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 stimulus job creation debated, more agencies want more money, Senate doesn't have a prayer, 2010 driest on record, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii grows more corn for seed than for eating, and the seed industry is the new sugar for Hawaii, accounting for more than a third of all farmgate revenue in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

The year 2010 was among the driest on record, according to year-end rainfall totals reported by the National Weather Service. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County officials expect a finding of no significant impact in the county's draft environmental assessment of a planned agriculture park on 1,739 acres of Kapulena farmland. West Hawaii Today.

Dwight Takamine's effort to help rebuild the job market on the Hamakua Coast after the collapse of the Big Island's sugar industry is indicative of the passion he will bring to his new job as head of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, his supporters say. Star-Advertiser.

A commission created to oversee and evaluate how American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money is being spent has problems with the estimates of how many local jobs were created or saved by the stimulus dollars. Hawaii Reporter.

State Senate leaders will recommend that the Senate end the invocations traditionally offered by clergy before floor sessions to avoid intruding on the separation between church and state. Star-Advertiser.

And the state Senate seat goes to ... Neil Abercrombie's East Hawaii campaign chairman. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday announced his choice to replace Sen. Russell Kokubun, who has taken the job of Department of Agriculture director. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has named leaders of state agencies that focus on youths, the elderly, taxation, and consumer affairs. Associated Press.

Hawaii schools got a C-plus in an annual report that grades the quality of the nation's public education systems, coming in slightly higher than the national average but lower than 19 other states. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee continued its week-long review of the executive budget. Today, the Department of Human Services provided its fiscal overview. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Department of Human Services is asking for funding increases of 16 percent and 20 percent over the next two years — mostly due to increased costs for health-care services for low-income adults and children. Civil Beat.

Interim DHS director Pat McManaman told a Senate money committee Tuesday she needs $2.3 billion in 2012 and $2.4 billion in 2013 to fund a basic budget, plus emergency money that tops $100 million. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii says it needs $1.9 million to tighten its Web security and lessen the chance of future data breaches of individual privacy. Star-Advertiser.

The Walt Disney Co. will be the 2011 sponsor of the Hawaii Minority Business Advisory Committee, part of the Hawaii Minority Supplier Certification. Pacific Business News.

It's like finding a needle in a haystack. That's what a member of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force said Tuesday about the importation of aerials, outlawed in Hawaii since 1994. KHON2.

Hundreds of law enforcement, military and federal officials met in Waikiki on Tuesday for briefings and presentations on the security concerns surrounding the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference. KITV4.

Kamehameha Schools increased security this week, bringing in state sheriffs deputies to patrol its Kalihi campus and its Kakaako administrative offices because of a “potential threat” by a recent graduate. KITV4.

Schofield resident Jenny Rogers was with friends at Young Guns in Mapunapuna Saturday, browsing the aisles of the gun store. Star-Advertiser.

Upper Kula residents and businesses are being advised to boil water after heavy rains washed out approximately 60 feet of waterline near Kawehi Place in Kula. Maui News.

Kaua‘i law enforcement officers say they are cracking down on prescription drug abuse, calling it a “serious and growing problem in our community.” Garden Island.

Experts and long-time residents emphasized Lualualei Valley’s cultural and agricultural significance in testimony last week to the State Land Use Commission (LUC). The nine commission members will decide in May whether 96 acres of agricultural land will be reclassified for urban use—namely for Tropic Land LLC’s construction of a proposed light industrial park. Hawaii Independent.

A subscription-based journalism website is allowing occasional readers to access its content for free in an evolving effort to make money from online news. Associated Press.

Mayor Alan Arakawa announced today that applications are still being accepted for Boards, Councils, Commissions and Committees. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii fish farm faces coral damage fine, state House still out of order, ignition interlock law flawed, airport chief wants more money, Maui resort taken over by lenders, Lanai wind farm discussion slated, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Technology finally enabled scientists to prove what they'd thought to be true: A network of protected marine areas will help replenish fish stocks in areas more than 100 miles away. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Blue Water Farms faces a $6,750 fine for damaging coral when it moored a net pen in the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor last year. West Hawaii Today.

State House Speaker Calvin Say and a dissident faction challenging his leadership traded proposals over the weekend but have yet to reach a power-sharing agreement to organize the House. Star-Advertiser.

Why the big fuss over who the next House Speaker will be? In a word: power.Civil Beat.

Maui Democratic Party chairman Lance Holter is urging Hawaii House Democrats to resolve their leadership struggle internally, without including Republicans. Associated Press.

