Showing posts with label voting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label voting. Show all posts

Friday, June 10, 2022

Election officials plan for in-person voting option, Pearl Harbor gates closed after explosives scare, monkeypox now community spread, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii polling place in 2014 ©2022 All Hawaii News
Plans are underway to prevent delays at Hawaii voting sites. State and county election officials are working to prevent a repeat of the November 2020 general election, which saw every in-person voting site overwhelmed despite Hawaii’s otherwise successful first attempt at mail-in ballots. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB: Pilots At Fault For Fatal Hawaii Air Tour Crashes, But So Is FAA. The National Transportation Safety Board analysts are raising concerns about small plane and helicopter pilots taking greater risks when they encounter bad weather. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i’s Home Insurance Premiums Are Lowest in Nation. Hawaiʻi has the lowest home insurance premiums in the United States, according to several national websites. But those rates have risen in recent years – and not because of skyrocketing home prices. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Third probable case of monkeypox identified in Hawaii. The state Department of Health has identified a third probable case of monkeypox in Hawaii, and because the patient has no travel history connected to the disease, officials said it is likely spreading locally. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Security incident shuts Pearl Harbor gate for nearly 2 hours. A Pearl Harbor gate was closed for nearly two hours on Thursday after a military working dog smelled something suspicious during a routine inspection of a civilian contractor's vehicle. Associated Press.

‘Glamping’ business scrutinized for luxurious setup just yards from homeless Waimanalo families. The business, Glamping Hawaii, specializes in glamorous camping services. They’re now under investigation by the city for illegally operating in a county beach park — a violation of the newly enacted law banning commercial activities at beaches from Makapuu to Bellows. Hawaii News Now.

Pilot Program seeks to rehab houseless arrestees in Chinatown.
The rehabilitation program is called SUDA-fast, which stands for Substance Use Disorder Assessment, fast. KITV4.

Grand jury to consider criminal charges against officers involved in near-fatal Makaha crash.
An Oahu grand jury will consider criminal charges against several HPD officers who allegedly took part in an illegal chase in Makaha last September. The incident left a teenager paralyzed and a driver with serious brain injuries, said officials. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Land Board Approves Milolii Community-Based Subsistence Fishery. The new rules call for size and bag limits for specific fish species, seasonal and gear restrictions, and no commercial aquarium fishing. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Feds to investigate Big Island tour helicopter crash. A Bell 407 helicopter occupied by six people — five passengers and a pilot — crashed in a remote lava field between the Ranchos subdivision and South Point Road at about 5:29 p.m., the Hawaii County Fire Department said. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. West Hawaii Today.

Mainland News Outlets, Facebook Posts ID Some Victims of South Point Helicopter Crash. According to an article from The Chattanoongan in Chattanooga, Tenn., a Chattanooga auto dealer and two family members were among the six people aboard the Paradise Helicopters Bell 407 helicopter, operated by K&S Helicopters, when it crashed Wednesday. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Maui

Analysts: Even with an incumbent, there’s no clear frontrunner in Maui mayoral race. Current Mayor Michael Victorino is facing three high-profile challengers and four lesser-known candidates. Hawaii News Now.

Another Prisoner Dies By Suicide At The Maui Jail.
Staff at Maui Community Correctional Center say it’s the fifth suicide at the jail in less than five years. Civil Beat.

Man cited for illegal structure and storing personal belongings at Maunalua Bay. State officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources say the man had allegedly cited lineage to various Polynesian monarchies, and yelled at and argued with Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers claiming, because of his heritage, he was not subject to the laws or rules of the State. Maui Now.

Sen. DeCoite announces resources for Maui County residents facing axis deer issues.  In collaboration with State and County agencies, Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe) is working to provide the public with information and resources on who to contact regarding axis deer issues. Maui Now.

Kauai

Wailua River Bridge work to begin. The $55.7 million project will get underway in July and should wrap up by the end of 2024. Most funding, $44.6 million, will come from the federal government, while $11.2 million will come from the state. Garden Island.

Kauai Residents Unload About Overtourism At DOT Meeting. State transportation officials had a hard time winning over the north shore residents despite proposals for eight projects. Civil Beat.

PMRF holds Change of Command Ceremony. When U.S. Navy Capt. Brett Stevenson walked onto the stage at the Pacific Missile Range Facility aircraft hangar Thursday morning, he was in charge of a military school in Nevada. When he left the stage, he was PMRF’s commanding officer. Garden Island.


Monday, August 10, 2020

Hawaii shows that mail-in voting can work. Record turnout, smooth election. Plus latest COVID-19 counts and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More than 406,000 ballots were cast. That’s a record number for a Hawaii primary. More than half of Hawaii’s registered voters, about 51 percent, cast their ballots in the state’s first mail-in primary. According to Political Analyst, Colin Moore, the last time we saw a turnout like this was in 1996. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees more than 40 percent increase in voter turnout with all mail-in primary. This year's primary saw a record turn out in voters for the state. Over 400,000 ballots were cast in this election compared to 286,000 in the 2018 primary, a 42 percent increase in voters. KITV4.

The Primary That Upset Hawaii’s Mango Cart. A desire for new blood felled or threatened political veterans and fueled the campaigns of hungry newcomers, all under a new system of voting. Civil Beat.

2020 Primary Election Results. KITV4.

Primary Election: Official state and county votes can be found here.

