New tool to detect tsunami debris radiation, no gambling to fix Hawaii budget, state Senate to begin UH probe today, Waikiki Natatorium in Abercrombie's sights, Hamakua fights GMO, 6k Maui residents oppose sugarcane burning, Lingle stumps in Kona, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dead Hawaiian boobies trapped in tsunami debris Hawaii DLNR courtesy photo

A new hand-held radiation detector demonstrated Sunday will help the city of Honolulu respond to any flotsam contaminated by the leak at the Japanese nuclear plant in the wake of last year's earthquake and tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

The Smiths Detection RadSeeker, an advanced radiation detector, arrived  Friday at the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, just days after debris from the 2011 tsunami in Japan was found near our shores. KITV4.

DLNR worker clears tsunami debris

 A large plastic bin is the first confirmed piece of marine debris from last year’s Japan tsunamis to arrive in Hawaii, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday.Associated Press.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is working with its federal partners to locate and track the floating dock last reported north of Molokai. KITV4.

The PFM Group — the mainland firm that produced The Study of the State Tax System — also advises that Hawaii not approve a lottery or other forms of gambling. The Hawaii Tax review Commission will meet Wednesday to discuss proposed recommendations to the Hawaii Legislature later this year. Civil Beat.

A special state Senate committee will hold its initial briefing on concerns about how finances are handled at the University of Hawaii. Associated Press.

As the State Senate's Special Committee on Accountability prepared to hold its first briefing Monday afternoon into the University of Hawaii's Stevie Wonder concert fiasco, UH President M.R.C. Greenwood tried to minimize criticism of UH leadership during private meetings, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Former University of Hawaii Athletics Director Jim Donovan plans to testify before state lawmakers Monday that UH offered him a "take it or leave it" deal for his controversial new job, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

For the first time, Hawaii high school students in expository writing, biology, U.S. history and Algebra I classes will take standardized end-of-course exams this school year to test their mastery of the subjects. Star-Advertiser.

As the school year gets rolling, the state Ethics Commission is reminding public school teachers and coaches that they may not give their students private lessons for pay, as the longtime tennis coach at Mililani High School recently learned the hard way. Star-Advertiser.

State Department of Agriculture officials and a Seattle nut and chocolate treat manufacturer are trying to interest local farmers in growing cashews, saying Hawaii’s climate is well suited for the kidney-shaped nut, which can fetch hefty prices. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists using advanced mathematical models to examine the distribution of open-ocean animals in the North Pacific have concluded that rising ocean temperatures could lead to a significant shift in critical ocean habitats. Star-Advertiser.

With more visitors and more residents across the Hawaiian Islands there are also more people hiking. That also means -- more search and rescue missions for hikers who are lost, injured or otherwise in distress. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Hawaiian artwork is on display in the hearing room of a Senate committee in Washington, D.C. Associated Press.

State roundup for September 24. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Gov. Neil Abercrombie decided to take the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium back from the city in July to build a volleyball arena. The challenge for top city officials was how to keep the media and public from finding out about it. Civil Beat.

For months, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has intended to take the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium back from the city to build a world-class volleyball arena. Civil Beat.

"Hawaii Five-0" kicked off its third season Sunday in true Hawaiian style — with the beauty and warmth of the ocean, sky, breezes and beach matching the spirit and exuberance of the fans and actors. Star-Advertiser.

Community support is sought for Waikiki 20/20, an upcoming planning conference aimed at setting a vision for the next two decades in the district, which is one of the most densely populated communities in the state as well as its top tourist destination and economic center. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Budget Chair Ann Kobayashi hoped to receive a thorough briefing on the financial picture for the city’s $5.2 billion rail project from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation department on Wednesday, but instead she and other committee members were left with more questions. Hawaii Reporter.

After sitting down with Honolulu mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano on Friday, I got some more insight into how they think when it comes to mass transit to help ease the city's traffic woes. Pacific Business News.

National campaign adopted on Oahu hopes to reduce homelessness. KHON2.

Hawaii

Lingle attempts to woo West Hawaii voters at forum; Hirono a no-show. West Hawaii Today.

An Idaho dairyman who bought the largest dairy in the state is growing genetically modified corn on state leasehold land in Hamakua, and a number of residents are upset about it, saying it violates the Hamakua Agriculture Plan. Tribune-Herald.