Supporters of same-sex civil unions are optimistic that a new governor who supports their plight means 2011 will be the year a civil union bill becomes law in Hawaii. KITV4.

A legislative informational briefing will be held on Tuesday, January 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hawaii State Capitol in Room 229 to discuss the Oahu industrial wind power plant proposed for Lanai. Hawaii Independent.

Directing the Department of Budget and Finance is one of the state's most important and challenging jobs, given that the present economic recovery probably will not generate enough added revenue to close a roughly $700 million projected state budget deficit through June 2013.Star-Advertiser.

The winter storm that pounded the Waianae Coast last month also filled one of the cells at Waimanalo Gulch Landfill with rainwater that was eventually pumped into the ocean. KHON2.

A flaw in Hawaii's new ignition interlock law prevents second and third time DUI offenders from being able to get the device installed in their vehicles as the law intended. Hawaii News Now.

The 2011 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference – APEC – will be conducted in Hawaii in 10 months. Today, members of the Hawaii Host Committee updated a Honolulu City Council Committee on their latest plans. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii airport officials Monday told lawmakers they want to hire more than 200 people, many of them to repair and clean-up Hawaii's airports. KITV4.

Administrators plead case for cleaner airport restrooms. Hawaii News Now.

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a lawyer who has been in the forefront of the challenge to President Barack Obama's citizenship. Associated Press.

The U.S. Supreme Court won’t be hearing an appeal from so-called “birther” attorney Orly Taitz. Hawaii Reporter.

Kauai County canceled the first Furlough Friday of the year after saving and raising funds to stave off furloughs for the fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai County officials said they have canceled the first furlough day of 2011, which would have been Friday. KITV4.

The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on Maui has been taken over by a group of lenders including New York-based Paulson & Co. who seized control of former CNL Hotels & Resorts Inc. from Morgan Stanley. Pacific Business News.

From grocery stores to toy stores, businesses beginning on Tuesday will no longer be giving out plastic bags to their customers. The county's plastic bag ban takes effect then, following a long publicity campaign. Maui News.

As one part of the County's B.Y.O. Bag: Shop Smart campaign winds down, another part begins, as the county will now have to condition residents to change their behavior. Maui News.

The saying paper or plastic is now a thing of the past. KHON2.

A live bat discovered in a shipment of radishes and turnips from Korea tested negative for rabies after it was discovered in a Pearl City produce storage facility last week, state agriculture officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

Information from a Japanese man who pleaded guilty in October to smuggling 42 exotic turtles and tortoises into Honolulu airport has helped lead to two arrests in Los Angeles on similar charges. Star-Advertiser.

Shallow and relatively short. That was the extent of Oahu's most recent housing market downturn, which was reversed last year by a 3.1 percent rise in the median sale price of previously owned single-family homes to $592,750. Star-Advertiser.

Students commuted to class in the rain Monday morning as spring semester started at Kaua‘i Community College. Garden Island.

Maui bag ban working, House leadership firming up, 3 on shortlist for state Senate, Hawaii students average in college readiness, foster families needed, Kalaupapa memorial progressing, more Hawaii news

Photo (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's green sea turtles are still a threatened species and have not yet recovered their numbers, but they're getting there. Star-Advertiser.

Instead of paper or plastic, employees at the Kaahumanu Foodland on Maui are asking, “Did you remember your reuseable bag today?” KITV4.

Calvin Say has been speaker of the State House since 1999, making him the longest-serving house speaker since statehood. Hawaii News Now.

Democratic Speaker of the House Calvin Say has enough votes to retain his leadership after a small group of Republicans backed him in an attempt to break a stalemate between majority Democrats. Associated Press.

On Friday, State House Republicans announced that they will be voting to keep Democrat Calvin Say as Speaker of the House. Hawaii Independent.

With less than a week and a half before the first day of session…. State House Democrats have yet to name a Speaker or committee leadership Republicans, on the other hand, are already working on packaging their bills.Hawaii Public Radio.

A businessman, a computer expert and a veteran campaign organizer emerged from a kind of political job fair Sunday as finalists for Hawaii Island's open state Senate seat. Tribune-Herald.

As noted earlier, the new administration promised as part of its campaign rhetoric to restore public employee pay and eliminate “furlough Fridays” and more recently promised to bring back all those who are incarcerated on the mainland.  This all against a backdrop of another looming budget shortfall. Hawaii Reporter.

The recent locally chilly weather will be coming to an end soon as strong southwest Kona winds bring warmer air from the deep tropics; Hawaii News Now.

A memorial to the 8,000 people who were exiled to Kalaupapa is ready to move forward now that an environmental assessment has been prepared. Maui News.

