Sierra Club sues for solar tax credits, Honolulu rail back in court, Abercrombie touts land buy, Akaka honored on Senate floor, OHA officers installed, Kauai rethinks property tax exemptions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu solar panels courtesy photo

The Sierra Club Hawaii chapter and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit Tuesday to try to prevent the state from enforcing new restrictions on solar tax credits, prompting Gov. Neil Abercrombie to accuse the environmentalists of protecting "people who cheat." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka was praised on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The head of Hawaii's public school teachers union says the decision to turn down a take-it-or-leave-it two-year settlement offer that included annual 2 percent raises was because of the lack of clarity about a revised teacher evaluation system linked to student performance. Star-Advertiser.

A new performance-based teacher evaluation system and reduced sick leave are the key issues preventing the Hawaii State Teachers Association from agreeing to a new contract with the state, union leaders and educators said. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs honored a newly elected trustee and four re-elected trustees during an investiture ceremony Tuesday at Central Union Church. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs today officially added one new face to its Board of Trustees and applauded the re-election of four incumbents amid the splendor of an investiture ceremony attended by an estimated 500 guests. Hawaii Reporter.

The Center for Biological Diversity, a mainland conservation group, has taken the unusual step of pushing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to designate the Northwestern Hawaiian islands and parts of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch as a Superfund cleanup site. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is the nation’s second-healthiest state behind Vermont, with broad health insurance coverage and better lifestyle choices than the rest of the country, according to America’s Health Rankings 2012 issued Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

A growing number of Hawaii drivers convicted of drunk driving are installing ignition interlock devices in their cars. Hawaii News Now.

State roundup for December 12. Associated Press.

Oahu

A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments this morning on whether to issue a court order halting the city’s $5.26 billion rail project linking East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of acres of rich Oahu farmland and a site where Hawaiian royalty once went to give birth will be protected from development under a plan announced Tuesday by public agencies and a nonprofit organization. Associated Press.

The Trust for Public Land is transferring more than 1,700 acres of land in Central Oahu acquired from the George Galbraith Trust to two Hawaii state agencies, which will preserve the former pineapple fields for farming. Pacific Business News.

The state plans to grade approximately 1,200 acres of land it purchased from the George Galbraith Estate within the next few months to make it available to farmers by the middle of next year. Star-Advertiser.

Demise Of Community Recycling Bins A Policy Failure. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Former County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi has been hired as a deputy prosecuting attorney in the county Prosecutor’s Office in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Items before the county Board of Ethics today range from accusations the county acted improperly in securing $10 million in bond anticipation notes from a local bank, to allegations a former County Council member lied when he said his polling place did not open on time in the primary election. West Hawaii Today.

Kealakehe High School returned to a normal finals week schedule Tuesday, Principal Wil Murakami said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

No retailers in Maui County made underage tobacco sales during an operation this spring where minors attempted to purchase cigarettes, the state Department of Health said Monday. Maui News.

Maui County saw double-digit increases in both the percentage of homes and condominiums sold last month and the median prices for those categories. Maui News.

Seabury Hall's Izabela Hamilton's gouache creation inspired by the Na Pali Coast on Kauai was named one of three state finalists in the he Alaska Airlines' "Paint the Plane" student contest, where the winner will have his or her design painted on an Alaska Airlines 737 jetliner. Maui News.

Kauai

The Cost Control Commission recently asked the Kaua‘i County Council to raise by 300 percent the bare-minimum real property tax on Kaua‘i. Now, the commission is considering raising the age limit for senior citizens to qualify for a hefty exemption. Garden Island.

The new Kaua‘i County Council, with two new members, has an action-packed agenda today for its first committee meeting. Garden Island.

Only a handful of people were present early Tuesday morning at a Kaua‘i Planning Commission meeting to witness the nail in the coffin on Kealiakealanani Agriculture Subdivision, a project that five years ago promised to become a model ag community, with nearly 200 ag lots and a diversified crop production including taro, tea and cacao. Garden Island.


Niihau

The clouds cleared and Niihau's cliffs burst into view as we hovered over the nearly 4,000-foot-deep Kaulakahi Channel looking for whales. A red light on the helicopter's control panel flashed and beeped, only adding to my excitement for exploring the not entirely "forbidden island." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii teachers union rejects contract, Green Party sues state elections office, Inouye remains hospitalized, UH Pisces program at sea over budget cuts, TPL finalizes $25M Oahu land buy, Maui Island Plan advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii State Teachers Association courtesy photo

The teachers union has turned down a settlement offer that would have included the restoration of a 5 percent wage cut, 2 percent raises each year of the 2013-15 contract and $2,500 bonuses for new teachers who successfully complete probation. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Teacher's Association's negotiating team has reportedly rejected the state's most recent contract offer, according to a Hawaii Department of Education spokesperson.  Hawaii News Now.

Work-to-the-rule is something teachers practice poorly at best and not at all at worst. Civil Beat.

The Green Party of Hawaii and seven voters representing every major island are suing state Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago, alleging he improperly promulgated rules dealing with ballot shortages in the Nov. 6 General Election. West Hawaii Today.

The Green Party of Hawaii is suing the state and its chief election officer because of how the general election last month was conducted. Associated Press.

