AG Chin accepts lieutenant governor post while campaigning for Congress, House to wait on sexual harassment probe of former speaker, fired 'button pusher' to sue state, Maui loses injection well case, Ige pans Kakaako affordable housing plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Attorney General Doug Chin, courtesy photo

State Attorney General Doug Chin announced today that he will continue to campaign for Congress while agreeing to fill out the remaining term of Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, who resigned effective Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Democrat Doug Chin to succeed Shan Tsutsui as Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. Chin will continue his campaign to serve Hawaii’s First district in the U.S. House of Representatives. KHON2.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin will take over as lieutenant governor after Shan Tsutsui abruptly resigned from the post on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Shan Tsutsui didn’t just step down as lieutenant governor. He bolted. Star-Advertiser.

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The leadership of the state House of Representatives will await the outcome of an investigation into a sexual harassment complaint against state Rep. Joseph Souki before deciding whether to take any action against the 84-year-old lawmaker, according to House Speaker Scott Saiki. Star-Advertiser.

The former head of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services confirmed Thursday that she filed a sexual harassment complaint against former House Speaker Joe Souki. Associated Press.

The former director of Hawaii's Department of Human Services has filed a formal complaint with the State Ethics Commission that accuses state Rep. Joe Souki of sexual harassment. Hawaii News Now.

Longtime Wailuku state representative and two-time House Speaker Joe Souki is facing a sexual harassment complaint from the former head of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services. Maui News.

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Emergency worker behind false missile alert to file lawsuit against the state. The emergency worker fired by the state for sending a false missile alert has hired an attorney, and plans to sue the state for defamation. KHON2.

Missile Attack: House Proposes Laws for Businesses. State lawmakers are considering legislation to protect businesses and homeowners in the event of a missile alert. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers want to prohibit businesses from turning people away if missile threat is real. Hawaii News Now.

This Nuke Plan Would Have Turned Hawaii Upside Down. During the Cold War, attack preparations were proposed that called for interisland evacuations and commandeering of property. Civil Beat.

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A new bill aims to better protect domestic violence victims by adding a petty misdemeanor offense option for perpetrators and making it easier for the victims to obtain protective orders. Civil Beat.

Bills could make failure to report child abuse a felony. Tribune-Herald.

Audit blasts OHA for lavish spending, awarding grants to those who know 'who to ask'. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Language Thrives While the Law Strives to Catch Up. Nearly 40 years ago, the Hawaiian language was recognized as one of two official languages in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Ige balks at Kakaako affordable-housing rule amendment. The governor said one of the provisions in revised rules crafted by the Hawaii Community Development Authority intended to preserve inventory of affordable homes built by developers is too extreme and might actually reduce production of such homes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Thursday said he won't sign the 2017 proposed amendments to the Hawaii Community Development Authority rules regarding reserved and workforce, housing in Kakaako, saying he didn't believe the proposed 30-year restriction would result in more homes for first-time buyers. Pacific Business News.

Areas Around Schools And Libraries May Be Next For Sit-Lie Ban. The Honolulu City Council approved a bill to prohibit lying down at bus stops, but postponed action on schools and libraries. Civil Beat.

HPD investigating officer-involved shooting in Waipahu. Hawaii News Now.

State regulators Thursday ordered Spectrum Cable to delay rolling out its all-­digital cable system on Oahu because of inaccurate information on its notice to subscribers. Star-Advertiser.

Miles-long debris field spotted off Oahu just a 'small piece' of the problem. Some 4,000 pounds of tangled fishing nets were removed from the ocean off Waikiki on Thursday morning, and state Department of Land and Natural Resources officers say there's a chance it may have come from a two-mile long debris field first spotted on Saturday in the Kaiwi Channel. Hawaii News Now.

An extremely heavy ball of derelict fishing nets reported near a popular surf break known as “Pops” in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki was removed this afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The 2018 election season kicked off in earnest Thursday morning with the beginning of candidate filing. West Hawaii Today.

Lava tour turns deadly: Guide leading hike in Kalapana area dies after noxious steam engulfs group. Rain falling on a lava flow in the Kalapana lava viewing area Thursday morning caused a noxious steam cloud that overcame four people hiking on a guided tour, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. Tribune-Herald.

Four persons were trapped in a noxious steam cloud on the lava field during a guided hiking tour, and one person died. Big Island Video News.

