Honolulu Mayor Carlisle outlines state of the city, Laupahoehoe teachers sue to stop charter school, attorney general launches Main Street Maui probe, tobacco tax could rise again, 5,000 want to be Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and Managing Director Doug Chin courtesy photo

 

 

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle highlighted his administration's achievements and outlined a vision for the city's future that hinges on the $5.27 billion rail project in his State of the City address Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle's second State of the City address Thursday was a tale of two cities.Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle in his State of the City Speech Thursday cast Honolulu's rail project as a choice between the future and the past. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle delivered his second State of the City of Honolulu Address today at the Mission Memorial Auditorium. The hour-long oratory covered his administration’s accomplishments and major priorities in the years ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

After Thursday's State of the City speech the mayor defended the lifting of the city's debt limit above a 20 per cent threshold. KHON2.

Kirk Caldwell, a candidate for Honolulu mayor, released this statement today in response to Mayor Carlisle’s State of the City address. Hawaii Independent.

Some lawmakers want to increase Hawaii's tobacco tax to reduce smoking and oral tobacco use across the state. Associated Press.

Teachers who spend their own money to purchase school supplies would qualify for a tax credit to help offset such out-of-pocket expenses under a bill advanced by a Senate committee Thursday. Associated Press.

Opponents of human trafficking are pushing for passage of a Senate measure that would fine "johns" $5,000 and place the money into a special fund for victims of sex assault and domestic violence. Star-Advertiser.

Major tourism stakeholders seem to agree that the future of Hawaii’s primary economic driver will have to include plenty of growth. Pacific Business News.

The state House Judiciary Committee shelved a bill Thursday that would have allowed dogs to accompany their owners in restaurants at the discretion of restaurant owners and managers. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would give counties the power to open ag lands to be used for overnight accommodations has been deferred at the state House of Representatives. A Senate version of the bill is still alive, waiting for next hearing to be scheduled. Garden Island.

Skateboarders of all ages would be required to wear helmets whenever they ride under a bill that cleared the state House Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The scope of a bill requiring helmets for skateboarders was broadened Thursday, requiring anyone of any age to wear head protection, as the bill passed the House Judiciary Committee. West Hawaii Today.

A bill calls for a five-year moratorium on opihi picking in certain areas, along with restrictions on harvesting times and amounts. Tribune-Herald.

Nepotism, ethics violations, conflicts of interest, abuse, waste and fraud. All are accusations that have been brought against individual charter schools in Hawaii in the last year. Civil Beat.

State roundup for Feb. 24. Associated Press.

Oahu

More than 5,000 people applied for 175 flight attendant positions at Hawaiian Airlines, a record for the company. KITV4.

Closing the Sears store at Ala Moana Center next year will come at a big price -- $250 million, to be exact. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is taking a major leap forward on its road to renewable energy with the start of construction today on the state's largest wind turbine project on Oahu's North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Teachers at Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School filed suit Thursday to halt their school's conversion to a charter school. Tribune-Herald.

All the trappings for a successful grand opening celebration were there Thursday evening when Tulsi Gabbard opened her campaign headquarters at the old Chevrolet dealership across from Hilo Shopping Center. West Hawaii Today.

The Ka'u District Gym and Shelter is on track to meet a tight deadline or risk losing state funding. West Hawaii Today.

Alapaki Nahale-a became chairman of the Hawaiian Home Lands Commission in January 2011, and says it was "kind of shocking" to learn that he was the first chairman in its 100-year history to have been born and raised on Hawaiian Home lands — in Pepeekeo, north of Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says a 4.3 magnitude earthquake was reported in the summit region of Kilauea Volcano. Associated Press.

Maui
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa delivers his State of the County Address at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Maui Now.

Auwahi Wind Energy will go before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday to seek a conservation district use permit to realign Papaka Road on Ulupalakua Ranch land. Maui News.

The state Department of the Attorney General has opened an investigation into the Wailuku Main Street Association, following allegations that officials with the organization withheld information and records from board members. Maui News.

After a traditional Hawaiian blessing of the building and comments from guests, Senator Daniel K. Inouye and dignitaries untied the maile lei to initiate the opening of the new headquarters and visitor center at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Historical Society will host its first Vintage Book Offering and Wine and Cheese Tasting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday in the lobby of the historic County Building. Garden Island.

Molokai
Ten years ago, Mo`omomi was vibrant, green and healthy, with plentiful fish, according to Molokai-born Halealoha Ayau, Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) acting district supervisor for Molokai. Now, he said, the landscape is suffering, resources are being depleted, and the buildings are facing a high level of vandalism and damage. Because of this, Ayau has made a tough decision: erect a gate at Mo`omomi and initiate managed access to the area. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii is the favorite state, political maps continue to draw fire, state Senate mulls Internet sales tax, Honolulu quietly breaches debt limit on rail, Big Island to host Mars training center, Kauai police chief furor continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Child plays at Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A new poll confirms what residents of the Aloha State already knew — Americans love Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie left for Washington, D.C., Wednesday night to attend the 2012 National Governor's Association Winter Meeting. Associated Press.

