Hawaii hits budget wall, radiation leaks not threat to seafood, disaster center set in Kona, Maui buildings to reach new heights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie appealed for fiscal responsibility Sunday in a message sent via email and posted on YouTube. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is running out of time to find an estimated $232 million needed to balance the budget over the next three months, leading Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration to consider emptying the state's hurricane relief fund. Associated Press.

Deep state funding reductions to education projected for the next two fiscal years will likely slow ambitious plans to boost student achievement and turn around low-performing schools, educators warn. Star-Advertiser.

Recent labor union settlements negotiated between the state and labor organizations will give thousands of workers at least four days off on a paid basis and bring an end to their furloughs.Hawaii Reporter.

Sen. Ron Kouchi says he is looking for guidance during the next two weeks in making difficult decisions on how to balance the current and future state budgets, citing the impact of the Japanese tsunami and the economic downturn. Garden Island.

Forty-eight other states have approved it in some form, but not Hawaii. Most lawmakers have consistently opposed it -- while admitting it happens regardless. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Lawmakers Push Akaka Bill At State Level. Civil Beat.

Experts say radiation leaks cause no immediate threat to Hawaii's seafood. KHON2.

Hawaii’s “Aloha for Japan” tsunami relief effort announced it has collected more than $1 million in donations through March 25. Pacific Business News

The U.S. Coast Guard has completed a fly-over of the damage one of the world's largest marine reserves sustained in the tsunami. Associated Press.

Hawaii State Civil Defense will set up a disaster assistance and recovery center in Kona to offer help to people affected by the March 11 tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

During a tour Saturday of Kailua-Kona, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono vowed to help secure federal funds and low-interest loans for those hit by the tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would allow certain residential structures to be built higher than the current county code allows has passed first reading by the Maui County Council. Maui News.

The state has acquired 17 acres of land along the Big Island's North Kohala coast in an effort to preserve dozens of significant cultural sites and assist in marine habitat conservation efforts. Associated Press.

Following a near 17-day pause, lava is once again flowing from Kilauea Volcano's east rift zone, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Tribune-Herald.

On Prince Kuhio Day, many mark the 140th birthday of this Hawaiian royalty with a parade in Waikiki, while other remember an Alii by carrying on his legacy. KITV4.

Since January, there have been three fires that targeted boats belonging to North Shore Shark Adventures. Hawaii News Now.

Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans (MVCV) are seeking a settlement to the lawsuit they filed against Maui County in September 2010, after years of delays in receiving a building permit for a veterans center. Molokai Dispatch.

When one lane of the new Wailua Cane Haul Bridge opens for traffic later this month or in early April, it will be the beginning of the expanded traffic flow pattern planned for the Wailua corridor. Garden Island.

Hawaii radiation fears rekindled, mini-furlough proposed for public workers, lawmakers consider tax hikes, plastic bag fees, gifts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trace amounts of radiation from Japan's nuclear crisis were detected in Hawaii for the first time Monday night as fallout spread as far as Iceland, officials said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

The Conversation for 3/23: Stop worrying about radiation! Hawaii Public Radio.

The more than 250 people who attended an emergency preparedness meeting in Ewa Beach Tuesday night were told Hawaii does not face the same kind of tsunami threat as Japan and that people here should have confidence in the state's published tsunami evacuation zones. Hawaii News Now.

The National Weather Service has issued an advisory of strong winds for all islands. Associated Press.

The state Civil Defense will test Oahu sirens on Wednesday and Thursday on Oahu. KITV4.

Recovering from the tsunami: PBN’s continuing coverage. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's government employers, the four county mayors and the governor, may be offering a mini-furlough to government workers in effort to win approval of a 5 percent pay cut. KITV4.

State Senate President Shan Tsu­tsui said yesterday that a general excise tax increase is an option to close the budget deficit. Star-Advertiser.

Choosing paper or plastic bags may cost you a nickel in the future.  Lawmakers are strongly considering a bill aimed at shifting public behavior from single-use plastic and paper bags to re-usable bags. KHON2.

Hawaii will remain one of a handful of states where the attorney general is appointed, after the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday rejected a proposal to make it an elected position. Star-Advertiser.

