Hawaii Legislature enters final week, minimim wage hike dies, PACS must name top campaign donors, state employee firings secret, Hawaii needs more hotels, officials warn of Kauai drownings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature conference committee, courtesy photo

Committees of negotiators in the Hawaii Legislature have approved funding for several new initiatives, including proposals to revitalize emergency funds, create a new school readiness program and establish a new entrepreneurship initiative. Associated Press.

After discussing a slew of election-related bills this session, lawmakers agreed on a bill that will require political action committees to disclose in all advertisements the names of the top three donors that contributed to the message. Star-Advertiser.

Minimum Wage Hike Legislation Dies in Conference Committee. Hawaii Reporter.

The Media Council of Hawaii has sent a letter to all Hawaii state senators and representatives urging them to vote against House Bill 622, the weakened media shield law. Civil Beat.

Some federal and state officials are supporting the idea of shortening the permits process for work on traditional Hawaiian fishponds to encourage more restorations. Star-Advertiser.

State officials say they've recently discovered a conflict in state law that requires them to leave the public in the dark about government employees who are guilty of certain types of misconduct. Civil Beat.

In the past two years, state workers have been suspended and fired for a range of misconduct, including harassment, theft and workplace violence. Civil Beat.

By 2030, more than a third of Hawaii residents will be neighbor islanders, a reality that observers predict will almost certainly have repercussions big and small for everything from the state’s economy to its politics. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii interests are significantly scaling back on federal lobbying, the result of changes in the political landscape that are making it tougher to get issues through Congress and secure dwindling federal dollars. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley says that the state needs to provide an even more diverse mix of hotels to accommodate visitors to the Islands, including those from China. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
A new proposal before the Honolulu City Council would add bus stops to the growing number of places a person can't smoke on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time in more than 60 years, fireworks didn't light up the night in Kailua last Fourth of July. Now a group of residents is raising money to make sure it doesn't happen again. Hawaii News Now.

An excess of fuel inside of a boiler is to blame for a stubborn fire that burned early Monday morning at the Pacific Biodiesel facility on Sand Island, according to sources at the scene. Hawaii News Now.

Ewa Beach residents are now officially ready for a natural disaster, said the National Weather Service. After the 2011 tsunami those living in the town felt that they were not fully prepared, so they took things into their own hands. KITV4.

Kahaluu Elementary principal selected as principal of the year. KHON2.

Hawaii

Just a few weeks after Mayor Billy Kenoi warned County Council members he was considering a property tax increase, the council will vote on forming a task force to consider the county’s real property tax rates and rules. West Hawaii Today.

It sometimes rains on the Veterans Day Parade parade in downtown Hilo, but never like this. The popular, annual November parade won’t be held this year due to the construction along Kamehameha Avenue, a key part of the six-year-old parade route, said the parade’s chairman and founder, Dan Kama. Tribune-Herald.

Leaders of the specialty coffee industry are traveling to the state’s largest agricultural district in May to learn about award-winning Ka‘u coffee. Tribune-Herald.

A lease of state land to a Colorado man nearly two decades ago has turned out to be a nightmare for Hawaii’s taxpayers. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County announced its selection of Anaergia Services of Carlsbad, Calif., for the county's Integrated Waste Conversion and Energy Project that will divert roughly 85 percent of waste from the Central Maui Landfill and produce renewable fuels. Maui News.

Honolua's Lipoa Point is one of few areas left in West Maui that has resisted commercial development, and now that state lawmakers have alloted $20 million toward its preservation, it is likely to stay that way. Maui News.

Maui received an "A" grade for air quality - the best in the state - in an American Lung Association national report that may raise the eyebrows of residents who have complaints about cane burning and dust from fallow fields. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa announced the selection of Anaergia Services for the county’s proposed Integrated Waste Conversion and Energy Project. Maui Now.

Kauai

A spate of visitor deaths this year has officials wanting to educate tourists about the dangers. Associated Press.

Residents may be puzzled as to why Census workers are knocking on their doors — three years after the last decennial count, and seven years until the next one. Two basic Census Bureau surveys are the American Community Survey and the Community Population Survey. Participants respond quarterly for two consecutive years to household questions in one and employment or job search information in the other. Garden Island.

Dive tournament targets invasive species. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism up, solar credits dim, shield law perforated, Maui seeks auditor, HGEA contract votes, no credit for teacher supplies, Hawaii Island smoking ban working after 5 years, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii luau (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The number of visitors coming to Hawaii in the first three months of the year surged 7.1 percent to 2.1 million, but tourism officials said Thursday the industry’s growth will likely slow later in 2013. Associated Press.