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How Bad Is Hawaii At Social Distancing? Here’s What The Data Shows. Mobility data gives us a clearer picture of just how much people have been moving around during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s weak contact tracing effort is hindering the control of coronavirus’ spread. Jendrick Paul, president of the Marshallese Community Organization of Hawaii, said Sunday that he’s worried state Department of Health contact tracers can’t keep up with the surge of coronavirus cases in Hawaii’s tightknit Pacific Islander community. Star-Advertiser.

The State Has A Plan For When To Reopen Or Reclose. Why Aren’t We Following It? Available data suggests Oahu should impose stricter measures, according to the state’s plan. Civil Beat.

‘We are super spreaders,’ says Dr. Scott Miscovich. Hawaii is veering into “super spreader” territory with the rise in COVID-19 cases. Hawaii health officials reported 152 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, raising the statewide total since the start of the pandemic to 3,498. Star-Advertiser.

152 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i (O‘ahu 147, Big Island 3, Maui 1, Kaua‘i 1). Hawai‘i has recorded another triple-digit day for new COVID-19 cases in the state.  Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 9: 152 New Cases. Nearly all the cases were on Oahu, where hospitals are preparing for a surge in patients. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 152 New Cases; Health Director: Expect More Deaths As Surge Continues; 3 Inmates Positive. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Updated results confirm November runoffs for Blangiardi and Amemiya, and Alm and Kau. Honolulu mayoral candidates Rick Blangiardi and Keith Amemiya are headed to a Nov. 3 runoff with 25.6% and 20.2% of the vote respectively. Colleen Hanabusa remained in third place with 18.4% of the vote. Star-Advertiser.

Voters set up runoff for mayor between political newcomers: Blangiardi and Amemiya. Oahu voters, apparently fed up with the status quo and facing an uncertain economic outlook, threw their support in Saturday’s primary election behind two first-time political candidates who have promised change and a fresh perspective to old problems. Hawaii News Now.

Blangiardi and Amemiya discuss plans heading into Hawaii’s general election. Two mayoral candidates will be moving on to Hawaii’s general elections in November.  KHON2.

Tupola, Say win City Council seat outright; Espero and Augie T. advance to general. Former state representative and one-time Republican gubernatorial candidate Andria Tupola shot out to an insurmountable lead in her race for the Honolulu City Council’s District I seat early on Saturday night, handily winning the seat. Hawaii News Now.

Alm, Kau proceed to general election runoff in race for city prosecutor. Retired Judge Steve Alm and defense attorney Megan Kau will proceed to a general election runoff in the race for city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

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Total of 6 inmates, 3 adult corrections officers at OCCC test positive for COVID-19. The Department of Public Safety confirms the number of COVID-19 cases at OCCC continues to grow. Hawaii News Now.

Liquor Commission shuts down 10 establishments for violating Mayor’s rules. The Honolulu Liquor Commission is strictly enforcing the mayor’s latest orders for bars to close down for three weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Several Hawaii breweries disagree with liquor commission shutting them down. Under Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s order issued at the end of July, he ordered the shut down of all bars for at least three weeks. KHON2.

Walmart Keeaumoku closes for cleaning; will reopen on Tuesday. The company confirmed the closure began at 2 p.m. on Sunday and will remain in place through Monday. It will reopen at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Walmart would not confirm if this was in response to a positive case in an employee or not. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth, Marzo face runoff after defeating Kim for mayor. A countywide elected official with experience running a large government agency, or a fresh face with no government experience at all? That’s the choice facing Hawaii County voters in the Nov. 3 general election when they decide who will be the county mayor. West Hawaii Today.

Waltjen wins prosecutor’s race, narrowly avoids November runoff. Deputy Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen narrowly averted a runoff in the race for Hawaii County prosecutor after the second printout of primary election results was released Saturday night. Tribune-Herald.

County mulls suing companies for damage caused by climate change. While the Hawaii County Council passed a resolution last Wednesday to join a lawsuit by the City and County of Honolulu against a collective of fossil fuel companies, Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Joe Kamelamela said last week that the county will likely not join the Honolulu lawsuit but instead consider pursuing its own lawsuit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Incumbents easily take top spots in council races. Maui County Council incumbents easily captured the most votes in three separate three-way races Saturday night. Maui News.

DeCoite leads Ritte by 91 votes in latest tally, though recount pending. Rep. Lynn DeCoite staved off a strong challenge from activist Walter Ritte in a Democratic race for House District 13 in a contest, though both candidates were awaiting the results of a mandatory recount Monday before calling the race. Maui News.

Hawaii 2020 Primary Election Results: Fourth Printout (11:44 a.m. Update). Maui Now.

Medical, work exemptions for quarantine order can be requested for trips to Maui County. Starting August 11, the partial quarantine order will take place. KHON2.

Kauai

On to the general election. Kaua‘i voter turnout was slightly less than the statewide turnout for the primary election, but 49% of registered voters had their ballots counted on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

County directors weigh in on housing resources. On Kaua‘i, there are 716 individuals receiving direct rental assistance through the county. Garden Island.

Solid Waste Division OT over budget again. The county Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division had a total overtime budget of $227,000 in fiscal year 2020. Garden Island.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Elections officials update legislators on all-mail voting, term limits sought for Honolulu prosecutor, Kauai councilman indicted on felonies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii ballot testing ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii election officials to ask voters to update signatures for vote-by-mail. Election officials will soon invite more than 760,000 registered voters to update their signatures on file with the county clerks as part of the preparations for Hawaii’s new all-mail voting system, lawmakers were told Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

How The Counties Are Preparing For All-Mail Voting. The state will switch to an all-mail voting system for the 2020 elections. Civil Beat.

