Ala Wai to be disrupted by repair work, Hawaii union clout dims, Maui mulls charging for county parks, passes 12% raises for officials, Kauai council to repeal failed GMO bill, Kim to investigate unpermitted sea wall, HMSA revamps payment protocol, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai jogger © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaiian Electric Co. is proposing to spend an estimated $14 million to replace two old high-voltage cables that run across the bottom of the Ala Wai Canal with new lines installed deeper underground. Star-Advertiser.

As Trump takes aim at unions, labor's clout has dipped in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

A former teacher and the teachers union are teaming up to ensure that Hawaii Board of Education meetings will continue to be videotaped for those who cannot attend. Civil Beat.

Sandwich Isles Communications Inc., the politically connected Hawaii telecommunications company that provides services on Hawaiian home lands, is being warned that its Federal Communications Commission authorization to operate may be revoked. Star-Advertiser.

Fisheries Commission Takes Steps To Keep Observers Safer. The last-minute agreement represented one of the week’s few accomplishments, but more action on tuna is expected next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association has decided to phase in a major overhaul of its payment system to doctors. The state’s largest health insurer, with 3,000 doctors in its network, is changing the way it reimburses its primary care physicians to a fixed monthly rate for each patient in a practice, instead of paying them based on the number of patients they see and the number of services they provide. Star-Advertiser.

It’s well known that Hawaii faces a critical housing shortage. As Pacific Business News reports, different challenges exist at all price points. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
A record number of students are earning undergraduate degrees within four years from the University of Hawaii at Manoa — the result, officials say, of nearly a decade of initiatives aimed at better supporting student success. Star-Advertiser.

Rural commuters in Windward Oahu who rely on TheBus are getting some relief after enduring several years of scaled-back service, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll keep those gains in the long term. Star-Advertiser.

A federal measure known as the 21st Century Cures Act that could boost grant funding by millions of dollars per year for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center has won approval from Congress, and President Barack Obama is expected to quickly sign it into law. Star-Advertiser.

Starting Monday, Thomas Square will close to the public for six months. The park will be undergoing maintenance and improvements. KHON2.

New Kakaako condos debut urban community associations. Star-Advertiser.

Some students at Shafter Elementary School have been using the library and cafeteria as classrooms since last school year while three portable rooms have sat vacant on the campus for about two years, leading an area legislator and parent to question the state Department of Education about the delay. Star-Advertiser.

Some residents displaced five months ago by Tropical Storm Darby are back home in a Honolulu neighborhood. Associated Press.

Despite Oahu’s tight inventory driving median home prices up, the luxury real estate market is still strong, according to Hawaii real estate experts. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Financial fumbling makes difficult task of paying for rail even more onerous over time. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Marathon is not just a race, but a spectacle. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Marathon is more than a race. It’s an exhibition, festival, visitor attraction and business — and it’s huge. Pacific Business News.

Lance Mizumoto resigned last week from his position as vice chairman and chief operating officer of Central Pacific Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, Central Pacific Bank, the Honolulu-based bank said in a regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission early Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
The land board is waiting on the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency before it decides what to do with the Pagoda property. Here is what new mayor Harry Kim says about the agency and the Banyan Drive situation. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim says his administration will check on the status of a nonpermitted seawall built at Lalakea pond following complaints from some park users. Tribune-Herald.

A recent Puna Geothermal Ventures community meeting in Pahoa included some of the usual back and forth between industry watchdog group Puna Pono Alliance and PGV officials, but ended with a handshake and a word of thanks. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Democrats are proposing new rules for selecting candidates to fill legislative vacancies after some controversy over the process of filling Rep. Clift Tsuji's seat. Associated Press.

The Volcano School of Arts &Sciences is developing plans for a new campus, replacing what it calls inadequate and deteriorating facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Moku Loa, Hawaii Island’s chapter of the Sierra Club, held its annual meeting Saturday evening, with more than 25 people gathering at Wailoa River State Park. Tribune-Herald.

The state Judiciary held the 2016 Self-Help Desk Recognition Awards Friday to celebrate the work of Hawaii Island attorneys who provided free legal information to more than 500 Hawaii Island residents seeking assistance during the past year at the Kona Courthouse in Kealakekua. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Free entry for everyone at Maui County parks could become a thing of the past. Last week, the county Cost of Government Commission heard a suggestion to charge park entry fees for visitors and businesses from Vice Chairwoman Annie Alvarado. Maui News.

The Maui County Salary Commission approved a 12 percent pay increase Friday for Mayor Alan Arakawa, his department directors and their deputies, although a problem with the posted meeting agenda could void the pay hike, at least temporarily. Maui News.

Hawaii's only remaining sugar mill is wrapping up its final harvest, with the last cane haul set for Monday. Hawaii News Now.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is allowing Alexander & Baldwin to continue diverting East Maui streams, even though the company’s Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is ending sugar cane production this year. Maui News.

New budget director cites past experience. Araki-Regan has come under fire for her connection to mayor. Maui News.

The County of Maui announced its 2016 Employee Recognition Awards following ceremonies that were held on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. Maui Now.

After settling fines and violations in late July 2015 for $500,000 — the largest amount ever levied by the Maui County Department of Planning — Paia businessman Michael Baskin has missed the original deadline for full payment by more than four months. Maui News.

Kauai

When councilmembers gather for the first full council meeting of the new term this week, they are expected to discuss repealing the GMO bill that was recently ruled invalid in federal court. Garden Island.

KCC group attacks illegal dumping. Garden Island.

