Vacation rental tax loss creates $33M hole in budget, visitor spending hits new record, assisted suicide bill advances in House, 'monster home' moratorium passes Honolulu council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki tourists and shoppers ©2018 All Hawaii News

Airbnb Revenue Loss Leaves a $33M Hole in Executive Budget. State lawmakers are tallying spending bills to balance the budget. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii tourism kicked off the new year with solid gains in visitor arrivals and spending, which rose to the highest statewide total for visitor spending ever recorded for a single month in Hawaii’s history. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor spending increased 4.9 percent to $1.69 billion in January, the highest statewide monthly total on record, according to preliminary statistics released Wednesday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Independent airport authority bill passes Senate Ways and Means Committee hearing with amendments. Senate Bill 2996, which would transfer the operations of Hawaii’s 15 airports from the Hawaii Department of Transportation to an independent agency dedicated to managing and improving Hawaii’s airports, now moves to the House. Pacific Business News.

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Medical Aid In Dying Bill Takes Major Step Forward In Hawaii Legislature. The measure cleared a joint committee after additional safeguards were added. It now heads to a vote of the full House. Civil Beat.

The House Judiciary and Health and Human Services Committees passed the "Our Care Our Choice Bill" Wednesday. KITV.

Two key state House committees voted today to advance a controversial measure that would allow terminally ill patients to request prescriptions for lethal doses of medication. Star-Advertiser.

Two key House committees approved a controversial medical aid-in-dying measure Wednesday, paving the way for the bill to go to a full House vote. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Tourism Authority faces $30M budget cut after 'abusive' spending. Hawaii News Now.

A public hearing Wednesday on a state audit that found the Hawaii Tourism Authority suffered from “lax oversight (and) deficient internal controls” turned into a debate about whether the state’s record-setting tourism performance should override concerns about how the marketing agency operates. Star-Advertiser.

14 years after audit blasted Public Utilities Commission, new report finds not much has changed. Hawaii News Now.

Auditor: PUC Isn’t Keeping its Eye On ‘Big-Picture Matters’. The Public Utilities Commission staff is overloaded and lacks the proper tools and guidance, according to a state report. Civil Beat.

U.S. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa introduced a bill that could give floriculture research in Hawaii a boost. The State Assistance for Tropical Floriculture Research Act of 2018 would allow states to seek grants of at least $250,000 per year to research and develop disease-resistant varieties of tropical flowers. Tribune-Herald.

Tax Dollars May Get Tapped To Fly Homeless Out Of Hawaii. Privately financed relocation programs have already flown hundreds back to the mainland. Now there’s a move afoot to spend public money as well. Civil Beat.

A major construction delay at Halawa Correctional Facility will keep hundreds of Hawaii inmates on the mainland, and cost millions of our tax dollars. KHON2.

Homebuyers in Honolulu have the highest mortgage debt-to-income ratio in the nation, while homebuyers on Maui have a ratio that’s third-highest in the U.S., topped only by San Jose in California’s Silicon Valley, according to a report by the personal finance company SmartAsset. Pacific Business News.

There’s still plenty of opakapaka in Hawaii’s waters, according to a recently released federal assessment of Hawaii’s Deep 7 bottomfish stock. Garden Island.

The State’s monthly test of the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System, coordinated with the test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System, is scheduled for today, Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 11:45 a.m. Maui Now.

Oahu

Moratorium on ‘monster homes’ gets Council approval. After months of discussion, the Honolulu City Council approved a bill on Wednesday that imposes a moratorium on larger-scale houses in residential districts on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

City council passes bill to stop ‘monster homes’ by unanimous vote. KHON2.

Two measures aimed at giving breaks on taxes and fees to high-rise property owners in exchange for installing automated sprinkler systems in their buildings won final approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A 41-story residential tower, which drew criticism for its so-called poor door, won final approval by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday after the developer did away with separate entrances for homeowners and renters. Star-Advertiser.

Coming Soon To Ala Moana: Another 400-Foot Tower. After it nixed its “poor door” entrance, the ProsPac Tower developer gains zoning exemptions from the City Council. Civil Beat.

Rail inches closer to completion as vital operating system is activated. Hawaii News Now.

Former Queen's nurse awarded $3.8 million in racial discrimination suit. It's one of the largest damage awards in state history. Hawaii News Now.

Former Queen's Medical Center nurse, Ellen Harris was awarded more than $3.8 million in damages by a circuit court jury, on Wednesday. KITV.

Project Hiehie Oahu's first mobile shower for the homeless debuted this week. KITV.

The City Council unanimously approved Wednesday a $1 million payment to settle a lawsuit with a Kahala woman who sued the city for injuries she sustained when a coconut tree struck her in 2012 at a Waikiki park. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Lanes supporters rallying to save the Kailua bowling alley delivered a petition with more than 5,000 signatures to the headquarters of property owner Alexander &Baldwin on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Bill would require 4-wheel drive to enter Waipio, ascend Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is considering a Conservation District Use Application for the proposed Infrastructure Improvements at Maunakea Visitor Information Station. Big Island Video News.

Environmental officials are bracing for local repercussions from a U.S. appeals court ruling that Maui County violated the federal Clean Water Act in handling its treated wastewater. West Hawaii Today.

2 concepts create funding potential for Hawaii Island homeless initiative. West Hawaii Today.

