Hawaii House, Senate conference committee reaches budget agreement, Pence dines with troops, paraphernalia decriminalized, Hawaii County transit administrator steps down, Makiki homeless apartments opened, Haiku Stairs may come down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

House, Senate conference committee, courtesy Senate majority

House and Senate lawmakers reached agreement on a new two-year, $28.4 billion state operating budget Monday that would increase state spending over this year’s level but would trim the overall budget somewhat from what Gov. David Ige originally proposed. Star-Advertiser

When a conference committee of Hawaii House and Senate leaders reached agreement on a state budget bill Monday — sooner than is typical — it was in marked contrast to the sense of stalemate that permeated the Capitol days earlier. Civil Beat.

Governor’s Political Fortunes May Rise With New Teachers’ Contract. Many other union contracts are still being negotiated, but David Ige is being praised by the teachers union after it reached a deal with the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's public school teachers are asking tough questions at informational meetings about their new contract proposal. Hawaii News Now.

Some East Hawaii educators say they’re “pleasantly surprised” with a new tentative contract agreement that would gradually bump their annual pay by more than $6,000 and boost the state’s contribution to their health care. Tribune-Herald.

Vice President Mike Pence dined with about 120 service members this afternoon at Joint Base Pearl Harbor/Hickam on an abbreviated stopover in the islands before returning to Washington from a week-long trip to Asia and Australia. Star-Advertiser.

House and Senate negotiators agreed Monday morning on a bill that would decriminalize possession of drug paraphernalia, reducing the penalties for being caught with items such as a marijuana pipe or cigarette papers to no more than $500. Star-Advertiser.

The Legal Services Corp., Microsoft Corp. and Pro Bono Net have named Hawaii as a state partner in a pilot program to develop online, statewide legal portals to direct individuals with civil legal needs to the most appropriate forms of assistance. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is moving forward with a plan to demolish the Haiku Stairs, although both supporters and opponents of the plan insist the fate of the popular — but now illegal — hiking trail is far from decided. Star-Advertiser.

Should Haiku Stairs be torn out or managed? KITV.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has contracted to build the state’s largest solar farm near Haleiwa with up to 500,000 solar panels on 100 acres. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and New Jersey-based NRG Energy Inc. have struck a deal on a power purchase agreement for the Honolulu-based utility to buy power from the Kawailoa Solar farm on Oahu’s North Shore, the two companies said Monday. Pacific Business News.

At least 15 people were treated for exposure to ammonia Monday after a major leak at Pier 38. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Prosecutor Could Be A Witness For The Defense. In an unusual move, a defense attorney wants Keith Kaneshiro to testify about a prosecutor’s investigation into “ghost tickets.” Civil Beat.

Within a few weeks the first homeless families are expected to move into newly renovated rental apartments in the heart of urban Honolulu as the city continues to find homes for people living on the street. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu To Open Makiki Apartments For Homeless People. Applicants for the 42 units must earn less than $35,200 per year for an individual or $50,250 for a family of four. Civil Beat.

City takes legal action to clean Makiki property neglected for years. KHON2.

A Honolulu company headed by a Hawaii solar energy executive has racked up fines totaling $22,000 for multiple violations at its Haleiwa property on Oahu’s North Shore, including doing unpermitted work. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Mass Transit Administrator Tiffany Kai is stepping down and Mayor Harry Kim is bringing in a retired U.S. Marine to whip the struggling Hele-On bus system into shape. West Hawaii Today.

A former Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison for the New Year’s Day 2016 sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl on a beach in Hilo’s Keaukaha neighborhood. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island visitors traveling via the popular home sharing website Airbnb this past week for the 54th annual Merrie Monarch Festival Hula Competition were expected to generate $5.2 million in economic activity through guest spending and host earnings, according to Airbnb. West Hawaii Today.

A new National Park Service report shows almost $200 million in economic benefits associated with visitation to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Hawai‘i Island. Big Island Video News.

