Hawaii Supreme Court mulls Thirty Meter Telescope, cops dip into cocaine stash, neighbor islands could get more transient accommodations tax, bogus rail numbers, Hawaiian heiress abuse investigation, Carvalho's final state of the county, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes atop Mauna Kea ©2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

The state Supreme Court on Thursday heard oral arguments in a case that has the potential to play a huge role on whether the Thirty Meter Telescope is built in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments in one of two cases affecting the Thirty Meter Telescope on Thursday in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Back In Court As TMT's April Deadline Looms. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest potential road-block for TMT construction on Mauna Kea is one native Hawaiian practitioner. KITV.

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House Committee Boosts Neighbor Island Share Of Hotel Tax. Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties would get bigger pieces of the revenue pie, but not Honolulu. Associated Press.

Three counties will get a big increase in their share of revenue from the Transient Accommodations Tax, or TAT, under a bill that was advanced by the State House Finance Committee on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

The House Finance Committee passed a bill Thursday that would increase the Transient Accommodations Tax revenues for neighboring islands. Garden Island.

The House Finance Committee today passed Senate Bill 648 SD1 HD1, which increases the amount of the Transient Accommodations Tax or “TAT” revenues for the neighbor islands. Maui Now.

Neighbor Island counties would get more transient accommodations tax revenue under a bill advanced Thursday by the state House Finance Committee. Maui News.

Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim was taken aback after he received a call Tuesday night from House Speaker Scott Saiki asking him to testify on a measure to increase Hawaii County’s share of the Transient Accommodations Tax by more than $12 million annually for at least the next dozen years. West Hawaii Today.

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Anti-gay bias allegations roil Hawaii U.S. House race. A well-known Democratic candidate for Congress who gained notoriety opposing President Donald Trump’s travel ban targeting mostly Muslim countries is being forced to explain a decades-old rant perceived as intolerant of gay people. Associated Press.

Hanabusa corrects Secretary of the Interior's Japanese at hearing. President Trump has proposed to cut the grant program that most recently has helped pay for work the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is doing to create a database of the Japanese detained in Hawaii during World War II. KHON2.

Bill Would Set 6-Year Term For Office Of Information Practices Chief. The measure would increase the job security of the director charged with ensuring adherence to Hawaii’s open government laws. Civil Beat.

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Judge: Hawaiian Heiress Abuse Investigation Must Continue. Abigail Kawananakoa’s former lawyer claims she was abused by her wife. It’s all part of a battle over control of her $215 million trust. Associated Press.

The legal battle over Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa's fortune is heating up as a state judge ruled that allegations of physical abuse must be investigated. Hawaii News Now.

Judge tells combatants over heiress’s trust to cool it. The state probate judge tasked with deciding who will manage the $200 million trust of Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa told the parties fighting for control that all of the allegations they have so far made against each other in court filings are not helpful. Star-Advertiser.

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The Department of Health says tobacco prevention programs have saved the state about $1 billion over the past 20 years. KITV.

State officials estimate Hawaii has saved more than $1 billion in total heath care costs due to the reduction in smoking since 2000. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health: Tobacco Use Reduction Saves $1B in Health Care Costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Maui Rep. Yamashita Introduces Resolutions on Cesspool Problem. Maui Now.

After hearing criticism from the Native Hawaiian community, a mainland liquor company has changed its branding. The alcoholic drink was called King Kameha and featured with an image that looks like the King Kamehameha statue. KHON2.

Oahu

Original Rail Budget Included Bogus Numbers For Station Designs. HART officials say their predecessors made “placeholder” estimates without studying their legitimacy. Civil Beat.

More bike lanes proposed for Ward and Pensacola. Approximately 40 on-street parking stalls on Ward Avenue and 30 on Pensacola Street — both metered and nonmetered — would be removed for the bike lane projects. Star-Advertiser.

Community input wanted on bike lanes. KHON2.

Mayor signs into law incentives for property owners who install fire sprinklers. One bill, Bill 101 CD1, provides tax relief while Bill 102 CD1, FD1, reduces permitting fees. Hawaii News Now.

HPD helped cover up officer's abuse, suit filed by ex-wife say. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent is accusing her ex-husband, a Honolulu police officer, of years of abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Community Vents Frustration Over State’s Mixed Signals On Waianae Camp. At a special neighborhood board meeting Thursday, supporters of a homeless encampment asked for a long-term plan. Civil Beat.

Governor's Chief of Staff apologized to the residents of Puuhonua O Waianae. It was a packed neighborhood board meeting in Waianae Thursday night, as community members demanded answers about what could happen to the Puuhonua O Waianae homeless camp in Pokai Bay. KITV.

Hawaiian Group Clashes with State Over Waimanalo Land. A group of Native Hawaiians claiming to be descendants of King Kamehameha I is headed for a clash with the state -- the second time in two years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Radio conglomerate iHeartMedia – owner of 8 Honolulu stations including KSSK – files for bankruptcy. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Department of Health certified Aeos Labs, Inc. to begin testing medical cannabis flowers from the state’s licensed dispensaries, patients and caregivers, making it the third lab in the state to gain the certification. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Police are investigating how a “small quantity” of cocaine evidence, now used for training purposes, went missing from the department sometime after October 2017. Big Island Video News.

Cocaine missing from Hawaii island police evidence room. A criminal and administrative investigation was done in October and the department has identified a sworn employee as a person of interest. KHON2.

The Hawaii Police Department said it has placed an employee on administrative leave without pay after discovering that cocaine recovered as evidence was lighter than reported during its initial recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Officer suspected of stealing drug evidence. Hawaii County police released information about an investigation into missing drug evidence and identified a former police officer as a person of interest, but have no further comment.  West Hawaii Today.

In October 2017, both criminal and administrative investigations were initiated after it was discovered that cocaine recovered as evidence in 2014 was found to be lighter in weight than reported during its initial recovery. Big Island Now.

