Big raises for state officials, cost of living a concern in poll, Big Island hikes general excise tax, many months before lava victims get to go home, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

Big Pay Raises Coming For Lawmakers And Top State Execs. The commission proposed that the governor’s salary would increase from $158,700 to $189,480 by 2024. Top agency executives, such as the attorney general, would see their wages increase from $154,812 to $188,400 during the same time period. The salaries of  state representatives and senators would rise from $62,604 to $83,052. Civil Beat.

Advocates urge larger minimum wage hike. The Senate Committee on Labor will hold a public hearing today regarding a bill that would increase minimum wage rates throughout the state. Tribune-Herald.

Homelessness, cost of living cited as major concerns in Hawaii. Some 45 percent of Hawaii voters live in homes where someone is considering moving away — or has already left the islands — typically because of the cost of living, according to a new poll of voters conducted for Pacific Resource Partnership. Star-Advertiser.

Poll: Hawaii residents say they’re buckling under strain of state’s high cost of living. The biggest takeaway from the survey is simple: While the overall economy in the islands might be doing well, the personal economies of Hawaii’s residents appear to be faltering. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Projects Could be Defunded to Pay for Border Wall. More than $300 million in funding for military construction projects in Hawaii could potentially be diverted to pay for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Deputy Sheriffs Still Aren’t Accredited — 8 Years After the Law Required It. All four county departments already have the accreditation, which sets standards regarding use of force, weapons, training and officer conduct. Civil Beat.

Should Hawaii get rid of safety checks? According to one state lawmaker, they're a waste of time. KITV.

The state Department of Education said it uses about 1 million pounds of beef in student meals annually throughout its 256 schools, and most of it is from animals raised locally. Only Oahu and Hawaii Island schools serve a portion of their beef not from local sources. Star-Advertiser.

737 Max grounding strands 2 jets in Hawaii; an expert sees little long-term impact on isles. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope protests were held in Hawaii and on the mainland Wednesday as part of Mauna Kea Awareness Day organized by those who oppose the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu homeless debris equal to 184 school buses. City officials hope to fill four more positions to enforce the city’s stored property and sidewalk nuisance ordinances — or what Mayor Kirk Caldwell calls “some of the dirtiest work in the City and County of Honolulu” cleaning up homeless encampments. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Facility Maintenance has collected more than 4.6 million pounds of material from city streets and parks. KITV.

Names, Ranks And Salaries Of Honolulu Cops Are Still Secret. Legal challenges from Hawaii’s police union have prevented the public release of the identities of almost 2,000 sworn officers. Civil Beat.

HPD officers working overtime as officer vacancies look to be filled. The Honolulu Police Department recently released their operating budget, and as of February, they have about 253 officer vacancies to fill. KHON2.

City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro has placed himself on paid leave amid a federal criminal investigation, but sources say he has returned to the office at least twice in the last five days. State Attorney General Clare Connors says she's concerned about reports that city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is showing up at the office while on paid leave. Hawaii News Now.

One judge approves sale of Kealohas’ home; another reschedules their fraud trial. A federal judge on Wednesday approved the sale of the Mariners Cove home belonging to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former city deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Less than an hour later, another federal judge set an Oct. 21 trial date for the Kealohas on bank fraud charges. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Approves $1.3 Million Sale of Kealohas’ Hawaii Kai Home. Meanwhile, the second scheduled trial on bank fraud charges against the couple was pushed back to October. The first trial in the corruption scandal was earlier pushed back to May. Associated Press.

As Deadline Looms, HART May Not Fully Comply With Federal Subpoena. The Honolulu rail agency’s board hasn’t yet consulted with its attorneys on whether to give investigators its closed-door meeting records. Civil Beat.

Lifeguards work in deteriorating towers as brand new ones sit unused. City lifeguards are raising alarms over towers they say are in disrepair. Hawaii News Now.

USS Arizona Memorial site getting name change again. The new official name for the National Park Service unit, which became law on Tuesday, is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

The number of undergraduate applications to the University of Hawaii at Manoa this year shattered the previous record set last year. The UH Manoa Office of Admissions reports it received nearly 19,000 undergraduate applications, a 33-percent jump over last year’s record number. KHON2.

