Showing posts with label sexual abuse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sexual abuse. Show all posts

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Slow state reopening planned, RIMPAC postponed, downsized, Honolulu administrator on leave after child sexual abuse allegations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green at April 29 press conference, Facebook Live screenshot
Governor announces reopening of economy in phases. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that the state will slowly begin to reopen the economy in phases, starting essentially Friday with a limited number of businesses suggested by the county mayors. Star-Advertiser.

Governor outlines plans to slowly reopen economy as number of new cases decline. The state is taking small steps to reopen more areas of Hawaii’s economy, the governor said Wednesday, stressing that work will be “phased in" and perhaps slower than some would hope. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii moving forward with a cautious, ‘phased’ reopening effort. Gov. David Ige’s announcement Wednesday that he approved requests by the counties to allow some low-contact businesses to reopen means Hawaii is cautiously joining the other states with the lowest COVID-19 infection rates as they begin a step-by-step process to restart their local economies. Star-Advertiser.

State’s success in mitigating the spread of coronavirus could result in easing of restrictions. State officials were optimistic Wednesday because the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hawaii is in decline. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii COVID-19 Update: “The Curve Is Flat”. State officials shared a positive message of hope on Wednesday afternoon, during a news conference held on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i to Begin Reopening Some Businesses. It’s been 10 days since Hawai‘i reported more than six new cases of COVID-19 in a single day. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s coronavirus cases rise to 613, up 4. Hawaii’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 613, up four from Tuesday, the state Department of Health said today. Star-Advertiser.

4 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed In Hawaii. Certain restrictions will be relieved in phases, and laboratories will begin to test some patients for COVID-19 antibodies. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: Cases Up 4; City Moves Ahead With Tests. The Oahu case count is now at 399, Maui County 115, Hawaii Island 70, and Kauai 21. No cases are pending determination of county and eight were diagnosed out of state. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Coronavirus antibody tests are available at clinics across Hawai‘i, meaning the state now has the capability to tell residents whether or not they’ve been exposed to the virus and likely have at least relative immunity to it. Coronavirus antibody tests are available at clinics across Hawai‘i, meaning the state now has the capability to tell residents whether or not they’ve been exposed to the virus and likely have at least relative immunity to it. Big Island Now.

DOH Says Native Hawaiians Have A High COVID-19 Rate. But How High? The state health director said Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders have the highest rate of COVID-19 in the state, but that’s not apparent from data posted on the state’s website. Civil Beat.

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Complaints over Hawaii unemployment claims persist despite progress. Hawaii’s overburdened unemployment system is making headway in processing claims this week as fixes are implemented, including launching the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands still struggling to get unemployment benefits. As of right now the latest numbers show only 40% of unemployment claims have been handled about 180,000 are still being processed. KITV4.

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Hawaii’s business leaders agree: A phased, timely reopening is crucial. Hawaii’s business leaders agreed that the state’s reopening needs to be gradual for the safety of residents and visitors, but they also warned of the financial fallout and continued health impacts. Hawaii News Now.

Dental and eye care offices plan to open-up appointments slowly. Many dentists and optometrists limited their appointments to emergencies under recommendation by the CDC, but as more safety guidelines come-out, some practices will begin to see more patients. KHON2.

Hawaii Restaurant Association drafts guidelines for future reopening of restaurants. With Governor David Ige announcing that some businesses can reopen under certain circumstances Wednesday, other businesses like restaurants are looking to the future to when they may be able to reopen again. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Restaurants Face An Unknown Future Amid The Pandemic. The industry, which employs 85,000 workers, has fallen off the cliff. Will going into a bar and restaurant be the same if the COVID-19 crisis eases. Civil Beat.

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RIMPAC military exercises off Hawaii will be held later in summer and limited to at-sea events. The big biennial maritime exercise Rim of the Pacific will be held later than usual this summer and be an at-sea-only event due to COVID-19 concerns, U.S. Pacific Fleet said today. Star-Advertiser.

Navy says RIMPAC is still on, but large maritime exercise will be ‘at-sea-only’ off Hawaii. RIMPAC, the world’s largest maritime exercises, are still on this year. But they’ll only be held at sea off the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Navy agrees to postpone RIMPAC 2020. The 27th Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, exercise has been postponed to August 17 through August 31, according to military officials. The exercise will instead be at-sea only in light of COVID-19. KHON2.

RIMPAC Postponed, Will Be “At-Sea Only” Exercise. The U.S. Pacific Fleet says the modified RIMPAC plan was crafted to minimize risk to the force, allies and partners, and the people of Hawaiʻi during the pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Navy Agrees to Scale Down Rim of the Pacific 2020 Exercise. Maui Now.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces reopening for several types of businesses on Thursday. The businesses are among the majority of “non-essential” activities that were prohibited following Caldwell’s stay-at-home, work-from-home order that took effect March 23. Star-Advertiser.

Some Oahu Businesses Will Reopen Thursday With Restrictions. Pet grooming services and music lessons can resume at home, with limitations. Civil Beat.

Select Oahu businesses gear up to reopen on Thursday. State leaders say keeping coronavirus cases down is the key to restarting tourism and the rest of Hawaii's economy. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell eyes May 1 for possible reopening of low-risk businesses. Pet groomers, workers at an automated carwash, and realtors are part of the low-risk category who could resume work if the number of COVID-19 cases continues in a downward path. KHON2.

