Honolulu homeless funds cut, Navy brass wants more female sailors, El Nino could bring more hurricanes, UH investigates officer over bullying, racism complaints, Hawaii Community College-Palamanui on schedule, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless © 2015 All Hawaii News

A full-court press lobbying effort by Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his top lieutenants failed to persuade the City Council Budget Committee to restore $616,000 that the administration insists is critical to providing housing for the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of warnings, a couple of hundred citations, but only a few arrests. That's what the latest data shows when it comes to removing the homeless from city sidewalks under Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s program of compassionate disruption. KITV4.

After 11 terms on the Kauai County Council and five years in the Legislature, Ron Kouchi is hardly new to politics. And yet his ascension last week to the state Senate presidency caught many off guard. Civil Beat.

Concerns over implementation costs and oversight requirements stymied efforts to pass comprehensive anti-bullying legislation this session, but Hawaii lawmakers and advocates say they are optimistic they can resurrect the bill next year. Civil Beat.

The No. 2 officer in the Navy envisions a day when 25 percent of warship crew members are women. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michelle Howard knows that percentage on ships and across the Navy is a ways off, but efforts are underway to reach that goal, she said. Star-Advertiser.

Watch out, Hawaii. As sea surface temperatures heat up in the Pacific under the spell of El Nino, the islands could see a replay of the busy 2014 hurricane season. Star-Advertiser.

Today kicks off hurricane season for the Eastern Pacific, and even though we are in the Central Pacific, we need to keep an eye to the East for any development, especially with the rise of a strong El Nino year. Hawaii News Now.

The current Council on Revenues members’ terms end on June 30, but all were reappointed for another term starting July 1. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A record number of Oahu residents have cast their vote for the 2015 Neighborhood Board election, according to the Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office. With a day still left before the ballot closes, nearly 18,500 people have already voted in the all-online election, surpassing the previous record set during the last election in 2013 by nearly 20 percent. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii has launched an internal investigation of UH-Manoa's chief academic officer over faculty and staff complaints alleging bullying and racist and sexist behavior. Star-Advertiser.

The former chief attorney for the city is expected to join the University of Hawaii as general counsel. Star-Advertiser.

As chairman of the Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board, Dick Poirier supported a bill that would reinvest rental fees and other revenue collected at the 269-acre Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park — equipped with aquatics and sporting facilities — to help pay for much-needed improvements and maintenance. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A grass-roots drive to reduce pesticide applications along the roadways is getting encouragement from Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, who said she’s suggested people come to the County Council meeting on Monday to testify about taking the products out of the county budget. West Hawaii Today.

Because of the community’s insistence and persistence, Hawaii Community College-Palamanui will open on time, University of Hawaii administrators told a crowd in Kailua-Kona Thursday evening. West Hawaii Today.

It’s still not clear when the Kona Country Club’s ocean golf course will open. Renovations that began in the first quarter of 2013 could wrap up by the fall, but the completion date is still a moving target, the project’s superintendent John Hamilton said. West Hawaii Today.

VIDEO: Ethics Board Defers Action On Mayor Kenoi. Big Island Video News.

Maui

More than 10 years ago, a new stadium was envisioned for Lahainaluna High School on Maui. The project is finally just about at the end, but what’s holding it up from getting an opening day? KHON2.

A $123,640 project for ADA Improvements at Hoʻokipa Beach Park is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Monday. Maui Now.

A free community workshop on how to nominate historic properties for the state and national registers of historic places will be held Friday in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

The North Shore Shuttle will come to an abrupt halt at 9 tonight after the County Council approved a motion to eliminate funding for the service by a 4-2 vote Thursday. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

The state legislature failed to provide 2 million dollars for the restoration of Kaho’olawe this session.   But the William S. Richardson School of Law hosted a panel discussion recently on the island’s future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii out of compliance on Obamacare, ethics board delays Kenoi pCard case, sharks love Maui, monk seal feasts on scraps in video, two few marijuana dispensaries, Honolulu TV station sold, Kakaako affordable housing delayed, Molokai seeks money for ferry, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mayor Billy Kenoi, attorneys at Ethics Board, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media

The state attorney general said it was unusual — and unnecessary — for the three-member Hawaii County Board of Ethics appointed by Mayor Billy Kenoi to postpone hearing a complaint about Kenoi's $129,000 in county purchase-card spending until the AG's office finishes a separate criminal investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Board of Ethics, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics deferred a citizen’s petition filed against Mayor Billy Kenoi because of use of his county-issued credit card for personal expenses. The board voted 3-0 Wednesday to wait until the state Attorney General’s Office completes its investigation of the matter before proceeding with the complaint. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii's ethics board wants the attorney general to conclude an investigation into Mayor Billy Kenoi's questionable credit card expenses before proceeding with its own inquiry. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige acknowledged Wednesday that Hawaii is out of compliance with the federal Affordable Care Act and is at risk of losing $1 billion in Medicaid funds if Washington does not accept the state's plan to remedy the ailing Hawaii Health Connector. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii organization formed to spur the public acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., is causing the state’s largest utility to question the involvement of the groups, companies and organizations that were allowed to the intervene in NextEra Energy Inc.'s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition case before Hawaii regulators. Pacific Business News.

Some lawmakers had wanted 26 medical marijuana dispensaries to be licensed. Compromise whittled it down to 23 then 16. But the conservatism has some medical marijuana experts questioning the math. Hawaii News Now.

Opinion: Gov. David Ige and former Gov. Neil Abercrombie differ on something more important than style. They approach policymaking in diametrically opposed ways. Civil Beat.

The Agriculture Department has developed the first government certification and labeling for foods that are free of genetically modified ingredients. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Hawai’i Community Development Authority withheld a final decision on a project proposed by a major Kaka’ako developer to build affordable housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city plans to open the King Street bike track to cycling in both directions Friday, coinciding with national Bike to Work Day. Star-Advertiser.