Two tour operators are being fined $2,500 each for providing illegal tours on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Wave of questions: County, nonprofit field concerns to surf school proposal. West Hawaii Today.

An application for a Use Permit to allow the construction of a new, non-manned telecommunication facility in Hawaiian Paradise Park was delayed at a Windward Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, although a Hawaii County Councilmember representing Puna was still able to testify. Big Island Video News.

The public is invited to comment on a proposed fee increase from $30 to $50 for the Tri-Park Pass, an annual pass that allows visitors unlimited entry to the three fee-charging national parks in Hawaii: Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National parks and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Tribune-Herald.

T.J. Maxx to open in March. T.J. Maxx representatives handed out applications Thursday at the store’s future location at Prince Kuhio Plaza as contractors prepared for a grand opening next month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that the County of Maui’s Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility has been violating the US Clean Water Act since the facility was first put into operation in the early 1980s. Maui Now.

Maui County is reviewing its legal options after losing its appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals of a ruling that the county’s use of injection wells at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility since the early 1980s violates the federal Clean Water Act. Maui News.

The woman accused of murdering her identical twin sister by deliberately driving off a cliff on Maui was acquitted today. Star-Advertiser.

Saying evidence showed a driver’s hair was being pulled by her passenger to cause her to lose control of a vehicle that went over a cliff near Hana, a judge Thursday found the woman not guilty of second-degree murder in the crash that killed her twin sister. Maui News.

A woman accused of 2nd degree murder in the May 29, 2016 death of her twin sister has been acquitted of the charge.  Judge Peter Cahill handed down the ruling on Thursday in Maui District Court following closing arguments which were held earlier in the afternoon. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tax cuts stall in committee. Two bills aimed at reducing the county fuel and vehicle weight taxes were killed at the county committee this week. Garden Island.

No Sign Of Authorities Yet As Occupation Of Kauai Resort Continues. The landowners request state assistance as Native Hawaiian protesters remain at the Coco Palms resort site. Civil Beat.

The Pentagon confirmed today that a key missile defense test off Kauai failed early Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Rare plants on Kauai will get a boost from the expansion of the Lyon Arboretum’s Micropropagation Laboratory on Oahu, which was completed at the end of January. Garden Island.

Souki accused of sexual harassment; Ige edges Hanabusa in campaign contributions, Chin trailing Kim, Tokuda pulls ahead; audit blasts OHA for misspent millions, recreational fishing license, plastic straw ban posed in Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Speaker Joe Souki, courtesy photo

Former state Department of Human Services Director Rachael Wong has filed a sexual harassment complaint against former House Speaker Joe Souki — a political icon from Maui who for decades has been one of the most powerful lawmakers in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige raked in more than $800,000 in campaign donations for his re-election bid in the last half of 2017 — short of the $1 million he set out to raise in that time frame, but slightly more than his Democratic opponent U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Leads Hanabusa In Campaign Fundraising For Governor’s Race. State Sen. Jill Tokuda tops lieutenant governor candidates, bringing in more donations than her four rivals. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige raised close to $811,000 in the second half of 2017 for his re-election campaign, while U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who will challenge Ige in the Democratic primary, reported donations of almost $732,000. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige raised $810,000 for his re-election campaign during the six months through December, while his primary election opponent U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa raised $731,000. Associated Press.

Ige, Hanabusa neck and neck when it comes to campaign fundraising. Hawaii News Now.

Kim Leads Pack In Congressional Campaign Cash. Attorney General Doug Chin raised less than a fifth as much as Sen. Donna Kim in the race to replace Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

AG Chin to Announce Decision on LG Vacancy by Weeks’ End. Maui Now.

The first Hawaii lieutenant governor from Maui, Shan Tsutsui, left the office Wednesday while his replacement remains up in the air. Maui News.

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Searing Audit Says OHA Misspent Millions Of Dollars. A harshly critical draft audit found the Office of Hawaiian Affairs spent millions of dollars loosely and without proper oversight. Civil Beat.

State to conduct first siren test since false missile alert. Hawaii News Now.

State to conduct monthly warning siren test; internal drill on hold indefinitely. KHON2.

A Hawaii emergency management official who said last week that his retirement had nothing to do with a mistaken missile alert that stirred panic statewide now says it was because of the fallout from the warning. Associated Press.

Worries mount over HI-EMA leadership after resignations announced. Hawaii News Now.