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Police panel leader says meeting to have video feed. The Honolulu Police Commission’s chairwoman said she and the commission staff have worked out a solution to include the public in the panel’s next regular meeting on May 6, which will allow for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu city official Guy Kaulukukui on paid leave after being named in child sex-abuse lawsuit. Honolulu Enterprise Services Director Guy Kaulukukui was placed on paid leave effective Monday after city officials learned he was the subject of a lawsuit filed against him and Kamehameha Schools alleging that he sexually abused a student when he was a teacher there in the 1980s. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Official On Leave After Sex Abuse Accusations In Lawsuit. A Kamehameha graduate says Guy Kaulukukui groomed her into having sexual relations while he was her teacher. Civil Beat.

City official on paid leave amidst investigation into inappropriate behavior. The director of the Department of Enterprise Services for the City and County of Honolulu has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior, Honolulu’s mayor said Wednesday.  Hawaii News Now.

City director placed on paid leave. A city director has been placed on paid leave. It stems from a civil lawsuit regarding sexual misconduct allegations that date back to the 80s. KHON2.

City's Director of Enterprise Services placed on administrative leave. The City and County of Honolulu's Director of Enterprise Services, Guy Kaulukukui, was placed on administrative leave with pay on Monday, April 27. KITV4.

Punahou Coach Accused Of Sex Abuse Went On To Other Schools. The women accusing him of sexual assault say Punahou knew about his behavior since 2003. But he’s coached at three other schools and a club team since Punahou. Civil Beat.

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Uprooted trees at park renewal has angered groups. The Outdoor Circle, other community groups and two Honolulu City Council members are voicing displeasure that the city has removed and is replacing 26 canopy trees from the Magic Island parking lot without consulting with them before doing so. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Medical Center resumes elective surgeries. Hilo Medical Center has resumed performing elective surgeries, but those seeking such care will be required to take extra precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Some opala more essential than others: New transfer station restrictions start Friday. Complaints are piling up as fast as the opala as the county tries to get a grip on rubbish disposal during a statewide stay-at-home order. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Businesses Brace for Impact of Stay-at-Home Extension. Hawaii Island’s businesses are trying to remain optimistic as they grapple with the challenge of staying afloat for another month after Gov. David Ige extended Hawaii’s stay-at-home order through May 31. West Hawaii Today.

Trail association awarded $3M to acquire land in Ka‘u. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources awarded more than $3 million in conservation funds to the Ala Kahakai Trail Association to acquire more than 1,700 acres of land in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor: Parks, golf courses among first to reopen. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Wednesday afternoon that the first round of reopenings will include select county beach and inland parks, along with golf courses, effective at 7 a.m. Friday. Maui News.

Mayor Announces Phased Re-Opening Calling it Maui’s “New Norm”. First phase includes some parks, golf courses, vehicle safety checks and automated car washes. Maui Now.

Maui County to reopen golf courses and several parks and beach parks. Mayor Michael Victorino will ease COVID-19 restrictions in Maui County by reopening golf courses and several county beach parks in May and at the same time announced that masks will be required in public. Star-Advertiser.

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Council committee works to trim mayor’s $869.8 million budget. A Maui County Council committee is on track to trim at least $50 million from the mayor’s proposed fiscal 2021 budget, though the working budget does include raises for the Office of Council Services that council members said would bring parity with other county departments. Maui News.

Kauai

Restructuring the emergency rules. You can fire up your nine iron or your nail gun on Sunday, May 3 due to a recent restructuring of Kauai’s emergency rules which allow, among other activities, construction and golfing to resume starting Sunday. Garden Island.

100,000 masks brought to Kaua‘i. On Tuesday, “Free Masks” signs could be seen from the highway driving up into Tamba Surf Shop. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Court rules state agency can't keep data secret, crossing guards called off Mauna Kea, lawmakers mull home care licensing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Volunteer Mauna Kea Saddle Road crossing guards in July ©2019 All Hawaii News
As costs mount, Hawaii County pulls highway crossing guards from TMT protest site. With cars traveling at 60 mph along Daniel K. Inouye highway and police reporting near accidents, the private security was hired over the summer to keep motorists and pedestrians safe. Hawaii News Now.

Judge: State Can’t Keep Data Behind Its Budget Estimates Secret. A judge ruled the Hawaii Department of Taxation must make public the information and assumptions it relies on to develop revenue estimates for the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Adult Care Home Bait-And-Switch Scheme Concerns Lawmakers. State lawmakers are considering further legislative action to tighten rules and stiffen penalties governing Hawaii’s unruly adult care home industry. Civil Beat.

Airline catering workers picket for better pay and healthcare . Dozens of airline catering workers took to the picket line today at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Chair’s Staffer Announces Bid For Windward Seat. Ikaika Anderson is set to finish his third and last council term next year, and Alan Kekoa Texeira hopes to succeed him. Civil Beat.

City lawmaker pushing to restrict future turbines from being built too close to communities. A City lawmaker wants location restrictions on future turbine construction after one of the biggest issues over the controversial Na Pua Makani Wind Farm in Kahuku. KITV.

Annual survey allows Oahu residents to express opinion on city operations. It's a survey the city auditor hopes will make a difference. KITV.

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A first-of-its-kind ship launches service out of Oahu. After 14 years and $30 million, the Semisub One officially launched its service along Oahu’s coastline. Hawaii News Now.

