Protests drag on at Mauna Kea, Kahuku; Hirono's cancer diagnosis fuels health care crusade, building heights big issue on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono ©2019 All Hawaii News

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s cancer diagnosis has fueled her crusade for health care reform. It’s been two and a half years since U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced she was fighting advanced kidney cancer. Star-Advertiser.

Money flows to federal campaigns. Money continues flowing into campaign coffers for Hawaii’s congressional delegation, even for Senate candidates who have several years before their next election. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless family sent from NYC had jobs, housing.  New York City program sent a homeless family to Hawaii that had one-year’s worth of prepaid rent, prearranged housing and prearranged employment, and Lt. Gov. Josh Green is “satisfied” with the arrangements following an hourlong telephone conversation Friday with three New York City officials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ‘OK’ in beach report. A new report from the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation gives Hawaii a “C” in coastal management as it relates to climate change. Garden Island.

Bilingual students outpace native speakers in graduation rates in Hawaii. Students in Hawaii’s public schools who study English as a second language and master it before high school are more likely to graduate on time than kids who are native speakers. Star-Advertiser.

Studies: Pigs good, bad for environment. New research out of the University of Hawaii supports the state’s work to eradicate invasive and prevalent feral pigs, but also shows ways in which watersheds can benefit from the animals. Garden Island.

Oahu

Kahuku Wind Farm Opponents Declare Intent to Sue Developer. A North Shore citizens group led by Hawaii Sen. Gil Riviere said on Friday that it plans to sue the developers of a major wind farm project being built in Kahuku. Civil Beat.


 More arrests made after another large crowd of wind farm protesters turns out at Kalaeloa. Several people were arrested late Sunday into early Monday after another large crowd turned out in Kalaeloa over a wind farm project on Oahu’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now.


Wind farm protesters gather in Kalaeloa. Exactly one month after the first arrests linked to the Na Pua Makani wind farm project were made, opponents of the project gathered in Kalaeloa Sunday night to once more attempt to stop the transport of wind turbines. Star-Advertiser.


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Despite Changes, Some Food Vendors Still Oppose Proposed City Plastics Ban. A measure banning single-use plastic and polystyrene products from Oahu restaurants is moving to the full City Council for a final vote after amendments, although some businesses remain opposed to it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Anxious Palolo residents worry about home stability as erosion worsens. Anxious residents say the hillside erosion in Palolo is expanding. They say the collapse along Kuahea Street has moved to other streets in the neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

Ewa Beach Residents Want Marines To Take Another Look At Retaining Wall. Military says it’s fine but Hawaii’s top coastal management official calls the project part of a “death knell” for the islands’ beaches. Civil Beat.

‘Kauhale’ homeless concept generating offers of donations. More construction- related companies, architects and two private landowners have stepped forward to help create a new, communal “kauhale” concept to build permanent, tiny homes for Oahu’s chronically homeless adults. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneohe condo complex defies city ordinance and cuts down protected trees to enhance views. On the slopes of a Kaneohe promontory prized for its ocean views, more than 1,000 trees including milo, mango, kukui, weeping banyan and silver trumpet have stood for decades as part of a lush hillside — and a knotty problem. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Honolulu Traffic Is Terrible. So Why Aren’t More People Riding TheBus? With ridership sliding, city officials are trying to get more butts in transit seats. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

HUD Won’t Fund Housing In Lava Zones 1 & 2. Housing projects will not get funded by HUD CDBG-DR money, but public infrastructre projects will. Big Island Video News.

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Four months later, Maunakea camp is a ‘well-oiled machine’. After the four-month anniversary of the creation of the camp at Maunakea Access Road, some things have changed but more have stayed the same. Tribune-Herald.

Retired Lt. Files Complaint Over HPD Mauna Kea Operation. A recently retired lieutenant from the Hawaiʻi County Police Department is taking action, and has filed a complaint in regards to the ongoing police activity around Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Police: Flags on cars not a problem. The Hawaii Police Department has been upfront about its law enforcement efforts around the Maunakea protests since the demonstration began in July. West Hawaii Today.

TMT supporters question sacredness of Mauna Kea, opponents disagree. This disagreement -- even among Hawaiians on what’s sacred -- indicates that a resolution or a compromise to the 126-day-old stalemate is far off. Hawaii News Now.

Visitors have turned to the Mauna Loa summit for their sightseeing needs. The 17-mile roadway, owned and managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, is near the Mauna Kea Access Road on the opposite side of the highway. Star-Advertiser.

Man makes home out of cave near protesters’ camp. While the borders of the Pu‘uhonua o Pu‘uhuluhulu are ever-changing, they do not extend to one of the more curious developments near the Maunakea Access Road: a partially-collapsed lava tube where one man has made a home. Tribune-Herald.

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Army plans Big Isle drill with Chinese soldiers. An opening ceremony will be held Monday on Hawaii island for a military exercise with China that will involve about 100 People’s Liberation Army soldiers training alongside U.S. Army counterparts. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Residents oppose Wailuku building height increase. Proposals shelved; agency is planning public workshops. Maui News.

Kamaole dunes are up for restoration. Sand dunes play key role in slowing erosion. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Ohana Zone coming soon. Kauai County officials are finishing up plans for a facility to provide homeless residents with affordable housing and social services, and hope to break ground on the project next month. Garden Island.

New fare Kauai Bus structure to go into effect on Jan 1, 2020. As part of the recommendations provided by Kauai’s recently completed Short Range Transit Plan, The Kauai Bus is announcing that a new fare structure will be going into effect Jan. 1, 2020. KHON2.

Oceans of discovery. The new Kauai ocean discovery facility is finally coming, said Jean Souza, the program specialist with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Islands Region. Garden Island.

