Tsunami keeps folks awake, but mostly spares the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County Emergency Operations Center (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Tsunami waves swamped Hawaii beaches and brushed the U.S. western coast Friday but didn't immediately cause major damage after devastating Japan and sparking evacuations throughout the Pacific. Associated Press.

Hawaii teams are beginning to assess the damage Friday morning after a tsunami connection with a powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake off Japan. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle has issued an all clear for Oahu residents after tsunami waves overnight caused a mass evacuation of coastal areas statewide. Star-Advertiser.

On the Neighbor Islands, damage was reported in Kailua-Kona and flooding was reported in Kahului, where the surge reached a third of a mile inland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii pins hopes on Chinese tourism, shoreline surveillence drones planned, Maui lawmakers seek tropical fish ban, schools lack AC, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Interisland Renewable Energy Program

State and federal officials are holding public meetings starting tomorrow on an environmental study of the proposed transmission of wind energy from Maui County to Oahu by undersea cable. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. announced Friday that it has tested 100 percent renewable biofuel in a petroleum oil-fired steam turbine generator at the Kahe power plant near Kapolei. Pacific Business News

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a High Surf Warning, effective from midnight Sunday night until 6 a.m. Tuesday for the north and west facing shores of Kauai and Niihau and for the north facing shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Collecting reef fish for sale in the aquarium trade would be banned or restricted statewide under bills introduced by Maui legislators. Maui News.

Bills proposed by Maui lawmakers would set bag limits and size restrictions for uhu and goatfish caught in waters off Maui. Maui News.

A measure creating a school board directly appointed by the governor is heading for a vote in the full Senate. KHON2.

With gas consumption projected to decrease in coming years, lawmakers are looking for a new way to pay for roads — taxing drivers based on their mileage. Civil Beat.

A self-storage entrepreneur is protecting more than 2,000 acres of Hawaii agricultural land from development. Associated Press.

The first chartered direct flight full of high-spending Chinese tourists touched down at Honolulu Airport yesterday with 263 passengers eager to shop and see the islands through the Chinese New Year over the next six days. Star-Advertiser.

A China Eastern Airlines A-340 touched down at Honolulu International Airport at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, becoming the first-ever direct charter flight from China to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii tourism officials and politicians greeted the first direct charter flight from China Sunday. KITV4.

The state and a private contractor are installing extensive new security and surveillance measures at harbors and shorelines that include planned use of unmanned aerial drones, according to public records. Hawaii Reporter.

Wright: The U.S. is making a killing off the killing in Afghanistan. Hawaii Independent.

The U.S. Army is taking responsibility for "miscommunication" it said fueled the recent public outcry over its proposal to conduct high-altitude helicopter training on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Tribune-Herald.

Over the past decade, the state has installed air conditioning in just three schools. Star-Advertiser.

As part of a push to extend services to more native Hawaiian children statewide, Kamehameha Schools spent $102 million on educational outreach programs last fiscal year, up from $57 million in 2006. Star-Advertiser.

The state is due to hold a public hearing this week on efforts to avoid and minimize harm to nene and other endangered birds during the planned construction of a new development at Kauai Lagoons Resort in Lihue. KHON2.

A state agency collaborating with a community advisory council has sketched its vision for developing state land in Kakaako next to Kewalo Basin. That was no easy task, but now comes the hard part: paying for delivery. Star-Advertiser.

First-ever State of the County addresses Mayor Billy Kenoi delivered have drawn mixed reactions from County Council members, several of whom wanted a budget forecast. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will get its first look at a redistricting plan Tuesday, when a bill by South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford is scheduled to be heard by the Committee on Governmental Relations. West Hawaii Today.

Every year researchers and scientists send thousands of island bugs to the University of Hawaii’s insect museum. Hawaii Public Radio.

Molokai Dialysis Facility is preparing to upgrade their facilities to better suit special case patients, so they’ll no longer need to travel off-island for dialysis treatments.Molokai Dispatch.

Watching a whale breach off Ahukini Landing was the perfect way to wake up Saturday, said Lani Broadbent, part-time resident of Wailua and Maryland. Garden Island.

Hawaii mayors bring wish lists to Legislature, prison suicide leads to probe, military beefing up Big Island, downsizing Oahu, Native Hawaiian lawsuit renewed, Hawaiian Electric gets tier billing approval, City Council mulls transit plan, Big Island council members face ethics charges, more news

Even Hawaii has snow on the ground, along with every other state except Florida. Associated Press.

Moisture and unstable air ahead of a cold front brought heavy snow showers to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits, causing delight along with danger and a road closure Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

The Transient Accommodations Tax, better known as the hotel room tax, is something all four mayors depend on to help their counties' budgets. KITV4.

Presenting a modest wish list of projects, mostly from Maui and the Big Island, the state's four county mayors appeared before the Legislature's money committees yesterday with the same message as last year: Don't touch our hotel room tax money. Star-Advertiser.

In an appearance before the Legislature's financial committees, Hawaii's four mayors urged lawmakers not to grab the counties' share of hotel tax revenues. Associated Press.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said on Wednesday that although he will not request funding for special projects this year, he will ask Governor Neil Abercrombie to release funding that was set aside in the 2009 legislative session for improvements to the Wailua emergency bypass road, a county press release stated. Garden Island.

