False missile alert aftermath: employee fired, HI-EMA chief resigns, administration shaken; House speaker not interested in being lieutenant governor; one-way tickets for homeless; Kauai missile test, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HI-EMA missile presentation in Hilo, December 2017 ©2018 All Hawaii News

News of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency shakeup and release of the Federal Communications Commission’s preliminary findings into Hawaii’s Jan. 13 false missile alert left many wondering Tuesday how much faith people will have in the credibility of the next warning. Star-Advertiser.

When things go wrong in a big way, it is usually the top leadership that takes a beating, which means Gov. David Ige may now be in deep trouble in the wake of the frightening Jan. 13 ballistic missile attack false alarm, according to political observers. Star-Advertiser.

There are concerns over staffing at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of the resignations of two top officials and the firing of the unnamed worker who set off the Jan. 13 bogus nuclear missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

False Missile Alert Investigation Released: Miyagi Resigns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tick Tock Of Terror: New Details In Missile Alert Timeline. Associated Press.

HI-EMA’s Miyagi resigns, ‘button pusher’ fired in aftermath of false missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

Employee terminated, HI-EMA head resigns after false missile warning. Hawaii’s emergency management leader has resigned and a state employee who sent an alert falsely warning of an incoming ballistic missile has been fired, officials said Tuesday, after the mistake caused widespread panic earlier this month. KITV.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency worker who triggered panic by sending a false ballistic missile alert to phones across the state on Jan. 13 believed the state was actually under attack, according to a preliminary investigation released today by the Federal Communications Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Man Who Sent Out False Missile Alert Was ‘Source Of Concern’ For A Decade. Civil Beat.

Worker who sent false missile alert had problems but kept job. Associated Press.

Fired employee had previously confused drills. The fired employee had previously confused drills for real events, once for a fire and once for a tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency management employee had ‘history of confusing drill and real-world events’. KHON2.

In a stunning revelation Tuesday, state investigators said the emergency management employee who sent out the false missile alert to Hawaii phones — triggering 38 minutes of panic until a correction could be sent — believed the threat of an incoming missile was real and had a history of confusing drills with real-world events. Hawaii News Now.

State fires employee who issued false missile alert, Hawaii EMA chief resigns following state probe. Pacific Business News.

FCC Report: Day Shift Warning Officer Believed the Missile Threat Was Real. Maui Now.

Full text: FCC report on false missile alert. All Hawaii News.

Full text: State report on false missile alert. All Hawaii News.

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House Speaker Scott Saiki today announced he is not interested in becoming the state’s next lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Telling The Public A Little Less About What It Pays Its Workers. House Speaker Scott Saiki finds Civil Beat’s salary database too specific when it comes to “legislative employees.” Civil Beat.

Hotel taxes are eyed for 1-way tickets for homeless. House Bill 2012 would set aside up to $2 million a year in transient accommodations tax, or TAT, revenues to fund homeless initiatives in “tourist and resort areas.” Star-Advertiser.

Tearful testimony at the Capitol over Hawaiian language translation bill. A push to provide a Hawaiian language interpreter at court proceedings is gaining momentum at the State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Medical Aid In Dying: ‘The Political Risk Is Not Passing It’. With polls consistently showing public support for the concept, legislators look to give the issue another go this session. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers and prison advocates raising questions on suicides at Hawaii correctional facilities. KITV.

State disease database hacked. The state Department of Health is investigating a potential breach of private medical information of disease test results. Star-Advertiser.

The mayors of Honolulu, Kauai and Maui today pledged to help make our island state more climate resilient at a key leadership forum presented by Hawaii Energy and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, titled “A Resilient and Renewable Hawaii: How Hawaii’s Mayors are Innovating to Create the Counties of the Future.” Maui Now.

Chick-fil-A is scouting locations for the chain’s first Hawaii restaurant, one of three restaurant chains, along with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Japan’s Yoshinoya, looking to break into the isle market. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A state judge has ordered the developer of Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort to pay homeowners $20 million for the company’s decision to change the main feature of the Ewa community from a marina to a lagoon. Star-Advertiser.

A state judge has ordered developer Haseko to pay homeowners $20 million, in one of the largest consumer protection awards in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The city is testing its first electric bus during a six-week pilot project for Honolulu's fleet. Hawaii News Now.

The city unveiled its first fully electric bus on Tuesday that will be tested in a six-week pilot project. KITV.

The Hawaii State Department of Health has received a $339,269 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a clean energy project on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Defense contractor BAE Systems Hawaii has received a $14.2 million modification for a previously awarded contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for repair work of the USS Port Royal, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. Pacific Business News.

Momilani Elementary School has put one of its teachers on leave after learning that two former Punahou students, who are now adults, have accused him of sexually abusing them between 2005 to 2006. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council, county attorney at odds over contingency funds. Tribune-Herald.

Surf school management proposal raises concerns. West Hawaii Today.

The state should return to federal court to seek an amendment to existing orders mandating the eradication of ungulates on Mauna Kea, according to hunting enthusiast Richard Hoeflinger. Big Island Video News.

