AG Chin to step down to seek congressional seat, foster parents lawsuit seeks higher pay, Hawaiian overthrow commemoration set for Legislature's opening day, Honolulu loses almost $5M federal grants due to inertia, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Doug Chin, Mazie Hirono at Aug. 30, 2017 DACA press conference file photo

Attorney General Chin will step down to run for Congress. The decision by state Attorney General Douglas Chin to resign March 15 and begin full-time campaigning for the 1st Congressional District seat is probably a “politically smart move,” according to a University of Hawaii political scientist. Star-Advertiser.

Chin To Step Down As Hawaii AG In Run For Congress. The attorney general was pressured to resign by the person he hopes to succeed, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin on Sunday announced he will step down to focus on his congressional campaign. Associated Press.

Seeking a seat in U.S. Congress, Hawaii's Attorney General Doug Chin announced Sunday he will step down. Hawaii News Now.

Doug Chin announced Sunday that he is leaving his Attorney General post to concentrate on his campaign for the First Congressional district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. KITV.

Attorney General Doug Chin will step down to run for Congressional seat. KHON2.

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Overthrow observance to shadow Legislature’s opening day. 125 years after the overthrow of Hawaii’s last monarch, a new group of organizers is planning a march and observance ceremony expected to draw thousands to Iolani Palace and to the Capitol courtyard next door. Star-Advertiser.

Ige seeks pay raises for foster parents amid legal battle. A drawn-out legal battle over how much families are paid to care for foster children is headed to court, where attorneys say the dispute could end up costing the state significantly more than a multimillion-dollar settlement that was rejected last year by the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

A legal battle over how much families are paid to care for foster children could cost Hawaii millions of dollars, state officials said. Associated Press.

More than 800 cases of child sex abuse reported in 2017, likely only a fraction of victims. KHON2.

Navy likely to keep long-standing grip on Pacific Command. here’s been some extra drama attendant to the Pentagon’s selection of the next head of U.S. Pacific Command on Oahu — and not only because that person will have to counter a runaway North Korean nuclear program and a militarily assertive China. Star-Advertiser.

Judge clears way for sale of Island Air operating certificate. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris, declaring that something is better than nothing, gave the green light Friday for Island Air’s trustee to take the necessary steps to proceed in the sale of the company’s operating certificate to a subsidiary of Hawaiian Airlines’ corporate parent. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines is likely to exceed $100 million for a second consecutive year in baggage, reservation and change fees. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

How Mismanagement Cost Honolulu Nearly $5 Million In Federal Aid. The unspent money was intended to help ease the city’s critical problems with homelessness and affordable housing. Civil Beat.

The Oahu Real Property Tax Advisory Commission on Thursday passed its final report to the Honolulu City Council, recommending a host of changes aimed at making the tax burden more equitable among the island’s property owners. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Liquor Commission has delayed a decision over a license application for a new Denny’s restaurant in Waikiki due to community opposition. Star-Advertiser.

Court ends first year of decriminalized homelessness. As Oahu’s so-called “homeless court” moves into its second year, the chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court wants legislators to know that “it has brought life-changing experiences” to some of its homeless defendants. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutors say Ransen Taito was a victim of Katherine Kealoha’s financial crimes, but he helped her cover them up anyway. When Ransen Taito walked into the U.S. District Court of Hawaii on Friday to plead guilty to felony conspiracy, he was about to roll over in a big way on his “aunty,” someone he trusted since childhood: Honolulu deputy prosecuting attorney Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Frustration grows over delay in state takeover of Hawaii's only volunteer-run public library. Hawaii News Now.

Kapiolani Community College has opened its search for a new chancellor and expects to have a hire in place by July. Star-Advertiser.

Diamond Head Theatre redevelopment plan moves forward. Plans are to upgrade the building to a 500-seat venue with improved stage mechanics and enhanced theatre experience. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s 2017 housing market finished strong with gains in both condominium and single-family home sales and median prices, and experts from the real estate industry expect the momentum to continue this year, but possibly at a slower pace. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home prices may reach just under $800K in 2018, Locations says. The median price of a single-family home rose by 3 percent to $760,000, from $735,000 in 2016, while the median price of a condo rose 5 percent to $410,000, from $390,000 in 2016, according to the sales data analyzed by Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

DLNR shuts down aquarium fishing in West Hawaii pending environmental review.  For the first time in decades, West Hawaii waters are off-limits to aquarium fishermen. West Hawaii Today.

2017 a deadly year on Big Island roads. Speed kills. Obvious as it sounds, that’s the lesson to be learned from the majority of the 32 official traffic fatalities that occurred on Hawaii Island in 2017 — the same official total of traffic deaths that took place in 2016. The deaths occurred in 30 collisions. Tribune-Herald.

Criteria To Determine Pre-Existing Lots Discussed. The Hawaii County Council Planning Committee sat down with planning department administrators recently to discuss a new bill to amend the Subdivision Code. Big Island Video News.

Wendell Kaehuaea is hoping the 23rd time will be the charm. After 22 unsuccessful campaigns for local political office, Kaehuaea is shooting for his first statewide race, and this time he’s aiming high. All the way to governor. West Hawaii Today.

Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden nonprofit lands $750K. West Hawaii Today.

A climate for coffee: Researchers work to get ahead of potential threats to Hawaii’s signature crop. West Hawaii Today.

Condo sales on Hawaii's Big Island jump 20% in 2017, single-family sees single-digit gains. The 853 condo units sold on the Big Island in 2017 was 19.97 percent more than the 711 units that sold in 2016. The median price of a Big Island condo in 2017 was $310,000, which was an increase of 1.64 percent from $305,000 in 2016. Pacific Business News.

Maui

LPN shortage leads to higher patient care costs. Hale Makua is working with UH-Maui College on an educational program just for LPNs. Maui News.

Catholic charities planning a senior housing development. Proposed affordable project would have 164 apartments. Maui News.

