Lahaina wildfire ruled 'accidental,' Miske crime boss top associate sentenced to 10 years, Kapiolani nurse contract finalized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lahaina wildfire ruled ‘accidental': Maui Blames Fallen Power Line. A fallen Hawaiian Electric Co. power line set dry grass on fire on the morning of Aug. 8, 2023, producing a smoldering ember that made its way to a nearby gully, flared up in hurricane-driven winds later that day and grew to engulf the town of Lahaina, Maui officials said Wednesday while releasing the long-awaited report produced in collaboration with federal investigators. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Associated Press.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. Maui Now.

Maui Fire Chief Gives Detailed Defense Of Firefighters Battling Lahaina Blaze. Firefighters stayed at the blaze for more than five hours – and couldn't have predicted the deadly rekindling that afternoon, Fire Chief Brad Ventura said. Civil Beat.

Governor extends emergency proclamation to address school bus driver shortage. Gov. Josh Green has extended emergency provisions, enabling the Hawai‘i State Department of Education to continue addressing the school bus driver shortage that has disrupted student transportation services. Maui Now.

Green defends water panel vacancy-filling protocol. Gov. Josh Green insists that he is following Hawaii law for filling a vacant special seat on the state water commission amid criticism of his procedure to do so. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kapi‘olani nurses ratify new 3-year contract. The union nurses at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children on Wednesday ratified a new, three-year contract that was ironed out after more than a year of negotiations with management. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.  KITV4.

Former top associate to Hawaii crime boss sentenced to 10 years, 1 month in prison. A judge has sentenced a man to 10 years and one month in prison for his role as an enforcer for Hawaii crime boss Mike Miske. During Miske’s trial, Jake Smith testified for six days, saying he dealt drugs and carried out numerous assaults on Miske’s personal rivals. Hawaii News Now.

‘There are few places left’: Kapolei homeless feel impact of development. As development expands in Kapolei, there are concerns the second city’s homeless population is running out of places to stay. Hawaii News Now.

Climate scientist says North Shore house collapse gives glimpse of future sea level rise. Homeowner Joshua VanEmmerik, who maintained the house primarily as a short-term rental, had drawn the ire of some local community members and conservationists for his attempts to harden the shoreline in front of his property near Sunset Beach. Hawaii Public Radio.

Newly retired Star-Advertiser writer Tim Hurley dies of aggressive cancer. Hurley, 66, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage 4 “diffuse, large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” spent a week in the intensive care unit and then died, said one of Hurley’s four adult children, Baylee MacGregor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Veterans housing complex nearly pau. Earlier this year, construction was estimated to be completed by August, and residents could begin moving in by September. But some final construction delays have pushed the move-in date to late October, or possibly even December. Tribune-Herald.

Community invited to give feedback on new district park proposed in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation proposes a new district park in Hawaiian Paradise Park and wants to know what the community thinks about its plans. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Department of Agriculture seeking input on Food and Nutrition Security Plan. The County of Maui Department of Agriculture is collaborating with community partners across Maui, Molokai and Lāna’i to develop a Food and Nutrition Security Plan and is seeking help prioritizing strategies to support Maui County’s food system, according to the county. Maui News.

Maui hospital workers union mulls strike over concerns about safe staffing levels. Last month, 495 of the union’s 930 members participated in a call-to-action vote, with 98% voting to authorize taking actions that included a strike if necessary. On Monday night, their contract expired. Maui Now.

Maui visitor arrivals up a year after wildfires, but still not at pre-disaster levels. Maui visitor arrivals were up almost 80% in August, compared with a year earlier, the month when the Maui wildfires struck Aug. 8-9. But visitor travel to the Valley Isle still lags behind what it was before the disaster, according to a monthly report by the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Maui Now.

Kauai

Areas of Ke Ala Hele Makālae trail in Kapa‘a to temporarily close for maintenance. Portions of Ke Ala Hele Makālae trail in Kapa‘a will be closed this week to allow Kaua‘i County crews to perform extensive maintenance. The closure starts on Thursday and continues into Friday. Kauai Now.

Kauai Museum Exhibit Center dedicated. Following a delay created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kauai Museum dedicated the Waimakua and Maryanne Kusaka Exhibit Center on Monday afternoon. Garden Island.
 

Native Hawaiian beliefs stymie voter participation, new super PAC supports Saiki, Oahu UPW workers granted COVID hazard pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voter apathy underscored by Hawaiian history. Strong beliefs by some Native Hawaiians who refuse to vote or even acknowledge U.S. authority may be contributing to Hawaii’s history of low voter turnout — a trend likely to continue with expected lackluster numbers for the Aug. 10 primary election. Star-Advertiser.

New Union-Backed Super PAC Is Supporting Scott Saiki In House Race. Building a Brighter Future, which registered July 29, is funded by the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 675. Civil Beat.

Three picked for state House seat, governor now will choose who will replace deceased Rep. Nakashima. The Hawaii Democratic Party has submitted to Gov. Josh Green the names of three people it has selected as possible candidates to succeed the late Rep. Mark Nakashima in state House District 1: Dwight Takamine, Matthias Kusch and Kristen Alice Apruzzese. Tribune-Herald.

Native Hawaiians And Farmers Are Asking Why A Key Vacancy On State Water Board Is Going Unfilled. Gov. Green received a short list of candidates for the seat, reserved for a customary water expert, five months ago. Now, his administration says recent issues arose with some applicants. Civil Beat.