Maui

Severe housing problems and a high rate of alcohol-impaired driving deaths are some of the areas that Maui County’s community should explore to improve residents’ health, according to a national report released Wednesday. Maui News.

Hunt for green transport targets electric cars, bikes. The Police Department wants to improve its response time while cutting down on the emissions produced by the department’s 320 vehicles. Maui News.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua on Maui will get a multimillion-dollar renovation next year after the PGA’s Sentry Tournament of Champions kicks off the 2019 season, according to Arizona-based Troon, which manages Kapalua Golf & Tennis. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Carvalho proposes $214 million operating budget. The mayor, who has served since 2008, proposed an operating budget of $214.8 million and a capital improvement projects budget of $40.7 million. Garden Island.

Mayor touts 10 years of accomplishments. In his State of the County Address Thursday, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. highlighted several accomplishment during his administration. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor Bernard Carvalho delivered his 10th and final State of the County address. KITV.

Improvements to roads, parks among priorities in Kauai mayor's State of the County address. KHON2.

Education, $$ needed for cesspools. While the House of Representatives is debating the creation of regional task forces to help counties replace cesspools, Kauai residents in the issue say it’s cash, and an education campaign, that’s going to do the trick. Garden Island.

Hawaii students, Gov. Ige, join nationwide school walkout, medically assisted death up for Friday hearing, pesticides found in water, Russell Suzuki named attorney general, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keaau High School students remember fallen PC:Jim Albertini

Thousands of students at campuses across Hawaii walked out of their classrooms at 10 a.m. Wednesday in solidarity with their peers nationwide who are staging 17-minute walkouts as a tribute to the 17 victims of the Valentine’s Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Fla. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Students Join Walkouts In Wake Of School Shootings. On campuses across the islands, youths gather to honor the victims of the Florida massacre and call for action on gun control. Civil Beat.

Local Students Walkout in Support of Shooting Victims. Hawaii Public Radio.

'I don't want to be scared': Hawaii students take part in National School Walkout. KHON2.

Students and teachers across the state joined thousands across the country in National School Walkout Day in an effort to put a stop to gun violence. KITV.

PHOTOS: Hawaii students participate in National Walkout Day. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige joined students at his alma mater, Pearl City High School, this morning, Wednesday, March 14, 2018, to support their initiative to honor each of the 17 students and teachers who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14. Big Island Now.

East Hawaii students join peers nationwide and walk out in protest against gun violence. Tribune-Herald.

In the wake of a shooting that killed 17 people at a Florida high school — and later threats to their own school — a handful of students at Konawaena High School looked to their own campus for an opportunity to ensure students feel safe in their classrooms. West Hawaii Today.

A nation-wide student-led demontration against school violence took place Wednesday and included many schools on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Kapaa High students call for gun reform. Garden Island.

Island School uses nationwide movement to educate, make a difference. Garden Island.

Social media drives student movement. As schools across the nation staged 17-minute walkouts for #nationalwalkoutday in tribute to the 17 victims of the Valentine’s Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Fla., Hawaii became part of the social media dialogue with its own hashtags: #NeverAgainHI and #EnoughIsEnoughHI. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) spoke on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, in support of H.R.4909, the Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act—legislation she has co-sponsored that would increase federal funding for schools in Hawaii and across the country to strengthen school violence prevention measures. Big Island Now.

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The public once again will have a chance to testify Friday morning on a bill to allow physicians to prescribe lethal doses of medication at the request of terminally ill patients. Star-Advertiser.

The State Legislative Auditor briefed a Senate Committee on the results of an audit of the Public Utilities Commission completed in February. Hawaii Public Radio.

State releases heavily redacted recording of HI-EMA's missile mistake test. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday released a heavily redacted portion of the 24-second internal test message that triggered the state's missile alert mistake on January 13, 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige has appointed veteran government lawyer Russell Suzuki as Hawaii’s attorney general. Suzuki has been acting attorney general since Feb. 2, when former Attorney General Doug Chin resigned to become lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige has appointed Russell Suzuki to serve as the state attorney general. KHON2.

New Revenue Forecast Means $50 Million More For State Budget. The Council on Revenues projects 5.3 percent general fund growth for the current fiscal year and 4.5 percent next year. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Council on Revenues raised its projection for the growth of the state’s general fund from 4.5 percent to 5.3 percent during its quarterly meeting on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Could food cause Hawaii's high cancer rates? Hawaii lawmakers are debating whether the state should pay for research to see if that is the reason behind Hawaii's nation leading rates of stomach and intestinal cancers. KITV.

Data collected during an initial six-month period of monitoring for pesticides in surface water on Kauai and Oahu found “trace levels” in most detections. Garden Island.

Plate lunches statewide will have a new look if a bill banning polystyrene becomes law. Senate Bill 2498 not only seeks to ban the containers for food, but also drinks. KHON2.

State eases rules on required TB tests. Most Hawaii residents will no longer be required to get a tuberculosis skin test when starting a new job or school. Star-Advertiser.

Family of Seth Rich sues Fox News, former Hawaii reporter Malia Zimmerman over retracted article. New York Times.

Hawaii chefs, restaurants once again miss the cut for James Beard finals. Despite seven Hawaii individuals and restaurants making the semifinals of the James Beard Foundation award, none made the finals, continuing a more than decade-long trend. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii ranked fourth in the nation for green car sales in 2017. The percent of green vehicles -- hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles--sold was 4.2 percent in Hawaii, higher than the 2.6 percent national average, according to iSeeCars, an automotive research firm. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Divide among Council members gets wider. The ill feelings between several members of the Hono­lulu City Council reached new heights Wednesday as Councilwoman Kymberly Pine reasserted that she and the other two female Council members have not received proper credit for their work under the leadership of Chairman Ron Menor and Vice Chairman Ikaika Anderson. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Say UH Manoa Overcharged Disabled Dorm Residents. The university has refunded about $100,000 to more than 40 students to resolve a federal complaint. Civil Beat.

