HART predicts October rail run, herbicide ban dies on Big Island vote, Honolulu Police Commission chairwoman ousted, Sherwood Forest protesters cleared, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail map PC:HART

Rail will start running Oct. 20, Robbins says. Not only will the first 10 miles of the Honolulu rail system be completed by December 2020 as predicted, but it will be ready to run three months earlier, by Oct. 20, announced a sanguine Andrew Robbins, executive director and CEO of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, at a Wednesday press conference overlooking the Halaulani Rail Station at Leeward Community College. Star-Advertiser.

HART sets goal of getting trains moving in October. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says the rail project is on track, and it's full speed ahead to an October opening date. KITV4.

By October, football fans could be riding the rail line to Aloha Stadium. HART’s CEO said Wednesday that trains will be ready for passengers between Kapolei and Aloha Stadium by October 20, and suggested fans of University of Hawaii football games could be among the first enthusiastic customers. Hawaii News Now.

Still no word on what it will cost to ride or operate the Honolulu rail. In an announcement on Wednesday afternoon, HART says that they plan to have the first 10 miles open by October 20. KHON2.

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Nearly A Quarter of Hawaii Homes Are Purchased By Out-Of-State Buyers. Hawaii’s chief economist told lawmakers on Tuesday that 24% of Hawaii homes were purchased by buyers from outside the state. The figure is even higher on the neighbor islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Lawmakers Pushing For A Crackdown On Vaping. Legislators are drafting bills that include a flavor ban on e-cigarette liquids and a tax on vaping products. Civil Beat.

State Makes Progress in Helping Homeless But Experts Call For Larger Effort. Hawaii is making progress in addressing homelessness, but hasn’t expanded existing programs enough to make a major dent in the problem, state lawmakers were told at a summit on the issue Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Too Many People Are Dying While Waiting For Medical Aid In Dying. Doctors say Hawaii’s mandatory 20-day period is too long in some cases. Civil Beat.

Bristol-Myers, Sanofi countersue Hawaii over Plavix marketing case. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi fought back against an $8 billion lawsuit filed by Hawaii over marketing of their blockbuster blood-thinning drug Plavix, arguing in a counter-suit that the state is trampling on their free-speech rights by demanding unnecessary warning labels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian carries fewer passengers in 2019 despite December bump. The state’s largest carrier transported 11,751,003 passengers in 2019 — a nearly 1% drop compared to 2018. During the same period, Hawaiian’s load factor — the share of seats filled — increased by 1.3 percentage points to 85.6%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission votes out chair Loretta Sheehan. At a commission meeting Wednesday, the Honolulu police commissioners ousted current chair Loretta Sheehan. Hawaii News Now.

Citing flaw in charges, judge dismisses cases for 28 arrested at Waimanalo Sherwoods park protest. The 28 people arrested for blocking the road at the city’s controversial redevelopment project at a Waimanalo park got a big victory Wednesday: A Kaneohe District Court judge dismissed the final petty misdemeanor cases for all those arrested. Hawaii News Now.

Augie T announces his run for Honolulu City Council. Comedian Augie Tulba officially announced his candidacy for Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. KITV4.

Surf park proposed in birthplace of surfing. Hawaii could have its first man-made barreling surf wave suited for skilled board riders as part of an aquatic recreation park proposed on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

State eyes converting a number of stalls to paid parking at a popular surf spot. The group “Save Our Surf” is mobilizing to fight a new state proposal to switch 125 free parking spaces to paid stalls at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless outreach court makes progress, but funding needed. In its first two years of existence, Oahu’s Community Outreach Court that addresses minor, nonviolent crimes committed by homeless “participants” “has made significant progress,” Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald wrote in a report to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Aircraft carrier with 5,000 sailors stops off in state after long deployment. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and more than 5,000 sailors arrived Wednesday in Pearl Harbor for a port call after sailing from Norfolk, Va., and serving unexpected and yeoman duty in the Middle East as an Iranian deterrent. Star-Advertiser.

Amid near record-setting deployment, USS Abraham Lincoln pulls into Pearl Harbor. More than 280 days after deploying from a port in Virginia, sailors from one of the largest ships in the U.S. Navy returned to American soil on Wednesday, docking at Pearl Harbor for what’s believed to be one final stop before heading home to San Diego. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii planning to auction off fishing boat at Ala Wai Harbor. The state is preparing to auction a 112-foot-long fishing boat next week if the owner does not claim it and pay off $1,000 in fees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council fails to override herbicide ban veto. After almost six hours of testimony and debate Wednesday, the County Council came up one vote short of overriding Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of a bill banning the use of herbicides by county workers. West Hawaii Today.

Council Vote Fails To Override Veto On County Herbicide-Use Ban. The Hawaiʻi County Council failed to override Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of a bill that would have ended the County’s use of herbicides in maintaining parks and roads. Big Island Video News.

Herbicide Ban Dies as Council Fails to Override Mayoral Veto. The Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday fell one vote shy of overriding Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of Bill 101, which would have eliminated the use of herbicides on county-owned and maintained property across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

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Council passes bill updating energy conservation code. The Hawaii County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to pass at first reading a bill updating the county’s energy conservation code. Tribune-Herald.

Council approves Hilo Bay breakwater study. The Hawaii County Council voted Wednesday to approve funding for a study investigating how to improve the water quality of Hilo Bay. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL looking to build homes in Kealakehe. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands this year plans to award handful of vacant lots and start construction on more than a hundred homes for beneficiaries at the Villages of Laiopua in Kealakehe. West Hawaii Today.

Staffing shortages disrupt more solid waste services. The Solid Waste Division will hold public informational meetings to discuss transfer stations’ operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule for transfer stations across the island. Tribune-Herald.

Informational Hearings to Discuss Transfer Stations. The county invites the public to attend public informational hearings to discuss residential transfer stations islandwide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County sees progress on homelessness. An executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim told state lawmakers Tuesday the number of homeless people on Hawaii Island is decreasing, but “there is still much work that needs to be done”. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County was short 153 doctors in 2019. Maui County last year was short 153 physicians, up from 141 in 2018, according to the final Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project Report for 2019 conducted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Maui News.

The median price for Maui single-family homes rose to a record last year, marking a second consecutive year for the feat. A report released by the Realtors Association of Maui showed that single-family homes on the Valley Isle sold for a median $741,355 last year, up 4% from $710,000 the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Median Home Price in December Increased 4.6% to $740,000. Maui Now.