DOE Abruptly Cancels School Bus Routes For Thousands Of Hawaii Students. The department announced last-minute cancelations for the third year in a row amid an ongoing shortage of school bus divers. Nearly 2,900 Hawaii public school students will not receive bus transportation when classes begin for the new school year on Monday. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Retired federal judge Alan Cooke Kay made historic Hawaii rulings. Retired U.S. District Court Judge Alan Cooke Kay, the jurist who handed down historic rulings protecting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy and journalism in Hawaii, died Tuesday. He was 92. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu

UPW Oahu essential workers gets hazard pay for work during pandemic. Leaders at the United Public Workers union are calling it a win. An arbitrator recently ruled its essential workers will be given hazard pay for their work during the pandemic. KHON2.

Oahu dodges rolling outages after Kahe plant boost, conservation. Hawaiian Electric said the combination of customer conservation, energy storage and energy efficiency programs Wednesday night reduced demand by 40 megawatts Wednesday night, helping to avert the need for rolling outages. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Public asked for island transportation preferences. The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization has announced the launch of an online, interactive public survey aimed at gathering input for the update of the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan. KHON2.

New Amazon facility on Oʻahu aims to improve deliveries and the economy. The new Amazon delivery station on Oʻahu debuted Wednesday, and boasts state-of-the-art technology to speed up local deliveries and improve tracking. Hawaii Public Radio.

With plenty of help, encampment community starts building farm village in Waianae. Pu’uhonua O Wai’anae, a camp community on the edge of the Waianae Boat Harbor, is starting to build a new farm village in Waianae Valley. Roughly 200 people live at Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae and most are Native Hawaiian. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

'One route isn't enough': As Waikōloa's population grows, so do fire safety concerns. Waikōloa Village has only one public road in and out of the community, as well as an evacuation route that is generally blocked off to public access by a locked gate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Date set for KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a: Popular downtown Hilo event will return in January. After a year’s delay, the 28th KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a will return to downtown Hilo next year on Jan. 18. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Insurance payouts for Lahaina fires exceeds $2.3 billion. More than 200 insurance companies have reported over 10,000 claims with an estimated 3.2 billion dollars estimated to be paid. Maui News.

Mayor Bissen weighs in on Kahului Airport ‘Wall of Fame’ controversy. A new “Wall of Fame” exhibit installed at Maui’s Kahului Airport has sparked a viral debate on its controversial inclusion of non-Maui native celebrities. KITV4.

Maui Vacation Rental Association releases public opinion survey on short-term rentals. A vacation rental advocacy group has released a statewide poll it says shows that Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed ban on short-term rentals is “unpopular” with most Hawai‘i registered voters. Maui Now.

Maui County Council’s Aug. 13 meeting will be online while chamber closed to public. The Maui County Council will hold its next meeting, online, beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 13 while elections officials use the Council Chambers for primary elections work, Chair Alice Lee announced. Maui Now.

A displaced Lahaina resident's year-long journey to secure housing after the wildfire. Charles Nahale lost his home in last year's wildfire on Maui. Like so many survivors, he was shuffled in and out of hotels and condos for months. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Shaping the future of Kilauea Town. The small, charming community on North Shore, known for its history of sugar cane plantation, presented a blueprint for the beginning phases of the Kilauea Town Expansion Project, which will shape the future of Kilauea. Garden Island.

Green's housing plan scrutinized, school bus driver shortage impacts 4 islands, Hilo vet home fined again for infractions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green’s emergency order is under scrutiny.  The sweeping set of new rules largely waives or modifies parts of several state and county regulatory procedures in an effort to produce more housing at lower prices without significant negative impact. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii school bus driver shortage interrupts service. A worsening shortage of school bus drivers is leading to the partial or complete suspension of bus services at 14 public schools on Oahu and Kauai for the new school year, adding to transportation woes already long plaguing public schools on Hawaii island and Maui. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Native Hawaiian Contractors Take A Back Seat To Alaskans And Tribes For Lucrative Jobs. Hawaii's congressional delegation is hoping to make it easier for Native Hawaiian-owned businesses to compete with other Indigenous contractors. Civil Beat.

EVs will be first to join pilot program for road usage charges. A pilot program to charge motorists based on their mileage is about to kick off. Electric vehicle owners will be part of the first test run. Ed Sniffen, director of the state Department of Transportation, said the program is part of an effort to move away from a gas tax in order to fund highways. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Did Misconduct Allegations Spur State’s $2M Settlement In Case Already Won? A federal court judge announced in May she would probe allegations of misconduct by state lawyers in a lawsuit over sex assaults of inmates by staff at the Hawaii women’s prison. Weeks later, the state Attorney General’s Office announced it had agreed to pay $2 million to settle the case. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines posts $12.3M loss.  Hawaiian Holdings Inc., parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, on Tuesday reported a $12.33 million loss in the second quarter but still surpassed Wall Street expectations, as strengthening from Japan added to robust leisure travel demand. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council considers demolition of ‘monster homes’ as possible penalty.  A bill meant to prohibit giving false statements to city planners as a means of cracking down on “monster homes” might see more penalties given to violators beyond potential monetary fines and imprisonment. Star-Advertiser.

City Council eyes big tax break for homeowners who have a landfill for a neighbor. While the Honolulu City Council is looking for ways to soften the bite of a property tax spike for homeowners, it’s also considering a tax break for another reason: To make amends for those who have to live with a landfill as their neighbor. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor signs bill requiring bars, nightclubs to carry life-saving overdose treatment. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 28 Tuesday, which will require the overdose antidote, Narcan, to be available in Oahu bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. Hawaii News Now. KITV4

4 major crashes a year required to change traffic signal: City. Kailua residents have been asking for a left turn arrow at an intersection they claim is notoriously dangerous for years. But the city said the intersection does not warrant the change. KHON2.