Royal Hawaiian Orchards LP, Hawaii’s largest macadamia farm plans to exit the business of producing and selling packaged retail snacks by selling to a competitor after a six-year effort that failed to become a bigger profit generator. Star-Advertiser.

Acquisition combines Hawaii's 2 largest macadamia nut growers. Hilo-based macadamia nut producer Royal Hawaiian Orchards is selling its brands and macadamia nut snack products business to Buderim Group, the Australian parent of rival macadamia nut producer MacFarms LLC, in a deal that will create the largest retail marketer of branded macadamia nuts in the United States. Pacific Business News.

Maui

New $3-per-visit landfill fees generating $32,500 monthly. People making fewer visits but leaving same amount of trash. Maui News.

A council committee voted Wednesday in favor of allowing Honuaula Partners to build some or all of 250 affordable housing units within its 670-acre, master-planned community south of Maui Meadows. Maui News.

Mayor delivers his final State of the County. Arakawa shows he has no shortage of goals in his last year. Maui News.

Skyline Hawaii announced it has removed more than one ton of rubbish from Maui beaches since December 2017. The clean-up efforts are part of an on-going company campaign to address marine debris called Wipe Out Plastic. Maui Now.

EnSync Energy to deliver over $450K in cost savings to Maui nonprofit incubator space. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Council Chair Mel Rapozo told state transportation officials Wednesday a decision has to be made about the Hanalei Bridge, because it’s inadequate to meet rising traffic demands on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Program targets drug houses. Because Kauai is a small community, Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said it’s easy to know where the drug houses are, but it’s equally as difficult to build a case against a drug trafficking ring. Garden Island.

Ground broken for Koloa mixed-use project. Starting from Koloa Road across the Koloa post office, Koloa Village is scheduled to be completed in two phases. Garden Island.

Kauai sees record January visitor arrivals, spending. Garden Island.

Hee announces gubernatorial bid, medical aid in dying bill draws emotional testimony, Honolulu's homeless hygiene center, councilwoman wants business sponsorship of county facilities, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Clayton Hee Facebook photo

Longtime Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and former state Sen. Clayton Hee has announced he is running for governor, a relatively late entry into the Democratic primary that could dramatically alter the dynamics of the race. Star-Advertiser.

Former Sen. Clayton Hee Is Running For Governor. The longtime Hawaii lawmaker says Honolulu rail has been mismanaged and the money should be spent on other things. Civil Beat.

Former state senator Clayton Hee is joining the race to be Hawaii governor. Associated Press.

Clayton Hee seeks millennial, working class vote in race for governor. He enters the race as an underdog to incumbent Gov. David Ige and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Hawaii News Now.

Former Democratic state Senator Clayton Hee is the latest candidate to enter the race to be Hawaii's next governor. KITV.

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Hawaii’s powerful public-sector unions are bracing for a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could weaken their collective bargaining efforts for tens of thousands of local workers and, ultimately, their sway on the islands’ political landscape. Civil Beat.

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State lawmakers delay vote after hours of testimony on medically assisted death. More than 100 people testified over four hours for and against a bill that would allow terminally ill adults to obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of medication. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Aid In Dying Bill Generates An Emotional 5-Hour Hearing. House lawmakers deferred a vote on the measure until Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The House Health and Human Services and Judiciary Committees heard public testimony today on medical aid in dying legislation. Hawaii Public Radio.

After hours of passionate testimony, lawmakers delay vote on medical aid-in-dying bill. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's "Our Care Our Choice" bill would allow terminally ill patients to end their lives. KITV.

The issue of medically assisted suicide is once again on the table. Lawmakers listened to more than a hundred people testify for over five hours Tuesday morning. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige is supporting a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives if they choose. Tribune-Herald.

Bill on medical aid in dying assessed. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii May Switch To All-Mail Elections In 2020. A bill requiring the conversion in hopes of increasing voter turnout is headed to the House floor. Civil Beat.

Teachers who pay for classroom supplies could soon get tax deductions. A bill moving through the state legislature looks to ease the financial burden for teacher who pay for classroom supplies out of pocket. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Ways & Means Chair is blocking a bill to increase Hawaii's minimum wage. Hawaii News Now.

Consumer debt in Hawaii rose faster than the national average in 2017, increasing 4.1 percent compared with 3.5 percent across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Total consumer debt increased 4.1 percent for Hawaii consumers between the first and fourth quarter of 2017, higher than the 3.5 percent experienced at the national level, according to a report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency confirmed there will be no ballistic missile “attack warning” monthly siren test on Thursday — reversing this month’s practice and going against a recommendation from the state’s deputy adjutant general. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. is now accepting competitive bids to add 300 megawatts of renewable energy production on three islands, after receiving approval from the state Public Utilities Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

Pickups, SUVs and vans ruled the road in 2017 as Hawaii’s new-vehicle registrations increased for the seventh consecutive year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ex-HPD Major Wants Separate Trial In Corruption Case. An attorney for Gordon Shiraishi says he shouldn’t be lumped in with the other defendants in the Kealoha case. Associated Press.

Waikiki stakeholders are growing increasingly concerned that serious criminal activity like murders, youth gangs and prostitution could mar the state’s top tourist district. Star-Advertiser.

The drive to require sprinkler systems in older residential high-rises in the wake of the deadly Marco Polo fire has come down to final City Council votes today that if approved would mean a break on taxes and fees as incentives to defraying what many owners consider unreasonable costs. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s first mobile homeless hygiene center hits the road. A nonprofit group has imported a 26-foot trailer equipped with bathrooms and toilets and is already towing it around Oahu to provide homeless people a place to get clean — and perhaps lead them off the streets. Star-Advertiser.

