Police misconduct reports may include names, feds indict police accused of making man lick urinal, Big Island may have special election, water rights bill resurfaces, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police on parade ©2019 All Hawaii News

Public disclosure of the names of officers discharged or suspended from a county police department could come as early as 2021. A bill, if enacted into law, would require Hawaii’s four county police chiefs to disclose in annual reports to the state Legislature the identity of an officer upon an officer’s suspension or discharge from a county police department. West Hawaii Today.

Water Rights Bill May Have New Life. There is talk that the Hawaii state Senate will vote on the controversial legislation as early as Tuesday. Civil Beat.

A legislative panel has passed a bill that would reduce penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana. The measure adopted by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Friday says possession of 3 grams or less of marijuana would be a petty misdemeanor punishable by a $30 fine. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers tout ‘Hawaii Saves’ program despite pushback from some. State legislators are expected to vote this week on “Hawaii Saves," a measure which would create a state retirement savings program for local businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Bill expands authority to eradicate invasive species on private property. The Hawaii Legislature is close to passing a measure that will provide invasive species committees another weapon in the fight against biological intruders. West Hawaii Today.

Following Lawsuit, DOE Revives Its Gender Equity Committee. After a long absence, Hawaii’s education department is bringing back a committee to advise top leaders on how schools can comply with Title IX. Civil Beat.

Ige Appoints Kamehameha Schools Official To Board of Education. Damien Barcarse of the Big Island would bring Hawaiian language fluency and cultural knowledge to the position. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Attorney General Defends SNAP Benefits. Attorney General Clare E. Connors joined a coalition of 21 states and territories in opposing the Trump administration’s effort to end Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Maui Now.

Oahu

Feds Indict Two Honolulu Cops For Making Man Lick Urinal. They are accused of violating the victim’s civil rights. Four officers were initially disciplined after the January incident. Civil Beat.

Officers who allegedly forced man to lick urinal indicted on civil rights offenses. Two Honolulu officers who allegedly forced a homeless man to lick a urinal in a public restroom were charged Friday with civil rights offenses, federal authorities said. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Officers Allegedly Forced Man To Lick Urinal. Two Honolulu police officers arrested Friday are innocent of allegations they forced a man to lick a urinal, a defense attorney said. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Impeachment proceedings for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney hit a snag over signatures. Organizers switch websites to help the state verify signatures. Hawaii News Now.

Judge OKs recorded testimony from 99-year old key witness in Kealoha case. A key witness in the case against the Kealohas will be deposed ahead of the May trial because the 99-year-old is in failing health. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed ‘food hub’ would foster small-scale diversified farming. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation rentals in Waikiki rival largest hotels. New research from AllTheRooms, a New York-based search engine, shows there are about 3,300 vacation rental units in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Kahana Valley living park concept ‘broken’. About a half a century ago the state paid $5 million to acquire a prized 5,000-acre Windward Oahu parcel, stretching from the mountains to the sea, and subsequently adopted a unique approach to protect the rural area from development. Star-Advertiser.

One of Hawaii’s first state-licensed pot growers shows off its operation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Charter Commission will consider holding a special election later this year, rather than adding charter amendments to a 2020 general election ballot already crowded with candidates for president, Congress, county mayor, prosecutor and County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Charter Commission wraps up six-town roadshow. A sparse audience Thursday evening capped off six public hearings as the county Charter Commission wrapped up its roadshow giving residents all over the island a chance to weigh in on proposed changes to the county’s fundamental governing document. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit filed in toddler death: Family of child who died in foster care seeks justice, awareness and change. West Hawaii Today.

The state Land Board will consider Friday renaming Mauna Kea Recreation area after the late-Sen. Gil Kahele. Tribune-Herald.

Revitalizing Banyan: Bill to create agency on its way to final vote. The peninsula consists of mostly state land and is home to Hilo’s large hotels, including the Hilo Hawaiian and Grand Naniloa Hotel, and the shuttered Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel, along Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan is looking for additional partners to help fund the Subaru Telescope. Michitoshi Yoshida, Subaru director, said Japan would remain the owner and main source of funding for the 8.2-meter telescope, located on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

The former vice chairman of the state Real Estate Commission was sentenced Friday to 10 years of court supervision, including six months in jail, for embezzling more than $200,000 from Hilo clients. Tribune-Herald.

A county employee says abrupt transfer station closures like those experienced last week could pop up again in the future unless the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management adds to its solid waste division workforce. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Preliminary injunction issued over handling of Hawaiian burials. Meeting planned for next week to mull specifics for Maui Lani project. Maui News.

Report on isle coral resiliency a mixed bag of good, bad news. Some reefs surviving better but all areas at risk with climate change, land-based sediment, toxic runoff. Maui News.

Kauai

An emphasis on renewable energy. The world is getting closer to matching Kauai’s renewable energy profile, according to recent statistics, but Kauai is still strides ahead in renewable energy generation. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Making it right with Kahoolawe. Restoration of Kahoolawe is a multigenerational endeavor after all. Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission’s ocean resources manager said the restoration work they are doing won’t be completed in his generation but “might be done in my children’s generation.” Maui News.

Legislature kills water permit plan, flavored vape bill dies, Public Safety director confirmation delayed, Maui jail riot evidence missing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flume brings water from the mountain to valley farmland ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senate panel shelves bill on access to public water. A Senate committee Thursday killed a bill that would have allowed an assortment of utilities, landowners, ranchers and farmers to continue accessing public water under revocable permits while they worked to satisfy stringent state requirements for obtaining long-term leases. Star-Advertiser.

