Hawaii to limit solar tax breaks, indictments in UH 'Wonder blunder,' NFL football combine coming, grounded vessel damaging coral, some Big Island cattle have STD, Maui ends Main Street grant, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

solar panels on Honolulu building

The state tax department is set to come out with new rules that would limit the number of tax credits solar companies can claim on a solar array. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii officials applauded the federal fraud prosecution of two mainland men charged in the botched Stevie Wonder concert, but it wasn't clear whether any of the $200,000 that UH lost will be recovered. Star-Advertiser.

Sean Barriero, one of two men accused of scamming the University of Hawaii out of $200,000, pleaded guilty in federal court today and will testify against co-defendant Marc Hubbard. Hawaii Reporter.

North Carolina resident Marc Hubbard and Miami resident Sean Barriero have been indicted on federal charges in connection to the botched Stevie Wonder concert at University of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The National Football League announced Thursday that it will have a “Super Regional Combine” in Honolulu in January 2013, just days before the annual Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium. Pacific Business News.

The Public Land Development Corp. Schedules New Public Hearing But Will Anyone Be Able To Go? Civil Beat.

For Hawaii Governors, Second Acts Are Tough. Civil Beat.

A final review of the public files shows that candidate and noncandidate committees spent more than $13.8 million total airing political TV ads on local airwaves this election season. Civil Beat.

Hawaii fishermen and seafood lovers may have a new reason to heed the long-standing warnings about the serious impacts of climate change, according to federal scientists in Honolulu. The latest research shows global warming and ocean acidification will have a significant effect on large pelagics, such as tuna and swordfish, over the 21st century. Civil Beat.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. tripled its profit in the third quarter, primarily due to the timing of a bulk sugar shipment by subsidiary Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for November 9. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

City Councilman-elect Joey Manahan, who in August won the election to succeed outgoing member Romy Cachola, could take office next week instead of Jan. 2, when Council terms officially begin. Star-Advertiser.

The annual construction budget for the Honolulu rail project would peak at $1.34 billion in the 2014 fiscal year under a new spending plan given preliminary approval Thursday by a committee of the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Another human bone has been found at the site of the rail project. But rail officials don't expect it will cause any further delays. KHON2.

Teachers at Campbell High School will picket and work only the hours their contract requires Thursday to protest the lack of progress in getting an agreement. Star-Advertiser.

A vessel aground in Kaneohe Bay has already done considerable damage to a portion of the barrier reef about a half-mile from shore, according to officials with the conservation group the Nature Conservancy. Star-Advertiser.

Two former students are suing Damien Memorial School and the Catholic Church of Hawaii.  They claim the school covered up tortuous sex abuse by a longtime teacher three decades ago. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Eight Big Island cattle ranches are under a quarantine, following an outbreak of a bovine venereal disease. West Hawaii Today.

Decision delays further stall Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

State Department of Human Services officials confirmed Thursday a Kona caregiver’s care home certification was revoked in September following the death of an 82-year-old patient, but declined to provide further details. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s College of Pharmacy is currently undergoing an in-depth self assessment of its Doctor of Pharmacy program. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County officials have terminated the remainder of a grant with the embattled Wailuku Main Street Association, following repeated warning letters seeking compliance with an ongoing probe of the nonprofit's operations. Maui News.

A new faculty member at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College is being credited with helping in the development of software that supports the Hawaiian language. Maui Now.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle lost all of Maui County's 35 precincts, including tiny Kalaupapa, on Tuesday as Democratic Congresswoman Mazie Hirono rolled on to win the seat being vacated by Sen. Daniel Akaka. Maui News.

Kauai
County officials are inviting members of the public to weigh in on the county’s budget priorities for the next fiscal year. Garden Island.

Kauai County Council advanced a legislative package opposing the Public Land Development Corp. in the face of opposition from Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Garden Island.

New tool to detect tsunami debris radiation, no gambling to fix Hawaii budget, state Senate to begin UH probe today, Waikiki Natatorium in Abercrombie's sights, Hamakua fights GMO, 6k Maui residents oppose sugarcane burning, Lingle stumps in Kona, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dead Hawaiian boobies trapped in tsunami debris Hawaii DLNR courtesy photo

A new hand-held radiation detector demonstrated Sunday will help the city of Honolulu respond to any flotsam contaminated by the leak at the Japanese nuclear plant in the wake of last year's earthquake and tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

The Smiths Detection RadSeeker, an advanced radiation detector, arrived  Friday at the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, just days after debris from the 2011 tsunami in Japan was found near our shores. KITV4.

DLNR worker clears tsunami debris

 A large plastic bin is the first confirmed piece of marine debris from last year’s Japan tsunamis to arrive in Hawaii, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday.Associated Press.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is working with its federal partners to locate and track the floating dock last reported north of Molokai. KITV4.

The PFM Group — the mainland firm that produced The Study of the State Tax System — also advises that Hawaii not approve a lottery or other forms of gambling. The Hawaii Tax review Commission will meet Wednesday to discuss proposed recommendations to the Hawaii Legislature later this year. Civil Beat.