Kauai

Peep hole gets temporary fix. A peeping hole at Kauai comfort station has been temporarily patched up by three men who said they had enough. Garden Island.

Molokai

Investigation reveals violations at Molokai Community Health Center. The investigation done by the state Health Department shows several critical violations and that the health center had been operating without a physician since August 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai

Lanai Water Co. seeks test run of increased rates. Company says it’s losing money at current rates. Maui News.

Hawaiian hawk removed from endangered species list, Olive Garden files to enter state, TV Executive Blangiardi weighs run for Honolulu mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

'Io Hawaiian hawk at Panaewa Rainforest Gardens & Zoo ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaiian Hawk No Longer Endangered. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has removed the ‘io from the list of endangered or threatened species. Civil Beat.

ʻIo No Longer Considered Endangered or Threatened. The ʻio or Hawaiian hawk will be removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife on Feb. 3, 2020. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian hawk removed from federal list of endangered wildlife. The io or Hawaiian hawk has been removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Hawk, or ʻio, to be removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule removing the ʻio, or the Hawaiian hawk, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. KHON2.

Read the Fish and Wildlife Service final rule delisting the 'io here.

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Hawaii Senate Health Chair Plans To Introduce Bills Targeting Youth Vaping. Hawaii Senate Health Chair Rosalyn Baker plans to propose several bills in the coming legislative ssession aimed at reducing youth vaping, but she wants to add e-cigarettes and vaping products to existing tobacco laws. Hawaii Public Radio.

Astronomers to assemble as telescope discord looms. An event described as the Super Bowl of astronomy kicks off Saturday in Honolulu as thousands of scientists descend on the Hawai‘i Convention Center for the biggest meeting of the year for American astronomers. Star-Advertiser.

More vets gain access to commissaries. More than 27,000 veterans with a service-connected disability in Hawaii and over 430 Purple Heart recipients can now shop at commissaries and exchanges and take advantage of greater recreational opportunities under legislation co-authored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz that went into effect Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Puts Hawaii Taser Case On Hold. A lawsuit over the right to carry a stun gun for personal protection will wait on the outcome of a seemingly unrelated weapons case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

USS Missouri reaches 9 million visitors. The nine millionth visitor stepped aboard the USS Missouri today, ringing in the 75th year after World War II officially ended on its decks. Star-Advertiser.

Olive Garden files to do business in Hawaii. Could Olive Garden be coming to Hawaii? According to state business records, the company recently filed to do business here in the islands. KHON2.

Samoan crabs, Kona crabs & lobster proposed rule updates. In an effort to facilitate compliance with the rules regulating the take, possession, and sale of Samoan crab, Kona crab, and lobsters in State waters, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources has scheduled public hearings this month. KITV.

Oahu

TV executive Blangiardi plans mayoral run. Television executive Rick Blangiardi surprised his staff and simultaneously shook up Oahu’s political community Thursday when he announced he is retiring from his job and intends to join the race for Honolulu mayor. Star-Advertiser.

HNN General Manager Rick Blangiardi announces he’s retiring, considering run for mayor. After more than four decades in the broadcasting industry, Hawaii News Now President and General Manager Rick Blangiardi has announced he will retire this month and is considering a run for Honolulu’s mayor. Hawaii News Now.

TV Executive Blangiardi Weighing Running For Honolulu Mayor. The longtime general manager will leave his Hawaii News Now post Jan. 15. Civil Beat.

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Maili group sues city, developer in bid to stop affordable housing project. Construction on a $23 million affordable rental project in West Oahu called Hale Makana O Maili started in October. But neighbors calling themselves Na Kiai O Maili — protectors of Maili — have filed a suit against the city and developer Laulima Development in a bid to stop construction at the end of Kulaaupuni Street. Hawaii News Now.

Plans move forward to rebuild the old P-3 Orion monument. The last remnants of a P-3 Orion monument erected by the Navy in 1999 to commemorate Naval Air Station Barbers Point’s 57 years of fleet service have been demolished, but a local American Veterans post commander said plans are proceeding to completely rebuild the memorial near the Kalaeloa Airport control tower. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Businessman Files Federal Complaint In Prosecutor Impeachment Effort. Tracy Yoshimura has asked a federal court to clear up an e-signature issue that has stalled his initiative to oust Keith Kaneshiro. Civil Beat.

HPD Swears In New Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Jonathon Grems retired in December. Clyde Ho took over. Civil Beat.

Tougher inspections at Honolulu ports could aid in crackdown against illegal fireworks according to former state lawmaker. While you can set off small sparklers and poppers without a permit, those aerial fireworks we saw thousands of on New Year's Eve are illegal. KITV.

City erects fence blocking shoreline access near Diamond Head, irking park users.  Park users of the Makalei and Leahi Beach Parks near Diamond Head are protesting the city’s decision to block off access to parts of the shoreline. Over the holidays, the city suddenly erected fences at both ends of a walkway on a seawall between the two beaches. Hawaii News Now.

New rules at Honolulu Zoo parking lot irks nearby businesses. It’s a popular parking lot for locals who venture into Waikiki. But changes are coming to prevent anyone from parking outside the Honolulu Zoo late at night. KHON2.

TheBus Redux: A City Transit Leader Responds To Riders’ Questions. Lags in TheBus’ tracking data can cause angst for riders trying to predict when their bus might arrive. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

State orders updated traffic assessment for Pepeekeo power plant. Honua Ola Bioenergy will have to update a traffic assessment submitted for the project in March 2011 before the power plant under construction in Pepeekeo can deliver logs to its facility. Tribune-Herald.

HELCO seeks new power agreement with PGV. Hawaii Electric Light Co. is seeking approval of an amended power purchase agreement with Puna Geothermal Venture, according to documents filed Tuesday with the state Public Utilities Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Chemical sunscreens restricted at Big Island park, a year ahead of statewide ban.  Sunscreens containing chemicals have now been banned for use by commercial vessels in Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island. The restrictions took effect on Jan. 1, a year before a similar statewide ban takes effect. Hawaii News Now.

Changes to Pana‘ewa complex miff equestrians. Extensive accessibility renovations are scheduled for the Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex this year, but several users of the attached Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center are pushing back against some of the proposed changes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Police seek help in locating families of unclaimed bodies. The Maui Police Department is asking for assistance in contacting family members of eight people whose bodies weren’t claimed after their deaths this year. Maui News.

