High tides and coastal flooding expected, Oahu vacation rentals drop amid crackdown, Trump SECNAV pick has Hawaii ties, obsolete radios hamper Kauai sheriffs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii swimmers with sea turtle ©2019 All Hawaii News

NWS Issues Coastal Flooding Bulletin For Major Islands. The National Weather Service issued a special advisory Monday warning that flooding may occur this week along the shores of the major Hawaiian islands because of unusually high tides that are expected. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Unusually High Water Levels” Prompt Special Weather Statement. The greatest potential for coastal flooding impacts will be during the peak high tides, which will occur before sunrise from Tuesday through Friday, forecasters say. Big Island Video News.

 State under threat of coastal flooding this week. Coastal flooding is possible for all shores around the state this week because of unusually high water levels, the National Weather Service said. Star-Advertiser.

Special Weather Statement: Coastal Flooding to Peak During High Tides. The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement on possible coastal flooding for all islands of Maui County, in effect from Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Maui Now.

Poll: Oahu Voters Want Action On Climate Change. A new survey finds high levels of support for doing things individually and collectively to address the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

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State residents urged to get immunized. State health officials are urging unvaccinated Hawaii residents to get immunized from measles, which is rapidly spreading across the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Problems plague costly school A/C, while cheaper program makes headway. A $100 million pledge aimed to cool classrooms statewide. That was just a few years ago, and some of those classrooms are heating up again as the costly systems are breaking down. KHON2.

President’s selection for Navy secretary flew sub-hunting missions out of Barbers Point. The retired rear admiral selected by President Donald Trump to be the next secretary of the Navy started his operational career at Naval Air Station Barbers Point in 1986 flying anti-submarine missions in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air to re-launch service from Honolulu to Fukuoka. Hawaiian Airlines is bringing back a route discontinued about five years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Vacation rentals: Oahu supply dropping amid city crackdown. The number of vacation rentals on Oahu dropped in October, the second month of declines since a city crackdown on illegal rentals took effect. Star-Advertiser.

HECO partners with the Navy for new 80K-panel solar facility at West Loch. Hawaiian Electric and the Navy are celebrating a new solar energy project at Pearl Harbor's West Loch Annex. Hawaii News Now.

Big increase in guns being used for Oahu crimes. There has been a rash of crimes, including violent ones, being committed using firearms. Last year, there were 84 arrests for weapons charges on Oahu, but over the past six months, there were more arrests than all of 2018. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Another Alii development proposal scrapped. The owner and developer of a 50-unit residential community proposed across from Pahoehoe Beach Park on Alii Drive has withdrawn their application for a Special Management Area Use Permit — meaning the lot will likely be preserved for open space. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Golf Course Worries Over End To County Herbicide Use. Hilo's councilmembers were hoping the municipal golf course would be exempt under the proposed law ending the use of herbicides at county parks. Big Island Video News.

Greenwell Garden purchased. The Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in South Kona has been sold to the local nonprofit that formed three years ago to ensure it remain in Big Island hands.West Hawaii Today.

Bishop Museum Sells Amy B.H. Greenwell Garden To Kona Nonprofit. Ownership of the garden has been transferred to the Kona-based Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Public Access Expands for Maui Zoning, Real Property Information. Two County of Maui departments have collaborated to make zoning and real property information more readily available to the public. Maui Now.

Kauai

Sheriff’s deputies on Kauai say obsolete radios mean they can’t call for help. The union for sheriff’s deputies on Kauai claims the state is putting them and the public at risk when they transport dangerous prisoners. Hawaii News Now.

KIUC seeks 65-year water lease to energize hydropower facilities. The public is being asked to comment on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative's plans for its Waiahi hydropower plants. Hawaii News Now.

Wind farm protesters in court, Supreme Court sides with Ige in nomination dispute, Honolulu auditor slams monster houses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahuku wind farm protests PC: Choon James

Arrested wind farm protesters appear in court as more are detained. More than 30 people accused of disobeying a police officer in the Na Pua Makani wind farm protest made their initial appearance in court Monday on the same day 18 additional people were arrested for attempting to block yet another convoy of turbine parts. Star-Advertiser.

Energy Giant AES Has A Big — And Growing — Footprint In Hawaii. The Kahuku wind farm developer opposed a proposed ban on coal in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Why Hawaiian Flags, Parking Tickets, Arrests Are Raising Free Speech Questions. There’s been a noticeable spike in Hawaiian flags seen on roads and highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supreme Court rules in favor of Ige in dispute over PUC appointment.  The 4-1 decision clarifies confusion over the governor’s authority to make appointments when the Legislature is not in session and brings some closure to a legal dispute that arose when the PUC rejected Florida- based NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries. Star-Advertiser.

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Stings net more than 2 dozen suspected child sex predators in Hawaii. Law enforcement officers pose as children online, using chat rooms and common social media apps. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General announces results of Operation Keiki Shield. The name of the operations are "Keiki Shield" and so far have involved 95 law enforcement officers and professional staff from over a dozen county, state, federal and military law enforcement agencies. KITV.

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Kauai’s Carvalho Backs Kahele For Congress. The Democratic state senator continues to rack up the endorsements. Civil Beat.

Former Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho endorses Kai Kahele for Congress. Former Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho has endorsed Kai Kahele in his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives, adding to the list of well-known political figures who have thrown their support behind the state senator for Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii unemployment rate remains steady at 2.7%. The seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 2.7% in October for the third straight month while nonfarm payrolls were virtually flat in falling by just 100 jobs, according to data released Monday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

Jobless rate holds steady. The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations on Monday announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October was 2.7 percent, for the third consecutive month. Garden Island.

Oahu

Auditor’s report slams city agency on ‘monster houses’. A just-completed audit of the city Department of Planning and Permitting’s handling of the explosion in the number of large, detached dwellings in recent years concluded the agency has been lax, inconsistent and ineffective in dealing with the “monster house” issue. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Monster Houses Still Running Amok Despite City Law. The city blamed turnover, reduced time for training and other factors for its failure to enforce the 2019 law. Civil Beat.