After hearing strong opposition, the House Judiciary Committee delayed a decision on a bill to allow state employees, including lawmakers, to accept free tickets to nonprofit fundraisers and even foreign junkets without restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators quizzed state Ethics Commission executive director Leslie Kondo this afternoon about recent guidance he has delivered on gifts that lawmakers may not accept under the state Ethics Code. Hawaii Reporter.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is in Hawaii tonight -- his first visit to the Islands since being appointed to the cabinet-level position by President Obama two years ago. KHON2.

Although U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was the guest of honor at a Tuesday night gathering of politicians and union leaders in a Hilton Hawaiian Village conference room, the event was mostly a testament to Sen. Dan Inouye's influence. Star-Advertiser.

A month after denying a cell phone carrier a permit to install a 150-foot pole by Halfway Bridge on Kaumuali‘i Highway, the county Planning Commission on Wednesday granted Sprint/Nextel a request for reconsideration. Garden Island.

The developer of a regional mall planned for East Kapolei on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property received approval yesterday from the Hawaiian Homes Commission to build a small phase initially and defer paying rent on most of the land for up to six years. Star-Advertiser.

Hu Honua Bioenergy scored a major victory on Monday when a long-awaited report recommended the approval of its biomass-burning power plant in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

A tight county budget inspired little participation Monday evening, with only 10 people coming out to a County Council public hearing to comment on the $366.1 million spending plan. West Hawaii Today.

Tower rises in place of old one. Maui News.

Mayor’s Aloha Garden sprouts more gardens. Garden Island.

Hawaii transportation: Rapid transit, fast ferry, more cycles, higher vehicle taxes, Board of Education considers ditching its buses, more news

A bill that would establish a state-controlled, high-speed ferry system, much like the ill-fated Hawaii Superferry, cleared the Senate Transportation Committee yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

A Census worker cleared of trespassing last year after entering a Hawaii County police officer's property lost his bid Monday to have the officer and two others disciplined for their actions. West Hawaii Today.

To meet proposed budget reductions for the coming fiscal year, the Department of Education is considering getting rid of school bus service on Oahu, slashing the amount of per-student funding that schools receive by up to 6 percent and eliminating $11 million for special programs.Star-Advertiser.

Two proposals are moving through the legislature that would add to the cost of registering a car. KHON2.

Too many bills lacking cost or fiscal analysis are flowing through the state Legislature as Hawaii grapples with pension taxes and funding its schools, says a member of a conservative think tank on Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

A former employee with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is under investigation by the attorney general. KHON2.

As Maui emergency officials prepared for the arrival of the tsunami from Japan on March 10, the new iPhones to coordinate their response were useless. KITV4.

Appraisers with the county’s real property assessment office will be conducting an island-wide review of all dwellings throughout the month of April and possibly part of May. Garden Island.

Command of U.S. Army Pacific changed hands yesterday in a ceremony reflecting Fort Shafter's multifaceted responsibilities, including the crisis in Japan, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and relations with Asia-Pacific nations. Star-Advertiser.

The 80 rail transit cars for the city's $5.5 billion project will cost $574 million to build. Star-Advertiser.

Troubles meeting deadlines have plagued the company awarded the $574 million contract to provide rail cars and a control center for Honolulu. Civil Beat.

City Says Rail Contracts Coming in Under Budget; Critics Not Convinced. Hawaii Reporter.

Italy, famous for its food, architecture, and art can apparently build a pretty good train too. Hawaii News Now.

Gas Prices Driving Up Moped, Motorcycle Business. KITV4.

Hawaii law enforcement is looking for a tool straight out of a TV cop show. Hawaii Public Radio.

Only about 20 percent of former Hansenís disease patients who died in Kalaupapa have been given a proper grave, but with a commemorative memorial on the way, the remaining 80 percent will finally be recognized. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii food prices going up, lawmakers see smaller budget, Maui mayor wants 20% spending hike, Kaui grapples plastic bags, Kona coffee labeling sought, guidebook authors could be liable, more Hawaii news

Hawaii Island cattle (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's ranching industry is recovering from several years of crippling droughts. KITV4.

Food is costing more.  Some Hawaii businesses are feeling the effects of rising wholesale food prices on the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

Tourists from Japan are still flying in to Hawaii, but some interviewed yesterday brought pangs of guilt with them. Star-Advertiser.

A week after the tsunami hit, the number of visitors from Japan has declined, but it hasn't fallen off a cliff. Tribune-Herald.

Here at home...retail stores who import products from Japan have been working closely with the federal government to ensure products are safe to sell and consume. KHON2.

