Hawaii sets tourism record, FEMA, Homeland Security, tour state disasters, lawsuit filed over school bullying, Honolulu advances new homeless laws, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Waikiki beach ©2018 All Hawaii News

July sets single-month record for Hawaii visitors. Despite volcanic-activity related softening on Hawaii island, more visitors came to Hawaii in July than in any other month in the state’s history. Star-Advertiser.

Federal pay freeze could affect tens of thousands of civilian workers in Hawaii. According to the latest numbers from the government, Hawaii has more than 23,000 federal workers including those that work at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. KHON2.

State investigating "price gouging" complaints. About 30 people from Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai filed complaints with the state that they paid too much. KITV.

Federal response to Hurricane Lane 'just the beginning'. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen arrived in Hawaii on Thursday, one week after rain from Hurricane Lane began pounding Hawaii island, and said the federal government will continue to respond in the wake of the powerful storm. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit Slams DOE For ‘Grossly Inadequate’ Anti-Bullying Policies. The suit asks for a court-appointed special master to oversee the anti-harassment program in the Hawaii Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Three families who say their children were bullied or harassed in Hawaii public schools have filed a class-action lawsuit against the state Department of Education. Hawaii News Now.

Classrooms getting more crowded as more kids enroll in public school. KHON2.

Hawaii counties are seeking to block a ballot question that would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature the power to tax investment real estate to fund schools. Associated Press.

During this year's legislative session, state lawmakers approved the language for a statewide ballot referendum on a new amendment to the state constitution. If approved by voters, the amendment would create a state-wide property tax on certain investment properties to fund public schools. But attorneys from all of Hawaii's county governments are now challenging the proposal. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii County joins ballot fight: Lawsuit seeks to strike education tax off Nov. 6 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

A group commissioned by Gov. David Ige has created guidelines for earlier diagnosis and prevention of the potentially crippling rat lungworm disease. Star-Advertiser.

Steroid, spinal tap among new rat lungworm guidelines. Tribune-Herald.

Local Tech Company Aims to Help Farmers Work Smarter. With recent funding from a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, Smart Yields is now trying to make it easier for local farmers to comply with food safety standards. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 100 people have applied to become the next CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority to replace George Szigeti, who will step down at the end of October. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Committee advances 2 bills targeting building violations. The City Council Zoning Committee on Thursday advanced two bills that target unscrupulous builders and property owners, but postponed a decision on a third bill. Star-Advertiser.

Committee OKs bills to clear homeless from city sidewalks. A City Council committee Thursday approved two bills that would make it illegal for people to obstruct or lodge on city sidewalks. Star-Advertiser.

More Oahu parks to be secured overnight in expanded effort to curb vandalism. Starting this weekend, more than a dozen parks in Leeward, Ewa, and Central Oahu, will be secured and monitored overnight. KHON2.

Applicants sought for Waikiki affordable housing complex for seniors. The Ainahau Vista II project is intended for low-income seniors ages 55 or older. Hawaii News Now.

Jim Nabors' Diamond Head estate on the market for $15M. The oceanfront Hawaii estate belonging to the late Jim Nabors, known best for playing Gomer Pyle on “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Gomer Pyle: USMC” in the 1960s, is on the market for $14.88 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County wish list grows to $800M. The cost of Hawaii County’s wish list for what is needed to recover from the Kilauea disaster has increased to $800 million, according to the county’s No. 2 official.Tribune-Herald.

Tentative steps toward relaxing restrictions on access to the Puna eruption zone are in the works, with Hawaii island officials preparing to remove two roadblocks in the next week on routes that lead to rugged, 40-foot-tall cooled lava flows that crossed a highway near the coastline. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen joined state officials for a briefing on various disaster recovery efforts. Big Island Video News.

No lava spotted at fissure 8. That appears to mark the first time that lava was not seen anywhere since the eruption on Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone subsided almost four weeks ago. Tribune-Herald.

Pahoa’s Future Discussed With Community Leaders. Approximately 40 to 50 people met at Liko Lehua Pauahi Café on Thursday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. to discuss some of their ideas and concerns with government officials that were available. Big Island Now.

The new commander at Pohakuloa Training Area worked a room of both military supporters and critics during a public meeting in Hilo Wednesday night. Big Island Video News.

Commentary: Puna councilwoman should leave now. Even though it’s only been a week since Puna Councilwoman Jen Ruggles stunned her colleagues by announcing she will refrain from voting or sponsoring legislation because she fears she would be violating international law and committing war crimes against the Hawaiian Kingdom, that’s a week too long to waste on nonsense. West Hawaii Today.

Hurricane Lane Adds to a Wet Year for Big Island Farmers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Ex-Maui Police Officer Sentenced In Theft, Bribery Scheme. The officer took $1,800 from a man during a traffic stop in 2015. Associated Press.

Kuleana landowners and volunteers confront officials. Frustrated kuleana landowners who felt abandoned by the county and community volunteers, who sorted piles of donations, confronted officials Wednesday night in the wake of three brush fires that burned more than 2,000 acres and destroyed at least 21 structures — most of them belonging to kuleana landowners. Maui News.

Restoring water to Kauaula Valley residents top priority. Kuleana families are busy cleaning up before they can rebuild after devastating fire. Maui News.