Semisub tours underway after business’s rough start. After navigating more than a decade of construction problems, regulatory woes and angry investors, Semisub One LLC has finally launched commercial tours in Honolulu with a unique vessel that offers a view of Hawaii’s underwater world. Star-Advertiser.

The world's first SemiSub — a semi-submersible jet-powered catamaran that lets guests experience Hawaii waters without getting wet — officially launched with a blessing ceremony on Tuesday. SemiSub One features three decks, two full bars, an IMAX style theater, a lounge, and services pier-to-pier tours that include a 20 minute underwater viewing session. Pacific Business News.

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Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House to hit market at $15 million. Elite Pacific Properties announced today it is listing the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House for $15 million. Star-Advertiser.

Retired Honolulu police officer charged with attempted sexual enticement of minor. A retired Honolulu police officer pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday of attempted sexual enticement of a 13-year-old boy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Highway 132, cut off by lava last year, to reopen today. A 1.6-mile stretch of the upper portion of Highway 132 and a 1.5-mile section of the lower portion of the road were inundated and created a kipuka, or an isolated area cut off by last year’s lava flow. Tribune-Herald.

New Highway 132, Built Over 2018 Lava, Opens Wednesday. County officials announced on Tuesday that Highway 132 will has been restored to its pre-inundation function with two paved travel lanes and shoulders, and will open by at noon on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Highway 132 to Reopen Wednesday. Highway 132 in Pahoa, cut off to travel for more than a year by lava from the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano, will reopen Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at noon. Big Island Now.

Portion of Hawaii Island’s Highway 132 to reopen this week. More than a year after lava consumed a portion of Highway 132 on Hawaii Island, county officials announced the roadway will reopen this week. Hawaii News Now.

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Input sought on proposal to resume commercial aquarium fishing off West Hawaii. After a roughly two-year halt to commercial aquarium fishing off West Hawaii, the industry hopes an environmental review will help to revive their trade. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed Energy Code Changes On The Way. After receiving more than 200 proposed amendments, the Department of Public Works' proposal may go before a Hawaiʻi County Council committee next month for a hearing. Big Island Video News.

Sky is the limit: Friends of Greenwell planning big now that garden is theirs. Plans for a Kealakekua gem are in the works now that the Friends of Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden purchased the land from the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hana resident to launch new tour company. Hana resident Kaiolohia Funes Smith plans to launch a new tour company, Hana Air & Ground Tours, aimed at giving visitors a local’s perspective of the Maui town. Pacific Business News.


Kauai

Thanksgiving meals served today. On Kauai, meals will be served today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kauai War Memorial Convention Center, and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army Hanapepe Corps, 4465 Puolo Road, Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Lanai

 3,000 on Lana‘i Attend Annual Turkey and Rice Giveaway. Jim and Randy Coon, of Coon Brothers Inc, started the tradition back in the early 90’s as a way of bringing the Lānaʻi community together and helping out families who might not have the time or resources to purchase a Turkey from Maui. Maui Now.

Monday, June 17, 2019

Evidence made public in Kealoha case, former Kauai police chief files $2M harassment claim, Case seeks re-election, Kamehameha Schools $80M sex abuse settlement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ohia lehua captures the rain ©2019 All  Hawaii News
To Save Ohia, A Genetic Resistance Program Will Be Grown. In an effort to save Hawaii’s native forests from the devastation of Rapid Ohia Death, scientists are touting the use of natural, genetic resistance as the most promising tool. Big Island Video News.

Kamehameha Schools and St. Francis lock horns over sex abuse settlement. Two of Hawaii’s charitable heavy-hitters are engaged in a fierce legal battle over the $80 million settlement of a sex abuse case that has roiled both organizations. Star-Advertiser.

Rhodes scholar comes forward as a plaintiff in the Kamehameha sex abuse lawsuit. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmaker wants to take away licenses from drivers with 2+ violations in a moving vehicle. State Senator Glenn Wakai plans to turn his idea into a bill the next legislative session. KITV.

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Hawaii Congressman Ed Case on Sunday announced his intention to run for reelection. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Case Announces Candidacy For 2020 Re-Election. The Hawaii congressman says “this is as good a time as any.” Civil Beat.

Ed Case announces his candidacy for re-election in 2020. He's currently in a two-year term that runs through 2020. KITV.

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Late lawmaker with a troubled past remembered for his kindness and compassion. Flags in Hawaii flew at half-staff Saturday in honor of former lawmaker Rod Tam, who was remembered as a troubled figure with a big heart. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Kealoha trial took a break last week. That gave the court a chance to release some of the exhibits prosecutors have presented to the jury. Civil Beat.

Contributions grow as vacation rental bills advance. A Honolulu Star-Advertiser review of campaign finance records over the last 2-1/2 years shows that Council members have received contributions both from major donors who support and would benefit from the bills, and from heavy hitters who oppose and would be negatively affected. Star-Advertiser.

Sale of seedy Kuhio corner could finish transformation. A derelict plot of land along Kuhio Avenue has been put on the market, likely bringing an upgrade to a critical portion of Waikiki’s expanding tourism center. Star-Advertiser.

Ocean-friendly Kakaako garden project blossoms. Amid the parched fields and tent-covered sidewalks of Kakaako during a mid-June heat wave, the two dark-green plots and freshly turned topsoil of a new community garden on Ilalo Street made a refreshing and hopeful sight. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat journalists took home more than 20 awards for their work in 2018 at the Society of Professional Journalists annual awards dinner Friday, including being named the state’s best overall news site for the ninth year in a row. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Planning Commission to take up CDP amendments Thursday. The Leeward Planning Commission this week is expected to take up for consideration a batch of amendments proposed for the Kona Community Development Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Grassroots community effort seeks to tackle homelessness before it gets worse. West Hawaii Today.