Ige: State Looking For Land To Relocate Waianae Encampment. The governor contradicts state officials who last week announced an imminent sweep and a possible federal grant to build an education center. Civil Beat.

The leader of one of Oahu’s largest homeless encampments said Gov. David Ige on Tuesday promised her “no sweep” but offered no details on the future of the encampment known as Puuhonua o Waianae, located next to the Waianae Small Boat Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Closure of Oahu Toys R Us stores pending. Star-Advertiser.

Ulupono invests $3 million in energy efficiency firm. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

An infusion of state money is helping kick start the transformation of a vacant lot at the corner of Kealakehe Parkway and Ane Keohokalole Highway into a homeless village. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources took a step toward demolishing the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel by issuing a “request for interest” for developers Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

State to developers: Tear down this building to get long-term land lease. Hawaii News Now.

Banyan Drive may see a new hotel as the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Land Division, has issued a Request for Interest (RFI) relating to the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel site, more recently known as the Pagoda Hilo Bay Hotel, located in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Maui

Project to rid east Maui of invasive cattle raises concerns after dead cows left to rot. Hawaii News Now.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at Hana High School today, March 14, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. due to area flooding. Maui Now.

Kauai

‘Responsible Tourism’ talk Thursday. The former director general of the Icelandic Tourist Board will share lessons learned from tourism impacts to the Nordic island nation in a presentation on Kauai Thursday. Garden Island.

Kauai bird recovery project seeks to eradicate bird illness in the islands. The Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project is gearing up in the fight against avian malaria. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii economy is hot! Plus, hotel tax for neighbor islands, 'monster house' moratorium, rooster reprieve, airport insecurity, more top state and local government news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kona beach scene ©2018 All Hawaii News

State revenue forecast is bumped up again. A panel of economic forecasters painted a rosier financial picture for the state Tuesday, projecting Hawaii tax revenue increases of $50 million in the fiscal year ending June 30 and $66 million next fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii House of Representatives Finance Committee will hear a proposed House amendment to Senate Bill 648 SD1 HD1 to increase the amounts of the Transient Accommodations Tax revenues for the neighbor islands. Big Island Now.

Hanabusa challenges Ige on missile alert records. U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who is leaving her seat in Congress to challenge Ige in the state’s gubernatorial race, said today she is troubled by the lack of transparency from the agency and her opponent. Associated Press.

A bill that would dissolve the state Invasive Species Council to create an administrative body with greater authority to manage invasive species passed all but one committee in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

State Relaxing Animal Quarantine Rules. For decades, Hawaii had some of the strictest animal quarantine rules in place, in an effort to keep the islands rabies-free. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers take up proposal to put UH tuition hikes on ice. State Sen. Kai Kahele believes it would be easier on UH students if the university put a freeze on tuition and tied future increases to the state's median household income. Hawaii News Now.

3-foot buffer zones for bicyclists could be a reality. KHON2.

Student walkouts spread across state. The 17-minute walkouts are a tribute to the victims as well as a rallying cry for an end to the violence. Star-Advertiser.

Campuses across the islands are gearing up for National School Walkout on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Students across Hawaii will walk out of class Wednesday on the one-month anniversary of the mass school shooting in Florida. KHON2.

ACLU Says State Has No Plan To Address Gender Equity Issues. The organization said it was “disappointed” by the Department of Education’s response to its Title IX demand letter. Civil Beat.

The Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawaii has named Howard Hodel its acting chief investment officer, as it looks to replace Vijoy Chattergy, who left abruptly last month. Pacific Business News.

The University of Hawaii Foundation is on the hunt for a new president and CEO after Donna Vuchinich, who currently holds the position at the fundraising organization, announced she's planning to retire. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Telcom continued to generate solid TV subscriber growth but lost money for the sixth straight quarter as more consumers abandoned their landlines. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines has revised its first-quarter and full-year expectations and adjusted some 2016 and 2017 financial results due to its adoption of a new revenue accounting standard. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is still one of the healthiest states in the country — it's just no longer the healthiest. According to the 2017 Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index, Hawaii is the third healthiest state behind South Dakota and Vermont. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law Tuesday a bill imposing a moratorium of up to two years on building permits for “monster” houses, giving the city Department of Planning and Permitting time to come up with permanent rules to deal with the growing phenomenon. Star-Advertiser.

A temporary ban on over-sized homes on Oahu was formally implemented today. Hawaii Public Radio.

A temporary ban on so-called "monster homes" is now law on Oahu. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law Tuesday placing a temporary ban on building so-called "monster homes" on Oahu. KITV.

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Yet Another Speed Bump Ahead For Rail As City Council Reorganizes. A power shift at Honolulu Hale rekindles debate over how to cover the costs of the project as it faces federal scrutiny. Civil Beat.

Sex discrimination, rail funding issues said to be reasons for city council leadership shakeup. Hawaii News Now.

The majority of Honolulu airport's 23,000 employees are not in compliance with security requirements, an audit has found. Hawaii News Now.

The city is struggling to find qualified workers, and Honolulu's mayor says it's enough to drive him crazy. Near-record-low unemployment makes hiring a challenge for all businesses, and the mayor says the city needs to do a better job of recruiting. KHON2.

The state's planned sweep of Oahu's largest homeless camp is on hold after its leaders met with the governor for more than two hours Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless Leaders Say Waianae Sweep Called Off For Now. Leaders of the Waianae Boat Harbor encampment say the governor assured them there’s no impending eviction. Civil Beat.

Environmentalists are using a bill at the state Legislature to pressure the military to do more and do it sooner to protect a major Oahu groundwater source from future leaks from the Navy’s enormous fuel tanks at Red Hill. Star-Advertiser.

