Hollywood seeks Hawaii tax credits, soda tax fizzles, Honolulu rail in Obama budget, Big Island wants gas taxes for private roads, parents fight school closures, more Hawaii news

Honolulu homeless photo (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A legislative committee on Monday discussed the impact of homelessness on Hawaii's tourism industry. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of bills designed to create affordable housing and help the homeless are flying under the radar at the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Health Committee advanced a bill yesterday that would increase the tax on alcoholic beverages but removed a provision that would have created a new soda tax. Star-Advertiser.

No stranger to filming in Hawaii, actor Cuba Gooding Jr. told lawmakers yesterday he would like to film more movies in the islands and urged them to approve expanded tax breaks for production companies. Star-Advertiser.

The head of Relativity Media, a major Hollywood production company, asked state senators Monday to support tax credits for media productions and studio construction and a training program for film production workers. KITV4.

The state Legislature is poised to give final approval today to a proposal to permit civil unions in Hawaii, sending it to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who has promised to sign the measure. Star-Advertiser.

The authority to use gasoline taxes to fix private roads is a power Hawaii County Council members want and one only the state Legislature may grant. Tribune-Herald.

It’s a fairly common phrase: “Hawaii is a special place.” When it comes to gaming, that’s certainly so—only Hawaii and Utah bar gambling. Hawaii Independent.

Russell Kokubun is Hawaii's new agriculture head following his confirmation by the state Senate. Associated Press.

Included in the president’s spending blueprint is a $250 million request for Honolulu’s controversial $5.5 billion rail transit system. KHON2.

Discounting works in the hotel business. At least in the short term. Maui News.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined a Honolulu Japanese goods retailer just over $222,000 for selling and distributing unregistered pesticides and improperly labeled pesticide products. Associated Press.

Waste Management of Hawaii, operators of the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill, announced Monday that it expects the landfill’s stormwater diversion channel to be functional starting Tuesday. Pacific Business News

Twenty years after Molokai’s first flood maps were released, Maui County and federal agencies have presented a major overhaul of flood zones on Molokai.Molokai Dispatch.

Dozens of parents, teachers and community members crowded into a Board of Education meeting room yesterday to speak out against closing three small Honolulu schools, some saying that shuttering the campuses would be unfair given a recent decision to spare two Hawaii Kai schools. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) shut down Hapuna State Recreation area on Monday after a lifeguard spotted what is suspected to be an unexploded ordnance. KHON2.

Hawaii County's confusing bid specifications are delaying construction of the first of many covered play courts Mayor Billy Kenoi has pledged to build islandwide. Tribune-Herald.

Environmental benefits is the focus of the $2.9 million Pelekane Bay Watershed Restoration Project, but Melora Purell also shed light on economic factors Sunday during the Kawaihae Local Resource Council's monthly meeting. West Hawaii Today.

A controversial permit to fence off the easiest access to Lepe‘uli, known as Larsen’s Beach, was surrendered last month. Garden Island.

Stunts on Hawaii Five-0 are of movie caliber but to create the seamless transition from stunt double to actor is quite a task. Hawaii News Now.

Lynne Waters, recently hired as spokeswoman for City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, has jumped ship from Kaneshiro’s staff to take a high-priced University of Hawaii public relations position, Hawaii Reporter has learned. Hawaii Reporter.

Neighbor Island residents object to powering Oahu, part-time residents bearing tax burden, plastic bag bans in the wind, more Hawaii news

Honolulu Spam Jam (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is the nation's top consumer of SPAM. So the company that makes the canned meat is saluting the state's devotion by holding a contest for a Hawaiian-designed label. Associated Press.

Lanai residents turned out Saturday to express strong opposition to bringing "big wind" to their island for the benefit of Oahu consumers. Maui News.

It seems lately, everyone has been hosting meetings on alternative energy options for Molokai – the state, the federal government, community members – and now, land owners. Molokai Dispatch.

If the House Judiciary Committee passes Senate Bill 232 unamended late Tuesday, a Hawaii civil unions measure could be on Gov. Neil Abercrombie's desk this week. Civil Beat.

Attorneys, friends, colleagues and even former litigants expressed unanimous respect and affection for state Supreme Court nominee Judge Sabrina McKenna in a hearing today at the Legislature. Hawaii Reporter.


On Maui and Kauai, windy days find fewer plastic shopping bags tumbling across the landscape or landing in the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

A state senate committee is scheduled to hear a bill that would ban the sale of any aquatic life for aquarium purposes. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers in the Senate heard two bills relating to marijuana Friday. KITV4.

Some state lawmakers still disagree with the decision to close Kulani Correctional Facility and open a Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy on 600 acres of the former prison site. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii did worse than the nation last year as a whole in terms of the broadest measure of unemployment. Hawaii Reporter.

The federal government is reporting that Hawaii has one of the sharpest increases in children enrolled in the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid. KITV4.

Hawaii's Public Schools: Fixing a Broken System? Filipino Chronicle.