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How many more tourists can the state’s environment and infrastructure support? That’s the question being asked by some residents and lawmakers after a report Wednesday said Hawaii’s visitor industry set five records in 2017, the sixth record-setting year in a row. Star-Advertiser.

New bill aims to allocate some HTA funding to conserve natural resources. Pacific Business News.

A proposal making its way through the state Legislature would require a yearly permit for recreational fishing. KHON2.

Senate bill to ban plastic straws in Hawaii passes committee. KITV.

Hawaii Bail Study Finds Justice Is What You Can Afford. Statewide, almost half of the detainees in our jails are accused but not convicted, many because they cannot afford bail. Hawaii Public Radio.

A former Idaho airport director recently accepted a leadership position with the Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division, according to the Idaho Falls ABC affiliate. Pacific Business News.

Large Marine Debris Field or Net Mass Between Molokai and Oahu. Maui Now.

The Coast Guard is advising all mariners to exercise caution after a large marine debris field was last observed in the Ka Iwi Channel between Molokai and Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Bill to limit ‘monster’ houses advances. Honolulu City Council members say they will take another look at what types of houses would be rejected under a bill imposing a moratorium on large-scale houses after being warned about unintended consequences. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Advances "Monster Homes" Bill: Special Meeting Monday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu’s Ala Wai is ranked as one of the most polluted waterways in the country. The State of Hawaii has a plan to clean it up that just received a green light. Hawaii Public Radio.

How A Big Mainland Developer Learned To Thrive In Hawaii. Howard Hughes Corp. seems to stay on course as it navigates burial grounds and being in the path of rail. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's 'last princess' fights for control of her fortune. Multimillionaire heiress Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa, considered by many to be Hawaii's last princess, is no longer in a position to fund her pet charities, including Iolani Palace and various Native Hawaiian causes. Associated Press.

A new security fence at the Hawaii State Hospital could cost taxpayers millions. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools is making another run at redeveloping 6.5 acres in Moiliili near the University of Hawaii, six years after an unsuccessful effort to create a largely retail and residential “town center” on the site. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Center is valued at $5.74 billion, making it the most valuable real estate investment trust-owned mall in the United States, according to a new study by boutique research firm Boenning & Scattergood. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Long-awaited shooting ranges for the Big Island could take some incremental steps forward, the county Game Management Advisory Commission learned Monday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Medical Center undergoing $28 million in renovations. Tribune-Herald.

2017 was a strong year for tourism on the Big Island. According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, arrivals to the Big Island increased by 13.7 percent from 2016, from 1.5 million to 1.7 million. These arrivals spent more than $2 billion on the island last year, about 14 percent more than in 2016. Tribune-Herald.

Another eight classrooms are coming to Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School with the release of more than $12.4 million in funding for a new classroom building at the campus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Director of Water Supply David Taylor, who has been on administrative leave for three months, has filed a lawsuit against Mayor Alan Arakawa and the county over Arakawa’s attempts to remove him from his position. Maui News.

The Hawaii National Guard’s 93rd Civil Support Team along with the United States Coast Guard, paramedics, airport security, Maui police, and firefighters will participate in a large-scale emergency operations exercise beginning Monday, Feb. 5. Maui Now.

Kauai

A $30 million missile touted as a possible second layer of defense for Hawaii from North Korean threats reportedly failed in its first-ever flight from Kauai’s Aegis Ashore facility today when it did not intercept a target representing an intermediate-range ballistic missile. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Missile Defense Test Failed To Intercept Target. The interceptor was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. Associated Press.

Department of Public Safety: Sheriffs will now get involved in Coco Palms occupation. Hawaii News Now.

A Kauai hui involved in a lawsuit against the Hawaii Department of Natural Resources and the agroscience company Syngenta is continuing efforts to require the seed company to conduct an environmental review of their ongoing operations on the island’s Westside.  Garden Island.

Kauai-based KonaRed is partnering with beverage incubator L.A. Libations, an innovation partner of The Coca-Cola Company. Pacific Business News.

Total visitor numbers via air travel for Kauai saw a 7.5 percent increase to 1.3 million in 2017 from 1.2 million in 2016, according to HTA ,and that’s not the only growth the island saw. Garden Island.

Artists spent three days creating a 40-foot-long mural depicting the island’s character on a wall fronting the oceanfront bike path in Kapaa Town — only to paint over it a week later. Garden Island.

