Showing posts with label senate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label senate. Show all posts

Friday, November 11, 2016

Veterans Day marked in Hawaii, state Senate shifts some leaders, aquarium fish lawsuit moves to state Supreme Court, Maui and Kauai charter amendments pass, Honolulu police, zoo at issue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Veterans Day parade © 2016 All Hawaii News
Events this morning marking Veterans Day include the annual National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ceremony and the annual Wahiawa Lions Club parade, while an afternoon ceremony honoring veterans will take place aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

In observance of Veterans Day, all federal, state, city and county offices will be closed. KITV.

Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi announced slight changes to the 25-member chamber’s leadership structure Thursday as lawmakers get ready for the next session, which opens Jan. 18. Civil Beat.

The State Senate announced its leadership lineup today with only a few changes.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Conservation groups are appealing to the state Supreme Court to require more oversight of the aquarium fishing industry. Hawaii News Now.

Issues surrounding aquarium fish collection are being taken to Hawaii’s Supreme Court after the Intermediate Court of Appeals sided with the state on permit issuance. Garden Island.

The Coast Guard cited three commercial fishing vessels for safety and other violations, and sent the boats back to port during inspections this month, in one instance discovering a non-U.S. citizen at the helm of a U.S. vessel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Medical Service Association has named Michael Stollar president and chief operating officer. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Commission changes cast uncertainty over future of Honolulu’s police department. KHON2.

The city’s quest to regain accreditation for the Honolulu Zoo received a big boost this week when Oahu voters approved an amendment to the City Charter that requires 0.5 percent of estimated property tax revenue each year to be dropped into an account set up to exclusively fund the 42-acre facility. Star-Advertiser.

A state board guiding affordable-housing production voted Thursday to move ahead with a plan for developing 590 rental apartments and a public elementary school in two towers on state land in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

The board overseeing construction of Oahu’s rail transit system has selected its new leader, as the financially challenged project continues to face future uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

The dean of Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is being recommended for the chancellor position at UH West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A large Kahuku farm must stop selling and distributing its sea asparagus and seaweed products because salmonella, which has sickened at least 14, was found on the farm last week. Star-Advertiser.

Makaha animal shelter volunteers say dogs wrongfully taken in massive raid. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics found there is probable cause that Mayor Billy Kenoi violated the county code when he used his government issued purchase card for personal expenses. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has acknowledged in an agreement there is probable cause that he violated ethics code by using a county-issued credit card for personal purchases. Associated Press.

Hawaii County is hoping more access to pesticide treatments will help efforts to combat the little fire ant population. Tribune-Herald.

Organizers of the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon have canceled this weekend’s scheduled run over uncertainty whether there would be enough police officers available to assist with road closures. West Hawaii Today.

Managers and employees celebrated a new Grand Naniloa Hotel on Thursday as they marked the official launch of its partnership with DoubleTree by Hilton. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s three senators secured key leadership roles and committee assignments in the upcoming 29th session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Maui Now.

A majority of Maui County voters cast “yes” ballots for proposed Maui County Charter amendments, including one that provides for council members to confirm most directors of county departments. Maui News.

A hearing was scheduled for testimony on the state’s proposal to establish parking fees for the ‘Āhihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Five of the seven proposed amendments to the Kauai County Charter were approved by voters Tuesday. Garden Island.

The finish line for the demolition of Coco Palms is in sight. Garden Island

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Ige withdraws Ching DLNR nomination, House passes $25.7B budget, NextEra wants Hawaiian Electric sale fast-tracked, De-Occupy Honolulu awarded $80k in police raids, Obama friend buys Magnum P.I. home, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Hawaii Senate majority
Red shirts in Senate gallery against Ching nomination, courtesy Hawaii Senate Majority
After nearly two months of "grueling" scrutiny and relentless vocal opposition, Carleton Ching's high-profile and ill-fated nomination to head one of the most important state agencies in Hawaii was pulled Wednesday just moments before the Senate was to vote on it. Star-Advertiser.

