Hawaii 2nd Congressional seat wide open as Gabbard announces she won't seek reelection, Maui families sue Monsanto, Honolulu advances plastic ban, LUC hears TMT case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and early challenger state Sen. Kai Kahele ©2019 All Hawaii News

Gabbard won’t seek re-election to Congress so she can focus on White House run. The news opens the door to a highly competitive race for her seat representing Hawaii’s Congressional District, and likely has repercussions for other local races. Hawaii News Now.

Tulsi Gabbard Won’t Run For Re-Election To US House. The Hawaii Democrat will focus instead on her presidential campaign. Civil Beat.

She's all in: Tulsi Gabbard gives up congressional seat. In a six minute video posted to her campaign page, Tulsi Gabbard announced that she will not seek re-election for her congressional seat to focus on her 2020 presidential campaign. KITV.

Tulsi Gabbard says she will not seek reelection to Congress. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced on her presidential campaign website today that she will not seek reelection to Congress in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard drops congressional race to focus on presidential. Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard says she will focus on her White House bid and not run for reelection to her congressional seat. The congresswoman from Hawaii made the announcement early Friday. Associated Press.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard is going all in on her bid to be the next president, and she says she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Tulsi Gabbard is saying mahalo to Hawaiʻi in a new video, and has announced that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will not seek re-election to the US House of Representatives, the Democratic candidate for President announced on Thursday evening. Big Island Now.

Tulsi Gabbard announces she will not run for re-election in Congress, will focus on the presidency. KHON2.

UH Political Analyst on Gabbard’s Decision, Kahele’s Position. Big Island Now.

Gabbard's full press release and video. Gabbard campaign.

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Survey: Ige Among Most Unpopular Governors. Hawaii’s chief executive has a mere 36% approval rating. Civil Beat.

Corals Are Adapting to Higher Temperatures, But Likely Not Fast Enough. Evidence from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology shows that corals are already naturally adapting to higher temperatures. But the rate of increase may be too rapid for them to keep up. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Despite concerns, proposed ban on single-use plastics advances to full council. A wide-ranging ban on single-use plastic food containers and utensils has advanced in the Honolulu City Council, despite concerns from the restaurant and food industry over alternative materials and their cost. Hawaii News Now.

More plastic, more problems? Bill 40 was introduced with intent to remove single-use plastic, such as bags and utensils, from takeout food orders. Its language is sparking fear in some local business owners. KITV.

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Rail Contractor’s Former Lawyer Alleges ‘Illegal’ And ‘Dishonest’ Activity. A whistleblower lawsuit says Nan Inc. tried to drive up rail construction claims at taxpayers’ expense. Civil Beat.

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Police deny teen’s claim of officer mistreatment at wind farm protest. Honolulu police are vehemently denying a teen’s claims that an officer punched and tased him before his arrest Sunday at a protest of a planned Kahuku wind farm. Hawaii News Now.

Police deny Kahuku wind farm protesters were mistreated. Several people who have been arrested in Kahuku for obstructing the delivery of wind turbine parts this week have said that they were treated with the utmost care and respect by arresting officers. But not everyone. Star-Advertiser.

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Princess Kaiulani tower project moving forward, contingent on several public benefits. Kyo-ya’s plan to raze the existing Princess Kaiulani Hotel to make way for Waikiki’s first all-hotel tower in 40 years took a critical step forward Thursday in obtaining city approval to build. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua residents say city to blame for growing sinkhole that’s threatening homes. A sinkhole in a Kailua’s Keolu Hills neighborhood looked pretty routine at first. But nearly a year later, one former Kailua Neighborhood Board member says homes are being threatened by a growing underground reservoir. Hawaii News Now.

6 tons of ‘ghost nets’ removed from Kaneohe Bay. A nonprofit group and researchers from Hawaii Pacific University have teamed up recently to remove 12,000 pounds of discarded “ghost nets” from Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea telescopes amount to urban development, land commission is told. The state Land Use Commission heard arguments Thursday that the 13 existing Mauna Kea observatories along with their related offices, parking lots and utilities amount to an inappropriate urban development on state conservation lands and that the area must be reclassified as urban before any further development takes place. Star-Advertiser.

Testimony continues for Maunakea land rezoning petition. A meeting of the state Land Use Commission will continue through today as petitioners argue to reclassify land at the summit of Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Why Mauna Kea’s Conservation Land Classification Is Under Scrutiny. Opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope may be at the forefront of Mauna Kea protests, but some native Hawaiian practitioners are questioning the cumulative effects of development on the mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant cost increases. Delays and scope expansions have increased the cost by millions to upgrade the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant to produce R1 recycled water. West Hawaii Today.

Legislators hear from Big Island disability community at annual forum. In the mostly rural communities of the Big Island, it’s important for those with disabilities to make sure their voices are heard by the people in power. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Suit blames birth defects in Maui community on Monsanto chemicals. A lawsuit filed on Maui blames birth defects on chemicals from Monsanto corn fields. Hawaii News Now.

Maui mother who’s filed lawsuit against Monsanto: ‘It’s just not right’. Two Maui families with children born with rare illnesses are suing Monsanto and its parent company Bayer.  KHON2.

Lawsuit claims Monsanto caused birth defects in Maui neighborhood. A new lawsuit claims that Monsanto caused birth defects over the course of decades in a Maui neighborhood. KITV.

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Hearing on Rules Relating to Fines for Unpermitted Transient Vacation Rentals. The Planning Department has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Kalana Pakui conference room in Wailuku regarding amending the Department’s rules relating to fines for unpermitted transient vacation rental operations. Maui Now.

Kama Holds Meeting to Discuss Unsheltered Homeless Impacts and Solutions. Concerns surrounding the homeless presence off of East Kamehameha Avenue and Hoʻohana Street in Kahului were heightened following a fatal traffic accident on Sept. 11 and a shooting the following morning involving a homeless altercation at the site. Maui Now.