Kapolei wholesaler must pay $73K for overtime pay violations. The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a Hawaii food wholesaler to pay $73,000 in back wages and penalties for denying overtime pay to 11 warehouse employees. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Abandoned boat from California drifts onto Oahu beach.  A boat that washed ashore in Punaluu last week has been identified as belonging to a California mariner who ran into trouble while sailing from San Diego to Guadalupe, Mexico, seven months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo veterans home fined again for failing to meet standards. Staffing shortages and health and safety problems have continued to plague the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo, two years after the state took over the nursing facility and fined the company that was managing it over $510,000 for numerous violations following a COVID-19 outbreak that infected more than 80% of residents, killing 27. Star-Advertiser.

County finance committee tackles housing crisis. Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced to full council the acceptance of $10 million in federal funds for the vertical construction of Kukuiola emergency shelter in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Council calls on U.S. Postmaster to improve Puna postal service. The Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the United States Postal Service to expand or rebuild the Pāhoa Post Office in Puna on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Report: Single WWII relic recovered from area in Waimea.  A single piece of military hardware has been recovered from an 11,000-acre area in Waimea over the last 17 years, according to a report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Threatens Crackdown On Controversial Monster House In Napili. Permitted as a single-family residence, Greg Brown's home has been advertised as a vacation rental for up to $20,000 per night. Civil Beat.

Senate Ways and Means Committee to tour Maui and Molokaʻi facilities. The Senate Ways and Means Committee will visit Maui on Wednesday into Thursday, July 26-27, and Molokaʻi on Thursday and Friday, July 27-28, 2023. Maui Now.

Hotel data reflect slower summer start than last year. Room revenue, hotel occupancy in Maui County lag behind last summer. Maui News.

Kauai

Parents call for ouster of Waimea Canyon Middle School principal. Representatives from the state Department of Education heard parents and teachers call for the immediate removal of Waimea Canyon Middle School Principal Melissa Speetjens at a meeting at Hanapepe Neighborhood Center on Monday evening, where Speetjens was accused of multiple forms of negligence and creating a toxic school environment for students and staff. Garden Island.

School bus driver shortage to impact four schools, 250 students on Kauaʻi.  The continuing shortage of qualified school bus drivers in Hawaiʻi will completely or partially suspend bus transportation services at four schools on Kauaʻi and 10 of Oʻahu’s 24 high schools when the new school year begins for students on Aug. 7.  Kauai Now.

Rail funding unresolved as deadline nears, poison drop begins on Lehua, Honolulu defers high-rise sprinkler bill, electric rate hike for Big Island, fray over Maui bus driver shortage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol © 2017 All Hawaii News

State lawmakers have until Friday to file paperwork to call a special session to deal with rail next week. But it's not clear if they will also take up a bill to fund pay raises for University of Hawaii Faculty or the United Public Workers. KITV.

Honolulu Rail Transit: Potential 16% Savings: The State Legislature is currently looking at ways to allow for the funding of the 8.2 billion dollar Honolulu Rail Transit System. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two of the highest-­ranking military commanders in Hawaii and the Pacific were in Asia on Tuesday for an exercise geared toward war on the Korean Peninsula and to deal with an alarming four U.S. Navy ship accidents this year in the western Pacific — including two fatal collisions in nearly as many months. Star-Advertiser.

Rich outside investors are offering to pay in full, in cash to purchase real estate in Hawaii. It’s something that’s made home-buying more difficult for the middle and working class. KHON2.

Hawaii car and light-truck registrations were flat in the second quarter, but the overall trend remained upward with new vehicle registrations poised to rise for the seventh year in a row. Star-Advertiser.

Abigail Kawananakoa’s mental health has become the focus of an ongoing legal battle over who should have control of her $200 million Campbell Estate fortune. Civil Beat.

Young Brothers Ltd. said that its interisland cargo volumes increased slightly in the second quarter of 2017, up 1.2 percent compared to the same period of 2016. Pacific Business News.

Young Brothers Limited announced that intrastate cargo volumes between Honolulu and six Neighbor Island ports increased slightly in the second quarter of 2017, up 1.2 percent compared to the same period of 2016. Garden Island.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council members Tuesday signaled they may be backing away from requiring more than 350 older residential buildings on Oahu to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems within five years. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s bill to retrofit sprinkler installations in older residential high rises remains in limbo until a newly formed advisory committee presents its fire safety recommendations. Star-Advertiser.

The Council Public Health, Safety and Welfare Committee voted to advance Bill 70, banning smoking in vehicles when there are minors present. Star-Advertiser.

As the search for a permanent Honolulu Police Chief continues, some city leaders think the mayor should be given more power to decide who will fill the spot. Hawaii News Now.

Commercial and industrial swaths of Kalihi in urban Honolulu would be redeveloped into mixed-use housing projects and new businesses along with recreational areas under a “vision plan” state officials unveiled Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Could Kalihi be the new Kakaako? With plans to move the aging Oahu Community Correctional Center currently in the works, Gov. David Ige has had his eye on upgrading the neighborhood, especially with plans for the rail to pass through. KHON2.

The Hawaii Sierra Club has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health, arguing the agency should have updated rules ensuring the safety of underground storage tanks. Civil Beat.