The Green Party of Hawaii has asked a state court to stop the chief elections officer from conducting another election until there are new rules in place to prevent the type of voter disenfranchisement that occurred in November. Civil Beat.

Sen. Daniel Inouye (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has been hospitalized since Thursday after he fainted while in one of his Senate offices, according to his staff. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye was admitted Sunday to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for observation related to his oxygen intake. Inouye fainted at his office on Dec. 6 and was taken to George Washington University Hospital. Hawaii News Now.

As part of a $25.4 million upgrade, State Civil Defense officials are changing how they activate Hawaii's tsunami sirens. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii submersible program, already hit by federal budget cuts, is trying to line up research and commercial dives next year to keep the 32-year-old program afloat but has no contracts yet, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

FCC’s Plan to Put Political Ad Data Online Falls Short. Civil Beat.

More than 270 accountants, attorneys and tax experts attended a workshop today to hear about what the State Tax Department is doing to increase revenues. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for December 11. Associated Press.

Oahu

The state and a nonprofit organization have finalized the $25 million purchase of one of Oahu's largest tracts of undeveloped land in a move expected to significantly expand food production and make Hawaii more self-sufficient. Star-Advertiser.

The Trust for Public Land’s purchase of 1,743 acres of former pineapple fields in Central Oahu from the George Galbraith Trust for $25 million closed on Monday, according to Bishop Street Commercial, which handled the sale. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

There were no incidents at Kealakehe High on Monday, the first day back for students since fighting linked to racial tensions caused school officials to cancel classes Friday. Star-Advertiser.

One of two men who escaped from Hawaii Community Correctional Center last Wednesday allegedly choked an unarmed, 63-year-old guard while the other punched the victim and stole his keys to the facility, according to court documents. Tribune-Herald.

Jamae Kawauchi Starts New Job As Deputy Prosecutor. Big Island Now.

According to an application filed in October, a South Kohala company wants to develop about 150 2-acre lots, but there’s a problem: the lot size is a deviation from the 5 acres required by the area’s zoning. West Hawaii Today.

Renovations to the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium are scheduled to begin Monday and end just before the start of next year’s Merrie Monarch Festival. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island had the highest rate of violations in the state, with 8.1 percent percent of the stores selling to minors. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council today voted to advance on first reading the Maui Island Plan by a 7-2 vote, but not before making amendments to add in and remove certain lands from the plan's directed growth boundaries. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member-elect Don Guzman raised nearly 30 times as much money as opponent Alan Fukuyama to win the council's Kahului residency seat, according to a Maui News analysis of campaign spending reports. Maui News.

Two of the three coral species found in Hawaii that have been proposed for listing as endangered or threatened species by the National Marine Fisheries Service are growing off the shores of Maui. Maui News.

Combining a passion for supporting local agriculture and producing innovative beers, the latest round of Maui Brewing Co.'s seasonal canned brews showcases Maui-grown breadfruit as its star ingredient. Maui News.

Kauai

The county of Kauai has a program aimed at cracking down on junk mail and saving landfill space. Associated Press.

The basketball courts at Laukona and Wiliko parks in Hanama‘ulu were closed Friday, and will continue to be closed for approximately two weeks for resurfacing. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s Holiday Food and Fund drive got a boost over the weekend with contributions from CBRE, the management company for the Kukui Grove Center, as well as Cub Scouts from Cub Pack 148 in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Sea levels rising, politicians spending, anti-tobacco money cut, Turtle Bay expansion to increase traffic jams, Maui fines ukulele fest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii shoreline (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Scientists are predicting the ocean could rise by as much as a foot in the Hawaiian Islands by 2050 and that droughts may become more frequent on leeward sides of the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Lingle, Ed Case and Mufi Hannemann were considered among Hawaii's most polished and accomplished politicians. While varied factors contributed to their defeats, the common denominator — overwhelming rejection by voters — has severely weakened them as viable contenders. Star-Advertiser.

What does it take to win a Hawaii congressional seat? The latest campaign spending reports due last week show the winning candidates each raised and spent more than $1 million to capture the vote. Civil Beat.

The FBI has ended its year-long investigation of Hawaii school bus companies for possible collusion in setting prices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is spending less this year on tobacco prevention, which has knocked its national ranking from third to fifth for its efforts to prevent kids from smoking. Pacific Business News.

A new state law is providing a two-year window for victims of child sexual abuse to sue for damages, no matter how long ago the abuses occurred in Hawaii. Maui News.

Oahu
Kirk Caldwell and the Super PAC that supported him spent more than $5 million to win this year’s Honolulu mayoral election – tripling the expenditures of losing candidate Ben Cayetano, according to reports filed today with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Hawaii Reporter.

A proposed major expansion of Turtle Bay Resort is expected to add thousands of cars to the road and make the traffic situation significantly worse along the two-lane highway that fronts some of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, according to a new environmental study of the project. Civil Beat.

An Idaho skilled nursing company is under contract to purchase a 2.4-acre property in Aina Haina for a rehabilitation facility. Star-Advertiser.

Kenyan first among nearly 26,000 in Honolulu Marathon. Hawaii News Now.

