Oldest known bird hatches chick; bills would set term limits, ban pedestrian cellphone use, require pesticide buffer zones, tighten police oversight; Kahele's son seats Senate seat; Kahoolawe munitions cleanup seeks funds, competition lowering airfares, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Wisdom's mate with new chick, Feb. 8, 2016, by Kiah Walker/USFWS Volunteer

A 65-year-old Laysan albatross named Wisdom — the oldest known bird in the wild, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — is a mother again following the hatching of a chick Feb. 1 at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Star-Advertiser.

People who use their cellphones while crossing the street could be cited and fined under a bill being considered by state legislators today. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department said Tuesday it will neither release the names of committee members who will select the winners of Hawaii’s eight medical marijuana dispensary licenses nor disclose any information about the selection process. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman, a Democrat representing Puna and parts of Ka‘u who is seeking his second term, thinks state lawmakers should have term limits, and he introduced a bill capping the time a lawmaker can stay in the same office at 12 consecutive years. Tribune-Herald.

As Ethan Ferguson awaits trial on multiple sex assault charges on the Big Island, state Sen. Will Espero has continued his quest for more clarity on how Ferguson could have been hired as a state law enforcement officer in the first place. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are looking to take control over how police cameras are used and who manages footage as increasing numbers of officers throughout the state are expected to wear video recording devices. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would establish requirements for body-worn and vehicle cameras for county police departments was deferred Tuesday at the Hawaii State Capitol. But Senate Bill 2411 is not dead. Rather, the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs plans to take the measure up again Feb. 16. Civil Beat.

With drone use taking off in Hawaii, lawmakers are reviewing several bills involving the popular gadgets, including several that would add privacy restrictions and one that would require users to have liability insurance. Hawaii News Now.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing two bills to amend the State Constitution to provide equal rights for victims and survivors of crime. Hawaii Public Radio.

Concerned parents are calling on Hawaii lawmakers to establish buffer zones around schools to protect their children from chemicals found in pesticides. But the large agriculture companies that spray pesticides say their practices are safe, and some smaller farmers worry that buffer zones could cut into their food production. Associated Press.

Lorna Cummings Poe was one Kauai resident who testified at a state hearing Tuesday for a bill relating to pesticides and schools. Garden Island.

Should elections be conducted exclusively by mail in Hawaii? Is it time to increase fines for failing to disclose campaign expenses and contributions? Do lobbyists need to be held to a higher standard of conduct? State lawmakers are weighing a slate of so-called “good government” bills this session that could boost voter turnout and lessen the influence of money in politics. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are looking to fund an educational program aimed at getting students, primarily those who come from low-income families, more involved in after-school activities. Associated Press.

The number of Hansen’s disease patients in Hawaii has fallen to 14 following the recent deaths of two patients at the state Department of Health’s Hale Mohalu Hospital on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Competition from Virgin America is driving down California-Hawaii flight fares. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved Larry Ellison's sale of his controlling interest in Island Air to a group of Hawaii investors and the Hawaii interisland airline's former chief has returned to the post, the airline said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Nine Hawaiʻi restaurants have received the 2016 AAA Four or AAA Five Diamond Award, the highest rating issued by AAA Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Thursday will consider four measures that address regulation of taxicabs, as well as their ride-hailing competitors like Uber and Lyft that use smartphone applications to connect independent drivers with passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Aiea Public Library’s photovoltaic solar panels are finally up and running. The Hawaii State Public Library System made the announcement Tuesday evening. KHON2.

The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve reopens at 6 a.m. Wednesday for the first time in six days. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kai Kahele says he will seek the nomination this Saturday to fill the state Senate seat vacated by his late father, Gil Kahele. Kahele, a 41-year-old Hawaiian Airlines pilot and Hawaii Air National Guard major, said he is not taking anything for granted, but hopes to be able to see his father’s legislative priorities through the rest of the session. Tribune-Herald.

Farmers and ranchers on the Big Island concerned about the impact of agricultural theft on their business operations could get help in the coming year thanks to legislation currently proposed in the state House of Representatives. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism officials worked Tuesday to counteract negative impacts to the visitor industry following Monday’s declaration of a state of emergency in Hawaii County because of the ongoing dengue fever outbreak. Tribune-Herald.

