Thousand Oaks shooter previously stationed at Kaneohe, Hawaii top state for Viagra, honeymooners file lawsuit over hotel strike, shark fins smuggled in luggage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Natatorium in Waikiki ©2018 All Hawaii News

Supporters of the Natatorium applauded the city’s latest plan for restoring the deteriorating Waikiki memorial: a $25.6 million rebuild that would keep the historic structure and pool mostly intact. Star-Advertiser.

Where Does Tulsi Gabbard Fit In The New House Democratic Majority? The Hawaii congresswoman, who’s considering a run for president, has been outspoken about party establishment and wasn’t a major factor in Democratic fundraising efforts. Civil Beat.

Thousand Oaks shooter was once stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base. A gunman who opened fire at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, late Wednesday night is identified as 28-year-old former Marine Ian David Long. KITV.

Hawaii the top state for prescription ED medications, study says. This comes after both Cialis and Viagra -- the top selling ED brands -- went generic, making the drugs less expensive. KITV.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Identify Humpback Whales. Artificial Intelligence has been used for everything from teaching computers to play chess to helping speed ride-sharing services on thei rway. And now one government agency is using it to track humpback whales in the Pacific. Hawaii Public Radio.

Union of Hawaiian Telcom, Cincinnati Bell ‘going well’. It’s getting dissed by a competitor as no longer being a local company, but Hawaiian Telcom is doing well since Ohio-based Cincinnati Bell acquired the longtime kamaaina phone, internet and TV service provider in July. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A North Carolina doctor and his wife have filed a class-action lawsuit against Marriott International and Kyo-Ya Hotels &Resorts for not telling them that the workers in their hotel were on strike before they came here on their honeymoon. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is hoping to find a private partner to help pay for the planned redevelopment of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center complex. Star-Advertiser.

Cost to hire special duty Honolulu police officer increases. Right now the regular rate for a special duty officer is $36 an hour. That'll go up to $40 dollars an hour Jan. 1. KHON2.

Analysis: 1 in 5 homes on Oahu worth $1M or more. Oahu’s median house price is $800K. Real estate website Trulia ranked Honolulu’s housing market fourth in the nation for having one of the largest increases in homes worth $1 million or more in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Among Top 10 Destinations for Thanksgiving Travel. AAA Hawaiʻi is reporting that 54 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving, and Honolulu is among 10 top destinations where travelers plan to visit. Maui Now.

Agents bust alleged shark fin smuggling ring at Honolulu’s airport. The men reportedly had the shark fins in their luggage. Hawaii News Now.

A stretch of Kuhio Highway between Waikoko and Wainiha damaged by heavy floods will not be open until next year. The repairs were expected to be finished this fall, but officials say in order to bring in heavy equipment, they first have to repair the Waioli, Waipa and Waikoko Stream bridges. Hawaii News Now.

Down to Earth to reopen first standalone store at Pearlridge Center on Dec. 1. The new 13,000-square-foot store is located at Pearlridge Center east across the street from Pali Momi Medical Center, next to the old Toys R Us. KHON2.

As work on Honolulu’s 20-mile rail line begins to enter more populated areas, the state’s Harbors Division said it is looking at how it can capitalize on transit-oriented development opportunities. Pacific Business News.

Relocation of Kakaako farmers market to bring new life to demolished Ward Warehouse space. The Kakaako Farmers Market has found a new, and hopefully long-term, home in part of the recently demolished Ward Warehouse space. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Kim resumes work on plan for Maunakea. Kim, who in November 2017 received a green light from Gov. David Ige to propose a new management structure for the mountain, said he is back to talking with a seven-member working group that will help him refine his vision for Maunakea, which he thinks can be a symbol of international cooperation, the pursuit of knowledge, and the Hawaiian people. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island reps get new assignments. Rep. Mark Nakashima has been named vice speaker of the state House of Representatives. Tribune-Herald.

Gun owner contests petition in open-carry case. The attorneys for the Hilo man challenging Hawaii’s open-carry gun law filed a response Thursday to the state’s latest legal maneuver, saying its argument is both legally wrong and “far too little and far too late.” Star-Advertiser.

Vacation Rental Ban Could Be ‘The Final Death Blow’ For Puna. Critics argue these rentals are one of the few economic bright spots in the lava-ravaged district. Civil Beat.

Vandals damage Big Island park, closing it for $12K repairs. Repairs will be made to the bathroom, water fountain and storage lockers. Hawaii News Now.

A vision for an improved Volcano School of Arts and Sciences is moving forward, and has gotten Windward Planning Commission approval. Big Island Video News.

Big Island tea cooperative optimistic about new ag venture. With the help of farmers, landowners, investors and consumers, a Big Island cooperative hopes to establish a specialty tea industry in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Electric to Build Storm Water Retention Basin in Maalaea. The basin is planned to further protect surrounding areas from excess storm water overflow that could occur at the facility during heavy rains. Maui Now.

No leadership overhaul expected at Capitol. Maui County’s state lawmakers eye their roles the upcoming legislative session. Maui News.

Maui Lawmakers Secure Leadership, Committee Chair Assignments. Maui Now.

Kauai

Jump start on legislative leadership. Democratic State Reps. Dee Morikawa and Nadine Nakamura have hit the ground running in leadership positions with the House of Representatives, flying to Oahu for meetings the day after the election. Garden Island.