Election officials iron out changes to voting system. Elections officials say next year’s voting results could take even longer to verify. That’s because it’s the first year nearly all the ballots will be sent by mail. Hawaii News Now.

Lingering concerns as state pushes forward with mail-in voting. Next year’s election will be the first time a statewide election will be done by mail. Lawmakers met with elections officials Wednesday to see how the process is going. KHON2.

Ready for voting by mail? Hawaii County Clerk Jon Henricks told state legislators Wednesday that the county will have a high-speed ballot sorting machine by February, which he said will give Hawaii Island elections workers “plenty of time” to prepare for the new voting-by-mail system that will be in place for the 2020 primary and general elections. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii state pension fund begins fiscal year with a gain. Hawaii’s largest public pension fund has started off its new fiscal year on a positive note amid the ongoing U.S.-Chinese trade war and global uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

The strange lights returned to Hawaii skies. The lights are believed to be part of SpaceX’s Starlink Mission which is made up of dozens of mini satellites. The goal of the project is to provide high-speed broadband internet across the globe. Hawaii News Now.

Bankruptcy not expected to affect Meadow Gold. Hawaii’s supply of milk isn’t expected to be affected by Tuesday’s move by the owner of Meadow Gold filing bankruptcy.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii home sales to foreign buyers drop in first half of 2019. The number of homes and condominiums in Hawaii sold to buyers from Japan declined by 15% during the first half of 2019, but the total dollar volume of those sales dropped by 31%, as overall sales volume for foreign buyers fell by 27%, according to data from Title Guaranty. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Resolution seeks to limit years Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney can serve. Right now, there’s no limit, but Honolulu City Council Member Ron Menor wants to change that to two consecutive four-year terms, like the mayor and city council members.  KHON2.

Mo'ili'ili community frustrated over returning homeless camp. It's been 2 weeks since the city of Honolulu did a sweep of a homeless encampment along the Manoa-Palolo Drainage Canal but residents said it has not stopped the homeless from coming back. KITV.

Robbery Suspect Fatally Shot In Fifth Honolulu Officer-Involved Shooting Of The Year. Honolulu police officers shot about 20 rounds at the 30-year-old man as he was driving his car toward them, the Honolulu police chief said. Civil Beat.

Lauren Bruner to be last crew member interred on USS Arizona. More than 900 men who perished when a 1,760-pound Japanese armor-piercing bomb found its mark, igniting a million pounds of gunpowder, were never recovered from the battleship. Star-Advertiser.

USS Boxer group with 4,500 sailors and Marines arrive at Pearl Harbor for port call. The USS Boxer amphibious ready group and more than 4,500 sailors and Marines pulled into Pearl Harbor Wednesday for a port visit following a six-month deployment which included downing an Iranian drone that military officials said was “threatening the safety” of the Boxer in the Strait of Hormuz. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

FEMA deadline expires. While the deadline to apply for a federal program providing individual assistance to Kilauea eruption victims has passed, other programs continue to provide support for those affected by last year’s disaster. Tribune-Herald.

Effort to name Kilauea eruption spot fissure 8 nears completion. A Hawaiian volcano deity whose name means “forest eater” is among 17 public suggestions submitted to a state board to become the official name of the most prominent source of lava during last year’s eruption of Kilauea. Star-Advertiser.

Mauna Kea activists ‘hope for the best and prepare for the worst’. As the protest at Mauna Kea heads into its fifth month, the encampment has become like a small town including everything from decontamination supplies to county crossing guards. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Commission wants affordable housing from hotel developers. Members provide comments on draft EIS for Windward Hotel. Maui News.

Wildfire and Sediment: Addressing Two of the Biggest Threats to Maʻalaea Bay. A unique pilot project on Maui will use oysters to filter water at Maʻalaea Bay in an attempt to improve water quality at the location. Maui Now.

Haleakala looks into electric bike policy. Haleakala National Park is considering a new policy that would allow the use of electric bikes on all roads where traditional bicycles are currently permitted, park spokesperson Jin Prugsawan said Tuesday. Maui News.

Fighting To Save This Rare Maui Forest Bird From Extinction. A team of biologists brought 13 critically endangered Maui parrotbills to the other side of Haleakala to save the species from extinction. But less than a month later, only three birds have survived. Civil Beat.

Avian malaria suspected cause of kiwikiu deaths. Officials hopeful that remaining birds will survive in reserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Councilmember charged. Kauai County Councilmember Arthur Brun was indicted Wednesday on felony charges for allegedly running from police during a traffic stop two weeks ago and hitting an officer with his car in the process. Garden Island.

Kauai Springs back in business. A family-owned water-bottling company in Koloa may have won its 13-year legal battle with the county Planning Commission. Garden Island.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Polling places may become a thing of the past, public resists Honolulu park plans, Kauai residents want road to themselves, Big Island struggles with Sunshine Law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii paper ballots ©2019 All Hawaii News
Lawmakers approve statewide mail-in voting. Leading lawmakers have finally agreed on a plan to switch to statewide mail-in balloting starting in the 2020 election, a shift that is expected to save the state hundreds of thousands of dollars each election cycle and possibly boost voter turnout slightly. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Takes Another Step Toward Statewide All-Mail Voting. A House-Senate conference committee approves the measure, and other election reform bills remain alive as well. Civil Beat.

