Share of hotel tax biggest issue for Hawaii counties, high shipping costs a growing concern, new consultant for Honolulu rail, Kiss opening Maui restaurant, Molokai feels short-changed by Larry Ellison's Island Air, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona hotel pool scene (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s four mayors and county councils are working to reach unanimous agreement on key tax issues so they can lobby the Legislature next year with a louder and more unified voice, officials said. The counties want to protect their share of the hotel tax revenue and have the state grant them a new taxing power so they can raise more funds, according to interviews with mayors, council members and legislators. The Hawaii State Association of Counties has invited the state's Council of Mayors to its meeting Wednesday in the hopes of reaching consensus on how to approach state lawmakers about the transient accommodations tax, general excise tax and other issues. Civil Beat.

Moving a container here from Los Angeles costs nearly 10 times more than moving that same container from Los Angeles to Shanghai, some three times farther. And that cost for shipping to and from Hawaii from the west coast is set to rise again. Hawaii Reporter.

The Navy’s top submarine commander in the Pacific says budget issues won’t affect his ability to deploy submarines next year. But Rear Adm. Phillip Sawyer said he’s concerned cuts to the civilian workforce at the nation’s naval shipyards will mean submarines won’t be ready to deploy as quickly in 2015 and beyond. Associated Press.

Former State Welfare Worker Charged with Tampering with Government Records and Misapplication of Property. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Airlines is starting to sell tickets for its first-ever direct flight to China. The airline plans to launch nonstop service from Honolulu to Beijing on April 16. It will operate the flight three times a week. Associated Press.

Oahu

Local transit officials announced Tuesday they have awarded a $46.1 million contract to the consulting firm CH2M Hill Inc. to help oversee the next phase of Honolulu's rail project. Star-Advertiser.

A new contractor is taking over some of the oversight on Honolulu’s $5.26 billion rail project, and will be paid nearly $50 million to do so. On Tuesday, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation awarded a contract to CH2M Hill, an international engineering firm, to replace Parsons Brinckerhoff. Civil Beat.

'Virtual line' eases wait at satellite city hall. A low-cost system city workers developed lets people sit down rather than stand in queues. Star-Advertiser.

A former city street sweeper fired from his job after admitting to theft in an overtime scam was rehired by a different city department three years after losing his job. Hawaii News Now.

A developer is proposing to build 499 rental loft apartments in downtown Kapolei aimed at young professionals. But some community representatives say the area has plenty of housing and needs more places for young professionals to work. The local office of Ohio-based development firm Forest City Enterprises Inc. presented plans for the project called Kapolei Lofts at a meeting Monday night before the planning and zoning committee of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board. Star-Advertiser.

Two Kamiloiki Elementary School students were sent to a hospital Tuesday morning after their Hawaii Kai school was evacuated following reports of a strange odor on campus. Star-Advertiser.

A contract that allows federal workers to trap and capture feral pigs at the city's Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden was allowed to lapse, resulting in increased damage to the grounds. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is still grappling with how to develop rules following a new state law exempting nonresidential structures on farms from building permits and plan reviews. The law, which went into effect July 1, allows structures such as sheds, barns, greenhouses and other buildings not intended for living space to be built without permits on commercial farmland within the agricultural district. West Hawaii Today.

After the Thirty Meter Telescope is built on Mauna Kea, it won’t be able to hold onto the title of world’s largest optical telescope for long. Other large observatories, including a telescope with a 39-meter mirror in Chile, are planned and may be completed a few years afterward. But Sandra Dawson, TMT spokeswoman, assured a luncheon of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii on Tuesday that it will remain the most advanced. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Rockers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the band Kiss are planning to be on Maui for a late January opening celebration for the Rock & Brews restaurant in Paia. Pacific Business News.

The Outlets of Maui, a retail and restaurant center under construction in the space once occupied by the former Lahaina Center, is scheduled for a soft opening Thursday, according to information released by the Maui Visitors Bureau. Maui Now.

The state Public Access Room, a division of the Legislative Reference Bureau, will conduct a series of free workshops on Maui called "We the Powerful!" the first week of December. Maui News.

Kauai

An upcoming election to vote on whether Kauai Island Utility Cooperative should be charging additional fees to customers who choose to keep their old electric meters is pegged to cost about $63,000. Garden Island.

A popular south shore Kauai beach will undergo a small-scale sand replenishment project to address erosion. The county's Department of Parks and Recreation says the Poipu Beach project is scheduled to begin Dec. 9 and is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Associated Press.