Senators’ 11th-Hour Decisions Doomed Ching Nomination. UPDATE: Gov. David Ige withdrew his controversial nomination for the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources when it became clear the votes weren't there for confirmation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has withdrawn his nomination of Carleton Ching to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The governor informed the Senate of his decision Wednesday. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Wednesday withdrew his nomination of Castle & Cooke Hawaii executive Carleton Ching to be the next head of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Pacific Business News.

Governor David Ige withdrew his controversial nomination for chair of the State Board of Land and Natural Resources today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige and Ching
Moments before the Hawaii State Senate was set to begin voting Wednesday on Governor David Ige's controversial nomination to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Ige withdrew his nomination. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has withdrawn his nomination of Carleton Ching to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources. KITV4.

It’s back to the drawing board for Gov. David Ige as he decides who will lead the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Ige withdrew his nomination for Carleton Ching Wednesday, just days after he said he was standing by his controversial pick. KHON2.

Eight lessons from the Carleton Ching nomination. Governor Ige instigated a political crisis by nominating a developer's lobbyist to watch over Hawaii's natural resources. Hawaii Independent.

Opinions from local representatives and conservation groups were split after Gov. David Ige on Wednesday withdrew his nomination of Carleton Ching to lead Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

The state House of Representatives on Wednesday forwarded to the Senate a $13.3 billion general fund budget for the next two fiscal years. The spending plan calls for a $6.5 billion budget in fiscal 2016, which begins July 1, and $6.8 billion in fiscal 2017. Star-Advertiser.

The House voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of its draft of the overall state budget, a $25.7 billion spending plan for the next two years. The Senate Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Jill Tokuda, will take up House Bill 500 and make whatever changes it sees fit before sending it to the full Senate for its approval. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Legislature in Session? Time to Raise Campaign Money! Reps. Luke, Johanson, Nakashima and Nishimoto will be at Mandalay Wednesday night passing the hat for re-election. Civil Beat.

The public may get to see the financial disclosures statements of certain state board members a year earlier than expected. The Hawaii State Ethics Commission agreed Wednesday to send a memo out to board members later this week letting them know that their financial disclosure statements for 2014 will be released if they file a short-form report this year. Civil Beat.

A bill to restore $6 million in funding for Hawaii's state preschool subsidy program is still moving through the state Legislature. Senate Bill 64, which has crossed over to the state House of Representatives, would restore funding for the Preschool Open Doors program for the next two fiscal years. Pacific Business News.

Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. wants the state to move fast on approval of its proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries and has objected to a suggestion the decision be delayed until June 3, 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

De-Occupy Honolulu Lawyers Awarded $80,000 in Fees, Expenses. The court ruling stems from HPD raids in Thomas Square in 2012, where protestors and property was seized. Civil Beat.

A company with ties to a close friend of President Barack Obama has bought a historic oceanfront mansion in Waimanalo used as a setting for the 1980s TV detective show "Magnum, P.I." Star-Advertiser.

Moanalua Gardens will start charging entrance fees to help offset maintenance and operational costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

More than 100 shoppers lined the outside of Malama Market on Wednesday in Pahoa in anticipation of the grocery store’s grand reopening. It’s been an inconvenient three months since the market closed its doors in response to the approach of the June 27 lava flow, they said, and the reopening is an important sign that life in Pahoa could be returning to normal. Tribune-Herald.

Attorney Brian DeLima is requesting funds for private legal counsel to represent Jody Buddemeyer, the Hawaii Police Department officer who authorities say struck and killed a Michigan man riding his bicycle in South Kohala. Tribune-Herald.

Kailua-Kona keiki will soon have new digs in which to practice their flips, pops and slides. Two Hawaii County Council members dipped into their district contingency funds Wednesday to give a planned skate park a $50,000 boost. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Now has learned that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui terminated a worker with the Makawao branch after discovering that she had posted unauthorized video of children sending messages to convicted murderer Jodi Arias on social media.

