Thirty Meter Telescope decision delayed, Mauna Kea bills progress in Legislature, Honolulu rail auditor named, Kauai studies landfill site, Maui ethics board investigates gifts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu skyline ©2018 All Hawaii News

Honolulu ranks No. 1 in survey of clean cities. The international consulting firm Mercer ranked Honolulu No. 1 in sanitation in a recent survey analyzing more than 450 cities worldwide. Star-Advertiser.

A recent survey ranked America's most popular and least popular governors. Hawaii's governor ranked in the bottom 10. KHON2.

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Officials: Decision on future of Thirty Meter Telescope project delayed. A decision will be made on the planned location of the Thirty Meter Telescope as further progress is made in the legal and regulatory processes at both proposed sites. Hawaii News Now.

In the closest Senate vote this year, lawmakers voted 15-8 in favor of a ban on new construction atop Mauna Kea, but the effort is likely to collapse as their counterparts in the House say they don’t want to interfere with the Thirty Meter Telescope planned near the mountain’s summit. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate passed two bills affecting management of Maunakea on Thursday. Both measures — House bills 1585 and 1985 — likely will end up in conference committees since the House is expected to reject changes the Senate made through a process known as “gut and replace.” Tribune-Herald.

The full Senate approved a measure Thursday that would stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea if the University of Hawaii doesn’t meet certain requirements. Hawaii News Now.

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The state Legislature’s response to the Jan. 13 ballistic missile false alarm has been a complete dud, according to state Rep. Matt LoPresti. Star-Advertiser.

A controversial bill that would provide funding to a company to build a revolutionary satellite launch facility somewhere in the state is nearing passage despite vocal misgivings from Ka'u residents. Tribune-Herald.

Ag initiatives, potential ADC audit intertwine and head to conference committee. The papaya initiative appropriates funds to study why and where in the growing and transport process the fruit breaks down so as to make it more viable for export, thereby strengthening Hawaii’s agricultural economy, particularly on the Big Island where the vast majority of the state’s papaya is grown. West Hawaii Today.

More than $9 million in fruit and nut exports from Hawaii could be affected by tariffs announced by China earlier this month. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Senate voted to confirm Gov. David Ige's pick for the director of the Department of Human Resources Development on Thursday. The new director, Ryker Wada was deputy director of DHRD since December 2016, and was appointed director by Ige in January, following the retirement of then-director James Nishimoto. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of kupuna filled the state Capitol grounds Thursday for the annual Kupuna Power Day, an information fair designed to “empower” senior citizens with education and resources. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New City Council Leadership Challenges Caldwell’s Proposed Budget. The Budget Committee declined the mayor’s request to set aside $44 million for rail operating costs. Civil Beat.

Former prosecutor, judge selected to lead rail investigation. The state legislative auditor has hired former prosecutor and state judge Randal Lee to head the $200,000 rail audit. Hawaii News Now.

Councilwoman calls for more officers, community leaders to help tackle crime on Oahu's Leeward Coast. KITV.

City using private security to lock up some Oahu parks at night. After more than 600 acts of vandalism to city parks in three years, Mayor Kirk Caldwell today unveiled a three-month pilot project that began this month to lock up gates and bathrooms when city parks are supposed to be off limits. Star-Advertiser.

A pilot project to secure park facilities during park closure hours has begun in Urban Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to dismantle breakwater at Cromwell's beach run into opposition. Hawaii News Now.

A large residential complex now standing in a prime Honolulu corner lot in Kapahulu went up with no city building permit and despite a stop-work order. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Target Bicyclists With No Registration Tags. Advocates for more bike use were irked by recent police enforcements that appeared to target registration more than safety concerns. Civil Beat.

Concern over new type of bike sharing program prompts proposal to change bike laws. KHON2.

Low-income rental tower could break ground in 2020. A state board has selected a developer to put up a low-income rental apartment tower and a new youth shelter and service center on the site of a run-down former juvenile detention center on state land in Pawaa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Technology Development Corp. to break ground on Kakaako innovation center next week. The Hawaii Technology Development Corp. will break ground on its Entrepreneurs’ Sandbox Facility in Kakaako on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Kauhale Kamaile, the modular housing project that opened in Waianae last month, is completely full. Hawaii News Now.

Community shaken after large boulder lands near Manoa home. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric to break ground on new solar farm next week. The Honolulu-based utility will host a blessing and ground-breaking ceremony for its new 20-megawatt West Loch Solar facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s West Loch Annex on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Plans to build a South Kona Police Station remain unknown since the project was put off due to lack of funding, according to Hawaii County officials this week. West Hawaii Today.

County Councilman Aaron Chung has drafted a bill that would allow a farmers market to be set up temporarily at Mooheau Park in downtown Hilo across from Hilo Farmers Market. Tribune-Herald.

After serving as the Acting Director of the Hawaii County Department of Public Works for half a year, Allan G. Simeon was confirmed as the official head of the department on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Entrance fees at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii island are slated to go up in 2020, the National Park Service announced today, in order to provide additional funding for infrastructure and maintenance. Star-Advertiser.

Gun-Surrender Laws Don’t Reassure This Doctor After Death Threats. An abortion protester was ordered to surrender his firearms after a temporary restraining order was issued. Civil Beat.

A five-bedroom house at the Kukio Golf and Beach Club on the Big Island sold last month for $27.5 million, eclipsing the sale of a beachfront house on Maui to become the highest-priced residential real estate sale in Hawaii so far this year. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui County Council Chair Mike White announced today that he will be retiring at the end of the term and will not be seeking re-election. Maui Now.