Residents from all corners of Oahu urged members of the state Reapportionment Commission to make further changes to proposed political boundary maps and make greater effort to keep communities together. Star-Advertiser.

New political boundaries are working toward reality, as the 2011 Reapportionment Commission races to meet a Feb. 29 deadline. Few like the lines; not only do they split up distinct neighborhoods, many say, but two state senators and five sets of state representatives will be forced to face each other should they seek re-election. Civil Beat.

State senators appear poised to pass a measure that would allow Hawaii to tap into millions of dollars in uncollected taxes on Internet sales. Civil Beat.

A Senate committee is hearing a bill today that would establish a tax credit to help offset teachers’ out-of-pocket expenses. Associated Press.

Weaknesses in Hawaii's child pornography laws would be strengthened to address possession of particularly violent or egregious images, under an effort in the Legislature. Associated Press.

The concern over the dwindling supply of opihi has renewed calls for a ban on opihi harvesting. KITV4.

The furor over Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointments to the state water commission isn’t likely to die down any time soon. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Managing Director Douglas Chin quietly approved a request to suspend city debt guidelines last year in a move that clears the way for the extraordinary borrowing necessary to finance the city's $5.27 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s top-paid city job will soon be filled -- the head of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. But public feedback won't be possible before the offer is made.  KHON2.

A look back at what Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle said in his first such speech almost one year ago. Did he make good on his promises? How did his initiatives fare with the Honolulu City Council? Civil Beat.

former U.S. Rep. Ed Case

Hawaii

With the help of cheering supporters, Hawaiian music and fragrant food, a former restaurant was transformed Wednesday into the East Hawaii campaign headquarters for native son and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case. West Hawaii Today.

An unusual flurry of more than 60 small, shallow quakes at Kilauea volcano Wednesday is no cause for alarm, U.S. geologists say. Star-Advertiser.

A seismic swarm can be seen as a precursor to a lava outbreak, but in this case scientists say other factors are at play. Tribune-Herald.

Five homes will be built in just 240 hours this fall by Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii and other volunteers in an effort to increase affordable housing in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii and NASA are on the hunt for participants for a first-of-its-kind habitat study to Mars. NASA has a mission to Mars in its sights, and Hawaii Island is about to play a big part. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A once-luxurious beachfront house that has been left vacant for more than 10 years would be removed and sold to the highest bidder under a proposal by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

Planning for a proposed 4.5 story parking garage in the center of Wailuku town has been put on hold by the County of Maui and future meetings of the design team have been canceled. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Charter Review Commission is scheduled to meet Monday to look at whether Mayor Bernard Carvalho has the authority to keep Police Chief Darryl Perry on leave. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry was working in his office Wednesday afternoon for the first time since Feb. 1, even though the mayor said Wednesday morning the police chief was still on paid leave. Garden Island.

With six small-scale hydroelectric projects, a 12-megawatt solar farm and an island-wide rollout of smart meters all on the horizon, it’s arguably the most significant time in the history of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

Molokai

The nun who served Hansen’s disease patients who were exiled to Kalaupapa for over 30 years will become a saint in a canonization ceremony to take place on Oct. 21 of this year, the Vatican announced last Saturday. Molokai’s Mother Marianne Cope was green-lighted for sainthood by Pope Benedict XVI in December, after confirmation of a second miracle was attributed to her. Molokai Dispatch.

Abercrombie unveils $11.1 billion no-new-taxes budget, lesbian couple sues Hawaii Kai B&B, Bank of Hawaii one of best, Hawaii Supreme Court sets oral arguments in reapportionment lawsuit, Kamehameha Schools to get $1.4M back in discrimination lawsuit, and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Budget Director Kalbert Young, courtesy photo

 

 

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that the state won't need to increase taxes or cut spending any further to balance the budget during the upcoming fiscal year. The state will also be able to pay back the rainy day fund that was used to balance the budget this year, he said. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, setting an optimistic tone for the next session of the state Legislature, released a budget draft on Monday that calls for a modest increase in state spending and anticipates a healthy surplus as the state moves out of a recession. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Proposes Bigger Budget For Next Year — With No Tax Hikes. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration submitted its supplemental budget to the legislature on Monday. Under the proposal, the state budget would increase from $10.9 billion to $11.1 billion dollars. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai’i’s Chief Executive was upbeat about his balanced budget proposal. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie proposed a supplemental budget proposal for the second year of the state’s two-year budget cycle Monday that includes no new taxes. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie presented his supplemental budget request to state lawmakers Monday by touting the fact it contains no new taxes. KHON2.

Governor Submits Balanced Budget Aimed at Funding High-Priority Programs and No Tax Increases. Abercrombie news release.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments Jan. 4 in two lawsuits over new legislative maps that some say shorted the Big Island a fourth state Senate seat. West Hawaii Today.