Meet Argos: Friends of the Missing Child Center donates tracking dog to West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Vexed by vaping: Schools see increase in use, find it harder to police. The use of electronic smoking devices, or “vaping,” remains a problem in East Hawaii high schools, and it’s becoming more difficult to detect, local administrators say. Tribune-Herald.

Coping With The ‘Big Litter’ Of Abandoned Vehicles. Like everywhere else in the state, Hawaii County is looking for solutions to the increasingly costly problem of people leaving their junkers on the side of the road. Civil Beat.

Mauna Lani gets $200M overhaul, brings luxury Auberge brand to isle. The Mauna Lani will reopen by January as the state’s first hotel in the luxury Auberge Resorts Collection after doubling its renovation budget to $200 million. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Calls made to end recreation activities at Ko'ie'ie Fishpond in Kihei. Residents want pond restored to historic site. Maui News.

21 Graduate as Correctional Officers, One Assigned to Maui Jail. Twenty-one recruits graduated from Basic Corrections Recruit Class 19-01 training and will begin their careers as correctional officers in facilities across the state. Maui Now.

Shortage of horses almost stops Kamehameha Day parade. This weekend’s Kamehameha Day parade on Maui almost didn’t happen this year due to a shortage of horses. Hawaii News Now.

Maui News staff, columnist earn 19 SPJ awards. Newspaper sweeps three catagories — Spot News, Feature Writing/Long Form, Photography/Video. Maui News.

Kauai

Retired police chief Darryl Perry claims harassment. Retired Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry is asking the County of Kauai to pay him $2 million in damages due to what he described in a claim filed against the county last month as 'a nine-year vendetta of continuous harassment'. Garden Island.

Haena State Park and the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park will reopen on Monday, June 17. KHON2.

Brand new signs stolen from Kilauea site. A gravel road runs from Kahili Makai Road to the edge of the Kilauea River, and signs should be welcoming people to the area. Garden Island.

Along with long-awaited Kauai highway reopening comes new rules — and an ‘aloha pledge’. The state will reopen a two-mile section of Kauai’s Kuhio Highway on Monday that’s been closed since historic flooding in April 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Kuhio Highway reopens Monday for the first time since 2018. KHON2.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Study claims police use sex workers, Senate to vote on red light cameras, Maui rat lungworm victim sues grower, general excise tax hike advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii police on parade ©2019 All Hawaii News
Sex workers say police are customers, study reveals. A controversial study on sex trafficking presented Wednesday to the Honolulu Police Commission quotes sex workers who allege police officers ask for sex in exchange for looking the other way. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are again moving forward with a program to deploy cameras at traffic lights to photograph the license plates of motorists who run red lights so they can be ticketed. Star-Advertiser.

State Senate to Vote on Red Light Camera Bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii considering red light cameras. KHON2.

A law meant to help the mentally ill is actually preventing some from getting care. For the hundreds of homeless people incapacitated by mental illness in Hawaii, years go by ― and for many, nothing changes. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers pushing to eliminate statue of limitations in sexual abuse of children. If passed, HB 18 will allow sexually abused children legal protection during, or even after entering into adulthood. KITV.

The state Legislature is moving forward with an initiative to reduce kids’ sugar intake at restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Considers Screen Time Public Health Measure. It was Video Game Industry Day at the State Capitol. But, there is one bill pending at the state legislature that is aimed at improving the lives of children who spend a lot of time on their electronic devices.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii aims for more women in the cyber security workforce. Gov. David Y. Ige today announced the state’s participation in the Girls Go CyberStart Initiative, which encourages young women to explore the cybersecurity and computer science fields. KHON2.

Corporate Tax Loophole Costs Hawaii $38 Million Annually. That is the conclusion of a report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state’s industrial hemp pilot program could become a permanent full program should a state Senate bill pass the Legislature and be signed into law. Tribune-Herald.

Census Bureau to hire hundreds in Hawaii for 2020 population count. Hawaii News Now.

TSA hiring officers for four Hawaii airports. Star-Advertiser.

TSA looking to hire before summer travel season. KHON2.

Border wall could tap $311 million in Hawaii military construction. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Public Records Chief Is Still Trying To Make It Harder To Get Public Records. Cheryl Kakazu Park, director of the Office of Information Practices, is working hard to get around a Supreme Court ruling on the Uniform Information Practices Act. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday unveiled his seven-point plan to improve pedestrian safety in the city with the theme of “Look All Ways.” Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell Unveils 7-Point Pedestrian Safety Plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor unveils pedestrian safety measures. KHON2.

Special Council Election Requires Hundreds Of New Campaign Finance Reports. In the revote for the East Honolulu City Council seat, Trevor Ozawa had a financial advantage over Tommy Waters in the latest reports. Civil Beat.

The Pali Highway will reopen today for one-way traffic during limited commuting hours, a situation expected to last for months while state crews work to fortify the unstable slopes near the tunnels on Pali Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Long-term Fix to Pali Highway Lanes Could Take Months. Associated Press.