Imagine Waikiki without its world-renowned beach. That’s a future that’s possible this century, scientists say. Hawaii News Now.

Marine life artist Wyland and Hawaiian Airlines have reached an agreement regarding their recent legal battle over the ownership of two Hawaii whale murals. Pacific Business News.

Lack of lavatories leads to unsightly problem at historic Pali lookout. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The state Public Utilities Commission issued an interim order Tuesday granting a 3.4 percent increase to Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s base rate. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has tentatively approved Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s first rate increase in more than six years. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is planning to overhaul its testing and inspection processes of incoming deep well equipment in the wake of several premature failures that have led to a water crisis in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Traffic along a portion of Queen Kaahumanu Highway will transition to the newly paved makai section Wednesday night as part of the ongoing widening project. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An ongoing shortage of school bus drivers on Maui has turned into a heated exchange of words in recent days between Department of Education officials and the bus vendor that lost some of the island’s bus routes to a competitor last year. Civil Beat.

US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) sat down for a one-on-one interview at Maui Now to discuss congressional updates during a visit to Maui on Tuesday.  Prior to the interview, Sen. Schatz held a town hall meeting at the Binhi At Ani Filipino Community Center in Kahului that drew an estimated 100 people. Maui Now.

The Department of Planning is getting back on track to update Maui island’s six regional plans, but this time it’s coming with a dose of budgetary realism and more input from county departments, according to Deputy Director Michele Chouteau McLean. Maui News.

Irrigation system work continues at Waipuilani Park in Kihei but the parking lot, restrooms and tennis courts will remain open during the current phase of work. Maui News.

An informational briefing on the conveyance of 3 acres of state land to the county near the Lahaina Civic Center will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the center social hall. Maui News.

Kauai

The Lehua Island restoration project has been given the green light and the first round of poison-laced bait could be dropped as soon as 6 this morning. Garden Island.

An ongoing rat problem on Lehua Island is prompting the DLNR to go ahead with plans to bait the island with rat poison. But some are worried that could pose a health risk to other animals on the island. Hawaii News Now.

James Jasper Enterprises, the owner of the Anchor Cove Shopping Center on Kauai, is planning to expand the Lihue property and add a new oceanfront restaurant with outdoor seating, as well as a new market or convenience store. Pacific Business News.

The Kauai Police Department recently launched a new, online, crime-mapping program called LexisNexis Community Crime Map, which replaces the former program, RAIDS Online. Garden Island.

Hawaii scientists prepare for sea level rise, Ige girds for gubernatorial battle, public transportation use drops, Maui school bus shortage reaching resolution, Kaui seeks landfill site, builder backs out of $734M Big Island affordable housing project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

King tide floods Queen Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo, photo: K.t. Cannon

Scientists say the sea is rising faster than first thought. At a public information meeting Thursday evening, the prognosis was mostly grim from the scientists working on a report in conjunction with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources presented a draft Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report to a room of about two dozen people. When completed, the report will be submitted in anticipation of the 2018 Hawaii State Legislature. Big Island Video News.

Another round of king tides rolls in, setting record high sea levels. Hawaii News Now.

King tides make appearance on Oahu. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige plans to ramp up his political fundraising efforts to raise $1 million before the end of the year to prepare for what could be a bruising Democratic primary next year. Star-Advertiser.

Compared to several years ago, the number of people using public transportation is dropping. That’s according to a study that finds the pattern to be true on the mainland—and also here in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

State resumes reviews of child fatalities. For a few years, Hawaii had the dubious distinction of being the only state — or possibly one of two — that did not regularly review child deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Will More Nurses in Hawaii Schools Help Keep Kids In Class? The Legislature provided $2.8 million to expand the Hawaii Keiki program, which places nurses in schools. Civil Beat.

With a new school year kicking off, some parents say they aren’t fans of state guidelines based on federal recommendations, that let kids found to have ukus, or head lice, return to school right after treatment has started. West Hawaii Today.

A major ocean cargo carrier has announced plans to expand operations to Hawaii, in a move that could significantly increase the state’s fleet of container ships. But whether new competition will reduce shipping costs – and ultimately the cost of goods for consumers – isn’t clear. Civil Beat.

Army officials have spent days sifting through chunks of Black Hawk helicopter debris in turbulent Pacific waters off Hawaii but have yet to see any signs of life in their search for five soldiers missing since the aircraft crashed during nighttime training on Tuesday. Associated Press.

Oahu

The developer of the latest Ala Moana-Kapiolani area high-rise in need of permits from the Honolulu City Council will bring along a unique feature — its own senior affordable rental building. Star-Advertiser.

The Kahala Hotel &Resort, which last week withdrew a controversial request to use the public shoreline fronting the hotel for commercial enterprises, has now said it will not resubmit the request unless all stakeholders agree. Star-Advertiser.

An 81-year-old retired librarian, who had been trapped in her Marco Polo condo on the 32nd floor during the July 14 inferno, died 20 days later. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An Ohio company that won a state award to develop a $734 million Hawaii island affordable-housing project has pulled out of the deal, leaving the mostly unbuilt community’s future in limbo after more than $20 million invested by the state. Star-Advertiser.

A senior housing facility and veterans center at least a decade in the making is closer to coming to fruition. Tribune-Herald.

The replacement motor for the Honokohau Deepwell does not work. Back to the drawing board as five wells remain out of service in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Event draws pot patients, professionals: Many dismayed with status of marijuana dispensaries. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Some Lahaina routes restored. Driver shortage down to 11 as Roberts, DOE engage in public battle over school bus woes. Maui News.