The Kauai Lifeguard Association board members recently handed over the keys for a 2018 4 x 4 fully-outfitted Kuhio Auto Ford truck to the County of Kauai’s Ocean Safety Bureau. Garden Island.

False missile alert aftermath: employee fired, HI-EMA chief resigns, administration shaken; House speaker not interested in being lieutenant governor; one-way tickets for homeless; Kauai missile test, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HI-EMA missile presentation in Hilo, December 2017 ©2018 All Hawaii News

News of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency shakeup and release of the Federal Communications Commission’s preliminary findings into Hawaii’s Jan. 13 false missile alert left many wondering Tuesday how much faith people will have in the credibility of the next warning. Star-Advertiser.

When things go wrong in a big way, it is usually the top leadership that takes a beating, which means Gov. David Ige may now be in deep trouble in the wake of the frightening Jan. 13 ballistic missile attack false alarm, according to political observers. Star-Advertiser.

There are concerns over staffing at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of the resignations of two top officials and the firing of the unnamed worker who set off the Jan. 13 bogus nuclear missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

False Missile Alert Investigation Released: Miyagi Resigns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tick Tock Of Terror: New Details In Missile Alert Timeline. Associated Press.

HI-EMA’s Miyagi resigns, ‘button pusher’ fired in aftermath of false missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

Employee terminated, HI-EMA head resigns after false missile warning. Hawaii’s emergency management leader has resigned and a state employee who sent an alert falsely warning of an incoming ballistic missile has been fired, officials said Tuesday, after the mistake caused widespread panic earlier this month. KITV.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency worker who triggered panic by sending a false ballistic missile alert to phones across the state on Jan. 13 believed the state was actually under attack, according to a preliminary investigation released today by the Federal Communications Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Man Who Sent Out False Missile Alert Was ‘Source Of Concern’ For A Decade. Civil Beat.

Worker who sent false missile alert had problems but kept job. Associated Press.

Fired employee had previously confused drills. The fired employee had previously confused drills for real events, once for a fire and once for a tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency management employee had ‘history of confusing drill and real-world events’. KHON2.

In a stunning revelation Tuesday, state investigators said the emergency management employee who sent out the false missile alert to Hawaii phones — triggering 38 minutes of panic until a correction could be sent — believed the threat of an incoming missile was real and had a history of confusing drills with real-world events. Hawaii News Now.

State fires employee who issued false missile alert, Hawaii EMA chief resigns following state probe. Pacific Business News.

FCC Report: Day Shift Warning Officer Believed the Missile Threat Was Real. Maui Now.

Full text: FCC report on false missile alert. All Hawaii News.

Full text: State report on false missile alert. All Hawaii News.

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House Speaker Scott Saiki today announced he is not interested in becoming the state’s next lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Telling The Public A Little Less About What It Pays Its Workers. House Speaker Scott Saiki finds Civil Beat’s salary database too specific when it comes to “legislative employees.” Civil Beat.

Hotel taxes are eyed for 1-way tickets for homeless. House Bill 2012 would set aside up to $2 million a year in transient accommodations tax, or TAT, revenues to fund homeless initiatives in “tourist and resort areas.” Star-Advertiser.

Tearful testimony at the Capitol over Hawaiian language translation bill. A push to provide a Hawaiian language interpreter at court proceedings is gaining momentum at the State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Medical Aid In Dying: ‘The Political Risk Is Not Passing It’. With polls consistently showing public support for the concept, legislators look to give the issue another go this session. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers and prison advocates raising questions on suicides at Hawaii correctional facilities. KITV.

State disease database hacked. The state Department of Health is investigating a potential breach of private medical information of disease test results. Star-Advertiser.

The mayors of Honolulu, Kauai and Maui today pledged to help make our island state more climate resilient at a key leadership forum presented by Hawaii Energy and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, titled “A Resilient and Renewable Hawaii: How Hawaii’s Mayors are Innovating to Create the Counties of the Future.” Maui Now.

Chick-fil-A is scouting locations for the chain’s first Hawaii restaurant, one of three restaurant chains, along with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Japan’s Yoshinoya, looking to break into the isle market. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A state judge has ordered the developer of Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort to pay homeowners $20 million for the company’s decision to change the main feature of the Ewa community from a marina to a lagoon. Star-Advertiser.