Molokai

Because of frequent and seemingly interminable delays, folks who live on the Friendly Island are not feeling very friendly toward Island Air. Dozens of Molokai residents who spoke with Civil Beat said they feel like the company is giving them short shrift, perhaps in favor of routes to Lanai. That island's owner, billionaire Larry Ellison, bought Island Air in March.

Deadline looms for shipping union, medical records cost doubles, UH looks close to home for new president, Tsutsui gets $1 Maui office space, Honolulu strives to be bike-friendly, Abercrombie sign super PAC, budget bills, Ellison clout makes quick work of state permits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson container ship courtesy photo

Crew members in charge of sailing Matson ships are nearing a deadline to reach a new contract. KHON2 learned Wednesday night that if both sides don’t have a deal by July 1, the workers can walk off the job.

The cost to convert to electronic medical records at the state’s 14 public hospitals will likely exceed $100 million over five years, nearly double earlier projections. Hawaii Health Systems Corp. says it will need to seek additional funds from the Legislature next year for the largest project in decades at its antiquated facilities that provide acute and long-term care as well as critical access services on Oahu and the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has approved a pair of bills imposing new regulations on campaign super PACs. Abercrombie also gave final approval Tuesday to the two-year state budget of $11.8 billion for fiscal year 2014 and $11.9 billion for fiscal year 2015. Star-Advertiser.

The federal government wants Hawaii to give back more than $500,000 in stimulus funds after state officials let a nonprofit spend it on computers and multimedia equipment for at-risk youth. Civil Beat.

The group of University of Hawaii regents assigned to find the next UH president said it will look for a candidate with strong island ties before conducting a national search. That might require reaching beyond academia and widening the candidate pool to include leaders in the business, government and nonprofit sectors. Star-Advertiser.

FACT CHECK — Gov: Hawaii is 'Most Stable' State Government. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is ranked eighth in the nation for most entrepreneurial activity, according to a report in CNN Money. Pacific Business News.

You've probably seen the logo for "Defend Hawaii," a streetwear company, on T-shirts or on vehicles. It's the two words sandwiching an AR-15 assault rifle. The company's owner says it can be misinterpreted as perhaps being anti-American or anti-haole, but he maintains it's to protect the Hawaii way of life. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell joined local cyclists, federal environmental protection officials and state and city workers on Wednesday to ride more than six miles through town, promoting bicycling as a healthier, more affordable way to commute. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants to encourage a more bike-friendly city. So we strapped a camera on his handlebars and watched him roll. Civil Beat.

Nearly 40 nonprofit organizations represented at a meeting Wednesday for those wishing to apply grants from the city ran the gamut of interests — from one of the state’s largest hospital systems to a group that wants to provide birth control tablets to feral pigeons. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. hopes to reduce electricity costs by adding more lower-priced, renewable energy projects. HECO said Wednesday it is asking state regulators for permission to negotiate with developers of five renewable energy projects that want to sell electricity to the utility for one-third less than HECO's current cost of generating power. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Community Development Authority conducted back-to-back public hearings today for two condominium projects in downtown Kaka’ako. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Recently released data from Hawaii’s Department of Aquatic Resources indicates that the overall number of reef fish off the coast of Puako has fallen by between 43 percent and 69 percent over the last quarter-century, and off of Pauoa, the fish population dropped between 49 and 76 percent. Civil Beat.

Less than half of Hawaii County residents responding to a Hawaii Police Department survey believe the agency does a good job keeping the island safe, but most said they are comfortable contacting the department and were treated with “aloha and respect” by officers. West Hawaii Today.

Three sovereignty activists who were arrested on April 5 near the King Kamehameha the Great statue on the Hilo Bayfront were in Hilo District Court on Wednesday. Judge Barbara Takase delayed hearings for Abel Simeona Lui, Simbralynn Kanakaole and Kittrena Morgan until July 24 at 1:30 p.m. All have pleaded not guilty to illegal camping at their “Kanaka Garden” near the statue of the Hawaiian monarch at the Wailoa State Recreational Area. Tribune-Herald.

A 69-year-old Ocean View man awaiting trial for allegedly molesting two underage girls was a deacon and youth mentor for a church in the remote Ka‘u community for at least a part of the time the abuse was alleged to have occurred. Tribune-Herald.

Kekaha Kai State Park remained closed for a second day Wednesday while a 28-year-old Kailua-Kona man remained hospitalized, recovering from shark bites to his leg. The shark attack occurred shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in waters off the Mahaiula area. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui signed a $1 lease agreement with the mayor, which allows him to utilize office space at the County Building for the next 18 months, officials said. Maui Now.

Maui Electric Co. announced its plan Tuesday to refund $7.8 million, plus interest, to its customers on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The refund will be in the form of a credit on customers' bills, the utility said. Maui News.