A special state Senate committee will hold its initial briefing on concerns about how finances are handled at the University of Hawaii. Associated Press.

As the State Senate's Special Committee on Accountability prepared to hold its first briefing Monday afternoon into the University of Hawaii's Stevie Wonder concert fiasco, UH President M.R.C. Greenwood tried to minimize criticism of UH leadership during private meetings, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Former University of Hawaii Athletics Director Jim Donovan plans to testify before state lawmakers Monday that UH offered him a "take it or leave it" deal for his controversial new job, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

For the first time, Hawaii high school students in expository writing, biology, U.S. history and Algebra I classes will take standardized end-of-course exams this school year to test their mastery of the subjects. Star-Advertiser.

As the school year gets rolling, the state Ethics Commission is reminding public school teachers and coaches that they may not give their students private lessons for pay, as the longtime tennis coach at Mililani High School recently learned the hard way. Star-Advertiser.

State Department of Agriculture officials and a Seattle nut and chocolate treat manufacturer are trying to interest local farmers in growing cashews, saying Hawaii’s climate is well suited for the kidney-shaped nut, which can fetch hefty prices. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists using advanced mathematical models to examine the distribution of open-ocean animals in the North Pacific have concluded that rising ocean temperatures could lead to a significant shift in critical ocean habitats. Star-Advertiser.

With more visitors and more residents across the Hawaiian Islands there are also more people hiking. That also means -- more search and rescue missions for hikers who are lost, injured or otherwise in distress. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Hawaiian artwork is on display in the hearing room of a Senate committee in Washington, D.C. Associated Press.

State roundup for September 24. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Gov. Neil Abercrombie decided to take the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium back from the city in July to build a volleyball arena. The challenge for top city officials was how to keep the media and public from finding out about it. Civil Beat.

For months, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has intended to take the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium back from the city to build a world-class volleyball arena. Civil Beat.

"Hawaii Five-0" kicked off its third season Sunday in true Hawaiian style — with the beauty and warmth of the ocean, sky, breezes and beach matching the spirit and exuberance of the fans and actors. Star-Advertiser.

Community support is sought for Waikiki 20/20, an upcoming planning conference aimed at setting a vision for the next two decades in the district, which is one of the most densely populated communities in the state as well as its top tourist destination and economic center. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Budget Chair Ann Kobayashi hoped to receive a thorough briefing on the financial picture for the city’s $5.2 billion rail project from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation department on Wednesday, but instead she and other committee members were left with more questions. Hawaii Reporter.

After sitting down with Honolulu mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano on Friday, I got some more insight into how they think when it comes to mass transit to help ease the city's traffic woes. Pacific Business News.

National campaign adopted on Oahu hopes to reduce homelessness. KHON2.

Hawaii

Lingle attempts to woo West Hawaii voters at forum; Hirono a no-show. West Hawaii Today.

An Idaho dairyman who bought the largest dairy in the state is growing genetically modified corn on state leasehold land in Hamakua, and a number of residents are upset about it, saying it violates the Hamakua Agriculture Plan. Tribune-Herald.

A hefty group of community members, many frustrated by intermittent or restricted access to a trail heading to Papaikou Mill Beach, voiced support at a public meeting Friday for a resolution that would have Hawaii County acquire the privately held path through eminent domain. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. wants to renegotiate its power purchase agreements with renewable energy providers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A group of Maui residents who oppose sugar cane burning has circulated a petition to more than 6,000 people asking Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and the state Department of Health to stop allowing smoke to pollute the air in publicly accessible areas, an announcement said. Maui News.

Maui County Council members voted 8-0 Friday to adopt a resolution asking state lawmakers next year to consider a bill requiring the labeling of genetically modified food products. Maui News.

West Maui residents and visitors are being asked to conserve water until Monday after a broken waterline shut down the Mahinahina Water Treatment Facility, a county Department of Water Supply spokeswoman said. Maui News.

Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday to a bill to establish new zoning for restricted industrial uses. Maui News.

Kauai

University of Hawaii students, engineers and faculty are building a satellite that will be controlled by UH students on the ground and will serve as the key payload on a rocket lifting off from Kauai's Barking Sands in September 2013. Star-Advertiser.

‘Being Out At Work On Kaua‘i’ community forum scheduled for Oct. 4. Garden Island.

Ground for the Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai Hawaiian Homes Subdivision, Phase II was celebrated Wednesday and was attended by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and a host of dignitaries. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Department officers were busy, monitoring traffic and doing free infant car seat safety inspections along Olohena Road fronting the Kapa‘a Middle School Friday afternoon. Garden Island.

Hawaii House majority opposes tax hike, statewide energy plan draws heat, one last shot at Akaka Bill, Big Island police look into voter fraud allegations, electricity bills rise, fall, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A majority in the state House opposes recommendations from a consultant to the Tax Review Commission that call for several new tax increases to help finance state government, including an increase in the general excise tax. Star-Advertiser.

