Showing posts with label special education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label special education. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Ige backs teacher pay hikes, Common Cause worried about all-mail voting, Honolulu B&B tax vote coming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Governor's Office
Hawaii Gov. David Ige with schoolchildren PC:Governor's Office
Governor, superintendent seek pay raise to attract special ed teachers. The governor and schools superintendent want to raise the pay of special-education classroom teachers by $10,000 a year to attract more qualified educators and combat a severe shortage in the field. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Plan Would Boost Pay For Hard-To-Fill Teaching Positions. The state is hoping to find extra cash to sweeten the pot for teachers who work in remote areas or in areas that are chronically short staffed. Civil Beat.

Governor, DOE Seek Pay Increases To Keep Teachers In Special Ed, Hawaiian Language. In a news release, Ige's office said he is working with the Hawaii Department of Education and Board of Education to implement "bold retention and recruitment strategies" to address the shortages. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor backs pay hikes to recruit, retain teachers. Hawaii’s governor plans to announce support for pay increases to help recruit and retain teachers in special education, rural schools and Hawaiian language immersion, officials said. Associated Press.

Students join chorus of voices calling for higher teacher pay to tackle shortage. There’s a big push for better pay for teachers ― and it’s not just coming from the teachers themselves. Hawaii News Now.

How To Divvy Up Dollars For Special Needs Kids In Hawaii. A new policy for funding special education in Hawaii is touching off some fears it could mean dramatic cuts for some schools and the ability to provide services to disabled students. Civil Beat.

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More than two dozen WWII vets expected for 78th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack. The 78th commemoration of the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is expected to include more than two dozen World War II veterans with the theme “Glimmers of Victory” that includes the United States fighting back with the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, Battle of the Coral Sea and the turning point of Midway. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu summit to address airlines’ impact on climate. Representatives of the major airlines serving Hawaii will join local environmental and transportation industry officials in Honolulu Tuesday for a first-of-its-kind summit to discuss actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

Government group raises alarm as state moves to all-mail voting. Common Cause Hawaii is urging election officials to open more than a handful of voter service centers next year to make sure voting numbers aren’t depressed as the state for the first time begins holding all-mail-in elections. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii's Housing Shortage Can't Be Solved Until Infrastructure Needs Are Addressed. Hawaii will need an additional 65,000 housing units statewide by 2025. Getting there will require more public infrastructure, like water, sewage, and electricity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Security Deposits Put Housing Out Of Reach For Some In Hawaii. As housing costs rise, renters have to cut bigger and bigger checks just to get in the door. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii lawmaker says money alone won’t ease the overcrowding in Hawaii jails. Instead of spending more money, a key Hawaii lawmaker want to find ways to keep more people out of jail. Hawaii News Now.

Postal Service Releases Hawaii Specific Holiday Mailing Dates. The U.S. Postal Service is offering shipping tips and mail volume information as the holiday shopping season gets underway. Big Island Video News.

Central Pacific rescuer, ex-CEO retiring from board. Turnaround specialist John Dean, who spearheaded the recapitalization of Central Pacific Bank following the recession and returned the company to profitability, plans to retire from the parent company’s board in the spring. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

B&B tax bill up for final vote. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday is scheduled to take a final vote on a bill establishing how owners of vacation rentals are to be taxed, and three Council members have introduced different floor draft proposals to help ease the burden on those now operating previously permitted “whole home” transient vacation units. Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Bill 40, banning disposable plastics, up for final vote Wednesday. Environmental groups and local food manufacturers and restaurants remain at odds over how extensive the ban will be and its impact on small businesses. KITV.

Time running out for those hoping to oust city prosecutor with special election. The December 31 deadline looms for those looking to replace embattled city Prosecutor Attorney Keith Kaneshiro using a special election. Hawaii News Now.

The average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu is down 10%. The average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu dropped 10% in November compared to a year ago, according to a new analysis from real estate site Zumper. The site said the average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu last month was $1,600. Hawaii News Now.

Critics still not appeased by state’s proposed changes for Red Hill fuel tanks. With the future of the Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility still uncertain, critics on Monday urged the Hawaii Department of Health to dismiss its proposed rule changes for the state's underground storage tanks. Hawaii News Now.

