Vehicle tax could be based on mileage, top-performing schools announced, no confidence in Honolulu fire chief, religious beliefs differ on Mauna Kea, Kauai to leave community center alone after outcry, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii road © 2016 All Hawaii News

The more than 1 million Hawaii drivers who get annual vehicle inspections could soon receive mock bills comparing what they pay in state fuel taxes to what they would pay if taxed on the miles they drive instead. Star-Advertiser.

The state's proposal to get rid of the gas tax used to fund road repairs in favor a mileage-based user fee is needed to prepare for a future with far fewer gas-powered vehicles on the roads, officials said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

The state’s top-performing public schools were announced Wednesday by the Department of Education, based on the latest round of results on the school accountability system known as Strive HI. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 1 in 5 Hawaii public high school students missed 15 days or more last school year and the figure topped 40 percent at some campuses, newly released academic performance metrics show. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii media outlets banded together this week to protest being shut out of a meeting between commercial fishing vessel owners and government officials to discuss concerns about the treatment of foreign crew members who work on U.S. vessels. Civil Beat.

There’s A Big Mess At The New Papahanaumokuakea Monument. State and federal officials are working to clean up leaking fuel, heavy equipment and other debris spilled into the water at Kure Atoll. Civil Beat.

The first aerial survey of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch shows that the amount of debris swirling in the North Pacific has been “heavily underestimated,” the expedition group said. HuffPost Hawaii.

Three-quarters of a century after he was killed during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the remains of a young Navy sailor finally are heading home to Kansas. Associated Press.

Oahu

With a firefighter training death earlier this year and another firefighter injured after falling out of a helicopter rescue basket last month, the firefighters union says Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves fails to place firefighter safety first and should be fired. Star-Advertiser.

Why It’s So Hard To Find Serious Candidates For City Prosecutor. Even one of Honolulu’s former top prosecutors won’t be eligible to run for his old job because of city rules that limit who can run. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to approve plans for the 36-story Mana‘olana condominium-hotel tower at Atkinson Drive and Kapiolani Boulevard. Star-Advertiser.

Starting tonight, Kakaako Waterfront Park — home to a persistent homeless population of about 50 people — will close four hours earlier indefinitely to repair an unknown number of light poles that have been vandalized to gain access to electrical power. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu sold about $379 million of tax-exempt and taxable general obligation bonds on Wednesday that will be used to refinance existing debt and finance new capital improvement projects and equipment. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii medical marijuana company is opening in the former Krazy Karaoke space in Honolulu, Pacific Business News has learned.

Waimanalo residents up in arms over proposed traffic light. KITV.


Hawaii

The Maunakea Management Board is asking its Native Hawaiian advisory group to take another look at proposed rules for cultural practices after hearing objections from some followers of the Hawaiian religion. Tribune-Herald.

It took four years, but the mayor finally celebrates the official opening of the new Kaʻū District Gym and Shelter. Big Island Video News.

Despite outreach effort, some Ironman athletes say Zika not on mind. West Hawaii Today.

After more than a year of development, the upper Puna connectivity plan was presented to the Hawaii County Council’s Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation during its Tuesday meeting. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company is closing operations by the end of the year. The legacy of sugar has touched many lives in Hawai‘i. Before the final harvest is in, we’re hearing from a variety of voices. Hawaii Public Radio.

For centuries, traditional Hawaiian chants have warned about an increased risk of shark bites in the fall, when the wiliwili tree blooms. According to the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), that warning is still appropriate. Maui Watch.

Those of you who enjoy looking at musty old Hawaii Land Court applications from the comfort of your own home are in luck: Thanks to years of diligent work from the North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund, a huge trove of old West Maui Land Court applications is now online–all free to read and download. MauiTime.

Major parts of a wind turbine at the 21-megawatt Auwahi Wind project at the Ulupalakua Ranch on Maui separated from the tower structure and fell to the ground, shutting down the entire project, a spokeswoman for the owner of the wind farm confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Public outcry and financial constraints led the county on Wednesday to end plans to convert the Kapaa Neighborhood Center into a police substation and move the center to the Kapaa Armory. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council unanimously voted to kill a resolution that proposed changes to Waikomo Road Wednesday. Garden Island.