TheBus expands routes, Hawaiian practitioner fights Lanai drone landing strip, green building code irks architects, DOE tackles bullying, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

TheBus in Honolulu ©2019 All Hawaii News

TheBus has made changes to dozens of routes across Oahu. The changes went into effect Sunday. Among some of the major routes impacted include the City Express Route A and the Country Express route E. Hawaii News Now.

Windward Oahu bus routes expand. The city expanded several Windward Oahu bus routes and the changes began Sunday, Aug. 18. KHON2.

Hawaii pension fund up 5.8% for fiscal year. Hawaii’s largest public pension fund failed to meet its 7% investment target in fiscal 2019 amid a volatile December and unsettling U.S.-Chinese trade war. Star-Advertiser.

Some Six-Figure Salaries At The State’s Watchdog Agencies. At look at the payrolls of the State Auditor’s Office, Ethics Commission and Ombudsman’s Office. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Education passes new rules for discipline, civil rights. Bullying and harassment will be treated as among the most serious offenses for high school students in Hawaii under a revised discipline code passed by the Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

A report that faulted Hawaii’s public schools for suspending students far longer than the rest of the country was wrong and the Aloha State is actually near the national norm, according to Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto. That erroneous data formed the basis of a widely publicized report by the American Civil Liberties Union in June claiming that Hawaii’s suspension policies were the most punitive in the country. Star-Advertiser.

Trump Weakens Protections For Hawaii’s Imperiled Plants And Animals. The revised Endangered Species Act regulations flabbergasted environmentalists who are concerned about warding off more extinctions. Civil Beat.

DBEDT Releases Latest Hawaii Data Book. The 2018 edition contains plenty of factoids on the state and its people. Civil Beat.

Invasive sponge found to feed on own bug juice. An invasive species of sponge common throughout Hawaii packs its own lunch, scientists have found. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

6 candidates ‘seriously interested’ in Honolulu mayor’s race. Several big-name candidates have emerged as serious contenders for Honolulu mayor with now less than a year to go until Hawaii’s 2020 primary election day. Star-Advertiser.

How A Design Detail Caused A Multi-Million Dollar Headache For Honolulu Rail. Canopy arms, meant to anchor the sail-like fabric covers for the stations, were already plagued with design and construction problems. Then, they started cracking. Civil Beat.

Volunteers prep Arizona Memorial for reopening. Volunteers continue to clean and polish the USS Arizona Memorial in preparation for the as-yet announced reopening of one of the state’s most visited tourist attractions. Star-Advertiser.

The opening of Espacio in Waikiki caters to Hawaii’s strong luxury hotel market. Espacio’s Japan­ese-based owner, Kowa Waikiki LLC, purchased the 88-unit Waikiki Beachside hotel for $25 million and spent $50 million to convert it into an ultraluxury suite hotel with only nine units. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Building a house on Hawaii Island just got a lot more complicated — and more expensive — because the county missed a deadline to enact local exemptions to a strict new statewide energy code. West Hawaii Today.

Residents Say Voices Stifled on Homelessness. County officials hosted a public forum on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2019, at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center, where they presented an overview of a project known as the Kukuiola & Village 9 Affordable Rental Community. Big Island Now.

Facts vs. myths: Debunking oft-cited claims abut TMT Tribune-Herald.

Big Island mayor: Ige made ultimate call to stop arrests at TMT protest. At a key moment in the TMT conflict, as protesters were being arrested at Mauna Kea, Mayor Harry Kim says the governor made the call to pull back law enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

Officials should follow Maui’s example, former mayor says. Another cutting-edge observatory, the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope atop Haleakala, is nearing completion after escaping a similar fate during protests in 2015 and 2017 involving some of the same people embroiled in the TMT protests. Star-Advertiser.

Last week the Hawaii County Council got an update in committee on the status of various post-eruption projects in the Pahoa Recreational Complex. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Surveys find no Rapid Ohia Death along East Maui. Drone, helicopter surveys follow first detection on island. Maui News.

Maui County residents had to make $31.13 an hour to afford two-bedroom rental last year. Maui County Data Book 2018 shows local statistics on population, education, labor, government and more. Maui News.

Hawaiian Practitioner Seeks to Intervene in Proposal for Drone Landing Strip on Lanai. The request is being made by the Research Corporation of University of Hawaii for its Lanai High Altitude Platforms (HAPS) Drone project. Maui Now.

Kauai

Fish, limu returning to restored stream. The Waipa Stream is coming back to life, thanks to a restoration project within the watershed. Garden Island.

Kauai Coffee certified non-GMO. Harvesters are getting tuned up and coffee cherries are transitioning from green to yellow and red as Kauai Coffee Company’s busiest season of the year approaches. Garden Island.

Lanai

Hawaiian Practitioner Seeks to Intervene in Proposal for Drone Landing Strip on Lanai. The request is being made by the Research Corporation of University of Hawaii for its Lanai High Altitude Platforms (HAPS) Drone project. Maui Now.

Feds: Kealoha sent secret supportive texts to suspect she was prosecuting, Legislature advances vacation rental tax, deadly force bill dies, environmental group sues Maui over street lights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine Kealoha

Feds release Katherine Kealoha’s secret texts. Former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha sent secret messages of support to a defendant in a drug-dealing case Kealoha was prosecuting, according to documents released Wednesday by federal prosecutors. Star-Advertiser.