The world's largest commercial aircraft  touched down in Honolulu on Sunday. Hawaiian Airlines said Airbus, the jetliner manufacturer, is pitching them to buy the plane. KITV4.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi spent $21.50 for each vote he garnered in his re-election bid, more than twice what was spent per vote in a contentious Honolulu mayoral race, according to final campaign spending reports filed Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

State public safety officials are moving to reopen Hawaii island's Kulani Correctional Facility, which was shut down in 2009, with some 160 inmates scattered elsewhere. Star-Advertiser.

Cheryl “Quack” Moore was raising the roof over a new roof at the Palace Theater last week. After a 10-year effort, the much-needed project was finally under way at the 87-year-old landmark. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County has issued a $5,000 fine against the organizers of the first Paia Ukulele Festival, held Nov. 24 on oceanfront property off Hana Highway at the Johnny B's Burgers location. Maui News.

Since Danny and Buck Boren of Maui launched the first commercial zip line tour in the United States a decade ago on the slopes of Hale­akala, the concept has literally taken off across the island chain and the country. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Without an explanation and with a comment short of an apology, the owner of Kealia Properties LLC withdrew his request to extend two subdivision permits to more than 2,000 acres of prime agricultural land across Kealia Beach. Garden Island.

Kelvin Moniz, the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank Food Resources director, estimated the Kalaheo Elementary School food drive yielded between 400 to 500 pounds of food Friday morning. Garden Island.

Molokai

On the Nov. 6 general election ballots, Maui County residents voted in favor of an initiative that makes it easier for residents of remote communities like Molokai to give their testimony during county council meetings held in Wailuku. Molokai Dispatch.

Pearl Harbor attack remembered, Hawaii legislators to get 25% pay hike, Japan earthquake no tsunami threat to Hawaii, active shark season, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Attack on Pearl Harbor, historical military file photo

Seventy-one years ago today, when shock and horror came to Hawaii in the form of a Japa­nese aerial attack, the Hono­lulu Star-Bulletin sent out reporter Elizabeth Peet McIntosh to cover the casualties and aftermath. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu after Pearl Harbor: A report published for the first time, 71 years later. Washington Post.

Gladys Aiona Brandt: The Unpublished Pearl Harbor Day Speech. Civil Beat.

More than 2,000 people are gathering at Pearl Harbor on Friday to mark the 71st anniversary of the Japanese attack that killed thousands of people and launched the United States into World War II. Associated Press.

Friday will be a somber day at Hawaii’s biggest tourist attraction, the Arizona Memorial at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Legislator Salaries Going Up 25 Percent. Civil Beat.

Sixteen months into a rancorous labor dispute, the state and public school teachers union appear to be making progress toward a contract that would begin July 1. Star-Advertiser.

As teacher participation in "work to the rule" demonstrations has swelled in recent weeks, some educators say the state is trying to undermine their protests.Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is tied with Vermont as the state with the eighth lowest unemployment rate in October 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Civil Beat.

A strong earthquake has shook an area off the eastern coast of Japan, but it does not appear to have been strong enough to generate a tsunami threat to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor-elect Kirk Caldwell raised just less than $1.7 million for his mayoral campaign in which the former city managing director toppled two political heavyweights en route to the city's top office. Star-Advertiser.

Kirk Caldwell and the Super PAC that supported him spent more than $5 million to win this year’s Honolulu mayoral election – tripling the expenditures of losing candidate Ben Cayetano, according to reports filed today with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Hawaii Reporter.

Members of the Honolulu City Council have agreed to keep Chairman Ernie Martin in the top leadership position as the calendar starts on a new year of business. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday approved $25.9 million to cover additional costs to a contractor because of a delay in construction prompted by a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling. Star-Advertiser.

More than half of all visitors to Hawai’i stay in Waikiki.  That equates to nearly 3 million tourists annually that use or consume staggering amounts of electricity and water to make their visits comfortable and enjoyable. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Honolulu Police Department is upgrading its website, reconstructing it to include an area where HPD detectives can seek the public's help locating suspects by publishing photos, video or other information related to their cases. Star-Advertiser.

Twenty Native Hawaiian middle and high school students on Oahu are participating in a nine-month marine debris tracking project that includes science lessons, cultural activities and community service. Star-Advertiser.

Byron's Drive-In, established in 1965 near Honolulu Airport, will close at the end of February to make way for the landowner's redevelopment plans. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kealakehe High School will remain closed to students Friday, Dec. 7 after a spate of fights on the campus this week. Hawaii 24/7

The head of the Senate Education Committee believes cancelling Friday's classes at Kealakehe High School is an unpopular but wise decision. KHON2.

Kona Community Hospital is now nearly one hundred years old.  The Hospital Board is beginning to plan its replacement...with input from the community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

The seven shark attacks in Maui County waters this year have many asking if there’s an increased danger of getting in the ocean right now. Maui Now.

Wailuku Main Street Association, a nonprofit organization that has been the recipient of more than $2.2 million in county funding in the last decade, and its board chairman, Thomas Cannon, have been ordered by a judge to comply with a subpoena and to hand over additional financial and organization documents to the state attorney general by Jan. 3. Maui News.

The Wahikuli-Honokowai Watershed Management Plan will be completed by the end of the month with runoff to be handled in a coral-friendly manner, said members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at a public meeting Tuesday at the Lahaina Civic Center. Maui News.

Convening on Maui for the first time since the mid-1800s, the Hawaii Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning in a criminal case focused on a defendant's constitutional right to be represented by an attorney of his choice. Maui News.