City to spend $20M to shore up severe erosion problems in Palolo. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police are continuing their investigation into a deadly officer-involved shooting in the quiet neighborhood of Mililani Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Police fatally shoot theft suspect in Mililani; 2 others injured as fleeing pickup crashes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A general excise tax increase continued its forward march Wednesday, with the County Council voting 7-2 to bring the county surcharge up to one-half percent and extend it for another 10 years. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, the Hawaii State House Finance Committee will take up HB 1180, a bill to fund “disaster relief, recovery, mitigation, and remediation activities for the County of Hawaii” following the destructive eruption of Kilauea on the Lower East Rift Zone in summer 2018. Big Island Video News.

A week after the announcement that a Mississippi-based airline had acquired Mokulele Airlines and an affirmation that it would keep all of Mokulele’s current employees, those employees on Wednesday received news of a 10 percent reduction in staffing levels. West Hawaii Today.

New owner of Mokulele Airlines plans layoffs. Hawaii News Now.

A County Councilmember representing the Puna district, Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder, announced today that he has introduced a resolution urging the County administration to increase funding for more police. Big Island Video News.

A new two-week mission launched Wednesday at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation habitat located on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Wailuku man with rat lungworm disease sues grower Hana Fresh. Scott Hessler says he got parasite from nonprofit’s produce. Maui News.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving the Lahaina injection wells and the federal Clean Water Act, a decision welcomed by Maui County but decried by local environmental groups as a waste of taxpayer money. Maui News.

Maui Land & Pineapple profits from tax benefit. An income tax benefit generated a $3.7 million profit for Maui Land & Pineapple Co. in the fourth quarter and a $565,000 profit for all of last year, the company announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Priority Repairs to Fix Maui Potholes After Rain. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council OKs Kilauea School safe routes resolution. A resolution was adopted Wednesday by the Kauai County Council to establish traffic modifications on a problematic street in Kilauea. Garden Island.

Toward a vape-free campus. Local artists took on a wall at Kapaa High School as part of a statewide 808NOVAPE campaign that’s been ongoing through February. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Oahu sidewalk homeless camps to be counted, cleared; EPA and Kamehameha Schools enter cesspool agreement, sex-abuse hotline lights up after Kavanaugh hearing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu sidewalk homeless camp ©2018 All Hawaii News
Honolulu City Council passes bills aimed at stopping homeless campers from blocking sidewalks. The bills include language requiring the city administration to first submit a report, or reports, to the Council on the status of its initiatives to combat homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Council passes bills requiring studies before homeless encampment crackdowns. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council passes 2 bills to keep Oahu sidewalks clear. KITV.

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Hawaii In The Thick Of DC Battle Over Ballast Water Dumping. Environmental groups say the shipping industry wants to loosen regulations, which could make it harder to fight invasive species. Civil Beat.

Sexual assault hotline calls spike in Hawaii following Kavanaugh hearing. Ssince the Kavanaugh hearing on Thursday, the number of calls into the Hawaii's Sex Abuse Treatment Center's 24-hour hotline nearly doubled. KITV.

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Kamehameha Schools’ EPA accord will lead to closure of cesspools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hopes a consent agreement with Kamehameha Schools to close any large-capacity cesspools on its more than 3,000 properties and pay a penalty of nearly $100,000 will encourage other Hawaii landowners to voluntarily shut down their cesspools. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in which more than 3,000 properties owned by the educational trust will be audited to identify and close large-capacity cesspools. Tribune-Herald.

EPA, Kamehameha Schools to conduct cesspool audit on 3,000 properties. An agreement will help the state eliminate cesspools by 2050. Hawaii News Now.

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Kaiser Permanente Reaches Tentative Labor Agreement. The contract will cover nearly 48,000 health care workers: 32,100 workers in California; 6,300 in Oregon and Washington; 2,100 in Colorado; 2,200 in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia; 2,800 in Georgia; and 1,900 in Hawaii. The workers span job classifications from registered nurses and pharmacists to maintenance and service workers. Maui Now.

Two Insurers Offer Basic Dental Care For Poor Adults. Hawaii stopped paying for non-emergency dental care for low-income adults back in 2009. Civil Beat.

B-2 bombers conclude new mission out of Hawaii. Pacific Air Forces recently concluded a pioneering B-2 stealth bomber deployment to Hawaii — setting the stage for the isles to be used as one of a growing number of temporary bomber bases across the region in the face of advancing threats from China and Russia. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE Wants To Classify Bullying At Highest Offense Level. The department’s proposal to make bullying a Class A offense is among the proposed revisions to its student misconduct code. Civil Beat.

2018 General Election Voter Registration Deadline, Oct. 9. To be eligible to vote, you must be a US citizen, a resident of Hawai‘i, and at least 18 years old. Maui Now.

The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs has named a new chief operating officer, longtime Kamehameha Schools administrator Sylvia Hussey. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city cannot meet a Federal Transit Administration deadline to provide $44 million to help fund construction of the Honolulu rail project, and Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he plans to ask for an extension. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council wants to investigate building permit delays. Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine introduced Resolution 18-208 which would establish a group within the Honolulu City Council to investigate the delays in the permitting process by the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting. Pacific Business News.

Greenpeace announced today that its historic ship, the Arctic Sunrise, is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu next Thursday to highlight the threat of plastic pollution to the world’s oceans, waterways and communities. Star-Advertiser.

Erosion unearths more remains at Kawaiahao Church construction site. Descendants growing tired of waiting for 600 iwi kupuna to be reburied. Hawaii News Now.

High bacteria levels reported in Waikiki, Ala Moana waters. The elevated levels were detected during routine monitoring. Hawaii News Now.

