Honolulu first big city to ban pedestrian cellphone use, Huckabee rallies GOP, state fixes FEMA flood problems, Honolulu seeks tighter liquor laws, police chief interviews continue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cellphones in Waikiki © 2017 All Hawaii News

Crossing the street? Whatever you do, don't look at your phone. Starting Wednesday, pedestrians could be fined for crossing a street on Oahu while looking at a cell phone or other electronic device. City officials say Honolulu is the first major city in the nation to enact this type of ban. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu makes looking at electronic devices while crossing streets, highways illegal. A new city ordinance makes it illegal for pedestrians to look at electronic devices while crossing the street. The law goes into effect on Wednesday. KHON2.

Former presidential candidate rallies to revive Republican spirit in Hawaii. Speaking to a crowd of about 500 guests at the Koolau Ballrooms Tuesday night, former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee hoped to reignite the spirit of Hawaii's Republican Party. Hawaii News Now.

FEMA says Hawaii no longer at risk of suspension from National Flood Insurance Program. In April 2016, FEMA warned the state that Hawaii Senate Bill 586, which exempted buildings on agriculture lands from county zoning laws, prevented Hawaiian counties from being fully compliant with the agency’s NFIP requirements. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu City Councilmembers are expected to request the state legislature pass measures to toughen liquor laws next session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. have taken the next step toward achieving Hawaii's clean energy goal by submitting paperwork with state regulators for the process of soliciting new renewable energy proposals. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The state plans to reopen Kewalo Basin Park, the two Gateway Parks and the Point Panic area of Kakaako Waterfront Park on Monday, three weeks after clearing the parks of large homeless encampments. Star-Advertiser.

Two Kakaako parks could reopen next week, more work needed at Waterfront. KHON2.

Honolulu Council Committee Shoots Down Islandwide Sit-Lie Ban. The panel tinkered with homelessness proposals, shifting from the concept of safe zones to tiny homes. Civil Beat.

How Domestic Violence Can Lead To Homelessness. The link is clear but the connection is often overlooked by policymakers trying to end homelessness. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police suspect teenage assailants were behind three recent high-profile violent crimes in Waikiki, where hundreds of teens live on the streets. Star-Advertiser.

Officer, ex-prosecutor expect more arrests in Kealoha case. The officer who last month publicly alleged widespread corruption within the Honolulu Police Department said Tuesday that he and his colleagues are thrilled that federal authorities have charged several current and former officers with criminal wrongdoing and are pursuing more leads in an investigation that has rocked Hawaii’s law enforcement community. Star-Advertiser.

Covert Honolulu Police Unit Has Long History Of Troubles. The CIU is again under scrutiny, with five officers recently arrested as part of a federal investigation into police corruption. Civil Beat.

Attorney: 3 Honolulu police commissioners should step down. An attorney who helped convinced federal authorities to investigate former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha is calling for a major overhaul at the Honolulu Police Commission. Associated Press.

High Court Rejects Media Complaint About Police Commission Secrecy. The legal challenge was made to ensure that the public has access to hearings for Honolulu cops who want taxpayer help. Civil Beat.

Three police chief finalists appear before commission on second day of interviews. Interviews continued Tuesday with three more candidates vying to lead the state’s largest police department. KHON2.

Hunt for the next police chief continues as finalists endure interview round. Three more finalists vying for the position of Honolulu's next police chief were grilled by the Honolulu Police Commission Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Chief of Police interviews now in progress; will continue through Wednesday. KITV.

Four proposals aimed at resolving issues tied to bed-and-breakfast establishments and other transient vacation rentals go before the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Housing Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.


New city proposals to legalize certain vacation rentals, and crackdown on scofflaws. KITV.

Honolulu's small business owners not happy with local government, survey says. Honolulu earned an F in the following three categories: employment, labor and hiring regulations; licensing regulations; and tax regulations. Pacific Business News.

Hanauma Bay supporters mark 50 years of protection. Today nearly 1 million people a year are drawn to the spectacular East Oahu bay, a coastal volcanic crater that has become the island’s premier snorkeling destination. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit alleges negligence in 2016 death of HFD firefighter. The son of a Honolulu firefighter who died after a training accident in 2016 has filed a lawsuit against the city. Hawaii News Now.

Marco Polo building open for possible plaintiffs, defendants. The Marco Polo condo building in which a July fire killed four people has been opened to numerous people who might file lawsuits, potential defendants such as product manufacturers and their insurers, and fire experts from across the nation. Associated Press

Chinatown building’s renovation helps preserve affordable rentals. An extreme home makeover that included removing a gambling den at a low-income apartment complex on city land in Honolulu is being celebrated today as part of a $13 million project to preserve affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

First homeowners begin moving into Kakaako tower. Keauhou Place, a 423-unit condominium tower, opened its doors to an initial batch of 57 homeowners who were scheduled to pick up their keys Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police are investigating the death of a 2-year-old girl who allegedly had boiling water poured on her in August while staying on base with her Scho­field Barracks father, relatives of the girl and officials said. Star-Advertiser

Honolulu construction company gets $10M task order for work at Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

State eyes $42K fine for reef damage. The state Land Board will consider fining a boat tour operator $42,165 for damage done to the historic Punaluu Wharf. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands met with the community in Honomū Gym on Monday evening, to talk about a plan to create a the first-of-its-kind, Subsistence Agriculture Homestead Lease on 766 acres of land above town. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics dismissed two more complaints filed by North Kohala resident Lanric Hyland during a meeting in Hilo on Monday, finding them to be frivolous and prompting further discussion on the board’s rules of procedure for handling such complaints. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii island Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura formally declared Peter “Peter Boy” Kema Jr. to be dead today in a decision that clears the way for a lawsuit by Kema’s siblings in one of Hawaii’s most infamous child abuse cases. Star-Advertiser.

