Nene return to Oahu, labor contractor liable for worker abuse, Kauai stays with at-large council elections, Hilo judge hears GMO lawsuit, Maui court clears cops in shooting, privatizing prisons, Legislature mulls sex ed, medical marijuana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nene on Big Island (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Endangered Hawaiian geese have been seen in the wild on Oahu for the first time in centuries, indicating the chances of survival for the native birds are improving, federal and state officials said. A pair of nene that migrated to Oahu has nested and hatched three goslings at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in Kahuku, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Endangered nene have been spotted in the wild on Oahu for the first time in centuries, a federal agency said Monday. Associated Press.

Critics of the state's controversial middle-school sex education pilot program, Pono Choices, expressed concern Monday that a working group convened to study the material has been meeting in secret and comprises members who might not deliver a fair and unbiased report. Star-Advertiser.

A Republican lawmaker in Hawaii has taken issue with one of the state's sex education programs, saying it "sexualizes the innocent" by teaching 11-year-old children about anal sex. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a measure to improve the state's struggling correctional system by turning to the private sector for help. State Sen. Will Espero introduced a resolution on public-private partnerships for jails, prisons and other correctional facilities. A Senate panel listened to testimony from supporters and opponents during a hearing on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

A federal judge has found a California-based labor contractor liable for discrimination and abuse of hundreds of Thai workers at Hawaii farms. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Monday announced the ruling against Global Horizons, which placed the workers at six farms across the state. Associated Press.

A federal judge has ruled that a labor recruiting company that was previously accused of human trafficking did harass, discriminate and retaliate against hundreds of Thai workers in Hawaii. The ruling Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi leaves for a jury to decide the amount of money Global Horizons owes 530 Thai workers it imported to work on farms on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island and what measures it needs to implement to prevent future abuses. Trial is set for November. Star-Advertiser.

Four years after Global Horizons was implicated in the largest human trafficking case in U.S. history, a federal judge has found the California labor-contracting company liable for harassing, discriminating against and retaliating against more than 500 Thai laborers working on Hawaii farms. Civil Beat.

The Beverly Hills-based farm labor contractor, Global Horizons, Inc., is liable for “harassing, discriminating, and retaliating against hundreds of Thai workers in the U.S., in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws,” the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Monday. Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is up with his first TV spot of the 2014 campaign season. The spot, titled "Commitment," has one primary message: Schatz is devoted to protecting Social Security. Civil Beat.

The Smart Approaches to Marijuana Project will brief state House and Senate lawmakers at 10:30 a.m. in Room 423. Civil Beat.

Supporters of medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawai’i brought a new face to the Legislature.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Senate to Decide on Aaron Mahi for the Land Use Commission. Civil Beat.

A new report says Hawaii is the most expensive state in the country for renters. The National Low Income Housing Coalition says a renter would need to make a least $31.54 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment, with a fair market rent of $1,640 a month. KHON2.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: March 25. A selective list of bills, resolutions, hearings, briefings and events for Tuesday at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

State roundup for March 25. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city broke ground Monday for the underwater portion of a project that will help transport sewage from the Ala Moana Wastewater Pump Station across Honolulu Harbor to the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant in what the contractor called the most expensive microtunneling project in U.S. history. Star-Advertiser.

Former U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu has lashed out at Hawaiian Electric Co., saying that the Honolulu-based utility needs a “better business model” when it comes to integrating more solar energy into its grid, according to a recent Forbes article. Pacific Business News.

The House Committee on Water and Land approved a resolution Monday to require a financial and management audit of the Hawaii Community Development Authority.  The agency in charge of managing land in Kakaako, Kalaeloa and Heeia has been under fire from critics who are worried about the fast pace of development in Kakaako. Civil Beat.