Ethics Board looking into tournament gifts. Maui Jim Maui Invitational swag, tickets worth thousands of dollars. Maui News.

Thousands Sign Petition Against Paia Inn Permit Request. A contested case involving a special use permit for the nine-room Paia Inn and café along Maui’s north shore, has been remanded back to the Maui Planning Commission for review. Maui Now.

Maui Police Department employees were disciplined with suspensions ranging from one to 10 days for violations sustained in 16 cases last year, according to an MPD report to the state Legislature. Maui News.

The owner of The Maui Cookie Lady recently signed with retail website Goldbely to sell her handmade cookies on the site, thanks to one of her biggest fans — The Rock, the actor also known as Dwayne Johnson. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

County takes another step in creation of new landfill. In the next 10 to 12 years, Kauai is going to need somewhere to put its trash, and officials are looking at 270 acres near Hanamaulu for a new municipal solid waste landfill. Garden Island.

Twenty more overnight camping permits are becoming available for Kalalau. The first day the peak-season permits will be available is Tuesday. Garden Island.

General Plan available online. This plan updates the last General Plan that was completed in 2000 and reflects diverse community input that was collected over the last three years. Garden Island.

Agribusiness Development Corp. resists audit, cracking down on unlicensed elder care homes, former AG Bennett welcomed by U.S. Senate, Thirty Meter Telescope future up in the air, Kauai to sue Big Pharm over opioid abuse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Farmers Market ©2018 All Hawaii News

State Agribusiness Agency Says It’s Too Busy To Be Audited. Lawmakers may expand the power of the Agribusiness Development Corp. even as its officials try to stave off a review of its operations. Civil Beat.

Bill Would Allow Crackdown On Unlicensed Care Homes. The unauthorized facilities proliferated while the Health Department failed to establish rules on which ones need licenses. Civil Beat.

The House Health and Human Services Committee is trying to pass a bill to put illegal care homes out of business. Civil Beat.

New bill looks to close complicated loophole for kupuna care facilities. Hawaii News Now.

The 6th Kupuna Power Day will be held at the State Capitol Thursday. This year's event is dedicated to the late Sen. Daniel Akaka who was a champion for kupuna care across Hawaii. KHON2.

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A controversial bill that has the astronomy community on edge might have violated the state Senate’s own rules since it was crafted without time for a public hearing. But that might have little consequence since legislators say the chamber can bend or ignore them essentially at will. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers discuss sexual harassment complaint reforms. Women lawmakers at the Hawaii state Capitol want the House and Senate to update rules on handling sexual harassment complaints — a push that comes amid high-profile misconduct allegations nationwide and after a former Hawaii House speaker resigned after acknowledging inappropriate behavior toward women. Associated Press.

Trump’s Federal Judge Nominee For Hawaii Gets Warm Reception In DC. Mark Bennett, the former state AG under Hawaii’s last Republican governor, received bipartisan accolades during his Senate confirmation hearing. Civil Beat.

Sen. Schatz Introduces Court of Appeals Nominee Mark Bennett. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Senators participated in the questioning of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in Washington on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

While a few governors have said they oppose President Donald Trump’s plan to send up to 4,000 National Guard troops to the border with Mexico, Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s office said he’s taking a wait-and-see approach and that no such request has come in. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Health officials confirmed Wednesday there were two additional rat lungworm disease cases in the state. The cases involve an adult Maui resident and an adolescent visiting Hawaii island from New York. Star-Advertiser.

Rat Lungworm Confirmed in Maui and Mainland Resident. Maui Now.

Luxury homes on Hawaii’s Kona Coast sold faster and for a higher average price than on other islands last year, while Oahu has seen a reduction in prices and an increase in the number of days those high-end homes are on the market, according to a market index report by Concierge Auctions. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Council Leaders, Mayor Caldwell Will Talk With Feds In DC About Rail Funding. Honolulu Council Chair Ernie Martin and Budget Chair Trevor Ozawa, who proposed big cuts in the city budget to raise rail funds, will travel with the mayor to the Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu farmland purchased by state in 2013 site of massive dump site. Hawaii News Now.

Officials from the city, state, Kamehameha Schools and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration unveiled a dramatic, 10-foot high banner at the steps of Honolulu Hale Wednesday to hammer home the threat that tsunamis can wreak across the islands at any moment. Star-Advertiser.

Some riders of TheBus will begin today to help the city determine if switching to electric buses makes sense. Star-Advertiser.

A demonstration at Iolani Palace Wednesday showcased electric buses that could be considered when the state looks to implement passenger shuttles between the terminal and rental car facility at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport later this year. KHON2.

3-foot tall concrete wall that snakes along Kalakaua Avenue fronting the old Waikiki 3 theater will be knocked down Thursday morning. Police and businesses say the wall has been a magnet for criminal behavior. Hawaii News Now.

The federal government’s dispute with the city for its handling of abandoned vehicles is officially over. A U.S. District judge dismissed the federal government’s lawsuit against the city Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit dismissed after changes made for vehicles of active-duty service members. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Bolstered by a state recalculation that shows a half-cent general excise tax surcharge would give the county twice what was originally thought, Mayor Harry Kim has resumed lobbying the County Council to pass it. West Hawaii Today.