Brad Bennett, superintendent of the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area, is under investigation by the state Department of Education and is on leave until further notice. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Liquor Director Glenn Mukai said Tuesday that a visit by an FBI agent to its Wailuku offices Monday was a “routine audit” of the department’s fingerprinting operations. Maui News.

The nearly 500-acre Waikapu Country Town project has received unanimous approval from the state Land Use Commission for critical changes. Maui News.

The Paia relief route, Kihei collector road and Hana Highway bridges are among the major projects vying for a share of $124 million in funding over the next four years. Maui News.

Kauai

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the Navy conducted a missile test off Kauai early Wednesday, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Occupiers remain at Coco Palms. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 86th Winter Meeting. The mayor met with federal agencies and the Congressional delegation to discuss priorities for the County of Kauai. Garden Island.

DLNR considers allowing feral pig hunting on Kauai's Sleeping Giant mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Ige to give State of the State address this morning as lawmakers criticize missile alert snafu, mayors seek taxing power, grim budgets as employee costs rise, Honolulu councilman seeks false missile alarm working group, federal employees face furloughs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige addresses legislative committee PC: Rep. Della Au Bellati

Amid sharp critiques, Ige to deliver fourth State of the State. After a difficult week for his administration and amid mounting questions over his leadership, Gov. David Ige will address lawmakers and constituents on Monday in his fourth State of the State address. Hawaii News Now.

State public funds’ shortfall hits $25B. The two public funds designed to meet the future pension and health care needs of government employees and retirees are a combined $25 billion in the hole with a growing shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax collections jumped 14 percent in 2017. Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax collections increased 13.8 percent to $508.4 million in fiscal year 2017, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s annual report to the state Legislature. Pacific Business News.

County Mayors: We Want More Power To Tax. They also want a larger share of the state hotel tax revenues and immunity for lifeguards at state beaches. Civil Beat.

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Governor took 15 minutes to announce missile alert was false. The Hawaii National Guard’s top commander said Friday he told Gov. David Ige that a missile alert was a false alarm two minutes after it went out statewide. But the governor didn’t tell the public until 15 minutes later. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige was told last week’s missile alert was a false alarm just two minutes after the warning message was sent to cellphones across the state, the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency told lawmakers Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Knew 2 Minutes After Missile Alert That It Was False. But it took his office 15 minutes to announce the news in a Twitter post, legislators were told Friday. Civil Beat.

Legislature Conducts Hearing on False Missile Alert. Governor David Ige told lawmakers Friday that safeguards are in place and there will be consequences for the 38 minute delay to end the false alarm. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers put Hawaii emergency officials, including Governor David Ige, under the spotlight during an informational briefing Friday, held to review the circumstances surrounding the erroneous release of a statewide emergency alert on Saturday, January 13. Big Island Video News.

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Republicans Want Lower Taxes And Better Public Access To Legislature. Bills to expand public record laws and exempt food items from taxes are endorsed by the minority caucus. Civil Beat.

State Representative Andria Tupola confirms run for governor. KITV.

There’s an increasingly urgent need for more state-funded ambulance units across the state to deal with a surge in emergency calls, primarily by seniors and the homeless, emergency services chiefs told state lawmakers last week. Star-Advertiser.

State tracks bacteria at busy beaches but often cannot identify the source. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii’s plan for improving public education under the Every Student Succeeds Act was approved Friday by the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education said it’s received federal approval of its plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act, the federal education law which replaces No Child Left Behind. Tribune-Herald.

Here’s What We Pay County Workers — Except For Cops. Our salary database has thousands of new entries, but a legal challenge is holding back Honolulu police officer information. Civil Beat.

Several thousand federal civilian employees in Hawaii will be furloughed today because of the government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

What happens now? How Hawaii is affected by a federal government shutdown. KHON2.

2 Hawaii congresswomen decline pay for duration of government shutdown. Hawaii News Now.

Feds make more than $2M available to reduce fishing bycatch. Associated Press.

Dozens Of Hawaii’s Mentally Ill May Lose Their Homes. The state looks to stop subsidies to people who already have received them for much longer than the intended two years. Civil Beat.

A state-sponsored ferry service for Hawaii would be financially and commercially impractical, according to a new study conducted last year by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

"Our job is to be ready": USS Carl Vinson en route to Western Pacific. KITV.

Across the state, thousands turn out for women's marches, rallies. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Councilman Ernie Martin wants Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to convene “a false missile alert working group” to assess how the city Department of Emergency Management and other city agencies responded to the Jan. 13 alert issued by mistake by state emergency officials. Star-Advertiser.

Mismanagement Could Cost Honolulu Another $10 Million. The city is scrambling to figure out how to make use of empty buildings in Waipahu and Chinatown. Civil Beat.

Private sponsors sought for programs at city zoo. Star-Advertiser.

Auction begins for Ryan’s Grill Honolulu as it closes after 34 years in business. Oahu Auctions will sell kitchen equipment and restaurant decorations from Ryan’s Grill Honolulu, which will serve dinner for the last time on Saturday, after more than 34 years in business. Pacific Business News.

Porn law’s loophole helped Oahu man avoid charges, critics say. Star-Advertiser.