State seeks tamper-proof elections, students gain slightly on standardized tests, flood damage could close Iao Valley state park for six months, beef production down, fortunes grow for Omidyar, Ellison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diebold technician tests ballot-counting equipment before 2016 primary election © 2016 All Hawaii News

With elections systems in more than 20 states now reported to have come under attack from hackers, Hawaii officials are working with federal authorities to make sure it doesn’t happen here. Civil Beat.

Hawaii public school students made slight gains over last year in English language arts and math on the Smarter Balanced Assessment, according to test results released tonight by the state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

The state is sponsoring a two-day Aerospace Summit at the Capitol this week.   As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the more than120 participants are trying to map Hawai’i’s future in a growing economic sector. Hawaii Public Radio.

High-tech entrepreneur Henk Rogers is proposing that a lunar base be built, tested and eventually developed on the moon from Hawaii, an extremely ambitious goal that Rogers said can be used to fuel development of a local aerospace industry. Star-Advertiser.

EBay founder Pierre Omidyar, Hawaii’s only full-time billionaire, saw his wealth grow over the past year, moving him up three notches on Forbes magazine’s annual list of the 400 richest Americans, while Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corp. and the owner of the island of Lanai, dropped two places in the ranking even as his fortune grew.Pacific Business News

Hawaii resident Luka Mossman is among 12 individuals nationwide that President Obama’s administration plans to honor Friday as “White House Champions of Change for Sustainable Seafood.” Civil Beat.

Coral reefs in Hawaii’s oceanic twilight zone, where light still penetrates and photosynthesis occurs, are abundant and host a wide variety of life, a new study shows. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association endorsed Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s re-election bid Tuesday despite acknowledged disagreements with the incumbent. Star-Advertiser.

The over-budget Honolulu rail project has submitted an interim plan to the federal government for how it wants to cover a $1.8 billion shortfall or reduce the project’s scope to stay within the current budget. Civil Beat.

Four years after the debacle of the failed, University of Hawaii-sponsored Stevie Wonder concert, the man who said he could deliver the artist for the performance admitted he lied. Star-Advertiser.

A North Carolina concert promoter is pleading guilty to defrauding the University of Hawaii out of $200,000 for a Stevie Wonder fundraiser concert that never happened. KITV4.

The number of registered motor vehicles on Oahu last year dropped to its lowest level since 2011, figures reported to the state show. Hawaii News Now.

Nothing on Gov. David Ige’s wish list for the 2016 legislative session was more costly than House Bill 2388: nearly $500 million to relocate the crumbling Oahu Community Correctional Center. Civil Beat.

A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for the tower, Ke Kilohana, a Kakaako condominium tower developed under a state affordable-housing program, was held Tuesday by project developer Howard Hughes Corp. Star-Advertiser.

A Texas contractor has paid dozens of workers more than $370,000 in back wages and damages after failing to pay them for overtime performed during the renovation of a Hawaii hotel. Associated Press.

2nd elementary school worker in less than a month accused of sexually assaulting minor. KHON2.

Hawaii

If Gov. David Ige wants the Office of Mauna Kea Management to give up more than 10,000 acres, he’s going to have to talk to the agency first. That was the sentiment of the office’s board of directors during its meeting Tuesday in Hilo, which showed no interest in advancing the issue without hearing from Ige or one of his representatives. Tribune-Herald.

Customers calling the county’s emergency water line Sunday after a water main break caused an interruption in service to much of upper Hilo were met with another surprise — call center operators in South Carolina who, to some, might as well have been speaking another language. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor-elect Harry Kim addressed the Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit on Tuesday, asking them to review concerns from the Puna community regarding the government response to Hurricane / Tropical Storm Iselle and the June 27 lava flow. Big Island Video News.

After more than a year of development, the upper Puna connectivity plan was presented to the Hawaii County Council’s Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation during its Tuesday meeting. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Flood-ravaged Iao Valley is slowly recovering three weeks after a raging storm caused the Wailuku River to jump its banks, but the narrow canyon and its residents remain vulnerable as hundreds of tons of debris remain strewn across a newly carved and unpredictable riverbed. Star-Advertiser.

