Hawaii Health Department sued over lack of elderly home inspection reports, cool schools bids come in lower, Kauai water quality lawsuit filed, campaign money follows incumbents, bottled volcanic water comes right from the tap, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Leahi Hospital, courtesy Hawaii Health Systems Corp.

The state’s failure to post inspection reports of state-licensed care facilities online has prompted advocates for the elderly to go to court to force the state to comply with the law. Civil Beat.

A senior citizens advocacy organization is suing the Hawaii Department of Health for failing to post inspection reports online for care homes that serve seniors and the disabled. Star-Advertiser.

Construction bids for the state’s “cool schools” initiative have started to trend lower since the Department of Education announced last month that an initial round of proposals came in significantly over budget. Star-Advertiser.

American fishermen are digging in for a fight over a proposal to shut down the vestiges of the U.S. harvest of shark fins, prized for soup and traditional medicine in Asia, and send a message to the rest of the world. Associated Press.

Why It’s So Hard To Find A Fresh Voice In Hawaii Politics. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has an easy route to re-election. Oh, there are candidates who’d love to unseat him. They just struggle to get noticed. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono isn’t up for election until 2018, but she continues to add more cash to her campaign coffers. Hirono raised $111,352 from April 1 to June 30, according the latest reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Civil Beat.

It’s interesting that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard thinks she needs more money, as she raised more than $420,000 in the April-June period and reported nearly $1.9 million in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A Board of Water Supply crew is patching a water main break in a sinkhole on Punaluu Valley Road that has left residents without water and a road on which to exit their neighborhood by vehicle. Star-Advertiser.

Darby scooted off to the north a weaker storm Monday, but not before pounding Oahu with enough rain Sunday night to stop freeway traffic, knock out power, spill sewage and trigger some serious flooding. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Finalize $175 Million Plan To Protect Waikiki From Flooding. Tropical Storm Darby was a reminder that a much bigger 100-year flood could devastate Honolulu’s economic engine. Civil Beat.

Honolulu not building enough housing for its population, report says. Pacific Business News.

For the first time since state Rep. John Mizuno originally ran for the Legislature 10 years ago, he faces a Democratic primary opponent in the race for House District 28, which encompasses Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights and part of Kalihi. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Rod Tam Crosses The Aisle To Try To Come Back. Talking with Rod Tam about his guilty plea, his nights in jail and why he’s running for the state Senate as a Republican. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

County water is source of premium brand. The California Department of Public Health is investigating a complaint about Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water involving “issues such as labeling and source water requirements associated with Waiakea.” Tribune-Herald.

No one on the Big Island has been issued a concealed carry license and that is unlikely to change any time soon in the wake of a recent Ninth Circuit Court ruling, attorneys say. West Hawaii Today.

The lava flow from Kilauea’s Pu‘u ‘O‘o vent crossed the Kalapana emergency route Monday afternoon as it approached the coastline. Tribune-Herald.

An active lava flow from Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo vent was less than a quarter-mile from the ocean as of Monday morning, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Star-Advertiser.

The 61g lava flow has crossed the coastal emergency road that connects the Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Kalapana. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Plans call for opening a new burial site at the Maui Veterans Cemetery by mid-September, which would add much-needed space for deceased veterans and their spouses, state and county officials said last week. Maui News.

A public hearing on the revised draft Honua'ula Habitat Conservation Plan will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Five blacktip reef shark pups have recently became a part of the marine life at Maui Ocean Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

The nonprofit environmental law firm Earthjustice filed a lawsuit Monday against Hawaii’s Agribusiness Development Corporation alleging it allows pesticides and chemicals to flow unchecked through Kauai’s Mana Plain and into waterways. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Department of Health and Agribusiness Development Corporation are both facing a lawsuit for allegedly polluting Kauai’s Westside waters. Garden Island.

A draft environmental assessment on a proposed residential treatment facility for adolescents on Kauai battling substance abuse is now available for public review. Star-Advertiser.

A draft environmental assessment is being prepared for the repair or replacement of the Kapaa Stream Bridge, on Kuhio Highway near mile marker 10. Garden Island.

Patricia Wistinghausen said the first day representing Kauai as a delegate in the Democratic National Convention was “crazy and crowded.” Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Darby leaves Hawaii, state Democrats split at convention, new marijuana magazine begins, cost of Maui special session, hot classrooms to greet returning students, audit find sloppy records at Big Island Parks&Rec, pollster predicts Kim lead for mayor, OHA threatens Mauna Kea lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Darby cleanup in Puna, courtesy Sen. Russell Ruderman

Darby swept through the state over the weekend as a tropical storm, but it weakened to a depression early Monday. The Tropical Storm Warning has been dropped for all islands as it moved away from Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

The 70-foot Spirit of Kona vessel grounded and sank early Sunday near Kukailimoku Point in Kailua-Kona. The coastline was closed from King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel to Kukailimoku Point until further notice. West Hawaii Today.

Political conventions usually strive to project an image of unity, but Hawaii’s rough-and-tumble primary race this year caused a rift in the party that is reflected in the divided Hawaii delegation. Based on vote totals, Sanders secured 17 Hawaii delegates while Clinton won eight. That means most of the Hawaii delegates traveling to Philadelphia prefer Sanders, including newly elected Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Tim Vandeveer, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Democratic National Committeeman-elect Bart Dame. Star-Advertiser.

A new statewide publication called The New Leaf aims to provide comprehensive information on all aspects of Hawaii’s emerging cannabis industry. Pacific Business News.

Next Monday, Hawai‘i public school students will return to classrooms across the state. And chances are, many of those school rooms will be hot. Hawaii Public Radio.

According to dockets filed with the Hawaii state Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday, NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE: NEE) has filed to withdraw from its ongoing projects in Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Big Risks Led To Big Losses For Hawaiian Electric. Hawaiian Electric leaders tried to turn an electric utility into an investment powerhouse. It didn’t quite stick. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Federal Transit Administration has agreed to give city officials more time to come up with a plan to either find the money to finish the Honolulu rail project as originally planned or end it at Middle Street. Civil Beat.