Hale Mahana, the $57.6 million student housing project being developed by Laconia Development at EdR Collegiate Housing near the University of Hawaii’s Manoa campus, towers over other buildings in the Moiliili neighborhood more than a year after breaking ground. Pacific Business News.

State Circuit Judge Todd Eddins says U.S. State Department Special Agent Christopher Deedy’s third trial for a fatal shooting in a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant will go on as scheduled. Star-Advertiser.

A P-3C Orion airplane monument put up by the Navy nearly two decades ago to memorialize a long history of maritime patrol service at Naval Air Station Barbers Point has been removed, creating a backlash in the community and concern over how the process was handled. Star-Advertiser.

After a dramatic drop in the number of residents at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility, more teens could head there later this year. There are plans for more services to help at-risk youth at the Olomana facility, but those troubled teens would go there by choice instead of being ordered by the courts. KITV.

The State Department of Land and Natural Resources says enforcement officers cited an Oahu man for multiple lay net violations. KHON2.

Dick Adair, an editorial cartoonist who amused and sometimes outraged Hawaii newspaper readers for more than three decades, died at his Hawaii Kai home Monday from cancer. He was 82. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County Council members are calling for a balance that would allow revenue-generating vacation rentals in some areas, while keeping them from consuming neighborhoods in others. West Hawaii Today.

A bill that would have provided a buffer zone between rooster farms and their neighbors died in a Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Rooster Farmers Flock to Council Meeting, Bill Dies. Big Island Now.

The first of three public open house meetings was held in Waimea Monday night, on the University of Hawaii’s Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice to replace the two existing leases and easement for UH managed lands on Maunakea. Big Island Video News.

A shortage of lifeguards will affect the operating hours at Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto Swim Stadium from next week until further notice. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island schools and libraries would receive more than $10 million in capital improvement project funds under the proposed state budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. Tribune-Herald.

The dust won’t settle on the old Keauhou Beach Hotel demolition until the end of the calendar year but the project continues to outpace its original timeline, currently operating two to three weeks ahead of schedule. West Hawaii Today.

A monk seal and her recently born pup are doing well resting on a North Kona beach. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

State eyes purchase of affordable complex after rent hike threats. Front Street Apartments is a 142-unit affordable rental project in Lahaina. It was expected to remain affordable for 51 years. But after 17 years, the owner is exercising a legal option to raise rents to "market value." Hawaii News Now.

The House Finance Committee approved $83.26 million for Central Maui Capital Improvement Projects. This includes $10 million towards the construction of a new middle school in Central Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The anticipated impacts of sea level rise on Kauai will be explained in a Friday meeting at Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

New director, same direction for KIUC. Janet Kass is the newest member of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s board of directors, and she really didn’t expect to be. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Education has said it will support students who plan to participate in the planned nationwide school walkouts in protest of gun violence, and several Kauai schools are participating. Garden Island.

Sunshine Week: Ige administration keeps false missile alert records close to vest, House passes budget, Honolulu council's leadership drama, endangered species at Coco Palms, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige, R, and officials hold press conference on false missile alert fixes, file photo

Hawaii Refuses To Release Internal Records On Missile Alert. The governor’s office has declined to provide phone logs, text messages, instant messages and calendars related to the Jan. 13 false alarm. Associated Press

Hawaii Senate Wants To Restrict State Government’s Hiring Power. Department heads have lined up in opposition to a bill that would end their ability to fill hundreds of temporary positions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii households will see a total reduction of more than $710 million in federal individual income tax for tax year 2018, according to a report released by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers in the state House have given their okay on the budget for the next fiscal year. The $28 billion package would fund everything from schools to healthcare to airport improvements. KHON2.

The House of Representatives unanimously approved the State budget yesterday, which appropriates funds for operating government and capital improvement projects for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. Garden Island.

Plan aims to guide battle against destructive albizia tree. To minimize the risk, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, which was created by the state Legislature in 2003, has a strategic plan that addresses the problem for the first time on a statewide scale. Star-Advertiser.

Three bills introduced earlier this year to improve road safety have quietly died without discussion after failing to pass committee. Tribune-Herald.

John Radcliffe’s Last Fight Is For His Own Right To Die. The longtime lobbyist for tobacco, liquor and gambling interests and prescription drug companies says this time he’s “on the side of angels.” Civil Beat.

Unpermitted vacation rentals have been blamed for everything from sky-high housing prices to overcrowded hiking trails. But what is really going on with Hawaii’s short-term rental market? How many properties are permitted for vacation rentals? And how many are actually being used that way? Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill Advances to Require Showings of Open Captioned/Audio Encoded Movies for Deaf and Blind. There are more than 12-hundred bills still alive at the State Legislature, half-way through the session. Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa racked up another union endorsement Monday, winning the backing of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council in her bid to become governor. Star-Advertiser.

Decades-old sexual misconduct allegations against Inouye have resurfaced. What now? Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Health is repealing a law that's been limiting restaurants and some farmers for 30 years. The department says it's getting rid of the rule that bans restaurants from buying produce from aquaponics farms. Hawaii News Now.

Students Find Their Voice In Preparing For Wednesday Walkouts. Hawaii youths will join others around the country to honor the Florida shooting victims and demand changes in gun laws. Civil Beat.

The first two Hawaiian monk seal pups of 2018 have arrived — one on Lanai and the second on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor dreads Council leadership shuffle. Mayor Kirk Caldwell warned Monday that a new Honolulu City Council leadership team needs to be careful how it handles his plan to use bonds to help fund the city’s troubled, $9 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Council postpones budget briefing amid leadership drama. Hawaii News Now.

City council briefing canceled with leadership change expected next week. There were no talks on the mayor's proposed city budget Monday. KHON2.

City plan would force some of the 'hardest to house' to get help. The city may soon do more to force chronically homeless people with severe mental illnesses to get treatment. Hawaii News Now.

The army 25th infantry division announced a change to one of its training exercises in response to an incident last week, when an air-drop bundle missed its mark and landed in Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School. KITV.