A proposed waiver that surfaced in a special meeting of the county council today failed to pass as an investigation looms over potential misuse of funds involving the demolition of the Old Wailuku Post Office. Maui Now.

Saying a recent rash of unscheduled cane fires has endangered residents and firefighters while taxing Fire Department resources, Fire Chief Jeff Murray asked for help from the community by reporting suspicious activity. Maui News.

The Texas-based landowner of a controversial 700,000-square-foot retail shopping complex in Kihei has taken over development of the project and plans to change its concept to a "mixed-use" development with business, commercial and residential uses, a representative for the project said Tuesday. Maui News.

An education specialist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources will discuss coral reef trends, threats and management from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Pacific Whale Foundation's Discovery Center near Maalaea Harbor. Maui News.

Kauai
For the fifth straight year, residents and visitors can participate in the Mayor-a-thon, an event that draws hundreds of people to the multi-use coastal path, Ke Ala Hele Makalae, for a day of fun, exercise and a chance to win prizes. Garden Island.

The residents of Kalaheo, Omao and Lawai who were unable to attend the kick-off events for the South Kauai Community Plan update are encouraged to share their thoughts on the future of their communities at a workshop scheduled next week. Garden Island.

George Thompson, owner of Fathom Five Divers in Koloa, has been chosen to represent Kauai as an advisory council member for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island.

Lanai
Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison has quite the influence and power. The billionaire, who became the majority owner of Lanai last year, managed to leverage his relationship with Nobu Malibu to briskly open a Nobu restaurant on Lanai at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay in less than a year. Pacific Business News.

Navy buildup in Hawaii; Case-Hirono tied in poll, Matson lowers shipping cost; Pacific Biodiesel to create Big Island jobs; more endangered species for Maui; news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Hawaii, U.S. Navy courtesy photo

The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said Monday the Navy will send its most advanced vessels and aircraft to the Asia-Pacific region as it builds up its presence by assigning most of its fleet there. Associated Press.

The Navy has completed the final environmental impact statement needed before it can proceed with plans to spend an estimated $578 million to build facilities to base the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The public has almost a month to weigh in on Marine Corps plans to station MV-22 tiltrotor Osprey and H-1 Cobra and Huey attack-utility helicopter squadrons at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

With two months left before the critical primary election, the top two Democrats in the race to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka remain neck-and-neck. Ed Case and Mazie Hirono each sit at 46 percent in a new Civil Beat Poll of likely Democratic primary voters. Eight percent are undecided. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i voters have elected only 5 U-S Senators since statehood in 1959. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's largest ocean transportation company is lowering a fuel surcharge for shipping goods next week, but the move only partially reverses a February increase. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers want greater financial guarantees from firms that handle human resources for small businesses, but some worry that a bill before Gov. Neil Abercrombie would favor a few large firms that dominate the industry and push competitors out. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's sustainability is attractive to planners. Star-Advertiser.

A study released Monday shows that for the last three years, high school students in Hawai‘i have been making better health choices. Garden Island.

State News In Brief | June 12, 2012. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Honolulu Police Department lieutenant in charge of a police team that's accused of drinking on the job while being paid overtime was fired by HPD for a previous incident and later got his job back, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Hannemann Final Radio Show Prompts Opponent To Seek Equal Time. Civil Beat.

FACT CHECK — Caldwell: We Left Carlisle a 'Huge' Budget Surplus. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s largest charter school says its financial house is in order after an audit listed money management issues. Associated Press.

The former manager of the puppy mill that was uncovered in Waimanalo is being extradited from Las Vegas back to Hawaii. KHON2.

The Filipino Community Center in Waipahu is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The economic benefits generated by the state's largest ocean science and technology park are highlighted in a new study published less than two weeks after the state auditor issued a report critical of management practices at the facility. Star-Advertiser.

While the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority for more than three decades has provided researchers and fledgling businesses the chance to get their feet on the ground, it’s never completed an economic impact assessment — until now. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council’s attempts to add more transparency and exert more control over the annual operating budget were mostly blocked Friday by East Hawaii council members, who said the budget is the purview of the administration. West Hawaii Today.

Pacific Biodiesel Technologies plans to open its Big Island Biodiesel plant in the next two to three weeks after its grand opening ceremony on July 2 at the Shipman Business Park in Keeau. Pacific Business News.

The former medical director of Bay Clinic is suing the nonprofit health care organization, alleging that she was stripped of her authority and forced to resign after reporting the over-prescribing of narcotic painkillers by clinic physicians. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to add 38 species found on Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Maui to the federal endangered species list. Maui News.