A long-awaited project to re-do Moanalua High School's main athletic field has been delayed for two years because of problems obtaining city and state permits. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Does requiring farmers growing genetically modified crops to register with Hawaii County result in the release of proprietary information? That’s the question Hilo Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura will consider after hearing from witnesses and attorneys on both sides of the issue Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Improvements to Hawaii Island’s two airports take up the bulk of the $436 million in capital improvement projects the state House is proposing for the island this year. West Hawaii Today.

Construction of Hawaii Island’s first roundabout could begin as soon as August. Salvador C. Panem, state Department of Transportation Hawaii district engineer, said Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. won the bid for the Pahoa roundabout earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County is preparing to ask a federal bankruptcy judge to lift a stay and allow corporation counsel to initiate foreclosure proceedings on 80 acres of oceanfront land in South Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ruling that Maui police officers used reasonable force in firing shots at the driver of a fleeing truck that had struck a police officer at Honolua Bay, a judge dismissed a federal civil rights lawsuit brought by two men who were in the bed of the truck when they were hit by bullets. Maui News.

Several state transportation projects are planned this week that will result in lane closures or detours in Pukalani, Kāʻanapali, and Māʻalaea. Maui Now.

Maui Paving LLC has begun work on two road resurfacing projects in Pukalani, according to an announcement from the contractor. Maui News.

Kauai

The voting map won’t be carved up. The Kauai County Charter Review Commission rejected three proposals Monday that would have let county voters determine whether County Council districts, and the election of those seats, should be changed. The decision to forego a ballot question on County Council redistricting, at least for now, followed several months of discussions on whether it was time to change how the seven-member board is elected and represented on the island. Garden Island.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said they support the Kauai County Council’s call to lawmakers to stop initiatives regulating coastal and marine resources around the island of Niihau. Garden Island.

One of the largest solar energy farms in Hawaii is about halfway done and is expected to be completed in early July, the project’s development team told Pacific Business News on Monday.

Honolulu poised to sell $300M bonds to fix sewers, Hawaii County Ethics Board probes union politicking, state lawmaker fined for campaign reports, Chinese golfers new tourism target, Oahu farmworkers to get container homes, good year for mac nuts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai canal (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The City and County of Honolulu is preparing to sell up to $300 million in Wastewater System Revenue Bonds to help pay for a variety of important repairs and upgrades. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says the state has allotted $147 million in capital improvement spending for various state projects, including $75 million to fix roofs, plumbing and electrical systems in Hawaii schools. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission slapped state Rep. Karen Awana with a $6,800 fine Wednesday after she failed to report contributions and expenditures or respond to the office's requests for more information. Civil Beat.

What Does Tulsi Gabbard's Rising Star Do For Hawaii? Civil Beat.

Chinese visitors, long seen as the next growth market for Hawaii tourism, soon may be hitting the islands' links in growing numbers with the help of a Chinese entrepreneur and one of the most recognizable golfers in the world. Star-Advertiser.

Production of macadamia nuts in Hawaii rebounded last season after a two-year decline, with a 23 percent gain over the previous season, according to a federal report. Stephens Media.

Oahu

An owner and a manager of two small businesses in Aiea that are being displaced by the Honolulu rail project say the city is pushing them out without paying them fair compensation, and both businesses are expected to close. Star-Advertiser.

It could soon be easier for West Oahu farmers to use retrofitted shipping containers or trailers to house their agricultural workers on their property under legislation passed unanimously by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council wants to kill a controversial recycling subsidy that has saved a single scrap yard millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council is attempting to restore bus service on O’ahu … in light of many routes being cut to save 6-7 million dollars in overhead. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city of Honolulu said cuts to bus service needed to be made to save money. Now the City Council is talking about giving away bus rides to senior citizens and the disabled. Hawaii News Now.

The playgrounds, located at a public housing complex, were demolished with large equipment pieces left behind. KHON2.

University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple has only been on the job two months, but he's already apologizing to the faculty and staff for his lack of communication. Hawaii Reporter.