A 7.6 percent increase in visitor arrivals and a 7.8 percent rise in visitor spending in March kept Hawaii's tourism industry ahead of last year's record numbers, but travel experts warned the growth rate could slow later this year. Star-Advertiser.

March turned out to be another month of growth for tourism in the state. The Hawaii Tourism Authority says overall visitor arrivals were up 7.6% compared to a year earlier, while visitor spending was up 7.8%. The number of tourists coming from Japan was also up—by a little more than four percent. And a growing trend for those Japanese visitors is a movement beyond Waikiki---searching for a more local experience. Hawaii Public Radio.

Key Hawaii lawmakers are deciding how to divvy up $30 million among several competing initiatives, including collective bargaining agreements and Gov. Neil Abercrombie's early childhood education initiative. KITV4.

Hawaii lawmakers are negotiating the details of proposals to allow the state to partner with private companies to develop some public land. Associated Press.

Consumers may soon be able to obtain low-cost loans to install solar and other alternative energy systems and then repay the loans through the savings on their electrical bills. Star-Advertiser.

A generous state tax credit that helped fuel the growth of solar but led to accusations of abuse would be reconfigured under a compromise pending before state lawmakers today. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association announced late Thursday that it would allow its unit of state professional and scientific workers to vote on a state contract offer even though it has not been endorsed by the union's negotiating team. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Growth Initiative, which would encourage entrepreneurs who might help diversify the state's economy, received a $6 million vote of confidence Thursday. State House and Senate negotiators agreed to provide financing next fiscal year for the Hawaii Strategic Development Corp. to start the initiative. Star-Advertiser.

Citing a lack of funds, lawmakers Thursday killed a proposed tax credit that would have helped teachers offset their out-of-pocket classroom expenses. Star-Advertiser.

Some Good Government Bills Still Alive. Civil Beat.

A panel of Hawaii lawmakers on Thursday approved a new draft of the state shield law that removes protections for free newspapers and magazines and requires that newspapers must be printed in order to be covered. West Hawaii Today.

State lawmakers Thursday agreed to make permanent a law that offers journalists limited protection from having to disclose confidential sources in court, but bloggers and other nontraditional journalists would be excluded. The bill would also expand the exceptions to the law beyond felony cases and civil lawsuits that involve defamation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii journalists are decidedly unhappy with the latest version of the state shield law that protects reporters from having to reveal sources and turn over unpublished material. Now, they just want it to die. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu resident and law firm have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Hawaii Medical Service Association of using anti-competitive practices to maintain a monopoly that has led to skyrocketing health insurance premiums for more than a decade. Star-Advertiser.

Colleen Hanabusa taking on Brian Schatz for U.S. Senate seems to have a lot of people excited. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A bomb scare halted operations at state Circuit Court, closed roads and shuttered area businesses for nearly five hours Thursday as police investigated a suspicious package that turned out to be harmless. Star-Advertiser.

It was business as usual at the Circuit Court and neighboring buildings by 1 p.m. Thursday, after a bomb scare caused evacuations and shut down Halekauwila between South and Punchbowl for hours during early morning rush hour. Hawaii News Now.

James Campbell High School wasn't built to hold thousands of students. Civil Beat.

More than 144,000 cars a day travel the H1 freeway between Middle Street and Ward Avenue so there really isn't a good time to close it but the state may not have any other choice. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu ranks #6 among American cities for its number of high-rises–472 buildings at least 12 stories tall–ahead of Philadelphia, Boston and Dallas. The thicket is about to get a lot thicker. Honolulu Weekly.

The impacts of sequestration on Hawaii’s most popular visitor attraction are actually benefiting some of its neighboring sites, including the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Pacific Business News.

The state is converting its antiquated departure lobbies at Honolulu International Airport into more modern facilities. Hawaii News Now.

A heavy downpour left Windward Oahu residents stranded Wednesday night. The Waikane Valley Stream spilled over into the road, shutting down Kamehameha Highway. KHON2.

Hawaii

It’s back to the drawing board for the county Salary Commission. After hearing from members of the public Thursday who were mostly opposed to proposed raises, the commission decided to do more work on the plan rather than implementing it in time for the new fiscal year that starts July 1. West Hawaii Today.

A 5-year-old tobacco use ban at Hawaii Island beaches and parks has made a noticeable impact on the quality of the environment at isle recreation areas, according to county officials. Tribune-Herald.

A $50,000 grant is headed to the nonprofit West Hawaii Community Health Center. The grant is aimed at supporting programs that focus on the treatment and management of chronic diseases in our community. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Gabbard Brings Cultural and Community Values to Congress. Maui Weekly.

New Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui plays an important role in Hawai‘i’s post-Inouye political landscape. Maui Weekly.