In court filings Wednesday, federal prosecutors offered new details into the investigation into Katherine Kealoha’s alleged misconduct as a deputy city prosecutor ― along with the role that city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro allegedly played. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha And Her Brother Are Free Pending Trial On Drug Charges. The former city prosecutor and Dr. Rudolph Puana are accused of running an illegal opioid racket out of his medical clinic. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii pain doctor and his former prosecutor sister were released on bond Wednesday while awaiting trial on charges they dealt opioids. Dr. Rudolph Puana and his sister, former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, stood side-by-side as they pleaded not guilty to a 54-count indictment alleging she used her position to cover up their crimes. Associated Press.

Former deputy city Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and her brother, a Big Island physician, pleaded not guilty to dozens of drug charges in federal court on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha was back in court today. This time with her brother facing dozens of drug charges. Both plead not guilty to the allegations. KHON2.

The attorney for Rudolph Puana, a Big Island doctor and brother of former Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, said he's ready to go to trial. The siblings pleaded not guilty Wednesday to dozens of drug charges in federal court. They're both out on bail awaiting trial. KITV.

Prosecutors: Elect them, or appoint them? Honolulu's top prosecutor has been elected since 1980. Before that it was a position appointed by the mayor, which became a lightning rod for accusations of corruption at worst -- and cronyism, at a minimum. KHON2.

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Vacation-rental tax bill advances at Legislature. A state proposal is back to allow vacation-rental hosting platforms like Airbnb, VRBO and Home­Away to collect tens of millions of dollars in state taxes generated by transient accommodations while making it illegal for them to do business with any rental operators who are breaking county laws. Star-Advertiser.

State Lawmakers killed a bill Wednesday that would have given residents more rights to defend themselves and their families from attackers by using deadly force within their own homes. KITV.

Legislature’s New Approach: Inspect Budgets In Bite-Sized Chunks. Dozens of programs and offices are getting closer scrutiny under a new House process that’s less reliant on the Finance Committee. Civil Beat.

A bill addressing Climate Change preparing Hawaii for rising sea-levels passed through a pair of Senate committees Wednesday. The measure would prevent development along shorelines projected to be impacted, and to reduce the amount of people potentially affected by future coastal hazards. KITV.

At the State Capitol, Senators are fast tracking a proposal that would give housing vouchers of $500 per month to more than 1,300 teachers who work in the state's hardest-to-staff schools. KITV.

Former state lawmaker was influential feminist, advocate for Native Hawaiians. Former state lawmaker Jackie Young, an influential feminist in Hawaii, died on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

The chief executive of Southwest Airlines says the Dallas-based carrier is considering adding nonstop flights between Las Vegas and Hawaii. Associated Press.

Oahu

The House Committee on Transportation passed House Bill 327 that would allow the use of Oahu’s zipper lane for single occupant vehicles, for a price. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would abolish bus fare program for low income. The bill would also increase single-ride fares to $3 from $2.75, day passes to $6 from $5.50, monthly passes for seniors to $8 from $6 and annual passes to $45 from $35 and single TheHandi-Van fares to $2.25 from $2. Star-Advertiser.

Official charged in money laundering free on bond. Master Halbert is one of at least two FSM officials accused of assisting Frank James Lyon, co-owner of civil engineering firm Lyon Associates Inc., in securing contracts worth $7.8 million for FSM government projects in exchange for bribes. Star-Advertiser.

Developer’s plan for pricey farm lots, equestrian operations in Mokuleia moves forward. A developer has taken major steps toward turning a controversial North Shore project into reality. The plan would split up historic Dillingham Ranch and sell pricey farm lots to buyers who could build homes on the agricultural land. Hawaii News Now.

State Looks To End The Battle Over Kakaako’s Disputed Roads. A new move by the attorney general could resolve the longstanding question of who owns the pothole-plagued roads. Civil Beat.

The state is urging current and former students of Argosy University-Hawaii to obtain their academic and financial records from the school as soon as possible in case it shuts down suddenly. Star-Advertiser.

State officials on Wednesday issued an urgent message to Argosy University students in Hawaii, advising them to get their affairs in order ahead of the potential closure of the campus. Hawaii News Now.

State Urges Argosy Hawaii Students to Take Necessary Steps to Continue their Education. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea draft rules don’t limit Hawaiian culture, university says. The university is now asking for public comment on the latest revision of the draft rules. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii has released revisions to its proposed administrative rules for the Maunakea Science Reserve. Tribune-Herald.

Construction of a permanent Federal Inspection Station to allow for continued international arrivals beyond 2021 at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole remains on track for completion ahead of deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island microalgae producer Cyanotech Corp. boosted sales in its fiscal third quarter to a record but failed to achieve a profit because of higher costs. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health confirmed two new cases of rat lungworm disease, both of which were contracted on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County is being sued by two Hawaii environmental protection groups over the installation of LED street lights. Represented by the non-profit Earthjustice, the suit alleges the County of Maui Department of Public Works failed to perform mandated review of potential harm to wildlife. Hawaii News Now.

Hearing Friday on bat deaths at wind farm. A hearing on Auwahi Wind Farm’s plans to increase the limit on incidental deaths of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bats in its turbines from 21 to 140 through 2032 will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Kula Elementary School. Maui News.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is in the process of securing a contractor to complete repairs to the boilers that service the 50-meter pool and training pool at the Kihei Aquatic Center. Maui Now.

Despite rumors circulating about its closing, Charley’s Restaurant and Saloon, a 50-year-old landmark for food and entertainment on Maui, will remain open for the time being, a restaurant official said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

The county is suing the owners of a vacation home in Wailua for allegedly using the property as a transient vacation rental in violation of county zoning ordinances. Garden Island.

An excavator operator working at a Kauai recycling plant was treated for severe burns last year after accidentally triggering a massive blast that was caught on camera — and authorities believe they know who will be held accountable for the explosion. Hawaii News Now.