A state judge has ordered developer Haseko to pay homeowners $20 million, in one of the largest consumer protection awards in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

The city is testing its first electric bus during a six-week pilot project for Honolulu's fleet. Hawaii News Now.

The city unveiled its first fully electric bus on Tuesday that will be tested in a six-week pilot project. KITV.

The Hawaii State Department of Health has received a $339,269 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a clean energy project on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Defense contractor BAE Systems Hawaii has received a $14.2 million modification for a previously awarded contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for repair work of the USS Port Royal, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. Pacific Business News.

Momilani Elementary School has put one of its teachers on leave after learning that two former Punahou students, who are now adults, have accused him of sexually abusing them between 2005 to 2006. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council, county attorney at odds over contingency funds. Tribune-Herald.

Surf school management proposal raises concerns. West Hawaii Today.

The state should return to federal court to seek an amendment to existing orders mandating the eradication of ungulates on Mauna Kea, according to hunting enthusiast Richard Hoeflinger. Big Island Video News.

Brad Bennett, superintendent of the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area, is under investigation by the state Department of Education and is on leave until further notice. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Liquor Director Glenn Mukai said Tuesday that a visit by an FBI agent to its Wailuku offices Monday was a “routine audit” of the department’s fingerprinting operations. Maui News.

The nearly 500-acre Waikapu Country Town project has received unanimous approval from the state Land Use Commission for critical changes. Maui News.

The Paia relief route, Kihei collector road and Hana Highway bridges are among the major projects vying for a share of $124 million in funding over the next four years. Maui News.

Kauai

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the Navy conducted a missile test off Kauai early Wednesday, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Occupiers remain at Coco Palms. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 86th Winter Meeting. The mayor met with federal agencies and the Congressional delegation to discuss priorities for the County of Kauai. Garden Island.

DLNR considers allowing feral pig hunting on Kauai's Sleeping Giant mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Full Text: State of Hawaii report on false missile alarm

Report can also be found here.

TO:                   Major General Arthur J. Logan

Director of Emergency Management (HI-EMA)

FROM:            Brigadier General [Ret] Bruce E. Oliveira

Investigating Officer

DATE:             January 29,2018

SUBJECT:              FALSE BALLISTIC MISSILE ALERT INVESTIGATION FOR JANUARY 13, 2018

ASSIGNMENT:

On January 15, 2018, Major General Arthur J. Logan, the Director of HI-EMA for the State of Hawaii, assigned me to investigate this incident to determine by a preponderance of the evidence the following:

a. What was the exact chain of events that led to the issuance of a state­ wide ballistic missile alert (BMA) message, initiated during the course of the HI­ EMA State Warning Point (SWP) change of shift at approximately 0805 hours on January 13, 2018?

b. What was the established protocol that HI-EMA SWP members were to follow during the change of shift BMA Checklist simulation and who established the BMA checklist?

c. How many times had HI-EMA SWP members previously practiced the BMA checklist that led to the issuance of the false alert message, and what, if any, training records exist?

d. Did the established BMA checklist during the simulated test include a response protocol in the event a false state-wide BMA message was issued, and if so, did HI-EMA SWP members follow BMA response protocol on January 13,

2018?

SYNOPSIS:

At approximately 8:06 am, the SWP mistakenly issued a BMA.  As the investigating officer and carefully considering the facts, I find a preponderance of evidence exists that insufficient management controls, poor computer software design, and human factors contributed to the real-world BMA and the delayed false BMA correction message that was issued over the WEA/EAS on January

13,2018.

DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE:

January 13, 2018

LOCATION OCCURRED:

The incident occurred at the State Warning Point of the Hawaii Emergency Management  Agency located within the State Emergency Operating Center in Diamond Head.

Full report -- FCC preliminary findings on Hawaii false missile alert

FULL report: FCC preliminary findings.

Preliminary Report:

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s
January 13, 2018
False Ballistic Missile Alert

January 30, 2018

•    At 8:07 AM on January 13, 2018, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) issued a false ballistic missile alert through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) System.    Chairman Pai immediately called on the Bureau to investigate.

•    To date, the Bureau has interviewed key stakeholders, including:
–    HI-EMA employees
–    Representatives of other emergency management agencies across the country
–    Alert origination software vendors (including the vendor who supplies HI-EMA)
–    Wireless service providers

•    The Bureau’s investigation is ongoing.