Kauai

A former Kauai Police Department officer who was convicted of harassment by stalking and the use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime was sentenced to five years of probation and community service in Fifth Circuit Court Thursday. Garden Island.

After enduring pummeling from Lane, Kauai in 'disaster mode'. Hawaii News Now.

Alakai O Kauai charter school opened to 148 students Wednesday for a full day of class. Garden Island.

While the islandwide brown water advisory hasn’t yet been canceled by the state Department of Health, the county Department of Water has canceled the do not drink advisory for customers in Wainiha. Garden Island.

Hawaii revising union laws following Janus decision, ballot testing and election updates, Maui council aide gets $100k county grant, volcano still simmers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Union rally, 2009 All Hawaii News file photo

State Moves to Stop Fee Collection for Non-Union Employees. The policy, outlined in a memo from the State Comptroller, was spurred by last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Janus v AFSCME. Hawaii Public Radio.

How Gov Candidates Would Grow Hawaii’s Economy. The next governor will face the challenge of not just creating new jobs, but creating high-paying jobs that allow people to afford to live in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige wins over environmentalists. It wasn’t more than two months into his term as governor when David Ige ignited the ire of environmentalists by nominating a development lobbyist for Castle & Cooke to lead the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Hawaii News Now enables Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign hypocrisy. Hawaii News Now.

Ballot machines tested ahead of primary election. KHON2.

Important dates you should know for the upcoming election. Hawaii News Now.

'Broken Promises': Documentary on Department of Hawaiian Homelands to release at Capitol. A new documentary centered around problems within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will be released at the State Capitol on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Public schools could soon be open for business. SB2051 would not only help students learn about business, but allow public schools to generate their own revenue. KHON2.

Private schools across the state are raising tuition by an average of 4 percent this fall, with the bill reaching $24,780 at Punahou School, the state’s largest independent campus. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has issued the first licenses to growers under the state’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. Garden Island.

Program Fighting Childhood Obesity Secures $2 million in Funding. Maui Now.

Big Island, Kauai see higher home prices in first half of 2018. Condominium prices on the Big Island rose by double digits during the first half of this year, while Kauai saw double-digit gains in sales for both single-family homes and condominiums. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The latest vision of Laie’s future will get its first public airing at today’s City Council Planning Committee meeting, and the draft’s author expects the sparks to fly again in a dispute that’s dragged on for years. Star-Advertiser.

A proposal for more housing in Laie, BYU expansion garners mixed reaction. On Monday, city council members will hold a special meeting that is expected to draw supporters and opponents of a controversial development plan for part of Oahu's North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

What Honolulu Rail Planners Can Learn From Puerto Rico. San Juan’s Tren Urbano, an elevated, heavy rail system like that planned in Honolulu, has struggled with low ridership and cost overruns. Civil Beat.

A Navy captain on active duty at Pearl Harbor has been censured for “repeatedly and improperly” accepting gifts from a Singapore-based defense contractor. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s Bright Retail Outlook May Not Linger.  Retail on Oahu has been growing over the past six months, but that could change as retailers confront two unfavorable conditions. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Marco Polo high rise almost one year after the fire. The deadly Marco Polo Condominium fire is considered one of the most destructive fires in Honolulu's history. KHON2.

Mobile phone company Sprint hitches gear to city light poles. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home prices dip but stay close to record. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Challengers in some Hawaii Island political races say the public is missing out on the back-and-forth of debates and candidate forums because the incumbents are no-shows. West Hawaii Today.

The Pahoa Community Center will open as a polling place on primary election day, Aug. 11, to allow residents hardest hit by the ongoing Kilauea eruption to register and vote on the same day. Star-Advertiser.

As a Puna geothermal plant enters its third month of a lava-triggered shutdown, its parent company affirmed its commitment to re-opening the facility and has told the 30 full-time workers they will remain on the payroll for at least a year. Star-Advertiser.

No significant change in volcanic activity. Tribune-Herald.

Community watches anxiously as lava closes in on Puna charter school. Hawaii News Now.

Several residents are determined to stay in their Leilani Estates homes. Star-Advertiser.

Kilauea eruption downsizes one of the Big Island’s largest orchid growers. Star-Advertiser.

While most of East Hawaii is seeing a wetter-than-average year so far, much of West Hawaii is parched. That’s particularly true for the Kona coffee belt — potentially bad news for this year’s coffee crop. Tribune-Herald.

Residents in the Laaloa Avenue area are one step closer to having a park of their own. A final environmental assessment with a finding of no significant impact for the long-planned project was published Sunday in the July 8 edition of the Office of Environmental Quality Control’s twice-a-month Environmental Notice. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Atay grant for queen’s events under review. $100,000 awarded to council member’s executive assistant. Maui News.

Ige signs bill to help tenants at Lahaina complex. Law begins process to condemn land under Front Street Apartments; provides $30 million for new construction. Maui News.

Pulehunui Industrial Park, Maui’s first and only subdivision to offer M3 Industrial zoning, is now complete and available to Maui businesses. Maui Now.

Maui Leads State in Timeshare Occupancy at 96%. Maui Now.