Iao Valley state park is expected to remain closed for four to six months, while Kepaniwai Park down the road is not scheduled to reopen for another six to eight months, due to damage from the raging Wailuku River on Sept. 13, state and county officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

When a slow moving thunderstorm dropped an enormous amount of rain on Maui Sept. 13-14, the Wailuku River and several of its tributaries escaped their banks and not only significantly widened the river bed, but caused hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in ʻĪao Valley State Monument. The popular and iconic Monument, part of the DLNR Division of State Parks system, has been closed since what is considered a 100-year flood event. Maui Now.

The blades, hub and nacelle of one of eight Auwahi Wind turbines in the Kanaio area separated from the tower and fell to the ground Sunday, an official with the wind-power generation company said Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Different interpretations on the rules dictating conduct during Kauai County Council meetings has led to Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura silently standing in protest. Garden Island.

Where’s the beef — from? USDA reports Hawaii’s red meat production down slightly from last year. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism breaks record, ferry feasibility study, yellow-faced bee added to endangered species list, bail bond companies stiffing state, DOT backs off Kauai bird protection plan, mayor's campaign aide gets city contracts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists on Hawaii beach © 2016 All Hawaii News

The number of tourists visiting Hawaii hit a record for the month of August by topping 780,000 people. The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Friday 3.1 percent more travelers came to the islands in August compared to the same month last year. It marked the 19th straight month of gains. Associated Press.

The number of visitors to Hawaii last month rose 3.1 percent from last year to the highest level ever for an August, and spending increased by 5.2 percent to more than $1.3 billion for the month, according to preliminary statistics released Friday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

August turns out to have been a third month of higher visitor arrivals despite low airline seats to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Maritime Administration has agreed to help finance a feasibility study for establishing a publicly financed Hawaii ferry service, a plan that may reignite public debate over one of Hawaii’s hot-button transportation and environmental issues. Star-Advertiser.


Federal authorities on Friday added seven yellow-faced bee species, Hawaii’s only native bees, for protection under the Endangered Species Act, a first for any bees in the United States. Associated Press.

Biosecurity plan formed to protect Hawaii from invasive species. KHON2.

The official general election registration “deadline” for this year is Oct. 10, despite falling on the Columbus Day federal holiday. For people who opt to mail in their voter registration forms, the Office of Elections said forms must be postmarked no later than Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Bail bond companies that pledged bail money as guarantees that their clients would appear for criminal court proceedings now owe the state more than $2.4 million in forfeited bail bonds after the offenders failed to show up for their court dates, according to data provided by the Hawaii State Judiciary. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of proposed rules that would allow for groups such as nonprofits and universities to approve and oversee Hawaii’s public charter schools say the move would strengthen charters without eroding standards. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development is giving $350,000 to the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii to investigate and fight housing discrimination. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s campaign spokeswoman has been awarded tens of thousands of dollars worth of city contracts, but apparently doesn’t get paid for her campaign work. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayoral Candidates Vie For Coveted Kupuna Vote. The city’s high cost of living and public safety are on the minds of AARP Hawaii members, who shared their concerns during a “tele-town hall” Saturday morning. Civil Beat.

At the Kalaeloa Heritage Park, there is a story about almost everything. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
Two new wells are being proposed in North Kona to increase water capacity at higher elevations, with the goal of reducing the use of water sources closer to sea level. West Hawaii Today.

Opinion: Was Civil Beat Right To Publish The Billy Kenoi Party Video? Addressing some key issues raised by readers about the publication of a video showing the Big Island mayor giving a profanity-laced toast. Civil Beat.

A site visit was made to the summit of Mauna Kea on September 26, as part of the second Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing now underway. Objections to the way the site visit was carried out have already been filed by opponents of the TMT project. Big Island Video News.

The Affordable Care Act is triggering clinics on Hawaii Island to consider expansion, a fulfillment of plans made when the federal law passed. Tribune-Herald.

Bringing farmers, tourists together: First AgriTourism Symposium slated for Oct. 15. Tribune-Herald.