TMT decision faces delay. The TMT International Observatory board, which for months has been saying it would decide by April whether to build the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii, is meeting at its Pasadena headquarters this week. Newspapers in Spain and the Canary Islands — home to TMT’s backup site — last month reported that members of the TMT governing board assured local officials that the decision about where to build the $1.4 billion observatory would be delayed until November. Star-Advertiser.

Employees at Royal Kona Resort aren’t on strike — yet. A few dozen staff members clad in red and waving picket signs rallied on Kahakai Road fronting the hotel Wednesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Large mound of nets that washed up on Maui's Black Sand Beach to be removed. Hawaii News Now.

The state plans to close Waianapanapa State Park in Hana, Maui, on Thursday morning to remove a large pile of cargo nets that washed ashore about two weeks ago during a recent northeast swell, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

East Maui residents at odds over new Paia bypass proposal. Many prefer the use of old cane roads owned by A&B instead of the DOT’s proposed route. Maui News.

A measure vastly different from the one initially introduced that puts the onus on Maui County to recoup government funds expended on the Front Street Apartments affordable housing project passed the state House on Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui High’s day care, teen parents programs in limbo. Nonprofit offers a $20,000 grant, but portable buildings top $100,000. Maui News.


Kauai

The County of Kauai is planning to sue the manufacturers, marketers and distributors of opioids. Reminiscent of lawsuits against big tobacco companies, Kauai County will be the first county in Hawaii to pursue this type of litigation.  Garden Island.

Kauai County is the first in the state to take legal action against the makers, marketers and distributors of opioid pain medications. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai County's "opioid litigation" aims to sue prescription drug companies. KITV.

The Kauai Rural Health Association is bringing the conference “Opioid Crisis: What You Should Know” to Kauai Community College on Thursday, May 17. Garden Island.

KCC Medical Assistant Program gains national approval. Garden Island.

Molokai

Oral Arguments Set on 1993 Water Use Permit for Molokai Ranch Subsidiary. Maui Now.

How much do we make? New study compares Hawaii to the rest of the U.S., plus lots of action as Legislature enters final 14 days, ballot initiative taxing investment property for education advances in House, too many emergency drills, opiates down, pot use rises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hotel workers rally in Waikiki. That sector makes more than the national average. ©2018 All Hawaii News

The state has sized up the local workforce in a new report that shows Hawaii workers earned less on average compared with workers nationwide, largely because the biggest employment sector here is part of the relatively low-paying tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s average labor earnings and wages, in general, are lower than in the rest of the United States, according to a new study released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

A study released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism shows some jobs related to tourism pay better in Hawaii than on the mainland, but for almost everyone else, the price of paradise is a lower paycheck. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii workers make less than their mainland counterparts in just about every industry, and the average earnings for Hawaii men are nearly $13,000 higher than those for women, according to a new study that further underscores the disparity between what people earn in the islands and what it costs to live here. Hawaii News Now.

Read full Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism jobs report here.

Gender pay gap in Hawaii is $12,921. Tuesday, April 10 is Equal Pay Day, dedicated to raising awareness of the gender pay gap. KITV.

City, state lawmakers mark 'Equal Pay Day'. State lawmakers are also considering a bill that could be a step toward improving equity in the work place. The bill would prohibit the enforcement of wage secrecy, as well as retaliation or discrimination against those who inquire about their or their co-worker's wages. Hawaii News Now.

National study finds Hawaii residents lead longer, healthier lives. The study, done by the Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed death rates by state in 1990 and 2016, as well as the average number of years people live healthy lives. Hawaii News Now.

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Legislature Heading to Last 14 Days of Session. Hundreds of bills at the State Legislature passed critical floor votes in the House and Senate today.  But the work is far from over as lawmakers head into the last 14 days of the 2018 session. Hawaii Public Radio.

House lawmakers unanimously approved a bill to ask voters whether the state should be empowered to impose a tax surcharge on investment properties to help fund public education, and also voted Tuesday to impose a new tax on e-­cigarettes. Star-Advertiser.

Tactics To Revive Mauna Kea Bill Leave Even Senators Confused. Recesses in a public floor session to talk privately about the legislative maneuvering slow down “second crossover” day at the Hawaii Capitol. Civil Beat.

The state Senate will vote on two controversial bills affecting Maunakea later this week after making floor amendments on Tuesday. The amendments change the effective date of House bills 1585 and 1985 to Dec. 31, 2033. That’s when the University of Hawaii’s lease for the Maunakea Science Reserve ends. Floor votes are scheduled in the Senate for Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Minor amendments were inserted into two controversial bills related to Mauna Kea during a floor session of the Hawaii State Senate on Tuesday, setting them up for a final vote in the same chamber on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Lawmakers Say They Want Better Sexual Harassment Rules — Just Not Yet. Legislative leaders say they need to study the issue and consult experts before making any changes. Civil Beat.

A bill that would establish regulations on users of restricted pesticides is on the cusp of being passed into law after the state House unanimously voted to pass it last week. Tribune-Herald.

Bills on Sunscreen, Gun Control, Family Leave Head to Senate before Second Crossover Deadline. Key measures that passed by the House today include a proposed amendment to the State Constitution to fund public education, stricter gun control policies, the establishment of paid family leave, and a ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone. Maui Now.

Edibles Could Be Coming Soon To Medical Marijuana Dispensaries. Key Hawaii legislators in both chambers also support workplace protections for employees who consume medical cannabis. Civil Beat.