According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the lava from Kilauea Volcano started entering the ocean at a new point on Thursday.KHON2.

There's a new Adjutant General of the Hawaii National Guard. KHON2.

Kealii Lopez, newly appointed director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, had served since 2004 as president and chief executive officer of 'Olelo Community Media, the nonprofit that runs six public-access channels on Oceanic Cable. Star-Advertiser.

A recent report showed more than one in three Hawaii public school graduates need remedial math or English when they enter the University of Hawaii System. As it turns out, that statistic puts Hawaii right up there with the national average. Civil Beat.

The number of foster family providers in Hawai‘i is down some 20 percent, officials said, yet another consequence of a struggling economy. Garden Island.

County Prosecuting Attorney Jay Kimura told the Tribune-Herald on Friday that he plans to resign effective April 1. Tribune-Herald.

The city could end up paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in a lawsuit involving a Kuwaiti-born Honolulu man whose arrest under mental health statutes was prompted, his attorney says, by being unjustly suspected of terrorist proclivities. Star-Advertiser.

It’s a big question for some, a non issue for others: Do you drink the water? Hawaii Independent.

Council to work on its manners. Garden Island.

Maui Tomorrow Foundation and the Maalaea Community Association have sued in 2nd Circuit Court to declare the final environmental impact statement for the Ohana Kai Village affordable housing project inadequate and out of date. Maui News.

A company called Kuokoa Inc. has been formed for the purpose of buying all the shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries and converting the publicly traded company into a private concern. Pacific Business News.

Winter in Hawaii means an abundance of locally grown citrus fruit available at farmers markets and from grocers that buy from Hawaii Island farmers. West Hawaii Today.

Seven weeks later, former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan said he still has "no vivid memory" of a two-car crash on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii farm to fuel project, military to stay strong in Pacific, school impact fees coming to Maui, but not the Big Island, Maui, Kauai expect budget surpluses, Oahu, Hawaii, shortfalls, Honolulu hotels filling up, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Crops grown on Hawaii's Big Island will be converted into liquid fuel as part of a deal announced Thursday between Hawaiian Electric Co. and renewable energy company Aina Koa Pono. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Company has struck a deal to buy more than 300 million gallons of liquid biofuel from a local company over the next two decades. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has signed a contract to buy 16 million gallons a year of locally produced biofuel to power its generators in a move that will allow the state to take a big step toward reducing its dependence on fossil fuel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric company announced a major deal today to turn Big Island crops into liquid fuel. KHON2.

At the same time the Pentagon announced big budget cuts yesterday, the head of the U.S. military in the Pacific said that "Hawaii is of extreme strategic importance" to the United States because of its mid-Pacific location facing Asia -- the "economic engine for the rest of the world." Star-Advertiser.

Kauai and Maui are experiencing budget surpluses, while Oahu and the Big Island predict budget shortfalls this year. KITV4.

With its economy sputtering, Hawaii is in the perfect position to foster healthier residents at less cost, says Health Director-designate Dr. Neal Palafox.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s hotels were 80.1 percent full for the last week of 2010, according to Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors. That was 2.7 percentage points higher than the same week in 2009. Pacific Business News.

Landowners who want to build new housing units in Central, South and West Maui will soon have to pay new "impact fees" for the construction of new school facilities. Maui News.

The state's Department of Education is collecting impact fees on Maui, but Hawaii County still opposes the plan to levy similar fees in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a special permit for Yamada & Sons Inc. to dig a new quarry near the landfill, but not before two members scolded County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong for publicly airing his concerns. West Hawaii Today.

Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management has prepared an Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility Shoreline Protection Extension Project, which will be published in The Environmental Notice on January 23. Hawaii Independent.

The West Maui Charter Working Group recently released its final report offering six proposals for amending the Maui County Charter during the upcoming Charter Review Commission. Lahaina News.

Public schools in Hawaii will have a hard time complying with a new state law requiring more instructional time next school year, Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said today. Associated Press.

They raised the fares and reduced the service areas, but school buses are still costing the Department of Education $20 million more than they were budgeted for. KITV4.

Several state officials provided dozens of North Hawaii residents an update regarding legislative priorities for the upcoming session Thursday evening in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.


Tenants went toe-to-toe Thursday with State Health and Public Housing officials. They've been told their washing machines are in violation of state health codes and that they'd have to give them up, effective immediately. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Firefighters hope that security cameras at the Hawaiian Waste Management facility will help determine cause of blaze. KITV4.

With carpooling and mass transit use down, island workers are leaving for their jobs earlier to avoid traffic and shorten their commutes. Civil Beat.