Scientists are looking to man’s best friend for help in the fight against rapid ohia death. Dogs already are used to sniff out a fungus in Florida avocado trees, and researchers in Hawaii think they could be trained to detect the ohia disease before trees show symptoms. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State House and Senate conferees agreed Monday on a biennium budget that includes $33.4 million for a Kaiser Permanente subsidiary to run Maui County public hospitals as well as capital improvement funds for extending the Lahaina bypass in the Kaanapali direction and for holding room expansion at Kahului Airport. Maui News.

Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Riki Hokama has proposed keeping the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course open, raising some county rates and fees and a mixed bag of increases and decreases to property tax classifications, compared to the proposed budget of Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

The Maui County Council will hold a public hearing Wednesday on real property tax hikes that Mayor Alan Arakawa has proposed for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Maui News.

Kauai

Computer, Internet services at public libraries might be lost under Trump’s proposed budget. Garden Island.

Kauai still free of rat lungworm. Health officials advise caution. Garden Island.

An interim arrangement has been reached to address the issue with HI5 bottle redemption and commercially generated recyclable services. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail project begins, land chief confirmation stalls over fish permits, Abercrombie defends budget, coqui frogs invade Oahu, Big Island biomass plant questioned, Maui hikers sue, more

Groundbreaking yesterday was a milestone in the battle to bring a rail transit system to Honolulu, a debate that has spanned more than four decades. Star-Advertiser.

Critics say it's all for show but rail supporters see today's ceremonial rail transit groundbreaking as an important milestone. Hawaii News Now.

Both supporters and critics of Honolulu’s proposed $5.5 billion rail projected flocked to North-South Road on the outskirts of Kapolei Tuesday for a large and elaborate groundbreaking ceremony, estimated to cost $30,000. KHON2.

After 45 years of talking about rail, the City and County of Honolulu Tuesday broke ground on its $5.5 billion, 20-mile project. Pacific Business News

Honolulu’s largest public works project broke ground Tuesday, capping more than four decades of work to bring the $5.5 billion rail project to fruition. Hawaii Reporter.

Politicians hate to talk about it. The media doesn’t cover it, unless they absolutely have to. It is a taxpayer’s nightmare. Yet it has come so far. It is the Honolulu Rail Transit project, aka TheRail. Hawaii Independent.

The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood watch for all Hawaiian islands until Friday morning as unsettled weather continues over the state. Star-Advertiser.

State House and Senate leaders questioned Gov. Neil Abercrombie and his state budget director yesterday about a new two-year budget draft, including what would happen if they reject the governor's tax revision and spending cut proposals to close a projected $700 million deficit. Star-Advertiser.

If anybody wants to try and manipulate the numbers for personal political agendas in order to try and score political points, let me tell you, this is one governor that's not going to put up with it," Gov. Neil Abercrombie warned lawmakers. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie told lawmakers Tuesday that the state is in a "terrible financial hole for which there are no easy answers." KITV4.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie is calling for partnership and collaboration with government employee unions as he seeks to reduce their pay. Associated Press.

Governor Neil Abercrombie and his budget director defended a $22.7 billion biennial budget plan before dozens of lawmakers. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers confronted Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday over his new budget proposal to expand government and raise taxes while the state is recovering from an economic downturn. Associated Press.

Hawaii Sen. Clayton Hee defers land chief decision until next week; Aila surrenders fishing permits. Civil Beat.

At least one state lawmaker is saying the recent increase in the number of coqui frogs found on Oahu highlights the need for more agricultural inspectors to check on cargo coming into the state and moving from island to island. Hawaii News Now.

Vigil held in opposition to civil unions on eve of bill signing ceremony. KHON2.

A fast-tracked bill setting up the process for appointing a Board of Education is expected to get to the governor's desk as early as next week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii developers are struggling to sell affordable housing units, despite being given plots of state land to build on for free. Civil Beat.

The number of manufacturing jobs in Hawaii fell for the fifth year in a row last year but the rate of decline slowed. Associated Press.

The state Department of Health has revised its advisory levels for sulfur dioxide to be more protective of people with asthma. KITV4.

Ka'u residents had questions for Aina Koa Pono officials Monday night, ranging from the environmental impacts of the planned biofuel production plant on the district to what other plans the company has. West Hawaii Today.

The hikers' group Public Access Trails Hawaii-Maui is suing Haleakala Ranch and the state to force the reopening of the horse trail that was used to reach the crater until 75 years ago. Maui News.