Welcome Hokulea. Famed voyaging canoe makes Maui first stop on ‘Mahalo’ sail around state. Maui News.

Reef at Olowalu now a ‘hope spot’. The goal is to bring awareness, support to places Mission Blue deems “critical to the health of the ocean” Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation announced that both Waihe‘e Beach Park and the driving range at Waiehu Golf Course have been closed due to hazardous trees along the park driveway and driving range. Maui Now.

Emergency Rescue: Endangered Sea Turtle Nest on Maui Relocated. Maui Now.

Kauai

Has Kauai Finally Found A Site For A New Landfill? After a decade of effort, the county has located a preferred site for a new $65 million facility. But the plan will likely face NIMBY opposition. Civil Beat.

Researchers encountered something new off the coast of Kauai during an 11-day August field project — a probable hybrid between a melon-headed whale and rough-toothed dolphin. Garden Island.

Those involved in the Lehua Island rat eradication project are meeting with members of the community one-on-one instead of holding a community meeting to answer questions. Garden Island.

The water at Hanalei Bay Landing, known as Hanalei Pier, still has a high amount of bacteria and officials recommend staying out of the water in that area until at least Tuesday. Garden Island.

Activists angered by proposed Waipouli path. Garden Island.

Parole administrator reassigned pending investigation, Kauai study shows glyphosate in honey, Maui school bus shortage reaches crisis, Big Island council members fly high on pCards, Ellison describes Lanai ag plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Wiki bikestand in Waikiki, courtesy U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

You’ve seen the new Biki bikeshare stations around town but who are the people pedaling them? Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Public Safety has temporarily reassigned longtime Paroles and Pardons Administrator Tommy Johnson pending the outcome of an internal investigation, according to Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety has temporarily reassigned longtime Paroles and Pardons Administrator Tommy Johnson pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Associated Press.

Robert K. Masuda has been appointed as First Deputy Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources by Gov. David Y. Ige on Friday. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige has joined 38 other governors in signing a cybersecurity compact in an effort to enhance state cybersecurity and develop the cyber workforce. Star-Advertiser.

As summer winds down, thousands of Hawaii students return to school. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 40 Hawaii public school graduates have received the state’s first round of awards signifying they have mastered two languages. Star-Advertiser.

John H. Radcliffe, a retired Hawaii lobbyist who became, as he puts it, the “poster child” for legalizing medical aid in dying in Hawaii, got some astounding news last month. His inoperable cancer was deemed operable. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former city Community Services Director Pam Witty-Oakland returns to the post effective Oct. 1, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office announced Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Junk Cars Are Piling Up On Oahu. As scrap yards close or start charging to take derelict vehicles, it’s often cheaper to ditch a worn-out car than legally dispose of it. Civil Beat.

Couple OK’d as foster parents despite marred past. Star-Advertiser.

A judge ruled Friday that statements an Army medic made to an investigator after his wife was found dead were coerced. Star-Advertiser.

Cleanup of Ala Wai has start in Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu condo prices climb: Previously owned Oahu condos sold for a median $425,000, increasing 6.3 percent from $400,000 in July 2016, according to resale figures released Sunday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Some County Council members are flying high on the taxpayers’ dime. The council spent $58,453 on travel during the first seven months of the two-year term, almost twice the monthly average of prior years, according to a West Hawaii Today analysis of purchasing card and travel records. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim claims to be a “pretty dull guy,” and his purchasing card and travel expenses seem to reflect he’s no social butterfly. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island Invasive Species Committee has declared victory in its effort to remove axis deer from Ka‘u, nearly eight years since they were introduced. Tribune-Herald.

It's official. Axis Deer are no more on Hawaii Island. Big Island Video News.

Lance Niimi, the Hawaii County's assistant housing administrator, has been sleeping among the homeless at the Hale Kikaha tent-city. Big Island Video News.

The Hilo Drag Strip is set to reopen by the end of 2017 after being closed nearly two years for renovations. Tribune-Herald.

It didn’t take long for a mishap to befall the beleaguered Mass Transit department’s new buses, which were just donated to the Big Island from the City and County of Honolulu. Big Island Video News.

A Hawaiian Paradise Park woman and her two young children were uninjured after being involved in a minor collision with a reportedly stolen Hele-On bus in Hilo Saturday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

State emergency officials want public schools to be prepared for a possible North Korea missile attack, though Hawaii’s education leaders aren’t planning any drills specific to nuclear detonations just yet. Tribune-Herald.

The state land department is accepting proposals to move forward with a carbon credit system that will fund forest restoration on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, the Department of Education, and one of Hawaii’s largest school bus providers met Friday to try to fix the Valley Isle school bus crisis, but to no avail. KHON2.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said the county's bus service can't accommodate the 250 students whose school bus service has been cut because of a driver shortage. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Department of Education advises parents and guardians of students at Lahainaluna High and Baldwin High who depend on school bus routes exclusively serving grades 9 to 12 to find alternate rides. Maui Now.

Power grid showing its age as more renewable energy produced. Maui News.

Community input is being sought on a proposed light industrial and commercial business park at Pulehunui in Central Maui, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced. Maui News.

The Iao Valley State Monument has reopened, at least temporarily, after sustaining severe damage from a massive flood in September. Associated Press.

Kauai

Another study looking at pesticides in beehives is underway in Hawaii. And results are showing a connection between agriculture-dense areas and an increase in the chemical glyphosate — the active ingredient in Roundup — in honey. Garden Island.