Navy’s Red Hill Analysis Concerns Environmental Regulators. The Navy is working on a 20-year-plan to reduce the risk of leaks and fuel contamination from giant fuel tanks on Oahu. Associated Press.

A landmark property will soon feature Downtown Honolulu's largest solar installation. Hawaii Pacific University is expanding the photovoltaic system that crews are installing on the rooftops of the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s third dispensary is preparing to enter the fledgling medical marijuana market, following a blessing today of its Kapahulu location. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu taxpayers shelling out big bucks for every hiker rescue. KITV.

Pearl City is the fourth-happiest city in the U.S., according to a WalletHub study released Monday in honor of the upcoming International Day of Happiness on March 20. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim says no plans to raid money going to open space preservation. The county budget might be tight in other areas, but there’s still plenty of money to buy and maintain land for open space preservation. West Hawaii Today

The commission charged with prioritizing public land purchases is asking questions about the mayor's plans for the future. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Mayor Can’t Seem To Stop Raising Taxes. It’s a pattern with Harry Kim: He speaks out against tax increases, then turns around and tries to impose them. Civil Beat.

A Senate committee Monday advanced a grass-roots bill that would appropriate about $2.5 million to establish a pilot program to add staff to the state’s beleaguered East Hawaii child welfare system and limit the number of children assigned to each social worker there. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is seeking a long-term water lease for its two small hydro power plants on the Wailuku River. Tribune-Herald.

A Waimea woman’s appeal of a small subdivision uphill from her property has been denied by the Board of Appeals. West Hawaii Today.

State takes action after manta ray found gouged off Hawaii island. KHON2.

Maui

The Kusunoki family on Maui became the 35th family to be placed in an affordable home by Na Hale O Maui community land trust. Maui Now.

Resurfacing of Hololani Street and Lower Kula Road will start today and could cause delays for motorists Upcountry. Maui News.

A section of the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park will be closed today and Tuesday to allow staff to remove hazardous invasive trees along the trail, park officials announced. Maui News.

Kauai

Coco Palms and endangered species. Koloa ducks and moorhens have waddled into the spotlight in the saga surrounding the development of Coco Palms, the historic hotel destroyed in the 1992 Hurricane Iniki. Garden Island.

Term limit amendment to be voted on. A resolution charter amendment, if passed, would give Kauai voters the opportunity to vote on ending term limits for County Council members, who are currently limited to four, two-year terms. Garden Island.

The public is invited to attend the State of the County address by Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. on Thursday. Garden Island.

'Secret' Hawaii hiking spots on social media raise risky behavior, Legislature seeks tax hikes, Honolulu council shuffle, state Department of Education supports student walkouts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Manoa's bamboo trail ©2018 All Hawaii News

Social media spur rise in risky scenic hiking. Within the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of the state trails, as well as people going to places that are obviously dangerous, among both visitors and locals alike. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers seek tax increases despite booming collections. These are the best of times when it comes to state tax collections, but Hawaii lawmakers are nonetheless considering an array of tax increases to help cope with long-term spending obligations such as pensions and health care for public employees. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Ignore Tourism Industry, Pass New Taxes Targeting Visitors. Tourism officials aren’t happy with measures that could raise millions from taxes on timeshares and higher resort fees. Civil Beat.

The State Senate has drafted, discussed, and voted on several bills that leaders say are projected to generate approximately $72 million in revenues based on the Department of Taxation estimates. Maui Now.

Law enforcement experts recommend a statewide gun amnesty buyback program that they think would help decrease gun violence in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Judiciary committee has approved legislation that would expand animal-cruelty laws to better protect dogs chained up outdoors. Star-Advertiser.

‘Death with dignity’ advocate, outliving his cancer prognosis, reflects on issue. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education says it will support students who plan to participate in the school walkouts planned nationwide to protest gun violence. Hawaii News Now.

Who’s Building Affordable Housing in Hawaii. Many high-profile developers include affordable housing as required by law, but some developers specialize in that type of housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center is inviting the public to participate in a survey about residents' experiences and behaviors during January's false missile scare. Hawaii News Now.

The number of people looking for jobs in Hawaii is the lowest since 1991. The state maintained its record low unemployment rate at 2.1 percent in January, the same as the revised seasonally adjusted rates for December, November and October, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Palace Intrigue: Ernie Martin Tries To Return As City Council Chairman. Even as he runs for Congress, the North Shore council member may regain the chairmanship this month. Civil Beat.

Council members move to reinstate Martin as chair. KHON2.

City budget adds more lifeguards at Hanauma. Expect a bigger lifeguard presence at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve under a proposal that’s part of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s $2.16 billion operating budget for the coming fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Starting March 12, the City and County of Honolulu will begin replacing tens of thousands of light bulbs in street lamps across the island to put in more energy-efficient LED lights. KHON2.

The nonprofit health center running the Waianae Coast’s only emergency room is doubling the number of rooms available to treat urgent cases and expanding its reach in Leeward Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Waianae Health Center Completes $49 Million Improvement Project. KITV.

Architect Designs Low-Cost Housing, Often For Free. Russell Wozniak has become a leader of Oahu’s efforts to develop innovative solutions to the low-income housing shortage. Civil Beat.

Caldwell seeks kupuna input on surf contest reform. In mid-February, when the World Surf League canceled its 2019 Pipe Masters contest after the City & County of Honolulu rejected its bid to switch dates from December to January with its Pipe Pro meet, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced he would found an advisory committee to revise the city’s surf meet permitting rules. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is adjusting its base rate to reflect savings from the new federal tax bill, resulting in a lower monthly electrical bill for Oahu customers. Star-Advertiser.

Peter Moon, an ukulele virtuoso, businessman and composer who contributed to a revival of Hawaiian music in the 1970s, died Feb. 17. He was 73. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Maunakea committee shrouded in anonymity. Mayor Harry Kim says his Maunakea committee, tasked with proposing a new management model for the mountain, met for the first time Friday. Tribune-Herald.