A Shangri La museum official says the fence it erected a year ago to prevent young daredevils from diving into shallow water in front of Doris Duke’s Diamond Head mansion has failed to stop the risky behavior. So now the foundation that owns Shangri La is seeking permits to take down the massive lava rock breakwater that created the harbor basin near Cromwell’s Beach in 1937. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ABC-network affiliate KITV is being sold by New York-based Hearst Television to California-based SJL Broadcast Management. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama’s presidential library will be built on Chicago’s South Side, but his foundation plans to develop “joint programs” with the University of Hawaii and other “local partners,” Obama’s sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

The embattled principal at Honokaa High and Intermediate was removed from the school through the end of the year. Tribune-Herald.

State regulators are reminding the public that new rules will slap heavy fines on those who introduce new wildlife to the islands. Laws that went into effect Feb. 27 lay out fines up to $25,000 and seizure of equipment, aircraft, vehicles and vessels used in the violation. West Hawaii Today.

With video. He’s known as B-18 and for the past week this endangered Hawaiian monk seal has been spotted repeatedly swimming in and around boats at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. He’s feeding on fish scraps that have been thrown overboard. This has prompted the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to remind people that it is against the law to dispose of fish scraps in state waters. West Hawaii Today.

IRONMAN will forfeit nearly $2.8 million to the U.S. government for running an illegal lottery that gave competitors a chance to compete in the historic world championship triathlon on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sharks love Maui, but scientists aren’t ready to explain why. MauiTime.

Kauai

Good news for Kauai’s economy: more tourists are visiting the island, and they are spending more, too. Garden Island.

Molokai

Possible financial aid is in sight for the Molokai ferry, whose recent losses in ridership and funds have forced company president David Jung to consider a shutdown as early as June. Molokai Dispatch.

Undersea cable could improve Internet, Hawaiian Electric fails to get stockholder votes for NextEra deal, rail funding approved, UH could lower tuition, Honolulu settles with EPA on landfill, Maui mayor and council at odds over budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

undersea cable

Next year, the University of Hawaii will begin upgrading its high-speed Internet pipeline thanks to a $4.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The five-year grant will cover the costs associated with operating and upgrading the international research and education network, which includes a series of undersea cables. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii is getting a $4.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation so it can invest in an international submarine network. Associated Press.

It was not the result Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. hoped for Tuesday. The state's largest electric utility failed to get the necessary votes at its shareholders' meeting to approve its planned $4.3 billion sale to Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. So HEI extended the voting deadline to June 10 and commenced a monthlong campaign to get another 5.4 million shares to line up in favor of the proposed sale. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries recessed a special meeting of shareholders Tuesday morning after the votes in favor of the proposed merger with Florida-based NextEra Energy fell short of the number required  for approval. Company chairman Jeff Watanabe took the podium a half-hour after the meeting’s scheduled start and quickly got to the point. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is considering lowering tuition by 2 to 3 percentage points across the 10-campus system and forgoing as much as $16 million in additional revenue next year in an effort to keep tuition affordable. Star-Advertiser.

Compared with other U.S. states, Hawaii isn't very bicycle-friendly — and its ranking has only gotten worse in recent years, according to a new national report. The Aloha State came in 43rd out of 50 for the best states in which to get around by bicycle, the Washington, D.C.-based League of American Bicyclists found in its 2015 "Bicycle Friendly State Ranking," which was released this week. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority's board of directors on Tuesday announced that Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association head George Szigeti will be the state tourism marketing agency's next president and CEO. Pacific Business News.

Tourism officials say a growing timeshare industry will help Hawaii break the state’s visitor record this year. Hawaii Tourism Authority data shows timeshares were up 4.9 percent for the first three months of the year. Associated Press.
Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell praised a settlement with the federal Environmental Protection Agency that requires the city to pay an $875,000 fine and build a $16.1 million solar-energy project at the HPOWER plant in Campbell Industrial Park to settle air violations at the now-shuttered Kapaa Landfill in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu has agreed to install a $16.1 million solar power system and pay an $875,000 penalty to resolve air violations at its closed Kapaa Landfill in Kailua, according to the terms of a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat obtained a copy of the city’s checkbook for rail expenditures through a public records request. It shows that from July 5, 2007, to March 13, 2015, more than 4,800 checks totaling $1.389 billion had been cut by the city to pay rail bills. But knowing how many checks were cut and to whom they were issued doesn’t tell the whole story. The checkbook doesn’t provide the necessary detail to thoroughly scrutinize how taxpayer dollars have been spent on the largest public works project in the state’s history.

In a dispute with the agency in charge of the city's $6 billion rail project, the Blood Bank of Hawaii is telling city officials that it should be paid $3 million to relocate its Kalihi primary donor center. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee approved next year’s funding for the rail transit project today.  It includes a 3-million dollar pay-out. Hawaii Public Radio.

The chair of the University of Hawaii Manoa Faculty Senate has resigned his leadership position after he came under fire by fellow Senate members for a Hawaii News Now interview in which he defended a top UH administrator accused of bullying faculty and staff. Hawaii News Now.

Approximately 500 people are now living along the sidewalks in Kaka'ako and officials say the vast majority are migrants from Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. Hawaii News Now.

Now that Chicago has been named the future site for Barack Obama’s presidential library, what will happen to nearly eight acres of land in Kakaako? KHON2.

Three Oahu elementary schools are in the hunt for a national Blue Ribbon award. The state Department of Education announced Tuesday that Hahaione, Kaelepulu and Palisades elementary schools are Hawaii’s 2015 Blue Ribbon Schools nominees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

When Margaret Masunaga was sworn in last year as a district court judge in Kona, she received a number of gifts from well-wishers, ranging from lei to a designer handbag. Like the other nine Big Island judges, Masunaga claimed no gifts on her annual financial disclosure filed last month. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The $300 million Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on the summit of Haleakala is halfway completed. It could become Hawaii's third largest telescope, unless the state's high court decides to halt construction. Hawaii News Now.

