Ige vetoes vacation rental and REIT taxes, asset forfeiture bill, 15 others. Foes file lawsuit against Thirty Meter Telescope bonds, NTSB releases skydiving crash report, plus more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige veto press conference screenshot

Ige vetoes REIT and vacation rental tax bills. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday vetoed bills that would have imposed the state’s corporate income tax on real estate investment trusts and required vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and Expedia to collect taxes from operators of vacation rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Vetoes Property Forfeiture Reform Bill, 17 Others. Big Island Video News.

Ige Vetoes Reform Of Hawaii’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Program. The governor also killed tax proposals approved by the Legislature for vacation rentals and real estate investment trusts. Civil Beat.

On deadline day, Gov. Ige announces list of vetoed bills from 2019 session. In a press conference at the State Capitol on Tuesday, Gov. David Ige revealed the list of 18 bills he has decided to veto this legislative session ― along with two he is allowing to become law without his signature. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige vetoes number of bills, including controversial vacation rental bill. KITV.

Ige vetoes asset forfeiture reform. State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura said Tuesday she’s “very disappointed” that Gov. David Ige vetoed a bill aimed at reforming the statute governing the seizure of an individual’s property by civil asset forfeiture. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Vetoes Reform Of Controversial Police Funding Program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor vetoes 18 bills. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday decided not to kill two bills on his veto list. Garden Island.

Marijuana To Be Decriminalized In Hawaii Come Jan. 1. The new law will make possession of 3 grams or less of pot punishable by a $130 fine. Civil Beat.

Marijuana decriminalized. Walking around with a small amount of weed won’t land you in jail anymore, as the state has decriminalized marijuana. KHON2.

Annual cap on tax credits for film, digital media industry to increase after Gov. Ige backs off on veto. Gov. David Ige allowed two bills that he initially intended to veto to become law today without his signature. Star-Advertiser.

Full list and rationale of bills vetoed by Gov. David Ige is found here.

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10 Million Visitors: Can Hawaii Survive Its Own Popularity? The impact of a growing army of tourists has government leaders and residents questioning how to better manage Hawaii’s largest industry. Civil Beat.

9 Charts That Show How Hawaii Tourism Is Changing. From soaring numbers of visitors to declining rounds of golf, a by-the-numbers look at how at the industry’s impacts have grown in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

‘We’re Not Scared’: Hawaii Confronts Next Wave Of Climate Change. Local emerging leaders and experts in their fields expound on the importance of bringing diverse minds to the table to develop solutions. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Push to impeach Kaneshiro remains strong despite judge’s petition dismissal. A Honolulu judge has dismissed a petition to impeach prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Councilwoman Wants Increased Lifeguard Coverage. Kymberly Pine criticizes Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration for what she considers a lack of action to decrease drownings. Civil Beat.

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Preliminary Report: Skydiving Plane Twisted In The Air Before Crash. An NTSB report offers some early details about last month’s crash. Investigators could spend the next two years trying to determine what happened. Civil Beat.

Skydiving plane was upside down when it hit the ground, report finds. The skydiving plane that crashed June 21 at Dillingham Airfield, killing all 11 aboard, seemed to be fine as it taxied down the runway to take off, but at about 150 to 200 feet in the air, it began turning, then hit the ground nose first and burst into flames. Star-Advertiser.

In NTSB preliminary report, witness describes seeing a fireball after skydiving plane crash. Hawaii News Now.

Witness describes final moments of skydive plane in NTSB preliminary report. KHON2.

Feds: 2 Skydivers Joined Doomed Hawaii Flight At Last Minute. The National Transportation Safety Board says two skydivers made a last-minute decision to board the Hawaii plane that crashed and killed 11 people last month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former pilot of Oahu Parachute Center believes mechanical issues and inadequate training are likely reasons for skydiving tragedy. Hawaii News Now.

Federal authorizations, legal challenges may have complicated state’s enforcement of cease-and-desist against skydive company. KHON2.

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Lawsuit cites police in deadly pedestrian crash. Two survivors of a deadly Kakaako crash that killed three say the police officer who was pursuing the driver of a speeding pickup truck that plowed into a group of pedestrians contributed to the tragedy by not using his flashing lights or siren. Star-Advertiser.

City Sued In Crash That Killed Three Pedestrians After Police Pursuit. Two people who were among the injured say an officer violated HPD policy. They are also suing the alleged drunken driver. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County

TMT foes go to court again over bond issue. In the latest legal maneuver aimed at subverting the Thirty Meter Telescope, foes of the $1.4 billion project are accusing the state of failing to require a construction security bond. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope Opponents File New Lawsuit To Stop Project. This is the latest complaint against the planned observatory, which is on the cusp of breaking ground atop Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

New lawsuit against TMT. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to halt the project on the grounds that the developers failed to post a security bond in accordance with the state’s 1977 Maunakea Plan. Tribune-Herald.

New Legal Challenge To TMT Takes Aim At Security Bond. Big Island Video News.

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Landowner agrees to cancel plans for condominium near Banyans surf spot. The developer behind a proposal for a five-story condominium near the Banyans surf spot has agreed to take that plan off the table. West Hawaii Today.

Bank of America, state in dispute over $150M loan. The Hawaii County Council on Tuesday joined Maui and Kauai in backing Gov. David Ige’s request that Bank of America return to the table to discuss a decades-old dispute over $150 million in home loans for Native Hawaiians. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

MPO pushes back Puunene Avenue expansion in draft. Maui News.