The Hawaii lawmaker now in charge of finalizing the state's budget says the draft he's been handed is out of date and no longer relevant in light of recent world events — and he predicts the deficit will top $1.2 billion, triggering even more spending cuts and potentially bigger tax hikes. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature has narrowed the number of bills it's considering from 3,224 to more than 600. KHON2.

Ironing out the tax code, state House lawmakers want to suspend general excise tax exemptions for several business activities over the next few years to help reduce the budget deficit. Star-Advertiser.

A bill moving through the Hawaii Legislature would require the authors of visitor guidebooks or websites about Hawaii to warn readers of potentially hazardous conditions at any recommended site located on private land. Associated Press.

A bill that would prohibit using the word "Kona" on a bag of coffee unless its use is part of a trademarked name is moving forward in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Many lawmakers who received free invitations to a high-powered private reception next week at the Hilton Hawaiian Village will now have to pay $36.75 apiece to attend. Hawaii Reporter.

Arakawa proposed an overall budget of $632 million for Maui County, an increase of 20.6 percent over the current budget of $524.2 million. Maui News.

Action on an amendment that would loosen a county law banning plastic bags from check-out lines was postponed another two weeks after an O‘ahu businessman proposed an environmentally conscious option. Garden Island.

Central Maui could get a major new park complex under a proposal Mayor Alan Arakawa said he is making in coordination with Senate President Shan Tsutsui. Maui News.

Six contracts boost Hawaii’s electric vehicle industry. Pacific Business News.

A major taro restoration project in He`eia was hard hit over the weekend by the theft of most of its equipment and supplies. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park firefighters continue to map and monitor the Napau Fire located on the east rift of Kilauea Volcano, which has burned more than 1,800 acres since it was first triggered by the March 5 Kamoa­moa fissure eruption. Star-Advertiser.

For communities around Maui County affected by tsunami destruction, funding for repairs may be on the way. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii State Civil Defense officials are encouraging residents to report any damage they suffered as a result of last Friday's tsunamis through Aloha United Way's 2-1-1 information and referral service. Associated Press.

Hawaii surf's up! Wind advisory set, Abercrombie tours tsunami damage, officials downplay radiation threat, Kauai plans garbage fee, more news from the islands

Paddle boarder (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The late-winter megawaves and big-wave riders delighted, mesmerized and inspired awe in kids and adults — visitors and locals alike. Star-Advertiser.

Lifeguards made 24 rescues and assists and issued 2,375 warnings because of high surf on the North and west shores, Ocean Safety Division officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for all islands starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday through Thursday morning. KHON2.

The state is under a wind advisory today as strong and gusty trade winds whip the islands, forecasters said this morning. Star-Advertiser.

Fear for nuclear fall out is running high in Hawai'i but the state department of health says there is no radiation hazard and the department continues to monitor air quality around the clock. KITV4.

State health officials say there is no increased risk of harmful levels of radiation exposure in Hawaii from Japan, and they're advising the public against taking potassium iodide supplements as a precaution. KHON2.

In a dark warehouse near the Honolulu International Airport, there is a truck that looks like an ambulance but acts more like a mobile biohazards lab. Civil Beat

State health officials said Tuesday there is no reason to believe a plume of nuclear fallout from Japan has invaded Hawaii air space. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie yesterday toured areas of the Big Island and Maui hardest hit by Friday's tsunami and returned to Oahu with an upbeat message that Hawaii remains open for business even as it digs out from muck and debris. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie toured several spots on the Big Island and Maui hit hard by the tsunami. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie got a first-hand look at the statewide damage from last week's tsunami and the effort to clean up the mess left behind. KITV4.

In his first trip to the neighbor islands since the tsunami ripped through Hawaii early Friday and caused damages estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars, Gov. Neil Abercrombie got some good news. Civil Beat.

Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona looked much different during Governor Abercrombie's visit on Tuesday than it did on Friday. KHON2.

The county says there is no dollar estimate yet of damage to the Big Island caused by Friday's tsunami, although statewide damages are estimated in the "tens of millions" of dollars. Tribune-Herald.

State lawmakers who toured Keehi Lagoon Tuesday say as many as 60 boats may have been sunk when the tsunami hit Hawaii last week. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie made a brief stop at Maalaea Harbor Tuesday afternoon to talk to those affected by Friday's tsunami and assess damage to the small-boat harbor. Maui News.

