Showing posts with label surf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surf. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

More schools qualify for free meals, 8 Hawaiian birds listed as extinct, Red Hill defueling commences, Lahaina students return to school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More Hawaii Schools Qualify For Free Meal Programs But The State May Not Participate. Recent changes to a federal program could allow for a significant expansion of free school meals in Hawaii, but it's unclear if the state will opt in. Civil Beat.

Food prices increase going into the holidays. Food prices have increased from this time last year, and it is likely prices will remain high going into the holidays, so how much will people be paying for some holiday staples? KHON2.

Federal government lists 8 Hawaiian birds as extinct. The eight bird species, all forest honeycreepers, include the Kauai akialoa, Kauai nukupuu, Kauai oo, kamao or large Kauai thrush, Maui akepa, Maui nukupuu, Molokai creeper and poouli, also known as the black-faced honeycreeper. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

High surf warning posted for first huge swell of the winter surf season. The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the warning will be in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m. Wednesday for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai, and the north shores of Maui. Hawaii News Now.

WWII Marine and hero laid to rest at Punchbowl 80 years after his death. Nearly 80 years after Marine Sgt. Arthur Ervin died fighting on Saipan, he was laid to rest Monday in a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HECO Seeking $2M From HART For Work Done On Canceled Substation.
The substation is no longer needed based on the rail authority's latest projections on power usage and deferral of the Pearl Highlands parking garage. Civil Beat.

Red Hill defueling operation officially underway.
On Monday morning Joint Task Force Red Hill, the military organization responsible for draining the tanks at the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, officially began the defueling process. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Newly-unearthed letter from Akaka offers evidence of Red Hill leaks 2 decades ago. In 2006, the late U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka questioned a high ranking military official about the viability of the Red Hill underground fuel storage tanks. Hawaii News Now.

New homeless program in ʻEwa aims to serve children and their families. Hale Kipa unveiled Thursday the 'Ohana Resilience Services program at Hale Kū Ola, located at Renton Road. The goal is to provide children and their families with a place of refuge and additional services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Did construction start at TMT site? Land board to mull the question next month. After months of delays, the question of whether construction work on the Thirty Meter Telescope has begun will be answered in November. Tribune-Herald.

BLNR approves transition of Hilo lots into affordable housing. About 35 acres of state land around Hilo and Kalaoa will be set aside to Hawaii County for affordable housing development. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County seeks information on vehicles damaged or destroyed in wildfires. Maui County is requesting information from vehicle owners to help identify fire-damaged or destroyed vehicles found on public roadways and other right-of-way areas following the August wildfires.  Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Lahainaluna High School Students Are Met With Celebrations As They Return To Campus.
Classes resumed despite lingering concerns about air quality due to the nearby burn zone. Lahaina's intermediate and elementary schools also are reopening this week. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric extends moratorium on disconnections for Maui customers. Hawaiian Electric has extended the suspension of service disconnections for all Maui customers through at least Nov. 6. Maui Now.

Housing shuffle vexes Lahaina fire evacuees.  Paul Maloney, his wife, Sandra, and their Pomeranian, Zeus, are about to move for the eighth time since the Aug. 8 wildfire that swept through Lahaina killing up to 98 people and destroying about 2,200 buildings, mostly homes. Star-Advertiser.

Maui police identify Lahaina resident, 61, as latest fire fatality.  The 97th victim out of 98 confirmed fatalities from the Aug. 8 wildfire has been identified as Michael Misaka, 61, of Lahaina — leaving just one victim’s identity yet to be announced. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Shark bites surfer at Hanalei Bay on Sunday. The first confirmed shark attack of the year on Kaua‘i was reported on Sunday afternoon after a surfer’s leg was bitten by a large shark at Hanalei Bay. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

State, feds one step closer to protecting native forest birds on Kauaʻi from mosquito-borne diseases.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are one step closer to protecting native forest birds on Kauaʻi from mosquito-borne diseases with their proposal to employ the incompatible insect technique to reduce mosquito populations. Kauai Now.




Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Green's first budget targets health care, administration looks at housing crisis, $17M for Native Hawaii broadband project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green’s First Budget Proposal Focuses On Hawaii’s Health Care System.  State Spending in Gov. Josh Green’s first year is expected to increase about $666 million over the current fiscal year, which ends in June. General fund expenditures of $9.1 billion this fiscal year are estimated to rise to more than $9.8 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.

The FB 2023-25 Executive Biennium Budget. Budget in Brief. Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance.

Full budget documents can be found here.

Here’s How The Green Administration Plans To Tackle Hawaii’s Housing Shortage. Converting vacation rentals into homes, targeting areas with infrastructure already in place for new construction, and collaborating with counties and private business are some of the options on the table. Civil Beat.

New Hawaii housing director focuses on easing affordable-housing process.
The state’s new chief housing coordinator, Nani Medeiros, has a poster-size graphic on her office wall that represents the many thoughts she has about how to add more affordable housing across the islands by working with the counties to eliminate unnecessary regulations, offering incentives to builders, updating outdated state rules and getting incoming state directors to think about how their disparate departments can contribute to the goals. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian communities to get $17M to expand broadband. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will receive nearly $17.3 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday in a news release. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Maui Now.  KHON2.