Staff Shortages Affect Pool Hours in Kahului, Wailuku, Upcountry and Kihei. The Department of Parks and Recreation apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause the community. Maui Now.

Kauai

Removal of ill-fated helicopter on Kauai begins. A National Transportation Safety Board spokesman said the wreckage removal process began Thursday of a tour helicopter that crashed Dec. 26 in a remote area of Kokee, killing all seven on board. Star-Advertiser.

Drones documenting wreckage. Investigators aren’t going to physically set foot on the crash site of the tour helicopter that collided with a ridge on Kauai in December, killing all seven passengers. Garden Island.

Hanalei highway lane closure set. The Hawaii Department of Transportation reminds the public there will be a single-lane closure on Kuhio Highway at Mile Marker 1 (the hill approaching Hanalei Bridge) seven days a week starting today. Garden Island.

Governor unveils supplemental budget, Honolulu police shootings spike, Obamas here for the holidays, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige unveils budget ©2019 All Hawaii News

Governor Wants More Money For Teachers, Infrastructure. Hawaii Gov. David Ige wants to spend an additional half a billion dollars over the next two years on state government operations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige Proposes Significant Spending Hikes to Operating, CIP Budgets. Hawai‘i will spend almost $2 billion more over the next two fiscal years than previously budgeted, assuming the Hawai‘i State Legislature approves the proposal Gov. David Ige announced Monday. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige lays out upcoming priorities in budget proposal. Gov. David Ige presented his latest budget proposal Monday. It outlined his focus in areas he’s hoping to improve. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige unveils supplemental budget for 2020, 2021. Ige's asking for increases of more than $62 million for fiscal year 2020, and an increase of $429 million for fiscal year 2021. KITV.

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Why Corrupt Public Employees In Hawaii Keep Their Pensions. For those convicted of abusing public office, the pension payments don’t stop at the guilty verdict. Civil Beat.

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Rep. Ed Case Will Vote To Impeach Donald Trump. Still unknown is where Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will stand when the full House votes as expected this week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Congressman Ed Case says he will vote to impeach Trump. U.S. Rep. Ed Case says he will vote to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Ed Case to vote in support of Trump's impeachment. The Congressman says President Donald Trump abused the powers of the presidency by ignoring and injuring national security, and betraying the nation. KITV.

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Obama back on Oahu for the holidays. The Obamas once again appear to be planning to spend the holidays on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Discussion addressed potential solutions to youth vaping epidemic in Hawaii. A round table at the state capitol Monday with lawmakers, medical professionals and families discussed the youth vaping epidemic in Hawaii. KITV.

Hawaiian Immersion May Get More State Support After Years of Community Activism. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court recently ruled in a landmark case that the state is constitutionally required to provide reasonable access to Hawaiian immersion education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Gov. Ige proposes additional $20 million for OCCC in supplemental budget plan. The governor proposed his supplemental budget today, and added $20 million for the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KHON2.

State Budget: Ige proposes funding for schools, jail replacement. ov. David Ige says the state is serious about buying the Federal Detention Center near the Honolulu airport to house inmates from Hawaii’s overcrowded correctional system, but acknowledges it would literally require an act of Congress to make the deal happen. Star-Advertiser.

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A Honolulu police officer pleaded guilty today to depriving a homeless man of his civil rights by forcing him to lick a public urinal. John Rabago, who remains on restricted duty, and Reginald Ramones, who left the department in August, were arrested and charged earlier this year with conspiring to deprive the man of his civil rights. Associated Press.

Officer pleads guilty to forcing homeless man to lick toilet. A Honolulu police officer admitted in court Monday that he forced a homeless man to lick a toilet in order to avoid arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Technicality means the Kealohas could get less prison time in mailbox case. A victory for the Kealohas in federal court Monday as a judge ruled against prosecutors in a decision that could affect their prison sentences. Hawaii News Now.

Another officer-involved shooting in West Oahu leaves man in ‘extremely critical condition’. This comes just a day after police shot and killed a man who opened fire on them in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

Man dead after being shot by police. A 34-year-old man fatally shot by plainclothes officers at a car dealership in Kalihi may not have actually fired his gun at that location. Star-Advertiser.

WATCH: HPD Chief Susan Ballard speaks to press about this morning’s officer-involved shooting in Kalihi. KHON2.

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Honolulu Homeless Sweeps Will Continue Despite Supreme Court Decision. Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for the immediate halt of sweeps, but Honolulu says it will continue pushing homeless people out of public areas. Civil Beat.

Bus fare increase gets initial approval. Bus fares would rise a quarter to $3 per trip while seniors and youths would pay $1.50 under a plan given tentative approval Monday by the Honolulu Rate Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters to halt sit-in at UH Manoa campus. The Bachman Hall sit-in was launched in August, a month or so after protesters on Hawaii island took up positions at Mauna Kea Access Road to block construction of the $1.4 billion telescope project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige: State spends $15 million on Maunakea access. Addressing the issue of state costs incurred during the Maunakea standoff while speaking at a briefing for media of the state’s supplemental budget for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, Ige said he asked his department heads to “incorporate estimates of what we think is necessary” and “contingency requests” in the supplemental budget. Tribune-Herald.

Baltimore foundation wants to give away neglected Naalehu Theater — but accepting decaying gift not that easy. Baltimore Sun.

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Deal reached to preserve Ka’u coast. The Ka‘u community has been working for decades to protect their beloved 80-mile coast to honor their kupuna and empower future generations to perpetuate their rural, subsistence lifestyle. West Hawaii Today.

Agreement Preserves 2,300 Acres At Big Island’s Waikapuna. The Kau land holds special cultural and historical meaning for Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

2,317-Acre Waikapuna Becomes First PONC Conservation Easement. With help from the State and the County, the Ala Kahakai Trail Association purchased the land, which is now encumbered by a perpetual conservation easement owned by the County. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Supplemental Budget Includes Funds for Lahaina Bypass and Increased Security at Maui Jail. On Maui, there’s $70 million for the Lahaina Bypass and an additional $560,000 for 15 positions at Maui Community Correction Center to increase security. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines Rings in New Kahului to Las Vegas Service. Maui residents looking to experience Hawai‘i’s “Ninth Island” can now enjoy non-stop service to Las Vegas with Hawaiian Airlines’ new four-times-weekly flights between Kahului Airport and McCarran International Airport. Maui Now.