A House Bill that would authorize the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to assist SpinLaunch Inc., with “the financing of the planning, design, and construction of a satellite launch system”, to be located somewhere in Hawaii, passed the State Senate on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

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Botched Hawaii Missile Alert Prompts Advice On Drills. Avoid using the phrase, “This is not a drill,” the Federal Communications Commission says. Associated Press.

Botched missile alert inspires broad FCC recommendations. The Federal Communications Commission said future ballistic missile warning tests in Hawaii should not include words that hark back to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor — specifically, “This is not a drill.” Star-Advertiser.

The FCC this morning released its full report on the false missile alert in Hawaii, finding a “combination of human error and inadequate safeguards” and issuing a lengthy list of recommendations. Star-Advertiser.

The feds say Hawaii has made strides in strengthening its emergency alert system, but urges more training after the Jan. 13 incoming missile alert that sent Hawaii scurrying for cover. Garden Island.

The FCC has released its final report on January's false missile alert. Among its findings, some people did not get the alert because they were probably in areas known as coverage dead zones. KHON2.

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The United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution today honoring the life of retired U.S. Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka, who died Friday at the age of 93. Star-Advertiser.

Opiate use among Hawaii workers dropped 50 percent during the first quarter of this year compared with the same time last year, according to workforce drug tests performed by the state’s largest laboratory. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii workforce drug testing results show opiate use down, marijuana use up. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii among the worst states for millennials, report says. WalletHub's "2018's Best & Worst States for Millennials" analysis has ranked Hawaii at No. 38, with a score of 44.61 out of a possible 100 points. Pacific Business News.

Three key military positions affecting the Pacific theater and involving top-ranking Hawaii-based commanders were announced by the Pentagon today. Star-Advertiser.

HECO grid study emphasizes real-time data for alternative energy integration. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Council Considers Big Cuts In Honolulu’s Climate Change Office. Voters created the office less than two years ago. Now Council Chair Ernie Martin wants to slice its budget in half. Civil Beat.

A contentious bill that would allow drivers to turn left during rush hour at two key Kapiolani Boulevard intersections on weekdays was vetoed Tuesday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell, an action that could lead to an interesting political showdown. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu is becoming a more bikeable city, but that comes at a price. The city confirms 184 on-street parking spaces have been removed to make way for bike lanes and the new bike share program, known as Biki. Hawaii News Now.

A state lawmaker fell victim to thieves while taking a family photo on a beach in Waikiki. Rep. Kaniela Ing (D, Kihei, Wailea, Makena) is now dealing with thousands of dollars worth of fraudulent debit card charges. KHON2.

High rise residents -- including House Speaker Scott Saiki -- stuck without elevators. KHON2.

The road at Kaena Point State Park has been closed for nearly eight weeks due to rainy weather and the muddy damage caused by off-road vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

A home on Oahu's North Shore is breaking sales records in the area after real estate agents closed a multi-million dollar deal Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A North Kona park proposed several decades ago could be coming to fruition. Hawaii One1 Investors LLC will construct the first phase of the long-planned park on Laaloa Avenue off Alii Drive as part of its fair-share agreement in exchange for zoning and use permits from Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Community College is looking to redevelop its current Manono Street campus, foregoing costlier options to move to a larger site elsewhere in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A critical audit of the county Human Resources Department has netted a national award for Legislative Auditor Bonnie Nims and her staff. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County police said police officer Christopher R. Kapua-­Allison’s serv­ice weapon, a 9-mm Glock, was found at the scene of the apparent murder-suicide at his Mountain View house on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui Ocean Users Sue Land Board Over 400 Foot Seawall. A lawsuit has been filed in Maui’s environmental court over a 400 foot seawall proposed for construction at Kahana Bay in West Maui. Maui Now.

East Maui residents at odds over new Paia bypass proposal. Many prefer the use of old cane roads owned by A&B instead of the DOT’s proposed route. Maui News.

House passes Front Street Apartment bill. Measure puts burden on county to get funds back from developers. Maui News.

Chumbley offers to keep 8th House seat warm. Former state lawmaker says he won’t run in November, leaving spot open for candidates. Maui News.

Kauai

Chamber supports nene delisting. The federal government might remove nene from the endangered species list and the Kauai Chamber of Commerce is reminding everyone to comment on the proposal before it’s too late. Garden Island.

Study shows Puaiohi’s importance to the Alakai Plateau. Small and aloof, the Puaiohi songbirds of Kauai might stand only a few inches high but they have a big impact on their home ecosystem on the island’s Alakai Plateau. Garden Island.

Kauai’s newest charter school has received 113 student applications for the 2018-2019 school year. Garden Island.

Lanai

Four Seasons Resort Lanai has launched a daily private air charter service for hotel guests traveling from Honolulu, the resort announced Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

The ultraluxury resort on Lanai announced Tuesday that it has started its own charter flight service for guests traveling between Honolulu and the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature's 'gut-and-replace' puts Thirty Meter Telescope at risk, DLNR seeks comment on aquarium trade, 100 rally at Capitol for pesticide ban, teachers want to limit tests, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea telescopes ©2018 All Hawaii News

‘This is not democracy’: Lawmakers slammed for skirting public input with telescope moratorium. As Hawaii waits to see if the Thirty Meter Telescope has a future here, a last-minute bill crafted in the state Legislature has many worried that lawmakers could end up forcing the next-generation observatory out of the state. Tribune-Herald.