Kamehameha Schools will receive $1.4 million in a settlement of its lawsuit alleging a breach of a confidential agreement that ended a court challenge to the schools' admissions policy giving preference to students with Hawaiian blood, the schools announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Charter Schools' 'Glaring Concerns' Raised at Briefing. Civil Beat.

A recent report by the State Office of the Auditor found Hawaii’s public charter school system riddled with poor performance, a lack of accountability, and unethical and illegal spending and employment practices. Hawaii Independent.

Bank of Hawaii has been named one of the top investor-owned banks in the country for the third consecutive year by Forbes magazine. Pacific Business News.

Emily's List Endorses Tulsi Gabbard for Congress. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for Dec. 20. Associated Press.

Oahu

Two Los Angeles women filed a discrimination lawsuit Monday against a Hawaii Kai bed-and-breakfast, saying its owner refused to rent them a room because they are a lesbian couple. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council will start debating an overhaul to the property tax system next month, even though the idea is already been dismissed as a dead-on-arrival election-year tax increase. Civil Beat.

Sarah Perez was in tears Monday when she tried to go to Hawaii Medical Center in Ewa for severe shoulder pain and saw a sign that read, "Emergency Room Closed." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

There will be a lot of trash talk Wednesday when the County Council meets in Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

New beds for nursing program. Tribune-Herald.

Lander telescope clears trial hurdle. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island police are investigating the theft of coffee cherries from trees in the Ka'u District. KHON2.

Maui

A group of residents on a short, one-way street behind the Wharf Cinema Center is so upset about the county's plan's to switch the direction of traffic on Luakini Street between Prison and Dickerson streets to accommodate Maui Bus that they are organizing a protest today. Maui News.

Despite internal disagreements and a lawsuit, the third annual Rice Festival as held Sunday night - at the school across the street from Binhi at Ani - with many participants saying that honoring the sakadas who came to Hawaii before them and celebrating the holidays comes before anything else. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative took a step closer toward renewable energy sources, lessening the island’s dependence on oil, Friday with the dedication of its battery energy storage system its the Koloa substation. Garden Island.

A bright idea by a Kaua‘i High School student has powered an energy agreement intended to turn the island’s schools a little greener. Garden Island.

Hawaii tax database breached, scathing audit of charter schools, Honolulu property ticks up, recovery slow, Hawaii County fires five cops, big airport changes coming to Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu road construction (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Congress appropriated 840-Billion dollars in Federal Economic Stimulus money to States in February 2009. Did Hawai’i receive its fair share of that funding and who’s tracking it? Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Taxation placed several employees on administrative leave without pay this week following the discovery of an internal security breach of the department's tax database. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie’s administration is investigating unspecified wrongdoing in the state Tax Department. Hawaii Reporter.

The State Attorney General is investigating allegations of security breaches at the tax department dating back several years. KHON2.

Charter schools have been spending public money with little oversight -- or accountability for student performance -- and the lack of government monitoring has resulted in "unethical and illegal" spending and employment practices at some campuses, a scathing audit of Hawaii's system of 31 charter schools found. Star-Advertiser.

State Auditor Marion Higa issued a scathing report on Hawaii's charter schools Thursday, calling out individual schools for potential fraud and criticizing the Charter School Review Panel. West Hawaii Today.

A blistering report released Thursday by the Hawaii state auditor alleges little to no oversight of the state’s public charter school system.KHON2.

For the first time in five years, Hawaii's school bus companies have bid against each other for contracts to transport students to and from school. Civil Beat.

Youth Correctional Facility Cleans Up Its Act. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Wednesday that he will appoint an interim successor for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Boyd Mossman "as soon as I can" and that whomever he picks will not be running for the seat in the November election. Maui News.

State roundup for Dec. 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

Property values on Oahu rose slightly over the past year, giving the City Council and the Carlisle administration the expectation for some added revenue to work with as they craft a budget for the next fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

The tax bill for some landowners may increase slightly if the Honolulu city council keeps tax rate at the current level. KITV4.

The pace of Honolulu's economic recovery since the end of the recession ranks in the bottom 20 percent of the nation's top 100 metropolitan areas, according to a report released Thursday by the Brookings Institution. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine will receive a $13.2 million federal grant for its Bioscience Research Infrastructure Development for Grant Enhancement and Success project. Pacific Business News.

First complaint filed under new city ordinance against personal property on sidewalks. Hawaii News Now.

The Gas Company dedicated a new plant in Kapolei that can make "renewable natural gas" out of oils and fats from animal, fishing and farming waste. KHON2.

Visitors to the Waikiki Aquarium got their first chance to see the aquarium's newest resident Thursday. KHON2.

Hawaii

Five Hawaii County police officers were fired this year, a significant increase over last year, when no nonprobationary police officers lost their jobs for disciplinary reasons. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiians unloaded their mana'o on officials from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands about an initiative to get the longest-waiting beneficiaries off the homestead waiting list.  Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Water Board has tapped the department's deputy manager to become the manager and chief engineer. West Hawaii Today.