A hefty group of community members, many frustrated by intermittent or restricted access to a trail heading to Papaikou Mill Beach, voiced support at a public meeting Friday for a resolution that would have Hawaii County acquire the privately held path through eminent domain. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. wants to renegotiate its power purchase agreements with renewable energy providers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A group of Maui residents who oppose sugar cane burning has circulated a petition to more than 6,000 people asking Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and the state Department of Health to stop allowing smoke to pollute the air in publicly accessible areas, an announcement said. Maui News.

Maui County Council members voted 8-0 Friday to adopt a resolution asking state lawmakers next year to consider a bill requiring the labeling of genetically modified food products. Maui News.

West Maui residents and visitors are being asked to conserve water until Monday after a broken waterline shut down the Mahinahina Water Treatment Facility, a county Department of Water Supply spokeswoman said. Maui News.

Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday to a bill to establish new zoning for restricted industrial uses. Maui News.

Kauai

University of Hawaii students, engineers and faculty are building a satellite that will be controlled by UH students on the ground and will serve as the key payload on a rocket lifting off from Kauai's Barking Sands in September 2013. Star-Advertiser.

‘Being Out At Work On Kaua‘i’ community forum scheduled for Oct. 4. Garden Island.

Ground for the Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai Hawaiian Homes Subdivision, Phase II was celebrated Wednesday and was attended by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and a host of dignitaries. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Department officers were busy, monitoring traffic and doing free infant car seat safety inspections along Olohena Road fronting the Kapa‘a Middle School Friday afternoon. Garden Island.

Honolulu homeless counted, Land Development Corp. regroups, rail funding delayed, Kauai prosecutor sued, Big Island grass-fed beef study launched, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Escorted by Honolulu police officers and social workers, about 200 volunteers surveyed homeless people in Waikiki, urban Honolulu and the Leeward Coast. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu's homeless have a new place to turn to for help with finding a job and securing a roof over their head. There's a new IHS Service Center. KHON2.

(c) 2012 All Hawaii News

A new homeless shelter on the Waianae coast will give people both a place to live and work. KHON2.

Non-candidate political committees — from both Hawaii and the mainland — together spent at least $960,000 this week on TV ads endorsing or opposing candidates in the state's hottest races. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has purchased a fourth round of television advertising for former Gov. Linda Lingle's Republican campaign for U.S. Senate, bringing the business group's investment in Hawaii to more than $1 million. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle, who's running for the U.S. Senate, and Charles Djou, running to reclaim his 1st District seat in Congress, appeared at the forum to answer questions posed by the board at the Sheraton Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

The board of the Public Land Development Corporation met for the first time Thursday since a series of heated public meetings throughout the islands brought out nearly 700 protestors. The overriding message: Abolish the PLDC. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has urged the Public Land Development Corp. to adopt a strategic plan that defines its priorities and scope, warning that public "suspicion and supposition" would continue without such a plan. Star-Advertiser.

The departure of Jim Boersema, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's communications director, at the end of this month adds to the growing number of top aides and other officials who have left the administration. Civil Beat.

Jim Boersema, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's communications director, will leave the post at the end of September. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate last month was the lowest since 2009. KITV4.

The state Health Department and a special task force set up by Gov. Neil Abercrombie wants to restore many of the mental health cuts like those faced by providers like Hale Na'au Pono. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii has retained a second downtown law firm in the wake of the Stevie Wonder concert debacle, the school confirmed Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for September 21. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Uncertainty about the outcome of the Honolulu mayoral election may have prompted the Federal Transit Authority to delay its decision on whether to award federal funds to the city for its planned rail transit project. Star-Advertiser.

The recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling against the Honolulu rail project's burial inventory plan delayed the federal funding application and raised new questions in the nation's capital, city leaders said Thursday after meetings in Washington. Star-Advertiser.

The race for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney has been heating up over the last 4 months … and now… the race is even more contentious with only six weeks left before the November 6th General Election. Hawaii Public Radio.

The employment and housing divisions of the Institute for Human Services now have room to expand and better serve homeless and struggling community members around Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Budget Chair Ann Kobayashi hoped to receive a thorough briefing on the financial picture for the city’s $5.2 billion rail project from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation department on Wednesday, but instead she and other committee members were left with more questions. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The state Office of Elections plans to send one of its senior staff members back to Hilo on Nov. 6 to assist Hawaii County on election day. Tribune-Herald.

County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has called a special meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday to discuss lawsuits filed recently by two election workers who were fired in January. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Beef Producers has joined a trial by Parker Ranch and Ulupono Initiative, a social investment fund co-founded by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, to study the development of large-scale grass-fed beef production on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

The Big Island’s unemployment rate dropped in August, following the same trend as both the state and nation, state officials said Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

A judge on Thursday granted a motion to dismiss all defendants from a civil lawsuit claiming the county has intentionally failed to abide by the “lowest law enforcement priority” of adult personal use of marijuana, in effect dismissing the case. Tribune-Herald.