Three mumps cases reported on Maui. Out of 770 confirmed cases of mumps statewide as of Jan. 4, three cases were on Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Defendants continue Coco Palms claim. The heated civil trial over 17 acres of land in Wailua where the famed Coco Palms Resort once stood before it was damaged by Hurricane Iniki continued Friday with testimony from Noa Mau-Espirito, one of the two defendants in the matter.  Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Nominating Committee has confirmed six candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 10. Garden Island.

Home sales on Kauai dip in 2017 as condo sales take off. There were a total of 450 condo units sold on the Garden Island last year, an increase of 19.05 percent from 378 units sold in 2016. The median price of a condo on Kauai in 2017 rose 9.23 percent to $435,000 from $398,250 in 2016. Pacific Business News.

Ala Wai dredging slated, Condo tower wants 'poor door' for lower-income residents, sexual harassment claims drop, Honolulu homeless sweeps continue, Arakawa took taxpayer-funded European trip, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai kayaker © 2017 All Hawaii News

A plan to clean the Ala Wai Canal worries local paddling teams. A major project to clear out the Ala Wai Canal is starting to take shape. The final Environmental Impact Statement for the dredging and repair work was just released, but the work is expected to sideline some paddling teams. Hawaii News Now.

Starting this Friday, Hawaii will introduce a one-minute attack warning signal test in response to threats by North Korea, though this should not deter tourists from coming to the Islands, says George Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

The national number of high profile people caught up in sexual harassment scandals keeps rising, but in Hawaii, there has actually been a dramatic drop in the number of complaints filed with the state agency that looks into them. KITV.

How ‘Zombie Maze’ Is Teaching Hawaii Kids Computer Science. Some schools are making headway in the subject, but huge challenges remain. Better-paying jobs are at stake. Civil Beat.

The extent of the Kamehameha Schools sex abuse scandal could have remained hidden from the public forever if it weren’t for a 2012 law, which allowed victims to file lawsuits over child sex assaults – even if they happened decades earlier. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Inner-Party Squabbles Could Shake Up Governor’s Race. If power struggles within the Democratic and Republican parties nationally are transplanted to the islands, all bets are off. Civil Beat.

Oahu

‘Poor Door’: Separate Tower Entrance Planned For Lower-Income Residents. The developer of a proposed mixed-income high rise calls it practical, but a critic says it “segregates people in a very clear way.” Civil Beat.

Oahu needs 2,600 housing units built each year to keep up with population growth. But, building housing that’s affordable is not that easy. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu’s TheBus Route 2 connecting Kalihi to Waikiki will offer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week starting early Sunday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Kalihi-Waikiki bus route to operate 24/7 starting this weekend KHON2.

Could Self-Driving Cars And Buses Replace The Last Leg Of Rail? Longtime critics want to stop the elevated train at Middle Street, then embrace new transportation technologies for the rest of the route. Civil Beat.

Public sounds off on new site for OCCC. The state's preferred plan to build a replacement for Oahu Community Correctional Center is facing opposition from the public -- or at least those who showed up at a town hall meeting to discuss the draft environmental impact statement for the project. Hawaii News Now.

State to sweep encampment that's cropped up just outside a homeless shelter. Another homeless sweep is set for Friday in Kakaako. This time, it's targeting people displaced by a prior sweep — and they're camping just outside the Next Step shelter. Hawaii News Now.

A 49-year-old woman is suing the state Department of Public Safety, claiming a state sheriff’s deputy sexually assaulted her when she was in custody in the courthouse on Punchbowl Street. Star-Advertiser.

Park closure limits access to Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. “I want people to know we are open,” said the center’s board chairwoman Loretta Yajima. Star-Advertiser.

Many trees in Oahu neighborhoods get decorated with lights for the holiday season, but one in a city park adorned by a resident in honor of his deceased son is creating community discord. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The state Public Charter School Commission on Tuesday voted to issue to Ka’u Learning Academy a “notice of prospect of revocation” — the first step in the process of revoking its charter — alleging issues found in the school’s fiscal year 2017 audit potentially violate provisions of its charter contract. Tribune-Herald.

A case of mumps was confirmed earlier this month at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea Report Entails Litany Of Legal Conflicts. The director of the Office of Mauna Kea Management provided the board with a rundown of all the lawsuits, projects and outreach efforts involving the university's oversight of the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Some of the people who could be affected by a potential move of the Hawaii County Office of Aging are raising concerns about whether the idea is in the best interest of the county and the people the office serves. Tribune-Herald.

The owners of Windermere C &H Properties have purchased Century 21 All Islands. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island cattle ranchers say over the past few years there has been a troubling and significant increase in the number of cows being killed. Associated Press.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa took a taxpayer-paid trip to Europe in October that included stops in the Czech Republic, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands and cost nearly $5,000. Maui News.

Emergency Proclamation: 400 Dead Trees Along Piiholo Rd to be Removed. Acting Mayor Keith Regan issued an emergency proclamation today, declaring that the county needed to remove more than 400 dead eucalyptus trees in the county owned rights of way along Piʻiholo Road before any more falling trees cause property damage, injury or death this winter. Maui Now.

Emergency proclamation signed to remove hundreds of dead trees on Maui. Safety concerns prompted acting Maui Mayor Keith Regan to sign an emergency proclamation Wednesday that would remove hundreds of dead trees in Makawao. Hawaii News Now.

Kahului Elementary School, which was supposed to reopen today following a fire that damaged classrooms Friday, will remain closed until Monday, the state Department of Education said Wednesday. Maui News.

Kahului Elementary School Remains Closed to Students Until Monday, Dec. 4. Maui Now.

The closure of Kahului Elementary School has been extended to Monday due to damage from a suspicious fire last week, the state Department of Education said. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Cannabiz conference coming to town. Hemp could be Kauai’s economic booster and Kauai’s Dustin Barca will be part of a panel discussion on the topic at the Grand Hyatt Friday to Sunday at the island’s first International Cannabis Business Conference. Garden Island.

Preliminary results of samples taken from dozens of dead fish found on Lehua Island during the state’s rodent eradication project are “inconclusive” as to whether rodenticide killed the fish, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said this week. Star-Advertiser.