Working families land brand new ocean-view condominiums. 40-unit Kalama Kai project blessed in Kihei. Maui News.

Makani Kai Air Announces Maui to Kona Flights. Makani Kai Air announced it will launch service between Kailua-Kona and Maui starting on Aug. 1, 2019. Maui Now.


Kauai

Sludge spill. County officials on Tuesday morning discovered partially-treated sewage sludge that overflowed overnight from the Lihue Wastewater Treatment Plant to the drainage channel next to the facility. Garden Island.

Arborist reports finding strange insects on Kauai. An arborist has discovered some strange-looking ants on Kauai and though there’s some question about exactly what species they are, they’re most likely invasive. Garden Island.

Lanai

Test of stratospheric flying wing planned for Lanai. A joint venture between Japan’s SoftBank and unmanned aircraft systems developer AeroVironment plans to test-fly a 260-foot-long solar-powered flying wing on Lanai that one day could be part of a network of drones loitering in the stratosphere providing 5G cellphone coverage. Star-Advertiser.

No special session for veto overrides, police standards board falters, Blaisdell Center plans unveiled, Maui bans commercial activities at beach park, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

Legislature Won’t Hold Special Session To Fight Possible Vetoes. Senate and House leaders had considered reconvening to try to enact some of the measures that Gov. David Ige says he’s likely to reject. The Hawaii Legislature will not convene a special session to override Gov. David Ige’s potential vetoes of bills after the Senate determined it didn’t have enough votes to overturn any of the governor’s decisions and legislative leaders couldn’t agree on which measures to try to save, according to memos circulated among lawmakers. Civil Beat.

No Special Session to Override Governor's Vetoes. Leaders in the state Senate and House of Representatives announced on Friday that lawmakers will not attempt to override any vetoes issued by Governor David Ige. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers won’t convene a special session to override governor’s vetoes. Governor Ige’s vetoes will stand after the House speaker decided not to hold a special session. Hawaii News Now.

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Agencies urge Gov. David Ige to veto civil asset forfeiture reform bill. Law enforcement officials said they’ve implemented key recommendations of a 2018 state audit of Hawaii’s civil asset forfeiture program as they urge Gov. David Ige to move forward in vetoing a bill aimed at reforming the program, which allows police to confiscate property believed to have been used in the commission of certain crimes such as drug offenses and gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Ignores Deadline To Create New Standards For Cops. The Law Enforcement Standards Board has only met once. It was supposed to establish training and certification standards by July 1. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Provided ‘Inaccurate’ Data On Student Restraint And Seclusion. The state erroneously reported there were no such cases in 2015-16, the latest school year studied nationwide. Last school year, 66 Hawaii schools reported at least one restraint case. Civil Beat.

Medical cannabis raises issues in the workplace. Several of Dr. Clifton Otto’s medical cannabis patients are facing job termination or fear failing pre-employment drug screenings as Hawaii employers hold fast to zero-tolerance policies when testing workers for drugs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has highest gap between wages, rent required for a 2-bedroom. Hawaii’s rent is so high, it is inaccessible to the majority of residents working in the state’s largest occupations, according to the 2019 “Out of Reach” report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group for affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Future uncertain for ‘golf ball’ radar ship. The Sea-Based X-Band Radar recently did yeoman duty in the Pacific watching for North Korean missiles and participating in testing as the Pentagon develops a web of new land-based radars and space-based sensors that are expected to make the seagoing vessel less necessary. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City unveils what a $722M redevelopment of Blaisdell Center might look like. New renderings showing a dramatically redeveloped Neal S. Blaisdell Center are being released by city officials this month as they begin selecting a private partner for the $772 million project. Star-Advertiser.

HPD training videos show disgraced Kealohas lecturing officers about ethics. When Louis Kealoha was police chief, he made several training videos that all Honolulu Police Officers were forced to watch. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki residents want to force owners to improve or sell long-vacant, blighted walk-up. According to public records, the 9,500-square-foot property is owned by Norman Nip, a small-business owner who was known for Nip’s Potato Chips Factory Inc., teacher Alvin Nip and their sister Donna Chang. Star-Advertiser.

New clinic for the homeless is in the works in Kaneohe. The new facility is a three year pilot project and will become Oahu's second outreach center. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing challenges: Subsidized housing applications pile up, county closes wait-lists. Despite a waiting list of more than 2,000 applications — some going back nine years — Hawaii County hasn’t built any new affordable housing units since 2017. West Hawaii Today.

Council committee to get Maunakea update. Puna Councilman Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder wants to know what’s going on atop Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Stakes are sky high for contentious telescope project. A lot has happened in the four years since construction of the landmark Thirty Meter Telescope was stopped in its tracks by protesters and ultimately the Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Petition Grows In Support Of Pohoiki Boat Ramp. Over a thousand people have signed a petition to the State of Hawaii asking that a boat ramp be located at Pohoiki, as opposed to an alternative ramp at Kaakepa. Big Island Video News.

Boat ramp meeting set for Saturday. A community meeting will be held Saturday to discuss a recent engineering study that recommended a new boat ramp be built in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

New police rigs ready to roll. New marked police SUVs are hitting Big Island streets, the first additions to the Hawaii  Police Department’s fleet in over a decade. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ban on commercial activities at beach park becomes law. Businesses await word from county on a new location for operations. Maui News.