The state plans to manage nearshore waters — and local fishermen want a 'seat at the table' .  The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has a plan to manage more than a quarter of Hawaiʻi's nearshore waters — but some local fishermen fear it will add more restrictions to gathering rights. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management holding virtual workshop for hazard mitigation plan. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency is holding a virtual workshop on Dec. 20, asking members of the public to help it build a safer Hawai‘i. Kauai Now.

Winter storm batters state with heavy rains and strong winds. Heavy rains and strong winds battered parts of the state Monday as a powerful winter storm moved over the islands, triggering power outages, bringing down trees and closing roads. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hawaii delegation demands federal probe into Red Hill leaks. Hawaii’s congressional delegation today called for an independent investigation into the release of toxic fire suppressant chemicals at the Navy’s Red Hill fuel storage facility, writing in a letter to Gene Dodaro, the comptroller general of the Government Accountability Office, that “the recent events in Hawaii demonstrate the need for a thorough audit to ensure that Hawaii’s people, land, water and ocean are all protected.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Trace levels of PFOS detected in water system near Waipio. The Hawaii Department of Health today said trace levels of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid – or PFOS — were recently detected in water samples collected from the Kipapa Acres water system in Central Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Businessman wants Hawaii residents to help name his beef. Idaho billionaire Frank VanderSloot, owner of Honolulu Meat Co. LLC, whose humble beginnings in northern Idaho include milking cows and sleeping in an attic, offered to change the name printed on his retail beef business from Kua ‘Aina and Kua ‘Aina Ranches. He’s holding a community contest to rename the firm. Star-Advertiser.

Storm damage closes city facilities, public pool.  Crews are beginning to clean up after a winter storm barreled over the state. The city said it got about 38 calls for downed trees or branches. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Green wants $50M for HMC: Hospital expansion among new governor’s top funding requests. Gov. Josh Green is seeking $50 million for the expansion of Hilo Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit and Medical Surgical Unit. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Hilo man arrested after illegal planting of coconut palms in East Hawai‘i recreation area. A Hilo man was arrested on Sunday after attempting to plant 165 keiki coconut palms in the middle of the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. This is the fourth time over the past nine years Gene Tamashiro has been cited or arrested for leading the planting of the so-called “Kanaka Garden.” Big Island Now. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Maui

Business Owners Sue Maui County After Racking up $1.2 Million In Fines. Paia Gelato’s 15-year permitting saga is an example of broader challenges facing the planning department. Civil Beat.

Hazardous conditions along Hāna Highway, travel restricted to local traffic. Continuing stormy conditions throughout Maui County have resulted in unsafe driving conditions along Hāna Highway.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Surf is up: Dangerously large breaking waves of 30 to 40 feet for Kaua’i and Ni’ihau. The very strong breaking waves and powerful currents can impact coastal properties, infrastructure and vulnerable coastal roadways.  Kauai Now.

Monday, July 18, 2022

Huge south swell batters Hawaii, SECNAV in Hawaii to observe RIMPAC, permit lag stymies Honolulu solar installation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Like a tsunami’: Huge south swell sends waves crashing into homes, businesses. Oceanfront communities around the state started clean-up efforts Sunday, a day after a huge south swell sent waves crashing into homes, businesses and roadways. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Navy secretary in Hawaii to observe RIMPAC. U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro is in Hawaii this week to observe Rim of the Pacific exercises as the first step of a multinational tour of the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC sinking exercise: live fire sinks decommissioned vessel north of Kauaʻi. Live fire from Rim of the Pacific 2022 partner nation ships and aircraft sank the decommissioned ex-USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) July 12, in waters 15,000 feet deep, 50 nautical miles north of Kauaʻi. Maui Now. Garden Island.

2 sailors injured in engine fire aboard Peruvian ship participating in RIMPAC. Two Peruvian sailors suffered burns during RIMPAC exercises Sunday and were airlifted to a hospital on Oahu. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates For Governor Describe Hawaii’s Correctional System As ‘Deplorable’. Both Kai Kahele and Vicky Cayetano said they would explore new opportunities for using the governor’s clemency powers if elected. Civil Beat.

The Top Hawaii LG Candidates Have Spent $2 Million Telling Voters Who They Are. Keith Amemiya was the top fundraiser through the first six months of 2022, but was outspent by state Rep. Sylvia Luke. Civil Beat.

Tourism, homelessness up for discussion at Native Hawaiian convention. More than 150 guests and 1,500 attendees are expected at this week’s Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s 21st annual Native Hawaiian Convention, where wide-ranging discussions are planned for everything from sustainable tourism to homelessness. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

New law hikes fines for cellphone use while driving. The measure raised the fine for the use of a cellphone or mobile electronic device while driving from $250 to $300. In addition, if the infraction takes place while driving in a school zone or construction area, the penalty is hiked from $300 to $400. Tribune-Herald.

988 suicide hotline launches:
Hawaii joins nation with 3-digit number for mental health, substance use crises. The new phone number will help increase access to Hawaii CARES, a free mental health and substance use call center that links experts in the field to those in need. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii News Now.