Opinion: Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa calls Councilmembers White, Hokama ‘snollygosters’ MauiTime.

Kauai

The red dust blew onto Susan Arquette’s property Monday like it had so many times before, ever since DuPont Pioneer began operating test fields 17 years ago on the bluff overlooking her neighborhood. But this time the dust came down with a fresh twinge of irony. Garden Island.

As part of an ongoing community outreach effort, Kauai Police Chief Darryl D. Perry and the Kauai Police Department will host a series of community outreach meetings. Garden Island.

Honolulu may get tiny piece of Obama presidential library, state tax returns delayed, Kauai council trims open space fund, Maui mulls public electric utility, Hawaii geothermal minerals valuable, Oahu chases homeless, police honor their fallen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii early plans to locate Obama presidential library, courtesy photo

President Barack Obama has decided to build his presidential library on the South Side of Chicago, where his political career began. However, the foundation said it plans to collaborate with each of the other three finalists, including the University of Hawaii. Associated Press.

With Chicago on the verge Tuesday of being named the future home of Barack Obama's presidential library, University of Hawaii officials still couldn't say on the eve of the expected announcement that Hono­lulu would win some component of the project. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama's presidential library will be located on the South Side of Chicago, not in Kaka'ako, the president confirmed in an online video released early Tuesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

It’s official: Obama library will be in Chicago, presence in Honolulu. KHON2.

State tax returns could be delayed 16 weeks. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Health Connector has prepared a contingency plan to shut down operations by Sept. 30 after lawmakers failed to pass legislation to keep the state's troubled Obama­care insurance exchange afloat. Star-Advertiser.

The state Office of Planning is accepting comments on its draft analysis of Hawaii’s land use system, which points out “system-wide weaknesses” in how Hawaii manages growth and development. The deadline for submitting comments is May 31. Civil Beat.

Always Investigating found the state’s out-of-date paper system can delay payday for thousands of public workers. Even if you’re not a state worker it can affect you, because all of that manual processing has cost taxpayers millions in overpayments that are very hard to get back. KHON2.

Oahu

How Can ‘Housing First’ Work When the Housing Isn’t There? If Oahu is ever to solve its stubborn homelessness problem, a big influx of affordable housing units will be required. Meeting the challenge is difficult and costly, but the state might save money in the long run. Civil Beat.

An effort to build more housing for Hawaii's struggling families gets a big “no thanks” from the neighbors. The state is hoping to partner with a developer to turn some office space into new units in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

One of Oahu's most notorious homeless hangouts is about to be cleaned up yet again. So why are people saying it's just a waste of time? KITV4.

Profit keeps flowing as more cement gets poured and construction cranes raise the "ultra luxury" Waiea condominium tower in Kakaako where units have sold for an average price of $3.7 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Pacific University is a little more than three months away from moving its first group of students into the newly-renovated Aloha Tower Marketplace in Downtown Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

As she does every year, Kay Lindemann Allen attended the Honolulu Police Department's Remembrance walk and memorial ceremony Monday evening to honor the memory of her father and to show solidarity with the family members of other officers who have died in the line of duty. Star-Advertiser.

A double change of command for two of the Pacific's highest-ranking military members will show off some four-star power May 27 at Pearl Harbor now that the Pentagon's top military job is sorted out. Star-Advertiser.

The State Legislature did not provide additional funding this session for the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center which is operating with an annual 13-million dollar deficit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council witnessed a presentation last Tuesday that is likely to spark a state-wide discussion on the use of Hawaii’s geothermal mineral resources. Big Island Video News.

In response to increased seismic activity along the East Rift Zone, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed backcountry trails and campgrounds below Kilauea’s summit for overnight use. Tribune-Herald.

For some, getting up close and personal with a swollen, boiling lake of lava might sound terrifying, even nightmarish. For 37-year-old Matt Patrick, it’s a dream come true. Tribune-Herald.

Fifth-graders from Na Wai Ola Public Charter School in Mountain View were among those who joined the Hawaii Police Department in celebrating Police Week on Monday at the Hilo police station. Tribune-Herald.

Former Hawaii County Prosecutor Jon Ono died April 30. He was 68. Tribune-Herald.

The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems is facing the possibility of shutting down next year after lawmakers approved $8.5 million for a new headquarters and test facility but not the $1.4 million the Hilo-based aerospace agency requested to fund its operations. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi is scheduled to appear before the Board of Ethics Wednesday to respond to a citizen's complaint relating to his use of a county-issue credit card, called a PCard. KITV4.

The uncut version of Kenoi's interview with Honolulu media in early April.

Maui

As Hawaiian Electric Industries and Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. continue to hammer out the details of their $4.3 billion merger deal signed in December, Mayor Alan Arakawa suggests Maui County consider all options, including a publicly owned electric utility. Maui News.

The Kapalua Resort Association says extending its West Maui coastal trail will be a boon not only for resort guests but also for the public. Maui News.

The proposed protection and restoration of habitat for native species at Nuʻu on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā will be discussed at two upcoming public scoping meetings. Maui Now.

Victory Development, which currently is constructing condominium and commercial spaces in Kihei, is proposing to build a 39 unit, three- and four-story hotel-condominium project in a busy area of the South Maui town mauka of Kamaole Beach Park II. Maui News.

Opinion: State to spend even more money on Kahului Airport restrooms. MauiTime.

Kauai

The County Council, by a 4-3 vote, reduced the amount of money it will contribute to a fund set up specifically to purchase land for public use. Garden Island.

Two community groups opposing the proposed south side dairy are petitioning state officials to post signs at Waiopili Stream cautioning the public about health risks associated with exposure to what they say are highly polluted waters. Garden Island.