Kapolei parcel sails back on the market, but this time not for sale. An affiliate of the James Campbell Co. has listed 14 acres of commercial land in Kapolei, but the parcel sandwiched between Farrington Highway and the H-1 freeway is being offered under long-term ground leases rather, as well as for sale.  Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

General excise tax hike mulled as county drains fund balance. Mayor Harry Kim on Friday sent the County Council a bill to raise the general excise tax by one-half percent to balance next year’s budget, while telling a state legislative panel the county exhausted its fund balance to pay for this year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim traveled to the State Capitol Friday, joining the state’s other county mayors for an informational briefing before the Senate Ways and Means Committee and House Finance Committee. Big Island Video News.

Crawford returns as Finance Department deputy. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed portions of the park to the public as a result of the federal government shutdown. Tribune-Herald.

EnVision Maunakea’s process coming to a close; about 100 people participate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Three Lawsuits Filed on Maui Over Shoreline Access. Maui Now.

Mayor looking into perks given to affordable housing owner. An apartment building owner who received millions of dollars in benefits to create an affordable housing project in Lahaina is coming under county scrutiny in light of the owner’s plans to raise affordable rents to market rates in 2019. Maui News.

Low inventory, higher housing prices persist in Maui County. Year-end real estate sales remain hot. Maui News.

Federal Government Shutdown Results in Haleakala Sunrise Summit Closure. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines reinstated daily nonstop service Friday between Portland, Ore., and Maui. Star-Advertiser.

East Maui drivers brace for closures due to highway repairs. Hawaii News Now.

A public presentation on a proposed renewable energy conversion and sludge processing project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility will be held Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

County leaders reflect on 2017 accomplishments. Garden Island.

Feral pig population holding steady. Garden Island.

One month without plastic. The average resident on Kauai produces around 1,300 pounds of waste per year, and county officials said that points to the potential impact of every individual’s choices. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature opens session as thousands commemorate 125th anniversary of overthrow, Ige praises Big Island false missile alert while officials call for statewide investigation, Chin defends campaign manager, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

125th anniversary of Hawaiian overthrow observed PC: Treena Shapiro

Palace And Capitol: Hawaiian Event Bridges Two Worlds. On the same day the ruling government reconvened its Legislature, thousands noted the 125th anniversary of the former government’s overthrow. Civil Beat.

January 17 was the opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature. But the day also marked the 125 anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Big Island Video News.

125 years later, overthrow of Hawaii's last monarch marked with tears, reflection. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of Native Hawaiians marched through the streets of Honolulu Wednesday and then rallied at Iolani Palace and the Capitol rotunda to mark the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of Hawaii’s last monarch. Star-Advertiser.

Onipaa Kakou - Observing 125 years since Hawaiian Kingdom overthrow. KITV.

A look back at the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. KITV.

Saturday’s nerve­wracking missile alert was top of mind as lawmakers opened the 2018 session of the Legislature Wednesday, with House and Senate leaders vowing to investigate what led to the false alarm, and to make sure the problem gets fixed. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Convenes Amid Buzz Over False Missile Alert. Lawmakers highlight housing and education priorities while addressing public concerns over the Saturday panic. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers want to boost housing, prevent false alarms. State lawmakers opened the 2018 Legislative Session on Wednesday with vows to tackle the housing crisis and homelessness. Associated Press.

False Missile Alert and Homelessness Highlighted in Opening Day Remarks. Maui Now.

Counties push for bigger TAT share again. On the heels of a tumultuous summer special session that raised the transient accommodations tax by 1 percent, the state’s local governments and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim are pushing for a bigger slice of the pie. West Hawaii Today.

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Federal responsibility in nuclear attack alerts is unclear. The astonishing error and dismal response has prompted both state and federal investigations and left one of the state’s U.S. senators wondering aloud if top brass at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency should be replaced. Associated Press.

Schatz: Missile-Alert System Is Still Hawaii’s Kuleana. State and federal officials aim to fix the warning system — and hopefully, rebuild the public’s trust — by this summer. Civil Beat.

FEMA confirms state’s delay in call for guidance. It took Hawaii emergency management 23 minutes to connect with the Federal Emergency Management Agency after a state employee triggered a false ballistic missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

Tick Tock Of Terror: Timeline Of False Missile Alert. The sequence of events involving the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s infamous Saturday morning. Associated Press.

Not an ‘oops’ button: Missile alert took many clicks, long scroll state never mentioned. KHON2.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Briefed On False Emergency Alert. Maui Now.

Parents of Hawaii public school students have been told not to pick up their children at school during a missile attack. Star-Advertiser.

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Doug Chin’s Opponents Pile On Criticism Of Candidate’s Campaign Manager. Kaniela Ing will file an ethics complaint with the FEC, while Chin’s other foes for a congressional seat also criticized him. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines and Jetstar Group launched a new interline partnership on Wednesday that offers travelers from cities in New Zealand and Japan convenient flight connections to Hawaii and the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines expands Japan, New Zealand service through interline agreement. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

City received 29 medical calls within 1 hour after alert. That’s substantially up from the average of between eight to 15 calls an hour. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens, if not hundreds, of volunteers are still needed for next week’s census of Oahu’s homeless population — but the head of the annual Point in Time Count isn’t concerned. Star-Advertiser.

