Farm bills up for debate, disclosure sought for long-term car homes, pioneering legislator Hale dies, gas prices spike, Kauai council seeks garbage plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waipio Valley taro farms (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

From protecting taro lands to regulating genetically modified food, the House Agriculture Committee is expecting to have a full plate when it meets today in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers will consider a number of proposals this week related to the budget, university tuition and local farms. Hawaii News Now.

Unlike the majority of states, Hawaii does not place its state inspection results for long-term care facilities online. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Human Services, which oversees some of the care homes, isn’t so much concerned with having to post the records online as it is in clarifying the legislation to reflect which department oversees which care homes. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers want to spend $100,000 to get unwanted guns off the streets, saying it will help the state avoid a mass shooting like those seen in Colo­rado and Connecticut last year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's four mayors are aligned with the president when it comes to strengthening federal gun laws. But they don't think we need stricter regulations here at home. Civil Beat.

Sleeping at a bus stop could soon come with a stiff penalty. KHON2.

To provide the best education, higher education facilities must look to industries in their vicinity and businesses must look to how they can support research universities in a critical partnership, University of Hawai‘i President M.R.C. Greenwood said recently. Garden Island.

The number of bankruptcies in Hawaii last month dropped 25 percent to the lowest level in January since 2008, according to statistics from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

There is nothing wrong with rejoicing over a record visitor year in 2012 - but it's useful to take note of areas where more growth will be needed to attain the last peaks of the local hospitality industry. Hawaii News Now.

Prices at the pump have jumped seven cents in just one week, 17 cents from a month ago.  And local economists say prices are only expected to rise. KITV4.

State roundup for February 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

Should the State Buy Turtle Bay For $50M to Keep Country, Country? That’s what one bill before lawmakers would seem to suggest. Civil Beat.

Economists think the closure of the Tesoro refinery was unavoidable, given the small size of Hawaii's oil market and the state's pursuit of alternative energy policies designed to make the local oil market even smaller. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Helene Hale, whose political career started before Hawaii’s statehood and who, as chairman of the county Board of Supervisors in the 1960s, was the first woman mayor in the state, died of natural causes Friday night at her Hilo home. She was 94. Tribune-Herald.

A specific memory came to mind when Brian DeLima learned that Helene Hale, Hawaii's first female mayor and a Merrie Monarch Festival founder, had died. It was one he said encompasses her widely known spunk and fearlessness. Star-Advertiser.

County crews were able to divert only 5.6 percent of the 12,524 tons of garbage brought to the sort station during its first eight months of operation, a far cry from the up to 40 percent diversion rate originally anticipated by county officials. West Hawaii Today.

Several Big Island lawmakers are once again seeking to put someone else in charge of Hilo’s resort district. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An appeal pending before the Hawaii Supreme Court is holding up the start of construction on the $300 million Advanced Technology Solar Telescope, a joint project atop Haleakala by the University of Hawaii and the National Science Foundation. Maui News.

Maui High School has captured its fifth state title at the Hawaii Regional Science Bowl since 2002 and is headed to the nation's capital after defeating private and public schools from across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Work has begun on two fenced enclosures in the West Maui Mountains that aim to attract two threatened native seabirds to protect them from predators and to encourage them to nest with techniques including broadcasts of their calls. Maui News.

Following a record-breaking year for Hawaii’s visitor industry, Honolulu, Kahului and Lihu’e airports have won US ANNIE Airport Awards for traffic growth and success in establishing new routes and increasing air sets in 2012. Maui Now.

Kauai

A $1.8 million contract with a consulting firm — which includes the environmental consequences of a new landfill and a feasibility study on a mega-recycling center piggy-backing on the landfill —allows for only two informational meetings with the Kaua‘i County Council. Garden Island.

Kauai's second-largest private landholder wants the state to designate about 11,000 acres it owns as "important agricultural land" under a 2005 state law, but advising agencies are divided on whether the entire area deserves the special status. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is issuing an executive order to allow the state to take emergency actions to restore fire-damaged forest on Kauai. Garden Island.