'You gotta speak up'. The Kauai protest at the intersection of Ahukini Road and Kapule Highway near Lihue Airport was one of many nationwide rallies calling for the protection of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into potential coordination between Russia and President Donald Trump’s campaign during the 2016 election season. Garden Island.

The annual Kauai Veterans Day parade, traditionally held on the first Saturday of November and presented by the Kauai Veterans Council, returned to Kapaa town, coordinated by the Kapaa Business Association. Garden Island.

Appeals court rules Hawaii's open-carry gun law unconstitutional, cop killer's alleged accomplices in court, Maui sand mining moratorium extended, lots of politics and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

SIG Pro semi-automatic pistol PC:Augustas Didzgalvis

Appeals Court: Hawaii Can’t Restrict Openly Carrying A Gun In Public. If the ruling stands, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling could lead to more guns in public in states like Hawaii and California that have restrictive laws. Associated Press.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that the Constitution protects the right to openly carry a gun in public for self-defense, rejecting Hawaii's claims that the right to carry only applies to firearms kept at home. Hawaii News Now.

Federal court of appeals ruled Hawaii's gun law violates constitutional rights. KHON2.

Gun enthusiasts welcome court ruling by a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of carrying a firearm in public for self-defense. Star-Advertiser.

Appeals court sides with Big Isle man in case about open carry of guns. The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Tuesday sided with a Big Island man when it ruled the Second Amendment affords the right to openly carry a gun in public for self-defense. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo veteran has pushed for gun rights for 6 years. George Young Jr., a Chinese-Hawaiian Vietnam veteran from Hilo, wasn’t surprised after winning a lawsuit for the right to openly carry a gun for protection, a victory that could have significant implications for the Aloha State. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are warning that a federal appeals court decision striking down state restrictions on who can carry a firearm in public could make Hawaii a more dangerous place to live. Star-Advertiser.

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In Crowded Race For Congress, Democrats Span Ideological Spectrum. Unlike candidates in many blue districts on the mainland, “progressives” have struggled to find traction in Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

New attack ads slamming the governor and a local councilwoman surface. It is 18 days until the primary election and a Super-PAC with a history of negative campaigning has launched a series of new attack ads. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters is boosting its spending on advertising to support U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and oppose Gov. David Ige just as early absentee ballots are being cast in the Democratic primary, according to new reports filed with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Video: Meet the four people running for the OHA Trustee seat. KITV.

Fake Service Animal Owners Face Consequences. The growing problem of people bringing their pets into clinics and dentist offices, grocery stores restaurants, shopping malls and even movie theaters has struck a nerve. Hawaii Public Radio.

Florida and Hawaii lead nation in shark attacks. Florida by far led the country in shark attacks between 2007 and 2016, with 244, according to an analysis by the SafeWise security company. Hawaii came in second with 65. Star-Advertiser.

Union: Marriott Agrees To Subsidize Hotel Workers’ Housing. Local 5 also says that the company has promised to install panic buttons in response to sexual harassment concerns. Civil Beat.

Marriott has agreed to contribute to a housing fund to help hotel workers deal with the high cost of housing in Hawaii, according to representatives from Unite Here Local 5 who are in the midst of collective bargaining. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air reports $79.5 million profit. The Honolulu-based company said it had net income of $1.56 per share. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

4 Council seats to be decided by voters. Because Oahu has a population of more than 1 million people, each of the nine Honolulu City Council members represents more than 100,000 constituents. Star-Advertiser.

2 seasoned state lawmakers vying for Senate seat that covers Kailua, Kaneohe. With state Sen. Jill Tokuda deciding to run for lieutenant governor, her Senate seat is up for grabs.  Hawaii News Now.

Health Department rips city for illegal wastewater leaks from garbage trucks. Health Department investigators said the city could face fines of up to $25,000 per day per violation if it doesn’t address the problems. Hawaii News Now.

New report says Airbnb, HomeAway users spent $1.1 billion on Oahu in 2017. One of every seven visitors to Oahu stayed in alternative accommodations last year, spending about $1.1 billion, according to a report released Tuesday by Kloninger & Sims Consulting LLC. Pacific Business News.

More than 4,200 solar panels to be installed at HNL to meet green energy goal. New solar modules will be installed at Honolulu airport as part of Hawaii's goal of reaching 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Hawaii News Now.

Kahauiki Village Daycare and Preschool Blessed. An on-site children’s facility was blessed today at a plantation-style affordable housing village near Sand Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

An associate of Justin Waiki told authorities the fugitive cop killer intended to shoot it out with police, according to a court document filed by prosecutors in Kona. Jamie Jason, the 35-year-old woman who hid with Waiki under a blanket in the rear of a sport-utility vehicle, told police she held the stolen .38 revolver and extra rounds of ammunition while Waiki took a swim at a beach at Ka Lae, aka South Point, shortly before the violent end of a 60-hour manhunt on Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Suspect: I tried to get cop killer to turn self in. Malia Lajala told police she asked Justin Waiki on Friday to turn himself in the days after he became a suspect in last week’s shooting death of Officer Bronson Kaliloa. West Hawaii Today.

'I saw everything.' Cop killer's alleged accomplice reveals new details of deadly shootout. KHON2.