The Police Department won't be getting any new marked cruisers this Christmas or in the near future, a senior administrator said. Tribune-Herald.

Double-decker out of commission. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Transportation is studying different plans to comprehensively rebuild Kahului Airport’s aging main runway, which was built in 1942. KITV4.

Projects such as the 460-kilowatt photovoltaic system recently installed at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center are part of a "spectrum of alternative energy" from home-based systems to large-scale farms to meet the state's current and future power needs, said Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday. Maui News.

A small turnout of Kihei residents Tuesday night urged Charter Commission members to put a proposal for four-year council terms on the ballot and keep County Council elections nonpartisan. Maui News.

Kauai

Grove Farm has told its Koloa Camp tenants it’s time to move out and make way for progress. Garden Island.

The major Hawaiian ports of call for hundreds of whalers during the 19th century were Honolulu and Lahaina, where whalers restocked provisions, replenished crews and transshipped whale oil cargoes following whale hunts in the Japan Sea, the South Pacific or the Arctic. Garden Island.

West Kaua‘i Rotary plants seeds for ‘Christmas miracle’ Garden Island.

U.S. Supreme Court studying Hawaiian preference lawsuit, WWII vets irked by Hawaii Five-0 crew at Punchbowl, Hawaii County commission to mull gerrymandering allegations, Hawaiian Home Lands to trim waiting list, Honolulu rail transit case remains open, Maui looks at charter, Kauai considers tax breaks, more Hawaii news

Hawaiian fisherman (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The U.S. Supreme Court has left the door open to hear arguments in a case with potentially broad implications for government benefits awarded exclusively to Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Only about half a dozen people showed up at Wahiawa Recreational Center Monday night to hear the Office of Hawaiian Affairs explain the proposed Kakaako land deal to settle ceded-land payments with the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's 2011 legislative session was packed with debate over hot educational issues. And the new session, which begins January 18, promises to pick up where the drama left off. Civil Beat.

An aide for Gov. Neil Abercrombie pleaded no contest Monday to a charge that he refused to leave a Waikiki bar in September. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii-based leaders of the 25th Infantry Division are scheduled to return from Iraq this weekend after a year-long deployment. Star-Advertiser.

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan 9 months ago produced up to 25-million tons of debris. As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … scientists don’t know how much of that trash was swept into the Pacific Ocean … but they are now predicting it will begin landing on Hawai’i’s shores. Hawaii Public Radio.

Many of Hawaii's best known universities and high schools are vulnerable to having their names fall into the hands of the online pornography industry. KITV4.

State roundup for Dec. 13. Associated Press.

Oahu

A group of World War II veterans say they were taken aback by how a production crew with the hit TV show Hawaii Five-0 treated them during a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific last Friday. KHON2.

It was the "ultimate disrespect" that left their "blood boiling." That is how organizers of a ceremony for World War II veterans at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl describe the conduct of a production crew from the hit television series Hawaii Five-O. Hawaii News Now.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano and others who have joined in a lawsuit against the city's rail transit project will be allowed to continue their court challenge, a federal judge ruled Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Seven plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit against the City & County of Honolulu and the Federal Transit Administration over the city's planned $5.3 billion rail project, received some good news today. Hawaii Reporter.

Comment: What will rail and HOT lanes do for Honolulu? Hawaii Independent.

A Hawaii couple on Monday received the first all-electric car delivered by Mitsubishi Motors to a retail customer in the Uniterd States. Associated Press.

The company that operated Hawaii's largest puppy mill pleaded no contest Monday to 153 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty in Kaneohe District Court and faces sentencing in February.Star-Advertiser.

Occupancy in Waikiki hotels in October helped Oahu set a revenue record, according to data released Monday by a tourism industry consultant company. Associated Press.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced the opening of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area O‘ahu to fishing for one year beginning January 1. KHON2.

Hawaii

Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who have lost hope of attaining homestead land after decades of waiting might soon get a chance through a new project. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants to award leases to beneficiaries who have been on the waiting list the longest. Tribune-Herald.

The county Redistricting Commission has scheduled a special meeting Friday to review its County Council map after a West Hawaii Today article revealed that a last-minute change to the map benefited two County Council members by moving them into different districts. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County's Redistricting Commission will hold a special meeting Friday in Hilo to address alleged gerrymandering, its chairwoman said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

A 30-year veteran of the Hawaii Police Department this week will be taking over the helm of Kona patrol operations. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Charter Commission will gather public comments on 21 proposed charter amendments at a series of meetings starting this week. Maui News.

Maui led the state with the highest average daily hotel room rate in October, nearly $210, an 8.1 percent jump over the same month last year, according to the monthly report from Hospitality Advisors Inc. Maui News.

An agreement reached Thursday between Hale Makua Health Services and United Public Workers-represented employees will help the agency keep its Wailuku facility open - at least for now. Maui News.