Molokai

After 40 years in the same location, Molokai Fish and Dive is being moved into the gas station next door in a process that will bring several changes to the popular ocean gear and tour provider. Molokai Dispatch.

On Wednesday, Jan. 16, a unified group of charter school students and teachers, environmentalist, conservationalist, Hawaiian rights activists, people of all ethnic backgrounds, and families trekked a three mile march, from Buckman Hall on the University of Hawaii campus to the State Capital, in an effort to push for labeling GMO foods. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii teachers union unhappy with new contract, Native Hawaiian nominated federal judge, new poverty rate takes high cost of living into account, former UH AD Donovan finalist for Cal State job, Maui telescope to move quickly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Abercrombie meets with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, courtesy photo

A new federal calculation that takes into account Hawaii's high cost of living significantly boosts the state's poverty rate — from the 18th lowest in the nation to the seventh highest. Star-Advertiser.

A negotiating team for the state has given a 103-page contract offer to the Hawaii State Teachers Association as talks began Wednesday on a new contract for 2013-2015. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Education says a state negotiating team and the teachers union are resuming contract talks. Associated Press.

The state's new contract for teachers offers little hope. according to the teachers' union, which met with the state on Wednesday to resume negotiations. KHON2.

At Campbell High School, the signs are being painted and the T-shirts are being distributed for a teacher protest weeks in the making.KITV4.

Enrollment at public schools has increased slightly in all districts, except on Hawaii Island, which experienced a 1.6 decrease, according to data released Wednesday by the state Department of Education. West Hawaii Today.

The state’s official public school enrollment for the 2012-13 school year increased by more than 2,000 students. The total 183,251 enrollment at the state’s 254 DOE schools and 32 charter schools, translates to a total 1.1% increase. Maui Now.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Derrick Kahala Watson has been nominated by President Obama to serve as Hawaii’s next federal judge. Hawaii Reporter.

A federal attorney who graduated from Kamehameha Schools and spent most of his legal career on the mainland before returning to Hawaii five years ago was nominated Wednesday by President Barack Obama as a U.S. district judge. Star-Advertiser.

A hearing over the ballot shortage across Oahu on Election Day was almost pushed into December, past the deadline for candidates to challenge election results. KHON2.

It cost taxpayers at least $11.5 million to close state and county government offices, schools and the University of Hawaii on Election Day. Civil Beat.

Former University of Hawaii athletics director Jim Donovan has been named one of four finalists for the AD position at Cal State Fullerton, according to the school's website. Hawaii News Now.

Former University of Hawaii Athletic Director Jim Donovan has been named a finalist for the Athletic Director position at California State University, Fullerton. KHON2.

The president of the National Rifle Association visited the islands this week to advocate for development of shooting ranges and expansion of hunting opportunities. Civil Beat.

The value of seed crops in Hawaii managed a slight rise to a record this past season, according to a new government report, though the industry appears to have plateaued after rapid growth over much of the past decade. Star-Advertiser.

RealtyTrac reports that the number of foreclosures in Hawaii plummeted 62 percent in October when compared to the same month a year ago, as the effects of a state law forcing most foreclosures to go through the courts continues to push the state’s ranking down. Pacific Business News.

State news roundup for Nov. 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Navy said Wednesday it is considering not basing 18 P-8A Poseidon jets at Kaneohe Bay to save $300 million by consolidating the aircraft in Washington state and Florida instead. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Safety Chairman Nestor Garcia said he would entertain the idea of expanding a proposal to ban smoking at some of Hono­lulu's most popular beach facilities to include all city-run parks. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council considered a measure to ban smoking at certain beaches and parks on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Honolulu City Councilman Rod Tam has been fined $813.53 by the city Ethics Commission for misusing city funds to buy city employees "appreciation lunches" and for a Chinese dinner for foreign delegates. Star-Advertiser.