Oahu luxury home sales decline in February. Sales of luxury homes on Oahu that sold for $1.5 million or more declined slightly in February, compared to a year ago, while the median price of those homes fell 20 percent to $1.9 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County residents and visitors will have to dig a few more pennies out of their pockets for goods and services starting Jan. 1, after the County Council on Wednesday passed a half-cent general excise tax surcharge, replacing the one-quarter percent approved last year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County anticipates completing a temporary road over lava-covered portions of Highway 132 by September or October. The estimated schedule was posted on the county’s eruption recovery website Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Temp Road For Lava-Covered Highway 132 By “September-October 2019” Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council members pressed county administrators Wednesday for details on how they will spend $60 million in disaster aid following last year’s Kilauea eruption. Council members, during a lengthy discussion with Mayor Harry Kim and other county officials, repeatedly noted the county’s credibility is on the line with the Legislature, as well as their constituents, regarding how it uses those recovery funds, in addition to the $22 million already granted by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

As the Hawaii County Council moves to accept millions in state eruption recovery funds ahead of final legislative approval, resident continue to push for road recovery. Big Island Video News.

Two airlines confirmed to have used Boeing 737 Max aircraft to fly to the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole said they’re making arrangements to minimize disruptions following federal regulators’ decision to ground the planes nationwide. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Michael Victorino voiced his support for a state House water bill, an underpass to Kihei high school and the Wailuku Civic Complex in his inaugural State of the County address on Tuesday night. Maui News.

The chair of the Maui County Council is hoping for more collaboration between Mayor Mike Victorino's office and the council. Hawaii Public Radio.

The majority of the 14 testifiers at a Maui County Council committee meeting Tuesday expressed support for Mayor Michael Victorino’s appointment of former Council Member Don Guzman as Maui County Prosecuting Attorney. Maui News.

Kahana Bay condos aim to fight erosion with beach nourishment plan. A new beach nourishment proposal could help restore a shrinking shoreline along the coast of West Maui — and end a fierce fight over a seawall that’s currently under construction. Hawaii News Now.

Inmates Still Agitated, Overcrowding Likely Source of Monday’s Riot at MCCC. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council entertained a loaded agenda Wednesday that included a look at the schedule of islandwide road resurfacing and repairs. Garden Island.

State of the County address by Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami on Thursday morning. KHON2.

A Kauai company is suing the Board of Land and Natural Resources over a million dollars worth of sand. A lawsuit filed in Fifth Circuit Court last month alleges the BLNR did not hold up its end of a contract with O. Thronas Inc., a Lawai concrete company, that claims it overpaid the board by more than $1 million in a contract to remove sand from BLNR-owned land in Waimea. Garden Island.

Hawaii mulls road usage charge, sanctuary bill dies in Legislature, economic growth slowdown predicted, Maui jail riot likely caused by overcrowding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii road ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii transportation officials consider swapping gas tax for road-use charge. The state Department of Transportation wants the public to weigh in on the concept of a road usage charge to fund the upkeep of state roads and bridges, and is holding 14 community meetings about the possibilities in the next few months. Star-Advertiser.

Public Meetings Scheduled For Potential Road Usage Charge. The state Department of Transportation will be holding community meetings across the state starting on March 20 in Kapolei to get feedback on a possible road usage charge. Hawaii Public Radio.

State proposes nixing fuel tax in favor of charging you for how much you drive. Hawaii News Now.

DOT plans community meetings to discuss road usage charge demonstration project. Tribune-Herald.

State residents will get a chance in coming weeks to give input during a series of meetings planned throughout the state about a concept to replace the state fuel tax with a road usage charge. West Hawaii Today.

The state is seeking public feedback on the concept of a road usage charge to fund upkeep of roadways and bridges. Big Island Video News.

Public input needed for possible "road usage charge". KHON2.

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Hawaii immigrant sanctuary bill dies in state Legislature. A bill that would have made Hawaii the third so-called sanctuary state for immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally has died at the state Legislature. Associated Press.

The state is taking a step back from setting up Hawaii as a sanctuary for illegal immigrants in the U.S., a decision people on Kauai were calling for as the topic moved through the Legislature. Garden Island.