Audit: City failed to control ‘monster homes’ or take residents’ complaints seriously. Critic says city “took their eye off the ball”. Hawaii News Now.

New city audit finds DPP mismanaging monster home permits. Recommendations include better coordination and increasing fines for not having permits. KITV.




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Top Honolulu Rail Official Leaves HART As Project Reaching Critical Stage. Paula Youngling is the second high-level procurement officer to leave HART in recent months. Civil Beat.


Ridership on The Bus continues to decline. Since 2015 the City is seeing fewer people riding the bus. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell calls it a product of competition. KITV.

Public input sought on fix for Red Hill fuel tanks above aquifer. A letter mailed recently with every water bill was the Board of Water Supply’s way of drawing attention islandwide before a public meeting Tuesday. KHON2.

Million-Dollar Oahu Homes Shrink In Size. The square footage is smaller than it was just five years ago. Civil Beat.

Restoring Kaiwainui Marsh After Years Of Neglect Is Not As Easy As It Could Be. Lots of different groups want to restore and protect the iconic Oahu wetland. Civil Beat.

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A community park on the outskirts of Downtown is getting new life. The city, the YMCA and a local school celebrated are celebrating a deal that will revitalize a troubled downtown park. Hawaii News Now.

YMCA partners with city for Kamamalu park makeover. The Young Men’s Christian Association of Honolulu has agreed to pay $1.7 million for improvements at Kamamalu Neighborhood Park, the city facility next to the YMCA’s busy Nuuanu branch. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Managing Director Okabe resigns. Wil Okabe, Mayor Harry Kim’s managing director and right-hand man, is resigning effective Nov. 30. West Hawaii Today.

Climate crisis to be topic of presentation during council committee meeting. A Hawaii County Council committee will discuss strategies today for protecting the Big Island from rising sea levels brought about by climate change. Tribune-Herald.

In search of a solid waste solution. A resolution urging the departments of Environmental Management and Research and Development put their heads together to come up with a way to reduce waste and generate clean energy received unanimous backing at a committee hearing and is scheduled Wednesday for its final County Council vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Getting $10 Million From State For Mauna Kea Costs. The Hawaiʻi County Council Finance Committee will make a recommendation on accepting the funds during its meeting Tuesday in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Governor accepts final EIS for Pulehunui master plan. Water, wastewater, roads mapped out for state projects. Maui News.

Wailuku Community Divided Over Proposed Hotel. Landowners Jonathan Starr and Helen Nielsen are hoping a new hotel will revitalize the streets of Wailuku. Others, however, fear it could gentrify one the islandʻs last untouched towns. Maui Now.

Hawaii Among Recipients Of $29M In Fed Coastal Protection Grants. The University of Hawaii Office of Research Services is receiving $399,506 -- $199,506 in grants and $200,000 in matching funds -- to restore and enhance the Maui coastal dunes. Associated Press.

Home prices cool after record-breaking August. Median prices in September, October lower than houses selling at same time last year. Maui News.

Kauai

Finance Committee members tour affordable housing site, hemp farm. Members of the House Finance Committee toured two project sites on Monday that they hope will benefit from bills they intend to pass during next year’s legislative session. Garden Island.

Kauai’s jail is getting upgrades, but it won’t solve the overcrowding. The Kauai Community Correctional Center (KCCC) is different from the other Hawaii jails: It doesn’t have a guard tower, and it sits alongside a busy road, Kuhio Highway, with no fence separating it from the Highway, just a ditch. Hawaii News Now.

Helping Small Food Companies Cope With High Costs. A new business development program on Kauai aims to provide small operators with tools and resources to grow. Civil Beat.

Oahu, Maui top U.S. Thanksgiving destinations, Honolulu plastic ban advances, Kahuku wind farm protesters arrested, PUC nixes HELCO rate hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach scene ©2019 All Hawaii News

Oahu, Maui listed among top US Thanksgiving destinations according to AAA. Two Hawaiian Islands have been listed among some of the most coveted Thanksgiving destinations in America, according to a recent report by the American Automobile Association of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu, Maui Among Top Thanksgiving Destinations For US Travelers. For those travelers planning an international vacation for Thanksgiving, sandy beaches are their destinations of choice. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Economic Growth Is The Lowest In The Nation. Record visitor numbers are hiding an alarming trend. Civil Beat.

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Officials urge public to stay away from ocean ordnance prior to removal in 2020. State and federal officials say remedial work of unexploded ordnance off of Oahu’s North Shore and in Molokini is scheduled for spring 2020, after humpback whales have migrated back north and ocean waters are calmer. Star-Advertiser.

Federal and state agencies are issuing warnings to the public advising of the planned removal of unexploded ordnance from Oahu and the Molokini islet off Maui. Maui Now.

More money for protection of coral. Hawaii coral reefs are one step closer to receiving nearly $10 million more in federal funding thanks to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee approval of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act. Garden Island.

Bill To Restore And Conserve Hawai‘i’s Coral Reefs Passes Key Committee. A bill that would help to restore Hawai‘i’s coral reefs, was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.  The measure was introduced by US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), who is a member of the committee. Maui Now.

Oahu

Foodware plastics ban bill advances. Oahu would have the state’s strictest law against single-use, oil-based plastic containers and utensils under a bill approved 3-2 by the Honolulu City Council Public Safety and Welfare Committee Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of the proposed plastic ban want the city council to start over. Those who are against the proposal say the city council is rushing the bill and would prefer that they start over to get things right. KHON2.

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At least 26 arrested as hundreds of wind farm protesters turn out in Kalaeloa. Dozens of arrests were made late Thursday into early Friday as hundreds of protesters of a wind farm project gathered in Kalaeloa to block a transport of heavy equipment. Hawaii News Now.

The first of the latest wind turbines goes up in Kahuku. KITV.