Kauai

A real-life variation of The Descendants movie is being staged in state Probate Court, where heirs to the Damon Estate, one of Hawaii’s wealthiest family trusts, continue to squabble over nearly $1 billion in land and other assets. Hawaii Reporter.

County officials recently announced changes in two of the county’s real property tax relief programs — the circuit breaker and home exemption programs — are now in effect. Garden Island.

APEC to give Hawaii $120M boost, Honolulu, Maui looking at property tax exemptions, Big Island to celebrate Peace Corps' 50th, Hawaii Five-0 helps local school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

APEC leaders 2011 Hawaii "Family Photo" courtesy photo

APEC

There was no aloha for aloha shirts Sunday as world leaders, for the second year in a row, discarded the tradition of appearing in locale-specific attire for their "family photo" to wrap up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation annual summit. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama on Sunday tied the hopes of a faster American economic recovery to the booming Pacific Rim region, saying "we're not going to be able to put our folks back to work" unless the Asia-Pacific region is successful as an engine for the world. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama on Sunday declared the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit a success that will strengthen the U.S. economy, and he expressed gratitude to his hometown for hosting representatives from the 21 APEC nations. Star-Advertiser.

President Obama wrapped up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit here on a personal note yesterday, thanking the people of Honolulu for their "extraordinary hospitality" and telling his visiting guests that Hawaii “made me who I am.” Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama capped the end of the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting Sunday night with pretty much the same message he has been pushing all weekend — that the Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing economic region in the world and one that the United States recognizes as a catalyst for its own future economic successes. Pacific Business News.

Asian-Pacific leaders have agreed on a range of measures to boost economic growth, including simplifying trade rules and cutting tariffs on green energy goods. Hawaii Reporter.

To give you an idea of just how unimportant the APEC summit was to the White House press corps, consider the fact that, of the 10 or so questions asked of President Barack Obama at his concluding press conference, just three or four were about APEC. Civil Beat.

At this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated U.S. intentions in leading a united effort to establish free and fair trade throughout the Pacific. Hawaii Independent.

While trade was the main focus of last week's APEC meetings, a number of other topics were also discussed. One was the role of women in regional economic growth---and what can be done to boost that role. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than one thousand people, many of them local Filipino-Americans, attended a dinner honoring Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. It was the only public appearance for Aquino, who was in Hawaii to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Hawaii News Now.

Makana Slips In Protest Song, Performing Before APEC Leaders. KITV4.

The big question many people have been asking - was it all worth it? KHON2.

Oahu

An independent review panel is leaning toward recommending that the city abolish property tax exemptions for roughly 150,000 Oahu homeowners, including the blind, elderly and disabled, as part of a major but controversial effort to bring more fairness, efficiency and accountability to the tax system while generating additional revenue for city services. Star-Advertiser.

The stars of CBS' "Hawaii Five-0" will be lending a hand off-screen to military school kids at Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida on Sunday announced his campaign for prosecuting attorney. West Hawaii Today.

When the federal government sought a training area to transition volunteers in the newly forged Peace Corps to posts in Southeast Asia, the Big Island was a natural choice. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county should require property owners to dedicate their land to agriculture before awarding them significant tax benefits, according to a group of Maui County Council members formed to investigate the system. Maui News.

Kihei teen Matt Matasci got a once-in-a-lifetime experience Saturday when he heard speeches by world leaders including President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Honolulu. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaiian guitarist Makana says he put his fears aside and listened to his heart when he chose to repeatedly sing his protest song, “We Are the Many,” to world leaders gathered for an APEC dinner Saturday. Garden Island.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day drive on Oct. 29 at the Kaua‘i Police Department headquarters resulted in the recovery of 120 pounds of various unused medications, county officials said. Garden Island.

Honolulu councilman's chief of staff fired for web smears, rules eased for elder homes, new Hawaii tax targets military, federal contractors, new Native Hawaiian governance group sought, more Hawaii news of the day for the web and your smartphone

Hawaii today (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

It is that time of year when the Hawaiian Islands experience the astronomical phenomenon known as "Lahaina Noon." KITV4.

Having agreed on the wording of the definition of a "qualified Native Hawaiian" under the state recognition law, officials are now trying to figure out exactly what those words mean. Tribune-Herald.

Ancient Hawaiians relied on oral traditions to perpetuate their culture and history from generation to generation. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii hopes to generate about $35 million a year by lifting the tax exemption and imposing a 4 percent general excise tax on vendors who sell as much as $1 billion worth of products to federal outposts from military commissaries and office buildings to the shipyard. Star-Advertiser.

At a time when Hawaii's senior population is surging, the state has watered down the main qualification for secondary caregivers at hundreds of adult foster homes, senior advocates say. Star-Advertiser.

A new group reviewing management of Hawaii's charter schools is meeting for the first time this week.Associated Press.