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Revenue Council Predicts Slowdown In State Economic Growth. The forecast means a little less money is available for the Hawaii Legislature this session, but leaders of the money committees aren’t too concerned. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's predicted to bring in about $80 mil fewer dollars in tax revenue this fiscal year. At their last meeting in January, the Council on Revenues forecasted the economy to grow 4.2% for fiscal year 2018/2019. They've now lowered it to 3%. KITV.

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Two bills that aim to improve teacher retention made it through the state Senate and now are before the state House for consideration. Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 114 call for the creation of a housing voucher program for teachers employed by the state Department of Education or at public charter schools. Tribune-Herald.

School Chief Chooses Some Of The People Helping To Evaluate Her. While this feedback doesn’t affect the superintendent’s year-end performance rating, it’ll be followed closely by the Board of Education. Civil Beat.

Movement afoot to establish Hawaiian Recognition Day as state holiday. A push to establish La Kuokoa -- Hawaiian Recognition Day -- as an official state holiday and repeal Good Friday from among the state’s official holidays is gaining steam at the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Judge allows some evidence of motive in Kealohas’ trial. A federal judge granted part of a motion filed by federal prosecutors to admit certain evidence of the motive by the former police chief and his former deputy prosecutor wife to frame a relative for the theft of their mailbox. Star-Advertiser.

Judge rules bank fraud evidence can't be used in Kealoha corruption trial. Allegations of bank fraud and theft will not be allowed in the Kealoha trial accusing them of framing a relative for mailbox theft. KHON2.

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A face to face meeting with Federal Transit Authority over the revised financial recovery plan for Honolulu’s rail project is expected to happen in April. Hawaii Public Radio.

Registration deadline approaches for City Council special election. The deadline to register for April’s electoral rematch between Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters to represent Honolulu City Council District IV is quickly approaching. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation said it wants monthly updates from the acting director of the National Park Service on progress being made to restore walk-on access to the USS Arizona Memorial. Star-Advertiser.

5-foot-long boa constrictor found in Kunia. Snakes pose a serious threat to Hawaii's environment, as they have no natural predators. KITV.

Hawaii Island

The county official charged with ensuring building permit laws are followed didn’t get building, plumbing or electrical permits for a solar water and photovoltaic system on his own property until 23 years after the fact. West Hawaii Today.

Puna police resolution elicits emotional testimony. A resolution asking for more police officers for Puna cleared the Hawaii County Council’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Emotional Testimony On Situation Facing Police In Puna, Ka'u. Big Island Video News.

The University of Hawaii today said its investigation into the ski and snowboard incident at Mauna Kea earlier this year found no damage to cultural, archaeological, natural or scientific resources. Star-Advertiser.

As the developer of the Thirty Meter Telescope prepares for construction atop Mauna Kea, opponents of the billion-dollar-plus project continue to press their case with demonstrations at universities in Hawaii and on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake shook parts of the Big Island early Wednesday, but officials said there’s no tsunami threat to the state. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui mayor delivers State of the County address, outlining priorities. Maui Mayor Mike Victorino struck a message of making Maui a welcoming place early on in his State of the County address Tuesday evening. Hawaii News Now.

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Severe overcrowding at Maui’s jail is likely what led to an uprising at the facility Monday afternoon that left three staff members with minor injuries, according to Nolan Espinda, director of the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

The riot at Maui Community Correction Center on Monday was actually the second inmate uprising at the aging facility in less than a year, officials said. Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda said overcrowding was at the root of both incidents, and he fears more violence could be in store. Hawaii News Now.

Overcrowding. Public Safety officials say that could be a big reason for Monday's riot at Maui's jail. The damage prisoners caused from the incident has made things even worse. KHON2.

Internal and criminal investigations are underway following an disturbance at the Maui Community Correctional Center yesterday that left several staff members with minor injuries. Hawaii Public Radio.

42 Inmates Refused Order During MCCC Disturbance. Maui Now.

Standoff at Maui jail: ‘Disturbance’ at MCCC resolved after 3 1/2 hours. No injuries reported in incident that closed roads, drew heavy police, fire presence. Maui News.