The Government of Singapore Investment Corp. will buy the Grand Wailea on Maui and three other luxury U.S. resorts owned by a group led by New York-based Paulson & Co. for $1.5 billion after no other bidders stepped up to bid on the bankrupt resort properties. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Pakala Beach, located on the Westside, was reopened Thursday, a day after a man was bit on the foot by a shark. Garden Island.

Roberts Hawai‘i is the operator of the Sunny Po‘ipu express, a shuttle designed for visitors bound “from the airport to paradise” on Kaua‘i’s South Shore. The service was launched on Nov. 1. Garden Island.

The annual Lights on Rice Parade is scheduled to begin 6 p.m. today and portions of the parade route will be closed to traffic. Garden Island.

Mainland tourists returning to Hawaii, reapportionment lawsuit headed to court, spike in shark attacks, Oahu beach smoking ban advances, new AD to be named at UH, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii tourists returning (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Despite economic uncertainty and lagging consumer confidence, North American leisure and business travelers are expected to make more trips to Hawaii next year. Star-Advertiser.

A lawsuit over the 2011 drawing of political boundaries that resulted in Hawaii Island getting a fourth state senator will be heard next month in U.S. District Court. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii-born President Barack Obama recognized retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka today during the president's remarks at the Tribal Nations Conference in Washington D.C. Star-Advertiser.

After reviewing a consultant's study that some hoped would be the silver bullet to bring down soaring student transportation costs, state lawmakers left a legislative briefing Wednesday still wondering how much money the Department of Education will be able to save through the recommended policy changes. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's elderly may be victims of the upcoming congressional budget deal, according to an analysis done by the American Association of Retired People. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii officials say they expect to announce the name of a new athletics director either late Thursday or Friday. Pacific Business News.

Wil Okabe, president of the 13,500-member Hawai‘i State Teachers Association, issued a statement Wednesday in response to the state’s definition of “work to rule.” Garden Island.

For the past two years and four months, a detachment of the Montana Air National Guard has been watching over Hawaii’s skies as part of an air defense “alert” mission, with two pilots ready to fly 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the event of an emergency. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Prohibitions on smoking are becoming more commonplace around the world and a ban on lighting up at popular Honolulu beach parks would have little impact on tourism, supporters of such a measure told the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Newly re-elected Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro says he's beefing up his staff dedicated to fighting elderly abuse in Hawaii and laying the groundwork to put pimps behind bars. Civil Beat.

Within days of his election in 2010, Mayor Peter Carlisle traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Federal Transit Administration officials to pledge support for the previous administration's rail transit project. Star-Advertiser.

A $200 million high-rise condominium project that would create 635 affordable homes at the former Hono­lulu Advertiser property in Kakaako was unanimously approved Wednesday by the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Star-Advertiser.

A $50,000 donation to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center from UH President M.R.C.Greenwood and her longtime partner, Patricia Johnson, has earned the couple prominent recognition at the front entrance of the new center. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The Big Island is continuing to have problems activating all of its 71 Civil Defense sirens following the Oct. 27 tsunami warning. Tribune-Herald.

A proposal to make West Hawaii the lone area in the state to ban scuba spearfishing sparked contentious debate at a public hearing in Kona that was still going at press time Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Biomass fuel could eventually replace oil at one of Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s power plants, HELCO President Jay Ignacio said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

A handful of Hawaii Island residents brought suggestions for Hawaii Electric Light Co. to consider as the company pursues a state-mandated Integrated Resource Plan. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission today will reconsider the fate of a popular performing arts center in Kalapana Seaview Estates. Tribune-Herald.

The Hoppa-on, Hoppa-off bus was hoppin’ along for a few days last week until the lack of a pesky permit put the brakes on the operation. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A 2nd Circuit judge on Wednesday granted a request by the state Attorney General's Office to have Wailuku Main Street Association and its board chairman, Thomas Cannon, to comply with a subpoena to turn over various association documents as well as for Cannon to appear for sworn testimony. Maui News.

The Wailuku Main Street Association is refusing to comply with an additional subpoena, calling it "unreasonable and oppressive" and adding that a state attorney is just "fishing" for information to "harm us." Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will be among the dignitaries present during the Hawaii Presidential Center Inaugural Gala on Jan. 19 in Washington, D.C., according to an announcement. Maui News.

Kauai

A shark bit a 60-year-old surfer off Kauai’s west shore Wednesday, raising the attack total for Hawaii to 11 this year, an exceptionally active period for the ocean predators. Star-Advertiser.

Many award recipients honored Tuesday during a Transportation Security Administration ceremony were with the organization when it rolled out at the Lihu‘e Airport, said Monika Mali of the TSA. Garden Island.

Abercrombie to get shoulder surgery today, Hawaii looks to make up $25M-$40M in federal funds, Souki solidifies speakership, religious fundraiser canceled at Oahu school, green waste tip fees coming to Hawaii County, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abercrombie news conference

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is taking a short break from his duties to have minor shoulder surgery. Associated Press.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday his budget planners are cautiously anticipating the state may need to immediately make up anywhere from $25 million to $40 million in lost federal funds depending on how Washington acts on the so-called fiscal cliff. Associated Press.