A state circuit judge has rejected the third request by the former manager of a Waimanalo puppy mill to reduce his bail of $200,000 on 153 counts of animal cruelty. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Over the objections of one member who said the county Board of Ethics has no jurisdiction over union activity, the board voted 3-1 Wednesday to look into a complaint about union-endorsed politicking on county time at county facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Council candidates are spending their publicly funded campaign contributions in some interesting ways this election. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics meeting erupted into a flurry of gavel-pounding and raised voices Wednesday when Hawaii County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong defended himself against an anonymous complaint that he’s inappropriately involved in the operations of the county Elections Division. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island residents will get a chance to shape Hawaii’s future energy policies this week. Tribune-Herald.

Work on the deteriorating 101-year-old Umauma Bridge along Highway 19 will get under way in a matter of months, following an announcement Wednesday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie that funds have been released for the $37.2 million project. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday cleared Windward Planning Commission Chairman Zendo Kern, who won the Puna District 5 County Council seat in the Aug. 11 primary, of any wrongdoing when he voted to allow the Hawaii Volcano Circus to continue operations after it violated its special use permit. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaiian Homes Commission will hold its annual Big Island meeting Monday in Hilo and Tuesday in Naalehu. Big Island Now.

Maui

Dozens of high-paying science and research jobs as well as the construction jobs needed to build a massive $300 million solar telescope on Haleakala could hinge on the outcome of a Friday hearing with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Board. Pacific Business News.

A combined $13 million was released today for Capital Improvement Projects at Maui’s Kahului Airport and the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

A Maui helicopter pilot faces sentencing for illegally flying deer to the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

The median price of a single-family home jumped 26.8 percent in Maui County in August compared to the same month last year, while sales volume dipped 7.4 percent, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Journalist Edwin Tanji, who covered the protests and eventual return of the military target island of Kahoolawe and other historic events on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for decades, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 65. Star-Advertiser.

Edwin Tanji, the former city editor for The Maui News and longtime Honolulu Advertiser Maui bureau chief, has died. He was 65. Maui News.

Kauai

The county of Kauai announced Wednesday it has secured the boundaries of all three Hanalei River lots previously owned by Mike Sheehan and Hanalei River Holdings LLC. The administration’s action was the culmination of an 18-month condemnation process, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Carolyn Larson, the librarian at the Lihu‘e Public Library, is concerned about the public, especially the students, who visit the library for study or to “hang out” after school. Garden Island.

Hawaii not complying with EPA pesticide mandates, Case-Hirono debate goes radio, tax collections up, Honolulu sewer project nearing completion, state-based insurance exchange coming, military to use biofuels, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai, Honolulu (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is the only state that isn't complying with new federal regulations that increase oversight of pesticides that are sprayed in and around waterways, according to officials from the Environmental Protection Agency. Civil Beat.

In the liveliest exchanges so far in their Democratic primary campaign, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a liberal, used a Hawaii Public Radio debate to link the moderate former U.S. Rep. Ed Case to national Republicans. Case cast Hirono as an out-of-step progressive who is more of a follower than a leader. Star-Advertiser.

Folks following the contest between Ed Case and Mazie Hirono by know now the familiar contours of this race. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidates square off Ed Case, Mazie Hirono debate one another. KITV4.
http://www.kitv.com/U-S-Senate-candidates-square-off/-/8906042/14840912/-/66ev9sz/-/index.html

Download audio: HPR's political reporter Wayne Yoshioka moderated the live debate between Mazie Hirono and Ed Case. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says Hawaii is the first state to declare its intent to develop a state-based insurance exchange — a key component of federal health care overhaul. Associated Press.

As the U.S. Supreme Court weighs the legality of President Obama’s national health care initiative, a new Hawaii nonprofit agency is spending $15.4 million to put the plan in action here. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii tax collections rose by 8.5 percent for the first 11 months of the state’s fiscal year, with taxes on the tourism industry rising by more than 13 percent, the state Department of Taxation said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Next month, in naval exercises off the coast of Hawaii, five U.S. warships will make history: They will be the first to use biofuels to power their huge turbines, as well as the jet planes screaming off a carrier’s deck and helicopters hovering overhead. Wall Street Journal.