A public meeting tonight will test the waters for possible eminent domain action over access to Papaikou Mill Beach. Tribune-Herald.

State Rep. Clift Tsuji, D-South Hilo, Panaewa, Puna, Keaau, Kurtistown, announced Thursday that he was admitted to Hilo Medical Center last week with pneumonia, but he is expected to be released in a few days and to make a full recovery. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The County of Maui is proposing to extend the shoreline protection at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui Now.

As federal energy officials wrap up a statewide listening tour of sorts this week on potential environmental impacts of achieving Hawaii's ambitious clean-energy goals, Maui County residents are hopeful their staunch opposition to "Big Wind" has been made clear. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric Co. estimates that it will be opening up 50 to 70 percent more room on a typical circuit for photovoltaic systems and reducing the number of costly interconnection studies on Maui by "changing to a different kind of standard," said a HECO official Tuesday. Maui News.

The owner of Kaunakakai's iconic Kanemitsu Bakery -- makers of the famed "Molokai bread" for the past 75 years -- says he may be forced to shut down his family's business following another failed health inspection Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Councilman Timothy Bynum this week filed a lawsuit against the prosecutor and the County of Kauai saying that Shaylene Iseri-Cavalho violated his civil rights by falsely suing him for breaking zoning laws. Civil Beat.

A deputy prosecuting attorney has filed suit in 5th Circuit Court against her employer for retaliation, seniority and salary issues. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. held Thursday evening the first community meeting of a process that could take at least two years to decide the future of Hanalei’s Blackpot Beach Park. Garden Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources invites fishermen and ocean gatherers of Ni‘ihau, Lehua Rock, Ka‘ula and the Na Pali Coast to a talk story and mapping session aimed at helping to identify important use areas. Garden Island.

Molokai

A floating menace could be the biggest piece of tsunami debris Hawaii has seen yet. Hawaii News Now.

Chinese tourists coming, possible tsunami debris arrives, Big Island welfare recipients double, census shows, Lingle disagrees with Romney, F-22 Raptors arrive, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki International Market (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Japan has its Golden Week, and now China is gearing up for its Super Golden Week. The convergence of Chinese National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival this year will give many Chinese more than a weeklong holiday starting later this month. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle said Wednesday that she does not agree with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's characterization of people on government assistance as dependent and entitled, describing many as "driven, hard-working individuals who are actively working to better the situation of their ohana." Star-Advertiser.

The controversy over Mitt Romney's dismissal of the "47 percent of Americans who don't pay federal income taxes" shows no sign of disappearing. Civil Beat.

State and federal officials are investigating the origin of a large blue container that may be debris from the March 2011 tsunami that struck Japan. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health is working on a new placard system designed to let people know how clean restaurants are. Hawaii News Now.

The state is going after boat owners who moor illegally at Hawaii harbors, a problem costing the State thousands of dollars in lost revenue. KHON2.

State roundup for September 20. Associated Press.

Oahu

A bill that would repeal the discount given to companies that recycle materials and dispose of nonrecyclable residue at Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill or the HPOWER waste-to-energy plant moved out of the City Council's Budget Committee Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

There was a sense of frustration among members of the Honolulu City Council's Budget Committee on Wednesday after a hearing featuring the transit authority's Chief Financial Officer Diane Arakaki. KITV4.

Honolulu's application for federal funding is behind pace on the rail authority's own timeline, and the mayoral election may be part of the reason why. KHON2.

Five Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors roared off Honolulu Airport's reef runway one after another Wednesday, the thrust vibrating the air as the final jet rocketed nearly vertically 24,000 feet into a blue Hawaii sky. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu police officer Richard Raquino pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon to lying to the FBI when agents asked him if he had revealed the identity of an undercover police officer. Star-Advertiser.

A former U.S. service member arrested in Honolulu for allegedly sending emails from Thailand threatening to kill Vice President Joe Biden is expected to withdraw his not guilty plea. Associated Press.

Kahuku Residents Protest Treatment of Iwi. Civil Beat.

Honolulu is one of the 100 best cities for young people, according to America's Promise Alliance. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii

More than twice as many Hawaii County households were on welfare last year as were in 2010, and a full 17.4 percent received food stamps, according to data released late Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

A final measure to show the county’s support of a four-year West Hawaii college passed first reading Wednesday morning, despite dissenting votes from three East Hawaii council members. West Hawaii Today.