Visualizing Sea Level Rise on Maui: Sea Grant scientist Tara Owens explains how computer modeling helps prepare for climate change. Mauitime.

West Maui offshore mooring permits are deferred. BLNR asks for public engagement; decision affects five businesses. Maui News.

Surfing Goat Dairy for sale. Owners of a local brand that put Maui goats on the map have announced that they will be selling the successful Upcountry business, land, infrastructure, equipment and livestock. Maui News.

Kauai

Black Pot meeting on reopening set. A public meeting regarding the reopening of Black Pot Beach Park is set for Thursday, July 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hanalei School cafeteria. Garden Island.

Volunteers exercise visitor education initiatives on the North Shore. Amidst one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, a new resident organization on Kauai implemented visitor education initiatives to relieve the resurfacing pressures of tourism on the communities of Haena and Wainiha. Garden Island.

‘The hearts of the people care for the land’. It’s the first Saturday of the month at the Lawai International Center, a 32-acre sanctuary that hosts an extraordinary restoration project of 88 Buddhist shrines that were constructed in 1904 by workers at the nearby Koloa Sugar Company, the likeness of which exist on Kauai and Shikoku, Japan. Garden Island.

Ige may veto vacation rental, REIT taxes, lets marijuana decriminalization bill stand, NTSB dings FAA for lax skydiving regulations, the future of Haiku Stairs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige announces potential vetoes PC:Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige's full veto list and rationale. Governor's Office.

Ige Set To Veto $56 Million In New Taxes On Real Estate Trusts And Vacation Rentals. But bills to decriminalize the use of pot, allow mail-in balloting, create a new state prison oversight commission and provide funds to replace aging Aloha Stadium will all become law. Civil Beat.

Tax bills for vacation rentals and REITs among items on governor’s veto list. Gov. David Ige said he will veto a measure that will allow vacation rental platforms like AirBNB to collect taxes from owners. Hawaii News Now.

Ige says he will veto Senate vacation rental collection bill. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Plans To Veto Short-Term Rental Tax Bill. Hawaii Governor David Ige on Monday announced he plans to veto a bill that would require short-term rental booking platforms to collect state taxes. The measure, S.B. 1292, was passed by the state Senate last month by a single vote. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige unveils "intent to veto" list. Governor David Ige unveiled his intent to veto list Monday. Twenty bills already passed by state lawmakers may not become law. KITV.

Ige plans to veto bill to tax REITs in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill that would make Hawaii only the second state to tax real estate investment trusts, saying any gain the state might see wouldn’t be worth the “negative impacts to the state’s economic health and business climate.” Pacific Business News.

Ige considering vetoes for Airbnb, industrial hemp billsTwenty bills might be on the chopping block after Gov. David Ige revealed Monday which of them he is considering vetoing. Tribune-Herald.

Hemp, Airbnb, Cannabis, Asset Forfeiture Bills On Ige’s Veto List. Hawaii Governor David Ige notified state leaders and key lawmakers today of his intent to veto the 20 different measures that passed through the Legislature this year. Big Island Video News.

Airbnb Among 20 Bills on Ige’s Intent to Veto List. Gov. David Ige notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto 20 measures. Maui Now.

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Pot possession decriminalized with new bill. Starting next year, possession of small quantities of cannabis will no longer be a criminal offense in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii airports get $10M in federal funds for safety improvements, upgrades. Four airports in Hawaii will get over $10 million in federal funds to improve airport safety, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gets $10 Million For Airport Improvements. The funding will be used to purchase aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, reconstruct taxiways and install runway lighting at four airports across the state. Civil Beat.

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More regulation urged in crash’s wake. The National Transportation Safety Board is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to increase regulations for aircraft that operate parachuting serv­ices in the wake of Friday’s fatal skydiving plane crash in Mokuleia. Star-Advertiser.

In wake of crash, investigators put FAA ‘on notice’ over safety concerns with skydiving operations. In an extraordinary news conference Monday, NTSB investigators in Hawaii following Friday’s deadly plane crash in Mokuleia publicly criticized the FAA for failing to adopt tougher oversight of skydiving operations and said the agency is “on notice." Hawaii News Now.

FAA Largely Ignored Calls For Improved Skydiving Flight Safety, NTSB Says. The NTSB called for more stringent standards for skydiving operations more than 10 years ago. On Monday, it called out the FAA for not taking sufficient action on those. Civil Beat.

NTSB calls on FAA to strengthen regulation on parachute operations. According to a National Transportation Safety board member, changes to some Federal Aviation Administration rules could save lives. KITV.

NTSB holds second press conference on Mokuleia plane crash that killed 11. KHON2.

Oahu Parachute Center owner responds for the first time following crash. KHON2.

Medical Examiner releases names of 7 victims from Mokuleia plane crash. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office today released the names of seven of the victims of Friday’s skydiving plane that crashed at Dillingham Airfield, killing all 11 aboard. Star-Advertiser.

Names Of 7 Oahu Plane Crash Victims Released. Eleven people total died in the Dillingham Airfield incident Friday. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner IDs 7 Of 11 Victims In Plane Crash. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vague guidelines on pesticide use at schools has community calling for change. During a community meeting Monday, the head of Hawaii’s public schools admitted she’s not sure if the Department of Education is fully compliant with a new law banning certain pesticides on or near campuses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Court expects crowd for Kealoha closings. An overflow crowd is expected today when government and defense attorneys give closing arguments in the corruption and conspiracy trial of Katherine and Louis Kealoha and three co- defendants. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What To Expect At Closing Arguments In The Kealoha Case. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are on trial with three Honolulu police officers for allegedly framing a family member for the theft of their mailbox. Civil Beat.