Taxes and establishing bus stops will be discussed at the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday. Councilmembers are expected to approve two bills relating to taxes. Garden Island.

The project to eradicate the rats on Lehua Island won’t be starting on Tuesday, according to Scott Enright, director of the state’s Department of Agriculture. Garden Island.

Forum ends with consensus: Seek ways to preserve marine species. Garden Island.

Lanai

Tech billionaire Larry Ellison sees potential for agriculture on Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

Polystyrene foam ban resurfaces in Honolulu, Maui police deny excessive force in telescope protester arrests, Big Island mayor cancels geothermal health studies, Kona homeless get new tent city, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polystyrene lunch plate © 2017 All Hawaii News

An effort to bar Oahu businesses from using foam takeout containers has been renewed, this time by a Honolulu City Council member who said she opposed a similar proposal in 2004. Star-Advertiser.

‘Biocontrol Agents’ Could Be Used To Kill Albizia In Hawaii. Moths, mites, weevils, beetles, even a fungus, are under consideration as a way to stop the spread of the invasive tree in the islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s college graduates are managing student debt better than their peers anywhere else in the country, according to a new WalletHub report released this week. Tribune-Herald.

More than eight months after issuing a request for landowners in Hawaii willing to host renewable energy projects, Hawaiian Electric Co. said this week that it has compiled a list of potential sites, but it’s not saying where they are. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s earnings fell 12 percent in the second quarter, as its utilities saw a decrease in profits. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. reported second-quarter net income of $38.7 million, or 36 cents per diluted share, compared to net income of $44.1 million, or 41 cents per diluted share, for the same quarter a year ago. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The number of mumps cases at Oahu Community Correctional Center has more than doubled in less than a month, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the state’s outbreak, which now tops 200 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Fast-acting work crews prevented a mainland bat from escaping a container ship docked at Honolulu Harbor on Monday, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council has sided with an advisory board and an overwhelming community view to reject a developer’s proposal to rezone farmland on the fringe of Haleiwa town for residential use. Star-Advertiser.

A midrise rental apartment building reserved for residents with incomes up to the median in Honolulu will begin accepting tenant applications Aug. 18 in preparation for an opening by the end of this month. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes Corporation Kakaako Development Update. Ward Warehouse in Kakaako closed earlier this week and is scheduled to be torn down by the end of the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

City transportation officials told a Honolulu City Council committee Thursday they are looking at redesigning and reducing the size of 11 traffic bulb-outs in Chinatown that merchants, customers and residents have complained about. Star-Advertiser.

A pedestrian safety measure in Chinatown is irking area businesses, who say it's hurting their bottom line. Hawaii News Now.

A nonprofit wants turn a former fishing shed at Kewalo Basin into a cultural and educational center. Hawaii News Now.

The median price for condominiums on Oahu hit an all-time high of $425,000 in July, rising 6 percent from the same month a year ago, according to a report by Honolulu-based real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Dozens of community members gathered Thursday inside Kapolei High School's cafeteria to have their questions and concerns heard, as Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa discussed the latest news out of the nation's capital. KITV.

The University of Hawaii Manoa student newspaper is hoping for a student fee increase to help it survive in the digital age. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu police officer Jessie Laconsay,  who is already serving a 10 year sentence for sexually assaulting a teen, faces even more punishment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A bill that would allow Hawaii County to spend its geothermal royalties on “community health and safety projects” will be sent to the Planning Commission for review. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim has canceled two geothermal studies previously approved by the Windward Planning Commission. The studies would have looked at health impacts of geothermal development in Puna and dispersion of hydrogen sulfide during steam releases. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation maintenance crews had their hands — and their trucks — full Wednesday, as they cleared out rubbish from the Old Airport Park in preparation for a cleanup effort set for Aug. 9-10. West Hawaii Today.

Some of those who were previously camping at Old Kona Airport have been relocated under tents next to Hale Kikaha. Big Island Video News.

There's nothing fancy about the Big Island's new homeless safe zone. It's just a row of pop-up tents, a few portable toilets and some showers. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Roads leading to the summit of Haleakala are once again open to the public today. Park officials say the construction convoy delivering equipment for the new Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope was successful. This follows the latest round of protests against the solar telescope under construction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui police said a preliminary review of reports and video from the arrest of a protester on Haleakala Wednesday shows that officers acted within department policy in forcibly restraining him before he fell unconscious in handcuffs. Star-Advertiser.

Police force on Maui has been questioned following an injury reported during an arrest of one of the demonstrators during the Kāko’o Haleakala protest early Wednesday morning. Maui Now.

Some are claiming that Maui officers used excessive force during a protest of the controversial Haleakala telescope project, and are pointing to cell phone video circulating online as evidence of their charges. Hawaii News Now.

The Maui County Council’s Land Use Committee unanimously voted against approval for a conditional permit to allow special events at the “Lona Ridge” property in Wailuku. Maui Now.

A shortage of bus drivers on Maui has forced state officials to suspend bus rides for students at three schools and limit rides for students at one school. Associated Press.

Frustration is mounting on Maui as parents learn new bus pickup times for their kids still aren’t set or are set too late. KHON2.

Kauai

Days from the first potential drop of 10 tons of rodenticide on Lehua Island, some are still demanding the state respond to unanswered questions. Garden Island.

The Navy announced today that it successfully tracked a medium-range ballistic missile target in flight off Kauai with the new AN/SPY-6(V) Air and Missile Defense Radar on July 27. Star-Advertiser.