Kauai

Candidates at WKBPA meeting. The candidates for state representative for Kauai County District 16, Stephanie Iona and incumbent Dee Morikawa, will present their platforms. Garden Island.

County talks beach repair. April’s historic flooding brought in about 70,000 cubic yards of sand to Hanalei Bay, according to a study from the University of Hawaii. That damaged Weke Road, destroyed the comfort station at Black Pot Beach and left erosion up to 12 feet deep in some areas. Garden Island.

It could be months before reconstruction starts on Hanalei’s Weke Road — the sinkhole is still there and the road is still closed after April floods wiped it out. Garden Island.

Judge rules for developer in Coco Palms dispute, paves way for Kauai resort. A Hawaii developer will be able to lay groundwork for a resort in Kauai, ending court dealings in a lengthy property dispute. Associated Press.

Condominium sales jumped on Kauai last month, along with prices, while single-family homes posted a more modest price gain on flat sales, according to data from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Mauna Loa threatens to erupt, Pearl Harbor fuel leaks accumulate, Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope protesters end 24-hour vigil in deal with state, Honolulu homeless sweeps continue despite lawsuit, Hanalei River work resumes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Loa eruption March 26, 1984 photo by J.D. Griggs, courtesy Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Rumblings under the world’s largest active volcano prompted scientists Thursday to raise the alert level for Mauna Loa. The volcano sent lava toward Hilo when it last erupted in 1984. Star-Advertiser.

More than 31 years after Mauna Loa last erupted, sending lava within 4.5 miles of Hilo, the largest active volcano in the world is showing signs of unrest. West Hawaii Today.

Scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Thursday raised the alert level for Mauna Loa from “normal” to “advisory.” Tribune-Herald.

The last time Mauna Loa erupted was March 25, 1984. The 22-day eruption of the world’s largest volcano sent lava from the mountain’s northeast rift zone toward Hilo and Kulani Correctional Facility, then known as Kulani Prison. Tribune-Herald.

The amount of small earthquakes beneath the summit of Mauna Loa has more than tripled recently prompting the U.S. Geological Survey to increase the volcano alert level from "normal" to "advisory".   On the color scale, it went from green to yellow. Hawaii News Now.

For the first time in more than thirty years, scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have raised the alert level for Mauna Loa. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of people in Hawaii without health insurance is on the decline, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday. The percent of the Hawaii population with no health insurance coverage was 5.3 percent in 2014, less than 6.7 percent of the population in 2013. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

For decades, leaks from Pearl Harbor's fuel tanks and other sources have been collecting beneath the ground near the naval base's Halawa gate. Hawaii News Now has obtained records issued by the Navy that indicate that the subsurface oil plume there now contains more than 5 million gallons of fuel.

A day after a lawsuit was filed to stop sweeps at homeless encampments, a city maintenance crew cleared personal belongings from a Kakaako block Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday’s sweep, the second in as many weeks in Kakaako, came one day after a class-action lawsuit was filed in federal court in an attempt to prevent more sweeps. Civil Beat.

About a dozen illegal campers who set up on the sidewalk near the UH medical school have now been evicted. KITV4.

The City conducted a second “sweep” in Kaka’ako today to enforce the sidewalk nuisance ordinance. Hawaii Public Radio.

City officials announced a proposal Thursday to develop temporary modular housing in Waianae for homeless families on the Leeward side. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says his plan to provide housing for the homeless who are living in Waikiki, Chinatown and Oahu’s west side is taking shape. On Thursday, the mayor announced plans for a new temporary housing facility just off Farrington Highway near Waianae High School. KITV4.

Gifts Given to Honolulu Officials Remain Under Wraps. Ethics rules require state officials to file mandatory gift disclosure forms every year. That’s not the case for the City and County of Honolulu. Civil Beat.

A city prosecutor in Honolulu is asking lawmakers to decriminalize certain petty offenses, saying they’re clogging courts. Associated Press.

Why some parks get priority while others look forgotten. KHON2.

A local nonprofit launched an effort Wednesday to pull together more than two dozen stakeholders to create a community-driven, science-based plan to restore Maunalua Bay on the east side of Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

After 176 days on Mauna Kea, the Native Hawaiians protesting the planned Thirty Meter Telescope agreed to end their 24-hour vigil Thursday and remove a large tent from their camp. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope opponents agreed to remove a tent from their campsite on Mauna Kea shortly before a deadline Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

The State Department of Land and Natural Resources says they have reached an understanding with Thirty Meter Telescope opponents concerning the removal of the tent across the street from the Mauna Kea Visitors Center. Big Island Video News.

Opponents of the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea will comply with the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ request to remove their large tent, which is located across from the Mauna Kea Visitors Center. Big Island Now.

Hawaii island’s economy has been resilient in the face of tropical storms and overflowing lava but now faces another potential financial blow in the form of disruption of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

A University of Hawaii economist offered a positive outlook for the Big Island’s economic future during a Thursday presentation, but cautioned that events on Mauna Kea could harm that forecast. Tribune-Herald.

Concerns about public access to the shoreline are delaying plans for the Kahaluu Ma Kai education center in Kailua-Kona at the site of the Keauhou Beach Hotel. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Homelessness in Wailuku town has reached a breaking point for many residents and merchants, who are concerned about recent increases in violence and crime and are demanding more security for their streets. Maui News.