A Honolulu middle school is planning to offer all its seventh and eighth-grade classes online next year, a move that would allow students to learn from home and make the school the first of its kind in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Airport taxi service under state scrutiny. Star-Advertiser.

Taxation without representation? Part-time residents shoulder larger property tax burden. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Is the Only State to Assess Hotel-Room Tax on Timeshare Owners. Civil Beat.

More than a thousand Maui County property owners may now need flood insurance because the Federal Emergency Management Agency is proposing significant changes to flood insurance rate maps in certain areas of the county. Maui News.

County officials last week submitted an updated application to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Kaua‘i Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan project. Garden Island.

Residential real estate market slow to rebound. Garden Island.

Waimea's pink cherry blossoms may not have been in full bloom Saturday, but the spirit surrounding the annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival was on full display. West Hawaii Today.

New Akaka Bill offered, IRS seeks Hawaii taxpayers, restaurant inspectors stretched, Hawaii marijuana heads to Colorado, recycling rates up, more state news

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has introduced a compromise version of a native Hawaiian federal recognition bill and is waiting to hear from Senate leaders whether legislation can move during a lame-duck session before the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

The IRS is looking for people in Hawaii to give money to. The agency said Wednesday that 735 Hawaii residents are due a total of $739,000 in refunds, but it can't find them. Associated Press.

The state has set aside nothing to pay for retiree health benefits for its aging public workers over the next three decades, leaving future taxpayers on the hook for the estimated $10.8 billion cost. Star-Advertiser.

The largesse in congressional earmarks awarded to Hawaii each year is in position to be severely curtailed, with Republicans in Washington coalescing around a ban on pork-barrel projects and President Barack Obama saying the nation cannot afford them. Associated Press.

Millions of meals are served every year on Oahu but there are only 10 inspectors making sure health guidelines are followed which means there are plenty of violations out there that aren't being found. Hawaii News Now.

A group of Hawaii residents who say they are really good at growing pot said they have found success in the medical marijuana industry in Colorado. KITV4.

A state agricultural advisory committee has recommended an emergency quarantine on the Big Island to prevent the spread of a beetle that could severely damage Hawaii's $27-million coffee-farming industry. Star-Advertiser.

After a three-hour hearing today, the committee recommended in favor of a one-year quarantine but suggested adding more mitigation methods. A full board hears the matter next Tuesday. KHON2.

The state has increased the rates it pays for redeemable aluminum cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles. Associated Press.

A national organization has given the University of Hawaii a grade of "F" for online security breaches that exposed Social Security numbers and other sensitive information in nearly 260,000 records. Star-Advertiser.

The Washington D.C. based Liberty Coalition said over the last five years the University of Hawaii has had five security breaches involving at least 259,000 records. KITV4.

“Change, not charity” is the motto used by Hawaii People’s Fund (HPF) Hawaii Independent.

Tension and confusion about the state Tax Department's new crackdown on "cash economy" businesses escalated yesterday when city parks officials barred some vendors from learning about the new rules -- and Mayor Peter Carlisle took responsibility for the abrupt cancellation of the 36th annual Mayor's Craft and Country Fair scheduled for Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle said Wednesday the city needlessly cancelled a craft fair this weekend that raises money for senior clubs. KHON2.

Honolulu's 36th annual mayor's craft and country fair may happen after all. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to lower the county homeowner tax exemption was deferred Tuesday by the Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee. Maui News.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle says he's not happy about reports of excessive use of overtime by city road division employees and promised to look into the issue, following a series of stories Civil Beat published this week. Civil Beat.

Police have cited more than 700 Big Island drivers for driving while using a cell phone so far this year, including 38 instances linked to car crashes. Tribune-Herald.

Wild Donkey Round-Up Underway on Big Island. KITV4.

Most of the dogs received at the island’s only animal shelter later found homes, but the majority of cats collected were euthanized, according to the Kaua‘i Humane Society’s annual report to county officials. Garden Island.

After two years of multimillion dollar losses, Parker Ranch Foundation Trust made money last year and now wants to raise more by hosting special events at its Waimea rodeo arena. Tribune-Herald.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has placed the island of Oahu under a Flash Flood Watch effective from 6:00PM this evening thru Friday afternoon. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui Fire Department officials are asking for an additional $1.1 million in funding, saying an unusually busy brush fire season has depleted their budget. Maui News.

They're all over the island: in former Hamakua cane fields, running across a'a in the Ka'u desert, crossing the Mauna Kea uplands: stretches of abandoned or semi-abandoned road, owned but no longer maintained by the state or the county. Big Island Weekly.

A West Hawaii subdivision is a step closer to getting county water, after a County Council committee gave its approval to a county department manager's plan to create a water improvement district there. West Hawaii Today.