Jaylin Kema, the mother of Peter Kema Jr., also known as “Peter Boy,” was re-sentenced Tuesday to 10 years of probation after she violated her probation on a manslaughter charge earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Coast Guard crews are monitoring a local company’s floating island that appeared to be listing Tuesday in Kailua Bay following foul weather that lashed the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Tsutsui move opens up mayoral race. Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui’s announcement that he is not running for Maui County mayor in 2018 brought reactions of surprise, relief and understanding from those who have announced their intentions to seek the county’s top office. Maui News.

Public hearings on proposed amendments to the State Commission on Water Resource Management administrative rules pertaining to water use, wells, and stream diversion works will be held island-wide with the first meeting taking place in Wailuku on Oct. 30. Maui Now.

Thousands of lightning strikes and 60 mph wind gusts downed power lines and zapped Maui Electric Co. systems early Tuesday morning causing a countywide power outage that shut down businesses, flooded homes and caused traffic jams and flight delays and cancellations. Maui News.

Teen starts petition to save Barnes & Noble. West Maui bookstore to close at the end of the year. Maui News.

Meeting on Kanaio site inspection set for Nov. 1. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. is announcing his candidacy for higher office today on Oahu, according to a press release from the 2018 Carvalho campaign. While Carvalho is expected to throw his hat into the running for Hawaii governor, some speculate he might run for lieutenant governor. Garden Island.

A mediated settlement, approved by the Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management in April, to immediately restore continuous flows in West Kauai’s Waimea River, is the subject of a video mini-documentary produced by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Help wanted to rid Kilauea River of invasives. Salvinia hails from Brazil and is the most invasive species in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Civil suits, re-examination of court cases expected to follow arrests of former Honolulu police chief and deputy prosecutor, entire island of Maui without power, advanced stealth warplane headed to Japan, homeless swept from Nimitz viaduct, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keaukaha fish pond © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii aquaculture farms generated slightly less revenue last year, marking a second annual consecutive dip after a 2014 record. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Stolen money, falsified police reports, planted evidence – what sounds like a plot for a police drama is playing out in real life in Hawaii. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, his wife, and a handful of HPD officers were released on bond after being indicted by a federal grand jury in a public corruption case. Allegations of corruption at the HPD following a case of a stolen mailbox led to a two-year federal investigation that uncovered much more.  Hawaii Public Radio.

The federal public defender who first pointed out potential wrongdoing in the Honolulu Police Department to federal prosecutors is now calling for the resignation of three Police Commission members who had supported retired Chief Louis Kealoha in the wake of his federal indictment on corruption and conspiracy charges last week. Star-Advertiser.

Oversight of secretive HPD unit is urged. The five former or current Honolulu Police Department officers who are charged with being part of the alleged conspiracy were at one time members of the agency’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit, which is handpicked by the chief to investigate terrorism and organized crime and reports directly to the chief. Star-Advertiser.

The Children’s Trust Fund At The Heart Of The Kealoha Indictment. Federal prosecutors say Katherine Kealoha stole more than $167,000 from two children for whom she was appointed guardian after their father died. Civil Beat.

The federal case against the Kealohas includes allegations that Katherine Kealoha misused money and forged documents while she was the guardian of more than $167,000 for two minors, in separate accounts of $83,884 each. KHON2.

Experts: Criminal case against former HPD chief, wife could bolster civil suits against city. Hawaii News Now.

Four current Honolulu Police Commission members will try to agree on a new police chief Wednesday or Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission on Monday embarked on a three-day process of interviewing the seven finalists for the next police chief, with a big shadow looming over the city’s law enforcement community. Civil Beat.

=====

Pacific Command’s advanced stealth warplane headed to Japan. The F-35A is being deployed under U.S. Pacific Command’s “theater security package” program, which has been in operation since 2004. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii's Attorney General Doug Chin joined 16 other states in voicing their opposition on controversial concealed firearm legislation. Hawaii News Now.

The state’s only public Hyperbaric Treatment Center capable of treating decompression sickness in divers has temporarily shut its doors due to staffing shortages. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State officials hope sheriff’s patrols, private security and a new fence scheduled to go up today will finally mean the end of the notorious H-1 freeway viaduct homeless encampment, which sheriff’s deputies once again broke down Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department of Transportation is leading a multi-agency effort to clear homeless encampments under the Nimitz Highway Viaduct. Hawaii Public Radio.

For the first time in more than two years the state swept one of the most entrenched homeless encampments on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Friends say Marine fatally stabbed in Waikiki was trying to protect others. Hawaii News Now.

A teenage girl was seriously injured Monday night when a tree came crashing down onto a bus stop near Ala Moana Center. Hawaii News Now.

The Marco Polo condominium owners association, under court order, opened the doors of the McCully high-rise Monday to numerous potential claimants and potential defendants such as product manufacturers, their insurers and fire experts from across the nation, to begin looking at the evidence of the largest building fire in Honolulu history. Star-Advertiser.

One fire investigation is over, but another one is just beginning. It is a second chance at finding the cause of the fatal Marco Polo building fire. KITV.