In the coming months Hawaii Public Radio will take an important step closer toward its long-time dream of providing two, first-class program services to the entire state and, of equal importance, providing people around the state with a means to talk to one another, exchange information, debate and tell stories, using our airwaves. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Maui businessman pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to charges that he bilked more than 50 people of up to $20 million in a long-running Ponzi scheme. Maui News.

Federal authorities are investigating a loan officer fired from the Bank of America’s Honolulu office last month for allegedly stealing at least $1 million of customer funds to repay personal gambling debts, HawaiiReporter has learned. Hawaii Reporter.

Nine Island School high school students participated in this year’s model United Nations conference on O‘ahu, Dec. 10-11. Garden Island.

Obama Hawaii vacation home illegal, Health Department defends water, schools want more money, eight vie for Sen. Kokubun's seat, Big Island council chair fights ethics charge, Colt Brennan's girlfriend sued in traffic crash, Maui library reopens, Kauai vandals hit state equipment, Hawaii Five-0 the people's choice, more

President Barack Obama's two-week stay at his Hawaii Winter White House was illegal under a long-standing Honolulu ban on short-term rentals. Civil Beat.

The level of a toxic chemical in Honolulu's drinking water found by an environmental research group is "not a huge problem," although government testing is continuing, said state Health Director Neal Palafox. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns over Oahu's drinking water surfaced in Bonnie Marsh's home after a mainland group's study claimed Oahu's water supply may be contaminated with high levels of Chromium VI, a suspected cancer causing agent. Hawaii News Now.

State health officials say a Honolulu water sample taken by an environmental group showed only natural levels of a carcinogen called hexavalent chromium. Associated Press.

A new year brings with it new budget wars in the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

The state schools superintendent said Wednesday that a new law requiring more instructional time in public schools is not possible for some schools and may be too difficult to implement at all this year. KITV4.

The Department of Education presented state senators yesterday with a "no frills" operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year that seeks $129 million to restore cuts and an additional $29 million for what was described as a wish list for tough times. Star-Advertiser.

Despite slightly improved revenue projections, the overall state budget picture remains very bleak, legislators were told today. Hawaii Reporter.

Remember Mufi Hannemann’s now infamous “Compare-and-Decide” mailer? Honolulu Weekly.

One state House member and a former Hawaii County Council chairman are among the eight qualified Democrats seeking appointment to Hawaii's 2nd Senate District. Tribune-Herald.

The 112th U-S Congress convened today on Capitol Hill. Ninety-six freshmen Representatives were sworn into office … including one from Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Colleen Hanabusa, the former state Senate president, was sworn in yesterday as urban Honolulu's new congresswoman. Star-Advertiser.

Interview: Former Congressman Charles Djou. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has been sworn into his ninth 6-year term, retaining his status as the longest-serving Senate incumbent. Associated Press.

The head of the environmental group Hawaii’s Thousand Friends complained Wednesday that the city wasn't clear enough about what sensitive areas would be affected by the proposed rail transit project. KITV4.

Almost 5,000 acres of West Molokai pasture lands would be preserved under a plan by Molokai Properties Ltd. Maui News.

A vote on a developer's agreement has spawned an ethics complaint against County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council must be notified when the county administration changes the price of construction or service contracts, according to a bill lawmakers unanimously passed Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council will start getting regular reports about contract change orders. West Hawaii Today.

Traffic fatalities jumped by more than 25 percent last year on the Big Island, despite an increase in drunken driving arrests and a drop in major traffic crashes. Star-Advertiser.

Brennan's girlfriend Stream named in suit seeking tort damages. West Hawaii Today.

Maui accountant Lloyd Kimura pleaded guilty Wednesday to nine counts of bank and mail fraud and theft in an elaborate ponzi scheme. Hawaii News Now.

A handful of Waimea residents has filed suit against Hawaii County claiming the approval of a special use permit amendment to expand Parker School's campus and the subsequent dismissal of an appeal of that decision violated state and federal laws. West Hawaii Today.

A $1 billion project proposed by Waikiki giant Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts would see the first beach-side resort to go up in the area in over three decades. Hawaii Independent.

A battle over a planned oceanfront hotel and condominium tower next to the Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki is moving to a city review board. Star-Advertiser.

A gun is fired under the watchful eye of Honolulu Police, aimed in the direction of the Hawaii Convention Center. KHON2.

Keokea resident Marjory Stone punched her right fist into the air as she cradled five books while approaching Kahului Public Library on Tuesday. Maui News.

Vandals cost taxpayers $10,000. Garden Island.