Construction at Cooke Memorial Pool in Kaunakakai could not have come at a worse time for the Molokai High School (MHS) swim team. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii homeless grows, dolphins on endangered list, tax laws close down festivals, hotel guests join union protest, illinois strangler to join UH wife, website to help residents sell power, Obama mom to get endowment, Molokai mules leery of new bridge, more news

Visitors to Iolani Palace were treated to song and dance Tuesday morning, in celebration of King David Kalakaua. KHON2

The University of Hawaii Foundation is in the latter stages of forming an endowment fund that would honor Stanley Ann Dunham, the mother of President Barack Obama. Associated Press.

As Molokai residents and visitors alike rejoice in the opening of the new Kalaupapa pali trail, bridge the mules famous for taking visitors down the winding path are a little apprehensive.Molokai Dispatch.

A chaotic scene broke out last month at the Kailua Open Market when tax agents clamped down on so-called "cash economy" businesses, leading to cancellation of the 36th annual Mayor's Craft and Country Fair Saturday and prompting state tax officials to meet with vendors this afternoon at Makiki Park.Star-Advertiser.

Convicted murderer Justin Boulay was released from prison in Illinois yesterday, and when he arrives in Hawaii to live with the wife he married behind bars, he will join seven other people here convicted of homicide in other states. Star-Advertiser.

Justin Boulay is a free man after serving half of his 24-year sentence for strangling ex-girlfriend, Andrea Will, with a phone cord in Illinois. Hawaii News Now.

The federal government said Tuesday it will recommend that a small population of dolphins living near Hawai‘i be placed on the endangered species list. Associated Press.

Hawaii hostelries, led by Maui, continue to scramble back toward financial health, but although they have come a long way, they have yet a long way to go. Maui News.

The number of homeless people on Oahu rose 5 percent under one key measure in the last fiscal year, according to a new report that also sheds new light on the health and education of homeless children. Star-Advertiser.

The Center on the Family at UH Mānoa and the Homeless Programs Office of the state Department of Human Services have released the Homeless Service Utilization Report: Hawai‘i 2010. Hawaii Reporter.

A state task force formed to curb illegal fireworks imports is winding down its work and hoping to make recommendations to lawmakers when the Legislature convenes in January. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Will Espero said Tuesday he will push for an increase of inspections of containers to check for shipments of illegal fireworks. KITV4.

It's possible, though not likely, that next year's reapportionment will give the Big Island greater representation in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Yet to serve a single day as an elected member of the state Senate, Lihu‘e resident Ron Kouchi has secured a few key roles in the Legislature. Garden Island.

Hotel workers unhappy about the progress of contract talks with management at the Hilton Hawaiian Village employed a new tactic Tuesday. They took their protest onto hotel property, a place that is usually a sanctuary for guests. Hawaii News Now.

Union hotel workers staged a loud march through the main lobby of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Rainbow Tower Tuesday evening. They were joined by sympathetic attendees of a major convention that's in town. KITV4.

The Big Island's entire state legislative delegation has banded together over concerns with a Public Utilities Commission decision. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's newly elected congresswoman is getting used to calling Washington, D.C. home.KHON2.

Michael Saalfeld, a German industrialist and biofuel pioneer, has purchased the North Kohala acreage Parker Ranch quietly sold in August, according to government records. West Hawaii Today.

Unlike recessions that can hit with little warning, the approaching economic impact of Hawaii's aging population is like a freight train loudly sounding its horn in the distance to give those in its path time to prepare.Star-Advertiser.

Road to Riches: City Workers Claimed 5,525 Overtime Hours for Illegal Stream Dumping. Civil Beat.

The problem with Koke‘e Road in Koke‘e State Park is one of jurisdiction and Gov.-elect Neil Abercrombie has vowed to be the one who solves this problem, said state Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i-Ni‘ihau. Garden Island.

Departing Maui County Council Member Jo Anne Johnson on Monday said she wants to see her successors make certain that some developers and homeowners are held responsible for road projects built by Maui County - with taxpayer money - to support new, small, private subdivisions. Maui News.

A website is being launched for a new program that allows Hawaii residents and businesses to apply to sell their renewable energy to the electric utility. Associated Press.

The Kamaile Academy governing board gets rid of administrators strongly supported by parents, in order to get grants for the school. KITV4.

The State Sheriffs Division is getting a new home. KHON2.

The City and County of Honolulu awarded $1 million in grants-in-aid as part of its Leeward Coast Community Benefits Program.Hawaii Independent.

Trevor Ridinger's smart phone doubles as his camera. It's the University of Hawaii student's window to the world. Hawaii News Now.

Surfing, monk seals, shearwaters, ethics, Ellsberg, tattoos and more. All the day's news about Hawaii

With a dwindling Hawaiian monk seal population, federal officials are proposing a new plan to improve the survival of the endangered species. However, some Molokai fishermen say they are worried the plan could come at their expense. Molokai Dispatch.

Peter Carlisle called transparency his highest priority — after the budget — on the night he was elected. But one month into office, he doesn't have any plans to make government more open. Civil Beat.

A proposal to change the property tax break given to owners of historic homes is advancing in the City Council, although lawmakers said they hope to work with homeowners and state and county agencies to potentially head off any steep tax increases.Star-Advertiser.