Number of long-COVID cases continues growing, potentially affecting Hawaii workforce. An estimated 10% to 30% of people who contract the coronavirus will develop long COVID, according to Dr. Dominic Chow, a physician with Queen’s Post COVID Recovery and Care Clinic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Has Plenty Of Pregnancy Resource Centers That Offer Alternatives To Abortion. But some doctors are concerned that the efforts will confuse and mislead women as they navigate a post-Roe world. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Nonprofit pulls out of Waikiki pavilion amid rise criminal activity. Mounting crime and increased homelessness in Waikiki have prompted the nonprofit Pacific Island Beach Boys to pull out of a concession at one of the four Kuhio Beach pavilions, which the city has used for the past several years as a tool to increase safety in the district. Star-Advertiser.

Companies pull back on solar installations for townhouses. Many Oahu solar companies have stopped taking on townhouse clients due to the long wait for building permit approval from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

‘No Parking’: Lanikai Residents Take Traffic Woes Into Their Own Hands. The Honolulu City Council asked the transportation department for a plan to mitigate the parking problems in the popular beachside neighborhood. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Lava buyouts begin: Five first phase applicants close deals with county. The Voluntary Housing Buyout Program allows owners of properties that were isolated, damaged or destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption to sell their land to the county, which purchases the parcels using funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Tribune-Herald.

Council seeks answers about homeless program. The county Housing Office and representatives of an island nonprofit are being asked to justify programs at a Kailua-Kona homeless shelter after several West Hawaii council members balked at extending a lease arrangement for up to five more years. West Hawaii Today.

Two libraries slated for Puna: New Pahoa facility likely will be located at proposed transit hub. Attached to this year’s state budget, roughly $2 million was allocated to build a new library in Keaau. Another state library, for the lower Puna area, is being considered alongside a county transit hub as part of a co-location for both facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Spending report: Bissen, Victorino lead mayoral candidates in campaign funds
. Maui County mayoral candidate Richard Bissen Jr. raised nearly $252,000 in the last two months, about four times as much as his nearest competitor, incumbent Mayor Michael Victorino, who brought in $62,153.12 in contributions during the same period from April 26 to June 30. Maui News.

Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force reports high bacteria levels at five Maui sites. Five locations on Maui have high levels of enterococcus bacteria, according to samples taken on July 13, as part of a citizen scientist program conducted monthly by the Surfrider Foundation. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Voters Rarely Elect Women To County Council. Will That Change This Election? Unlike other counties, Kauai’s council has never had a female majority. Experts say voter bias isn’t to blame. Civil Beat.

Swell smashes South Shore. County and state officials are urging the public to stay away from the shorelines along Po‘ipu and other areas on the South Shore and west-facing beaches because significant wave run-ups on roadways and into properties near shore have been reported. Garden Island.

Monday, February 11, 2019

Hawaii mops up after winter storm, Senate rejects marijuana edibles, Honolulu public-private rail partnership 4 months behind schedule, Big Island gets half the recovery money, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Strong winds are expected to ease on Monday after a potent winter storm pummeled the state just a day prior, toppling trees onto cars, sending waves washing onto roadways and triggering widespread power outages throughout the day. Hawaii News Now.

Although a statewide high wind warning has been canceled, a high surf warning is in effect for all islands along with scattered weather warnings and advisories as the low-pressure system passes north of Hawaii Island this morning. Star-Advertiser.

The bulk of the windy conditions is over for the islands. As a strong area of low pressure will lift northeastward and away from the state over the next couple of days, resulting in diminishing winds. KHON2.

PHOTOS: Wild winds and surf rock the Aloha State. KITV.

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Senate committee rejects sale of marijuana edibles. Star-Advertiser.

Should Hawaii Tax Carbon Emissions To Combat Climate Change? Several measures in the Legislature give the public a chance to weigh in on what could be a sweeping environmental policy reform. Civil Beat.

A bill to create a Hawaii Aerospace Development Corporation appears grounded for this legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

A  Senate panel Friday deferred a decision on whether to advance a controversial bill that would shut down the commercial collection of aquarium fish in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The gender of Hawaii residents would no longer be included on limited-purpose driver’s licenses under a bill Hawaii lawmakers advanced Wednesday that aims to protect transgender people from discrimination. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers Hit With $1.1 Million Tab After State Settles Lawsuits. Civil Beat.

DOE, OIA respond to ACLU's federal lawsuit alleging Title IX violations. An update on the federal lawsuit the ACLU filed against the state Department of Education on December 6, 2018. KITV.

Commentary: As U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard struggles to right her faltering campaign for president, deafening in their silence are fellow Hawaii Democratic politicians who have been slow to back the hometown candidate. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city’s critically important effort to launch a public-private partnership to complete the Honolulu rail project is running nearly four months behind the schedule mapped out by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation last year, but the head of the rail authority says the effort is still on track. Star-Advertiser.