A "bombshell" claim on tape played in a Kona court room Tuesday. A woman inside the vehicle with accused "cop killer" Justin Waiki told police he shot his alleged accomplice as officers moved-in. KITV.

Law enforcement agencies that offered rewards for information leading to the arrest of a man suspected of killing a Hawaii police officer haven't made decisions about who will receive more than $30,000. Hawaii News Now.

Proving Waiki's friends were accomplices to attempted murder will be challenging, says law expert. KHON2.

Connection of other officer shooting unconfirmed. More than 10 shots were fired during a pursuit last week that injured the driver of the suspected vehicle in the arm, according to testimony during a preliminary hearing Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Vacation rental bill heads to planning commissions. Hawaii County Council members approved a fourth version of a vacation rental bill Tuesday, fine-tuning a measure that’s generated a lot of controversy from those on both sides of the issue. West Hawaii Today.

Disabled or unemployable veterans would pay no property taxes under a bill advanced Tuesday by the County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Water Board voted Tuesday to raise the power cost charge to ratepayers, while choosing to defer action in a power purchase agreement dispute between the Department of Water Supply and Lalamilo Wind Company. West Hawaii Today.

Hamakua residents attended a political forum at the Honokaa People’s Theater on Monday evening, which featured candidates for State House and State Senate. Big Island Video News.

The U.S. Senate passed legislation Tuesday instructing the federal government to evaluate the damage done by the Kilauea eruption to the Big Island’s economy. Tribune-Herald.

County Council to consider resolution to rename fissure 8. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR Responds To Criticism Over Sea Turtles Killed By Lava. As images of dying sea turtles and cited lava viewers spread online, the state tried to quell social media unrest with a written statement. Big Island Video News.

State officials said eight more people have been cited for loitering in the East Rift Eruption Zone in Puna, seven of them since Monday, bringing the total so far to about 90 since early May. Star-Advertiser.

An unknown disease is killing wild horses in Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee voted Monday to recommend extending a moratorium on sand mining in Central Maui through Dec. 31, allowing the county time to complete a study on sand availability and possibly pass new laws regulating sand mining. Maui News.

Hololani resort’s latest effort to halt erosion of beach faces lawsuit. Plaintiffs: Driving in sheet piles needs greater review. Maui News.

Panel looks to roll back park facility fees. Complaints of increase cost, logistics cited. A Maui County Council committee today will review a recently passed $20 across-the-board fee hike for use of county parks facilities amid complaints from the public and the need to close parks permits offices for a week to implement the change manually. Maui News.

Community stunned by trees mowed down in west Maui, but state defends project. West Maui residents were shocked recently to see dozens of trees chopped down to their stumps near Honolua Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Opening arguments were heard Tuesday in Fifth Circuit Court in a jury trial against the former Kauai Police Department officer who would eventually become head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources on Kauai. Garden Island.

New charter school readies for opening. Dr. Kani Blackwell put out a call for help to unload the Alakai O Kauai “School in a Box” at the site of the newest charter school at Kahili Mountain Park. Garden Island.

Commentary: Affordable housing — closing the loop on Bill 2687. Affordable housing is at crisis levels. Garden Island.

Bankrupt Island Air grounded, taxpayers to fund Kealoha defense, Land Board allows Alexander & Baldwin to continue diverting streams, court rules in favor of Syngenta, Navy wraps up bombing meetings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Veterans Day parade © 2017 All Hawaii News

Complicated U.S. Relations Leave Veterans Without Full Health Benefits. This coming Veterans’ Day, we will likely hear stories of service from those who have been to the frontlines of war. As America honors those who served in the U.S. military, the conversation also centers on how the U.S. can serve its veterans.  HPR Reporter Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi shares the story of an often overlooked group of veterans who are hoping the country they served will return that obligation. Hawaii Public Radio.

100-year-old WWII veteran sparks bill for Pacific War memorial. A 100-year-old Oahu veteran has inspired a bipartisan bill to add a commemorative display honoring U.S. service members who fought in the Pacific theater to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which is home to the USS Arizona Memorial.. Star-Advertiser.

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Island Air, the state’s second-largest airline, said today its last day of service will be Friday after having exhausted all options to remain flying. Star-Advertiser.

Bankrupt Hawaii interisland carrier Island Air will cease all operations as of midnight Friday after having exhausted all its legal options to stay in business. Pacific Business News.

Island Air announces abrupt shutdown; 100s to lose their jobs. Cash-strapped Island Air, Hawaii's second-largest inter-island carrier, has announced it will halt all service Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Island Air to shut down after 37 years. KHON2.

Island Air to cease operations after Friday. Island Air says it will close operations as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday due to legal pressures imposed by its aircraft lessors. KITV.

Interisland air carrier Island Air announced it will shut down operations as of Saturday, significantly diminishing the number of interisland flights available. In a Thursday afternoon statement, the carrier said “all Island Air passengers must make alternative arrangements for interisland transportation, effective this Saturday, November 11, 2017.” Tribune-Herald.

Island Air said Thursday it will cease interisland service Saturday, having exhausted all options to remain flying. West Hawaii Today.

On Saturday at midnight, Island Air will end 37 years of service to Hawaii "due to legal pressures imposed by aircraft lessors." Big Island Video News.