A federal court jury has awarded more than $500,000 to 15 Kauai residents who say they can’t enjoy their homes because of red dust from test fields operated by DuPont Pioneer. Associated Press.

School suspensions, sex ed and teachers union election top education news, selling donated blood, Maui telescope foes at Supreme Court, looking back at the legislative session, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo schoolchildren at play © 2015 All Hawaii News

The state Board of Education is considering a new school discipline policy that promotes keeping delinquent students in school and moves the system away from a long-standing zero-tolerance stance that relies on out-of-school suspensions as a common form of punishment. Star-Advertiser.

The announcement of who will take the helm of the powerful Hawaii State Teachers Association is being delayed for two weeks while the union holds a runoff for the slot of vice president. Teachers cast their votes last month for president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the HSTA in an election that pits current union leadership against teachers known for making waves. Civil Beat.

Parents will have to opt their children out of sex education classes in public schools if they do not want them to attend, according to proposed changes to Board of Education policy. Tribune-Herald.

The gift of life is no longer a gift once it leaves the arms of donors, and less advertised is the fact that the Blood Bank of Hawaii — like other nonprofit centers around the country — sells that blood to hospitals for not insignificant sums. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige mostly lived up to his campaign promise to work collaboratively with the Legislature during the 2015 session, but his young administration’s communication with lawmakers frustrated some of the key players. Senate and House leaders said they did not mind their former colleague’s hands-on approach. But he didn’t always have the golden touch. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature has wrapped up its work for 2015, ending a session that drew attention for talk of medical marijuana dispensaries, rail tax extensions and Maui hospitals. There were hundreds of bills that were heard in committees that had lower profiles. The bills that were passed by lawmakers now await a decision from Gov. David Ige. Associated Press.

Opinion: Legislature Needs More Time To Deal With Increasingly Packed Agendas. Hawaii lawmakers pushed through a number of needed issues over 60 session days, but many other growing challenges simply weren't addressed. Civil Beat.

Like a jock beefing up for a big game, some corals could do far better at withstanding the heavy blows of climate change when pumped with supplements, according to a new University of Miami study. Associated Press.

With construction cranes popping up all over, you might think the entire construction industry is booming. But that’s not entirely the case. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

With growing national scrutiny of police use of force, some Honolulu Police Department officers are not waiting for the department to adopt body cameras and have begun using their own video-recording devices. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

If the protests prompt Hawaii to pull its support for the state-of-the-art observatory after it was approved, what is the future of astronomy on Hawaii Island? Or, for that matter, will there be a future for the science here at all? Tribune-Herald.

When it meets Wednesday to consider a citizen’s petition against Mayor Billy Kenoi, the Hawaii County Board of Ethics also plans to discuss whether Kenoi should have been filing gift disclosures over the past six years. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii received long-awaited and big-ticket items this legislative session, but the island as a whole lost some political sway in the Senate shakeup that followed in the wake. West Hawaii Today.

The Hilo-based Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, or PISCES, faces closure in early 2016 after the Hawaii State Legislature failed to appropriate the general funds needed to keep the operation running. Big Island Video News.

Long-time users of the area say the wall of rock — now barely above the ocean’s surface makai of Kawaihae  Harbor — once stood tall enough to break the force of pounding winter surf. In more recent years, the barrier has been ineffective, and storms have swept into the harbor, sanding in the boat ramp, filling the parking lot and street with rubble and damaging infrastructure. That could begin to change with $400,000 in planning money that was placed in the state’s biennial budget. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council will hold public hearings on fuel tax, motor vehicle weight tax and property tax rates on Friday in the Council Chambers on the eighth floor of the Kalana O Maui building in Wailuku. Maui News.

On the same day 31 protesters were arrested trying to stop construction of the giant Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, lawyers appeared at the Hawaii Supreme Court attempting to block another major mountaintop astronomy project. The $300 million Daniel K. Ino­uye Solar Telescope, in the works on Maui for over a decade, is under construction in the Science City area of the summit of Hale­akala. When it is completed in 2019, the largest solar telescope in the world will give astronomers the best view of the sun they've ever had. Star-Advertiser.

Staffers working for Sen. Daniel Inouye have been helping state and university officials make sure that a $300 million solar telescope on Maui gets built, according to internal government emails. But a Native Hawaiian group that is challenging the project in state hearings and in court say emails released under court order in a public records lawsuit show Inouye’s staff and high-level state officials wrongly brought political pressure to bear on a state hearing officer who was considering whether a permit should be issued for the telescope. Civil Beat.

Kauai

The mayor has submitted his proposed budget supplemental for the 2016 fiscal year to the County Council. In it, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. asks for $182.2 million, which is a slight increase over the $181.7 million he originally requested in March. Garden Island.

Hawaii Center for Food Safety is set to release “Pesticides in Paradise: Hawaii’s Health and Environment at Risk,” a report that the center says establishes the relationship between pesticide use, genetically engineered field test sites and public health risks in Hawaii. Garden Island.

The owners of the Hotel Coral Reef on Kauai plan to add a third floor and six more rooms to the existing two-story, 16-unit hotel in Kapaa. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

Native Hawaiians, relatives and supporters of Hansen's disease patients and even one-time visitors to Kalaupapa are expressing discontent with the National Park Service's proposed plans for the future of Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai. Maui News.

The land where the Kalaupapa Memorial will be located was blessed and ground was broken during the annual meeting of Ka `Ohana O Kalaupapa, April 24 and 25. Molokai Dispatch.

Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, medical marijuana dispensaries bill passed, Honolulu police chief investigated on ethics, Thirty Meter Telescope protestors in court, feds to create first-ever Native Hawaiian land trust rules, hospitals court Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House sine die 2015, courtesy Wayne Yoshioka, Hawaii Public Radio

The State Legislature adjourned today, the last day of the 2015 session. But first, both chambers voted on the medical marijuana dispensary bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

In its last major act of this year's session, the Legislature has sent Gov. David Ige a bill that would give thousands of medical marijuana patients access to dispensaries in Hawaii. The Senate voted unanimously and the House voted 36-13 to pass House Bill 321, which allows for 16 medical pot dispensaries across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the Hawaii Legislature approved a bill Thursday that would establish a system of medical marijuana dispensaries statewide by next summer. Hawaii legalized medical marijuana 15 years ago, but has never provided a way to buy it legally. Patients must grow their own or have a caretaker grow it for them. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature has approved a plan to create a system of medical marijuana dispensaries 15 years after the drug was legalized in the state. The House and Senate passed the bill Thursday sending it to Gov. David Ige. Associated Press.

With the long-awaited approval of medical marijuana dispensaries, the 2015 Hawaii Legislature wrapped up its work Thursday. Here's a visual recap of a session that supplied plenty of drama. Civil Beat.

On the last day of the 2015 regular session, the House passed on final reading HB321 CD1, which creates a statewide distribution system for medical marijuana and establishes the parameters for individuals and entities to apply to set up the dispensaries. KITV4.

Hawaii is on the verge of allowing medical marijuana to be bought and sold legally. It’s been 15 years since the state legalized marijuana for medical use, but patients were only allowed to grow it. KHON2.

A seed crop industry that uses an inordinate amount of pesticides on its genetically engineered field test sites is putting Hawaii's environment and people at risk, concludes a new report that drew swift rebuke. Star-Advertiser.

After nearly a century, the U.S. government for the first time is proposing administrative rules to clarify its oversight of the federally created land trust designed to benefit thousands of Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

The state auditor had found years ago that there was too much of a hands-off approach to pCards and the system has not changed since. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige has agreed to stop the practice of bringing wild animals for circus acts or other purely entertainment reasons. Whether such a ban would also include creatures that are imported and perform at Sea Life Park, the Hono­lulu Aquarium or other venues remains to be seen. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Ethics Commission is investigating Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to determine if he abused his power in a police investigation of his wife's uncle who was later charged with stealing a mailbox from the Kealoha home, sources told Hawaii News Now.

In their quest to revitalize Haleiwa town's retail area, Kamehameha School officials say they worked to ensure that the North Shore town on the island of Oahu doesn't lose its rural, country character. Pacific Business News.

A Honolulu police officer faces federal charges after he was caught on surveillance video assaulting two people in a Chinatown game room last September. Civil Beat.

Hawaii
It was round two in court Thursday for Thirty Meter Telescope protesters arrested April 2 on Mauna Kea. But unlike the earlier court proceedings last month in Hilo, numerous defendants came out swinging. Tribune-Herald.

Some opponents describe fighting the telescope as an "awakening," an issue Native Hawaiians can band together against. But their reasons vary, from preventing Mauna Kea's desecration to preserving culture to curbing development. For some, however, the telescope represents an opportunity to get Native Hawaiian children interested in science, technology, engineering and math — areas in which they have lagged behind. Associated Press.

A new cooperative venture, Hawaii Island Meat, or HIM, soon will be bringing the slaughter to the livestock, and not the other way around. A mobile unit capable of processing pigs, sheep, goats and cattle will begin operations servicing small livestock businesses in early 2016. Tribune-Herald.

A potentially strong El Nino developing in the Pacific didn’t keep portions of South Kona from having the wettest April in a decade. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Even before Gov. David Ige takes action on enabling legislation to privatize public hospitals in the Maui Region, Maui Memorial Medical Center is beginning to look like the popular kid at the prom, with suitors eagerly lining up to dance. Maui News.

While a bill to allow a public-private partnership at Maui Memorial Medical Center may have been the highlight for Maui County this legislative session, Maui lawmakers said the Legislature also passed laws dealing with practical and long-standing issues, such as assisting homeowners of old properties with cesspool conversion to more environmentally friendly septic systems, protecting consumers and aiding victims of domestic abuse. Maui News.

Two Maui state senators say that the ousting of Senate President Donna Mercado Kim of Oahu in favor of Ronald Kouchi of Kauai actually will be an asset for Maui County. Maui News.

The state Department of Education said Thursday it plans to begin site improvements for the long-awaited Kihei high school in September, but residents who have waited more than a decade for the school are "cautiously optimistic." Maui News.

Kauai

A heated exchange between an opponent of the humpback whale sanctuary expansion plan and a federal regulator who’s championing it illustrates just how raucous the public hearings on Kauai were this week. Garden Island.

Molokai

Nearly 150 years after the first of 8,000 Hansen's Disease patients were exiled to Kalaupapa, only 16 are left. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sets stage for movie theaters for disabled, prostitutes charged for sex assault, Honolulu cop to be fired for fondling breasts at traffic stop, huge Hoopili development approved, county ethics board may struggle to hear Kenoi case, Maui spending scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige, supporters, at movie bill signing, courtesy photo

Most movie theaters in Hawaii will be required to provide open captioning for hearing-impaired people in at least two movie showings per week per movie under a bill signed into law by Gov. David Ige on Wednesday. The new law is the first of its kind in the nation, and also requires companies that operate theaters in two or more locations in Hawaii to provide an "audio description" of any motion picture for the blind if that feature is offered by distributors. Star-Advertiser.

While the measure might not affect Kauai theaters in the immediate future, it was a topic close to  Rep. James Tokioka’s heart. Garden Island.

A panel of state lawmakers spent the better part of a day last March listening to Hawaii nonprofits and others take advantage of the three minutes they were each allotted to make their case for government grant money. Silence ensued for the next six weeks and then a list of winners — a sliver of those who had applied — was announced without explanation as to why some charities were selected over others. Civil Beat.