Although the Federal Transit Administration has granted an extension until the end of the year for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and the city to develop a recovery plan for the Honolulu rail project, it's not as much time as Mayor Kirk Caldwell had requested. Pacific Business News.

The state is moving forward with plans to build a community of more than 200 affordable housing units in Honolulu as part of an effort to address Hawaii's homelessness problem. KITV.

Frustrated Hawaii health officials say they have faced a number of challenges trying to identify the source of a hepatitis A outbreak that has affected at least 74 people on the island of Oahu. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Department of Parks and Recreation has plugged a leak in its cash-handling procedure following an audit that pointed to lax security. It’s not known how much money might not have found its way into the county coffers that should have been deposited there. West Hawaii Today.

It may not be the most scientific survey, but George Yokoyama said his political polling hasn’t been wrong in the 40 years he’s been doing it. Yokoyama’s latest poll, mailed to 3,000 Big Island households in early June, showed former Mayor Harry Kim leading former county Managing Director Wally Lau by double digits, Yokoyama confirmed this week. West Hawaii Today.

Accusing the state and University of Hawaii of having “grossly mismanaged” Mauna Kea, the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been working behind the scenes for months in a move to gain some control over the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Now, having been rebuffed in its attempts, OHA is threatening to go to court over the issue. Star-Advertiser.

Now, it’s time for Hilo voters to decide who will be their state senator. The District 1 seat is up for grabs after the death of Sen. Gil Kahele last January at age 73.  Tribune-Herald.

Greggor Ilagan, a Hawaii County councilman, is seeking to unseat state Sen. Russell Ruderman in the Democratic primary. And the race is getting heated. Tribune-Herald.

Democrats voting in the District 2 state House primary race have three vastly different choices. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The dollar amount to help public employees at three Maui-area hospitals is not yet known, but the cost to taxpayers to hold a special legislative session was at least $10,000. Civil Beat.

A cascading waterfall surrounded by vibrant green grass and palm trees at the airport will be the new gateway for visitors arriving and leaving Maui starting today. Maui News.

Young Brothers is proposing a 4.4 percent general increase to its shipping rates that the company says would make up for rising expenses and low cargo growth, but some Maui County residents fear it would create hardships on agriculture and small businesses. Maui News.

A consent order between Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and the state Health Department over air quality and reporting violations that calls for the sugar plantation to pay $600,000 in fines and other remedies has been finalized. Maui News.

Kauai

Former state land surveyor Thomas Oi is challenging incumbent state Rep. James Tokioka for the District 15 seat. Star-Advertiser.

In March, something unexpected happened. State Rep. Derek Kawakami gave up his secure spot in the House after a five-year stint and decided to run for the Kauai County Council. The rare open seat has spurred a three-way race to represent District 14, which runs from Wailua on the east side through Hanalei on the north shore. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell in June to 3.3 percent, down from 3.6 percent during the same month last year. However, Lanai saw a tripling of its unemployment rate. Pacific Business News.

Tropical Storm Darby continues path toward Hawaii, Ige pledges another $12M to fight homeless, only Senate Republican faces challengers, incumbent advantage on Big Island, UH tuition to increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fisherman in Ala Moana Park © 2016 All Hawaii News

City officials said Thursday it will take two weeks to repair a section of Ala Moana Beach Park Drive where a large sinkhole has been blocking the Ewa entrance to Ala Moana Regional Park since Tuesday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Darby maintained its strong winds overnight as it continued heading west toward Hawaii island. As of 5 a.m. today, the center of Darby was located 390 miles east of Hilo and 595 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. Maximum sustained winds measured 60 mph as the storm moved west at 12 mph. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige plans to spend an extra $12 million this year to make a dent in the state’s homelessness crisis, outlining a three-pronged approach that includes expanding services, conducting sweeps of encampments and developing more affordable housing. Associated Press.

Armed with $12 million in supplemental funding to stem the state’s homeless crisis, Gov. David Ige unveiled a four-year plan Thursday that aims to reduce the number of unsheltered homeless people to “functional zero.” Civil Beat.

Governor details $12 million spending plan to tackle homeless crisis. KITV.

Gov. David Ige pledged Thursday to allocate $12 million to combat the issue. The plan is to get more people into permanent housing by building 10,000 affordable units in the next four years, expanding homeless outreach, and providing more funds for property storage and cleanup. KHON2.

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The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted Thursday to hold tuition flat across the 10-campus system for the 2017-18 academic year, a move that will delay the administration’s plans to begin upgrading campus facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Students at Hawaii Community College and the University of Hawaii at Hilo will see modest tuition hikes in coming years. The UH Board of Regents on Thursday approved a three-year plan that starts in the 2017-18 school year and caps increases at 2 percent systemwide. Tribune-Herald.

In a case stemming from ballot shortages at precincts on Oahu and the Big Island in the 2012 general election, the state Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the state Office of Elections needs to establish rules through proper public noticing and hearing on the method it uses to calculate the number of ballots printed for precincts and how to handle ballots cast incorrectly. Maui News.

Valley Fever Risk Won’t Slow Flow Of Hawaii Inmates To Arizona. Hawaii may soon face legal claims over prisoners infected with valley fever, a disease endemic in the Southwest. Civil Beat.

NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE: NEE), which has pending projects across Hawaii, is mum on what will happen with those projects following its termination of its proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co., a spokesman for the Florida energy giant told Pacific Business News this week.

Oahu

State Sen. Sam Slom has held the District 9 seat representing East Honolulu for two decades, but a pair of Democratic candidates are spending thousands of dollars in hopes of unseating Hawaii’s only Republican senator. Civil Beat.

The State and City of Honolulu are implementing separate plans to address homelessness and affordable rental housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

The chief academic officer for the University of Hawaii at Manoa announced he is resigning from the post but said the decision was not a result of complaints lodged last year by faculty and staff over alleged bullying and racist and sexist behavior. Star-Advertiser.