Water Rights Bill Goes Down The Drain In ‘Historic Vote’. The land company Alexander & Baldwin is among the big losers after senators can’t agree on a proposal to allow stream diversion to continue. Civil Beat.

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Decision on reappointment of public safety director is delayed. The Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday delayed making a decision on whether to advise the full Senate to reconfirm Nolan Espinda as Gov. David Ige’s pick to lead the department after hearing two hours of testimony from both supporters and opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Senators’ Scrutiny Of Public Safety Chief Will Stretch Into Next Week. Nolan Espinda faces two more days of committee hearings before his reconfirmation will be considered by the full Senate. Civil Beat.

Senate Committee Defers Decision On Public Safety Chief’s Confirmation. A state Senate committee deferred a decision Thursday on Governor David Ige’s nominee to head the Department of Public Safety. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public Safety Director fights to keep his job, faces opposition. Senate committee to decide if they'll recommend Espinda for the director position to the full Senate next week. KITV.

Embattled Public Safety director testifies at confirmation hearing. Embattled Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda addressed senators at his confirmation hearing Thursday, saying he’s proud of the progress he’s made at the head of a department that oversees the state’s correctional facilities and sheriff’s division. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii legislative committee kills ban on flavored e-cigarettes. Hawaii lawmakers today killed a proposal that would have banned flavored electronic smoking devices and e-liquids, saying they suspected teenagers would continue to get the products online even if sales were prohibited. Star-Advertiser.

Surprising Support For New Tax On Hawaii’s Powerful Real Estate Interests. Past efforts to tax REITs, which own $18 billion of property locally, have gone nowhere. This session, the proposal has already passed the full Senate and House committees. Civil Beat.

In wake of critical audit, OHA board approves internal reboot. Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees unanimously approved a new governance framework for the agency Thursday in a push to address the results of a critical audit. Hawaii News Now.

Micronesians In Hawaii Still Struggle To Get Health Care. Low-income patients are afraid of going to the doctor and being saddled with co-payments. Unlike U.S. citizens or many green card holders, they aren’t eligible for Medicaid. Civil Beat.

Legislators Seek Ways To Improve Healthcare for Micronesians. Hawaii Public Radio.

Meth, weed use up, cocaine down. Marijuana and amphetamine use is on the rise in Hawaii, according to an analysis of drug test results. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines begins service to Boston. Hawaiian Airlines on Thursday celebrated a milestone in its 90-year history by becoming the only carrier to offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Boston. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Waters Leads Ozawa In Money Raised And Spent In City Council Race. The service workers union AiKea Unite Here raised $170,000 in three months to support Waters. Civil Beat.

Waters out-raising and out-spending Ozawa. Tommy Waters raised more and spent more than Trevor Ozawa through March 29 in their winner-take-all, third-round election duel for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat. Star-Advertiser.

The Special Election for the District 4 seat in the Honolulu City Council is eight days away. Tommy Waters has raised about $97,000 more in campaign contributions than Trevor Ozawa. KITV.

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Unsealed court documents released Thursday show Katherine Kealoha is mentally fit to stand trial. A forensic psychiatrist evaluated Kealoha last November for about two and a half hours. KITV.

Caldwell plan for garbage fee could be trashed. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to impose a $5 monthly curbside trash pickup fee on Oahu households may be tossed into the rubbish heap, Honolulu City Council Budget Chairman Joey Manahan said. Star-Advertiser.

Solvent contamination delays rail work. The discovery of contamination from an industrial solvent in a monitoring well near the Honolulu airport halted drilling for columns on a segment of the Honolulu rail project for more than three months, according to the rail authority. Star-Advertiser.

One year after major flood, repairs to Aina Haina Library finally complete. A year after floodwaters rushed through Aina Haina Library, leaving behind a big mess, the popular community gathering place is set to reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Hippo Louise moves into her newly renovated home at Honolulu Zoo. After the completion of a $3.5 million capital improvement project, the hippo habitat now features an upgraded barn and a filtration system that cycles the 40,000-gallon hippo pond every 20 minutes. KHON2.

Oahu home prices continue to rise despite lower sales. Single-family home prices on Oahu rose over the past 12 months even as overall sales dropped and condominium prices remained flat. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Fish in marine reserve off North Kona coast are recovering, surveys find. Signs that fish populations are beginning to recover at the Ka‘upulehu Marine Reserve off the North Kona coast are giving scientists and community members hope after two years of restrictions on fishing. Star-Advertiser.

Fish Recovering At Kaupulehu Two Years Into Moratorium. Based on surveys conducted in 2018, the Nature Conservancy reported an increase in fish populations at the Kaupulehu Marine Reserve. Big Island Video News.

Open space fund draws most opinion at charter meeting. The Charter Commission afforded West Hawaii residents a platform Wednesday to make their voices heard on potential amendments to the county’s foundational document. West Hawaii Today.

Possible relocation of HVO to Oahu raises concerns. Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno is among those concerned about a potential move of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Farmers Market Permit Revoked, New Permits Sought. A plan to construct a 3-story commercial building at the current Hilo Farmers Market site has been abandoned in favor of a “scaled-down, open-air building concept” that requires different permits. Big Island Video News.