In Hawaii, tattoos are often more accepted because they are a part of the ancient Polynesian and Asian culture. KITV4.

The big waves are back on the North Shore of Oahu. So are big name professional surfers. And with them come big business. Hawaii News Now.

Overhead waves at Hale‘iwa could well see the $900,000 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, kick off at 8 a.m. this morning, Garden Island.

Gov.-elect Neil Abercrombie has named the founder of a Maui-based events and record production firm as the coordinator of his inaugural events. Star-Advertiser.

Daniel Ellsberg, of Pentagon Papers fame, to speak Associated Press.

Alaska Airlines is launching new seasonal service Friday between Portland and Kona on Hawaii's Big Island. Associated Press.

Island Residents Complain About New TSA Procedures. KHON2.

Gov. Linda Lingle and Maj. Gen. Robert Lee participated in Veterans Day ceremonies at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery for the last time yesterday as commander in chief and commanding general of Hawaii's National Guard forces, respectively. Star-Advertiser.

They're known as the two Dans on Capitol Hill. Sen. Dan Inouye and Sen. Daniel Akaka, two veterans who've served Hawaii in Washington D.C. for a combined 85 years. KHON2.

A ruling filed Wednesday by the state Supreme Court will likely pave the way for the county to resume construction on the long-stalled Hokulia bypass highway in South Kona. Tribune-Herald.

The state Supreme Court upheld a 3rd Circuit Court ruling that the county's condemnation of South Kona property for the Mamalahoa bypass was done for the community's benefit. West Hawaii Today.

Talk about a political football. The county Board of Ethics on Wednesday punted a proposal to tighten the county ethics code back to the County Council, which has already postponed a decision on the issue four times. West Hawaii Today.

The attempt of federal and state agencies to create a permitting process for the incidental “take” of endangered shearwater birds throughout Kaua‘i appears to be ruffling the feathers of local residents. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources proposes that a company that damaged a coral reef while trying build an artificial reef off Maui should be fined $824,373. Star-Advertiser.

A state Land Use Commission decision enabling Castle & Cooke Homes to move ahead with plans for its Koa Ridge housing and commercial project has been challenged by the Sierra Club. Associated Press.

Maui environmental groups are organizing a letter-writing campaign to persuade Hawaiian Electric Co. and the state government to head off plans to import palm oil from Malaysia to be used in a test at Maui Electric Co.'s Maalaea power plant. Maui News.

County Council Vice Chairwoman Emily Naeole was cleared Wednesday of allegedly using her staff and office for campaign work in violation of Hawaii County's Code of Ethics. Tribune-Herald.

The county Board of Ethics on Wednesday cleared Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason of using her council office and staff for campaigning. West Hawaii Today.

Barely a week after voters elected them, incoming members of the Maui County Council are in discussions over who will take key leadership positions for the 2011-12 term. Maui News.

After missing its October deadline, the Maui County Council will wait until next year to continue deliberations on the Maui Island Plan. Maui News.

There's a new twist in a Kahala landlord battle. Hawaii News Now.

Billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto says expect something "dynamic" along Kahala Avenue where he owns dozens of properties. KHON2.

After having trouble finding qualified tenants for an affordable rental project in Waipouli, the developers asked for changes in a housing agreement that would allow them to rent half of the 82-unit project on the open market. Garden Island.

UH Mānoa’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs has initiated a formal search process for the regular appointment of Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. Hawaii Reporter.

Add Kalihi and Puuhale elementary schools to the list of low-enrollment campuses being considered for closing as part of state Department of Education cost cutting. Star-Advertiser.

More than 300 high school students spent the Veterans Day holiday rehearsing for a chorus festival being held in Honolulu this weekend. KITV4.

The gift shop at the Hawaii State Art Museum is struggling to stay open and has never paid a month's rent since moving in a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina Yacht Club (LYC) has a mission: “to get people involved in water sports,” explained Mike Sowers. Lahaina News.

Strong mayor to remain for Kauai, Maui police chief steps down after 32 years, Hawaii County rejects raising taxes for poor, disabled vets, Senate panel vote on Supreme Court pick coming Thursday, more

Hawaii's economic recovery is likely to remain on shaky ground. KHON2.

Hawaii's economic forecasters are estimating that personal income will grow more this year than previously predicted. Associated Press.

How to Revitalize Hawaii’s Economy. Dozens of ideas to get the Islands back on track. Hawaii Business magazine.

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the heroic service and sacrifices of Japanese-American servicemen during World War II. Associated Press.

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard more than four hours of testimony Monday on whether Katherine Leonard should become Hawaii's next Supreme Court Chief Justice-- the first woman to do so. KITV.

After several hours of hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman expressed concerns yesterday about whether appeals Judge Katherine Leonard possesses the leadership skills to be Hawaii's next chief justice. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Leonard’s nomination as chief justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court was lauded by a stream of supporters on Tuesday but derided by a few who contended she lacks the administrative experience to lead the state’s judicial system. Associated Press.