County of Kauai officials on Wednesday, in partnership with Lihue Safeway and Intellectual Technology Inc., launched the island’s first self-service kiosk for motor vehicle registrations. KHON2.

In about the time it takes to write a check, amass the necessary documents, place everything in an envelope, and seal it, the new registration documents and emblems could be ready — using the county Department of Finance Motor Vehicle Registration section kiosk at the Safeway store in the Hokulei Village. Garden Island.

Ige proposes hikes in gas, vehicle taxes; state GOP wants tax exemptions for food and medicine; Honolulu City Council advances bus fare hikes; Hawaii open-carry law in federal court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2011 file photo pumping gas in Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige’s administration is proposing increases in the state gasoline tax, weight tax and vehicle registration fees to collect an extra $40 million a year for road maintenance and other highway projects. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Makes Lt. Gov Green Point Man On Homeless. Governor David Ige is officially giving Lieutenant Governor Josh Green a greater role in dealing with the difficult issue of homelessness in Hawaii, as Green had hoped he would. Big Island Video News.

Republicans propose tax exemptions on food, medical services, feminine hygiene products. The measure, HB 610, would exempt certain foods, medical services, and feminine hygiene products from the General Excise Tax. Representative Lauren Matsumoto says dozens of states already have similar tax exemptions so it's about time Hawaii does too. KHON2.

The governor is proposing to raise the minimum wage in Hawaii to $15 an hour by 2024, while offering small businesses tax credits to offset the increase. Under the governor’s plan, the current minimum wage of $10.10 an hour would go up to $11 in 2020 and then increase by $1 annually through 2024. Hawaii News Now.

New bill would allow schools to ask for donations for facilities. That means schools can ask businesses, companies or even private donors for money to foot the bill. In exchange, the donor could have their name or product placement visible. KHON2.

State Improperly Shared Unsubstantiated Reports Of Child Abuse For Years. Federal officials have told the Hawaii Department of Human Services to stop using the reports outside of child abuse investigations. Civil Beat.

George K. Young Jr., Continues His Quest To Open Carry Firearms. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in July that Hawaii’s law to carry firearms is unconstitutional. The State and Hawaii County have petitioned the Court to reconsider. Hawaii Public Radio.

TSA agents at Hawaii airports are starting to turn in their resignations. The burden of working with no pay has gotten to be too much for some federal workers impacted by the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 33rd day. Hawaii News Now.

Hardships faced by Hawaii's TSA employees. Because of the shutdown, homes, health and even their very jobs may hang in the balance for Hawaii workers with the Transportation Security Administration. KITV.

What Kai Kahele's Bid for Congress Means for the Neighbor Islands. If elected, Kahele would be the first neighbor island resident to represent the second congressional district, which is made up primarily of the neighbor islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday adopted a proposal by Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi that would increase the single-ride bus fare to $3 from $2.75, the one-day pass fare to $6 from $5.50, monthly passes to $80 from $70, and annual passes to $880 from $770. Star-Advertiser.

Police Commission Opts For Public Hearings In Former Chief’s Case. Louis Kealoha says he needs taxpayer help to pay for his criminal defense lawyers. Civil Beat.

Police commissioners blast city legal team for ‘breathtakingly’ bad advice. The chair and vice chair of the Honolulu Police Commission — both of them experienced attorneys — complained Wednesday about poor legal advice the body received from the city’s office of Corporation Counsel when it was led by Donna Leong. Hawaii News Now.

Former Police Chief Wants Taxpayers To Cover His Criminal Defense. Louis Kealoha already has a federal public defender but now wants the city to provide legal help, too. Civil Beat.

More charges may be filed against members of sovereignty group who stormed OHA. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed West Oahu wind farm gets voted down at neighborhood board meetings. West Oahu residents speak out against proposed wind farm project. KITV.

Inquiry prompts Airbnb to remove Hawaii mobile vacation rental listings. Airbnb has removed all mobile vacation rental listings in Hawaii from its online hosting site. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR finds a dead honu, fish in abandoned lay net along an Oahu shore. Hawaii News Now.

Prospects to save the Falls of Clyde at Honolulu Harbor appear to be sinking as another deal for a lift ship to transport it back to Scotland, originally anticipated to take place in early February, fell through. Star-Advertiser.

All Nippon Airways this spring will begin offering passengers on its Tokyo-Honolulu routes a chance to fly on the world’s largest passenger plane, which has 520 seats. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Nature Conservancy survey finds Hawaii island reefs recovering. Star-Advertiser.

The purchase of a large Ka'u tract for conservation might take more time as Hawaii County seeks to set aside 25 acres for a wastewater treatment plant. Tribune-Herald.

Evidence tampering, assaults against youth and other allegations of misconduct were among a disciplinary report submitted to the state Legislature by the Hawaii Police Department. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council gave final approval Wednesday to bills adding disaster recovery projects to the capital budget.Tribune-Herald.

Maui

As Hurricane Lane Approached, Some Boats Had Nowhere To Escape. Tour boat operators say they were “blindsided” when state harbor officials barred them from taking shelter in commercial ports — a change from years past. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige wants to return to the old formula of giving the counties a straight percentage of the hotel room tax, instead of setting a cap that has long been a sore point for Maui County officials. Maui News.

A management plan is being developed for 244 acres of land at Honolua Bay and Lipoa Point in West Maui. The land was acquired by the state from Maui Land & Pineapple Inc. in 2014, in an effort to preserve the area in perpetuity. Maui Now.