In six years, a group of volunteers, working along with police and county officials, has transformed Kalama Park from "not a good place to go and hang out" to a place where families go for walks, bike rides, sporting events and picnics. Maui News.

In the interest of public safety the utility access road to the Nawiliwili jetty will be closed to the public this Thursday and Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. while the Kaua‘i Fire Department conducts its helicopter rescue operations training. Garden Island.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is holding statewide public hearings this month on proposed amendments and additions to its Hawaii Administrative Rules for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. Lahaina News.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie seeks 11.8% budget hike, Kauai health-care checks bounce, newspaper loses union appeal, Maui fundraiser taking money with no results, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released a new two-year budget draft yesterday that increases spending to repair what he described as structural problems with state government and the "wreckage" left by the Lingle administration. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie believes the details in his 66-page financial plan will restore government functions and do away with a multi-million dollar budget shortfall. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday said he's asking for an $11.4 billion operating budget next year, an 11.8 percent increase over the $10.2 billion budget the Legislature passed last April. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie hosted an unusual holiday news conference in his office Monday to describe how he intends to pay for a budget that increases by nearly half a billion dollars. KITV4.

Getting the state out of a massive budget hole will require a $700 million increase in state spending. KHON2.

Budget 101 With Prof. Abercrombie. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie came out with his own budget Monday, and this time he called for spending $730 million more over the next two years. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie unveiled on Monday his administration’s amended operating budget for the next two fiscal years. Pacific Business News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is revising an intial two-year budget with an additional $728.6 million in spending that will be paid for with a mix of cuts and funding mechanisms, including measures that have had a lukewarm reception in the legislature. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie is getting ready to unveil a two-year state budget that includes $400 million in additional spending to restore a state government that he said was damaged by deep cuts made by the prior administration. Garden Island.

The governor is getting ready to release his budget but we already know 41 social service programs will lose state funding. Hawaii News Now.

State Wants To Reopen Kulani Prison. KITV4.

Hawaii should ease hunting restrictions to control ungulate populations that have "exploded" due to "inadequate" control measures, according to a bill before the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

A Hollywood production company is proposing to develop film studios on Maui and Oahu - if the state Legislature approves new tax credits for film infrastructure development. Maui News.

Lawmaker Caught Up In Foreclosure Mess. Civil Beat.

Overcome with frustration, seven current and former employees of a Kaua‘i home healthcare provider have come forward to say their employer is not paying them in a timely manner and banks are not cashing their paychecks due to insufficient funds. Garden Island.

A Maui charity raising money across the nation to build a 42-acre, $20 million post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury treatment center says it has little to show for the effort despite soliciting donations for the last several years. Star-Advertiser.

The National Labor Relations Board has upheld a 2008 decision against the Hawaii Tribune-Herald on allegations of unfair labor practices. Pacific Business News

A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held Tuesday for Honolulu's Rail Transit Project. KITV4.

The ceremonial groundbreaking of Honolulu’s $5.5 billion elevated rail system has done little to calm the debate among those who believe the project is a vital part of Oahu’s future and those who believe it may eventually bankrupt the city. KHON2.

County officials hope to begin repairing damage this week to two South Maui beach parks caused by the heavy rains last month. Maui News.

Keauhou Master Plan will be revised again, and the new president of Bishop Holdings Corp. vowed Thursday his commitment to "strengthening the area's cultural, educational and economic assets." West Hawaii Today.

The Asia-Pacific region can expect increased droughts and floods in the next 20 years — often in the same spots — as well as rising sea levels and more intense tropical storms, Honolulu academics told a gathering of scientists here Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail transit groundbreaking set, Maui flood maps cause concern, whaling wreck found, lawmakers to raid special funds, media targeted in tourist trespassing, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Waipio Valley (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

There are several beautiful sites around the state that are on private property. And state lawmakers want to crack down on guidebooks and online sites that they claim are encouraging visitors to trespass to get there, and get hurt or killed in the process. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii House is moving forward a bill that would punish websites, social media wireless communication, forums, twitter accounts or blogs for certain types of communication. Civil Beat.