The wife of a well-known marijuana activist who spent more than four years in federal prison after his Downtown Hilo marijuana ministry was raided is now making a last-ditch effort to prevent her own incarceration. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council member Don Couch is the target of an ethics violation complaint filed by Haiku resident Sean Lester with the Maui County Board of Ethics. In documents received on Sept. 23, 2016, Lester alleges Couch purchased a home in Waikapu and a condo in Kihei in 2007. He states that Couch did not meet the “affordable income criteria” for the condo and implies that Couch improperly received and failed to disclose rental income derived from the house. Maui Watch.

A Community Connection public forum with Governor David Ige is planned on Maui on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 at the University of Hawai‘i, Maui College Pā‘ina Cafeteria in Kahului. Maui Now.

As sugar operations wind down this year, an elevated scale to weigh sugar and molasses will be closed, and that will prompt some Maui businesses to look elsewhere to weigh their containers before shipping them on barges. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii Department of Transportation has taken an unexplained step back from developing a Kauai County Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan, and the gears of the entire process have slowed. Garden Island.

Road safety measures and extending the deadline to apply for building permits will be discussed Wednesday during the Kauai County Council meeting. Garden Island.

Building bridges. Division of Forestry and Wildlife plans to connect with public on Keahua Stream construction. Garden Island

Construction boom to slow, Caldwell-Djou debate Honolulu priorities, rail costs rise to $8.6B, Maui buys 268 acres near famous surf spot, Puna Geothermal releases steam, sewage leak on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu construction © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s booming construction industry — one of the main drivers of the state’s economy — appears to be nearing the peak of its cycle and will begin to grow at a slower pace beginning in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

In the first half of this year, some 5,000 construction workers were employed statewide as more major developments added to an already high volume of existing projects. Pacific Business News.

Retired teacher Jim Williams, one of the original members appointed to the Board of Education in 2011 after voters chose to do away with an elected school board, has resigned from the board, citing a lack of confidence and support from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Board of Education member Jim Williams resigned Thursday, citing his differences with Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

For the fifth straight year, the state of Hawaii is the nation’s leader per capita in saving energy at its office buildings, the state said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Advocates for Hawaii’s elderly celebrated a federal agency’s decision this week to bar the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements by nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Civil Beat.

Federal researchers have just returned from an expedition to study the biodiversity and mechanisms of an unusually rich deep-sea ecosystem off the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Associated Press.

People who ate at any of 51 locations in Hawaii where employees infected with hepatitis A were working may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit against Genki Sushi, as well as a distributor and importer. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

More than 15 years after 9/11, the terrorist attacks and their aftermath became the hottest point of contention at a Honolulu mayoral debate Thursday, even as the city is facing current and serious challenges like an over-budget rail project and a rise in homelessness. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday called his six-figure-salary position on the Territorial Savings Bank board of directors “a service” — and not a second job. Star-Advertiser.

In what could be their final debate before the Nov. 8 election, Mayor Kirk Caldwell and challenger Charles Djou squared off Thursday, sparring over affordable housing, the state of Oahu's roads and what government should do to help businesses succeed. Hawaii News Now.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai’i hosted a Candidate Debate for Honolulu Mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Local rail leaders have raised their estimate yet again for how much it will cost to complete the cash-strapped 20-mile transit project, now putting the price tag at more than $8.6 billion. Star-Advertiser.

HART Raises Estimate For Total Cost Of Rail Project To $8.6 Billion. At that price, there’s a funding gap of $1.8 billion. Civil Beat.

Rail officials said they found more than 2,000 cracked plastic pads along first first 10 miles of the rail line. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors wants a more thorough investigation of rail components — and answers about money — in the wake of several quality and safety-related flaws Always Investigating revealed earlier this year. KHON2.

The HART board is taking up a report that points to fractures that have developed in some of the anchors and pads in the guideway and track of the rail system. KITV.

More than two dozen classrooms at Honowai Elementary received air conditioning this year following a campus-wide campaign to reduce energy use. The state Department of Education says the campus received “the most extensive deployment of energy and sustainability efforts.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A steam release is being reported at the Puna Geothermal Venture plant. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County planners continue to tweak conceptual plans for the proposed Banyan Drive redevelopment project. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island public school students are making strides on Advanced Placement exams, though performance overall still trails behind national averages. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Anaergia Services lost its bid to obtain preferential rates for its biogas and trash conversion programs on Maui when the state Public Utilities Commission issued a ruling Monday in favor of Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric Cos. Maui News.