Equipped with park guidelines, maps and other information, Friends of Haleakala National Park volunteers spent last weekend at the summit in an effort to help protect the park. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino will be the featured guest speaker at the LahainaTown Action Committee’s annual meeting on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Pioneer Inn Courtyard. Maui Now.

Kauai

Anini Beach will be getting lifeguards. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved funding for three new lifeguard positions to address safety concerns at North Shore beaches crowded with visitors during the winter season. Garden Island.

World’s Biggest Solar Power Plant Relies On A Flock Of Sheep. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is far ahead of the statewide schedule for conversion to alternative energy sources for producing electricity. Civil Beat.

Tulsi for president? Plus, Hawaii braces for Hurricane Lane, elections lawsuit filed, community colleges get good grade, Fissure 8 shows new lava life, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard campaigning in Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News

Gabbard’s Climate Stance Gets Her Listed As A Presidential Contender. An environmental publication lumped the Hawaii congresswoman into a field of possible Democratic challengers to President Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii and Maui counties as Hurricane Lane continues barreling toward the state as a powerful Category 4 storm. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane watch issued for Maui, Big Isle; Lane remains a Category 4 storm. Star-Advertiser.

Cat 4 Lane expected to make turn toward Hawaii, hurricane watch issued for Hawaii, Maui Counties. KHON2.

The time to prepare for Hurricane Lane is now. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips and Checklists. Maui Now.

Luke P. Meyers, a Certified Emergency Manager who most recently served in a variety of posts in the Pacific Northwest, has joined the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency as Executive Officer, announced HI-EMA Administrator Tom Travis. Garden Island.

Elections Suit Accuses State Lawmaker Of Voter Fraud And Intimidation. The complaint is premised, in part, on a surge of last-minute absentee ballots that pushed Rep. Romy Cachola of Kalihi to a 51-vote primary victory. Civil Beat.

How This Political Rookie, 72, Pulled Off A Big Senate Upset. Sharon Moriwaki beat state Sen. Brickwood Galuteria by 20 percentage points in a district full of high-rise condos. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s community college system was ranked in the top 20 of WalletHub’s 2018 list, placing 15th. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

With Hurricane Lane forecast this week to follow a Hurricane Iniki-like path toward the Hawaiian islands, Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants residents and visitors to keep track of Lane’s progress. Star-Advertiser.

The costs to ride TheBus and TheHandi-Van would go up in most categories under a proposal now before the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

The city’s “Complete Streets” program is hosting a public meeting on Aug. 29 on three, new bikeways proposed for portions of S. King, Punchbowl, and Bishop streets in downtown Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Heat causes thousands of fish to suffocate in golf course ponds. KHON2.

Construction of the Ke Kilohana condominium tower in Kakaako has reached its high point, 43 stories, or roughly 400 feet above ground. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has topped off the 43-story Ke Kilohana mixed-use tower, the developer’s mostly workforce condominium project at Ward Village. Pacific Business News.

Condominium resales in the Ala Moana-Kakaako area, where new buildings have added hundreds of new units over the past couple of years, rose by 34 percent last month as the median price declined by 12 percent, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noticed something at the Fissure 8 vent on Monday that may be a sign the eruption of Kilauea is not completely finished. Big Island Video News.

Even with a $4 million hit from Puna property tax revenues swallowed by the lava flow, the County Council is about to approve a bill effectively setting the annual budget at a historic high, thanks to a general excise tax surcharge. West Hawaii Today.

The warden and supervisor at Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island are being charged with theft by the state attorney general’s office. Tribune-Herald.

State transportation officials are assessing safety concerns at a popular West Hawaii lava tube — Huehue — that sits just off Queen Kaahumanu Highway in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

A gate to limit vehicular access and restrictions on snow play are among the proposals found in a set of rules being offered up for the summit of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Residents, County Council members and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Monday criticized a project in Honuaula that residents say did not undergo proper archaeological review and only came to light when the process of grading and grubbing began. Maui News.

A total of 27,749 procedures worth $1.6 million took place during the Tropic Care clinics, according to Washington Air National Guard Capt. Hans Zeiger, public affairs officer for Tropic Care Maui County, who called it a “tremendous success.” Maui News.

The Royal Canadian Navy crew members could have spent their day off at the beach — instead, they chose to come to Hospice Maui to help clear the property and deliver a $10,000 check to the Wailuku nonprofit. Maui News.

Kauai

People were scrambling in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Lane Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

The Department of Public Works is announcing that fencing will be installed in the vicinity of Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei this week to secure the construction site, as crews begin repairs of the area damaged by the April flood. Garden Island.

The National Wildlife Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture has provided the Department of Land and Natural Resources with a final report of its monitoring efforts relating to the presence of diphacinone, an anticoagulant rodenticide, used as part of an effort to restore native species habitat on Lehua Island. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has received a final report from The National Wildlife Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture of the ecological effects of diphacinone, an anticoagulant rodenticide, used as part of an effort to restore native species on Lehua Island. Maui Now.

Pono Home, with funding and support from Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and the County of Kauai, will be offering free home efficiency services for qualified residents on Kauai this fall. Garden Island.

Hawaii-based energy consulting firm Pono Home will be offering free home efficiency services for qualified residents on Kauai this fall. Pacific Business News.

Kahoolawe

After 32 years, remains of a juvenile humpback whale have been returned to the island of Kahoolawe. Maui Now.