Kauai

$1.4M for Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital CT scan room. State Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura said that Gov. David Ige has released $1.4 million in general obligation bonds to be used for improvements at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, CT scan room. Garden Island.

Bigger boulders protect salt beds. There aren’t as many vehicles lined up along the beach at Salt Pond as there have been in the past, thanks to community members and the county working together to protect their natural resources. Garden Island.

Molokai

MEO gets ADA bus on Molokai. Maui Economic Opportunity has added a new ADA wheelchair-accessible bus to its fleet on Molokai, the nonprofit announced Friday. Maui News.

Keaau satellite launch port nixed, homeless diversion program working, state charges Maui jail rioters for damages, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii public school PC:Hawaii Department of Education

Hawaii Schools May Soon Experience A Wave of Retirements. Three of the state’s 15 complex area superintendents are leaving this school year. Many more school officials will soon be eligible to retire. Civil Beat.

One Path To Better Health For Native Hawaiians May Be In Their Backyards. For centuries, native Hawaiians fed themselves by developing sophisticated systems of fishponds and irrigated taro patches. But societal changes disrupted their connection to traditional food sources, leading to high health risks for diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. Hawaii Public Radio.

You Don’t Need To Go Far To Buy E-Cig Devices In Hawaii. Hawaii gas stations and convenience stores are among the largest retailers of electronic smoking device products in Hawaii and there are more vape shops per capita on neighbor islands, according to a Civil Beat analysis. Civil Beat.

Schatz Staffer Tied To Fossil Fuel Investments. Roll Call reported Wednesday that U.S. Sen Brian Schatz, a champion of action on climate change, has a chief of staff whose spouse has “substantial holdings” in fossil fuel companies. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Program that has police referring homeless to services sees positive results. An intensive social work program being tested in Chinatown has successfully reduced crime, according to a university study. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless program shows positive results after first year. A new partnership between Hono­lulu law enforcement and outreach workers to encourage homeless people in Chinatown to seek help and housing has dramatically reduced the number of law enforcement encounters, calls for medical treatment and days spent on the street. Star-Advertiser.

LEAD homeless diversion program shows positive results, will expand. The program helped 47 people in its pilot year. KITV.

City sweeps homeless camp in Mo'ili'ili. After getting complaint after complaint, the city on Wednesday swept a homeless camp in Mo'ili'ili. KITV.

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New Kapiolani high-rise in development. The developers of a planned 43-story residential condominium and hotel high-rise called Sky Ala Moana held a blessing and groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for the estimated $510 million project. Star-Advertiser.

Groundbreaking held for transit-oriented condo-hotel near Ala Moana Center.  On Wednesday, dignitaries and developers broke ground on Sky Ala Moana, a condo and hotel on Kapiolani Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

Ban on short term vacation rentals leads to influx of long term units for rent. Looking to rent a studio or small condo long term? More of them are available in places like Honolulu and the Windward side likely due to the ban on short term vacation rentals. KHON2.

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‘Shadow Flicker’ And Lost Sleep: Are Kahuku Wind Turbines Too Close To Homes?. Some of those living near the Kahuku wind turbines blame them for an array of health ailments. Civil Beat.

Wind plant opponents take break from protest. Few, if any, demonstrators against the project to install eight 568-foot tall wind turbines in Kahuku on the North Shore made an appearance at Kalaeloa in Kapolei Tuesday night, with opponent leaders saying a much-needed break was taken from gathering every night. Star-Advertiser.

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Construction of Kuhio Beach groin to begin. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday on a 95-foot sandbag groin designed to stabilize an erosion hot spot at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki’s Kuhio Beach fronting the Duke Kahanamoku statue. Star-Advertiser.

Federal team dispatched to Kalihi after toxic dumpsite is partially exposed. A federal emergency response team has been deployed to Kalihi to patch potholes after a toxic dumpsite buried under the road was partially exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Shipman pulls out of planned satellite launch facility: ‘This wasn’t the right fit’. A proposed satellite launch facility near Keaau will not go forward after the owner of the potential site pulled out of the project. Tribune-Herald.

Bid protest stalls bus contract. It’s back to the drawing board for the embattled Hele-On bus service, after a bid protest stopped a contract from being awarded to the winning bidder, Roberts Tours and Transportation Inc. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers scramble to contain invasive beetle attacking Big Island crops. Scientists are still working on an official common name for Acalolepta aesthetica, which has been dubbed the Queensland Longhorn Beetle. Hawaii News Now.

Advice for Hilo Bay users: ‘If it’s brown, turn around’. Those who frolic in Hilo Bay might want to take note of new research conducted by the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State charges Maui riot detainees thousands for damages, triggering federal civil rights lawsuit. The state has sanctioned 18 inmates over the Maui jail riot this spring — not with criminal charges yet, but with financial penalties for thousands of dollars each. KHON2.

A lawsuit filed Monday by state Rep. Angus McKelvey, Maui Tomorrow and others seeks to clarify whether Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino has the authority to ignore a resolution by the County Council calling for the settlement of the Lahaina injection wells case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Maui News.

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Mahi Pono Hires Tim O’Laughlin as COO. Mahi Pono, LLC, today announced the hire of Tim O’Laughlin as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Maui Now.

Calif. water lawyer tapped as Mahi Pono COO. Veteran California water lawyer Tim O’Laughlin was recently named Mahi Pono’s chief operating officer, the Maui company confirmed. Shan Tsutsui remains senior VP of operations. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Councilmember Arthur Brun was released from police custody after posting $10,000 bail Wednesday evening. Garden Island.

Kahuku wind farm protesters arrested as equipment moves to site, wetter than average winter, lawmakers debate flavored e-cigs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Double rainbow in Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Above-average rainfall and temperatures coming this winter. The National Weather Service announced Thursday that the islands likely will experience above-average rainfall this winter along with warmer-than-normal temperatures. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA Forecast: ‘Above Average’ Rainfall For Hawaii Through April. As such, existing drought is expected to be eliminated by the end of the rainy season. Civil Beat.

National Weather Service: Expect 'Wetter Than Average' Winter. According to the National Weather Service's outlook on the state's wet season, you can expect a "wetter than normal" winter this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Warmer temps, above average rainfall predicted for upcoming wet season. Weather models predict Hawaii will see a wetter ― and warmer ― wet season, which extends from October through April. Hawaii News Now.