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Senate To Vote Wednesday On Public Safety Chief. A panel of senators previously advised that Nolan Espinda not serve a second four-year term. Civil Beat.

Deputy sheriffs, COs using guns and ammo that violate state policy. The department provides all corrections officers who qualify with 9mm, semi-automatic handguns, but the 2010 policy mandates the older, Smith and Wesson .38 revolvers. Hawaii News Now.


Lawmakers Pass Bill Giving Indoor Farmers Better Electric Rates. Hawaiian Electric Co. and the Hawaii Farm Bureau say that the potential rates may not be fair. Civil Beat.

A bill to get rid of the statute of limitations for child sex abuse is facing a mysterious hurdle in the Hawaii Legislature, even though lawmakers in both chambers appear to agree that it’s a good idea. Civil Beat.


State officials announced today the launch of its “Malama Hawaii” campaign in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, encouraging visitors to care for the state’s natural resources. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority is partnering with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources on two new projects aimed at wilderness preservation and raising public awareness about respect for the land. Garden Island.

Oahu

Neighborhoods Are Really Angry At The Feds’ $345 Million Ala Wai Project. Seven local boards want legislators to halt the flood control project, saying it protects Waikiki at the expense of their communities. Civil Beat.

Bacteria Could Clean Up the Ala Wai Cheaply and Quickly. Honolulu’s Ala Wai canal is one of the most polluted waterways in the country. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Honolulu City Council committee voiced opposition Tuesday to key parts of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan for improving Ala Moana Regional Park. The Parks, Community Services and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee approved a resolution, Resolution 19-92, calling on the mayor to reconsider. Star-Advertiser.

City Council members get into debate over City's controversial master plan for Ala Moana regional park. KITV.

Honolulu residents weigh in as new bulky item collection pilot project nears. Under the new bulky item collection pilot project, residents will have to go to the City's website or call to make an appointment to get their bulky items removed. KHON2.

Convention center scrapped from plans for Hawaiian music and dance center. Key members of the state House and Senate have agreed to scrap the Hawai‘i Convention Center as the location for a proposed Hawaiian music and dance center after the state spent $800,000 studying the feasibility of the location and coming up with preliminary design and business plans. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako Land Company fined by Hawaii Community Development Authority for poorly maintained roads. The company has been fined $250,000 by the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the deadline to pay is May 15th. KITV.

City Council Searching For New City Auditor. Edwin Young, who has held the job since 2010, retired in February. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu Police Department officer with a troubled past has been arrested for felony abuse of a household member. Officer Darren Cachola was in custody Tuesday night at Honolulu’s main police station. Hawaii News Now.

Police Sergeant who was seen hitting girlfriend in video has been arrested again. KHON2.

HPD officer arrested for abuse of household member. KITV.

HNN picks up 8 regional Edward R. Murrow awards. Hawaii News Now has netted eight Edward R. Murrow regional awards for outstanding broadcast and digital coverage in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County budget group may violate Sunshine Law. Behind-the-scenes budget meetings could run afoul of the state Sunshine Law, County Council members learned Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Developers, county host community brainstorming session for Village 9. An accelerated path to alleviating some of the homeless pressure in Kailua Village began Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Kuawa Street park nearly ready for use. The long-delayed Kuawa Street park in Hilo is “99 percent” sure to open by this summer, according to county Parks and Recreation officials. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Grant Funding Available. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development has grant funding available for the last quarter of fiscal year 2019. Maui Now.

Founders of biodiesel firm unveil their own green new deal: Hemp. Earth Day blessing fetes Maui’s first state-licensed industrial hemp farm. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai residents say state misled them on rationale for reopening Kuhio Highway. Residents are pushing back on the state Department of Transportation’s decision to reopen a 2-mile stretch of Kuhio Highway to outside traffic on May 1, and they have found a new argument to fuel their objections. Star-Advertiser.

Flood insurance need arises. Some home and business owners near the Waimea and Hanapepe rivers may have to buy flood insurance starting next year because levees on the banks of both rivers do not meet federal standards for flood prevention. Garden Island.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined the Waimea and Hanapepe levees on Kauai do not provide a high level of protection and are to be de-accredited. New preliminary flood maps, effective in 2020 show areas behind the Waimea and Hanapepe levees to be in a high-risk flood zone. Maui Now.

Sub-par Kauai levees mean some could have to buy costly flood insurance. Residents and businesses in Waimea and Hanapepe may be required to purchase costly flood insurance after FEMA found the levees along the rivers do not provide “a high level of protection.” Hawaii News Now.

Endangered Hawaiian monk seal RH38 is back at the Hawaii Island seal hospital in stable, but critical condition about two years after being released back into the wild. Garden Island.

Monday, February 4, 2019

Tulsi Gabbard jumps into crowded pack of presidential contenders, public hearing today on temporary Honolulu City Council member, Maui council confirms Victorino administrators, $5k rebates for EV charging stations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard campaign photo
Tulsi Gabbard offers progressive platform at campaign kickoff. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard officially kicked off her presidential campaign Saturday with an ominous message about an increasingly dangerous world in which the United States sits on the “precipice of nuclear war” amid worsening international tensions. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard On Running For President: ‘We Must Fight For The Soul Of Our Country’. The U.S. representative from Hawaii held her first public rally on Saturday in her quest to win the White House in 2020. Civil Beat.