Taking advantage of a friendly market, the Abercrombie administration sold $867 million in bonds in November, attracting the lowest interest rate in state history. Star-Advertiser.

The recent sale of general obligation bonds will help strengthen Hawaii’s financial foundation in light of the pending federal cuts said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. KITV4.

The sale of $867 million in general obligation bonds by the state reflects strong investor confidence in Hawaii, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday. Civil Beat.
http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2012/12/04/17812-abercrombie-hawaii-heading-in-other-direction-of-fiscal-cliff/

With a growing number of legislators supporting his bid for speaker of the Hawaii House, Maui state Rep. Joe Souki has announced two leadership appointments. Maui News.

As many teachers statewide prepare for another protest on Thursday, the Board of Education is taking a closer look at their contract and what it says about teacher obligation. KHON2.

Teachers are permitted to participate in popular “work to rule” protests but still must fulfill their professional duties, even those that fall outside of contracted hours, the state told a Board of Education committee Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the state Board of Education on Tuesday questioned the cost and benefit of following a consultant’s recommendations and overhauling Hawaii’s student transportation program. Associated Press.

After a lengthy presentation Tuesday on what is needed to correct Hawaii’s beleaguered student transportation system, Board of Education members urged the state to move quickly to cut school bus costs to avoid further reductions in service. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Board of Education members say they expected more from a much anticipated report on how the state should fix its nearly $75 million student transportation program. Civil Beat.

"Marcy, it’s the Governor calling." That was the start of a 4-minute voicemail that Gov. Neil Abercrombie left University of Hawaii President MRC Greenwood on August 16 just after the University announced it had likely been tricked into sending $200,000 to a fake promoter to schedule what they thought was a Stevie Wonder concert. Hawaii Reporter.

In response to findings by a state Senate investigatory committee, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents and President M.R.C. Greenwood said Tuesday that oversight, transparency and accountability at UH will be addressed. Star-Advertiser.

Most Hawaii residents haven’t heard of the Jones Act, but one Hawaii lawyer and several business owners say the 1920 federal shipping law has a major negative impact on virtually every resident and business in the state, and they are challenging the law in U.S. District Court. Hawaii Reporter.

Akaka Retiring: Ambassador Of Aloha Bridged Party Lines. Civil Beat.

State roundup for December 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

A “Gift of Hope Charity Concert” featuring Moanalua High School’s acclaimed orchestra and New Hope Oahu’s singers scheduled for Friday night at the school was canceled after complaints that it crossed the line between church and state. Star-Advertiser.

State senators pressed the developers of a North Shore wind farm on Tuesday about the safety of their technology in light of a major fire that destroyed their battery storage facility and sent toxic fumes into the air. Civil Beat.

The State Senate Committee on Energy and Environment conducted an informational briefing today on the safety of wind-energy storage systems like the one that burned on Oahu’s North Shore four months ago. Hawaii Public Radio.

The former manager of a Waimanalo dog breeding facility that had all of its animals seized because of squalid conditions pleaded no contest in state court Tuesday to 153 counts of animal cruelty. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department of Transportation is about to start a project that it hopes will help ease pau hana traffic on the freeway through the Red Hill area. KHON2.

State officials are investigating whether the stern of a boat that washed up on Windward Oahu may be 2011 Japan tsunami debris. Star-Advertiser.

Alexander & Baldwin said Tuesday that the entity developing the Waihonua condominium high-rise in Honolulu has secured a $120 million construction loan from three of Hawaii’s largest banks and Wells Fargo Bank. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Big changes coming to Hawaii County’s green waste program could mean higher costs for those using commercial landscapers and a more hands-on approach for residents getting free mulch from the Kealakehe transfer station. West Hawaii Today.

An unexpected fireworks display in Hilo Bay Monday night was the kicker to a post-inauguration shindig for Mayor Billy Kenoi at the Wainaku Executive Center. Tribune-Herald.

Planners of a public shooting range at Puuanahulu still don’t have an estimated cost for the site, but they do have a preliminary site plan and an idea of which amenities would come first. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time in nearly a year, lava is entering the ocean from Kilauea volcano. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is still unsure when a large container can be removed from a Ka‘u shoreline. Tribune-Herald.

The National Park Service on the Big Island says its rangers and visitors have witnessed an incredible gathering of sharks in Pelekane Bay on the South Kohala Coast. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The Hawaii Supreme Court will convene on Maui for what is believed to be the first time since the mid-1800s to hear oral arguments Thursday morning in the Baldwin High School Auditorium. Maui News.

The highest bid at a foreclosure auction Monday for dozens of luxury condominiums and hundreds of time-share interests at the financially troubled Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay came through at $55 million. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council launched its “Kaua‘i County Council” social media page on Facebook this week. Garden Island.

Almost two dozen teachers from Kapa‘a Middle School joined the state’s growing crowd of frustrated teachers Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie recently announced the release of more than $44 million for various capital improvement projects statewide, including $328,000 for Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. Garden Island.

U.S. Army strengthens China ties in Hawaii, state Ethics Commission fines California film company for gifts, new county councils, prosecutors for Hawaii, Kauai, Dems mull new blood, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Maj. Gen. Stephen Lyons and Maj. Tang Fen of China's People's Liberation Army, courtesy photo

The leader of a U.S. Army delegation to a disaster-relief exercise in China last week said Monday the drills are a stepping stone to building relationships between the two militaries. Associated Press.