The attorney for Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha wants the federal prosecutor heading a grand jury investigation dismissed from the case. KHON2.

The Navy held a lease-signing ceremony Thursday with Hawaiian Electric Co. for a 20-megawatt alternating-current solar farm at Pearl Harbor’s West Loch Annex that HECO said would be the second largest for photovoltaics in the state. Star-Advertiser.

A new 60-second radio commercial from the campaign of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell “fact-checks” challenger Charles Djou and finds him wanting. Specifically, the spot refers to Djou’s statements on rail and homelessness. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

There’s a definite incumbent advantage when it comes to raising money for County Council elections. West Hawaii Today.

Citing violations ranging from poor land husbandry to evidence of a junkyard and the possibility of a cockfighting operation, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider a request to revoke the lease on a 10-acre Panaewa parcel. Tribune-Herald.

The Leeward Planning Commission paved the way Thursday for construction of a 19-unit, single-family subdivision on the mauka side of Alii Drive across from the Alohi Kai Subdivision and Kamoa Point, allowing the applicant, Larry Smith of Royal Alii LLC, a five-year extension to meet conditional requirements set forth when the project was initially approved in July 2006. West Hawaii Today.

As Tropical Storm Darby continues to track toward the state, the Big Island could see heavy rain and strong winds as soon as Friday night. As a result, officials has begun preparations for the storm. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company was fined $600,000 by the state for violating air quality regulations. The state Department of Health said that the excess emission and reporting violations occurred from 2009 to 2014 in Puunene, Maui. Civil Beat.

Kauai

The Kilauea Neighborhood Association is throwing its weight behind the plan to subdivide 120 acres on the Kilauea Plateau, but the group wants a seat at the table when it comes to developing the eight planned parcels. Garden Island.

The plan for the future of Haena State Park has been tweaked, and Saturday, the State Parks division and members of the Haena State Park Community Advisory Committee will host an open house to chat about the changes. Garden Island.

When it comes to creating bus stops, Mel Rapozo, chair of the Kauai County Council, wants to make sure they will be accessible for everyone. That’s why the council voted to defer a decision on passing a resolution that proposes establishing a bus stop on Kawaihau Road, west of Awa’a Place, near the Menehune Food Mart and the Kauai Athletic Club. Garden Island.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai: 1967-2016. Honored by friends and colleagues. Plus, Legislature overrides Maui hospital worker bailout veto, Kauai council passes vehicle smoking ban, Thirty Meter Telescope judge makes big bucks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai Facebook photo

Friends and colleagues mourned the passing of U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai on Wednesday, describing the congressman as ferociously hardworking with an enthusiasm for politics dating back to his days at Pearl City High School. Star-Advertiser.

Mark Takai, a Democrat from Hawaii serving his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, has passed away. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, a war veteran and long-time legislator known for his bright nature and deep commitment to service, died in his home Wednesday after a months-long battle with cancer. Just 49 years old, the first-term Democrat from Hawaii was surrounded by family when he died of pancreatic cancer, said Rod Tanonaka, Takai’s chief of staff. Associated Press.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, D, Hawaii, died Wednesday morning at his home surrounded by family. He was 49 years old. KHON2.

U.S. Representative from Hawai’i, K. Mark Takai, passed away today in Honolulu following a 9-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Congressman Mark Takai's star was rising in our nation’s Capitol. He was respected for his decades of public and military service. His spark didn't go unnoticed. KITV.


Those who knew Congressman Mark Takai say he was a passionate public servant and a loyal friend. Garden Island.

Years before he made his mark in politics, Mark Takai made his mark at the University of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Scenes From Mark Takai’s All-Too-Short Congressional Career. After 20 years in the Legislature, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014 and mused about serving Hawaii for another 20 years in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Hawaii voters will be asked who should serve out the remainder of the late Mark Takai’s term in Washington — possibly on the same day they decide who should represent the 1st Congressional District in the next term starting in January. Civil Beat.

The state Office of Elections plans to hold a special election in conjunction with the Nov. 8 general election to decide who will serve out the last two months of the unfinished term of the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, according to a spokeswoman for the office. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu is moving closer to imposing the city’s first set of regulations on the ride-hailing industry, which has operated under a free market since entering the isles. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is talking to the feds about borrowing money from them for the first time, from the same program Puerto Rico used to bail out its train when its cost doubled. KHON2.

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday granted tentative approval to Hawaiian Airlines to shift its current daily flight between Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND) to a daytime schedule starting Oct. 29. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Retired Judge Riki May Amano is earning $375 an hour and could make as much as $200,000 for acting as Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearings officer. Star-Advertiser.

Five candidates for Hawaii County mayor participated in a two and a half hour political forum at the Pahoa Community Center on July 16. Big Island Video News.

For the second consecutive year, Hawaii’s longline fisheries in the Central Pacific have reached their bigeye tuna quota far earlier than expected. The longline fleet, nearly all of which is based in Honolulu, will now have to travel farther to fish for bigeye, a factor that could lead to better prices for Big Island fisherman bringing in tuna with handlines. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian attendees describe atmosphere on the ground at passion-fueld Republican National Convention. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has cleared Connections New Century Public Charter School employee Eric Boyd of ethics violations stemming from 2006. Civil Beat.

Maui

State lawmakers on Wednesday overrode Gov. David Ige’s veto of a bill providing severance packages and retirement benefits to Maui County hospital workers who will lose their state jobs as three hospitals are transferred to Kaiser Permanente. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Legislature voted Wednesday to override Gov. David Ige’s veto of a bill that provides severance payments or pension benefits to unionized public workers at three hospitals in Maui County that are being privatized by Kaiser Permanente. Civil Beat.

The State House and Senate today voted to override Gov. David Ige’s veto of SB 2077 to preserve the management transfer of three state run Maui hospitals to Kaiser Permanente. Maui Watch.