If there were any lingering doubts, Gov. David Ige dropped hints Wednesday he is likely to sign bills allowing for the privatization of state-owned medical facilities in Maui County and providing state funds to acquire land at Turtle Bay to protect it from development. Star-Advertiser.

Newly anointed state Senate President Ron Kouchi announced a new lineup of committee chairs Wednesday, clearly rewarding those who supported ousting Donna Mercado Kim on Tuesday while putting others out to pasture. Civil Beat.

The state Senate announced a new organization Wednesday under Senate President Ron Kouchi that shuffled the leadership of some committees, but left the most powerful committee posts in the hands of the same three senators. Star-Advertiser.

On his first full day as the first Kauai resident to lead the state Senate, Ron Kouchi vowed to put the people and interests of The Garden Island at the forefront of every legislative decision.

Hawaii lawmakers have put the state at the front of a national discussion over the future of ethanol in gasoline by passing a bill that puts an end to a requirement that the corn-based additive be mixed into fuel sold in the state. The move comes as Congress faces pressure to review a federal mandate that calls for ethanol and other renewables in the nation’s fuel supply. Associated Press.

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have put a price tag on at least one health-related complication from volcanic emissions, in one of the first studies to examine the economic impacts of a pollution source that is not man-made. Civil Beat.

Since its summit erupted in 2008, Kilauea Volcano has increased health care costs statewide by approximately $6.3 million, new research shows. Timothy Halliday, an associate professor of economics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and co-author of the study, said it is the first time a dollar figure has been calculated for the damage associated with Kilauea’s emissions. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

The landscape-altering Ho‘opili development project won a 9-0 final approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday, paving the way for up to 11,750 new homes on the Ewa Plain over the next few decades. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council has approved a bill to rezone nearly 1,300 acres in West Oahu to make way for a 11,750-home community by developer D.R. Horton. The vote was unanimous. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council cast its final vote today on a planned 12-thousand unit housing project in West O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

The City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday to approve Bill 3, which would rezone 1,289 acres of agricultural land in West Oahu for the controversial Hoopili project by developer D.R. Horton. KITV4.

A plan to expand the city's existing sit-lie law was approved 7-2 by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday, despite lingering worries that it may not pass constitutional muster. Council members Brandon Elefante and Kymberly Pine, who have consistently opposed all sit-lie measures, voted against Bill 6. Star-Advertiser.

A Mainland investment group is putting up almost the entire development cost of $34 million for the long-planned Waikiki Landing mixed-use project at Hawaii’s Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, the attorney for the developer confirmed. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Police Department plans to fire an officer accused of fondling an underage girl's breasts during a traffic stop, sources told Hawaii News Now Wednesday.

Honolulu police worked with two federal agencies to conduct an undercover operation that led to the arrest of 16 women last week in the latest crackdown on prostitution and illegal massage parlors. But instead of arresting the women and charging them with prostitution, the women were charged with fourth-degree sexual assault — a misdemeanor. Star-Advertiser.

About a dozen women arrested over the weekend in a Honolulu prostitution sting at massage parlors won't be charged with prostitution. Instead, they face the more severe charge of sex assault. Associated Press.

The state is paying $900,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the parents of a 3-year-old boy who died when a pickup truck crossed Farrington Highway in Nanakuli and crashed into their vehicle. Star-Advertiser.

King Street bike path design flaw creates handicap parking problems. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaii County will pay travel expenses but not legal fees for a deputy corporation counsel to come from Maui to advise the Board of Ethics on charges against Mayor Billy Kenoi, following a vote Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. But it remains to be seen whether the Board of Ethics, down to just three members from its legal complement of five, will be able to hear the case when it meets Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Despite concerns over how much a county contractor may charge residents for compost, the County Council on Wednesday gave the Department of Environmental Management the go-ahead to pursue a new green waste program. West Hawaii Today.

While requests for millions of dollars in renovations at Big Island schools were scrapped, lawmakers signed off on a project that will give future baseball and softball players at Waiakea High School an opportunity to perfect their swings in a new — and costly — batting cage. The cost to Hawaii taxpayers: $450,000. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Money misspent on Maui could lead to more questions from authorities in the wake of KHON2’S Always Investigating report, and others may have crossed the line masking personal expenses as county costs.

An estimated $172 million in Capital Improvement Project funds has been secured for various projects in Maui County under the state budget passed by the legislature this week. The largest single item was a $38 million appropriation for expansion and improvements to Kahului Harbor. Maui Now.

Maverick Helicopters opened its Maui operations last month and celebrated its new location with a Lei Day soiree. MauiTime.

Kauai

Jade Fountain-Tanigawa was appointed Kauai County Clerk Wednesday. Fountain-Tanigawa replaces former County Clerk Ricky Watanabe, who retired April 30 following more than 30 years of service to the county. Garden Island.

Three days of fiery testimony on federally proposed changes to the humpback whale sanctuary concluded in Lihue Wednesday with 50 residents voicing their opinions. Garden Island.

Ron Kouchi voted Senate president, Honolulu rail tax bill goes to governor, Szigeti named tourism chief, Hawaii to be first with 100% renewable energy, Kenoi to add 30 positions in new budget, jury sides with Maui County in takings case, humpback whale plan draws Kauai's ire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate President Ron Kouchi

Hawaii Senate President Donna Mercado Kim passed the gavel to Ron Kouchi on Tuesday after a “bloodless coup” that changed leadership just two days before the 2015 session is set to end. The 16-9 vote followed a two-hour floor session in which the Senate gave final approval to dozens of bills. Sens. Les Ihara, Gil Riviere, Russell Ruderman, Sam Slom, Laura Thielen and Kim voted against the resolution that makes Kouchi president and keeps Will Espero as vice president. Civil Beat.