Two weeks after a fishing boat ran aground off Waikiki, authorities are still trying to figure out how to dislodge it from the reef. Star-Advertiser.

Denver-based KSL Capital Partners, which bought Outrigger Hotels and Resorts late last year, is kicking off an aggressive Waikiki reinvestment plan with a $25 million overhaul and re-branding of the Waikiki Beachcomber. Star-Advertiser.

KSL Capital Partners plans to rebrand the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber under the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts flag before undertaking a $25 million renovation next year to upgrade the 496-room hotel. Pacific Business News.

The Reef Bar and Market Grill opened Monday at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort in the former Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar space, which closed last month.  Pacific Business News.

DiamondHead Land has started a $30 million renovation of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki, designed by Honolulu architecture firm G70 and interior design firm Philpotts Interiors and being overseen by The John Hardy Group International. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The county Board of Ethics is looking for a way to add teeth to what has historically been a paper tiger, almost a decade after the County Council gave it authority to fine public officials who violate the ethics code. West Hawaii Today.

The South Hilo Sanitary Landfill will reach its permitted maximum capacity within the next two years, and plans to deal with the situation are underway. Big Island Video News.

Domestic violence victims told lawmakers Monday they feel let down by the judicial system and that not enough is done to protect them and their children. Tribune-Herald.

The state has approved a $25 million emergency room expansion at North Hawaii Community Hospital on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A new 20-year contract for the Kulaimano Elderly Housing Project will adjust the HUD-approved monthly contract rate to $700 per month. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Maui Electric Company said severe weather has knocked out power out to the entire island as well as a portion of Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Electric officials confirm island-wide power outages on Maui. KHON2.

Kauai

About 50 people gathered Sunday at Camp Naue in Haena to reflect on the status of the historic Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area — a zone that extends a mile out to sea from Wainiha to Napali State Park, where fishing is subject to new rules enacted two years ago. Garden Island.

Auto auction benefits Anahola. Anahola may not be known as a business-rich community. However, Anahola Marketplace manager Garret Danner looks to change that. Garden Island.

Dog stuck in plastic container rescued. KHS director helps rescue Airedale with head caught in plastic container. Garden Island.

Honolulu reels from arrests of former police chief and deputy prosecutor wife, police chief candidates' interviews begin today, Tsutsui won't run for Maui mayor, pension plan improves, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Honolulu Police chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, city deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha

How Far Will The Honolulu Police Corruption Investigation Spread? The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue its grand jury investigation into corruption and abuse of power. Civil Beat.

A curious allegation of mailbox theft unraveled into a tale of corruption that reached the highest levels of Honolulu law enforcement, culminating in a U.S. investigation that found the former police chief and his prosecutor wife bilked clients and relatives out of hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend on their lavish lifestyle and then used their power to orchestrate a plot within the police department to target anyone who threatened them. Associated Press.

Honolulu’s former police chief and his city deputy prosecutor wife were arrested Friday in the most significant case of alleged public abuse of power in state history, and prosecutors said the investigation could lead to even further charges. Star-Advertiser.

One day after a federal grand jury completed a two-year investigation into public corruption and abuse of power in Hawaii law enforcement, former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine, a high-ranking city prosecutor, were arrested Friday by the FBI and indicted on 20 counts of criminal conspiracy, fraud and obstruction of justice. Civil Beat.

A Guide To The Case Against The Kealohas. The former Honolulu police chief and his wife, a city prosecutor, have pleaded not guilty to the charges contained in a federal indictment. Civil Beat.

Read full indictment here.

Frustrated Honolulu residents may feel a greater urgency for members of the Police Commission to pick a successor to Louis Kealoha in the wake of the arrest of the former chief two days ago. Star-Advertiser.

Federal case likely to raise doubts over work as prosecutor. The federal indictment of Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha on charges ranging from bank fraud to obstruction of justice raises enough red flags that prosecutors should review all the cases she’s worked on the past several years to ensure they were handled properly, according to criminal defense attorneys. Star-Advertiser.

The first interviews for finalist up for the job of Honolulu's Police Chief begin on Monday. KITV.

Commentary: Kealoha’s tenure began with such promise. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Kealoha arrests drag down HPD. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Let’s Scrap The Police Chief Search And Start Over. Civil Beat.

=====

Lawmakers press home lands agency to create housing. As the state grapples with a severe shortage of affordable housing and the highest rate of homelessness per capita in the country, some lawmakers want the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to pitch in resources to help solve the pressing problems. Star-Advertiser.

Pension fund ends year on a slightly higher note. Hawaii’s largest public pension fund performed slightly better in fiscal year 2017 than it reported two months ago in its preliminary numbers. Star-Advertiser.

Planners release 30-second nuclear preparedness PSAs. State emergency planners have released their first public service announcement related to North Korea preparedness, a nonthreatening 30-second video that doesn’t specifically mention the rogue nation or remote possibility of a nuclear attack on Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

‘Golf ball’ radar’s limitations seen. The Sea-Based X-Band Radar, a key link in the nation’s defense against North Korea, spent eight months at sea before returning to its home in Pearl Harbor last month. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii’s Hyperbaric Treatment Center has closed indefinitely because of staffing problems, a University of Hawaii spokesman said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Timeshare property sales in Hawaii have exceeded $1 billion annually in recent years, and a new report tries to quantify how much employment and spending is tied to this segment of the tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Lessor intends to seize Island Air’s last 3 planes. An attorney for Island Air’s aircraft lessor said he is planning to take legal action to seize the airline’s three remaining aircraft and is demanding the state’s second-largest carrier make payments if it is going to be allowed to use them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. customers have two new ways to add photovoltaic systems to their homes after a decision Friday by the state Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Rail’s ‘Plan B’ not vetted by federal agency. State lawmakers last month approved a $2.4 billion funding package to build the full rail line to Ala Moana Center. Last week the project’s federal partners said they never determined whether a scaled-back, less costly alternative to Aloha Tower would have worked instead. Star-Advertiser.