Upcoming Wet Season to Eliminate Current Drought in Hawai‘i. Maui Now.

Forecasters predict wetter-than-average rainy season. Hilo International Airport averages 80.63 inches during the rainy season, October through April. Tribune-Herald.

Ready for rain. It’s going to be a rainy wet season across Hawaii, and Hanalei could be looking at potential flooding throughout the season. Garden Island.

Marine heat waves, like the one behind Hawaii’s sweltering summer, poised to be ‘new normal’. Five years ago, a vast stretch of warm water emerged across the North Pacific Ocean, extending from Alaska to California to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s surf might disappear completely if climate change worsens, experts say. Hawaii News Now.

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Lawmakers to revisit statewide ban of flavored e-cigarettes. State lawmakers, grappling with how to stop an unprecedented rise in vaping among Hawaii youth, will consider a statewide ban of flavored electronic cigarettes again next legislative session amid a growing outbreak of lung illnesses nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers discuss options after second case of vaping-related lung illness. After a second vaping-related lung illness was confirmed, lawmakers met today to discuss options for what to do to address the vaping epidemic in Hawaii. KHON2.

Hawaii High Schooler To Legislators: Ban Flavored E-Cigs. Meanwhile, a major Hawaii e-cigarette retailer said a flavor ban wouldn’t do any good. Civil Beat.

State confirms 2nd case of lung illness associated with vaping. State health officials confirmed Thursday that there is now a second severe lung illness case associated with vaping. It involves a young adult from Kauai.  KHON2.

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Shortage of Hawaii Pro Bono Attorneys Hobbles Legal Aid To Asylum-Seekers. As many as 150 Central American migrants seeking asylum have found their way to Hawaii from the U.S. Mexico border. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii to receive $1.5 million from Johnson & Johnson for not properly disclosing side effects of device. Hawaii will receive about $1.5 million from pharmaceutical company Johnson and Johnson for deceiving customers on one of its medical devices. KITV.

Johnson & Johnson, Ethicon Inc. reach $116.9M settlement over medical device: Here's how much Hawaii gets. Hawaii will be receiving $1.5 million from the settlement. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Wind Farm Protesters Arrested As They Blockade Road For Construction Vehicles. After the arrests, four construction trucks carrying sections of turbines left for the wind farm site in Kahuku. Civil Beat.

Kahuku wind farm convoy blocked by felled electric pole after protesters arrested. Equipment for Kahuku wind farm project leaves Kapolei after police arrest protesters. Police are turning around vehicles on Kamehameha Highway near Sunset Beach because a Hawaiian Electric Co. electric pole was cut down, officers confirmed, presumably to stop the wind turbine convoy from reaching Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

Police arrest 22 Kahuku wind farm opponents staging late-night blockade in Kalaeloa. Honolulu police arrested 22 opponents of a planned wind energy farm in Kahuku after they tried to block large turbines and other pieces of construction equipment from getting to the North Shore late Thursday into early Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Demonstrators opposed to the new wind turbines on the North Shore are arrested overnight. Police have arrested 22 people in Kalaeloa where demonstrators have been blocking the large wind turbine equipment from leaving the AES Baseyard. KHON2.

Kahuku wind farm opponents arrested during blockade in Kalaeloa. Those opposed to the project are concerned about the environmental and health impacts to the small north shore community. KITV.

Kahuku Wind Farm Protesters Want A Solar Farm Instead. Protesters in Kahuku who have been blocking the movement of equipment for a wind farm said they would support a solar farm in its place. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Navy eyes new 2045 deadline for Red Hill tank improvements. Navy officials said Thursday that they’re committed to finding a way to install a secondary containment system around their massive, underground fuel tanks at Red Hill where 27,000 gallons of fuel leaked in 2014 — and if they can’t, they will remove the fuel around the year 2045. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Resists Calls To Relocate Or Strengthen Red Hill Fuel Tanks. Critics worried about leaks into Honolulu’s drinking water are calling for the Navy to relocate the tanks as fast as possible. Civil Beat.

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Staffer Convicted In Union Vote Rigging No Longer At HART. Yamanoha’s continued employment at HART drew criticism, but rail agency officials won’t say whether he was fired or left voluntarily. Civil Beat.

Once-Defeated Kaneohe Cemetery Expansion Plan Is Back. While many neighbors are mounting opposition to the new proposal, the expansion has the vocal support from several Native Hawaiian organizations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Green Energy Projects Search For Ways To Navigate Community Opposition. A number of new solar and wind projects are needed in Oahu to replace the last coal-fired plant, which is scheduled to close in 2022. Civil Beat.

Uncertain future for The Arts at Marks Garage. The Arts at Marks Garage has been a gathering place for local artists for nearly 20 years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Altitude sickness challenges state officers and TMT protesters. Union filed grievance over evacuations from Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now obtained a HGEA grievance and letter sent in September to the Department of Public Safety. Hawaii News Now.

UH On Mauna Kea, “Why Are We Stuck?” Greg Chun, the executive director of Maunakea stewardship at the University of Hawaiʻi, gave a talk at UH-Hilo on Thursday about the ongoing conflict on the mountain. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii regents call for civility and nonviolence in TMT debate. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is calling for nonviolence and de- escalation of tension in the university community in connection with the conflict over Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

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NOAA Ship Surveys New Lava Deltas Off Puna. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ship "Rainier" was off the Puna coast in September, measuring the bathymetry following last summer's lower East Rift Zone lava flows. Big Island Video News.

Kona Community Aquatic Center to reopen Tuesday. The Kona Community Aquatic Center reopens to the public on Tuesday following a lengthy over-the-summer closure. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council to consider hiring special counsel over charter debate. Attorneys dispute who has authority to withdraw county from injection wells case. Maui News.

Judge Kelsey Kawano Appointed to Maui’s Circuit Court. Maui Judge Kelsey Kawano has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit. Maui Now.

Expert: Hawaii could lose ‘localness’ if housing not fixed. 2-day forum on attainable homes held at MACC. Maui News.

Mahi Pono Potatoes to Debut at Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival on Maui. Maui Now.

Ross Opens Third Maui Store, New Anchor Tenant at Lahaina Gateway. Maui Now.