Goodfellow Bros., Inc., issued a notice to motorists, informing the public of planned construction, scheduled to start on Monday, Sept. 21.  The company is conducting the work in conjunction with the State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Transportation, with roadway improvements planned along Hāna Highway from Huelo to Hāna. Maui Now.

Kauai

State regulators have resumed work at a Hanalei River restoration project site after a week of inactivity due to heavy rainfall. Garden Island.

Opponents of a proposed dairy in Mahaulepu on Kauai are calling on Gov. David Ige to take notice of community concerns surrounding the proposed Hawaii Dairy Farms operation. Associated Press.

Discovery Land Co., which was tapped to manage the $500 million redevelopment of 1,103 acres of the Princeville at Hanalei resort on Kauai’s North Shore, as well as the Prince Golf Course earlier this year, is no longer managing the project, one of the landowners confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Top APEC stories of the day, everyone wants to live Hawaii, state, UPW strike deal, military gets cool reception on Big Island, wind farm coming to Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

APEC courtesy photo

APEC

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit moves to higher levels today, with top Obama administration officials here to lay the groundwork for this weekend's Leaders' Meeting and with the traffic-stopping arrivals of major heads of state. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama launches a busy weekend in Honolulu with a series of bilateral talks aimed at strengthening U.S. ties to the Asia-Pacific region and stimulating domestic job growth through economic partnerships in the region. Star-Advertiser.

The White House released details today about President Obama's schedule during his APEC Hawaii trip. KHON2.

The Obama administration reiterated on Wednesday that APEC is a cornerstone of the president's economic goals. Civil Beat.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is in Hawaii where she is attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Associated Press.

Chinese president Hu Jintao is expected to arrive today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Asia's economy has improved, but continued sluggishness in the U.S. labor market as well as Europe's financial woes threaten recovery — which could mean serious implications for Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Asian-Pacific leaders gathering in warm, sunny Honolulu this week will be searching for ways to kickstart faster growth through freer trade, moving on from the gloom over European debt that prevailed days earlier at the G20 summit in chilly Cannes. Associated Press.

Eyes on whether APEC leaders will don aloha shirts. Associated Press.

A first-ever forum bringing together local and foreign businesses during APEC Leaders Week was launched today. Hawaii Public Radio.

A sampling of graduate students at Hawaii Pacific University on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference here this week drew responses that split all over the lot—and thus seemed to reflect a cross-section of opinion throughout Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the APEC summit — at least from the point of view of supporters — is that it could snuff out once and for all the notion that Hawaii is a bad place to do business. Civil Beat.

Many more visitors could begin traveling to Hawaii if the U.S. joined a Pacific free trade bloc, the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday .Associated Press.

Some 48 agencies charged with ensuring the security and safety of U.S. and foreign dignitaries in Hawaii for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference have centralized their operations in one major Multi-Agency Communications Center otherwise known as MACC. Hawaii Reporter.

State

Hawaii has knocked California from the top of a poll that asks Americans where they would most like to live, not counting their current state. Pacific Business News.

The United Public Workers union representing some 8,500 state and county blue-collar workers has reached a tentative agreement with the government negotiators on a two-year contract. Star-Advertiser.

A 6-month-old Hawaii law continued to constrain the flow of foreclosures statewide in October, as a relative trickle of cases were initiated mainly through Circuit Court instead of a nonjudicial process through which most cases had been pouring prior to the law's enactment. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Despite Expected Influx of Prostitutes for APEC, No Arrests — So Far. Civil Beat.

Waikiki hotels are filling up with APEC attendees, but there is not yet any measurable bump in statewide visitor arrivals, nor is it yet clear how many Waikiki restaurants or shops will be helped or hurt by the event's special security-related disruptions. Hawaii News Now.

Motorists can expect delays on the H-1 freeway and Nimitz Highway beginning today as world leaders begin to arrive for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and roads are closed for their motorcades. Star-Advertiser.

This week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and all the associated road closures are having a big impact on businesses around the Hawaii Convention Center. KITV4.

Hawaii
The U.S. Army is not welcome in Hawaii, some Big Island residents told military representatives Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Rat lungworm is an increasingly common, potentially fatal disease that's understudied, hard to diagnose and even harder to treat.  Tribune-Herald.

Hooulu Community Farmers Market, held weekly at Keauhou Beach Resort, has been shut down after hotel management received word the market may be in violation of county zoning and special management area permitted uses. West Hawaii Today.

For the last four years, Hawaii Kai resident Chuck Denny has been intrepid in his effort to capture photos of Hawaii Island lava fields that almost no one else has seen. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously approved permits Tuesday for Auwahi Wind Energy to build and operate eight 428-foot-tall wind turbines on Ulupalakua Ranch land. Maui News.

Maui's hotels were two-thirds full in September, not unusual for one of the dullest months of the year in the visitor industry, but hotel operators were able to boost their rack rates by more than $15 a night. Maui News.

Kauai

When the Kaua‘i County Council last year passed Ordinance 904 — allowing certain owners of transient vacation rentals on ag lands to apply for a permit — those opposed to the bill feared the new law would allow hundreds of new tourist units on lands zoned agriculture. Garden Island.