A human skull fragment turned up in an archaeological survey trench dug into a parking lot near Ward Avenue last weekend, marking the sixth time human remains have been found in the path of the $5.26 billion Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

An old hand is returning to the helm of the Hawaii County Council. J Yoshimoto, a three-term councilman from Hilo, was selected chairman Sunday in a closed-door session. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. must take measures to cap emissions from three East Hawaii oil-fueled boilers by 2018 to reduce visibility impacts on the state’s two national parks, according to a rule rolled out Oct. 9 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tribune-Herald.

Symposium highlights need for more local produce. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Public school enrollment in Maui County grew by 1.6 percent to more than 21,000 students this school year, according to the state Department of Education. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii plans to swiftly begin construction on a cutting-edge solar telescope atop Haleakala Volcano on Maui following a long-awaited ruling by the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources that reaffirms approval of a critical permit. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its approval of a key permit for a controversial solar telescope to be built atop Haleakala, essentially giving the University of Hawaii the green light to proceed with the $300 million project. Maui News.

Kauai

It was standing room only at Hanalei School’s cafeteria Tuesday evening as more than 400 Kaua‘i residents turned out to hear a presentation by developers of the Hanalei Plantation Resort. Garden Island.

The owner of a transient vacation rental which was denied a non-conforming use permit will likely take his case to a higher court after a contested case didn’t go his way, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Kurt Matsumoto

Lanai

Hawaii hotel industry executive and Lanai native Kurt Matsumoto has been tapped to oversee all of Larry Ellison's business operations on the island of Lanai. Maui News.

Bright Hawaii outlook for tourism, jobs; Maui telescope hearing officer fired, Pearl Harbor cutting three ships, no tax cut for Kauai, Abercrombie touts progress to Kona group, TSA workers implicated in drug ring, state leads nation in electric vehicle charging stations, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web browsing

Coconut climber (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Some 626,367 visitors came to Hawaii last month and spent $1.09 billion, or about $183 per person per day, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. February was the seventh consecutive month of arrivals growth for Hawaii's visitor industry and the 23rd month of spending rises. Star-Advertiser.

Total expenditures by visitors who came to Hawai'i in February 2012 rose 8.5 percent, or by $85.7 million, to $1.099 billion, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. KITV4.

Hawaii's unemployment rate fell in February for the fourth consecutive month to its lowest level in three years, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has fallen to the lowest level in three years. KHON2.

A group trying to mount a novel third-party presidential campaign has gained a spot on the Hawaii general election ballot this fall. Associated Press.

Fulfilling a long-standing obligation, the state House is expected to vote today for a $200 million settlement between the state and the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs over OHA's share of revenue from former crown lands since 1978. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers are looking for guidance from the Abercrombie administration on controversial environmental legislation, but top officials are giving very mixed signals. Civil Beat.

Legislation aimed at streamlining Hawaii’s construction permitting process could have broad environmental and cultural consequences, some state officials worry. Associated Press.

There are about a dozen bills advancing in the legislature that waive environmental requirements for state and public projects.  Members of the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee summoned key department directors today to ask them what was going on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Staff Turnover Doesn't Bother Abercrombie. Civil Beat.

With federal officials watching, state lawmakers are demonstrating their commitment to keep $75 million in Race to the Top money to reform Hawaii's ailing educational system. Civil Beat.

More young people are taking up farming in Hawaii, and consumers are moving toward sustainable and locally-grown food choices. Those were among trends at the annual "Agriculture Awareness Day" at the State Capitol. KHON2.

More than 200 new electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at more than 80 public locations in Hawaii, putting the state in the lead for the number of public charging stations, the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Navy plans to decommission three Pearl Harbor ships in fiscal 2013 — a move that would drop the surface fleet to eight, affect ship repair jobs and take millions from Hawaii's economy. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano said Thursday the city's Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Board of Directors, who were appointed to oversee the construction and maintenance of the city's $5.3 billion planned 20-mile elevated steel on steel rail system, "had better get a lawyer if he is elected mayor" this fall, "because he will go after them for malfeasance." Hawaii Reporter.