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New health center by Queen’s to offer medical care in Kahala. The new health center is expected to open in the summer of 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s plans to open Kahala urgent care center in summer. The Queen’s Health Systems is opening a health center in Kahala as part of its strategy to increase outpatient services and decrease escalating emergency room visits for non-urgent conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Hospital Struggles In The Wake Of Sexual Misconduct Allegations. The top doctor at Hawaii’s only comprehensive medical rehabilitation hospital was fired this year after allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault on hospital premises. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island


More federal disaster funds slated for Big Island. Hawaii will receive another $26 million in new federal disaster relief funding, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Monday. Tribune-Herald.

County ready to prosecute old rape cases. Hawaii Island’s decade-long backlog of rape test kits have all been processed, and now it’s time to move onto the next step — investigating and prosecuting the cases. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on Kona emergency shelter project to begin next spring. Hawaii County expects to begin construction this spring on the Kukuiola emergency shelter project. West Hawaii Today.

They’ve Watched Our Climate Changing For Decades From High Atop Mauna Loa. For 60 years, scientists have documented the rising trend of carbon dioxide levels as fossil fuel emissions continue to increase. Civil Beat.

Anna Chiotti named Kona hospital CEO. The HHSC West Hawaii Region Board of Directors selected Anna Chiotti as the CEO of the West Hawaii region, which includes Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Tegarden Resigns as Mayor's Chief of Staff. Earlier today, the County of Maui announced that Deidre Tegarden has resigned as chief of staff of the Office of the Mayor, effective Dec. 15. Maui Now.

Talk focuses on ‘The Coral Pledge’. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council invites the public to a free talk at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at The Sphere at Maui Ocean Center to learn about the “The Coral Pledge,” a new initiative to reduce human impacts on Hawaii’s reefs year-round. Maui News.

Kauai

New diesel buses for Kauai fleet. The Kauai Bus is set to receive six new diesel buses thanks to a Federal Transit Administration grant, and while it will serve to refresh the current fleet, it’s not bringing Kauai any closer to a full renewable fleet by 2045. Garden Island.

Federal funds for floods. Kauai will be getting $9 million in federal funding for flood relief. Garden Island.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Snorkeling dangers, Hawaii attorney general seeks to challenge latest Trump travel ban, UH auditor recommends tighter travel policies, Hawaii County demonstrates igloos for homeless, Queens becomes state's first Level 1 trauma center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Snorkel selfie © 2017 All Hawaii News
Snorkeling is the most deadly ocean activity in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii will seek permission Friday in U.S. District Court in Honolulu to file an amended complaint to challenge the legality of President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

The State of Hawaii is challenging the third and latest version of President Trump's travel ban Thursday. KITV.

Two sub-hunting and surveillance Navy jet planes have reached Hawaii with a mission of protecting the isles. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii’s internal auditor is recommending the university tighten its travel policies after reviewing more than $13 million UH spent on travel last year, covering travel and advances for some 8,500 authorized trips mostly for university employees. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer students enrolled in Hawaii colleges this year, but for those attending, the rate of graduation increased. University of Hawaii campuses have made strides over the last decade to improve graduation rates. Garden Island.

The biggest challenge ahead for Hawaii's new head of public schools could be conflicts over how to handle special education. Hawaii News Now.

More homes were bought on Hawaii Island and Kauai in September compared with the same month last year, according to industry data released Thursday that also showed more divergence in median prices. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission Chairman Max Sword is asking the city Ethics Commission whether he should recuse himself from at least part of the police chief selection process because one of the finalists is his wife’s relative. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials To The Homeless: Go Away. An islandwide ban on sitting or lying on public sidewalks is among a slew of new bills aimed at moving homeless people out of public places. Civil Beat.

The Queen's Medical Center said Thursday it received the verification as the first and only Level I Trauma Center in Hawaii and the Pacific. Pacific Business News.

Scientists, educators, and space explorers all converged on the Hawaii Convention Center on Thursday. And their conversation focused on, among other things, the educational possibilities of the Thirty Meter Telescope slated for Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

A female Hawaiian monk seal paid a visit to the shores of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve early this morning, which was a rare occurrence, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Retail market on the rise as vacancy rates decline. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The county is looking to rent the former Safeway space at Prince Kuhio Plaza, despite some concerns about occupying one of only a few large empty retail spaces in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

“Igloo” Style Shelter For Homeless Demonstrated In Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Although two of West Hawaii’s five failed water wells have been repaired and emergency water use restrictions have been lifted for North Kona customers, county council members still want to audit the Department of Water Supply. Big Island Video News.