Inmates wreck module at MCCC after staff advise them to return to their cells. KITV.

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Beach neighbors plan, propose to pay for multimillion-dollar groin repairs. Rock structures were constructed pre-1944 to stem sand loss and shoreline recession. Maui News.

The Kahana Bay Steering Committee is proposing a beach nourishment project to restore a coastline that’s been severely eroded from sea level rise, frequent storms and seawalls. Maui News.

Kauai

Film crews shooting scenes on Kauai. A un-named film crew records a man digging through the garbage for his lost wedding ring Sunday night at the Hilton Garden Inn Sunday. The general manager of the resort said that there are two production crews staying at the resort currently, but is bound by a confidentiality agreement to not reveal their identity. Garden Island.

Kauai graffiti: Works of art, or public nuisance. Garden Island.

Interisland fares drop as price wars continue, state Senate bill bans plastics, red light cameras catch on, Public Safety director faces confirmation battle, Maui jail in lockdown following riot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines main cabin ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaiian Airlines matching Southwest fares means lower prices for interisland flights. Hawaiian Airlines dropped airfares Monday to as low as $98 for round-trip flights between Oahu and Maui starting in April as competition from Southwest disrupts the interisland market — at least temporarily. Star-Advertiser.

Boeing 737 Max 8 used for Hawaii flights. A number of countries have grounded their Boeing 737 Max 8 planes following Sunday's deadly crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight. We found out Air Canada uses the Max 8 on its flights from Honolulu to Vancouver, Canada. KHON2.

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Senate Passes Bill To Ban Certain Single-Use Plastics. A bill that prohibits the purchase, use, sale, or distribution of plastic beverage bottles, utensils, stirring sticks, polystyrene foam containers, and straws by state and county agencies has passed out of the Hawaii State Senate and is now in the House of Representatives. Big Island Video News.

Proposal to install cameras that catch red light runners gaining steam. In an effort to make Hawaii roadways safer, the state Senate is supporting the installation of cameras at intersections to document and cite drivers who run red lights. And now the House Transportation Committee is holding a hearing on the idea later this week. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to install cameras to catch red-light-runners, has widespread support from the community and it is rolling through, at the state Capitol. KHON2.

Gov. Ige’s Re-Appointment Of Public Safety Director Is Meeting Resistance. A key senator says it’s still “an open question” whether the nomination of DPS director Nolan Espinda will clear the full Senate. Civil Beat.

Cost to transport, house Hawaii inmates on the mainland is skyrocketing. Hawaii taxpayers spent almost $2 million last year to move prisoners back and forth from Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kaneshiro’s paid leave approved by his appointee. The decision to pay Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro his full $170,712 annual salary and benefits while he is on leave during a federal corruption investigation was made by the man Kaneshiro appointed to replace him. Star-Advertiser.

Attorney says he'll subpoena police chief to testify against Kaneshiro. Police Chief Susan Ballard could provide key testimony against prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro if an impeachment trial takes place. KHON2.

New Hearing Date Set For Kaneshiro Impeachment Petition. Judge Jeff Crabtree held a hearing on a petition created by businessman Tracy Yoshimura calling for the impeachment of Kaneshiro. Hawaii Public Radio.

City attorney to help hammer out how process for impeachment petition works. Hawaii News Now.

Shining Sunlight On The Honolulu Police Chief’s Performance. In contrast to past practice, the police commission solicited input from a wide range of groups and the chief OK’d releasing the details of her annual review. Civil Beat.

When it comes to the ex-police chief’s legal defense, things just got more complicated. Last week, Honolulu attorney Kevin Sumida appeared before the Honolulu Police Commission for a contested case hearing over whether city taxpayers should pay for the defense for Louis Kealoha, the former police chief. Hawaii News Now.

Lieutenant who investigated financial crimes pleads guilty to tax charges. A Honolulu Police Department lieutenant who investigated financial crimes for decades pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of filing false and fraudulent tax returns. Hawaii News Now.

No jail for retired HPD officer accused of tax fraud. A former Honolulu police officer pleaded guilty Monday to filing fraudulent statements with his state income tax returns but as part of a plea agreement is not expected to spend any time behind bars. Star-Advertiser.