Groups eye Hawaii geothermal potential, Obama's mother Dunham gets museum exhibit, Japanese-American WWII vets honored, Honolulu rapid transit takes road show, domestic violence on Maui and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Volcano (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Some officials think the Big Island could become the next Brunei, a small nation on the island of Borneo made extremely wealthy by its energy exports. West Hawaii Today.

Millions of dollars could be at stake in an emerging dispute over who owns the mineral rights to Hawaiian home lands that are being considered for the development of geothermal energy. Civil Beat.

The brave scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have shared another round of compelling volcano video. Big Island Video News.

Should native Hawaiians living on Hawaiian Home Lands, or state lands set aside for native Hawaiians with a 50 percent or higher blood quantum, pay a lower property tax rate than other Hawaii residents? Hawaii Reporter.

Sunday's service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl recognized four World War II units, which were segregated for Japanese-Americans during the war: the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service and the 1,399th Engineer Construction Battalion. Star-Advertiser.

In a disturbing parallel, China in 2011 seems to have started down the same warpath that led Japan to attack the United States at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Civil Beat.

Years of economic downturn and the resulting cuts to invasive species spending are having consequences in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Class requirements are increasing for Hawaii’s high school students. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

President Barack Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, is recognized for her work as an anthropologist in Indonesia. KITV4.

Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning LLC on Friday signed a 55-year agreement to lease a 30,000 square-foot parcel in Kakaako from Kamehameha Schools, where it will build and operate a pumping station and exchange facility for a seawater air conditioning cooling system that will serve downtown Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

A series of meetings across Oahu are planned to provide the public with information about Honolulu's planned rail line. KITV4.

Residents will have a chance to find out more about Honolulu's planned rail line starting Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Archaeological excavations along the planned rail route in Kalihi, downtown and Kaakako will prompt lane closures and detours — and might last from six to 10 months. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Load Up on Taser Ammo, Pepper Spray, Bean Bags for APEC. Civil Beat.

Plan to rezone an area in Kapahulu creating concern. KHON2.

Hawaii

Cattle ranchers, horse breeders and even prospective first-time farmers came here Sunday afternoon to inspect Hawaii County jewels that have gone unpolished for 17 years. Tribune-Herald.

On a sunny day in the near-shore waters off of the North Kohala Coast in Kawaiahae on February 15 of this year, Brooke Landt was conducting a commercial dive when she noticed another diver harvesting aquarium fish species. Hawaii Independent.

Imagine walking in the footsteps of King Kamehameha I's most elite warriors along the Waikoloa Stream taking in some of old Hawaii whilst getting some good exercise in a relaxing Waimea setting. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The killing of a Santa Cruz, Calif., woman on Maui this month was the second domestic violence homicide in the state this year, with both involving tourists, domestic violence task force members say. Maui News.

While use is up by about 25 percent at Maui's only domestic violence shelter, the nonprofit agency running the shelter is struggling to maintain services with a nearly 41 percent cut in state funding. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council had to suspend its consideration of a request to spend $75,000 on outside legal counsel for its case against Michael Sheehan regarding alleged permit violations in the operation of his Hanalei boatyard. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism chief up for review, Fernanda no threat, fee delay costs roads $19.2M, Big Island seeks fire chief, military contractor settles Kauai sexual harassment suit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea crowd (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Scientists on the Big Island expect to see more action from Kilauea volcano in the coming days. Hawaii News Now.

A delay in implementing increases in registration fees and vehicle weight taxes means $19.2 million will not be collected this year for highway maintenance and repairs. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Labor Relations Board ruled Thursday that a controversial letter from Gov. Neil Abercrombie to the board was not an unlawful attempt to influence the board's decisions in a dispute between the teachers union and the state. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is due to discuss the performance of the agency's CEO next week. Associated Press.

Waikiki aquarium unveiled its new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit. KHON2.

Fernanda, which entered the Central Pacific Thursday as a strong tropical storm, is "falling apart" faster than expected, forecasters say. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka was on Maui on Wednesday as chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to listen to ideas on how to create parity for indigenous people living across America, with a focus on Hawaii. Maui News.

One of Kauai's largest employers has settled a federal sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit by two firefighters. Associated Press.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) heard a warning today that the company it chose to build the train is headed for financial ruin, but the warning came from the company that has so far been rejected by the city. Hawaii News Now.

A Big Island businessman has donated $500,000 to help protect native forests in Ka'u and South Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Five finalists are on the short list to succeed Hawaii County Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira, who retired Aug. 1. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo rested its case for the Thirty Meter Telescope on Thursday in the ongoing contested case hearing. Tribune-Herald.

Val T. Iwashita, who has been headmaster at Iolani School for 17 years, said Thursday that he will step down at the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Pacific Business News.

After starting the year showing good gains, occupancy rates at Maui resorts tailed off as the months wore by, and by the end of June the overall occupancy rate for the first half of the year was 72.1 percent, still better than the depressed 68.2 percent of January to June 2010. Maui News.

Hundreds of people lined West Hawaii roadways Thursday to pay tribute to Waimea Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Camero, who gave the ultimate sacrifice. West Hawaii Today.