Homeless count details coming today, union tries to unseat Souki coalition, first super-majority female Hawaii County council chooses leaders, Maui reef threatened by groundwater degradation, pushing Honolulu rail to its limits, Honolulu attorney Galiher remembered after Molokai chopper crash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Living in the park © 2016 Al Hawaii News

Homelessness in the U.S. declined over the past year. Even so, there were large increases in several cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle. Hawaii Public Radio.


The federal government is estimating the number of homeless people nationwide. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will announce state-by-state figures Thursday. Associated Press.


If its campaign contributions and endorsements are any indication, Hawaii’s second-biggest public employee union seems intent on pushing for new leadership in the state House. United Public Workers gave twice as much money to candidates this election compared to the prior one, but that money did not go to the coalition led by Speaker Joe Souki, Finance Chair Sylvia Luke and Majority Leader Scott Saiki that has controlled the chamber since 2012. Civil Beat.


Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is moving ahead with a measure supporting construction of the full 20-mile rail transit line to Ala Moana, despite the project’s crippling cost overruns and lengthy delays. Star-Advertiser.


A public hearing on proposed rules that would govern traditional taxis, Uber and Lyft operations will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Mission Memorial Building hearing room. Star-Advertiser.


State health officials are warning the public to stay out of a section of Lake Wilson in Wahiawa after raw sewage spilled into waters. Star-Advertiser.


Sex on the streets, it's a sight bystanders say they're seeing way too much of among Hawaii's homeless. KITV.

A school construction project that ended up hundreds of thousands of dollars over-budget and took an extra two years to build is finally finished. KHON2.


Two new residential towers are now open in Kakaako, marking milestones for separate but slowly converging master-planned communities in Honolulu’s urban core. Star-Advertiser.

Two years after the death of one of its hippos, the Honolulu Zoo plans to reopen its hippo exhibit. Hawaii News Now.

Gary Galiher was a hard-charging lawyer who dedicated much of his Honolulu law practice to those who got a raw deal in life, many of them victims of negligent corporations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

With four new members starting next month, the Hawaii County Council has chosen a new leader. Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter was voted chairwoman and North Kona Councilwoman Karen Eoff was chosen as vice chairwoman, Poindexter said late Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Despite warnings from local attorneys that the measure probably violates the County Charter, the County Council voted 6-2 Wednesday to send the mayor a bill giving the council more say about the firing of county civil attorneys. West Hawaii Today.


Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung expressed some buyer’s remorse this week over supporting a $99.75 million bond. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi have released a new study that links the quality of coastal groundwater with reef degradation on Maui. Maui Now.

In a study published recently in PLOS ONE, UH Mānoa scientists used a combination of field experiments and chemical analysis of water and algae to show that the quality of coastal groundwater plays a major role in determining the health of nearshore ecosystems in Hawai‘i. Maui Watch.

This week, the Maui County Council considered toughening its ban on plastic bags—and extending it to other items that wind up in landfills. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai Lifeguard Association donates trucks, jet skis to Ocean Safety Bureau. Garden Island.

Kauai veterans seeking to immerse themselves back into society may soon have a support system. Garden Island.

Beachfront views and whispers of yesteryear cast a spell over a five-bedroom house fronting Hanalei Bay that just sold for $16.2 million. Garden Island.

Pair of powerful storms approach Hawaii, Honolulu prepares for Obama visit, federal appeals court dismisses Hawaiian sovereignty lawsuit, Maui hospital deal collapses, Ige protective order fails in Thirty Meter Telescope case, foster parents get a raise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Madeline 2 a.m. HST Tuesday, National Weather Service

At 5:00 a.m., the center of Hurricane Madeline was about 445 miles east of Hilo. Madeline is moving toward the west near 10 mph (17 km/h) and this motion is expected to become west southwesterly later today through early Thursday. KHON2.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Big Island while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui County as Hurricane Madeline draws nearer to the state as a Category 3 storm. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Madeline weakened slightly overnight but was still a powerful Category 3 storm and the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for Hawaii island and a tropical storm watch for Maui County this morning. The Big Island is also under a hurricane watch. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Madeline now a Cat. 4 storm. KITV.

The National Weather Service says Hurricane Madeline could come dangerously close to the Big Island by Wednesday and may have impacts worse than Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Lester has weakened slightly, but remains a category 3 storm as it churns toward the Central Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

A federal appeals court Monday dismissed an appeal about whether a vote seen as a step toward self-governance for Native Hawaiians should be open only to Native Hawaiians or to all of the state’s registered voters, saying the issue does not merit consideration because the U.S. Supreme Court issued an injunction against such a vote. Associated Press.

Hawaii foster parents will see a boost in the amount the state pays them to care for foster children under an $85 million settlement announced Monday that’s expected to resolve a federal class-action lawsuit and related case filed in state court. Star-Advertiser.

Foster parents in Hawaii will get more money to help pay expenses for the children in their care under a lawsuit settlement announced Monday. Civil Beat.

The state’s largest labor union backed a slate of Democratic candidates heading into the Aug. 13 primary election, shelling out thousands of dollars in contributions and providing extra bodies to do campaign grunt work. The Hawaii Government Employees Association, which represents more than 42,000 state and county workers, endorsed the winner in most races. Civil Beat.

The director of such films as “Freedom,” which starred Cuba Gooding Jr., and “David and Goliath” is helming a new $50 million film about Hawaii’s beginnings that will be shot entirely in Hawaii and create hundreds of jobs in the state. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
President Barak Obama is headed to Honolulu where he’s expected to address members of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature – the I-U-C-N.    In the meantime, preparations for his visit are at a fevered pitch in a number of places on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

An incident on the H-1 freeway Aug. 1 that left three people with stab wounds and closed several lanes for five hours has prompted a Honolulu city councilman to introduce a bill to discourage road rage. Star-Advertiser.