2

Events Leading Up to the False Alert

Time    Events

0805    •    HI-EMA’s midnight shift supervisor begins a no-notice ballistic missile defense drill at
a shift change by placing a call, pretending to be U.S. Pacific Command, to the day shift warning officers.

•    The midnight shift supervisor plays a recording over the phone that properly includes the drill language “EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE,” but also erroneously contains the text of an EAS message for a live ballistic missile alert, including the language, “THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” The recording does not follow the script contained in HI-EMA’s standard operating procedure for this drill.

•    The day shift warning officers receive this recorded message on speakerphone.

•    While other warning officers understand that this is a drill, the warning officer at the alert origination terminal claimed to believe, in a written statement provided to HI- EMA, that this was a real emergency, not a drill.

0807    •    This day shift warning officer responds, as trained for a real event, by transmitting a
live incoming ballistic missile alert to the State of Hawaii.

•    In doing so, the day shift warning officer selects the template for a live alert from a drop-down menu, and clicks “yes” in response to a prompt that reads, “Are you sure that you want to send this Alert?”

Events After the False Alert

Time    Events
0808    •    Day shift warning officer receives false WEA on mobile device
0809    •    HI-EMA notifies Hawaii Governor of false alert
0810    •    HI-EMA to U.S. Pacific Command and Honolulu PD: no missile launch
0812    •    HI-EMA issues a cancellation, ceasing retransmission over EAS, WEA
0813    •    HI-EMA begins outreach, but its phone lines become congested
0820    •    HI-EMA posts on Facebook, Twitter – “NO missile threat to Hawaii”
0824    •    Hawaii Governor retweets notice that there is no missile threat
0827    •    HI-EMA determines that an EAS, WEA Civil Emergency Message (CEM) is the best vehicle for correction
0830    •    FEMA confirms HI-EMA’s view on CEM; Hawaii Governor posts correction on
Facebook
0831    •    HI-EMA supervisor logs into alert system, begins to create false alert correction
0845    •    HI-EMA issues correction through EAS and WEA that there is no missile threat

1.    A combination of human error and inadequate safeguards contributed to the transmission of this false alert.

2.    HI-EMA’s lack of preparation for how to respond to the transmission of a false alert was largely responsible for the 38-minute delay in correcting the alert.

3.    HI-EMA has taken steps designed to ensure that an incident such as this never happens again.

•    The Bureau will continue its investigation and issue a final report, including recommended measures to safeguard against false alerts and to mitigate their harmful effects if they do occur.

•    After the issuance of the final report, the FCC will partner with FEMA to engage in stakeholder outreach and encourage the implementation of best practices.

•    Federal, state, and local officials must work together to prevent such a false alert from happening again.

Lt. Gov. Tsutsui quits, false missile alarm investigation to be unveiled today, Ala Moana park plans unpopular, FBI probes Maui liquor commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Tsutsui at Maui Economic Development Board function, Sept. 26, 2017, courtesy photo

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui said Monday he would resign this week to join a lobbying and public affairs firm. The move comes several years after Tsutsui publicly complained the governor hadn’t given him enough responsibility, but he said his decision had nothing to do with that. Associated Press.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui will resign on Wednesday, setting off a possible shuffle to take his place in one of the top political jobs in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s lieutenant governor, Shan Tsutsui, is leaving office effective Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui Monday said he will resign from his position on Wednesday to return to a private-sector job on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Shan Tsutsui To Resign As Lieutenant Governor. Big Island Video News.

Tsutsui to resign as Lt. Gov. KITV.

Shan Tsutsui to Resign as Lieutenant Governor. Maui Now.

Tsutsui announces resignation. With resignation, Tsutsui is headed home to Maui. Maui News.

The job of second in command of the state government had no immediate takers Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi today said he has mixed emotions about the departure of Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui from office and says he is not interested in becoming the next LG for Hawaii. Maui Now.

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The results of the state’s internal investigation of the Jan. 13 false report of an imminent missile attack are scheduled to be released Tuesday morning by Gov. David Ige, state Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Joe Logan and retired Brig. Gen. Bruce Oliveira. Star-Advertiser.

The state says it will release the results Tuesday of a internal investigation into this month's false ballistic missile alarm. Hawaii News Now.

State emergency officials have completed an internal investigation after a false missile alert was sent to cell phones across the state. KHON2.