What seemed to be a piece of wood led to a bomb squad investigation in Moiliili. An artist had it in his possession for over a month. Hawaii News Now.

Kapiolani campus becomes a lab for sustainability. A chain of projects by chemistry, culinary and economics students at KCC to complete a sustainability loop on the Diamond Head campus is already reducing waste and their carbon footprint, and has earned a University of Hawaii 2018 President’s Green Initiative Award of $10,000. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Thousands visit HVNP after reopening. More than 15,000 people visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park since it partially reopened last month. Tribune-Herald.

Panel not sold on tax break measure for Pahoa, Volcano businesses. Hawaii County Council members gave a measure intended to help struggling businesses in Pahoa and Volcano a negative recommendation this week. Tribune-Herald.

Despite Eruption, No Support For Pahoa, Volcano Business Tax Breaks. Big Island Video News.

Forum held on ballot measure. While supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment say it could raise much-needed funds for the state’s public schools, opponents argue the proposal has too many ambiguities and too few guarantees. West Hawaii Today.

Being anchored in coral, in too shallow water and too close to the Kailua Pier navigation channel may land the owner of a 196-foot yacht in Kailua Bay a misdemeanor offense and a fine.West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County administration officials explained to the County Council on Tuesday their roles in informing the public during brown water advisories and/or a sewer discharges. Big Island Video News.

The 2018 IRONMAN® World Championship in Kailua-Kona is set for Oct. 13. Big Island Now.

Maui

Work on Waiopai Bridge will block traffic at night. Maui News.

Destination acquires Classic Resorts properties. Kaanapali Alii among properties switching hands. Maui News.

Kauai

State officials have abandoned any pretense that storm-damaged Kuhio Highway west of Hanalei can reopen before late January, and some sources familiar with what they describe as an “unsettled” situation say the road might not be reopen until the second half of 2019 — or even later. Garden Island.

Lobbying workshops coming. This year, the Public Access Room is offering two workshops at locations on Kauai. Garden Island.

Friday, July 13, 2018

China spy ship watching RIMPAC, Hanabusa gaining on Ige in money race, fraudulent service pets could be fined, firefighter boyfriend pleads guilty in Kealoha case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

RIMPAC exercise PC:Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello/Canadian Armed Forces
China sends spy ship to RIMPAC. China was disinvited from the prestigious Rim of the Pacific exercise, but it has made an appearance anyway — dispatching a spy ship to international waters off Hawaii, the Navy said today. Star-Advertiser.

In her bid to unseat Gov. David Ige, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa out-raised and out-spent him during the first six months of 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Ige, Hanabusa Power Up Their Fundraising. In the lieutenant governor’s race, state Sen. Josh Green has raised and spent the most cash. Civil Beat.

A bill that would fine people fraudulently representing their pets as service dogs has become law without Gov. David Ige’s signature. Star-Advertiser.

A new law in Hawaii now gives survivors of child sexual abuse more time to file claims against their abuser. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Federal Communications Commission announced new regulations to prevent false alerts from going out like the one that happened here in January. KHON2.

Oahu

Hawaii County Fire Department Battalion Chief Jesse Michael Ebersole pleaded guilty in federal court this afternoon to conspiring with deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha to lie about their affair to a federal grand jury and has agreed to cooperate in the prosecution of Kealoha and her husband, retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha’s Boyfriend Pleads Guilty To Federal Conspiracy. “I lied to the grand jury,” Jesse Ebersole says regarding his relationship with the city prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Firefighter: 'I lied' to grand jury about affair with ex-HPD chief's wife. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island firefighter pleads guilty to conspiracy charges. KITV.

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The families of the four victims that died in the high-rise Marco Polo fire filed a lawsuit today alleging that the deaths could have been prevented if the defendants had followed basic safety measures. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit filed over fatal Marco Polo fire. KITV.

Council OKs Property Tax Break For Active-Duty Military Personnel. If signed by the mayor, the exemption would cost Honolulu an estimated $1 million a year. Civil Beat.

City officials relocate 23 homeless people ahead of park maintenance project. Hawaii News Now.

City officials say they got 23 people off the streets of Oahu Wednesday night. KHON2.

Office tower to become affordable housing. An abandoned office tower eyesore in downtown Honolulu is slated for a face-lift, but its “pimples” will remain under a plan to convert the building into affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Search For Other Beneficiaries to Hawaiian Heiress’ Trust Will Continue. A judge delayed deciding whether to include a new board of directors for Abigail Kawananakoa’s charity in the battle for control of her $215 million trust. Civil Beat.

Arch enemies': Princess Kawananakoa's attorneys denounce foundation's board. Hawaii News Now.

Biki expansion plans run into possible roadblock in Waikiki. Some residents near Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head want Biki to backpedal on its expansion plans for the area. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


Lava has consumed Kua O Ka La charter school and Ahalanui County Beach Park. KHON2.

Lava consumed Ahalanui Beach Park on Wednesday evening, destroying yet another beloved Puna destination. Tribune-Herald.

Loss of school stings: Destruction of Kua O Ka La ‘utterly devastating’. Tribune-Herald.

The county’s purchase of a $2.7 million Vacationland parcel from a politically connected family is ongoing, even after the land was made worthless by lava inundation. West Hawaii Today.

Businesses and residents affected by lava on the Big Island have received over $10 million in disaster assistance loans from the Small Business Association, officials announced on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Council Proposal Urges State To Name Fissure 8. Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy has introduced a resolution asking the State Board on Geographic Names to begin the consultation process. Big Island Video News.