State and federal investigators raided the Maile Sky Court in Waikiki on Monday in response to allegations of construction irregularities at a $25 million renovation project there. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii School Aide Said He Saw Abuse, Then He Got Fired. The Department of Education is silent about a claim that an educational assistant poured iced coffee over the head of a student. Civil Beat.

Promoters of a planned $25 million artificial reef containing cremated human remains off Hawaii Kai are dropping their “memorial reef” proposal but will push ahead with trying to establish a new fish habitat. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Kai Satellite City Hall and police substation at Hawaii Kai Towne Center will relocate to a different site in East Honolulu after the property owner more than doubled the rent. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A proposed order seeking to prevent Gov. David Ige from testifying in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case was denied Monday. Tribune-Herald.

A breakdown in Maui hospital negotiations over the weekend could delay similar privatization plans for Kona Community Hospital. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard visited three East Hawaii farms and met with agriculture researchers Monday as part of a statewide tour during Congress’ summer recess. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Kaiser Permanente now plans to wait until July 1 to take over three state-run Maui County medical facilities, a decision that means further delays for the largest privatization effort in state history. It could also mean the Maui hospital operations will be scaled back in the months ahead, according to a top hospital executive. Star-Advertiser.

The much postponed transition of Maui’s three public hospitals to Kaiser Permanent management hit a new setback today with the news that Kaiser has written a letter to Governor Ige to postpone the official start date until July 1, 2017. Maui Watch.

Maui has made great strides toward saving some of its most vulnerable native plants, but many local habitats are still facing "desperate situations," environmental experts said Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Today is the last day to share feedback on two alternative plans for the Black Pot Beach Park Master Plan. Garden Island.

Over the past two years, Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project has led expeditions into the forests of Kauai’s Alakai Wilderness Preserve, searching for the nests of two bird species: the akikiki and the akekee. Garden Island.

Hawaii fishermen lament development, new law gives beekeepers a break, Abercrombie praises Ellison, Tesoro sale saves jobs, pro-rail group snags Inouye aide, Dems file suit over primary, Kauai mulls raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii shore fishermen (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii fishermen asked policymakers to address how runoff caused by land development harms reefs, fisheries and oceans when they consider how to cope with the effects of climate change. Associated Press.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii filed a lawsuit Monday in federal court challenging the state's open primary system as an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment right to free association. Star-Advertiser.

It’s a honey of a bill for local beekeepers. Starting today, small beekeepers can produce up to 500 gallons of honey a year and sell it to retail establishments, as well as directly to the consumer, without having to get a Department of Health permit or use a certified kitchen. West Hawaii Today.

The state has made it easier for at-home honey producers to package and sell their product, enacting a law that exempts small operators from obtaining a Department of Health permit if they sell fewer than 500 gallons of honey per year. Star-Advertiser.

Sweet! A new law will make room on supermarket shelves for locally produced honey. Garden Island.

Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a proclamation to designate Pollinator Week and a related piece of legislation into law today to bolster the honeybee industry in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is many things: underfunded, understaffed, ineffectual, indecisive and absolutely essential. The commission marks its 100th anniversary this year at one of the most critical times in its existence. Civil Beat.

With air travel vital for getting between the islands, local airline officials and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz are pushing to give many interisland commuters new options to zip through airport security. Star-Advertiser.

Today, the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) announced it has unanimously endorsed Brian Schatz for United States Senate in 2014. HGEA joins a fast-growing list of grassroots organizations, now totaling 24, supporting Schatz’s candidacy. Hawaii Independent.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui has received the endorsements of the Ironworkers Union Local 625 and Sheet Metal Union Local 293 as he seeks re-election in 2014. Maui News.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who died last year, was posthumously awarded the U.S. Army Pacific Mana O Ke Koa “Spirit of the Warrior” award during the U.S. Army Pacific’s birthday commemoration ceremony Friday. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for June 18. Associated Press.

Oahu

The non-profit pro-rail group Move Oahu Forward, whose job is to galvanize support for the 20-mile elevated rail line, has just named Inouye’s former chief of staff, Jennifer Sabas, as its new executive director. The group played a lead role in promoting rail during the 2012 mayoral election. Civil Beat.

Tesoro's Corp.'s 18-month quest to find a buyer for its Kapolei oil refinery finally paid off with the company announcing Monday that it will sell the facility and preserve at least 165 jobs that were scheduled to be eliminated. Star-Advertiser.

Tesoro Corp. said Monday that it has signed an agreement to sell Tesoro Hawaii, LLC, which operates the 94,000 barrel-per-day Kapolei refinery as well as dozens of retail gas stations to a subsidiary of Texas-based Par Petroleum Corp. called called Hawaii Pacific Energy LLC for close to $400 million. Pacific Business News.

The city of Honolulu's Department of Community Services is holding a series of mandatory workshops to ensure nonprofit groups who receive taxpayer grants know exactly what's expected of them as well as the paperwork involved. KITV4.

Farrington auditorium rebuild will go out to bid by year's end. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A bill before the Hawaii County Council to restrict the use of genetically modified crops will be the subject of a meeting next week held by GMO Free Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

The lava rocks on this narrow, irregular pathway are hundreds of years old and are part of the 175-mile Ala Kahakai, “trail by the sea,” that linked communities, temples, fishing areas and other important locations along Hawaii Island’s western coast. West Hawaii Today.

Volunteers with the Volcano Community Association and Cooper Center Council invite folks of all ages and locales to join in the village’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

‘The steals are gone’: Real estate market improving. Maui News.

A council committee today recommended a formal investigation into the potential misuse of county funds for the demolition of the Old Wailuku Post Office. Maui Now.