The Legislature overturned the Governor’s veto of a benefits package for Maui hospital workers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii lawmakers have voted to override Gov. David Ige's veto on a bill that would transfer control of three Maui County hospitals to Kaiser Permanente, making it the largest privatization of public facilities in state history. Associated Press.

A section of the old Haleakala Trail that Mark Twain and Jack London likely hiked to reach the summit of the mountain that traverses an area currently in ranching by Haleakala Ranch officially became state property earlier this month, but public access is being limited to guided hikes. Maui News.

The Maui County Service Center at the Maui Mall, which houses the divisions of Motor Vehicles and Licensing and Real Property Tax, reopened Monday after being closed since March due to water damage. Maui News.

Lynn DeCoite, a first-term state representative, businesswoman, farmer and rancher, will face a state substitute teacher in the Democratic primary race for the district that covers Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and East Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

It is now illegal to smoke in the car with minors on Kauai. On Wednesday, the Kauai County Council voted 6-1 to approve Bill No. 2629, which prohibits smoking in cars with children under the age of 13. Garden Island.

A resolution that would have let the public vote on how to pay for road repair projects was rejected Wednesday by the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Irene Inouye said her late husband, Sen. Daniel K Inouye, insisted that nothing be named after him. But she said there were a small number of places that were special to the late senator, and the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana was one of them. Garden Island.

Police officers, prosecutors, and community members gathered in front of the YWCA of Kauai in solidarity, rallying against racial bias, discrimination and inequality. Garden Island.

Molokai

According to Brenda Kaneshiro of Molokai Meli, Molokai was once the number one honey exporter of the world. In the early 1900’s Molokai Ranch had countless hives. Unfortunately a disease affected the bees and they were nearly all wiped out. Maui Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court supports Green Party in ballot lawsuit, Hawaiian Electric ends natural gas plan and vows to go it alone, $875M Honolulu rail segment awarded, Legislature back for more on Maui hospital sale, poll workers needed, former Kauai police officer pleads to $25k theft, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Elections Chief Scott Nago © 2016 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the the method the state Elections Office used to order an insufficient number of ballots in the 2012 general election should have undergone an official rule-making process instead of just being an internal management decision. The Green Party of Hawaii sued Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago and the state in December 2012, asking the courts to stop him from conducting another election until there were new rules in place to prevent the type of voter disenfranchisement that occurred that November. Civil Beat

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle was one of the speakers at the Republican National Convention on the event’s opening day, but her appearance forced the party to shut down online live chat because of anti-Semitic remarks being posted on its YouTube page. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president of the United States. Ige’s support for the former secretary of state is unsurprising given that both are Democrats. But his endorsement may irk some die-hard Bernie Sanders supporters in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's attorney general is the new chairman for a group of his counterparts in the western states. The Conference of Western Attorneys General elected Doug Chin to be its chairman. The selection was announced Tuesday at the conference's annual meeting in Idaho. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Electric Co. ended its contract Tuesday to bring liquefied natural gas into the state one day after NextEra Energy Inc. walked away from its bid to buy the electrical utility’s parent company. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday that the company has withdrawn its applications with the state Public Utilities Commission for approval of a liquefied natural gas contract with Fortis Hawaii Energy, plans to upgrade its Kahe power plant to use the gas and a waiver from the competitive bidding process. Civil Beat.

Two important decisions by Hawaiian Electric Industries herald a new era for the state’s largest electric utility. The board of directors authorized a terse news release Tuesday evening that it has decided “to remain independent.” Hawaii News Now.

One day after NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric Industries abandoned their efforts to merge, leading foes of the deal gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday, partly to say they were right all along. Civil Beat.

People in Hawaii are talking about what’s next for the state’s largest utility now that a merger between NextEra Energy and Hawaiian Electric failed. Associated Press.

How A Mideast War Made HECO Start To Think Green. The Arab oil crisis brought a new awareness of the promise of renewable energy. But the spark fizzled. Hawaiian Electric was hooked on oil. Civil Beat.

Par Hawaii Inc., one of the largest owners of retail gas stations in the state, is in the process of changing the names of many of these stations from 76 and Tesoro to Hele at a cost of $4 million, its top executive confirmed to Pacific Business News on Monday.

Oahu

Shimmick/Traylor/Granite, a California- and Indiana-based joint venture that’s new to the project, was picked Tuesday for its $875 million proposal to build rail’s next 5.2 miles of elevated guideway and four stations, getting the project as far as Middle Street. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s $8.3 billion rail project is now officially stuck. On Tuesday, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation awarded an $875 million construction contract to a joint venture of three companies to build roughly five miles of guideway and four stations from the airport to Middle Street. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said Tuesday it has awarded an $875 million contract to build the elevated guideway and stations around the Honolulu International Airport to a trio of contractors from the Mainland. Pacific Business News.

Rail officials are touting some good news for a change on the cost of the project. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Tuesday that the airport section of the rail project has come in on budget. KHON2.

The last time voters had a direct say on Honolulu rail was in 2008 when a slim majority approved the project. Now that the project costs much more than projected, and with public officials talking about stopping it at Middle Street before finding the funds to build all the way to Ala Moana Center, a new group proposes that voters weigh in once again. Civil Beat.

Seven Oahu nonprofit groups that lost their federal funding this year to serve an estimated 300 of the island’s most vulnerable formerly homeless people got a temporary reprieve this week from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Farrington Highway is a deadly stretch of road in West Oahu -- with 6 fatal pedestrian accidents this year alone. So it is no wonder Waianae crosswalks are getting a closer look. But instead of adding more pedestrian crossings, some will be taken away. KITV.

The city is making good on the promise made more than a decade ago to turn a derelict lot in the heart of Waikiki into a neighborhood park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

With time running out for poll workers to be recruited and trained for the Aug. 13 primary election, county election officials are sending out a plea for help. West Hawaii Today.

The state Supreme Court on Tuesday reversed the state Ethic’s Commission’s ruling that a Connections New Century Public Charter School employee violated the state’s conflict-of-interest law for purchases made in 2006 and 2007. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of a Hilo charter school employee, saying he was not subject to the state Ethics Code and should not have been held liable for violating conflict-of-interest laws. Star-Advertiser.

