Legislature commits $94M to overcrowded jails and prisons, Hawaiian-Alaska airlines clear merger hurdle, below-average hurricane season predicted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers Commit $94M To Fix Deteriorating Prisons And Jails. Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Director Tommy Johnson has been warning that the state needs to fix its run-down correctional facilities or face lawsuits over deteriorating conditions. It now appears the system is finally making a dent in the problem. Civil Beat.

Surge of Hawaii inmates sent to mainland prison is temporary. The head of the State’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said there’s been a surge of Hawaii inmates being sent away to a facility on the mainland, but it’s only temporary. KHON2.

Hawaiian, Alaska airlines clear key hurdle in merger deal. Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines said they have met a crucial milestone in Alaska’s proposed buyout of the local airline. KHON2.

Hawaii’s New School Board Chair Has Played A Big Role In Public Education Reforms. In 2010, House Education Committee Chair Roy Takumi proposed a constitutional amendment to shift Hawaii’s Board of Education from elected to appointed. Civil Beat.

School chief’s salary cap rests with the governor. If Gov. Josh Green doesn’t sign Senate Bill 3207, the current $248,000 salary of Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi will revert to its former limit of $150,000 annually, and the mandatory evaluation of the superintendent will be eliminated. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Is Entering A Dangerous Fire Season. Here’s What Will Be Different Post-Lahaina. As Hawaii enters its first wildfire season since the deadly Aug. 8 fires in Lahaina, emergency responders and state officials say they’re using lessons learned from the Maui tragedy to better prepare for what forecasters say is a high-risk year for significant fires. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority says it's grateful for renewed funding from lawmakers.  The embattled Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority emerged from this legislative session with strong financial support. Hawaii Public Radio.

West Oʻahu Sen. Maile Shimabukuro announces resignation from Legislature. State Sen. Maile Shimabukuro has announced she will resign from her seat at the end of the month. She has represented West Oʻahu for the last 21 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi to get nearly $30M in federal funds to replace lead pipes. Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the funding, which is meant to prevent exposure to lead in drinking water. The money comes from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Things can still happen,’ weather service cautions of below-average hurricane prediction. Hurricane season is June 1 to Nov. 30 in Hawaii, and AccuWeather — a commercial weather forecasting service — is predicting a relatively quiet season for tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific basin. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Gov. Green considers seven nominees for four judicial vacancies. Three state Family Court judges, two private practice attorneys, a District Court judge and a deputy public defender are in the running to become state Circuit Court judges on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

City struggles to combat illegal rentals amidst over tourism concerns. The city is having a hard time cracking down on illegal rentals. So far this year, they fined about a hundred violators. KITV4.

Proposed housing project in Leeward Oahu for at-risk youth stirs mixed feelings. Residential Youth Services & Empowerment says it bought the property last year to serve the youth experiencing homelessness in that community. Hawaii News Now.

Video surveillance sought for scenic sites in East Oahu. The Honolulu Police Department is considering using video cameras mounted on at least four mobile security trailers to avert auto burglaries, thefts, vandalism and other crimes at popular scenic points in East Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

New report says Hawaii is second-worst state to be a police officer. On Oahu, the starting salary for HPD officers is just over $75,000 a year, not to mention the $25,000 recruitment bonuses. This beats the national average of $69,000 a year, but Hawaii ranked low overall on training and job growth opportunities. Hawaii News Now.

Victim from 1970s Tripler hospital medical malpractice lawsuit dies. A man whose medical malpractice case against Tripler Army Medical Center in the 1970s was turned down after a U.S. Supreme Court statue of limitations ruling has died. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Federal drought insurance to be expanded for Hawaiʻi Island ranchers. The insurance is meant to protect ranchers who lose foraging grass because of a lack of expected rainfall. Hawaii Public Radio.

First Public Hearing Held On Pōhakuloa EIS Draft Two. The community had a chance to testify Monday on the second draft environmental impact statement for the Army Training Land Retention at Pōhakuloa Training Area, during a meeting held at the Waimea District Park. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Dozens meet to discuss proposal for more telescopes on Haleakala. Dozens packed into a lecture hall at the University of Hawai'i Maui College Tuesday evening to discuss the Department of the Air Force's proposal to build up to seven more telescopes on Haleakala.  KITV4.

County of Maui accepting applications for nearly 600 positions. Whether it’s Police, Parks, or Public Works, the County of Maui has positions to fill in nearly every department. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR: Dozens of vehicles towed at Kahului Harbor during cleanup. Crews with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources finished clearing the public parking areas of Kahului Boat Harbor by removing more than five dozen vehicles, many of them abandoned.  Maui Now.