Final public meeting set for Ala Moana Park project. The city will hold a final public meeting on the Ala Moana Regional Park Master Plan at 6 p.m. Jan. 29 at the McCoy Pavilion Auditorium. Star-Advertiser.

Family demands answers after state hospital patient drowns in shower. KHON2.

Biki ridership holds steady. Bikeshare Hawaii says Biki ridership in the second three-month period of the program matched the first three months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige praises Big Island response. Gov. David Ige praised Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County’s swift response to correct Saturday’s erroneous ballistic missile threat alert that was issued to the public statewide. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit filed in fatal police shooting in Hilo. A woman shot by police in Hilo almost two years ago is suing the county, alleging the officers who shot and killed her husband and injured her used excessive force. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakala National Park updated the public and gathered community input last night on its Environmental Assessment for sunrise visitor management at the summit of Haleakala. Maui Now.

Teenage mom programs crowded out at Maui High. School faces space crunch with record 600-plus freshman class expected next year; ‘hard decisions’ had to be made, says principal. Maui News.

Goode heading to Kaupo to hear about the impacts of bridge closure. Residents seeking access while Waiopai Bridge repairs are ongoing. Maui News.

All county HI5 redemption centers operated by Aloha Recycling have been closed temporarily, beginning Wednesday, while the company waits for reimbursement from the state, according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai lawmakers talk session priorities. Garden Island.

The first-ever hackathon to improve Hawaii agriculture using computer technology has produced a smart camera prototype that could be valuable to the state’s biggest coffee farm. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai solar permits fell 12% in 2017. Kauai posted the smallest drop-off among Hawaii counties for solar permits issued in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Celebrating the vision of Queen Liliuokalani. Garden Island.

Special Saturday edition: $2.4B rail bailout bill passes Legislature, Hanabusa running for governor

Rail construction, courtesy HART

The Hawaii House of Representatives on Friday voted to approve the rail bailout measure, capping a five-day special legislative session marked by acrimonious exchanges between legislators and city officials — including Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell — who wanted more money. Civil Beat.

Four months after their initial efforts collapsed, state House and Senate majorities have swiftly passed a $2.4 billion funding deal, hoping it will finally be enough to get rail all the way to Ala Moana Center. Star-Advertiser.

The state House of Representatives voted in favor of the rail bailout bill on Friday, with the bill now heading to Gov. David Ige’s desk. Pacific Business News.

There was no stopping the $2.4 billion train bailout Friday, when a House majority of 31 overpowered 15 opponents to pass a bill hiking the hotel tax on all islands to pay for an over-budget Honolulu rail project as an intense five-day special session concluded. West Hawaii Today.

Bill to generate $2.4B for rail bailout now headed to governor's desk. Hawaii News Now.

It took more than four hours of debate and four attempts to amend the bill on the floor but the House majority position prevailed. KITV.

Following a third and final reading, House lawmakers approved Friday a bill to bail out Honolulu’s rail project. KHON2.

After a long debate on the floor of the State House, representatives voted to pass Senate Bill 4 to fund Honolulu’s $8.2 billion rail project. The final tally was 31 yes, 15 no and five excused. Big Island Video News.

Mayor, council leaders react to passing of rail funding bill. KITV.

Hanabusa © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hanabusa to run for governor. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa all but declared her candidacy for governor Friday, announcing that she will file papers to form her campaign committee — Hanabusa for Governor — to challenge Gov. David Ige next year. Civil Beat.

The 2018 governor's race just got a lot more competitive. U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced Friday that she's establishing a campaign committee to run for the seat in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa announced Friday she will be forming a campaign committee to run for governor. KITV.

Rail bailout bill up for Senate vote today, grand jury probes Honolulu prosecutor, bombing OK'd off Kauai, Hawaiian homesteaders seek takeover of troubled telecom, prison sex shaming lawsuit revived in appeals court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Royal Kona resort © 2017 All Hawaii News

A bill to fund Honolulu’s financially troubled rail project was advanced by the state Senate and is heading for a final vote by the legislative body. Associated Press.

A package of state tax hikes to bail out the city’s beleaguered rail project appears poised to clear its last major hurdle with a full Senate vote today before moving over to the House. Star-Advertiser.

State Lawmakers are advancing the Honolulu rail transit funding measure this week during a special legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill that would generate almost $2.4 billion to bail out the city’s troubled rail project passed its second reading in the state Senate on Tuesday, and the measure appears to have enough support to make it through the third and final vote. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to bail out Honolulu’s rail project passed a second reading in the Senate Tuesday. KHON2.

A bill raising the statewide hotel tax to pay for the struggling Honolulu rail project cleared another hurdle Tuesday, when the Senate advanced it on a 17-7 procedural vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers are back in for day two of the special legislative session to deal with a rail tax bill. KITV.

When Hawaii industry tourism executives decried a proposal to raise a hotel room tax to help bail out the struggling Honolulu rail project, lawmakers responded with more than a little skepticism Monday. Civil Beat.

Maui Groups Testify Against Honolulu Rail Funding. Maui Now.