Bill up for vote could 'spell the end' of Thirty-Meter Telescope. Supporters — and opponents — of the Thirty-Meter Telescope were surprised to learn about last-minute legislation that would stop all construction at Mauna Kea if the University of Hawaii doesn't meet certain requirements. Hawaii News Now.

Commercial aquarium fish collecting could be returning to Hawaii shores, following a five-month pause. A draft environmental assessment released Sunday by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources anticipates no significant environmental impact from the resumption of the practice around Oahu and Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

About 125 activists rallied Monday at the state Capitol in support of a bill to make Hawaii the first state in the nation to ban the insecticide chlorpyrifos, a chemical that has been linked to learning disabilities and developmental delays in children. Star-Advertiser.

Rally held to protect students from pesticides. Hawaii News Now.

In support of Hawaii’s potential ban on chlorpyrifos and of stricter pesticide rules, several Kauai people added their voices to dozens who gathered at the capitol for Monday’s Keiki First Rally. Garden Island.

Bills that would have limited the cooperation between Hawaii police departments and federal immigration authorities appear to be dead for the this legislative session. The measures would have generally prohibited local police from stopping, questioning or arresting anyone based solely on an immigration hold, or detainer, or an immigration warrant. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Teachers Think Your Kids Are Taking Way Too Many Tests. The state Senate is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a teachers’ union-backed bill that would cap mandatory tests for students at four per year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s public school students boosted their reading scores substantially, but math performance slipped for eighth-graders in the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress, according to results released late today in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz paid tribute to former Sen. Daniel Akaka in Washington, D.C. Monday. KHON2.

The personal-finance website's "2018’s Tax Burden by State" analysis shows that taxpayers on the Islands have a total tax burden of 11.57 percent. Trailing only New York residents, whose total tax burden is 13.04 percent. Pacific Business News.

Military Spending: Feds shell out, Isles cash in. A new report on per-capita defense spending is another indication of Hawaii’s strategic position and hot economy at a time of ongoing financial expansion for the state and nation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii technology and manufacturing businesses contributed more than $1 billion to the state’s economy, according to a study by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Pacific Business News.

Was The ‘Button Pusher’ A Problem Employee? State Won’t Release Details. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said the worker who sent out a false missile alert had a record of incompetency, but he disputes that. Civil Beat.

The Navy's longest-serving sub is about to retire. The USS Bremerton is getting a well-deserved retirement. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A proposal to provide around 100 new or renovated affordable rental apartments in Waikiki as part of a planned tower on Kuhio Avenue is up for revision after the city adopted new affordable-housing requirements last week. Star-Advertiser.

Federal agent Christopher Deedy appeals to halt third trial in Waikiki fatal shooting. Deedy is asking the federal court to prevent the state from taking him to trial a third time for fatally shooting Kollin Elderts in a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant. Star-Advertiser.

Christopher Deedy appeals third trial. KHON2.

Filthy Bathrooms At This Popular Beach Park Are Creating A Stir. Pokai Bay Beach Park has other health and environmental hazards, too. Civil Beat.

Oahu Publications Inc. has put up for sale its 147,000-square-foot print production facility in Kapolei and the 11.61 acres of land beneath it in a lease/buyback transaction to take advantage of increasing prices in the area. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a condominium reached a new high in March, compared to last year, driven by the sales of nearly two dozen multimillion-dollar units, while sales declined slightly, according to statistics released by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks and planner Belt Collins Hawaii will hold a community meeting on the recently released draft environmental impact statement for the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park Master Plan.  West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation announces that plans are being developed to run a trial AM northbound contraflow lane on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Highway 130) from Kaloli Drive to Shower Drive. Big Island Now.

The daughter of Jolene Kapua-Allison, a 54-year-old Mountain View woman killed in an apparent murder-­suicide on Hawaii island, said her mother feared leaving her abusive husband, a police officer. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The developers of the $100 million, 324-unit mostly affordable Wailuku rental project on Maui have resubmitted a draft environmental assessment to the state, two months after withdrawing the initial document that had been submitted last fall. Pacific Business News.

Maui Population Continues to Increase as Honolulu’s Declines. Maui Now.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui fell by 10 percent last month, while the median price of a condominium jumped 15 percent, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

The Pacific Whale Foundation held a traditional blessing ceremony last month for its newest vessel, Ocean Guardian, at Maalaea Harbor. Maui News.

Kauai

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Has Few Friends On This Hawaiian Island. The social media mogul’s neighbors aren’t happy with his new island estate or, for that matter, Facebook in general. Civil Beat.

Aloha Angels sponsors 51 clubs, adopts 192 teachers.  Kauai has 12 public or charter elementary schools. However, school ends in the early afternoon and for many children there’s not much to do. Garden Island.

Lawmakers tackle homelessness, Mauna Kea management, average Oahu home price breaks $1M mark, Stevie Wonder UH concert scammer gets 5 years in prison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Unukupukupu performs during Merrie Monarch week in Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News

When the Merrie Monarch Festival comes to Hilo, the normally sleepy town awakens with the hustle and bustle of adoring hula fans from around the world. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers push for ohana zones to aid the homeless. The push for ohana zones comes as the House and Senate are taking vastly different approaches toward homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Elaborate homeless camps continue to pop up, but homeless numbers are going down. KHON2.