Severe weather on Kauai prompts school, road closures. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu medical marijuana users told to surrender guns, nuclear attack warning sirens to be tested Friday, Russian billionaire yacht turned back from Molokai harbor, public forum set for new Oahu jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HPD medical marijuana gun letter circulating on Facebook

HPD tells medical marijuana patients to turn in their guns. The Honolulu Police Department is ordering legal cannabis patients to “voluntarily surrender” any guns they own because pot is still considered an illegal drug under federal law. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Tell Medical Marijuana Patients To Give Up Their Guns. Some say the department’s policy of sending letters to patients is an escalation of efforts to deny gun permits. Civil  Beat.

North Korea’s test launch Tuesday of what could be its longest-range intercontinental ballistic missile yet seems to add further justification to the state planning for what officials are still calling the “extremely unlikely” possibility of a strike on Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Announcement of Attack Warning Siren. Gov. David Ige, Director of Emergency Management Major General Arthur J. Logan and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Administrator Vern Miyagi presented the tone and discussed the need for the Attack Warning Signal, how it will be used and what their agencies are doing to prepare our state for a nuclear threat. Big Island Now.

Get ready, Hawaii. For the first time since the Cold War, an "attack warning" siren with a wavering tone will sound Friday across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii readies ‘attack warning’ siren tone in event of unlikely nuclear attack. KHON2.

A new website can now show you the economic impact the U.S. military has in the islands. The U.S. military is the second biggest driver to Hawaii’s economy…with approximately 2 billion dollars being spent annually in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hotel rate increases drive October performance. A higher average hotel rate drove up hotel performance in October, offsetting flat statewide occupancy, according to a Hawaii hotel performance report distributed Tuesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

RevPAR, or revenue per available room, for Hawaii hotels increased 3.8 percent in October to $189 compared to last year, with Hawaii Island reporting the largest gain, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report released Tuesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hotels across Hawaii earned more revenue per available room in October at $189 (+3.8%) compared to a year ago, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Pledge to investigate Kamehameha Schools sex abuse went unfulfilled. Hawaii News Now.

Former trustees: 'Wall of secrecy' at Kamehameha Schools helped sex abuse stay hidden. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Public forum tonight on plan for new jail. The public will have an opportunity to comment on state plans for a proposed new jail on what is now the site of the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa Valley at a public meeting tonight. Star-Advertiser.

20 companies to vie for former Island Air employees at job fair. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless move into cemetery, frustrating efforts to clean it up. Hawaii News Now.

Mormon Church North Shore Housing Plans Hit Roadblock. A City Council bill to preserve ag land in Koolauloa could restrict a proposed 550-unit housing and commercial development. Civil Beat.

Malaekahana development to be discussed in meeting. Hawaii Reserves Inc. is expected to present publicly for the first time an alternative to its contentious Envision Laie plan at a meeting of the Honolulu City Council’s Planning Committee at 6:30 p.m. today at Hauula Elementary School. Star-Advertiser.

Did Honolulu Police Go Too Far In The Case Of This Man’s Death? Sheldon Haleck died after a struggle with police in 2015. He was on meth. He refused to get out of the road. Police say they took appropriate actions. Civil Beat.

A first look of Kapiolani Medical Center's new ER space: Slideshow. The Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children will open a new emergency room next month. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Commercial haulers and others taking garbage to the landfill will be paying more to toss their trash, if the County Council agrees with a Department of Environmental Management request to raise tipping fees 33 percent over five years. West Hawaii Today.

County seeks members for boards, commissions. A number of boards and commissions, made up of private citizens, have had trouble getting quorum at meetings. Some have difficulty even getting enough members to make a quorum. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Salary Commission on Monday approved double-digit raises for some of the county's top officials. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Police Department and its Neighborhood Watch division will be sharing public information on emergency guidelines for a possible nuclear event, as recommended by Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Hospital Goes It Alone With Rat Lungworm Treatment. Many of the disease’s more severe cases are popping up on the Big Island, where the resident expert prefers an aggressive approach. Civil Beat.

Maui

New Law Would Ban Smoking in Cars with Minors. A bill that would make it illegal to smoke in a vehicle with a minor present will be reintroduced in a special Maui County Council committee meeting on Jan. 5. Maui Now.


West Maui condo fined $100,000 for unpermitted structures. Unpermitted items include barbecue grills, a stairway, an eating area and a seawall. Maui News.

A woman who survived a crash near Hana that killed her twin sister waived her right to a jury trial on a murder charge and will be tried by 2nd Circuit Judge Peter Cahill beginning Jan. 29. Maui News.

Maui ranch pegged for housing back in bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Metro Area Named “Drunkest City” in Hawaii. A new report lists the Maui County metro areas of Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina as the “Drunkest City” in Hawaii. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lawmakers suspicious on whale beachings. The five pilot whales that died on Kalapaki Beach after the Oct. 13 stranding weren’t diseased and some are questioning whether there’s a connection with the state’s Lehua Island rat poisoning project or military sonar. Garden Island.

Marine scientists investigating the mass stranding of five pilot whales on Kauai’s Kalapaki Beach last month have ruled out disease as causing the event, and say something sudden must have triggered the stranding. Garden Island.

Mainland real estate investment firm Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP said Tuesday that it placed acquisition financing of $32.3 million with a Mainland investor for Epic Real Estate Partners’ $43.55 million purchase of the Safeway-anchored Kauai Village Shopping Center. Pacific Business News.

The new owner of the Safeway-anchored Kauai Village Shopping Center has hired Honolulu-based Commercial Consultants Inc. to handle leasing at the center and has plans to remodel the buildings’ exteriors. Pacific Business News.

Fugitive captured on Kauai. William Lawrence, 41, had been on the run since 2006, when he was convicted of forcible sexual abuse and forcible sodomy, a third-degree felony, according to a press release. At the time of the alleged abuse, Lawrence worked as a correctional officer for the Utah Department of Corrections. Garden Island.