"The unavoidable truth is we now have a county government that we cannot afford," Kenoi said in a five-page letter to members of the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Wednesday asked state lawmakers for $35 million to finance needed infrastructure projects that also would generate development jobs. Tribune-Herald.

Jump-starting Hawaii's economy, creating jobs and getting various capital improvement projects under way were among the priorities legislators expressed during a town meeting Wednesday in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Kokubun, until recently a Big Island senator, got reacquainted with old friends Wednesday when the Senate Ways and Means Committee held a informational budget briefing for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, which Kokubun now serves as interim director.Civil Beat.

When the last Democratic administration quit the halls of state government in 2002, several members of Gov. Ben Cayetano’s departing cabinet deftly found shelter in civil service positions, much to the annoyance of Gov. Linda Lingle. Hawaii Reporter.

A KITV4 News Investigation has found disturbing allegations surrounding a death in prison. KITV4.

Hawaii Senate leaders are recommending that the chamber end religious invocations before floor sessions. Associated Press.

Big Island Prosecutor Jay Kimura is announcing that he will retire in April. Associated Press.

The last company of soldiers may have stormed the hills of Makua Valley with M-4 rifles blazing, artillery whistling overhead, mortars pounding mock enemy positions and helicopters firing from above. Star-Advertiser.

Testifiers pan Army plan. West Hawaii Today.

Heavy rain hit all across Oahu overnight, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning. KHON2.

The county Department of Water Supply is advising Upper Kula residents and businesses from Waiakoa Road to Kanaio to continue boiling their water as a precautionary measure. Maui News.

New York native Ralph Lombardo's back for another surfing vacation - his annual getaway from snow and stress. Hawaii News Now.

Sure, it's miserable weather for those who live in Hawaii, but compared to parts of the mainland, this is still paradise. KITV4.

The state appeals court reinstated a lawsuit yesterday by six Native Hawaiians seeking sufficient funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands from the state.Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday advanced one County Council member's case to a formal hearing and postponed action on another. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County's Board of Ethics decided Wednesday it needs more information to determine if two County Council members committed ethical violations. Tribune-Herald.

What began as a City Council hearing on the rail transit project's two financial analyses ended up yesterday as something of a panel discussion on the larger merits of the $5.5 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Promises that Hawaiian Electric Co. and Castle & Cooke have made to Lanai in exchange for being allowed to build a wind farm on the island are a starting point for discussions on the the project, the vice chairman of the state Senate Committee on Energy and the Environment said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric got approval for a program that will help customers who conserve energy save even more money.Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved a tiered structure of electric rates for residential customers of Hawaii Electric Light Co. on the Big island and Maui Electric Co. Pacific Business News.

Four University of Hawaii at Manoa students will be spending the Spring 2011 semester in Washington, D.C., as Fellows interning in all four offices of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation. Hawaii Independent.

If you are becoming increasingly concerned about the cost and quality of the fish you are serving to your family, you have good reasons to be worried. Garden Island.

Hawaii weather dampens Obama vacation, teachers to pay more insurance, Honolulu Mayor Carlisle outlines priorities, shipping, New Year's ahi to cost more, other news from the Hawaiian Islands

A moist and unstable airmass has prompted the National Weather Service office in Honolulu to extend the Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for the islands of Kauai, Niihau and Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

The unstable weather conditions that brought heavy showers to Oahu and Kauai yesterday are expected to continue through tonight. Star-Advertiser.

Heavy rainfall in West Oahu forced the closure of eastbound lanes on the H-1 freeway last night and the opening of westbound lanes to two-way traffic near Farrington Highway. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health has issued a brown water advisory for Maui from Waiehu Beach Park to Paukukalo and from Kealia Pond to Kalama Park due to heavy rains and flooding. Star-Advertiser.

Golfers teed off against Mother Nature Monday at the Mid Pacific Country Club in Lanikai. KITV4.

City work crews are tackling the worst potholes around town first and then going back to fill the smaller ones later. KITV4.

Locally heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms will affect Kaua‘i and the western islands of Hawai‘i at least through today and possibly into Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Garden Island.

That severely white Christmas that has blanketed the East Coast might possibly pay off in a holiday present for islanders—stable ahi prices for New Year's sashimi. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama went bowling, played hoops and topped off a cloudy, drizzly vacation day with a short trek for shave ice. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public school teachers will retain their health benefits but could have to pay more after they're forced to enroll in the same health insurance fund as most other state employees next week. Associated Press.

Rates for shipping to Hawaii are set to rise again next month, the latest upswing in charges that in total have increased the cost of shipping to the islands by 50 percent since 2003. Associated Press.

Keith Kaneshiro says there's a pending investigation of excessive use of overtime by Road Division employees. Civil Beat.

State regulators have granted Castle & Cooke Inc. a waiver allowing it to develop the state's largest solar farm on 120 acres of agriculture land near Mililani without facing competition from other bidders.Star-Advertiser.