Civil Defense officials from Oahu surveyed Lahaina and Maalaea harbors as well as areas in Spreckelsville on Monday afternoon to assess damage caused by Friday's tsunami. Maui News.

Kauai County plans to begin charging a fee for residential garbage collection in July. Associated Press.

Navy archeologists are studying human skeletal remains found by a fisherman at Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

A 12 percent reduction in residential energy use equates to one billion dollars in savings for Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Land Trust looking to keep North Shore country with Hawaii’s first greenprint. Hawaii Independent.

Thousands of seabirds were killed when the tsunami generated by last week's massive earthquake off Japan flooded Midway, a remote atoll northwest of the main Hawaiian islands, a federal wildlife official said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Hawaii Rep. Mazie Hirono was born in the Fukushima Prefecture and spent several days worried about the well-being of friends and family there. KITV4.

KCCC prisoners ‘stay put’ through tsunami warning. Garden Island.

ML Macadamia Orchards LP reported a net loss of $1 million, or 14 cents per diluted share, on revenues of $7.6 million for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2010. Pacific Business News

The Molokai Community Plan, last updated in 2001, is on the move after holding community engagement workshops last October. Molokai Dispatch.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says tourism in Hawaii is likely take a big hit in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunamis that have devastated Japan, as Japanese visitors cancel trips or hold off on future vacation plans. Associated Press.

Last week’s tsunami and earthquake in Japan thwarted plans for a joint concert featuring a Japanese community band and the Honolulu Community Concert Band. Hawaii Reporter.

Lisa Denning went to Kealakekua Bay Sunday to document the debris covering the reef and the cleanup efforts. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii averages $4/gallon gas, residents fear radiation fallout, tsunami assessment continues, tourism hit expected, surf's coming up, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii gas prices (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The state reached the dubious milestone yesterday of being the first in recent years where the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has reached $4, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Report. Associated Press.

Hawaii Residents Fear Radiation Fallout. KITV4.

Japanese and American authorities are being reassuring about the risk of radiation from the two or three or four reactors facing multiple meltdowns following the Sendai earthquake and tsunami. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has not detected any elevated radiation readings, and air samples remain at ambient or normal background levels following a small release of radiation Saturday at a nuclear reactor facility in Japan. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii's economy will likely take a major hit since many visitors from Japan are canceling their trips to the islands.Hawaii News Now.

The tsunami that struck Hawaii early Friday morning caused tens of millions of dollars in damage — an estimate that's expected to climb as Gov. Neil Abercrombie warned of a drop in Japanese tourists to the islands. Star-Advertiser.

The tally of Hawaii's damage from last week's tsunami has reached tens of millions of dollars and it's still climbing. KHON2.

A top official of the Federal Emergency Management Administration paid a courtesy call to Gov. Neil Abercrombie yesterday en route to American Samoa to be briefed on the progress of recovery efforts since the September 2009 earthquake and tsunami there. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie marks his 100th day in office Tuesday by assessing damages across the state from last week's tsunami. Associated Press.

State and County Civil Defense teams are assessing property damage in the aftermath of Friday’s Tsunami that originated in Japan.Hawaii Public Radio.

William Aila Jr., chairman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, listed his top three priorities for West Hawaii Sunday, foremost of which was repairing damages at state parks, harbors and facilities caused by powerful tsunami surges that have pounded the Kona and South Kohala coastlines. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Island got the brunt of the tsunami that rolled through Hawaii early Friday.Civil Beat.

The head of the Big Island Visitors Bureau said there's no reason for prospective visitors to change their travel plans in the aftermath of Friday's tsunami. Tribune-Herald.

Two Big Island hotels remained closed Monday, awaiting assessments of damage from last week’s tsunami. Pacific Business News

Japanese ex-pats here in Hawaii can't help but be worried about what's happening back home. Hawaii News Now.

Three months into the tenure of a new governor and just past the midpoint of the legislative session, are we indeed paddling the canoe Gov. Neil Abercrombie spoke of in his State of the State Address in January? Hawaii Independent.

The state Attorney General's office is warning residents to be wary of scams that prey on people wanting to donate to relief efforts for Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Dead fish wash ashore after tsunami. KHON2.

Surf along northern and western shores is expected to climb as high as 35 feet today, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a high surf warning. Star-Advertiser.

Two longtime Kaua‘i politicians are now officially heading important environmental decisions statewide. Garden Island.