Molokai

Billionaire’s massive yacht turned away at Molokai harbor. A billionaire was blocked from docking at a Molokai harbor after he tried to visit the island with his massive yacht. Garden Island.

Molokai residents send message to billionaire Russian boater: Go away. After protesters blocked a cruise ship from docking at Kaunakakai Harbor several years ago, residents set a protocol for luxury ships and large groups of visitors wanting to come to Molokai. Maui News.

June snowfall in Hawaii, Honolulu rail project short on cash, South Korean destroyers arrive ahead of RIMPAC, Island Air resumes Kona route, new Hilo pier advancing, Kauai affordable housing project commences, Maui citizen initiative fails to reach ballot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Snow atop Mauna Kea, courtesy National Weather Service Honolulu

Mauna Kea had a white cap once again this week, if only briefly. A moisture-rich weather system brought a dusting of snow to the summit Monday as it drenched lower elevations on the windward side. Tribune-Herald.

About a dozen candidates are running for seats in the state Legislature this year who political observers say make up an emerging progressive faction within the Democratic Party. What constitutes a progressive agenda isn’t easy to define, but for John Bickel, one of the movement’s leaders, it means “standing up for the little guy against the corporate interests.” Star-Advertiser.

Two South Korean destroyers arrived at Pearl Harbor on Tuesday for the Rim of the Pacific war games, while other ships are also heading to Hawaii from around the region for the world’s largest international maritime exercise. Star-Advertiser.

The only Republican woman who Hawaii voters have ever sent to represent them in Washington, D.C., believes she has found the right candidate to follow in her stead. On Tuesday at GOP headquarters in Honolulu, Pat Saiki announced her pick: Shirlene Ostrov, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. Civil Beat.

The fee Hawaiian Electric’s residential customers pay to finance clean-energy installations for low-income residents will decrease slightly starting in July. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu solar energy company Alternate Energy Inc. has reached a settlement with state regulators after allegedly misrepresenting information related to requirements for interconnecting solar energy systems, according to public records. Pacific Business News.

Kenneth Uemura, former vice president and chief financial officer at Hawaii Pacific University, has been appointed by Gov. David Ige to the state Board of Education. Civil Beat.

Federal judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals are in town this week and will hear oral arguments Wednesday for three lawsuits challenging county regulations on genetically modified farming. Civil Beat.

The Public Utilities Commission is considering Young Brothers Ltd.’s application to raise shipping rates by 4.36 percent, which will generate an increase in revenue by $3.13 million for the shipping company, according to a PUC public docket. Garden Island.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is about to hit a cash crunch, and wants to borrow money that puts taxpayers on the hook. KHON2.

The rail isn’t going to make its way to Dillingham Boulevard any time soon, but HART is already meeting with businesses in the area to talk about what impact the project could have. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor Candidate Profiles: Peter Carlisle. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Mayor Candidate Profiles: Charles Djou. Hawaii Public Radio.

The founder of a former Hawaii organization that encouraged the adoption of foster children has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls. The girls were 11 and 16 at the time of the assaults in 2011. Associated Press.

A special investigator's report on sex assaults at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind provided chilling accounts of the way children were being treated and how the school's principal allegedly tried to cover up the scandal. Hawaii News Now.

It is the small Oahu village that time seemed to forget, and it looked like the city did too...until now. Varona Village was originally built for sugar plantation workers, but now its residents wonder who will live there in the future. KITV4.

Hawaii

Island Air flew from Honolulu to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii for the first time in about four years on Tuesday, signaling an expansion plan that’s beginning to heat up. Pacific Business News.

Optimism blew in with Island Air’s first flight to Kona on Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

The state initiative to upgrade Hilo’s port by constructing an additional pier remains on schedule, with the next significant construction step expected later this summer. Tribune-Herald.

A federal appeals court has upheld the convictions of Hawaii island marijuana advocate Roger Christie and his wife, Sherryanne, who contend that U.S. drug laws violate their right to freely exercise their religion. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys for the county and for Kukuihaele residents opposing the county’s planned improvements — especially a fenced baseball park — argued Tuesday before Hilo Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura. Tribune-Herald.

Pahoa Village Road will be closed next week between Apa‘a Street and Post Office Road in order for the Hawaii Electric Light Company to relocate utility infrastructure and remove five utility pole protection measures that were installed in response to the June 27, 2014 lava flow. Big Island Video News.

Maui
There will be no citizen-driven initiative on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. Farmland voter initiative falls short on signatures. Maui News.

A partnership led by a Dallas-based real estate investment firm has purchased the 304-acre Pulelehua working-class housing community in West Maui from Maui Land & Pineapple Co. for $15 million. Maui News.

About 80 acres of sugar cane burned Sunday afternoon in an unscheduled fire in Haliimaile, fire and Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. officials said Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

A 54-acre piece of land near the intersections of Kuhio and Kapule highways is being converted into a housing development. D.R. Horton, a national home construction company, is partnering with Kauai County to develop Ho‘oluana at Kohea Loa, a neighborhood that offers both affordable housing options and single-family homes. Garden Island.

The Ocean Course at Hokuala, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course on Kauai, is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. Pacific Business News.

About five months ago, the Hanalei Watershed Hui and several partners created Ahupua’a Explorations as way to engage, entertain, and teach the children of the North Shore when they weren’t in class. Garden Island.

Hawaii hotel revenues at record high, opinion: struggling GOP eats its young, Hee must report to prison, Kenoi trial scheduled for October, Honolulu nixes neighborhood board changes, Big Island land going to farm bureau, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hapuna Prince resort © 2016 All Hawaii News

April business showered Hawaii’s hotel industry with monthly records for revenue, average daily rate and revenue per available room. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge denied Hawaii businessman Albert S.N. Hee’s request Monday for more time to turn himself in to begin serving his prison sentence for tax fraud. In 1995 the Hawaiian Homes Commission awarded Waimana a nonbid, exclusive license to provide telephone and telecommunications services on state Department of Hawaiian Homelands properties. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: There is nothing sadder than watching Hawaii’s struggling Republican Party sink lower and lower. Everyone wants a healthy two-party system. But it looks like that’s not going to happen here anytime soon. Civil Beat.