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Honolulu Taxpayers Are Footing The Bill For Defense Lawyers’ Rail Advice. But city officials won’t say how much they’re paying the San Francisco law firm. Civil Beat.

Department of Planning and Permitting schedules public meeting to provide community with update on draft plan. The Department of Planning and Permitting has scheduled a public meeting to provide the community with an update on the East Kapolei Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Draft Plan. KITV.

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Taxpayers Spent Nearly $700,000 on Kealohas’ Legal Fees. The court-appointed attorney for Katherine Kealoha received the largest chunk of the fees. Civil Beat.

The federal government has paid out nearly $700,000 in legal expenses for the Kealohas and one of their co-defendants. The fees and costs were detailed in a report from the federal court Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha fed cases run up $700,000 in taxpayer-funded attorney fees. Taxpayers have footed the bills for nearly $700,000 in attorney fees in the Kealohas’ federal corruption and fraud cases. KHON2.

O'ahu taxpayers spent nearly $700,000 to cover lawyer fees for Kealohas and HPD officer. O'ahu tax payers spent nearly $700,000 to cover lawyer fees for the Kealohas and an HPD officer convicted of corruption. KITV.

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Yep, Hanabusa Is Running For Mayor Of Honolulu. The former congresswoman all but declares her campaign in an email to supporters. Civil Beat.

Waianae community divided over relocation of state’s largest homeless camp. The relocation of the state’s largest homeless camp is facing new resistance from its would-be neighbors. Hawaii News Now.

First kauhale homeless tiny homes going up next month in Kalaeloa. The first 10 tiny homes aimed at housing homeless military veterans are scheduled to go up next month in Kalaeloa as part of a new, wider approach to quickly develop permanent housing communities for homeless adults who have been living the longest on Oahu’s streets. Star-Advertiser.

The Fate Of This Beautiful Honolulu Park Is Now In The Hands Of One Man. Damon estate heir J.P. Damon has ended up the sole owner of Moanalua Gardens, the historic park on sacred land in west Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Rapid ohia death spreads on Oahu. An aerial survey of some 20,000 acres of Oahu forest has yielded the island’s fourth detection of rapid ohia death, the fungal disease that has killed millions of ohia trees on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Cardax’s quarterly loss widens to $1.4 million. Pharmaceutical company Cardax Inc. saw its loss widen in the third quarter as revenue plunged more than half from the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Regulators decline to approve increase in Hawaii Electric Light rates. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has issued an interim decision that results in no increase in electric rates at this time for Hawaii Electric Light Company customers, the PUC announced today. West Hawaii Today.

No special tax class for vacation rentals. There will be no special property tax classification for short-term vacation rentals under recommendations proposed by a panel tasked with revamping the county property tax code, but some people currently getting tax breaks for agriculture could take a hit. West Hawaii Today.

40 attend inaugural cleanup aimed to integrate homeless back into community. The basis of HONOUR (Homeless Outreach Nurturing Our Community) is to integrate the homeless back into the community by having them work on projects under positive guidance. West Hawaii Today.

LEAD Homelessness Program Arrives in Kona. The pilot project, which received $650,000 in ʻOhana Zone funding from the State, launched Thursday in Kona. Big Island Now.

A former employee at the Big Island’s largest community health center says she was retaliated against for blowing the whistle on its former CEO and its board. She’s said she’s one of dozens of workers who are alleging a hostile work environment at the Bay Clinic. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Agency considers raising height limits in Wailuku. Meeting to be held Friday but decision not expected till next year. The Maui Redevelopment Agency, which has the power to alter zoning and development rules for downtown Wailuku, will continue to mull whether to hike height limits from four to six stories along certain streets during its Friday meeting, though decision-making likely won’t come until next year, an official said. Maui News.

Hawaii endangered bird program halted after 9 die of illness. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project will halt the program after the deaths of nine endangered birds, officials said. Associated Press.

Kauai

House Finance members to visit. Members of the state House Finance Committee, chaired by Rep. Sylvia Luke, will tour sites on Kauai to view firsthand several projects and programs supported by the Legislature. The visits will also allow committee members to learn about other concerns and needs facing Kauai. Garden Island.

Rail work snarls, state's renewable energy grade slides, Honolulu wants $250k back from Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dillingham Boulevard PC:HART

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will present a community update today on the utility relocation work taking place along Dillingham Boulevard (Middle Street to Kaaahi Street) and discuss residential and business outreach mitigation programs. HART press release.

Rail construction on Dillingham delayed. Major rail-related construction along congested Dillingham Boulevard is being delayed until early next year to give the city more time to finalize its traffic management plan, and the city is considering providing tax relief to property owners and their tenants during what is expected to be a hellish two years of construction. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses along busy urban corridor prepare for a hit as rail construction moves east. As construction for the rail project heads east, businesses along a major roadway are bracing for a drop in sales. Crews have been relocating utilities along Dillingham Boulevard from Middle Street to Kaaahi Street since July 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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The State Receives a C Grade in its Progress to 100% Renewable Energy. The Blue Planet Foundation, an environmental non-profit, lowered Hawaii’s overall clean energy grade from a B- to a C. Hawaii Public Radio.

Marine Scientists Track Coral Bleaching in Real Time. In Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay, researchers with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology are engaged in a one-of-a-kind effort to document coral reefs as they undergo bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

An extreme future. New research out of the University of Hawaii forecasts more frequent and extreme El Nino events, and that could mean more unpredictable rainfall, hurricane activity, sea-surface temperatures and changes in sea levels around Hawaii. Garden Island.

Most UH Students Are People Of Color But Their Teachers Are Mainly White. But the percentage of non-white faculty is increasing, going from 44% in 2013 to about 50% in 2018. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City to seek repayment of $250K from Louis Kealoha. The city said Wednesday it plans to demand that former police Chief Louis Kealoha repay the $250,000 severance he received upon retirement in 2017 now that Kealoha has been convicted of multiple felonies and waived his right to appeal. Star-Advertiser.