Hawaii's list of federally endangered species is the longest in the nation, and it could grow under a plan announced Monday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai OHA Seat Is One Of The Year's Hottest Races. Civil Beat.

In an effort to reduce overtime expenses in fiscal year 2013, the county will be implementing changes next month in the operating hours at the Kekaha Landfill and the transfer stations. Garden Island.

Hawaii group tries to save social studies as teacher labor complaint simmers, 'human hand' actually dried squid, Honolulu rail tax making money, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abercrombie in Honokaa (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

North Hawaii residents seeking everything from agricultural education to veterans and workplace resources can now save themselves the two-hour round trip to Kona or Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

The state shot back at the teachers union Thursday in its response to a "prohibited practice" complaint, saying the union has a "pattern and practice of bad faith bargaining" and failed to reach an agreement despite months of negotiations and dozens of proposals and counterproposals. Star-Advertiser.

The state's response to a labor complaint from the Hawaii State Teachers Association is brisk, to the point, at times humorous and even gently sarcastic. Civil Beat.

Educators, parents, students and community leaders have come together with hopes of preserving social studies in Hawaii schools. KHON2.

With just 113 days to go before Hawaii hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, organizers say they are more and more confident that Hawaii may in fact pull off an event for the record books come November. Pacific Business News.

The state plans to begin work to renovate the historic Kauai courthouse building that has been vacant for most of the last five years. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday that he expects the University of Hawaii at Hilo to spark a resurgence of Big Isle prosperity that will drive a statewide recovery, adding that he would continue to work to make capital politics less "Oahu-centric." Tribune-Herald.

Revenue from the general excise tax surcharge for the $5.3 billion rail transit project has exceeded the city's recent projections, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Thursday in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

Eligible Hawaii and Pacific Rim farmers and ranchers will soon receive $2.6 million in payments from the federal Department of Agriculture to help offset high shipping costs, U.S. Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka announced Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui community groups represented by Earthjustice have sent Maui County a formal notice of their intent to sue the county for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility into the nearshore waters of West Maui. Lahaina News.

Securing trail easements, constructing sidewalks, and establishing traffic, pedestrian and bike management plans are just a few conditions Parker School and Waimea residents have agreed upon to settle civil litigation over a school expansion project. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee refused to restore $10.8 million to the East-West Center, voting instead to eliminate funding altogether. Hawaii News Now.

As the very existence of the East West Center is threatened by Republican budget cutters in Congress, the 51-year-old institution has given its president a raise and continues to pay more than $1.5 million a year for a Washington D.C. office. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu police and law enforcement officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources have determined that what was reported to be a severed human hand found at Moku Auia Seabird Sanctuary, also known as Goat Island, was actually dried squid. Star-Advertiser.

On the morning of Thursday, July 21, nearly 500 Local 5 members were joined by community, labor, and faith leaders to stage an early morning rally and bed-making skit on the sidewalk fronting the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Hawaii Independent.

Honolulu could begin work as early as next week to rebuild a bus shelter that was recently temporarily closed because bus riders complained about a homeless woman living there. KITV4.

Hawaii County Council members warmly embraced some of the more controversial proposals of the Cost of Government Commission, which looked for ways to cut Hawaii County's expenses. Tribune-Herald.

It's been more than a year since plans were unveiled to build on the old Kam Drive-In site. Hawaii News Now.

A former Hawaii Marine will become the first living Marine Corps recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, according to published accounts. Star-Advertiser.

The evidentiary phase of a contested case challenge to plans for an Advanced Technology Solar Telescope atop Haleakala wrapped up Wednesday in Wailuku. Maui News.

Hawaii Delegation Weighs in on 'Epic Battle' Over Nation's Deficit. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii economy upticks, Honolulu bus stop moved because of homeless smell, Big Island needs fire chief, China new tourism target, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Container ship (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

In sharp contrast to what is happening in the U.S. shipping market, Hawaii’s duopoly shipping companies continue to increase their prices for container cargo transported between the mainland United States and Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

Young Brothers Ltd.’s application to raise interisland shipping rates will be the subject of a series of Public Utilities Commission hearings to be held this month and next around the state. Star-Advertiser.

State tax collections dropped by 0.9 percent last fiscal year, a smaller decline than the state Council on Revenues had forecast, giving Gov. Neil Abercrombie more cushion in implementing the state budget. Star-Advertiser.

Consumers pulled out their credit and debit cards more liberally last quarter and increased spending at Hawaii hotels and restaurants as the tourism-led recovery continued to gain traction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie Wednesday approved hiring 10 agricultural inspectors, restoring nearly 40 percent of the positions that were lost due to layoffs in 2009. Pacific Business News.