Injured man says 'booby trap' was set up to deter hikers from Haiku Stairs. Hawaii News Now.

Parents and students rattled by elementary school lockdown. Ahuimanu Elementary School was placed on lockdown for about an hour while police pursued an auto theft suspect, spotted running through the area, police said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Oceanit only Hawaii recipient of federal research grant. Pacific Business News.

H Mart, a Korean grocery chain with several dozen stores in 12 Mainland states, is opening its first Hawaii location in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Colin Nishida, founder and chef at Side Street Inn, a beloved gathering place for many of Honolulu’s top chefs, died Sunday at age 61. Star-Advertiser.

Award winning Hawaii chef Colin Nishida, owner of the Side Street Inn, died on Sunday. He was 61 years old. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Commercial sponsorships of county facilities, programs considered as revenue source. Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy said her intent is to give the county another option as it likely faces tough decisions about making cuts or raising taxes going into the next budget cycle. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii selected three finalists to fill an open Hawaii County seat on the Board of Regents. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to replace an 86-year-old bridge in Waimea are gearing up again. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa gave his state of the county address on Tuesday. He said the county is financially stable, environmentally secure, and tourism is booming. KHON2.

Kauai

Business is booming and consumer confidence is growing — including on Kauai. Garden Island.

A career of service to children and families has led Koloa resident Norma Doctor Sparks to throw in her bid for County Council. Garden Island.

While two landslides have been cleaned from Kuhio Highway on the North Shore and traffic is flowing again, the state is planning some safety measures in the area. Garden Island.

Appeals court rules against B&B owner who refused gay couple, most Big Island vacation rentals don't pay taxes, bill weakens financial disclosures, Maui teacher on leave after showing sex video, humpback whale sightings down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aloha Bed & Breakfast PC:Elvis Tie

A Hawaii bed and breakfast discriminated against a couple by denying a room to two women because they’re gay, a state appeals court affirmed. Aloha Bed & Breakfast owner Phyllis Young had argued she should be allowed to turn away gay couples because of her religious beliefs. Associated Press.

The lawyer for a Hawaii Kai bed-and-breakfast business that was found to have discriminated against a lesbian couple says the operator is considering all of her legal options, including pursuing further appeal. Star-Advertiser.

Airbnb Says No To Collecting Taxes On Rentals. State officials are worried they could end up with no new revenue if Airbnb backpedals on the collection process. Civil Beat.

Bills Would Water Down Financial Disclosures For Unpaid State Officials. Supporters say current requirements discourage volunteers, but opponents say they help prevent conflicts of interest. Civil Beat.

Proposal seeks harsher penalties for damage to items of cultural significance. KHON2.

Why Would Anyone Want To Be Lieutenant Governor? The office comes with little power and few responsibilities. But it positions politicians for a leap to higher office — and to raise a lot of campaign cash. Civil Beat.

An email rant sent by DOCARE's chief law enforcement officer draws criticism. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources chief law enforcement officer Robert Farrell has been trying to beef up conservation enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Lawmakers: "Help Us". Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu, Kauai Counties Ban Lying Down at Bus Stop. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Cost of water could rise as Board of Water supply seeks rate hike plan. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Health’s Next Step Shelter in Kakaako hopes to move 60 homeless clients out of the shelter and into market-rate apartments much faster this year after receiving a one-time grant to pay homeless people’s first month’s rent or security deposits. Star-Advertiser.

Waialua Residents Want The Lights Back On At Their District Park. Swim team members are among the North Shore residents inconvenienced since the old lights were removed in 2016. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard takes a stand against arming teachers in schools. KITV.

Students at Saint Francis School got a chance to speak with Honolulu’s chief of police Monday. KHON2.

Luxury home sales on Oahu look promising for 2018 after slow start. The number of luxury homes on Oahu that sold for $1.5 million or more declined in January, but the number that went into escrow last month rose, especially for homes priced $3 million and higher, according to an analysis by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

An injured male wallaby underwent surgery to have its right eye removed Monday morning at Honolulu Zoo after being brought there Friday evening. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Owners of more than 6,000 vacation homes on Hawaii Island are collecting money from short-term renters without registering with the state or paying the required taxes. West Hawaii Today.

Bill to Allow Sponsorship of County Assets. Big Island Now.

Proponents are waging a last-minute crusade to flood the Legislature with testimony in support of funding for a cardiac care unit at Hilo Medical Center. Tribune-Herald.

Puako study simulates marine ecosystem management strategies. West Hawaii Today.

Honua Ola, the planned biomass facility in Pepeekeo formerly known as Hu Honua, is supporting a House Bill that would allow the company to particpate in Hawaii’s enterprise zone program. Big Island Video News.

California-based company SpinLaunch says it is developing new technology to launch small satellites into space — without the traditional rocket fuel and boosters —  and executives are looking at the Big Island as a potential launch site. Hawaii News Now.

Participants in the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Mars simulation on Mauna Loa will be staying Earthside after a crew member withdrew, prompting the exercise’s cancellation less than two weeks after it started. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Department of Education has placed a Maui teacher on leave after he allegedly showed an animated sex video in class. Hawaii News Now.