Katherine Leonard defended her qual- ifications to serve as chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court before the state Senate Judiciary Committee today. KHON2.

One wonders what the conversation was like around the Katherine Leonard-Ian Sandison dining room table Tuesday night in the aftermath of her long state Senate confirmation hearing at the Capitol. Civil Beat.

A few observations about what the latest financial disclosure reports tell us about the political horse races. Civil Beat.

More than a half-million dollars have been raised by candidates running for three seats on the Honolulu City Council, financial reports show. Civil Beat.

Councilman and mayoral candidate Rod Tam, under investigation for how he spent city and campaign money on meals, drastically reduced the amount of campaign funds he’s spent on food so far this year, according to his campaign spending report filed Monday. KITV.

Kaua‘i’s strong mayoral form of government won’t be changing this election. Garden Island.

The city has begun negotiations to cancel a contract with the company that has failed to ship municipal trash to the mainland, leaving thousands of tons of garbage piling up at its facility in West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A woman who pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars in monthly parking fees when she was a manager for the vendors of two downtown city parking garages will not go to prison. Star-Advertiser.

When masked-teenagers attempted to rob an internet gaming center in Kaneohe last Wednesday, gamers fought back. KHON2.

A new service co-sponsored by the city allows Oahu residents to receive emergency disaster warnings and alerts via text messaging or e-mail. Star-Advertiser.

An administration proposal to raise taxes on disabled veterans and poor property owners was roundly criticized Monday by an election year County Council before Finance Director Nancy Crawford bowed to the inevitable and withdrew it. West Hawaii Today.

Although Hawaii County Council members approved Mayor Billy Kenoi's $23 million tax hike in June, they're now unwilling to grant a second property tax increase for 1 percent of that amount. Tribune-Herald.

MPD’s Hirata steps down after 32 years. Maui News.

A county-commissioned study of the downhill bicycle industry received rave reviews during a Maui County Council committee meeting Monday, but no one was ready to formally adopt recommendations addressing safety on state and county roadways. Maui News.

I am a student of `olelo Hawaii with Kumu Manuwai Peters. With the help of Senator J. Kalani English and his wonderful staff, I recently presented Kumu Peters with a Hawaiian Senate Proclamation for Manuwai's contribution and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and language. Molokai Dispatch.

This past week, it was reported that Mayor Hannemann is seeking union support with an appeal based on his local roots. According to a Star-Advertiser report: Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii even less affordable, thanks to new tax hikes that go into effect today, more state news

New laws and more taxes, on Thursday morning, we'll all be waking up to a long list of tax hikes on water, cigarettes, and gas, and higher property bills. Hawaii News Now.

New laws effective today ban shark fin foods,charge fees for mixed martial arts events, increase cigarette taxes, raise payment for traffic abstracts and strip businesses and nonprofits of tax-exempt status if they do not file general excise tax returns. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents may hate July 1, the start of the new fiscal year, as much as they despise April 15. KHON2.

New cigarette taxes hitting Hawaii smokers Thursday make each pack cost 40 cents more, reaching an average of nearly $8. AP.

The state and city are raising fees for a number of services.KITV

County pools will be closed once a week starting Thursday, due to budget and staffing cuts that left the Aquatic Division without enough pool guards.. Maui News.

Fifth of Big Isle on food stamps. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

Where's the Beef? No Reason to Oppose Civil Unions. Civil Beat.

Dear Gov. Lingle, Sometime between now and July 6, you will make your final decision on HB444, the civil-unions bill. Honolulu Weekly.

State tourism officials said Hawaii is seeing an increase in demand for summer travel, both in the domestic and international market. KITV

In January you'll have a new airline to choose from if you're traveling between Seoul and Honolulu. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines last week launched its first-ever, nonstop daily flights between Oakland and Maui. Lahaina News.

According to a high Army official, the Army never intended to remove depleted uranium ammunition remnants from Pohakuloa Training Area and Shofield Barracks, and it has no plans to do so for as long as the firing ranges at those facilities are still in use. Big Island Weekly.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann's campaign for governor has questioned former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's support for removing a federal ban on offshore oil drilling, pointing to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as an example of the danger.Star-Advertiser.

A new poll released Wednesday suggests Hawaii's Democratic Party is likely to take back the governor's office. Hawaii News Now.

A new poll shows both former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann ahead of Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona in hypothetical matchups for governor in November. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares will take until Tuesday to sign into law a bill that will make it illegal to use a cellular phone or other mobile electronic devices while driving. Maui News.

W.S. Merwin acknowledges that his relatively reclusive life on a former pineapple plantation built on the slopes of Haleakala on Maui will be disturbed by the Library of Congress’ announcement this morning naming him the country’s poet laureate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiians want bridge work stopped, claim ‘obfuscation.' Garden Island.

Staking for construction of both a new Wailua Beach parking lot and a retaining wall that is part of the old cane-haul-bridge widening project could have alarmed some residents who may have thought it was for construction of the county’s coastal path, said a state Department of Transportation spokeswoman. Garden Island.