The State Senate ousted its president today and the new leadership vowed to set a course for a stronger legislative body. Hawaii Public Radio.

Donna Mercado Kim

Sen. Donna Mercado Kim says she never wanted to be Senate president because she knew that someday someone would seek to unseat her. That day arrived Tuesday as state Sen. Ron Kouchi was voted in by his colleagues as the new Senate president, marking the first time since 1994 that a sitting president was replaced in midsession. The Senate voted 19-6 to oust Kim and elevate Kouchi. Star-Advertiser.

There is a new State Senate president after a move to oust State Senator Donna Mercado Kim. The abrupt change in leadership came after a 19 to 6 vote in favor of State Senator Ron Kouchi of Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The Legislature approved more than 100 bills Tuesday, including a $26 billion budget, legislation that requires Hawaii to reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 and a bill criminalizing sex trafficking. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature on Tuesday gave final approval for a $2 million general fund appropriation to the Hawaii Health Connector, only 20 percent of the $10 million that had been initially requested. Pacific Business News.

A bill that would make Hawaii the first state in the nation with a 100 percent-renewable-energy standard cleared the Legislature on Tuesday and is headed to the governor. House Bill 623 would set 2045 as the year Hawaii should reach a goal of producing 100 percent of its electric power from renewable energy sources. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii moved a huge step closer to becoming the first state in the nation to adopt a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio standard, with a bill passed by the state Legislature on Tuesday that’s now headed to the governor’s desk for his signature. Pacific Business News.

A bill passed by the State Legislature today, May 5, makes Hawaii the first state in the nation to adopt a 100 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard, which means Hawaii utilities will generate 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2045. Hawaii Independent.

Opinion: The State Ethics Commission introduced a package of nine bills with House and Senate versions. Not a single one was passed. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Legislature has passed a bill that could make it a lot easier for transgender people to change their gender on their birth certificates. KITV4.

Hawaii's visitor industry reacted positively to the news that hotel industry leader George Szigeti had been tapped to lead the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which markets the state as a travel destination. Star-Advertiser.

The state Board of Education is approving the appointment of Stephen Schatz to be the Department of Education's new deputy superintendent. Hawaii News Now.

Last week, protestors of another planned U.S. military base in Okinawa rallied outside the Japanese embassy in a show of solidarity with Hawaiians and other occupied indigenous peoples around the world. Hawaii Independent.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's chief operating officer will make an annual salary of $198,000, more than she made running the state of Hawaii. The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises reports Linda Lingle will start drawing the pay after her current $60,000 contract with the state ends in June. Associated Press.

Oahu

The state Legislature has approved a five-year extension of Oahu's rail tax surcharge, sending to Gov. David Ige a bill that aims to help pull the largest public works project in the state's history out of a huge cash crisis. With the Senate's 21-4 vote and the House's 39-12 vote Tuesday, lawmakers ended their months­long debate on rail by concluding that the train has already left the station. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is expected to take a final vote on a proposed 11,750-unit Ho‘opili housing project Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council on Wednesday is expected to give final approval to Bill 6, which includes the two sides of Kapalama Canal and other areas under restrictions of the sit-lie ordinance. Specifically, the expansion would also include both sides of the street of all existing sit-lie boundaries, as well portions of McCully and the Aala-Kukui area mauka of North Beretania Street. Star-Advertiser.

Two former directors of the Waikiki Aquarium told Hawaii News Now it suffers from dysfunctional management that has led to rapid turnover in key positions and may have resulted in some of its animals dying recently, a charge the current man in charge denied.

For the next year and a half, first-time juvenile offenders busted for minor law violations in Honolulu’s 5th Patrol District — which includes the neighborhoods of Kalihi, Liliha, Nuuanu and Punchbowl — will be given the option of going to the Susannah Wesley Community Center instead of going to court. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Buoyed by an improved economy, Mayor Billy Kenoi on Tuesday released an amended budget that bumps spending up a notch and adds 30 new positions without raising property taxes. The new proposed budget, at $438.8 million, is 5.25 percent higher than last year’s budget and about $4 million higher than a proposed budget released earlier this year. West Hawaii Today.

The Attorney General's office has issued about a dozen subpoenas directed at Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi's questionable spending, Hawaii News Now has learned.

Mayor Billy Kenoi, once considered a bright star in Hawaii politics, is turning out the lights of his campaign organization. Star-Advertiser.

Ka‘u rancher Kyle Soares spread his tax bills out before the County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday, driving home his contention that farmers and ranchers need more of a tax break, not less of one. At issue for Soares and several other testifiers was Bill 317, which would tighten up requirements to qualify for special tax breaks for agriculture. The bill, a product of a task force that met last summer, would do away with the so-called “nondedicated” agricultural exemption, and require commitment to a three-year period to qualify for reduced property values. West Hawaii Today.

After being hit hard by a pair of natural disasters — Hurricane Iselle in July, followed by the June 27 lava flow — Hawaii Island’s southern district of Puna became fuel for numerous legislative bills. Some of those measures passed, including Senate Bill 1211, which increases the expenditure ceiling on major disaster fund money from $2 million to $5 million. Other bills, including those that would have appropriated funds for the removal of downed albizia trees and to establish an emergency ambulance service in the Puna area, died. Tribune-Herald.

More than two years after the Hualalai deepwell broke down, the cost of the repair project has increased more than eight-fold, and there is still no water. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A 2nd Circuit jury found in favor of Maui County on Tuesday in a lawsuit in which California venture capitalist Douglas Leone and his wife, Patricia, alleged that county officials effectively took their Palauea Beach property as a public park without paying just compensation. Maui News.

Panel sends $621 million budget to full council. Proposal includes reduced property tax rates and increased user fees. Maui News.

Major investigation into Maui County pCard abuse, misspending. KHON2’s Always Investigating has uncovered another major case of taxpayer money misspent on government credit cards, this time on Maui.