Like the national administration, the new state administration has promised change in how state government will deliver services and programs. West Hawaii Today.

Two months into his tenure, Mayor Carlisle says he wants to make sure APEC goes well, but his priorities remain the same: putting Honolulu on a sound, sustainable financial path. Hawaii Independent.

A new law that bans tents and other structures from city sidewalks in urban Honolulu and Waikiki may take several more months to be fully implemented. KHON2.

Results of the 14-candidate race to fill a vacant Honolulu council district are to be released Wednesday evening. KHON2.

Water came rushing into Jim Boulton's work studio and part-time residence early Sunday morning as nearby wetlands and drainage systems in Kihei were overwhelmed by massive amounts of rainwater rolling down the slopes of Haleakala. Maui News.

Kekaha residents Bret Danson and Alix Barker have grown accustomed to seeing strange things in their neighborhood. Garden Island.

Hawaii media tracks Obama family visit, rain and fireworks in the forecast, Obama vacation home gets big tax breaks, Maui bodyboarder hit by shark , military to beef up Big Island facility, Hawaii mayors control credit cards, ethics boards, more news from the islands

President Barack Obama, his family and friends went to church at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on the day after Christmas. Star-Advertiser.

After spending most of the day quietly at their rented compound in Kailua, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greeted service men and women at their annual Christmas dinner at Kaneohe Marine Corps Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama and his daughters have spent time together on Christmas Eve at a beach popular for bodysurfing. Associated Press.

The absentee owner of a multimillion-dollar home being used by President Barack Obama's visiting entourage gets one of the biggest residential property tax breaks on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

The National Weather Service expects numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms today through tomorrow morning, giving way to scattered showers tomorrow afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Heavy rain that was soaking Hawaii was expected to last through at least Tuesday, and forecasters warned Sunday of possible flooding. Associated Press.

Heavy rains early Sunday morning on Maui caused flooding and prompted evacuations. KITV4.

Heavy rain soaked an already saturated Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau on Sunday as forecasters issued a flash flood warning for the county through Tuesday afternoon. Garden Island.

The Kmart in Iwilei opened their doors at 6am Sunday to a frenzy of fireworks shoppers. KHON2.

Sales are expected to continue rising after a new city law banning everything from sparklers to fountains takes effect Jan. 2, 2011. KITV4.

As people gear up for New Year's, one ritual for many families is stocking up on fireworks. Tribune-Herald.

Kaua‘i fireworks store owner Erika Kleinfeld said last week that she is anticipating a brisk sale of fireworks and firecrackers for New Year’s celebrations this year. Garden Island.

The Army has given notice that it will seek to modernize facilities and build new ones at its Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island. Associated Press.

Part of Kahului Harbor on Maui is closed after a teenage bodyboarder was bitten by what appears to be a shark. KHON2.

Gov. Abercrombie has assembled the members of his administration and among them are several Filipinos. Filipino Chronicle.

Hawaii's mayors may be the only ones in the nation with the power to appoint every member of their ethics commissions. Civil Beat.

Top officials in Mayor Billy Kenoi's administration have racked up $222,083.28 in credit card charges over the past 22 months. West Hawaii Today.

Costco plans to expand its Kahului store and build a gas station next door as part of A&B Properties' first part of Maui Business Park Phase II. Maui News.

Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa has appointed Douglas "Doug" McLeod as the county's energy commissioner after the new administration takes office Jan. 2. Maui News.

Maui County Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa announced last week his appointment of County Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson as the incoming transportation director of the County of Maui. Lahaina News.

Obama expected tomorrow, Native Hawaiians organize, sea snake spotted, Maui government takes shape, rat lungworm hazard up, dreaming of a wet Christmas, more Hawaii news

Photo (c) 2010 All Hawaii News

Native Hawaiian leaders plan to start forming their own new but unrecognized government following the failure of federal legislation to do so. Associated Press.

Under the gaze of colorful stained glass and a packed-in-the-pews audience in St. Andrews Cathedral, Haunani Apoliona made her final speech as longtime chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii News Now.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is now under the leadership of longtime grass-roots activist Collette Machado, who was elected chairwoman yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

While the White House is not saying when President Barack Obama will arrive in Honolulu to begin his Christmas vacation, flight restrictions indicate the president will not arrive until early Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama is expected to arrive in Hawaii this week. But Hanauma Bay, one of the places he visited last year, took a hard hit by Mother Nature over the weekend. KITV4.

U.S. Rep. Charles Djou of Hawaii, who lost a bid for re-election last month, has delivered his final speech on the House floor. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie turned to present and past legislative experience in filling two Senate vacancies yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Maile Shimabukuro and former Sen. Malama Solomon are being appointed to the Hawaii Senate by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. KHON2.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie Tuesday made two appointments to the State Senate: Rep. Maile Shimabukuro to represent Senate District 21, and Malama Solomon, Ph.D., to represent Senate District 1. Hawaii News Now.

State Rep. Maile Shimabukuro and former Sen. Malama Solomon are being appointed to the Hawaii Senate by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. KITV4.

Hawaii's population increased by 12.3 percent to almost 1.4 million residents in the past decade, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's booming economy at the beginning of the last decade may have lead to a boost in the state's population. KHON2.