Officials hope endangered Maui birds find romance. Wild, captive-bred kiwikiu moved, slated for release. Maui News.

Kauai

Rice Street vision quest. Jim Guerber opened Thursday’s Lihue Business Association meeting asking people to share their perspectives on Rice Street. Garden Island.

Kauai Students’ Teacher Housing Proposal Recognized. The Kauai Community College students earned second-place at a national entrepreneurship challenge. Civil Beat.

Rail work snarls, state's renewable energy grade slides, Honolulu wants $250k back from Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dillingham Boulevard PC:HART

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will present a community update today on the utility relocation work taking place along Dillingham Boulevard (Middle Street to Kaaahi Street) and discuss residential and business outreach mitigation programs. HART press release.

Rail construction on Dillingham delayed. Major rail-related construction along congested Dillingham Boulevard is being delayed until early next year to give the city more time to finalize its traffic management plan, and the city is considering providing tax relief to property owners and their tenants during what is expected to be a hellish two years of construction. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses along busy urban corridor prepare for a hit as rail construction moves east. As construction for the rail project heads east, businesses along a major roadway are bracing for a drop in sales. Crews have been relocating utilities along Dillingham Boulevard from Middle Street to Kaaahi Street since July 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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The State Receives a C Grade in its Progress to 100% Renewable Energy. The Blue Planet Foundation, an environmental non-profit, lowered Hawaii’s overall clean energy grade from a B- to a C. Hawaii Public Radio.

Marine Scientists Track Coral Bleaching in Real Time. In Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay, researchers with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology are engaged in a one-of-a-kind effort to document coral reefs as they undergo bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

An extreme future. New research out of the University of Hawaii forecasts more frequent and extreme El Nino events, and that could mean more unpredictable rainfall, hurricane activity, sea-surface temperatures and changes in sea levels around Hawaii. Garden Island.

Most UH Students Are People Of Color But Their Teachers Are Mainly White. But the percentage of non-white faculty is increasing, going from 44% in 2013 to about 50% in 2018. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City to seek repayment of $250K from Louis Kealoha. The city said Wednesday it plans to demand that former police Chief Louis Kealoha repay the $250,000 severance he received upon retirement in 2017 now that Kealoha has been convicted of multiple felonies and waived his right to appeal. Star-Advertiser.

City will have to stand in line to get Kealoha’s $250k payoff back. Ex police chief Louis Kealoha owes city taxpayers a quarter of a million dollars, and the city is sending him a letter demanding payment. Hawaii News Now.

City sending demand letter to Louis Kealoha for $250,000 severance payback. The city is demanding Louis Kealoha pay back a $250,000 severance, now that the former police chief has pled guilty to federal felony bank fraud, and earlier was found guilty of conspiracy. KHON2.

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Farmers see a first glimpse of a wind turbine under construction in Kahuku. Since Thursday, there have been at least 107 arrests as protesters try to stop the transport of wind turbine parts for AES Na Pua Makani wind farm in Kahuku. Police say some protesters are attaching themselves with PVC pipe and handcuffs. Hawaii News Now.

Teen says police punched and used Taser on him at Kalaeloa protest. The estimated 150 to 175 law enforcement officers outnumbered the 125 or so opponents of the AES Corp.’s wind turbine project again at Kalaeloa Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

AES Chief Operating Officer talks about controversial wind farm project. "We know we'll be visible. I can't hide a wind farm". KITV.

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New exemptions to plastic bill in City Council. A bill to expand the plastic ban on Oahu will be brought up once again at the Honolulu City Council, but there’s been some changes. KHON2.

Council resolution advises rejection of Navy’s proposal for Red Hill tanks. Despite concerns by the Navy, a Honolulu City Council committee unanimously passed an updated resolution Wednesday asking regulators to reject Navy plans to pursue single-wall tank upgrades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

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City to stop enforcing vacation rentals law at Waikiki tower whose owners sued. The city has agreed to stop enforcing the new vacation rentals law on a Waikiki condo tower that it previously accused of having hundreds of illegal rentals. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Banyan gets temporary stay from short-term rental enforcement. Waikiki Banyan condominium owners have received a courtroom stay temporarily preventing the city from enforcing a new law designed to crack down on illegal short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu County sells $497M in wastewater system revenue bonds. The City and County of Honolulu sold about $497 million of its wastewater system revenue bonds at a 2.95% interest rate, the county announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County to loosen energy code restrictions. Changes to the county’s energy code aimed at making home construction more affordable, while still becoming more energy-efficient, are the subject of public “speakout” sessions for design and construction professionals early next week. West Hawaii Today.

With recycling changes, county braces for landfill impact. Thousands of tons of recyclables once diverted from the waste stream will enter the Big Island’s landfills each year under changes implemented last week to Hawaii County’s recycling program. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses suit in connection with controversial Ka‘u sewer plants. A lawsuit against two county officials over two planned Ka‘u sewer plants was dismissed earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Draft EA Posted For New Rock Quarry In Hilo. Yamada and Sons, Inc. is looking to acquire a license to develop a 37-acre portion of a State property near the Hilo landfill for use as a rock quarry. Big Island Video News.

Construction of new College of Pharmacy building nearly finished. Three years after breaking ground on the new building for the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, work is nearing completion and classes are slated to start there next semester. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s Water Fight Has Become A Major Power Struggle. The mayor won’t settle a case with national implications despite the council’s instruction to do so, spurring a new lawsuit to sort out the separation of powers. Civil Beat.

Compliance Concerns Linger as Maui Water Rights Case Wraps Up. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases is coming to a close on Maui next month after more than 16 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds rally for water rights as case draws to close. With chants of “aloha aina,” hundreds of people rallied Tuesday evening at the State Building to protest a possible Mahi Pono move that rally organizers say could derail one of Hawaii’s significant water rights cases. Maui News.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the State of Hawai‘i’s request for federal aid to contain the Kahana Ridge fire on Maui. FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) offers federal funding for the mitigation, management, and control of fires deemed likely to constitute a major disaster. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes for traffic tickets. Until a couple weeks ago, drivers on Kauai who either didn’t have a valid license or an auto insurance policy could get penalized twice — once for being uninsured or unlicensed and again for not being able to prove otherwise. Garden Island.