Maui County has set aside $30,000 to pay a consulting firm to study what utility model would be the best for the island. The Mayor's Office of Economic Development filed a request for proposals Tuesday seeking the costs and benefits associated with public power and energy cooperatives' forms of electric utility ownership. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai
A new management plan for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary drew widespread anger in the testimony of captains, fishermen, surfers and local business owners, who made it clear they will do whatever it takes to fend off what they view as the increasing oversight of state waters by a federal government they don’t trust. Garden Island.

Friday, May 15 is the last day for residents to tell the Solid Waste office whether they want a 96- or 64-gallon refuse cart for trash collection. Garden Island.

About 10,000 gallons of treated waste water from the Wailua treatment plant overflowed from a manhole Tuesday morning and made its way to an area just outside the fence line of the plant at Lydgate Beach Park, Kauai County officials said in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

Treated and disinfected effluent from the Wailua wastewater treatment plant overflowed Tuesday morning from an onsite manhole and made its way to an area just outside the fence line of the plant at Lydgate Beach Park near the county’s park maintenance building. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai residents called on Maui County Council members Tuesday to undertake "any and all efforts to sustain the ferry" system that has seen steep declines in ridership and revenue in the last six months. Maui News.

Kim to be ousted as Senate president, medical marijuana dispensary bill advances, Maui anti-GMO lawsuit in court, Honolulu City Council lukewarm about housing department, Kenoi's campaign manager gets county job, Ellison closes only Lanai hotel for upgrades, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Conference committee on medical marijuana dispensaries, courtesy House Majority

Hawaii state Senate factions are realigning to make Ron Kouchi the chamber’s new chief, replacing Senate President Donna Mercado Kim after less than two years, sources confirmed Monday night. The votes are there to reorganize leadership before the session ends Thursday, sources said, noting that at least 16 senators in the 25-member Senate have signed on. It’s possible the Senate could vote on the resolution as soon as Tuesday. Civil Beat.

State Senate President Donna Mercado Kim confirmed late Monday night that she is likely to be replaced in a leadership shake-up that will put Kauai State Sen. Ron Kouchi in the Senate president's chair. Hawaii News Now.

Patients have waited nearly 15 years for legal access to medical marijuana in Hawaii, and they are now one step closer to reaching that goal. A bill to set up a system of medical marijuana dispensaries cleared its final committee hurdle on Monday, sending the bill to the full Legislature, where it’s expected to pass. Associated Press.

A bill to create a system of medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii cleared a huge hurdle on Monday. The measure seemed doomed last week, but patients celebrated after House and Senate negotiators finally approved the bill. Hawaii News Now.

Some 15 years after medical marijuana use became legal in Hawaii, lawmakers are suddenly on the verge of permitting dispensaries to sell the drug to the 13,000 patients across the state. In a highly unusual move, House and Senate negotiators Monday revived and then unanimously passed a medical pot dispensary bill that many observers had thought was dead and buried last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could have medical marijuana dispensaries as soon as July 15 next year under a bill approved by a House-Senate conference committee Monday. Civil Beat.

Care home measure is deferred. The bill would have let separated couples live in one home. Star-Advertiser.

A Rundown of Survivors and Casualties at the Hawaii Legislature. Rail tax, Alii Place, Turtle Bay and autism bills advance. Payday loans, adult care home reform, school bullying and public housing bills die. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City Council Chairman Ernie Martin says he and his colleagues still have a lot of concerns about the lack of accountability and financial transparency surrounding the $6 billion rail project. Before the tax can be implemented it must get past Gov. David Ige’s veto pen and then be approved by the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council members are lukewarm to the idea of re-establishing a city housing department. The idea came up last week during a discussion on Resolution 15-43 before the Council Executive Matters and Legal Affairs Committee meeting. Star-Advertiser.

After a tumultuous year, managers of the city's Handi-Van service have reassigned the head of the operation to a lower position in what's being called a “reorganization.”  Hawaii News Now.

Officials are looking for a new vice president take lead Oahu's paratransit service in the wake of John Black's demotion to safety coordinator. Associated Press.

HPD arrests more than a dozen women in massage parlor prostitution sting. Hawaii News Now.

Concerned Maili residents are upset at several NOAA volunteers who they say are harassing a pregnant monk seal. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s campaign manager has been hired to head the county Office of Aging, a $110,000-plus position that oversees a department of 12 employees. Kimo Alameda was selected by a panel that did not include the mayor, said county officials. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Health has cited Sanford’s Service Center Inc. in Pahoa for operating a solid waste management facility without a state permit. The department announced on Monday the filing the Notice of Violation and Order against Sanford’s. West Hawaii Today.

Prominent Hilo attorney Gerard Lee Loy died Friday of an apparent heart attack. He was 67. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The SHAKA Movement on Maui filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court, seeking an evidentiary hearing before continuing an injunction that delays the implementation of the Maui GMO moratorium. Maui Now.

The group that campaigned for a Maui ban on the cultivation of genetically modified organisms has appealed to a higher court in an attempt to free up the legal logjam that has prevented the law from going into effect.Star-Advertiser.

Panel sends $621 million budget to full council. Proposal includes reduced property tax rates and increased user fees. Maui News.

Kauai

Pesticide watchdogs are billing their recent trip to Syngenta’s hometown as a success. Kauai County Councilman Gary Hooser returned from Basal, Switzerland, where he addressed nearly 1,000 Syngenta stakeholders at the company’s shareholders meeting, asking the company to drop its lawsuit against the County of Kauai. Garden Island.

Lanai

The 201-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, which is owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, will temporarily close on June 1 for at least three months, taking nearly every room on Lanai offline for the summer and fall. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

A remote peninsula that has been the home of leprosy patients since the 19th century could be opened more fully to the public as the last remaining residents near the end of their lives. Associated Press.