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Portlock property owner plans to fight city. The landowner at the center of the Portlock gate controversy said he plans to fight the city’s move to establish a public beach path over his property. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Beach Park users voice concerns on city planned park changes. For years now, the City and County of Honolulu has been planning to make some changes and upgrades to the "People's Park," but not everyone is happy about the latest ideas being floated. KHON2.

No dog park. No “world-class playground.” And no changes to parking. That was the overwhelming sentiment of attendees at a community meeting Monday on the future of Ala Moana Regional Park, known as the “people’s park.” Hawaii News Now.

Cheers and jeers during Q&A meeting over proposed changes at Ala Moana Regional Park. Residents for and against changes to the park pack McCoy Pavilion to talk with city officials. KITV.

Dredging of Nuuanu Reservoir preceded flood of muddy water into thriving stream. The Board of Water Supply had been dredging its largest reservoir in Nuuanu since January before it opened its floodgate last month, emptying millions of gallons of water into the Nuuanu Stream. Hawaii News Now.

City officials Monday held a blessing ceremony for Honolulu’s newest off-leash dog park, at Aala Park. Star-Advertiser.

Dog park a draw at one of Honolulu’s most problem-plagued public spaces. Hawaii News Now.

Off-leash dog park now open in Chinatown. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A series of projects to curb albizia growth along county roadways are awaiting additional funding before they can be completed. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee recently completed most of a project to eradicate the invasive albizia trees lining five miles of the Puainako Street extension. Tribune-Herald.

Contractor given go-ahead for Alii Drive culvert replacement project.  Isemoto Contracting has been given the go-ahead to begin preparation work for a year-long project to replace a culvert on busy Alii Drive. West Hawaii Today.

Honokaa Improvements Include Rodeo Arena, Mamane Street. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Community Correctional Center remains on lockdown Tuesday morning, hours after a riot and standoff at the facility ended. Officials said the situation — in an inmate module — was resolved about 6:26 p.m. Monday. Hawaii News Now.

A disturbance by inmates in a module at the Maui Community Correctional Center has been brought under control. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Police Respond to Disturbance at MCCC. Maui Now.

Disturbance at Maui Community Correctional Center under control. KHON2.

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First Deputy Corporation Counsel Edward Kushi has taken over management of the Department of the Corporation Counsel while department head Patrick Wong is on administrative leave, Mayor Michael Victorino announced on Monday. Maui Now.

County plans to turn over Wong case to state AG. Maui police working to collect evidence, complete investigation. Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong, 53, was placed on administrative leave Saturday after being arrested on physical abuse charges. Maui News.

State will handle domestic abuse case against Maui County’s top civil attorney. The physical abuse case against Maui County’s top civil attorney will be turned over to the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino said Monday. Hawaii News Now.

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The Maui Food Bank’s stocks are running low following a spike in demand during the federal government shutdown and the usual rush of the holiday season. Maui News.

Proposed improvements at Iao Valley State Monument that include a new entry, water and sewer system upgrades and expansion of parking areas will be discussed at a meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kahului Ranks in Top 10 Hottest Secondary Home Markets in Nation. A new study from financial technology company, SmartAsset, uncovered the hottest secondary home markets nationwide, and a section of Maui ranked in the eighth spot. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai is still waiting for Southwest Airlines to announce flights into Lihue Airport, and airline representatives say that will happen soon. Garden Island.

While laysan albatross chicks on Kauai are just about to starting to outgrow their nests, 25 of their cousins are getting used to something new far from their own birthplaces — about 1,300 miles away, according to researchers who recently translocated a group of black-footed albatross chicks from Midway Atoll to the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu. Garden Island.