Unsealed records: Kealoha was prosecuting cases despite ‘serious’ medical condition. Records unsealed Monday by a federal judge show Katherine Kealoha was not capable of prosecuting cases for at least eight months between 2013 and 2014. Hawaii News Now.


Judge to decide on change to Kaneshiro removal petition. A circuit judge will soon decide whether there needs to be a complete do-over of a petition campaign seeking to impeach embattled Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Star-Advertiser.

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Tear it down or reopen it? A new evaluation outlines options for the Haiku Stairs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is offering hope to hikers looking for a legal way to enjoy the scenic — and currently off-limits — Haiku Stairs. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply considering the future of Haiku Stairs. An environmental impact statement was released on Sunday that shows the stairs could be removed as early as 2022. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Hydrogen Powered Buses Are Happening On Hawaii Island. Hydrogen buses are on the way and the fueling station in Kona is ready to go, according to County officials. Big Island Video News.

FEMA Wants Its Money Back For Aid To Volcano Victims. FEMA says the agency is required to review disaster assistance payments to ensure the money doesn’t duplicate other assistance, wasn’t inappropriately spent or was provided in error. Civil Beat.

Maui

Kahului Airport Gets $4.29 Million in Federal Funds. Maui’s Kahului Airport will receive $3.6 million to reconstruct its taxiway and $693,750 to purchase aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles, according to an announcement today from US Senator Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

Maui vets work to keep Korean War history alive. Veterans remembered through oral histories; candlelight ceremony planned for Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitors must pay in Waimea Canyon state parks. Paid parking for visitors and commercial tours is soon to be a common requirement in Kauai State Parks. Garden Island.

Out-of-state visitors to pay parking fees at Kokee, Waimea Canyon State Park. If you’re not a Hawaii resident, be prepared to pay a parking fee come Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai leaders to discuss plans that might impact traditional salt making in Hanapepe. A battle is brewing over Kauai’s famed salt ponds of Hanapepe. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai man among victims of Oahu skydiving crash. Jordan Tehero was a Kauai-raised man in love with skydiving and videography. Garden Island.

Warship named for Inouye, TSA defends airport response, Kealoha defense rests, Maui council overrides mayor's vetoes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Daniel Inouye PC:U.S. Navy

Navy To Name New Destroyer After Daniel Inouye. The late U.S. senator from Hawaii received the Medal of Honor for bravery fighting in World War II. Associated Press.

Navy to christen guided missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye. The U.S. Navy will christen a new guided missile destroyer the USS Daniel Inouye this weekend during a ceremony in Maine. Star-Advertiser.

USS Daniel Inouye Guided Missile Destroyer To Be Christened. The late U.S. Senator from Hawaii will have his name on the 68th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, which is one of 21 ships currently under contract for the DDG 51 program. Big Island Video News.

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TSA Honolulu Airport Review Underway: 40 Flights Delayed, Thousands Inconvenienced. Maui Now.

TSA: Everyone did ‘what they were supposed to do’ during chaotic airport security scare. Officials are defending their actions during Tuesday’s airport security scare, in which a stampede left several people with minor injuries. Hawaii News Now.

Burning battery charger led to chaos at airport. The “pop, pop, pop” that some people mistook for gunfire at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Tuesday was Plexiglas barriers and plastic posts being knocked to the floor by panicked passengers after a smoking carry-on bag was found at a security checkpoint, a Transportation Security Administration official said at a news conference Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

New footage released of what caused airport security scare. New video released by the Dept. Of Transportation shows the smoking baggage from Tuesday's security scare at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

Hawaii State Hospital to go digital. The Hawaii State Hospital is replacing 25-year-old surveillance systems, some of which aren’t operational, with new digital equipment to bring the facility up to date and improve safety for patients and staff. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kealoha Trial: Closing Arguments Could Come As Soon As Tuesday. The defense rests after three days of testimony, and prosecutors plan to call a few more rebuttal witnesses. Civil Beat.

All defendants decline to testify as Kealoha mailbox trial nears end. The final three defendants in the public corruption and conspiracy trial rested their cases Wednesday, with none of them, including former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, taking the stand in their defense. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Prosecutor Rests Corruption Case Without Testifying. An ex-Honolulu deputy prosecutor on trial for corruption-related charges has rested her case without testifying in her defense. Associated Press.

Defense team rests in Kealoha trial; closing arguments set for next week. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Defense rests its case, Prosecutors present rebuttal Thursday. KHON2.

Defense rests without Katherine Kealoha, other defendants taking the stand. KITV.

Former police chief received discounted solar deal. Louis Kealoha was given a $20,000 discount for the installation of 26 solar panels at his Kahala home in 2013 as a favor to a police officer who worked part time for the solar contractor and because Kealoha was the police chief, according to the contractor. Star-Advertiser.

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Could Waimanalo to Kualoa become its own county? That’s what some are hoping for. There’s talk of of secession in Windward Oahu and community leaders sketched out what it would take to form their own county. Hawaii News Now.