The Army said it advanced disaster management cooperation with the People's Liberation Army on a trip to China by about 20 Hawaii-based soldiers, and the hope is the annual exchanges will expand in scope and size. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Taiwan flights won’t be gateway to mainland China. Pacific Business News.

Democratic Party of Hawaii insiders are quietly beginning to talk seriously about the possibility that the state's top two elected officials may not seek re-election. By most indications, Gov. Neil Abercrombie will run for re-election in 2014 and U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye will run for re-election in 2016. Civil Beat.

Sen. Daniel Akaka, who is three-fourths Native Hawaiian and one-fourth Chinese, introduced the first incarnation of his namesake legislation more than a decade ago. Unless something dramatic happens in coming weeks, he'll leave Congress without passing it — or even getting a straight up-or-down vote on it. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission closed the book Monday on violations of the state lobbyist law by Relativity Media, a California-based film company. The company got in ethical hot water in 2011 after failing to disclose gifts of movie DVDs to Hawaii lawmakers. Civil Beat.

Debris from the March 11, 2011, Japan tsunami is reaching a different stage in its drift across the Pacific, with heavier and larger objects contributing to coastal garbage patches in Hawaii, University of Hawaii researchers said. Star-Advertiser.

A recent series of field tests of the state's siren network, designed to bolster the trustworthiness of the emergency warning system, is now complete, kicking off Hawaii State Civil Defense's estimated $20 million refitting of the siren system. Star-Advertiser.

Last week, Gov. Neil Abercrombie launched the “Buy Hawai‘i, Give Aloha!” campaign urging consumers to buy locally made products during the holiday season. At the same time, shipping containers were already en route to the islands from the Pacific Northwest filled with Christmas trees. Garden Island.

Michael Gold took the helm as chief executive officer of the state's largest health insurer, Hawaii Medical Service Association, on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for December 4. Associated Press.

Oahu

The first annual audit of the books for the city of Honolulu's $5.27 billion rail project turned up some flaws in the rail project's accounting practices, and the board for the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation wants to know more about city plans to prevent those problems in the future. Star-Advertiser.

An injunction on rail could increase the cost of the project by $149 million. KHON2.

Laid out in hundreds of pages of court documents is the case over one of the last hurdles before the rail project gets the unobstructed green light or gets bumped back to square one. KITV4.

An ongoing discrimination lawsuit against the Honolulu Police Department could cost taxpayers upwards of $300,000 for the city to contract with outside attorneys.Civil Beat.

The largest solar photovoltaic utility project on O’ahu was dedicated yesterday in Pearl City. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii leaders and several Board of Regents members faced some tough questions at a "talk story" session in Manoa on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Sitting at a dais draped with fragrant lei, a new Hawaii County Council took office Monday afternoon, and immediately fell into disagreement about who should be in charge. West Hawaii Today.

Deacon Larry Ignacio blesses Hawaii County Council (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Mayor Billy Kenoi started his second term, members of the new County Council took their oaths of office, and Mitch Roth became the county prosecuting attorney Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County residents have a little more than a month before a ban on plastic bags at the store, farmers markets and restaurants begins taking effect. West Hawaii Today.

Overnight stays in a hospital are almost never a reason to celebrate, but patients say that Hilo Medical Center is succeeding in its ongoing mission to improve the experience for them. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Community Hospital is surveying community members on what they would like to see included in a new hospital. West Hawaii Today.

An unusual sight on the Big Island, Rainbow Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world has dried up. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Kahului Airport and Maui Memorial Medical Center will get the largest chunks of state money for Maui County from Gov. Neil Abercrombie's release last week of more than $44 million for various capital improvement projects state-wide, according to an announcement from the Governor's Office. Maui News.

The state is holding a public meeting to inform the community about a comprehensive watershed study being conducted for the West Maui “Ridge to Reef Initiative.” Maui Now.

Bids for the demolition of the 51-year-old former Wailuku Post Office/Federal Building across the street from the Kalana O Maui building are being accepted. Maui News.

The Coast Guard this afternoon suspended the search for a small plane, piloted by Maui pastry chef Jose Krall, that disappeared from radar on a flight from Maui to Molokai on Saturday evening. Maui News.

Officials at Haleakalā National Park are asking for the public’s help in protecting the endangered Hawaiian goose or nēnē as they prepare for the upcoming nesting season. Maui Now.

Kauai

It’s official: the Kaua‘i County Council has a new formation. The seven council members for the next two years were sworn in by Judge Randal Valenciano at an inauguration ceremony at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall Monday. Garden Island.

Justin Kollar was sworn in as the County of Kaua‘i prosecuting attorney Monday afternoon at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

Hawaii coral mulled for endangered species list, sex offender list scrutinized, Hawaiian Airlines adds Taiwan flight, unexploded weapons found in underwater cable project, Molokai school most improved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii yellow tang and coral (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to place three species of coral found in Hawaii under the protection of the federal Endangered Species Act. Star-Advertiser.

Akaka Retiring: Plenty Aloha, But What About Accomplishments? Civil Beat.

It took Hawaiian Airlines jst two months to capitalize on Taiwan being added to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. The state’s largest and oldest carrier said this morning it plans to launch three-days-a-week service between the capital city of Taipei and Honolulu next summer. Star-Advertiser.