Gambling would be allowed on large ships traveling between Hawaii's islands under a measure approved by its first committee Associated Press.

Money set aside for programs including wireless enhanced 911, state libraries, child abuse prevention and the University of Hawaii could be seized for the state's general fund under a proposal being considered by a key Senate panel. Star Advertiser.

A Senate bill that would allow bar owners to obtain a permit to allow smoking in their establishments was effectively, and predictably, killed in committee on Tuesday, February 8. The Senate Committees on Health and Public Safety and Government Operations and Military Affairs deferred the matter, leaving little hope for a vote to advance Senate Bill 708. Hawaii Independent.

When testimony on the letterhead of William Jefferson Clinton topped the stack for a measure to expand film production incentives, the coconut wireless went into high frequency at the capitol. KHON2.

The Hawaii House of Representative has passed a measure that would prohibit non-judicial home foreclosures for five months. Associated Press.

A proposed law that would to fines of dog owners who tie their dogs with excessively short or heavy ropes or chains prompted debate Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. KITV4.

The Hawaii Senate has unanimously confirmed Dwight Takamine as director for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. KHON2.

City Schedules Feb. 22 Groundbreaking for Rail Transit Project. Hawaii Reporter.

The state Department of Agriculture has issued a license for a product beekeepers may use to battle the varroa mite hounding Hawaii's honeybees. Associated Press.

Thursday was Colt Brennan's first trip back to the islands since being discharged from Queens Medical Center in late November. KHON2.

A proposed ban on plastic shopping bags is generating mixed reactions from Hilo merchants and may be changed to address enforcement concerns. Tribune-Herald.

From the side of Kuhio Highway in Lihu‘e on Wednesday, it appeared that a number of passing motorists still haven’t heard the news about the island’s cell phone ban. Garden Island.

An impact fee is the most practical, flexible tool Hawaii County could have in raising money to address the island's future infrastructure needs, Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann said. West Hawaii Today.

Pick any night in Waikiki and you'll see prostitutes plying their trade, pimps protecting their property, and the darker side of night life screaming "Sex for Sale." Hawaii News Now.

The operator of Puna's geothermal plant has agreed to supply Hawaii Electric Light Co. with an additional eight megawatts of power. Associated Press.

The new commandant of the Marine Corps revealed during a visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii yesterday that the size of the Corps would drop to 186,800 from 202,000 after the U.S. pulls out of Afghanistan. Star-Advertiser.

Surfers and paddleboarders hashed out their differences at a public meeting Wednesday night in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Some people went home concerned and even a little frustrated Tuesday evening after finding that their properties would be placed in a high-risk flood zone under a proposed flood map revision. Maui News.

Researchers find whaling ship from 1823 wreck. Associated Press.

1800s whaling ship found in isle waters. Star-Advertiser.

Experts believe a badly deformed humpback whale recently spotted off Kauai has scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel rooms were about three-fourths full during the week ending Feb. 5, and average room rates across the state were strikingly higher than during the same week in 2010, according to Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors. Pacific Business News

Unionized employees at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki - who've been working without a contract since July - held a rally outside the hotel Thursday night. KITV4.

The County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed on first reading a bill which would allow value-added products to be sold at Sunshine Markets across the island. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court nominee victim of Facebook fraud, gambling bills mulled, rail lawsuit filed, HECO agreement reached, Kauai to protect rare birds, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach Walk (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A series of proposals aimed at generating money for the state through gambling, casinos or a multistate lottery face a tough fight in the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

The House Tourism Committee is testing the temperature of House Bill 394 that calls for amending the state constitution so slot machines and video poker would be legal in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Two bills moving through the State Legislature would affect everyone who owns a vehicle in Hawaii.KHON2.

Medicaid Cuts Up For Discussion At State Capitol. KITV4.

The House Committee on Tourism deliberated on a number of tax measures today to generate additional revenue for the State. Hawaii Public Radio.

An influential lobbyist who was involved in vetting Neal Palafox before he was nominated by Gov. Neil Abercrombie as director of the state Department of Health believes the doctor had nothing in his past that would have jeopardized his post. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Supreme Court Nominee Sabrina McKenna disclosed today that she is the target of fraud on Facebook.Hawaii Reporter.