As of this morning the County of Maui purchased 267.74 acres of former plantation land for $9.49 million in East Maui, near Peʻahi. Maui News.

The more than decadelong wait for Maui Waena Intermediate School's new classroom building is finally over. Maui News.

Using a century-old map that others before them didn't have, a team of archaeologists has painstakingly unearthed several sections of pohaku, or rock walls, that are helping define the perimeter of the long-buried island of Moku'ula. Maui News.

Kauai

Over 20,000 gallons of sewage sludge overflowed from the Lihue Wastewater Treatment Plant early Thursday morning. Garden Island.

Hanamaulu residents say red dirt from construction site is flowing into their homes; Earthworks Pacific says it is doing all it can to keep dust down. Garden Island

Crystal methamphetamine, legalization of marijuana and plea bargaining were some of the topics that took center stage Thursday in the race for Kauai County prosecuting attorney. Garden Island

There is a new face on the Kauai County Planning Commission. Kanoe Ahuna was sworn in Tuesday. Garden Island.

Performing dolphin trade criticized, rail components already deteriorating, state has at least 100 brothels, $8.3M for clean drinking water, Hawaii Fire Department keeps chlorine leak secret, Maui marijuana dispensaries advancing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dolphin encounter in Hawaii © 2016 All Hawaii News

Animal rights activists are upset after three live dolphins were shipped via FedEx from Honolulu to Arizona, but the organization that shipped the animals says it was safe and legal to do so. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will allocate $8.3 million to the state for improving aging drinking water infrastructure in light of improvements that the Department of Health has made in managing its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Star-Advertiser.

An additional 39 plants and 10 animals are at risk of extinction in Hawaii and will now be protected under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Prosecutors are calling the scourge of sex trafficking a form of modern-day slavery that touches every state in the nation, and they’re working to draw connections between active investigations around the globe at a summit in Waikiki. Associated Press.

Sex trafficking happens at hotels, homes and with street prostitution, and authorities estimate the state has at least 100 brothels. Hawaii News Now.

For the first time, the Hawai‘i Tourism Conference featured a session on LGBT travel. The islands have long been a destination for gay visitors, but state tourism officials have been slow to advertise it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Millions of people visit Hawai’i each year and tourism officials say more and more of them want an authentic experience when they stay here. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Candidates Are Getting Flooded With Surveys This Year. As special interest groups, labor unions and the media try to nail them down on issues, office-seekers decide which ones to respond to. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau wants to get New Yorkers to take a bite out of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

A new review out by the VA Office of the Inspector General says conditions at VA hospitals in the Pacific are improving.  The report says the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, which includes Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and Saipan, had resolved all but 21 unprocessed travel benefit claims as of August 2016. KITV.

Two of the state’s highest-performing public elementary schools were recognized Wednesday as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Parts of the rail guideway are cracking and snapping even before the first stretch is finished, and money-saving efforts may be behind the problem, new reports show. Star-Advertiser.

Charles Djou will not participate in a Honolulu mayoral debate with Kirk Caldwell on PBS Hawaii this fall, but the explanation for that depends on which press release you’re reading. Civil Beat.

Not So Public: What Happens When A Cop Goes On Desk Duty? The department refuses to disclose portions of many of its policies to the public, including the one on use of force. Civil Beat.

The parents of a five-year-old boy who walked away from school without anyone noticing have filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Education. KHON2.

The Honolulu City Council will take a final vote on a 400-foot condominium-hotel tower across from the Hawai‘i Convention Center next week after a compromise was reached Wednesday on the amount of affordable housing the developer must provide. Star-Advertiser.

Fujifilm Corp.’s Hawaii regional office is closing at the end of the year, and the Central Oahu building that housed the office is up for sale, a company spokesman confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A potentially dangerous chlorine gas leak from an industrial tank in Hilo sickened two people last week, but the Hawaii County Fire Department issued no public warning. Star-Advertiser.