Hawaii could become sanctuary state, corruption charges rampant in Honolulu, state cuts Canada and Europe tourism budgets, Maui corporation counsel on leave following arrest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Moana Park ©2019 All Hawaii News

Organizers of Ala Moana park forum call for more transparency. Officials with Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration have agreed to attend a meeting tonight hosted by groups that have raised concerns about planned improvements at popular Ala Moana Regional Park. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s your chance to sound off on the future of Ala Moana Beach Park. Several community groups are teaming up to discuss the future of Ala Moana Beach Park. On Monday, a public meeting will be held to go over the city’s master plan for the popular destination. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii would become the second “sanctuary state” for tax-paying undocumented immigrants with no criminal convictions under a bill that would give local law enforcement agencies the option to not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority shifts focus to managing tourism. The message at the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s first statewide event under new leadership was more about how the agency is going to partner with the industry to manage tourism rather than its marketing plans. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is cutting marketing budgets for Canada and Europe and reinvesting funds into other priorities, including diversifying and managing tourism and programs that benefit the community. Star-Advertiser.

Phillipine court rules against Hawaii's Omidyar's media ownership. A Philippine appeals court has upheld a decision that an online news site critical of President Rodrigo Duterte violated a constitutional ban on foreign ownership of news media. Associated Press.

David Ige Unwinds And Chats About Hawaii’s Future. He said he’s learned a lot since 2014 about running the state government, and cites progress on housing, homelessness and education. Civil Beat.

House Passes Bill To Expand County Use Of GE Tax. The House passed a bill on third reading that would give the neighbor islands greater flexibility in how they spend general excise tax surcharge revenue. Big Island Video News.

HMSA’s payment rates under scrutiny. Nearly three years after the Hawaii Medical Serv­ice Association changed the way it pays primary- care doctors and pediatricians, lawmakers are considering funding a study to see whether the program is actually saving money and improving quality. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

How An Accused Drug Dealer Became Key To The Biggest Corruption Case In Honolulu History. A 2015 drug raid highlights the many angles federal investigators are pursuing as part of a years-long corruption investigation. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu City Council on Friday unanimously approved a $550,000 settlement in a decade-old lawsuit that alleges Police Chief Susan Ballard played a role in altering test scores of some police academy recruits. Civil Beat.

The Kealohas Could Lose Their Taxpayer-Funded Lawyers. With the sale of their Hawaii Kai home pending final approval, federal prosecutors have asked a judge to review whether the couple can afford their own defense counsel. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council OKs Legal Fees For Embattled Prosecutor. The Honolulu City Council Friday approved hiring a law firm to represent the city's prosecutor against an impeachment effort launched when he became a target in a federal corruption investigation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Yet Another Audit Planned For Honolulu Rail Project. The City Council wants to investigate potential criminal activity surrounding the fiscally troubled transit project. Civil Beat.

New city council bill would limit events on busy Kalakaua Ave. If the bill becomes law, events this year won't be affected but activities in 2020 might. KITV.

House bill seeks to protect pedestrians from bicyclists behind state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Pearlridge moves toward mixed-use development. The owner of Pearlridge Center is considering residential and hotel development at the Aiea mall. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit Claims HPD Officer Sexually Assaulted Woman. When two police officers responded to a drunken disturbance in her home, the plaintiff claims that one of them assaulted her in her bedroom. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

A proposed charter amendment advanced Friday requires the county to sock away $20 million for disasters such as have hammered the Big Island in recent years. West Hawaii Today.

Kuahiwi Ranch among public water users that face uphill battle to earn long-term leases. The ranch is one of about a dozen water users, including Alexander & Baldwin, the electric utilities and farming operations throughout the state, that are facing an end-of-the-year deadline to convert state water permits into long-term leases — or risk losing access to water. Star-Advertiser.

Purgatory in Puna: Eruption survivors eager to return home — with or without roads. Tribune-Herald.

Changes to Wailani project approved. A long-delayed mixed-use development in Hilo inched closer to fruition last Thursday after the Windward Planning Commission approved several changes to the project plan. Tribune-Herald.

Boaters want better: Public hearing brings out testifiers wanting improvements if fees are going up. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Avocado Association is up in arms about what members have described as chronic mislabeling of Sharwil avocados at the West Hawaii Safeway located off Henry Street. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Corporation Counsel Wong is placed on leave following arrest for physical abuse. Spokesman: Wong has been charged with abuse of a household member, a misdemeanor. Garden Island.

Maui County Corporation Counsel Patrick K. Wong was placed on administrative leave after being charged Saturday with abuse of a household member, the county said. Star-Advertiser.