The state Land Use Commission has approved one of two petitions by corn seed producer Monsanto to restrict portions of farmland the company owns on Oahu and Molokai for agriculture use under a state law aimed at preserving prime farmland. Star-Advertiser.

State Plans To Clear Out Homeless Camp Under Honolulu Freeway. Moanalua Stream will also be blocked, in order to keep those with rafts or boats from returning or setting up camp elsewhere. Civil Beat.

Boat That Ran Aground 0ff Honolulu Sent No Distress Signal. The wreck of the fishing vessel, carrying workers from Southeast Asia, raises concerns about the treatment of foreign crews. Civil Beat.

Grounding raises fresh concerns over foreign fishermen. A boat that ran aground off Waikiki while transporting foreign fishermen to work in Hawaii’s commercial fishing industry has raised new questions about the safety and working conditions for foreign laborers in this unique U.S. fleet. Associated Press.

Two recent ground-breakings in Kapolei represent significant additions to their respective markets. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hotel market heating up outside the Waikiki core. Developers and the visitor industry say more hotel construction could be coming outside the usual resort districts, and even in them if the market continues to shine. Star-Advertiser.

Denver-based KSL Capital Partners, which bought Outrigger Hotels and Resorts late last year, is kicking off an aggressive Waikiki reinvestment plan with a $25 million overhaul and re-branding of the Waikiki Beachcomber. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has started demolition work at the shuttered Ward Warehouse shopping complex in Honolulu and plans to tear the buildings down by the end of the year, but has yet to schedule construction of the Gateway Towers project that will replace it. Pacific Business News.

Sales of single-family homes in Kaneohe nearly doubled last month, while the number of condominiums and townhouses sold in the Windward Oahu town rose 24 percent, compared to September 2016, according to the monthly local market report from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Real estate developer Bruce Stark — who left his stamp on Hawaii with the building of residential condominiums, offices and retail space beginning in 1966 — died Thursday at age 82. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County is leading the state in motor vehicle traffic fatalities — trailing only Honolulu when it comes to overall roadway deaths — according to data released last week by the state Department of Transportation. West Hawaii Today.

Three weeks after the Thirty Meter Telescope was granted its construction permit, the developer and eventual operator of the planned $1.4 billion cutting-edge observatory says it is still evaluating its next move. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of acres of Hawaiian home lands have been set aside for subsistence-agriculture plots along the road leading to Akaka Falls and the surrounding region, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has scheduled community meetings to discuss the project. Tribune-Herald.

Reality is setting in that the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill will have to be closed within two years. A draft environmental assessment has been published for the Hilo landfill closure project, a costly (approximately $19 million) and highly regulated undertaking that must confirm to various county, state and federal rules. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Transportation will extend four lanes on Highway 130 to Shower Drive over the next month as it restripes a 2-mile stretch of pavement. Tribune-Herald.

A Keaukaha fixture for more than 50 years might be gone by this time next year. Members of the Hilo Yacht Club will decide later this year whether the club will remain at its current location or move to a new building. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding nearly $3 million in funding to a community association for a subdivision in Puna to improve its community drinking water system. Star-Advertiser.

Iwo Jima vets meet the new guys. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui said Friday that he will not be running for Maui County mayor in 2018 due to family reasons in an announcement that throws open the race to succeed Mayor Alan Arakawa, who is term limited. Maui News.

The Maui News is going back to afternoon home delivery for many newspaper subscribers and will cease producing a Sunday paper in a move to cut costs. Star-Advertiser.

Maui's only big box bookstore, Barnes & Noble is set to close. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists Dana Reed and Cathy Maxwell will be at Kohola Brewery in Lahaina at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to share information and answer questions about the nearshore water quality in West Maui. Maui News.

Maui Disposal reported 6 tons of material was collected at the 13th annual Lahaina Town Clean Up on Sept. 16. More than 300 volunteers spent the day cleaning up Lahaina streets, harbors and beaches from Puamana to the Mala Boat Ramp. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Community College’s nursing program has been awarded accreditation for eight years, the longest period possible, by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Garden Island.

County celebrates hiring collaboration. Summer Youth Employment Program praised. Garden Island.

Hawaii gun laws hit target. Residents, representatives praise state policies. Garden Island.

Geographic boundary changes in the Kalaheo area will go into effect for school year 2019-20. The change will result in more students enrolling at Waimea Canyon Middle and Waimea High schools. Garden Island.

Power line collisions kill about 1,800 seabirds annually on Kauai, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-commissioned study. Members of the Center for Biological Diversity are on Kauai this week finding ways to help curb the collisions. Garden Island.