Kealoha chapter closes with guilty pleas, City Council says no outside attorneys in rail probe, battles continue across the state over wind, solar and water issues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha admit guilt. Once one of Oahu’s preeminent power couples, Louis and Katherine Kealoha’s stunning fall from grace continued Tuesday with both pleading guilty to additional federal charges. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Honolulu Police Chief, Estranged Wife Plead Guilty. A retired Honolulu police chief and his wife, a former deputy city prosecutor, pleaded guilty Tuesday to bank fraud in order to avoid other trials against them, capping a federal corruption investigation that brought down the once-respected and powerful couple. Associated Press.

Under deal approved by judge, Kealohas plead guilty to remaining charges. After maintaining her innocence for years, Katherine Kealoha pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to bank fraud, identity theft and covering up knowledge of a drug ring involving her brother ― all felonies ― under a plea deal approved by a federal judge. Hawaii News Now.

Judge accepts, finds Kealohas guilty. The Federal Judge J. Michael Seabright accepted the Kealohas’ guilty plea Tuesday. Prosecutors say the plea agreement that Louis and Katherine Kealoha entered into will bring some vindication for additional victims. KHON2.

Federal prosecutors may be interested in what Katherine Kealoha knows about HART, her attorney says. Attorney Earle Partington had planned to appeal the Kealohas' June conspiracy and obstruction conviction, but with the Kealohas cutting plea deals with the federal government, the focus has changed. KITV.

Is the Prosecutor’s Office doomed to repeat the past? That’s what the Council is worried about. In a tense exchange Tuesday, Honolulu Councilman Ron Menor questioned Honolulu’s acting city prosecutor on why his office hasn’t taken steps to independently confirm how deputy Katherine Kealoha abused her office for years for her personal benefit. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council rejects hiring outside lawyers to help city employees. Lawyers for the city expect the federal criminal investigation of the rail authority will likely result in more subpoenas or other requests for information from other city departments, but members of the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday rejected a request to hire a mainland law firm to help cope with those inquiries. Star-Advertiser.

Criminal Probe Into Rail Might Creep Into Honolulu Hale, Attorneys Fear. After the City Council rejected using taxpayer money to pay for legal representation, city employees would have to seek it out on their own. Civil Beat.

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Wind farm battles aren’t new. And our search for green energy means they’re not going away. The opposition might have appeared to come out of nowhere. But in fact, wind farm projects are no stranger to controversy. Hawaii News Now.

Wind farm arrests decline on third night. Three people were arrested Tuesday in Kahuku after refusing to move from the driveway of the wind farm site where trucks were delivering four turbine tower sections. Three protesters were also arrested Monday night in Kalaeloa, bringing the total arrested to 101 since the protest began Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu Council Committee Considering Charging Transportation Companies for Parking Stalls. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee amended a bill that would allow companies that rent small vehicles, such as electric scooters to pay to reserve parking spaces. Hawaii Public Radio.

Move proposed Ala Moana playground to Kakaako park, City Council member Kobayashi says. Instead of building a proposed 1-acre children’s playground with a zip line and water feature at Ala Moana Regional Park, the city should build it at Kakaako Waterfront Park near the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of a new playground slated for Ala Moana Park are trying to convince the city to switch to a different site. They received a boost from a key council committee on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

How To Remove Homeless People From A Park? Close It, Honolulu Says. Opponents of the city proposal say closing parks is not the answer when better enforcement and maintenance is needed. Civil Beat.

City council exploring options for a tiny, problematic park in Downtown Honolulu. Honolulu city council members passed a resolution Monday that explores alternatives for the Kamalii Mini Park in Downtown Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Large scale enforcement effort underway at Kea‘au Beach Park. Combined efforts from numerous city departments, state coordinators, non-government organizations and volunteer community members are currently underway with the goal of cleaning a stretch shoreline along the Leeward Coast north of Kea‘au Beach Park. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Public hearing slated for petition challenging classification of state land on Maunakea summit. The state Land Use Commission will have a public hearing Thursday about a petition by two Hawaiian cultural practitioners concerning the classification of state land on the Maunakea summit. Tribune-Herald.

Search Begins for New UH Astronomy Director. The University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy is in the market for a new director and as of Tuesday, the search has officially begun. Big Island Now.

Water is the holdup for Laiopua. There are many hurdles to completing the master-planned Villages of Laiopua, but topping that list is water. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Conflicts, Antitrust Questions Raised Regarding Maui Solar Farm. Utilities and others are concerned that the same lawyers are representing multiple parties in a competitive bidding process. Civil Beat.

Farmers, Advocates Rally for Restored Streamflow in Na Wai ʻEha. Community organizers picketed outside of the state building earlier this evening to push for full streamflow in Wailuku, Waiʻehu, Waiheʻe, and Waikapu, also known as Na Wai ʻEha, or the four waters. Maui Now.

UPW contract with hospitals is ratified. Terms not disclosed by either union or Maui Health System. Maui News.

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Brush fire closes Kapalua Airport on Maui, forces evacuations. The fire department is continuing to fight the fire in West Maui, and are working to protect homes in the Kahana Ridge and Ala Hoku subdivisions. Star-Advertiser.

Brush Fire Closes Maui's Kapalua Airport. Kapalua Airport in Maui was closed and evacuated Tuesday because of a brush fire that damaged power supply lines, causing the airport to lose power. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Two pharmacies on Kauai are being investigated by federal authorities for allegedly distributing drugs without a prescription. Drug Enforcement Administration officials seized records and inventory from Westside Pharmacy in Hanapepe and Kalaheo Pharmacy during inspections on Oct. 9 and 10, according to receipts documenting the execution of a federal inspection warrant. Garden Island.