Members of the State Elections Commission expressed frustration with troubled County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi at Tuesday’s monthly meeting as state elections officials made plans to send a key staffer back to the Big Island to help troubleshoot on Election Day. KPUA.

Baker Tom’s closing shop. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

University of Hawai’i Maui College’s Liko A’e Native Hawaiian Leadership Program is the recipient of a $4.7 million, three-year grant from the US Department of Education. Maui News.

The state says no asbestos was found at two Maili playgrounds that were demolished. KHON2.

The big trucks rumbled to life Tuesday evening near Kahului Airport, churning up dust and beginning the slow haul of "superloads" of wind turbine pieces to Ulupalakua. Maui News.

A sign-waving rally was held Monday afternoon at the intersection of Piilani and Mokulele highways to mark the one-year anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement and to show solidarity with the "Occupy Monsanto Global Protests" worldwide. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is not getting many kudos from Kaua‘i residents lately. Heavily criticized for signing Act 55 last year, Abercrombie was booed several times at a meeting at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Puhi Wednesday evening, attended by approximately 200 people. Garden Island.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie brought his Cabinet to the Garden Isle on Wednesday for a listening session. What he heard was loud and insistent: Repeal Act 55, the legislation that created the Public Land Development Corporation. Civil Beat.

Four months after criminal charges were dropped against him in 5th Circuit Court, Kaua‘i County Councilman Tim Bynum filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday, claiming constitutional violations, abuse of abuse of power and malicious prosecution. Garden Island.

Molokai

The future of Kanemitsu Bakery on Molokai is up in the air after the 75-year-old shop failed another health inspection today. KHON2.

New Molokai Fruit Stand markets local produce. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii to get manini money for tsunami debris cleanup, congressional candidates race for cash, H-1 lanes to narrow, Kauai Foodbank short, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keaukaha shoreline (C) 2012 All Hawaii News

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Monday announced it will provide $250,000 in grants to five states affected by debris from last year's tsunami in Japan. Associated Press.

Pacific reef sharks will swim into oblivion without more regulation and effective enforcement, the latest science says. Civil Beat.

Democrats Mufi Hannemann and Tulsi Gabbard are not only leading in the polls, they also continue to raise far more money than their 2nd Congressional District opponents. Civil Beat.

The four top candidates for Hawaii’s two congressional seats in this year’s election are in financial dead heats as the campaigns turn for home in the primary election, Federal Election Commission filings show. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard took the fundraising lead in the latest reporting quarter in the race for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District seat. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono contends Hawaii voters want a U.S. senator who shares their values, who is tough enough for a fight but practical enough to collaborate. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers last week received a memo from the Hawaii State Ethics Commission asking them to review their disclosures and fill in some of the blanks. Civil Beat.

It's called an "open primary," yet voter options are limited. Civil Beat.

The former head of a state panel that reviews Hawaii's historic register says the list has become a way for well-connected homeowners to get hefty tax breaks. Associated Press.

State roundup for July 17. Associated Press.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu nwill bump up peak-hour service for TheBus on four Oahu routes at the start of the school year to try to accommodate an expected "pulse" of extra student riders when public school classes begin July 30. Star-Advertiser.

In an attempt to break the logjam on the H-1 through Makiki, workers will re-stripe parts of the freeway to create a fourth lane in each direction. Star-Advertiser.

Debate over the $5.2 billion Rail Transit Project has dominated the race for Honolulu Mayor.   But … as early voters go to the polls in about two weeks … the arguments for and against rail have not addressed how the candidates intend to deal with population growth. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the past six months, 15 candidates running for five seats on the nine-member Honolulu City Council have spent $291,534.05 on their campaigns. Civil Beat.

A group sued the city Monday in an attempt to block the sale of vacant city-owned parcels near Haleiwa Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

A long-delayed plan to build a commercial irradiator on Oahu for farmers to treat produce for mainland export is moving forward. Star-Advertiser.

Meals On Wheels cutting service Belt tightening means fewer meals for home-bound seniors. KITV4.

Hawaii

With control of the Hawaii County Council up for grabs, candidates have pulled in more than $250,000 in the first six months of this year, although much of that comes from public financing. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County is hoping to gain a few “likes” by launching its first Facebook pages. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The state Office of Planning says it believes the California landowner developing two Kihei shopping malls "has failed to substantially comply with its representations" of the project now under construction. Maui News.