The city’s two newest tools aimed at curbing homeless activity have unspecified legal problems that are preventing their enforcement, nearly four months after they became law. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless at Oneula Beack Park, also known as "Hau Bush,” say they were warned on Friday to get their vehicles out because the area will now be blocked off by boulders. The announcement comes the day after a sweep and heated town hall meeting, in which Ewa Beach residents complained that the park is overrun with rowdy squatters, dumping, and crime. Hawaii News Now.

Three Oahu areas named 'Worst cities to live in America'. The cities that made the list are said to have high crime rates, poverty, "weak job markets and little in the way of entertainment options or cultural attractions." KITV.

Hawaii lawmakers have reopened a debate over Kakaako building heights by proposing to allow at least two exceptionally tall towers. Star-Advertiser.

Birds escape from zoo enclosure after wind knocks tree onto cage. Two African ground hornbills escaped from their enclosure at the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Calls for a shakeup at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Thirty current and former employees are calling for CEO Lisa Fowler's resignation. They formed a group called "People for Animals First." KITV.

East Honolulu school goes green with culture shift in the cafeteria. It’s lunch time at Mary, Star of the Sea School in Kahala. Plastic forks and water bottles are no where sight. Instead the kids use stainless steel trays and utensils. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A bill to provide $60 million in additional disaster aid to Hawaii County cleared four state House committees Friday with some strings attached. Tribune-Herald.

House lawmakers Friday approved a lava and flood disaster aid package for Hawaii County that includes $20 million the county can use as the local match for federal disaster assistance, and another $40 million in loans from the state to the county. Star-Advertiser.

A joint House Committee today voted to amend a bill to provide disaster relief funding for Hawaii County in the amount of $60 million, less than half the amount requested by the County at the beginning of the 2019 legislative session. Big Island Video News.

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Years of neglect led to Hawaii County spending $618,000 to rent last-minute daily substitute buses in December alone, but the Mass Transit Agency is working hard to stop the bleeding, Administrator Brenda Carreira told the County Council last week. West Hawaii Today.

A charter amendment that would have cut the annual open-space preservation set-aside from 2.25 percent of property tax revenues to 1 percent will not be on the 2020 ballot, following a failing vote Friday by the county Charter Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A proposal to put a land fund reduction to a public vote in 2020 failed at the Hawaii County Charter Commission on Friday. Big Island Video News.

Bills take on helicopter noise. Helicopter noise has long been a concern for many Big Island residents. Tribune-Herald.

The Kona Historical Society is moving forward with plans to construct a community gallery at its main campus in Kealakekua. West Hawaii Today.

A federal program could bring new money to parts of Kailua-Kona and Hilo by encouraging investment in low-income communities across the country dubbed Opportunity Zones. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Multiple Parking Violations at Hookipa Amid Mega Surf. Maui Now.

Restoration of forest key to fire control, expert says. Over the past century, there’s been a fourfold increase in the annual amount of acreage burned in Hawaii. Maui News.

A piece of Maui's housing market slumped in January, but median prices for homes sold last month were up modestly, according to industry data. Star-Advertiser.

40 years later, mystery still surrounds the Sarah Joe and its five Hana fishermen who didn’t return. Maui News.

Kauai

A proposed measure in the state House aiming to change the state’s water-use permitting system passed through a committee hearing on Friday, and the hearing’s public testimony threw the spotlight onto Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

The Kauai Lifeguard Association’s goal is to help save lives. And they do so while trying to further an “Ocean-Minded Community.” Garden Island.

Two abandoned cars have been taking up space in the dirt parking lot by Wailua Beach Park. Garden Island.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Photos, videos, news: All the latest on Hurricane Lane from media sources all across the state. Be prepared, stay safe!


Although Lane has been downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, it still remains an extremely dangerous storm headed north toward Oahu. Packing maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and located about 180 miles south of Honolulu and 145 miles west-southwest of Kailua-Kona, Lane was headed north at 5 mph at 5 a.m. today, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

Over 1,500 residents move to emergency shelters as Hurricane Lane triggers rains, flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Lane is weakening as it continues its slow march toward the island chain, but forecasters warn the cyclone is expected to remain a hurricane as it moves over or comes "dangerously close" to portions of the state through Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Lane weakens to category 2 as it continues to move north towards the state. KHON2.

Hurricane Lane weakens to Category 3 storm, rains still a concern. KITV.

LIST: Hurricane Lane impacts roads across the state. Hawaii News Now.

LIST: Active power outages reported across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Lane: Live Updates. Civil Beat.

FEMA already on the ground with food, water and supplies. Brock Long, administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Thursday that his agency has made a lot of changes in the way it is responding to Hurricane Lane based on the lessons learned in Puerto Rico last year. Star-Advertiser.

State emergency officials have activated a disaster medical response team in anticipation of severe weather throughout the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hospitals, Clinics Prepare to Provide Care During Storm. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 800 people evacuate from hurricane. Star-Advertiser.