Farmers market’s SMA permit revoked. Long-abandoned plans to build a three-story building at the Hilo Farmers Market have been formally scrapped. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

DOE will build underpass or overpass to Kihei high school. This follows LUC vote reaffirming project condition. The state Department of Education said Wednesday that it will comply with the requirement to build an overpass or underpass across Piilani Highway to Kihei high school — but not until after the school opens. Maui News.

Infrastructure Exploratory Work Begins in Wailuku. The first phase of the Wailuku Civic Complex project includes the full upgrade of roads and utilities on the block of Church Street between Main and Vineyard streets as well as the two blocks of Vineyard between High and Market streets. Maui Now.

Video Evidence from Maui Jail Riot is Missing. The incident remains under investigation but, department officials have pointed toward “extreme overcrowded conditions” as the motivation behind the riot. Maui Now.

Vital piece of evidence in investigation into Maui jail riot is missing. Hawaii News Now.

Phone threat prompts lockdown at Maui hospital. A spokesman from the Maui Police Department says Maui Memorial Medical Center was placed on lockdown Thursday night. KHON2.

Kauai

Recycling facility moves to Ahukini. The certified redemption center accepts all Hi5 products and also will have a buy-back program for aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel scrap metals. Garden Island.

High bacteria closes Hanauma Bay, 'gender X' could appear on state IDs, licenses, attorney general drops charges against Maui corporation counsel, Oahu pedestrian plan hearings set, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elevated bacteria level closes beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed Wednesday following reports of an elevated bacteria level by the State Department of Health Clean Water Branch. Star-Advertiser.

Hanauma Bay To Close Wednesday Following Elevated Bacterial Reading. City parks officials are planning to close Hanauma Bay Wednesday after the state health department found bacterial levels exceeded its established threshold. Hawaii Public Radio.

High bacteria levels force closure of Hanauma Bay. The city said levels of the enterococci bacteria were nearly twice the threshold allowed. Hawaii News Now.

Elevated bacteria level at Hanauma Bay, park closed Wednesday. KHON2.

The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed Wednesday, April 3, following reports of an elevated bacteria level by the State Department of Health Clean Water Branch. KITV.

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Beyond Hotels And Beaches: Can Hawaii Really Diversify Its Economy? Hawaii’s economy is thoroughly dominated by tourism. But alternative energy and research-and-development offers some of the best chances for creating new, higher paying jobs. Civil Beat.

Gender 'X’ could soon be an option when applying for IDs, drivers licenses. A measure toward furthering gender equality in the state is moving forward at the legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers lose sleep over controversial water rights bills. The bills would extend for seven years temporary permits to divert water from streams. Hawaii News Now.

A Senate committee voted in favor Tuesday of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Deputy Director William Aila’s confirmation — despite opposition to his nomination. The move comes days after the Ige administration decided not to nominate DHHL Chair Jobie Masagatani to another term. Hawaii News Now.

After Humpback Whale Count, Researchers Say It's Too Early To Determine Trends. A total of 109 humpback whales were counted in Hawaiian waters on Saturday as over 430 volunteers finished data-gathering from the shores of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines adds California route, expands Oceania code-share agreement. Competition between Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii’s largest carrier, and Southwest Airlines, one of the U.S.’s top four carriers, is rising. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

ACLU pushes back against ex police chief’s attorney who called for firing of Kealoha critic. The Hawaii ACLU fired back against Rustam Barbee, the taxpayer funded attorney for ex police chief Louis Kealoha on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

ACLU tells Kealoha attorney to back off. The University of Hawaii Law School and the ACLU are standing behind by a faculty member who's been asked to stop commenting on legal cases. KHON2.

Navy’s new high-tech destroyer USS Zumwalt arrives in Pearl Harbor. A striking and controversial Navy destroyer pulled into Pearl Harbor for the first time this morning, garnering attention for its sheer size (610 feet long), stealth features, and unorthodox wave-piercing “tumblehome” hull on its first operational sail from San Diego. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers look to reduce helicopter noise, but how to do so is up in the air. Residents along the coastline from Waikiki to Diamond Head and Kahala have been raising their voices for years to complain about noise from tour helicopters disrupting their neighborhoods. Hawaii News Now.

Public meeting coming up on Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan. The City and County of Honolulu is hoping taking pedestrian safety a step further by creating Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan. KHON2.

Feeding The Homeless When The City Says Not To. A nonprofit bringing food and hot shower services to Kakaako Gateway Park is sparking a debate about the downside of free meals in parks. Civil Beat.

With repairs on schedule, state shoots down idea of adding Pali contraflow hours. The state transportation department says it's "on schedule" to complete repairs to the landslide-damaged Pali Highway by the end of August. Hawaii News Now.

Pali Highway repairs on schedule; contra-flow hours to remain the same. State transportation officials said today that current contraflow hours for Pali Highway will remain the same, as emergency repairs continue in the wake of damaging rockslides in mid-February. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

$3M Settlement After Rock Slide Adds To Taxpayers’ Legal Bill. The state Department of Transportation is set to pay a $3 million settlement in a 12-year-old case brought by a Big Island couple injured when falling rocks smashed into their car.  Civil Beat.

Ka'u ranchers and farmers find themselves once again stuck in the middle of a contentious legislative fight over Hawaii water rights. Big Island Video News.

Tuesday’s Mauna Kea Management Board meeting – the first one held since May 2018 – began with a report from Office of Mauna Kea Management director Stephanie Nagata. Big Island Video News.