Florida school shooting brings 'social media hysteria,' new legislation, to Hawaii; registration fees may be hiked for electric vehicles, Honolulu Police Commission picks new chairwoman, Big Island council puts GET on life support, seawall irks Maui residents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu city bus ©2018 All Hawaii News

Honolulu slid into the 10th spot on a list ranking the best cities for public transit in 2018. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu among U.S. cities with best public transportation. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to boost the state registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles was tentatively approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday. Owners of electric vehicles currently pay weight taxes and a registration fee of $45 per vehicle per year, but do not pay the gasoline tax. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is seeking public input as it develops a non-binding plan to spend up to $8.1 million from a settlement with German automaker Volkswagen to promote the reduction of vehicle emissions in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Ige leads effort urging Congress to protect funding for clean energy programs. The bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance, under the leadership of Hawaii Gov. David Ige, has urged the U.S. Congress to protect the U.S. Department of Energy from funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Pacific Business News.

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‘We Are So Far Behind’: Hawaii Legislators Look To Make Schools Safer. After another gun-related massacre on an American campus, lawmakers consider requiring interior door locks and intercom systems. Civil Beat.

Police and schools are cracking down on students who make threats after concerns were raised following the mass shooting at a Florida high school last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers hope to prevent a mass shooting in the islands, by banning bump stocks. One of several measures this legislative session aiming to tighten gun regulations. KITV.

Following the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school, there is a lot of attention on school safety. The number of gun incidents in Hawaii schools has actually dropped. Last year there were 21 incidents all involving air guns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Police: Social media caused hysteria. Hawaii Island’s police chief said the decision to post extra officers on public school campuses Wednesday in Puna and Kona was made because social media “fed into the anxiety” of the community in the wake of perceived threats of possible gun violence made on the internet. Tribune-Herald.

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Bill looks to ban plastic straws; some already making shift. West Hawaii Today.

Why Opening A Dialysis Center Takes Years Longer In Hawaii. A shortage of outpatient centers forces some chronic kidney disease patients into long hospital stays and late-night treatments. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has joined a coalition of states in opposing an application by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to regain its status as a nationally-recognized accreditor after failing to fulfill its oversight responsibilities. Pacific Business News.

Should state hospital patients with violent pasts be tracked post-release? KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission Gets New Leadership. Loretta Sheehan was a sharp critic of former chief Louis Kealoha and how the commission handled problems during his tenure. Civil Beat.

Attorney Loretta Sheehan was elected chairwoman of the Honolulu Police Commission 6-0 today. She replaces retired hotel executive Max Sword. Star-Advertiser.

Susan Ballard, Honolulu’s first female police chief, has a strong ally in the new chairwoman of the Honolulu Police Commission, Loretta Sheehan. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Commission has a new leader and she's already promising change. KITV.

The former police officer who was fired after video of him in a violent fight with his ex-girlfriend surfaced will be reinstated and get years of back pay. Hawaii News Now.

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State rules for Sierra Club in lawsuit over aging military fuel tanks. Hawaii News Now.

Kahauiki Village: A Model to Ease Homelessness. There are more than 550 bills relating to affordable housing this legislative session. But, there’s one community model that could be duplicated statewide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community voices concerns about Old Stadium Park homeless. Dozens of people gathered at the McCully Moiliili library Wednesday night. KHON2.

Bill would move oversight of Kakaako from the Hawaii Community Development Authority to city. KITV.

Storm forced millions of gallons of sewer water to spill in Windward Oahu. KHON2.

Punahou settles suit with family of child kicked out after father's alleged misconduct. The boy was kicked out after a 5-year-old classmate alleged that the boy’s father showed her pornography during a sleepover. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department fines Hawaiian Isles Water Co. $14K for violations. Hawaiian Isles Water Co. had to pay a $14,400 fine after being cited by the Hawaii Department of Health for delinquent reports and payments to the state-administrated Deposit Beverage Container program between August and November 2017. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Foreseeing the almost certain death of a bill raising the general excise tax, the County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to put it on life support, at least temporarily. West Hawaii Today.

UH regents to ask for Mauna Kea audit. Responding to accusations of financial mismanagement, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Friday will be asking its internal auditor to look at the university’s Mauna Kea books with fresh eyes. Star-Advertiser.

A tense hearing on the future management of Mauna Kea steered into the issue of the Thirty Meter Telescope sublease. Big Island Video News.

A bill that would bring lifeguards to Kua Bay remains alive in the state House after securing a key hearing before the Committee on Finance. West Hawaii Today.

Officer-involved shooting prompts heavy police presence in Puna. An investigation is underway after a Big Island police officer was shot late Wednesday in Hawaiian Beaches. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A plan to construct a seawall to save a West Maui condominium from erosion is dividing the community. Hawaii News Now.

A Sea Talk focusing on Maalaea Harbor Water Quality and the use of effluent in Eco-Restoration will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday. Maui Now.

3 Maui Beaches Named to TripAdvisor’s 2018 Best in US Awards. Maui Now.

Work to replace an old culvert bridge that has shut down South Kihei Road near the old Suda Store since August will be completed “by the end of next week at the latest . . . maybe earlier,” said county Department of Public Works Director David Goode on Wednesday. Maui News.

HGEA nurses disgruntled over Kaiser management. The head of about 800 union workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center said Maui Health System officials need “to step up their game” and start fulfilling “the bill of goods” touted by the private entity to improve former public hospitals on Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

A resolution that would let citizens vote on ending term limits for the County Council drew ire from some community members on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Kualii announces council candidacy. An Anahola man who has previously served on Kauai’s County Council has announced his candidacy for the upcoming race. Garden Island.