Those stuck in traffic on Alii Drive may find this hard to believe, but the number of vehicles using the road has actually decreased over the past few years. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Legislature will try again Wednesday to come up with amendments to a bill vetoed by Gov. David Ige that was designed to assist state employees at Maui County's three public hospitals who could be adversely affected when the private Kaiser Permanente takes over operations. Maui News.

As new director of the county Liquor Control Department, Glenn Mukai said Monday that he plans to increase transparency with liquor licensees, expand the department's educational program and identify laws that must adapt to the changing liquor industry. Maui News.

The Department of Public Works will be closing down a portion of Piʻilani Highway in Kīpahulu for geotechnical testing next week. Maui Now.

Kauai

A former Kauai police lieutenant pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing $25,000 in federal grant money from the department. Garden Island.

Former Kauai Police Department Lt. Karen Kapua pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court this afternoon to stealing $25,000 from the department. Star-Advertiser.

Parking on the sand is part of life at Black Pot Beach and at Tuesday night’s meeting, it was a main concern as the community shared its thoughts about the new plan for developing the beach park. Garden Island.

Oahu voters support Thirty Meter Telescope in poll, Hawaii sends 19 delegates to Republican National Convention, Schatz, Gabbard sitting pretty in congressional races, Hawaiian Electric stocks plummet after failed buyout, Maui hospital plan in limbo, UH tuition increase looming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tour guide explains telescopes atop Mauna Kea © 2016 All Hawaii News

The Thirty Meter Telescope might be a Big Island project, but Oahu is clearly TMT country. In the latest Hawaii Poll, more than three-quarters of Oahu’s likely primary voters say they support construction of the controversial $1.4 billion astronomy project, and more than half say it would negatively affect Hawaii’s business reputation if it does not go forward. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sent 19 delegates to Cleveland, Ohio for the Republican National Convention over the weekend and they were easy to spot. Dressed in red Aloha shirts and adorned with red lei, members of Hawaii's delegation held signs that said "Make America Safe Again." They even got a warm welcome from former Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz will likely have almost a decade of senatorial experience the next time his name appears on an election ballot. Hawaii’s senior U.S. senator, who was appointed to the position in December 2012 after the death of Dan Inouye, is seeking his first full six-year term this year. Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard raised more than $420,000 in the April-June period. According to her July quarterly filing with the Federal Election Commission, the Hawaii Democrat is sitting on $1.88 million in cash. Civil Beat.

There are other companies interested in Hawaiian Electric Industries, Gov. David Ige said Monday, the same day that the state’s largest utility and Florida-based NextEra Energy announced they would abandon plans to merge. Civil Beat.

Other companies want Hawaiian Electric after failed NextEra merger. KITV.

Following regulators’ rejection of NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion bid to acquire Hawaiian Electric Industries on Friday afternoon, shares in Hawaii’s largest utility fell sharply, losing 7.3 percent of their value by the end of Monday. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. saw its share price fall over 7 percent on Monday, and it could have plummeted further but benefited from a strong utility market, said Charles Fishman, an analyst with Morningstar. Pacific Business News.

Starting this fall, the state’s public elementary school students will learn reading, writing and language skills under a single curriculum. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha fares poorly in the latest Hawaii Poll, but Oahu residents generally have confidence in the Honolulu Police Department. The nine-member Council received a 45 percent favorable rating, the second lowest. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly half of Hawaii's registered voters want Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to step down.  That's according to the Hawaii News Now, Star Advertiser Hawaii poll. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Department is testing out body cameras on officers as it prepares to launch a pilot program for the devices by the end of the year. Associated Press.

Uber is threatening to pull out of Honolulu if a proposal passes that would require city-issued driver certificates for all who are interested in carrying the public. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s city bus drivers are working more hours and it’s raising concerns about the safety of passengers and the drivers themselves. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii is seeking approval this week from the UH Board of Regents to increase undergraduate tuition at its flagship Manoa campus over a three-year period starting in the fall of 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Longtime news anchor and reporter Kirk Matthews has died. KHON2.

The affable TV news reporter and anchor Kirk Matthews, who spent more than 30 years on the air here, died Monday at his Honolulu home with his wife, Linda Coble, by his side. Matthews retired from KHON2 in 2014 after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He was 69. Star-Advertiser.

How We’re Hurting Endangered Monk Seals. This North Shore monk seal mom had a tough week fighting off things that could harm her weeks-old pup. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Property tax breaks for farmers and ranchers will cost Hawaii County $39.6 million in lost revenue this year, slightly less than 10 percent of the county’s $463 million annual operating budget. The County Council Finance Committee on Monday dug into the issue of the county’s agricultural programs, trying to balance a desire to encourage agriculture with the need for more tax revenue. West Hawaii Today.

Park brings in drones to survey while trees are dying. West Hawaii Today.

Efforts to combat coqui frogs dwindling. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Lawmakers again deferred action Monday on a bill to assist public workers who will lose their state jobs when three Maui County hospitals are turned over to Kaiser Permanente. Star-Advertiser.

The state House and Senate agreed Monday to meet later this week to amend legislation designed to give financial help to unionized workers at two hospitals on Maui and one on Lanai. Those hospitals are awaiting privatization, in a deal approved by the Legislature in 2015. Civil Beat.

Tiare Lawrence, candidate for District 12, Upcountry State Representative has received five endorsements from a broad range of organizations. Endorsements of her candidacy have come from the Hawaii State Teacher Association, The Sierra Club, The Hawai’i Center for Food Safety, The Patsy Mink Political Action Committee and Local 5, Hawai’i’s hospitality and healthcare union. MauiWatch.

Kauai

Friday’s 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejection of sonar rules have Kauai biologists and conservationists shouting victory, but they’re reserving absolute celebration until the matter is put to rest. Garden Island.