Does Anyone Really Miss The Puna Geothermal Plant? Hawaii Electric Light Co. has plenty of power despite the shutdown of the plant which was damaged by lava. Civil Beat.

USGS employs high-tech laser mapping at Kilauea’s summit. Tribune-Herald.

Changes are planned at Pohakuloa Training Area as the U.S. Army moves forward with a $210 million overhaul. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kihei developers seek to go back to the future. Latest proposal for Piilani Promenade project area more in line with 1995 plans. Maui News.

Representative Justin H. Woodson of Maui says the recent approval of the Kahului Civic Center Mixed-Use Project and multi-family rental housing units by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Board of Directors is a positive move toward providing more affordable housing. Maui Now.

All Maui County DMV's will be closed Friday due to staff training. KHON2.

Kauai

America, Japan forces work together in historic missile operation. The Japanese Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, SSM12, didn’t launch when it was supposed to on Thursday during a historic multi-domain exercise at Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

A vision for Kauai’s children to accomplish their dreams on Kauai is why Billy De Costa is running for the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

By a unanimous vote at the Kauai County Farm Bureau annual meeting, Johnny Gordines repeats as the Kauai County Farm Bureau president. Garden Island.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Hawaii increasing election security, no veto override session, Kamehameha Schools pays $5M to settle student sex abuse lawsuit, Coco Palms back on track, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii ballot testing ©2018 All Hawaii News
State Details Plans For Spending $3.1 Million In Election Security Funds. Software and staff upgrades will make Hawaii’s voting system less vulnerable to cyber attacks, officials say. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers won’t override Ige vetoes. House and Senate lawmakers will not meet in a special session this year to attempt to override any vetoes of bills by Gov. David Ige, but the state Senate will meet Monday and Tuesday to consider approving the appointments of four District Court judges. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Signs 11 Measures Into Law. Big Island Now.

New law preserves Affordable Care Act measures for Hawaii residents. Hawaii News Now.

Budding nonprofit looks to document whale sharks in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Dick’s Sporting Goods could be coming to Hawaii. Dick’s Sporting Goods may be preparing to enter the Hawaii market, according to public documents that show the big-box retailer registered with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to do business in the state last month. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Kamehameha Schools has agreed to pay $5 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by the families of four former students of a teacher who is accused of secretly recording students showering in his faculty apartment. Star-Advertiser.

$5M settlement reached in Kamehameha Schools sex assault case. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools settles case involving former teacher accused of videotaping kids. KHON2.

A settlement has been reached between Kamehameha Schools, three parents, four former students and Gabriel Alisna, a former high school speech teacher and debate coach. Alisna is being criminally prosecuted for videotaping and assaulting students. KITV.

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City lawyers work hard to ensure sidewalk bills will withstand challenges. Over the past four years, city attorneys have warned Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the City Council not to enact laws that would place a ban on sitting and lying on Oahu sidewalks because they did not think they could stand up to constitutional challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businessman Duane Kurisu is asking the Honolulu City Council for permission to build a 150-foot radio tower next to Kahauiki Village, a low-income housing project along Nimitz Highway that Kurisu built with help from the state and local governments. Star-Advertiser.

An eviction case against former employees of Hawaiian Heiress Abigail Kawananakoa was dismissed Thursday. The family of the Kawananakoa's  former maid and chauffeur claim a Pearl City home was gifted to them by the heiress in 2016. KITV.

Saturday driver licensing hours offered through August 25 on Oahu. KHON2.

A Boston-based nonprofit backed by two national lenders is offering no-fee home mortgages with below- market interest rates for Hawaii residents at a free five-day event that starts today in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A newly renovated Hawaiian monk seal exhibit is once again open at Waikiki Aquarium, with Hoailona the monk seal cruising around his new home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige signing bill that bodes well for Banyan Drive, Kanoelehua lessees. Gov. David Ige will visit Hilo today to sign a redevelopment bill intended to revitalize Banyan Drive and the Kanoelehua Industrial Area. Tribune-Herald.

Only 4 homes remain in Kapoho as eruptions continue on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Safety the biggest hurdle to creating lava viewing site. Hawaii County is continuing to pursue a site for a lava viewing area, but overflows from the fissure 8 channel and other hazards are presenting challenges. Tribune-Herald.

With the eruption in lower Puna settling into a fairly consistent pattern, state elections officials are considering opening a polling place for Pahoa on primary election day. Tribune-Herald.

One of the many impacts of the ongoing lava eruption on the Big Island is on the supply of electricity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lake Waiau’s water levels remain robust almost five years after it nearly disappeared amid years of drought. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is moving forward with an  11,000-acre management plan to replace rutted dirt roads crisscrossing the 2.5-mile distance to popular Green Sands beach with a pedestrian path and emergency access road. Civil Beat.

Maui

Requests for proposals for Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Community Enrichment, Kukulu Ola and Aloha ‘Aina programs open June 13, and informational sessions are set countywide later this month. Maui News.

Maui resident Kyoko Kimura, director of owner relations for Aqua-Aston Hospitality, will take her seat on the board of directors at this month’s meeting of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms back on track. In lieu of a trial, a summary judgment hearing ended the Coco Palms property dispute in a Kauai courtroom on Thursday. Garden Island.