Tori Richard signs lease as part of Westin Maui's $100M upgrade. Tori Richard Ltd. has signed a lease for a 1,100-square-foot lobby retail space at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali, which has been undergoing a $100 million repositioning. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Three Kauai schools on lockdown. Police detained one person and are looking into “persons of interest” in connection to threats that forced lockdowns of school campuses in Lihue and Kapaa for over an hour Thursday. Garden Island.

Kealohas close to plea deal, drone plans for Maui, teachers' association seeks flavored vape ban, opposition mounts to Kahuku wind farm, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha

Kealohas close to reaching a plea deal for remaining federal charges. The Kealohas are reportedly close to making a plea deal with federal prosecutors on financial fraud and other charges. Hawaii News Now.

Federal prosecutors offer Katherine Kealoha plea deal. Federal prosecutors have offered to reduce their recommendation for the length of Katherine Kealoha’s imprisonment by a few years and will dismiss multiple charges against her if she agrees to plead guilty to two felony counts in a bank fraud prosecution and a misdemeanor charge in a separate drug-related case, according to one of her attorneys. Star-Advertiser.

New plea offer for Katherine Kealoha. Renewed negotiations for Katherine Kealoha and the federal government. One of her attorneys says both sides met Wednesday with a new offer on the table. KHON2.

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The Hawaii State Teachers Association wants lawmakers to ban all flavored tobacco products to help protect their students. The Department of Education banned electronic smoking devices back in 2015 but teachers report the problem continues to show up on campus. KITV.

State Sen. Kai Kahele criticizes Tulsi Gabbard for missing House vote on Syria. State Sen. Kai Kahele (D-Hilo) is criticizing Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for failing to show up to vote today on a House resolution that condemns President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of American forces from northern Syria. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats To Hold Presidential Primary April 4. The Democratic National Convention has approved how the local party will select delegates. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kiewit’s Payments On Hold Pending Findings Of Rail Investigation. State finance officials rejected more than $30 million in payments to Kiewit Infrastructure West this past quarter because they believe the former rail contractor may be part of the federal criminal probe into the multibillion-dollar transit project. Civil Beat.

Wind turbine protesters gear up for a drawn-out battle in Kahuku. Opponents of the construction of eight wind turbines in Kahuku are preparing for a drawn-out fight against the project, which they say will have detrimental health effects for residents and farmers of the rural town. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Green Energy Projects Search For Ways To Navigate Community Opposition. A number of new solar and wind projects are needed in Oahu to replace the last coal-fired plant, which is scheduled to close in 2022. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Acquire More Military-Style Equipment. The local ACLU criticizes the purchase of equipment like the $580,000 Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle as encouraging local police to adopt a “warrior mentality.” Civil Beat.

Council aims to silence excessively loud mopeds. Councilman Tommy Waters, who introduced the measure, says mufflers are required on motor vehicles but under the current law it excludes mopeds. KHON2.

Affordable housing options expanding in Kakaako. Affordable housing is expanding a foothold in one section of Kakaako with construction about to begin on a 42-story tower offering mainly midpriced condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

This playground is within permitting guidelines. But still, safety concerns linger. Realtors often highlight the kids-friendly playground at the upscale Waikalua Bayside project along Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council passes climate resolution despite doom and gloom from Chung. The Big Island is officially facing a climate crisis, according to a resolution unanimously passed Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Three dozen protest bombing at Pohakuloa Training Area. About three dozen activists gathered at the main gate of the Pohakuloa Training Area on Wednesday to protest continued bombing and shelling on the sprawling U.S. Army base, which regularly hosts life-fire training exercises for Hawaii-based soldiers and Marines. Star-Advertiser.

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Mayor Kim reassures protesters that TMT equipment won’t be snuck up the mountain. After fears that law enforcement could come in soon to clear the protest camp at Mauna Kea, Mayor Harry Kim and protest leaders say there’s assurances Thirty Meter Telescope equipment will not be sneaked in. Hawaii News Now.

UH regents unveil Maunakea resolution. A new resolution proposed by members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents would establish deadlines for the decommissioning of several Maunakea telescopes and set groundwork for future educational programs on the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

UH Regents Maunakea Governance Report Calls For 12 Specific Action Items. The findings and recommendations of the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents' Maunakea Governance Permitted Interaction Group have been published. Big Island Video News.

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Change paves way for more indoor amusement facilities. Indoor amusement facilities such as fitness and martial arts centers, pool halls and game rooms will be allowed in commercial and industrial zones under changes the County Council approved Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Drone officials plan to submit new application. Project officials plan to resubmit an application for the Hawk30 program, which is seeking to use agricultural lands on Lanai to develop and test two high-altitude platform drones. Project is also expected to undergo environmental review. Maui News.

UH: Forest Conservation Could Save $1.4M to Maui Water. Preventing the degradation of the native forest and facilitation of conservation efforts could save the local water utility up to $1.4 million and make important contributions to local water supplies in East Maui according to research conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. Maui Now.

County files complaint over Haiku zip line. Company accused of breach of the settlement pact. Maui News.

Kauai

Full closures on Kuhio Highway near Hanalei. Emergency full closures on Kuhio Highway at mile marker 1 (the hill approaching Hanalei Bridge) will be hourly for about 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the top of each hour today and Friday. Garden Island.

Hourly full closures for emergency slope work on Kuhio Highway at Hanalei Hill. KHON2.

Grave site search going high-tech. Radar technology will be used this Sunday at the Hanapepe Filipino Cemetery to help a team of Kauai researchers determine where the unmarked mass grave of 16 Filipino sugar cane workers lies. Garden Island.

Kauai is coming up on peak fledging season for the endangered Newell’s shearwater and other seabirds, and that means it’s peak fallout season, too. Garden Island.

Hawaii Dems opt for ranked-choice mail-in ballots for presidential primary, convicted ex-police chief Kealoha files for divorce, Hawaii County Council advances pesticide ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard ©2019 All Hawaii News

Tulsi Gabbard’s take on Syria gets slammed as ‘dead wrong’ during Democratic debate. Tulsi Gabbard came under attack for her stances on Syria during Tuesday’s presidential debate, marring what needed to be a strong performance for the Hawaii congresswoman, who has struggled to gain traction in her bid for the presidency. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard: ‘Blood Of The Kurds’ On Trump’s Hands. The Hawaii congresswoman continued to push for ending U.S. involvement in “regime-change war” during Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate. Civil Beat.