"Hawaii Five-0" was declared the best new drama on television at tonight's People's Choice Awards. Star-Advertiser.

Lights ... camera ... action! We’re so used to that instant action and glamour of the silver screen that it’s easy to overlook the many components that go into creating movies. Midweek.

There are not one but two storm fronts that will affect our state. KHON2.

"My dad started here in the 1950s," says Wes, on lunch break at the old Pepe'ekeo power plant. "I grew up around power plants and sugar cane." Big Island Weekly.

Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie delays budget, pumps up employees benefits, Obama's $1.5M vacation spurs Hawaii brand, Aloha Airlines name sold, Maui council ready, Big Island waste-to-energy plant controversial, Kauai plastic bag ban coming, more news

Hawaii tax revenues have dropped 5.5 percent so far during this fiscal year over last year. Associated Press.

Lawmakers will have to deal with a huge budget shortfall when the new session starts in two weeks. They just learned that it may take until March to get the governor's full plan on dealing with the deficit. Hawaii News Now.

A delay in the state budget is worrying lawmakers as a looming deficit still needs to be closed. KHON2.

The Abercrombie administration might not send the Legislature its plan for closing the state's budget deficit until as late as March, the interim state budget director said yesterday, acknowledging that the timetable is later than normal and asking state lawmakers for patience. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is expected to ask for more than $100 million in emergency funds, including money to run his office. KITV4.

Neil Abercrombie repeatedly said his administration would be ready from day one to tackle Hawaii's myriad problems, yet — for the second time in as many weeks — his administration is asking for more time when it comes to submitting a state budget. Civil Beat.

Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie is increasing health insurance payments to Hawaii government employees, a move expected to cost the cash-strapped state $18 million over four months. Associated Press.

The state has more than $1 billion in investments that have been frozen and state taxpayers won't get that money back for five years. KITV4.

A visit by President Barack Obama can be a huge boost to business. KITV4.

Mufi Hannemann on media exposure and tourism. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaiian holiday doesn't come cheap not even if you're the President. At least one report tallies the Obama's vacation at almost $1.5 million dollars with taxpayers footing much of the bill. Hawaii News Now.

President Barack Obama and family have returned to Washington, but his next visit to Hawaii may be sooner than the end-of-the-year holiday season. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama has signed legislation that sets federal rules on the lucrative trade in shark fins nationally, especially off the West Coast. Associated Press.

Aloha Airlines' name has been sold, but go! Mokulele won't be able to use it.Star-Advertiser.

A Delta flight en route to Hawaii was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport after the pilot reported a problem with the plane's hydraulic system. Associated Press.

Kauai plastic bag law to take effect Jan. 11. KHON2.

A power loss at a Navy-operated waste treatment plant has led to the discharge of 110,000 gallons of treated but undisinfected effluent into the waters near the entrance of Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.


There may have been more fireworks in the sky for New Years, but many Oahu residents were pleased that the smoke cleared quickly. KHON2.

Concerns Raised by Waste to Energy Plant on Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

The County Council Finance Committee voted 5-3 Monday night, with one abstention, against the sale of a narrow, unpaved county road near South Point to adjacent property owners. Tribune-Herald.

County Council members got the ball moving on a new public park in Puna's Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui County Council members were sworn in to office Monday in a ceremony that focused on optimism and a fresh start. Maui News.

Maui County Council members formalized their organization for the 2011-12 term Monday, electing Council Member Danny Mateo to continue as chairman and picking Council Member Joe Pontanilla for the post of vice chairman. Maui News.

It's hard to pick just one thing to get excited about at Ewa Makai Middle School, Hawaii's newest, most energy-efficient and state-of-the-art public school campus. Star-Advertiser.

While many of us are trying to survive a recession that’s supposed to be over, a grassroots community organizer and university lecturer is coordinating the United States delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Hawaii Independent.

Obama bids aloha to Hawaii, state Legislature tackles money problems, new councils for Honolulu, Maui, Mayor Arakawa 2.0 for Maui, new DLNR chief makes plans, bank officials incompetent, not criminal, more Hawaii news

President Barack Obama and his family left last night for Washington, D.C., after a low-key Hawaii vacation that included beach time, golf, shave ice, gym workouts, a Christmas church service and dinner at Alan Wong's restaurant. Star-Advertiser.

President Obama and his family left Hawaii on Air Force One at about 9:45 on Monday night.Hawaii News Now.

The president of the United States ended his Hawaiian vacation Monday night and returned to Washington. KITV4.

President Barack Obama ended his nearly two-week Hawaiian vacation on a somber note Monday, taking his daughters to visit his grandfather's grave.Associated Press.