Turtle Bay to be sold, AG Chin could run for Congress, Kauai man gets one year for stabbing turtle, Honolulu rail price tag questioned, Hawaii unemployment close to all-time low, former HPD chief prepared for arrest, Maui moves to mail newspaper delivery, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Turtle Bay Resort courtesy photo

Turtle Bay Resort looks likely to be sold for $350M. A giant real estate investment firm and former owner of major Hawaii hotels has made a deal to buy Turtle Bay Resort. As part of a preservation deal, the state in 2010 paid $45 million for 53 acres fronting Kawela Bay plus an easement prohibiting development on 568 acres that includes land below and around Turtle Bay’s golf courses. Star-Advertiser.

A New York-based real estate investment firm has struck a deal to buy the Turtle Bay Resort. According to a report by Real Estate Alert, investment firm Blackstone is paying $330 million for the hotel. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate is flirting with making state history. The seasonally adjusted number dipped to 2.5 percent in September and is now one-tenth of a percentage point away from its all-time low, according to U.S. Labor Department data that go back to 1976. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 2.5 percent in September, from 3 percent during the same month a year ago, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii has joined 11 other states and the District of Columbia to argue in federal appeals court that all states must be allowed to continue to impose their own customized restrictions on firearms. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Doug Chin Sure Sounds Like He Might Run For Congress. The AG’s dominance of the headlines may be scaring off potential candidates for outgoing Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s seat. Civil Beat.

The highest-ranking Republican elected official in Hawaii plans to run for governor in 2018. Rep. Andria Tupola, the minority leader in the state House of Representatives, said she will make a formal announcement next month. Civil Beat.

Can School Gardens Get Kids To Eat Their Vegetables? More than 80 percent of Hawaii schools have some kind of garden, part of a booming, nationwide farm-to-school movement. Civil Beat.

More than 40 percent of Hawaii children have experienced trauma including the death, divorce or incarceration of a parent, and violence, drug abuse or mental illness in the home, a federal study shows. Star-Advertiser.

How A UH Scientist Hopes To Improve Early Kidney Disease Detection. The research is particularly vital for Hawaii, where one in seven residents have chronic kidney disease. Civil Beat.

Island Air lost the use of two of its five planes, cut its flights by more than 40 percent and placed some employees on reserve with reduced pay prior to filing for bankruptcy protection this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines parent Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: HA) posted a 27 percent decline in profit during the third quarter of 2017 compared to last year, while revenue increased 7.1 percent to $719.6 million, according to earnings released Thursday by the Honolulu-based company. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines achieved record revenue in the third quarter but saw its net income decline 27 percent after taking two charges totaling $50 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii will receive about $1.2 million as part of a $120 million nationwide settlement with General Motors over allegations the Detroit-based carmaker hid safety issues related to faulty ignition switches in its vehicles. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A federal grand jury tasked with deciding whether criminal charges should be brought against retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, wife and Deputy City Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and other HPD officers, wound up two years of hearings Thursday, with U.S. attorneys mum about whether any indictments will be handed down. Star-Advertiser.

No Criminal Indictment Yet In Federal Police Corruption Probe. An attorney for the former Honolulu police chief and his prosecutor wife say the couple are prepared to be arrested by the FBI. Civil Beat.

After two years, the federal grand jury investigating public corruption in the Honolulu Police Department has finally wrapped up. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday is the last day for a federal grand jury that has been meeting for two years on a public corruption probe. KITV.

In its most recent report, the federal contractor overseeing Honolulu rail says it is “not confident” the project’s total construction price tag will remain at $8.2 billion.Star-Advertiser.

Ilikai Hotel workers belonging to Unite Here Local 5 walked off the job Thursday to protest high workloads, low wages and stagnant contract negotiations. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel workers at odds with management are picketing in front of the Ilikai Hotel and Luxury Suites in Waikiki. The workers walked off the job Thursday morning. KITV.

Monster homes are gobbling up communities — and it's all legal. Hawaii News Now.

Some streets in Waipahu may be getting a makeover as part of the city's effort to make them safer. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii notified students today that it has confirmed three cases of mumps on its Manoa campus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's mumps outbreak hits 500 cases; 3 reported at UH. Hawaii News Now.

Students who only had 15 minutes to eat lunch are being given a little more time to eat. But parents say it’s still not enough. KHON2.

Animal advocates are moving out more than 90 dogs from an entrenched homeless camp under the airport viaduct that's set to swept next week. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu startup accelerator Elemental Excelerator has selected 12 startups to participate in next year’s cohort. Pacific Business News.

Reef Capital Ventures has received a $275,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Economic Development Administration’s Regional Innovation Strategies program. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

It’s back to the drawing board in the search for a mass transit administrator, after Mayor Harry Kim decided the advertised salary isn’t high enough to attract the best candidates. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is keeping its options open as it looks for new office space in Hilo. In addition to negotiating a lease for the former Safeway space at Prince Kuhio Plaza, the county also is seeing if it’s feasible to buy a building at 1055 Kinoole St., where the Office of Aging rents space. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Transportation will extend four lanes on Highway 130 to Shower Drive over the next month as it restripes a 2-mile stretch of pavement. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County officials hope to heighten security with surveillance cameras at baseyards around the island in light of continued thefts. West Hawaii Today.

The Honomu Park banyan tree that fell Sunday will cost the county tens of thousands of dollars, Hawaii County’s managing director said. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council adopted a resolution Wednesday urging a peaceful solution to the conflict with North Korea. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Beginning Monday, November 13, home delivery to Maui News subscribers will be via the United States Postal Service. Maui News.

Kula woman is working to help mother on Puerto Rico. Maui group collecting goods and donations to send to people trapped on island. Maui News.