In front of scores of supporters in Waikiki on Saturday and with hundreds more watching online, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard officially kicked off her 2020 presidential campaign, saying that she wants to “build a movement of peace at home and abroad that will fulfill the promise of America." Hawaii News Now.

Congresswoman Gabbard calls on supporters to join her in her bid for the presidency. KHON2.

Tulsi Gabbard officially announces 2020 presidential run. She is entering a crowded race for the presidency. KITV.

VIDEO: Tulsi Gabbard Kicks Off 2020 Presidential Campaign. Big Island Video News.

Tulsi Gabbard’s foreign policy stance sets her apart in crowded field. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard Kicks Off 2020 Campaign With $2 Million In The Bank. The Hawaii congresswoman will need to raise a lot more if she expects to compete with Democrat heavyweights such as Elizabeth Warren, who reported having $11 million in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

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The push to legalize pakalolo is building strong momentum this year, with more than two dozen state lawmakers introducing legislation to allow its recreational use by Hawaii adults. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers kill plan to lower voting age. A key Senate committee scuttled a plan to allow Hawaii residents to begin voting in state and local elections when they reach the age of 16 but is moving forward with proposals for automatic recounts in close races along with another plan for statewide voting by mail. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businesses looking to go green could get some help installing electric vehicle charging stations. Hawaii Energy and Ulupono Initiative are offering a limited-time rebate for installing or upgrading to EV charging station at workplaces and multi-unit dwellings. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai, Big Island Mayors Dubious About Raising Minimum Wage. Honolulu’s mayor supports the pay increase, but leaders of islands hit hard by disasters last year say now is not the time. Civil Beat.

Looks Like We’ll Still Be Using Private Prisons On The Mainland For A While. Legislative leaders who are trying to solve Hawaii’s prison crisis say it’s unrealistic to think we can move hundreds of inmates back here anytime soon. Civil Beat.

A bill wants to ban plastic rings that connect multiple cans of beverages. The legislation also intends to fine companies that make the rings. KITV.

Lawmakers introduce new bills to combat ticket scalpers and bots. KHON2.

Counterfeit coffee: Senate bill to re-introduce mandatory certification for green advances. Clearing the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, Senate Bill 869 came one step closer Friday to reinstating a mandatory certification process for green coffee coming out of the state. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council members have submitted their list of candidates to temporarily fill the District IV seat currently left vacant while a special election is pending. The council will be holding a public hearing on Monday, February 4, to consider names that have been submitted by the council members. KHON2.

Homeless flock to rest stop but few use social services. The number of homeless adults, children and pets using the city’s Punawai Rest Stop, a “hygiene center” in Iwilei, has steadily grown in less than a month of operation — from eight people on the first day to 174 on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

A largely deserted piece of the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Kalaeloa is being prepared for re-population as part of a plan to build the first new homes in the area since the military base closed in 1999. Star-Advertiser.

A $2.08 million project to address cliff erosion and rock slides along two makai portions of Diamond Head is set to begin Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Many chafe at tourism growth. Once a secret spot for locals, Laie Point isn’t the most welcoming place for tourists. Star-Advertiser.

Higher-than-expected levels of the chemical chlordane in the soil beneath the former Henke Hall have delayed construction of the new Life Sciences building at the University of Hawaii at Manoa by nearly a year, and raised the cost of construction by nearly $4 million. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Wild attacks on high court could backfire on Trevor Ozawa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim signed a proclamation Friday announcing the county’s commitment to eliminating all traffic deaths and serious injuries on island roads. Tribune-Herald.

Property tax changes coming. Eliminating the solar water tax credit, reclassifying small agriculture lots to residential and repealing an obsolete program are three ways the county could generate revenue and make its property tax code more equitable, according to a report to be considered next week by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

A public meeting will be held Wednesday in Hilo on a proposed spaceport. The informational open-house is part of the environmental assessment process for the small satellite launch facility the Alaska Aerospace Corp. is seeking to build on W.H. Shipman land. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island lawmakers have renewed their efforts to secure lifeguards for Kua Bay in North Kona. Two bills have been introduced in the Senate and another bill in the House to fund lifeguards at the popular beach site. West Hawaii Today.

A state Senate committee advanced bills Friday in support of a new boat ramp for Puna and demolition of the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy faces more litigation, while construction of its biomass power plant near Pepeekeo falls further behind schedule. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hart to divest stake in company before joining mayor’s staff. Deputy planning director hopes to take up his new post mid-February. Incoming Deputy Planning Director Jordan Hart has not yet taken his position in the Michael Victorino mayoral administration as he works to divest himself of the company his father founded, which is involved in land-use planning and landscape architecture. Maui News.

Two more directors pass muster in council panel. Pearson for water, Teruya for finance are recommended. Maui News.

A council committee on Friday advanced recommendations in support of Jeffrey Pearson as director of the Department of Water Supply, and Scott Teruya as director of the Department of Finance. Maui Now.

Maui’s Mahi Pono to offer lots to local farmers. The company that bought a vast expanse of land in Central Maui from Hawaii’s last sugar cane plantation plans to kick off its new operations by offering lots to local farmers to grow their crops. Associated Press.

‘Hope and skepticism’: Mahi Pono reaches out to community. Mahi Pono officials making rounds; details about who they are beginning to emerge. Maui News.