Emergency remodel: Revamped department at Kohala Hospital already making a difference. West Hawaii Today.

Some parents on the Big Island say their kids are being rushed to eat school lunch. KHON2.

A group of divers is trying to save  tiger shark  — estimated at about 12 feet long and weighing about 1,000 pounds — that has a rope taut around it, into a gill and the bottom of the animal’s fatty area.. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has proposed scaling back sewer rate increases sought by Hawaii Water Service Co. for nearly a thousand customers that include Pukalani residents, businesses, community facilities and schools. Maui News.

Wearing a hard hat, a bright orange safety vest and dark sunglasses, Gov. David Ige inspected the work in progress at Kahului Airport’s $340 million consolidated rental car facility Thursday afternoon as sky-high cranes hoisted construction materials in place and workers prepared forms and rebars for concrete pours. Maui News.

Kauai

Council member Derek Kawakami is taking his vision for Kauai to the next level and is throwing his hat in the running for Kauai County Mayor in the 2018 election. Garden Island.

The Kauai Police Department is reminding residents and businesses to register or renew their alarm systems in order to comply with the Kauai County Code. Garden Island.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Hotel resort fees targeted, University of Hawaii gains 10 points in college rankings, Marco Polo disaster declared, opposition to Coco Palms rebuilding plans, Maui liquor rules changed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hilton Waikoloa © 2-17 All Hawaii News
The state Office of Consumer Protection is investigating resort fees charged by local hotel operators. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Licensed Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Weigh in On New Banking Solution. Maui Now.

The two operating medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii — including one on Maui — and their patients have been operating on a cash-only basis, but a “banking solution” has been forged with a Colorado-based credit union, Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has gained 10 spots on the annual list of the nation's top universities and is now No. 159, according to U.S. News & World Report. Pacific Business News.

Showering Hawaii Officials With Manapua. Gifts to elected and appointed leaders include sticky notes valued at $1, PB&Js at up to $5, and trip to Taiwan worth $5,750. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Starting next month, the city plans to enforce new rules intended to clamp down on vendors who operate as religious groups in city parks to sell everything from T-shirts to potato chips. Star-Advertiser.

A loophole in city law is allowing Waikiki businesses to use wheeled kiosks to promote their merchandise and services rent-free on public sidewalks along Kalakaua Avenue, where traditional retailers pay premium rents. Star-Advertiser.

The sons of two of Honolulu’s most prominent business leaders are being accused of plotting to secretly take over prime Waikiki real estate to make way for a $200-million, 32-story luxury high rise. Civil Beat.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration and Honolulu officials have issued disaster declarations for the fire at the Marco Polo condominium project, opening up low-interest federal loans to Marco Polo owners and tenants in need, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office said today. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for the Marco Polo Apartments, making low-interest federal loans available to residents two months after a fire killed four people and damaged or destroyed dozens of units at the Honolulu condominium. Pacific Business News.

The mayor and U.S. Small Business Administration have issued formal disaster declarations for the Marco Polo highrise fire. Hawaii News Now.

Sept. 14 will be two months since the Marco Polo fire killed three residents and displaced dozens of others still until this day. KHON2.

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The Honolulu City Council is advancing a bill to ban smoking in motor vehicles when a child is present. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gas won approval Wednesday from the state Public Utilities Commission to develop renewable natural gas from the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

State regulators have approved Hawaii Gas' plan to capture and process biogas from the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

The state should have offered an autistic child services better tailored to his needs when it proposed moving him to public school rather than continuing to pay his private-school tuition, an appeals court ruled Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The new day pass kicks in on Oct. 1. The thing is you can only buy them from the bus driver. KITV.

Police closed the Koko Head entrance to Ala Moana Regional Park today because of a sink hole. Star-Advertiser.

Target is planning to hire 800 seasonal employees for its locations on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Hawaii County Water Board announced Wednesday the first six members of its Permitted Action Group, an ad hoc committee the board is spearheading to investigate the widespread failure of deep well equipment across North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim said it probably will be January before the county is ready to take the next step in its efforts to safely house Hilo’s homeless — while at the same time cleaning up areas frequented by homeless individuals and families. Tribune-Herald.