City will have to stand in line to get Kealoha’s $250k payoff back. Ex police chief Louis Kealoha owes city taxpayers a quarter of a million dollars, and the city is sending him a letter demanding payment. Hawaii News Now.

City sending demand letter to Louis Kealoha for $250,000 severance payback. The city is demanding Louis Kealoha pay back a $250,000 severance, now that the former police chief has pled guilty to federal felony bank fraud, and earlier was found guilty of conspiracy. KHON2.

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Farmers see a first glimpse of a wind turbine under construction in Kahuku. Since Thursday, there have been at least 107 arrests as protesters try to stop the transport of wind turbine parts for AES Na Pua Makani wind farm in Kahuku. Police say some protesters are attaching themselves with PVC pipe and handcuffs. Hawaii News Now.

Teen says police punched and used Taser on him at Kalaeloa protest. The estimated 150 to 175 law enforcement officers outnumbered the 125 or so opponents of the AES Corp.’s wind turbine project again at Kalaeloa Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

AES Chief Operating Officer talks about controversial wind farm project. "We know we'll be visible. I can't hide a wind farm". KITV.

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New exemptions to plastic bill in City Council. A bill to expand the plastic ban on Oahu will be brought up once again at the Honolulu City Council, but there’s been some changes. KHON2.

Council resolution advises rejection of Navy’s proposal for Red Hill tanks. Despite concerns by the Navy, a Honolulu City Council committee unanimously passed an updated resolution Wednesday asking regulators to reject Navy plans to pursue single-wall tank upgrades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

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City to stop enforcing vacation rentals law at Waikiki tower whose owners sued. The city has agreed to stop enforcing the new vacation rentals law on a Waikiki condo tower that it previously accused of having hundreds of illegal rentals. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Banyan gets temporary stay from short-term rental enforcement. Waikiki Banyan condominium owners have received a courtroom stay temporarily preventing the city from enforcing a new law designed to crack down on illegal short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu County sells $497M in wastewater system revenue bonds. The City and County of Honolulu sold about $497 million of its wastewater system revenue bonds at a 2.95% interest rate, the county announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County to loosen energy code restrictions. Changes to the county’s energy code aimed at making home construction more affordable, while still becoming more energy-efficient, are the subject of public “speakout” sessions for design and construction professionals early next week. West Hawaii Today.

With recycling changes, county braces for landfill impact. Thousands of tons of recyclables once diverted from the waste stream will enter the Big Island’s landfills each year under changes implemented last week to Hawaii County’s recycling program. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses suit in connection with controversial Ka‘u sewer plants. A lawsuit against two county officials over two planned Ka‘u sewer plants was dismissed earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Draft EA Posted For New Rock Quarry In Hilo. Yamada and Sons, Inc. is looking to acquire a license to develop a 37-acre portion of a State property near the Hilo landfill for use as a rock quarry. Big Island Video News.

Construction of new College of Pharmacy building nearly finished. Three years after breaking ground on the new building for the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, work is nearing completion and classes are slated to start there next semester. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s Water Fight Has Become A Major Power Struggle. The mayor won’t settle a case with national implications despite the council’s instruction to do so, spurring a new lawsuit to sort out the separation of powers. Civil Beat.

Compliance Concerns Linger as Maui Water Rights Case Wraps Up. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases is coming to a close on Maui next month after more than 16 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds rally for water rights as case draws to close. With chants of “aloha aina,” hundreds of people rallied Tuesday evening at the State Building to protest a possible Mahi Pono move that rally organizers say could derail one of Hawaii’s significant water rights cases. Maui News.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the State of Hawai‘i’s request for federal aid to contain the Kahana Ridge fire on Maui. FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) offers federal funding for the mitigation, management, and control of fires deemed likely to constitute a major disaster. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes for traffic tickets. Until a couple weeks ago, drivers on Kauai who either didn’t have a valid license or an auto insurance policy could get penalized twice — once for being uninsured or unlicensed and again for not being able to prove otherwise. Garden Island.

Feds approve Honolulu rail recovery plan, HART staffer keeps job despite vote-rigging conviction, Ala Moana Park upgrades progressing, Kauai still seeks auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail construction PC:HART

Rail recovery funds get federal approval. The Federal Transit Administration finally has approved the city’s recovery plan for the Honolulu rail project, a development that rail authority Executive Director Andrew Robbins called a “significant milestone” for the 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Approve Rail’s Recovery Plan, Signaling Continued Support. The FTA won’t release rail’s remaining $744 million, however, until the project’s actual costs are clearer. Civil Beat.

In ‘milestone,’ feds approve recovery plan for city’s beleaguered rail project. Despite ongoing concerns over construction of Honolulu’s beleaguered rail project, the Federal Transit Administration has approved the rail authority’s revised recovery plan. Hawaii News Now.

Feds approve recovery plan for Honolulu rail project. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration approved HART's recovery plan for rail on Thursday. KITV.

FTA Approves of HART Honolulu Rail Recovery Plan. The approval clears the way for the remaining $743+ million in federal funding for the project to be released as outlined in the Full Funding Grant Agreement. Maui Now.

Federal rail payout depends on City Center bid prices. After years in limbo and federal money frozen for Honolulu’s rail project, the Federal Transit Administration has approved the project’s recovery plan. KHON2.

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HART Boss Sees No Reason To Fire Staffer Convicted In Union Vote Rigging. The rail agency’s top executive won’t say who’s advising him to keep Russell Yamanoha at HART after his plea deal. Civil Beat.

Despite conviction, rail spokesman allowed to stay on the job. A rail official who pleaded guilty earlier this week to falsifying the results of an election when he worked for a Hawaii union will keep his job for now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Caldwell gives update on Ala Moana Regional Park’s master plan. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday hailed the completion of key renovations at Ala Moana Regional Park and took aim at critics of his far-ranging master plan for Oahu’s most popular recreational stop, calling the critics “a very small group of people.” Star-Advertiser.