A Maui Family Court judge who was charged Tuesday with tampering with government records had submitted a letter that day saying she was retiring immediately, State Judiciary spokes­woman Marsha Kita­gawa said. Star-Advertiser.

Mimi DesJardins resigned as a 2nd Circuit Family Court judge Tuesday, the same day a complaint was filed in Wailuku District Court charging her with tampering with a government record, according to the state Judiciary. Maui News.

The application deadline for the newly created county auditor position has been extended to Tuesday, according to an announcement from Maui County Council Member Riki Hokama, chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee's Temporary Investigative Group. Maui News.

State lawmakers are reportedly considering a $20 million appropriation for efforts to acquire Lipoa Point at Honolua on Maui, supporters said. Maui Now.

After years of lobbying from both community residents and lawmakers, it looks like Kihei will finally have a high school complex to call its own. Maui News.

Kauai

If you missed the deadline to apply for a homeowners exemption based on low income, relax. The Kaua‘i County Council unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that extends the deadline. Garden Island.

A small but vocal group, donning umbrellas, rain jackets and signs, rallied Sunday against AT&T’s proposed 80-foot cell phone tower in Kilauea. Garden Island.

Molokai

One of Molokai’s primary air carriers, Island Air, has made changes to their flight schedule that have raised concerns among local customers. The airline has cancelled all flights between Molokai and Maui, and as of May, will decrease flights between Molokai and Honolulu from five to three per day. Molokai Dispatch.

Judiciary asks for more money, Kulani prison to reopen, Hawaii needs doctors, lawmakers debate Shield Law, preschool vouchers to go to ballot, Kauai coral disease spreading, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court building (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Inadequate courthouse security, an increased backlog of cases and long waits for a wide range of services are just some of the problems the public can continue to expect if the Legislature fails to fully fund the state Judiciary’s budget request. Civil Beat.

More Hawaii doctors have left their practices over the past year and likely will continue to do so just as the first major piece of federal health reforms rolls out. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation this week pushed for more support of a measure that would provide funds to train health care providers in rural areas. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz rakes in the cash from Hawaii business and political leaders. Civil Beat.

State House and Senate negotiators Thursday reached agreement on a proposed constitutional amendment that would ask voters next year whether public money should be spent on private preschool. Star-Advertiser.

House lawmakers aren't going along with the Senate’s version of a bill that protects journalists from revealing their confidential sources under certain circumstances. Civil Beat.

With the newly ratified teachers contract approved by Gov. Neil Abercrombie and expected to be funded by lawmakers, work now begins on creating a new evaluation system that negotiators have agreed will be used to reward and dismiss teachers. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Derrick Kahala Watson to a seat on the the U.S. District Court in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for April 19. Associated Press.

Oahu

Kahala community leaders are rejoicing after the Honolulu City Council's approval of a bill allowing the city to impose stiffer fines on property owners who blight their neighborhoods by leaving overgrown foliage and trash in their yards. Star-Advertiser.

City officials say they're scrambling to find money to reverse more of the bus cuts that have hit riders the hardest. Star-Advertiser.

A convicted rapist will get a $35,000 check from the city of Honolulu, although he’ll likely be behind bars when it arrives. On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council approved a legal settlement with Dewitt Lamar Long for injuries he sustained in 2010 when he was beaten by four cops during a traffic stop. Civil Beat.

City Council Chairman Ernie Martin said he was insulted by the behavior of some members of Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Cabinet at this week's Council meeting and made it clear that he expects them to act with decorum and respect at the meetings. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Watermark Publishing officially launched a new self-publishing service on Thursday that will help Hawaii residents share their stories. Pacific Business News.

Rep. Gene Ward, R-Hawaii Kai, Sen. Laura Thielen, D-Kailua-Hawaii Kai, and Sam Slom, R-Hawaii Kai-Diamond Head, sent a letter on April 16 to the Honolulu City Council asking its 9 members to oppose development of the “Great Lawn”, a parcel 14-acre parcel in Hawaii Kai now zoned as preservation land. Hawaii Reporter.

It’s been a favorite hangout spot at Ala Moana Center for nearly 30 years. But on Thursday, some long-time customers got the sad news. Zippy’s is closing at the end of the month. KHON2.

Hawaii

Lawmakers have agreed upon funding for the Kulani Correctional Facility, paving the way for the mothballed prison outside Hilo to reopen next year. Tribune-Herald.

Eighteen months after two Environmental Management employees were arrested on charges of stealing diesel fuel from the Waimea baseyard pumps, the county administration has instituted procedures to keep it from happening again, but the Prosecutor’s Office has yet to formally charge the suspects. West Hawaii Today.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is going all in on geothermal. OHA’s Board of Trustees voted Thursday to invest $1.25 million into the Huena Power Consortium, with an upfront contribution of $600,000. Tribune-Herald.