Kauai

In its first meeting of 2013, the Kauai Salary Commission got a short message Monday from Boards and Commissions Administrator Paula Morikami: Get ready to discuss potential pay raises for elected and appointed officials. Garden Island.

More than two hours into a passionate discussion, the Kauai County Council by a 4-3 vote deferred for 90 days a resolution to prompt an investigation into the handling of non-conforming use permits for transient vacation rentals operating outside visitor destination areas. Garden Island.

Molokai

Hawaiian Airlines is now hiring Molokai personnel for its new flight service, `Ohana by Hawaiian, which will serve Molokai and Lanai later this year. Positions will include part time ramp service clerk/agents and a full time supervisor for ramp and passenger services. No start date for launching the new service has been released by Hawaiian, but Worldwide Flight Services, handling Molokai hiring, announced the local positions would tentatively start in mid-August. Molokai Dispatch.

The Molokai Community Health Center is in the midst of transforming its facility to better serve the Friendly Isle’s underserved populations as it nears the end of a three-phase, $8.5 million capital campaign. Pacific Business News.
Lanai

A year after software billionaire Larry Ellison purchased the island of Lanai, Gov. Neil Abercrombie praised what he called Ellison's "very successful" first year as owner of the former Pineapple Island. Hawaii News Now.

HECO can recoup Big Wind costs, feds investigate labor union, lawmakers felt threatened by email, state nurses pay raised, bankruptcy filings down, lawmakers tighten anti-gambling regs, Kauai seeks MRF, Hawaiian activists make camp on state land, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

undersea cable, courtesy photo

Hawaiian Electric Co. can now recover $3.9 million from its customers to pay for studies related to the so-called “Big Wind” projects on Lanai and Molokai that would pump electricity to Oahu via an undersea cable, according to a Hawaii Public Utilities Commission ruling Tuesday.Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's early-childhood education initiative survived the scrutiny of the state House Finance Committee on Tuesday, but many lawmakers still have fundamental questions about a program that could eventually cost the state more than $125 million a year. Star-Advertiser.

Turns out teacher absenteeism in Hawaii isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be. That was the conclusion Hawaii Board of Education Human Resource Committee members came to after perusing data presented to them at a meeting Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Nearly 1,700 registered professional nurses of the Hawaii Government Employees Association Bargaining Unit 9 will receive a 4 percent pay increase retroactive to Jan. 1 and another 4 percent effective April 1, the HGEA announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are debating amending the state’s anti-gambling law to clarify that it’s illegal to sell goods or services that entitle people to play gambling machines. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers are debating where to draw the line between journalists’ right to protect confidential sources and the needs of law enforcement. Associated Press.

An email sent to state senators on Easter Sunday is being called a threatening and cowardly message that crossed the line. KHON2.

State Senate President Donna Mercado Kim criticized the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents on Tuesday for questionable financial decision-making and a lack of communication with lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

The state Office of Information Practices issued an opinion that “almost none” of the redactions to the 57-page University of Hawaii fact-finders’ report on the Stevie Wonder concert debacle were justified under state law. Star-Advertiser.

Federal authorities are investigating possible misuse of union assets by former Hawaii Painters Union officials. Hawaii News Now.

Former Mortgage Task Force Member Still Wants Ethics Cover. Civil Beat.

The number of Hawaii residents and businesses filing for bankruptcy during the first three months of 2013 fell to the lowest level in nearly five years, according to data released by U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Star-Advertiser.

People in Hawaii are donning sweaters and long-sleeve shirts as winds from the north send temperatures to record lows. Associated Press.

The Pearl Harbor destroyer Chung-Hoon, whose deployment was delayed three times amid budget uncertainties, finally glided away from port Tuesday on its way to duty in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean region. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for April 3. Associated Press.

Oahu
Mayor Kirk Caldwell will re-emphasize his five priorities for Hono­lulu when he delivers his first State of the City speech at Mission Memorial Auditorium next to Hono­lulu Hale this morning. Star-Advertiser.

District 9 boasts has nearly 390 lane-miles of city-owned road — and it earns the dubious distinction of having the lowest share of roads in satisfactory condition and the highest share in substandard condition. Star-Advertiser.

A private power provider generating nearly one-fourth of Oahu's electricity went off­line Tuesday morning, resulting in a 40-minute power outage for as many as 75,000 Hawaiian Electric customers in Central, West and Windward Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi laid out an ambitious slate of projects Tuesday, while acknowledging the fiscal realities that could prevent the county from reaching those goals. West Hawaii Today.

The state’s patience may be running short for the small group of Hawaiian sovereignty activists who have symbolically reclaimed a corner of the Wailoa River State Recreation Area for the kingdom. Tribune-Herald.

All 71 of Hawaii Island’s tsunami emergency warning sirens sounded shortly before noon Tuesday after a maintenance worker mistakenly tripped the alarm. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well is out of service for the second time since it opened last year, Department of Water Supply officials said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Geothermal energy companies have until the end of this month to submit bids for a project on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii Electric Light Company wants to add up to 50 additional megawatts of geothermal energy. In Japan, a geothermal project is moving ahead with studies in national parks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui
Maui County Council members began their review of the proposed $573.6 million fiscal 2013-14 budget Monday by hearing an overview of Mayor Alan Arakawa's spending plan. Maui News.

A 58-year-old California man visiting Maui with his wife for a spring vacation was attacked by a shark Tuesday while surfing off Kaanapali. Star-Advertiser.

A 58-year-old man from Marina Del Rey, Calif., reported the shark that attacked him had a head "the size of a basketball." Maui News.

Kauai

County officials told Kaua‘i County Council members the administration is fast tracking a process to open a materials recovery facility at the former papaya disinfestation facility in Ahukini near Lihu‘e Airport. If all goes well, it would take at least three years for it to be up and running. Garden Island.