Water can be a contentious subject, especially in East Maui, where streams have long been diverted for sugar. Now, a battle to restore these streams is coming to an end. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

A 36-year-old Lihue man has been sentenced to a year in jail for attacking an endangered sea turtle on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Lance Kaaumoana, 36, was sentenced this week to serve one year in jail for attacking an endangered Pacific green sea turtle in April. Garden Island.

The initial investigation into the deaths of five pilot whales at Kalapaki Beach last Friday showed “no obvious cause of death.” Garden Island.

Wildlife officials are still unsure what caused seven pilot whales to beach themselves along a Kauai beach. Associated Press.

Preliminary necropsies for five whales that died in a mass stranding on Kauai last week showed "no obvious cause of death" for the animals. Hawaii News Now.

The Kauai Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team along with members of the state of Hawaii Sheriff Division conducted a special mission of the Kapaa area on Wednesday, which led to multiple arrests. Garden Island.

Kamalani Kai Playbridge will get sprucing up and a new name. Garden Island.

Death threats against Hawaii judge who blocked Trump travel ban, former HPD Chief Kealoha targeted in FBI probe, state socks away money for rainy day, Kauai mulls general excise tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Federal courthouse in Honolulu © 2017 All Hawaii News

Hawaii judge who blocked new Trump travel ban gets death threats. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson has been assigned a 24-hour protection detail after receiving numerous death threats for blocking President Trump's latest travel ban. Hawaii News Now.

Watson

Hawaii state government has tucked away enough in cash reserves to weather the next “moderate” recession, according to the economic research firm Moody’s Analytics. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Superferry? Hawaii Economic Association Panel Says, "No." It’s been nearly a decade since the Superferry made its inaugural voyage to Kahului, Maui.   And, the feasibility of another interisland ferry came up during the Hawai’i Economic Association annual conference last week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why Does This Guy Make Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz Nervous? Barry Myers is Trump’s nominee to head NOAA but the Hawaii senator says he is “questionable choice.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii has the 27th most competitive tax code in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation’s 2018 State Business Tax Climate Index. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s timeshare industry contributed approximately $5.3 billion in consumer and business spending in 2016, according to a recent study conducted by Ernst & Young for the American Resort Development Association Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday, but the Hawaii franchisee says the filing has nothing to do with the two local restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s two Romano’s Macaroni Grill franchises won’t be impacted after the national chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Search warrant executed at Kealoha homes amid corruption probe. Criminal investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed search warrants at homes belonging to former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Wednesday morning, the latest turn in a years-long federal investigation into public corruption at some of the highest levels of Oahu's law enforcement. Hawaii News Now.

FBI executes search warrant of Kealohas’ home as third police officer arrested this week. Federal authorities are making their case even more clear. KHON2.

Court documents filed by federal attorneys Wednesday indicate they intend to charge retired Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, city Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, as part of their two-year-long case alleging a criminal conspiracy at the Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Key points in criminal filings. The criminal complaint filed Wednesday against Honolulu police Lt. Derek Hahn clearly identify retired police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, city Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, as alleged co-conspirators in the federal investigation into corruption within the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

An FBI affidavit unsealed in U.S. District Court today details how officers close to the former chief of the Honolulu Police Department allegedly conspired to frame the uncle of his wife. Star-Advertiser.

FBI Reveals New Details About The Alleged Honolulu Police Conspiracy. A police lieutenant is the latest arrest in the unfolding story of alleged corruption in the Honolulu Police Department. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Lt. Derek Hahn was released on a $50,000 signature bond this afternoon several hours after being arrested by FBI agents in connection with the federal investigation of retired HPD Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine. Star-Advertiser.

The FBI arrested Honolulu police officer Derek Hahn on Wednesday in connection with an ongoing federal corruption investigation targeting Hawaii law enforcement. Civil Beat.

Police Commission Chair is optimistic HPD will have new chief by end of month. Despite Police Commission Chair Max Sword recusing himself from the selection process, he was front and center Wednesday in reassuring the media that HPD will be under the command of a new chief by the end of the month. Hawaii News Now.

Nominees to Honolulu Police Commission will not help choose new chief. Five days before the first day of interviews for the seven finalists for Honolulu Police Chief, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced two nominees to fill the vacancies on Honolulu Police Commission. KITV.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell nominated Wednesday two businesspeople to serve on the Honolulu Police Commission. Karen Chang and Gerard “Jerry” Gibson were nominated to fill the vacancies left by Luella Costales and Marc Tilker. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Names Two New Honolulu Police Commissioners. But the two won’t be on board in time to help with the selection of a new police chief, under the current timeline. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has nominated Jerry Gibson and Karen Chang to serve on the volunteer Honolulu Police Commission, pending confirmation by the Honolulu City Council. Pacific Business News.

=====

Stranded Waikiki fishing vessel raises illegal immigration concerns. Federal immigration officials are now investigating the fishing boat that ran aground with 20 people on board in Waikiki last week. Hawaii News Now.

Video: Honolulu rail cars go on test run. Local transit officials have released footage of Honolulu’s rail cars running under their own power for the first time on the elevated guideway. Star-Advertiser.

One of the city's four-car rail trains reached 40 miles per hour in a speed test Wednesday. And officials are optimistic that it will be able to soon reach its top speed. Hawaii News Now.

Another new condominium tower has opened in Kakaako as the wave of development continues to break over the urban Honolulu area. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. on Wednesday marked the completion of the 317-unit Anaha in Honolulu, its second luxury mixed-use condominium tower in the developer’s Ward Village in Kakaako, with a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Pacific Business News.