It’s a busy place, but these days, most folks are just stopping for a restroom break and perhaps to let the kids burn off a little steam at the almost-halfway point along Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Hilo and Kona. That could all change by the end of the year, however, as a $10.5 million renovation project aims to transform the old cabins, bunkhouse and dining hall of Mauna Kea Recreation Area into a facility worthy of much longer stays. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vendor applications and sponsorship forms for the third Made in Maui County Festival, set for Nov. 4-5 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, are currently available, the Mayor's Office of Economic Development announced Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

There hasn’t been a Chevron gas station built on Kauai for more than a decade. That changed starting Tuesday morning at the Hokulei Shopping Village. Garden Island.


Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe Reserve Commission Scrabbles For Funding. The state body that manages the former bombing range has nearly exhausted its federal funds. Civil Beat.

Hawaii DOT sues for failed traffic computer system, Honolulu council may re-vote on rail following ethics charges, homeless veto overturned, Maui telescope protesters want jury trials, Kauai to keep council term limits, WWII anniversary commemorated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dad with children © 2015 All Hawaii News

Fathers are better dads in Hawaii. At least that’s what it looks like in some key areas, according to a new study on fatherhood in Hawaii, which found that island dads are better off than their mainland counterparts in education, employment and income. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Transportation is seeking “tens of millions” of dollars in damages from an information technology consulting company that allegedly defrauded the state in a failed contract to set up a new computer system for the state Highways Division. A lawsuit filed Wednesday also alleges the company, Ciber Inc., “used lobbyists and exercised inappropriate political influence” to persuade the state to continue making payments to the company, and to counter pressure from state transportation officials who were trying to enforce the terms of the contract. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Ciber Inc., alleging that the consulting firm “defrauded the State and engaged in other misconduct.” The state is seeking tens of millions in damages, including more than $8 million in fees it said it paid to Ciber, according to a press release from the DOT. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has filed lawsuit against Ciber Inc. alleging the consulting firm defrauded the state and engaged in other misconduct on a project to implement new software for the department’s Highways Division. Associated Press.

More than 700 people attended the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the official end of World War II on Wednesday aboard the battleship Missouri, where the Japanese surrender was signed on Sept. 2, 1945. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. officials gathered on a decommissioned battleship in Pearl Harbor to mark the 70th anniversary of World War II’s end. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Mark Takai of Hawaii joined U.S. Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Scott Swift at a ceremony Wednesday. Associated Press.

The state Public Utilities Commission wants to know how Hawaiian Electric would be affected if, hypothetically, there was a major disaster at one of NextEra Energy’s nuclear reactors in Florida. Civil Beat.

The acquisition application that NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Co. sent to Hawaii regulators in January doesn't apply anymore, the head of the Florida utility giant’s Hawaii operation said. Pacific Business News.

Hilo Hattie, one of Hawaii's well-known retailers, has laid out its reorganization plan to to pay off some of its creditors and bring the company out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a second time after selling its Nimitz Highway headquarters to the landowner last month. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin said he's considering holding a re-vote on nearly a dozen rail transit-related bills tainted by ethical conflicts by former city Councilmembers Romy Cachola and Nestor Garcia. Hawaii News Now.

An estimated 20,000 Oahu homeowners would soon be able to create second housing units on their properties that they can rent out to people after the Honolulu City Council approved a bill Wednesday that allows for accessory dwelling units. Star-Advertiser.

For the second time in recent months, the Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to override Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto of a bill that expands Oahu’s “sit-lie” ban — this time to two Chinatown pedestrian malls. Star-Advertiser.

Sit-lie bans on Oahu are poised to expand to two Chinatown pedestrian malls in downtown Honolulu.  The City Council voted 7-2 Wednesday to override Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto of Bill 44, which extends the sit-lie prohibition to College Walk Mall and Kila Kalikimaka Mall. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council overturned the Mayor’s veto today on a ban on sitting and lying in downtown malls Hawaii Public Radio.

Kakaako homeless camp attracting flies. Flies breeding in rotting garbage, human waste. KITV4.

Last week, as Gov. David Ige’s leadership team continued to mull over how to address Oahu’s homelessness crisis, a new idea emerged: to use portable, modular buildings — originally designed as classrooms — to temporarily house homeless people. But, if history is any indication, Ige and his colleagues will likely have to contend with some stiff community resistance before they can put any of the portables to use regardless of where they decide to put them. Civil Beat.

Lawyers representing Ewa Beach homeowners and the developer they sued disagreed in court Wednesday over the move to develop a recreational lagoon instead of a marina in the Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei area. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii regulators — for the third time — delayed making a decision on a “glass rule” for Kakaako high-rise projects regarding an issue with developer OliverMcMillan’s Symphony Honolulu mixed-use condominium tower, a spokeswoman for the developer confirmed to Pacific Business News.