State Rep. Hermina Morita bade a tearful goodbye to her House colleagues yesterday as she took on her new role as chairwoman of the Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

More than 100 people have applied to serve on the appointed Board of Education, whose nine members the governor will select over the next three weeks. Star-Advertiser.

The Molokai Community Plan, last updated in 2001, is on the move after holding community engagement workshops last October. Molokai Dispatch.

Although retired Maui County police officers aren't happy about it, Maui Police Chief Gary Yabuta said it was decided several years ago - before he was appointed chief - that the state Department of the Attorney General would administer a program to qualify retired police officers to carry concealed firearms. Maui News.

A slow-moving wildfire is burning in Volcanoes National Park. Associated Press.

Fundraisers, blame games as Hawaii mops up after tsunami, Japanese, Hawaii residents trying to get home, more tsunami scenes and news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aloha for Japan T-shirt

Help Japan tsunami victims with an Aloha for Japan T-shirt. Available here.

Recent tragedies in Japan has sparked a special fundraiser in hopes to spread Aloha overseas. Grp Home has created special T-shirts for the "Aloha for Japan" fundraiser that will be available on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Festival Helps Japanese Disaster Victims. KITV4.

First Hawaiian Bank has donated $100,000 to establish a Japan-Hawaii Relief Fund to help survivors of Friday’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Pacific Business News

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says harmful levels of radioactivity are not expected in the United States due to damaged nuclear reactors in Japan. Associated Press.

Crews were busy over the weekend cleaning up and assessing damage, while American Red Cross volunteers were helping people after tsunami waves battered Hawaii early Friday. Associated Press.

Late Sunday afternoon, the office of Gov. Neil Abercrombie issued a statement explaining that he had signed a supplementary proclamation, "which expands and extends the previous State of Disaster Proclamation the Governor signed on Friday." Civil Beat.

In the wake of this morning’s statewide tsunami strike, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has issued an emergency proclamation and will seek federal assistance to pay for at least $3 million damages to state property alone. Hawaii Reporter.

Hundreds of visitors from Japan are still here in Hawaii trying to get home. KHON2.

On the Big Island residents are still picking up the pieces.KHON2.

Tsunami and aftermath videos. Big Island Video News.

The majority of damage caused by a series of tsunami waves that battered Hawaii Island's coasts Friday is primarily in West Hawaii, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento said Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

Although it destroyed homes, flooded businesses and damaged public infrastructure, Friday's costly tsunami could have been much worse. Tribune-Herald.

Volunteers, residents and visitors still in awe of the tsunami waves that battered the Kona Coast one day earlier spent Saturday enjoying ono grinds and ice cold brews at the Kona Brewers Festival. West Hawaii Today.

Maui County's harbors were back in business Saturday after a tsunami swept through them early Friday. Maui News.

Damage was reported on Molokai's east end, and county officials are still taking assessment reports of the area. Molokai Dispatch.

Late Thursday afternoon, Maui News Staff Writer Harry Eagar boarded the tugboat Hoku-Loa at Kahului. His aim was to write a feature story about the crew's overnight routine of hauling a Young Brothers barge from Kahului to Honolulu Harbor. Hours later, an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Japan and generated a massive tsunami that would swamp the Pacific. Maui News.

Photographs of how the recent tsunami affected Kauai. Garden Island.

Officials are unsure how the tsunami affected the discovery of hundreds of dead fish found floating in the Ala Wai Canal Saturday morning. KITV4.

As people grasped for helpful information, the websites didn't step up. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County "absolutely" needs more tsunami sirens to warn coastal residents left vulnerable during Friday's disaster, says Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann. Tribune-Herald.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was due to leave Pearl Harbor this morning with its 5,000-member crew and air wing. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of people acquitted of minor criminal offenses because of mental illness have remained under the state's supervision for years, resulting in what experts say is wasteful spending of potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars annually at a time of severe budget cuts. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers, for the second year in a row, have come up short in their effort to tackle the problem of upfront costs that are keeping many Hawaii residents from buying solar water heaters and other energy-efficient appliances. Star-Advertiser.

Two long-time Kaua‘i lawmakers will make a marked transition today in their careers as public servants if the state Senate confirms their gubernatorial appointments as expected. Garden Island.

The National Park Service has identified two sites in Maui as former Japanese internment camps. Associated Press.