Drivers race for fuel as supply dwindles. Around 100 or more gas stations were closed Thursday largely for safety precautions ahead of harmful weather from Hurricane Lane that began to hit Hawaii island Thursday and is expected next for Maui County and then Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

What’s closed, postponed or rescheduled in Hawaii in anticipation of Hurricane Lane. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor industry prepares to hunker down. As Hurricane Lane, Hawaii’s most unwelcome guest, prepared to unpack dangerous wind and flooding across the state, the visitor industry scrambled to get hospitality workers to their jobs and get some 270,000 tourists back home or safe inside. Star-Advertiser.

Despite closure of Hawaii ports, supplies are waiting, ready to be delivered. Hawaii News Now.

State economists are forecasting that Hawaii will grow this year at a slower pace than projected. The economy is now expected to expand 1.5 percent in 2018, according to the latest quarterly report released Wednesday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The previous forecast was for 1.9 percent growth. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Lane’s turn west not assured, so next 24 hours will be crucial for Oahu, meteorologist says. Star-Advertiser.

HECO responding to multiple power outages throughout Oahu. KHON2.

A call center has been set up for Oahu residents with questions or concerns ahead of Lane's strongest impacts. Hawaii News Now.

Fear The Hurricane? Not These Hardy Tourists. “We’re the hurricane that hit Honolulu,” says one visitor who arrived in Honolulu with a large extended family. Civil Beat.

As Hurricane Lane approaches Oahu, there are no safeguards in place if the Ala Wai Canal tops its banks and causes major flooding in Waikiki and the surrounding areas. Star-Advertiser.

Many Homeless People Are Choosing To Ride Out The Storm. Outreach workers ramped up efforts to alert the homeless about Hurricane Lane, but some opted to stay in encampments. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The hurricane warning for Hawaii island was downgraded to a tropical storm warning late Thursday afternoon, but the torrential rain that soaked the windward side this week are expected to continue and might even drench portions of the island through the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

VIDEO: Hurricane Lane – Flash Flood Dangers Continue For Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

Tropical storm conditions and hurricane conditions continue to be a possibility today and tonight as Hurricane Lane churns its way toward the islands. The category 3 storm is expected to pass close to the main islands today, still as a hurricane, bringing damaging winds, according to the National Weather Service. West Hawaii Today.

Civil defense administrator Talmadge Magno gave a rundown on impacts - thus far - from Hurricane Lane, churning to the south southwest of the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Deluge from Hurricane Lane prompts rescues, road closures. Tribune-Herald.

Seven rescued from Hurricane Lane flooding. Tribune-Herald.

A Windward Drenching, But No Wind Damage Yet. UPDATED: The drenching closes some roads and causes landslides, but strong winds had been reported as of 6:30 p.m. Civil Beat.

Deluge brings water-gawkers out in force. As rain from Hurricane Lane doused the island Thursday, curious onlookers drove over half-flooded streets to watch swollen rivers churn into the ocean despite repeated warnings from county officials to stay off the roads. Tribune-Herald.

Wave riders take advantage of rare opportunity in West Hawaii waters. The National Weather Service office in Honolulu said surf on the island’s west side topped out at roughly 6 feet, based on reports. West Hawaii Today.

Heavy rain from Hurricane Lane caused a wastewater pond at Big Island Dairy to overflow Thursday, sending untreated effluent into a nearby gulch. Jake Mecham, dairy business manager, said the farm, located mauka of Ookala village, received nearly 25 inches of rain in 24 hours. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

As Hurricane Lane continued its agonizingly slow approach toward Hawaii, an untold number of Maui visitors scrambled Thursday to deal with storm-related impacts that included canceled flights and closed parks, beaches, shops and restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina brush fire forces relocation of storm shelter, prompts evacuations. Hawaii News Now.

Brush fire on Maui forces evacuation of Lahaina emergency shelter, residents. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Electric Power Outage Updates: 1,990 Lose Power Upcountry. Maui Now.

Stormy weather stalls affordable housing project. Maui News.

Kauai

Waiting for the storm. It was a quiet Thursday around the island as traffic was light and most residents stayed home and visitors stayed in hotels. Garden Island.

When many visitors on Kauai heard Hurricane Lane was barreling their way, they decided to stick it out rather than flee for home. Garden Island.

Red Cross rises to the challenge. After a 12-hour flight from Ohio and a three-hour layover in Honolulu Wednesday, Jan Dayton deboarded the plane at Lihue Airport and headed straight for the Red Cross shelter at Church of the Pacific in Princeville. Garden Island.

Due to Hurricane Lane, cargo flights between Oahu and Kauai have been grounded Thursday and Friday night. Because The Garden Island is printed at Oahu Publications Inc.’s press in Kapolei and delivered to Kauai on those cargo flights, it means TGI’s Friday and Saturday newspapers will not be delivered to homes or available at news stands. Garden Island.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Former Gov. Lingle takes job with Illinois governor, military in Hawaii: love it or lose it, marijuana decriminalization on legislative agenda, doc shortage worsens, broadband lagging, breathing life into Coco Palms, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Former Gov. Linda Lingle in 2012 campaign © 2015 All Hawaii News
n a move that could signal the end of her political career in Hawaii, former Gov. Linda Lingle on Thursday was tapped by the new Republican governor of Illinois to serve as a senior adviser working to help turn around that state's sinking finances. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is headed for Illinois to serve as the chief operating officer for Gov. Bruce Rauner. Civil Beat.