Maui humpback whale sightings down for a third straight year. Humpback whale numbers have taken a dive in February, historically the busiest month of year for whales that annually breed and give birth in Hawaii’s warm waters. Star-Advertiser.

529 Whales Sighted off Maui During Great Whale Count 2018.  Maui Now.

Mother Nature leaves shocking damage to ancient Waihee auwai. More than 100 people came to help restore water to taro farmers. Maui News.

Kauai

Plate lunch trays and deli dishes once enjoyed a space on Kauai’s recyclables list, but many of them are now going straight into the landfill instead. Garden Island.

Proposal to allow councilmembers more time voted down. Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura, sometimes, has questions she would like to ask of public speakers at county meetings. But she can’t. The rules say so. Garden Island.

Mayor’s State of the County Address set for March 15. Garden Island.

Weather hampers whale sightings. Garden Island.


Kahoolawe

Meet the tiny island with a big presence in the history of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Assisted suicide bill to be heard Tuesday, state tries to recoup $1.4M in salary over-payments, Hawaiian Airlines cuts two summer flights, homeless bills moving through Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2018 All Hawaii News

Proposed legislation that would allow terminally ill adults to end their lives with a lethal dose of prescription medication will get a public hearing Tuesday before the House Health and Human Services and Judiciary committees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House lawmakers are set to hear a medical aid in dying bill at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Capitol auditorium, giving hope to advocates who have sought the law for years. Civil Beat.

A key Senate committee has approved an increase in the state conveyance tax on sales of high-end homes to raise an additional $56 million a year for development of affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

State House rolls out bills on homeless crisis. Out of nine homeless-­related House bills introduced this session, only three remain active. Star-Advertiser.

The state as of Dec. 31 was still trying to reclaim balances on nearly $1.4 million in salary overpayments mistakenly made to public employees over the years — some stretching back as far as the 1990s. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require counties to get abandoned vehicles off public roads will be considered by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means this Wednesday before the proposal can go before the full state Senate for a vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has appointed Ken Kitamura as deputy director of the state Department of Budget and Finance. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Red Cross is sending a volunteer to provide comfort to those affected by the deadly mass shooting at a school in Florida: state Rep. Ryan Yamane. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines has removed two seasonal summer flights between the Bay Area and Hawaii due to an unexpected delay in the delivery of the airline’s new Airbus A321neo fleet. Pacific Business News.

Alexander & Baldwin Acquires Three Hawaii Retail Centers. Maui Now.

Maui restaurant The Banyan Tree was added to the The American Automobile Association Four Diamond list while two Oahu restaurants once again earned the Five Diamond Award. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Conceptual plans showing how Honolulu’s rail project could extend beyond Ala Moana Center to the University of Hawaii in Manoa suggest that any future extension could tremendously alter the shopping center and other properties in the Kapiolani district. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses hurt by rail construction will be able to apply for grants or loans from the city’s transit mitigation fund if the Honolulu City Council passes a measure introduced by Councilman Joey Manahan. Civil Beat.

Amid increasing concerns from state officials, the nearly 200 residents of one of Oahu’s largest homeless encampments welcomed hundreds of curious people inside Sunday with the message that the encampment on state-owned land is a better alternative than another law enforcement sweep. Star-Advertiser.

Dodging Oncoming Cars Is A Way Of Life In Crowded Kaimuki. In many of Honolulu’s older neighborhoods, narrow two-way streets really function as one-lane roads. But there’s little impetus to fix them. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Schools Chief: Threats Against Schools ‘Aren’t Taken Lightly’. Honolulu police say there have been more than a dozen social media posts since January threatening violence at Oahu schools. Civil Beat.

The isle building boom’s downside is a trio of disputes over workmanship. Honolulu's  construction industry received three big black eyes in the last year from high-profile project defect disputes: a state airport maintenance facility, a city traffic management center and a luxury condominium tower. Star-Advertiser.

Poor aircraft maintenance, including lack of grease in a vital drive shaft, was pegged as the probable cause of a helicopter crash near the USS Arizona Memorial that killed a 16-year-old boy in 2016, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser.

A wallaby that sought refuge at the Halawa Correctional Facility on Friday after it was hit by a car in the area is OK, according to city officials. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Thirty Meter Telescope manufacturing continues despite legal setbacks. The TMT International Observatory board of directors, representing the five partner countries, is expected to decide in April whether to stay in Hawaii or move to Spain’s Canary Islands. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island Tourism Director Crunches Visitor Numbers. Big Island Video News.

Measures seek to extend ag theft and vandalism pilot program on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Plan for Kona coffee megafarm raises concerns. Kona Hills LLC, recently sought state permission to import 1.5 million coffee seed embryos from Costa Rica as part of an effort to establish what would be the largest Kona coffee farm in history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County has tossed out the bids for a sewer project in Lono Kona and plans to rebid the project next week. West Hawaii Today.

A project to widen 2.8 miles of Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea is back on the road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran made her candidacy for mayor official Friday, filing her nomination papers and becoming the third current or former council member to jump into the race to succeed Mayor Alan Arakawa, who can’t seek re-election because of term limits. Maui News.

Age discrimination complaint advances in federal court. Ex-county employee claims termination was retaliation. Maui News.

In light of constant traffic, frequent rescues and the occasional tragedy, East Maui residents have been working to increase safety and awareness along the road to Hana. Maui News.

Officials survey aftermath of Waihee River flood. Maui News.