Water Officials Prepared for APEC? Hawaii Public Radio.

Striking Hawaiian Electric Co. workers will be going back to work soon after voting in favor of a new labor deal with the company. Associated Press.

Hawaii tsunami roundup: News from Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Big Island, all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii tsunami recovery Photo (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

For all its destructive potential, the tsunami that swept through the state early yesterday largely spared island residents. No one was killed or injured, and the damage to property paled in comparison with entire Japanese towns and villages being swept away. Star-Advertiser.

LIVE BLOG: Hawaii Tsunami. Civil Beat.

Tsunami waves swamped Hawaii beaches and severely damaged harbors in California after devastating Japan and sparking evacuations throughout the Pacific. West Hawaii Today.

On the Neighbor Islands, damage was reported in Kailua-Kona and flooding was reported in Kahului, where the surge reached a third of a mile inland. Star-Advertiser.

A spending plan approved by the House would slash funding for a tsunami warning center that issued an alarm after the devastating earthquake in Japan. Associated Press.

This was the first major natural disaster event for Neil Abercrombie as Governor and Peter Carlisle as Mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Hilo has weathered its second tsunami threat in little more than a year, although groggy visitors, coastal residents and the homeless were still recuperating Friday from an overnight evacuation. Tribune-Herald.

Gordon Leslie learned that the tsunami claimed his home, a day after he started chemotherapy treatment for leukemia in Honolulu. KITV4.

There's no doubting that Maui saw significant tidal changes when Friday's tsunami reached its shores. KHON2.

After a night of suspense, preparation and, for some, seeking higher ground, Mauians saw in the first light of day Friday how an earthquake-generated tsunami had washed in to low-lying areas, damaging homes, boats and harbors and disrupting lives. Maui News.

No Tsunami Damage Reported on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Thousands of Kaua‘i residents and visitors exhaled a collective sigh of relief Friday morning after receiving the “all clear.” Garden Island.

Tsunami keeps folks awake, but mostly spares the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County Emergency Operations Center (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Tsunami waves swamped Hawaii beaches and brushed the U.S. western coast Friday but didn't immediately cause major damage after devastating Japan and sparking evacuations throughout the Pacific. Associated Press.

Hawaii teams are beginning to assess the damage Friday morning after a tsunami connection with a powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake off Japan. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has issued an all clear for Oahu residents after tsunami waves overnight caused a mass evacuation of coastal areas statewide. Star-Advertiser.

On the Neighbor Islands, damage was reported in Kailua-Kona and flooding was reported in Kahului, where the surge reached a third of a mile inland. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers tax marijuana, rescue schools with hurricane fund, move other bills at midway point of the legislative session, Honolulu mayor increases budget, Hawaii County mayor decreases budget, smoking ban flaunted, tsunami aftermath studied, more news

Furlough Fridays would be gone, marijuana for medical purposes would be taxed $30 an ounce and gas-powered leaf blowers would be outlawed in Hawaii as the Legislature moves to the halfway point.

Showing Gov. Linda Lingle and educators that options are available, state lawmakers yesterday moved bills that would dedicate money from the state's hurricane relief fund and rainy-day fund to reduce teacher furloughs.

Unsatisfied with the federal government’s penalties that have failed to deter the harassment and killing of Hawai‘i’s endangered species, state lawmakers are taking matters into their own hands.

Legislative Auditor Marion Higa could damage the state's good credit rating and cost taxpayers millions of dollars with a not-yet-published audit of the state Department of Budget and Finance, Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann on Tuesday laid out his $1.827 billion budget plan that includes cuts and furloughs.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann presented an operating budget yesterday that increases spending by 1.2 percent to $1.83 billion without major tax increases.

Mayor Billy Kenoi's preliminary budget abolishes or unfunds 111 positions, furloughs most county employees two days a month except those in public safety and silences the county bands.

Hawaii County must raise property tax rates, cut positions and furlough workers to make ends meet, Mayor Billy Kenoi told lawmakers Monday in presenting his annual budget proposal.

With a cigar smoldering and the smoke wafting throughout, O'Toole's Irish Pub doesn't hide the fact it serves smokers.

Stand-up paddle boarding's rapid rise in popularity has left state boating officials unsure how to regulate the activity at Hilo's Wailoa Small Boat Harbor.

The city's emergency response to Saturday's tsunami warning cost $330,000, but Mayor Mufi Hannemann said the expense was "fully justified."