Tax hikes proposed by mainland consultants got a cold shoulder at the state Capitol Tuesday. KHON2.

The state Tax Review Commission heard unanimous opposition today to a suggested increase in the state general excise tax. Hawaii Reporter.

The State Tax Review Commission met today to hear public comment on two 2 consultant studies that recommend tax hikes to meet future state funding needs. Hawaii Public Radio.

The tax review commission took public testimony Tuesday on two consultant reports that examined the state’s current tax policy and structure. KITV4.

Randy Iwase began Tuesday's Hawaii Tax Review Commission hearing at the state Capitol by reminding everyone of the terrorist attacks on the United States. Civil Beat.

Concerns about proposed wind turbine projects on Lanai and Molokai dominated public comments Tuesday night at a meeting held by state and federal officials who are putting together a document to help plan renewable energy development in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Based on public comment, the US Department of Energy is now studying a range of other options including solar, geothermal and hydroelectric. KHON2.

The state has paid a private company $3 million to conduct environmental reviews for the Big Wind project. But that study, paid for with federal stimulus funds, has been essentially scrapped as the state and U.S. Department of Energy embark on a new study that doesn't favor any particular energy source or location. Civil Beat.

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will take up the namesake legislation of retiring Chair Daniel Akaka in his final attempt to advance the cause of Native Hawaiian government that will be his legacy. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tech companies enlist the help of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to deal with wireless broadband limits. Civil Beat.

More satellites and sophisticated equipment are available to weather forecasters to better track hurricanes since the wrath of Hurricane Iniki struck Hawaii two decades ago. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities would ride TheBus and TheHandi-Van for free under a proposal introduced by City Council Chairman Ernie Martin and up for Council consideration today. Star-Advertiser.

Street performers protest police arrests. Hawaii News Now.

An Australian property services company announced plans Tuesday for developing a gated community with 353 homes in Makaha Valley on land zoned for agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

The state agency soliciting bids to build a 650-foot tower that includes workforce housing on state land in Kakaako released the names of bidders Tuesday, reversing an earlier position to keep their identities secret until a preferred plan was chosen. Star-Advertiser.

A year after debating whether to eliminate a city subsidy aimed at encouraging private companies and nonprofits to recycle, City Council members again appear ready to do away with the incentive. Star-Advertiser.

Residential electricity rates fell on Oahu in September for the third consecutive month, mainly reflecting a decline in Hawaiian Electric Co.'s fuel costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Police Department is investigating allegations of voter fraud involving the 2010 elections. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County police detectives have opened an investigation into allegations of voter fraud during the 2010 election. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu attorney, apparently stuck in a political dispute between the County Council and Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration, has not been paid more than $9,000 owed him after being retained in January by Council Chairman Dominic Yagong. West Hawaii Today.

Harry Kim has made little progress with filling his campaign war chest. And that’s just fine with him. Tribune-Herald.

Twenty officers have been directed to quash a rash of burglaries and car crimes in South Kona that police attribute to an organized group of drug users trying to feed methamphetamine habits, officials said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Councilman Fred Blas is joining the call for a geothermal health study. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island residential rates rose to 40.7 cents a kilowatt-hour from last month's 40.1 cents. The typical bill rose by $3.87 to $254.69. Star-Advertiser.

A University of Hawaii at Hilo pharmacy professor has received a $675,000 career development award from the National Cancer Institute. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui residents will have a rare opportunity to visit a national wildlife refuge on a weekend this Saturday. Associated Press.

The long-planned Kihei high school campus is not expected to have a "significant" impact on traffic along Piilani Highway and surrounding areas when it opens in 2016, according to the project's final environmental impact statement filed late last week. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. customers saw rates fall to 34.9 cents per kilowatt-hour this month from 35.40 cents in August. The typical Maui bill fell by $3.18 to $218.12. Star-Advertiser.

In order to further promote electric cars on Maui and educate the public about what their engines look like, how they work and are charged up, and how they handle firsthand, local supporters are hosting a local National Plug-In Day event Sept. 22 at the Maui Swap Meet. Maui News.

Family pleads for the return of sentimental framed picture. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Planning Commission’s three-member Subdivision Committee by a 2-1 vote Tuesday deferred decision on an extension request for a subdivision of agriculture lands at Olohena Road in Kapa‘a. Garden Island.

A California woman accused of collecting about $398,000 in state disability payments on behalf of her dead father for 21 years is scheduled to plead guilty next month. Star-Advertiser.

Public invited to join mayor in weekly walks. Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has entered into a deal with Unitek Solvent Services Inc. to purchase fuel oil to generate electricity that would help lower the cost of power on the island as well as its dependency on out-of-state sources of fuel. Pacific Business News.

On Kauai the electricty rate rose to 43.1 cents per kilowatt-hour. Last month the rate charged by the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative was 40 cents per kilowatt-hour. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tax Commission seeks General Excise Tax hike, solar companies want lower China tariffs, Lanai group fights golf course irrigation, Kauai remembers Iniki, Big Island tour company faces license loss, Molokai burial site upgraded, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mai Tai bar (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

As one state advisory panel is predicting lower-than-expected tax revenues in coming years, another is recommending that the state increase the general excise tax rate by a half-percentage point. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Tax Review Commission report recommending increase in General Excise Tax.