Senators To Stores: Don’t Kick People Out In Emergencies. Sen. Michelle Kidani’s measure comes two weeks after the false missile alert, when some people reported being told to leave businesses. Civil Beat.

How To Survive A Nuclear Attack On Hawaii. When the state accidentally sent out a false alarm, many people didn’t know how to respond. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has attracted more than $700,000 in campaign donations so far in her bid to become Hawaii’s next governor. Star-Advertiser.

Can Anyone Resuscitate The Hawaii GOP? State Chairwoman Shirlene Ostrov says Republicans have the tools and money to start winning elections in the islands. Civil Beat.

As many as 80 permanent homeless "villages" would be sprinkled across the state under a proposal getting support at the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to integrate the Hawaiian language into fundamental functions of the state is scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Committees on Hawaiian Affairs, Higher Education and Judiciary on Tuesday. Maui Now.

Here’s How The State Could End Up Owning Your Oceanfront Property. When sea level rises, a new legal opinion says, public land follows the shoreline and the state can charge property owners to access their own places. Civil Beat.

Pesticides’ potential impacts on human health require further study, and those furthering that goal are still promoting bills — this time through the 2018 legislative session. Garden Island.

New technology for detecting invasive species on cargo shipments and detector dog teams for agricultural inspections are just two steps out of dozens the state is making toward reinforcing biosecurity in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Responsible use of Hawaii’s marine life and responsible pet trade nationwide were both promoted last week as the Hawaii Senate Water and Land Committee heard a bill outlining tougher restrictions on aquarium fishing in the state. Garden Island.

After several years of planning, the state has awarded a $140 million building contract for a new 144-bed psychiatric facility at the troubled Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe. Star-Advertiser.

Hensel Phelps wins $140M contract to build Hawaii state psychiatric hospital. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines’ profit reaches new height. The parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings Inc., reported Monday earning $364 million, or $6.82 a share, in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

The 401(k) accounts that former Island Air employees have been unable to access contain more than $8 million, according to a person close to the situation who requested his name not be used. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A proposal to eliminate parking on the makai side of the road through Ala Moana Regional Park and create a wide beachside “promenade” ran into plenty of opposition at a city meeting Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

Things quickly got heated inside the McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Beach Park Monday night as the city held its final public meeting on the park's future. Hawaii News Now.

The crowd booed inside McCoy Pavilion Auditorium Monday night as the city presented its vision for the beach promenade at Ala Moana Regional Park. KITV.

Meeting to discuss future of Ala Moana beach park turns into shouting match. KHON2.

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People who live on Tantalus Drive are demanding change. KITV.

Work is underway to improve Pali Highway, resulting in barriers, lane closures and, by the middle of next month, complete overnight closures for three long-anticipated projects that are expected to last two years. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns raised after three firefighters’ children diagnosed with cancer. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Governor pushes ahead on re-election bid. West Hawaii Today.

Volunteers scour East Hawaii before dawn to help with Homeless Point in Time Count. Tribune-Herald.

A new county Human Resources Department director could be selected by Feb. 21, almost five months after the sudden resignation of former HR Director Sharon Toriano in the wake of a critical audit. West Hawaii Today.

Interview with Man Who Faces 77 Years in Prison for Medical Marijuana Collective. Big Island Now.

Hawaii microalgae producer Cyanotech Corp. has its third CEO in three years. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

FBI agent seen examining liquor control documents. Spokesman for the bureau would not confirm or deny any federal investigation. Maui News.

Another bond issue planned to help finance West Maui hospital construction. Maui News.

Murder Trial Begins for Woman Accused of Driving Twin Off East Maui Cliff. Maui Now.

Murder trial begins for twin in cliff crash. Witness testifies he saw ‘hair-pulling and punching’ before SUV took fatal jerk to left. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kauai Board of Water Supply announces the appointment of Steven Kyono to the position of acting manager and chief engineer for the Department of Water, effective Feb. 12. Garden Island.

Life’s Choices Kauai is seeking people to join a substance abuse prevention coalition aimed at reducing and preventing youth substance abuse. Garden Island.

Safe zones for homeless top Legislature's agenda, candidate filing begins Thursday, occupiers refuse to leave Coco Palms, full-face snorkel masks investigated in Maui drownings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Demonstration homeless igloo ©2018 All Hawaii News

‘Safe Zones’ For Homeless A Hot Topic At Legislature. Meanwhile, advocates for the homeless want more money for programs that place people in permanent housing. Civil Beat.