HECO extends moratorium on cutting power for Maui customers affected by the fires. Maui customers financially challenged by the wildfires won’t have to worry about losing electric service for at least another two months. Hawaii Public Radio.

Land Board set to take up proposed purchase of 257 acres at Māʻalaea Mauka. The state of Hawaiʻi is considering acquisition of nearly 257 acres at Pōhākea, also known as Māʻalaea Mauka, for $8.22 million, as a forest reserve to protect the watershed and prevent massive erosion from damaging Māʻalaea Bay. Maui Now.

Second suit filed against Maui hotel over lights that disorient birds. Earthjustice is filing suit a second time against the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, on Maui over the harms its bright lights cause to endangered seabirds. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Court ruling could trigger environmental assessment for Kauai seed production project. A Kauai seed production company may be forced to do an environmental assessment because of a ruling from the state Intermediate Court of Appeals. Hawaii News Now.

State investigating cruise ships anchored near Na Pali Coast. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating whether a cruise ship, possibly two, recently anchored too closely to the Na Pali Coast on Kauai, following complaints. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

April storm on Garden Isle brought record-breaking rainfall totals. According to the monthly rainfall summary from the National Weather Service in Honolulu, the mid-April heavy rain event resulted in above-average totals over the entire island of Kauaʻi. Rain gauges near the town of Waimea recorded monthly totals greater than 10 times the April average. Kauai Now.

Hawaii tourism chief up for review, Fernanda no threat, fee delay costs roads $19.2M, Big Island seeks fire chief, military contractor settles Kauai sexual harassment suit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea crowd (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Scientists on the Big Island expect to see more action from Kilauea volcano in the coming days. Hawaii News Now.

A delay in implementing increases in registration fees and vehicle weight taxes means $19.2 million will not be collected this year for highway maintenance and repairs. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Labor Relations Board ruled Thursday that a controversial letter from Gov. Neil Abercrombie to the board was not an unlawful attempt to influence the board's decisions in a dispute between the teachers union and the state. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is due to discuss the performance of the agency's CEO next week. Associated Press.

Waikiki aquarium unveiled its new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit. KHON2.

Fernanda, which entered the Central Pacific Thursday as a strong tropical storm, is "falling apart" faster than expected, forecasters say. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka was on Maui on Wednesday as chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to listen to ideas on how to create parity for indigenous people living across America, with a focus on Hawaii. Maui News.

One of Kauai's largest employers has settled a federal sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit by two firefighters. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) heard a warning today that the company it chose to build the train is headed for financial ruin, but the warning came from the company that has so far been rejected by the city. Hawaii News Now.

A Big Island businessman has donated $500,000 to help protect native forests in Ka'u and South Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Five finalists are on the short list to succeed Hawaii County Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira, who retired Aug. 1. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo rested its case for the Thirty Meter Telescope on Thursday in the ongoing contested case hearing. Tribune-Herald.

Val T. Iwashita, who has been headmaster at Iolani School for 17 years, said Thursday that he will step down at the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Pacific Business News.

After starting the year showing good gains, occupancy rates at Maui resorts tailed off as the months wore by, and by the end of June the overall occupancy rate for the first half of the year was 72.1 percent, still better than the depressed 68.2 percent of January to June 2010. Maui News.

Hundreds of people lined West Hawaii roadways Thursday to pay tribute to Waimea Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Camero, who gave the ultimate sacrifice. West Hawaii Today.

Honolulu police are permanently removing their website that featured photos of people arrested for driving under the influence. Associated Press.

Thirty years ago, a group of Hawaiian Language students at U-H Manoa discovered a water system behind the dormitories on Dole Street. Hawaii Public Radio.

No 4th Senate seat for Big Island, Abercrombie pushes for newer day in Hawaii, Djou off to war, then to congressional campaign, Oahu electric bills rise, water for Maui, buses for Kauai, humane society for Molokai and all the island news

Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

Following up on his promises of change, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Wednesday he's delivering results. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, in a status report on the state’s financial condition, said Wednesday that the state has closed a sizable budget deficit but faces an “undeniable storm” of fiscal challenges that could upend the state’s economic foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie summoned state leaders to Washington Place Wednesday afternoon to tell them that, despite having closed a $214 million deficit for fiscal year 2011, serious budget challenges lie ahead. Civil Beat.