Island Air announced Thursday it will close operations at midnight tonight. The move ends 37 years of service in Hawaii, leaves passengers scrambling to find flights for interisland transportation and puts 400 employees out of work. Garden Island.

Island Air to Shut Down After 37 Years. Maui Now.

Island Air ends 37 years of flying today. Airline to file for Chapter 7 Monday, Hawaiian offers help. Maui News.

Looking beyond Island Air’s last day: what happens next? Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Regulates Manicurists And Bartenders — Why Not Midwives? Several legislative proposals to license people who assist with births, often at home, have failed. Another may be coming next session. Civil Beat.

There have now been 557 cases of mumps in Hawaii this year. Hawaii has seen 557 cases of mumps in 2017, and 16 people have suffered from complications. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Don’t Ban Campaign Fundraising During Legislative Sessions. Some people seem to equate holding fundraisers during sessions to accepting bribes, but there’s a free speech issue here. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Taxpayers to fund defense team for ex-police chief, wife. Taxpayers will be funding attorneys to defend a former Honolulu police chief and his wife in a corruption case, a judge ruled Thursday. Associated Press.

Former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his city deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha will receive court-appointed attorneys in their public corruption case as early as next week, a federal judge ruled today after discussing the couple’s financial situation with them in private. Star-Advertiser.

Judge: Kealohas Are Too Broke To Pay For Their Own Defense. A federal judge will assign new, publicly funded counsel to represent the former Honolulu police chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

Former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife will get taxpayer-funded attorneys to battle charges in a public corruption case. Hawaii News Now.

Judge approves court-appointed attorneys, taxpayers to fund Kealohas’ costly defense. KHON2.

Federal judge approves court-appointed counsel for Kealohas. A high profile public corruption case will soon be costing taxpayers. KITV.

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Is a ‘big house’ coming to your neighborhood? Plans in the works as officials weigh fixes. Honolulu’s mayor is asking his administration to take action as the “big house” trend continues to spread on Oahu. KHON2.

Honolulu moving ahead with Blaisdell redevelopment, but questions linger for business. The City and County of Honolulu is moving forward with its plan to redevelop the 50-year-old Neal S. Blaisdell Center and plans to submit a draft environmental assessment in the first quarter of next year, but residents and business owners are concerned the plan won’t provide enough parking. Pacific Business News.

Despite high-profile sweep, parts of Nimitz Viaduct still overrun with squatters. As crews hired by the state work to clear massive piles of garbage from one side of the Nimitz viaduct, many of the squatters who created that mess are making themselves at home on the opposite side. Hawaii News Now.

Boat’s grounding points up risks of fishing fleet’s labor practices. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Despite Navy assurances that the military is using the latest science to protect marine mammals during bombing and sonar training exercises, most of the approximately 75 people attending a public meeting Thursday evening remained skeptical. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, the owners of a lot in a Pepeekeo shoreline subdivision took their objection over a recently issued violation to the Board of Appeals. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii researchers need the help of Big Island residents to gather information about the natural cycles of breadfruit trees. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Arakawa ‘leaning very strongly’ at run at council seat. Mayor hasn’t ruled out bid for governor, lieutenant governor. Maui News.

Land Board: Alexander & Baldwin Can Keep Diverting Maui Water. Opponents say water drawn from streams by the Hawaii land company harm the environment. Civil Beat.

First Amendment right to record video of police officers at work at the center of a court case. Thomas Russo of media outlet Maui Time, shot the video back in 2012 and got arrested for it. KITV.

Kauai

Court rules in favor of state, Syngenta. A lawsuit calling for environmental review of Syngenta seed company operations was dismissed by Judge Randal Valenciano on Thursday. Garden Island.

Honolulu picks first female police chief, prosecutors prepare to seize former chief's house, legislative leaders pick rail board members, lieutenant governor race gets crowded, Monsanto drops Molokai land plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard

Maj. Susan Ballard became Honolulu’s first female police chief today, taking over a department mired in a scandal that deposed her predecessor and cast a cloud over the entire force. Star-Advertiser.

Susan Ballard, a major with three decades of policing experience, will be the new chief of the Honolulu Police Department, the first woman to hold the top job in its 85-year history. Civil Beat.

'A new day': HPD major selected to lead department in crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Police Major Susan Ballard has been chosen to become the next Honolulu Police chief. KITV.

Four Honolulu police commissioners have selected the City and County’s next chief of police: Maj. Susan Ballard. KHON2.

Video: Honolulu Police Chief Selection Press Conference. Civil Beat.

In picking Maj. Susan Ballard as the island’s new police chief, the Honolulu Police Commission chose someone who’s been a commander within the Honolulu Police Department but — by several accounts including her own — was outside of the inner circle that flanked now-indicted and retired Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Maj. Susan Ballard: A closer look at Honolulu's next police chief. Of the seven finalists chosen for the Honolulu police chief position, current Maj. Susan Ballard was the only applicant currently still employed with HPD. Hawaii News Now.

Excitement surrounds pick for Honolulu’s next chief of police. KHON2.

Federal prosecutors are moving forward to have the Hawaii Kai home of former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his city prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha forfeited to the government. Star-Advertiser.

Covert Honolulu Police Unit Has Long History Of Troubles. The CIU is again under scrutiny, with five officers recently arrested as part of a federal investigation into police corruption. Civil Beat.