The pace of public projects has slowed as the county nears its prudent borrowing limits and seeks other revenue sources to build needed roads, wastewater systems, workforce housing and fire stations. West Hawaii Today.

Crowing Roosters Are Driving Some People Crazy On The Big Island. A Hawaii County Council member is proposing to restrict where the birds, many used for illegal cockfighting, can roost. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii County panel on Friday denied an appeal of a subdivision approval in the Puukapu Homesteads area of Waimea. Big Island Video News.

A small Waimea subdivision is causing big problems for a neighbor, who says work on the property is making her land flood. West Hawaii Today.

State social workers in Hilo oversee so many cases of abused and neglected children spread over a huge swath of Hawaii island that the situation has become a crisis, with workers unable to devote adequate time to cases even as the numbers continue to grow, according to social workers, foster parents, service providers and others familiar with the child welfare system there. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

County Council passes short-term rental legislation on first reading. Measure would require a property owner to wait five years for a permit. Maui News.

Community gets a glimpse of long-delayed Kihei high school. New Kihei High School concepts revealed: Parents plead for school to welcome all grades at once at scheduled 2021 opening. Maui News.

Girls basketball coach suspended pending investigation. Upcountry club team reorganizing, changing its name. Maui News.

Bowling alley rumors false for Maui Marketplace. Lease negotiations ongoing for old Lowe’s, Sports Authority spaces. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai police have seen an increase in the use of black tar heroin over the last two years. Associated Press.

Waimea Library manager helps award top national children’s book. Garden Island.

Bum Run raises awareness, money in fight against cancer. Garden Island.

Diamond Head certificate seller cited, lawmakers mull emergency preparedness, pot brownies send schoolgirls to hospital, Maui plans landfill expansion, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

DLNR cites Diamond Head certificate seller, courtesy photo

State halts Diamond Head hawker’s venture. Tourists who make it to the top of Diamond Head State Monument have been buying certificates from Christopher Barclay for years. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR cited man for allegedly asking people for $5 when they reach the summit of Diamond Head. KITV.

State officers issued a cease and desist order to a man for was allegedly selling items on top of Diamond Head without a permit. Hawaii News Now.

State officials have cited a man for conducting commercial activities on top of Diamond Head without a permit. KHON2.

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Are Hawaii Industries At Risk If A Trade War Breaks Out? The islands make more from exported scrap metals than from coffee, cocoa, macadamia nuts and papaya combined. Civil Beat.

Government Transparency An Early Loser In Legislative Session. Open government bills have mostly died, and some measures restricting information are still alive. Civil Beat.

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The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency on Thursday laid out for lawmakers what could happen if a “worst-case scenario” tsunami or hurricane hit the vital port region with 3 feet of water and high winds. Star-Advertiser.

HI-EMA say the state does not have enough shelters if a category 3 or above hurricane hits the island. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency unveiled scenarios showing a direct hit could shut down Honolulu Harbor and cause food and water to reach critical levels within five days. KITV.

Lawmakers discuss Hawaii's preparedness for disaster. It's unimaginable to think about but what would happen if another disaster hit Hawaii? That's the question lawmakers focused on Thursday. KHON2.

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A bill that would shift authority over the state’s airports from the Department of Transportation to an airport corporation was successfully passed Thursday by the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

FBI joins investigation into OHA spending, contracts. Multiple sources say the state and federal authorities have broadened their probe, requesting copies of OHA contracts, trustee emails and financial records of OHA’s nonprofit subsidiaries. Hawaii News Now.

The Federal Trade Commission has agreed to allow the parent companies of the state’s only two air ambulance providers to merge as long as one of the medevac firms is sold to prevent a monopoly in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

New Boeing aircraft opens up possibility for Hawaiian to launch nonstop Europe flights. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Rail Agency To Buy Trucks For Power Company — And Save $130M. It’s a rare financial bright spot for the massive Honolulu project, which has struggled to stay on budget. Civil Beat.

The United States Army had an awkward moment Thursday when an air-dropped package missed its mark by about five miles. Hawaii News Now.

YMCA sues developer over failed plans for Central Oahu location. The four-story, multicolored building across from the Ala Moana Hotel is also an affordable residential facility for both men and women. Hawaii News Now.

The residents of a large homeless encampment near the Waianae Small Boat Harbor say they are agitated and worried about their future after state officials publicly announced this week that they would be working to close the camp in the coming months. Star-Advertiser.

State Plans To Sweep Longtime Homeless Camp At Waianae Boat Harbor. For more than a decade, people have been living in the self-governed community, and about 200 are there now. Civil Beat.

A recent court decision is casting new light on what to do about Red Hill. It's where the military has 20 massive underground steel tanks; one, which leaked 27,000 gallons. A circuit court judge ruled that the state Department of Health improperly gave the military an exemption from underground fuel storage rules. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Army-Air Force effort to fly major equipment between islands for quick aid. From the belly of the C-17 Globemaster at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on Thursday rolled out two Ford F-550 brush trucks ready to head to Pohakuloa Training Area. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor luncheon connects biz, county leaders; today final day for tickets. West Hawaii Today.

Reported pot brownies send 2 Kealakehe students to hospital. Hawaii Island police responded to Kealakehe High School at 12:15 p.m. Thursday to a report of a female juvenile being transported to the Kona Community Hospital by medics after ingesting a brownie, passing out and experiencing convulsions. West Hawaii Today.

Two female juveniles at Kealakehe High School were taken to Kona Community Hospital after eating brownies that are believed to have contained marijuana, police say. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The county Department of Environmental Management is proposing a 41-acre addition to the Central Maui Landfill in Puunene that would include a storage area for abandoned vehicles, a metals processing facility, a recycling area for building and demolition wastes and a facility for managing and holding of household hazardous and electronic wastes. Maui News.