A joint investigation continues into the cause of a Sept. 22 chlorine gas leak at BEI Hawaii in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission members slammed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for having “no respect for the people” of Big Island hunting community. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii Board of Ethics will hear a complaint in November that Mayor Billy Kenoi’s use of a county-issued credit card violated the Code of Ethics. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation is evaluating workaround measures to increase the capacity of Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

Protocols, paperwork, grants all play part on police crack down on impaired drivers. West Hawaii Today.

The macadamia felted coccid is the latest Hawaii Island invasive species to go to Washington. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Wellness Group LLC - one of the island's two groups issued the first medical marijuana dispensary licenses in Hawaii - plans to begin selling product from its dispensary location in Central Maui by early January, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. Maui News.

PharmLabs Hawaii LLC is installing and calibrating equipment in its main Hawaii lab in Kahului this week that soon will be available to medical marijuana licensees for testing of their cannabis for purity and potency, the company said in a news release last week. Maui News.

Maui County is contributing money and resources for the eradication of coqui frogs.  $1.2 million has been allotted to the Maui Invasive Species Committee to increase efforts to stop the spread of coqui during over a five-year plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai receives $3 million to upgrade water systems. Garden Island.

The Kauai Police Department and Life’s Choices Kauai are teaming up to collect unused or expired prescription medication and other drugs on Drug Take Back Day. Garden Island.

Molokai

Sea Link of Hawaiʻi, the ferry that runs between Maui and Molokaʻi filed a request with the Public Utilities Commission to stop operations. Maui Now.

Gay tourism touted, new beach bacteria signs coming, human trafficking groups meet, UH-Hilo enrollment drops again, sex abuse at Oahu prison investigated, Molokai ferry struggling, Coco Palms rebuild planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gay pride parade, Hilo © 2016 All Hawaii News

The rainbow is already a major tourism brand for Hawaii, but industry experts say connecting with the LGBT community could put a pot of gold at the end of it. Star-Advertiser.

State to roll out new signs warning of water pollution. KITV.

In recent years, Hawaii’s state-run highways and roads have held firm as some of the worst in the nation, the Reason Foundation’s latest annual report shows. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutors from a dozen states and eight countries are meeting in Waikiki to talk about the global problem of sex trafficking. Associated Press.

The federal prosecutor in the “Wonder Blunder” case wants to submit as trial evidence to a jury the alleged scammer’s guilty plea in a similar case in Pennsylvania. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy investigated a case of a sailor who didn’t salute as the national anthem played during a recent morning flag-raising at Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

Oahu

The Caldwell administration is seeking to award a $50 million contract to convert yellowish high-pressure sodium lights to white-ish light-emitting diodes (LED) islandwide. Civil Beat.

Laid-Back, Aging Manoa Is No Longer A Haven For Young Families. The community near the University of Hawaii is still friendly, quiet and rainy, but rising housing prices bring changes. Civil Beat.

The list of Hawaii adult corrections officers accused of sexually assaulting female inmates has grown. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Tuesday that it was letting go of 15 editorial employees effective Oct. 17. Pacific Business News.

Oahu Publications plans to cut 15 jobs at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, a move that will trim the newsroom of about 110 editorial employees by more than 10 percent. Civil Beat.

$5.4 million contract for new jail site involves more than just scouting. KHON2.

After only two years of service, Mokulele Airlines will end its service out of Kalaeloa Airport in southwest Oahu. Associated Press.

A lawsuit filed against developer D.G. “Andy” Anderson alleges he is operating a Haleiwa restaurant without legal permits and continuing to let treated wastewater contaminate nearby waters. Star-Advertiser.

Several Hawaii residents are suing the property owners of a North Shore restaurant for allegedly violating permitting law and polluting Haleiwa by using an improper septic system. Civil Beat.

NOAA is apologizing to the public over how the carcasses of three sea turtles were handled. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Overnight parking will likely soon become a thing of the past in the county lot situated between Kuakini Highway and Likana Lane. West Hawaii Today.

Fall enrollment at the University of Hawaii at Hilo declined for the fourth consecutive year, prodding administrators to revamp recruitment materials in hopes of attracting — and retaining — more students. Tribune-Herald.