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Race for lieutenant governor gets more crowded, while congressional race remains quiet. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced today he will run in what is shaping up to be a crowded race for lieutenant governor next year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Mayor Wants To Be Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor. Stressing education and family issues, Bernard Carvalho Jr. joins a crowded field of candidates for the state’s No. 2 job. Civil Beat.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho announced his candidacy for 2018 lieutenant governor of Hawaii in front of the State Capitol on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has his eye on a new job. He announced Wednesday that he’s planning to run as a Democrat for lieutenant governor in 2018. KHON2.

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Legislative picks to sit on HART board announced. State Legislative leaders have announced their four picks to serve as nonvoting members on the volunteer Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board, a provision of the $2.4 billion rail-bailout package they approved in September. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative Leaders Appoint Four People To Honolulu Rail Board. The state budget director and others are tasked with bringing more accountability to the project, even though they’re nonvoting members. Civil Beat.

State makes its 4 picks for HART board appointees. Under the rail funding bill that passed in the state legislature earlier this year, state leaders were tasked with appointing a total of four non-voting members to the HART board. Hawaii News Now.

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Southwest could face legal hiccup in Hawaii expansion. A union on the mainland is threatening to block the airline's expansion to the islands citing ongoing disputes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii astronomer discovers ‘odd’ space object. A University of Hawaii astronomer discovered what appears to be the first near-Earth space object to have arrived here from beyond our solar system, the university announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Filipino veterans and delegates finally get recognized. Star-Advertiser.

Filipino Veterans Presented Congressional Gold Medals. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined other US Congressional leaders to present the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans today at the US Capitol. Maui Now.

Hawaii Nonprofit Seeks A Statewide Effort To Fight Hunger. One in five children in the islands deals with hunger, according to a recent report. Civil Beat.

What if the Great Mahele Wasn't a Foreign Imposition? The concept of private property was introduced to Hawaii with the Great Mahele of 1848. That action is often blamed for a lack of land ownership among native Hawaiians…a situation that lasts to this day. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City projects mark 1 year of housing homeless families. While state sheriff’s deputies swept more than 300 chronically homeless people from state land in Kakaako and below the H-1 freeway viaduct this month, the city quietly marked the first anniversary of two housing projects — one in Waianae and one in town — that provide permanent housing for homeless families. Star-Advertiser.

These Kalihi Streets Are A Big Hazard For Bike Riders. Honolulu DOT has plans for improving safety in the area, including repaving North King Street and adding shared-use lanes. Civil Beat.

'Good law' or 'dumb law'? Opinions on new distracted walking measure vary.  Hawaii News Now.

A 55-year-old, male teacher who was fired from all-girls Sacred Hearts Academy in Kaimuki has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of fourth-degree sex assault and three counts of third-degree sex assault, police said. Star-Advertiser.

A former Honolulu private school teacher who was fired after allegations of "inappropriate conduct" with students has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, police say. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Trash talking: Panel to decide solid waste direction for the decade. It’s time for the county to update its integrated solid waste management plan, a document required by state law every 10 years to ensure local governments keep on top of their trash, green waste, compost and recycling issues. West Hawaii Today.

Moon base prototype may be built on Big Island. The United States and other countries are planning to return to the moon. And the road back to the lunar surface may go through Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools deliberate in removal of old Keahou Beach Hotel. West Hawaii Today.

North Hawaii Community Hospital is moving forward with a $25 million emergency room expansion. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Tuesday morning’s severe thunderstorm and floods continued to erode Wailuku River and nearly destroyed a maintenance bridge regularly used by the Hawai’i Nature Center for educational programs in Iao Valley. Maui News.

Lights are back on after largest outage in a decade. More than 160 Maui Electric Co. workers and two contracted crews responded to the county’s biggest power outage in more than a decade early Tuesday morning in the wake of a thunderstorm that rolled through Maui County. Maui News.

The Department of Water Supply announced it has ended its declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage in the Upcountry district as the forecast indicates that probabilities favor above average rainfall for the upcoming wet season. Maui Now.

Kauai

School boundary changes draw fire. Many have questions about how it could affect students, families. Garden Island.

AES Distributed Energy Inc. and SunPower Corp. are developing a new solar-plus-storage facility on the Garden Isle, set to be the largest in the state. Pacific Business News.

Plastic storage pau. Surfrider Kauai looking for place to store marine debris. Garden Island.

The State Commission on Water Resource Management will be holding a public hearing at the Lihue Civic Center on Nov. 17 on proposed amendments to its administrative rules pertaining to water use, wells and stream diversion works. Garden Island.

Molokai

Monsanto withdraws request to preserve Molokai farmland. The corn seed producer notified the state Land Use Commission on Wednesday that it has withdrawn a petition to designate 1,084 acres for protection under a state law intended to preserve prime farmland. Star-Advertiser.

Special session for rail funding looming, Ige signs bill giving more tech oversight, $1M from nonprofit for homeless vets, HART study finally public, farmers market comes to Ala Moana Center, Oprah to speak on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rail plan for Honolulu transit, courtesy HART

Lawmakers haven’t yet agreed on the details, but leaders in the state House and Senate announced Monday they plan to hold a special session this summer to try to resolve their impasse over how to provide more funding for the city’s 20-mile rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers plan to convene a special session in July or August to again try to reach a deal on how to fund the remainder of Honolulu’s 20-mile rail project, which is now billions of dollars over budget. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers on Monday told the Federal Transit Administration that they will hold a special session this summer to find a solution for the funding issue surrounding Honolulu's rail project. Pacific Business News.