New sensors will help monitor activity as scientists say Mauna Loa ‘will erupt again’ KHON2.

Japan Airlines will celebrate a new service launch between Kona International Airport and Tokyo on September 15. Big Island Video News.

On Hawaii island, the mother of “Peter Boy” Kema is heading back to court Thursday. KHON2.

On Sunday, the latest six-member crew to help show how a journey to Mars might work will step into Mauna Loa’s cool, fresh air after spending eight months confined in a dome-like tent there. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission approved streamlined changes proposed by County Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura for single-event liquor license applications for nonprofits Wednesday after months of protests and dozens of testifiers at the David K. Trask Jr. Building in Wailuku. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department has launched a sexual assault investigation into one of its own. The high-ranking officer is accused of assaulting one of his female sergeants. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

High levels of bacteria have been found in the water at Anahola Bay, according to a state Department of Health Wednesday beach advisory. Garden Island.

There are big plans afoot for famous Coco Palms resort — but not everyone's on board. In its heyday, Coco Palms resort on Kauai was a favorite spot for stars and other big names. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Weakened Tropical Storm Hilda misses Hawaii, movie-watching government employees hogging state bandwidth, gay father sues Department of Education, high marks in lobbyist disclosure, Maui condos face rising tides, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Central Pacific Hurricane Center
Tropical Storm Hilda 5 a.m. Thursday, courtesy Central Pacific Hurricane Center
Tropical Storm Hilda is weakening as it picks up speeds and moves westward on a track that takes its center just south of the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical Storm Hilda was in no hurry — dawdling just southeast of the islands Wednesday, sluggishly making its way west, nearing Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

The state is pulling the plug on employees who watch Netflix, Hulu and other online video services on their work computers. Officials are blocking certain video services on the state network after discovering that public workers are “monopolizing a significant portion of our state’s available Internet bandwidth” by using media streaming services during work hours, Todd Nacapuy, chief information officer at the Office of Information Management and Technology, wrote in an Aug. 11 internal memo intended to be distributed to more than 20,000 employees in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. Star-Advertiser.

The Sunlight Foundation on Wednesday released an update to its state lobbying disclosure report card, which has evaluated each state on disclosure of lobbyist activity and compensation, expenditure transparency, expenditure reporting thresholds and document accessibility. Hawaii earns a B grade. Civil Beat.

Special Education is Backsliding in Hawaii, Teachers and Advocates Say. Despite increases in funding and numerous efforts at reform, students with disabilities are falling farther behind their mainstream peers. Some say the downturn started when federal court supervision of the state system ended. Civil Beat.

Unbearably hot classrooms prompted Corey Rosenlee, president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, to suggest the "heat days" idea. Around the country, some districts such as Denver Public Schools canceled school during extremely hot days and adjusted their calendars to minimize heat in the classroom. Associated Press.

A Kalaheo High School science teacher has been measuring the hot temperatures in his un-airconditioned classroom since public school started last month and found it was108 degrees there Monday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Auto sales revved up 7.7 percent in the second quarter in the isles and are projected to finish the year 4.3 percent ahead of all of 2014. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is unlikely to create a state tax credit for consumers who buy electric vehicles, the head of the state’s Energy Office confirmed to Pacific Business News this week.

Hawaii’s largest law enforcement agencies will soon be carrying all new firearms, but one got a much better bargain than the other. KITV4.

Neal Milner commentary: ‘Shady Characters’ Tell a Spicy History of Hawaii. Veteran reporter Jim Dooley’s new book recounts his coverage of the state’s darker side — political scandals, crime and corruption. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. are locked in a dispute with Hawaii Gas over what the state's only regulated gas utility says is the two companies' inability to produce documents or sufficiently answer questions related to the Florida-based energy giant's $4.3 billion acquisition of the state's largest utility. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii-based Blackhawk Security is watching you, medical marijuana dispensary hopefuls — for your own good, he hopes. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The man who admits using Australian professional golfer Robert Allenby’s identification and credit cards still isn’t saying how he got them. Circuit Judge Glenn Kim on Wednesday handed down the five-year prison sentence spelled out in Harbison’s plea agreement. Star-Advertiser.