A state board is still not sure what to do about a developer building a condominium tower in Kakaako with glass siding that doesn’t comply with a rule governing development in the area. Star-Advertiser.

The hot and humid weather has taken a dangerous toll at our schools. A teacher at Ewa Beach Elementary School drove herself to the hospital Tuesday for heat exhaustion. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council wants Congress to sponsor a constitutional amendment curbing the ability of corporations to pump unlimited money into elections. West Hawaii Today.

A team of Hawaii and mainland scientists is seeking to take out some of the uncertainty surrounding lava flows as part of a three-year study that could help Hawaii Island residents decide when they should evacuate. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is working to repair Halekii deep well after it failed on Monday. The breakdown has customers in South Kona on water conservation. West Hawaii Today.

Kuleana and Lanakila Mangauil. The third part of our profile on the Mauna Kea movement leader examines Mangauil’s interpretation of his duty to protect the land, his people's culture and their right to self-determination. Hawaii Independent.

Maui

Two Kihei residents have petitioned the state Department of Health for stricter rules and greater oversight of agricultural burns - including cane burning by Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. - that call for the health director, not the farmer, to make daily calls on whether to burn or not. Maui News.

Fourteen of the 20 protesters arrested July 31 at the Central Maui Baseyard are asking for jury trials on charges of failing to disperse when a convoy of wide-load trucks was leaving to deliver parts for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope at the Haleakala summit. Maui News.

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife has just released a draft management plan for the Nakula Natural Area Reserve on Maui that is expected to help guide restoration and management activities there for the foreseeable future. Maui Now.

Kauai

Term limits for councilmembers will stay in place. As expected, a plan to repeal term limits fell one vote short in the Kauai County Council on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Astronomers to gather amid Mauna Kea protests, military kids shortchanging school system, Hawaii Health Systems Corp. workers on Kauai lose jobs, Maui neighbors oppose homeless camp, Honolulu mulls charter changes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Stars over Mauna Kea, courtesy Case Western University

Forget the lei and mai tai greeting. When more than 2,500 astronomers from around the world converge on Honolulu for their triennial convention Aug. 3-14, they are likely to be welcomed by demonstrators. Star-Advertiser.

The International Astronomical Union will hold its triennial general assembly in Hawaii next month, attracting astronomers from around the globe to discuss science and international collaboration. The 11-day assembly will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu and will attract roughly 2,500 to 3,000 people from more than 75 countries. Pacific Business News.

Convention center preparing security plan for possible protests at upcoming astronomy conference. Ian Lind blog.

Hawaii Schools Missing Out on Aid They’re Due for Serving Military Families. The state relies on federal funding to partially offset the cost of educating the children of service members, but difficulties with tracking how many such students are enrolled could be costing it millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Oahu
Oahu residents interested in making the government of the City and County of Hono­lulu operate better are asked to participate in the work of the 2015 Honolulu Charter Commission. Star-Advertiser.

The Save Ka Iwi Coast Coalition has raised more than half of the remaining funds needed by Aug. 30 to purchase 182 acres above the seven-mile Ka Iwi coast. The coalition has raised $268,000, or 54 percent of private funding required from the community to protect and preserve the south shoreline on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority gave its final approval Wednesday on The Howard Hughes Corp.’s Kakaako residential project at 988 Halekauwila St. Pacific Business News.

It's not permanent housing, but people who are homeless in Kakaako may finally be getting a place of their own. KITV4.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission has rescinded its restrictive news media policy, and adopted a new version that allows its executive director to speak to the press without needing permission and to comment on the potential impact of advisory opinions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Plans to fast-track changes to the county concurrency law to accommodate a Hilo judge’s rezoning have come to a screeching halt. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Councilman Greggor Ilagan plans to introduce legislation aimed at further clarifying the county law prohibiting the use of public funds for personal purposes. The bill was drafted in response to a recent audit report detailing misuse of county purchasing cards, or pCards, by Mayor Billy Kenoi’s office and the county Department of Liquor Control. Tribune-Herald.

After years of planning and months of lava-related postponement, construction work on a roundabout at one of the most dangerous intersections in the county is set to begin in August. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui-based outreach organization is proposing to build a new campground facility in Lahaina as a way to help with the island's growing homeless population, but residents are fighting the project. Associated Press.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. may be open to the possibility of serving a third term in office, but councilmembers aren’t planning to give him that chance. Garden Island.

Thirty employees in the Hawaii Health Systems Corp., Kauai Region were notified of their pending layoffs on Friday. Garden Island.

A new ordinance allows the Kauai County Fire Department to bill reckless hikers who have to be rescued. But Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman said it’s unclear whether the department ever will do so. Star-Advertiser.

