.

The molasses fish kill is even worse than expected, according to the state Health Department and marine biologists. Hawaii News Now.

Matson could face millions in federal fines after molasses spill. KHON2.

No surprises here. Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang’s bill that makes lying on the sidewalks illegal is being criticized for targeting the homeless.Civil Beat.

The posh properties along Kahala Avenue in East Honolulu that Alexander & Baldwin Inc. is buying from Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto could fetch at least $200 million, which is more than double what the Honolulu-based real estate company is paying, according to estimates from one Hawaii real estate expert. Pacific Business News.

The Kailua Neighborhood Board is protesting the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s decision to advertise the small town community as a tourist destination. Hawaii Reporter.

The first big swell of the season rolled in on the North Shore. Surfers are stoked, but residents are stunned. The surf is taking a toll on beach front homes pulling away chunks of trees, dirt and grass like putty. KHON2.

Seniors in the rigorous dietetics program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa may not be able to graduate at the end of this year because there is no one to teach a mandatory class. University administrators can't find a suitable accredited teacher to oversee a one-year course that two dozen or so seniors need to complete to earn their undergraduate degree. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

A federal judge Wednesday rejected the religious freedom defense raised by Hawaii island cannabis advocate Roger Christie to his marijuana-trafficking charges. U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi ruled that the prosecution had establish-ed that the practices of The Hawaii Cannabis Ministry, led by Christie, posed a substantial risk that marijuana would be distributed to people who were not members of the ministry and those people would use marijuana for nonreligious purposes. Star-Advertiser.

A state board this week will take up several financial matters involving the beleaguered Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. Among the issues that may come up at Friday’s meeting of the Board of Land and Natural Resources is whether the resort will be given additional time to add $500,000 to its performance bond. Big Island Now.

Maui

Four registered nurses of Asian descent are suing Maui Memorial Medical Center, alleging hospital managers didn't correct problems when the nurses were discriminated against and harassed by their supervisor based on their race. Maui News.

A 64-foot Pacific Whale Foundation catamaran was grounded on the shoreline near McGregor Point early Tuesday morning after striking rocks about a quarter-mile east of the point, fire officials said. Maui News.

Officials with the Pacific Whale Foundation say its grounded Ocean Odyssey vessel was removed from the rocky area near Papawai Point, Maui at approximately 8:30 this morning. Maui Now.

Kauai

A divided Kauai County Council approved Wednesday substantial increases to dog license fees and a new schedule of penalties for loose dogs. The action aims to reduce a $300,000 gap between county funding and the cost of services the nonprofit provides to the county. Garden Island.