Seeking Third Term, Tulsi Gabbard Focuses On Defense, Foreign Policy. The Hawaii congresswoman continues to oppose “regime-change wars,” and pushes for better defense against North Korean missiles. Civil Beat.

When the filing deadline for Hawaii elections closed Tuesday, it turned out that Brian Schatz was facing 11 challengers in his re-election to the U.S. Senate. But many of the candidates are political also-rans who have lost previous races for a variety of seats or they are first-time contenders. And none currently holds office, let alone much of a campaign fund. Civil Beat.

In the months leading up to the December 2014 announcement that Hawaiian Electric Industries had reached a $4.3 billion merger deal with Florida-based NextEra Energy, Hawaii Gas officials said they were noticing an “unusual chilling” of the conversation they had been having with the state’s biggest electric utility about importing liquefied natural gas. Civil Beat.

As coral reefs disappear at a record pace in Hawaii and abroad, scientists and leaders from across the globe will meet on Oahu later this week to discuss potential solutions at what’s billed as the largest coral reef symposium ever. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian, Delta airlines lead in on-time arrivals; Spirit last. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu Charter Commission voted to not advance a proposal that would have asked Oahu voters to consider scrapping neighborhood boards and redirecting a portion of funding to other efforts aiming to increase civic participation. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s fire chief picked up high marks in his third annual performance evaluation from the Honolulu Fire Commission last month, according to the Fire Department. Chief Manuel P. Neves was appointed by the Fire Commission in February 2013. The chief is evaluated annually. Star-Advertiser.

A 10-year-veteran of the Honolulu Police Department, who triggered a manhunt last week, was released from the hospital Friday and charged today with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Star-Advertiser.

Court papers allege deaf and blind school principal tried to cover up sex assault scandal. Hawaii News Now.

Shirokiya opened the doors to its long-awaited, $35 million Japan Village Walk on Monday for a preview at Ala Moana Center. The 44,860-square-foot space housing 56 shops and 900 seats will open next week. Star-Advertiser.

Shirokiya Holdings Inc. will open its new Shirokiya Japan Village Walk retail and restaurant complex on the ground floor of the Ala Moana Center’s new Ewa wing on June 25. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Jury selection in the trial of Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi will start the week of Oct. 10, a clerk for Honolulu Circuit Judge Dexter Del Rosario said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

The county is poised to lease 440 acres of improved grazing land for $1 a year to the Hamakua County Farm Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

A longtime marijuana activist facing criminal charges of selling marijuana for running a now-defunct medical marijuana collective is suing in an attempt to stop the opening of state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. Tribune-Herald.

Homeless man attacked; Incident unites Pahoa to help victim find justice. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaii Gas buys Maui property primed for development. Pacific Business News.

Get Out and Vote at the Queen Ka`ahumanu Center this Saturday, June 18. Register to vote, meet Maui County candidates and prepare yourself for the upcoming elections. MauiTime.

Pavement marking, sign installations and traffic signal improvements will cause alternating lane closures on Kaahumanu Avenue and Main Street this week, according to the state Department of Transportation. Maui News.

Kauai

When the Kauai County Council meets Wednesday, it will discuss two resolutions which propose taking two pieces of legislation to the people, including a county manager form of government. Garden Island.

Three different county laws are going before the federal appeals court, including Kauai’s pesticide disclosure law, in a hearing that will decide how much authority Hawaii counties have within their own borders. Garden Island.

Organizers of a benefit concert to raise money for cancer treatment say police intimidated attendees by setting up a roadblock barricading the event and checking each car that passed through, ultimately affecting their ability to raise money. Associated Press.

Thomas Oi of Lihue filed his papers to be included on the ballot for the office of State Representative of District 15. Garden Island.

Kauai’s Kokee State Park is home to the Alaka‘i Wilderness Preserve. At an elevation of one mile, it’s the world’s highest rainforest swamp. Hawaii Public Radio.

Homelessness the focus as Hawaii legislative session begins today, search suspended for 12 Marines lost in crash, 26 sue Kamehameha Schools over sex abuse by psychiatrist, Supreme Court allows Native Hawaiian convention, court axes Maui water permits, Kona group seeks fishing ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless © 2016 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige is asking the Legislature for nearly $11 million this session to finance an array of homeless programs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are gearing up to tackle homelessness and affordable housing in the upcoming legislative session. Garden Island.

State lawmakers gather today for the 2016 legislative session, with the House and Senate convening at 10 a.m. at the state Capitol for what lawmakers say will be subdued opening-day proceedings. Star-Advertiser.

As in recent sessions, opening day of the 2016 Hawaii Legislature will be a “scaled back” occasion. It reflects the legislative branch’s focus on keeping spending and celebration under control in favor of attending to the business of the people. Civil Beat.

With the end-of-session Senate shakeup last May, power was consolidated among the members of the factions that supported Ron Kouchi to be the new president. Now, as attention turns to the start of the 2016 session Wednesday, there are concerns that too few have too much control over what legislation might advance in the 25-member chamber. Civil Beat.

The Grassroot Institute of Hawai’i hosted a panel discussion on the State Budget Tuesday, one day before the Legislature convenes for its 2016 session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The chairs of three committees in the Hawaii House of Representatives were accepting campaign contributions at MW Restaurant Tuesday night. Civil Beat.

The Native Hawaiian self-governance convention planned for next month cleared a legal hurdle Tuesday when the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an attempt to hold convention organizers in contempt of court. Star-Advertiser.

Vinegar and hot water really do work on jellyfish stings, according to University of Hawaii-Manoa researchers, while a popular home remedy — urinating on them — is no better than splashing on seawater.Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Coast Guard suspended its search Tuesday evening for 12 missing Marines off Oahu after no survivors were found during five days of continuous searching in the aftermath of a two-helicopter crash. Star-Advertiser.

Officials Tuesday suspended the massive search for 12 Marines who were aboard two helicopters that crashed off Hawaii last week. Associated Press.