Tearing up over famous onion’s end. Maui Pickled Products has sent its last shipment . Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii may become the first state in the nation to get a new type of ground-based missile interceptor — in addition to the powerful $1 billion radar that’s already in the works — to better protect against North Korean missile attack.  A long-awaited Missile Defense Review recently released by the Pentagon calls for the Missile Defense Agency and the Navy to study the viability of “operationalizing” the Aegis Ashore missile defense test site on Kauai, either temporarily or permanently, with interceptor missiles. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales up, Realtors cautious. The total number of properties sold last month on Kauai is slightly higher than a year before, but some Realtors are saying those numbers are not necessarily a positive sign. Garden Island.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Gubernatorial race heats up as early voting starts today, RIMPAC goes public with attack demo, Big Island hotels feel the hit from volcano crisis, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Voting in Hawaii ©2018 All Hawaii News
Starting July 30 through August 9, registered voters can go to any early walk in voting location within their county to cast their ballot for the August 11 primary election. KHON2.

You wouldn’t know it from the deluge of political advertising in the final weeks of the Democratic primary, but Gov. David Ige and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa have strikingly similar views on many of Hawaii’s hot-button issues. Star-Advertiser.

Money in politics: Gov. David Ige and his primary Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, are evenly dividing the state’s ZIP codes and major islands when it comes to who’s sending them checks. West Hawaii Today.

Hanabusa, Ige continue to capture support prior to primary election. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Did David Ige Tell Colleen Hanabusa To ‘Sit Down And Shut Up’? Hanabusa supporters are blasting the governor for challenging Hanabusa’s repeated criticism of him, saying it’s really a dis on women. Civil Beat.

Endorsement: Colleen Hanabusa is the best choice to lead Hawaii for the next four years. Star-Advertiser.

Green plays valid role in homeless center. As pressure mounts in the race to be Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor, Democratic primary contenders have set their sights on the front-runner’s claims that he started a homeless center and raised millions for a new model of health care for the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

State pilot program saves 1M sheets of paper in just 6 months. From January to June of this year, nine state departments participated in the program launched by the Office of Enterprise Technology Services and reduced 20 percent of paper usage by transitioning from printed documents to electronic reports. Hawaii News Now.

The state says a six-month paper reduction program piloted by the Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) has reduced paper use by 20 percent, which translates to a savings of one million sheets of printed paper. KITV.

RIMPAC 2018 features amphibious attack demonstration. So far, RIMPAC 2018 has held 25 exercises. Sunday's 26th exercise involved an amphibious assault, landing forces on a potentially hostile shore. KHON2.

RIMPAC: Sea-to-shore show of force. It was the culminating event for U.S. Marines participating in the 26th Rim of the Pacific exercise, which ends Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

After years of advocacy, some 17,500 square miles of ocean around the main Hawaiian isles will be designated as protected critical habitat for Hawaii’s endangered false killer whales. Star-Advertiser.

According to the AARP of Hawaii, Medicare contributes $2.4 billion to Hawaii’s economy, equivalent to 15% of state and local government spending in the state. Big Island Now.

A new study by AARP found that Medicare contributes $2.4 billion to Hawaii’s economy, equivalent to 15 percent of state and local government spending in the state. Pacific Business News.

If You’re Poor In Hawaii, A Visit To The Dentist Is A Luxury. With no state funding for adult dental care, thousands of people go to emergency rooms seeking relief from cavities and other problems. Civil Beat.

Hotel industry sees midyear gains. In the first half of this year, Hawaii’s hotel industry had the highest revenue per available room, or RevPAR, and highest average daily rate, or ADR, among its competitors in top U.S. markets. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

This Ewa Senate Race Between A Lobbyist And A Lawmaker Is Getting Hot. Rep. Matt LoPresti says Senate President Ron Kouchi is distorting the facts to help lobbyist Alicia Maluafiti win the election. Civil Beat.

Councilman is accused of harassing aide who helped rival. Councilman Ikaika Anderson alleged Councilman Trevor Ozawa harassed his staff aide for sign-waving in support of one of Ozawa’s opponents in the Aug. 11 primary election. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell uses public safety to justify obstruction bills. Using a row of lean-tos on River Street in Chinatown as a backdrop, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell scolded two Honolulu City Council members Saturday for shelving two bills he said would get more homeless people off city sidewalks. Star-Advertiser.

Thomas Square reopens in Honolulu with a special celebration. Hawaii News Now.

La Hoihoi Ea: The Annual Celebration of Hawaiian Restoration drew hundreds for a day of education, cultural sharing, community networking and free music. KITV.

New rules affecting ocean and surfing events on Oahu will go into effect on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ige’s New Campaign Ad Features Endorsement From Mayor Kim. Governor David Ige has just unveiled a campaign advertisement featuring a Hawaii Island leader whose opinion carries a lot of weight on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Manipol-Larson faces white nationalist in GOP primary. It might be unusual to see more than one Republican on the primary ballot for a seat like state House District 2, which sits in heavily Democratic Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island hotels see drop in RevPAR due to ongoing volcanic activity. Big Island hotels were the only ones to report a drop in RevPAR in June, falling 8.3 percent to $163.91, ADR also declined, down 0.3 percent to $239. Occupancy was down 6 percentage points to 68.6 percent. Pacific Business News.

More than 60 acres of macadamia trees in Puna have been overrun by lava or, by being in the evacuation zone, are vulnerable to theft by humans and wild pigs. Hawaii News Now.

Latest lava flow could set new record. Sunday marks 87 days since the first eruption inside Leilani Estates. KITV.