Companies seeking to develop projects on state lands aren’t required to go through a competitive bidding process under recently proposed rules that would govern Hawaii’s controversial Public Land Development Corporation. Civil Beat.

Coconut bras aren’t Hawaiian. Neither are grass skirts. Tiki bars? They’re from California. Yet they’re all among the most recognizable symbols of a Hawaiian vacation. Associated Press.

The National Weather Service Employees Organization on Sunday endorsed U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono for U.S. Senate, citing her opposition to House Republican budget cuts in 2011 that could have diminished operations at facilities such as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. House candidate Tulsi Gabbard weighed in on Republican "obstructionism," the influx of outside funding to Hawaii races, the future of the U.S. military in Af­ghani­stan and other topics during a two-hour appearance on the MSNBC program "Up w/ Chris Hayes" on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

An official from Hilo-based ProVision Solar plans to join dozens of other businesses at a hearing in Washington, D.C., next month to testify that tariffs being levied on imported Chinese solar panels are doing more harm than good to the U.S. economy. Star-Advertiser.

Between 2007 and 2009, Hawaii Tech Support boosted revenues by almost 300 percent, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
The Hawaii Supreme Court has given Native Hawaiian Paulette Kaleikini, the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against the Honolulu rail project, a week to respond to a motion submitted by the City and County of Honolulu that asked the state high court to reconsider its ruling. Pacific Business News.

A U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in a Los Angeles case it is unconstitutional for the government to seize homeless people's temporarily unattended property could influence Honolulu's homeless ordinance. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii medical students have treated homeless shelter patients more than 7,600 times in the six years since the university started its homeless outreach program. KHON2.

The Honolulu City Council has a solution in mind to offer farmers on the Leeward Coast the opportunity to place as many as five retrofitted shipping containers on their land to serve as workforce housing. Hawaii Reporter.

Ben Cayetano and Kirk Caldwell talk journalism and politics at high school journalism day forum. Civil Beat.

Harriet Natsuyama said she can run her fingers along the Japa­nese characters etched into decades-old gravestones at the Moiliili Japa­nese Cemetery and know whether her grandfather's hands worked to carve them. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Board of Realtors says the Oahu real estate market ended with summer with strong numbers. Hawaii News Now.

In preparation for the Kaneohe Bay Air Show "Wall of Fire" pyrotechnics display, a rehearsal was conducted Saturday at 10 a.m. and lasting less than five minutes, according to Marine Corps Base Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii

Complaints against the chairman of the Windward Planning Commission, the chairman of the Hawaii County Council and union-endorsed candidate forums on the taxpayers’ dime: The county Board of Ethics has a full plate of issues when it meets Wednesday in County Council chambers. West Hawaii Today.

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of publicly financed County Council campaigns in erasing the advantage of big money in elections. Tribune-Herald.

A Kealakekua Bay kayak tour company may lose its ability to take visitors to the Captain Cook monument. Tribune-Herald.

August produced a bumper crop of burglaries on the Big Island, with 142 reported islandwide, up from the previous month’s 95 burglary reports. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii Community Health Center — a nonprofit working to provide health care to the underserved and underinsured — anticipates a new clinic at Lai Opua will open in April 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Some Maui candidates who lost their primary election bids wound up spending more money per vote than their winning opponents. Maui News.

A broken pump at the Kaupakalua Well led to a water conservation advisory in the Haiku area for the weekend by the Department of Water Supply. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety will begin installing smoke alarms at high risk homes in October, under the federally funded Smoke Alarm Maui Program. Maui Now.

Kauai

Since Hurricane Iniki barreled over Kauai 20 years ago Tuesday, the county's communication system has vastly improved, but the island still has too few shelters able to with­stand gale-force winds, emergency planners say. Star-Advertiser.

How did Kaua‘i Community Radio (KKCR) come to be linked to the emergency system tower in Princeville? The Category 4 Hurricane ‘Iniki played a part in it. Garden Island.

A proposal to give Kaua‘i Community College students substantial savings in Kaua‘i Bus fares has a trade off: All students would pay for it, regardless of who rides the bus. Garden Island.

County Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo on Wednesday unveiled to the Kaua‘i County Council the administration’s plan to work with the skateboarding groups on Kaua‘i to design and build two skate parks, one in Lihu‘e and another in Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Lanai

A legal dispute over the water source for a Lanai golf course that has spanned more than two decades has been kept alive by a state appeals court ruling that could mean more litigation for months, if not years. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Translations of letters written by the earliest Hawaiian Hansen's disease patients exiled to Molokai in the late 1800s paint a much different picture of early life in the settlement than the brutal image perpetuated by English-speaking, mostly Caucasian authorities at the time. Star-Advertiser.