Military might gathering off Hawaii for war games, $1B taxes lost in cash economy, telescope moves forward, Honolulu sewer settlement reached, more

Fourteen countries have converged in Hawaiian waters. KHON2.

Dozens of ships from 14 nations were parked two deep yesterday in Southeast Loch as the U.S. prepares for the start of Rim of the Pacific war games next week in and around Hawaii's waters. Star-Advertiser.

Another successful test for the Missile Defense Agency off Kauai. Around 9:30 Monday night, a target missile was launched from a platform in the Pacific Ocean, and then it was shot down by an interceptor missile. Hawaii News Now.

One billion dollars a year. That’s the estimated taxes in Hawaii that don’t get paid by contractors and waiters, accountants and attorneys, hairdressers and everyone else who hides all or part of their cash income. Hawaii Business.

A landmark settlement regarding Honolulu's sewers means big improvements are coming down the pipe, but it will also mean rate increases to pay for what's estimated to be more than a billion dollars of work. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents unanimously approved yesterday a plan to build the world's largest telescope at Mauna Kea's summit. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would explicitly legalize hundreds of existing transient vacation rentals on agricultural lands is gaining ground. Garden Island.

Law- makers Want State Money To Ship Out Homeless. KITV.

Depriving taxpayers of lower burden. West Hawaii Today.

Public school students will not see teacher furlough days in the coming school year, but they will feel the pinch of budget cuts in other ways, Board of Education members warned. Star-Advertiser.

How would you like to be the boss and not have control over who's on your team? That's the situation Hawaii school principals say they find themselves in — and they're not happy about it.Civil Beat.

The state judiciary said it upgraded its online services to include a license-plate match in order to help people see records of their own parking tickets. KITV.


Like a tomato left too long on the vine, the Saturday farmers market at Eddie Tam has burst its skin and will have to be picked. Maui News.

A dentistry residency program is making pediatric oral surgery more accessible for Big Island keiki. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

A civil defense siren that went off around 11:45 a.m. Monday was malfunctioning, said Mahina Martin, Maui County spokeswoman. Maui News.

Akaka Bill again in jeopardy, civil unions on potential veto list, Army makes nice with natives, taxes going up, bus spy-cams tested, more news from all the isles

After a 10-year slog, supporters of the Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill think they have their best chance yet to pass the legislation. Civil Beat.

The Army is trying to improve the often antagonistic and deeply distrustful relationship it has long had with many Native Hawaiians. KITV.

The civil unions bill is likely to be on Governor Linda Lingle's list of potential vetoes when it's released Monday. KHON2.


The emotional nature of civil unions has Gov. Linda Lingle giving herself the full amount of time available by law to make, then explain her decision. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Linda Lingle returned Saturday from a two-week journey to Asia confronting the same thorny question as when she left - to sign or veto legislation that would allow gay couples to form civil unions. AP.

Maintaining Hawaii Island's agricultural diversity is dependent on residents sharing seeds, and the Hawaii Island Seed Exchange provides the venue for people to do just that. West Hawaii Today.

On his first trip back home, newly elected U.S. Rep. Charles Djou yesterday defended his call for a waiver of the Jones Act to allow foreign-flagged ships to respond to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and his use of taxpayer-funded automated phone calls to connect with Hawaii voters. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has now had its first experience with the new homeowner category of real property taxation. Garden Island.

All Kauai County rates will increase slightly, but the move will mostly affect households that use more than 35,000 gallons of water a month. Garden Island.


To save an estimated $3.5 million, Maui County will furlough most of its employees for 12 days in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Maui News.

After testing surveillance cameras out last month, the city is now reviewing nine bids on the project. KITV.

As robotics experts from around the world continue to work with submersibles to stanch the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the next generation of experts will be honing their skills right here in Hilo. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

The isolated peninsula of Kalaupapa could be an evacuation nightmare in the event of natural disaster, but thanks to new evacuation plans and facilities for the settlement, there will soon be less reason to worry. Molokai Dispatch.

A total of 12,867 vehicles were towed during a recent four-month period that ended June 15, according to Honolulu police. Star-Advertiser.

They've taken on all comers and over the last 5 years the Pure Light Canoe Club has won more races than they've lost. Hawaii News Now.

Lingle meets with civil union opponents, economic impact weighed, Honolulu buses to get spy cams, staff report says Maui sugar company should return water to streams, Honolulu City Council seeks property tax hike, more news from around the state

Tourism and other businesses might benefit by about $7 million a year, but legalizing civil unions would otherwise have a minimal economic impact in the state, according to two University of Hawaii researchers.

One week ago, Gov. Linda Lingle said she needed more information before deciding on state House Bill 444. Monday she began two days of face-to-face meetings behind closed doors.

The civil union critics put a youthful face on their message Monday, bringing to the governor’s office dozens of young people, mostly Christian home-schoolers, many armed with notes they’d prepared in advance.