A Maui County Council committee has recommended changing the name of Iao Stream to Wailuku River. Maui News.

A bill making its way through the state Legislature would overturn a long-standing law that prohibits all commercial activity on or around Kahoolawe. Maui News.

Kauai

State Department of Transportation officials say commuters traveling through Wailua and Kapaa may have to wait a little longer before larger projects to improve congestion along Kuhio Highway come to fruition. Garden Island.

That grumbling isn’t from an empty stomach. Some local parents say they aren’t happy that the price of Hawaii school lunches could increase in the fall semester. Garden Island.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Army tests hypersonic weapon from Kauai, Hawaii economy limping along, state looks at regulating reef fish collecting, suicide rates up, APEC hosts' data stolen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hypersonic weapon, military courtesy photo
The Army on Thursday conducted its first flight test of a new weapon capable of traveling five times the speed of sound. Associated Press.

Hawaii's economy is expected to limp along with slow growth through 2012, economist Leroy Laney said Thursday in a forecast dampened by global economic woes. Star-Advertiser.

Suicide Rates in Hawaii Climb. Hawaii Public Radio.

Politico: Hawaii Senate Race Not Toss-Up. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers didn’t support a statewide ban on the sale of aquarium fish this session but the issue isn’t going away. KITV4.

The collection and sale of reef fish for aquariums is an industry that averages about $395,000 a year on Oahu... And provides jobs for about 40 commercial fishers - 15 are full-time. KHON2.

The breakthrough ceded land settlement announced by the Abercrombie administration on Wednesday is the brainchild of two Honolulu attorneys with extensive experience in commercial litigation. Civil Beat.

In another rejection of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s position on the secrecy of judicial nominations, the state Judicial Selection Commission has decided to make public the names of all candidates for judicial appointment submitted to the governor and the Hawaii Supreme Court chief justice. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Honolulu's ban on keeping personal possessions on sidewalks is one step closer to becoming law, but in many ways the fight has just begun. Civil Beat.

Members of Honolulu's APEC Host Committee who represent some of Hawaii's biggest companies and institutions have been told their personal information may have been stolen after security clearances were requested for them to meet with President Barack Obama Saturday night during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Star-Advertiser.

The family of a Kailua man shot to death in a Waikiki fast-food restaurant filed a lawsuit Thursday against a State Department special agent charged with murder in the case. Star-Advertiser.

Defense attorney: federal agent charged with murder acted in self-defense. Hawaii News Now.

City Plans To Open Access To Popular North Shore Beach. KITV4.

A City Council committee advanced permit requests for the $760 million expansion of the Hilton Hawaiian Village but asked property owners to try to work out differences before the measure comes up for a final vote next month. Star-Advertiser.

A city employee and a driving instructor conspired to create at least three fraudulent driver's licenses that were sold to foreign nationals who were in the United States illegally, according to an indictment returned Wednesday by a federal grand jury. Star-Advertiser.

The State Land Use Commission will continue its hearings today on D.R. Horton‘s proposed “Ho‘opili” development in Honouliuli. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The Leeward Planning Commission signed off on proposed changes to the special management area rules Thursday morning. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, students at Waiakea Intermediate School gathered on the covered courts at the rear of the campus during their recess period to sign pledges to remain tobacco free, play games aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, and to learn more about the dangers associated with smoking. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Security officials at Kahului Airport have a new body scanner that doesn't project invasive body images but is sensitive enough to detect a plastic bag in a jean pocket. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Land Use Committee voted 6-2 Wednesday evening to recommend approval of the Kahoma Residential Subdivision, a fast-track, all-affordable housing project in West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai


A Hawai‘i Army National Guard soldier died Wednesday afternoon while on duty in the vehicle maintenance shop of the Hanapepe Armory. Garden Island.

The disappearance of the corn maze from the Kaua‘i Halloween scene gave birth to an idea which blossomed into a community success. Garden Island.