When some Kauai County Councilmembers voted against funding to develop a Climate Action Plan, it was because they did not know what it hoped to accomplish. Garden Island.

Group sinks teeth into General Plan Update. Garden Island.

A Lihue man awaiting trial on charges of producing child pornography told Kauai police that he had sexually assaulted seven boys and girls over a span of eight or nine years, according to a recently unsealed U.S. District Court document. Star-Advertiser.

Telescope battles on two islands, school bus driver shortage forces route cancellations, former Honolulu reporter snarled in Fox News Trump allies lawsuit, 'Fat Leonard' bribery case involves Hawaii's Seventh Fleet, gun range plan advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Haleakala protest screenshot from FB live, Barbara Heil Barry

How the world’s largest solar telescope rose on Maui while nearby protests derailed a larger scope. Science.

Several arrests were made early this morning as members of the group Kāko’o Haleakalā demonstrated overnight, attempting to block a convoy transporting large loads to the Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope atop Haleakalā on Maui. Maui Now.

Several arrests were made early Wednesday as police cracked down on dozens of activists blocking the road leading to the summit of Haleakala in protest of construction of a four meter telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of protesters of all ages waved signs along Kula Highway Tuesday evening to voice their opposition toward building the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope. KITV.

The narrow winding road leading up to Haleakala National Park was scheduled to be closed to traffic for several hours late Tuesday during a planned delivery of materials to the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope site — where protesters opposed to the project were expected. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair today announced that it will implement a temporary closure of unencumbered lands on Haleakalā to protect public safety during the equipment convoy that starts today. Maui Now.

With materials for the controversial solar telescope on Haleakala still hours away, more than 80 protesters prepared to confront the delivery trucks on a grassy triangle outside King Kekaulike High School on Tuesday evening. Maui News.

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Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees say they will sue the University of Hawaii and the state for alleged mismanagement at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

A Native Hawaiian fisherman is asking an environmental court to stop Hawaii officials from issuing commercial fishing licenses to those who aren’t legally admitted into the United States. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association is seeking to boost health insurance rates next year by an average 27.1 percent, while Kaiser Permanente is proposing a 19.9 percent rate hike, together affecting nearly 33,000 residents covered by the federal Affordable Care Act. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii journalist Malia Zimmerman is at the center of a growing firestorm over a Fox News story about Democratic leaks and an unsolved killing. Hawaii News Now.

A lawsuit filed Tuesday lays out an explosive tale of Trump allies, the White House, Fox News and a former Hawaii journalist conspiring to push a false story about Democratic leaks and an unsolved killing to distract attention from the Russia investigation that has been swirling around the president. Associated Press.

New Hawaii Schools Chief’s First Priority: Listening. Christina Kishimoto plans on visiting all the islands in her first six months to talk with educators and students. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Education welcomed its new leader Tuesday, less than one week before the start of the new school year on Aug. 7. KHON2.

Christina Kishimoto began her new job Tuesday as superintendent of Hawaii public schools, promising state education leaders she will visit schools throughout the state in the coming months and work to fill vacant positions in her executive staff. Tribune-Herald.

The state said Tuesday it has installed air conditioning units in 796 classrooms in the islands, and hopes to reach 1,000 by the end of the month. Hawaii News Now.

Former Navy Officer Isn’t Rolling Over In The Fat Leonard Bribery Case. The widening criminal investigation into Malaysian defense contractor Leonard “Fat Leonard” Francis has already ensnared dozens of top naval officers, many from the Hawaii-based Seventh Fleet. Civil Beat.

Members of the United Public Workers union are voting this week on a tentative agreement for a new four-year contract that includes raises and bonuses for union members. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii personnel assisting in search for missing sailor in South China Sea. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Plans for an expansion of Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery won a key approval from a Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Kicked out of parks and off sidewalks, some 'innovative' homeless take to the water. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Public Safety has announced that eight inmates at a Hawaii correctional center have mumps. Associated Press.

Next spring, students at the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law will have a state-of-the-art building to advise their own clients. Civil Beat.

On Wednesday, Servco Pacific Inc. Chairman and CEO Mark Fukunaga and Hawaii Gov. David Ige will be among the officials scheduled to break ground on the company's hydrogen station, the first such station to be built on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Damage from the July 14 high-rise fire at the Marco Polo condominium project has been estimated to exceed $100 million in one of the most destructive fires in Honolulu’s recent history, a Honolulu Fire Department spokesman said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Damage from the seven-alarm fire that killed three people and injured five at the Marco Polo Apartments high-rise in Honolulu last month exceeded an estimated $100 million, one of the most destructive fires in modern history in Hawaii, officials said. Pacific Business News.

The Marco Polo high-rise fire that killed three people July 14 and caused at least $100 million in damage was not intentionally set, but investigators continue to search for the cause, the Honolulu Fire Department said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Fire Department has released new details as it continues to investigate a 7-alarm fire that killed three people in the Marco Polo high-rise on July 14. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A study of locations for one or more shooting ranges was advanced Tuesday by a County Council panel that voted unanimously to endorse the concept and support a working group to create a report. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Electric Light Company held a public meetings Monday night on its plans to upgrade the Big Island power grid. Big Island Video News.

First homeless sweep of Old Airport Park cleanup begins. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim has made it a priority to clean up a West Hawaii Park where many homeless have been living illegally. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state has issued a gag order in a case involving the death of a 3-year-old Hawaii island boy in foster care. KHON2.

The sale of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel &Bungalows and other assets closed Tuesday, with DiamondHead Land officially taking ownership of the properties. West Hawaii Today.