Land Board approves Thirty Meter Telescope permit, Honolulu police chief candidates narrowed to seven, tourism above expectations, Jones Act debated, Kona water woes continue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Artist's conception of Thirty Meter Telescope

The state Land Board will require the University of Hawaii to remove three telescopes atop Mauna Kea and create new educational programs as conditions for allowing construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

In a 5 to 2 vote, the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources concurred with the recommendation of contested case hearing officer Riki May Amano, approving a Conservation District Use Permit to build the Thirty-Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved the application for a permit to build the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, a move that was vehemently opposed by some environmentalists and Native Hawaiians who consider the mountain sacred. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday granted a construction permit for a giant telescope on a mountain that some Native Hawaiians consider sacred, a project that has divided the state. Associated Press.

The state Land Board voted 5 to 2 in favor of approving the construction permit for the controversial telescope. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday approved a permit that will allow construction of the controversial Thirty-Meter Telescope to continue near the summit of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday said it has voted 5-2 to approve a conservation district use permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope, which would allow the $1.4 billion project to begin construction near the summit of the Big Island’s Mauna Kea volcano. Pacific Business News.

A major decision on the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope, the State Land Board says "build it". KITV.

Advocates of the Thirty Meter Telescope applauding the state land board's decision Thursday to move forward with construction atop Mauna Kea. Meanwhile, those against the project vow to continue their fight. Hawaii News Now.

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope vowed Thursday to take their case to the Hawaii Supreme Court following the approval of the project’s construction permit by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

Full DLNR news release and order on the Thirty Meter Telescope here.

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Hawaii tourism celebrated its best month ever in July, but the fireworks continued into August, which was another boom month for the key state industry. Star-Advertiser.

Monthly visitor spending increased by 6.1 percent year-over-year to $1.39 billion last month as Hawaii welcomed a total of 818,581 visitors, an increase of 4.8 percent, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The figure represents an increase of 6.1 percent compared to August 2016. Pacific Business News.

University of Hawaii economists have weighed in on the state’s economy, and the story is a familiar one: Slowing growth, a tourism industry exceeding expectations and a once-booming construction sector that appears to be leveling out. Star-Advertiser.

Typically, it’s been limited to debate in Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. island territories — but this week the rest of the country is suddenly getting a crash course in the Jones Act. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 300 species of fish, mussels and other sea critters hitchhiked across the Pacific Ocean on debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami, washing ashore alive in the United States, researchers reported Thursday. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s public school students continue to show growth on Advanced Placement Program Exams. Garden Island.

How Hawaii Schools Are Rethinking Social Studies. Teachers supplement history lessons with real-world projects that encourage students to take action in their communities. Civil Beat.

Undercover stings help health officials enforce new age limit for smokers. KHON2.

Oahu

Seven candidates are now left in the closely watched search for Honolulu’s next police chief, a post that’s been vacant since the end of February. The finalists are retired Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Thomas Aiu, current HPD Maj. Susan Ballard, retired HPD Maj. Kurt Kendro, retired HPD Assistant Chief Kevin Lima, retired Pennsylvania State Police Maj. Mark Lomax, current Arlington (Texas) Police Department Deputy Chief Jim Lowery and retired HPD Deputy Chief Paul Putzulu. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission announced Thursday it will interview seven candidates to become the city’s next police chief, a process that will take place behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

The list of candidates considered for the next Honolulu police chief have been narrowed down to seven, the Honolulu Police Commission announced on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Commission has narrowed the field of candidates for Honolulu's top cop down to seven. KITV.

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A judge has at least temporarily blocked the city from releasing the names of current and past undercover officers at the request of the statewide police union. Civil Beat.

Starting Sunday, Honolulu’s bus system will no longer accept paper transfers, asking riders who seek transfers to purchase a 1-Day Pass instead, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

2 years after Accessory Dwelling Units law passes - little to show. To date the city program has produced only 67 units. KITV.

Three nonprofit groups that rely on federal funding administered by the city worry their money could be delayed this year, affecting clients as soon as Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Working to help get Hawaii's homeless off the streets. KITV.

The Army said today that operations to retrieve wreckage and crew from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that crashed at sea off Kaena Point Aug. 15 have ended with only trace remains of the five soldiers aboard recovered. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Alutiiq General Contractors LLC Thursday received a nearly $26.9 million construction contract from the U.S. Department of Defense. Pacific Business News.

The Pacific Beach Hotel will reopen next month as the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach following a $115 million redevelopment that began in 2016. Pacific Business News.
https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2017/09/28/pacific-beach-hotel-transforms-into-the-alohilani.html

The Hawaii Convention Center's new wooden basketball court has a shiny look and smells of fresh lacquer. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Water service disruptions threaten North Kona as two deep well repairs progress. West Hawaii Today.

As the Emergency Water Restriction remains in effect for North Kona, officials have started to see a decline in the water level in some tanks. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County is ramping up awareness next month about the threat of little fire ants. Tribune-Herald.

The state Public Utilities Commission announced the end of a popular solar energy incentive program on the Big Island last week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A community meeting is planned to discuss community design as part of the update of the West Maui Community Plan on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center at 788 Pauoa Street, Lahaina. Maui Now.

Ground is scheduled to be broken this morning for the Kalama Kai residential workforce housing condominium project in Kihei. Maui News.

Maui’s visitor arrivals and spending were up in August, one of the state’s traditionally busy summer months, compared with August 2016, the Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Thursday. Maui News.

Space surveillance experts convene at 18th AMOS conference in Wailea. Maui News.

Gov. David Ige said he’s none too worried about the threat of nuclear attack, but said that as a state, “it’s better to be prepared than not.” Maui News.

Due to crowded conditions at the Maui Humane Society, the organization is seeking immediate short-term foster homes for dogs. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai continues to enjoy a strong tourism season. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, visitor arrivals on Kauai totaled 111,904 for August, a 6.7 percent increase over last August. Garden Island.