State orders developer to stop excavation work on an Ewa Beach coastline. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has ordered a Chinese developer to stop excavation work on an Ewa Beach oceanfront. Hawaii News Now.

Street Parking Stalls for Car-Sharing Services Backed by Committee. People who use shared cars could see them parked in on-street stalls under a measure bound for the full Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Liquor store to get license despite protest. The Honolulu Liquor Commission plans to renew the license of a Chinatown liquor store in the face of significant opposition from community members and government officials. Star-Advertiser.

School gets appliances to launder uniforms for students who need clean clothes. Central Middle School celebrated a donation of new washers, dryers, and other appliances to help students whose families don’t have access to laundry facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Trackers haul in 40 tons of marine debris at Kewalo Basin. The Ocean Voyages Institute, a nonprofit based in Sausalito, Calif., chartered the Kwai for the first expedition of its kind from Honolulu to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to retrieve the tons of derelict fishing nets, ropes, plastic floats, bottles and other items after deploying satellite trackers a year in advance to locate them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council allows non-recyclable plastics as polystyrene alternative. Amid promises to create future laws curbing the growing waste stream heading to the county’s soon-to-be sole landfill, the County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill loosening restrictions on the allowable plastic alternatives to polystyrene. West Hawaii Today.

Council briefed on administration’s eruption recovery efforts. The county’s Kilauea recovery team has spent approximately $45 million on various projects to restore parts of the island affected by last year’s eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Dozens told to return FEMA funds. Nearly 80 Kilauea eruption victims have been told to return federal disaster relief payments after a federal agency determined they might not have been eligible for the funds. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council overrode all but three of Mayor Michael Victorino’s 12 vetoes during a special meeting on Tuesday, putting the near-final touches on an $823.5 million budget that is set to go into effect on July 1. Members restore funding for sewer projects, shoreline plan. Maui News.

Council Overrides Majority of Mayor’s Line-Item Vetoes. Maui Now.

Major hurdle cleared for 250 Lahaina tenants. Their affordable rentals secured with new state law. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s tourism concerns are being addressed. The anger that resulted in Kauai protesters temporarily turning back tourists entering the stretch of Kuhio Highway that leads into Haena was tempered Wednesday after state and county officials promised more collaboration in managing tourism on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai’s Newly Reopened Park Is A Case Study In Controlling Tourism. Crowd control measures at the renovated Haena State Park will help state parks officials respond to staggering tourism growth. Civil Beat.

The message along Kuhio Highway was to slow down on Wednesday, as North Shore residents gathered with signs at the old road-closure booth in Waipa. Garden Island.

Haena fishery receives Equator Prize. Fish are on the rise in the Haena Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area, and a newly bestowed international award now props up a project that’s already being hailed a success. Garden Island.

U.S. Senate confirms former Hawaii AG as appellate judge, Hawaii to become last state with police standards board, Ige vetoes 8 other bills, Kauai electric co-op generates checks, don't feed the monk seals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Quonset huts ©2018 All Hawaii News

The Army plans to demolish nearly 100 World War II-era Quonset huts at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island — a potential loss of iconic structures that historians are lamenting. Star-Advertiser.

The United States Senate has confirmed former Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit by a vote of 72-27. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii attorney general confirmed to US Court of Appeals. The U.S. Senate confirmed President Trump’s nomination of Honolulu attorney Mark J. Bennett Tuesday in a 72-27 vote Tuesday. KHON2.

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Governor Reverses Himself: Hawaii Will Get A Police Standards Board. All four county police chiefs also switched positions on the bill, according to Honolulu Chief Susan Ballard. Civil Beat.

A bill requiring the creation of a statewide law enforcement standards and training board has become law after Gov. David Ige on Tuesday reversed course and decided not to veto it. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige vetoes 8 bills but reverses decision on giving Hawaii a police standards board. KITV.

Gov. Ige vetoes eight bills, allows two to become law without his signature. KHON2.

3 measures will become law without the governor's signature. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige plans to veto legislation that would expand the state’s hotel tax. Associated Press.

Here are the 8 bills vetoed by the governor. Gov. David Ige vetoed eight bills on Tuesday that covered topics from medical marijuana use, enhanced consumer protections and environmental concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Read Gov. David Ige's full veto list here.

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Why Union Support Matters In The Hawaii Governor’s Race. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has gathered the majority of big labor endorsements, but incumbent Gov. David Ige has the support of teachers. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Doug Chin was endorsed today by the country’s largest federal employee union in his bid for Congress. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC Drill Will Use Hospitals Across the State. Big Island Now.

A U.S. judge gave the green light to lawsuits alleging the weed killer Roundup caused cancer Tuesday, allowing expert testimony linking the herbicide to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Garden Island.

A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers revealed more information about where rat lungworm has spread — and where it might spread in the future as the climate changes. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Airlines carried a record 1.05 million passengers in June, a 2.9 percent increase over 1.02 million in the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State and federal officials are reminding the public not to feed Hawaiian monk seals after several of the critically endangered species were recently spotted near a bay on the Leeward side looking for food. Star-Advertiser.

New signs are posted at the small bay near Kahe Power Plant asking people especially fishermen not to feed the Hawaiian monk seals. KITV.

Waimea Valley will soon close on a 3.75-acre land purchase that will allow the attraction to undertake its first real expansion since emerging from more than a decade of major financial struggles. Star-Advertiser.

Beachgoers at Magic Island warned of water main break, high bacteria levels. Hawaii News Now.