Molokai

Castle & Cooke's Rumbaoa to Head Molokai Ranch. Molokai Dispatch.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Almost 500 homeless moved off Honolulu streets, Maui heart program in place, Ed Case opens Senate campaign HQ, water for Kau, biofuel costly, more Hawaii news

Ed Case Senate campaign kickoff courtesy photo
One year from this week, Ed Case will either be Hawaii Democrats' nominee for the U.S. Senate or, quite possibly, at the end of his political career. Civil Beat.

Ambitions to create a multinational research park on the moon will be discussed in November at a Big Island meeting of scientists, space agency representatives and entrepreneurs. Associated Press.

A series of dives by researchers this summer off Maui’s southern coast has added a bit more knowledge of the graveyard of military wrecks that lies off Hawaii’s shores. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of a key hearing, the Hawaii State Teachers Association announced that it is filing a formal ethics charge against Governor Neil Abercrombie, Board of Education chair Don Horner and superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. Hawaii News Now.

While Hawaii's largest public-sector union has a new two-year contract, three others are still seeking deals to replace labor agreements that expired June 30. Tribune-Herald.

The state's Harbor police force has been working without firearms and their usual vehicles since late June. KITV4.

Two contracts for locally-produced biofuels, aimed at supplying a portion of the state’s electricity needs, are under consideration by the Public Utilities Commission, and more are expected. Civil Beat.

More than 445 homeless people moved off of island streets and out of emergency shelters during the span of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's 90-day homeless plan, which began in May and ends today. Star-Advertiser.

Abercrombie says APEC not related to 90-day homeless plan. KHON2.

Beginning Monday, doctors at Maui Memorial Medical Center will be able to do everything to treat emergency and acute heart disease conditions - except heart transplants, which is a procedure no facility in Hawaii does, according to hospital spokeswoman Carol Clark. Maui News.

At 7:30 on any weekday morning, while many of us are caught in lines of traffic, waves are breaking off Waikiki luring the lucky into the water. Hawaii Public Radio.

Flat-rate taxi fares between HNL, Waikiki being considered. Pacific Business News.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday unanimously approved amendments to Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, regulating commercial activities in the waters of Hanalei Bay and River. Garden Island.

An international scientific workshop about a parasitic infection known as rat lungworm disease is to be held in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Landowners would be able to preserve tax breaks on large parcels dedicated for agricultural use, even when portions are rezoned for industrial or commercial use, under a proposal up for a final vote Wednesday before the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Council Planning Committee members Tuesday will consider bills seeking classification and zoning changes to allow for the construction of a new development north of Pualani Estates in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is opening six new or improved water spigots islandwide that will provide safe drinking water to thousands of residents relying on water catchment. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Senate Democrats are charging taxpayers for an all expense paid trip to Hawaii, and that has some taxpayer advocates in the Washington beltway riled up. Hawaii Reporter.

A new downtown Hilo garden and footpath easements to the Pepeekeo shoreline will become Hawaii County's under separate resolutions the County Council is set to consider Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Early fundraising shows Hirono leading Case, Hanabusa, Hawaii County employees face monthly furloughs, Kauai garbage fee going up, green energy abounds and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mazie Hirono
U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former Congressman Ed Case had strong fundraising performances over the past three months in the Democratic primary campaign for U.S. Senate, according to their campaigns, but Hirono has the early cash advantage. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case


The final numbers won't be official until late Friday, but preliminary data provided to Civil Beat show U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono leading her top Democratic rivals in fundraising for the U.S. Senate race. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed a bill into law that could make it easier for the cash-strapped state to renovate aging facilities or construct new buildings. KITV4.

A food safety plan passed by lawmakers has been vetoed by the governor.  Hawaii News Now.

In a stunning reversal of his recent, publically-stated intent to veto Senate Bill 1511, Governor Abercrombie signed into law the bill, which will increase lease terms for offshore factory fish farms in Hawaii’s waters from 35 to 65 years. Hawaii Independent.