Kauai

Improvements to a $670,000 Poipu Beach Park project are complete, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Garden Island.

Both lanes of Kuhio Highway in Wainiha were opened just after 3 p.m. Sunday. Landslides caused by heavy rains completely blocked the highway Friday morning. Garden Island.

The 14th Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon will be the last one for Bernard Carvalho Jr. as the mayor of Kauai. Garden Island.

Auditor says state tourism authority wastes taxpayer money, Coco Palms occupiers ousted, rail authority may be fined $4 million for federal infractions, state budget $45M short, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diamondhead surfers courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority PC: Tor Johnson

State lawmakers are calling for better oversight of the Hawaii Tourism Authority — maybe even budget cuts — in the wake of a scathing state audit released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority audit revealed ‘environment of loose oversight’. Pacific Business News.

Audit: Tourism authority has 'lax oversight' over contracts, reimbursed lavish expenses. Hawaii News Now.

The State auditor says the Hawaii Tourism Authority has been wasteful with state funds, and in many cases disregarded its own policies and contracts. KITV.

Audit claims Hawaii Tourism Authority spends extravagantly with little accountability. KHON2.

Hawaii Tourism Authority Responds to Audit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Read the full audit report of the Hawaii Tourism Authority here.

Hawaii’s hotel industry kicked off the year with solid growth in average daily rate and revenue per available room in January, according to a hotel performance report released Thursday by Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island hotels lead off 2018 with strong results. Hawaii's hotels began 2018 with strong results, reporting a 5.4 percent statewide increase in revenue per available room in January, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s monthly hotel report released Thursday. Pacific Business News.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Are Scrambling To Find Another $45 Million. A rare mid-session public meeting is planned by the Senate Ways and Means chairman to assess the state’s financial picture. Civil Beat.

Hirono On Her Cancer Battle: ‘My Voice Remains Strong’. The Hawaii senator discusses her stage 4 diagnosis and decision to remain in politics at an annual cancer event. Civil Beat.

In an effort to tackle the growing opioid crisis, lawmakers are looking to crack down on so-called "pill mills" and improve how prescription drugs are tracked and disposed of. Hawaii News Now.

Admitted ‘Wonder Blunder’ con man wants to change plea. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday admitted that it may have overpaid for relocating people in the path of the Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail line and violated a federal relocations law in the process. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail May Have To Give Up Nearly $4 Million to Feds. HART officials say a review of compensation payments to property owners has turned up possible violations of federal law. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced the official names of all nine rail stations on the Ewa side of Oahu Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

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Sunday’s heavy downpours resulted in roughly 8.8 million gallons of rain-induced sewage spills in Windward Oahu, keeping city crews busy and resulting in numerous state Health Department advisories for the area. Star-Advertiser.

Last weekend's rainstorm caused nearly nine-million gallons of sewer water to spill on the Windward side of Oahu. KITV.

Kamehameha Schools assistant band director James Maeda allegedly had sex on the Kapalama campus with a 14-year-old student over an eight-month period, Deputy Prosecutor Ayla Weiss told a state judge Thursday after an Oahu grand jury returned an indictment charging Maeda with multiple counts of sexual assault. Star-Advertiser.

Police: Kamehameha Schools faculty member had sex with student on campus, at home. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha faculty member accused of having sex with student appears in court. KHON2.

Waianae’s Community Gym Is Finally On The Mend. Classes in the facility’s upper level have been affected ever since a leak was discovered three years ago. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker pushes to stop Olelo channel move. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The University of Hawaii will conduct its own internal audit of its Maunakea-related activities, a response to “public concerns that have emerged … regarding the university’s operational and financial management” of the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

During a special meeting, regents were given a presentation by Mayor Harry Kim and voted on a financial management audit of Maunakea activities. Big Island Video News.

Coming off a critical audit that ended with the sudden resignation of the former Human Resources director, the county Merit Appeals Board and the newly appointed director put reestablishing trust at the top of the agenda. West Hawaii Today.

In about another month, Hawaii County’s Department of Environmental Management expects delivery of the first three trucks and trailers it will use to haul rubbish across the island following closure of the Hilo landfill. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Upcountry residents continued to angrily question officials with the state Department of Health this week about recent studies that identified their neighborhoods as a top priority area for cesspool contamination of drinking-water wells. Maui News.

The owner of a Maui apartment complex where tenants did maintenance and landscaping work has run afoul of federal labor regulations and will pay $84,136 to 22 workers, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Continues to Lead State with Revenue Per Available Room, Daily Rates. Maui Now.

Longtime Hawaii Realtor Mary Worrall has sold her interest in Island Sotheby’s International Realty to her nephew, Ryan MacLaughlin, who is now a part owner of the Maui-based firm with his father, Paul MacLaughlin. Pacific Business News.

Maui will be getting a new bowling alley as Island Bowling is set to open at the Outlets of Maui in Lahaina next week. Maui Now.

Police have closed an arson investigation into a fire that burned Kahului Elementary School classrooms, after identifying a 17-year-old Oahu boy as a second juvenile suspect in the case. Maui News.

Kauai

State sheriffs on Thursday removed protesters from the ruins of a Kauai hotel where they have been squatting since last year in an attempt to block redevelopment of land where Hawaiian chiefs once lived and where Elvis Presley’s character got married in the movie “Blue Hawaii.”  Associated Press.