Gabbard Restrained In Debate But Questions Warren About Syria. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard did not have significant air time in Tuesday's crowded debate of 12 Democratic presidential candidates but she was most emphatic when arguing in support of the U.S. pullout from Syria. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Campaign Filings Show Gabbard Has Raised Another $3 Million. State Sen. Kai Kahele continues to rake in cash in his bid to oust the CD2 congresswoman. Civil Beat.

DNC approves delegate plan. The party-run presidential primary scheduled for April 4 will include vote-by-mail and ranked choice voting. Garden Island.

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Protests concern Hawaii business leaders. Hawaii often gets rapped as being unfriendly to business over regulations, taxes and litigation. Now a new layer to this perception may be forming as activists inhibit construction of three development projects. Star-Advertiser.

UH Pay Increases For Top Executives Drawing Scrutiny. The double-digit percentage pay increases are permissible under a UH policy giving discretion to the university president to elevate pay. Civil Beat.

Vaping Summit, Legislative Briefing Set As Lung Illness Count Continues To Rise Nationwide. An anti-vaping summit is planned this week in Honolulu and state lawmakers scheduled a briefing Thursday on the rising youth use of e-cigarettes. Hawaii Public Radio.

More Hawaiian homeland residents struggling with loan payments, face eviction. DHHL beneficiaries asked Lt. Gov. Josh Green and state legislators for the same loan mitigation programs offered to other citizens. They say current state law prohibits that. KITV.

Why Hawaii Still Has So Few Electric Cars. Only about 1% of cars here are electric vehicles. Advocates say boosting that number requires mandating builders install charging stations at new developments. Civil Beat.

$88 Billion: A New Price Tag For Fixing Hawaii’s Infrastructure And Retirement Systems. A new report from the Hawaii Executive Conference details the state’s worsening financial problems, but it doesn’t offer any solutions. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha files for divorce from wife Katherine. Louis Kealoha, the retired police chief and convicted felon, filed for divorce Monday from his wife, former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, also a convicted felon. Star-Advertiser.

Louis Kealoha Files For Divorce From Katherine Kealoha. The marriage is irretrievably broken, Louis Kealoha indicated in his court complaint. Civil Beat.

As both await sentencing, ex-police chief files for divorce from his wife. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha has filed for a divorce from his wife Katherine, a former deputy prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Retired Police Chief Louis Kealoha files for divorce. Retired Police Chief Louis Kealoha has filed for divorce against his wife, Katherine, a former deputy prosecutor. KHON2.

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Gov. David Ige backs wind farm’s construction in Kahuku. The company planning to build a wind farm in Kahuku “should be allowed to proceed,” Gov. David Ige’s office said Tuesday as protesters continued to rally at the construction site. Star-Advertiser.

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State health officials fine bubble tea shop in Moiliili for removing yellow placard. The state Health Department has fined a bubble tea shop at Puck’s Alley in Moiliili $2,000 for unlawfully and intentionally removing a yellow placard, which stands for a conditional pass, from their facility. Star-Advertiser.

Popular bubble tea shop slapped with fine for removing yellow health placard. The Department of Health has fined a popular Oahu bubble tea shop after removing a conditional yellow health placard from their window. Hawaii News Now.

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Home and condo sales rise on Oahu. Home and condo sales are picking up with several regions seeing double-digit gains. KHON2.

Sea Life Park announces death of Kina the false killer whale. Sea Life Park Hawaii announced today the death of Kina, the false killer whale that had been a beloved part of its family since 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Kina, the beloved false killer whale at Sea Life Park, dies. A mainstay at Sea Life Park on Oahu has died. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Herbicide ban advanced: Bill prohibits county use of weed killers in parks, roadsides. Hawaii Island is moving toward banning county-applied herbicides on parks and roadsides. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaiʻi County Council Committee of Agricultural, Water, Energy and Environmental Management voted to advance Bill 101 to the full council with a positive recommendation. Big Island Video News.

Pesticide Ban Advances to Council. The Hawai‘i County Council Committee on Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental Management voted 7-0 today to advance Bill 101, a pesticide ban in Hawai‘i County, with a positive recommendation to the Council late Tuesday night. Big Island Now.

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Committee gets update on lava recovery efforts. Hawaii County Council members appeared pleased with the current state of the Kilauea eruption recovery efforts after an update provided Tuesday to the Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Eruption Recovery Progress Report Delivered. It has been one year since the eruption of Kīlauea ended, but the recovery effort in Puna continues. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii regents panel pitches plan to improve Mauna Kea. Following a two-month examination of the issues related to Mauna Kea, a University of Hawaii Board of Regents committee did not recommend any change in its support for the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

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Men’s shelter in old Hilo hospital accepts its first residents. The old Hilo Memorial Hospital has a new purpose: helping homeless men. Tribune-Herald.

Old Hilo Hospital Site Now An Ohana Zone. The goal is to improve access to needed services for those experiencing homelessness. Civil Beat.

Keolahou Shelter To Address Homelessness In Hilo. The shelter is on the site of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital near Rainbow Falls, and is made possible by state ʻOhana Zone funds. Big Island Video News.

Maui

State restricts access to cliff in West Maui. Concerns over rock climbing impacts have led the state to close a cliff face in the Lihau section of the West Maui Natural Area Reserve. Maui News.

Maui Marketplace seeing some new tenants, changes. Jollibee, a fast food chain from the Philippines, is coming to the center. Maui News.

Jollibee “Home of the Famous Chickenjoy” Coming to Maui Marketplace. Jollibee, a popular fast-food chain in the Philippines, will be opening a restaurant at the Maui Marketplace in Kahului. Maui Now.

Island home prices dip in September as purchases spike. 83 properties have sales pending, up 26 percent from September 2018. Maui News.

Kauai

Water rights contested. A case that began before the county planning commission and made its way to the highest court in the state continued Tuesday in Kauai’s circuit court, where a judge appeared on the verge of siding with a Koloa couple embroiled in the 13-year legal battle. Garden Island.

Southwest on the way. Southwest will launch service between Honolulu and Kauai, Maui and Sacramento on Nov. 10. Garden Island.

Trump administration sued over coral decline, Tulsi Gabbard threatens debate boycott, calls DNC primary 'rigged,' Oahu landfill approved, Maui bus hub running late, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Trump Sued For Failing To Protect Hawaii’s Cauliflower Coral. A “marine heat wave” is blamed for a 36% decline of the species. Civil Beat.