Honolulu police are permanently removing their website that featured photos of people arrested for driving under the influence. Associated Press.

Thirty years ago, a group of Hawaiian Language students at U-H Manoa discovered a water system behind the dormitories on Dole Street. Hawaii Public Radio.

We're happy and we know it, Kilauea amazes, unions have deal, Legislature takes up tax and spend bills, Kauai County sinks money in golf course, news from the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea photo USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory

Sun and waves might be good for the soul, according to a new national survey naming Hawaii as tops in well-being among U.S. states — but the sunshine doesn't necessarily elbow out Northern Lights and snow, as Alaska also made the top 10 happiest states list. KHON2.

The happiest man in America likes to laugh and be intellectually stimulated, lives with a frisky, oversize puppy, cooks kosher meals for young scholars at his home in Manoa — and enjoys the love of a good woman he's been married to for the last 35 years. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors are flocking to the Big Island's Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to get a glimpse of the lava that is spewing from the fissure near Pu'u O'o crater. KITV4.

After wandering Kilauea Volcano's flanks for the past 28 years, Madame Pele has returned to where she started one of the world's most active lava flows. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Legislature is nearing the halfway point in its annual session. Senate Bill 1274, a healthcare bill to reconcile the State with the federal Affordable Care Act means some nuanced aspects of healthcare as we now know it in Hawaii may change. Hawaii Independent.

Five of Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Cabinet appointees are still awaiting Senate hearings and confirmation votes, months after most of them were nominated in December. Associated Press.

The Hawaii State House Minority Caucus met for eight hours Monday mapping out their votes as the Legislature moves toward crossover deadlines this week. Hawaii Reporter.

One of the options lawmakers may be considering is a proposal to temporarily suspend existing exemptions from the general excise tax. West Hawaii Today.

Three years after the Hawaii Senate went paperless, the House hasn't followed suit. Civil Beat.

Roughly 1,300 striking Hawaiian Electric Co. workers could be back to work by the end of this week if they approve a tentative agreement reached yesterday by negotiators for the company and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Electric Co. union workers began picketing at the company's Kahului main office Sunday for the first time since the union called a strike Friday afternoon. Maui News.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa union workers, who have been without a contract since June, have reached a tentative agreement with the company and will vote today on whether to accept it. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu plans to close Keaau beach park on the Waianae Coast this week and force out about the homeless who live there. Associated Press.

Traffic was snarled and ground floor businesses near the intersection of Royal Hawaiian Avenue and Kuhio Avenue were flooded late Monday morning when a 12" water main broke under Royal Hawaiian Avenue. Hawaii News Now.

Prices of condominiums on the Big Island and Kauai fell in February, even though the number of units sold saw a healthy increase. Pacific Business News

Wailua Golf Course was once the highest-ranked municipal course in the nation. Garden Island.

Hawaii volcano erupts, Abercrombie silences watchdog, electric company bargaining during strike, Maui resort owners head to court, Kauai waters unsafe, more Hawaii news

Kilauea fissure photo USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Madame Pele is putting on quite a show on the Big Island. KHON2.

A new vent that opened Saturday on Kilauea continued to erupt yesterday with quiet periods punctuated by curtains of lava 80 feet high, scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. Star-Advertiser.

The floor of Pu'u O'o crater collapsed Saturday afternoon and an eruption occurred along the middle of Kilauea Volcano's east rift zone, according to scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Tribune-Herald.

Negotiators for Hawaiian Electric Co. and striking union workers held a marathon, closed-door session with a federal mediator yesterday with no word of progress in settling a strike that coincided with a widespread blackout. Star-Advertiser.

HECO President Richard Rosenblum comments on labor talks. Hawaii News Now.

Electrical power has been restored to most of Oahu, according to Hawaiian Electric Company and Hawaii Civil Defense. Hawaii Independent.

Crews of nonunion Hawaiian Electric Co. employees had restored power to all but about 500 customers by early Sunday morning, the company said in a statement issued at noon Sunday. Pacific Business News

A key player in Hawaii’s effort to cut oil dependency will soon run out of money. Hawaii Public Radio.

A month after contradicting Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s position on a public records issue, Office of Information Practices Acting Director Cathy Takase has been given her walking papers by Abercrombie. Hawaii Reporter.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has informed the head of the state's open records agency that she's being laid off and that he plans to replace her with his own appointee. Civil Beat.

Unless the legislation undergoes further amendments when it goes before the full Hawai‘i House of Representatives, a proposal to create a state-run interisland ferry system has been effectively tabled. Garden Island.

Hawaii's three-strikes law was touted as a way to make the community safer, but since its passage nearly five years ago, the statute has been used only once and is now destined to quietly expire this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii excise tax revenues for the current fiscal year were up at the end of January, but the state's general fund deposits were 2.1 percent lower compared to the same period last year because of delayed income tax refunds. Associated Press.

Governor Pushes Big Wind to be Pono. Molokai Dispatch.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $37.9 million contract to a Chicago company to build a tactical maintenance facility at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. KITV4.

Store shelves and restaurants will be out of Hawaii's popular, fresh bottom fish soon as state and federal officials shut down catches in the main Hawaiian islands on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

On Tuesday, Wailuku attorney Richard Rost will be in 1st Circuit Court in Honolulu asking for partial summary judgment in a lawsuit by a buyer at the Honua Kai Resort & Spa who is trying to back out of his purchase. Maui News.