Crews to test water at Magic Island after finding high bacteria in ocean. KITV.

Toyota Motor Corp. launched a Honolulu car-sharing service today that allows customers to use smartphones to unlock and start cars for rent by the hour or day. Bloomberg.

Servco Pacific Inc. in cooperation with Toyota Connected North America launched car-share program Hui on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Because so much of Hawaii Island geography is designated as lava zones 1 and 2, it doesn’t make sense to bar construction there, Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Leilani Estates resident Geoffrey Last has been denied FEMA assistance, but his home is uninhabitable, according to a letter from county officials. Big Island Video News.

Lava imperils charter school and destroys endangered plants. Star-Advertiser.

District 7 hopefuls address issues at West Hawaii forum. The race for the Hawaii County Council District 7 seat is one of the 2018 election cycle’s most hotly contested on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

A Big Island firefighter accused of lying to a federal grand jury about his relationship with a Honolulu deputy prosecutor in the fraud and corruption case against her and her husband, the former Honolulu police chief, was put on paid leave. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County firefighters battled an early morning fire inside a 36,000-square-foot recycling company warehouse in Keaau, and finally putting it out after 5 1/2 hours. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Property owners can now pay their real property taxes online with the County of Maui’s Treasury Division automatic payment program. Maui Now.

Maui Preparatory Academy in Napili is constructing two new campus facilities that will add over 1200 square feet to existing infrastructure and position the school for future growth. Maui Now.

Maui named top island in Hawaii by Travel and Leisure Magazine. For the seventh year in a row, the Valley Isle was voted the top island in Hawaii. KHON2.

The island of Maui has earned honors once again as the No. 1 spot on Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of “Top Islands in Hawaii” in its 2018 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Maui Now.


Kauai

All seven candidates for the Kauai Office of the Mayor were on hand Tuesday night at the Kauai Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Forum at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

With the passage of Bill 2687 the Kauai County Council seems poised to gift millions of dollars of increased property values to a relatively small number of owners located in Lihue along Rice Street with “no strings attached.” Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will begin issuing $3.2 million in 2017 patronage capital retirement checks to cooperative members next week. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will begin issuing $3.2 million in 2017 patronage capital retirement checks to cooperative members next week. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Housing Agency will be accepting applications for its Section 8 program waiting list. KHON2.

The effects of the April flooding continue to be felt on Kauai and will be for the foreseeable future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Molokai

Committee defers action on Molokai short-term rentals. Residents oppose bill that would allow 25 rentals and grandfather existing ones. Maui News.

Lanai

Four Seasons Lanai applies for $5M in building permits for spa, fitness facilities. The spa buildings are part of The Lodge’s long-planned expansion and upgrade that will reduce the hotel’s room count and rebrand it as a destination spa. Pacific Business News.

Ige signals he may veto 11 bills, lava toll now 657 homes, Honolulu city error stops drivers license offices statewide, plus lots of politics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Screenshot of Gov. David Ige announcing possible vetoes

 Gov. David Ige is considering vetoing 11 bills passed by lawmakers this session, including a measure that would authorize the use of medical marijuana to treat drug addiction; a bill that would create minimum, statewide standards for law enforcement officers; and a bill that would allow motorcycles to drive in designated shoulder lanes.  Star-Advertiser.

Gov Ige to consider vetoing up to 11 new bills. KITV.

Gov. David Ige held a news conference in Honolulu today, after notifying lawmakers of his intent to veto 11 measures. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige has notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto list, which includes 11 measures. Maui Now.

Read the governor's full intent-to-veto list here.

Ige: Hawaii Not Ready For Police Standards Board. A bill to create the board passed unanimously, but if the governor follows through on his intent-to-veto list, Hawaii will remain the only state without one. Civil  Beat.

Governor rejects measures related to medical cannabis, motorcycles. Hawaii News Now.

Some members of the state’s visitor industry are applauding Gov. David Ige’s decision to place a bill that would have increased visitor taxes on his intent-to-veto list. Star-Advertiser.

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How Hawaii Governor Candidates Would Handle Burgeoning Pension Debt. Whoever wins the race for governor will have to balance a budget that includes billion-dollar payments for retired state workers. Civil Beat.

There are a lot of choices in the race for lieutenant governor, and on Monday evening, five Democrats, two Republicans and one Green Party candidate tried to stand out from the crowded ballot during a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Race Still Matters In Hawaii Politics. When an analyst said Ed Case has an advantage as the only white Democrat running for Congress, many of us were taken aback. We shouldn’t have been. Civil Beat.

Businessman Runs For Senate In Hawaii — And Several Other States. The California millionaire says he loves Hawaii, but he’s also running in Florida, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. Civil Beat.

Hawaii leaders are weighing in on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Tuesday to uphold President Donald Trump’s travel ban, a policy that put the state at the forefront of a months-long legal challenge. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is inviting the public to submit input for the state's multi-hazard mitigation plan update in a series of open houses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City to double Saturday staff at some driver licensing centers, satellite city halls after outage. KHON2.

A widespread outage affected hundreds of people who wanted to renew their drivers licenses, get a state ID or pay their property taxes at the city's 10 satellite city halls Monday. Hawaii News Now.

City repairs outage at Honolulu satellite city halls and statewide driver’s licensing centers. Star-Advertiser.