Six Kihei patrol officers are among community members hoping to make a difference in the lives of some Kihei youths, as they embark on a yearlong mentorship program with a group of 24 intermediate school students. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai officials said continued erosion along Kekaha Beach has forced the county to relocate the Kekaha lifeguard tower to the west end of MacArthur Park. KITV4.

Despite the efforts of several hundred volunteers Saturday, the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s one-day summer food drive fell short of its goal. Garden Island.

The presenters often outnumbered community members but there were plenty of questions at the first two public safety meetings in Kilauea and Koloa. Garden Island.

U.S. Senate candidates face off in Honolulu, campaign in Hilo, mixed economic forecast, Big Island zipline maker at fault, Japan won't dump radioactive waste in Northern Marianna Islands, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web

Ed Case, Mazie Hirono

U.S. Senate candidates squared off today in the first of only five debates between the Democrats. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday said easing visa restrictions for Chinese visitors could fuel tourism in Hawaii, but former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who also favors the legislation, said the bill's lack of prog­ress in Congress suggests Hirono is not effective. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case did not wait terribly long to try and score debating points against Mazie Hirono at a candidate forum Tuesday on tourism. Civil Beat.

It was a first for the candidates vying for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka's seat. Tuesday, they participated in a forum together at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. KHON2.

Linda Lingle

There aren’t many Republicans in the Democratic stronghold known as Hilo, but almost 200 came out Tuesday for the headquarters grand opening and birthday bash for former Gov. Linda Lingle, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka. West Hawaii Today.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle mingled among her East Hawaii supporters at the opening of her Hilo headquarters. Tribune-Herald.


The state Council on Revenues on Tuesday kept a 12 percent growth forecast for the fiscal year that ends June 30, but lowered the revenue projection for next fiscal year, which will prompt the Abercrombie administration to scale back state spending. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Council on Revenues on Tuesday kept its revenue growth projection for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, at 12 percent. Pacific Business News.

The Council on Revenues revised its State General Fund revenue forecast today…with mixed reviews on what to expect in the months and years ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

A 2011 state law meant to generate as much as $220 million in new tax revenues has fallen far short of target, causing the state Council on Revenues today to forecast a 2.2% drop in next year’s total tax take. Hawaii Reporter.

The Council on Revenues forecasts the state has about $100 million less to work with next year. KHON2.

Japanese investors appear to have abandoned plans to dump millions of tons of debris from last year's tsunami disaster on a pristine island in the Northern Mariana Islands. Civil Beat.

State roundup for May 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

A federal review completed last month found Honolulu has improved its city bus and Handi-Van services since their last federal evaluation three years ago, but there's still work to be done. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Peter Carlisle said Tuesday that his support for the city's rail proj­ect is "unequivocal," drawing a brighter line than former managing director Kirk Caldwell, who has called for a review of the proj­ect's station locations, architecture and visual impact. Star-Advertiser.

Anthony Guerrero Jr., a retired vice chairman of First Hawaiian Bank   and chairman of the board of Oahu Transit Services, has joined the board of Move Oahu Forward, a group of Honolulu business leaders who support the city’s rail transit project. Pacific Business News.

Officials have set their sights on Hawaii's military housing for a new program they hope will cut energy waste and save the government nearly a half-million dollars a year in electricity costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Seven candidates for Hawaii County Council on the Big Island are taking advantage of public financing through a three-election-year pilot program in its second year. Civil Beat.

South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford has big plans for the site of a new community college at Palamanui. West Hawaii Today.

Tradewinds Forest Products LLC recently started harvesting eucalyptus trees planted in Hamakua in the late-1990s to send to Asia. West Hawaii Today.

The builder of a zip line course in Paukaa near Hilo, where one worker was killed and a co-worker critically injured when a tower collapsed Sept. 21, failed to ensure ground anchors and a guy cable system could support the weight of a tower, zip lines and human riders, the state said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The state has accused the builder of an East Hawaii zip line platform that collapsed last year, killing a construction worker, of serious violations of workplace safety laws.Tribune-Herald.

Richard Crowe, co-founder of the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s astronomy program and astronomer-in-residence at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, was killed Sunday in a bizarre Jeep accident near Chinle, Ariz. He was 60. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $250,000 for the Nahiku Community Center. Maui News.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said "the true test of our patriotism" is taking care of our soldiers in battle and at home. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hanalei Watershed Hui is inviting the public to a  June 6 meeting to address what is going on with Hanalei Bay Watershed. Garden Island.

It couldn’t have started in a worse place, said a volunteer who helped fight a brush fire in a remote area in the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve Monday. Garden Island.