Legislative leaders from the Hawaii House of Representatives say they plan to focus on fixing infrastructure, encouraging business and increasing participation in government in the new legislative session. Associated Press.

House Democrats held a news conference Thursday afternoon at the Capitol to announce the majority caucus legislative package but offered little in the way of details about any of the priorities they plan to focus on this session, which convened Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers in Hawaii are beginning to introduce a series of bills that aim to make marijuana more freely available in the state. A bill to decriminalize marijuana is currently being drafted, said Sen. Will Espero, chairman of the Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee. That bill would reduce punishment for using marijuana to a civil violation instead of a felony, he said. Associated Press.

Genetically Modified or Engineered crops will be a hot topic at the Legislature this session. And lawmakers could learn from a Hawai’i State Bar Association forum that looked at the issue from a purely legal standpoint. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s doctor shortage is getting worse, and it’s getting especially difficult to find a physician on neighboring islands. Associated Press.

Feverish and aching patients continue to inundate Hawaii's overstressed health care system during a flu season that has no end in sight. Star-Advertiser.

One boat sank, several beaches around the state were closed, and state facilities on Hawaii island sustained minor damage from high surf that is expected to stick around statewide until 6 p.m. Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: The Army in Hawaii: Fight to Save It, Prepare to Lose It. Business leaders are right to pull out all the stops to preserve the Army's Hawaii presence at its current level, but we also need to start thinking about what comes next if major cuts are made. Civil Beat.

Opinion: A case for army downsizing in Hawaii. Why the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and our Congressional delegates have it wrong. Hawaii Independent.

Broadband internet access is both a luxury for modern entertainment and a necessity for business. But Hawaii is falling behind when it comes to fast connections. Hawaii Public Radio.

The University of Hawaii is studying the possibility of selling off investments in companies that produce fossil fuels. The university's Board of Regents on Thursday appointed a task group to examine the feasibility and desirability of such a move. Associated Press.

On Thursday, Yelp released its second annual list of Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., and eight Hawaii eateries have made the cut. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s desire to protect $210 million in federal bus funding means the city’s $6 billion rail project needs even more money than officials had recently announced. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police and prosecutors have gotten tough on suspected pimps — more than 45 times tougher than three years ago. Civil Beat.

Two high-profile employees at the Hawaii Theatre Center will lose their jobs Jan. 31 as part of a plan to reduce costs that have left the Chinatown venue in the red for the past five years. Star-Advertiser.

Paying around $3 a gallon for gas thrills most Honolulu drivers, but it's less of a joy when you learn the average cost should be $2.49 if our prices had dropped as much as they did on the mainland in the last year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council has entered a new era of accessibility to the public — starting today, council and committee meetings will be streamed live on the county’s website. West Hawaii Today.

A settlement is in the works between Hawaii County and the state Department of Health, which last year fined the county more than $350,000 for violations at two landfills. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island’s doctor shortage grew by 17 percent in the last year. The need for physicians in 2014 was estimated at 554, but only 327 were practicing on the island, according to the latest figures from the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Area Health Education Center. That puts the island’s shortage at 41 percent of its need, far ahead of the statewide shortage of 24 percent. Tribune-Herald.

More than a dozen West Hawaii beaches were closed Thursday because of warning-level surf aloha west-facing shores of the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui Mayor's Office of Economic Development issued over $4.64 million in grant funds to local organizations over the last six months. Pacific Business News.

Homeless shelters have effectively become affordable housing on Maui, according to governmental and nonprofit agencies speaking at a panel discussion Wednesday night at the Maui Economic Opportunity Conference Room. Maui News.

After moving its monthly meeting Wednesday to the University of Hawaii Maui College, the Maui Police Commission had its biggest public turnout in more than a year. Maui News.

If Maui County residents think it's tough to get a doctor appointment now, then just wait - a statewide physician's shortage will worsen as nearly a third of Hawaii's practicing doctors have reached retirement age, according to a University of Hawaii study submitted to state lawmakers this week. Maui News.

Kauai

As a place that once served as the home of Kauai’s last reigning queen, Deborah Kapule Kekaiha‘akulou, and the backdrop for the 1961 film “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis Presley, there is no dearth of historical features at Coco Palms Resort. Preserving that history while paving the way for a new Coco Palms Resort, however, is a question that several state and county agencies are still wrestling with. Garden Island.

A circuit court judge Tuesday ruled in favor of the County of Kauai and the Planning Commission in response to the county’s lawsuit against a Hanalei resident’s unpermitted boatyard operation. Garden Island.

A mariner’s union said a lawsuit filed against a tug operator for negligence is full of errors. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Japan chips in $12M for Mauna Kea telescope, Gabbard celebrates Mink, Army studies sex assaults, native groups want Hawaiian sovereignty, Honolulu passes $2.2B budget, rail boss takes European tour, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii astronomy
Mauna Kea telescopes courtesy photo
A group building what will be the world's largest and most advanced optical telescope atop Mauna Kea says the Japanese government has allocated key funding for the construction of the project. The Thirty Meter Telescope said Wednesday the Japanese parliament last month approved a budget including more than $12 million for the telescope. Associated Press.