More than two months after lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session with no deal on how to fund Oahu's beleaguered rail project, state lawmakers are trying to reassure the federal government that they'll hold a special session on the issue by August. Hawaii News Now.

House Speaker Scot Saiki and Senate President Ron Kouchi have sent a letter to the Federal Transit Authority assuring they intend to meet in special session this summer. KITV.

Hawaii State legislative leadership says there will be a special session before the end of the summer in order to take on funding for Honolulu’s rail project. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii lawmakers plan to hold a special session this summer to discuss funding for Honolulu’s troubled rail line. Garden Island.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Monday signed into law a bill that provides increased oversight and third-party verification of state information technology projects within the executive branch. Pacific Business News.

Rep. Beth Fukumoto was accepted into the Democratic Party on Saturday with the unanimous vote of the Oahu county executive committee. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii, led by Governor David Ige, is staking out an increasingly combative stance in opposing Trump administration policies. Civil Beat.

MacNaughton Group donates $1 million to help Hawaii’s homeless veterans. Star-Advertiser.

Scores of homeless vets to be housed thanks to $1M donation to Hawaii nonprofit. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Candidates so far for LG fail to spark voter enthusiasm. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation in 2013 spent $35,000 on a peer review that yielded fairly routine findings. Its attorneys fought to keep the report secret for four years. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker demands answers after state boots deputy sheriffs from Honolulu airport patrols. KHON2.

The owner of Valley of the Temples Memorial Park will preserve and enlarge its historic main building, which includes Hawaiian heiau references, under a plan to establish mortuary services and a bigger chapel at the Windward Oahu property. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Center is getting its own weekly farmers market. KHON2.

East Oahu neighborhoods experienced strong sales in May, with closed sales of single-family homes in the Aina Haina and Kuliouou area more than tripling, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors monthly local market update.Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A Kona coffee farmer whose fight against deportation has played out publicly in recent weeks is thanking Hawaii residents and lawmakers for their support. Hawaii News Now.

Researchers can now look with a bird’s-eye view at rapid ohia death in an entire forest and also microscopically within a single tree. Collaborating researchers showcased their wide-ranging technology for journalists Monday at the Hilo Air Patrol. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Water Supply reported last week that North Kona consumers are largely ignoring the mandatory 25 percent reduction in water usage the department first issued in January. West Hawaii Today.

Drought conditions on Hawaii Island are improving, according to the latest Drought Information Statement issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County’s unemployment rate increased a fraction last month but remains near 10-year lows, according to recent figures from the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Global media leader and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey will appear for a special conversation at Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s outdoor Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater on Monday, June 26. Maui Now.

Haleakalā National Park is still seeking cultural practitioners from local communities for is Hana Noʻeau program, a series of cultural demonstrations that is offered in the park’s Kīpahulu and Summit Districts. Maui Now.

The county’s electronics recycling program on Maui and Molokai will be suspended for five weeks beginning July 1 in order to implement new processing and Mainland shipping systems, the Department of Environmental Management has announced. Maui News.

Kmart’s last day of business on Maui drew many loyal customers for the same reason it always has over the past two decades: all the great deals. Maui News.

Kauai

County and industry leaders said Monday investments in renewable energy systems are key to lowering dependence on fossil fuels while strengthening the economy. Garden Island.

Sunday was a day when the more than 350 people involved with Tropic Care Kauai 2017 could let their hair down and enjoy the hospitality and gratitude of a grateful island at a luau put on by the Smith’s Tropical Paradise family. Garden Island.

Hawaii has high consumer debt, Oahu airport fees to increase, Waimanalo landfill sparks debate, attorneys blamed for loss of lifeguard liability protection, counties react to king tides, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Moana Center © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s high cost of living has given residents the dubious honor of having the second-highest consumer debt per person in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s total consumer debt per capita increased from $51,810 in 2005 to over $67,000 in 2015, making it the second highest in the nation, according to a new report released by the Department of Business and Economic Development. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii residents are rising in the ranks of the indebted. Tribune-Herald.

County officials are blaming a group of prominent personal injury lawyers with strong ties to House leaders for thwarting an effort to extend most liability protection to lifeguards who might face lawsuits related to their jobs. Civil Beat.

It seems every few weeks yet another pundit predicts who Democrats might field for president in 2020. And in more and more cases, Hawaii’s Tulsi Gabbard makes the cut. Civil Beat.

New movie ‘The Islands’ looks for Native Hawaiian to play King Kamehameha. KHON2.

Parents challenge Hawaii's ukus, or head lice, policy in public schools. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists have issued a warning that Hawaii faces the threat of serious coastal flooding this week and in June because a rare convergence of rising sea levels and some of the highest tides of this year. Associated Press.

Oahu

A final decision on the fate of the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill likely will be delayed again due to possible procedural errors by the Honolulu Planning Commission. Star-Advertiser.