Most Hawaii Departments Spared in $50M 'Restructuring' Cuts. Bulk of savings will come from cheaper health contracts, delaying new debt. Civil Beat.

Seven months after taking office, Governor Neil Abercrombie updated the health of Hawaii's government. KITV4.

Governor Neil Abercrombie says a recent fiscal crisis has been averted, but that more trouble looms ahead. KHON2.

Gov. Abercrombie's Address Aug. 17, 2011. KITV.

Republican Charles Djou said Wednesday he will attempt to retake the congressional seat he lost last year, even though he's being deployed to Afghanistan next month. Associated Press.

Former congressman Charles Djou launched a new bid for Congress on Wednesday with a call for bipartisanship, but the U.S. Army reservist said he would not campaign until late March, when he returns from deployment to Afghanistan. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission voted 8-1 Wednesday to include nonresident members of the military and their dependents along with nonresident students and incarcerated felons in the state's population base for the purposes of redrawing political boundaries, with some members citing the inability to accurately extract nonresidents from the population base as their primary reason for including them. Star-Advertiser.

Military data doesn't match Census data, commission finds. Civil Beat.

Representatives from University of Hawaii at Hilo presented the argument for the Thirty Meter Telescope for a third day, with nerves beginning to fray over the pace of the hearing. Tribune-Herald.

Tropical Storm Fernanda moved into the Central Pacific just below hurricane strength overnight with forecasters predicting a weakened storm passing safely south of the islands early next week. Star-Advertiser.

Just think about the possibilities that could come with $510 million in new funding for biofuels production in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Residential electric rates on Oahu rose to a record high in August, reflecting rising fuel costs and an interim rate hike that Hawaiian Electric Co. began collecting late last month. Star-Advertiser.

It will be another month before the Hawaii County Council renders a decision on updating the island's building code. West Hawaii Today.

Real property tax payments are due on Monday and Maui owners who miss the deadline risk losing their homeowner's exemption. Hawaii Reporter.

The director of Maui’s Department of Water Supply says it’s up to the County Council to set the direction for renewing and expanding the island’s water sources and infrastructure. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Maui County Council was presented three scenarios of the future of the Department of Water Supply on Tuesday. Maui News.

A six-month pilot program to encourage Kaua‘i Community College students to ride The Kaua‘i Bus was launched at the KCC campus in Puhi. Garden Island.

The Molokai Humane Society has experienced an overhaul this year. Molokai Dispatch.

Flags at government buildings around the state will be flown at half staff on Thursday to honor a Big Island Marine killed in Afghanistan. Hawaii News Now.

The latest on the Honolulu rail will be discussed Thursday as city leaders take another look at the $1.5 billion rail contract awarded to Ansaldo Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii telescope under scrutiny, Honolulu EMS calendar flirts with trouble, bus rides costly, feds consider options for tiny Kalaupapa post office, teachers union hearing continues, profits up for telcom, health insurers, multimodal for Kauai, Main Street for Maui, more Hawaii news

Mauna Kea telescope courtesy image

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope heaved pointed questions at telescope principals for three hours Monday, with the fate of the $1.3 billion project hanging in the balance. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii school transportation costs have doubled in the last six years, thanks in part to an uncompetitive market and the largest company's decision to rebid its contracts instead of extending them. Civil Beat.

The chairman of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, citing "serious concerns" about the Hawaii State Teachers Association's challenge to its impartiality, has set a Thursday hearing to listen to the union's claims. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Labor Relations Board abruptly ended Monday's hearing in the dispute between the teachers union and state, citing "serious concerns" that an ethics complaint against the governor also calls into question the board's ability to rule with impartiality. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's two dominant health insurers — Kaiser and HMSA — were profitable in the second quarter thanks in part to double-digit rate hikes over the past two years and strong returns from investments. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Ways and Means Chair David Ige said the Hawaii State Legislature " recognizes the importance of resolving the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaii." Hawaii Reporter.

Rising sales of high-speed Internet service helped Hawaiian Telcom earn a $6.7 million profit in the second quarter, building on the company's financial strength since emerging from bankruptcy in October. Star-Advertiser.

What started as an idea to help fight breast cancer got some Honolulu EMS personnel in hot water. KITV4.

Makaha Beach Park will get a facelift starting on Aug. 22. Pacific Business News.

As Hawaii’s congressional delegation fights for the future of the East-West Center, located on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, the Pacific cultural and political hub has received a million-dollar grant to support an international journalism exchange. Hawaii Independent.