When it comes down to public money, it’s never water under the bridge for Kaua‘i County Council members, who fired much criticism toward the county Public Works Department Monday for overspending on two bridges due to design flaws. Garden Island.

Abandoned Kauai Dogs Get Life Saving Plane Ride. Civil Beat.

Abercrombie seeks redo of Public Land Development Corp., Hawaii union membership rises, Legislature mulls sugar tax, legal marijuana, $750M to fix Honolulu airport, Hawaii County Council fights geothermal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai boat harbor (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Abercrombie administration wants state lawmakers to create a new development authority for state harbors and parks that would partner with the private sector on recreational and leisure projects to bring new revenue for the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's efforts to strengthen its lobbying laws have consistently fallen victim to a resistant Legislature. Civil Beat.

Allowing a greater swath of the population to take advantage of solar energy and save money on their electricity bills is a top priority for Gov. Neil Abercrombie this legislative session. Civil Beat.

Union membership in Hawaii rose in 2012 even as the unionization rate declined nationally. Star-Advertiser.

Several key Hawaii lawmakers want to legalize marijuana in the Aloha State. Associated Press.

Bills that reform Hawaii’s marijuana laws are likely to gain traction in the state Legislature this year, bolstered by a change in House leadership and a new poll that reassures lawmakers of broad public support. Honolulu Weekly.

Four Hawaii senators want to charge 1 cent per teaspoon of sugar in each drink and use the revenue to fund community health centers and help trauma victims.  They say the tax would translate to about 10 cents per 12-ounce soda. KITV4.

Hawaii governors have a lot of appointment power. They include Cabinet members and deputy directors, judges and justices, members of board and commissions. Civil Beat.

Federal attorney Derrick Watson appeared Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which is considering whether to send his nomination as Hawaii's fourth full-time U.S. district judge to the Senate floor for a vote. Star-Advertiser.

As tourism fuels recovery in Hawaii, the state's tourism marketers are focusing on getting more visitors to sample neighbor islands, where hotels have more free rooms. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii President MRC Greenwood Goes to Washington During Inauguration to Lobby for Presidential Center. Hawaii Reporter.

The largest supplier of flu vaccines in Hawaii has run out of some products. KHON2.

State briefs 1/24. Associated Press.

Oahu
Travelers passing through Honolulu Airport can expect to see construction start later this year on a $750 million effort to erect new terminals, larger gates, a new rental car building and other improvements at Hawaii's busiest ­— but aging — commercial airport. Star-Advertiser.

A developer's request to raise the height limit for a new $275 million hotel in Waikiki gets its first airing before the City Council Zoning and Planning Committee today. Star-Advertiser.

The city of Honolulu has paid an exterminator $17,372 to eradicate bedbug infestations at two city-owned affordable housing complexes. Civil Beat.

Schofield soldiers train for mission as 'key leaders' of Afghan troops. Star-Advertiser.

A fiber optic cable near one that broke during a fire last Tuesday was intentionally cut Wednesday night, affecting phone and cable services around the state for the second time in less than two weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Eddie Sherman, the longtime three-dot columnist who wrote about celebrities for the Honolulu Advertiser, Honolulu Star-Bulletin and MidWeek, died Tuesday at Straub Clinic & Hospital after a massive heart attack at home, said his wife, Patty Sherman. He was 88. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Newspaper Columnist Eddie Sherman Dies at 89. Hawaii Reporter.

A bus rider was caught off guard by an army of rats. He couldn't believe his eyes and had to pull out his cell phone to catch it all on video. KHON2.

Olive Garden tops a list of national retailers eyeing a Hawaii debut. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
Hawaii County residents offered a unified front against actions the Legislature took last year regarding what areas of the state could be used for geothermal energy. West Hawaii Today.

Almost three months after Hawaii County evicted Abel Simeona Lui and a group of Native Hawaiians claiming indigenous rights to the 784-acre oceanfront parcel, the property, purchased with taxpayer money through the public lands and open space fund, remains in limbo as the county works with community groups on how best to proceed. West Hawaii Today.

A Big Island lawmaker believes it’s “high time” for Hawaii to legalize marijuana. Tribune-Herald.

February marks the start of the Year of the Snake on the Chinese calendar, and the traditional celebration of the Chinese New Year nearly slithered away from downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Three Projects Critical to the Big Island Economy. Big Island Now.

Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph, the Tribune-Herald’s running columnist who promoted health and fitness as his life’s motto, died Tuesday night. He was 65. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission members reviewed and recommended approval Tuesday of a bill to permit transient vacation rentals at the 230-unit Puamana oceanfront resort complex in Lahaina. Maui News.

During more than 40 years as an attorney, B. Martin Luna represented developers at state and county hearings for many resorts and other large projects in Maui County. Maui News.

The 2013 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award winners for the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the US included three Maui restaurants. Maui Now.

Kauai

The proposed Waimea Sports complex would feature facilities for all ages when it opens. Garden Island.

Wednesday was a good day for the Kaua‘i County Council to push decisions to another day, as all four bills worked by different committees were deferred to February. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works is offering the public a bus tour of the proposed site for the new landfill and resource recovery park located about a mile north of Hanama‘ulu off Ma‘alo Road. Garden Island.

Molokai

A fisherman and conservationist is being honored for a lifetime of work protecting Molokai's northern coast. Associated Press.

Hawaii tourism looks bright, few judicial applicants, teachers angry over union negotiations, Medicare premiums to rise, solar for every school, Kauai mayor can discipline police chief, more tsunami response analysis, news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pool party (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Tuesday that September visitor arrivals grew 6.1 percent to 595,019 and spending rose 15.6 percent to $1.1 billion, which was $146.5 million more than in September of 2011. Star-Advertiser.