The business of climate change. On Kauai, the first of five conversations on the topic happened Monday at a meeting at Kauai Community College attended by about 40 people that was part lecture, part brainstorming session, focused on Kauai’s business sector. Garden Island.

Hawaii on list of possible G7 summit sites, Ige attending Naruhito’s enthronement, Kealohas to enter guilty pleas, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Convention Center ©2019 All Hawaii News

Next year's G7 summit could be coming to the islands. White House officials confirmed Hawaii was on the short list of locations being considered, prior to the President dropping plans to hold the international conference at his Miami resort. Hawaii News Now.

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Gov. David Ige to attend Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony in Japan. Hawaii Gov. David Ige is one of the honored guests attending Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony, heralding his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Heads To Japan For Enthronement Ceremony. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is Hawaii’s acting governor until Friday. Civil Beat.

Ige travels to Japan for ceremony. The governor is one of seven Japanese-Americans who have been invited to the enthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace today. Garden Island.

Governor Ige Travels to Japan for Enthronement Ceremony. Maui Now.

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Emergency Relief Period Extended For Homelessness. In his capacity as acting governor, Lt. Gov. Joshua Green issued a sixth supplementary proclamation that extends the disaster emergency relief period for homelessness across the state. Big Island Now.

Hotel performance tops nation but occupancy remains flat. Healthy September hotel performance helped push Hawaii’s hotel industry to the top of the nation for the first nine months of the year. Star-Advertiser.

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Marine Sanctuary Seeks Advisory Council Candidates. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill ten primary and 9 alternate seats on its advisory council. Maui Now.

New Council Members Appointed for Humpback Whale Sanctuary. The NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has appointed four new primary members and one alternate member to serve on its advisory council. Big Island Now.

Oahu

More Candidates Enter Race For Honolulu Prosecutor. Deputy public defender Jacquelyn Esser makes it official while attorney Tae Kim files campaign paperwork. Civil Beat.

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Kealohas are expected to plead guilty as part of plea deals. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are scheduled to appear in court today to plead guilty to federal felony charges as part of separate plea agreements, ending a years-long prosecution that toppled one of Oahu’s most prominent power couples. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Police Chief Agrees To Plead Guilty To Bank Fraud. Louis Kealoha’s plea deal will keep him from a trial that had been set for January. It comes a day after his wife, Katherine, signed her own agreement. Civil Beat.

Kealohas each sign separate plea deals. First, it was Katherine Kealoha agreeing to a plea deal, now her former police chief husband Louis, who has filed for divorce, finalized his own plea deal Monday afternoon. KHON2.

Attorney with ties to Kealoha scandal suspended indefinitely. The court says attorney Christopher Woo failed to respond to four unrelated complaints for abandoning clients and financial irregularities. Woo previously represented Big Island firefighter Jesse Ebersole, who admitted to having an affair with Katherine Kealoha after lying about it to a grand jury. Hawaii News Now.

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3 wind farm protesters arrested in Kalaeloa as turbine parts leave for Kahuku. Wind turbine parts loaded onto four semi trucks began leaving the AES Corp.’s Kalaeloa yard at 11:17 p.m. Monday and were out in less than 15 minutes. Star-Advertiser.

Handful of arrests made as crews move swiftly to transport wind farm equipment to Kahuku. Crews moved swiftly once again early Tuesday to transport heavy equipment into a construction site for a wind farm project in Kahuku after more arrests were made. Hawaii News Now.

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Arguments continue in Ala Wai project lawsuit. The nonprofit Protect Our Ala Wai Watersheds went to court Monday to stop the city and and state from “prematurely obligating public funds” for a controversial flood control project that would build walls and berms around the Ala Wai Canal and put huge flood-control structures in the upper reaches of the watershed. Star-Advertiser.

Community group heads to court to fight Ala Wai flood project. A judge on Monday listened to opening statements and witness testimony for a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the Ala Wai flood project. Hawaii News Now.

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Plan To Award Rail’s Final Contract Reaches Point Of No Return. HART is no longer considering a Plan B in case its pursuit of a public private partnership fails to get rail done. Civil Beat.

Rail project discussed at City Council Tuesday. Two rail-related measures seeking more accountability in the multibillion-dollar project will be up for discussion at a Honolulu City Council committee meeting Tuesday. KHON2.

Councilwoman wants more transparency in 2 Honolulu rail programs. Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi on Monday linked concerns over the city’s rail project to frustrations that have led to mass arrests at Mauna Kea, Waimanalo’s Sherwood Forest and the Kahuku wind farm. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Councilmember Calls For More Transparency From Rail Project. Honolulu Councilmember Heidi Tsuneyoshi has submitted two resolutions to urge the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, and the administration, to be more open with the Council and the public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

DHHL committee to consider hiring private attorney. The Hawaiian Homes Commission took the first step Monday to hire an outside attorney to put a dollar figure on what the state owes Native Hawaiian beneficiaries for land, including the Maunakea Access Road, that was the subject of a 1995 state law. West Hawaii Today.

Halealoha Ayau Testifies, Resigns DHHL Position. Outspoken on the issue of the Mauna Kea Access Road jurisdiction, Ayau said he is resigning from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands due to "shame" over the department's actions. Big Island Video News.

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Changes to county hiring code eyed. The county Human Resources Department scheduled a public hearing for 1 p.m. Friday on changes to its hiring code giving the HR Department more centralized control over creating ranked lists of eligible candidates to be referred to the hiring departments. West Hawaii Today.

Public positive about solar project proposed for Keaau. A lot between Keaau High School and Hawaiian Paradise Park could become the home of a 350-acre solar array by 2022. Tribune-Herald.

Mokulele to provide Waimea Essential Air Service through June 2021. The U.S. Department of Transportation re-selected the air carrier earlier this summer to provide essential air service for two years between Waimea-Kohala Airport and Kahului Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

High temperature sets record in Kahului. Central Maui experienced another hot weekend as temperatures in Kahului reached 95 degrees Sunday, breaking the old record of 93 set on the same date in 1996, according to the National Weather Service. Maui News.