Although Maui's Department of Wastewater Reclamation shut down several pump stations to prevent saltwater damage Saturday, the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services did not.

In light of the recent tsunami warning, county officials are urging residents and businesses who have not yet signed up for Connect CTY, Kauai County’s free mass notification service, to do so.

Feds give Hawaii $125.7M for roads, health insurers ailing, Maui sewage spill from tsunami still lingers, bank robbers active on Oahu, businesses to get tax relief, other top news from Hawaii

Hawaii received $125.7 million of the $26.6 billion allotted nationwide for highways under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the White House announced yesterday.

Hawaii Medical Service Association, reeling from a $64.4 million loss in 2009—its worst annual loss ever—is requesting an average 7.8 percent small-business rate increase for its most popular health plan and said it is making a fundamental change in the way it reimburses its medical providers.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association plans to raise premiums by an average of 7.8 percent for roughly 11,000 small businesses that buy health insurance for their employees.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Hawaii sustained a $7 million loss in the fourth quarter amid declining revenue as more members lost their jobs and enrolled in the state's Quest program for low-income individuals.

The robbery of a Central Pacific Bank branch in Makiki yesterday makes the seventh bank heist of the year, nearly double the number reported at the same time last year.
It was another cool, but noisy night of high winds.

Monday's monthly siren test also tested emergency sirens that reportedly didn't fire on Saturday.

Relief is on its way for thousands of Hawaii employers now facing close to a 1000 percent increase in their unemployment insurance taxes.

Developer DW Aina Lea has about a month left to complete 16 affordable housing units at the Aina Lea project in South Kohala.

A day after a small tsunami generated by a giant earthquake in Chile just kissed Hawaii's shores, Maui county officials were still advising the public to stay out of some ocean areas because of sewage spills.

The Point at Po‘ipu’s timeshare management company said Monday that complaints about rising maintenance fees are based on a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the business, promising a lawsuit against the most vociferous owners within a week.

Officials defend tsunami evacuation, lawmakers still looking for money, more top Hawaii news

Scientists acknowledged they overstated the threat but defended their actions, saying they took the proper steps and learned the lessons of the 2004 Indonesian tsunami that killed thousands of people who didn’t get enough warning.

Businesses lost thousands of dollars when the tsunami warning forced them to shut down Saturday.

This was not a drill. As a very real tsunami threat loomed off the coast, Hawaii County Civil Defense proved its ability to smoothly evacuate sleepy residents early Saturday morning.

The county's Emergency Operations Center resembled a well-oiled war room Saturday.

County officials responded to some reports of overflowing sewers, but no other damage was reported following the small tsunami that struck Maui and the rest of the state Saturday.

No money would be allocated for smoking prevention activities from the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund under a bill moving in the state House to deal with the state budget crisis.

Kauai County officials announced that the Anti-Drug Office was awarded a $1.2 million grant for underage drinking prevention programs.

Most of Hawai'i's more than $1 billion in federal stimulus money is going toward projects that many would agree help the economy, or to people who have recently lost their jobs.

Lawmakers are considering a measure that would eliminate junior kindergarten in Hawai'i public schools and move up the date children are eligible to enter kindergarten, changes that would require thousands of late-born 5-year-olds to wait an additional year before they can start school.

The first public school built like a shopping mall is taking shape on the Leeward Coast and is slated for a grand opening in January.

Tsunami alert tests Hawaii's preparedness

Tourists lined the lanais of high-rise hotels and sightseers clustered along Hawaii's cliffside highways to take in the spectacle of a potentially destructive tsunami that turned out to be more like an undulating tide.

Dozens of ships headed to open water, 40,000 to 50,000 locals and tourists scrambled to safety and high ground, and communities from Hilo to Waikīkī transformed into instant ghost towns yesterday as the Islands braced for a tsunami that rolled in as merely an odd ocean surge.

In two months, federal, state, county and other emergency first responders hold an annual weeklong hurricane disaster exercise and drills. This year, they will add several problems stemming from yesterday's tsunami response

All over this coastal town yesterday, people gathered at hillside vantage points — their ears to portable radios, their hands gripping binoculars — to watch a tsunami come in that some feared would rival the 1960 waves that killed 61 people in Hilo, toppled buildings and homes and swept away cars.

State Civil Defense leaders kept busy on Saturday, working around the clock trying to keep everyone safe.