Ige reiterates opposition to Hawaiian Electric-NextEra sale, Hawaii Obamacare vendors seek $2.7M, term limits on Kauai, the forbidden island of Niihau, University of Hawaii muzzles anti-GMO researcher, Honolulu battles homeless, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol © 2015 All Hawaii News

NextEra Energy Inc. is holding its ground as it faces criticism from the state. The Florida-based company said Tuesday it is committed to its proposal to buy the state’s largest electric utility despite Gov. David Ige recommending the sale be rejected. Star-Advertiser

Hawaii lawmakers are quietly looking at other alternatives should the NextEra Energy Inc. $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. not go through, the state representative overseeing the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection told Pacific Business News Tuesday.

Gov. David Ige said he’s opposing the proposed sale of Hawaiian Electric Industries to Florida-based energy giant NextEra Energy, saying the mainland company has failed to explain how it would align with the state’s renewable energy goals. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige and two key state agencies are not convinced that it would be in the public’s best interest for Hawaiian Electric Industries to sell itself to Florida-based NextEra Energy. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige explained why his administration is opposing the proposed NextEra-Hawaiian Electric merger Tuesday. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige said Tuesday he doesn’t support the sale of Hawaiian Electric to Florida-based NextEra Energy. The sale was approved by Hawaiian Electric’s shareholders in June but still needs approval from the state Public Utilities Commission. Associated Press.

The Governor conducted a news conference today to outline the state’s position in opposing the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Industries with NextEra Energy, Incorporated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two vendors continue to seek a total of $2.7 million in reimbursement for services provided to the Hawaii Health Connector, the nonprofit health insurance exchanged confirmed Monday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The biggest encampments are getting the most publicity as Honolulu grapples with homelessness, but it’s the smaller enclaves that a city crew clears away repeatedly in response to complaints. A Civil Beat analysis found 164 sweeps occurred in the latest two-month period.

State Rep. Tom Brower says he will make an announcement early next week pertaining to whether he will press charges against two homeless teenagers who allegedly attacked him last month near an homeless encampment in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission may backtrack on its recently adopted news media policy that prohibited Executive Director Chuck Totto and other staff members from interpreting or commenting on the commission’s decisions and advisory opinions. Civil Beat.

Sixty faculty members at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have signed a letter sent to Manoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman, the vice-chancellor for academic affairs, and Maria Gallo, Dean of the university’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources asking that the university acknowledge the restrictions and violations of academic freedom imposed on CTAHR Professor Hector Valenzuela. Hawaii Independent.

State education officials hope a new public school set to open next week in Kapolei can serve as a model for fast-tracking construction projects while containing costs. Star-Advertiser.

City issues fines for North Shore 'junkyard' property. Land manager says he's building a 'state of the art' farm. KITV4.

A contractor hired by the city began cleaning a Kaimuki home which neighbors have been complaining about for years. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran Honolulu journalist Denby Fawcett is headed to Washington, D.C., to participate in an interesting presentation sponsored by the national museum of journalism history, the Newseum. “Eyewitness to History: Women Reporters Who Covered Vietnam” features Fawcett and three other female former Vietnam war correspondents discussing their experiences. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Council members say they are prepared to take action on a recent audit recommendation that the nine-member body address gaps in the county’s purchasing card policy. Tribune-Herald.

A project to bring water to a Ka‘u coffee farm, generate electricity to run it and have extra power left over to create a hydrogen filling station has caught the attention of the county Agriculture Advisory Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: As the protests and civil disobedience against the planned Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea continue, and those arrested are being processed through the courts, one of the repeated themes is the belief the mountain’s self-described “protectors” can’t be charged with violating state law because the State of Hawaii has no jurisdiction over them. Civil Beat.

Maui

Members of the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce recently elected an all-female executive team to lead the board of directors. MauiTime.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. on Tuesday told The Garden Island that he supports the Kauai County Council’s efforts to give voters the opportunity to repeal term limits, but said the plan should be expanded beyond just council members to also include the executive branch.

Kauai has the largest nene population. It’s home to 90 percent of the world’s Newell shearwaters. And it’s a refuge for many other threatened and endangered birds, thanks to the work of conservationists. Garden Island.

Niihau
A single family has owned the island for more than 150 years and — even though it’s only 17 miles from resort-lined Kauai — Niihau remains surprisingly insulated from the outside world. Civil Beat.