The governor wants to hear from both sides before she makes a decision on civil unions -- and she held the first of two private meetings on Monday.

Nearly six months after recommending that Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. restore water to only one of 19 streams in East Maui, staffers for the state Commission on Water Resource Management have changed their minds - at the direction of balance-seeking commissioners in the heated controversy.

Back in December, the state Commission on Water Resource Management deferred a decision on a staff recommendation to return water to only one of the 19 East Maui streams at the heart of a 10-year-old legal petition by the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp., saying it was not enough of a compromise.

Waiting for a turnaround - Hawaii's construction industry has taken a big dive this year, losing more than 3,000 jobs from the year before, which was already way down.

Democratic Party Candidate Ed Case Monday pointed to the website of a national Republican group, Independent Women's Voice, as proof he was hurt by $200,000 worth of negative ads geared to help Republican Charles Djou win.

Twitter data beats phone polling in Hawaii special election

Hawaii home-care horror tales underscore risk to elderly

Non-occupant homeowners would pay less in property taxes than proposed by Mayor Mufi Hannemann, but at a higher rate than they're paying now, under a budget plan passed by the City Council Budget Committee yesterday.

Nonoccupant homeowners would face a higher real property tax rate next year, while most city departments would have to make do with fewer dollars under the operating budget advancing in the City Council.

Starting as soon as this week, Honolulu may begin using surveillance cameras on city buses.

Kamehameha Schools' expansive $118.5 million redevelopment project at its main Kapalama campus will be a boon to Hawaii's struggling building industry.

Firefighters made headway in defeating a brush fire that has burned roughly 300 acres in North Kohala. The blaze was fully contained and advanced no further Sunday, said Battalion Chief Warren Sumida, of the Hawaii County Fire Department.

Should County Council members be elected solely by residents of their districts? Maui voters say “yes!”

State tax checks in the mail, the taxman leaveth, Big Island still loves its pickup trucks, water the issue on Maui, UH may hike tuition, Kileauea wows the media, more top Hawaii news

Saying pickup trucks are some families' only mode of transportation, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday rejected a resolution aimed at keeping passengers from riding in open truck beds.

In this day and age of volatile gas prices and a downward-spiraling economy, drivers may be increasingly more inclined to accept that driving is a privilege rather than a right.

It's not a lot of money in the scheme of Hawai'i's $50 billion-plus economy. But the nearly $125 million in state tax refunds that start going out today will provide a welcome psychological lift as businesses try to come back from an exhausting economic downturn.

State Tax Director Kurt Kawafuchi will be leaving his job June 15, Gov. Linda Lingle's office said yesterday.

Gov. Linda Lingle invited about two dozen public school principals, teachers and parents to her office Thursday, to discuss three education bills awaiting her signature.


A bill making its way through Congress could provide Hawai'i with an estimated $91 million to save education jobs and potentially help eliminate furlough Fridays next school year, according to U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's office.

Hawaii will move its primary from late September to the second Saturday in August starting in 2012 to comply with a federal law intended to ensure that military and overseas voters get ballots within 45 days before elections.

Mail-In Voting The Winner In Special Election

A fundraising letter from the Republican National Committee that rankled Congress into passing a law banning deceptive mailings because they could be mistaken for an official U.S. Census document appears to be making the rounds in Hawaii.

University of Hawaii administrators are weighing whether to propose a tuition increase beginning in the fall of 2012.

Media Council of Hawaii is filing another complaint to the Federal Communications Commission about the merger between KGMB, KHNL and KFVE.

Every year thousands of visitors travel to Kilauea on the Big Island for a chance to see one of the most active volcanoes in the world. A massive plume still billows from the active lava filled vents.

Halemaumau Crater has been putting on a show like this since March 2008.

The public is being asked to comment on major improvements for Highway 130 -- the Keaau-Pahoa Road -- that may cost in excess of $100 million.

With the relaxing of water limits and removal of the penalty of jail time, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday found a water spigot bill it could agree upon.

The proposed Villages of Aina Lea South Kohala development would offer some new regional road connectivity, with a mauka-makai road between the development, which is mauka of the Mauna Lani Resort, and nearby Waikoloa.

A U.S. Geological Survey study 4 years in the making and released this week describes the effects of taking millions of gallons of water daily from "the Four Streams" of Na Wai Eha that originate in the West Maui Mountains.

The state Commission on Water Resource Management will take up a petition next week to set new instream-flow standards for 16 East Maui streams.

The Pioneer Mill abandoned the sugarcane fields of Lahaina in 1999, and the browning of the once verdant slopes of the West Maui Mountains began.

A car running on java plum wood chips was the star of the 14th Annual Agriculture and Environmental Awareness Day, Thursday.

Property tax increases looming in counties across the state, Native Hawaiian remains at issue on Oahu, Kauai, state health subsidy aims to stem unemployment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The tax increase on people who own their homes but don't live in them was presented as a way to protect resident homeowners from additional taxes.

Farmers and hoteliers joined forces Monday to decry tax increases they say hit the county's two main economic drivers the hardest.