Candidates For Governor Focus On Native Hawaiian Issues At Forum. All seven candidates appear — separately — before the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has joined the many friends and colleagues of the late U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, who have sent condolences and fond remembrances. Star-Advertiser.

Akaka family says mahalo to the community for their support. KITV.

Ige’s Pick To Lead School Board Has An Unusual Background: Education. Catherine Payne wants the Hawaii Board of Education more involved in setting policy and more visible to the public. Civil Beat.

Blue Planet: From ‘Harry Potter’ To Formidable Political Force. The foundation’s vision of moving Hawaii to 100 percent renewable energy is now central to the state’s energy plan — and has some traction on the mainland. Civil Beat.

Girl Scouts planted more than 1,000 pinwheels in the lawn of the state Capitol this afternoon to bring attention to child abuse and neglect prevention. KHON2.

Longliners codify ethics in push-back against human rights allegations. Stung by lingering allegations of human trafficking and forced labor, the Hawaii fishing industry has developed a formal code of conduct, crew handbook and model employee contract aimed at protecting the workers aboard its fleet of more than 140 vessels. Star-Advertiser.

Isle hotels sell for nation’s top per-room price. Hawaii was such a hot hotel investor market in 2017 that four out of the 10 most expensive hotel transactions, based on total price, were in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Judge Gives Stevie Wonder Concert Scammer 5 Years In Prison. The University of Hawaii paid out $200,000 in what became known as the “Wonder Blunder.” Associated Press.

Island Energy Services to cut 10% of its workforce at Hawaii refinery. IES, which owns and operates the the state's second largest refinery in Kapolei, said on Friday that the affected employees will be offered a severance package based upon their total years of service. Pacific Business News.

Electric cars overtake gas cars in isle road map. Hawaiian Electric Co. filed a report it calls a “road map” with the state Public Utilities Commission last week to reach that 2045 goal. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales break million-dollar mark for average price. Star-Advertiser.

Demolition awaits TV home of ‘Magnum, P.I.’ detective. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea, TMT need closer monitoring, report finds. Star-Advertiser.

Second Gut-And-Replace Bill Concerning Mauna Kea Emerges. Once again, a House Bill making its way through the Senate has been completely altered to take aim at Mauna Kea management practices. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing changes to rules regulating activity in the state’s forest reserves. Tribune-Herald.

Creagan to stick with House seat; Ford to run for Senate. With four months until the Aug. 11 primary, Brenda Ford and Richard Creagan are changing their plans. West Hawaii Today.

Hundreds of Big Island property owners are on the verge of losing their land because of unpaid property taxes, most of them in two communities — Nanawale in Puna and Ocean View in Kau. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island Police Officer Dead In Apparent Murder-Suicide. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island police are investigating an officer involved murder-suicide. KHON2.

Friction between county officials and West Hawaii septage haulers has been mounting for months as pumpers contend policies at the Kealakehe Waste Water Treatment Facility are onerous and costing them money. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ige expresses confidence in re-election, despite setbacks. ‘We have a good plan in place and are executing it,’ governor says. Maui News.

With the latest phase of the contentious Lahaina bypass to be blessed in a week, Gov. David Ige defended the Department of Transportation’s plans for the highway and its interaction with the Lahaina community. Maui News.

The County of Maui is proposing a roundabout at the intersection of Maui Lani Parkway and Kamehameha Avenue in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kalaheo Neighborhood Center gym could become Kauai’s newest emergency shelter. That’s if the County Council approves a $650,000 project Wednesday to update the building. Garden Island.

Council members will be asking for a tax exemption to be considered for residential homeowners who install an automatic fire suppression system, which meets minimum design specifications. Garden Island.

What Southwest Airlines' application to rent space at Lihue Airport could mean for travelers. KHON2.

Former Sen. Daniel Akaka dies, governor signs medical aid in dying legislation, congressional delegation wants military control over emergency warning system, Caldwell mulls islandwide sit-lie ban, coffee production drops 15%, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Late U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, 2012 file photo ©2018 All Hawaii News file photo

Daniel Kahikina Akaka, the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the U.S. Senate and a fixture for decades on Capitol Hill, where he became known as the “ambassador of aloha,” has died Friday, his family said. Hawaii News Now.

Former U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, the humble and gracious statesman who served in Washington with aloha for more than three and a half decades, died Thursday night at the age of 93, sources tell the Star-Advertiser. He had been hospitalized with an illness. Star-Advertiser.

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Beginning Jan. 1, terminally ill residents will be eligible to begin requesting prescriptions for life-ending medication, following Gov. David Ige’s signing today of the “Our Care, Our Choice” Act into law. Star-Advertiser.

After 2 decades of debate, medical 'aid in dying' bill signed into law. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii became the latest liberal-leaning state to legalize medically assisted suicide Thursday as the governor signed a measure into law allowing doctors to fulfill requests from terminally ill patients to prescribe life-ending medication. Associated Press.

The “Death with Dignity” legislation was signed into law in Hawaii today. Hawaii Public Radio.

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All four members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation urged the U.S. military Thursday to take responsibility for alerting the public about any future ballistic missile attacks, taking that role away from the state, which botched the job in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Wants Feds To Take Over Missile Alerts. State emergency officials were grilled at a U.S. Senate committee hearing as lawmakers try to rebuild public trust in the warning system. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency began implementing its plan for responding to a ballistic missile attack before it was entirely drafted, a senior state official said Thursday at a hearing on why the agency mistakenly sent cellphone and broadcast alerts across the islands in January. Associated Press.