The state Department of Transportation broke ground Monday for an inter-island cargo terminal and an additional pier at Hilo Harbor. Tribune-Herald.

The Kalaupapa post office, one of four in Hawaii being considered for closure by the U.S. Postal Service, may remain unchanged until February 2012 – but its future after that remains cloudy. Molokai Dispatch.

Bills to remove a developer's option to pay in-lieu fees rather than provide affordable housing and infrastructure for Big Islanders will go before the Hawaii County Council this week in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The Friends of Moku'ula Inc. hopes to present to Maui County planners next month the first phase of its archaeological restoration and information center along Front Street, Maui News.

While the traditional transportation plan concentrates mainly on accommodating automobiles, the multi-modal land transportation plan being developed by the County of Kaua‘i focuses on all modes of transportation. Garden Island.

A historic residence hall at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is reopening after a $6.7-million renovation. Associated Press.

Molokai residents east of Kaunakakai who want to reap the benefits of installing small, renewable energy systems for their homes or businesses may be out of luck. Molokai Dispatch.

A new postage stamp has a Hilo artist saying, "bonsai!" Hawaii News Now.

Residents in rural Big Island communities now have access to clean, drinkable water. KHON2.

UPW mulls strike, Hawaii airports filling vacancies, kids don't see dentists, revised Maui wind farm gets nod, Pepeekeo power plant could pollute, Kauai hydroelectric hurts native species, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian monk seal

Hawaiian monk seals and local fishermen haven’t been getting along very well. And fishermen aren’t happy about a proposal to extend a conservation zone around the main Hawaiian islands to further protect the endangered species. Civil Beat.

Board of Land and Natural Resources and others conduct site visit on Mauna Kea in permitting case for Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has urged the federal government to take more of the financial responsibility for providing social services and education to Pacific migrants as costs to Hawaii have increased substantially over the past decade. Star-Advertiser.

A complaint the union representing Hawaii's public school teachers filed against the state is getting the attention of other unions. Associated Press.

United Public Workers union authorize a possible strike. KHON2.

FACT CHECK — Abercrombie: State Has Not Met With UPW. Civil Beat.

The state airports division has filled a little more than half of the 203 vacancies it reported at the beginning of the year, so more janitorial and maintenance workers are working to repair and clean up airports statewide. KITV4.

Oral Health America indicates that nearly one in five kids in Hawaii under the age of 9 has never been to a dentist. KITV4.

Some of Hawaii's biggest hospitals have a new program to electronically share patient records to improve patient care. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has imposed a $650 fine on a member of the city Planning Commission and referred the matter to the Carlisle administration to determine whether further disciplinary action is warranted. Star-Advertiser.

If Thursday's meeting of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's Finance Committee is any indication, HART's interim executive director and the city's transportation services director are no longer in charge of the $5.3 billion needed to construct the rail system. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County Redistricting Commission considers political boundary maps. West Hawaii Today.

The proposed Pepeekeo power plant could be more polluting than both the operator and state regulators claim, a federal agency said after reviewing draft air permit conditions. Tribune-Herald.

Renewable and sustainable don’t necessarily go hand in hand in Kaua‘i’s 100-year legacy of hydroelectric power, according to two biologists on the island. Garden Island.

Plans for Auwahi Energy's major new wind farm at Ulupalakua Ranch have been significantly revised to account for environmental and archaeological impacts and community comments. Maui News.

A ten year old boy has become the talk of the town after he fished a strange looking octopus from the ocean at Heeia Kea Pier. KHON2.

NASA's Web site is showing several opportunities to spot the International Space Station in Hawaii skies over the next few days, weather permitting, of course. Hawaii News Now.

After much talk and secrecy, the Aloha Stadium’s new artificial surface was unveiled Thursday afternoon. Pacific Business News.

Kona, your new community college is moving closer to reality. West Hawaii Today.

State Sen. Ronald Kouchi is hosting two listening sessions to enable senior officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to hear the concerns of people on Kauai. Associated Press.

Caregiving Focus of Hawaii Society of Business Professionals. Hawaii Public Radio.

A California lawyer filed a lawsuit in state court this week seeking to review President Obama's long-form birth certificate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian spirit has no standing in Mauna Kea telescope case, Abercrombie cronies get contract,lobbyists spend $2.5M, Maui taxes decrease, Hawaii farmworker trafficker to get new charges, Hawaii news now optimized for your smartphone

Marines at Pohakuloa Training Area (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The top U.S. Army commander in the Pacific wants to be sure Hawaii-based soldiers have alternate locations for live-fire training before he’ll write off using Makua -- a valley many Native Hawaiians consider sacred -- for that purpose. Associated Press.

The Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James is coming home after a five month-long deployment to Asia. Associated Press.

The state last month awarded a $186,387 consulting contract to a company with close political ties to Gov. Neil Abercrombie after rejecting another company’s $96,000 bid because it was submitted 11 minutes late.Hawaii Reporter.

Lobbying organizations in Hawaii spent $2,548,277 to influence lawmakers in just 120 days, from Jan. 1 through April 30, according to figures compiled by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. Civil Beat.

A guardian spirit of Mauna Kea should not have standing in a pending contested case hearing regarding the Thirty Meter Telescope, a hearings officer found. Tribune-Herald.

Federal prosecutors want to introduce new allegations during the trial for the owners of Aloun Farms that they had a history of subjecting impoverished Thai agricultural laborers to oppressive working and living conditions. Star-Advertiser.

As property taxes have gone down for homeowners in Maui County, data released by the county Finance Department show that an increasing number pay the minimum tax of just $150 per year. Maui News.

Sam Slom, Hawaii's only Republican senator, visited Kona Saturday to give his take on the legislative session that has just passed -- and he wasn't too impressed. West Hawaii Today.

A Honolulu man convicted of slugging his 14-year-old stepson in the face and breaking his nose should have been allowed to raise the defense that he was disciplining the teenager, a divided Hawaii Supreme Court ruled this month. Star-Advertiser.

The final phase for a potential change to Kalaupapa’s air service has begun – three airlines have bid to serve the community with promises to lower airfare, and the comment period from the public ended last week. Molokai Dispatch

Kaua‘i residents who reside north of Anahola Bay on ‘Aliomanu Road have dealt with driving on a narrow strip of asphalt along the coast for years. Garden Island.

If the Nanakuli Neighborhood Board has its way, food and other vendors may be allowed at a popular beach park along the Leeward Oahu coast. Hawaii News Now.

Food trucks are quickly becoming the staple of street corners and they're one of the hottest trends in Hawaii. KHON2.

Drug policy reform advocates in Hawaii joined 15 other states in marking the 40th anniversary of the federal government’s war on drugs. KITV4.

Civil Beat will open a Washington, D.C., office next month, making it the only Hawaii-based news organization with a full-time reporter in the nation's capital. Civil Beat.

The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project is dedicated to recovering Maui’s endangered forest birds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Getting the first glimpses of the new ShirokiyabizWatch Yataimura, or food village, earlier this week really highlighted just how important food concessions are to Shirokiya’s brand name and its entire operation. Pacific Business News.

Stephen Yamashiro's visionary genius made him a Pro Bowl savior, hula ally and even Hawaii County's greatest mayor, friends, along with a few past adversaries, said in remembering him Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

World's largest telescope coming to Big Island, union negotiations drag on and other top Hawaii news

Mauna Kea was chosen yesterday as the site for what will become the world's largest telescope — a mega-feat of engineering that will cost $1.2 billion, create as many as 440 construction and other jobs and seal the Big Island summit's standing as the premier spot on the planet to study the mysteries of space.

The University of Hawaii's Manoa and Hilo campuses are celebrating Mauna Kea's selection over Cerro Armazones, Chile, for the world's most powerful telescope.

After careful evaluation and comparison between two outstanding candidate sites--Mauna Kea in Hawai'i and Cerro Armazones in Chile--the board of directors of the TMT Observatory Corporation has selected Mauna Kea as the preferred site for the Thirty Meter Telescope.

The Lingle administration made an offer to public-sector labor unions yesterday that includes a combination of pay cuts and furloughs to help with the state's budget deficit, but the state's chief labor negotiator would not disclose the details.

The dozen or more state workers on Kaua‘i who received layoff notifications received support from places expected and unexpected during a lunchtime, highway-side protest here Tuesday.

At least 69 sailors and Marines on a Navy assault helicopter carrier tested positive for H1N1 swine flu and were confined to the ship at Pearl Harbor.

Maui County's unemployment rate edged into double digits for the first time in nearly two decades, according to figures released this week by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Less than a third of the offerings on Hawaii hotel menus are grown locally. If papaya and pineapple are subtracted from the equation, the figure falls to about 18 percent.

Six months after pitching its $240 million "recreational renaissance" project, the state can no longer afford to pay its conservation officers to work overtime.