A statewide computer outage Monday prevented Department of Motor Vehicle customers from obtaining driver’s licenses, state of Hawaii identification cards, registrations, renewals and titles. Garden Island.

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A 47-year-old woman changed her plea to "no contest" on Monday to first-degree theft charges for allegedly selling diabetic test strips on the black market. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Army Hawaii will be hosting its 47th annual "4th of July Spectacular" event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Independence Day. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported Monday that 657 homes have been destroyed by the massive volcanic flow that began May 3 in Lower Puna and has since covered 6,164 acres with lava. Star-Advertiser.

Ahalanui Beach Park might be the next area threatened by lava as the flow front in lower Puna inches southward toward Warm Ponds. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige announced Monday that he is considering opening up a new area for people to view the lava on Hawaii island. KHON2.

The ideal site to safely witness the ongoing Kilauea eruption may not even be close to the source in Hawaii island’s vast Puna district, Gov. David Ige said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Helicopter Tours of Kilauea Volcano are Booked Solid. he Kilauea Eruption on the Big Island has carved a path of destruction in Pahoa but business is booming for tour companies offering an up-close view of the lava flow. Hawaii Public Radio.

State ready to offer financial support, but Hawaii County has to ask. Star-Advertiser.

The Kilauea eruption has taken a toll on many Puna flower farms, leading to limited availability and higher prices for certain items statewide. Hawaii News Now.

NASA has been using satellites to assist first responders dealing with the volcanic eruptions on the Big Island. KITV.

As management of the emergency resulting from the Kilauea volcano eruption that began May 3 transitions from response to recovery mode, the number of Hawaii Army and Air National Guard troops deployed to East Hawaii has declined dramatically. Tribune-Herald.

Inside and outside, Jaggar Museum sees big impacts of Kilauea eruptions. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea lava channel transports 'lava boats'. Geologists captured this time-lapse video of the perched lava channel issuing from Fissure 8 on Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone on Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

There will be a community meeting Thursday on the ongoing seismic activity at the summit and the continued closure of the Kilauea section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman and candidate for Hawaii governor Colleen Hanabusa is calling for “immediate action to protect Puna residents’ voting rights”, and to avoid the sort of disaster-related upheaval she witnessed in 2014, in the wake of Hurricane Iselle, during her run for U.S. Senate. Big Island Video News.

Puna Councilwoman Jen Ruggles has withdrawn her candidacy for re-election, leaving two political newcomers as the voters’ choice for the District 5 council seat. West Hawaii Today.

$95M Kailua-Kona development project set for completion in 2020. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa today announced the appointment of Planning Director Will Spence to serve as Director of the Department of Housing & Human Concerns, and Planning Deputy Director Michele McLean as Planning Director. Maui Now.

Housing summit set for landlords, rental managers. Focus aimed on renting to homeless, lower income people. Maui News.

The Maui Department of Environmental Management Wastewater Reclamation Division issued a reminder to customers today that the sewer user fee will increase by an average of 3%, effective July 1, 2018. Maui Now.

East Maui Sees Largest Stream Restoration in Hawaii History. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Hearing set on tax proposal. Shall 3 percent of real property tax revenues be earmarked for the purpose of affordable housing? Garden Island.

Former County Council member and former prosecuting attorney Shaylene Iseri has filed to run for the council again. Garden Island.

A recently approved solar-plus-storage project on Kauai will help the island achieve its 2030 renewable energy goals 10 years ahead of time. Pacific Business News.

Ige vetoes 13 bills including aquarium fish restrictions and lifeguard liability, Honolulu ordered to pay EMTs $1M overtime, Maui's $354.5M Makena Resort approved, THAAD missile test successful, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige veto news conference, courtesy photo

Gov. David Ige used his veto pen to reject 13 bills Tuesday, including a measure that would have limited and eventually shut down the aquarium fish collecting trade in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor Vetoes Aquarium Fishing Bill, 12 Others. Gov. David Ige faced a heavy lobbying campaign from both sides on a bill phasing out commercial collection of fish for the aquarium industry. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige vetoed 13 bills Tuesday, including a measure providing limited liability protection for county lifeguards, as a law with broader protections sunset on June 30. Maui News.

Gov. David Ige took the podium, spending around 10 minutes directly addressing a few of the 13 measures he chose to veto on Tuesday’s deadline for such action. West Hawaii Today.

Governor David Ige vetoed a bill that would have stopped new permits for aquarium fish collecting on Hawaii’s reefs, ending weeks of last-minute lobbying on the issue. Big Island Video News.

The Clift Tsuji Act became law on Tuesday with a stroke of Governor David Ige’s pen, ending an emotional journey for Ryan Tsuji, who helped shepherd the biosecurity-related bill through the legislature in fulfillment of his father’s dying wish. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige signed a bill into law Tuesday that requires liability insurance for childcare providers. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii is home to two of the three most popular U.S. senators, according to approval rantings (69 percent for Brian Schatz and 67 percent for Mazie Hirono) in a new survey published by Morning Consult. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has seen some improvement in its fiscal condition, according to a new study by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. The Aloha State was ranked 27th among the U.S. states for fiscal health, a significant improvement from last year’s ranking, where it was ranked 45th. Pacific Business News.