The massive, multi-agency search for 12 Marines missing after two choppers collided off Oahu’s North Shore late Thursday has been suspended, with no survivors found. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday that at sunset, crews suspended the active search for 12 Marines missing after Thursday night’s double helicopter crash off the North Shore. KHON2.

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Twenty-six men — 24 former Kamehameha Schools students and two from other schools — alleged in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that as children they were systematically sexually abused and prescribed inappropriate prescription drugs by Kamehameha’s psychiatrist, who shot himself to death in 1991 when confronted by the allegations. Star-Advertiser.

Twenty-six former students alleged in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that they were repeatedly sexually abused by a now-deceased psychiatrist at a private school for Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Former Kamehameha Schools students filed a molestation lawsuit Tuesday morning against the school. KITV4.

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The Roman Catholic Church in Hawaii is suing a local insurance company, alleging that the insurer won’t cover settlements arising from scores of past sexual abuses cases in the islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige recently said the crumbling sewage system is the main contributor to Hawaii’s housing development problem, but the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services thinks this claim is unfair. However, while the city is spending $5.2 billion on upgrading the Oahu's sewage system, the money is not going toward expanding capacity. Pacific Business News.

What led a former Honolulu mayor and city prosecuting attorney to enter Hawaii’s burgeoning medical marijuana industry? Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and the U.S. Department of Energy said Tuesday they will invest a combined $4.8 million in a research project to look into how to increase rooftop solar and energy storage on Hawaii’s grid. Star-Advertiser.

The use of liquefied natural gas as a replacement for oil would have saved Oahu electric utility customers $132 million in fuel costs, according to an 18-month study commissioned by Hawaii Gas that was released on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gas Promises To Save Us $1.3 Billion — If Only We Let Them As the gas company prepares to announce a possible liquid natural gas partner, it touts an analysis claiming big savings if Hawaii switches from oil to LNG to fuel power plants. Civil Beat.

Hawaii
If a local marine stewardship group prevails, a stretch of North Kona shoreline will be put off limits to most fishing for the next decade under a plan to create a new marine reserve at Kaupulehu. West Hawaii Today.

Keauhou aquifer resolution could be a long time coming. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii County Councilman tried reaching deeper into social media to find support for his state Senate run. Greggor Ilagan was asking people on Tinder, the mobile dating app, to help him win a seat this fall to represent Puna. Civil Beat.

Researchers at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources are working with local growers to combat an introduced insect that damages macadamia trees. Tribune-Herald.

After a four-minute public hearing Tuesday attended by no one from the public, Hawaii County adopted new rules governing drug testing of successful job applicants. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An Oahu judge has invalidated state water diversion permits to Alexander & Baldwin for its waning Maui sugar operations in a ruling that a member of the plaintiff's group called "a historic victory." The permits have been extended annually for 13 years without an official environmental review. Maui News.

An Oahu judge has invalidated a state practice of issuing permits to Alexander & Baldwin to divert millions of gallons of irrigation water daily from streams for its Maui sugar operations. Hawaii News Now.

"Challenging Global Impacts of the Agrochemical Industry: 2016 Food Justice Summit" and its international group of speakers addressed a packed house at McCoy Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday night. Maui News.

Kauai

With today’s opening of the Hawaii State 2016 legislative session, county officials are setting their sights on reclaiming what they say is their fair share of the transient accommodations tax. Mike White, chairman of the Maui County Council, recently presented his research on the recent developments on the TAT to the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

While Kauai’s legislators have been solidifying goals and gearing up for the session, community leaders and residents have been formulating their own ideas on what should be paramount on the list of issues to tackle. Garden Island.

Ground is being broken for the Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and residences, a $140 million project which will cover nearly 20 acres overlooking Nawiliwili Bay. Garden Island.

Endangered Hawaiian monk seal joins manta rays in rare video, Honolulu rail takes a drubbing at Legislature, Hawaii GOP tries to make budget more transparent, FEMA extends lava emergency funds, Mokolele Airlines founder tapped for county post, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Incredible video of a monk seal up close and personal during a manta ray dive on Hawai'i Island is unlike anything you've seen before. Hawaii News Now.

New Online Tool Aims to Make State Budget More Transparent. Hawaii House, Senate Republicans launch Hawaii Open Budget Initiative. Civil Beat.

There are going to be vacancies on the Hawaii State Ethics Commission and the Campaign Spending Commission. The Judicial Council is seeking applicants to fill them. Associated Press.

A group of state lawmakers wants to strengthen the state's response to incidents of sexual assault. A proposal in the state Senate would re-establish a statewide sexual assault response program that lost its funding. The proposal also would add new steps to the assault-response process. Associated Press.

A bill to authorize the first legal medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii cleared a critical hurdle at the Legislature this week by winning approval from the House Finance Committee. That nod from the powerful committee that controls state funding means the bill is now positioned for a vote by the full state House of Representatives. Star-Advertiser.

Two contentious bills relating to aquarium fishing are dead in the state House of Representatives. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that seeks to make a voluntary pesticide disclosure program mandatory made it through its final stage of review in the Senate. But Senate Bill 1037 did not advance without undergoing substantial changes. Garden Island.

When the Hawaii Legislature passed Senate Bill 1087 in 2013, the bill was hailed as a way to democratize access to energy-saving technology, such as rooftop photovoltaic installations. Nearly two years later, as the program anticipated in the legislation is beginning to take shape, its scope is far more modest and bears little resemblance to the hype. Civil Beat.

A weather camera system proven to be effective in Alaska could prevent potentially fatal accidents for Hawaii's small planes and helicopter tours, but the Federal Aviation Administration will delay the installation of such a system for the Islands and the Mainland, citing budget issues and competition from other FAA programs. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa this week announced the creation of the Hawaii Groundwater &Geothermal Resource Center, an online clearing house of data on island — and state — water wells and also the volcanic hotspots where new geothermal ventures could be added to the often controversial existing ones. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu
Amid a day packed with blunt questions and impassioned testimony on the future of Oahu rail, state lawmakers advanced bills Wednesday that would extend the state tax funding most of the cash-strapped project. Star-Advertiser.