Single family home sales on Maui increased 51% from this time last year and 10% from month before levels, according to new data released by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui Now.

Kahului-headquartered Haleakala Solar has been sold to California-based PetersenDean Roofing & Solar, which has plans for significant expansion of the four-decade-old photovoltaic, battery storage and water heater installation company. Maui News.

Maui-based Fork & Salad is planning a Mainland expansion through a partnership with franchisor Fransmart, which is responsible for expanding such brands as Five Guys Burgers & Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Monk seal population is growing. Currently, an average of between three and five seals are reported daily at Poipu as compared to between one and five seals reported over the past few years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Garden Island.

Vandals strike at Poipu Beach Park. A newly improved playground at Poipu Beach Park was discovered vandalized by members of the public on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Hawaiian monk seals rebounding, House shaves $35M off governor's budget, paid family leave bill advances, Navy wife awarded $24.7M in Tripler lawsuit, Kauai fights for beach access, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Monk seals PC:NOAA

NOAA's annual monk seal population count has a promising outlook. According to NOAA's annual monk seal population update, the seal count is on the upswing. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would protect sharks and expand protections to all rays within state waters is cruising through the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Senate Bills Address Sustainability, Climate Change. Maui Now.

House Shaves $35 Million From Governor’s Budget. The Finance Committee’s cuts create a balanced budget over six years, but the spending plans could still change. Civil Beat.

State budget draft funds foster settlement, school construction. The proposed House draft of the state budget totals $14.3 billion in state, federal and special funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and lawmakers also announced a proposed two-year, $4.48 billion construction budget. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers take a stand against federal Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. The Hawaii House and Senate will discuss two resolutions Thursday that take aim at a controversial gun bill moving forward at the federal level. KITV.

A bill that would establish a paid family leave program in Hawaii crossed over from the Senate to the House on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

A bill that would fine people who fraudulently represent their pets as service dogs may finally have some bite at the Hawaii Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Curbing opioid addiction in the islands. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are two of the most commonly abused opioids in Hawaii according to emergency room doctor William Scruggs. KHON2.

State Auditor Discusses Reviews of OHA, HTA. The findings of the two agencies - the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawaii Tourism Authority is what Les Kondo is particularly concerned about. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Federal Judge Nomination Offers Glimpse Of Partisan Dealmaking. Prosecutor Jill Otake, who once had a shot at the job under Obama, takes her first step toward confirmation in the Trump era. Civil Beat.

HTA Spring Marketing Update: More Airline Seats! The Hawaii Tourism Authority hosted its Spring Marketing Update today. The tourism industry does not appear to be slowing down. Hawaii Public Radio.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who owns hundreds of acres of land on Kauai’s North Shore, held on to his No. 5 ranking on Forbes’ 2018 ranking of the world’s billionaires, while eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, Hawaii’s only full-time resident on the list, moved up nearly 20 slots as his fortune grew by some $2.5 billion. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines announced today that its employees were awarded $23.8 million as part of the company’s profit sharing, its largest annual payment ever. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A Navy wife and her family have been awarded $24.7 million for “severe and permanent” kidney damage she suffered from treatment at Tripler Army Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Wife Who Lost Kidneys After Giving Birth Awarded $24.7M. The government acknowledged its liability for the treatment she received at Tripler Army Medical Center. Civil Beat.

Navy wife, Marites Campano, and her family were awarded $24.7 million on Wednesday, in part of malpractice suit against Tripler Army Medical Center. The Campano's attorney claims it’s the largest verdict ever against Tripler. KITV.

Tripler Army Medical Center faces $25M malpractice payout. KHON2.

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The state board regulating development in Kakaako will take another crack at amending its rules for producing affordable housing after Gov. David Ige objected to one piece of a comprehensive overall plan put forth in September. Star-Advertiser.

A second phase of rental apartments in Mililani for seniors with low incomes is now open, and work on the third of four phases has begun. Star-Advertiser.

State Plans To Sweep Longtime Homeless Camp At Waianae Boat Harbor. For more than a decade, people have been living in the self-governed community, and about 200 are there now. Civil Beat.

Waialua Landowner Proposes 30-Home ‘Affordable’ Subdivision. The 8-acre site is currently zoned for agricultural use. Its owner says some of the homes would be for his children. Civil Beat.

Study: New Federal Tax Law Will Hurt Many Honolulu Homeowners. The loss of some deductions for mortgage and state and local taxes impacts areas with the most expensive real estate. Civil Beat.

As the Honolulu Police department gets ready to graduate it’s newest recruit class Wednesday, the police chief is letting us in on one of the biggest roadblocks to hiring. She says many applicants can’t pass the background check. KHON2.

HPD graduates new recruits, but hundreds of vacancies remain. Hawaii News Now.

City offers OHA $30M for 3-acre land parcel to build sewer pump station. Hawaii News Now.

Kalihi businesses fed up with the illegal dumping of derelict cars. Hawaii News Now.

Car Share a Potential Game Changer in Urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

After 51 years, the iconic steak house will call it a day. Chuck’s Steak House, a mainstay in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort since 1967, is closing at the end of the month to make way for a luxury Voyager 47 Club Lounge for hotel guests. Star-Advertiser.

Tony Roma's, a culinary fixture in the Aiea community, will be closing up shop — and taking its ribs with it. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Despite the uncertain future of a bill that seeks to create a new management authority for Mauna Kea, the lawmakers behind the proposal are working overtime conducting a community campaign to whip up public support for the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Alarmed by photos on social media showing needles and other drug paraphernalia at a county soccer field, Mayor Harry Kim called emergency meetings of state and county officials, creating a task force to tackle the problem head-on. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hilo Lanes to become new Penn gym. A Hilo businesswoman said Wednesday her purchase of the long-vacant Hilo Lanes bowling alley for $2.55 million closed Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

E. coli found in Molokai well, but water safe. The bacteria was detected in the well shaft but not found in the water source. Maui News.