Thanks to $438,000 in federal funding, two new columbaria, or vaults to hold urns containing ashes, were installed last month at the Molokai Veterans Cemetery in Ho`olehua. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii hosts biggest RIMPAC war games ever, 103 school bus routes cut, Hawaii County councilors accused of absenteeism, U.S. Supreme Court won't review Native Hawaiian tax exemptions, UH goes in search of Earhart's plane, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

RIMPAC courtesy photo

So many nations are participating in this year's Rim of the Pacific war games off Hawaii that China feels left out. Star-Advertiser.

A record number of nations are participating in the Rim of the Pacific war game, as the Obama administration embarks on a new policy to increase the U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Star-Advertiser.

On July 19, the East-West Center will present former Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi, the center's former board chair, with its Asia Pacific Community Building Award "for his dedication to strengthening the bonds of understanding among the peoples and nations of Asia and the United States." Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Education on Saturday finalized a list of 103 bus routes that will be cut to make up part of a $17 million shortfall in transportation services. Oahu bore the brunt of the cuts. Civil Beat.

A day after the Department of Education released its list of school bus route cuts, residents from one of Oahu's hardest hit communities are speaking out. Hawaii News Now.

One lawmaker spoke out today against the Department of Education's decision to cut more than a hundred school bus routes across the state. KHON2.

Hawaii students will see more fruits and vegetables and less bread in their school lunches starting this fall, under new federal rules aimed at helping to tackle the nation's obesity problem. Star-Advertiser.

A retired Marine Corps colonel who flew Marine One for both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama has been appointed to head the Department of Education's Office of School Facilities and Support Services. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court won’t review a ruling on tax exemptions for Native Hawaiian homesteaders. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Senate voted 24-0 Friday to confirm Judge Richard W. Pollack’s appointment to the Hawaii Supreme Court, as well as Peter T. Cahill’s appointment to become a judge on Maui’s 2nd Circuit Court. Pacific Business News.

Richard Pollack has been confirmed as Associate Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii Reporter.

Taxpayers are being set up for a tax increase, make that several tax increases as a result of the work of the latest Tax Review Commission. Garden Island.

Monday marks the 75th anniversary of famed aviator Amelia Earhart's disappearance. Now a University of Hawaii research ship could soon help to solve the enduring mystery. Hawaii News Now.

Discount carrier Allegiant Air entered the Hawaii market Friday, as the first flight from Las Vegas arrived at Honolulu International Airport with great fanfare. KITV4.

State roundup for July 2. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Auditor Edwin S.W. Young is in an awkward position. Civil Beat.

After 15 years of planning, ground was broken Thursday on a project to restore Kawainui Marsh on Windward Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

The race to represent District 1 on the Honolulu City Council promises to be one of the most exciting this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members Dennis Onishi and Donald Ikeda are facing ethics complaints targeting their attendance records. Tribune-Herald.

Community-based co-management is an effective way to sustain near shore resources and the livelihoods of those depending on them while addressing concerns and user conflicts, West Hawaii Fisheries Council chairman Glennon Gingo said Sunday.West Hawaii Today.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has pledged his support for the renovation and remodeling of the 65 vacant units in Hilo’s Lanakila Housing complex on Kapi`olani Street. KPUA.

West Hawaii Today editorial staff received recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter for its work entered in the 2011 Excellence in Journalism Awards competition. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Although Maui's visitor arrival and total expenditure growth numbers were not as gaudy as Oahu's, the May visitor data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority for the Valley Isle was still "very good" and on that coveted "slow and steady climb" upward, said the executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. Maui News.

Owners of the Maui Research & Technology Park hope to give the sprawling Kihei campus a $1.4 billion makeover to help attract a broader range of business activities and build out hundreds of undeveloped acres within the park. Maui News.

Maui News staffers took five first-place honors and won finalist awards in seven categories Friday in the Society of Professional Journalism Hawaii Chapter's annual excellence in journalism contest for work done in 2011. Maui News.

Kauai

After many deferrals over several weeks, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday voted in favor of Council Vice Chair JoAnn Yukimura’s request for council approval to ask the county Board of Ethics for an investigation of POHAKU, a diversion program offered by the county Office of Prosecuting Attorney. Garden Island.

County officials are reminding the public that  new operating hours are now in effect at the Kekaha Landfill and the transfer stations. Garden Island.

Lanai
Larry Ellison became the sixth-largest landowner in Hawaii this week when he closed on the purchase of more than 88,000 acres of land on the island of Lanai from Castle & Cooke. Pacific Business News.

Molokai
In an attempt to aid west end Molokai residents paying some of the highest water rates in the nation, Maui County filed an appeal last year in the state Intermediate Court of Appeals against the utilities of Molokai Properties, Ltd. (MPL), better known as Molokai Ranch. That appeal was recently denied, leaving ratepayers struggling under rates that have been called outrageous. Molokai Dispatch.