Leaders of the state Republican Party have called a special state committee meeting to discuss financial matters, its headquarters and approval of an audit committee. Associated Press.

Hawaii state lawmakers were warned Monday that even though the economy is improving, it is not improving enough to generate all the tax money they need.KITV4.

Lawmakers heard from economists who say the local economy is recovering at a slow pace, led single-handedly by the tourism sector. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers were briefed today on the condition of Hawaii's economy. KHON2.

Hawaii’s state Senate and House finance committees are already meeting ahead of the official session opening on January 19 to dive into economic and budget issues. Hawaii Reporter.

Two legislative committees are set to pore over funding requests for state trial and appeals courts. Associated Press.

Democrats battling over their leadership in the Hawaii House of Representatives are negotiating to try and break their stalemate. Associated Press.

Lenny Klompus, one of former Gov. Linda Lingle's senior advisers, is taking a job with state House Minority Leader Gene Ward. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's nominee to lead the state Department of Land and Natural Resources says his appointment is a "double-edged sword" because he expects he'll be held to a higher standard by some parts of the Native Hawaiian community. Associated Press.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz has named an aide who will be in charge of finding more federal dollars for Hawaii. Associated Press.

While tourists are spending more and home prices have begun to climb, Hawaii's economy still has a long way to go before erasing the negative effects of the recession. Star-Advertiser.


The 16th Honolulu City Council convened today to welcome 4 new members. Hawaii Public Radio.

Four new Honolulu City Council members took their seats Monday. KHON2.

Charging the public for parking at city-owned lots was among the revenue-generating notions raised yesterday after a swearing-in ceremony for new Council members at Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

The four newest members of the Honolulu City Council won’t have much of a honeymoon after being sworn into office Monday afternoon at Honolulu Hale. KHON2.

The new Maui County Council was sworn in Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui's new mayor, Alan Arakawa, acknowledged he wasn't the perfect mayor the first time around but said his 2003-2006 experience in the office will help the county "move faster and more efficiently" under a second Arakawa administration. Maui News.

Anna Foust is Maui County's new civil defense emergency management officer. Maui News.

The Hawaii County Council's finance committee took a mixed approach to Mayor Billy Kenoi's request to add about $26 million in projects to the capital improvements budget. West Hawaii Today.

The county's rules regarding affordable housing may be getting an overhaul. West Hawaii Today.

A high surf warning will be in effect for north and west facing shores of Kauai and Niihau from noon Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday.KHON2.

A federal investigation of American Savings Bank officials concluded they were "incompetent" but their actions not criminal after their discovery of a $183,000 theft by an assistant branch manager. Associated Press.

Judge Calvin Murashige was honored by his colleagues, family friends and the staff of the state Judiciary during a luncheon last week. Garden Island.

Surf's up! Obama wraps up Hawaii vacation, staff works in 'Waikiki West Wing," new City Council to be sworn in today, big year for Birthers, affordable housing coming to Lahaina, military prepares Big Island site, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf  for the north and west shores of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Niihau and the west shore of Lanai until 6 p.m. tomorrow. Star-Advertiser.

A High Surf Warning for the west shores of the island of Hawai'i until 6pm Monday with surf reaching 8 to 12 foot faces tonight through Monday. KHON2.

Sirens around the state are due to blast for 45 seconds at 11:45 a.m. on Monday. Associated Press.

Native Hawaiians seemed poised to get, at long last, the same rights as Native Americans and Alaska Natives.Associated Press.

The nine-member Honolulu City Council is due to have four new members after a swearing-in ceremony today. Associated Press.

Former City Councilman Rod Tam and his campaign committee failed to verify nearly $1,300 in food and beverage campaign expenses, according to a state Campaign Spending Commission complaint under review by city prosecutors. Star-Advertiser.

Maui county officially has a new mayor. KHON2.

With the next presidential election less than two years away, Hawaii’s newly elected Governor, Neil Abercrombie, wants to see the controversy over the president’s birth certificate extinguished, so he can waylay an expected flood of requests to Hawaii’s Department of Health by so called “Birthers” when Obama runs for re-election in 2012. Hawaii Reporter.

Though the options for downtime are better here than in Washington, the workday for the Waikiki West Wing is still largely the same. Tribune.

President Barack Obama is getting plenty of exercise to start the year. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama spent the first afternoon of the new year at a sunny beach on a Marine base near his rented vacation home. Associated Press.

There are those who crave adventure and spontaneity during their vacations. Then, there's President Barack Obama. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama spent the first day of 2011 with his family, enjoying the sunny, warm Hawaiian weather. Associated Press.