City shows off much-needed upgrades to Honolulu’s most popular park. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell showed off improvements to Ala Moana Beach Park on Thursday, including newly-renovated bathrooms at the Ewa end of the park. Hawaii News Now.

Kirk Caldwell holds presser to discuss Ala Moana Regional Park improvement projects. At a press conference earlier today, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell discussed progress at Ala Moana Beach Park and future renovation projects. KHON2.

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Board balks at landfill plan. A community panel Wednesday night took a stand against expanding a construction debris landfill in Nanakuli after two hours of sometimes heated testimony. Star-Advertiser.

Neighborhood board supports banning helicopter tours over Kailua. Kailua neighborhood board members passed a resolution on Thursday requesting the FAA to ban all helicopter tours over their community. Hawaii News Now.

New ambulances raise safety concerns for paramedics. New ambulances for EMS on Oahu had to be taken off the road after complaints were filed to the state labor department. KHON2.

Alleged legal tours to Haiku Stairs faces push back. But the Board of Water Supply, the owner of the stairs and some land surrounding it says there's no legal way. KITV.

A new $310 million Mauka Concourse underway at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is designed to increase the number of passengers boarding a plane at the state’s largest airport by about another 1.5 million. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales decline, prices mixed, over 12 months ending in August. Sales of single-family homes and condominiums on Oahu declined by 8% over the last 12 months as median prices were mixed, with single-family homes rising by 2% and condos declining by 2%, according to a report by Honolulu real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Upped Traffic Enforcement on Maunakea. Police efforts during the new weeklong period covering last Thursday, Aug. 29 to Thursday, Sept. 5 has resulted in the issuance of an additional 566 traffic citations and three suspects arrested for five offenses. Big Island Now.

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Kilauea lava triggered massive algae bloom. In the midst of the destruction during last year’s lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea volcano, scientists from the University of Hawaii and the University of Southern California observed how one of nature’s most devastating forces can also create and sustain life. Tribune-Herald.

During the 2018 eruption, heat from the lava ocean entry caused nutrient-rich deep waters to rise, which led to a phytoplankton bloom, researchers say. Big Island Video News.

Here’s how rivers of lava flowing into the ocean created a massive algae bloom. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea lava stimulates phytoplankton bloom off Hawaii Island. KHON2.

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Team that captured first image of a black hole wins international award. About 30 scientists and engineers from two Maunakea observatories have won an international award for their involvement in the project that captured the first image of a black hole. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii scientists net ‘breakthrough’ award for first image of black hole. The team that captured the first image ever of a black hole has received a prestigious Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics. Hawaii News Now.

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Flu hitting Big Island schools; vaccination program starts next month. Big Island schools have been back in session for a month, and already cases of influenza are being reported among the student population and staff members. West Hawaii Today.

Kuawa Street park completion date still uncertain. The completion of the Kuawa Street park is delayed yet again despite county officials in July saying the new ballfields were on track to open in August. Tribune-Herald.

Single-family home sales, prices jump on Hawaii Island in August. Sales of single-family homes on Hawaii Island jumped by 22% in August, compared to last year, and the median price rose 13%, while condominium sales and prices both declined for the month, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Hike in illegal rental fines moves forward. Planning, vendor make enforcement progress. Maui News.

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New Maui traffic cameras now live on GoAkamai.org. Free for public use, the cameras provide real-time footage of traffic conditions at 10 key intersections on Maui. Maui News.

New Maui Traffic Camera Images Now Available Online. Department officials say the images will also provide additional tools for the state and counties to manage the roadway system. Maui Now.

New Maui traffic camera images available on GoAkamai.org. KHON2.

Kauai

Council still seeks an auditor. The Kauai County Council is still seeking qualified candidates for county auditor in the Office of the County Clerk. Garden Island.

County Council continues recruitment for County Auditor position. The Kauai County Council is continuing its ongoing recruitment and acceptance of applications for the position of County Auditor. KITV.

Who is responsible for regulating the number of passenger flights that arrive on the island every day? That was one of the main questions brought up at a recent County Council meeting during a discussion of the Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan 2019-2021, which aims to mitigate the effects of “overtourism.” Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices jump 32% in August as sales drop. The median price of a condominium on Kauai soared by 32% last month even as sales dropped, compared to a year ago, while single-family home prices declined, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Citations climb in Mauna Kea crackdown, Honolulu council advances plastics ban, Maui mayor seeks stiff vacation rental fines, 11-14 years in prison recommended for Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

TMT opponents gather at Hilo courthouse Aug. 23, 2019 ©2019 All Hawaii News

Governor Sees Progress In Mauna Kea Talks, But Protest Nears 7th Week. Gov. David Ige says he’s pleased with progress made so far by Big Island Mayor Harry Kim in engaging the native Hawaiian community in efforts to resolve the conflict on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic citations, criminal charges increase in second week of Maunakea enforcement. Police say 630 citations were issued in the weeklong period starting Aug, 22, compared to 610 the week starting Aug. 15. In addition, nine individuals were arrested with 16 charges filed among them. That compares to seven individuals arrested for a total of 13 charges the previous week. Tribune-Herald.

Traffic enforcement efforts on Daniel K. Inouye Highway results in 1240 issued citations, 16 arrested. KHON2.

Concerns arise over Big Isle prosecutor’s son’s job. The man responsible for prosecuting the mostly Native Hawaiian elders arrested for protesting construction of a giant telescope said there is no conflict of interest, even though his son works for one of the embattled project’s partners. Associated Press.

Governor Denied Mayor’s TMT Delay Request In July 15 Letter. The letter dated July 15, obtained by Big Island Video News after we first reported on Mayor Kim’s July 12th letter, offers further insight into the decision-making process of state and county leaders during the pivotal, early days of the construction start, and the opposition movement that organized to stop TMT on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea Is The Latest In Long History Of Native Hawaiian Protests. Civil disobedience and arrests have been a key part of Native Hawaiian activism since the 1970s. Civil Beat.