A lawsuit filed Monday afternoon in Honolulu Circuit Court hopes to stop construction of the city’s $5.5 billion rail project. KHON2.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano led several groups in blasting Honolulu's rail plans yesterday and then took swipes at Honolulu mayors past and present. Star-Advertiser.

The road to rail transit for Oahu still isn’t paved.Hawaii Independent.

A longer school day and teacher evaluations, depend on collective bargaining agreements with the unions — the Hawaii State Teachers Association, United Public Workers and Hawaii Government Employees Association — and possibly two school boards.Civil Beat.

Lingle a threat to Akaka in 2012. Star-Advertiser.

A tax on sugary drinks could help quench the state's thirst for money while discouraging obesity caused by beverages that some doctors refer to as "liquid candy." Tribune-Herald.

The last time the city had a landfill selection committee it ended in controversy and no new site was built. Hawaii News Now.

A Waikiki restaurant is causing a stir with the fine print on its menu and now the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission may be making an inquiry. KITV4.

Representatives from Hawaiian Electric Co. and its largest group of unionized workers reached a tentative agreement yesterday on a new labor agreement to replace one that expired three months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Community members are invited to share their thoughts with the state tonight on a developer’s proposed efforts to protect several endangered species during and after construction of a 772-unit resort residential project and 27-hole golf course complex in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

After three years of planning, Target Corp. will begin construction this spring on a 130,000-square-foot store in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.


Maui Land & Pineapple will no longer manage the two Kapalua Resort golf courses after March 31, and has notified employees that their jobs may not be secure. Pacific Business News

Construction for the clinic’s new Oceanside Health and Wellness Center at the former Pau Hana Inn site has been forced to shut down due to a lack of funding. Molokai Dispatch.

Even though she came from a family of teachers, Maui Waena Intermediate's Vice Principal Jacquelyn "Jacque" Davis didn't start off wanting to become one. Maui News.

The charm of the Keauhou Store remains. West Hawaii Today.

The Congress of Visayan Organizations (COVO), the umbrella group for Visayan organizations in the State of Hawaii , recently received the 2010 Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas given by the Philippine government every two years. Filipino Chronicle.

Hawaii mayors bring wish lists to Legislature, prison suicide leads to probe, military beefing up Big Island, downsizing Oahu, Native Hawaiian lawsuit renewed, Hawaiian Electric gets tier billing approval, City Council mulls transit plan, Big Island council members face ethics charges, more news

Even Hawaii has snow on the ground, along with every other state except Florida. Associated Press.

Moisture and unstable air ahead of a cold front brought heavy snow showers to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits, causing delight along with danger and a road closure Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The Transient Accommodations Tax, better known as the hotel room tax, is something all four mayors depend on to help their counties' budgets. KITV4.

Presenting a modest wish list of projects, mostly from Maui and the Big Island, the state's four county mayors appeared before the Legislature's money committees yesterday with the same message as last year: Don't touch our hotel room tax money. Star-Advertiser.

In an appearance before the Legislature's financial committees, Hawaii's four mayors urged lawmakers not to grab the counties' share of hotel tax revenues. Associated Press.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said on Wednesday that although he will not request funding for special projects this year, he will ask Governor Neil Abercrombie to release funding that was set aside in the 2009 legislative session for improvements to the Wailua emergency bypass road, a county press release stated. Garden Island.

"The unavoidable truth is we now have a county government that we cannot afford," Kenoi said in a five-page letter to members of the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday asked state lawmakers for $35 million to finance needed infrastructure projects that also would generate development jobs. Tribune-Herald.

Jump-starting Hawaii's economy, creating jobs and getting various capital improvement projects under way were among the priorities legislators expressed during a town meeting Wednesday in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Kokubun, until recently a Big Island senator, got reacquainted with old friends Wednesday when the Senate Ways and Means Committee held a informational budget briefing for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, which Kokubun now serves as interim director.Civil Beat.

When the last Democratic administration quit the halls of state government in 2002, several members of Gov. Ben Cayetano’s departing cabinet deftly found shelter in civil service positions, much to the annoyance of Gov. Linda Lingle. Hawaii Reporter.