Members in the Maui County legislative delegation were of different minds on the proposed measure to help Honolulu fund cost over-runs on its rail transit project, which is being considered in a special session that opened Monday. Maui News.

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The state House of Representatives today adopted a resolution formalizing new committee assignments, which includes more than 50 changes. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige’s nominee to the state agency that regulates Hawaii’s utilities was unanimously approved by a Senate committee today. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has nominated state Rep. Marcus Oshiro as the new chairman of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has nominated state lawmaker Marcus Oshiro for the Hawaii Labor Relations Board as its chairperson and representative of the public. Pacific Business News.

Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott announced today he is withdrawing from the 2018 race for Hawaii governor after learning that another Republican plans to run. Star-Advertiser.

A coalition of Hawaiian homestead associations has declared its intent to purchase the beleaguered Sandwich Isles Communications, which in June lost its exclusive license to provide telephone and internet service to homestead communities statewide. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. submitted final plans to state regulators Tuesday seeking to make $205 million in upgrades to its energy systems on Oahu and Hawaii island and in Maui County over the next six years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest utility company, Hawaiian Electric Cos., has filed its grid modernization plan with state regulators. Pacific Business News.

100-year-old Japanese bible returned to Sen. Inouye's family, archives now public. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A U.S. Justice Department investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of power in Hawaii law enforcement has expanded to include a look at a property deal associated with a much-touted safe haven for victimized women created by Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Civil Beat.

A federal appeals court ruling Tuesday revived a woman’s lawsuit that alleges she was subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by being forced to participate in a therapy program involving “public sexual shaming” while incarcerated at a Hawaii jail. Associated Press.

A project in the governor's push to build thousands of affordable homes has been scaled back dramatically because of push back from Kalihi residents. Hawaii News Now.

Some changes are coming to the property tax laws for the City and County of Honolulu. They’re going into effect this Friday. KHON2.

Electric vehicle owners heading to Costco in Iwilei will soon be able to shop and charge their cars car at the same time. Pacific Business News.

Retired Senior Family Court Judge Betty Vitousek, instrumental in establishing the Family Court here as well as the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, died of natural causes Monday in Honolulu. She was 98. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: No One Has Won The Fight Over Fixing This Waikiki Seawall. Both sides claim victory in the legal battle between landowners and the state over who should maintain the “Gold Coast” barrier. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The second theft of a Hele-On bus within a month, allegedly by the same individual, has county officials scrambling to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Tribune-Herald.

Members of the HI-CoP group waved signs at the entrance of Hilo Airport as the mayor met with the tour helicopter industry. Big Island Video News.

Big Island residents fed up with noisy tour helicopters took their message to the streets Tuesday, waving signs calling for the end to noise. Hawaii News Now.

Some residents in North Kona are worried that the region's water crisis will worsen when thousands of visitors arrive soon for the world's largest long distance canoe race and the Ironman triathlon. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island physicians are starting a nonprofit designed to encourage doctors-in-training to pick the Big Island as a place to live and practice medicine. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Businesses and customers in and around the Kahului industrial area report an increase in vandalism and other criminal activity they say is related to the number of homeless people in the area. Maui News.

A bulldozer operator, whom earlier witnesses said was moving sand without an archaeological monitor, testified Monday that he did not need one in the sand mining lawsuit against a Maui Lani developer. Maui News.

Kauai

The National Marine Fisheries Service has given approval to a five-year Air Force plan for bombing practice at sea off Kauai that reduces munitions used and increases monitoring for impacts to whales and dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

People living near the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility might have heard sirens and other loud noises coming from the base Tuesday, and those noises will be continuing today. It’s because of a two-day training exercise. Garden Island.

A Kauai judge declared a mistrial in a case against a former law enforcement officer after jurors deadlocked on 19 counts of sexual assault of a minor and found him not guilty on four counts. Star-Advertiser.

Ulupono Initiative is conducting a telephone survey about Kauai’s economy, and some say the company should be more upfront about its involvement with Hawaii Dairy Farms. Garden Island.

Tuesday water quality tests from the Surfrider Blue Water Task Force show the bacteria level in Hanalei Bay has waned. Garden Island.

Finance Committee members yanked as special session for rail funding starts today, SNAP program scrutinized, Maui to pay $10.7M in time share lawsuit, Ka'u shelter falls short, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai taro fields © 2017 All Hawaii News

A state program that has preserved more than 30,000 acres of private land in Hawaii for public benefit over a decade might not preserve much this year because of a paperwork mishap that the Legislature declined to correct in April. Star-Advertiser.

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Two members of the powerful House Finance Committee were abruptly replaced Sunday in a partial House reorganization launched just a day before the start of a high-stakes special session to try to bail out the financially troubled Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would bail out Honolulu’s floundering rail project with about $2.4 billion from Oahu taxpayers and hotel guests statewide contains one key provision missing from earlier proposals: a requirement that the Hawaii State Auditor conduct a sweeping audit of the rail project and its manager, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Civil Beat.

When the Legislature takes up a $2.4 billion bill to bail out the struggling Honolulu rail project on Monday, the carefully crafted deal faces three main obstacles. Civil Beat.