A representative from the state Department of Transportation told a room full of pilots and private aviation owners on Monday they are facing double-digit rent increases at Honolulu airports. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is seeking final public input on options for the future of the precarious Haiku Stairs hiking trail, with all comments due at the end of the day Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The controversial Haiku Stairs have been the subject of debate for years. Now, the Board of Water Supply wants to know what you think the future of the "Stairway to Heaven" should be. Hawaii News Now.

From the wife of the richest man in South Korea to the husband of the CEO of Hawaii’s largest publicly traded company, the first closings of the luxury condominium units at Park Lane Ala Moana appear to be to a mixture of international and local buyers. Pacific Business News.

The city wants to hear from you about a proposal to build a multi-tower, mixed-use development across from Ala Moana Center. KHON2.

The latest homeless point-in-time count indicates an increase among veterans on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Last year, Honolulu EMS responded to about 86,000 emergencies. EMS officials say that number will likely climb up as Oahu's population grows. KITV.

State officials have launched a project to study the pueo in an effort to better understand the owl’s ecology on Oahu and to develop standardized surveying methods and management practices. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu is among the top 10 destinations for this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A planned clean up of the Old Airport Park, set to coincide with the permanent relocation of the some 50-70 homeless individuals that reside there, has been a top priority of the administration since Mayor Harry Kim assumed office.  West Hawaii Today.

Homeless in North Hawaii: part one of a two-part series on how the homeless population in Waimea and throughout North Hawaii is growing. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is hiring staff to fill empty positions at Kona Community Aquatic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Co-op launches effort to make Big Island pork industry viable. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui officials react to king tide predictions. Maui News.

Kauai

A swell will be arriving with the highest water levels of the summer late this week, and experts say tides could rise up to a foot above normal. On Kauai, that means low-lying areas like Hanalei and Kukuiula could be at risk for flooding, according to experts. Garden Island.

School bus contracts given. The Hawaii State Department of Education reached the final phase of its “Get on Board” initiative with new contracts on Kauai for the upcoming school year. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor sub heading to Korea, state Legislature has full plate, new egg laws sought, protecting coral reefs, property taxes and vacation rentals irk Oahu, state won't fund Puna roads, Maui to mull flood plan, Kauai utility elects board, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Columbus PC: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cynthia Clark, courtesy news.navy.mil.

A Pearl Harbor-based nuclear submarine is part of a task force set to conduct maritime maneuvers around the Korean Peninsula as tensions with North Korea remain heightened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are planning to tackle proposals aimed at protecting coral reefs, boosting recycling and taking care of the state's growing elderly population. Associated Press.

Research shows connection between watersheds, reefs. Garden Island.

Reefs struggling: Foundation of life in Hawaiian custom. Garden Island.

Ag Department seeks relief from egg inspection mandate. Star-Advertiser.

Full disclosure: Ige, some legal experts raise flags about constitutionality of measures forcing presidential candidates to release tax returns. Associated Press.

A federal judge on Sunday rejected the U.S. government’s request to clarify his temporary order blocking President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. KHON2.

Immigration issue is personal to Chin. Associated Press.

While the number of Hawaii public school students enrolling in college after high school continued to hover near three-fifths of last year’s graduating class, education officials say they’re encouraged that new data show students are better prepared for the rigor of college coursework. Star-Advertiser.

Veterans Choice, which was created in 2014 to address a national controversy over long wait times for VA appointments, still is marred by a convoluted bureaucracy — so much so that the department’s new secretary said a top priority is to simplify the system. Star-Advertiser.

Local animal rights activists are rallying behind legislation which they say is their last shot this year to bolster Hawaii’s dog tethering regulations. Tribune-Herald.

Commentary: Federal gov’s proposed belt-tightening will put huge squeeze on Hawaii’s budget. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Owners of properties classified as Residential A that are assessed at just over $1 million would benefit under a bill up for a final vote of the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The spread of vacation rentals into neighborhoods is frustrating government officials and lawmakers who have spent decades trying to ensure zoning laws are upheld and taxes are collected. Star-Advertiser.

Sewage Spill That Closed Waikiki Beach. Honolulu says it will upgrade its procedures for handling storm water discharges two years after massive sewage overflows made national headlines. Civil Beat.

The Roots Project, part of the nonprofit organization Kokua Kalihi Valley, is spearheading an effort to make locally grown produce more affordable and accessible to Kalihi’s low-income communities. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Defense awarded a $30 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, architect-engineering contract to Honolulu-based Design Partners Inc. for designing and engineering services for housing and other lodging type projects at various locations for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific’s area of responsibility. Pacific Business News.

Emotional Support Chickens Are Ruffling Feathers. A rise in questionable emotional support animals is concerning to condo associations and businesses that must accommodate them. Civil Beat.

Sculpture Brings Peace to Kaka‘ako. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The mayor’s office has asked the Hawaii Police Department to once again look at ways to possibly trim its budget, according to a financial report delivered to the Police Commission on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

An overlap of state and county jurisdiction is contributing to a continuing controversy between Kahauloa Road residents and kayak rental operators who use the boat ramp into Kealakekua Bay at the end of the road. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation’s response to Hawaii County’s request for release of $15 million appropriated for Puna roads could be summed up in two words — nice try. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools remains in a holding pattern as it awaits approval of permits that will allow the organization to move forward with the removal of the Keauhou Beach Hotel, making way for a project-based educational complex dubbed Kahaluu Makai. West Hawaii Today.