A KITV4 News Investigation has found disturbing allegations surrounding a death in prison. KITV4.

Hawaii Senate leaders are recommending that the chamber end religious invocations before floor sessions. Associated Press.

Big Island Prosecutor Jay Kimura is announcing that he will retire in April. Associated Press.

The last company of soldiers may have stormed the hills of Makua Valley with M-4 rifles blazing, artillery whistling overhead, mortars pounding mock enemy positions and helicopters firing from above. Star-Advertiser.

Testifiers pan Army plan. West Hawaii Today.

Heavy rain hit all across Oahu overnight, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning. KHON2.

The county Department of Water Supply is advising Upper Kula residents and businesses from Waiakoa Road to Kanaio to continue boiling their water as a precautionary measure. Maui News.

New York native Ralph Lombardo's back for another surfing vacation - his annual getaway from snow and stress. Hawaii News Now.

Sure, it's miserable weather for those who live in Hawaii, but compared to parts of the mainland, this is still paradise. KITV4.

The state appeals court reinstated a lawsuit yesterday by six Native Hawaiians seeking sufficient funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands from the state.Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday advanced one County Council member's case to a formal hearing and postponed action on another. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County's Board of Ethics decided Wednesday it needs more information to determine if two County Council members committed ethical violations. Tribune-Herald.

What began as a City Council hearing on the rail transit project's two financial analyses ended up yesterday as something of a panel discussion on the larger merits of the $5.5 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Promises that Hawaiian Electric Co. and Castle & Cooke have made to Lanai in exchange for being allowed to build a wind farm on the island are a starting point for discussions on the the project, the vice chairman of the state Senate Committee on Energy and the Environment said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric got approval for a program that will help customers who conserve energy save even more money.Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved a tiered structure of electric rates for residential customers of Hawaii Electric Light Co. on the Big island and Maui Electric Co. Pacific Business News.

Four University of Hawaii at Manoa students will be spending the Spring 2011 semester in Washington, D.C., as Fellows interning in all four offices of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation. Hawaii Independent.

If you are becoming increasingly concerned about the cost and quality of the fish you are serving to your family, you have good reasons to be worried. Garden Island.

Obama Hawaii vacation home illegal, Health Department defends water, schools want more money, eight vie for Sen. Kokubun's seat, Big Island council chair fights ethics charge, Colt Brennan's girlfriend sued in traffic crash, Maui library reopens, Kauai vandals hit state equipment, Hawaii Five-0 the people's choice, more

President Barack Obama's two-week stay at his Hawaii Winter White House was illegal under a long-standing Honolulu ban on short-term rentals. Civil Beat.

The level of a toxic chemical in Honolulu's drinking water found by an environmental research group is "not a huge problem," although government testing is continuing, said state Health Director Neal Palafox. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns over Oahu's drinking water surfaced in Bonnie Marsh's home after a mainland group's study claimed Oahu's water supply may be contaminated with high levels of Chromium VI, a suspected cancer causing agent. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials say a Honolulu water sample taken by an environmental group showed only natural levels of a carcinogen called hexavalent chromium. Associated Press.

A new year brings with it new budget wars in the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The state schools superintendent said Wednesday that a new law requiring more instructional time in public schools is not possible for some schools and may be too difficult to implement at all this year. KITV4.

The Department of Education presented state senators yesterday with a "no frills" operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year that seeks $129 million to restore cuts and an additional $29 million for what was described as a wish list for tough times. Star-Advertiser.

Despite slightly improved revenue projections, the overall state budget picture remains very bleak, legislators were told today. Hawaii Reporter.

Remember Mufi Hannemann’s now infamous “Compare-and-Decide” mailer? Honolulu Weekly.

One state House member and a former Hawaii County Council chairman are among the eight qualified Democrats seeking appointment to Hawaii's 2nd Senate District. Tribune-Herald.

The 112th U-S Congress convened today on Capitol Hill. Ninety-six freshmen Representatives were sworn into office … including one from Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Colleen Hanabusa, the former state Senate president, was sworn in yesterday as urban Honolulu's new congresswoman. Star-Advertiser.