A world without HECO. That’s the vision of a new report out by Henry Curtis, executive director of environmental advocacy organization, Life of the Land. Civil Beat.

Solar installations in Hawaii rose 45 percent in the first quarter of 2012 from the same period a year earlier, according to a report from an industry trade group that is forecasting continued strong growth this year. Star-Advertiser.

Off the Beat: When Hawaii Democrats Eat Their Own. Civil Beat.

A new poll commissioned by the Humane Society of the United States suggests a majority of Hawaii residents support a ban on collecting reef fish for aquariums. Associated Press.

Oahu
Two temporary sewer pipes installed in the Ala Wai Canal after the massive 2006 sewage line break and spill are being removed this week as the city nears completion of a new $46 million pipeline beneath the canal, Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Wednesday. Associated Press.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle Wednesday announced that the Beachwalk Force Main sewer project in Waikiki is nearing completion. Hawaii News Now.

The city said it is investigating why some outdoor emergency sirens sounded this morning in what officials called a malfunction. No emergency exists, the city Department of Emergency Management said. Star-Advertiser.

This is the year that Oahu's future could literally be set in concrete. Hawaii Independent.

The Department of Transportation is going ahead with its restriping project, which would add a fourth lane in both directions to a portion of the H-1 and lower the speed limit by five miles per hour. KHON2.

Helen Geracimos Chapin, a retired Hawaii Pacific University professor who chronicled the history of newspapers in Hawaii, died Saturday in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Mall developer DeBartolo Development LLC has named a few retailers that will occupy the initial phase of an envisioned $350 million regional shopping center in East Kapolei, though construction of the project called Ka Makana Ali‘i has been pushed back to early next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Lance Armstrong was banned from competition in triathlons Wednesday after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency brought formal doping charges against the former cyclist, who was planning to compete in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii this fall. Pacific Business News.

This election year, Big Island voters may see a few more new names than usual on their ballot. Tribune-Herald.

Questions over jurisdiction are keeping a requested update on the status of the county Elections Office off the County Council agenda, at least for now. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa is reviving plans to build a beachfront parkway along West Maui's coastline from Puamana to the pali. Maui News.

Owners of Pukalani Superette voiced their opposition Tuesday to the proposed Upcountry town center near their store, saying that the development would create more traffic and that their preference was for the land to be used for agricultural purposes. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Museum’s Living Treasures program was created so people have an opportunity to appreciate and honor the individuals selected for the Living Treasures program while they are here to know how much difference they make to our island’s quality of life. Garden Island.

Molokai

Tucked away inland among the forests in Waialua Valley exists a farm that claims no fields, no pests, no weeds and yet still produces over 50 varieties of produce on only one acre of land. Molokai Dispatch.

Native Hawaiians on Molokai will get an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at a community forum as well as a regular Board of Trustees meeting. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Historic Preservation in danger of federal decertification, rail transit campaign gets nasty, Maalaea Small Boat Harbor expansion halted, Honolulu city ethics questioned, Ka'u gym advances, Molokai group fights interisland cable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for smartphone and web

Kawa bay historic hale (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Despite improvements in some areas, the state agency that protects Hawaii's historic and cultural sites still is plagued by major shortcomings and continues to face the possibility of decertification and loss of federal funding, according to a recent assessment by the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

Who's Giving Big Bucks to Our Senate Candidates? A snapshot of contributions to Linda Lingle, Mazie Hirono and Ed Case. Civil Beat.

Sen. Daniel Inouye took a quick trip to Alaska last week to help Alaska Sen. Mark Begich raise some money for his re-election campaign. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines is flying 13 percent more passenger miles than last year, after expanding capacity by the same amount. Hawaii News Now.