A ballistic missile target simulating an intermediate-range North Korean threat that was launched by aircraft north of Hawaii was successfully intercepted Tuesday by a defensive missile in a key test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

In a video interview with aviation analysis site CAPA, Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mark Dunkerley gave an update on competition, partnerships and attractive markets for the Honolulu-based airline, claiming that China will soon overtake Japan as Hawaii’s largest tourism market. Pacific Business News.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee has been bitten by an endangered Hawaiian monk seal while swimming at Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s push to expand the list of relatives exempt from President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries is bogged down in court, where it has bounced from a federal judge to a federal appeals court and back to the same federal judge. Associated Press.

U.S. Department of Justice attorneys urged a judge to deny Hawaii’s renewed attempt to expand the list of relatives exempt from President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries. Associated Press.

Kaiser grad accused of affiliation with ISIS made first Federal court appearance. KITV.

Forecasters are keeping a close eye on a new tropical storm in the East Pacific that has the potential to impact the Hawaiian islands. It is far too early to tell what kind of effects, if any, Tropical Storm Fernanda  will have on Hawaii, but early computer models show a track that moves in a direction toward the islands. Hawaii News Now.

This week, you'll be seeing an edgy new commercial targeting the Mormon Church in Hawaii, questioning its business practices. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is again ranked next to last among U.S. states for business. The islands are ranked first, however, for quality of life for the fifth year in a row, according to a study released Tuesday by cable TV network CNBC. Star-Advertiser.

Jurassic World filming comes to an end, film's stars leave Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A federal judge has ordered the city to pay paramedics, emergency medical technicians and their attorneys $1.16 million for unpaid and late-paid overtime in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Star-Advertiser.

There's an age-old problem in the valleys of Oahu, where experts estimate that more than 70,000 residents live in areas that have been geologically unstable since Hawaii’s peaks first burst through the Pacific Ocean. A legal battle over a landslide and sewer line break in the Nuuanu Valley is one example of the unstable ground many people live on. Civil Beat.

Hawaii business executive Duane Kurisu and a host of dignitaries broke ground Tuesday on Kurisu’s ambitious vision to use public and private resources to erect permanent homes near Sand Island for 150 homeless families — or 600 adults and children. Star-Advertiser.

The first-ever public-private partnership was launched today on Oahu to provide permanent housing for homeless families. Hawaii Public Radio.

A state representative and at least one community leader are accusing Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration of stalling on a long-discussed road improvement project in the upper part of Kalihi Street. Star-Advertiser.

A state lawmaker wants to see Kalihi Street widened so drivers will slow down, particularly where the it curves. KHON2.

Changes to Honolulu plastic bag ban will hurt a local family business. KITV.

A Honolulu ZIP code has come in at No. 6 in the nation on a list of the most expensive ZIP codes by state, according to GoBankingRates.com. Pacific Business News.

It's never been a secret that Honolulu has some traffic issues, and now Honolulu has been ranked as the seventh-worst city for driving in a newly released study by WalletHub. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu had the 10th-most cranes in operation in the country at the start of the year, signaling a significant growth in construction projects, according to the 2017 Rider Levett Bucknall Crane Index. Rider Levett Bucknall is a global construction cost management, project management and advisory company based in Hong Kong. Star-Advertiser.

Traffic was shut down on both sides of the Pali Highway around noon Tuesday as a woman threatened to jump from the highway on the Kailua side of the tunnel, Honolulu police said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Part of Hawaii Island’s ambitious legislative package to revitalize two areas in Hilo was pulled back from the brink Tuesday when Gov. David Ige issued his final list of vetoed bills. Tribune-Herald.

More senior citizens are on the waiting list for units at a housing complex under construction in Hilo than the total number of units the complex eventually will offer. The second phase of construction at Hilo’s Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood, which is intended to provide high-quality, affordable housing for low-income senior citizens, is on track for completion in October. Tribune-Herald.

North Hawaii residents packed the Waimea School cafeteria Tuesday anxious to hear from administrators of The Queen’s Health Systems and North Hawaii Community Hospital in the wake of reports of layoffs at the hospital. West Hawaii Today.

The Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo is asking for the public’s help with finding missing parts from a beloved sculpture at the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Kalakaua Street. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island Pictures Future in Film and Video. Hawaii Public Radio.

Colin “Bud” Love, a community champion and longtime per diem judge, died July 1. Love died peacefully at his home at the age of 81. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

With a lawsuit against the project settled, the Maui Planning Commission unanimously approved a special management area use permit Tuesday for the $354.5 million mixed-use Makena Resort. Maui News.

A senior affordable housing project is being proposed for development in Kahului at the intersection of Kane and Vevau Streets. Maui Now.

Last month’s auction of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.’s mill equipment will be the last time the former company’s assets go on the auction block, company and auction officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

A Maui Community Correctional Center guard told an inmate she would lose her work furlough privileges if she reported having sexual contact with him, the woman testified Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui’s residential real estate market sizzled in June as home prices and sales achieved double-digit percentage gains from the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Sales increased by double digits on Maui last month for single-family homes and condominiums, growing 21.2 percent and 11.8 percent, respectively, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The Opaekaa Road bridge is on the road to being replaced and the single-lane bridge’s character won’t change much, thanks to input from the community. Garden Island.

Kauai Community Recycling Services, who owns and operates the HI5 bottle redemption center in the Arzadon Industrial Park in Kapaa, has changed the schedule of this facility. Garden Island.

Broken television sets, dilapidated tires and other past-their-prime household items dotted the grounds around Wailua Reservoir before Lori Stitt took action. Garden Island.