Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, medical marijuana dispensaries bill passed, Honolulu police chief investigated on ethics, Thirty Meter Telescope protestors in court, feds to create first-ever Native Hawaiian land trust rules, hospitals court Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House sine die 2015, courtesy Wayne Yoshioka, Hawaii Public Radio

The State Legislature adjourned today, the last day of the 2015 session. But first, both chambers voted on the medical marijuana dispensary bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

In its last major act of this year's session, the Legislature has sent Gov. David Ige a bill that would give thousands of medical marijuana patients access to dispensaries in Hawaii. The Senate voted unanimously and the House voted 36-13 to pass House Bill 321, which allows for 16 medical pot dispensaries across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the Hawaii Legislature approved a bill Thursday that would establish a system of medical marijuana dispensaries statewide by next summer. Hawaii legalized medical marijuana 15 years ago, but has never provided a way to buy it legally. Patients must grow their own or have a caretaker grow it for them. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature has approved a plan to create a system of medical marijuana dispensaries 15 years after the drug was legalized in the state. The House and Senate passed the bill Thursday sending it to Gov. David Ige. Associated Press.

With the long-awaited approval of medical marijuana dispensaries, the 2015 Hawaii Legislature wrapped up its work Thursday. Here's a visual recap of a session that supplied plenty of drama. Civil Beat.

On the last day of the 2015 regular session, the House passed on final reading HB321 CD1, which creates a statewide distribution system for medical marijuana and establishes the parameters for individuals and entities to apply to set up the dispensaries. KITV4.

Hawaii is on the verge of allowing medical marijuana to be bought and sold legally. It’s been 15 years since the state legalized marijuana for medical use, but patients were only allowed to grow it. KHON2.

A seed crop industry that uses an inordinate amount of pesticides on its genetically engineered field test sites is putting Hawaii's environment and people at risk, concludes a new report that drew swift rebuke. Star-Advertiser.

After nearly a century, the U.S. government for the first time is proposing administrative rules to clarify its oversight of the federally created land trust designed to benefit thousands of Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

The state auditor had found years ago that there was too much of a hands-off approach to pCards and the system has not changed since. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige has agreed to stop the practice of bringing wild animals for circus acts or other purely entertainment reasons. Whether such a ban would also include creatures that are imported and perform at Sea Life Park, the Hono­lulu Aquarium or other venues remains to be seen. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Ethics Commission is investigating Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to determine if he abused his power in a police investigation of his wife's uncle who was later charged with stealing a mailbox from the Kealoha home, sources told Hawaii News Now.

In their quest to revitalize Haleiwa town's retail area, Kamehameha School officials say they worked to ensure that the North Shore town on the island of Oahu doesn't lose its rural, country character. Pacific Business News.

A Honolulu police officer faces federal charges after he was caught on surveillance video assaulting two people in a Chinatown game room last September. Civil Beat.

Hawaii
It was round two in court Thursday for Thirty Meter Telescope protesters arrested April 2 on Mauna Kea. But unlike the earlier court proceedings last month in Hilo, numerous defendants came out swinging. Tribune-Herald.

Some opponents describe fighting the telescope as an "awakening," an issue Native Hawaiians can band together against. But their reasons vary, from preventing Mauna Kea's desecration to preserving culture to curbing development. For some, however, the telescope represents an opportunity to get Native Hawaiian children interested in science, technology, engineering and math — areas in which they have lagged behind. Associated Press.

A new cooperative venture, Hawaii Island Meat, or HIM, soon will be bringing the slaughter to the livestock, and not the other way around. A mobile unit capable of processing pigs, sheep, goats and cattle will begin operations servicing small livestock businesses in early 2016. Tribune-Herald.

A potentially strong El Nino developing in the Pacific didn’t keep portions of South Kona from having the wettest April in a decade. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Even before Gov. David Ige takes action on enabling legislation to privatize public hospitals in the Maui Region, Maui Memorial Medical Center is beginning to look like the popular kid at the prom, with suitors eagerly lining up to dance. Maui News.

While a bill to allow a public-private partnership at Maui Memorial Medical Center may have been the highlight for Maui County this legislative session, Maui lawmakers said the Legislature also passed laws dealing with practical and long-standing issues, such as assisting homeowners of old properties with cesspool conversion to more environmentally friendly septic systems, protecting consumers and aiding victims of domestic abuse. Maui News.

Two Maui state senators say that the ousting of Senate President Donna Mercado Kim of Oahu in favor of Ronald Kouchi of Kauai actually will be an asset for Maui County. Maui News.

The state Department of Education said Thursday it plans to begin site improvements for the long-awaited Kihei high school in September, but residents who have waited more than a decade for the school are "cautiously optimistic." Maui News.

Kauai

A heated exchange between an opponent of the humpback whale sanctuary expansion plan and a federal regulator who’s championing it illustrates just how raucous the public hearings on Kauai were this week. Garden Island.

Molokai

Nearly 150 years after the first of 8,000 Hansen's Disease patients were exiled to Kalaupapa, only 16 are left. Hawaii News Now.

Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, Turtle Bay protection approved, Cabanilla in trouble again, list narrowed for UH president, Hawaii council kills ethics bill, not enough oversight for $1B Honolulu rail contracts, Maui and Kauai battle budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Legislature closed its 2014 session Thursday with long, if not particularly lively, floor sessions in the House and Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers approved a historic land-preservation deal Thursday after a last-minute debate on the final day of the 2014 legislative session. Associated Press.

The state House, swallowing deep misgivings, voted Thursday to give final approval to a bill that would authorize $40 million in state bonds to help preserve 665 acres of bucolic Turtle Bay Resort from future development. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature ended its 2014 session today.  But there was a critical last minute vote on a measure to preserve undeveloped North Shore land for future generations. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Rep. Rida Cabanilla said Thursday that she hopes her close ties to a nonprofit that received a $100,000 grant from the state Legislature do not jeopardize the release of the money, which would be used for the upkeep of the Ewa Plantation Cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

House Majority floor leader Rida Cabanilla, D-Ewa, controls a non-profit that was awarded a $100,000 grant on April 25 from her peers in the Hawaii state legislature while the organization was out of compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. Hawaii Reporter.

Following a nearly yearlong search, the University of Hawaii has identified two finalists in the running to be the next president of the 10-campus system: the university's longtime information technology executive, who is serving as interim president, and the retired commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

As of this coming school year, all 5-year-olds will be required to attend kindergarten in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday marked the deadline for people to register with the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission to participate in forming a sovereign governing entity for Native Hawaiians. And this time, it's final. More than 121,000 people of Native Hawaiian ancestry have signed up and been verified since the effort launched in the summer of 2012. The signature drive is called Kanaiolowalu, for the sound of people gathering. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Health Connector, the online marketplace responsible for implementing President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act in Hawaii, enrolled 9,800 residents as of Wednesday’s final deadline for its first year of providing coverage. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional contender Mark Takai has joined the political candidates vying for your attention during your favorite TV shows. Takai, who's running in the crowded race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat, recently bought his first 10 TV spots at a cost of $3,250. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

With the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation poised to dole out about $1 billion in contracts for the Honolulu rail project this year, the city Ethics Commission is worried that there isn't enough government oversight to ensure that private companies aren't given sweetheart deals. Civil Beat.

An Oahu business has shut down its Products Direct Sweepstakes machines after a federal judge ruled that use of the machines is gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu workers and residents are getting excited about the Walmart store that will open soon in the former Macy’s department store, especially since a couple of new signs have appeared on the building at the corner of King Street and Fort Street Mall. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A County Council 4-4 deadlock Thursday killed an ethics bill that Mayor Billy Kenoi has pushed since taking office in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

The state budget approved by lawmakers provides $1 million toward extending Saddle Road to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Tribune-Herald.

Two million dollars of state funds will go toward upgrading and renovating the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy at the Keaukaha Military Reserve Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Conservation Alliance this week launched conservationconnections.org, what organization leaders hope will become the comprehensive, go-to site to find volunteer opportunities and conservation projects across the state. West Hawaii Today.

An election held last week for positions in the University of Hawaii at Hilo student government has been nullified and will be redone, university officials confirmed today. Big Island Now.

Maui

With a battle brewing over how to handle the county's fiscal 2015 budget, only 11 individuals showed up to testify on property tax rates during a public hearing Wednesday night before the Maui County Council. Maui News.

To save their homes from bright lights, noisy ball games, congested traffic and decreasing property values, Maui Lani residents proposed Tuesday that the state consider developing its Central Maui Regional Sports Complex in another location, but state officials said that would delay the project another seven to 10 years. Maui News.

Michelle Del Rosario, chairwoman of the Hawaii Independent Party. The co-founder of Hawaii's newest political party hopes to attract independent thinkers. Star-Advertiser.

A 20-year-old Maui woman fell approximately 150-feet to her death during a zipline accident near the Piʻiholo Ranch this morning, fire officials said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tough decisions, county officials say, lie ahead as they try to balance the county’s budget without an anticipated windfall from increased state tax revenues charged to visitor accommodations. Garden Island.

You could say that politics runs in Arryl Kaneshiro’s blood. His father, Daryl Kaneshiro, after all, served on the Kauai County Council for six terms between 1998 and 2010. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will install a fence to protect Kauai forest from the Na Pali Coast up to the Alakai plateau. The project in the Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve will control invasive weeds like Australian tree ferns and remove pigs and goats. Associated Press.

Hawaii Legislature adjourns sine die, Hanabusa announces U.S. Senate bid, Honolulu rail in the black, Hawaii Island mayor touts 10% tax hike, county employees charged with diesel theft, Maui resort blocks beach access, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature sings Hawaii Aloha on closing day, photo courtesy Mileka Lincoln

Hawaii lawmakers touted the triumphs of this year’s legislative session as it came to a close Thursday at the Capitol. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers in the Hawaii Legislature say the 2013 session provided a smoother, more transparent legislative process than previous years, ensuring the success of key progressive legislation. Associated Press.

State lawmakers on the closing day of the 2013 legislative session revived two bills requiring greater disclosure from super PACs, although both appeared dead earlier in the week as a result of what legislators described as poor communication. Star-Advertiser.