Molokai’s Kanemitsu Bakery is closed after the Department of Health found sanitation violations for the second time in four months. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's Grand Old Party convenes, bonus in store for principals, tax revenues up, sewer work to halt Oahu projects, Hawaii Island tax base lopsided, Kauai poi mill may close, Ka'u celebrates coffee, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

File photo 2008 GOP national convention (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Former Gov. Linda Lingle is calling on Hawaii Republicans to join together to make gains in the Democrat-dominated state. Associated Press.

Republicans from around Hawaii gathered this weekend on Oahu. KITV4.

In just 177 days, the Hawaii Republican Party will know whether it will finally make real inroads in a state dominated by Democrats, or remain mired in the minority. Civil Beat.

Speaking of the need for bipartisanship on Capitol Hill and the need for Republican representation for Hawaii if both houses of Congress go to the GOP this fall, former Gov. Linda Lingle urged party faithful to support her campaign for the U.S. Senate and help overcome the Democratic Party's stronghold in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

With Hawaii's primary election just three months away, candidates and their parties are gearing up for a big showdown. KHON2.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court could decide to throw out the political district boundary maps created by the state Reapportionment Commission. Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said the state is too far along in the planning process to start over and that because the state Constitution sets the election timeline, any order to redraw the maps would not leave adequate preparation time. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature's recent approval of the undersea cable bill earlier this month is generating added interest in projects seeking to bring energy from neighbor islands to Oahu. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Navy says its use of sonar and explosives could potentially hurt more dolphins and whales in Hawaii and California waters than previously thought. Associated Press.

Principals who attain high ratings under a performance-evaluation pilot program in 82 schools this fall will be eligible for a one-time $10,000 bonus in what officials are calling the first experiment of a merit pay system for public school educators in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

The number of foreclosure cases going through the courts could slow further or stop altogether because of another change the Legislature passed last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials say the state’s tax revenues are up nearly 13 percent for the first 10 months of the fiscal year through April. Associated Press.

The Judicial Selection Commission on Friday announced its nominees for Hawaii Supreme Court associate justice and for a judge in Maui County’s 2nd Circuit Court. Pacific Business News.

Jodie Maesaka-Hirata will become Deputy Director of Corrections while Ted Sakai has been appointed as the new public safety director. Associated Press.

Jobie Masagatani has been named director of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine welcomed 64 new doctors Sunday. But as the graduates move on, there are concerns about how many of them will return to practice in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists in Hawaii have already counted eight monk seal hooking incidents in the islands this year, including one that killed a 10-month-old male seal in March. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Construction of an assisted-living facility is on hold and other major proj­ects from Halawa to Pearl City could be in limbo while the city works to improve sewer lines at two Central Oahu sites. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Ben Cayetano shied away from making any promises about property taxes during the debate last week. Civil Beat.

The Departments of Health and Agriculture launched an investigation into whether pesticides are being used incorrectly at several Thai and Sweet Basil farms in Kunia and Ewa on Oahu. Hawaii Reporter.

The city is soliciting bids for a transitional housing project in urban Honolulu. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Property owners in just two West Hawaii County Council districts — North Kona’s District 8 and Kohala’s District 9 — pay more than half the property taxes that will be collected from the entire county this coming fiscal year. West Hawaii Today.

The Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal will get a makeover later this year as part of an effort by Hawaii County to make its facilities more accessible to the disabled. Tribune-Herald.

Kau coffee, which is mostly grown and produced in Pahala, a former Hawaii island plantation town of 1,356 residents, is getting a big name. Star-Advertiser.

The Ka‘u coffee industry, which sprouted from fields left untended when the area’s sugar plantations faltered nearly two decades ago, is providing opportunities for residents in the south Hawaii district. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public informational meeting Wednesday in Kaunakakai on a $5 million Kaunakakai Harbor improvement project set to begin late this month. Maui News.

Through work to restore ancient taro patches, troubled youths dig up valuable life lessons. Maui News.

Development planned for both sides of the southern end of Mokulele Highway will be discussed by a three-member panel Tuesday evening during a meeting sponsored by the Kihei Community Association. Maui News.

Federal and state disaster recovery officials have scheduled an applicant briefing for Monday on Maui County concerning the Federal Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. Maui Now.

Kauai
Only poi mill in Waimea, Kauai suspending operations. KHON2.

Employees, supporters try to stave off Kauai poi mill closure. Hawaii News Now.

Morgan’s Ponds, beloved by visitors and locals alike, is still struggling with the aftermath of nature’s inevitable course and man’s recourses, according to some residents. Garden Island.

Time-share owners have filed a federal class-action lawsuit over an assessment fee they claim was forced by a management-based board without approval of the owners. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiians on Kaua‘i will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at a community forum as well as at a regular OHA Board of Trustees meeting, both scheduled for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Molokai

The Molokai Public Library will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with special music, hula, and dance on the front lawn, and exhibits in the library on Wednesday, May 23. Molokai Dispatch.

Hundreds of bills survive legislative crossover, commission still tinkering with political maps, disaster declared for rain-soaked islands, HGEA endorses Hannemann, Kenoi, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Job creation and economic development remain key priorities as lawmakers near the midway point of the 2012 legislative session. Associated Press.