The state is hiring 10 agricultural inspectors, bringing back some positions that were cut in 2009 -- but none will be added on the Big Island, the state's agricultural breadbasket. West Hawaii Today.

A city bus stop has been temporarily moved so bus drivers and riders can get away from the smell of a homeless woman who's living at a busy Honolulu bus shelter. KITV4.

As of Tuesday, July 12 novelty cigarette lighters can no longer be sold legally in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Plastic bag ban draws small crowd, big passions. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii's state, city and business leaders are aggressively courting China in the months leading up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting to give its leaders the message that the isles are open for business and travel and that local experts have clean energy and scientific knowledge to share. Star-Advertiser.

A glance through the $137,000 in gifts Hawaii lawmakers received over the past year shows a lot of local items — malasadas, kadomatsu plants and lei haku, to name a few. Civil Beat.

Inauguration lei and an occasional meal were the primary gifts reported by Hawaii County Council members in their annual gift disclosures. West Hawaii Today.

At a recent bill-signing ceremony, state Sen. Clayton was among several Native Hawaiian lawmakers applauding a new law recognizing Hawaiians as the state's indigenous people.Civil Beat.

North Shore residents have been battling with off-road vehicles at Kaena Point for years, and the heated debate over how to curb the illegal activity has passed it's boiling point. KHON2.

Honolulu mayor Peter Carlisle says what's done is done, and that the city council ignored overflow issues at Sand Island wastewater treatment plant.KHON2.

With time running out to choose a new fire chief, the Fire Commission began the search for a permanent replacement. Tribune-Herald.

The county Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a solar farm nearly three times the size of the state’s largest solar facility in operation. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative on Wednesday announced that an insufficient number of valid signatures was submitted on a second petition received by the cooperative on Monday. Garden Island.

Hawaii County has decided it made an error on Queen Liliuokalani Trust's tax bill, and it is refunding $89,991 in property taxes it says the trust overpaid last year. West Hawaii Today.

A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was conducted today in Ewa Beach for O’ahu’s latest affordable rental housing project. Hawaii Public Radio.

An inflammatory website has hit the Internet that claims State Rep. Kymberly Pine stole money from a constituent then tried to cover it up. Hawaii News Now.

County officials announced Wednesday that Theodore “Teddy” Daligdig III, a retired colonel in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, has been selected to manage the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency. Garden Island.

The Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a bed-and-breakfast application for the Bamboo Valley Inn in Haiku. Maui News.

Newly seated board members of the Aloha Tower Development Corporation voted to allow the leasehold transfer between the current owners of the marketplace to a company called Hawaii Lifestyle Retail Properties. KITV4.

Former Big Island Mayor Herbert Matayoshi died Monday of heart failure at Straub Clinic and Hospital in Honolulu. He was 82. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii geothermal, Maui sewage sought as energy sources, Oahu surf rescues surge, dog fight law gets more bite, Abercrombie appointee controversy continues, Kauai bike path cycles upward, shipping rates going up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Farmers Market (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

It looks like Oahu’s mango season could be a bust for most people this year. The popular, locally-grown, tropical fruit is in very short supply. KITV4.

A Young Bros. rate increase request first filed in December is finally moving forward. West Hawaii Today.

The state has signed a new, three-year contract with Corrections Corporation of America to house up to 1,900 prison inmates at private prisons in Arizona. Hawaii Reporter.

Why did Gov. Neil Abercrombie choose to ask the members of only five of the more than 150 boards and commissions to resign? Civil Beat.

The chairman of the Aloha Stadium Authority expects as many as seven of its nine members to refuse Gov. Neil Abercrombie's request to resign.  Star-Advertiser.

After receiving a letter from Gov. Neil Abercrombie asking that he resign from the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Wailea resident Travis Thompson said that he was considering his options but would likely stay at his post. Maui News.

Military personnel and visiting students shouldn't be counted in establishing new County Council districts because they aren't permanent Big Island residents. Tribune-Herald.

Kauai says the results of water quality tests from last year show the county's water meets all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for safe drinking water. Associated Press.

A new law is designed to crack down on dog fighting in Hawaii. Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 1069 on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

A plan to integrate educational facilities and affordable housing for a new community for underprivileged Leeward residents has fallen apart.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is taking the first steps toward establishing geothermal energy as a means to meet West Hawaii's electrical needs. West Hawaii Today.

Lifeguards from the city Ocean Safety Division provided aid to hundreds of surfers and swimmers who attempted to brave the big waves on Oahu's southern and western shores Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The federal government remains committed to granting $1.55 billion for Honolulu's $5.3 billion planned rail project by October 2012. Star-Advertiser.