A new documentary explores the causes of obesity, and some of Hawai`i’s top experts will discuss both causes and challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for May 7. Associated Press.

Oahu

A temporary black sewer pipe surfaced Saturday in the Ala Wai Canal, but the pipe is not leaking or posing a health risk, the city's Environmental Services Department said in a release. Star-Advertiser.

According to the Environmental Services Department, an air bubble lifted a section of the 5,000-foot long pipe, exposing 100 feet on the surface of the canal near the Hawaii Convention Center Saturday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

The archery range at Kapiolani Park will remain closed for at least another month until the city Parks Department can conduct a public hearing to determine whether it should be closed permanently. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal to stop nearly all commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park has Windward Oahu deeply divided. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu ethics officials say in the past three years, they've investigated more than 240 allegations of ethical misconduct by city employees. That's more than one complaint a week. Civil Beat.

The PR campaign being waged by rail supporters and opponents of Honolulu’s $5.17 billion project has gone into a kind of ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all’ mode. Pacific Business News.

Idaho-based Mountain West Research group has been calling Oahu residents in recent weeks from a 213 area code, spreading nasty rumors about Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano and Council Member Tom Berg. Both Cayetano and Berg oppose the city’s $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

Deputy attorney general Kevin Takata announced his decision to run for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney. Takata is a career prosecutor and has dedicated his life serving the public and prosecuting crimes. Hawaii Reporter.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the whole Disney gang pulled into port in Honolulu Sunday as part of the Disney Wonder's inaugural voyage to the Hawaiian Islands. KHON2.

The Royal Hawaiian Band will receive the 2012 Industry Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

For several Big Island lawmakers, Hawaii’s $11.2 billion budget could be boiled down to one word: jobs. Tribune-Herald.

The Office of Planning’s Coastal Zone Management Program is conducting two listening sessions this month on the Big Island to accept comments on the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan, currently being updated. West Hawaii Today.

The Ka‘u District Gym and Shelter recently moved a step closer to fruition with the release of a final environmental assessment finding the project will likely have no significant impact. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Federal and state agencies are ending a decadeslong project that would have expanded Maalaea Small Boat Harbor, citing costs as well as opposition from community groups that maintained that the proposals would fail to protect the harbor from surges while destroying acres of coral and affecting the "Freight Train" surf break. Maui News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has withdrawn plans to extend the breakwater in Ma’alaea Harbor, citing costs and community and enviromental  concerns as the reason for the termination. KITV4.

Hana High and Elementary School is one example of how Hawaii's per-pupil funding formula seems to hammer small schools. Civil Beat.

The county Liquor Control Adjudication Board disciplined four Maui businesses Thursday, two for serving alcohol to minors and two for having employees unlawfully drinking while on the job. Maui News.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has issued a final decision for a 2010 rate case involving Maui Electric Company. Maui Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono rallied Maui Democrats on Saturday in a sometimes impassioned speech that recalled her impoverished beginnings as a Japanese immigrant, unapologetically acclaimed liberal ideals and took some shots at former Republican Gov. Linda Lingle. Maui News.

Financial challenges facing Maui Land & Pineapple Co. are raising a "substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern," the company reports in its latest filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i joined the rest of the nation in the National Day of Prayer Thursday, hosting two observances in the rotunda of the Mo‘ikeha Building. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary announced last week that it is seeking to fill eight primary and nine alternate seats on its advisory council. Garden Island.

Three Civil Air Patrol cadets were promoted to Airman First Class and eight cadets, including the three promoted cadets, earned their Certificates of First Flight Tuesday night during the Civil Air Patrol meeting at the T-Hangers where the CAP planes are hangered at the Lihu‘e Airport. Garden Island.

Molokai

Big Wind opponent I Aloha Molokai has unleashed a petition to stop the multi-billion interisland undersea cable from being built. Pacific Business News.

The senate floor discussion on SB2785 centered on opposition from Lanai and Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.