Will Tiny Homes Help Big Island Farmers? Providing housing for farm workers is one way to attract employees. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii County Police Commission voted unanimously to approve a request for legal counsel for a former Hawaii County police officer charged with fatally striking a bicyclist. West Hawaii Today.

For the last six years there have been some nearly finished two-story town-home buildings overlooking distant ocean views at the Villages of Aina Lea, but completing and selling them has been an ordeal that recently became more challenging. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A draft plan to ease flooding along South Kihei Road has taken almost 10 years to complete, but is close to fruition and scheduled to be presented to the public in the next several months. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public information meeting Thursday on sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation. Maui News.

Pukalani residents universally opposed sewer rate increases proposed by Hawaii Water Service Co., calling them “outrageous” and “unfair” during a Hawaii Public Utilities Commission hearing Thursday night at Pukalani Elementary School. Maui News.

Maui Waena Intermediate School’s new classroom building — more than a decade in the making — is finally open. Maui News.

State officers have blocked off a section of shoreline on South Maui after someone found an aging piece of unexploded ordnance among rocks near the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Bill Backing Maui Grown Coffee Advances. Maui Now.

Kauai

Two Kauai County Councilmembers have concerns about the proposed budget for fiscal year 2017-18. Garden Island.

Some county employees may be getting an increase in salaries in the upcoming months. Garden Island.

Incumbent directors Dee Crowell and Allan Smith have been re-elected and join newly elected former board member Jim Mayfield to the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s (KIUC) Board of Directors. Garden Island.

Voters re-elected two members of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative board of directors, and a former board member, according to results released Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

State officials say Kauai’s honeybee population is strong and healthy. Associated Press.

Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences, the $800 million master-planned development on the unfinished Kauai Lagoons master-planned community, has begun sales for its mix of oceanfront and golf course homes, condominiums and townhomes. Pacific Business News.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have contributed $50,000 dollars to the Aloha Angels endowed fund, which supports Kauai’s teachers and students. Pacific Business News.

Veterans Day marked in Hawaii, state Senate shifts some leaders, aquarium fish lawsuit moves to state Supreme Court, Maui and Kauai charter amendments pass, Honolulu police, zoo at issue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Veterans Day parade © 2016 All Hawaii News

Events this morning marking Veterans Day include the annual National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ceremony and the annual Wahiawa Lions Club parade, while an afternoon ceremony honoring veterans will take place aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

In observance of Veterans Day, all federal, state, city and county offices will be closed. KITV.

Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi announced slight changes to the 25-member chamber’s leadership structure Thursday as lawmakers get ready for the next session, which opens Jan. 18. Civil Beat.

The State Senate announced its leadership lineup today with only a few changes.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Conservation groups are appealing to the state Supreme Court to require more oversight of the aquarium fishing industry. Hawaii News Now.

Issues surrounding aquarium fish collection are being taken to Hawaii’s Supreme Court after the Intermediate Court of Appeals sided with the state on permit issuance. Garden Island.

The Coast Guard cited three commercial fishing vessels for safety and other violations, and sent the boats back to port during inspections this month, in one instance discovering a non-U.S. citizen at the helm of a U.S. vessel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Medical Service Association has named Michael Stollar president and chief operating officer. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Commission changes cast uncertainty over future of Honolulu’s police department. KHON2.

The city’s quest to regain accreditation for the Honolulu Zoo received a big boost this week when Oahu voters approved an amendment to the City Charter that requires 0.5 percent of estimated property tax revenue each year to be dropped into an account set up to exclusively fund the 42-acre facility. Star-Advertiser.

A state board guiding affordable-housing production voted Thursday to move ahead with a plan for developing 590 rental apartments and a public elementary school in two towers on state land in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

The board overseeing construction of Oahu’s rail transit system has selected its new leader, as the financially challenged project continues to face future uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

The dean of Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is being recommended for the chancellor position at UH West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

A large Kahuku farm must stop selling and distributing its sea asparagus and seaweed products because salmonella, which has sickened at least 14, was found on the farm last week. Star-Advertiser.

Makaha animal shelter volunteers say dogs wrongfully taken in massive raid. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics found there is probable cause that Mayor Billy Kenoi violated the county code when he used his government issued purchase card for personal expenses. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has acknowledged in an agreement there is probable cause that he violated ethics code by using a county-issued credit card for personal purchases. Associated Press.

Hawaii County is hoping more access to pesticide treatments will help efforts to combat the little fire ant population. Tribune-Herald.

Organizers of the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon have canceled this weekend’s scheduled run over uncertainty whether there would be enough police officers available to assist with road closures. West Hawaii Today.

Managers and employees celebrated a new Grand Naniloa Hotel on Thursday as they marked the official launch of its partnership with DoubleTree by Hilton. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s three senators secured key leadership roles and committee assignments in the upcoming 29th session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Maui Now.

A majority of Maui County voters cast “yes” ballots for proposed Maui County Charter amendments, including one that provides for council members to confirm most directors of county departments. Maui News.

A hearing was scheduled for testimony on the state’s proposal to establish parking fees for the ‘Āhihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Five of the seven proposed amendments to the Kauai County Charter were approved by voters Tuesday. Garden Island.

The finish line for the demolition of Coco Palms is in sight. Garden Island