Another botched transport: Kailua-Kona man charged with attempted murder not released by HCCC for hearing. A preliminary hearing was rescheduled after a Kailua-Kona man, accused of assaulting a police officer, was not transported by deputies from the Hilo jail to the Kona courthouse. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Charges dropped against top civil lawyer. Attorney general won’t prosecute Patrick Wong. The state attorney general’s office said Monday that it will not prosecute Maui County Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong over domestic violence allegations. Maui News.

Dagdag-Andaya, Nakagawa named to director posts in administration. Confirmation still required by council. Maui News.

MCCC staff were ‘scared for our lives’. Letter describes chaos during March 11 riot. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawaii Community Foundation announced Monday that more than $600,000 in grant funding is being distributed to Kauai nonprofits from the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund that was created following the storm and flood of April 2018. Garden Island.

Upgraded sirens sound off. Several new Kauai outdoor warning sirens were included as part of Monday’s statewide outdoor warning siren test. Garden Island.

Hawaii infrastructure worst in nation, Maui water rights stir controversy, DOE ups teacher requirements, Kakakaako homeless moved from park to sidewalks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Saddle Road construction work © 2017 All Hawaii News

Shoddy and unsafe conditions plaguing the state’s roads, bridges and dams helped earn Hawaii the dubious distinction of having the worst infrastructure in the country, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

As boats and other debris from continue to wash up on Hawaii's shores after the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, it's bringing some unexpected visitors. According to a study in "Science Magazine," nearly 70 different species made its way to the islands. KITV.

Hawaii farmers raising plants for landscaping had a good year in 2016 and led the state’s flower and plant nursery industry in a sales rebound, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to staff classrooms with more qualified teachers, the Hawaii Department of Education will include only certified instructors when it reports the number of teacher positions filled to the state Board of Education at the start of each school year. Civil Beat.

Two pottery pieces labeled “Atomic Ware” were delivered to Japan last week. The unique artifacts were found during a garage sale in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

State sweeps homeless from Kakaako parks. State sheriffs were stationed at entry points at Kakaako Waterfront Park early today after the state closed the park indefinitely for safety reasons. Star-Advertiser.

Within 12 hours of Kakaako Waterfront park closing indefinitely, the sidewalks surrounding the nearby Children's Discovery Center were overrun with tents. Hawaii News Now.

Three parks in Kakaako are now closed indefinitely for major maintenance and improvements: Kakaako Waterfront, Gateway, and Kewalo Basin parks. KHON2.

Commentary: Give Us Back Our Parks. Gov. David Ige says he hopes to create a new sheriff’s division to consistently enforce trespass laws while helping link people to social services. Civil Beat.

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Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday that Police Commission Chairman Max Sword should recuse himself from deciding who will be Honolulu’s next police chief. Star-Advertiser.

A new proposal before the Honolulu City Council would offer a tax break to ocean-friendly restaurants using compostable takeout containers. KHON2.

New Airport Shuttle Service Won’t Deliver On Promises, Suit Claims. Robert’s of Hawaii submitted a winning proposal calling for a fleet of new buses and islandwide service. Civil Beat.

City facing a shortage of lifeguards for pools. Honolulu is looking for more part-time, contract lifeguards to fill various hours at its 21 pools throughout Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s second marijuana dispensary, Noa Botanicals, will open Wednesday at the former Krazy Karaoke building at 1308 Young St. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Noa Botanicals will begin selling medical marijuana products on Wednesday after being cleared by the Hawaii State Department of Health. Pacific Business News.

Seminars touting vacation rentals draw protests. A flyer advertising three 90-minute seminars called “Make Money With Airbnb” recently went out to thousands of Oahu homes. Run by Lindon, Utah-based Response LLC, whose registered agent is Response Marketing Group LLC, the event promised that participants would learn how to build wealth by cashing in on the Airbnb craze. Star-Advertiser.

Biki, Honolulu’s first bike-share program, said it logged 180,272 rides during the three-month period between June and September in its first release of quarterly data Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly a thousand people form different groups turned up to the 33rd annual Pacific Rim International Conference on disability and diversity at the Modern Honolulu and Hilton Hawaiian Village this week. KITV.

Hawaii Island

A long awaited widening and realignment project on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, is complete. State and government officials are hosting a dedication ceremony today to celebrate the opening of the final phase of reconstruction on the east side of the highway. Tribune-Herald.

Consultants examine Hawaii County’s utility model. West Hawaii Today.

Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commissioners got an earful from a handful of testifiers over the plan to provide grant funding to groups interested in stewarding Kawa. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers have shown they can decrease the birth rate of rats. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii to Be Site of First Moon Base Prototype. The International MoonBase Summit was held from Oct. 1 to 5, on Hawaii Island, where global industry leaders, representatives from academia, government leaders and representatives from the student community worked together collaboratively to lay the groundwork for the world’s first permanent human settlement on the moon. Maui Now.

The state Land Board is scheduled to decide Friday whether Sean Pagett should pay a $10,000 fine for holding two “Peaman” biathlons without marine ocean water event permits. West Hawaii Today.

With the Ironman World Championship days away, the Hawaii Police Department is preaching the importance of individual safety plans in light of a fatal mass shooting that occurred just over a week ago in Las Vegas. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Tempers flared in the latest chapter of the long-standing battle over Maui water rights. Dozens of people crowded into the Haiku Community Center for final arguments in the contested case hearing before the State Commission on Water Resource Management on Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

A new $12 million two-story classroom building at Lahainaluna High School is expected to be ready for the 2020-21 school year, according to a draft environmental impact statement for the project. Maui News.