The chairman of the Kauai police commission is calling out the Hawaii Paroling Authority by saying a recent decision to grant parole to an inmate was based “on overcrowding in the prison.” He also said the parolee would likely reoffend. Garden Island.

A temporary principal has been appointed at Hanalei School. Garden Island.

NextEra Energy quits $4.3B Hawaii electric plan after PUC rebuff, Djou ahead of Caldwell in Honolulu mayoral poll but Caldwell leads in fundraising, Maui audits pCard use, Kenoi's right-hand man Lau has huge money advantage on Big Island, Kauai worries about sacred spots in Pokemon game, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Public Utilities Ciommission Chairman Randy Iwase, Lorraine Akiba and Tom Gorak

NextEra Energy Inc. has ended its plan to buy Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. and will pay the state’s largest utility $95 million in “break-up” fees and other costs, the two companies announced early today. Star-Advertiser.

NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. have decided not to try to put their merger deal back together again. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. and NextEra Energy Inc. have ended their plans to merge following the state’s decision Friday to reject the deal. KHON2.

Now that the state has denied Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc.’s $4.3-billion bid to buy Hawaii’s largest electric utility, some see another black-eye to the state’s business reputation while others see opportunity. Star-Advertiser.

The state Public Utilities Commission has rejected the $4.3 billion proposal to sell Hawaiian Electric Industries to Florida-based NextEra Energy. Civil Beat.

Hawaii regulators on Friday shot down one of the biggest business deals in state history, which involved Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc.'s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. Pacific Business News.

The Public Utilities Commission rejected the purchase of Hawaiian Electric Company by Florida-based NextEra Energy on Friday. Hawaii Public Radio

The state Public Utilities Commission voted to not approve a merger between Florida-based NextEra and Hawaii’s largest utility, saying the companies didn’t show they would provide adequate benefits to ratepayers or help the state meet its aggressive renewable energy goals. Associated Press.

The $4.3 billion deal for control of Hawaii’s power company has been rejected by state regulators. Big Island Video News.

Hermina Morita, former chair of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission and an ex-state representative, filed a lawsuit on Friday against Thomas Gorak, who was appointed by Gov. David Ige to the PUC to replace Commissioner Michael Champley when his term ended June 30. Pacific Business News.

Press release: In a 2-0 decision, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“PUC” or “Commission”) today dismissed without prejudice the Hawaiian Electric Companies (“HECO Companies”) and NextEra Energy’s (“NextEra”) (collectively, the HECO Companies and NextEra are referred to as the “Applicants”) Joint Application for the Change of Control (“Application” or “Change of Control”). Commissioner Thomas C. Gorak abstained from signing the Decision and Order.

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The controversial Pono Choices sex education program taught in some Hawaii middle schools has helped increase students’ knowledge of preventing teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, as designed, but students were not significantly deterred from engaging in risky sexual behaviors, an external review of the program released Friday concluded. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s delegates to the Republican National Convention have gathered in Cleveland this week to help adopt a sharply conservative new party platform and to join what they expect will be a grand celebration of the presidential nomination of Donald Trump. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard raised more than $420,000 in the April-June period. According to her July quarterly filing with the Federal Election Commission, the Hawaii Democrat is sitting on $1.88 million in cash. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii President David Lassner’s salary ranks in the bottom two-thirds of salaries paid to the nation’s public college presidents, according to a report released today by the Chronicle of High Education. Lassner’s $375,000 base salary is No. 152 out of 260 leaders of public colleges and university systems. Star-Advertiser.

How many missiles, bombs and torpedoes does it take to sink a U.S. frigate? More than 10, a Rim of the Pacific exercise showed. Star-Advertiser.

What Happened When HECO Went To Wall Street. Energized by statehood and a booming economy, Hawaiian Electric began to reach beyond Oahu for investors and investments. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The latest Hawaii Poll shows former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou ahead in the race for Honolulu mayor, garnering more support among likely voters than incumbent Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former Mayor Peter Carlisle. Djou was the choice for 39 percent of poll participants — ahead of Caldwell at 30 percent, and Carlisle at 15 percent. Star-Advertiser.

If money were the only factor in an election, Mayor Kirk Caldwell would be re-elected in a landslide. The Honolulu mayor received $425,200 in campaign contributions in the first half of this year, far more than the next-highest amount for any state or city candidate. Charles Djou, who is also running for Honolulu mayor, came in second with $233,535. Civil Beat.

A solid majority of Oahu voters maintain the island’s rail transit project still should be built to Ala Moana Center as planned, the latest Hawaii Poll found. Star-Advertiser.

Most Oahu residents want the see the entire 20-mile rail system built all the way to Ala Moana Center. But even more people oppose raising property taxes to pay for the construction.  Hawaii News Now.

People on Oahu generally feel that the island’s homeless situation has gotten better in the year since the beating of a state representative in the heart of an entrenched encampment in Kakaako, and far fewer believe the problem’s gotten worse, results of the latest Hawaii Poll show. Star-Advertiser.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton retains a solid lead among Oahu voters as Republicans and Democrats prepare for their national conventions, with 49 percent of likely voters here saying they would vote for Clinton if the election for president were held today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police are hoping to begin a body camera pilot program by the end of this year. Star-Advertiser.

They live on the wrong side of Honolulu’s traffic jams and like everyone on the island they think housing costs too much, but it’s hard to find Mililani residents who are dissatisfied with their community. Civil Beat.

Thurston Twigg-Smith, a scion of missionary descendants who helped make the once-weaker Honolulu Advertiser Hawaii’s dominant newspaper, died Saturday at the age of 94. Star-Advertiser.

Road repaving projects to begin in Iwilei, Kalihi, Kapalama, Liliha, Punchbowl and Pu‘unui. KITV.