Three Young Protesters, Three Different Paths To Mauna Kea. They all felt stirrings of Hawaiian identity as youngsters, but these three protesters were shaped by pivotal experiences as young adults. Civil Beat.

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Management of tourism key as visitors keep climbing. Visitor arrivals and spending rose in July to mark the second month both categories have been up since November. Star-Advertiser.

Health care shortage leaves Hawaii hurting. The state is facing shortages in 76 medical professions, with nearly half — 44% — of the unfilled positions in hospitals, according to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s first jobs report measuring vacant nonphysician positions between the last quarter of 2018 and this year’s first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

10% of Hawaii healthcare jobs go unfilled due to lack of in-state training. There are over 2,200 open healthcare positions in Hawaii. KITV.

Doctors Are Still The Top-Paid Public Employees In Hawaii. The Hawaii Health Services Corp. and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have big changes atop their pay scales, but the highest-salaried physician hasn’t changed. Civil Beat.

National nonprofit raises alarms about dearth of drug treatment in islands. The national leader of a nonprofit that specializes in treating drug addiction says to get a handle on the state’s homeless crisis, more drug treatment is needed. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard, off National Guard duty, rules out running as independent. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, back on the campaign trail after 15 days of duty with the Hawaii National Guard, said Thursday she won’t run as an independent if she doesn’t win the Democratic presidential nomination. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City ban on single-use plastics moves forward. A bill that would ban foam containers and plastics used for serving food on Oahu passed out of the Honolulu City Council’s Public Safety and Welfare Committee on Thursday, buoying the hopes of the environmentally conscious who worry plastics are polluting beaches, breaking down into microplastics that are ingested by sea life and contributing to climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Ban on Plastics Takes Next Step At City Council. The ongoing effort to ban use of plastic bags, utensils and styrofoam containers moved forward at the Honolulu City Council Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Styrofoam, plastic straws and utensils may be banned on Oahu. If Bill 40 is passes, it would prohibit restaurants from using everything from Styrofoam containers, plastic utensils and even plastic straws. KITV.

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Court report recommends Katherine Kealoha spend 11-14 years in prison. A pre-sentence report from a federal probation officer recommends that former deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha be locked up for more than a decade. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fighting Disclosure of Records, Emails Seized by Feds, Councilman Says. The city is seeking authorization to spend $225,000 to make sure privileged information is not released. Civil Beat.

More weight on climate change, managed retreat in Honolulu pre-disaster mitigation plan. The City and County of Honolulu updated a federally required disaster plan, and this time around it focuses more on climate change and moving away from the shoreline. KHON2.

Pali to open both directions for most of day. Windward residents are looking forward to accessing Pali Highway in both directions to ease the stress of putting in extra miles to get to town and back on alternative routes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

New Keahuolu Courthouse opens Tuesday. The gavel is set to strike the block next week at the new Keahuolu Courthouse as court operations scattered across several sites in North Kona and South Kona finally converge under one roof. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Courthouse Opens Doors in September. The Hawaii State Judiciary will open its new West Hawaii courthouse early next week. Big Island Now.

The Panaewa Equestrian Center Rodeo Arena will be closed from September 2 to approximately December 9, 2019, for restoration work, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Draft Ordinance Proposed Seeking New Fines for Illegal Vacation Rentals. The administration of Maui Mayor Michael Victorino submitted a proposed ordinance to the Maui County Council seeking to implement new fines in an effort to strengthen enforcement against illegal vacation rentals. Maui Now.

Initial fines for illegal vacation rentals on Maui could jump from $1K to $20K. The measure was referred to the Planning & Sustainable Land Use Committee. KITV.

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Feds are taking over prosecution of police officer. Brandon Saffeels had been disciplined in previous case. Maui News.

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Small whales euthanized after 10 stranded alive on Kihei’s Sugar Beach. Authorities on Thursday sedated and euthanized four small whales after 10 of the animals were stranded alive on a beach on Maui’s south shore. Maui News.

4 Stranded Whales Euthanized On Maui Beach. The remaining six stranded melon-headed whales were floated back to sea, though authorities said two of those were likely to be euthanized. Associated Press.

4 whales die in mass stranding on Maui beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it is investigating why at least 10 small whales stranded themselves on a Maui beach Thursday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Ten Whales Beached at Sugar Beach in North Kihei. Maui Now.

4 of 11 whales beached on Sugar Beach in Kihei dead. KHON2.

Four of ten whales stranded in Sugar Beach area on Maui have died. NOAA Fisheries is responding to 10 melon-headed whales that have stranded along the coast in the Sugar Beach area of Maui. KITV.

Scientists scramble to find cause of stranding that left 4 whales dead on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Open houses set on West Kauai plan. The County of Kauai Planning Department has released a “Discussion Draft” of the West Kauai Community Plan for public review and comment. Garden Island.

U.S. Sen Mazie Hirono drops by Kauai High pantry. She was on-island to visit the North Shore and see the rehabilitation progress after the 2018 floods, and also made a stop by the school to check out their new food pantry program. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules state breached trust at Pohakuloa Training Area, hemp has too much THC, overtourism on Maui, more than 3k commute by plane, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Live fire training at Pohakuloa ©2019 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court: State Failed Trust Duties In Pohakuloa. The Hawaii Supreme Court ordered the state to come up with a plan to better manage the land. Civil Beat.

High court rules state breached trust duties at Pohakuloa Training Area. In a 5-0 vote, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Friday the state hasn’t properly managed ceded lands at Pohakuloa leased to the Army for military training. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Supreme Court Rules State Breached Trust On Pohakuloa Lease. The court affirmed that the State "breached its constitutional trust duties by failing to reasonably monitor or inspect" the lands leased to the U.S. military. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Supreme Court modifies requirements for Pohakuloa land. A state Circuit Court judge correctly ruled that the Department of Land and Natural Resources breached its trust duties to care for ceded lands at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island used by the military, the Hawaii Supreme Court determined Friday. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii hemp growers are having to destroy their plants because of high THC levels. More than half of the hemp crops cultivated in Hawaii over the past year as part of the state’s industrial hemp pilot program have tested hot, meaning their levels of THC, the chemical that makes people high, were above the federal limit for hemp. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Nearly 3,000 Hawaii Residents Fly To Work. Hawaiian Airlines outlines its economic impact across the state in its 90th annual report. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines Generated $9.3B in Economic Benefits. Hawaiian Airlines generated the equivalent of $9.3 billion in economic benefit for the state of Hawaii and supported more than 60,000 jobs in 2018, according to an independent report conducted in recognition of the airline’s 90th year of service to the state and its people. Big Island Now.