Maui will soon join the ranks of U.S. cities being served by a major online-based grocery delivery service. Maui News.

Kauai

Areas that are normally off-limits to the public within the Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex will be open for tours starting today, in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. Garden Island.

The Rats Of Lehua Appear To Have Taken The Bait. Rats appear to be gone from the island after officials dropped poison bait in an effort to help bird populations that had been threatened. Civil Beat.

Drag queen pageant fights back after hotel tries to cancel event. A Kauai hotel is being accused of discrimination for allegedly trying to cancel a pageant for drag queens. Hawaii News Now.

Polystyrene foam food container ban advances, Ige releases new set of budget cuts, marijuana crop in the ground, lawyers reject judge reconfirmation measure, repairs coming to Mighty Mo, Kauai GOP holds Lincoln Day Dinner, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polystyrene food containers at farmers market © 2017 All Hawaii News

A proposal before state legislators that would ban foam food containers drew considerable support at a packed hearing last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has proposed across-the-board cuts to his $28.5 billion spending plan for the next two years due to tax revenues coming in lower than expected. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers tackle affordable housing, health, fishing. Associated Press.

Prominent lawyers including former Attorney General Margery Bronster turned out in force at a hearing last week to oppose requiring Hawaii judges seeking to serve more than one term on the bench to be reconfirmed by the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state law for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who were refused entry into the country, The Associated Press has found.

State Sen. Glenn Wakai has directed a series of scathing attacks at officials with the Hawaii Tourism Authority in recent months, but denies the suggestion he may be using his office to retaliate or pursue a personal agenda after his wife resigned from her executive position at HTA following disagreements with management. Star-Advertiser.

A review of a critical audit issued five years ago that revealed a lack of oversight and accountability over the hiring and compensation of so-called casual hires at Hawaii public schools finds few improvements have been made. Star-Advertiser.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Anti-Immigrant Sentiment ‘Disheartening’. The U.S. Supreme Court Justice, in Honolulu for a UH law school program, spoke to high school students Saturday. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that the value of vegetable crops produced by commercial farmers statewide rose 6 percent to $47.9 million last year from $45.2 million the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard overreaches in lofty comparisons with Mink and Eisenhower. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

One of Oahu’s state-approved medical marijuana dispensaries has started growing Hawaii’s first legal cannabis plants, and anticipates sales can begin in early summer. Star-Advertiser.

The contentious proposal to spend a share of Oahu rail tax dollars on state transportation projects is still alive in the state Senate after all. It’s one of a host of ideas the chamber might pack into the bill that aims to rescue the island’s beleaguered rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Reports about Honolulu’s ongoing rail issues can seem to come in alarming and disjointed bursts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Environmentalists and businesses are being given an opportunity to develop a proposal to stiffen Oahu’s plastic checkout bag ban. Star-Advertiser.

Effective immediately, commercial activity is being shut down along most of the eastern Oahu coastline from Makapu’u to Kailua. KHON2.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, the key state agency that regulates such utilities as Hawaiian Electric Co., is consolidating its staff into one building next year, the head of the agency told Pacific Business News.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has spent more than a decade trying to make higher and better use of its only land in urban Honolulu: a former bowling alley in Moiliili. Now state lawmakers are considering helping to kick-start redevelopment of the site. Star-Advertiser.

New video shows the moments right before Honolulu police officers shot and killed a man inside a stolen vehicle on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

The USS Missouri Memorial Association, the nonprofit owner of the “Mighty Mo” in Pearl Harbor, has embarked on a $3 million project to repair some extensive corrosion high up on the superstructure and add some historical features to the 887-foot battlewagon. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As the March 1 deadline approaches for Mayor Harry Kim to submit his preliminary budget to the County Council, the administration is working feverishly trying to cover a roughly $12 million difference between anticipated revenue and anticipated expenses. West Hawaii Today.

The National Park Service is asking the state Commission on Water Resource Management to step in and designate the Keauhou Aquifer, which covers a vast region from Makalawena Beach to north of Kealakekua Bay, a water management area. A hearing on the proposal is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Sammy Hagar, take heart. Saddle Road motorists can’t drive 55 either. West Hawaii Today

Mauna Kea’s oldest telescope will get a makeover later this year, but an internal upgrade will have to wait for additional funds. Tribune-Herald.

The County has responded to complaints of static electricity shocks at island playgrounds, officials said at this week’s council committee meetings. Big Island Video News.

Bills that would create the first-ever community economic district on Hawaii Island are inching their way toward a final form. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. says it still needs around 115 million gallons of water per day for its plans to transform most of its 36,000 acres formerly used for sugar cane into diversified agriculture. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. is marching toward 100 percent renewable energy for Maui County, and that will come without an undersea interisland cable, utility President Sharon Suzuki told about 75 people during a community discussion Thursday night at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui News.

Tens of thousands of introduced plants present in Hawaii. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County is the first in the state to convert all its streetlights from high pressure sodium lights to energy-saving LED lights as a result of a joint project between the County of Kauai and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

90 attend GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. Garden Island.

Project to fix Alaka‘i Swamp boardwalk in full swing. Garden Island.

From educating beachgoers about conditions to responding to swimmers in distress, Kauai’s roving patrol unit is protecting the island’s unguarded beaches. Garden Island.

Molokai

The clock is running on the Maui County Council’s yearlong deadline to take action on the Molokai Community Plan update, which has been sitting in the council’s Planning Committee docket since May 4. Maui News.