Target opened its newest Hawaii store at Ala Moana Center on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu-based construction company Tunista Services LLC on Wednesday received a $7.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for operations, maintenance and support services at Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico. Pacific Business News.

Pride month hits Honolulu promoting equality, celebrating love. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The board charged with hiring the county Human Resources director will seek applications from the public, rather than limit its search to current county employees. West Hawaii Today.

A County Council resolution wants United States leaders to use diplomacy in dealing with the crisis on the Korean Peninsula. Big Island Video News.

Airbnb use growing exponentially for Ironman. Altogether, the company reported, arrivals to the island for the weekend netted Hawaii Island hosts $584,000 — about $350 for the typical host — with hosts in West Hawaii collectively earning $483,000, or $430 for the typical host during the event. West Hawaii Today.

Five more alala were released into the wilderness near Hilo last week, joining the six young Hawaiian crows that were introduced to the forest there at the end of September. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Former worker slaps county with $1.63M discrimination suit. Robert Straub alleges he was fired when 71 years old and replaced by ‘substantially younger person’ Maui News.

A discrimination complaint involving an alleged denial of reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability was settled for $35,000 in July. Maui News.

Pharmlab Hawaii LLC in Kahului became the second independent laboratory in Hawaii certified to test medical marijuana produced by licensed dispensaries and is expected to begin analyzing material for content and safety by the end of the week, according to state Health Department and lab officials. Maui News.

The County of Maui Department of Finance announced it will be holding a real property tax sale on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 and will continue the sale on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 if necessary. Maui Now.

Kauai

At Wednesday’s county council committee meeting, members discussed the possibility of increasing the general excise tax by a half percent to provide essential funding for rebuilding infrastructure, repairing roads, reconstructing bridges and improving public transport. Garden Island.

Kauai Powerlines Are Killing 1,800 Seabirds A Year. An analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicts that all colonies of two endangered bird species on the island could vanish as early as 2050. Civil Beat.

Shearwaters, Hawaiian Petrels could be wiped out in 30 years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released an analysis that estimates 1,800 endangered seabirds on Kauai are killed by collisions with power lines every year. Hawaii News Now.

Three ao released at Lydgate Park. The ‘a’o, or Newell’s shearwater perched on Hana Montgomery’s hands flew right into the sand four or five times before it took to the skies Wednesday morning. Garden Island.

A scientific analysis completed for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity estimates that 1,800 endangered seabirds are killed by collisions with power lines on Kauai every year. KITV.

The U.S. Navy has scheduled a public meeting on Kauai regarding its proposal for training and testing that includes the use of sonar and explosives. Garden Island.

Hawaii judge blocks Trump travel ban; Hawaii AG sues Homeland Security, Department of Education; Honolulu police chief candidate has spotty record; Spam now under lock and key; released inmate allegedly sets fire to old Hilo jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula on Honolulu palace lawn © 2017 All Hawaii News

Honolulu has been named one of the top cities in NerdWallet's new quality of life ranking. Hawaii's state capital ranked 18th out of 177 U.S. cities with a population of more than 150,000. Pacific Business News.

A federal judge in Hawaii blocked most of President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban Tuesday, just hours before it was set to take effect, saying the revised order “suffers from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor.” Associated Press.

Federal District Judge Derrick K. Watson today ordered a nationwide injunction against President Donald Trump’s third travel ban. Maui Now.

See the judge's full temporary restraining order on Trump's travel ban here.

Hawaii’s missile defense urged as North Korean threat persists. Although the United States has been stymied in reining in North Korea’s nuclear program, a former U.S. Pacific Command deputy commander said President Donald Trump’s tough words can be matched with real action by enhancing the defense of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Months after President Donald Trump declared – by Tweet – that he would ban transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military, Democratic-led states are joining together in opposition. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Joins 10 States Suing Homeland Security Department. Attorney General Doug Chin joined a coalition of 10 attorneys general in suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security today for its failure to respond to a request for information relating to the detention and deportation of immigrants. Maui Now.

Discussions underway over where Trump should stay during Oahu visit. Sources say there are discussions underway about whether to put the president up at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii or in Waikiki during his stay Nov. 3. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Is Still Falling Short In Its Inspections Of Health Care Facilities. The state has been doing better at inspecting nursing homes, but lack of staff means other inspections take a back seat. Civil Beat.

A statewide coalition of health professionals, educators, business and community representatives are teaming up to record oral health data in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sues US Department of Education. Attorney General Doug Chin on Tuesday joined a coalition of 18 states led by Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and Pennsylvania Attorney General Joshua Shapiro in suing the U.S. Department of Education and Secretary Betsy DeVos for refusing to enforce the Gainful Employment Rule, a federal regulation designed to protect students from predatory for-profit schools. KITV.

The state Department of Agriculture said Tuesday it began airing three public service announcements promoting agricultural food safety in the community. Star-Advertiser.

Just days before Island Air filed for bankruptcy protection, it was in a pitched battle with the owner of three of its five planes to prevent the turboprops from being repossessed. Star-Advertiser.

After a (really dry) dry season, Hawaii's about to see a wetter, wet season. From October through April, the National Weather Service predicts more rain than what the state normally gets during Hawaii's "wet season," but it's forecast to fall mostly over windward areas. Hawaii News Now.