Authorities Oust Protesters From Coco Palms Resort Land. A Native Hawaii group has been camping on the site where developers are planning a $135 million project. Civil Beat.

Authorities clear occupiers from historic Coco Palms property. Hawaii News Now.

Protester arrested as deputies serve eviction notice to Coco Palms’ occupiers. Star-Advertiser.

One person was arrested Thursday morning in Wailua, where the famed Coco Palms Resort once stood, as last month’s court-ordered ejectment was enforced. Garden Island.

Occupiers at the site of historic Coco Palms were ordered off the property Thursday. That comes about one month after a judge ruled they have to leave. KITV.

Security guard sent to protect Coco Palms declines to do so. Garden Island.

Florida school shooting brings 'social media hysteria,' new legislation, to Hawaii; registration fees may be hiked for electric vehicles, Honolulu Police Commission picks new chairwoman, Big Island council puts GET on life support, seawall irks Maui residents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu city bus ©2018 All Hawaii News

Honolulu slid into the 10th spot on a list ranking the best cities for public transit in 2018. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu among U.S. cities with best public transportation. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to boost the state registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles was tentatively approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday. Owners of electric vehicles currently pay weight taxes and a registration fee of $45 per vehicle per year, but do not pay the gasoline tax. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is seeking public input as it develops a non-binding plan to spend up to $8.1 million from a settlement with German automaker Volkswagen to promote the reduction of vehicle emissions in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Ige leads effort urging Congress to protect funding for clean energy programs. The bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance, under the leadership of Hawaii Gov. David Ige, has urged the U.S. Congress to protect the U.S. Department of Energy from funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Pacific Business News.

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‘We Are So Far Behind’: Hawaii Legislators Look To Make Schools Safer. After another gun-related massacre on an American campus, lawmakers consider requiring interior door locks and intercom systems. Civil Beat.

Police and schools are cracking down on students who make threats after concerns were raised following the mass shooting at a Florida high school last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers hope to prevent a mass shooting in the islands, by banning bump stocks. One of several measures this legislative session aiming to tighten gun regulations. KITV.

Following the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school, there is a lot of attention on school safety. The number of gun incidents in Hawaii schools has actually dropped. Last year there were 21 incidents all involving air guns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Police: Social media caused hysteria. Hawaii Island’s police chief said the decision to post extra officers on public school campuses Wednesday in Puna and Kona was made because social media “fed into the anxiety” of the community in the wake of perceived threats of possible gun violence made on the internet. Tribune-Herald.

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Bill looks to ban plastic straws; some already making shift. West Hawaii Today.

Why Opening A Dialysis Center Takes Years Longer In Hawaii. A shortage of outpatient centers forces some chronic kidney disease patients into long hospital stays and late-night treatments. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has joined a coalition of states in opposing an application by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to regain its status as a nationally-recognized accreditor after failing to fulfill its oversight responsibilities. Pacific Business News.

Should state hospital patients with violent pasts be tracked post-release? KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission Gets New Leadership. Loretta Sheehan was a sharp critic of former chief Louis Kealoha and how the commission handled problems during his tenure. Civil Beat.

Attorney Loretta Sheehan was elected chairwoman of the Honolulu Police Commission 6-0 today. She replaces retired hotel executive Max Sword. Star-Advertiser.

Susan Ballard, Honolulu’s first female police chief, has a strong ally in the new chairwoman of the Honolulu Police Commission, Loretta Sheehan. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Commission has a new leader and she's already promising change. KITV.

The former police officer who was fired after video of him in a violent fight with his ex-girlfriend surfaced will be reinstated and get years of back pay. Hawaii News Now.

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State rules for Sierra Club in lawsuit over aging military fuel tanks. Hawaii News Now.

Kahauiki Village: A Model to Ease Homelessness. There are more than 550 bills relating to affordable housing this legislative session. But, there’s one community model that could be duplicated statewide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community voices concerns about Old Stadium Park homeless. Dozens of people gathered at the McCully Moiliili library Wednesday night. KHON2.

Bill would move oversight of Kakaako from the Hawaii Community Development Authority to city. KITV.

Storm forced millions of gallons of sewer water to spill in Windward Oahu. KHON2.

Punahou settles suit with family of child kicked out after father's alleged misconduct. The boy was kicked out after a 5-year-old classmate alleged that the boy’s father showed her pornography during a sleepover. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department fines Hawaiian Isles Water Co. $14K for violations. Hawaiian Isles Water Co. had to pay a $14,400 fine after being cited by the Hawaii Department of Health for delinquent reports and payments to the state-administrated Deposit Beverage Container program between August and November 2017. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Foreseeing the almost certain death of a bill raising the general excise tax, the County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to put it on life support, at least temporarily. West Hawaii Today.

UH regents to ask for Mauna Kea audit. Responding to accusations of financial mismanagement, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Friday will be asking its internal auditor to look at the university’s Mauna Kea books with fresh eyes. Star-Advertiser.

A tense hearing on the future management of Mauna Kea steered into the issue of the Thirty Meter Telescope sublease. Big Island Video News.

A bill that would bring lifeguards to Kua Bay remains alive in the state House after securing a key hearing before the Committee on Finance. West Hawaii Today.

Officer-involved shooting prompts heavy police presence in Puna. An investigation is underway after a Big Island police officer was shot late Wednesday in Hawaiian Beaches. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A plan to construct a seawall to save a West Maui condominium from erosion is dividing the community. Hawaii News Now.