For more than two decades, the limited law-enforcement arm of Hawaii's state government has sought a respected place and function. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg fired his chief of staff after he escalated a World Wide Web war of words by creating a website accusing a state lawmaker of being a crook. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Rapid Transit Authority has formally notified the City Council that it will begin acquiring public and private real estate along the 20-mile route of the fixed-rail guideway. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Electric Co., Energy Industries, RevoluSun, Hawaii Energy, EAH Housing and the Department of Housing and Urban Development are the sponsoring organizations for the inaugural month-long Kanu Hawaii Energy Challenge. Pacific Business News.

Kapiolani Park was filled with the sound of an instrument that's linked to Hawaii.Hawaii News Now.

A wave of change is rolling into Wahiawa. KHON2.

“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” That was the message Molokai residents gave members of the Maui Charter Commission last week, when more than a dozen community members testified against proposed changes to the Maui County Charter. Molokai Dispatch.

Mayor Alan Arakawa and Maui County Council Chairman Danny Mateo went to South Korea, not sure what they might find across the international dateline in the "Land of the Morning Calm." Maui News.

Seven years later and the county has yet to issue a single permit for the campsites it built for residents and visitors at Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

The Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea remains out of commission, weeks after an estimated 185 gallons of coolant leaked onto two mirrors and two instruments. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii tax burden 4th highest in the nation, school lunches, bus fees to increase, Native Hawaiians to protest bill signing, Freddie Mac foreclosures go judicial route, more Hawaii news

USS Constellation U.S. Navy courtesy photo

The USS Constellation needs a new home, and several Big Island residents want to take advantage of the naval vessel's potential to foster new jobs and an economic boon for the entire state. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii will be hit with a one-two punch of summertime surf for south and west shores. KITV4.

Vast quantities of natural minerals necessary to produce everything from iPhones to electric cars to military weapons systems have been discovered across the Pacific by Japanese researchers, leading to concerns that a modern-day gold rush could contaminate waters around Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education is being asked by the Governor to consider further program cuts amidst a projected 50-million dollar annual state-wide budget shortfall. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i will receive $115,257,706 in federal funds for education this fiscal year including more than $39 million for education programs targeting children living with disabilities and more than $47 million for the improvement of existing state programs, Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, and U.S. Reps. Mazie Hirono and Colleen Hanabusa announced Tuesday in a press release. Garden Island.

Looks like more of the same with runaway school bus costs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii families could soon see changes in prices for school meals and bus fares.  Hawaii News Now.

Students would pay $1.25 for a one-way school bus ride, or 50 cents more, under a fare increase proposal aimed at helping make up a $9 million legislative cut in funding to student transportation. Star-Advertiser.

We’re an island chain in the middle of the Pacific trying to feed the energy needs of over a million people—and the millions more who visit Hawaii each year. Hawaii Independent.

A plan to harvest 13,000 acres of Ka'u scrubland to convert plant material into energy is moving forward, following the signing of a law paving the way for electric customer cost-sharing and the establishment of a construction management partnership. West Hawaii Today.

The Institute for Truth in Accounting recently announced completion of a significant, comprehensive study of all 50 states’ assets and liabilities, including pension and retirement healthcare obligations. Hawaii Reporter.

A group of Native Hawaiians has announced a four-hour protest today in Honolulu, opposing a bill they say would “try to revive and jump-start the now defunct Akaka Bill.” Garden Island.

The state has toughened up the law protecting firefighters and water safety officers. KHON2.

Government-backed lender Freddie Mac says it too will convert all of its new and pending non-judicial foreclosures in Hawaii to judicial foreclosures effective immediately.  Civil Beat.

Housing markets on Kauai and Hawaii island were relatively weak in June with mostly lower prices and sales, though activity over the first six months of this year has been more mixed with lower prices and mostly higher sales. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island real estate sales are lagging -- if just a bit. West Hawaii Today.

More of Hawaii's homeless are being fed in shelters instead of public spaces during the first half state's 90-day plan to help move people into housing. Associated Press.

The Army will demonstrate on Friday underwater technology that will be used over the following three weeks to gauge whether old, discarded munitions can be removed from relatively shallow waters off the Waianae Coast. Star-Advertiser.

Councilman Fred Blas is his own faction regarding his vote on Hawaii County's $367.3 million operating budget, he said. Tribune-Herald.

Alien species: "It would help if we had more staff and more people." Hawaii News Now.

Duplication of health services is not an issue for Molokai, said Loretta Fuddy, state Director of Health, last week. Molokai Dispatch.

After a week-and-a-half of haggling over terms, developer Jeff Stone’s proposed gift of 300 acres of land in Leeward Oahu is no closer to its intended recipients, Kamehameha Schools and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Pacific Business News.

An alert guard at the Oahu Community Correctional Center thwarted a daring escape off the rooftop of a third story building. KITV4.

Forty-five Japanese citizens affected by March's deadly earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis arrived on the Valley Isle on Monday to have some time to rest and recuperate. Maui News.