The islands grew faster than the nation as a whole, but will hold steady at two congressional seats. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s liability for public worker pensions ballooned by $900 million during the latest fiscal year, raising the possibility that lawmakers will have to increase funding for the state pension plan. Hawaii Reporter.

Health experts say they're seeing an increase number of people in Hawaii contract rat lungworm. KHON2.

Moist and unstable air over the islands and soil already saturated with water from rains earlier in the week could still lead to flash floods, the National Weather Service says. Star-Advertiser.

New Airport Corridor Already Leaking. KHON2.

U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have called on the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the public from hexavalent chromium following a report that found the carcinogen in the tap water of 31 cities across the country. Associated Press.

Federal prosecutors collected about $2.9 million from criminal and civil actions in Hawaii during the most recent fiscal year. Associated Press.

After a six-month deferral, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday approved a resolution establishing a policy for facilitating open governance and Internet access to public documents. Garden Island.

Power was fully restored at Ala Moana Center yesterday, but retailers were still tallying the damage from lost Christmas sales at Hawaii's largest shopping center following three outages over three consecutive days. Star-Advertiser.

On Sunday, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services responded to multiple sanitary sewer overflows across Oahu, caused mostly by heavy rains. Hawaii Independent.

Sewage, it's a recurring problem in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

A Big Island company is resurrecting the dream of waste-to-energy conversion in West Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Bi-monthly monitoring of tiny African wasps enlisted to keep a big pest -- the Erythrina gall wasp -- under control show the flying assassins are "working very well" and the counter attack has been successful. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa has announced the appointment of Rob Parsons as his environmental coordinator. Maui News.

Maui County Council members spent much of their last meeting Friday saying "aloha" to four of five departing members. Maui News.

After 10 years in the Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat, outgoing Council Member Mike Molina said he won't be out of public service for very long. Maui News.

The Army has announced the deployment of several major units to Afghanistan, including the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team based at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. Associated Press.

Deadly sea snake found at Ke'ehi Lagoon. KHON2.

A handful of North Hawaii boaters still in possession of a Kawaihae Deep Draft Harbor mooring permit got notice last week that the agency that used to issue those permits won't be issuing renewals. West Hawaii Today.

The building that formerly served as Hilo headquarters for C. Brewer & Co. is on the market for $9.5 million. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie presents unbalanced budget, veteran lawmakers seek Takamine seat, Michelle Obama family caught in mall blackout, green jobs growing, bell ringer gets Krugerrand, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Neil Abercrombie turned in his first budget as governor today -- with double-digit increases in general fund spending he says are a result of fixed costs.KHON2.

Asking for breathing room, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said yesterday that the state has a $71.6 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year that ends in June and a substantial $771.9 million deficit over the next two-year budget cycle. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie unveiled a state budget proposal for the next two years, calling it a starting point for discussion. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said the state faces a nearly $850 million budget shortfall over the next two and a half years, but he unveiled his budget proposal Monday without offering any specifics about how to solve that deficit. KITV4.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he won't increase the state's sales taxes or again delay tax refunds, but he lacks specifics on how he will balance a $844 million shortfall over the next 2½ years. Associated Press.

Hawaii governor reveals $843 million budget shortfall, insists "crisis" won't stop him from funding his ambitious agenda. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie presented former Gov. Linda Lingle’s version of the State’s budget, for fiscal years 2012 to 2013, to the State Legislature today, as required by State law. Hawaii Independent.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today submitted the initial version of the state’s budget with a call to legislators, businesses, nonprofits and all community members to work collaboratively throughout the legislative process to address fiscal challenges and accelerate the state’s economic recovery. Abercrombie news release..

Several new Hawaii laws go into effect with the new year, including measures raising taxes, increasing campaign finance transparency and cracking down on drunk driving. Associated Press.

Six Democrats seeking former state Sen. Dwight Takamine's vacant seat made their best pitches to party leaders during a four-hour meeting Sunday in Laupahoehoe. Tribune-Herald.

A state legislator and a Washington-based privacy group are preparing a measure to impose requirements on entities that suffer breaches of personal data. Associated Press.

Maui Taser case ruling could have nationwide implications. Maui News.

Jobs in the renewable energy field in Hawaii are expected to grow at a faster rate than the overall work force, surpassing 14,000 positions by 2012, according to a new study. Star-Advertiser.

An environmental group says laboratory tests show the presence of a toxic chemical in 31 of 35 cities, with Honolulu having the second-to-highest level. Star-Advertiser.

The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., issued a report Monday showing Honolulu's water supply may contain high levels of hexavalent chromium, a chemical believed to cause cancer and made famous by California activist Erin Brockovich. KHON2.

The Coast Guard will soon begin enforcing a temporary security zone in Kailua Bay. KHON2.

Ala Moana Center was crowded with thousands of Christmas shoppers, including first lady Michelle Obama and first daughters Sasha and Malia, when portions of the mall nearest Diamond Head went black for the third time in two days and triggered noxious odors and traffic gridlock around the Keeaumoku Street area. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Company expected to have power restored to the Ala Moana Center area sometime after midnight Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

Families who spent hundreds of dollars to spend the holidays in the Hawaiian Islands are making the most of the less-than-picture-perfect weather. KITV4.