Angus Mitchell, son of the late hair styling tycoon Paul Mitchell, is known for his support of conservation efforts in Hawaii. But the part-time Diamond Head resident finds himself in the cross hairs of his neighbors and the state Land Board over the alleged misuse of public lands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii historically has the highest electricity and gas prices in the nation. But steep drops in both of those categories left Honolulu’s inflation barely discernible during the first half of 2015 and on track to finish at its lowest level since 2009. Star-Advertiser.

Paramedics, police and sheriff’s deputies are spending a lot more time answering emergency calls at the Kakaako homeless encampment, handling everything from psychiatric cases to assaults. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A gay father of two filed a lawsuit last week claiming East Hawaii public schools failed to protect his boys from bullies who targeted them because of their dad’s sexual orientation. Tribune-Herald.

On Friday, August 14, the Board of Land and Natural Resources will be meeting at its board room to discuss the lawsuit Ching v. Case, regarding the pollution and environmental damage at the Pohakuloa Training Area  on the Big Island. The lawsuit alleges that the Department of Land and Natural Resources breached its public trust duties by failing to ensure that the military complies with the terms of its lease with the state. Hawaii Independent.

Changes are coming to the Ulu Wini Housing Project, and many residents are worried about rising rents and cuts in services. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Beaches fronting nine condominiums in Kahana are quickly eroding and could be gone in a couple of decades with waves already crashing into first-floor units and swimming pools. Maui News.

Hospital and state administrators intend to select either Kaiser Permanente Hawaii or Hawaii Pacific Health as a partner for Maui's three public hospitals by the end of next month, officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

In a study of 300 nene birds, starvation was the leading cause of death, followed by trauma from vehicle strikes and predators, along with diseases, according to U.S. Geological Survey officials who published their findings last month. Maui News.

The 128 single-family home sales in Maui County in July was the highest monthly total since the 131 sales in March of 2007 in the days before the Great Recession, Realtors Association of Maui data show. Maui News.

Kauai

One week after the Kauai County Council voted 4 to 3 to repeal the island’s barking dog ordinance, Council Chair Mel Rapozo made good on his promise to start a discussion about possibly replacing it with a comprehensive noise ordinance. Garden Island.

Judge Kathleen Watanabe
was retained as judge for 5th Circuit Court. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Gay marriage debate intensifies as Hawaii Legislature nears special session, HECO seeks big photovoltaic plant, church and state, Maui to regulate home-based businesses, Hawaii County department head case dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy USGS
Kilauea scientist courtesy USGS
The northeast spatter cone in Kilauea Volcano's Puu Oo vent continues to feed the Kahaualea 2 lava flow, which is burning through forests to the north, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports. Star-Advertiser.

Legal and sociology scholars critical of gay marriage warned state lawmakers on Wednesday night that allowing same-sex couples to wed in Hawaii could weaken traditional marriage, influence the curriculum at public schools and threaten religious liberty. Star-Advertiser.

Why the neighbor islands won't be getting similar informational sessions on the Marriage Equality bill. Hawaii Independent.

The gay marriage debate is heating up on the Big Island. The state is one week away from an October 28th special legislative session, where the topic of same sex marriage will be taken up by Hawaii’s elected officials. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii could begin issuing licenses and performing ceremonies for gay couples on Nov. 18 if a bill passes during a special session that begins next week. A Senate draft of the bill to be considered starting Monday says couples would be able to obtain licenses and be married the same day. Associated Press.

We're days away from the start of a special session that could legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii. While some believe there's enough votes in support of it, others say it's too close to call. KHON2.

In what has become almost a fall tradition, the Hawaii State Association of Counties — made up of the four county councils — is again flirting with asking the Legislature for a new exemption from the state’s Sunshine Law. Civil Beat.

As students across the state are forced to sweat it out in hot classrooms some school leaders can't take the heat, literally. We've learned that some Department of Education employees went home when their air conditioning didn't work recently. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu
Hawaiian Electric Co. is seeking regulatory approval to build the state's largest solar photovoltaic energy project that would deliver power to the grid at a cost significantly below what the utility pays to generate electricity by burning oil. The 15-megawatt project, planned for a 50-acre undeveloped parcel next to HECO's Kahe Generating Station, would be the first PV facility owned and operated by the utility. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has selected SolarCity to build one of the largest solar farms in Hawaii, a 15-megawatt solar photovoltaic system next to the electric utility’s Kake Generating Station in Leeward Oahu, SolarCity said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Tensions between Hawaiian Electric Co. and the solar industry may be at an all-time high. Last month, HECO informed solar companies that customers in areas where there is already a high concentration of solar could have to pay more for studies and technology upgrades if they want to hook a solar system up to the utility's electric grid. Civil Beat.