If there was one message state lawmakers wanted to send Wednesday to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and others trying to build the city’s $6 billion rail system it was this: Show us some skin. Committees in the House and Senate passed different measures that would severely limit how much tax revenue the city can collect for its beleaguered rail project, which is now facing a nearly $1 billion deficit. Civil Beat.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee conducted a 4-hour hearing today on a proposal to extend Honolulu’s half-of-a percentage share of the state’s excise tax to fund budget shortfalls for rail transit. Hawaii Public Radio.

A state Senate panel is approving a bill extending a surcharge to the general excise tax Honolulu imposes to raise money for its rail line. Associated Press.

Groups opposed to development in Malaekahana voiced their concerns about the Envision Laie plan at a Honolulu Hale news conference Wednesday, the day before the issue will be heard by a Honolulu City Council committee. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to set aside a limited number of city-controlled parking spaces for car-sharing company operations cleared the City Council Budget Committee Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

At the February 10, 2015 Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting, the board members present voted unanimously (14-0-0) to oppose House Bill 1322 (relating to a homeless person’s bill of rights). The bill has since crossed over to the Senate side. Hawaii Independent.

The state Department of Agriculture is asking for the public's assistance in tracking down the source of a recently discovered coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation in Nanakuli. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s ban on plastic bags goes into effect on July 1 so that means no more plastic bags when you check out. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Federal Emergency Management Agency expanded its public assistance program for the June 27 lava flow to include debris removal and infrastructure repairs, the agency announced Wednesday. That move amends President Barack Obama’s disaster declaration from Nov. 3 and allows Hawaii County to seek reimbursement for the cost of reopening the Pahoa solid waste transfer station. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has tapped the founder of Mokulele Airlines to head the county Department of Research and Development. Rebecca Kawehi Inaba, 50, a former pilot who created her own airline and then went on to form several other companies, most recently the Fit Xpress Hawaii Inc. women’s gym in Kailua-Kona, was unanimously confirmed Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Vietnam War veteran Charles Thompson stood up and pleaded for quicker medical care and help at a town hall meeting Wednesday for one reason — his grandson. It was his third time requesting assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Stunning images of Maui’s past are captured in present day photography as resident Daniel Sullivan brings the story of the island’s King’s Highway to light. Maui Now.

The Maui County Council confirmed the reappointment of John D. Kim as Maui County prosecuting attorney at a special meeting Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The wait for a four-lane highway across the Lihue Mill Bridge will come to an end soon as state Department of Transportation officials prepare to reopen the final two lanes needed to complete the nearly two-year, $43.5 million project. Garden Island.

Rapes on campus, Hawaii candidates take to the airways, Big Island monk seal dies from fish hook, Oahu home prices hit record, former Maui mayor making comeback, Kauai newspaper goes 7 days, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii at Manoa © 2014 All Hawaii News

Is UH Doing Its Part to Combat Sexual Assaults on Campus? Critics say the University of Hawaii's approach to sexual violence ends up discouraging victims from reporting incidents. Civil Beat.

Several Pacific island officials are opposed to President Barack Obama's proposal to create the world's largest marine sanctuary in the Central Pacific, which would greatly expand protected fishing areas. Star-Advertiser.

The National Marine Fisheries Service on Thursday classified as endangered and threatened four distinct populations of a shark species whose fins are favored as an ingredient in shark fin soup. Associated Press.

With just five weeks to go before primary elections, campaigns in Hawaii are picking up speed. Associated Press.

At 9 p.m. Monday most Hawaii voters will have their first chance to see and hear from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa as they debate the issues side by side. Civil Beat.

VIDEO: Schatz, Hanabusa Agree On Jones Act. Big Island Video News.

Commentary: Former Gov. Ben Cayetano is using the attention he's getting as a victim of negative campaigning by Pacific Resource Partnership to fuel his own negative campaign against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Cayetano, who backs U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa against Schatz, demanded that Schatz fire Andy Winer as his chief of staff because Winer advised PRP in its campaign against him for mayor. Star-Advertiser.

About the only thing Neil Abercrombie and David Ige seemed to have in common during a debate in Honolulu Thursday night were colorful aloha shirts. The incumbent governor and the state senator who is challenging him in the Democratic primary disagreed on many of the issues discussed live on PBS Hawaii’s “Insights.” The arguments were especially heated over who deserves credit for the state’s economic recovery and whether the administration or the Legislature was more fiscally responsible. Civil Beat.

A new campaign video offers a personal look at Gov. Neil Abercrombie, from his first impression of Hawaii when he arrived as a university teaching assistant in 1959 to his fondness for Japanese cinema and Hawaiian music to his emotional bond with Agnes "Aggie" Kalaniho‘okaha Cope, his hanai mother. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i’s 1st Congressional District had the only Asian-majority in the U.S. for decades …a distinction it now shares with San Jose, California.  But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the seven candidates vying for the democratic nomination in the primary election are reaching out to the district’s Asian majorities from Waipahu to Hawai’i Kai.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A plan to create pedestrian walkways and other improvements along the main commercial strip of historic Haleiwa is advancing four years after the city appropriated more than $2 million for the long-envisioned project. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu median home price rises to record $700,000. Low interest rates and rising personal income are among the factors driving up demand. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As the United States celebrates its declaration of freedom from Britain’s tyranny this Independence Day, it continues to illegally occupy Hawaii — an independent nation that deserves self-determination and restoration by its people — Native Hawaiian testifiers said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Mostly forgotten heiau may be last left in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A monk seal pup that was found bleeding from the mouth two days ago on the Big Island has died.  Marine mammal experts have confirmed that the seal pup's death was caused by a fishing hook. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Former Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana is looking to return to politics with a bid for the state House seat representing Central Maui against incumbent Justin Woodson. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Brewing Co. and other small Hawaii producers of beer, liquor and wine rejoiced Saturday as Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law a bill that removes and increases manufacturing caps on their yearly productions. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is moving forward with revised plans to build a new pier at Lahaina Harbor for interisland ferries. Maui News.