It's great weather, for a hippo. KHON2.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea until Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

The rains and flash flood watch advisory couldn’t keep the residents from ringing bells for the Salvation Army, Monday. Garden Island.

An anonymous donor dropped a gold coin worth $1,200 to $1,400 into a Salvation Army red kettle on Kauai this weekend, officials said. KITV4.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will close the shoreline in the Waikiki and Diamond Head areas to all fishing so stocks can replenish. Associated Press.

Obama family in Hawaii, Abercrombie completes Cabinet, Washington Place in disrepair, weather wreaks havoc, Tropical Storm Omeka looms, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

While President Barack Obama's standing in Washington has dropped a notch or two in the year since he and his family last spent their holiday vacation in this beach community, the thrill is definitely not gone for many Kailuans about him coming back. Associated Press.

While President Barack Obama and his family have been coming to Hawaii for vacation almost every year, it will be the first island visit for "First Dog" Bo. If he passes a veterinary exam when he lands, he'll be allowed to follow the Obama ohana to Kailua immediately. Hawaii News Now.

First lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, and dog Bo arrived at the beach community of Kailua over the weekend, but President Obama is still in Washington waiting for the lame duck Congress to wrap up its pre-Christmas work. USA Today.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is chiding his Senate colleagues for shelving an omnibus spending measure in favor of a short-term resolution keeping expenditures at current levels. Associated Press.

For 10 years, Hawaiian citizens have requested island wide and U.S. Government official hearings of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act that would reclassify Native Hawaiians as Native Americans and establish a separate, sovereign, race-based nation on all islands of the archipelago. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu will remain under a flash-flood watch through this afternoon following a rain-soaked Sunday that saw a storm-related fire knock out power to parts of Ala Moana Center on the last shopping weekend before Christmas, the closure of the Honolulu Zoo and City Hall, an overwhelmed sewer system that burst manhole covers and wrong-way drivers trying to avoid flooded streets. Star-Advertiser.

A Flash Flood Watch has been extended for all Hawaiian islands through Monday afternoon as deep tropical moisture is drawn up by a strong low pressure system west of the state. Hawaii News Now.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea until Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today.

An out-of-season tropical cyclone has formed west of Hawaii. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Omeka was located 505 miles south of Midway Atoll, or about 1,210 miles west of Lihue, Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The bulk of the heaviest rain was Saturday night.KHON2.

As heavy rains fell on parts of the state on Sunday, Department of Health officials issued warnings about coastal waters. KITV4.

Heavy rains caused sewer lines to back up into people's homes in Kailua and a sewage spill in Hawaii Kai. KITV4.

A Brown Water Advisory was issued Sunday for Kaua‘i due to heavy showers. Garden Island.

Cargo company Young Brothers has announced they will be increasing their shipping rates statewide. Molokai Dispatch.

Washington Place, the historic home to Hawaii’s last queen and previous governors, has fallen into disrepair.KITV4.

Hawaii's new governor completes his Cabinet by selecting a trial lawyer with 33 years experience in litigation. Civil Beat.

David M. Louie, a trial lawyer and managing partner with the Honolulu law firm of Roeca Louie & Hiraoka, was nominated yesterday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to be Hawaii's next attorney general. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Sunday announced he has chosen David Louie to be his attorney general. KITV4.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has been named president of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association. Associated Press.

Kamehameha Schools plans to convert a four-story office and retail building at 680 Ala Moana Blvd. into loft-style apartments for rent to households at or below the median income level. Star-Advertiser.

With the median sale price of a Big Island home down 5.8 percent from the same time a year ago, it's still a buyer's market -- and the buyers are starting to return. Tribune-Herald.

Across the country, a few of the millions of people who have had their homes foreclosed are counterattacking in the courts. Maui News.

Last week, we looked at some measures the new administration might want to consider to improve the business climate in Hawaii and reduce the burden on taxpayers and consumers who continue to struggle to make ends meet. But finances and taxes are not the only things that need fixing. West Hawaii Today.

For most of its 40-year history, Kumu Kahua Theatre has told Hawaii’s story through theater, offering talented local playwrights and actors a crucial venue for their craft, and giving the Hawaii community new perspectives on its island home. Many of its productions have become statewide touchstones, such as the hits Folks You Meet at Longs by Lee Cataluna and Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers by Lois Ann Yamanaka. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie celebrating election, storm system still over the state, human trafficking case gears up, senators heading to Taiwan, DLNR wants parks money, Big Island tops in poverty, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing that lawmakers set aside an annual $50 million over five years to fix the "deplorable condition" of state parks. Star-Advertiser.

A line of heavy showers and thundershowers has now moved over Maui, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for the Valley Isle until 7 a.m. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health tonight issued a Brown Water Advisory for the islands of Kauai and Oahu due to heavy showers. Star-Advertiser.