A Sea Talk focusing on Maalaea Harbor Water Quality and the use of effluent in Eco-Restoration will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday. Maui Now.

3 Maui Beaches Named to TripAdvisor’s 2018 Best in US Awards. Maui Now.

Work to replace an old culvert bridge that has shut down South Kihei Road near the old Suda Store since August will be completed “by the end of next week at the latest . . . maybe earlier,” said county Department of Public Works Director David Goode on Wednesday. Maui News.

HGEA nurses disgruntled over Kaiser management. The head of about 800 union workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center said Maui Health System officials need “to step up their game” and start fulfilling “the bill of goods” touted by the private entity to improve former public hospitals on Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

A resolution that would let citizens vote on ending term limits for the County Council drew ire from some community members on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Kualii announces council candidacy. An Anahola man who has previously served on Kauai’s County Council has announced his candidacy for the upcoming race. Garden Island.

Ige seeks millions for emergency preparedness, OHA trustee wants CEO fired, bill gives child sex assault victims more time to report, no sleeping at bus stops, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brigadier General Kenneth Hara addresses emergency preparedness, courtesy Governor's Office

Millions needed to beef up state’s emergency preparedness, report says. Hawaii residents shouldn’t expect the state to resume ballistic missile alert testing anytime soon, but the beleaguered Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is immediately seeking to hire a new leader and procure millions from the state Legislature to shore up its disaster-response capabilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s nuclear missile scare showed that the state began testing alerts before fully developing a plan to address the ballistic missile threat and that a public outreach campaign months earlier wasn’t effective, said a report released Tuesday. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige and Brigadier General Kenneth Hara on Tuesday released the All Hazards Preparedness Improvement Action Plan and Report, designed to review current emergency response systems, including notifications and warnings, and make recommendations for improvement. Garden Island.

Hawaii's governor wants to lead the nation in being ready for any emergency. Tuesday, the state released a report highlighting its "all hazards" preparedness plan. KITV.

The State released its report today on the false missile alert January 13th. Hawaii Public Radio.

Although Big Island Mayor Harry Kim voiced strong reservations back in September 2017 about HI-EMA’s plan to test the ballistic missile alert siren, he had the governor's back on Oahu Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Find the full All Hazards Preparedness Improvement Action Plan and Report here.

The governor still doesn't have his Twitter password (and doesn't plan to get it). Hawaii News Now.

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Senate advances bill that would extend window for childhood sex assault claims. Hawaii News Now.

House to Hear Bill Wednesday That Would Prohibit Bump Stocks. Maui Now.

Here’s Who Takes Money From The NRA In Hawaii. It’s mostly Democrats, even though the state has among the nation’s strongest gun-control laws. Civil Beat.

A bill to prohibit therapists from offering “conversion therapy” to gay youth in an effort to change their sexual orientation has stirred up some controversy in the race for the congressional district representing urban Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

This Is What A Statewide Police Board Might Look Like In Hawaii. Lawmakers are considering legislation to establish a statewide standards board with a certification component. Civil Beat.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Calls For Firing Of CEO. A recent state audit found both the chief executive, Kamanaopono Crabbe, and trustees are responsible for misspending. Civil Beat.

Study: Hawaii Residents Are The Deepest In Debt. Hawaii residents don’t earn enough money to offset expensive rent, student loans and consumer debt. Civil Beat.

Study finds that Hawaii residents don't manage debt well. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo shipping company brought in fewer containers to the state last year but generated a lot more profit thanks to the recent federal corporate tax overhaul. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Matson Inc. reported net income of $166.9 million, or $3.90 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter, compared to $20 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2016, an increase of 734 percent, which the carrier attributed to tax reform. Pacific Business News.

Meet the man who led Hawaiian Airlines from bankruptcy to billion-dollar business. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A bill making it illegal to lie down at or near city bus stops was signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell this week. Star-Advertiser.

State considers parcel in Nanakuli as possible site for homeless village. Hawaii News Now.

Crowded Kaneohe neighborhood faces crackdown on illegal parking. Hawaii News Now.

Cardax Inc.’s stock soared 72 percent Tuesday after announcing over the weekend that it was expanding its anti-inflammatory product ZanthoSyn into Asia. Star-Advertiser.

Wakelight Technologies Inc. has received a task order of more than $9.6 million from the U.S. Department of Defense under a previously awarded contract for information technology and cybersecurity services at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu in the bottom half of new state capital livability ranking. Pacific Business News.

Mililani High's Farm to School program expands to increase use of local produce. Hawaii News Now.

Sun Country Airlines, offering seasonal flights to Honolulu, cuts 350 jobs as it farms out ground work. Pacific Business News.

Shoppers at Ward Village in Kakaako are set to have more public parking today that offsets losses to condominium tower development in recent years — and the new stalls will use cameras to improve traffic flow and security. Star-Advertiser.

Kelly Sanders announced Tuesday that he is leaving his post as area general manager of Marriott Hotels and Resorts Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Key vote on GET increase today. The council, while meeting as the Finance Committee, gave the general excise tax surcharge a negative recommendation with a 3-6 vote. The bill can die today if it fails to get a majority vote in support. Tribune-Herald.

There will be no special subcommittee to hash out the budget outside public review, at least for the time being. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala councilman Tim Richards wants a subcommittee that can review and research the County of Hawaii budget for FY 2018-2019, but others say it needs more sunshine. Big Island Video News.