Total spending by visitors to Hawaii rose 16 percent in September to $1.1 billion, and was nearly 20 percent higher for the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2011, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Aspects of Hawaii’s economy — outside of tourism — are beginning to show signs of a recovery, according to First Hawaiian Bank economist Leroy Laney. Pacific Business News.

A month of head-to-head debates, outside spending and full-bore campaigning did not move the needle, and Mazie Hirono is still comfortably ahead of Linda Lingle in the race for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate Candidate Lingle Profiled. Hawaii Public Radio.

Negotiations between the State and the Hawaii teachers union has stalled again and some teachers are talking strike. Hawaii News Now.

In what could become the largest solar power project of its kind in the nation, the Department of Education is proposing to install photovoltaic panels on every public school in Hawaii over the next five years in a bid to cut electricity costs and move the state closer to its renewable energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Miscalculated Wave Impact on Hawaii Shores. Hawaii Reporter.

Buoys may need relocating after Saturday's tsunami. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senior Geophysicists: There May Be More Cost Effective, Efficient Ways to Track Tsunamis. Hawaii Reporter.

The number of applicants for higher-level state judgeships has been decreasing over the years, according to data released Tuesday by state Judicial Selection Commission members who want to see more applications for future vacancies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s two largest health insurers will increase premiums for seniors with Medicare insurance coverage on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two major surveys conducted earlier this month have both candidates for Honolulu mayor as frontrunners: the pro-rail Caldwell, and the anti-rail Cayetano. KITV4.

The tab for the advertising campaign by the Pacific Resource Partnership Political Action Committee this election season has topped $2.8 million, with nearly all of it going to the pro-rail group's effort to defeat mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano. Star-Advertiser.

Ben Cayetano wants Honolulu’s local TV stations to stop airing certain ads by the Pacific Resource Partnership, otherwise he might include them as defendants in a defamation lawsuit he lodged last week. Civil Beat.

By the time next week’s election is over and all the bills are paid, the Hawaii Carpenters Union and its affiliates will have spent nearly $4 million in an unprecedented effort to elect their chosen candidate for Honolulu mayor, Kirk Caldwell and, perhaps more importantly, blasting his opponent, former Gov. Ben Cayetano. Civil Beat.

It wasn’t 10 to 1, but when it comes to campaign money Ben Cayetano is definitely the last dog around the bend in the sprint for the Honolulu Mayor’s Office. Civil Beat.

Thielen challenges Hemmings’ return to Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Cockroaches have invaded an Ewa neighborhood by the thousands. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi pumped almost $90,000 into his re-election machine between the primary election and Oct. 22, as challenger and former Mayor Harry Kim sprinkled his grass-roots campaign with a tenth of that, according to reports filed Monday with the state Campaign Spending Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is calling a cattle grazing program at the Kapulena Agricultural Park a success, but when the land will host its first farmers remains unclear. Tribune-Herald.

Big Islanders using the county Civil Defense’s mass emergency notification system on Saturday received no notice of a tsunami warning until after 8:45 p.m. – nearly two hours after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center told residents to anticipate a tsunami. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Mike Victorino has spent close to $100,000 on his bid for re-election with a week to go before the general election. Maui News.

After a first term highlighted by passage of short-term vacation rental regulations and work toward a Maui Island Plan for future growth, Don Couch says he hopes to be re-elected to the Maui County Council's South Maui residency seat so he can continue the work. Maui News.

Planned organized Halloween activities that involve closing down Front Street in Lahaina on Wednesday will go on as scheduled with the state Intermediate Court of Appeals' denial Monday of a motion by a Kula man to cancel the festivities. Maui News.

Kula resident Richard Dancil today said he planned to file a motion for reconsideration this morning seeking a stay of the event. Maui Now.

Kauai
A Kauai circuit judge Tuesday ruled the mayor of Kauai has powers to suspend or discipline the police chief. Star-Advertiser.

The 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday ruled that the mayor has the power to suspend or discipline the chief of police. Garden Island.

Most Hawaii families are the mom and pop type, state mulls federal waiver for welfare-to-work, unions can force employees to campaign, Kauai drought brings disaster declaration, Molokai man's DNA lawsuit explored, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii mom (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Almost three quarters of all families in Hawaii are literally "mom and pop" operations, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration is considering whether to accept a waiver that would allow states to develop their own welfare-to-work programs under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program with a decision expected by the Department of Human Services as soon as November. KITV4.

Unions and corporations are prohibited by federal law from coercing employees to make financial contributions to candidates, but UPW's attorneys argued — and the three Republican appointees to the FEC agree — that employees can be required to participate in activities such as sign-waving, telephone banking and canvassing for candidates as they did in 2010 for congressional candidate Colleen Hanabusa. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Democrats will meet Saturday to act on a complaint against state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz that could lead to his censure. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has no official plan for dealing with Japanese tsunami debris that has begun showing up in offshore waters, no task force to help coordinate federal, state and city response efforts and virtually no funding to deal with the issue. Civil Beat.

The Federal Aviation Administration has put up money to help search for the best site in Hawaii for a commercial spaceport, and to study the environmental impacts of launching and landing commercial spacecraft from Hawaii airports. Star-Advertiser.

A team from the University of Hawaii's accrediting agency that visited earlier this month supports a plan to form a working group to review "delegations of authority" in the wake of a botched benefit concert, and wants to be apprised of any report or legislation resulting from the concert fallout, according to a draft synopsis of the team's conclusions. Star-Advertiser.