Wet season expected to be rainy but uneven across isles. The National Weather Serv­ice released its annual wet-season forecast Tuesday, saying an above-­average rainy season is likely for the windward areas of the islands, while signals remain cloudy as to whether leeward areas will see more rain than usual. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Finalist for police chief defends integrity after criminal trial 24 years ago. Retired federal agent Thomas Aiu is being forced to defend himself after questions have been raised regarding his testimony in a 1992 tax fraud case, United States v. Harada. Hawaii News Now.

2 tentatively agree to serve as city police commissioners. The Honolulu Police Commission could soon have a full complement of seven members again, but likely not before the panel picks a new chief. Star-Advertiser.

City officials said enforcement of a new ban on smoking in cars with keiki will begin immediately without any educational or warning period. Star-Advertiser.

Former accountant gets 20-year term for embezzlement. State sheriff deputies took the former managing partner of what was one of Hawaii’s largest accounting firms into custody today after a state judge sentenced him to prison for stealing more than $400,000 from the company. Star-Advertiser.

Patrick Oki, the former managing partner of accounting firm PKF Pacific Hawaii LLP, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday for stealing more than $400,000 from the company. Pacific Business News.

A 45-year-old woman whose job it was to collect payment from advertisers in Hawaii Magazine, Honolulu Magazine and Hawaii Business magazine admitted Tuesday in U.S. District Court that she deposited checks worth more than $3.8 million into her own bank accounts instead of the account of her employer. Star-Advertiser.

Sacred Hearts Academy, an all-girls Catholic school in Kaimuki, has fired a teacher after two high school students reported “inappropriate behavior,” according to a letter sent to alumnae on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless accused of siphoning gas, vandalizing moving company's trucks. A moving company in Mapunapuna has become the repeated target of theft and vandalism. Hawaii News Now.

A private helicopter, which was headed to help in the search for a downed chopper off Molokai, lost power and made an emergency landing at the Waipio Soccer Complex in Central Oahu at around 1 p.m. Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Why It’s So Difficult To Clean Up This Honolulu Hoarder House. The city is seeking a court order to clean up a house where decades of piled trash have provided a haven for rats and feral cats. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii family with over 1,600 acres in the Waianae mountains is on a mission to restore the natural forest, one sapling at a time. Hawaii News Now.

Target’s seventh store in Hawaii is getting ready to welcome customers. There are high hopes for the new location at Ala Moana Center. KHON2.

Get ready — Target is about to open in Ala Moana Center. The largest Target store in Hawaii is set to open this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Why Spam Is Now Under Lock-And-Key At Oahu Stores. The popular canned meat is a favorite target of thieves in Honolulu, who sometimes sell the goods for quick cash to buy drugs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

A man released from jail Monday is suspected of intentionally starting a fire at the old Hilo jail hours after his release. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Police have more information on Monday night’s fire at the old Hilo jail, which they are investigating as a burglary and arson, and the 33-year-old male that was arrested at the scene. Big Island Video News.

The days were numbered for the old Hilo jail before a former inmate allegedly set it on fire Monday evening. Toni Schwartz, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Safety, said the unoccupied building will be torn down next year. Tribune-Herald.

Authorities are investigating the theft of two county vehicles later found torched in South Kona. West Hawaii Today.

During a public meeting held Monday night in Keaukaha, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands introduced beneficiaries to a new plan to Subsistence Agriculture Lots for homesteaders in Honomu. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Army Corps of Engineers will repair nearly 4,000 linear feet of levees in Wailuku River that almost collapsed due to last year’s 100-year flood. Maui News.

The state has certified Maui’s first medical marijuana laboratory to test the purity of the drug for Hawaii’s dispensaries. Star-Advertiser.

Maui-based Pharmlabs Hawaii LLC is the state’s second laboratory to be given the greenlight to begin testing for medical cannabis, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health, which oversees the state’s medical marijuana program. Pacific Business News.

Maui Lab Gets Green Light on Medical Marijuana Testing. Pharmlab Hawaii LLC, a private independent laboratory on Maui, has been given the green light to begin testing medical cannabis from Hawaii’s licensed medical cannabis dispensaries and registered patients and caregivers. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state Department of Education reports that seven qualified school bus drivers are still needed on Kauai. Garden Island.

The state’s account of the project to rid Lehua of invasive rats will be aired on KFVE-TV (K5) in a half-hour documentary this weekend. The program was produced by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources with support from the Lehua Island Restoration Steering Committee, which represents organizations and agencies involved in the project. Garden Island.

First whale sighted off Kauai. Visitor documents first humpback sighting near Kauai. Garden Island.

Kauai police are warning the public to be aware of a financial letter scam being circulated to Kauai residents. Garden Island.

Kauai students help release 3 shearwaters into the wild. Keiki from Kauai's Island School released three Newell Shearwaters into the wild at the shore near Lydgate Park Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Molokai

Flight instructor, student missing after helicopter goes down off Molokai. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Maui County Fire Department continued to search for two people today from a helicopter that went down Monday night off the northwest coast of Molokai.  Star-Advertiser.

Still no sign of 2 on board downed chopper near Molokai. Rescue crews continued their search Tuesday for a downed chopper near Molokai by air and sea, but the whereabouts of the two on board remain unknown. Hawaii News Now.

The National Transportation Safety Board released their final accident report of a Cessna that went down near Molokai in December 2016 with three friends on board. Hawaii News Now.


Lanai
 The Lanai Landfill will close early, at 1 p.m., today through Saturday because of insufficient staffing, the county Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division announced. Maui News.