Fates of freshwater, saltwater intertwined. Wai.Kai Week targets relationship between streams and the ocean. Maui News.

Kauai

Council to consider money requests. Items on the agenda include a bill for an amendment for funding, $625,000, for emergency work in opening the river mouth in Waimea and to establish funding for such work through the end of the fiscal year, including design and maintenance of levy gates to relieve and avoid flooding. Garden Island.

Kapaa traffic solutions update. Larry Dill, Kauai District engineer, Hawaii Department of Transportation, will be the featured speaker at the Wailua-Kapaa Neighborhood Association’s meeting 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kapaa Public Library. Garden Island.

More Kahuku wind farm protesters arrested, Honolulu medical examiner ousted, Katherine Kealoha signs plea deal with feds, Maui mayor rejects injection well settlement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahuku wind farm blockade PC: Choon James via Facebook

Honolulu police arrest more opponents blocking convoy to Kahuku wind farm. At least two dozen opponents of the Na Pua Makani project have joined themselves together with zip ties and duct tape in Kalaeloa in West Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Arrests made in Wind Farm Protest in Kalaeloa. Demonstrators have gathered in Kalaeloa in an effort to stop wind farm construction equipment from being moved to Kahuku. KITV.

Police arrest wind farm protesters at Kalaeloa as turbine blades depart for Kahuku. About 70 Honolulu Police personnel and over 70 protesters against the Na Pua Makani wind farm project have gathered in Kalaeloa Sunday night for the first time after 55 protesters were arrested Thursday and Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku wind farm protesters prepare for long fight. Kahuku resident Kananiloaanuenue Ponciano settled in for a 12-hour shift yesterday at the Ku Kia‘i Kahuku campsite along Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore, the hub for protesters of a planned wind farm. Star-Advertiser.

With Eye On Mauna Kea, Oahu Isn’t Letting Protesters Stop Unpopular Projects. But the price for pushing through unpopular projects such as the Na Pua Makani wind farm is an enormous logistical effort to keep the kia’i at bay. Civil Beat.

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Where Do All Of Hawaii’s Recyclables Go? No One Knows For Sure. Hawaii is unlikely to get a recycling facility anytime soon, so your soda cans and water bottles must travel thousands of miles to be recycled. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Schools Are Making Progress In Career And Technical Education. Completion of a vocational education program was the only area where DOE students showed improvement in the 2018-19 school year. Civil Beat.

Researchers find second warship from WWII Battle of Midway. A group of deep-sea researchers looking for sunken World War II ships have found a second Japanese aircraft carrier that went down in the Pacific during the historic Battle of Midway. Associated Press.

Oahu

HART takes gamble on partnership plan for rail. The decision to use a public-private partnership to complete the Honolulu rail project has always been a bit of a gamble, but now the stakes are getting higher, and the city is all in. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha Signs Plea Deal With Prosecutors. Her attorney said she signed a deal at the Federal Detention Center Sunday morning. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Chief Medical Examiner may be out of job. Dr. Christopher Happy has been the city’s Chief Medical Examiner since 2013. But according to City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson, the Mayor’s office is moving to terminate him. KHON2.

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Pilot project aimed at reducing Oahu’s homeless will start in Waipahu. A hub for homeless services will go up in the middle of Waipahu Cultural Garden Park — home to Hawaii’s Plantation Village. Star-Advertiser.

Roving homeless service center with inflatable tents to debut in Waipahu. In an effort to get more homeless people off the streets and into shelters, the state and city are teaming up to launch a mobile hub for temporary housing and services that will be open around the clock. Hawaii News Now.

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Once-Defeated Kaneohe Cemetery Expansion Plan Is Back. While many neighbors are mounting opposition to the new proposal, the expansion has vocal support from several Native Hawaiian organizations. Civil Beat.

City to consider limits for South Shore surfing contests. The city is considering setting limits for surfing contests at Oahu’s South Shore, where Olympian Duke Kahanamoku and his fellow Waikiki beachboys put the sport on the map. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The debate over the Mauna Kea Access Road is likely to be brought up at this week’s Hawaiian Homes meetings in Hilo. A discussion on Act 14, which directly relates to the Mauna Kea Access Road disagreement, is on the agenda when the commission meets Monday. Big Island Video News.

Plea deal is offered to arrested TMT protesters. The state Attorney General’s Office has offered a plea deal to protesters who were arrested in July for blocking Maunakea Access Road that would dispose of their cases if each pays a $100 fine. Star-Advertiser.

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Input sought on proposed solar project in Waikoloa. Developers of a 400- to 600-acre solar array proposed for Waikoloa are seeking input on the project they say will generate enough energy to power over 14,200 average households. West Hawaii Today.

South Point Wind Farm Requests License For Potential Bat, Petrel, Nene Deaths. Tawhiri Power LLC is requesting a 20-year Incidental Take License for the Pakini Nui Wind Farm on the island of Hawai‘i to permit incidental take of the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, the Hawaiian Petrel, and the Nene. Big Island Video News.

Kampachi Farms moving forward with macroalgae project in waters off Kona Coast. Kampachi Farms plans to begin testing next summer an underwater farm the mariculture company hopes will produce large quantities of limu — edible seaweed — off the Kona Coast. West Hawaii Today.

Home sales are down but prices are up. Home sales and home prices on the Big Island in the third quarter were neck and neck with those in the second. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino will defy a County Council resolution and continue to pursue the county’s case before the U.S. Supreme Court over Lahaina injection wells. The mayor posted a letter on the county website Friday afternoon. Maui News.

House finance chair: New Maui jail a priority. Top House Finance Committee members visit island. Maui News.

Protest Signs Condemn Residential Construction for ‘Desecration’ of Iwi. The symbols express opposition to the construction of 60 new single-family homes for the last phase of The Parkways at Maui Lani due to the presence of iwi kūpuna, or human remains.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Agencies seek businesses’ help. The Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the County of Kauai will be hosting Industry Day at the Kauai Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Garden Island.