Richard Lim always has been at the forefront of Hawaii business. Star-Advertiser.

HECO received some good news during the holidays. The Public Utilities Commission officially implemented a policy called decoupling which will permanently transform the way it gets paid. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii pets will begin the new year with new protections -- better even than for some humans. KITV4.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to the state's first baby of the New Year. Hawaii News Now.

With a new ban on certain fireworks set to go into effect on January second, Oahu residents flocked to the fireworks vendors so they could send out the year with a bang. KITV4.

The U.S. Army is moving forward in the process of obtaining permission to conduct training on “ceded lands” on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Independent.

American Community Survey indicates the Windward community is struggling with one of Hawaii's worst economic dips. Civil Beat.

It's deja vu all over again as the Hawaii County Council once more faces the prospect of imposing impact fees to offset the downside of development. West Hawaii Today.

Developers' fair share contributions will account for only $5.2 million of a county capital improvement budget estimated at more than $100 million next year. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp. hopes to revive the full Villages of Leiali'i housing project in Lahaina, which has been stalled for two decades while housing prices in West Maui have climbed to levels far higher than in the rest of the island. Maui News.

Judge Calvin Murashige was honored by his collegues, family friends and the staff of the state Judiciary during a luncheon last week. Garden Island.

TV crew claims Obama security abuse, government pension funds in the red, Big Island landfill expansion in question, jellyfish invasion at Oahu beaches, electric bills to rise, Djou bids aloha, civil unions to make comeback, media looks back on 2010, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

An expected 15 percent surge in cruise ship visitors to East Hawaii could mean a $1.8 million boost for local businesses in 2011. Tribune-Herald.

President Barack Obama and his family traveled to the North Shore yesterday for a barbecue with a high school friend at his beachfront home. Star-Advertiser.

A public access television crew complained of police mistreatment Thursday, after trying to get a picture of President Barrack Obama. KITV4.

President Barack Obama and his family are returning to Oahu's North Shore for a barbecue with a high school friend at his beachfront home. Associated Press.

These are Hawaii's Top 10 stories for 2010. Star-Advertiser.

Stories From The Hawaii Beat - 2010 Recycled. Civil Beat.

Top 10 news stories for 2010. Garden Island.

Republican Congressman Charles Djou will hold a farewell press conference this morning to cap off his term as Hawaii’s representative. KHON2.

City and state officials are wary of the growing under-funded pension of government workers. KITV4.

For his part in reviving the thought-to-be-dead civil unions bill, Rep. Blake Oshiro was vilified by opponents and held up as an example of a lawmaker not listening to public sentiment who would pay the price on election day. Star-Advertiser.

St. Sen. Russell Kokubun of Hilo has formally resigned to take a post in the administration of Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Associated Press.

Oahu appears headed for a loud and smoky New Years' Eve. Almost 2,000 more permits for firecrackers were sold this year than last. Hawaii News Now.

For those leaving the fireworks to the professionals, there are three shows on Oahu.KHON2.

Fire departments on three islands are warning residents against a new type of novelty pyrotechnic in what might be the most eruptive New Year's Eve celebration in years as Oahu faces a looming ban on fireworks. Star-Advertiser.

Setting off of fireworks is allowable only between the hours of 9:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Hawaii Reporter.

Bathrooms with missing doors.Benches with missing boards and piers with missing…stability. Those are a few of the black eyes the Department of Land & Natural Resources would like to fix. Hawaii News Now.

Despite a waste management plan that considers expanding the Hilo landfill the only alternative to trucking East Hawaii garbage to West Hawaii, the county is giving up a quarry officials acknowledge could be needed in its expansion plans. West Hawaii Today.

A year ago, Mayor Billy Kenoi signed off on a list of prioritized, islandwide sewer projects to be sent off to Washington as the county sought federal stimulus funding. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Electric Co. says average residential power bills will rise 71 cents next month to pay for energy-saving incentives. Associated Press.

New flood maps could prove costly for some homeowners KHON2.

Developers are not offering enough affordable homes to low-income buyers, says Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann, who's introducing legislation to mandate a marketing change. Tribune-Herald.

More than 200 people were stung by box jellyfish at Waikiki and Ala Moana beaches over the last two days, and lifeguards are urging people to stay out of South Shore waters today to avoid the painful welts. Star-Advertiser.

Money is tight all around these days, but the financial crunch is being felt particularly acute in the non-profit sector, which relies largely on donations from people like you and me, who understandably have less discretionary funds to go around. Hawaii Independent.

It's enough to turn heads: carpets, furniture, appliances, you name it stacked on sidewalks all across the City. KHON2.