Ocean safety officials on Kauai and Oahu Thursday warned the public to beware of Portuguese man-of-war that turned up. KITV4.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau officials report that Portuguese man-of-war were found Thursday morning at Po‘ipu Beach Park, Garden Island.

The state was bracing last night for heavy rain -- and even some hail and snow -- as a winter storm soaked Kauai and began to work its way down the island chain. Star-Advertiser.

Ground has been broken on Pearl Harbor's Ford Island for a new headquarters of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Regional Center. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie hosted an sold-out inaugural ball Thursday for 1,800 supporters. KITV4.

Governor Neil Abercrombie celebrated his inauguration Thursday night with a top-notch gala in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will appear today and Saturday in Lanai City and Lahaina, respectively, as he fulfills a pledge to celebrate his inauguration with supporters statewide. Maui News.

Next Tuesday, seven Democratic state senators will leave for a weeklong visit to Taiwan for meetings, tours and conferences. Civil Beat.

In the following letter dated December 6 to State House Speaker Calvin Say, a group of 18 Democratic representatives call for a “leadership compromise” in order to embrace open and inclusive decision-making and address larger Hawaii issues in the coming 2011 Legislative Session. Hawaii Independent.

The Big Island continues to lead the state in the percentage of poor people, especially poor children. West Hawaii Today.

The Honolulu mayor and the new governor are expected to meet soon to talk about rail, as the city awaits the state's approval of the environmental review. KHON2.

The U.S. Justice Department in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigations is interviewing up to 100 more witnesses in preparation for convening another grand jury in the Global Horizon/Manpower human trafficking case to issue super ceding indictments.Hawaii Reporter.

A new affordable rental project for seniors is taking shape in Ewa. KHON2.

A Honolulu police officer was arrested on a shoplifting charge this week, the fifth officer to be arrested since September. Star-Advertiser.

The week after Thanksgiving turned out to be the softest hotel week of 2010, Hospitality Advisors LLC reported Friday. Hawaii News Now.

The City Council must now approve the new man chosen to lead the Royal Hawaiian Band. Hawaii News Now.

Another Hawaii County Council member is being accused of illegally mistreating a member of the public. Tribune-Herald.

Fire officials are proposing a 2 percent budget increase for fiscal 2011-12 amid the department's preparation to open bidding to construct the long-promised $9 million Makalei Fire Station, Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County spent nearly $500,000 leasing a bulldozer it sold in 1991 to use at the Hilo Landfill. West Hawaii Today.

While Molokai has advanced healthcare facilities and a broad choice of providers compared to other small islands, health care professionals agree there’s still room for improvement. Molokai Dispatch.

A few short years ago, if one went to a West Side community meeting on upcoming legislative issues, or on how funds could be spent in the district, or even increased for new projects and programs, the topics were mostly predictable, although still important and needing discussion. Lahaina News.

Hawaii weather turning, Mauna Kea telescope delayed, state can't get its House in order, Dog the Bounty Hunter nabs one, Kona coffee farmers confused, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The University of Hawaii said Wednesday it expects to delay by about two years the start of a new asteroid-hunting telescope it plans to build at Mauna Kea's summit. Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii is shelving plans to build an Air Force-funded, asteroid-hunting telescope on Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

The consortium that wants to build the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea has sponsored robotics teams at local schools, downsized its proposed dome to be less conspicuous, agreed to ship all waste water back down the mountain, and pledged to train and hire local employees and contribute a million dollars a year to a local educational fund, among other concessions. Big Island Weekly.

The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Energy Office has filed state and federal notices of intent to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement for the Hawai‘i Interisland Renewable Energy Program. The PEIS will examine the program-level impacts of the development of up to 400 megawatts of wind energy on Maui County, the transmission of the energy to Oahu via an undersea cable, and the integration of that energy into Oahu’s electrical grid. Hawaii Reporter.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch this morning for Kauai and a flood watch will be posted for other islands later today. Star-Advertiser.

The calm and quiet weather we've been seeing is expected to change dramatically. KHON2.

With state House Speaker Calvin Say still one vote short of retaining power, dissidents are asking that he work with them to find a leadership compromise that will unify the House. Star-Advertiser.

After five weeks of what they describe as an "impasse" over who should lead the state House of Representatives, 18 Democrats who want a leadership change are asking Calvin Say to give up his battle to stay speaker. Civil Beat.

Following reports of nepotism at Myron B. Thompson Academy Public Charter School, Rep. Gene Ward (R-Hawaii Kai) announced that the $2.3 million in Federal Stimulus Funds recently released by the Lingle Administration for Charter School accreditation could help prevent these problems in the future. Hawaii Independent.

A national study finds 20% of Americans spend more than they make - and in Hawaii, 24%. Hawaii News Now.

The Library and Information Science Graduate Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has been cited as one of the nation's best.Associated Press.

Tens of thousands of University of Hawaii students statewide are experiencing delays registering for next semester’s classes because of an overloaded computer system, UH officials said. KITV4.

A record 784 lost, injured and underweight wedge-tailed shearwater fledglings have been turned in to bird caretakers on Oahu in the last 15 days, prompting concern for the native seabird. Star-Advertiser.

The coqui frog has garnered quite a bit of attention in Hawaii during the last decade. Honolulu Weekly.