Wayne Cordeiro, New Hope Church’s charismatic founding pastor, has collected hefty salaries in recent years, sometimes more than $300,000 a year, according to tax disclosure forms. Critics say Cordeiro’s pay is a reflection of the megachurch’s corporate business model and an indication that the New Hope churches — three of which are embroiled in a lawsuit alleging they underpaid the state for their use of facilities and utilities at schools such as Farrington High — are in fact shortchanging public education.  Civil Beat.

Honolulu transportation officials aim to replace 18 old city buses with new, fuel-efficient models by next week. Star-Advertiser.

An oceanfront hotel or time share could be part of new plans for Hoakalei Resort as part of a developer's move to build a recreational lagoon instead of a small-boat marina at the master-planned community in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

More than 250 acres have been scorched at a Schofield Barracks range from a fire that began more than a week ago. The brush fire flared up again Wednesday morning, blanketing the area in dense smoke. Star-Advertiser.

The new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building on Pearl Harbor's Ford Island is getting a child care center. Associated Press.

Hawaii

A 3rd Circuit Court judge dismissed a case against a Hawaii County official Wednesday because she had not been properly served notice. Councilwoman Brenda Ford, South Kona/Ka‘u, filed a petition against Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd in August, asking the court to compel Leithead Todd to justify her qualifications for the position. West Hawaii Today.

Faced with an almost 300 percent increase proposed in state surcharges on landfill operations, Hawaii County may have to raise tipping fees for commercial garbage haulers, a price hike likely to be passed on to consumers. West Hawaii Today.

Shizuko “Mary,” “Grandma” Teshima, a fixture in the Kona community who exemplified altruism, hard work and entrepreneurship, died Tuesday. She was 106. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Six hearings on a proposed bill to permit and regulate home-based businesses in certain zoning districts will be held throughout the county by the Maui County Council Planning Committee. Maui News.

The Planning Committee will hold six public meetings from Monday, Oct. 28, to Dec. 3 to receive input on the pending Home Business Bill, Councilmember Don Couch announced last week. Maui Weekly.

The Maui Planning Commission approved a special management area permit Tuesday for a T.J. Maxx store and another retail building on the southwest corner of the Maui Mall. Maui News.

A federal jury Tuesday found two Maui women guilty of conspiracy and mail fraud offenses tied to a scheme by a Hawaiian sovereignty group that bilked about 200 financially strapped residents of a total of $468,000. Star-Advertiser.

A U.S. District Court jury took a few hours Tuesday to convict two Maui residents of using Hawaiian sovereignty claims to bilk approximately 200 people out of nearly $468,000 in fees charged for a bogus debt-elimination program. Maui News.

A federal jury found two Maui residents guilty of conspiracy and mail fraud for offenses stemming from a “marketing of a debt elimination scheme” carried out through their involvement in the group known as Ko HawaiÊ»i Pae Ê»Aina, the Registry and HawaiÊ»iloa Foundation, according to the US Attorney’s Office in HawaiÊ»i. Maui Now.

Kauai

A bill to repeal the last existing building ordinance created after Hurricane Iniki is a concern for those wanting the Coco Palms Resort returned to its former glory. Garden Island.

The state is projecting big things for the County of Kauai. Specifically, it thinks The Garden Isle will outpace neighboring islands when it comes to industry and occupational growth by 2020. Garden Island.

The state has proposed spending nearly $2 million restoring a 100-foot section of eroded stream bank on Kauai's Hanalaei River. The Department of Land and Natural Resources says a breach dating back to the mid-1990s is polluting the environment, degrading the stream and reef and reducing water flows to nearby taro fields and wildlife refuge. Associated Press.



Tuesday, April 9, 2013

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

courtesy photo via Wikipedia
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.


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Hula is good for your health, state pays millions in special ed cases, UH loses Maui supercomputer contract, Big Island agri-tourism bill aired, Public Land Development Corp. unpopular, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2012 All Hawaii News
Hawaii hula girls (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Hula practitioners have long touted the health benefits of Hawaii's signature dance form. Now, thanks to a new study on the rehabilitative potential of hula for heart patients, they have the science to support their claims. Star-Advertiser.