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Judge tosses TMT lawsuit. A Hilo judge on Friday dismissed a lawsuit against the Thirty Meter Telescope that sought an injunction to block its construction because the project did not post a security bond. Tribune-Herald.

Kupuna protesters plead not guilty. About 200 people showed up Friday in Hilo to support nine people facing their initial court date for charges of obstructing Maunakea Access Road on July 17 to prevent construction vehicles and workers from scaling Maunakea to build the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

TMT, Opposition React To Mayor Kim’s Mauna Kea Meetings. Neither Thirty Meter Telescope representatives, or leadership in the TMT opposition movement, were invited to the mayor's second meeting, they say. Big Island Video News.

Despite years of legal battles and months of protests by Native Hawaiian opponents, the international coalition that wants to build the world’s largest telescope in Hawaii insists that the islands’ highest peak — Mauna Kea — is the best place for their $1.4 billion instrument. But just barely. Associated Press.

Anti-TMT protests affecting Big Island tourism industry. A convention of bird- watchers has canceled a planned meeting on Hawaii island because of uncertainty surrounding protests over building the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Short-term vacation rental rift creates a house divided. A fierce battle is brewing at Waikiki Lanais, where the Association of Apartment Owners just voted to add a hotel front desk to the property and spend at least $40,000 to hire an attorney to defend the right of some owners to continue renting their units short-term. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Officials Say Ala Wai Project Money In Jeopardy. While the City Council was warned the nearly $200 million could be lost to flood-control efforts elsewhere, there is actually a surplus of federal money for such projects. Civil Beat.

Councilwoman Tsuneyoshi To Biki: Pay Up For Public Space. The nonprofit Bikeshare Hawaii has gotten no-cost access to city parking spots and sidewalk space since 2017 to rent out 1,300 Biki bikes in downtown Honolulu, but their free ride could end soon. Civil Beat.

Work on Honolulu’s $3.2B airport modernization project hits the halfway mark. Spending on the $3.2 billion modernization effort underway across Hawaii’s airport system is at the halfway point, and most of the big-ticket capital improvement projects are slated to wrap up by December 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua farmers market forced to relocate after DOE complaints. After more than six years, the Kailua Town Farmers Market has to find a new home. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Medical Marijuana Dispensary To Cater To Tourists. The latest medical cannabis retail facility is located in Waikiki and passed its final onsite inspection this month. Civil Beat.

EPA to remove extremely high levels of lead buried under deteriorating Kalihi road. The asphalt on Factory Street covers up extremely high levels of lead — buried by the government decades ago. Health officials rediscovered the forgotten site in 2017, warning inaction would put families in danger. Hawaii News Now.

Tens of thousands of university students heading back to classes -- and the roadways. An estimated 20,000 students will converge on U.H.-Manoa. Some of them started moving into dormitories over the past few days, but many more will be commuting from around the island. Hawaii News Now.

Florence Puana, Katherine Kealoha’s grandmother, turns 100. Puana, who turned 100 on Saturday, is the grandmother of former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. She provided key testimony in Kealoha’s federal conspiracy and obstruction trial. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

HVO settles in: Site selection, facility design could take years. The signing by President Donald Trump in June of a long-delayed disaster relief bill means Hawaiian Volcano Observatory can go about the business of finding a new site. Tribune-Herald.

New Kona prosecutor’s office delayed. The new Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at the West Hawaii Civic Center is months behind schedule. When work got underway on the $14 million project in May 2018, officials anticipated Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. would have the project completed April 8, 2019. West Hawaii Today.

Coastal management meetings planned. Big Island residents will have the chance this week to weigh in on an ocean resources management plan, as statewide “sharing sessions” wrap up with meetings in Kona and Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo bike-share program gets rolling. Three years after Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, or PATH, launched a bike-share program in Kona, the program expanded to Hilo earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

As impacts mount, some wonder whether ‘managed tourism’ is possible on Maui. The rise of social media, travel apps and vacation rental hosting sites has made it more difficult for tourists and residents to find secluded experiences on any island, especially Maui, where tourism arrivals rose from 1.8 million in 2009 to 2.9 million in 2018, a 54% gain that was the largest increase on any island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County urged to settle closely-watched environmental case. In one of the most closely-watched environmental cases in the country, Maui County is preparing to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court this November that its wastewater wells in Lahaina are not harming the coastline. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Home Lands Proposes Housing Project In Central Maui. An area near Waikapu, which has been eyed for housing for more than a decade, is poised to be developed as a Hawaiian homestead project. Maui News.

MCCC Struggles Over ʻExtreme’ Staff Shortage. Over the past two weeks, staffing shortages at the Maui Community Correctional Center prompted cancellations of weekend visits for inmates. Maui Now.

Maui County hotels top state’s counties in July. Maui County hotels in July led the state’s three other counties in revenue per available room, average daily rate and occupancy, according to a recent hotel report. Maui News.

Kauai

Kamalani Playground closing for upgrades. The county Department of Parks and Recreation announced that Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park will be closed starting Monday for the installation of safety upgrades. Garden Island.

Crackdown on Honolulu vacation rentals, Gabbard sues Google, TMT protest simmers, rail fares discussed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell screenshot from video

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warns of crackdown on illegal vacation rentals. The city has sent out approximately 5,000 “courtesy” letters to owners and operators of illegal vacation rentals, warning them to cease advertising or risk paying hefty fines starting Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Sends Warning Letters To 5,000 Owners Of Suspected Illegal Rentals. More aggressive enforcement of laws against unpermitted short-term rentals begins Aug. 1, but some potential violators are hearing from the city now. Civil Beat.