Military fuels 18% of Hawaii economy, visitor spending up, Abercrombie signs $42M raid on hurricane fund, Hawaii County police to get radios, electric car rebate unpopular, Honolulu kills recycling subsidy, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Military in Hawaii courtesy photo

The U.S. military pumped up to $12.2 billion into Hawaii in 2009 — or more than 18 percent of total spending in the islands, according to the first study of its kind in nearly 50 years, scheduled for release today. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor on Tuesday. KITV4.

Amid mounting Western Pacific political tensions and an impending visit to Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reaffirmed Tuesday the nation's commitment to having a military presence in East Asia. Honolulu Advertiser.

The Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon is due to deploy to the Western Pacific. Associated Press.

A new Hawaii license plate will soon be available for family members of fallen military personnel. KHON2.

A veterans group is collecting a photograph for each of Hawaii's service members who died in the Vietnam War. Associated Press.

Visitor spending in Hawaii increased 17.8 percent to $4.1 billion in the first four months of the year compared with the same time last year, according to Hawaii Tourism Authority statistics released Tuesday. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today authorized a $42 million raid from Hawaii’s Hurricane Relief Trust Fund. Hawaii Reporter.

The state still has nearly $1.3 million to dole out in rebates for electric cars. And it has just four months to do so. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has signed into law a bill that eliminates a 2-decade-old subsidy aimed at encouraging private companies and nonprofit organizations to recycle. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council will hold off a proposal to collect more money from parking meters at city parks, particularly Kapiolani Park. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to allow the installation of parking meters at Oahu City and County parks sailed through the public hearing process at City Hall. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bolstered by an endorsement from Hawaii's police union, the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a policy requiring take-home radios for police officers. West Hawaii Today.

A state agency has signed off on a request by a private radiology company to bring an MRI scanner to West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has awarded a $100,000 grant to the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Liko Ae Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program. Pacific Business News

The University of Hawaii at Manoa and Auckland University of Technology have agreed to a student and staff exchange program as well as to work together on research. Associated Press.

Completion of the new Wailua Cane Haul Bridge Widening Project will greatly improve the quality of life for Kaua‘i residents and enhance our visitors’ experience by helping to relieve traffic congestion along Kuhio Highway, according to the state Department of Transportation. Garden Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife and a coalition of resource managers on Hawaii Island are still seeking information from island residents about the invasive axis deer. Hawaii Independent.

A rockslide killed an 8-year-old Lahaina girl Tuesday afternoon in the Oheo Gulch area, Maui County officials reported. Maui News.

How many hikers got lost Monday on the Captain's Trail in Puna? Sixty, according to an eye-popping news report that made electronic headlines statewide. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu taxes going up, Hawaii bureaucracy bloats, bond rating falls, don't feed the homeless, Hawaii council kills bus fares, Maui Memorial pays $1.2 million renting empty building, Ka'u land eyed for development, more news from all the islands

Honolulu homeless (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Governor Abercrombie unveiled a 90-day plan to tackle the homeless problem, and it includes discouraging feeding people in parks or other public places. KHON2.

The Abercrombie administration gave itself 90 days yesterday to achieve a marked improvement in clearing homeless people from streets, beaches and parks in Waikiki and the rest of Honolulu's urban core. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie established citizen call-in numbers to identify, locate and provide assistance to homeless people in need last month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Only two of Hawaii's 20 state departments will have smaller operating budgets come July 1. The rest are growing — one by as much as 94 percent. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s “strained” state financial operations, the depletion of reserves in fiscal year 2011, and covering budget shortfalls with one time solutions – these are the factors that Moody’s Investors Services used when downgrading Hawaii’s General Obligation Bond Rating for an estimated $5.1 billion in debt. Hawaii Reporter.

The cost of living for Oahu residents is likely to increase dramatically after the Honolulu City Council’s Budget Committee approved a property tax hike as well as a bevy of user fee increases. KHON2.

A Honolulu City Council committee on Tuesday approved for final vote of a residential tax rate of $3.50 per $1,000 of value. KITV4.

Looking to make a high priority of fixing Oahu's crumbling roads, the City Council Budget Committee restored $32 million to the mayor's construction project budget for roads yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

A deadlocked County Council on Tuesday put the brakes on a planned $1 bus fare, one of the moneymakers in Mayor Billy Kenoi's proposed budget. West Hawaii Today.

For more than two years, Maui Memorial Medical Center has been paying $600,000 per year to rent a 20,000-square-foot empty building next to the Kaiser Maui Lani Clinic on Maui Lani Parkway. Maui News.

The Hawaii County Band, open space land fund, golf programs, legislative auditor and various county operations are in the crosshairs of County Council members, who are scheduled to vote today on more than $12 million in cuts to the annual budget submitted by Mayor Billy Kenoi. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Peter Carlisle would veto budget proposals for the planned rail transit authority that give the City Council final say on any spending decisions by the semiautonomous board, the administration said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Citing a possible conflict of interest, Kaua‘i County Councilman Dickie Chang has recused himself from voting on funds for the next two editions of the Kaua‘i Marathon. Garden Island.