Kailua residents are organizing to prevent commercial activities at area beaches. Hawaii Independent.

Five people have been arrested in a major drug trafficking ring between Hawaii and California.  It's an inside job as investigators say some of the suspects work for Delta Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Two Puna residents have filed suit in 3rd Circuit Court, seeking to stop the implementation of a new county building code that went into effect Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie

Gov. Neil Abercrombie took on a triumvirate of state touchstones Thursday, criticizing “self-designated” Hawaiian activists, challenging environmental protection regulations and touting his labor bonafides while criticizing the state teachers’ union. West Hawaii Today.

Ka‘u County Councilwoman Brittany Smart announced Thursday she plans to run for the state House seat being vacated by Rep. Bob Herkes, a fellow Democrat, in his run for state Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A controversial solar telescope atop Haleakala suffered a setback Thursday when the hearing officer was fired and his recommendation to approve the project was thrown out by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has discharged a hearings officer and his recommendations about the proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope on Maui to avoid "even the appearance of impropriety" due to unauthorized communications with the permit applicant for the project, Chairman William Aila announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui parents will soon get a chance to help save lives by donating their babies' cord blood. Maui News.

Kauai

County council members Tim Bynum and JoAnn Yukimura lost their battle to lower property taxes for Kaua‘i residents Thursday, with their opposition citing economic uncertainty. Garden Island.

Morgan’s ponds at Lydgate closed as Health Department takes water samples. Garden Island.

Nonprofits join up to care for Kaua‘i’s land, culture. Garden Island.

Hawaii work incentives cut, feeding the homeless, 25th Infantry coming home, Maui water woes continue, cops thwart motorcyclists' Toys for Tots program, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii holiday food line (c) All Hawaii News

Just a few blocks from where oblivious tourists step off cruise ships to pick through souvenirs, there's an entirely different world. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii ex-welfare recipient work incentives cut. Associated Press.

Democratic Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa can't remember the last time she cried. Civil Beat.

After hovering around $4 a gallon last week, the average price of regular gasoline dropped below the $4 a gallon mark in Honolulu this weekend. But the neighbor islands are not seeing the same price drop. Associated Press.

Louie: Gov. still doesn’t have to release names of judicial nominees. Pacific Business News.

After five years under federal oversight due to prisoner abuses, the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility has become a safe place with an improved corporate culture, state officials maintain. Star-Advertiser.

While the Occupy movement has been smaller and quieter in Hawaii than elsewhere, the music of one Hawaiian musician is gaining attention as a protest song for the campaign. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waikiki Torch Runner Surprised By International Attention. KITV4.

Oahu

The Army plans to welcome home the 25th Infantry Division's headquarters unit from Iraq this week. KITV4.

Higher room rates and higher occupancy led to a 30 percent increase in revenue over the six-day period in which the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering brought together 21 world leaders along with top government and business officials in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

City Pays Landfill Operator $2.6M for Spill Cleanup. Civil Beat.

Small waves make for slow business on Oahu's North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Motorcyclists accustomed to rumbling through Hilo before distributing Christmas presents to needy children claim police have rained on their parade. Tribune-Herald.

The troubled Hoku Ke'a telescope atop Mauna Kea could be operational by next summer, its director said. Tribune-Herald.

A group that won the right to turn Laupahoehoe School into a charter school is refusing to hold elections for a board to govern the school as promised in its application and as ordered by the Charter School Review Panel. Star-Advertiser.

Kona once again has a University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service agent to call its own. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council Member Mike Victorino said he believes that the time may be past for the county to tell developers, "show me the water." Maui News.

A Maui businessman said last week that he had abandoned plans to develop a bottled-water plant in Waihee, after some of his investors walked away from the project. Maui News.

Behind the scenes of Maui's agriculture inspection facility. KHON2.

Kauai

The tree trimmers working at Bank of Hawai‘i’s Kapa‘a Branch battled not only the brisk trades but the clock on Sunday. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Robotics Alliance is offering imu service for Thanksgiving as a fundraiser for its season which starts in January. Garden Island.