Federal Transit Administration extends Honolulu rail finance deadline, Big Island Democrats mull transparency rule changes, workers comp revamp sought, Kauai electric rates fall, Maui leaders join administration, Abe not the first to visit Pearl Harbor,more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Red ohia blooms front Maua Kea this week, Facebook photo

The snowfall is returning to the summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island.Hawaii News Now.

Shipping ʻōhiʻa plants and plant parts from Hawaii Island is now illegal on a permanent basis, thanks to new administrative rules drawn up to prevent Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death from spreading across the state. Big Island Video News.

Shipping ohia from the Big Island is now forever banned. Civil Beat.

Delays, Denials Plague Hawaii’s Program To Help Injured Workers. The state is trying to streamline its workers’ compensation system, but critics say wholesale changes are needed. Civil Beat.

Tuna Commission’s ‘Glacial’ Pace Suits Some In Industry Just Fine. Diverse interests always seem to stymie a global organization charged with saving bluefin and bigeye tuna from overfishing. Civil Beat.

A report has been delivered to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources from a group of experts and organizations with interest in establishing non-commercial fishing licenses in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Not the first: Abe predecessor visited Pearl Harbor in 1951. Associated Press.

The faithful turned out in droves Wednesday to remember Pearl Harbor and the men who valiantly tried to defend it on Dec. 7, 1941, three-quarters of a century ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii remembers 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack: Slideshow Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The rail system’s federal partners have again extended the deadline for the city’s crucial rail “recovery” plan, giving local leaders four more months to deal with daunting budget problems but not as much time as they’d hoped. Star-Advertiser.

The Federal Transit Administration has given Honolulu’s troubled rail project until the end of April to submit a plan for how it plans to bridge a shortfall likely to approach $2 billion. Civil Beat.

The Federal Transit Administration has extended the deadline for the Honolulu rail project’s recovery plan, but did not give the agency overseeing construction of the multibillion-dollar project as much time as it requested. Pacific Business News.

In a letter sent to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, the Federal Transit Administration said it’s giving the city a four-month extension to secure more funding for the cash-strapped Honolulu rail project. Hawaii News Now.

The seven-member Honolulu Police Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to make hotel executive Max Sword the chairman of the closely watched panel effective Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

A state board is taking more time before deciding whether to approve another condominium high-rise at Ward Village after receiving lots of public testimony for and against the project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

New rules are being proposed by Hawaii County Democratic Party officials to select candidates to fill legislative vacancies, after a text message between district officers showed the outcome prior to Saturday’s vote of candidates for the House seat vacated by the death of Rep. Clift Tsuji. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim has one more major hire to make as he fills out his administration. Ed Teixeira, who started as interim Civil Defense administrator last May, retired Monday, leaving the administrative position vacant for the time being. Tribune-Herald.

It took about a year of arguing with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, but we finally got our hands on Ethan Ferguson’s job application. Ferguson is the DLNR officer accused of sexually assaulting a teenager on the Big Island.  Civil Beat.

Food safety rule amendments that will require every restaurant to have at least one certified food handler per shift, among other changes, will be the subject of a public hearing from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. today at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

The leasehold Pagoda Hilo Bay Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii, known for years as Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel, could be demolished and be redeveloped into a Hilton Garden Inn under a plan by the owner of the nearby DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Naniloa Hotel, Pacific Business News has learned.

Maui

Familiar faces in Maui County government, including two outgoing council members, are joining Mayor Alan Arakawa’s administration as vacancies open up in some key positions. Maui News.

A dispute over water rights that dominated the last legislative session is expected to continue Friday at a Board of Land and Natural Resources hearing. Civil Beat.

Kauai

The Public Works/Parks and Recreation Committee unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that would allow the sale of alcohol at Wailua Golf Course. Garden Island.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative's rates for its members have fallen by 18 percent since 2008, the Lihue-based cooperative said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hanalei Watershed Hui is accepting applications from Hanalei residential property owners interested in a funding subsidy to replace aging cesspools with updated waste water systems. Garden Island.

The last of the 20 Hawaiian Petrels brought into the 7.8-acre Nihoku colony this fall fledged, flying safely out to sea Wednesday on Kauai. Garden Island.

The first real estate component of the 450-acre Hokuala Resort master-planned oceanfront community on the site of the former Kauai Lagoons project in Lihue is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2017. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii voters could take selfies with ballots under bill passing Legislature, cool schools funding advances, dengue fever over, Maui council mulls $654.5M budget, church v. state for Honolulu council, insurance companies to be barred from transgender discrimination, hotel tax stalemate, geothermal home rule at issue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Seniors at Waikiki beach © 2016 All Hawaii News

The state has launched a campaign to inform travelers about a website that provides almost real time updates on surf, weather and safety conditions at beaches across Hawaii. Associated Press.

Editorial: Disappointed? New Warning Signs Soft-Pedal Real Danger. State and tourism officials just don’t want to say anything that could scare tourists — especially when it comes to drowning in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii House lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday explicitly supporting a voter’s right to take a selfie showing their marked ballot, even in the voting booth. The bill, which had already cleared the Senate, now heads to Gov. David Ige for his signature. Civil Beat.

House and Senate negotiators appear close to agreeing on proposed legislation to pay for Gov. David Ige’s pledge to cool 1,000 public school classrooms by the end of 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Insurance companies would not be allowed to discriminate against transgender patients under a bill passed Tuesday by the state House of Representatives. Associated Press.