Alaska natives and American Indians, groups recognized by the federal government as indigenous people with the right to self-determination, reaffirmed support for Hawaii officials' efforts to gain similar status for Native Hawaiians as congressional delegations from both states met Tuesday to discuss ways to continue working together for the mutual benefit of the only two noncontiguous states. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Army Pacific leadership says preventing sexual assault is their number one priority.  They say commanders have been instructed to investigate every allegation, so that all soldiers know victims will be taken care of and their perpetrators will be held accountable. Hawaii News Now.

Work area inspections and renewed emphasis on prevention are some of the initiatives that the U.S. Army Pacific is taking to combat sexual assaults. A panel of experts held a news conference at Fort Shafter on Wednesday to discuss increased efforts by the command to combat the problem. Star-Advertiser.

US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard paid tribute Tuesday to one of her predecessors at an event celebrating this month’s 41st anniversary of the signing of Title IX legislation. The late Rep. Patsy Mink, a Democrat from Hawaii, was a co-author and the driving force behind the landmark legislation that opened the door to gender equality in sports. Big Island Now.

More local teachers are able to attend a nationally recognized training conference because it's being hosted in Hawaii for the first time. Associated Press.

Lawmakers sneaked a bill through this past session to extend a law that critics say compromises the health and safety of Hawaii’s elderly and disabled. Civil Beat.

State roundup for June 6. Associated Press.

State 6/5. Associated Press.

Oahu

A $2.16 billion operating budget for the coming 2014 fiscal year approved by the City Council on Wednesday is the largest ever for Honolulu. The budget includes no increases in property tax rates and nearly all fees will remain the same. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council approved a budget of more than $2 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. It includes all the money Mayor Kirk Caldwell wanted for sewer and road work. KHON2.

The back-and-forth budget battle between key members of the Honolulu City Council and Mayor Kirk Caldwell wrapped up Wednesday, with much of the focus centered on additional funding for nonprofit groups. KITV4.

A private detective firm has been hired by Mayor Kirk Caldwell's administration to help city officials with an internal review into an $8 million federal grant issued to a controversial nonprofit company. Star-Advertiser.

Dan Grabauskas, the executive director and CEO of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, just returned from a business trip to Europe that he said could save the city millions of dollars on the rail-transit project and help the transit agency make better decisions when it comes to building it. Pacific Business News.

This week’s edition of the Honolulu Weekly contains a letter from the publisher announcing the end of the popular newspaper.  The Weekly’s editor and others, however, are banding together for a new venture. Hawaii Public Radio.

Read Honolulu Weekly's closing letter here.

High surf combined with summer school break and thousands of visitors contributed to a high number of rescues along Oahu's South Shore Wednesday, city Ocean Safety Division officials said. More than 120 people were rescued in Waikiki alone, including multiple numbers who were carried to safety on personal watercraft. Star-Advertiser.

On Wednesday, lifeguards rescued 123 people from high surf in Waikiki and conducted 739 preventative actions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members on Wednesday clashed over, but eventually approved, new contracts for unionized county employees. West Hawaii Today.

Condominium prices on the Big Island jumped by 37.5 percent last month, while single-family home prices remained the same, compared to last year, according to statistics released Wednesday by the Hawaii Information Service. Pacific Business News.

The 133,000-acre Army facility between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa has made its land much more available to hunters over the last year, allowing sportsmen greater access to areas not being used for military training. West Hawaii Today.

It may have hit a few snags along the way, but project managers say that the sewer rehabilitation project along Kalanianaole Avenue in Hilo should be complete by the end of the month. Tribune-Herald.

High waves that flooded part of the Kona coastline Tuesday were not the result of any tsunami generated by the earthquake that struck off Hawaii Island's Southeast side about the same time, experts said. Hawaii News Now.

The waves just kept bumpin’ Wednesday providing young and old with plently of swell times in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kahului Airport has received $6 million from the state - $4.75 million for construction and $1.25 million for environmental impact statement studies - to repave a portion of its main runway. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. will hold meetings in Maui County this month to seek public comment on a draft five-year action plan for the utility to meet future energy needs. Maui News.

More than 500 people received free health services in the first day of the Tropic Care Maui clinic that is being offered to individuals across the county through June 12, county officials said. Maui Now.

A 3-day-old fire at the EKO Compost facility was mostly contained Tuesday, with officials estimating that the blaze caused several hundred thousand dollars in damage. Maui News.

Kauai
A 1997 ordinance intended to facilitate the timely rebuilding of structures following the devastation of Hurricane Iniki should be repealed, according to Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Garden Island.

County Planning Director Michael Dahilig outlined to the Kauai County Council Wednesday the Planning Department’s plan to step up enforcement of Transient Vacation Rentals. Garden Island.

Kauai’s North Shore will soon be home to a predator-proof fencing system, similar to the one found at Kaena Point on Oahu. Garden Island.