Hawaii
If elections were won by money alone, mayoral candidate Wally Lau would be a shoo-in for the top Hawaii County post. Lau, Mayor Billy Kenoi’s former right-hand man, accumulated $183,705 in campaign contributions in the first six months of the year, eclipsing the rest of the 13-member field seeking the open seat.  West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers are expecting a gas tax hike to be on the table again next year following the deferral of major highway improvements, including further widening of Highway 130 in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Little Fire Ants, first discovered on Hawaii Island in 1999, likely arrived as hidden passengers in imported nursery plants. And there’s little sign they’re letting up in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County auditor will be reviewing county employee travel expenses after an investigation into government purchasing cards, known as pCards, revealed about $850,000 in travel spending from September 2014 to October 2015. Maui News.

Maui County Council hopefuls Yuki Lei Sugimura and Keith Regan, candidate newcomers, took in $54,000 and $42,000 respectively from January to June - the highest total of campaign donations received during the reporting period among all council candidates, according to campaign spending reports. Maui News.

Lawmakers are tentatively planning to close out their special veto override session Monday without taking any further action on a proposal for special severance payments and retirement benefits for the Maui hospital workers who will lose their state jobs when Gov. David Ige’s administration privatizes three hospitals in Maui County. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a single-family home in Maui County for the first half of 2016 was $630,000 - with mostly local residents buying properties below that price and off-islanders snarfing up listings above that amount, the president of the Realtors Association of Maui said last week. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho has nominated Syngenta spokeswoman Beth Tokioka to the county’s Board of Water Supply despite concerns about the seed company’s record on water quality. Civil Beat.

The deadline for commenting on the latest paperwork from Hawaii Dairy Farms and their plan to establish a 699-cow dairy in the Mahaulepu Valley is a little more than a week away. Garden Island.

The fate of an amendment to a bill that would prohibit smoking in cars with minors could be settled Wednesday. When the Kauai County Council meets, it is expected to make a decision on amending Bill No. 2629, which would make it illegal for adults to smoke in a car if they are riding with keiki under the age of 18. Garden Island.

Computer Hospital owner Jeff Elkins’ troubles began when he received a warning letter from the Hawaii Department of Health asking him to cease and desist his “unpermitted operation of a solid waste management system.” Garden Island.

Two people searching for the augmented reality game “Pokemon Go’s” pocket monsters wandered into a sensitive heiau on Kauai where a cultural protocol was underway, according to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Biden visits Hawaii as Pacific RIMPAC war games continue, state still needs 625 teachers, poverty and rail on tap in mayoral debates on two islands, Maui Mayor Arakawa's ties to land deal probed, Chinatown development brisk, Kauai council punts auxiliary housing bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Chinatown © 2016 All Hawaii News

Economic development in Honolulu’s Chinatown is brisk but faces lingering challenges with homelessness, crime and sanitation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vice President Joe Biden flew onto the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis off Hawaii on Thursday to thank the crew for their service and role in helping maintain economic prosperity and stability in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser.

Joking that it's a "terrible sacrifice to come to Hawaii," Vice President Joseph Biden launched into his quick stopover in the 50th state, joining high-ranking officials from the Republic of Korea and Japan. Hawaii News Now.

With the new school year just three weeks away, the state Department of Education is still trying to fill 625 teacher vacancies. Hawaii News Now.

Federal officials plan to hold two public meetings next month — one on Oahu and the other on Kauai — to discuss the proposed expansion of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, according to a draft notice that’s expected to go out Friday. Civil Beat.

The search for an executive director for the state agency overseeing Hawaii’s public charter schools is starting again following an announcement that a finalist who was offered the job has declined it. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige signed into law on Tuesday a bill that will alleviate some economic pressure on Hawaii’s working poor who care for minors, the elderly or infirm individuals. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu
The city’s troubled rail project took center stage Thursday in an often fiery exchange between Honolulu’s leading mayoral candidates, who appeared together to field questions in their first forum before the August primary election. Star-Advertiser.

In Honolulu Mayoral Forum, It’s All About The Rail Project. Kirk Caldwell, Charles Djou and Peter Carlisle clashed over differing approaches to the costly mass transportation project. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has collected significantly more contributions — and spent exponentially more — than either of his two major rivals, former Mayor Peter Carlisle and onetime U.S. Rep. Charles Djou. Star-Advertiser.

Former congressman Charles Djou raised nearly $260,000 in the first three weeks of his campaign for Honolulu mayor, a sign that he’s a strong challenger, but one who is up against an incumbent with close to $1.2 million in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

The board overseeing Honolulu’s rail project spent another 2-1/2 hours Thursday discussing its CEO’s job performance behind closed doors but didn’t have anything to report publicly afterward. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu rail project has suffered from severe budget issues, and the numbers recently changed drastically within days. Pacific Business News.

Duane Kurisu’s vision to reduce Oahu’s homeless population by creating a plantation-era-style community has brought together the state and city to help turn the idea into reality. Star-Advertiser.

A group that advocates for the vacation rental industry has filed a lawsuit against the city of Honolulu over the way it enforces its bans on certain bed-and-breakfasts and transient vacation rental units. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Four candidates for mayor tried to stand out from a crowded field Thursday during a forum that concentrated on the island’s problems of homelessness, poverty and lagging infrastructure. West Hawaii Today.

A Hilo Circuit judge this week issued a ruling that gives Hawaii County the legal green light to begin construction of planned improvements to Kukuihaele Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa said he and officials from a photovoltaic company that is leasing property rights from him and his brother visited Maui Electric Co. to discuss a possible PV park on the Omaopio properties owned by the brothers. Maui News.

All satellite DMVL offices in Maui County will close on Friday, July 15 to accommodate the reopening of the Kahului location, county officials announced earlier this week. MauiTime.

On the second Saturday of every month, a small group of hikers is led into the Waikamoi Preserve, Hawaii’s largest private nature preserve at 8,951 acres on the windward slope of Haleakala, Maui’s dormant volcanic giant. Civil Beat.

Kauai

The intention of a bill that would allow people to build additional rental units on their property was to increase inventory, not affordable housing options. Because of that confusion, the Planning Committee for the Kauai County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to defer Bill No. 2627 until the purpose of the bill is clear. Garden Island.