Maui Lifeguard ATV Stolen From DT Fleming Beach. Maui police are seeking the public’s help with information relating to the theft of an ATV belonging to the County of Maui Lifeguard Department. Maui Now.

Barnes & Noble will open at its new temporary store Monday at the Maui Marketplace in Kahului, in the former Petco retail space, the national bookstore chain announced. Maui News.

Home sale volume often plummets on Maui in January or February, but this year it didn’t, and the result was what looked like a spike in the number of single- family houses sold last month. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Maui soared last month, as prices posted slight gains of less than 2 percent for single-family homes and condominiums, according to data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

County battling billionaire over beach access. Questions about responsible upkeep and safety were voiced at the Kilauea Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday night, as county attorneys explained current legal action to reopen a public access to Kauapea Beach. Garden Island.

Coco Palms land dispute may continue. Defendants in the Coco Palms land dispute want to charge rent for the use of the Wailua land upon which the old hotel sits and they’ve set the price tag at $200 million. Garden Island.

Air Canada announced Wednesday it is launching a new winter service from Vancouver to Kauai in December with its new Boeing 737 Max-8 fleet. Pacific Business News.

Aid in dying, gun restrictions, false service animals, Mauna Kea management among dozens of bills advancing in Legislature on crossover deadline, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House chambers PC: House majority

House lawmakers voted Tuesday to legalize medically assisted death in Hawaii after an emotional floor debate in which some lawmakers recalled family members who suffered terribly before they died, and another told his colleagues the bill they were considering “is against God’s law.” Star-Advertiser.

After a round of emotional floor speeches, the Hawaii House voted 39-12 Tuesday in favor of legalizing medical aid in dying for terminally ill adults. Civil Beat.

A bill that would allow terminally ill patients to obtain medical assistance with ending their lives advanced Tuesday at the state Capitol in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

After a robust debate Tuesday, the full House approved a controversial medical aid-in-dying measure, sending the bill to the Senate. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to allow terminally ill patients to end lives passes House, moves to Senate. KITV.

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Tighter Gun Restrictions Among Hundreds Of Bills Moving Ahead. As a deadline fast approaches, scores of measures were sent from one chamber to the other Tuesday at the Capitol. Civil Beat.

A bill that would shorten the time a disqualified gun owner can surrender weapons to police was approved by the full Senate on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

The State Legislature is nearing the halfway point when bills must clear the first hurdle in that process. Hawaii Public Radio.

A bill that would make it a civil violation to falsely present an animal as a service animal passed the state Senate on Tuesday and now moves to the House. Tribune-Herald.

Dogs in service vests are an increasingly common sight in public spaces. But it may surprise you to learn that there is little legal regulation over the training and certification of service dogs and emotional support animals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bills providing funding to combat rat lungworm disease and little fire ants are making progress this legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

The House of Representatives passed 128 bills on third reading today, moving them to the Senate for its consideration. Press release.

Hawaii State Senators today voted to pass 371 bills on third reading. 49 bills were passed earlier on third reading for a total of 420 measures that are now transmitted to the House for consideration. Press Release.

The former executive officer at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is is questioning the state's investigations into the Jan. 13 missile alert mistake, particularly why the state's adjutant general has escaped criticism. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines announced Tuesday that it will purchase 10 Boeing Dreamliner aircraft in lieu of its original plan to purchase planes from Airbus Industries.  Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Goat Hunters Say State’s Aerial Shooting Threatens A Traditional Food Source. Concerns over damage to vegetation has the state taking flight to cull the goat population in the Waianae mountains. Civil Beat.

As housing prices continue to soar, would-be homebuyers on Oahu are turning to a more affordable alternative: Condos. Hawaii News Now.

February lived up to its tradition as a slow month for home sales on Oahu, producing a slight decrease in single-family home transactions, but other parts of Hawaii’s largest housing market achieved modest gains. Star-Advertiser.

Unusual shrimp found in mud pool near Kaena Point. KHON2.

Hawaii waterman and environmentalist George Downing, a celebrated big-wave pioneer, former Makaha champion and trusted teacher and adviser to generations of surfers, died peacefully in his sleep early Monday morning, his son Keone Downing said. He was 87 years old. Star-Advertiser.

Legendary waterman George Downing has died. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Senate Approves Putting Mauna Kea Under New Management. The bill would limit the number of telescopes on the mountaintop and authorize the new manager to renegotiate leases and permits pertaining to the mountain. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Management Authority Bill Passes Senate. Big Island Video News.

The Kohala Center is moving forward again with plans to limit surf school operations at Kahaluu Bay, but local business owners say they still aren’t satisfied with what the nonprofit has planned for the popular surf spot, taking issues with fundamental components of the proposed management program. West Hawaii Today.

Joshua Franklin Alameda is suing the state Department of Education, saying his kids were beaten, harassed and discriminated against by fellow students because he is gay. Hawaii News Now.

A 45-year-old Kona man admits that he recorded sexually explicit images of a 15-year-old girl and the teen’s 2-year-old daughter. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A volunteer morning cleanup event of the Lā‛ie Wetlands in Kihei is planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. Maui Now.

Nominees for the 2018 Mayor’s Small Business Awards were announced last week with the winners to be honored Friday at an awards dinner in the Waikapu Ballroom of the King Kamehameha Golf Club. Maui News.

Barnes & Noble said Tuesday it will open a new temporary store in a former Petco space at the Maui Marketplace in Kahului on Monday, a day after it closes its longtime store on the other side of the island at Lahaina Cannery Mall. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Wailuanuiahoano resident Debra Kekaualua has announced that she’s running for mayor. Garden Island.

Waiopili Stream, which meets the ocean at Mahaulepu Beach on Kauai’s South Side, has been officially dubbed an impaired waterway by the Environmental Protection Agency. Garden Island.