The state has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a landmark lawsuit filed by a couple who alleged the Department of Education failed to provide their daughters with appropriate autism-specific services during the girls' formative years in the 1990s. Star-Advertiser.

The Public Land Development Corp. was created last year as an arm of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to partner with the private sector to make better use of state property. But the PLDC's launch has been undermined by a poorly articulated description of its mission and suspicion from environmentalists and some Native Hawaiian activists that it would open the door to shadowy development interests. Star-Advertiser.

The race between Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle for Sen. Daniel Akaka’s U.S. Senate seat has both local and national implications. Civil Beat.

What lessons can be learned from the University of Hawaii's handling of the botched Stevie Wonder concert? The State Senate may try to answer that question. KHON2.

State roundup for Aug. 29. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu awarded more than $75 million in new rail-related design and professional services contracts in the weeks before the rail project was halted by a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling, state procurement records show. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rapid transit chief Dan Grabauskas told the City Council two weeks ago that 75 per cent of necessary archeological surveys along the rail route remain to be done and won’t be completed until the end of this year. Hawaii Reporter.

State Sen. Carol Fukunaga filed nomination papers on Tuesday to run for the Honolulu City Council's District 6 seat vacated earlier this month by congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu City Council committee voted unanimously to advance a measure setting a procedure to suspend a Council member without pay for up to a month if colleagues determine he or she has violated order or decorum of a Council meeting. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council appears to be on the verge of approving a bill to legalize the peddling of goods on Mo’ili’ili sidewalks. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Supreme Court has dismissed a primary election challenge filed by a losing candidate for Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu paramedics are learning new tactics to combat Hawaii's growing sex trafficking problem. KITV4.

A breakdown of Honolulu Police Department overtime costs for special protection details. Civil Beat.

Agriculture theft is a growing concern on Oahu's North Shore. KHON2.

More than one in five Honolulu residents is classified as a young adult, with nearly 22 percent of Oahu’s population falling into the 20- to 34-year-old demographic, according to an analysis of Census data. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Civil Beat said Tuesday that it has hired Jayson Harper as general manager of the online news operation. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
A proposal to create new rules for small agri-tourism enterprises has generated so much controversy that County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has scheduled a public hearing Tuesday to air residents’ concerns. West Hawaii Today.

Goodfellow Bros. submitted the apparent low bid to build the western end of Saddle Road. West Hawaii Today.

A West Hawaii legislator would like to see a moratorium on approving new power purchase agreements that do not decrease the cost of electricity until the state irons out details on how it should pursue its renewable energy goals. West Hawaii Today.

County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Monday declined to attend a meeting on Oahu on the use of voting machines. Big Island Now.

The Weather Channel’s new series “Hawaii Air Rescue” follows Hawaii Life Flight crews. West Hawaii Today.

Ever wonder what happens on those medevac flights that take patients from the Big Island to Oahu? Tribune-Herald.

For the 50th annual Merrie Monarch Festival, which kicks off March 31, in Hilo, the festival committee, led by President Luana Kawelu, wanted to do something different. They’re going back to the festival’s roots. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The University of Hawaii has lost the biggest contract in the school's history, worth tens of millions of dollars, to run a supercomputer center on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Tennessee Judge Larry Potter, who created one of the nation's first environmental courts, was invited to Maui on Saturday as the keynote speaker in a daylong conference hosted by Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful to try to establish the state's first environmental court in Maui County, organizers of the event, Laulima 2012, said. Maui News.

Will Spence, the planning director for the County of Maui, will discuss land use matters at a public informational meeting in Hana on Thursday, August 30. Maui Now.

Maui County is moving ahead with plans to build a $4.5 million rock seawall to protect its Wailuku-Kahului sewage treatment plant from erosion eating away at the beach fronting the facility. Maui News.

Kauai
Kauai County taxpayers are forking over tens of thousands of dollars to settle claims of racial discrimination filed by current and former employees of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Civil Beat.

The popularity of cars utilizing sources other than gasoline has skyrocketed, said Pat Iwasaki of Kaua‘i Toyota during the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair. Garden Island.

Clarissa Chun, London Olympics bronze medalist in women’s wrestling, challenged Kaua‘i High School students to find a passion about what you want to do and stick to it. Garden Island.