A bill requiring the neighbor islands to help bail out Honolulu’s over-budget rail project is roundly opposed by Hawaii County officials, the chambers of commerce, the hotel industry, many Big Island residents and all four of the island’s state senators. West Hawaii Today.

Some neighbor island lawmakers are agitating against plans to increase the hotel room tax statewide to pump more money into Honolulu’s financially troubled rail project, and their resistance could jeopardize what is expected to be a close vote in the state Senate this week on a multibillion-dollar rail bailout package. Star-Advertiser.

An undercurrent of tension between the Honolulu mayor and lawmakers has spilled over into outright mistrust over a huge money gap. KHON2.

Lawmakers will gather at the state Capitol Monday for a special legislative session on how to fund Honolulu's troubled rail project. Hawaii News Now.

The state legislature is set to open a special session on Monday to decide how to pay for Honolulu’s 10-billion dollar rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

A special session starts on Monday for the proposal to bail out Honolulu’s rail project. KHON2.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation invited the public to a viewing of the country's first fully-automated, driverless train. KITV.

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The Hawaii system that administers federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars, formerly called food stamps, has allowed at least one recipient to accumulate more than $20,000 in unused benefits. Star-Advertiser.

DNA leads Army to declare 3 Black Hawk crew members dead after crash. KHON2.

Oahu

Frustrated by how long it has taken the Police Commission to pick a new chief, some Honolulu City Council members are suggesting it may be time to consider changing the law to allow the mayor to make the selection. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s growing homeless problem has prompted the state’s largest health care companies to join forces with the city to provide medical services, respite and housing to some of Oahu’s most needy residents. Star-Advertiser.

Last week, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law yet another bill that expands the boundaries of Honolulu’s “sit-lie” ban — a series of ordinances that prohibit people from sitting or lying on sidewalks and in pedestrian malls. Civil Beat.

Would you let a homeless person live in your backyard? What if you got paid to do it? Hawaii News Now.

Wind developers looking to build on Oahu are now required to give the public more opportunity to be heard. Star-Advertiser.

A woman who lives in Nuuanu is on a mission — to turn part of Aala Park in Downtown Honolulu into a dog park, which she tells us will also help revitalize the neighborhood. KHON2.

Unearthing Hickam’s 14 ‘unknowns’ Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County has withheld payment of more than $900,000 to the general contractor of the Ka‘u District Gym and Shelter because the structure isn’t up to code for a hurricane shelter. Tribune-Herald.

The HELCO-Hu Honua biomass power purchase agreement is being appealed to the Hawaii Supreme Court. Big Island Video News.

Drivers will have to wait a little longer before using the latest improvements to Saddle Road,  the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Tribune-Herald.

Volunteers keep Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden alive. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County has been ordered to refund $10.7 million to two time-share owners associations in a legal dispute over amended assessments billed nearly a decade after the original assessments were made. Maui News.

A state judge has rebuked Maui County attorneys and property tax officials for collecting $10.7 million in improper taxes from owners of a Kaanapali time-share because the owners challenged the county’s tax policy. Star-Advertiser.

The hearings officer in a contested case proceeding over East Maui stream flows has recommended restoring 26.5 million gallons a day to 12 streams, which East Maui taro farmers, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and their attorneys complained still represented “a gross imbalance” in water allocation in favor of Alexander & Baldwin. Maui News.

A poll taken at the end of a Haiku Community Association meeting Thursday night showed residents evenly divided (about 20 to each side) on whether to allow more vacation rentals in the community. Maui News.

Dozens of residents gathered Saturday at the West Maui Senior Center in Lahaina to learn about and give feedback on the impending update of the West Maui Community Plan. Maui News.

Six Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) were released off the coast of Maui during a private ceremony on Thursday, marking the conclusion of the turtles’ residency at the Maui Ocean Center’s Aquarium. Maui Now.

Hawaii Public Radio announced the completion of its relocated Maui transmitters on August 8. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Flights to Kauai will increase by 42.6 percent in 2018; concerns loom over too many visitors. Garden Island.

Public schools across Kauai have been back in class for nearly a month, but some students are still sweating it out because of high temperatures and a lack of air conditioners in their classrooms. Garden Island.

Kauai’s farm-to-school pilot program, happening at two public charter schools on the island, has received a $170,000 commitment from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Garden Island.

Kauai Humane Society has cats coming out of its ears. The shelter is filled to capacity with all types of animals right now. Garden Island.

Rail deal reached-- special session starts Monday, lawmaker seeks recreational marijuana, Maui police suspended in probe, mumps could linger another year, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Caldwell unveiling rail, May 30, 2017, Mayor's Office photo

State lawmakers announced their new plan Thursday to raise $2.37 billion to bail out the city’s financially troubled rail project, but Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warned the money is “not sufficient” to cover the budget shortfall for rail. Star-Advertiser.

Four days ahead of a planned special session, state House and Senate leaders outlined their proposal to save Honolulu’s struggling rail project. Civil Beat

Full text of SB1, rail funding bill to be heard Monday can be found here.

State lawmakers have struck a breakthrough compromise to keep Honolulu's rail project going, but the city says the deal falls short. Hawaii News Now.