A memorial fund has been established in honor of West Hawaii businessman Guy Toyama who helped champion sustainability, renewable energy and entrepreneurship efforts. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui's hotel occupancy rate slipped 1.1 percentage points in February to 82.6 percent while hotels made more money for their rooms, according to the monthly update from Hospitality Advisors LLC. Maui News.

Maui teachers were pleased to finally have a tentative labor contract in hand, and most said Wednesday afternoon that they voted in favor of the proposal even though they still had concerns about teacher evaluations and medical coverage. Maui News.

Kauai

The outbreak of deadly coral disease along Kaua‘i’s North Shore may be targeting more than one species of Montipora coral. Garden Island.

Retired auto dealer James Pflueger faces a long-delayed trial in September after he declined to accept a plea agreement that would have dismissed his manslaughter charges related to seven deaths when the Ka Loko dam breached seven years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Special Report: Hawaii Shield Law in jeopardy

The state House on Thursday rejected Senate amendments that would radically weaken Hawaii's Shield Law, a law seen as landmark legislation when it was enacted five years ago.

Next on the agenda is the creation of a conference committee where House and Senate conferees work out a compromise for floor votes by both bodies. The Shield Law was seen as groundbreaking because it included bloggers as well as traditonal media.

The version as amended by the Senate creates categories of traditional journalists that would be protected, then deletes protection of any unpublished information, such as notes and raw video.

The House had previously expanded the exceptions so journalists would have to disclose information involving potential felonies, serious crimes involving unlawful injury to people or animals and all civil cases.

 If the Legislature fails to act, the Shield Law automatically expires June 30. You can keep up with how the bill, HB 622, is faring here.







Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Clayton Hee became the focal point of criticism by the media -- and especially bloggers -- because of his insistence that "so-called journalists" lie and falsify information. In a committee hearing (audio clip top), Hee produced copies of the famous 1948 Chicago Tribune "Dewey Defeats Truman" article to prove his point.

Hee continued that theme on the Senate floor, ultimately winning approval of his committee amendments on a 24-1 vote in the 25-member Senate.

Geothermal sneaks into Hawaiian Roll Commission bill, gays no longer excluded from health bill, FBI gets new field office, smoking banned at some Oahu beaches, HMSA seeks 8.5% rate hike, Hawaii council won't bet on bingo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant in Þingvellir, Iceland, courtesy photo

State senators, fretting over transparency, want to give the public more time to digest a bill that was supposed to be about the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission but was radically altered to also apply to geothermal development. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii legislative leaders have decided who will serve on a conference committee to hash out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the state budget over the next few weeks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are deciding whether to give teachers, school librarians and counselors a tax credit for buying classroom supplies. Associated Press.

The question of who or what is a journalist will take center stage with the full Senate scheduled to vote on House Bill 622 Tuesday. Civil Beat.

A state Senate panel on Friday killed a proposed fee on cesspool and septic tank owners after Hawaii Island residents raised a stink about it. West Hawaii Today.

Holding fundraisers during session is not illegal in Hawaii. It's a very a common practice — one that freshmen lawmakers appear to be adopting quickly, starting this week. Civil Beat.

The nonprofit Hawaii Health Connector has won $128 million in federal funds to implement the state's first health insurance exchange, designed to provide residents access to affordable medical coverage. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association has asked to increase health insurance premiums on small businesses July 1 by an average 8.5 percent, its largest rate increase in four years. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers have amended a bill so that it no longer excludes homosexuals from a treatment option for certain sexually transmitted diseases. Civil Beat.

The first of a two-part series looking at whether Hawaii's public schools are doing enough to help students with dyslexia and other struggling readers. Civil Beat.

Homeless handyman and Congressional candidate's American flag burned. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for April 9. Associated Press.

Oahu

Smoking is no longer legal at major East Honolulu beaches and parks under a bill signed Monday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. But a glitch in the language means enforcement must wait at six of the seven locales. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday signed into a law a bill that bans smoking at Waikiki Beach and other popular Oahu beaches. Pacific Business News.

It’s battle that has been waged for years, but now the Honolulu City Council is finally drawing a line when it comes to funding vacant positions that cost taxpayers millions of dollars every year. KITV4.

Traffic signal adjustments at two of Waikiki's most congested intersections might make life easier for local drivers who cringe at navigating through the tourist-heavy district amid throngs of pedestrians. Star-Advertiser.

The FBI has a new field office in Hawaii. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being held Tuesday for the new building in the Honolulu suburb of Kapolei.Associated Press.

Waimanalo residents are concerned a planned road that would run through a new subdivision will increase traffic safety issues in an already congested area. KHON2.