A developer's plans to build on more than 1,500 acres of West Oahu farmland has gained unanimous support from the Kapolei Neighborhood Board. Hawaii News Now.

Three days waiting for an answer became five months and $28,000 snowballed into $338,500 for an upcoming stretch of the county’s multi-use path in Kapa‘a.  Garden Island.

Hawaii lawmakers seek higher automobile fees, Waikiki restaurant foreign language fee draws debate, landfill managers under fire, Haleiwa development opposed, Stock Exchange scrutinizes Maui Land, basil fungus feared, more news

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann

Sidestepping a question about her political aspirations in 2012, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann said her mission in visiting early primary states in the coming months is to keep a focus on the Republican Party's message of restoring limited government and repealing the president's health-care reform law. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers can expect details of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proposed budget in the next few weeks, about a month earlier than previously expected, the state's acting budget director told a Senate committee considering his nomination yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proposed tax increases will take a bite ranging from barely more than $100 for a welfare recipient to thousands for a state government retiree, a Civil Beat investigation has determined. Civil Beat.

The cost of operating a motor vehicle in Hawaii could go up if lawmakers and the administration have their way. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii drivers would have to pay higher registration and weight fees under legislation designed to raise money for repairs on the state's well-worn roads. Associated Press.

The Hawaii House Judiciary Committee is taking up same-sex civil unions next week after the legislation already passed the state Senate. Associated Press.

Glenn Okimoto and Alapaki Nahale-a sailed through their initial confirmation hearings to become the respective directors of the state Departments of Transportation and Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaii Reporter.

Friction between surfers and stand-up paddle boarders is escalating, and a group of surfers is asking the state to regulate the paddle boarding in certain areas. Tribune-Herald.

Police want lawmakers to close what it calls a potentially deadly loophole in Hawaii's domestic violence law. Associated Press.

Frustrated with all the runaround they get from banks, homeowners are asking lawmakers to help them out especially when dealing with bankers thousands of miles away. Hawaii News Now.

Several homeowners told lawmakers on Wednesday of their frustration dealing with mortgage companies while trying to stave off foreclosure.KITV4.

A Waikiki restaurant has attracted the attention of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission with a notice that it will add a 15 percent gratuity to the checks of patrons who don't speak English. Associated Press.

The chairman of the state Land Use Commission blasted the company that manages the city's Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Wednesday. KITV4.

The Land Use Commission called a meeting Wednesday to get an update on the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill and where the City stands as far as finding a replacement or supplemental site. KHON2.

The Blame Game: A merry-go-round of non-accountability. Honolulu Weekly.

Young Brothers Ltd., which has enjoyed a monopoly on interisland shipping in Hawaii for years, will face a new competitor this month. Tribune-Herald.

Island batteries: EIS scoping meetings to hear testimony on Hawaii wind power plans. Hawaii Independent.

The first vehicles belonging to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade have arrived on the Big Island and will be used at Pohakuloa Training Area during predeployment training for an Afghanistan tour, said Ozzie Smith, brigade captain. West Hawaii Today.

The first-ever fungus infestation of Hawaii's $6.8 million sweet basil crop discovered late last week has started affecting some businesses while farmers scramble to save their fields. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii and the state Department of Agriculture are helping farmers combat a fast-spreading mildew that's attacking basil plants at several Waianae farms. Associated Press.

Molokai’s community college has cleared a major milestone in expanding its campus. Molokai Dispatch.

The Hawaii Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments at the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law for the first time next week. Associated Press.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co.’s stock gained 19.8 percent Wednesday, prompting the New York Stock Exchange to contact the company regarding the unusual market activity. Pacific Business News

Council Member Riki Hokama reopened the issue of moving the Central Maui sewage treatment plant inland at a meeting of the Water Resources Committee on Tuesday. Maui News.

County Department of Water officials on Wednesday announced the start of two pipeline replacement projects, one in Lihu‘e and the other in Wailua. Garden Island.

State and city officials say an illegal roadside park in Waimanalo poses a danger and must be demolished. KHON2.

A capacity crowd filled the Waialua Community Association building in Haleiwa to discuss developer Andy Anderson's proposal to build a 80-room hotel on unused park land that the city wants to sell. Hawaii News Now.

The debate over what to do with unused city land is heard again in Haleiwa. KITV4.

County taxpayers shouldn't have to pay the commuting and personal transportation costs of high-ranking police officers, County Council members decided Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Obama home for the holidays, Native Hawaiians get $500M in no-bid contracts, Young Bros. seeks big shipping increase, lights out at Ala Moana Center, Kauai measures community, Big Island police union wants more cops, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

After a 10-hour flight, President Barack Obama arrived in Honolulu under a waning moon on a humid night. Star-Advertiser.