The state's largest public-sector labor union has agreed to once-monthly furloughs in a separate deal signed Thursday with Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

First Wind LLC has completed an environmental impact statement for a proposed 70-megawatt wind energy project on former sugar cane land northeast of Haleiwa that would be the state's largest, generating enough energy to supply 14,500 homes. Star-Advertiser.

The Public Utilities Commission ordered Hawaiian Electric Co. Thursday to seek new bidders to develop half of the large-scale wind energy project proposed for Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

Freezing water to make ice in Hawai’i is one of the most energy intensive businesses in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

A group of local investors is among several on Maui trying to harness the sun's power with the latest technology, photovoltaic, to create enough electricity to power hundreds of homes and businesses without making so much as a puff of smoke, said Doug McLeod, Maui County's energy commissioner. Maui News.

A county trash collection fee for property owners went into effect July 1, adding a few dollars per month to real property taxes. Garden Island.

The hassle of waiting in long security lines will soon be a thing of the past for some Hawaiian Airlines travelers. KHON2.

Authorities now have more resources to help find missing people - two dogs donated to Big Island and Oahu police. KHON2.

They may look cute and cuddly. But don't be fooled by their friendly and playful demeanor.Hawaii News Now.

The number of reports of coqui frogs on O'ahu has doubled in the last year, after more than half the island's agriculture inspectors were laid off. KHON2.

The Big Island Visitors Bureau announced plans for the Big Isle to reclaim its rightful name, and the word "the" would play a central role. No longer will residents live, work and play on "Hawaii's Big Island." From now on, it's "Hawaii, the Big Island." Tribune-Herald.

A Maui accountant who led a long-running Ponzi scheme that cost his investors $8 million was sentenced Wednesday to serve nearly 12 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole. Maui News.

Kaiser Permanente’s ranked highest in employer satisfaction in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Employer Health Insurance Plan Study for its fully-insured commercial health plan, Kaiser announced Thursday. Pacific Business News.

A nonprofit West Hawaii health clinic, started several years ago to recruit doctors to the Big Island, recently earned a profit and is reportedly on the turnaround. West Hawaii Today.

City Transportation Services Director Wayne Yoshioka says the city is not setting a precedent by moving a Kapiolani bus stop because of complaints about a homeless woman who had taken up residence at the shelter near Keeaumoku Street. Star-Advertiser.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Governor or Congress? Wanna bet?

So, what’s it gonna be? Governor or Congress-
man?

By 10 a.m. Saturday, it will all become clear. Or as clear as politics gets, anyway.

A few months back, former U.S. Rep. Ed Case asked us what he should be when he grows up. Governor or Congressman?

My bet is Congress. What’s yours?

Case, a Democrat, was representing District 2, composed of rural Oahu and the Neighbor Islands. But he gave up his safe seat to challenge U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka in the Democratic primary. That didn’t go so well, so he sat out the next election.

Republican Gov. Linda Lingle is term-limited so she must now step aside. Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona announced his run for governor early and has already amassed a war chest of $1.4 million. Many pundits, however, don’t think he can carry the state to an unprecedented third consecutive GOP term.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has said, although not in so many words, that he plans to run for governor. Senate President Colleeen Hanabusa has hinted at it as well. But now that the Democratic heavyweight U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie of District 1 has announced his bid for governor, where will the other pieces fall?

My bet is Case runs for Congress. Washington D.C., not Washington Place, is where he really wants to be. It’s a much shorter jump to U.S. Senate from Congress than the governorship, should one of our two 84-year-old senators die or retire in the near future.

Not that either senator has plans to. Not that they’ve been anything but effective in Washington. Akaka has missed a microscopic 3 percent of his roll call votes and U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye just 8 percent of his votes since 1990, according to Govtrack.

Inouye is chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee. Akaka finally sees his shot at getting recognition for Native Hawaiians into a federal act. So they’re not going to be leaving soon. Or at least willingly.

Still, it’s better to be sitting just a few seats away if they do.

My bet is Congress. What’s yours?