Plants aren't the only thing growing in the garden at the Women's Community Correctional Center. Inmates are blossoming as they build self-confidence and learn new skills while planting and harvesting vegetables and herbs for the prison kitchen. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members indicated Monday they’re not ready to gamble on high-stakes bingo as a way to raise revenues in a tight budget year. West Hawaii Today.

Property tax assessors across the country are applying a new technology to crack down on this old crime — comparing aerial photographs and satellite images to existing house plans. Hawaii County began using that process about a year ago, Real Property Division Chief Stanley Sitko said. West Hawaii Today.

What a difference (almost) a week makes. After a record low temperature was set in Hilo on April 2, a record high temperature was set there on Sunday. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui state Sen. J. Kalani English was one of several Hawaii policymakers who attended the "Waves of Change" conference on Oahu that focuses on the environmental, social, cultural, political, economic and legal impacts of climate change on Pacific Islands, including Hawaii. Maui News.

Ask the Mayor: Building Permits; Homeowner Exemptions. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Pacific Missile Range Facility’s Security Department will conduct live small arms fire training starting today and lasting through April 30, between the hours of 1 and 9 p.m. at Kekaha Rifle Range. Garden Island.

Hawaii Senate passes budget, Hawaii could be drone testing ground, state addresses Oahu prison problems, Ellison holds briefings for Lanai residents, property tax hike for Kauai, bus fare hike for Hawaii County in the works, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki tourists (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii hotels had a strong week for room rate increases last week when compared to the same week last year, while occupancy rates had modest increases on most of the major islands, according to the latest report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

The state Senate passed its version of the two-year budget Thursday, restoring funding slashed by the House for some of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's initiatives on early childhood education, cash incentives for entrepreneurs and information technology upgrades. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state Senate on Thursday approved a $24 billion budget for the next two fiscal years, setting up talks with the House to work out differences in the proposals that fall short of what the governor wants. Associated Press.

Nearly two dozen individuals made personal contributions totaling at least $20,000 to dozens of candidates in the 2012 election, according to an analysis of newly available data provided by the Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

Fewer than 2 out of 10 Hawaii homeowners who are considering installing solar photovoltaic panels said they would do so if the availability of state renewable-energy tax credits was "reduced considerably or eliminated," according to a survey published Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Clayton Hee says online journalists will be protected from being forced to reveal their sources — but only if their publications meet the definition of a magazine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s law is considered by media advocacy groups and working journalists as one of the best in the country. However the battle between Senate Judiciary Chair Clayton Hee and local journalists to keep the Journalism Shield Law in place did not end well for journalists at a Wednesday committee hearing. Hawaii Reporter.

FAA wants some more information on domestic drones and Hawaii could be a testing ground. Hawaii News Now.

Fracking may seem like a mainland issue, but in fact it could have major implications on Hawaii's plans to import liquefied natural gas as a way to lower electricity costs. Civil Beat.

State roundup for April 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

State corrections officials plan to install surveillance cameras in the security holding cell area at Oahu Community Correctional Center where a detainee allegedly killed another earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Recent incidents force Hawaii public safety officials to review policies and procedures to prevent more embarrassing incidents. Civil Beat.

A contract for a 12-hour-a-day ambulance service operating out of Halawa has been cut for budgetary reasons, but city Emergency Services Director Mark Rigg said he expects the void to be filled by next month. Star-Advertiser.

After more than two years shut down, the former Hawaii Medical Center West, and the people who want to fill its halls, is itching to reopen. KITV4.

Sears Portrait Studios close without warning to workers, customers. KHON2.

Navigation device maker TomTom found Honolulu to be the third-most traffic-congested city in North America, in its 2012 Congestion Index, released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Late-night spots blamed for Ala Moana crime surge. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A hike in county bus fares may be “unavoidable,” a transit official said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said Thursday during a tour of Hilo that he and Sen. Mazie Hirono are working well together to fill the void left after the death of longtime Sen. Daniel Inouye. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

It's a matter of guesswork to foretell the impact of pending public employee union negotiations and arbitration proceedings on Maui County's fiscal 2013-14 budget. Maui News.

The march to protest the agricultural practices of agribusiness giant Monsanto Corp. drew an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 activists to the street on Saturday, March 23. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

County Finance Director Steven Hunt presented Thursday to the Kaua‘i County Council the administration’s proposal to raise property tax rates to every class of taxpayers, except for homesteaders, who have a Permanent Home Use cap in place. This alone would bring nearly $12 million in additional revenues to the county. Garden Island.

Plans for a caretaker residence situated on a Kilauea property controlled by an easement are being opposed by the Kilauea Neighborhood Association. Garden Island.