Just days before a special session, Hawaii lawmakers announced late Thursday they've come up with a measure that could fund Honolulu's mass transit rail project. KITV.

Hawaii lawmakers reached a tentative agreement Thursday, which means a special session to address funding for Honolulu’s rail project can begin Monday. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers have reached a tentative deal to solve the funding shortfall of Honolulu's rail project by drafting a bill that combines extending Oahu's general excise tax surcharge as well as raising the transient accommodations tax by one percent. Pacific Business News.

A bill to fund completion of the $8.2 billion rail project on Oahu will be considered during a special legislative session next week. Garden Island.

Governor and lawmakers react to new rail funding ideas. KITV.

The ongoing friction between several state lawmakers and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is a key subplot in the drama playing out this week in the Legislature as it decides whether, and how, to raise the money to bail out the city’s financially strapped rail project. Star-Advertiser.

State House and Senate leaders have come up with a compromise measure to help the City and County of Honolulu pay for cost overruns on its rail project that includes raising the hotel room tax — assessed in all state counties — by 1 percent and increasing Maui County’s share of the revenues by $2.3 million per year. Maui News.

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Homeless shelters are bracing for change — and the potential loss of funds — as the state begins requiring them to move the homeless more swiftly into permanent housing. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s desire for higher tax revenue could eventually lead to the legal sale of recreational marijuana, a state legislator said. Star-Advertiser.

The fate of America’s largest protected conservation area — the 580,000-square-mile Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands — remains in doubt after Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Thursday sent undisclosed recommendations to President Donald Trump about 27 national monuments that Trump ordered reviewed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii again ranked No. 1 in a national nonprofit’s survey of state investments in energy efficiency projects. Star-Advertiser.

Fundraising accounts have been set up for two of the five Hawaii Army aviators missing from the Aug. 15 nighttime crash of a Black Hawk helicopter off Kaena Point as a sonar search for wreckage and the crew continues about a mile offshore. Star-Advertiser.

Royal Hawaiian heiress Abigail Kawananakoa wants a state judge to issue a gag order to her former attorney, James Wright, saying he has inappropriately revealed sensitive details about her and her partner, Veronica Gail Worth. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Health says it could be a year or more before the state's mumps outbreak finally subsides. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City audit discovers high costs in employee overtime in the bulky waste pick-up program. KITV.

Grandmother who launched Kealoha corruption probe believes indictments are coming. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would establish a special entity to manage parking and traffic in Waikiki will go before the full Honolulu City Council for a final vote. KITV.

Risking fines, thousands of moped owners flout new requirements. Hawaii News Now.

According to a report from the Honolulu Police Department, the department paid more than $171,000 for overtime and expenses over the last fiscal year on protecting visiting dignitaries. KHON2.

Matson Inc. on Wednesday said it reached a deal with Paceco Corp. for the purchase of three new 65 long-ton capacity cranes and modifications to upgrade three existing cranes at its Sand Island Terminal in Honolulu Harbor. Pacific Business News.

Bank of Hawaii’s renovation of its main branch downtown will be unveiled Wednesday after five months of construction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. ranks among the top 10 utility companies in the United States for solar capacity per customer, according to the Smart Electric Power Alliance "2017 Utility Solar Market Snapshot." Pacific Business News.

A live boa constrictor found in a shipment of household goods was spotted Thursday morning by workers who were unloading a pallet and then used a stick and bucket to capture it. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents adopted a resolution Thursday in Honolulu stating it affirms its commitment to the “collaborative stewardship” of Mauna Kea and its resources. Tribune-Herald.

Pohakuloa seeks citizens for advisory board. West Hawaii Today.

Fall enrollment at the University of Hawaii at Hilo appears to be lower than predicted, but interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai said she’s optimistic the campus can reverse the decline. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii's state-funded aerospace agency, Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, has launched a new credit-based internship program for students at the Big Island's Hawaii Community College to gain high-tech skills. Pacific Business News.

The lawsuit over the state’s Kaʻū Forest Reserve Management Plan reached the Hawaii Supreme Court. Big Island Video News.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded $646,886 in grant funding to restore the Kawaihae watershed in West Hawaii. Garden Island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will temporarily close portions of the popular Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nahuku, and its rainforest loop trail for maintenance work. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County will become the first county in the United States to receive a Blue Zones designation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Police Department investigations lead to suspensions. Maui News.

Two people testifying Wednesday in a sand mining lawsuit recalled seeing earthmoving work in a Maui Lani development in February without a required archaeological monitor. Maui News.

A single family residence located at 150 Luna Place in Paiia, is being proposed for transformation into a commercial building. Maui Now.

Ocean water levels remain unseasonably high, said a University of Hawaii coastal expert. Maui News.

Kauai

Watershed restoration: Waipa Foundation’s holistic management of the ahupua’a is showing signs of success. Garden Island.

Bus shelters on the way: Project expected to cost nearly $900k. Garden Island.