A proposal for a lava viewing area in the Noni Farms area of Puna has been shared with the County administration, but a decision has yet to be made. Big Island Video News.

Evacuees, volunteers reflect on shelter experience after nearly three months. Tribune-Herald.

Volunteers continue restoration at anchialine pools. Tribune-Herald.

Commentary: Editor responds to election section criticism. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Familiar faces to Maui politics are vying for former House Speaker Joe Souki’s House District 8 seat in a four-way, winner-take-all contest in the Aug. 11 Democratic primary. Maui News.

Early walk-in voting begins Monday at a new location on Maui — the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku, the Office of the County Clerk announced. Maui News.

Tour Bus Overturns on Hana Hwy, 3 Transported to Hospital. Maui Now.

West Maui Beach Access Group Sues Condo Over Shoreline Construction. Maui Now.

Program to provide free medical, dental, vision care in August. Tropic Care is a military readiness training program. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai access placards to be swapped for decals. Residents and nongovernmental agencies seeking access into the Wainiha- Haena area will be required to exchange placards previously required for entry for window decals. Star-Advertiser.

Wetlands created. More than 100 new trees and shrubs are now at home at the Makauwahi Cave Reserve on Kauai’s South Shore, many of them planted in five new wetlands that have recently been completed. Garden Island.

The first installment of real property taxes on Kauai for the 2018-2019 tax year is due Aug. 20. Garden Island.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Hawaii increasing election security, no veto override session, Kamehameha Schools pays $5M to settle student sex abuse lawsuit, Coco Palms back on track, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii ballot testing ©2018 All Hawaii News
State Details Plans For Spending $3.1 Million In Election Security Funds. Software and staff upgrades will make Hawaii’s voting system less vulnerable to cyber attacks, officials say. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers won’t override Ige vetoes. House and Senate lawmakers will not meet in a special session this year to attempt to override any vetoes of bills by Gov. David Ige, but the state Senate will meet Monday and Tuesday to consider approving the appointments of four District Court judges. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Signs 11 Measures Into Law. Big Island Now.

New law preserves Affordable Care Act measures for Hawaii residents. Hawaii News Now.

Budding nonprofit looks to document whale sharks in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Dick’s Sporting Goods could be coming to Hawaii. Dick’s Sporting Goods may be preparing to enter the Hawaii market, according to public documents that show the big-box retailer registered with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to do business in the state last month. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Kamehameha Schools has agreed to pay $5 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by the families of four former students of a teacher who is accused of secretly recording students showering in his faculty apartment. Star-Advertiser.

$5M settlement reached in Kamehameha Schools sex assault case. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools settles case involving former teacher accused of videotaping kids. KHON2.

A settlement has been reached between Kamehameha Schools, three parents, four former students and Gabriel Alisna, a former high school speech teacher and debate coach. Alisna is being criminally prosecuted for videotaping and assaulting students. KITV.

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City lawyers work hard to ensure sidewalk bills will withstand challenges. Over the past four years, city attorneys have warned Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the City Council not to enact laws that would place a ban on sitting and lying on Oahu sidewalks because they did not think they could stand up to constitutional challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businessman Duane Kurisu is asking the Honolulu City Council for permission to build a 150-foot radio tower next to Kahauiki Village, a low-income housing project along Nimitz Highway that Kurisu built with help from the state and local governments. Star-Advertiser.

An eviction case against former employees of Hawaiian Heiress Abigail Kawananakoa was dismissed Thursday. The family of the Kawananakoa's  former maid and chauffeur claim a Pearl City home was gifted to them by the heiress in 2016. KITV.

Saturday driver licensing hours offered through August 25 on Oahu. KHON2.

A Boston-based nonprofit backed by two national lenders is offering no-fee home mortgages with below- market interest rates for Hawaii residents at a free five-day event that starts today in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A newly renovated Hawaiian monk seal exhibit is once again open at Waikiki Aquarium, with Hoailona the monk seal cruising around his new home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige signing bill that bodes well for Banyan Drive, Kanoelehua lessees. Gov. David Ige will visit Hilo today to sign a redevelopment bill intended to revitalize Banyan Drive and the Kanoelehua Industrial Area. Tribune-Herald.

Only 4 homes remain in Kapoho as eruptions continue on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Safety the biggest hurdle to creating lava viewing site. Hawaii County is continuing to pursue a site for a lava viewing area, but overflows from the fissure 8 channel and other hazards are presenting challenges. Tribune-Herald.

With the eruption in lower Puna settling into a fairly consistent pattern, state elections officials are considering opening a polling place for Pahoa on primary election day. Tribune-Herald.

One of the many impacts of the ongoing lava eruption on the Big Island is on the supply of electricity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lake Waiau’s water levels remain robust almost five years after it nearly disappeared amid years of drought. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is moving forward with an  11,000-acre management plan to replace rutted dirt roads crisscrossing the 2.5-mile distance to popular Green Sands beach with a pedestrian path and emergency access road. Civil Beat.

Maui

Requests for proposals for Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Community Enrichment, Kukulu Ola and Aloha ‘Aina programs open June 13, and informational sessions are set countywide later this month. Maui News.

Maui resident Kyoko Kimura, director of owner relations for Aqua-Aston Hospitality, will take her seat on the board of directors at this month’s meeting of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms back on track. In lieu of a trial, a summary judgment hearing ended the Coco Palms property dispute in a Kauai courtroom on Thursday. Garden Island.