Trump administration sued over Hawaii’s cauliflower coral. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration Thursday for failing to protect cauliflower coral around the Hawaiian Islands, the nonprofit group said in a news release. West Hawaii Today.

The Trump administration caught another lawsuit as a strong marine heat wave is starting to impact Hawaii’s coral reefs, including reports of coral bleaching on Kauai. Garden Island.

Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Protect Hawai‘i Cauliflower Coral. Maui Now.

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Tulsi Gabbard says process is ‘rigged,’ threatens to boycott presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she may boycott next week’s Democratic presidential debate telling supporters in a videotaped message Thursday that the Democratic National Committee and corporate media “are rigging the election.” Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard Threatens To Boycott Presidential Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman, who says the current political system is “rigged,” will make her decision in the coming days. Civil Beat.

Gabbard threatens to boycott the debate she worked hard to get into. Claiming a “rigged” primary process, presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard says she’s seriously considering boycotting the next Democratic presidential debate. Hawaii News Now.

Long-Shot 2020 Candidate Gabbard May Skip Democratic Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman complained in a Twitter message on Thursday about the Democratic National Committee's use of polling to determine debate participants and said the debates are "meant to entertain, not inform or enlighten." Associated Press.

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State lawmakers set vaping-awareness meeting. The state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce and the state Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health Committee will hold an informational briefing on the youth vaping epidemic at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in room 309 at the State Capitol. Garden Island.

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Ige Appoints Hara To Be Hawaii Adjutant General. He is to replace Maj. Gen. Arthur “Joe” Logan, who is retiring. Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Thursday announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara to be the adjutant general for the state of Hawaii Department of Defense. Civil Beat.

Brig. Gen. Hara Appointed Adjutant General For Hawaiʻi. The man who served as the Dual Status Commander of Joint Task Force 5-0 during the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano will now be the Adjutant General for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense. Big Island Video News.

Newly appointed state adjutant general to step into role in December. Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara is slated to serve as the state’s adjutant general, overseeing the Hawaii Department of Defense, effective Dec. 6. Hawaii News Now.

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Union alleges private security firm owes airport workers nearly $1M. Hundreds of private security and traffic control officers at Honolulu’s five major airports are seeking nearly $1 million in back raises from private firm Securitas. Hawaii News Now.

Labor union seeks $1M in back pay. A labor union representing over 1,000 airport security officers in Hawaii is asking a federal judge to force a company to pay $1 million in back pay to hundreds of employees. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Gas Prices Inch Down. Gas prices in many areas inched downward in the last week, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Today’s statewide average price is $3.67 a gallon, which is one cent lower than last Thursday, one cent higher than a month ago and 19 cents lower than on this date a year ago, according to GasPrices.AAA.com. Maui Now.

Oahu

Land Use Commission grants OK for landfill to continue. The city will need to close the contentious Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill at Kahe Point by March 2, 2028, under a permit granted by the state Land Use Commission Thursday by a 6-2 vote. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Would Close By 2028 Under New Land Use Permit. The state Land Use Commission gave the city until then to find a new site for a landfill, which has been an issue on Oahu’s Leeward Coast for decades. Civil Beat.

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Long-awaited Ala Wai canal dredging gets underway this month. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is starting a $21 million-plus Ala Wai dredging project this month — good news for those who have been waiting nearly two decades to get relief from the buildup of sludge, sediment and debris in the man-made canal. Star-Advertiser.

$21 Million Dredging, Improvement Work Set For Ala Wai. The project, the first dredging of the canal since 2002, will last a year. Civil Beat.

Ala Wai Canal dredging and improvement project expected to begin in late October. KITV.

A project designed to protect parts of urban Honolulu from climate-related flooding has sparked community disagreement. The Ala Wai Flood Control Project has been heralded by elected officials at all levels of government as a way to protect some of Hawaii’s most valuable real estate from a devastating flood. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Honolulu Airport Parking Reaching Capacity And Electric Vehicles Are A Big Reason. The Hawaii Department of Transportation on Thursday urged travelers going to the Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu Airport to leave their cars at home and have someone drop them off as the parking structures are reaching capacity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Skyrocketing electric bills have Ewa residents demanding audit. Several Kapilina Beach Homes residents voiced their concerns of surging electric bills to the Ewa Neighborhood Board meeting Thursday night. Hawaii News Now.

How Honolulu’s Japanese, Spurned At The Library, Made Their Own Bookstore Culture. When Honolulu’s library first opened, it ignored the needs of Japanese readers. In response, Japanese shop owners stepped up to provide books. Civil Beat.

City council suggests residents get Real ID sooner rather than later. Honolulu city councilmember Ron Menor introduced a new resolution on Wednesday, urging the public to get the star marking on their ID’s sooner rather than later. KHON2.

18-year-old named youngest Honolulu City Council neighborhood board member. City Councilmember Tommy Waters says she represents a new generation of young adults hoping to shape the future. KITV.

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Ron’s Performance Center closing after 52 years. Ron’s Performance Center, a retailer that has sold and installed custom auto parts and accessories for 52 years, is closing Oct. 31. Star-Advertiser.

After 50 years, Hawaii’s largest performance parts warehouse calls it quits. The owners of the Sand Island auto parts store say business has been declining ever since the closure of the race track in 2006. Hawaii News Now.

Ron’s Performance Center to close after 52 years. The long-time family business has been a staple in the car community for decades. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Three Ka‘u locations recommended for conservation funding. Three properties in the Ka‘u District of Hawaii Island are among five the Legacy Land Conservation Commission identified as its top priorities for acquisition with the purpose of preservation for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Lands Recommended For Legacy Land Conservation Grants. Three properties in Kaʻu have been identified by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission as priories for protection. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii County police issue 4,632 tickets in areas around the TMT protests. Hawaii County police officers deployed in the area around the Mauna Kea protest camp have issued 4,632 citations during a stepped-up enforcement program on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway during the past eight weeks, police announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Police: 4,632 citations issued, 46 arrested amid stepped-up traffic enforcement near Maunakea Access Road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New bus hub won’t be done by lease end. County officials in talks with shopping center about 1-year extension. Maui News.

September Maui home sales mixed. Maui single-family home sales soared 47.5% in September but the overall housing market was mixed, according to data released Thursday by the Realtors Association of Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Westside farmers market accepts EBT. You can now use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) cards for local produce at the Westside Hale Puna farmers market. Garden Island.