The new owners of the Mauna Lani hotel and golf courses on Hawaii island rehired all employees when the deal closed Tuesday and said they plan to invest between $70 million and $90 million upgrading the resort. Star-Advertiser.

A joint venture between an affiliate of California-based real estate company ProspectHill Group and longtime Hawaii hotel executive Pat Fitzgerald has closed on its acquisition of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on Hawaii’s Big Island from a subsidiary of Japan-based Tokyu Corp. Pacific Business News.

Brightly colored and uniquely designed license plates featuring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park hit the Big Island on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

School bus riders at Lahainaluna High, Baldwin High and Iao Intermediate schools will be riding the Maui Bus instead of their regular yellow buses when school starts next week due to a “crisis” shortage of bus drivers for a new transportation provider, the state Department of Education said. Maui News.

As a new school bus vendor on Maui struggles to find credentialed drivers before the school year begins Monday, the Department of Education says it will halt bus routes for nearly 400 students and issue bus passes for use on the island’s public transportation. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Education today announced route modifications to school bus service for students at Maui High, Lahainaluna High, Baldwin High and ʻĪao Intermediate. Maui Now.

The Hawaii Department of Education is taking drastic action due to a shortage of school bus drivers on Maui. KHON2.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources opened up the gates across Iao Valley Road to allow participants in the Iao Valley 10K to run to the Iao Valley State Monument, which has been closed since massive floods in September. Maui News.

The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety welcomed New Deputy Fire Chief, Lionel Montalvo to the post during a swearing-in and badge pinning ceremony on Friday. Maui Now.

Kauai

While it’s certain that the upcoming school year for public schools on Kauai begins next week, what’s still up in the air is how each student who rides a school bus will get to class on time. Garden Island.

Work on restoration of the Ae Kamali‘i Preschool started as the mercury teased the 90-degree mark Monday at the facility on Kress Street adjacent to Lihue Christian Church. Garden Island.

Two meetings are slated next week on a project designed for safe access to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Garden Island.

Wailua condo association wants to clean heiau. Condo association looks to clean up heiau blanketed by weeds, grass, trees. Garden Island.

Hawaii has high consumer debt, Oahu airport fees to increase, Waimanalo landfill sparks debate, attorneys blamed for loss of lifeguard liability protection, counties react to king tides, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Moana Center © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s high cost of living has given residents the dubious honor of having the second-highest consumer debt per person in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s total consumer debt per capita increased from $51,810 in 2005 to over $67,000 in 2015, making it the second highest in the nation, according to a new report released by the Department of Business and Economic Development. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii residents are rising in the ranks of the indebted. Tribune-Herald.

County officials are blaming a group of prominent personal injury lawyers with strong ties to House leaders for thwarting an effort to extend most liability protection to lifeguards who might face lawsuits related to their jobs. Civil Beat.

It seems every few weeks yet another pundit predicts who Democrats might field for president in 2020. And in more and more cases, Hawaii’s Tulsi Gabbard makes the cut. Civil Beat.

New movie ‘The Islands’ looks for Native Hawaiian to play King Kamehameha. KHON2.

Parents challenge Hawaii's ukus, or head lice, policy in public schools. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists have issued a warning that Hawaii faces the threat of serious coastal flooding this week and in June because a rare convergence of rising sea levels and some of the highest tides of this year. Associated Press.

Oahu

A final decision on the fate of the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill likely will be delayed again due to possible procedural errors by the Honolulu Planning Commission. Star-Advertiser.

A representative from the state Department of Transportation told a room full of pilots and private aviation owners on Monday they are facing double-digit rent increases at Honolulu airports. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is seeking final public input on options for the future of the precarious Haiku Stairs hiking trail, with all comments due at the end of the day Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The controversial Haiku Stairs have been the subject of debate for years. Now, the Board of Water Supply wants to know what you think the future of the "Stairway to Heaven" should be. Hawaii News Now.

From the wife of the richest man in South Korea to the husband of the CEO of Hawaii’s largest publicly traded company, the first closings of the luxury condominium units at Park Lane Ala Moana appear to be to a mixture of international and local buyers. Pacific Business News.

The city wants to hear from you about a proposal to build a multi-tower, mixed-use development across from Ala Moana Center. KHON2.

The latest homeless point-in-time count indicates an increase among veterans on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Last year, Honolulu EMS responded to about 86,000 emergencies. EMS officials say that number will likely climb up as Oahu's population grows. KITV.

State officials have launched a project to study the pueo in an effort to better understand the owl’s ecology on Oahu and to develop standardized surveying methods and management practices. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu is among the top 10 destinations for this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A planned clean up of the Old Airport Park, set to coincide with the permanent relocation of the some 50-70 homeless individuals that reside there, has been a top priority of the administration since Mayor Harry Kim assumed office.  West Hawaii Today.

Homeless in North Hawaii: part one of a two-part series on how the homeless population in Waimea and throughout North Hawaii is growing. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is hiring staff to fill empty positions at Kona Community Aquatic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Co-op launches effort to make Big Island pork industry viable. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui officials react to king tide predictions. Maui News.

Kauai

A swell will be arriving with the highest water levels of the summer late this week, and experts say tides could rise up to a foot above normal. On Kauai, that means low-lying areas like Hanalei and Kukuiula could be at risk for flooding, according to experts. Garden Island.

School bus contracts given. The Hawaii State Department of Education reached the final phase of its “Get on Board” initiative with new contracts on Kauai for the upcoming school year. Garden Island.