When the state Legislature created Hawaii's sex offender registry in 1997, proponents argued that the new law would improve public safety and inform residents about offenders living in their neighborhoods. Star-Advertiser.

Regardless of what the experts say, Kristalyn Stephenson, 18, believes that Hawaii's sex offender registry is effective and serves a vital function. Star-Advertiser.

Retailers seem to be feeling more optimistic about their futures in Hawaii by adding 4,300 jobs this past year. Pacific Business News.

It wasn't the lowest bid. And the company's not local. But Hawaii Department of Education officials determined Management Partnership Services was the best consultant to study the state's broken student transportation program. Civil Beat.

Since Monday is the first work day of the month testing will also be done the emergency sirens across the state. KHON2.

State roundup for December 3. Associated Press.

Oahu
Thousands of unexploded chemical weapons are sitting on the ocean floor about five miles off of Oahu’s famed southern beaches. Civil Beat.

The vog that rolled in this morning is expected to linger all the way into next weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is objecting to a bill passed last legislative session that it says removes its permitting authority over new geothermal projects. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is holding a series of public meetings on the Big Island to give the public an opportunity to comment on the “Integrated Resource Planning” process. Big Island Now.

Almost three years after Hawaii County finished a study outlining potential treatment options, many homes in Kapoho Beach Lots and Kapoho Vacationland Estates remain on cesspools despite being adjacent to the Wai Opae tide pools and Champagne Pond. Tribune-Herald.

On Dec. 31, Gerald De Mello will retire after serving for 21 years as the Univeristy of Hawaii-Hilo University Relations director. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bids for the demolition of the 51-year-old former Wailuku Post Office/Federal Building across the street from the Kalana O Maui building are being accepted. Maui News.

Air traffic controllers lost radar and radio contact with a Cessna 172 that departed Kahului Airport for Molokai on Saturday night, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor. Maui News.

The small plane that disappeared off of Maui's north coast Saturday night belonged to Jose Krall, the pastry chef and owner of Maui Bake Shop & Deli in Wailuku, his wife, Claire Fujii-Krall said Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitors to the Garden Isle during October spent 18.5 percent more this year from the same period in 2011. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Middle School was recently recognized by the Department of Education as the most improved school in the state.  Molokai Dispatch.

Molokai teachers are joining public school educators around the state to raise awareness of their efforts of negotiating a fair contract with the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lanai

A Hawaii company that struggled to start a fish farm raising opakapaka in ocean cages submerged off Lanai gave up the effort last month, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii tourism hot, Honolulu addresses solar PV permit backlog, middle class tax cut could cost Hawaii $1B, phone scammer calls Kauai police chief, state funds for Hilo hospital, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polynesian Cultural Center (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Increased tourism is the gift that keeps on giving for Hawaii's visitor industry, which moved past the traditional October shoulder season with nary a slowdown in sight and is heading toward a strong year-end finish and start next year. Star-Advertiser.

Japan overtook the East Coast of the United States in October to become Hawaii’s second largest visitor market, after the West Coast market, according to statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii is on track to welcome a record number of visitors to the islands this year, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Thursday. Associated Press.

Allowing tax cuts on middle class families to expire could result in almost a billion-dollar reduction in consumer spending in Hawaii in 2013. Civil Beat.

Hundreds of teachers from 51 public schools statewide participated in grass-roots “work to rule” protests Thursday to call for a resolution to a labor dispute entering its 17th month. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii strives to cut its dependence on imported oil, researchers at the University of Hawaii say that state policymakers are missing a major part of the equation when it comes to energy efficiency goals. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's energy costs could drop by as much as $2 billion a year if natural gas not oil was used to generate electricity, according to the head of Hawaii's gas company. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has the second-least competitive commercial health insurance market in the country, according to an American Medical Association study released this week. West Hawaii Today.

Local attorney and former state lawmaker John Carroll is taking another whack at the Jones Act, the federal law that supports America’s commercial shipping fleet but is also criticized as inflating Hawaii’s cost of living. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents will follow at least one recommendation from a Senate Special Accountability Committee that looked into the fundraising concert debacle at UH-Manoa.Star-Advertiser.

State Auditor Marion Higa will retire midway through her current eight-year term on Dec. 31, after 21 years. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for November 30. Associated Press.

Oahu

A bill allowing third-party electrical engineers to make final inspections of newly installed photovoltaic systems on Oahu got a key approval from the City Council Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday despite objections raised by city inspectors. Star-Advertiser.

Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems to generate electricity on O’ahu has more than doubled each year since 2009 … fueled in large part by federal, state and public utility incentives.   But this has caused the workload for electrical inspectors to quadruple…and the Honolulu City Council is seeking temporary relief. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gun registrations on Oahu are headed toward record numbers, resulting in long lines at for buyers seeking permits for their firearms. Hawaii News Now.

In a firm show of support for rail, a Honolulu City Council committee voted 8-1 Thursday to authorize Mayor Peter Carlisle's administration to sign an agreement to accept $1.55 billion in federal funding to help finance the city's planned train project. Star-Advertiser.

Starting Saturday, the State Health Department will allow Honolulu police officers to take people an HPD psychologist believes may be suffering from mental illness to four Oahu hospitals that do not have in-patient psychiatric wards. Hawaii News Now.