Lanai

Larry Ellison’s expansion plans for Lanai will be detailed in community meetings on the Pineapple Isle on Thursday and Saturday nights. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

The main streets of Kaunakakai were closed Saturday morning as people young and old marched through town, carrying signs and shouting protests aimed toward Monsanto and calling for clear labeling of food made with genetically modified organisms (GMO). Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii House kills marijuana decriminalization, Senate panel guts shield law, feds threaten state over lights, sea creatures' futures mulled, Kaiser Permanente workers stop work, Hawaii worst state to make a living, senator supports pot minister, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The state House on Wednesday discarded a bill that would have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana after House leaders concluded they lacked the votes to advance the legislation. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House has killed a bill that would have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii House has killed a bill that would have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. Associated Press.

The state Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee on Wednesday made substantial revisions to a media shield law, removing bloggers and other nontraditional journalists and deleting the protection for unpublished information, like notes, unless it would lead to the identity of confidential sources. Star-Advertiser.

Media: Shield Law Bill 'Worthless' After Senate Committee Amendments. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to remove protections for online news media in Hawaii and limit a journalists' ability to protect confidential sources. KITV4.

The state House Finance Committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would give teachers a state tax credit for their out-of-pocket classroom expenses. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Justice says that Hawaii's street lights are killing endangered birds, turtles and moths — and it's threatening criminal action to get the state to fix the problem. Civil Beat.

Scientists say they are months away from finishing a report that could help determine whether green sea turtles in the state retain their threatened status. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to protect marine mammals from death and injury caused by Navy training exercises in Hawaii and Southern California have gotten a boost from the California Coastal Commission, which recently rejected the plan. Honolulu Weekly.

For the third year in a row, the website MoneyRates.com ranked Hawaii the "Worst State in the Nation to Make a Living." KITV4.

Hawaii has the support of key members of the U.S. Senate to continue federal funding for a host of initiatives championed by the late Sen. Dan Inouye, ranging from the Honolulu rail project to Native Hawaiian education and health care, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Many people in Hawaii are expressing concern about increasing threats from North Korea, but so far, those threats haven't pushed residents to take action, such as stocking up on supplies. Hawaii News Now.

North Korea has moved a missile with "considerable range" to its east coast, South Korea's defense minister said Thursday (Wednesday in Hawaii), but he added that there are no signs that the North is preparing for a full-scale conflict. Associated Press.

The union representing 1,900 Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers has called for a one-day work stoppage Thursday to protest increased employee workloads and other impacts from last month’s closure of the Honolulu Clinic Urgent Care Center. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Much of Mayor Kirk Caldwell's first State of the City speech was devoted to reiterating goals he had announced during the first three months of this administration, but two relatively unpublicized ideas were also highlighted Wednesday: a plan to push a "housing-first" initiative to battle homelessness and a proposal to make Honolulu an "age-friendly city" to help the island's growing elderly population. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell hopes to accomplish something no one else before him has been able to do. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is finally moving ahead with its long-awaited redevelopment of the 90-acre Kapalama Military Reservation at Honolulu Harbor, which is currently home to roughly 100 businesses. Pacific Business News.

The College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has been ranked 65th out of 177 graduate schools of education by U.S. News & World Report. Star-Advertiser.

A long awaited renovation project at the University of Hawaii's Hamilton Library is expected to provide much needed climate control. KHON2.

Hawaii

Improving the county’s technology to make government more efficient topped the list of priorities for two County Council members interviewed Wednesday as they tackle another tight budget year. West Hawaii Today.

The way the federal government is treating a Big Island man who has been in federal custody for three years is outrageous, a Hawaii Island senator says. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Ocean safety officials reopened waters off Kaanapali at noon Wednesday after the area was ordered off limits to swimmers and surfers because of a shark attack Tuesday morning. Maui News.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high surf advisory for north- and west-facing shores of Molokai and north-facing shores of Maui, in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday. Maui Now.

Kauai

The proposed AT&T cell phone tower in Kilauea should be reconsidered to another possible location, said nearly 70 residents at the Kilauea Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday. Garden Island.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed Local Area Plan for July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017, that was developed by the Kaua’i Workforce Investment Board. Garden Island.

A blocked sewer line was the culprit of a sewage spill in Hanama‘ulu Wednesday, which resulted in a partial closure of the Kuhio Highway and slowed traffic in the area. Garden Island.

Huge hula celebration gears up in Hilo, Korean tourists worry, GMO shoving match at Capitol, bill extends foster care to 21, Senate Judiciary mulls shield law, Honolulu council questions bus contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Merrie Monarch hula (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Merrie Monarch is the hottest ticket in town, but there was a time when organizers couldn't imagine they'd ever fill the more than 5,000 seats— now tickets are gone by the end of the first day they're available to the public. Hawaii News Now.