Interview: Former Congressman Charles Djou. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has been sworn into his ninth 6-year term, retaining his status as the longest-serving Senate incumbent. Associated Press.

The head of the environmental group Hawaii’s Thousand Friends complained Wednesday that the city wasn't clear enough about what sensitive areas would be affected by the proposed rail transit project. KITV4.

Almost 5,000 acres of West Molokai pasture lands would be preserved under a plan by Molokai Properties Ltd. Maui News.

A vote on a developer's agreement has spawned an ethics complaint against County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council must be notified when the county administration changes the price of construction or service contracts, according to a bill lawmakers unanimously passed Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will start getting regular reports about contract change orders. West Hawaii Today.

Traffic fatalities jumped by more than 25 percent last year on the Big Island, despite an increase in drunken driving arrests and a drop in major traffic crashes. Star-Advertiser.

Brennan's girlfriend Stream named in suit seeking tort damages. West Hawaii Today.

Maui accountant Lloyd Kimura pleaded guilty Wednesday to nine counts of bank and mail fraud and theft in an elaborate ponzi scheme. Hawaii News Now.

A handful of Waimea residents has filed suit against Hawaii County claiming the approval of a special use permit amendment to expand Parker School's campus and the subsequent dismissal of an appeal of that decision violated state and federal laws. West Hawaii Today.

A $1 billion project proposed by Waikiki giant Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts would see the first beach-side resort to go up in the area in over three decades. Hawaii Independent.

A battle over a planned oceanfront hotel and condominium tower next to the Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki is moving to a city review board. Star-Advertiser.

A gun is fired under the watchful eye of Honolulu Police, aimed in the direction of the Hawaii Convention Center. KHON2.

Keokea resident Marjory Stone punched her right fist into the air as she cradled five books while approaching Kahului Public Library on Tuesday. Maui News.

Vandals cost taxpayers $10,000. Garden Island.

"Hawaii Five-0" was declared the best new drama on television at tonight's People's Choice Awards. Star-Advertiser.

Lights ... camera ... action! We’re so used to that instant action and glamour of the silver screen that it’s easy to overlook the many components that go into creating movies. Midweek.

There are not one but two storm fronts that will affect our state. KHON2.

"My dad started here in the 1950s," says Wes, on lunch break at the old Pepe'ekeo power plant. "I grew up around power plants and sugar cane." Big Island Weekly.

Top Hawaii Headlines: Monday morning edition

Gov. Linda Lingle is asking for your input on the measures that do everything from dictate street planning to make include pathways for bicyclists and pedestrians, banning opihi hunting, changing the expiration date of some licenses, to designating the state insect.

The wife of Republican state Sen. Fred Hemmings has been indicted on charges of theft from a nonprofit organization.

DLNR faces ‘Plan B’ to fix parks, harbors

Hawaii lawmakers couldn't agree on a ban on genetic modification of Hawaiian taro this year.

Recycling paper to cut costs at Hawaii Community Correctional Center apparently led to the "inadvertent release" of confidential information on prisoners.

More than 600 public comments were lodged in response to a city plan to build a 20-mile East Kapolei to Ala Moana train.

A Kailua woman, accused of stealing about a dozen people's personal information to obtain credit cards, is expected to make her first court appearance in the case Monday.

Despite high-profile killings including a recent fire death in Makiki and the shooting of a Kailua attorney, the number of homicides in Honolulu this year is low compared to comparable-sized Mainland cities and on pace to meet the decade's average.

Kapolei resident Brent Buckley said he is glad the federal government is helping to fund a cleanup of former sugar cane land in West Oahu containing toxic chemicals from pesticides.

Maui Memorial Medical Center improvements, bolstering Honoapiilani Highway against erosion, and land acquisition for a Maui Community College campus on Molokai are just some of the projects funded in the budget passed by the state Legislature.

The value of one Hilo parcel has more than quadrupled since it was rezoned by the County Council in 2004, leading one council member to question whether the county should be stricter about making property owners adhere to their stated plans for rezoning.

County crews pushed back sand and removed the tops of dunes along a quarter-mile stretch of South Kihei Road last week as part of an effort to keep sand out of the road.

Hawaii-born astronaut Megan McArthur will have her hands full this week as part of the daring shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.