Top civil attorney for Maui County arrested for domestic abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong on Administrative Leave. Maui Now.

Maui County's Corporation Counsel charged with abuse. KHON2.

Maui County corporation counsel Patrick Wong on administrative leave. KITV.

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Repairing Hana’s bridges will require plenty of ingenuity. Six of 43 historic structures in plan are on challenging terrain. Maui News.

Maui-style airport car rental facility is about ready to roll. Plantation meets modern at CONRAC: Two trains, or trams, will take travelers on a 4-minute ride from baggage area to facility. Maui News.

Maui home, condo prices rise more than 10% in February. Single-family home prices on Maui rose by more than 15 percent last month, compared to February 2018, while the number of homes sold dropped by nearly 20 percent, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

“A slow resurrection.” Those are the best words to describe how groups of volunteers and benefactors have transformed a crumbling camping facility located in the crisp air of Kokee State Park into a clean, attractive and safe resource for groups of every age and size. Garden Island.

Hawaii infrastructure gets low marks, Kaneshiro takes paid leave amid federal probe, House passes pot decriminalization, entangled whale freed off Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Walking along Diamond Head Road ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s infrastructure gets D+ in yearly report from engineers society. Most of the Aloha State’s infrastructure systems are in poor to fair condition. The report card recommends the state Legislature increase the state gas tax and support “innovative funding mechanisms” to pay for a backlog of repairs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's infrastructure received its first report card today and more than half of grades were below passing. The 2019 Report Card covers 11 infrastructure categories.  And of those categories, 5 are in mediocre condition and six are in poor condition or already at risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Majority of Hawaii’s infrastructure operating ‘beyond its useful life’. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's infrastructure given D+ grade from civil engineers. Poor to fair, that's what the American Society of Civil Engineers Hawaii section ranked most of Hawaii's infrastructure on Thursday, giving an overall grade of “D+.” KHON2.

Most of Hawaii’s infrastructure systems, including those for roads, schools, drinking water and stormwater, are in such poor condition that the local chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers has given the state an overall grade of “D-plus” on an inaugural report card. Pacific Business News.

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House Votes To Decriminalize Possessing Small Amounts Of Pot. The measure that now goes to the Senate would apply to having 3 grams of marijuana or less, which still could result in a $200 fine. Civil Beat.

The state House of Representatives passed a bill today that would decriminalize the adult use of marijuana, which is currently illegal under federal law. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis passed the state House of Representatives and will now go before the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

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Unanimous vote in State Senate clarifies rules on how to use crosswalk signals. There was a unanimous vote in the State Senate Thursday clarifying rules on how to use crosswalk signals with countdown timers. KITV.

Hawaiian Airlines said Thursday it would award $31 million in profit- sharing and performance bonuses to employees following what was an “exceptional” 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Local Dairies Could Solve Future Milk Shortages, But It's An Expensive Venture. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro said Thursday he would take a voluntary paid leave effective immediately. He was notified last year that he was a target of a federal investigation into government corruption, and has faced pressure from Attorney General Clare Connors and Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard to step down. Star-Advertiser.

Embattled Honolulu Prosecutor Takes Immediate Leave Of Absence. Keith Kaneshiro is a target in a wide-ranging corruption investigation. His removal was sought by the state attorney general. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro announced Thursday he is taking a leave of absence from his office. His action follows reports that he is a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation and subsequent calls for him to step down. Hawaii Public Radio.

After refusing to step aside for months, embattled city prosecutor takes leave amid federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu's prosecutor is taking a leave of absence from his office, a month after confirming he received a target letter in connection with a federal investigation. KHON2.

Kaneshiro takes a leave of absence amid federal investigation. Dwight Nadamoto will serve as Acting Prosecuting Attorney. KITV.

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City Poised To Pay $550,000 To Cop Who Claimed HPD Doctored Test Scores. A lawsuit alleges Police Chief Susan Ballard, while commander of the police academy in 2008, took part in making it easier for recruits to pass. Civil Beat.

Pali Highway fix expected to be done in August. It’s going to be a long road ahead — another five months at least — before Pali Highway is fixed and reopened following last month’s rockslide. Star-Advertiser.