Kahuku wind farm protesters arrested as equipment moves to site, wetter than average winter, lawmakers debate flavored e-cigs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Double rainbow in Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Above-average rainfall and temperatures coming this winter. The National Weather Service announced Thursday that the islands likely will experience above-average rainfall this winter along with warmer-than-normal temperatures. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA Forecast: ‘Above Average’ Rainfall For Hawaii Through April. As such, existing drought is expected to be eliminated by the end of the rainy season. Civil Beat.

National Weather Service: Expect 'Wetter Than Average' Winter. According to the National Weather Service's outlook on the state's wet season, you can expect a "wetter than normal" winter this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Warmer temps, above average rainfall predicted for upcoming wet season. Weather models predict Hawaii will see a wetter ― and warmer ― wet season, which extends from October through April. Hawaii News Now.

Upcoming Wet Season to Eliminate Current Drought in Hawai‘i. Maui Now.

Forecasters predict wetter-than-average rainy season. Hilo International Airport averages 80.63 inches during the rainy season, October through April. Tribune-Herald.

Ready for rain. It’s going to be a rainy wet season across Hawaii, and Hanalei could be looking at potential flooding throughout the season. Garden Island.

Marine heat waves, like the one behind Hawaii’s sweltering summer, poised to be ‘new normal’. Five years ago, a vast stretch of warm water emerged across the North Pacific Ocean, extending from Alaska to California to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s surf might disappear completely if climate change worsens, experts say. Hawaii News Now.

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Lawmakers to revisit statewide ban of flavored e-cigarettes. State lawmakers, grappling with how to stop an unprecedented rise in vaping among Hawaii youth, will consider a statewide ban of flavored electronic cigarettes again next legislative session amid a growing outbreak of lung illnesses nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers discuss options after second case of vaping-related lung illness. After a second vaping-related lung illness was confirmed, lawmakers met today to discuss options for what to do to address the vaping epidemic in Hawaii. KHON2.

Hawaii High Schooler To Legislators: Ban Flavored E-Cigs. Meanwhile, a major Hawaii e-cigarette retailer said a flavor ban wouldn’t do any good. Civil Beat.

State confirms 2nd case of lung illness associated with vaping. State health officials confirmed Thursday that there is now a second severe lung illness case associated with vaping. It involves a young adult from Kauai.  KHON2.

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Shortage of Hawaii Pro Bono Attorneys Hobbles Legal Aid To Asylum-Seekers. As many as 150 Central American migrants seeking asylum have found their way to Hawaii from the U.S. Mexico border. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii to receive $1.5 million from Johnson & Johnson for not properly disclosing side effects of device. Hawaii will receive about $1.5 million from pharmaceutical company Johnson and Johnson for deceiving customers on one of its medical devices. KITV.

Johnson & Johnson, Ethicon Inc. reach $116.9M settlement over medical device: Here's how much Hawaii gets. Hawaii will be receiving $1.5 million from the settlement. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Wind Farm Protesters Arrested As They Blockade Road For Construction Vehicles. After the arrests, four construction trucks carrying sections of turbines left for the wind farm site in Kahuku. Civil Beat.

Kahuku wind farm convoy blocked by felled electric pole after protesters arrested. Equipment for Kahuku wind farm project leaves Kapolei after police arrest protesters. Police are turning around vehicles on Kamehameha Highway near Sunset Beach because a Hawaiian Electric Co. electric pole was cut down, officers confirmed, presumably to stop the wind turbine convoy from reaching Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

Police arrest 22 Kahuku wind farm opponents staging late-night blockade in Kalaeloa. Honolulu police arrested 22 opponents of a planned wind energy farm in Kahuku after they tried to block large turbines and other pieces of construction equipment from getting to the North Shore late Thursday into early Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Demonstrators opposed to the new wind turbines on the North Shore are arrested overnight. Police have arrested 22 people in Kalaeloa where demonstrators have been blocking the large wind turbine equipment from leaving the AES Baseyard. KHON2.

Kahuku wind farm opponents arrested during blockade in Kalaeloa. Those opposed to the project are concerned about the environmental and health impacts to the small north shore community. KITV.

Kahuku Wind Farm Protesters Want A Solar Farm Instead. Protesters in Kahuku who have been blocking the movement of equipment for a wind farm said they would support a solar farm in its place. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Navy eyes new 2045 deadline for Red Hill tank improvements. Navy officials said Thursday that they’re committed to finding a way to install a secondary containment system around their massive, underground fuel tanks at Red Hill where 27,000 gallons of fuel leaked in 2014 — and if they can’t, they will remove the fuel around the year 2045. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Resists Calls To Relocate Or Strengthen Red Hill Fuel Tanks. Critics worried about leaks into Honolulu’s drinking water are calling for the Navy to relocate the tanks as fast as possible. Civil Beat.

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Staffer Convicted In Union Vote Rigging No Longer At HART. Yamanoha’s continued employment at HART drew criticism, but rail agency officials won’t say whether he was fired or left voluntarily. Civil Beat.

Once-Defeated Kaneohe Cemetery Expansion Plan Is Back. While many neighbors are mounting opposition to the new proposal, the expansion has the vocal support from several Native Hawaiian organizations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Green Energy Projects Search For Ways To Navigate Community Opposition. A number of new solar and wind projects are needed in Oahu to replace the last coal-fired plant, which is scheduled to close in 2022. Civil Beat.

Uncertain future for The Arts at Marks Garage. The Arts at Marks Garage has been a gathering place for local artists for nearly 20 years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Altitude sickness challenges state officers and TMT protesters. Union filed grievance over evacuations from Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now obtained a HGEA grievance and letter sent in September to the Department of Public Safety. Hawaii News Now.