Sustainable Food Movement Flourishes On Kauai’s North Shore. A community garden and incubator lots are just the beginning, say organizers looking to answer “big questions about things like food security.” Garden Island.

Teachers union seeks property tax and hotel tax surcharge, Tulsi Gabbard confirms meeting with al-Assad, families vow to stay on Zuckerberg land, theBus may lose transfers, Omidyar Kauai dairy denied stormwater water permit extension, Maui developer seeks to nix public access, new corporation counsel for Big Island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Teachers rally, 1/21/17 Hawaii State Teachers Association Facebook page

The teachers union has again set its sights on generating more taxes to increase funding for Hawaii public schools. This time, it’s eyeing residential investment properties and visitor accommodations. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii teachers union is asking the Legislature to approve a constitutional amendment that would establish a statewide surcharge on residential investment property and visitor accommodations. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association believes taxing two areas would raise millions of dollars to recruit and retain teachers, reduce class sizes, pay for special education and fund educational programs.Hawaii News Now.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard defended her trip to Syria and meeting with President Bashar Assad on Wednesday, saying that it’s impossible to broker any kind of peace deal without talking to the country’s leader, who has been accused of war crimes and human rights violations by lawmakers and human rights organizations. Star-Advertiser.

Back from her mysterious trip to Syria during inauguration week, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard confirmed reports Wednesday that she had met with Syrian President Bashar Hafez al-Assad. Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard,  a congressional Democrat just back from a weeklong trip to Syria defended her meeting with the war-torn country's president, saying Wednesday there's no possibility of a viable peace agreement unless Bashar Assad is part of the conversation. Associated Press.

Tulsi Gabbard Posts Video From Secret Trip To Syria. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard returned to Washington, DC after a week-long visit to Syria with a renewed and greater resolve to end the war there. Maui Now.

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Medical marijuana licensees can begin cultivating their crops next week, the state announced Wednesday. But exactly when patients can begin purchasing products is still unclear. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii officials are proposing several rule changes for state harbors in response to ongoing concerns, including limitations on alcohol consumption and a ban on feeding wildlife and feral animals. Associated Press.

On a per-patient basis, Hawaii was ranked No. 16 in Medicare waste, with an average overpayment of $11.31 per patient, and overpayments totaled $1.47 million for 2015, compared to just under $5 million in 2014. Pacific Business News.

New data from the state Campaign Spending Commission shows 2016 highlights. Civil Beat.

Despite calls for reconciliation and peace, the fractured Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees is likely to engage in even more skirmishing next week, possibly including an attempt to topple Chairwoman Rowena Akana from her leadership role. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: With so much to do and so little time to get it done, why in the world would Souki and other key legislators  pick another unnecessary fight with the Hawaii State Judiciary? But that’s exactly what it appears they’re doing. Civil Beat.

Hundreds of volunteers have been canvassing the streets across the state. They’re counting homeless individuals and families for the annual Point-In-Time Count. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Those flimsy, hard-to-read paper bus transfer slips soon will be a thing of the past while all-you-can-ride, one-day passes will be the future under a bill passed 9-0 by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge says the lawyer representing Honolulu Police Chief Louis Ke­aloha against possible federal criminal charges cannot also represent two people suing the city and three former police officers. Star-Advertiser.

 Myles Breiner has filed numerous lawsuits attacking the credibility of the Honolulu Police Department, the chief and his prosecutor wife. Now he’s representing the couple. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Police Department is going through changes with its chief of police, Louis Kealoha, retiring in about a month. KHON2.

Work crews started striping new two-way bike lanes on McCully Street this week — the latest step in the city’s gradual efforts to make Honolulu more bike-friendly, and to encourage more of its residents to get around by bicycle. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to prohibit most commercial activity at five Waimanalo beaches was approved by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The developer of Hawaii’s largest solar farm said it has begun pumping power to the grid. Star-Advertiser.

A permitting dispute is intensifying on Oahu's North Shore, where city officials have issued a third notice of violation for a controversial commercial development near Sharks Cove. Hawaii News Now.

INspiration Interiors is expanding to West Oahu with a new location in the former Sports Authority space at the Target-anchored Kapolei Commons shopping center, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

A County Council 8-1 confirmation vote Wednesday made Joe Kamelamela the county’s top civil lawyer. West Hawaii Today.

A handful of bills that would facilitate clearing albizia trees from private property passed their first readings in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to pass a nonbinding resolution again asking the Legislature to put money in the budget for lifeguards, a lifeguard tower and necessary equipment at Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo businessman Ken Fujiyama and his company still owe about $6.1 million to a North Carolina bank that held mortgage on the then-Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, according to a complaint filed in Hilo Circuit Court. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Developer wants to nix public access after county fails to purchase land. Maui News.

A second-chance hearing for an unpermitted zipline company in Haiku was unanimously denied by the Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

In his quest to create a secluded, tranquil estate on Kauai, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has run into a messy problem that involves publicly advocating for something Native Hawaiians often regard as an injustice equated to stealing land. Star-Advertiser.

Heirs of kuleana land on Zuckerberg property say they’re not selling. Garden Island.

A second extension for a storm water permit has been denied for a proposed dairy on Kauai's south shore. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai’s pesticide legislation, Ordinance 960, was repealed Wednesday through the approval of Bill 2643 upon second reading during a Kauai County Council meeting. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council unanimously voted to “clear the books” of an invalidated county law the courts had struck down requiring biotech companies to disclose pesticide use and regulate the growth of genetically modified organisms. Star-Advertiser.

There will be no county-sanctioned drinking alcohol on the links anytime soon at Wailua Golf Course. Garden Island.

Lihue Post Office may close: Site may be consolidated with facility off Kapule Highway. Garden Island.