Scientists study Hawaiian birds, monk seals, Trans Pacific Partnership talks coming to Maui, pCard audit shows misuse not widespread, cannabis convention draws hundreds, state flirts with hydrogen, Honolulu council mulls second homes on properties, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Koloa maoli native duck © 2015 All Hawaii News

 Global climate change could further imperil indigenous Hawaiian bird populations over the next century as rising temperatures and increased rainfall draw malaria-bearing mosquitoes into protected avian habitats, according to researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Star-Advertiser.

Marine officials are readying for the possibility of a disease outbreak in Hawaiian waters, hoping to protect the dwindling Hawaiian monk seal population from morbillivirus. The disease has killed thousands of dolphins and seals around the world. Associated Press.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles are beginning to roll onto Hawaii’s transportation scene. Two 25-seat hydrogen-powered buses will soon be shuttling tourists between the visitors center and the Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hydrogen might someday fuel the Wiki-Wiki shuttles at Honolulu Airport. Star-Advertiser.

In a move likely to irk China, the new U.S. commander of the Pacific Fleet joined a seven-hour surveillance flight over the disputed South China Sea aboard one of America’s newest spy planes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Cannabis Business Expo attracts many. KITV4.

Applying for a license to run a Hawaii medical marijuana dispensary under the state’s new system will take serious investment, but it could be well worth the reward. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s Public Access Room Gets Swiss Broadcasting Attention. The legislative service, now in its 25th year, is recognized for practicing the concept of “direct democracy.” Civil Beat.

When the Hawaii Department of Education released the details of its new teacher evaluation system three years ago, veteran teacher Mireille Ellsworth made a radical decision: She would simply refuse to do part of it. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission plans to welcome its newest member Wednesday. Reynaldo Graulty will be replacing Ed Broglio, whose term ended June 30. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A proposal to make it easier for Oahu's residential property owners to set up a second dwelling on their lots might become reality soon. Bill 20, if it moves out of the City Council Zoning and Permitting Committee on Thursday, would be positioned for a final vote of the full Council in August. Star-Advertiser.

State legislative leaders say Mayor Kirk Caldwell was not as forthright as he should have been in helping them best decide what to do about Honolulu's cash-strapped rail project, with one key lawmaker calling for the mayor to apologize to help rebuild trust between the city and state. Star-Advertiser.

Applicants are being sought for a vacant post on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's board of directors. Those interested have until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7 to submit to HART a completed application form, cover letter and resume. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Misuse of county credit cards is not widespread in Hawaii County government, but is confined to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s office and one other department, according to an audit report released Friday by Legislative Auditor Bonnie Nims. West Hawaii Today.

Over the past two years, Mayor Billy Kenoi has spent more than $1.5 million on contracted employees, using an exemption to sidestep state civil service laws that require employees be hired based on merit. West Hawaii Today.

Former Mayor Harry Kim used his Hawaii County purchasing card less often than Mayor Billy Kenoi, who is embroiled in a pCard scandal, at least during Kim’s last 18 months in office. Tribune-Herald.

A private attorney for the Thirty Meter Telescope was allowed in on state and county officials’ conversations about jurisdictional issues on Mauna Kea, according to documents obtained by the Tribune-Herald.

Rumors of the Hawaii National Guard being thrust into the middle of the Thirty Meter Telescope conflict bring back disturbing memories for Noa Emmett Aluli. Star-Advertiser.

A miniature version of an ages-old plan to improve traffic flow between Waimea and Kawaihae has raised its head. West Hawaii Today.

A June report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that since 2008, nationwide SNAP redemptions at farmers markets and farm stands have increased sixfold, totaling $18.8 million in the last fiscal year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Out here on Maui, it’s relatively easy for big international news stories like the ongoing negotiations over the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade zone to get lost. Between locals just trying to find out why the Pali is backed up and visitors more concerned about scheduling their luau, few people out here want to find out the latest in free trade zone talks. MauiTime.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a massive international treaty being negotiated, in secret, by 12 Pacific Rim countries, side-by-side with 500 corporate advisers. After five years, they are aiming to wrap-up the deal on Maui at the end of this month. Hawaii Independent.

Kauai

Sides are starting to form in the debate over whether to repeal term limits. But before the Kauai County Council decides whether to put the issue before voters in the 2016 election, members of the public will have an opportunity to offer their opinions on an issue voters decided in 2006. Garden Island.

As of June, Kauai police have issued 539 tickets to violators operating hand-held mobile electronic devices while driving, according to KPD reports. Garden Island.

It’ll be another two to three months until Green Energy Team’s $90 million biomass-to-energy facility in Koloa starts producing steam. Garden Island.