Kailua residents are gearing up for the arrival of President Barack Obama and the First Family. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hilo Medical Center can begin a series of much-needed repairs and renovations to the East Hawaii hospital after Gov. Neil Abercrombie released on Thursday $3.7 million in taxpayer funds for the projects. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Army maintains that it does not need a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to possess depleted uranium at its training ranges in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Kealakehe Elementary School special education teacher Julie Vernon held a sign protesting the continuing lack of contract between the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state Thursday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The founder of an organization opposing the Public Land Development Corp. and an official with the Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter will be discussing the controversial PLDC at a meeting of Upcountry Sustainability at 7 p.m. Monday. Maui News.

Some of the new shops set to open in The Outlets of Maui in Lahaina include high-end retailers Coach, Brooks Brothers and Calvin Klein. Maui News.

Kauai

A telephone scammer dialed up a wrong number earlier this month, reaching Kauai's police chief — who recorded the conversation and shared it with the public to raise awareness about how con artists operate. Star-Advertiser.

The Kaua‘i Police Department posted an online recording of a con artist who unknowingly attempted to scam Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry, according to county officials. Garden Island.

Kana‘iolowalu is coming to Kaua‘i in an effort to reunify Native Hawaiians. The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission is hosting an informational workshop from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and a commission meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday at the Kaua‘i Veteran’s Center in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Molokai

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono today joined three fellow representatives in introducing a House resolution honoring Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai. Maui Now.

Counties face loss of HI-5 grants, Hawaii state auditor Higa retiring, shipping fees jump, UH biosafety lab scrutinized, charter school employees must follow state ethics, Kauai coral study continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii recycling center (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Despite bringing in an extra $4.5 million annually from a hike in the beverage container fee, the state Department of Health has put the counties on notice that they won’t be getting money back for their HI-5 programs next year. West Hawaii Today.

After 21 years, Marion Higa will retire as state auditor at the end of December. Hawaii News Now.

On Jan. 1, the cost to ship goods to and from Hawaii on the state's largest ocean cargo transportation firm will rise. Matson Inc. announced Wednesday that rates will increase by $175 for each westbound container and $85 for each eastbound container. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tax Review Commission will recommend that Hawaii create its own version of the Simpson-Bowles fiscal responsibility and reform commission to address a projected multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that is anticipated in the next decade. Civil Beat.

Public school teacher protests over contracts are mounting as the Department of Education nears another important milestone in school reform. KHON2.

The state of Hawai‘i continues to move steadily toward its goal of aligning with the federal Affordable Care Act of 2010 to provide cheaper and simpler health insurance choices to residents, after beating by two weeks the deadline to submit to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services a blueprint application for a state-based health insurance exchange. Garden Island.

It took four months, but a predicted surge in new Hawaii foreclosure cases emerged in October as more law firms and mortgage lenders adjusted to the latest overhaul of a state foreclosure law enacted in June. Star-Advertiser.

State briefs 11/29. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Councilmembers were provided a financial update on the 5.2 billion dollar rail transit project today.    As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … although the construction was suspended three months ago … millions are still being spent on the project due to contractor delay claims. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some members of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents are skeptical about whether the $2.2 million operating costs of a biosafety lab planned for Kalaeloa will benefit the state. Star-Advertiser.

A plot of land the University of Hawaii thought it was leasing for a dollar a year will now cost more than $200,000 a year. Hawaii News Now.

A key prosecution witness in the federal extortion case against former Honolulu police Maj. Carlton Nishimura will remain in custody after her arrest Friday at Honolulu Airport on a charge of possessing methamphetamine.Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved on Wednesday a $32 million sale of land next to UH-West Oahu to the Roman Catholic Church, which plans to build a church and a private school that one regent called "Maryknoll West." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
The outgoing members of the Hawaii County Council will sit together for one final time Monday morning in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Carbon LLC, which spent some $50 million to build a biomass plant to turn Hawaii-grown macadamia nut shells into granulated activated carbon, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Pacific Business News.

The state Ethics Commission ruled in Hilo this week that Hawaii charter school employees are subject to the same ethics rules as any other state employee. Tribune-Herald.

If there was ever any doubt about whether a charter school employee works for the state, that issue was put to rest this week. Civil Beat.

Big Island police and federal agents on Wednesday arrested eight people in connection with an alleged illegal gambling and sports betting operation in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The planned Olowalu Town development continues to be a hot-button issue as the Maui County Council works toward adopting the Maui Island Plan to guide future growth over the next two decades. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission accepted a final environmental assessment Tuesday for CMBY Investment's proposed 86-acre, $20 million heavy industrial subdivision in Puunene. Maui News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has signed off on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for a long-awaited high school in Kihei. Maui Now.

Starting Jan. 1, the Maui Bus will extend its Upcountry route from Pukalani to Rice Park. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s outgoing prosecuting attorney says she will move to reinstate criminal charges against county official Janine Rapozo. Hawaii Reporter.

A pair of scientists spent more than six hours in the waters off of ‘Anini Beach Wednesday as part of an ongoing coral disease study along Kauai‘i’s North Shore. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council landed a right hook against one of Hawai‘i’s most lethal and undetected killers, the hepatitis B virus. Garden Island.