A charter amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot adding more transparency to how top county officials get raises took its first step forward Tuesday when the County Council Finance Committee voted 9-0 to advance the measure to the first of three council votes. West Hawaii Today.

Salary Commission Chairman Hugh Ono gave a presentation to the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday in Kona, explaining how large – and highly criticized – raises for county administrators and elected officials were recently approved. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Paradise Park will soon have a master plan for its own Hawaii County park. Tribune-Herald.

Just a few days after Honolulu police responded to a social media post threatening violence at Kapolei Middle School, now Big Island police are on high alert after threats were made at two schools on the island. Police will be beefing up their presence at Konawaena and Pahoa High Schools on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

An informational meeting on the permitting process and land entitlements will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the West Maui Senior Center. Maui News.

Maui Memorial Medical Center was recognized by the American Heart Association in the 2018 issue of “US News & World Report” of Best Hospitals. Maui Now.
Maui Ocean Center Breaks Ground on Dome Theater Whale Exhibit. Maui Now.

Diane Moss, founding director of Renewables 100 Policy Institute, will be the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Maui Energy Conference to be held March 14-15 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Maui News.

Kauai

New rules and regulations regarding county bus stops went into effect Monday. Garden Island.

A motion to dismiss a civil case filed against the County of Kauai and several individuals, based on the failure to state a claim, was denied in Fifth Circuit Court Tuesday. Longtime county employee Charles Rapozo claims his then supervisor Edward Sarita denied him proper training and safety gear to clean tiles containing asbestos at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

Chin apologizes for old anti-gay speech, bill criminalizes bogus service animals, committee chairmen refuse to televise meetings, Honolulu Police Commission chairman up for vote, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Service dog opens door PC: Pete Markham, Creative Commons

Bill targets growing problem of bogus service animals. Senate Bill 2461, introduced Jan. 19, would make the act of falsely claiming an animal to be a service animal a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail or up to $1,000 for the first offense. Tribune-Herald.

Jail time and fines for owners of ‘fake’ service animals? Hawaii Island Sen. Russell Ruderman told KHON2 a gray area in the Americans with Disabilities Act has allowed people to abuse this law. KHON2.

Lt. Gov. Doug Chin is apologizing for an anti-gay speech that he made more than 20 years ago in church. The angry address, which he delivered at the Oahu Church of Christ, is now being used against him in his race for Congress. Hawaii News Now.

The Only Three Legislative Committees You’ll Almost Never See On TV. Despite the difficulties of attending legislative hearings in person in Hawaii these House committee chairs have nixed televising their hearings. Civil Beat.

The Department of Human Services Wants Multigenerational Approach to Address Poverty. The state department with the largest operating budget is asking lawmakers to help make it more efficient. Hawaii Public Radio.

A state Senate bill calling for greater transparency in video game gambling systems is the subject of a public hearing today. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools has acknowledged that the $80 million settlement its agreed to pay to victims in a decades-old sex abuse scandal could affect future educational programs or the planned expansion of existing ones. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission members could decide Wednesday whether to retain embattled Chairman Max Sword as their leader or to elect a new one. Star-Advertiser.

How Honolulu’s New Police Chief Is Shaking Up A Troubled Department. In her first four months, Chief Susan Ballard is disrupting old policies and practices with a new vision. Civil Beat.

Man’s troubles with law affect sons’ Punahou School enrollment. The case of a man accused of sexually molesting a girl and showing a pornographic video to another while they were at sleepovers at his home is sparking spirited debate about just how far Hawaii’s private schools can go to penalize a child for the alleged sins of a parent. Star-Advertiser.

The mother of a Punahou School first-grader has sued the private institution over its attempt to expel her son because of the disruption stemming from his father’s troubles with the law. Star-Advertiser.

A Kids Museum Struggles Amidst Homeless Squalor. But Loretta Yajima of the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center in Kakaako will not be deterred from fulfilling its mission. Civil Beat.

Neglect for an Ewa Beach park.  Is the Mayor of Honolulu playing favorite when it comes to funding parks around Oahu? KITV.

Whole Foods Market will open its largest Hawaii store by early summer in Kakaako after a dozen years of planning and setbacks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii prepares to send another 'Lei of Aloha' to Florida after school shooting. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A move to take County Council budget planning behind closed doors will be heard today by the council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Mohouli Senior Residences in Hilo completed Phase 2 of construction and is fully occupied. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council is donating contingency relief funds to purchase stealth cameras to monitor areas prone to criminal activity in Puna. Big Island Video News.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s months-long Mars simulation mission was suspended today — five days after it began — because of a medical incident. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Budget panel moves toward buying building. The property, once acquired, would be torn down to make way for the Wailuku civic complex development. Maui News.

An informational meeting on the permitting process and land entitlements will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the West Maui Senior Center. Maui News.

Yellow tubes aiding in ocean rescues in south Maui. The president of a group that installed rescue tube stations along south Maui beaches says while he is happy the tubes are working, he wishes they weren't necessary. Associated Press.

Kauai

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency says the total cost of a failed missile test off of Kauai was $130 million. Garden Island.

Two Kauai County officials are scheduled to give a presentation on housing at this week’s meeting of the Lihue Business Association. Garden Island.

Lei of Aloha for World Peace is activated again, this time engaging schools across the state to weave ti leaf leis to send to the families of the 17 students and teachers killed in Parkland, Fla., last week. Garden Island.