City sends warning letters to 5,000 owners of suspected illegal vacation rentals. The city has mailed out letters to 5,000 property owners who are suspected of running illegal vacation rentals. Hawaii News Now.




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Gabbard sues Google for $50 million. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google alleging that the tech giant harmed her bid for the presidency and infringed on her free speech when it briefly suspended her campaign’s advertising account after the first Democratic primary debate in June. Star-Advertiser.


Gabbard sues Google for $50M, claiming ‘interference’ in her presidential bid. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google, claiming the internet behemoth suspended her Google Ads account in the hours immediately after the first Democratic presidential debate last month in a deliberate act of “election interference.” Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard is going after Google. Her presidential campaign has sued the tech giant. KHON2.

Tulsi Gabbard, the most searched candidate during debate, sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard's presidential campaign sued Google on Thursday after the company suspended the candidate's Google Ads account following last month's Democratic presidential debate. KITV.

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A new law that took effect July 1 is providing for tougher penalties for DUI offenders. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Veto Means Some Eligible Patients Still Can’t Get Medical Cannabis Legally. The bill to allow interisland transport of the medicine would have been especially helpful for patients on Molokai and Lanai, which have no dispensaries. Civil Beat.

State Aims To Reduce Unnecessary ER Visits By Empowering Paramedics. Hawaii is creating a community paramedicine program that officials hope will mean fewer ambulance trips to hospitals. Civil Beat.

Six weeks after Kaiser Permanente filed suit against The Queen’s Health Systems after the latter informed the former it would begin billing Kaiser members for the balance of emergency services it provides, Queen’s has yet to file a response in court. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

City Kick-Starts Public Discussion On Future Rail Fares. Commissioners will consider whether the fares should be a flat rate or distance-based, as well as how much the interim service should cost. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rate Commission wants your input on future rates for the rail once it begins operations. The Honolulu Rate Commission is requesting input and testimony from the public on the future policies and rates for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project once the system begins operations. KITV.

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About 100 to 150 supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope project rallied in front of the Capitol during the evening rush hour Thursday.  Associated Press.

TMT supporters rally at the Capitol. Organizers of the two-hour rally in Honolulu said they wanted to show the world Hawaii appreciates astronomy, that its edu­ca­tional and economic benefits are welcomed and that Hawaiian culture and science can coexist on Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief faces council over Mauna Kea deployment; police-powers suit in legal ping-pong. Honolulu’s police chief told lawmakers today, public safety on Oahu was never compromised during their absence. KHON2.

Hawaii

‘We are not willing to negotiate,’ Thirty Meter Telescope opposition leader vows. A key leader of the effort to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope says it is clear that neither the state nor Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim has the power to stop the project. Star-Advertiser.

TMT opponents say no deal; Kim’s office says offer not made. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope rejected an offer by mayor Harry Kim Thursday that would temporarily suspend construction efforts — a proposal that Kim’s office later said was never made. Tribune-Herald.

Despite talk of negotiation, both sides make clear there’s little middle ground in TMT conflict. The Thirty Meter Telescope insisted Thursday that it has no plans to pull out from building at Mauna Kea. Hours earlier, activists protesting at the base of the summit reiterated their demand: They’ll take down the human barricade only if TMT leaves. Hawaii News Now.

TMT Talks: Kim Clarifies Role, Gabbard Sends Ige Letter, OHA Votes. Big Island Video News.

Day 11 of TMT: Hawaii County mayor acts as bridge between Kiai and TMT construction. KHON2.

OHA Board Calls on Governor to Rescind Emergency Proclamation for Mauna Kea. On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the OHA Board approved a resolution that both calls for the governor to rescind the proclamation, as well as authorizes the OHA administration to advocate for the rights, safety and well-being of Native Hawaiian protectors and provide related-assistance as appropriate, according to an OHA press release. Big Island Now.

OHA approves resolution to advocate for health, safety of protectors. All nine trustees unanimously voted Thursday to approve a resolution that supports a proclamation retraction and allows OHA to advocate for the health and well being of demonstrators. KITV.

Hawaii Island Mayor Clarifies Role in TMT Dispute. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says “he has no authority to intervene or make any kind of deal regarding TMT.” Instead, Kim says his role is “to work with all sides to find a better way forward for everyone concerned.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Dozens of TMT supporters turn out for rally. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige’s official website now has a form that you can fill out to let him know whether you support the TMT project or not on Mauna Kea. As of Wednesday afternoon, we’re told that his office has received more than 14,000 responses. KHON2.

Hawaii Enters Next Phase Of Eruption Recovery, FEMA Talks Set. There are a number of upcoming initiatives and public meetings scheduled in regards to the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption recovery effort. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Offshore Sand Sought to Mitigate Erosion at Kahana Bay. A 157-page Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice has been filed to address erosion mitigation at Kahana Beach in west Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Adds New Traffic Safety Initiatives As Death Toll Increases. The Maui Department of Public Works is trying to decrease the county’s traffic-related death toll through various safety initiatives. Hawaii Public Radio.

MPD officers return to Maui after being called to Mauna Kea. Officers assisted Hawaii County police with safety, road congestion. Maui News.

Summit brings new solutions for landlords. Annual event dispels myths about housing subsidies; offers tips to solve issues between landlords and tenants. Maui News.

Kauai

100 come to meeting on EIS for Kealia Mauka subdivision. The Land Use Commission held a packed meeting in the Moikeha Building conference room Thursday where 38 public testimonies were taken and over 100 people attended. Garden Island.

Hawaii Life acquires Kauai real estate brokerage. Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers has acquired Kauai real estate agency Hanalei Country Brokers, giving the growing firm an office in the place where it began. Pacific Business News.