When it comes to converting to renewable energy, the biggest success story in the islands is on Kauai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Military feeds Hawaii economy, Army identifies crew lost in Black Hawk crash, PETA asks Omidyar to cease Kauai dairy plans, Honolulu rail special session nears, mumps hits Big Island school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pearl Harbor aerial view © 2017 All Hawaii News

Military Buildup Is A Boost For Pearl Harbor Shipyard. Amid rising tensions in Asia, hundreds of workers are being hired and aging dry dock facilities are being replaced. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. on Monday was awarded a contract of more than $60.6 million from the U.S. Department of Defense for the construction of two facilities at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay. Pacific Business News.

Cultural access to military training grounds in Mākua Valley began in a court battle between the military and the native Hawaiian community. Nearly two decades later, the cultural access program has begun to foster a transformation in mutual understanding and relationship building. Hawaii Public Radio.

Officials announced Monday that they have suspended the search for five Army soldiers who were in a helicopter crash during offshore training in Hawaii last week. Associated Press.

Army families in North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Kentucky and Tennessee on Monday received the news they had been dreading: The search for the crew of a downed Black Hawk helicopter off Kaena Point on Oahu had ended with no recoveries. Star-Advertiser.

The Army said they are committed to recovering the remains of the missing aviators. After five days of searching, only four helmets were recovered. KITV.

Legislators eye Honolulu general excise tax surcharge extension plus increase in transient accommodations taxes for rail. Star-Advertiser.

Why Hotels Will Likely Get Stuck With Honolulu Rail Tab. State lawmakers also want a thorough audit of the beleaguered project. Civil Beat.

Public frustrated over rail's price tag, management ... but they still want to see it finished. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s new school superintendent says she’s not going to tell school leaders how to do their jobs or second-guess decisions they’ve made about what’s best for students. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hotel executive Elliot Mills has been named to a five-year term on the board of trustees for Kamehameha Schools, the educational trust supported by a multibillion-dollar endowment. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Sierra Club is suing the state Department of Health over leaks from the Navy’s fuel storage facility at Red Hill. Star-Advertiser.

The city is expected to begin work on an $85.7 million sewer rehabilitation project in Nuuanu Valley next summer. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu City Council Committee will conduct a public hearing Tuesday on a bill to retrofit older high rises with fire sprinkler systems. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Police Commissioner Loretta Sheehan sent a letter Monday to HPD's Acting Chief Cary Okimoto, saying the public has a right to know about the termination of Darren Cachola, a former sergeant, who is trying to get his job back. Hawaii News Now.

Abigail Kawananakoa’s former attorney and now trustee of her $200 million estate formally asked the court Monday to appoint a neutral party to investigate the legal issues and circumstances surrounding the Campbell Estate heiress and to authorize independent medical examinations. Star-Advertiser.

The city Monday added Pacific Street in Iwilei and several areas from Victoria to McCully streets to the long list of commercial areas where people can no longer sit or lie. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl City High School is reaching out to the community for help controlling the population of feral cats that call the school grounds home. KHON2.

The erosion at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki has reached a new level. KHON2.

Ala Moana Center plans to add another collection of dining establishments at Hawaii’s largest shopping mall in October with the opening of what it is calling The Lanai @ Ala Moana. Star-Advertiser.

After Waikiki's Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort closes its doors on Sept. 30, the hotel will refresh the space and quickly open a new restaurant, called the Reef Bar and Market Grill. Pacific Business News.

After 38 years, Waikiki's popular 'Shore Bird' restaurant set to close. Hawaii News Now.

The number of luxury homes in escrow at the end of July increased 14 percent from last year, according to Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties, offsetting decreases in activity that occurred in May and June. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Water usage restrictions applied to all of North Kona banning residential irrigation and the recreational washing of boats and vehicles will persist for at least two more months. West Hawaii Today.

A statewide mumps outbreak has hit a Ka‘u classroom. West Hawaii Today.

A Hilo businesswoman who filed a lawsuit last year against Hilo Lanes Inc., claiming its owners reneged on a signed deal to sell the property to her, has added a defendant to her lawsuit — the parent company of Cost-U-Less, the business next door to the long-vacant bowling alley. Tribune-Herald.

Sunday's passing storm brought rain and thunder, and apparently some snow, to the Big Island of Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Haiku Community Association will host a public meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Haiku Community Center for a panel discussion of a proposal to amend the Paia-Haiku Community Plan. Maui News.

Armstrong Development recently held a topping off ceremony at its Keala o Wailea development on Maui, marking a milestone in construction as the roof was added to the seventh and final building. Maui Now.

Kauai

PETA urges Ebay founder to call off plans for Kauai dairy farm. In a letter to eBay's founder Pierre Omidyar, an animals rights group called upon the billionaire to scrap plans for a Kauai dairy farm citing environmental and animal safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Pierre Omidyar’s plan to put an industrial dairy farm on Kauai has been detailed in national rags, and most recently an Aug. 13 article in The New York Times gave some space to the controversy. The dairy is being proposed as a 699-cow operation that could be expanded to a herd of 2,000 pregnant dairy cows on about 557 acres in Mahaulepu Valley near Poipu. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Housing Agency Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will be accepting applications for its Section 8 HCV waiting list during the open period from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8. Garden Island.

KCC enrollment rises. Classes begin same day as eclipse. Garden Island.