The 2013 legislative session came to a close today, and leaders from both the House and Senate say this was one of the most cooperative and transparent sessions yet. Hawaii News Now.

The State Legislature adjourned its 60-day session today…following passage of a state budget and less than 10 percent of the bills that were originally introduced. Hawaii Public Radio.

On the last day of the 2013 legislative session, Democrats in charge of the Hawaii House of Representatives took the rare step of adding four more members to leadership posts. Civil Beat.

Although the Legislature failed to pass bills this session to fund the state's watershed protection initiatives by collecting a fee imposed on nonrecyclable bags or increasing taxes on expensive real estate transactions, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it is satisfied with the level of funding lawmakers did choose to provide. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Legislature adjourned Thursday without taking further action on a bill that would have tweaked the law requiring police agencies to file annual summaries listing disciplinary actions taken against their officers. Civil Beat.

Before gaveling the session closed, House Speaker Joseph M. Souki acknowledged the work of everyone involved in the legislative process and summarized the session's accomplishments. Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii says she plans to run against fellow Democrat and incumbent U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in 2014, setting up a primary battle between two of the state’s four federal lawmakers. Associated Press.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa will emphasize leadership experience, and not the dying wish of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Ino­uye, in her Demo­cratic primary challenge next year against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced in a seven-paragraph letter on her web site that she'll run for the U.S. Senate next year, attaching her name to the Democratic primary that's sure to be a dogfight. Hawaii News Now.

On the day he died in December of 2012, Senator Daniel Inouye wrote a letter to Gov. Neil Abercrombie and reportedly asked that he appoint then-Congresswoman Elect Colleen Hanabusa to replace him in the U.S. Senate after his death. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat political reporter Chad Blair chats with U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in her Nuuanu home about her run for U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. Brian Schatz. Will she give up her House seat to do it?

Hawaii Gas has withdrawn its application for approval to use liquefied natural gas in its utility gas system to allow both the Honolulu-based company and the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to focus their resources on the review of feedstock supply agreements. Pacific Business News.

This year marks the 100th anniversary for film in Hawaii and with several major movies, such as “Jurassic Park 4” and “Godzilla,” planning to shoot scenes in Hawaii, the next 100 years is starting off with a bang. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu rail officials reported a third-quarter turnaround Thursday on how much cash the massive project is collecting. They also offered a rosier forecast for how much its yearlong construction delay will cost. Star-Advertiser.

A campus that’s in disrepair. Students paying more. Even cuts in the classroom. So why is the University of Hawaii spending big bucks on recruiting for high-paid positions? And is it money well spent? KHON2.

Less than a week after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a new proposal aimed at going after owners of neglected city properties, Hawaii News Now found a city building with tall weeds and grass in front and lots of graffiti on it. Hawaii News Now.

A department store, cinema, hotel and 50 more retailers and restaurants have been added to plans for a first phase of the long-delayed Ka Makana Ali'i regional mall in East Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Up close and personal with the mayor. People went to Pearl City, to Mayor Kirk Caldwell's first town hall stop. KITV4.

Honolulu police explosives specialists responded to two more suspicious objects on different sides of the island Thursday, including what was determined to be "an incendiary device" near the Kahuku school complex. Star-Advertiser.

Native vegetation, which is being steadily killed off by invasives, now covers only 32 percent of Hawaii’s land. Our survival is at stake, as well. So how do we carefully take our next step? Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii

Across-the-board property tax hikes of about 10 percent, along with increases in bus fares and vehicle registration and weight taxes, will fund a revised county budget proposed Thursday by Mayor Billy Kenoi. West Hawaii Today.

Two former Department of Environmental Management employees have been charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing diesel fuel from pumps at the Waimea baseyard. West Hawaii Today.

Thursday morning’s fire in Keaukaha helped to highlight a question that emergency responders are having trouble answering fully: Who exactly has a copy of the key to open the gates for the emergency evacuation route through Hilo International Airport? Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County's finance director Wednesday passionately defended his request for six new Division of Motor Vehicle and Licensing positions, noting his current workers are burdened with new duties and that they need more help to service the public adequately. Maui News.

Gates restrict access to Honokeana Cove. About a month ago, Honokeana Cove Resort Condominiums put up gates that require an access code, which prevents nonguests from walking through private property. Maui News.

Three Maui historic preservation projects will receive Preservation Awards and two printed publications Preservation Media Awards from the Historic Hawai'i Foundation at the group's 30th annual Preservation Honor Awards ceremony May 31 on Oahu. Maui News.

Kauai

Since March 15, the Kauai County Council has been holding numerous sessions devoted to examining the requested departmental budget components. On or before May 8, the mayor may submit any modifications or changes he may seek in the budget, and by June 7, the council must enact the budget ordinance. Garden Island.

The Wailua portion of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae, or the path that goes by the coast, was supposed to be completed Tuesday — a month later than the original deadline. Garden Island.

Biotech seed company Syngenta will relocate about five employees to Kaua‘i from O‘ahu as part of a redistribution of research and development work, according to company spokesman Paul Minehart. Garden Island.