U.S. Pacific Command acknowledged it, too, made mistakes on the day of the false missile alert. Hawaii News Now.

At a Senate Committee hearing at the East-West Center on Thursday, all members of Hawaii's congressional delegation questioned why it's not the military taking the lead in issuing missile alerts. KITV.

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Hawaii Supreme Court Rules Some Extra-Long Sentences Unconstitutional. Several offenders who were given extended sentences for their crimes by a judge, rather than a jury, may have to be resentenced. Civil Beat.

Bid for back taxes on car rentals goes before Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers are taking up two bills today, one making the University of Hawaii a tobacco-free zone and another to restrict access to e-cigs to those under 21. Hawaii Public Radio.

Several bills that would improve working conditions or wages across the state are on the home stretch to being passed into law. Tribune-Herald.

Former principal appointed to serve as chair of Board of Education. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii is facing a critical shortage of doctors, and it's expected to get worse. KHON2.

The state’s coffee production dipped 15 percent to 24.3 million pounds of cherry in the 2017-2018 season despite an increase in bearing acreage from 7,000 to 7,300 acres, according to estimates compiled in January by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. West Hawaii Today.

All the major parts of two neighbor island housing markets moved in unison last month with sale volumes and prices rising on Hawaii island and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Vietnamese worker saved lives as Hawaii fishing boat sank. Associated Press.

Oahu

Caldwell Wants A Sidewalk Sit-Lie Ban Everywhere On Oahu. If it’s approved, the proposal to move more homeless people out of public spaces could face a legal challenge. Civil Beat.

By the end of this year or so, a pavilion built to dry commercial fishing boat nets in Honolulu should be transformed into a job training and community center by a nonprofit helping at-risk teens and young adults. Star-Advertiser.

Beginning next week, unexploded ordnance experts will use underwater metal detectors to search for military munitions off Makua Beach, focusing on a 22-acre area. Hawaii News Now.

Developer Exploring Giant Wind Farm in West Oahu. The plan includes building up to 16 turbines in the Waianae mountains to pay for a massive land restoration project. Civil Beat.

Grubhub is the newest addition to Honolulu’s food delivery scene, joining other Mainland-based competitors Postmates, Uber Eats and Bite Squad. Pacific Business News.

Tax preparer Guillermo Dahilig of Waialua pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A mural on the wall of a Hilo business has drawn controversy for its depiction — and subsequent redaction — of a firearm in the midst of a tableau celebrating the Merrie Monarch Festival. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy won’t need to conduct an environmental review for a damaged storm water outfall along the coast near Pepeekeo since it no longer plans to use it for its biomass power plant. Tribune-Herald.

Neighbors praise new South Kona KTA on store’s first day. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An application deadline has been set for Wednesday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m. for individuals seeking consideration to fill the remaining term for the District 8 State House seat left vacant by Representative Joseph Souki. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige said Thursday that he’s asked Maui County Democratic Party officials to move as quickly as possible to provide him with three names from which to appoint a new representative for the 8th District House seat. Maui News.

Former Maui County Council Member Don Couch is seeking the Democratic nomination for the South Maui state House seat held by Rep. Kaniela Ing, who has announced he’s a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Maui News.

Maui County lifeguard and former mayoral candidate Tamara Paltin has filed nomination papers to seek the West Maui residency seat on the County Council, she said in an announcement. Maui News.

A blessing for the embattled southern phase of the Lahaina bypass will be held at 2 p.m. April 15, Gov. David Ige’s office said Thursday. Maui News.

Garrett Marrero, the owner of Maui Brewing Co., is up for another national award. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Raising awareness of different types of homes available for purchase is why the Kauai Board of Realtors is hosting its third annual Islandwide Open House on Saturday. Garden Island.

Home sales on Kauai rose by more than 25 percent last month, compared to March of last year, and the median price of a single-family home rose 13 percent, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hirono says cancer battle won't keep her from Senate duties, state ballot order set, Souki apologizes for sexual harassment, gut-and-replace proliferates in Legislature, thieving employees sink Molokai credit union, Maui police chief gets high marks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hirono announces re-election bid, courtesy photo

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono says her ongoing cancer treatment has not affected her Congressional duties, and that she’s running for re-election to continue fighting for Hawaii’s families and kupuna. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Hirono Fired Up To Take On Cancer And Trump In Campaign. As her re-election bid begins, the Hawaii senator says immunotherapy will not prevent her “from doing my job” and speaking out against the president. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono officially launched her re-election campaign on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) made it official on Wednesday morning, with her husband and supporters at her side, she filed the paperwork for re-election. KITV.

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Luck puts Constitution Party at top of Hawaii's primary election ballot. On Wednesday, the state Elections Office held a random drawing (think plucking names from a lauhala basket) to decide the order of political preferences on the ballot. Hawaii News Now.

Former House Speaker Joe Souki has paid a fine and submitted a letter apologizing for his behavior after several women including former state Director of Human Services Rachael Wong accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. Star-Advertiser.

Full text of Souki's short apology letter to the speaker can be found here.

What’s Up With All The Gut-And-Replace Trickery At The Legislature This Year? More and more dramatic last-minute changes in bills are being made with a minimum of public notice this legislative session. Civil Beat.

The governor is set to sign a bill legalizing medical aid in dying. Not everyone is happy about it. Over 18,000 people signed a petition to try to deter him from signing the bill, which he said he would do Thursday. KHON2.