A balloon was floated at the planned site of the Thirty Meter Telescope in the summit area of Mauna Kea during a site visit on Monday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Progress continues on the long-awaited Kihei high school, with a $21 million contract awarded last week for infrastructure work, but costs continue to climb and the completion date keeps being pushed back, now to 2022. Maui News.

After strong opposition from the Kaanapali community over the most recently proposed site for a million-gallon treated wastewater storage tank, the county Department of Environmental Management is looking into different locations for the tank as it works to deal with a lawsuit over injection wells at the Lahaina wastewater treatment plant. Maui News.

The Philippine Consulate will conduct a mobile outreach on Molokai and Maui in early October, visiting Molokai on Saturday and Sunday, and Maui on Oct. 15 and 16. The outreach will provide on-island services for Philippine passport renewal, dual citizenship and authentication. Maui News.


Kauai

The Kauai County Planning Department and developers of the Coco Palms Resort have agreed on some changes tied to redevelopment permits to ensure the iconic hotel is rebuilt. Star-Advertiser.

Nineteen political candidates from the state legislative offices, Kauai County Council, and prosecuting attorney attended a political coffee hour Tuesday morning at the Lihue Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

Alakai O Kauai Public Charter School still needs a home. While the school was unanimously approved by the Hawaii State Charter School Commission in August, it still needs land and a building. Garden Island.

Molokai

A ferry service on Moloka‘i is struggling to stay afloat and may have to shut down. The company that has been operating the service for nearly 30 years says low ridership and competing air fares are to blame. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hanauma Bay finances questioned, 'Wonder blunder' plea change coming, Star-Advertiser lays off 15 newsroom staff, contested case parties visit Thirty Meter Telescope site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanuma Bay © 2016 All Hawaii News

The nonprofit Friends of Hanauma Bay says the city continues to “intentionally and persistently” misuse money collected at the site to pay for operations at other East Honolulu facilities despite court mandates requiring the money be used at the nature preserve only. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and city officials are under fire from a nonprofit organization for “the continuing misuses of admission fees paid by visitors to Hanauma Bay.” Civil Beat.

A man accused of scamming the University of Hawaii out of $200,000 for a Stevie Wonder concert that never happened is scheduled to change his plea. Associated Press.

Pacific Fleet officials investigated an active-duty naval reservist from San Diego who failed to stand and salute during the playing of the national anthem on Sept. 19 at Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is introducing a new virtual reality tour experience using 360-degree live action footage that instantly drops the viewer into Hawaii from anywhere around the world. Hawaii News Now.

The number of Hawaii public school students taking Advanced Placement exams continued to climb this year along with the number of students scoring well on the college preparatory tests, according to results released this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

WalletHub has struck again, and Hawaii’s union for teachers is calling for change. The finance and credit website ranks Hawaii 51st in the nation when it comes to best and worst states for teachers (the analysis includes the District of Columbia). Civil Beat.

Only 215 Hawaii Inmates Were Tested For Valley Fever In Arizona. About 1,400 Hawaii prisoners are incarcerated in Arizona, but only a fraction have been tested for a disease common in the Southwest. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has finalized a rule that creates a pathway to federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. The process began two years ago, and included thousands of pieces of testimony from listening sessions across the state and on the mainland. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Democrats and Republicans gathered Monday around the state to watch the first Donald Trump-Hillary Clinton presidential debate, but it’s unclear whether anyone heard anything new that would move a vote from one candidate to the other. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutors from eight countries and 13 states and the District of Columbia are convening this week in Waikiki to discuss solutions to sex trafficking. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser is laying off 15 newsroom employees. Star-Advertiser.

A community group has filed a complaint with the Hawaii Office of Environmental Quality Control seeking to suspend an environmental review process for building a replacement facility for the crumbling Oahu Community Correctional Center. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Fire Department says some of its computers may have been infected with malcious software. KHON2.

The Howard Hughes Corp. plans to develop a new 42-story, 751-unit mixed-use condominium high-rise tower in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako next to its 466-unit Aeo mixed-use tower that’s currently under construction, the Texas-based developer told Pacific Business News on Monday.

Several Hawaii residents are suing the property owners of a North Shore restaurant for allegedly violating permitting law and polluting Haleiwa by using an improper septic system.  Civil Beat.