Unity House Inc. received approval Tuesday from a Hawaii bankruptcy court judge to sell its Lotus at Diamond Head Hotel to Nobuka USA Inc. for $18.5 million. Pacific Business News.

The developer of a proposed 12,000-unit housing project in West Oahu will try again to win approval to move ahead with its plan. KITV4.

Tension resulting from local politics allegedly resulted in physical violence yesterday between an opponent and supporter of the Envision Laie development. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii County has moved a step closer toward buying 27 acres of pristine Puna coastline. Tribune-Herald.

Kahuku land that was the center of an eight-year battle before the Land Use Commission as the proposed Hawaiian Riviera Resort is again being moved forward for development. West Hawaii Today.

The state this week expects to announce a partnership with federal agencies to help landowners and managers protect forest lands. Associated Press.

A record number of 15 students graduated from the University of Hawaii's law school with a Native Hawaiian Law Certificate this week. Associated Press.

Several weeks after the deal was made for UH Maui College-Molokai to purchase neighboring land from Molokai Properties Ltd., Governor Neil Abercrombie has released the funds to complete the acquisition. Molokai Dispatch.

Two people died when an light sport aircraft crashed off the North Shore of Kauai at about 10:53 a.m. Tuesday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii car owners facing hit, freight tax going up, Big Island adds bus fare, public workers to get less sweet retirement deal, Honolulu rail nears bond float, tsunami sirens to become zoning requirement, Kauai sewer rates to rise, Thai labor contractor admits trafficking, oil from algae, more news

Hawaii driving (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

When proposed increases of vehicle registration fees and weight taxes kick in next year, a Honda Civic owner will pay $46.76 more for the 2,672-pound car's annual sticker. Star-Advertiser.

Proposals to begin taxing online shopping won't become law in Hawaii this year. Associated Press.

Tax on the net weight of imported freight will increase 50 percent to fund 15 of 22 agriculture inspector positions the Legislature helped restore last year, said Rep. Clift Tsuji, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Several state agencies will be putting "help wanted" signs out for new employees, thanks to the new state budget approved Monday by House and Senate. KITV4.

New Hawaii government employees will work more years, contribute higher amounts toward their pensions and get paid less after retirement, according to sweeping proposed changes to the state's underfunded pension system. Associated Press.

A final vote on the bill affecting top executive, judicial and legislative branch salaries is set for Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly a third of the state's $2.9 billion in spending on construction projects over the next two years will go to harbors and highways. Civil Beat.

A state lawyer has laid out for the first time Gov. Neil Abercrombie's legal arguments for refusing to disclose the names of judicial candidates, saying the governor cannot be required to do so unless ordered to by a state judge. Star-Advertiser.

State energy office scrambling for funds. Pacific Business News.

From cockfights in remote and guarded locations to game rooms raided in the heart of urban Honolulu to sports betting through the Internet that hits a fever pitch during the football season, illegal gambling maintains a foothold in the 50th state. Hawaii News Now.

High fuel prices are affecting operations at The Bus, where officials expect to go nearly $1 million over their fuel budget this year. KITV4.

The Honolulu City Council is considering granting permission to float $2 billion in bonds to pay for initial rail contracts. Hawaii Independent.

The late disclosure of a gift the city received from a rail contractor drew criticism from City Council members in a Transportation Committee meeting Wednesday afternoon. It's the latest in a series of complaints from council members about a lack of transparency about the city's polarizing $5.3 billion rail project. Civil Beat.

The City and County of Honolulu purchased its first property last month to make way for the $5.3 billion rail system from East Kapolei to Ala Moana.. KHON2.

County Council members Wednesday approved Mayor Billy Kenoi's proposed bus fares. West Hawaii Today.

The county's current emergency services radio system must be replaced, Maui police officials said, in a project expected to cost more than $16 million only to begin the system's total overhaul. Maui News.

Kauai County sewer rates are to rise incrementally over the next four years starting in July. Associated Press.

The Windward Planning Commission on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to a measure requiring developers to provide emergency warning sirens in order to rezone property. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii bio-fuel company is to receive more than $5.5 million from the federal government to produce affordable animal feed from marine algae. Associated Press.

Cellana Inc. said it has begun producing oil from algae grown at its Kona facility and is on track to begin commercial production by 2014. Star-Advertiser.

Shane Germann stood before Hawaii’s U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway on Wednesday, May 4, remorsefully reciting details of crimes he committed in Hawaii between May 2003 and February 2006 as the on site manager and regional supervisor for the California-based labor recruiter, Global Horizons Manpower Inc. Hawaii Reporter.

When it comes to an easy to grow fruit in Hawaii, guava tops them all. Molokai Dispatch.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will begin construction of road and parking improvements at Waimea Canyon State Park lookout on Monday. Garden Island.

The Office of Mauna Kea Management is taking the first steps toward establishing administrative rules for the summit region of Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.