US, South Korean Defense Chiefs Meet on Oahu. US Defense Secretary James Mattis says diplomacy must take the lead in the effort to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula. Hawaii Public Radio.

Missile scare caught hotels flat-footed. Star-Advertiser.

The starting gun for Hawaii’s official election year for federal, state and county offices goes off Feb. 1, the first day candidates can check out nomination papers. The last day for candidates to file is 4:30 p.m. June 5. Maui News.

For the second year, a bill is before the Hawaii state Legislature to create an independent airport authority. Hawaii Public Radio.

PUC probing tax impact on Hawaii utilities. The state Public Utilities Commission said Friday it has opened a new proceeding to investigate the impact on regulated utilities in Hawaii of the recently signed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Judiciary says those who want to speak Hawaiian in court will be able to use an interpreter. Associated Press.

The state’s only Hyperbaric Treatment Center able to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness is up and running again after several months offline, according to a release from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. West Hawaii Today.

Racial harassment alleged in workplace lawsuits at Hawaiian Airlines, Queen’s. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines has selected Lee Anne Wong, chef and owner of Honolulu’s Koko Head Cafe, to lead its in-flight dining program as the carrier’s new executive chef starting June 1. Star-Advertiser.

Iced coffee with partial Hawaiian name offends cultural groups. The name is King Kameha Iced Coffee. KITV.

Oahu

Plans proceed for offshore wind farms. Five years after offshore wind energy burst onto the scene as an intriguing new candidate in Oahu’s future power generation mix, the idea continues to quietly gain momentum. Star-Advertiser.

Botched Illegal Gambling Case Prompts Lawsuit Against Prosecutors. Tracy Yoshimura says that Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro charged him with crimes after he challenged him publicly in the press. Civil Beat.

Tour operators who want to make “recreational stops” at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park will soon be able to do so, but only if they get monthly permits from the city, under a Honolulu City Council bill up for a final vote Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A container of what appears to be a type of oil that first washed up on the beach at Kailua Bay during New Year’s Day weekend — along with tons of other marine debris — was taken away and disposed of by city workers Friday morning, three weeks after it came ashore. Star-Advertiser.

Workers strike at Waikiki Sheraton hotels over concierge plan. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 2,300 Hawaii hotel employees didn't go to work Friday as part of a strike between UNITE HERE Local 5 members and Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts' four Waikiki hotels. Pacific Business News.

The botany program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa just completed a helpful expansion. Construction is finished on a new classroom which will be used to study Hawaii's rarest plants. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A bill introduced Wednesday would replace University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Office of Maunakea Management with a new entity, managed by a governor-appointed board. It also would limit the number of telescopes to nine by 2028. Tribune-Herald.

Astronomers are calling it “the most important delivery of the decade” at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. On January 26, during a small window between the snow flurries atop Mauna Kea, the observatory’s newest and most advanced instrument arrived. Big Island Video News.

Public offers mixed reviews of service as the cost of government grows. Since 2000, Hawaii County’s population has risen by 33.5 percent. The number of county employees has increased by 27.6 percent. But during that time, the county budget, adjusted for inflation, has doubled. West Hawaii Today.

While 2017 proved to be a dry year for Kona residents, it also tapped deeply into water department maintenance funds. West Hawaii Today.

The Hilo Drag Strip is slated to open the weekend of March 10-11 after being closed more than two years for renovations. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Safety questions surface for full-faced snorkel masks. Two recent ocean deaths linked to new mask design: Are full-faced snorkel sets safe? Maui News.

Bypass work to get an adjustment at busy Keawe Street intersection. Ige directs DOT to get community input for ‘best way to move forward’. Maui News.

Chief who brought lifeguards to Fire Department retires. Maui News.

Kauai

Hundreds Turn Out To Back Hawaiian Occupiers Of Famed Coco Palms Site. The 19th century home of Kauai’s last queen was later the resort where “Blue Hawaii” was filmed. Now a new resort is planned. Civil Beat.

Despite 6 p.m. deadline to move out, Coco Palms occupiers still there. The deadline has passed for activists staking their claim to the land at the Coco Palms resort on Kauai, but they're not budging. Hawaii News Now.