Three adult corrections officers who worked at the Halawa Correctional Facility have been fired after a surveillance video showed them assaulting an inmate inside the prison. KHON2.

Dog the Bounty Hunter and his crew chased down a suspect on Hawaii’s most wanted list and may consider going after the FBI’s backpack bandit. KITV4.

The most hotly debated issue in Chancellor Michael Rota's tenure at Honolulu Community College was finally settled yesterday when he helped unveil a statue of a pistol with a knotted barrel designed to honor former Beatle John Lennon, who was assassinated 30 years ago yesterday by a former Hawaii resident. Star-Advertiser.

Late Honolulu mayor Frank Fasi will be inducted into the Honolulu Marathon Hall of Fame Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The 13th Air Force plans to have a change of command ceremony this week as Lt. Gen. Ted Kresge takes over from Lt. Gen. Hawk Carlisle. Associated Press.

Three more of Mayor Peter Carlisle's Cabinet appointees -- holdovers from the previous administration -- received initial approval from the City Council yesterday as the chamber completed its business for 2010. Star-Advertiser.

The status of the Volcano House remains in limbo, with the National Park Service yet to decide who will operate the landmark hotel. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County has settled a lawsuit filed against it by a paving company that alleged the county violated its own procurement code when it bought materials from a rival company. West Hawaii Today.

Some coffee producers are expressing confusion in the wake of a new emergency rule creating two quarantine zones to halt the spread of the coffee berry borer on and off the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui Memorial Medical Center's Kahului Tower was renamed The Representative Bob Nakasone Kahului Tower on Tuesday - an honor the longtime, self-effacing lawmaker probably would have shied away from. Maui News.

The new owners of Na Koa Ikaika Maui baseball team are working with the county to make good on promised facility improvements that were not completed by the previous owners. Maui News.

After a long wait, community members on Wednesday were supposed to be able to watch the live online streaming of the Kaua‘i County Council meeting. Garden Island.

For months, Moloa‘a resident Hope Kallai has been watching a large yellow buoy roll over the reef in front of Lepe‘uli Beach, also known as Larsen’s Beach, on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Wet weather ahead, Honolulu prosecutor cleans house, gubernatorial candidates rule out TAT raid, drug money coming in, Hilo Target on track, more Hawaii news

Forecasters are predicting that Hawaii's upcoming winter wet season will be wetter than normal, but the beneficial rains may not come until next year. KITV.

Unpredictable weather will be the norm in the islands over the next few months as the worst drought in the country gives way to an unusually wet winter beginning in January, weather officials predicted yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Keith Kaneshiro officially starts as the next Honolulu Prosecutor on Monday but he's already making some moves and announced 11 of the 104 attorneys will be let go. Hawaii News Now.

Several deputy prosecutors who will lose their jobs because of the election of Keith Kaneshiro as Honolulu prosecutor said Wednesday that they believe their termination was due to their support for Kaneshiro’s opponent. KITV.

For the first time since winning their primary races gubernatorial candidates Neil Abercrombie and James "Duke" Aiona met face to face in a televised forum Wednesday night. It was held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and sponsored by the Maui Economic Development Board and Hawaii Public Radio and shown around the state by community television. Hawaii News Now.

Neil Abercrombie and James "Duke" Aiona, the two major candidates for governor, said last night that they would not take counties' share of hotel room taxes to help balance the state's budget. Star-Advertiser.

AARP Hawaii will sponsor a debate on KHON2  between the candidates for the first congressional district. KHON2.

Democrat Colleen Hanabusa says she'll move into the district she wants to represent if she's elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Associated Press.

The U.S. Department of Education has reached a voluntary agreement with the Hawaii public school system over a bullying complaint lodged by the parents of a Waianae High School teen. KITV.

Students get 100,000 meals a day, but rigid federal rules and farm limitations stand in the way of getting Hawaii produce on cafeteria tables. Civil Beat.

So, what ever happened to the much-ballyhooed OHA petition to force money out of the Hawaii legislature? Hawaii Reporter.

The state will receive tens of millions of dollars from out-of-court settlements with about 40 pharmaceutical giants and other drug prescription companies accused of gouging Hawaii's Medicaid program. Star-Advertiser.

State reaches $82M settlement in pharmaceutical lawsuit. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials aren't calling it an "outbreak" but they are concerned about a spike in confirmed or probable cases of whooping cough across the state.  The numbers from Maui County are especially high. KHON2.

Biologists ask for the public’s help as endangered seabirds leave nests. KHON2.

A summer jobs program that was designed to put $3 million in the pockets of island youngsters was so well-received that it will put $6.5 million in the pockets of 3,800 people. But it grew so fast that it has fallen behind in cranking out paychecks for about 1,200 young people, 236 of them in Maui County. Maui News.

Work on a new $39 million air traffic control tower at Kona International Airport is progressing on schedule, airport District Manager Chauncey Wong Yuen said. West Hawaii Today.

After years of planning, Molokai’s `Aha Moku councils are finally getting a say in natural resource management. Molokai Dispatch.