More Hawaii kids live in poverty, Honolulu sewer, water, refinery failing as APEC nears, Disney halts unprofitable Aulani time-shares, feds can't find rogue monk seal, mahi-mahi in short supply, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii children (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Fourteen percent of Hawaii children in 2009 were living in families that earned less than the $21,756 federal poverty level for a four-person household — up from 13 percent in 2000 — according to a report from the University of Hawaii Center on the Family released Tuesday evening. Star-Advertiser.

The percentage of Hawaii's children who live in poverty and in single-parent homes have increased in the last decade, according to newly released data that focuses on the recession's impact on youth. Associated Press.

Former Honolulu city councilman and Hawaii congressman Charles Djou is expected to announce today that he will enter the race to unseat U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in a potential rematch of their 2010 race. Star-Advertiser.

Djou's 2012 Congressional Campaign to Focus on Job Creation. Hawaii Reporter.

In his first public response to an escalating labor dispute with the teachers union, Board of Education Chairman Don Horner said Tuesday the board is "fully committed" to supporting teachers and is grateful for the sacrifices they're making during a time of significant budget cuts. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Board of Education on Tuesday postponed its final vote on whether to reduce the number of social studies requirements for high school graduates. Civil Beat.

The State Board of Education began to tackle the big job of transforming Hawai’i’s teacher evaluation system today.Hawaii Public Radio.

The state expects to have an online system ready by Nov. 30 to process applications for civil unions, and to have documents available to couples planning solemnization ceremonies when the civil unions law takes effect Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's public-employee pension fund performed well for the year ended June 30 — more than doubling its actuarial investment yield. Civil Beat.

Walt Disney Company has temporarily stopped sales of time-share units at its new Aulani Resort on Oahu and fired some top mainland executives after discovering it was charging time-share dues here that were not high enough to be profitable. KITV4.

South Kona and Ocean View would no longer be in Rep. Bob Herkes' district, and North Kona's District 6 House seat would be open, under maps being considered by the state Reapportionment Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Local fishermen voiced angry opposition to a proposed expansion of a critical habitat zone to include waters and shoreline around the main Hawaiian islands last week to protect the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Civil Beat.

The Hawaiian monk seal population is about 1,100, of which 200 are living in waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands. West Hawaii Today.

A controversial decision by federal officials to “lethally remove” an adult Hawaiian monk seal that was attacking — and apparently killing — pups at Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands had to be put on hold: The seal was nowhere to be found. Garden Island.

Hawaii is to receive a $2.5-million federal grant to repair and reopen an emergency evacuation route for Oahu's Leeward Coast. Associated Press.

The author of the Thirty Meter Telescope's environmental impact statement was grilled for more than three hours Tuesday about the telescope's visual impact during the second day of a contested case hearing in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The Tesoro Corp.’s refinery in Kapolei has stopped production following a piping component failure Monday. Pacific Business News.

Aging Water System A Concern During APEC Meeting. KITV4.

With sewage levels beyond capacity at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant the city began the process of hauling raw sewage out on surface streets to Waipahu. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council members will discuss whether to give final approval to start building the hotel in Laie during a public hearing on Wednesday at 10 a.m. KHON2.

The Maui County Council Planning Committee is looking favorably at tweaking the agricultural zoning law to adjust the law on walls in the setback area. Maui News.

A Hawaiiana-inspired community mural project and engagement program has been funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Independent.

Kauai County will begin the process of relocating the Kekaha lifeguard tower this week. Garden Island.

The East-West Center in Honolulu has received a grant worth more than $1 million to run a training and exchange program for U.S. and Pakistani journalists. Associated Press.

Maui County officials announced this week that it is ready to install the largest solar panel project in the county’s history. Hawaii Independent.

Mahi-mahi imports have dried up, forcing local restaurateurs to substitute other fishes and leaving food distributors wondering when they can meet customer demand. Tribune-Herald.