Besides the alleged defects in the legal language of the sales documents, customers at Honua Kai Resort & Spa have alleged a wide range of omissions of pertinent information or of physical features that didn't appear when the project was built out. Maui News.

Heavy rains over the past couple weeks have made some coastal waters on Kaua‘i unsafe until further notice, health officials and local experts said.Garden Island.

Congress' two-year ban on earmarks won't jeopardize federal funding needed to complete the most-expensive government project being built on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

The cash-strapped Hawaii County government is leaving hundreds of thousands in unpaid property taxes on the table for the $60 million Target-Safeway complex in Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii volcano active, leaked speech shows Abercrombie uncertainty, Maui seeks to harness landfill gas, cheap inmate labor keeps unemployment high, Molokai flood zones revealed, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea volcano

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on the Big Island of Hawaii are looking at a swarm of small earthquakes that shook Kilauea Volcano last week. Hawaii News Now.

The lava lake at the summit of Halema'uma'u crater has been rising gradually in the last few months. Tribune-Herald.

The haze and vog that have been clogging the air over Oahu will spread and persist throughout the islands for the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service. Star-Advertiser.

Bills to require genetically modified food to be labeled as such have been taken off the table this legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

Vacationers flock to Hawaii for the sun, sand and sea, but what about the stars. Hawaii lawmakers are hoping visitors can soon boldly go where only few have gone before - outer space. KHON2.

If you want to know what a veteran union lobbyist and ally of Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie really thinks of the state of things in Hawaii, read on. Civil Beat.

The demand for prison work crews as cheap labor for nonprofit groups, schools, churches and state and city agencies has skyrocketed over the past two years in an economy that forced deep cuts, layoffs and a mounting backlog of repair and maintenance projects. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie is making his case before lawmakers and an upset crowd of retirees that the state should end Medicare Part B reimbursements for public workers. Associated Press.

Taxpayers shouldn’t be surprised that both the administration and lawmakers are coming up with all sorts of platitudes about how we should lead healthier lives and contribute back to the community that are smoke screens for raising taxes. Garden Island.

If Hawaii lawmakers get their way this session, they will protect aquarium fish from harvest, ban feral cat trapping, import nonvenomous snakes for study, order the castration of wild donkeys, designate the Hawaiian Hoary Bat as the official state land mammal, keep dogs out of puppy mills, put Zoo elephants in a space to roam, ban shark tours and give tax credits for, well, worms. Hawaii Reporter.

Trash at the Central Maui Landfill creates gas, which Maui officials want to convert into energy. KITV4.

Converting those stinky gases from the Central Maui Landfill into electricity could create enough energy to power the equivalent of up to 3,000 Maui homes per year, according to a county-commissioned study. Maui News.

In rainy weather and through ankle-deep mud, county officials and Kapa‘a Solar LLC project members gathered under a tent Friday for a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the state’s largest and Kaua‘i’s first solar farm. Garden Island.

Twenty years after Molokai’s first flood maps were released, Maui County and federal agencies have presented a major overhaul of flood zones on Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaiian Airlines, ramping up service to the state's largest international tourism market, will inaugurate its second Honolulu-Japan flight when it begins daily nonstop service to Osaka in July. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers using heavy equipment are working to replenish sand at Oahu's famed Makaha Surfing Beach. Associated Press.

Kamehameha Schools plans to renovate 46 rental units in three Moiliili apartment buildings owned by the Schools starting in April. KITV4.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands held lot selection for 20 homes on Saturday. KITV4.

Big Islanders showed Saturday that they love Roseanne Barr just as much as the controversial actress-comedian loves her new Big Island home. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island's national parks offer residents and visitors alike a means for escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life to get back to the simplicity of old Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii residents had the second-highest average credit card debt in the nation in January, according to consumer credit advocate CreditKarma.com. Pacific Business News

Spacenet recently received stimulus grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to provide StarBand: Open Skies Alaska and Hawaii, a broadband service made available in rural areas. Molokai Dispatch.

Kilauea vog hurts health, Hawaii Five-0 brings in bucks, Star-Advertiser fights RNC for photo rights, meth plagues Maui, candidates debate, more Hawaii news

The risk of upper respiratory problems increased significantly on the Big Island during high vog events -- and children were the most sensitive to the bad air -- according to a new study that compared clinic visits in communities hardest hit by volcanic emissions before and after a new Kilauea vent opened in March 2008. Star-Advertiser.

A new study shows health complaints spiked in the Big Island community downwind of Kilauea's summit after the volcano began spewing more sulfur dioxide due to a second simultaneous eruption in 2008. Associated Press.

With two weeks to go before Election Day, the candidates for Hawaii's hotly contested 1st Congressional District sharpened their rhetoric on each other last night as they faced off in a live debate for the fourth time in seven days. Star-Advertiser.

Congressional candidates Charles Djou and Colleen Hanabusa squared off in a heated debate televised live on KGMB Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser is accusing U.S. Rep. Charles Djou and the Hawaii Republican Party of violating its copyright of a photo of Democrat Colleen Hanabusa used in a TV attack ad. Associated Press.