A politically rejuvenated President Barack Obama arrived here late Wednesday for an 11-day family vacation in his home state. Associated Press.

Check out this first video of their arrival. KHON2.

President Barack Obama has arrived in his home state for a 10-day family vacation. Associated Press.

Wednesday afternoon President Barack Obama boarded a flight to Honolulu where he will spend Christmas with his wife and two daughters, but he didn't leave Washington DC until finishing important business. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama arrived in Hawaii a little before midnight Wednesday. KITV4.

Security around President Barack Obama’s compound on Kailua Beach is about to get a lot tighter, once the president arrives overnight Wednesday. KITV4.

President Barack Obama has something in common with potential White House rival Mitt Romney. He and the Republican are both taking vacations in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Young Bros. Ltd., Hawaii's regulated interisland ocean cargo transportation firm, says it needs to raise average rates 24 percent -- the highest increase in at least 30 years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest inter-island shipper on Wednesday asked regulators for permission to raise its rates by an average of 24 percent, saying it needs to charge customers more to stay in business because of falling cargo volumes and the emergence of new competition. Associated Press.

Cargo company Young Brothers has announced they will be increasing their shipping rates statewide. Molokai Dispatch.

A handful of Native Hawaiian-owned companies used federal contracting preferences authored by U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-HI, to land some $500 million in non-bid or reduced competition government work since 2005, according to federal purchasing records.Hawaii Reporter.

Hispanics in Hawaii. Honolulu Weekly.

A Wailuku teenager forced to re-tool himself after a near-death experience can claim fame as a guest on the set of the new "Hawaii Five-0," a remake TV show trying to craft its own success. Maui News.

Obama ends year on high; Djou on Djou farewell; Akaka on Akaka bill; and Slom says U.S. a "bona fide homosexual nation." Civil Beat.

Hawaii's two congressional districts are unlikely to change significantly under new population counts released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

Rancher Malama Solomon is returning to the state Senate seat she held for 16 consecutive years. Tribune-Herald.

Outgoing City Councilman Rod Tam, already facing possible jail time after pleading guilty last month to 26 misdemeanor counts to settle charges brought by the state, could face additional charges stemming from a separate investigation by the state Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

A promised crackdown by Honolulu city officials on the use of illegal fireworks has already resulted in three arrests in less than 24 hours. KHON2.

A local police union official says that despite the economy, there needs to be more patrol officers on the beat. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County drinking water may soon cost more, but it is clear of the concentrations of the "Erin Brockovich chemical" found in Honolulu's tap water. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources on Wednesday advised the ocean-going public that recent heavy rains, along with forecasts for more rain during the coming week, may increase the presence of sharks in nearshore waters. Garden Island.

Regular beachgoers who brave the debris from Hawaii's recent storms should be on the lookout for another challenge, the type with big teeth. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance is beginning work on the third edition of “Measuring What Matters for Kaua‘i: Community Indicators Report,” and has received $10,000 from the SW Wilcox Trust toward its publication.Garden Island.

The project to rebuild the parking area near the entrance to the Keawakapu Beach access will remain suspended at least for a while. Maui News.

It was lights-out again at the State's largest mall. KHON2.

Power went out again briefly last night at Ala Moana Center at the height of the holiday shopping season. Star-Advertiser.

With so many potholes to fill following the recent heavy rains on Oahu, the city has increased the number of crews patrolling the island. Hawaii News Now.

Kailua-Kona resident Clement "Junior" Kanuha Jr. never lost sight of his dream to protect, preserve and recount the oral traditions of significant Big Island places. West Hawaii Today.

Kyoto Obubu Tea Plantations tea farmer and president Akihiro Kita will be visiting Hilo to introduce tea lovers and aspiring tea growers to Japanese tea and tea farming. Big Island Weekly.

Hawaii's beach water quality 6th in the nation

A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council released on Wednesday found that Hawaii ranked sixth in the nation when it comes to beach water quality.

The burglary trial of self-proclaimed heir to the Hawaiian kingdom James Akahi hinges on whether he intended to commit another crime when he and six of his followers allegedly broke into Iolani Palace on Admission Day last year.

Two more people in Hawai'i have died after testing positive for the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, bringing the state total to six deaths, the state Department of Health said yesterday.

The state Public Utilities Commission has approved an average 13.46 percent increase in Young Brothers Ltd.'s interisland shipping rates.