The world’s travelers continued their love affair with Hawaii in February as visitor arrivals and spending grew.An estimated 675,517 tourists visited Hawaii last month, a 7.8 percent increase from February 2012. Star-Advertiser.

A loss of the South Korean market because of conflicts with North Korea would be devastating to the islands because according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, if something affects tourism, it impacts everyone statewide. KITV4.

A proponent of labeling for genetically modified foods accused the head of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation of harassment Thursday at the state Capitol after he put his hand on the lens of her video camera and shoved another protester into her. Star-Advertiser.

A confrontation between a group opposed to genetically engineered foods and the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation was caught on video, with both sides accusing the other of starting the scuffle. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would allow foster care youth to voluntarily remain in the system until they turn 21 made it through its final committee vote Thursday and is headed to a House-Senate conference hearing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's prison population has dropped 5 percent since July 2012, a figure that includes a 12 percent reduction in prisoners housed in Arizona. Civil Beat.

The Senate judiciary committee plans to decide next week whether to move forward with a bill to extend Hawaii’s shield law with changes that would limit its scope in protecting journalists. Associated Press.

The state attorney general's office urged state senators Thursday to remove bloggers from a law that protects journalists from revealing confidential sources, arguing that the provision is too broad and untested. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers want to develop underused school lands to raise money so the state can fix its aging inventory of educational facilities. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate judiciary committee has approved a bill aimed at regulating feral bird feeding. Associated Press.

Hawaii senators are moving forward a bill to require the state to post more information online. Associated Press.

When pumping gas or buying produce at the grocery stores, do you trust that you're getting what you paid for? An audit revealed some shocking details on how few inspections are being done in the state to ensure we are getting what we pay for. KHON2.

Hiring delays, lack of planning plague agriculture department, according to a new report from the Hawaii State Auditor regarding the Department of Agriculture’s Measurement Standards Branch. Civil Beat.

The recovery in Hawaii's construction industry is gaining momentum and is on track to continue through at least 2015, led by a flurry of new condominium projects in the pipeline and the expected restart of work on the Honolulu rail project, according to a report scheduled for release today by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is announcing nominations for the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Commission on Water Resource Management. Associated Press.

State roundup for March 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city could soon impose stiffer fines on homeowners who ignore repeated notices to clear weeds, trash or other waste from their properties, under a bill approved by the Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Council members raised questions Thursday about what some called the city's "complex" and "convoluted" relationship with the nonprofit firm that has run TheBus for more than two decades — and why other such companies can't competitively bid to manage the public bus system. Star-Advertiser.

Ulupono Initiative did a “Local Food Market Demand Study of O’ahu Shoppers” that showed nearly 74% believe it is very important that Hawai’i grow its own food.  According to the USDA, however, only 8% of our food spending actually goes to locally grown products. Hawaii Public Radio.

Since Macy's closed its store in downtown Honolulu last month, mum has been the word on any new tenant. But new plans for the space are drawn up, and all signs point to Walmart. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu could be getting a Walmart. There's a possibility that the retail giant could take over the site formerly occupied by Macy's. KHON2.

A Kalaeloa business has agreed to pay $710,000 in fines for alleged water pollution violations at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor in what the Environmental Protection Agency calls the nation's largest Clean Water Act civil penalty against a ship repair facility. Star-Advertiser.

When Kirk Caldwell was running for mayor, his platform emphasized a focus on infrastructure, including filling potholes and repaving. Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii
The state should maintain control of the Banyan Drive hotel properties and the Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea parks, lawmakers have decided. Tribune-Herald.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille backed away Thursday from a resolution in support of a state bill that would decriminalize possessing small amounts of marijuana, but not before getting some of the discussion she said she set out to hear. West Hawaii Today.

State parks officials on Thursday made the case for charging parking fees at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – but not without a barrage of questions and concerns being raised. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

While a Maui County vehicle-use policing program has been in place since July 1, only one department - the Department of Environmental Management - is in full compliance, County Council Budget and Finance Committee members learned Wednesday. Maui News.

Maui police -- some carrying assault rifles -- responded Thursday afternoon to Hoapili Hale, the 2nd Circuit courthouse located at 2145 Main St. in Wailuku. Police were called after a juice bottle containing dry ice exploded in the parking lot of the courthouse, creating a loud explosion at about 1:45 p.m. Maui News.

The 6th Maui Agriculture Festival returns to the Maui Tropical Plantation (MTP) in Waikapu on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maui Weekly.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council had many concerns after hearing the same lobbying firm hired by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s administration to represent the county’s interests at the state Legislature had also been hired by Syngenta to lobby at the Capitol. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro on Thursday may have summarized best the desire of the council to work alongside the administration while coming up with the county’s financial blue print for next fiscal year. Garden Island.