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Hawaii legislators attendance spotty, Honolulu owes $8M in mismanaged federal funds, Honolulu Weekly suspends publication, former Hawaii County officials cleared in defamation suit, rail company losing contracts, Maui residents get electricity rebate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature
Hawaii Legislature sine die 2013 courtesy photo
Hawaii voters elect their legislators to represent them at the state capitol, but are they showing up to work? The House and Senate have just released their attendance records for the 2013 legislative session. Hawaii Reporter.

Millions spent on out-of-state travel by Dept. of Education. KHON2.

Many ranking administrators at the University of Hawaii will no longer be able to routinely request and receive free tickets to football games and other athletic events under policy guidelines adopted by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission last week. Civil Beat.

Local authorities are split on whether the Supreme Court ruling on DNA sampling requires Hawaii lawmakers to amend the law that covers the genetic sampling of arrestees. In its opinion, the high court said police can obtain DNA samples for a "serious offense." KITV4.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has invited the defense ministers from the 10 countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to Hawaii for their annual meeting next year. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Republican Party Executive Director Dylan Nonaka has a notable, but certainly not relished, distinction. Nokaka, a 31-year-old former U.S. Marine and current U.S. Army reservist, believes he is one of the few individuals in the country to be named by the Internal Revenue Service in its probe of local tea parties. Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation plans to resume providing translations of drivers license tests in eight languages by the end of the year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for June 5. Associated Press.

State 6/5. Associated Press.

Oahu

A scathing 15-page report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development calls on the city to return nearly $8 million in Community Development Block Grant funds it issued to a Wahiawa-area nonprofit organization. Star-Advertiser.

Mismanagement of federal grant funds and how the city will come up with $8 million to repay the feds is expected to be part of Honolulu City Council budget talks on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

How Civil Beat Covered a Scandal City Officials Wanted to Avoid.

The Honolulu City Council will consider today whether the top nonprofit employees overseeing the city's TheBus and TheHandi-Van services should be subject to the same ethics training, ethics policies and civil penalties as city employees. Star-Advertiser.

People can tell the city how they feel about the appeals process for the city's new sidewalk nuisance ordinance at a hearing today in Kapolei. A hearing officer will receive spoken testimony from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room of Kapolei Hale, 1000 Ulu Ohia St. Star-Advertiser.

After months of dealing with technical troubles, Belgian and Dutch railway operators have canceled their contract for high-speed trains from the company hired to provide the trains for the city of Honolulu's planned rail transit system. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Weekly plans to stop publishing today and resume in the fall. The break in publication is due to "financial reasons," according to a posting on the Weekly's Facebook page. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Weekly announced Tuesday that it will go on a “hiatus” for financial reasons, likely until the fall. Wednesday’s issue will be the newspaper’s last issue for the foreseeable future. Pacific Business News.

Lifeguards made more than two dozen ocean rescues Tuesday in Waikiki as waves rose to 6 feet in seasonal South Shore high surf. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A 3rd Circuit Court has dismissed another portion of the defamation lawsuit against two former county officials. Judge Elizabeth Strance, in a ruling issued Tuesday morning, said the attorney representing Elections Division Chief Patricia Nakamoto and former elections employee Shyla Ayau failed to prove former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong and former County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi acted in a “willful and wanton” way in investigating and firing four county elections workers last year. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council will consider tightening its rules on public drinking today in response to an apparent loophole in the county code. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County charter to the contrary, Mayor Billy Kenoi said Tuesday that his appointee to head the Department of Environmental Management doesn’t need an engineering or related degree to qualify for the position. West Hawaii Today.

County finance committee advances vehicle fee hikes. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island nurseries could soon receive a seal of approval from groups trying to control the spread of invasive species. As part of a pilot program, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee will provide “plant pono” certifications to nurseries that follow certain procedures to prevent the importation of unwanted plants and pests. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Electric Co. residential customers will be receiving a refund of about $39 to $49 in the form of a credit on upcoming electric bills, according to a statement from the utility on Monday. Maui News.

Maui Electric Company has been ordered to refund customers due to “inefficient performance” and customer dissatisfaction, following a decision by the Public Utilities Commission. Maui Now.

About 400 United States military personnel have flown to Maui to provide free medical services through the "Tropic Care" program, beginning today and continuing through June 12 at locations throughout Maui County. Maui News.

Lanai Resorts' concept of developing a new resort and building large-lot and company housing at the old Club Lanai location recently was approved by the Lanai Community Plan Advisory Committee, despite some concerns by committee members. Maui News.

Maui firefighters were working through a "slow process" Monday afternoon to extinguish a compost fire that started Sunday afternoon, closed the Central Maui Landfill and recycling operations there and delayed collections of residential trash on most of the Valley Isle. Maui News.

Kauai

EBT concerns cloud skies over farmers markets. Program ends, worries some shoppers. Garden Island.

An exhibit opened its doors Monday afternoon in the Kauai Society of Artists gallery at Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.


Thursday, April 4, 2013

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

copyright 2013 All Hawaii News
Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2013 All Hawaii News
The state House on Wednesday discarded a bill that would have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana after House leaders concluded they lacked the votes to advance the legislation. Star-Advertiser.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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