A developer seeking classification and zoning changes to allow a new subdivision north of Pualani Estates withdrew that request Tuesday following an outpouring of public opposition before a Hawaii County Council committee in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Future of Mauna Kea telescope in the offing, Inouye now longest-serving member of Congress, publicly funded elections to be tested, fireworks laws in the works, more news from around the state

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is deciding whether to build the world's largest telescope at Mauna Kea's summit. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka becomes longest-serving member of Congress with death of Sen. Robert Byrd. AP

Maui County is moving forward with a contract to study the impacts of pollution on Maalaea's reefs, but some ocean advocates complain the project has been watered down. Maui News.

Numbers Don't Add Up at New Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

 SPJ awards are a reminder that the media world is changing. Ian Lind.

After feeding Hawaii for centuries, the future of many of the state’s ancient fishponds rest in the governor’s hands. Molokai Dispatch.

Health care leaders from across the state are meeting this week to discuss the worsening shortage of physicians in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. AP

Nearly 19 months after he took office, Mayor Billy Kenoi has yet to fulfill his "commitment to implement a transparent tracking system" for building permit applications. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

A Kilauea community facility seemed like a forward-thinking idea of providing entertainment, accessibility and sustainability to the whole island. Garden Island.

Lingle must now decide. The state and consumer advocates believe the system provides transparency, many licensed professionals contend it can unfairly harm reputations and have persuaded the state Legislature to limit disclosure to complaints that have been resolved and validated. Star-Bulletin

Hawaii's students won awards in an inter- national robotics com- petition this weekend. KHON2.

Hawaii is moving forward with its test run of publicly funded political campaigns this election year, despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against a similar setup in Arizona. AP

A new poll shows, a majority of Hawaii residents are against a ban on fireworks. The poll won't officially be released until later Monday, but Hawaii News Now got an early look at the results. Hawaii News Now.

It's the 68th anniversary of this trail-blazing group of veterans. They were the first Japanese-Americans to fight in World War II. Hawaii News Now.

Each time they meet, the group is smaller. KITV.

Every lap walked, skipped or jogged Saturday night during Kailua-Kona's annual Relay for Life event helped to fund cancer research and local American Cancer Society programs all the while honoring survivors and those who've died from the disease West Hawaii Today.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will take a year to review the status of seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees to determine whether they should be listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act, the federal agency has announced. Maui News.

Patrons and friends of the 55-year-old Lahaina Public Library — which badly needs refurbishing — will get a chance to show their support next month, when the Royal Lahaina Resort and Rotary Club of Lahaina host a first-of-its-kind fund-raiser. Lahaina News.

Top Hawaii Headlines: Tuesday morning edition

A long-awaited environmental report on the world's largest optical/infrared telescope, planned for the summit of Mauna Kea, says the overall public benefits of the project outweigh any "unavoidable adverse impacts."

If everyone agrees the state budget is balanced, why is there such an unending controversy about it?

Money from the federal economic stimulus package has started to flow into the islands, with the Navy putting out nearly $42 million in construction contracts and the Hawaii congressional delegation announcing about $64 million in Army projects.

More than 500 people stood and cheered L. Tammy Duckworth, a former helicopter pilot wounded in Iraq and U.S. assistant secretary of veteran affairs, who returned home to speak at a Memorial Day ceremony yesterday at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe.

A Purple Heart war veteran from West Maui has given his medal to a local businessman he believes is worthy of recognition

An increase in the number of unsheltered homeless people in the urban core has state officials rethinking their efforts for the area and trying to figure out how to deal with people who have been on the streets for months or years and have mental-health or substance-abuse problems.

Every Year something magical takes place in Hawaii on Memorial Day. As the sun sets, thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sea in memory of our lost loved ones.

Yesterday afternoon's stifling heat gave way to the slightest of breezes as the sun dipped below the horizon and some 2,200 wooden, rubber and paper floating lanterns set sail off Ala Moana Beach Park.

The Big Island may soon have the first officially designated scenic byway in the state.