Both House and Senate on Tuesday managed to plow through hundreds of bills that faced a Thursday deadline. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers Tuesday maintained their focus on economic recovery while they awaited word on whether projected revenue growth will be enough to keep the state budget on track. Star-Advertiser.

As rains pounded down on the state Capitol, members of the House of Representatives hunkered down in a marathon session that saw passage of nearly 300 bills to be sent along for further consideration by the Senate. Hawaii Reporter.

Ahead of the First Crossover deadline,  the Hawaii State Senate passed 372 Senate Bills at its session today.  The bills now head over to the House for consideration. Hawaii Reporter.

House lawmakers today passed 286 measures ahead of Thursday’s first cross-over deadline.  The bills focus on priority areas of economic revitalization and business, agriculture, military affairs, and healthcare. Maui Now.

The state Reapportionment Commission unveiled Tuesday new boundary lines for Oahu House districts to deal with objections from critics who argued the latest lines divided communities and were favorable to current leadership in the House. Star-Advertiser.

The state Reapportionment Commission on Tuesday again revised proposed political boundaries for Oahu House districts and scheduled a final vote for Thursday. Civil Beat.

Proposed voting district maps have changed  again. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Senate Special Committee on Accountability has scheduled a hearing focused on salary and wage over-payments to state employees. Maui Now.

Hawaii moved closer Tuesday to the creation of an interisland electric grid that would be capable of transmitting renewable energy between islands. Civil Beat.

Mufi Hannemann (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state's largest public-sector union, has endorsed Mufi Hannemann in the race for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. The union also is backing Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi in his re-election bid. Star-Advertiser.

 Mayor Billy Kenoi (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The state Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 2967, which seeks to establish a separate collective bargaining unit for Ocean and Water Safety Officers. Garden Island.

The House of Representatives today passed a measure through its third reading that would award people who blow the whistle on those who fail to pay their fair share of taxes in the State of Hawaii. KHON2.

The state House has quietly advanced a measure that would make disorderly and contemptuous behavior at the Legislature a petty misdemeanor. KHON2.

The Hawaii State Senate today gave unanimous approval to a bill that would suspend landing fees for air carriers that provide interisland service to six rural airports in Hawaii. Maui Now.

A bill that would make chronic pain a qualifying condition under Hawaii’s medical marijuana law has been passed by the state Senate, while another that would eliminate chronic pain as a qualifying condition is dead for this year’s legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

Dozens of kids from all over the state are taking on big tobacco companies in the "Youth Unite for Kick Butts Day Rally."  They gathered outside the state capitol to urge lawmakers to crack down on cigarette companies that go after the youth.  Hawaii News Now.

More than $1 million in coastal hazard research grant money is available to communities throughout the Pacific Islands region to help plan for, respond to and recover from coastal storms. KITV4.

Oahu

The state will hire an investigator to look into concerns over how Wai­pahu High School administrators responded, including reportedly failing to call police, after a student told them she had been sexually assaulted by her coach. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu's leading rail opponents argue that the public has been hoodwinked into believing that traffic congestion will be better than it is today if the project is built. Civil Beat.

Keahole Solar Power LLC has signed a contract with Hawaiian Electric Co. that commits the utility to buy power from Keahole's planned 5-megawatt solar farm in Kalaeloa in leeward Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Heavy rains pounded the east side of Honolulu today as the Department of Environmental Services responded to two sanitary sewer overflows. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Bankruptcy filings are declining again in Hawaii, a federal bankruptcy judge says. West Hawaii Today.

Pahoa to celebrate gym opening. Tribune-Herald.

Farmers, educators, agricultural experts and novices alike Tuesday in Kailua-Kona delved into the multitude of challenges and opportunities facing Hawaii’s agricultural industry. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Things appeared to be running smoothly at Maui County's Service Center on Monday on the first day that stricter requirements for renewing, reinstating and applying for a Hawaii driver's license took effect. Maui News.

Voters will get to decide whether the county's Division of Ocean Safety should merge with the Maui Fire Department, after members of the Charter Commission decided Monday to put the proposal on ballots this fall. Maui News.

Sharon M. Suzuki has been named to succeed the retiring Ed Reinhardt as president of Maui Electric Co. as of May 1. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a disaster proclamation for Kaua‘i and O‘ahu Tuesday morning as rains continued to fall on portions of the drenched islands. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has declared a disaster for his county after several days of heavy rains caused roads to flood and sewage to spill. Associated Press.

Grove Farm Co. has extended the eviction deadline for Koloa Camp tenants, giving them 30 more days before they have to move from their Kauai homes. Star-Advertiser.

Grove Farm announced Tuesday it is providing a 30-day extension of its eviction of Koloa Camp residents. Garden Island.