Alleviating traffic gridlock is a top priority for two Democratic candidates vying for the state House seat on Kauai representing Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa and Wailua. Star-Advertiser.

An open house is scheduled Saturday, July 23 at Haena State Park to discuss changes and updates to the draft master plan and environmental impact statement. Garden Island.

Lawsuit filed over false killer whale protection, Biden to observe RIMPAC, Honolulu council may get more terms, stringent environmental studies coming for state water leases, Kauai mulls car smoking ban, Attorney General sues Dog the Bounty Hunter, police and military warn abut Pokemon trespassing, Maui zip-line operates without permits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

False killer whale and pup, courtesy Robin Baird, Cascadia Research Collective

An international environmental group filed a lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Washington, D.C., that aims to force federal agencies to put in place overdue endangered species protections for Hawaii’s false killer whales. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s longline fleet is about to hit its 3,554-ton limit for bigeye tuna in the Western and Central Pacific, prompting a closure date for the fishery of July 22, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Civil Beat.

The vice president will spend the day in Honolulu on Thursday to attend trilateral meetings with Korea and Japan, and meet U.S. and international military personnel in Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific exercises. Hawaii News Now.

Australian soldiers are expected to lead a battalion of troops in the storming of a Hawaii beach during the world’s largest maritime exercises this month, displaying the amphibious military skills they’ve been building up in recent years. Associated Press.

Companies that for years, and in some cases decades, have been allowed to bypass stringent environmental requirements for using public water will be required to conduct environmental reviews and consult with Native Hawaiians to see whether the use disrupts taro farming or other customary practices if they want to continue using the water. Star-Advertiser.

By Wednesday morning, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and the Travel Technology Association had made their views known about the growing transient accommodation industry. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and two other senators have asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether online short-term rental companies such as Airbnb and HomeAway are compounding housing shortages and driving up rents in some communities. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz implored the Federal Trade Commission Wednesday to investigate commercial use of the burgeoning short-term rental market on websites like Airbnb and VRBO, citing specific concerns of housing shortages, subsequent rent hikes, illegally zoned or maintained properties and discriminatory practices. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s AG is on the hunt for Dog the Bounty Hunter. Attorney General Doug Chin said in a press release Wednesday that his office has filed petitions to enforce judgments against Da Kine Bail Bonds and Safety National Casualty Corporation “for forfeited bail bonds those companies failed to pay” to the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Duane “Dog” Chapman’s Honolulu-based company, Da Kine Bail Bonds Inc., and its insurance company, claiming the state is owed $35,500 for forfeited bail bonds. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The number of terms that elected officials could serve continuously would be raised to three from the current two under one of 27 proposals the Honolulu City Charter Commission voted to advance Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

In years past, Honolulu rail Executive Director Dan Grabauskas has regularly received glowing annual reviews and $35,000 salary bonuses from the rail board for his handling of the largest public works project in state history. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police have issued at least two times more pedestrian-related tickets than normal since stepping up enforcement of pedestrian safety laws on July 1. Star-Advertiser.

A recently released statewide homelessness survey found that there were 413 homeless veterans on Oahu, a 12 percent decrease from the previous year but 84 more homeless vets than the city calculated at about the same time. Civil Beat.

According to the latest Point in Time Count, homelessness in Hawai‘i is up 4 percent from last year, the 5th consecutive year it’s increased. That’s nearly 8,000 individual stories. HPR’s Molly Solomon has one of them. Hawaii Public Radio.

In his print, radio, television and online campaign advertisements, Mayor Kirk Caldwell has frequently emphasized what he believes are his many contributions to making Honolulu a better place to live and work. Challenger Charles Djou has taken a very different approach in his first TV ad, and he comes out swinging. Civil Beat.

A major addition to urban Honolulu’s affordable-housing supply is about to get started, after a South Korean development company blessed the site Wednesday for a predominantly affordable condominium tower near Ala Moana Center. Star-Advertiser.

The latest case confirmed Tuesday brings the total number of recent hepatitis A cases on Oahu to 52. Associated Press.

The Navy is warning Pokémon Go fans to watch where you play, because you may be posing a security risk. KHON2.

With Pokemon fever sweeping the nation after the release of the smartphone app Pokemon GO, the Honolulu Police Department is issuing tips aimed at keeping gamers safe while strolling in parks, shopping malls and other areas in search of cartoon monsters. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Members of the ad hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity on Wednesday approved a final planning document that recommends next steps for county actions to improve road access in upper Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of his government issued purchase card was again on the table for discussion by the Hawaii County Board of Ethics. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The location changes, but Derek Hoyte's story remains the same: He finds a picturesque piece of land, strings up a few zip lines and operates nonpermitted tours until the county comes knocking. Maui News.

Maui County officials have rejected an application for a special-use permit by a zip line business they say has been operating illegally for six years at the site of a former World War II-era military camp in Haiku. Hawaii News Now.

Former Maui County Film Commissioner Harry Donenfeld was fired in September 2013 to appease Hollywood movie mogul Ryan Kavanaugh, and not - as claimed by Mayor Alan Arakawa - because he failed to show up at work, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in U.S. District Court. Maui News.

A bill passed by the Legislature providing additional severance and early retirement options to some Maui County public hospital workers is now in limbo following a veto Monday by Gov. David Ige, who said the measure could cost the state $60 million and jeopardize the state Employees' Retirement System's tax-exempt status. Maui News.

Kauai
It soon may be illegal for adults to smoke in their vehicle with minors. The county’s public works and parks and recreation committee unanimously voted Wednesday to recommend passing a bill that would prohibit smoking in vehicles with children under the age of 18. Garden Island.

For Thomas Lovelet, the Happy Dog Playground is a treasure. Lovelet was one of 12 people who testified during Wednesday’s Kauai County Council committee meeting about their love for the dog park and its role in the community. Garden Island.

Trap-neuter-release programs on Kauai have reduced the size of 10 colonies monitored by the organization by half over the past eight years. Garden Island.