A small but promising series of openings in Waikiki over the past year-and-change signals the return of the Kalakaua corridor as a go-to destination for the nocturnally inclined. Honolulu Weekly.

In less than four weeks, voters will decide who keeps their seat with the Kaua‘i County Council and what newcomers will come aboard. Garden Island.

Just before the Primary Election, the councilman who for the last two years has represented Upper Puna, Ka'u and South Kona, was telling reporters he didn't want to have anything to do with them. Big Island Weekly.

One of East Hawaii's largest retail centers is on track to open next spring. Tribune-Herald.

Listeners tuning in Tuesday morning to KHBC-FM, Kona-FM and KIPA-AM hoping to hear longtime radio personality Mynah Bird instead got what radio people call "going dark" -- no signal at all. Tribune-Herald.

The proposed Kula Ridge development's access to water could determine whether the 116-lot, fast-track housing project receives approval today from the Maui County Council Public Services Committee. Maui News.

Most of a nearly empty luxury residential subdivision in foreclosure on Kauai has been purchased by a California-based investment firm. Associated Press.

Front Street establishments drift in and out as regular as the tides. Lahaina News.

A photo exhibit featuring the late political cartoonist Corky Trinidad headlines the list of events for Filipino-American History Month in October. Filipino Chronicle.

Two named cyclones building in Pacific, civil union debate continues, various politicians in various trouble, Maui development, Big island road move forward, more

The eastern Pacific is a hot bed of storm activity right now and that's mainly because the ocean is very warm over there. A pair of cyclones are now spinning off the coast of Mexico, Hurricane Celia and Tropical Storm Darby. Hawaii News Now.

The National Weather Service has extended a red flag warning for Leeward areas of the Hawaiian Islands.KHON2..

The Hawaii Business Roundtable clarified yesterday that it has not taken a position on a civil unions bill, responding to internal dissent and under pressure from gay rights advocates for urging Gov. Linda Lingle to veto the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Why the Roundtable Quieted Its Civil Unions Storm. Civil Beat.

The state won't be able to delay future tax refunds quite as long as it did this year, under a bill signed into law on Wednesday. KHON2.

More serious questions came out Wednesday about the state Tax Department’s contract with a Canadian technology company called CGI. KITV.

The Hawaii County Planning Department won a court victory Tuesday that could set a statewide precedent for other counties that miss self-imposed deadlines. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly eight years after taking office, Gov. Linda Lingle is still excited about Hawaii's renewable energy projects. West Hawaii Today.

Charles Djou raised $1.4 million in his special-election victory for Congress in May and had more cash in the closing weeks of the campaign to outspend state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, his main Democratic opponents. Star-Advertiser.

A recent fundraising trip to Pittsburgh is again causing heartburn for the Democratic guber- natorial campaign of Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Star-Advertiser.

Former Congressman Neil Abercrombie's campaign for governor will pay a $50 fine for filing notice for an April fundraiser in Washington, D.C., several hours late. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission is allowing city councilman Rod Tam to pay thousands of dollars in restitution and fines interest-free over three years, after an ethics probe found he improperly billed the city for hundreds of meals. KITV

A proposed project to control the spread of strawberry guava is expected to receive a finding of no significant impact, according to a draft environmental assessment released today by state officials. West Hawaii Today.

Residents have until July 23 to comment on an Environmental Assessment concerning the release of a natural predator to control  strawberry guava in Hawai‘i, according to a state Department of Land and Natural Resources news release. Garden Island.

After reviewing petitions to list seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the documents present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing may be warranted, and will initiate a 12-month review of the species' status. Big Island Weekly.

Tired of the loss and damage over the years, residents on Oahu's north shore learned about some potential solutions from a special meeting in Haleiwa on Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Now that Hawaii County has the authority to pass laws restricting or even banning the use of fireworks, officials are being careful on what steps they will take next. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

The Maui Planning Commission got the first public look Tuesday at detailed designs for the long-debated - and for many - long-awaited Honua'ula 1,400-unit housing development in South Maui. Maui News.

North Hawaii residents soon will have an easier time registering motor vehicles, and area crime victims will receive more privacy when talking with prosecutors. HHawaii Tribune-Herald.

The Ane Keohokalole Highway took another step forward Tuesday, when a Hawaii County Council committee approved the donation of nine lots and 16 easements from adjoining landowners. West Hawaii Today.

An early-afternoon brush fire caused massive traffic tie-ups Tuesday in Kahului after police closed a section of Hana Highway because of poor visibility caused by smoke and dust. Maui News.

The Heart Center at Hilo Medical Center is currently operating without its full-time cardiologist. Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

With an adult day care center opening at Home Pumehana in August, caretakers on Molokai can breathe a sigh of relief. Molokai Dispatch.

Our story last week about the changes in Hawaii’s journalistic landscape–and a note here about how those changes affect readers of the Weekly–brought in a strong response from readers. Honolulu Weekly.

Public safety will not be jeopardized, and the public will be inconvenienced minimally under the Honolulu Police Department's furlough plan set to begin next week, Police Chief Louis Kealoha said yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai County officials recently announced a two-day per month furlough plan that will be effective July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Garden Island.