The public sent a unanimous message to the Hawaii County Council at a Monday night hearing: Don't raise real property tax rates.

The Maui County Council voted unanimously Monday to fix the real property tax rates as it had last discussed them in April, but two members voted with reservations.

A forensic anthropologist has confirmed that remains found by Army contractors Friday at a Schofield Barracks construction site were human remains, the Army said Tuesday.

More than five years after opening for business, the Keeaumoku Street Walmart and Sam's Club have seen the end to a legal challenge to their construction.

Wailua path project delayed amid Hawaiian protest

Hawaii's special election wraps up this weekend, but what happens after the next Congressional Representative is chosen?

Tax collections needed to pay the city's share of a planned elevated commuter rail line are running flat year-over-year with two months to go in fiscal 2010. If they continue at their current pace, transit tax collections are headed for a third straight year of little to no growth.

Small businesses in Hawaii are getting a big boost. The state says hire someone who is collecting unemployment right now and we'll help you pay for them.

As owners of a small home construction business in Waimanalo, Ozzy and Shontaz Naweli say one of the primary roadblocks to hiring new workers is the cost of providing health care.

In 2009, 95 percent of the applications were approved, meaning a record high 33,678 firearms were registered last year, outpacing the previous year by 30 percent.

The value of building permits authorized in Hawaii County increased in March, compared with the same month last year, while the number of permits decreased slightly.

A group of around 20 volunteers worked diligently last Friday to cultivate a small piece of land that soon will thrive with papayas, bananas and taro. This is not a farm or backyard–it’s in the heart of urban Honolulu at the Institute for Human Services (IHS) homeless shelter.

New! Weekly blog feature Just sayin' -- Bidding aloha to the 2010 legislative session in Hawaii

"No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session."
 -- Mark Twain

Whew! They're gone. The Hawaii Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, and reporters around the state are busily figuring out just what lawmakers accomplished during the 60-day session that in Hawaii Time stretches from Jan. 20 to April 29.

The debate over civil unions grabbed most of the headlines this legislative session, but tax and access issues hit equally close to home.

Old Samuel Langhorne Clemens had it right about property, at least as far as this year’s legislative session is concerned. In this tough economic climate, lawmakers raised the barrel tax from 5 cents to $1.05, an action expected to hike the cost of gas, electricity and shipping. Lawmakers also reinstated the death tax and tapped their old favorite, smokers, who face a 40-cent-per pack increase.

Legislature on last day passes civil unions, reinstates steep tax hikes, after 27 years, Kilauea losing steam, more top news from around the state

In a dramatic last-minute reversal, the state Legislature sent Gov. Linda Lingle a bill legalizing civil unions between any two consenting adults.

State House lawmakers yesterday approved a bill that would give same-sex and heterosexual couples the ability to enter into civil unions and enjoy the same rights as married couples under state law.

Many are calling it a very historic moment for Hawaii, and it's big step towards a huge victory for civil union supporters.

Opponents of a civil unions bill are urging Gov. Linda Lingle to veto the measure when it hits her desk.

Expect gas prices, electric bills and shipping costs to rise because the state Legislature voted yesterday to override a veto of a $1-per-barrel tax increase on oil products.

From veto to law, legislators went against the governor and overturned 11 issues today many centered on jobs and tax increases.

Hawaii state lawmakers Thursday overrode one of Gov. Linda Lingle's vetoes to clear the way to impose an almost 2000 percent oil barrel tax hike.

The Lingle administration lashed out at state lawmakers who ended the 2010 regular session with overrides of 11 of the governor's vetoes.

Here is a list of some of the measures revived today:

A government watchdog activist was injured and another was arrested yesterday during a protest over prayer at the state Legislature.

At least eight Hawaii lawmakers may leave office following this year's legislative session.

A drop in sulfur dioxide released from an eruption on Kilauea volcano's east side might mean the eruption is finally running out of gas after 27 years, scientists say.

Some of the best minds in social media are here for a two day conference on creating a business strategy using social media tools.

Work continues on efforts to cover up contaminated soil on the site of the future Target and Safeway stores in Hilo, where high levels of arsenic, dioxins and petroleum compounds have been found.

A state senator says the Department of Public Safety broke state and county laws and administrative rules during last year's closure of Kulani Correctional Facility.

Bowing to the inevitable, county and state officials emerged Wednesday from a closed-door strategy session determined to fill the hole in Big Island tourism left by the loss of Japan Airlines flights to Kona International Airport.

The state Department of Transportation assured residents Wednesday evening there will be no more protests to delay work on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project and construction of the second phase is expected to begin in the fall.

Maui County Council members on Wednesday debated proposals to require the Department of Environmental Management to come up with a plan to recycle more wastewater and conduct sampling for water contamination before spending money to rehabilitate existing injection wells.

Many Kauai community members who closely followed the progression of the bill seeking to allow leashed dogs on the entire shared-use path were baffled when the author of the bill voted to defer it, sending it back to committee for possible amendments