The aftermath of the Stevie Wonder blunder has caught the attention of the agency that accredits the University of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Epic Talent LLC - the company that took a $200,000 deposit on the promise of staging a Stevie Wonder concert at the University of Hawaii in August but had no authority to do so -bills itself as “reliable consulting source for accessing big name entertainment for public concerts, corporate events and fundraisers around the world” amd promises to look out for their “clients’ best interests.” Hawaii Reporter.

With less than a week before the 11th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention opens on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the Hawaii Convention Center, registration has hit 600 participants during the three-day event. Hawaii Reporter.

Today the Army is shutting down regular operations to focus everyone’s attention on a “silent enemy”. The stand down day will train soldiers of all ranks in preventing suicide,  the Army’s fastest growing threat, and military leaders are asking for everyone’s help. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former state lawmaker Kenneth Koon Leong Lee 'compassionate,' 'tough'. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for September 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayoral candidates Kirk Caldwell and Ben Cayetano will meet in a live, televised setting on two consecutive nights next week, the only chances the public will have to see the two candidates face off against each other on television before the Nov. 6 general election. Star-Advertiser.

The pro-rail group that spent more than a million dollars this election season has launched its first ad since the primary election. KHON2.

Roads, sewers and homelessness. That's what's on the minds of leading contenders for Tulsi Gabbard’s vacant Honolulu City Council seat. Civil Beat.

Green thumb or not, Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto has been busy recently working to transform another one of his Kahala Avenue home lots into a public garden — this one a Japanese tea garden. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is adjusting its game plan for the Nov. 6 general election in order to avoid the problems that plagued the primary. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation won’t be starting construction on Queen Kaahumanu Highway this month, and just when construction will begin is unclear. West Hawaii Today.

When it comes to politics, Russell Ruderman and Daryl Smith might as well be from different worlds. Tribune-Herald.

State House District 3: Race features community activist, former teacher and man of ideas. Tribune-Herald.

A worldwide shrimp breeder is moving its headquarters from Florida to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and expanding its Hawaii operations. Tribune-Herald.

A 12-year-old dolphin at Hilton Waikoloa Village gave birth to a female calf that seemed to instantly recognize her mother. Associated Press.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously approved Tuesday a permit for the University of Hawaii Maui College to expand its ongoing investments in renewable, photovoltaic energy. Maui News.

An environmental group wants to put an end to cane burning on Maui. StopCaneBurning.org says smoke from operations at HC&S, Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar company, is making residents sick and could potentially cause life-threatening illness. On Wednesday, the two sides met to discuss concerns at the HC&S office in Puunene. Hawaii News Now.

Officials at Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company responded today to a cane burning petition presented by members of an opposition group on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council candidates have already gone through a series of public meetings during this year’s election season, but Tuesday night was the first time they participated in a debate leading to Nov. 6 General Elections. Garden Island.

The U.S. Agriculture Department has designated Kaua‘i County as a natural disaster area due to a “severe” drought, which has lasted for more than eight straight weeks during the growing season. Garden Island.

Federal officials said Wednesday that based on wind and currents, the floating dock suspected of being 2011 tsunami debris from Japan could be headed toward Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

A list of recommended rules that would regulate commercial boating and commercial surf activities at Hanalei Black Pot Beach Park were presented to the mayor on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A Molokai man has filed a lawsuit seeking to use DNA to prove his ancestry so he can qualify for the Hawaiian homelands program. Star-Advertiser.

A Molokai man has filed a lawsuit seeking to use DNA to prove his ancestry so he can qualify for the Hawaiian homelands program, which leases land at almost no cost to Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Kukui nuts have long been used by Hawaiians for food and medicinal purposes, but it may soon be also used for fuel –specifically, biodiesel fuel. Wayde Lee, who created the Molokai Sustainable Farming Project (MSFP) last year, has been exploring biodiesel initiatives that he said may lead to economic stability and energy security for Molokai farmers. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie job approval up, IBEW lawsuit airs internal union workings, early voting begins, Pearl Harbor looks good to military, Maui mayor visiting Taiwan, Kauai rates landfill sites, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie file photo

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's job approval rating has climbed to 43 percent, up from 39 percent in February. Star-Advertiser.

Walk-in early voting began across the state Monday as election officials warned voters to expect lots of changes because of redistricting. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Senate candidates Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle are already focusing on each other, even though each has yet to win her respective primary. Civil Beat.

With just days until Hawaii's August 11 primary, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, continued to miss voting on key measures so she can fundraise and campaign for the seat left open by the retirement of U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. Hawaii Reporter.

Murder for hire, nepotism and lavish spending are central plots in a recent whisteblower lawsuit filed against the top administrator of one of Honolulu’s labor unions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s request for flexibility from some requirements of the No Child Left Behind law would use multiple measures to determine how schools are progressing. Associated Press.

Honolulu-based Matson Inc. said Monday that it has formed a philanthropic foundation that plans to give $1 million per year to nonprofit and community organizations in Hawaii, Guam and the Mainland. Pacific Business News.

A scientist who helped build public interest and research about the preservation of humpback whales has died. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for July 31. Associated Press.

Oahu

A new study on U.S. military forces in the Pacific recommends placing another three-ship amphibious ready group in the region — possibly in Hawaii — in addition to the 2,700 extra Marines already moving here. Star-Advertiser.

An innovative hydrogen production and vehicle fueling station jointly developed by the military and the state of Hawaii over the past six years is ready for prime time. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board will vet a controversial development proposal on Tuesday night by Kamehameha Schools to build a strip mall on a 4.5 acre property on Kalanianaole Highway, just across the street from popular Maunalua Bay. Hawaii Reporter.

Former state Sen. Ron Menor is the biggest name in a field of four candidates vying for far-flung Hono­lulu City Council District 9, which runs from Mililani Town to Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

The Primary Election is less than 2 weeks away and three Early Voting Sites were opened today on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Every student gets an iPad; that's the goal of an Oahu school. KHON2.