House and Senate lawmakers have a lot of negotiating to do over the next two days if they want to reach an agreement on how much state hotel tax money to give the counties. The Senate version of the bill simply increases the cap to $103 million for fiscal 2017, which starts July 1, up from $93 million. And it preserves the percentage that each county has long received. The House version of the bill blanks out the overall allocation and dramatically changes the percent each county would get. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers have agreed to give long-term care facilities more money to help them afford to take care of clients on Medicaid.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association's new pre-authorization policy has stirred opposition from many Hawaii doctors who say it is delaying critical imaging tests, resulting in harmful consequences for patients. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet commander said he plans to expand the role of the U.S. 3rd Fleet commander and her staff in the Asia-Pacific region. Associated Press.

Hawaii is the only state in which both legislative and executive branches are perceived to be very corrupt. Civil Beat.

A monument honoring Hawaii's fallen law enforcement officers is almost complete after years of delays. Once the construction work is done, Hawaii will no longer be the only state without a memorial honoring county, state, and federal officers killed in the line of duty. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu
Honolulu City Councilmen Ernie Martin and Joey Manahan contend their proposal to subsidize the expansion of a Christian evangelical megachurch in Kalihi will benefit the community, despite criticism that it’s unconstitutional. Martin and Manahan have suggested providing $250,000 of taxpayer funds to help New Hope Oahu’s $10 million capital campaign to renovate and expand its Sand Island headquarters. Civil Beat.

Using public money to pay for new church facilities. According to the latest budget amendments, two city councilmen want to blur the line between church and state. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell tried a soft-sell approach with City Council members Tuesday in his latest attempt to gain funding for a proposed eight-person housing development division. Star-Advertiser.

An Ewa Beach campaign for State House is getting ugly. One man is accused of taking down political signs while the other is accused of violence. Now, the courts and police are involved. Hawaii News  Now.

Honolulu Harbor dredged after 17 years. KITV4.

A luxury condominium-hotel in Waikiki will be opening soon. But first, the developer must obtain approvals from the city two years after construction started. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Chinese company that plans to develop a luxury hotel and residential condominium on 23 acres of land in West Oahu is buying a planned 516-acre master-planned golf course community from James Campbell Co. that would connect the City of Kapolei with Ko Olina Resort, the seller confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

State lawmakers will meet today in a conference committee to discuss the fate of a bill aimed at curbing the ability of counties to pass their own geothermal regulations. Tribune-Herald.

The nonprofit corporation that wants to build a giant telescope atop Mauna Kea is asking to participate in a hearing about the project’s construction permit. Associated Press.

After the state Department of Health posted on its website Tuesday that it would no longer be updating daily its dengue fever outbreak numbers, a spokeswoman confirmed to West Hawaii Today that Gov. David Ige would be addressing the vector-borne illness today. West Hawaii Today.

Public opposition to a proposed 306-unit condominium development in Kahaluu has led to a contested case hearing on the massive timeshare plan. West Hawaii Today.

After months of clear skies during a drier-than-usual rainy season, wet weather has pushed back the expected opening date of the Pahoa roundabout. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council budget Chairman Riki Hokama unveiled a $654.5 million budget for the county for the next fiscal year, a 5 percent increase over the current year's budget, but $57 million less than Mayor Alan Arakawa's proposal. Maui News.

Protesters gathered on three islands Tuesday morning to send a noisy message to Alexander & Baldwin: Give up the rights to the millions of gallons of water diverted each day from East Maui streams. Star-Advertiser.

Demonstrators on three islands led chants of “e ola i ka wai, mauka to makai” — water is life, from the mountains to the sea — in separate “Free the Streams” rallies focused on water rights and opposition to Alexander & Baldwin’s continued stream diversions. Maui Now.

Dozens protest bill allowing diversion of Maui water. Associated Press.

The photographer who caught a rainbow over cinder cones at Haleakala Crater in an image that will appear on a commemorative U.S. Postal Service Forever Stamp had one chance to be picture perfect. Maui News.

Kauai
In order to give Coco Palms developers time to make sure finances are in order to start demolition on the hotel, the Kauai County Planning Commission voted Tuesday to defer the the topic until next week. Garden Island.

A Kauai man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault involving two young girls who belong to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Lihue Clubhouse, where he was a volunteer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents told to be nice to tourists, Hawaiian Airlines applies for more Japan flights, Kouchi's ties to land buy probed, crime victims right bill dies in Legislature, Maui water rights tied to campaign contributions, Kondo named auditor, Airbnb tax will add $15M to state coffers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists mix with locals at Kona poolside festival © 2016 All Hawaii News

Agency to Hawaii residents: Don’t hate on tourists. The state agency that promotes tourism in Hawaii is starting an online campaign to remind residents about tourism’s benefits. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Airlines is looking to add a second nonstop route between Hawaii and Tokyo, a move expected to bring more than $100 million to the state each year. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige extended the state’s emergency homelessness proclamation for the fourth time Friday since he declared a state of emergency for homelessness last October. Civil Beat.

A proposal to amend the state Constitution to guarantee certain rights to crime victims and their families during criminal proceedings failed to clear a critical deadline Friday, and is dead for this session of the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are rushing to reach final agreements on hundreds of bills as the Legislature heads into the final two weeks of the 2016 session. Associated Press.

Airbnb estimates it will collect $15 million in taxes from its hosts for the state if a tax broker bill passes at the Hawaii Legislature, and is pushing for the bill to return to its original form after state lawmakers added a land use compliance mandate. Pacific Business News.