Seeking balance at a North Shore gem. Gov. David Ige says he thinks it’s a good idea to try and start construction on the new plan for Haena State Park while post-flood restoration work is ongoing on the North Shore. Garden Island.

$500K for cultural center. The Kauai Philippine Cultural Center could be completed by year’s end. Garden Island.

Monday, February 19, 2018

Legislature mulls Airbnb tax bill, less panic than anticipated after false missile alert, Tsutsui moves to Hanabusa campaign, illegal marijuana sales alleged at expo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Vacation rental under construction at Onekahakaha beach park ©2018 All Hawaii News
Bill would let Airbnb brokers act as tax agents. A proposal that would allow Airbnb to collect tens of millions of dollars in state taxes generated by short-term rentals using the online home-sharing platform would also make it illegal for Airbnb to do business with any rental operators breaking county zoning laws. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers studying the reaction of Hawaii’s residents after the false missile alert say there was far less panic than they anticipated. Associated Press.

Missile alarm snafu spurs interest in backyard fallout shelters. An Oregon bomb shelter company has received about 65 inquiries, and counting, from Hawaii residents since the Jan. 13 false alarm. Star-Advertiser.

Not long after his abrupt resignation as Hawaii’s lieutenant governor, Shan Tsutsui is said to be gearing up to run the Maui operations for the gubernatorial campaign of U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa as she mounts a challenge to Tsutsui’s old boss, Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

A joint State House committee recently advanced a bill that would ban the import, use, manufacture, sale, and storage of chlorpyrifos in Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

HECO gets OK for initiative to control customer use. An operation referred to as “demand response” will let residential and commercial customers volunteer to have certain power-consuming devices occasionally controlled by HECO so the utility can manage the alignment between electricity supply and demand as more sources of renewable — and variable — energy generation are added to electricity grids throughout the state. Star-Advertiser.

Donn Takahashi will retire next month from his post as president of Prince Resorts Hawaii after a 25-year career with the company. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Illegal marijuana sales alleged at expo. The state Narcotics Enforcement Division is investigating allegations of illegal activity at last weekend’s Hawaii Cannabis Expo, where some vendors openly distributed cannabis seeds and other products. Star-Advertiser.

A Kamehameha Schools high school teacher has been placed on indefinite administrative leave after being accused of sexually assaulting a student, according to police records and the school. Star-Advertiser.

A Kamehameha Schools faculty member has been arrested and charged for allegedly having an "inappropriate relationship" with a student. Hawaii News Now.

Waimanalo land lease offers possible solution for Waianae homeless camp. Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele believes his state lease on more than 55 acres of Waimanalo land provides a Hawaiian-based road map for ending escalating tensions over the homeless encampment next to the Waianae Small Boat Harbor known as Pu‘uhonua o Waianae. Star-Advertiser.

Some residents are rejecting plans to build dozens of new homes on a historic North Shore ranch. KITV.

Texas-based developer Hunt Companies is set to expand its local influence. The company is accelerating the redevelopment of Kalaeloa—while working on high-profile projects on three islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

A loophole in city rules has Waikiki businesses and residents up in arms about a number of Kalakaua Avenue street-closure permits. Star-Advertiser.

After the deadly Florida school shooting and several threats towards Oahu schools, one teacher hopes the DOE will do more to prevent a tragedy in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

The World Surf League said Thursday that one of the most prestigious surfing events will not take place on Oahu's North Shore in 2019 following a permitting dispute with the City and County of Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The county Salary Commission stands by the big raises it doled out to county officials, and this week voted to oppose a charter amendment opening its process to greater public scrutiny. West Hawaii Today.

A California company is looking at Hawaii Island as a potential site for launching small satellites into orbit. And its CEO claims it can do it without rockets. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Council members were given an update on the organic waste program during a recent committee meeting. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island’s ‘Oasis’ Of Affordable Homes. It’s a whole different real estate market on the east side of the Big Island, where residences cost about half as much as they do on Oahu. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Island Albizia Task Force announced it will carry out a series of albizia control projects costing $1 million within the next several weeks on the east side of the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii a destination for adventure — safety be darned — yet officials continue to push for precaution in a daunting fight. West Hawaii Today.

Crash settlement to cost state $1.3M. Lawyers for the state have agreed to pay $1.3 million in connection with a car crash on Hawaii island almost four years ago that left a 23-year-old man paralyzed. Star-Advertiser.

The arrival of a new player in the Kona coffee game has stirred more than milk and sugar into the region’s proverbial drink. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Budget panel moves toward buying building. The property, once acquired, would be torn down to make way for the Wailuku civic complex development. Maui News.

The county parks permit office at the War Memorial Gym will be opening 2 1/2 hours later Tuesday for early-morning training. Maui News.

A group of Native Hawaiians and students seized the flags on the campus of the University of Hawaii Maui College to protest the American flag flying above the Hawaiian flag. Associated Press.

TV producer buys Maui home for $23M, highest-priced sale in Hawaii so far this year. A five-bedroom, seven-bath new beachfront home in Kihei has sold for $22.8 million, the highest-priced residential transaction in Hawaii so far this year, and the fourth-highest sale ever on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Diane Moss, Founding Director of the Renewables 100 Policy Institute, will be the keynote speaker for the Fifth Annual Maui Energy Conference held at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on March 14-15. Maui Now.

Kauai

Cable television on Kauai will be changing to digital broadcasting this summer. The planned conversion is expected to increase Spectrum’s bandwidth but may affect local programming across the state, especially on Kauai. Garden Island.