Kaneohe Marines' kiss spurs Facebook debate, beach water monitoring funding could end as tsunami debris nears, Hawaii taxes the most services, legislators have stars in their eyes, cannabis ministery defendant pleads guilty, Race to the Top teachers approve contract, laid-off reporter to work for state energy office, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Marines Hawaii homecoming, courtesy photo

A spontaneous kiss between a Marine just returned from Afghanistan and his male partner in Hawaii has become famous since a photo of the embrace emerged on Facebook during the weekend, drawing thousands of overwhelmingly supportive comments in a relatively new post-don't ask, don't tell military. Star-Advertiser.

A Kaneohe couple wasn't planning on becoming famous or making splashy headlines, but the pair's happy homecoming has done just that. Hawaii News Now.

A Marines homecoming photo from a Hawaii base has gained worldwide attention -- two men kissing, just months after "Don't Ask Don't Tell" was repealed. KHON2.

The state with the highest score for "well-being" is Hawaii, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, a poll that surveys the physical, mental and emotional health of Americans. KITV4.

State Budget Solutions, a nonprofit advocating for fundamental reform of state budgets, released their study on the states that tax the highest number of services. Topping the list was Hawaii with 160 services taxed, followed by New Mexico and Washington that tied for second place with 158. Hawaii Reporter.

The latest plan for state House and Senate districts tweaks some boundaries to keep communities intact but does not change district lines in seven areas where incumbent lawmakers would have to run against each other this year. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission appears to have listened to public comment at recent community hearings and tweaked political boundaries — again. Civil Beat.

The reapportionment commission presented yet another version of voting district maps to the public today. KHON2.

The success of movies like "The Descendants" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" and TV shows "Lost" and "Hawaii 5-0" have state lawmakers looking at ways to draw more productions to Hawaii. Associated Press.

Hawai’i tourism officials provided an update for lawmakers today on areas they are targeting for the state’s share of foreign visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tsunamis generated by the magnitude-9 earthquake in Japan last March dragged 3 million to 4 million tons of debris into the ocean after tearing up Japanese harbors and homes. Associated Press.

Federal funding to help Hawaii monitor beach water quality could dry up if President Barack Obama gets his way. Civil Beat.

Two years after the state Civil Defense Division began an in-depth analysis of its response to a Hawaii tsunami warning in 2010, the final report has not been completed. Hawaii News Now.

An environmental group has petitioned the federal government to outline what fines or other penalties it will impose on companies that fish within three marine national monuments in the Pacific. Associated Press.


By an 80 to 20 percent margin, teachers in schools in the federal Race To The Top program have approved a new contract that will make them work longer, but will pay them more. Hawaii News Now.

The well-known head of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association has been ousted from his position as board member and president of the trade group. Civil Beat.

The family of Honolulu City Council member Tulsi Gabbard has been especially involved in her race for the 2nd Congressional District. Civil Beat.

Rick Daysog, reporter for the Sacramento Bee and former reporter for The Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, is coming back to Hawaii to work at the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s State Energy Office. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for Feb. 28. Associated Press.

Oahu

A group of property owners wants the Honolulu City Council to rescind a new law that has removed horses as "livestock" qualifying for a property tax discount. Star-Advertiser.

Daniel Grabauskas' largest construction project as chief of Boston's transit system was more than 30 percent over budget and a year late. Civil Beat.

A North Shore produce farm intends to become the first "urban farm" tenant in a community that developer D.R. Horton hopes to build in Ewa on some of Oahu's best farmland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The zip line at the Honolii Mountain Outpost course recently built for Hilo-based eco-tourism company KapohoKine Adventures — had experienced a similar collapse prior to the accident that claimed the life of 36-year-old worker Ted Callaway. Tribune-Herald.

The first of 13 co-defendants of The Hawaii Cannabis Ministry pleaded guilty in federal court Monday and has agreed to cooperate with the government in the drug-trafficking case. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Billy Kenoi's principal political opponent is sponsoring a bill limiting a mayor's ability to use county equipment and personnel to distribute newsletters six months before a mayoral election. West Hawaii Today.

A lack of funding from the state Department of Transportation has put a long-awaited cargo storage facility at the Hilo International Airport on ice. Tribune-Herald.

The long-sought Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well has been delayed by pump problems. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Attempt to prevent solar telescope suffers blow. Maui News.

A proposal that seeks to place a 10 p.m. limit on music, entertainment and dancing at the Kihei Kalama Village complex is drawing heavy discussion. Maui Now.

Wailuku attorney, Tony Takitani is among the nine-member Judicial Selection Commission that will be tasked with filling the US District Court seat being vacated by the retirement of Judge David Ezra in June. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative had already begun installation of smart meters Friday, without any notification to residents of this small senior citizen condominium development on Jerves Street in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Heavy weekend rains led to a brown water advisory for all of Kaua‘i Monday, and also forced workers to open the Kikiaola irrigation ditch to empty treated wastewater into Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor to prevent flooding. Garden Island.

Molokai

With water levels in the Kualapu`u Reservoir reaching concerning levels and little seasonal rain in sight, members of the Molokai Irrigation System, which serves the bulk of the island’s agricultural and homestead users, are starting to prepare for the worst. Molokai Dispatch.