For the second night in a row, the candidates for governor squared off in a forum on the neighbor islands. KHON2.

With just two weeks remaining before Election Day, Duke Aiona and Neil Abercrombie sparred in a debate Tuesday night on Kauai. KITV4.

How appropriate Kauai's joint governor-lieutenant governor debate was held at the War Memorial Convention Hall on Harby Street in Lihue. The race for governor, after all, is a fight to the finish, and the polls show it remains close. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said yesterday that he voted for a constitutional amendment calling for a state school board appointed by the governor instead of elected by voters. Star-Advertiser.

The state budget, the Big Island's health care woes, how to support agriculture and what's really wrong with Hawaii's schools -- those topics and more kept the two gubernatorial candidates going back and forth Monday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Brian Schatz says he'd like to run for the state's top job in 2018. Associated Press.

After stepping down from his state Senate seat representing Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau for an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor, Gary Hooser has remained connected with Hawai‘i’s political arena. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s film and television industry is nearing the end of what has been a blockbuster year, but it may set yet another milestone. Hawaii Reporter.

Local farms are up in arms over proposed federal legislation, claiming it would impose strict food safety regulations that could further strain their ability to make ends meet. Molokai Dispatch.

A new 150,000-square-foot FBI building is being built in Kapolei. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle made it clear he will crack down on the homeless problem.Hawaii News Now.

The company seeking to reopen the Pepeekeo power plant and area landowners opposing the $70 million development are both trying to convince a hearings officer what's best for the community. Tribune-Herald.

A county subsidy allowing Big Island golfers to pay just $25 greens fees at two West Hawaii golf courses began Friday, but it could be the last year for the popular program. West Hawaii Today.


Nearly 200 students are being tested for tuberculosis. But that's only about one-ninth of the entire enrollment at McKinley High School. KITV4.

Enrollment in Big Island public schools, especially in West Hawaii, has dipped more sharply than in the state as a whole, according to data released Monday by the state Department of Education. West Hawaii Today.

Gary Towner of OfficeMax said studies done by OfficeMax indicate that teachers spend about $1,000 of their own money to do their jobs. Garden Island.

The jet fuel bill soared at Hawaiian Airlines this summer, but business was up so much that it still managed to post a $30 million third quarter profit, same as last year. Hawaii News Now.

Residents at a State housing project in Kalihi say they've been running out of hot water for years. KHON2.

Thanks to the perseverance of a retired state airport firefighter, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will be awarding leases for three Panaewa agricultural lots that have remained fallow for nearly a quarter-century. Tribune-Herald.

A contentious, two-year-old lawsuit between North Shore landowner Joseph Brescia and Native Hawaiian activist Ka‘iulani Edens and others recently ended with a $1 settlement. Garden Island.

Maui police announced another large drug seizure Monday, the second large crystal methamphetamine collar this month. The seizure in Pukalani was made last Tuesday but not revealed until this week. Maui News.

Eroded bike path at Sunset Beach brings a tide of concern as surf season begins. Hawaii Independent.

Growing up, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye often heard stories about what it meant to live life without a home. West Hawaii Today.

As ordinary community members become planners and leaders, the Molokai Community Plan moves forward. Molokai Dispatch.

Volcanic cloud hampers U.S.-Europe flights, Tea party rally draws 1k+, Hanabusa leading cash race, new scope heading to Mauna Kea, more top Hawaii news

The bottom fell out of travel plans for thousands of U.S. airline passengers Thursday as dozens of flights between the U.S. and Europe were canceled, part of a global disruption in air travel as clouds of ash from a volcano in Iceland forced widespread closures of European airports.

Dissatisfied with the government and brandishing messages such as "Taxed Enough Already" and "Enough Is Enough," hundreds of protesters rallied at the state Capitol yesterday to deliver a message to lawmakers: "No more taxes."

It's not necessarily paying taxes that ticks off the Tea Party supporters.

State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa has opened a fundraising advantage on her rivals in the May special election for Congress and can count on additional resources from U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and the state's powerful labor unions in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Mauna Kea's newest, smallest telescope should reach the summit today.

About $46 million in federal funding for child welfare services is ensnared in a disagreement between legislators and the state Department of Human Services.

Hawaii County Police Chief Harry Kubojiri says he desires more openness and transparency between his department and the public, but doesn't want his own performance review made public.

Tsunamis have the potential to flatten whole towns as demonstrated in Chile recently, but Hawai'i engineers are helping to create new building standards intended to prevent sweeping destruction here and elsewhere.

There are 3,000 stories on the Hawaii Literacy's Bookmobile, but right now, no one can read them.

A mainland developer's project continues to progress, as mandated by the state Land Use Commission, a county official said.

Saying there wasn't a legal basis allowing him to vacate an arbitrator's award, 2nd Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza on Wednesday confirmed the award reinstating two fired Maui Police Department officers.

In 1926, Kaua‘i’s 11 sugar plantations — Kilauea, Make‘e, Lihu‘e Plantation, Grove Farm, Kipu, Koloa, McBryde, Hawaiian Sugar at Makaweli, Gay & Robinson, Waimea and Kekaha — employed most of the island’s workforce.