Kauai

The Elections Division of the Office of the County Clerk will be providing drive-thru voter registration services in the parking area fronting the Historic County Building and Annex Building from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 9 and July 10. Hawaii Reporter.

Damaged Coco Palms building torn down. Garden Island.

The Garden Island newspaper announced today that it will bring back its Saturday edition beginning July 12.  Editor-in-Chief Bill Buley said he and his staff are “thrilled to again be putting out a print edition every day.”

Hawaii Legislature is down to the wire, state's first death penalty case since 1944 troubles rights groups, Chinese tourists seen as 'economic salvation,' ID, please, in GMO lawsuit, Sunshine Law exemption broadens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Merrie Monarch hula festival © 2014 All Hawaii News

Merrie Monarch hula contest, festival continues. See more here.

Hawaii lawmakers are confronting a deadline to pass the state budget, but they’re still deciding how to work out key issues that include a historic land-preservation deal and funding for a slew of nonprofits. Legislative appropriations committees have until Friday night to reach agreement on all aspects of the state’s $12 billion budget. Associated Press.

House and Senate lawmakers have agreed to carve out a new exemption in the Sunshine Law for county councils to get together outside their regular meetings. Civil Beat.

There were surprises Thursday as the clocked ticked toward a Friday 6 p.m. deadline for bills to advance to a final round of votes next week. Civil Beat.

Giving victims of childhood sexual abuse more time to seek justice, state lawmakers agreed Thursday on a bill that would extend a unique window to file lawsuits for another two years and include the state and counties among the potentially liable. Star-Advertiser.

A conference committee of state lawmakers passed House Bill 1926 Thursday to plug the legal loophole that lets police have sex with prostitutes. The committee, chaired by Rep. Karl Rhoads and Sen. Clayton Hee, also reached agreement on House Bill 1750 to combat revenge porn. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is taking Sen. David Ige to task over failing to put $40 million in the state budget to pay the state's share of a sensitive land deal with Turtle Bay Resort. Civil Beat.

The outcome of a decades-long battle to protect O’ahu’s North Shore from development will likely be decided on the last day of state budget deliberations at the State Capitol tomorrow.  Lawmakers have yet to decide on whether to fund the state’s portion of the offer to purchase the coastline property. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Education supports the annual 4.5 percent raises an arbitration panel awarded to principals and other educational officers earlier this week, according to a statement released Wednesday by the department. Star-Advertiser.

US Senate race in Hawaii pits opposing wings of Democratic Party. Los Angeles Times.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s latest reports with the Federal Election Commission show he’s using his considerable cash advantage to keep him in front of voters while driving even more money to his campaign bank account. The senator, who’s locked in a tight race with U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, is spending his cash on media, polling, fundraisers and political consulting, among other campaign essentials. Civil Beat.

The civil rights compliance director for public schools across the state is under investigation for complaints that she conducted biased investigations and did campaign work for a gubernatorial candidate on state time. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mark Dunkerley called China the "economic salvation" for Hawaii tourism but said the state is ill-equipped to handle the expected surge of tourists who are likely to come in future years. Star-Advertiser.

A majority of Hawaii residents support the installation of more rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, while also believing that Hawaiian Electric Co. is slowing these installations to protect its profits, a new poll says, although the state’s largest electric utility pointed out that its rooftop solar policies are not about the financial impact on the Honolulu-based company. Pacific Business News.

On Tap at the Hawaii Legislature: April 25. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A federal jury returned a guilty verdict Thursday for the first person in the state to stand trial for a death penalty crime. Star-Advertiser.

The possibility that former Hawaii soldier Naeem Williams could face execution is troubling for some folks in a state where the death penalty has not been imposed since 1944. Star-Advertiser.

A Marine who admitted killing a prostitute in his Waikiki hotel room last year was found guilty Thursday of "murder while engaging in an inherently dangerous act," a crime punishable by a maximum of life in prison without the possibility of parole, the Marine Corps said. Star-Advertiser.

Residential towers in Kakaako makai of Ala Moana Boulevard would be permitted to rise on eight large parcels -- or just two -- under competing proposed amendments to one of the most controversial bills at the Legislature this year. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council Transportation Committee is moving forward with plans to audit the Handi-Van program. But the committee also agreed to a request to delay the start of the audit to allow the impact of planned improvements to be assessed. Star-Advertiser.

For a second consecutive year, the rail project's top executive will receive a $35,000 bonus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A Big Island papaya farmer will have to identify himself to continue as part of a lawsuit against Hawaii County’s registration program for genetically modified crops, Judge Greg Nakamura said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Faced with a May 5 deadline to present his final budget proposal to the Hawaii County Council, Mayor Billy Kenoi said Thursday he’s crafting a spending plan that doesn’t take any increases in the county’s share of the hotel tax into account. West Hawaii Today.

Legislators in a joint conference committee opted Wednesday to include a $2 million appropriation in the state’s budget next year for Hilo Medical Center’s fledgling Primary Care Residency Program. Tribune-Herald.

The family of a man who died after being tased by a Hawaii Police Department officer intends to file a lawsuit against the department, their attorney said Thursday. -  West Hawaii Today.

A Hilo jury Thursday found a 32-year-old Hilo man guilty of first-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault in the shootings of two police officers Jan. 2, 2013. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

East Maui Irrigation Co. and The Nature Conservancy agreed on a deal that will add 3,721 acres of rain forest to Waikamoi Preserve, creating the largest private nature reserve in the state. Maui News.

A portion of the Hāmākua Ditch across the Kailua Gulch in East Maui broke on Thursday, April 24, resulting in a “mud plume” in the ocean near Baldwin Beach Park, officials at Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company said. Maui Now.

Kauai

In a recent online poll question, The Garden Island asked readers, “Who should pay the cost of rescue operations for people who are hurt or stranded on the Kalalau Trail?” Sixty percent voted for the hikers because they were being careless or not paying attention, while 35 percent said the state because it manages the trail.