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services has six major sewer projects in August that may impact roadways and traffic on Oahu. KITV4.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council is taking on vetoes of geothermal bills on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

With no Republican challengers, the Aug. 11 primary election race between current Democratic state Rep. Mark Nakashima and challenger Noralyn Pajimola will dictate who takes the state House District 1 seat to speak for East Hawaii residents along the Hamakua Coast between Hilo and Waipio. Tribune-Herald.

The voting registration problems and a probe into possible voter fraud in Hawaii County have illustrated a potential problem: county voting officials do not have to answer to the state. Hawaii News Now.

Hilo voters ready to cast their ballots, did so Monday. KITV4.

Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is calling for patience as County Elections officials sort out apparent discrepancies in the county voter registration database. KPUA.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has been selected as part of a small delegation of mayors that is visiting Taiwan to promote economic and cultural exchange with the US. Maui Now.

Restauranteur Bob Longhi died early Monday afternoon at Maui Memorial Medical Center after suffering a heart attack early Friday morning, said his son Peter Longhi. Maui News.

Kauai
County officials announced late Monday afternoon the release of the new siting study report which places Ma‘alo at the top of a list including eight potential sites for the island’s next landfill. Garden Island.

An assistant professor at University of Hawai‘i at Manoa recently told federal lawmakers the steadily increasing surface air temperature in Hawai‘i is causing reduced cloud cover and a 15 percent decline in rainfall, UH reported Friday. Garden Island.

Environmental exemption bill to be heard today, Maui seeks waste-to-energy plant, bid protest costs state $1.2M, cheaper to rent than buy in Honolulu, HART gets grilling, new AP chief at Hawaii helm, Hawaiian land bill advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ka'u coastline (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Environmentalists, clean energy advocates, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a few lawmakers are among those who vehemently oppose Senate Bill 755 — a measure to be heard Thursday that gives the governor and county mayors latitude in exempting state and county projects from regulatory review. Civil Beat.

Environmental Bills Criticized by GOP lawmakers. Hawaii Public Radio.

A “must-pass” priority of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration this legislative session – transfer of $200 million worth of land to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs  -- has survived unscathed to date and has just a few more hurdles to clear before enactment. Hawaii Reporter.

The Attorney General's Office is seeking $1.2 million in state funds to settle a 2008 protest filed against the Office of Elections over the agency's awarding of a contract for electronic voting machines that year. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health has doubled the number of mosquito traps it has at Honolulu International Airport from twenty to forty after a rare species, efficient at spreading disease, was found there early this year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Ambassador of Energy could be a fitting title for Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. Civil Beat.

Former Congressman Ed Case will be filing nomination papers Thursday so he can run for U.S. Senate in Hawaii's August primary. Hawaii News Now.

The number of female-owned businesses in Hawaii has grown by 55 percent over the past 15 years with 39,900 establishments today, accounting for $5.34 billion in sales annually, according to a study released Wednesday by American Express. Star-Advertiser.

Oskar Garcia, a versatile reporter for The Associated Press in Las Vegas and leader in the company's use of social media as a reporting tool, has been named news editor for Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. Associated Press.

Oahu

The City Council grilled members of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit Wednesday on points ranging from spending federal dollars for coloring books to the wisdom of approving preliminarily the sale of bonds they may reject later. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu media entrepreneurs have formed separate independent political committees aimed at helping Ben Cayetano win the Honolulu mayor's race. Civil Beat.

A bill designed to allow lunch trucks more time to sell food along city streets is poised for a final vote after the City Council Wednesday voted unanimously to give Bill 59 the second of three necessary approvals. Star-Advertiser.

United Steelworkers union members at Tesoro Corp’s Hawaii refinery in Kapolei have ratified a new contract. Pacific Business News.

It might be cheaper to rent a home rather than buy in Honolulu, according to Trulia’s Winter 2012 Rent vs. Buy Index. Pacific Business News.

The controversy over a new study analyzing the best site to build new apartments for university professors spilled over into a legislative hearing Wednesday. KITV4.

Several business owners in Kakaako have sent a letter to the city asking that they put an end to a "he said - she said" situation over a stretch of land on Queen street. KHON2.

City should provide cost breakdown of Occupy Honolulu raids. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The Hilo car dealership that had already set aside five electric hybrid vehicles in Mayor Billy Kenoi’s preferred color was the sole bidder on a $234,536 sealed bid solicitation opened earlier this week. West Hawaii Today.

Innovations Public Charter School plans to begin the next school year with eight more classrooms, a soccer field, a covered basketball court and two new grade levels with a $2.9 million federal government loan for expansion. West Hawaii Today.

A West Hawaii councilwoman’s attempt to stop an executive session failed Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The County of Maui plans to covert trash into energy and lighten its carbon footprint by developing a Waste Conversion Plant in Pu’unene. Maui Now.

A spot on the edge of Haleakala National Park overlooking Hana at about 5,400 feet elevation may be the wettest place in Hawaii and among the spots with the most rainfall in the world, said a University of Hawaii climatologist. Maui News.

Maui County officials are scheduled to start Tuesday to rebuild an eroded dirt road that has virtually stranded some 40 residents in a remote, rural area of East Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

County officials are asking residents to submit their ideas about the future of Kaua‘i’s public parks. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on a 5-2 vote Wednesday approved a request from the county’s Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to spend county funds to hire a law office assistant position, but not without delays caused by an ongoing legal feud. Garden Island.

Molokai

Two Molokai natives have achieved one of the highest ranks in the Fire Department. Molokai Dispatch.

Federal funding is available for organic farmers, and now is your chance to benefit from this program. Molokai Dispatch.