A group of church and community leaders hand delivered a petition opposing physician-assisted suicide to Governor David Ige on Wednesday. More than 18,000 people across Hawaii signed the petition. KITV.

Ige bypasses lawmakers to pay for HI-EMA plans. More than a month after Gov. David Ige announced he would ask lawmakers for millions of dollars to upgrade the state’s emergency preparedness systems in the wake of the statewide false missile alert, the administration has decided it does not need that extra money after all. Star-Advertiser.

New chorus of voices questions plan to block sale of some sunscreens. A bill that would ban the sale — but not the use — of sunscreen with chemicals believed to kill coral reefs is advancing at the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Feral Cat-Friendly Measure Dies In The Senate. The Humane Society supported the bill to maintain cat colonies, but opponents pointed to the damage they do to other species. Civil Beat.

Bill Calls For Hawaii To Protect Students Who Allege Harassment. The measure would establish a state corollary to the federal Title IX law prohibiting gender discrimination. Civil Beat.

Ige appoints three members to Hawaii State Board of Education. Pacific Business News.

Solar permits up on Big Isle, down in Maui County. The number of solar permits issued in Hawaii and Maui counties moved in opposite directions during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Critics warn plan to turn over Kakaako parks to city opens door to commercialization. A state plan to transfer Kakaako’s parks to the city ran into resistance at a Hawaii Community Development Authority board meeting Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Neighbors concerned by development carving into Waialae Iki hillside. At the base of Waialae Iki in East Honolulu, a hillside has been undergoing a dramatic re-contouring with excavators cutting deep benches and leaving scarred rock faces visible from Kalanianaole Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Calls for Legalization and Regulation of Transient Accommodations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mixed reactions Wednesday after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposed a plan that could turn virtually any home on Oahu into a bed and breakfast. KITV.

Owner of alleged 'monster house' in Manoa fires back at neighbors. Tensions have been escalating over the home built in 1919 for the founder of Straub Clinic since Grant Shen purchased it in 2016. Neighbors say he has illegally converted the single-family residence into an apartment building with as many as 15 to 20 people living there. Hawaii News Now.

A Kailua home is turning a lot of heads lately. A shipping container has been installed above it. KHON2.

Workers at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Hotel cast their votes Tuesday to make the property the first Hawaii hotel to join the Unite Here Local 5 union through a National Labor Relations Board election in two decades. Star-Advertiser.

HTA balks at UFC’s $6M price for isle title card. The Ultimate Fighting Championship made the Hawaii Tourism Authority an offer it could refuse, leading to the collapse of talks that had been aimed at bringing a UFC card starring Max Holloway to Aloha Stadium this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism officials in Hawaii say that the UFC demanded a $6 million sponsorship fee in order to host a pay-per-view fight card at Aloha Stadium this summer – an amount even higher than what the agency once paid the NFL in order to host the Pro Bowl. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu tops the nation for solar capacity per capita. The new report released by Environment America found Honolulu also ranks third in the nation for total solar installed in a city. KITV.

No other city in the United States has more installed solar photovoltaic capacity per capita than Honolulu, according to a new report from Environment America. Pacific Business News.

Oahu condo prices jump 10% in March to new record. The median price of a condominium on Oahu rose 10 percent in March, compared to last year, to reach a record $440,000, while the median price of a single-family home nudged up by 1 percent. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Lance Niimi, executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County’s homeless coordinator, has resigned his post. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless housing fast tracked. Roy Takemoto, executive assistant to Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, was in Honolulu Wednesday meeting with Ford Fuchigami, Ige’s administrative director, and others to discuss an emergency proclamation Kim requested from the governor in March. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s beleaguered bus system is getting a little boost from the federal government, thanks to a $576,000 grant announced Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala Hospital will receive much-needed renovations following the release of capital improvement project funds that were recently released by Gov. David Ige, an April 4, 2018, press release announced. Big Island Now.

Hilo mural with armed hula dancer painted over amid complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Dispute leaves DirecTV customers without hula coverage. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police chief receives high marks in annual evaluation. KHON2.

Kaiser expands footprint on Maui. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has acquired 6.2 acres under its Wailuku Medical Office for $22 million. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii paid $22 million to buy the 6.2 acres of land beneath its Wailuku Medical Office on Maui from Alexander & Baldwin. Pacific Business News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has purchased 6.2 acres of land under its Wailuku Medical Office on Maui. Maui Now.

Two “Meet and Greet” events will be held to discuss the Waiehu Clubhouse Master Plan & Feasibility Study. Maui Now.

It’s the end of the road for Maui Downhill. Pioneer of mountain downhill bike tours calls it quits. Maui News.


Kauai

The state’s spotlight has swung toward Hanalei because of recent landslides, but locals say it’s the streets, not the slopes, with the major problem. Garden Island.

The question of what makes a community was the center of a heated discussion about the West Kauai Community Plan during the County Council’s Planning Committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Dogs have joined the fight against invasive rats on Lehua Island. The Department of Land and Natural resources started a project in 2017 to get rid of the rats by dropping rat poison in phases. KHON2.

Monitoring teams are observing more albatross on Lehua Island than they have in a long time, according to a Wednesday press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Molokai

Workers’ thefts sank Molokai credit union. The government says over at least nine years, two employees stole more than $1 million from the credit union, leading to First Hawaiian Homes Credit Union’s insolvency, closing and liquidation. Star-Advertiser.