After a nearly four-year battle in Hawai'i courts, Minnesota residents Steve and Donna LaDuke finally and officially can call Elijah, 5, their son.

The City and County of Honolulu has plans to build a $10.6 million affordable housing project for homeless in Chinatown. But the Downtown Neighborhood Board and others in the community are against the idea.

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority board of directors decided Tuesday against early weekday and full weekend closures of the public access gate to the property.

A preliminary study completed by the military earlier this month finds no threat to the public from depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area.

Sediment is refilling the entrance to Hilo's Wailoa Small Boat Harbor two years after the state spent $1.3 million to have the material removed.

A 5th Circuit judge on Wednesday ruled in favor of the Kauai County Planning Department and Waipouli developers regarding permits issued for the Eastside projects.

Top Hawaii Headlines: Friday morning edition

Straw huts, hula dancers and kids with hula hoops were all on display last night in the White House's backyard -- not the typical congressional picnic.

The White House luau was actually not a concept cooked up by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, though it and the rest of the state likely will benefit from the hula-hoopla it generated.

Hawaii businesses may donate the same amounts to political candidates as individuals, according to a Thursday ruling by the state Intermediate Court of Appeals upholding a lower court's decision.

About 6.9 percent fewer visitors came to the Islands in May and spent $133 million, or 15 percent, less than a year ago, but industry leaders were encouraged that the decline in tourism seems to be slowing.

Matson and the unions representing ship captains and other crew members have agreed to continue contract talks today in San Francisco, averting for at least a day the threat of a shipping strike as contracts expired last night.

Saying a 22 percent raise "flies in the face of reason and common sense" during tough economic times, a Hawaii County councilman wants the County Salary Commission to roll back council pay hikes that went into effect last year.

Hawaii County Councilman Kelly Greenwell recently sent a letter to President Barack Obama, asking the Hawaii-born commander-in-chief to consider sending prisoners to be released from the prison at the naval base in Guantanamo Bay to the Big Island.

The Arc of Hilo and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are teaming up to process local food products with cutting-edge "green" energy technology.

The Hawaii County Council's recent reorganization violated Hawaii's Sunshine Law and stemmed from a lack of respect and communication among members, rather than a turf battle, said the architect of the leadership change.

The Maui County Department of Water Supply declared a drought watch Thursday for Upcountry, requesting residents and businesses from Haiku to Kanaio to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 5 percent.

Gov. Linda Lingle isn’t planning on releasing $750,000 for expansion of the county’s Black Pot Beach Park, Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Laura Thielen said this week.

Top Hawaii Headlines: Thursday morning edition

Matson Navigation Co.'s top unionized officers could strike tomorrow -- putting a crimp in Hawaii's delicate supply chain -- if they do not reach accord during scheduled talks with the shipping company today.

Crew members, including captains, on Matson Navigation Co.'s trans-Pacific cargo ships have authorized their union to call a strike if a contract agreement is not reached.

Moderate to "exceptional" drought conditions have gripped much of the state, leaving firefighters prepping for a potentially busy summer of brushfires and spurring calls for water conservation on the Neighbor Islands.

Swine flu is spreading through the community, with 205 confirmed cases in the past week, the state Department of Health reported.

Ten Hawai'i students and two chaperones remain in quarantine in South Korean hospitals over swine flu concerns and likely will not be cleared until tomorrow or the weekend, officials with the Korean consulate in Honolulu said.

The United Public Workers yesterday filed a complaint against Gov. Linda Lingle and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann with the Hawai'i Labor Relations Board, seeking to prevent them from talking publicly about potential layoffs and contract negotiations.

Taking the first official step of her weeks-long promise, Gov. Linda Lingle signed yesterday an executive order to force tens of thousands of state employees to take three unpaid days off each month, starting in July.

People who have been illegally living on state-owned land next to the Kahului Airport runway have been asked to move by day's end or face criminal trespassing charges, state officials said.

Only one more week until Oahu drivers experience a big change in how they drive. Beginning next Wednesday, cell phone use while driving is banned unless you use a hands-free device.

Hawaii County government gets high marks for its financial controls over more than $34.6 million in federal funds, according to its most recent outside audit.

Consolidated Resorts Inc. appeared headed for bankruptcy on Tuesday, and employees of its activity desk subsidiary Lahaina Ticket Co. were told it was shutting down.

The bulldozers are busy in the corner of land where the Pahoa Bypass diverges from Old Government Road, a.k.a. Pahoa Main Street.

Student numbers for fall are up sharply at both the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College -- and the main reason appears to be the slumping economy

Dismayed and surprised are how the teachers describe their reaction to the news that Waters of Life Public Charter School has lost its charter.