Up for conference committee hearing Tuesday afternoon are two measures that proponents say could improve voter turnout in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Prison Officials Quietly Move To Extend An Out-Of-State Contract. Hawaii’s practice of outsourcing prison operations won’t be ending anytime soon. Without much publicity, the Hawaii Department of Public Safety is moving to award a new contract worth tens of millions of dollars to continue housing the state’s excess prisoners on the mainland. Civil Beat.

With the private sector failing to pony up more money, Hawaii lawmakers somewhat reluctantly agreed Friday to put in another $4 million to host one of the world’s biggest conservation events this September. Civil Beat.

During a joint session of the state House and Senate on Friday the legislature approved the appointment of the ombudsman, the director of legislative reference bureau and the legislative auditor. Pacific Business News.

Les Kondo Confirmed As State Auditor. As state ethics director, he had his run-ins with legislators. But that didn’t stop them from approving him for the new job. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature has appointed Les Kondo, head of the state’s Ethics Commission, to serve as state auditor. That means Kondo will be working for the Legislature to watch over the executive branch, instead of monitoring the ethics of the Legislature. Associated Press.

Getting a liquor license in Hawaii just became less cumbersome, under a bill signed into law Friday by Gov. David Ige. West Hawaii Today.

The Marine Corps said it grounded its CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from training in Hawaii for 19 days and pulled them from an Australia deployment after the Jan. 14 crash of two of the big choppers off the North Shore of Oahu killed all 12 aboard. The Corps maintains, however, that the helicopters remain safe to fly. Star-Advertiser.

With a legal window scheduled to close Sunday, an estimated 25 lawsuits were expected to be filed at 1st Circuit Court in Honolulu by closing time Friday — the last business day to register the complaints. Most of the cases list the Roman Catholic Church in Hawaii or its affiliates, and concern allegations of sexual assault. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A nonprofit that provides services to mentally ill homeless people says it will be able to continue to operate its daytime activity center in downtown Honolulu despite missing out on a $175,000 federal grant administered by the city. Civil Beat.

An off-the-grid agriculture development in West Oahu that has been under fire for unregulated construction — including a church, a business and apparent homes — can add one more category to its list of questionable structures: inexpensive, rustic vacation cabins. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Senate President Ron Kouchi has had long-standing and substantial business ties with one of the owners of thousands of acres of South Kona conservation and agricultural land that lawmakers now want the state to purchase and preserve, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser has learned.

Is Mayor Billy Kenoi still donating his $22,848 raise to Hawaii Island United Way? Kenoi made the generous gesture in 2014 as the county Salary Commission approved the 20.9 percent increase that started July 1 of that year, bringing his annual salary to $132,000. Tribune-Herald.

A plan for expansion of the cancer treatment center at Kona Community Hospital is designed to bring more comfort and privacy to patients during a difficult time. West Hawaii Today.

In the face of uncertainty regarding the future of Waipio Valley, residents are committed to working with the valley’s primary landowners as new stewardship plans are created. Tribune-Herald.

A community effort to improve Waipi’o Valley river and stream flow could get funded by the state of Hawaii today. Big Island Video News.

There’s an entire chapter in Jim Dooley’s book about the late Waimea rancher and businessman Larry Mehau. But so many mysteries surround the Big Island’s role in government corruption and organized crime that Dooley, already working on his second book, says there’s likely to be at least one more Big Island chapter in that one, too. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Alexander & Baldwin has contributed more than $1 million to political candidates over the past decade, pouring money into the races of state lawmakers, governors, mayors, City Council members and congressional candidates. But as A&B lobbies the Legislature this year to pass a controversial bill that would allow the company to hold on to the rights to millions of gallons of water flowing through dozens of Maui streams, Native Hawaiian advocates and environmentalists worry that the money is unduly influencing lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Alexander & Baldwin and its employees, including those working at subsidiaries, have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to political candidates in Hawaii over the past several election cycles, a Civil Beat analysis of state campaign spending data shows.

It took several hours Friday afternoon for legislators to agree on a contentious water rights bill, mainly because lawyers needed to look over the language. But by 5 p.m., state House and Senate committee conferees in House Bill 2501 had reached an agreement that allows the measure to move forward. Civil Beat.

A fundraising effort developed by Maui residents with the Maui United Way aims to provide emergency relief assistance to Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. workers who will be losing their jobs with the end of sugar operations this year. Maui News.

Gov. David Ige announced Saturday that Hawaii Health Systems Corp. has entered into a lease agreement with Maui Health Systems in regard to Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital. Maui News.

The number of nontour vehicles visiting the summit of Haleakala for sunrise viewing exceeds the number of available parking spaces almost every day and the situation is only getting worse, National Park Service officials said. Maui News.

September can't come soon enough for Maui Waena Intermediate School Principal Jamie Yap, who has been waiting more than a decade for the completion of a new classroom building to ease overflowing enrollment. Maui News.

Kauai

As president of the Hawaii Senate, Ron Kouchi’s days are what you might call busy. Garden Island.

Kauai County inks new eWaste deal. Puhi Metals Recycling Center will start accepting old electronics on June 1. Garden Island.

New Police Commissioner Catherine Adams took her oath of office for a two-year term during the Friday meeting. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

The Kahoolawe Rehabilitation Trust Fund has gone from $44 million two decades ago to $394,000 as of January, according to a critical State Auditor's Office report that says the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission is "not financially self-sufficient." Maui News.