Seeking balance at a North Shore gem. Gov. David Ige says he thinks it’s a good idea to try and start construction on the new plan for Haena State Park while post-flood restoration work is ongoing on the North Shore. Garden Island.

$500K for cultural center. The Kauai Philippine Cultural Center could be completed by year’s end. Garden Island.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Hawaii unlikely to give up voter rolls, state GOP organizes, feds say telecom deal illegal, Waikiki floatilla ends in chaos, Lehua poison drop delayed, little progress on special rail session, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2014 courtesy photo
No vote no grumble campaign, 2014 courtesy photo
Gov. David Ige joined a chorus of other state leaders Monday in criticizing a White House commission’s request for a trove of personal voter data. Ige said the state doesn’t have any assurance that the information would be kept secure and, at this point, doesn’t think the state should share those records. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Unlikely To Cooperate With Trump’s Voter Fraud Panel. State law doesn’t allow for the sharing of personal information with the federal government. Civil Beat.

The 2018 Primary Election is a little more than a year away.  Hawaii Republicans are trying to organize for that election and win. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal authorities announced Monday that a long-standing, exclusive agreement between the Hawaiian Homes Commission and embattled telecommunications provider Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. violates federal law, a decision that raises new doubts about the company’s future. Star-Advertiser.

Workers' comp insurance up in the air for medical marijuana dispensaries. Hawaii News Now.

The clock is ticking, but state lawmakers say they haven’t made much progress yet on a special session that’s supposed to solve the rail crisis. Star-Advertiser.

As federal officials crack down on illegal immigration, many in Hawaii’s faith community are mobilizing. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the first phase of a plan to significantly reshape how Hawaiian Electric Co. delivers power to some 450,000 customers statewide, the utility has unveiled a $205 million proposal to upgrade its electric grid over six years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s solar industry slump continues, but representatives are hopeful batteries connected to solar energy systems will help the number of installations rebound. Star-Advertiser.

New Hawaii Law Bans Wildlife Trafficking. Maui Now.

Anyone following education news in the state lately knows there’s no shortage of plans for improving public schools. Civil Beat.

Following a hiatus of more than a decade, pregnant Marshallese women are coming to Hawaii late in their pregnancies, having their babies and then placing the newborns with mainland families for adoption under suspicious circumstances, health care providers, community advocates and others say. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Wastewater is flowing across the sand and sidewalks and into the ocean along a popular stretch of beach, exposing unwitting beachgoers to potentially dangerous bacteria, an environmental watchdog alleges. Star-Advertiser.

Lifeguards estimate 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the annual Independence Day “floatilla” off Waikiki, hundreds had to be rescued from the water. Star-Advertiser.

A so-called July Fourth "floatilla" party off Waikiki quickly dissolved into chaos Tuesday afternoon, with hundreds being rescued from the water and at least 10 people taken to hospitals with alcohol-related injuries. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds gathered Tuesday at Iolani Palace to participate in a dramatic re-enactment of events that 123 years ago led to the completion of the overthrow of the independent nation of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha, a Honolulu city prosecutor who’s under federal criminal investigation for alleged corruption and abuse of power, has been on unpaid leave since late April. Civil Beat.

The Howard Hughes Corp. plans to include micro-units in its next mixed-use condominium project at its Ward Village master-planned community in Honolulu's fast-growing Kakaako neighborhood, with studio units starting at less than 300 square feet. Pacific Business News.

After 18 years, The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong located in Macy’s at Ala Moana Center will serve its last meal on July 29. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County might soon clamp down on drinking at James Kealoha Beach Park, also known as 4 Mile. Tribune-Herald.

Repairs to the Keahuolu Deepwell are expected to be completed Sunday, the County Department of Water Supply said. West Hawaii Today.

A House bill that would allow tiny houses to be built on Hawaii County ag land is on the governor’s veto list after being passed by the state Legislature. Big Island Video News.

Federal judge breathes new life into lawsuit: Do public housing tenants have a personal right to seek legal redress to their complaints, or must they rely on government agencies to defend their tenant rights? West Hawaii Today.

A 64-year-old Hilo man accused of sexually assaulting a woman Friday morning in Orchidland Estates is a driver for Arc of Hilo and the alleged victim, an adult, was mentally unable to consent to sex and physically unable to resist, according to court documents filed by police. Tribune-Herald.

A county funded community collaboration in lower Puna aims to find new solutions to the rapid ohia death problem. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald won 14 awards, including four first-place honors, in the annual journalism contest put on by the Hawaii chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Tribune-Herald.

Maui


The president of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said Monday that the transition of three Maui County hospitals from state control to management by the nonprofit health care company “exceeded our expectations.” Pacific Business News.

Council panel reviewing bills on sand mining: An official from Maui Lani Partners said Monday that the company has been “taking material off-site since 1994” and that the county’s warning to stop grading and excavating sand two months ago “was the first time we were made aware there was a notice of warning on a potential violation on the property.” Maui News.

Protecting the watershed at the Kula Forest Reserve and the Kahikinui Forest Reserve’s Papa’anui tract through land acquisition, public hunting of pigs, deer and goats and forest monitoring is the top priority in a draft reserve management plan released by the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Maui News.

Kauai

Poison drop scheduled for Lehua awaiting permits. Garden Island.

Volunteers to hike to Alakai Swamp to band birds. Garden Island.