Molokai

On Friday March 29, Good Friday, an important meeting is being called by the Pala`au Moku of the Aha Kiole O Molokai. A “Shoreline Management Plan” from Ilio Point to Pelekunu on the north shore of Molokai will be presented. Molokai Dispatch.

Commentary: Hawaii's shield law is in peril; Senate hearing scheduled for Thursday

Back when I was a gung-ho young reporter, I thought the best thing for my career would be to go to jail to protect a source. The fame, the notoriety!

Every Deepthroat would want to meet me in a parking garage and tell me everything about government wrongdoings, every newspaper would want to hire me. Pulitzer Prizes would shower onto my desk.

Now that I have a few decades of journalism under my belt, the prospect doesn't look nearly as inviting. But I'm still ready to go.

I am under subpoena because of a series of articles I wrote about events at the Hawaii County Elections Office leading up to a bungled primary election. An attorney suing the government thinks sitting me down in a deposition and making me turn over notes and identify sources will somehow help his case.

I'm not so sure about that. Heck, even I can't read my notes a few weeks later. They're little more than memory prompts. A lot of water goes under that bridge over the course of weeks.

As far as identifying who told me what? Fuhgeddaboudit. In my professional life, just like in my personal life, if I say I am keeping a confidence, I am keeping a confidence. A fact is a fact. Doesn't matter who said it, it's still a fact, as far as I'm concerned.

But enough about me.

This is about Hawaii's Shield Law-- a model for the nation -- and how we're about to lose it. We're about to lose it because the Hawaii Legislature is in the process of watering it down to the point of ineffective pabulum, or even worse, letting it expire altogether on June 30.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee will be hearing this bill at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 28, in conference room 016 of the Capitol. Everyone has a right to submit written testimony, or show up to speak.

Here's the testimony I submitted:

Testimony in support of HB 622, Hawaii Shield Law

Chairman Hee and Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee:

What if Watergate had never happened?

What if whistleblowers like Erin Brockovich were afraid to expose corporate and government wrongdoing that endanger people’s lives? What would our nation look like if everyday citizens were intimidated into keeping crucial information from the press?

What if the police, or trial lawyers seeking millions of dollars in damages, didn’t have to do their own legwork, bringing that burden of proof to a jury in the tried-and-true tradition of a judicial system guaranteeing civil rights? What if they could, instead, just scribble out a subpoena and grab a reporter’s notes about things that were told in trust and confidence?

That, my friends, is life without a shield law, also known as reporter’s privilege. It’s called a privilege for reporters, but the ones it really protects are the citizens, the whistleblowers.

Hawaii has such a shield law. Or it does, at least, until June 30. That’s the date the current law runs out, unless lawmakers make it permanent.

It's important that the law be made permanent without watering it down by exempting civil litigation and serious crime involving unlawful injury to persons or animals. Leaving in these amendments by the House Judiciary Committee would reduce coverage of the law to one of the lowest levels among the 40 jurisdictions that have shield laws, according to the Society of Professional Journalists.

This limited news media privilege against the compelled disclosure of sources and unpublished information has successfully protected a journalist and a documentary film producer in Hawaii since it was enacted almost five years ago. More importantly, it has stood as a model for other states and a beacon to a free press, preventing untold subpoenas and threats to the exercise of journalistic endeavors.

It is difficult to quantify the negative, so it is not known how many journalists were not compelled to turn over their notes and sources because of the shield law. In short, however, there has been no documented harm to the state because of the shield law, and at least two cases where the law served its purpose in furthering a free press.

Thirty-eight states, plus the District of Columbia, have substantial protections in place, according to the The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

Should Hawaii -- the Aloha State, the state that embraces privacy and individual liberties even more than most – be the state that fails to protect that brave individual who comes forward to voice concerns about wrongdoing and corruption? I hope not.

Sincerely,
Nancy Cook Lauer
Publisher, All Hawaii News
http://www.allhawaiinews.com

 If you also care about a free press, you can do your part. You can submit testimony by following these steps:

1. Go to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=622&year=2013
2. Go to Hearing Notices in the lower right corner. Click on view for the JDL committee. This will open a new window with the Hearing Notice.
3. At the bottom under Decision Making to follow if Time Permits. Click HERE to submit testimony. (Click on HERE which opens another window)
4. Under Senate Testimony Procedures there is a box. Go to website and click on SUBMIT ONLINE TESTIMONY, which takes you to another window
5. Enter a measure to retrieve the corresponding hearing notice. (enter HB622)
6. This will go to another window, which will ask for name, email, and a bunch of questions. Don’t forget to attach your testimony file in the box.
7. Hit Submit and verify.