An Oahu restaurant owner is accused of knowingly dumping sewage and putting the public in danger. The lawsuit, which is filed by Hawaiian Princess Abigail Kawananakoa, also blames the city and state for not stopping the contamination. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Parties in the contested case for the Thirty Meter Telescope toured the summit of Mauna Kea on Monday morning. Tribune-Herald.

Environmental groups team up, draft letter to get word out about coral-safe sunscreen options ahead of Ironman. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian immersion students still can ‘opt-out’ of tests in English. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Bus will expand its Kula Villager Route No. 39 in response to Upcountry community requests for more service, Maui County officials said Friday. Maui News.

Japanese-American soldiers may have taken off the uniform when they left the front lines of World War II and returned to Maui, but they never stopped serving. Maui News.

Kauai

With less than two months until the General Election, Kauai candidates can be seen along the island’s main roads, waving and smiling at passing cars. Garden Island

The Kauai Workforce Development Board is accepting public comment on the Local Area Plan for Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act. Garden Island.

Self-governance advanced for Native Hawaiians, road-use charge may replace gas tax, Maui battles coqui frog, crime drops at UH Manoa, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Department of the Interior hearings, file photo © 2016 All Hawaii News

In what’s being described by some as a historic step toward Native Hawaiian self-governance, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced Friday that it has finalized “a pathway” that would formally recognize such an entity. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced Friday that it finalized a rule for creating a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians — if they choose to form their own government and if they want such ties. Associated Press.

State’s child abuse letters may violate law. Star-Advertiser.

The state may do away with gas taxes and replace them with a road use charge, depending on the results of a proposed statewide trial program. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s longline fishermen are back at sea in search of more ahi after extending their quota limit through an agreement with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ron Taketa’s term on the Honolulu Police Commission expired nine months ago, yet Mayor Kirk Caldwell has yet to reappoint or replace him. Civil Beat.

The number of reported sex offenses, motor vehicle thefts and liquor law violations at the University of Hawaii at Manoa declined in 2015 from the previous year while the number of drug-related violations on campus significantly increased. Star-Advertiser.

The number of homeless military veterans on Oahu fell 44 percent between January and August, while the number of veterans becoming homeless each month also shows an encouraging decline. Star-Advertiser.

All areas on Oahu are being considered for a new facility that would replace the aging and overcrowding current Oahu Community Correctional Center in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kalihi, according to public documents. Pacific Business News.

A class-action lawsuit filed in federal court last month alleges that 72 Oahu homeowner associations and two law firms acting as their agents unlawfully foreclosed on 160 homes beginning in September 2010. Star-Advertiser.

The city is rethinking its policy on Kalakaua Avenue street closures in Waikiki in response to complaints that some past events haven’t merited disruptions to the nation’s fifth-most lucrative retail street. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Profanity-Laced Video Shows Mayor Partying Hard At Conference Party. The mayor of Hawaii County, who is accused of buying booze and other items with taxpayer money, appears to be heavily intoxicated.  Civil Beat.

Guests in a hospitality room at the Hawaii Congress of Planning Officials Conference on Kauai got an impromptu earful they hadn’t planned on — courtesy of Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi. Tribune-Herald.

Several dozen people packed into a room at the Hawaii Community College Palamanui Campus Saturday to discuss new proposals aimed at reducing crowds at popular manta ray viewing sites in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui Invasive Species Committee is tripling to quadrupling resources and working crews devoted to eradicating coqui frogs from the heavily infested Maliko Gulch area over the next five years, officials said. Maui News.

Two weeks after a powerful rainstorm forced the Wailuku River to jump its banks and fill up his home with mud and debris, Wayne Wong remains on edge, his ravaged dwelling now sitting dangerously close to a newly widened riverbed.  Star-Advertiser.

More than 500 people participated in the 12th Annual Town Clean Up in Lahaina over the weekend, according to event organizers. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has begun the third year of testing an experimental laser system to prevent endangered seabirds from colliding with power lines. Garden Island.

The trial for a man accused of beating a monk seal has been continued. Garden Island.

The private access road to Mahaulepu Beach will be closed to the public starting Monday at the recommendation of the state Department of Health, and some locals are questioning the motives. Garden Island.

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