UH On Mauna Kea, “Why Are We Stuck?” Greg Chun, the executive director of Maunakea stewardship at the University of Hawaiʻi, gave a talk at UH-Hilo on Thursday about the ongoing conflict on the mountain. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii regents call for civility and nonviolence in TMT debate. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is calling for nonviolence and de- escalation of tension in the university community in connection with the conflict over Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

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NOAA Ship Surveys New Lava Deltas Off Puna. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ship "Rainier" was off the Puna coast in September, measuring the bathymetry following last summer's lower East Rift Zone lava flows. Big Island Video News.

Kona Community Aquatic Center to reopen Tuesday. The Kona Community Aquatic Center reopens to the public on Tuesday following a lengthy over-the-summer closure. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council to consider hiring special counsel over charter debate. Attorneys dispute who has authority to withdraw county from injection wells case. Maui News.

Judge Kelsey Kawano Appointed to Maui’s Circuit Court. Maui Judge Kelsey Kawano has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit. Maui Now.

Expert: Hawaii could lose ‘localness’ if housing not fixed. 2-day forum on attainable homes held at MACC. Maui News.

Mahi Pono Potatoes to Debut at Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival on Maui. Maui Now.

Ross Opens Third Maui Store, New Anchor Tenant at Lahaina Gateway. Maui Now.

Tori Richard signs lease as part of Westin Maui's $100M upgrade. Tori Richard Ltd. has signed a lease for a 1,100-square-foot lobby retail space at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali, which has been undergoing a $100 million repositioning. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Three Kauai schools on lockdown. Police detained one person and are looking into “persons of interest” in connection to threats that forced lockdowns of school campuses in Lihue and Kapaa for over an hour Thursday. Garden Island.

Kealohas close to plea deal, drone plans for Maui, teachers' association seeks flavored vape ban, opposition mounts to Kahuku wind farm, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha

Kealohas close to reaching a plea deal for remaining federal charges. The Kealohas are reportedly close to making a plea deal with federal prosecutors on financial fraud and other charges. Hawaii News Now.

Federal prosecutors offer Katherine Kealoha plea deal. Federal prosecutors have offered to reduce their recommendation for the length of Katherine Kealoha’s imprisonment by a few years and will dismiss multiple charges against her if she agrees to plead guilty to two felony counts in a bank fraud prosecution and a misdemeanor charge in a separate drug-related case, according to one of her attorneys. Star-Advertiser.

New plea offer for Katherine Kealoha. Renewed negotiations for Katherine Kealoha and the federal government. One of her attorneys says both sides met Wednesday with a new offer on the table. KHON2.

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The Hawaii State Teachers Association wants lawmakers to ban all flavored tobacco products to help protect their students. The Department of Education banned electronic smoking devices back in 2015 but teachers report the problem continues to show up on campus. KITV.

State Sen. Kai Kahele criticizes Tulsi Gabbard for missing House vote on Syria. State Sen. Kai Kahele (D-Hilo) is criticizing Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for failing to show up to vote today on a House resolution that condemns President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of American forces from northern Syria. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats To Hold Presidential Primary April 4. The Democratic National Convention has approved how the local party will select delegates. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kiewit’s Payments On Hold Pending Findings Of Rail Investigation. State finance officials rejected more than $30 million in payments to Kiewit Infrastructure West this past quarter because they believe the former rail contractor may be part of the federal criminal probe into the multibillion-dollar transit project. Civil Beat.

Wind turbine protesters gear up for a drawn-out battle in Kahuku. Opponents of the construction of eight wind turbines in Kahuku are preparing for a drawn-out fight against the project, which they say will have detrimental health effects for residents and farmers of the rural town. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Green Energy Projects Search For Ways To Navigate Community Opposition. A number of new solar and wind projects are needed in Oahu to replace the last coal-fired plant, which is scheduled to close in 2022. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Acquire More Military-Style Equipment. The local ACLU criticizes the purchase of equipment like the $580,000 Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle as encouraging local police to adopt a “warrior mentality.” Civil Beat.

Council aims to silence excessively loud mopeds. Councilman Tommy Waters, who introduced the measure, says mufflers are required on motor vehicles but under the current law it excludes mopeds. KHON2.

Affordable housing options expanding in Kakaako. Affordable housing is expanding a foothold in one section of Kakaako with construction about to begin on a 42-story tower offering mainly midpriced condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

This playground is within permitting guidelines. But still, safety concerns linger. Realtors often highlight the kids-friendly playground at the upscale Waikalua Bayside project along Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council passes climate resolution despite doom and gloom from Chung. The Big Island is officially facing a climate crisis, according to a resolution unanimously passed Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Three dozen protest bombing at Pohakuloa Training Area. About three dozen activists gathered at the main gate of the Pohakuloa Training Area on Wednesday to protest continued bombing and shelling on the sprawling U.S. Army base, which regularly hosts life-fire training exercises for Hawaii-based soldiers and Marines. Star-Advertiser.

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Mayor Kim reassures protesters that TMT equipment won’t be snuck up the mountain. After fears that law enforcement could come in soon to clear the protest camp at Mauna Kea, Mayor Harry Kim and protest leaders say there’s assurances Thirty Meter Telescope equipment will not be sneaked in. Hawaii News Now.

UH regents unveil Maunakea resolution. A new resolution proposed by members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents would establish deadlines for the decommissioning of several Maunakea telescopes and set groundwork for future educational programs on the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

UH Regents Maunakea Governance Report Calls For 12 Specific Action Items. The findings and recommendations of the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents' Maunakea Governance Permitted Interaction Group have been published. Big Island Video News.

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Change paves way for more indoor amusement facilities. Indoor amusement facilities such as fitness and martial arts centers, pool halls and game rooms will be allowed in commercial and industrial zones under changes the County Council approved Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Drone officials plan to submit new application. Project officials plan to resubmit an application for the Hawk30 program, which is seeking to use agricultural lands on Lanai to develop and test two high-altitude platform drones. Project is also expected to undergo environmental review. Maui News.

UH: Forest Conservation Could Save $1.4M to Maui Water. Preventing the degradation of the native forest and facilitation of conservation efforts could save the local water utility up to $1.4 million and make important contributions to local water supplies in East Maui according to research conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. Maui Now.