Maui fish retailers and wholesalers say there should be enough ahi for sashimi lovers this New Year's, and prices should be reasonable for the holiday. Maui News.

Fresh ahi over a bowl of hot rice is a delicacy in any season. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Wednesday announced the opportunity for interested individuals to participate in the control of feral goats in an area known as Hunting Unit A in west Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Obama's Hawaii vacation, Tea Party candidate wins Honolulu council race, gated communities lock out police, economy looking up, Maui man pleads guilty in Ponzi scheme, Judge King remembered, audits critical of prisons, computers, Hilo lights protect astronomers, fireworks hoarders ready for new law, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

There's some good economic news that eases the budget crunch facing state government. KITV4.

The forecast for the state budget got a little better today but big gap still must be closed. KHON2.

The state Council on Revenues yesterday raised its forecast for tax collections for the fiscal year that ends in June, which could considerably reduce a projected budget deficit over the next six months and ease an expected shortfall over the following two years. Star-Advertiser.

The State Council on Revenues predicts an increase in tax revenues for the state in the current fiscal year. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County welcomed 168,131 visitors in November and has had nearly 2 million in the first 11 months of 2010. Maui News.

President Barack Obama is extending his Hawaii vacation by another day. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama hit the town in Honolulu on Wednesday night for a leisurely dinner with friends and family at one of his favorite island restaurants. Associated Press.

President Obama and his party caused quite a stir dining at Alan Wong's Restaurant Honolulu on South King Street this evening -- one of his favorite restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Malama Solomon, appointed to office last week by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, is withdrawing as a plaintiff in a pending lawsuit against the state. Hawaii Reporter.

A harsh assessment of Hawaii's contract with a mainland corrections company may be the catalyst needed to fix an overcrowded system.Civil Beat.

State Auditor Marion Higa is blasting the state Department of Public Safety's management of a private prison contract. Associated Press.

A series of decisions by the state Department of Taxation on computer services contracts is coming under scrutiny. Associated Press.

Tom Berg, Oahu’s “Tea Party” candidate, won the Honolulu City Council seat left vacant when Honolulu City Council Chair Todd Apo resigned to accept a position with Disney’s Aulani Resort in Leeward Oahu. Hawaii Reporter.

After an unsuccessful run for the state House, Republican legislative aide and tea party activist Tom Berg emerged victorious yesterday in the special election for City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Tom Berg has won the special election for the District I seat on the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

At the home of West Oahu's newest City Council Member, Tom Berg, there was no large celebration.  In fact, the candidate himself was surprised he had even won. KHON2.

Gated communities are keeping out more than unwanted visitors. They're also blocking access for the police. West Hawaii Today.

Because an imminent ban on fireworks has a number of Oahu residents buying for next year, some are concerned hoarding these explosives will turn into a hazard. KITV4.

Hawaii County Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira has issued a warning regarding the Sky Lantern novelty, which he said poses "a serious fire safety hazard." West Hawaii Today.

Oahu’s North Shore. The land of surf, country living, and ... giant wind turbines? Hawaii Independent.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Wednesday to remember longtime Federal Judge Samuel King. KHON2.

Wailuku businessman Lloyd Kimura pleaded guilty to four counts of securities violations in 2nd Circuit Court on Tuesday morning. Maui News.

A meeting is scheduled Monday between the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and tenants at a state housing project who were threatened with eviction because of a possible violation of water pollution rules and regulations. Hawaii News Now.

The latest bright idea from Hawaii County's senior traffic engineer aims to make nighttime driving safer and slash electricity use without blinding astronomers. Tribune-Herald.

County administration officials want to add nearly $26 million in projects to the county's capital budget, through amendments being brought before the County Council's Finance Committee Monday morning. West Hawaii Today.

A law that requires DUI offenders to install a device on their vehicles that would prevent the engine from starting if their blood-alcohol level is 0.02 percent or higher goes into effect with the new year on Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

During the holiday season, too many people will die from drinking and driving — not just the drunk driver, but innocent victims who won’t have a choice. Garden Island.

Lance Hiromoto has been selected as the new director of the Maui County Department of Personnel Services, the county's Civil Service Commission announced. Maui News.

Grand Opening of Podium Racing Hawaii, the island’s first and only indoor electric-kart racing track. Honolulu Weekly.

Ka'iu Kimura joined the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center in 2001, when it was still in the planning stage. She helped design cultural exhibits for the center, which was developed to celebrate the connections between Hawaiian culture and the astronomical research taking place on Mauna Kea. Big Island Weekly.

Forecasters predict light, scattered showers through New Year's Eve. Star-Advertiser.