County files complaint over Haiku zip line. Company accused of breach of the settlement pact. Maui News.

Kauai

Full closures on Kuhio Highway near Hanalei. Emergency full closures on Kuhio Highway at mile marker 1 (the hill approaching Hanalei Bridge) will be hourly for about 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the top of each hour today and Friday. Garden Island.

Hourly full closures for emergency slope work on Kuhio Highway at Hanalei Hill. KHON2.

Grave site search going high-tech. Radar technology will be used this Sunday at the Hanapepe Filipino Cemetery to help a team of Kauai researchers determine where the unmarked mass grave of 16 Filipino sugar cane workers lies. Garden Island.

Kauai is coming up on peak fledging season for the endangered Newell’s shearwater and other seabirds, and that means it’s peak fallout season, too. Garden Island.

'Kapu Aloha' - opponents block Kahuku wind farm construction, Gabbard's Syria stance could be debate fodder tonight, university enrollment down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii - Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

University of Hawaii enrollment dips 2% systemwide. Total enrollment at the 10-campus University of Hawaii system dipped by 2% this semester compared with last fall, with only Windward Community College notching an increase in its student body. Star-Advertiser.

UH Enrollment Down For 7th Year In Face Of Strong Job Market. Enrollment at University of Hawaiʻi campuses fell for the seventh year in a row, and UH is hoping a statewide media campaign can help reverse that trend.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Analysis: Hawaii has nation’s lowest rate of Millennial-owned businesses. Hawaii has the nation’s highest percentage of businesses owned by Baby Boomers, and the lowest percentage owed by Millennials, a new analysis finds. Hawaii News Now.

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Opponents of wind-energy project stall equipment delivery. Protesters gathered Monday night on a road in Kahuku to block an Oahu wind farm developer from delivering heavy equipment to begin construction in a scene reminiscent of the months-long telescope protests on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

No wind farm equipment transported to Kahuku as demonstrators block access. Officials say parts of the wind turbine were scheduled to be transported to Kahuku late Sunday night, but those against the wind farm project have blocked access at Kalaeloa and Kahuku. KHON2.

Kapu aloha protest strategy spreads, causing alarm. New protests aimed at the Kahuku windmill project and the Sherwood Forest park development may be alarming to some state leaders, but among some activists there is a sense that a grassroots momentum has been building as the nonviolent protest strategy known as kapu aloha spreads from one community to the next. Star-Advertiser.

Protests at other projects empowered by successful anti-TMT protest. Hawaii News Now.

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Gabbard’s stances on Syria could be fodder in presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard could face tough questions about her views on Syria during today’s presidential debate in light of President Donald Trump’s decision last week to pull troops out of northern Syria and abandon America’s longtime Kurdish allies to an attack by Turkish forces. Star-Advertiser.

State solar permits issued jumped in September. Over the first nine months this year across Hawaii’s four counties, there were 4,047 solar electric permits issued compared with 3,387, an overall increase in the state of 19%. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Names Three To Hawaii Land Board. The nominations require state Senate confirmation. Civil Beat.

Cannabis dispensaries must comply with vape cartridge ingredients law. Hawaii health officials said they will “strictly enforce” a law prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries from selling vape cartridges made with outside ingredients. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Military Is Pouring Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars Into Tiny Wake Island. The historic World War II site is on the front lines again as part of an expanded U.S. missile defense system. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Officials Have Received Big Pay Raises In The Past Year. Civil Beat fills out its salary database with thousands of City and County of Honolulu workers, including those caught up in a federal probe. Civil Beat.

City Mulls Next Steps After Decision to Close Waimanalo Landfill in 2028. The state Land Use Commission last week gave the City and County of Honolulu until March 2, 2028 to close Waimanalo Gulch Landfill when the panel approved a special use permit allowing the solid waste facility to operate for now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Feds to oversee valuation of DHHL land where city built rail hub. The federal government is stepping in to make sure Native Hawaiian beneficiaries get their fair share after the city built rail’s operations hub on about 50 acres of DHHL land that the city does not yet have title to. KHON2.

Smart devices offered to help HECO manage EV charging. Hawaiian Electric Co. is partnering with Elemental Excelerator and Enel X to study how electric vehicle charging during different times of the day affect the power grid. Star-Advertiser.

Defense lawyer levels more accusations against deputy prosecutor. Defense lawyer Myles Breiner says the deputy prosecutor who admitted shoving him tried to have a relationship with a woman who was the complaining witness in two domestic violence cases he was prosecuting, drafted legal documents for her civil case while he was still working as a Maui deputy prosecutor, went to her home in the middle of the night while drunk and assaulted her adult son. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council panel to hear recycling update. Cutbacks to the county’s recycling program have raised concerns throughout the island, and a County Council panel is set to hear about alternatives when it meets today. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island down to one state Land Board member. Nominations announced Monday by Gov. David Ige will leave Hawaii Island with only one member on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Some Hawaii Island residents are disturbed by the amount of trash left behind after the Ironman in Kona. Event organizers say clean up could take a week. KITV.

Maui

Fall Parks & Recreation Permit Office Closure Schedule. The County of Maui Department of Parks & Recreation will have periodic permit office closures for the processing of countywide tri-annual permits this month and in early November. Maui Now.

Kihei Charter, Kekaulike top the county in Strive HI. Program measures schools in academics and other areas. Maui News.

Kauai

Council to discuss cemeteries. Kauai County committees are scheduled to meet 8:30 a.m Wednesday at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

‘When in doubt, throw it out’. Your recycling could be ending up in the landfill if you’re not sorting it right when you drop it off, and a new sign on the Kauai Recycles green drop bins is now reminding the public: “when in doubt throw it out.” Garden Island.

Island’s Biggest Credit Union Grows Bigger In Effort To Remain Independent. Gather Federal Credit Union’s CEO estimates the number of credit unions in Hawaii has shrunk from nearly 100 to slightly more than 50 in the last decade. Civil Beat.