$15 milion price tag to repair the Pali Highway. Heavy rains last month triggered multiple landslides along the Pali Highway. KITV.

Kakaako intersection may turn into roundabout to accommodate Rail. "HART" is planning to put a rail column in the middle of the road on Queen and Waimanu streets, along with a roundabout. This is the area next to South Shore Market and TJ Maxx. KHON2.

A year in, mobile hygiene center demonstrates the incredible power of a shower. The mobile hygiene center travels to different communities across Oahu up to five days a week. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless man accused of West Oahu wildfires had been arrested 30 times before. Hawaii News Now.

Council Member Wants Audit of Hawaiian Humane Society. Ann Kobayashi said she was stunned by how many key employees had left the Humane Society under its current CEO. Civil Beat.

The abrupt shutdown scheduled today for Argosy University- Hawaii will leave about 800 graduate and under­graduate students in the lurch, midway through the semester. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission approves new rules to slow down raise-setting process. Slow and steady is the name of the game for the county Salary Commission, which on Thursday revised its rules and received updates on collective bargaining agreements, private sector pay scales and county finances, but took no action on salaries for top management. West Hawaii Today.

Proposal for water-bottling plant killed. A proposal for a new water-bottling plant near Wailoa State Recreation Area was resurrected briefly before being definitively killed again at Thursday’s meeting of the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

A permit to allow the construction of a water bottling facility in Hilo was denied by the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

Kona pool down 6 to 7 months. After almost being shut down for a full week, Hawaii County officials expect Kona Community Aquatics Center to remain closed for six to seven months until a new filter system can be installed. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Two tourism reports for January indicate a softening of the Maui market with visitor spending down nearly 14 percent from last January and hotel revenue and average daily rates off across the board. Maui News.

A new study from financial technology company, SmartAsset, ranks the Waihee-Waiehu area of Maui as the most affordable place to live in Hawaii. Maui Now.

70 Waikapu affordable housing units offered. Waiale Elua applications due by March 29. Maui News.

Team cuts 500 feet of fishing gear from emaciated juvenile whale off Maui.  NOAA says five entangled whales have been spotted in Hawaii in the past week. Four of them were off Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Entangled Humpback Whale Freed of Gear Off Maui. An estimated 500 feet of heavy gauge line was removed from an entangled humpback whale off Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Nearly a year after April floods triggered a sinkhole and washed out a portion of Kahiliholo Road, residents are celebrating its reopening. But they’re also wondering what took so long. Garden Island.

Esaki’s Produce doesn’t usually fly their shipments to Kauai, normally relying on Matson to transport them via boat in deliveries that are made twice a week — Tuesdays and Fridays. But, for the past two weeks, Esaki’s has been shipping its wares in through Hawaiian Airlines to combat about a month of delayed shipping at sea. Garden Island.

Election reform, involuntary psychiatric commitment, fireworks bills advance in Legislature, state auditor cancels rail contract, battle over taxpayer-funded ex-police chief defense, heavy metals found near East Hawaii schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keiki day at the Capitol PC:House Majority Office

Keiki rallied at the Capitol Wednesday for children's issues. Advocates rallied at the Capitol Wednesday to support active bills regarding children's health, safety and education in the state Legislature. KHON2.

Hawaii parents, pushing to make it more affordable took their message to the State Capitol Wednesday morning calling on lawmakers to invest in our keiki and make early child care and pre-school available for all families. KITV.

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Hawaii’s economic growth expected to rebound. The ongoing slow growth of Hawaii’s economy is expected to pick up slightly this year after easing last year, according to a new state forecast. Star-Advertiser.

Economy Projected To Grow At Slower Pace Than U.S. Average. The latest economic growh report, released today by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, shows the state economy expanded by 0.7 percent from January to September, lower than the 2.8 percent for the U.S. average over the same time period. Hawaii Public Radio.

Read DBEDT's quarterly economic report.

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Hawaii lawmakers pass automatic recount, voter registration. Hawaii lawmakers have passed several bills to make it easier to vote and boost confidence in elections. Associated Press.

The State House of Representatives unveiled its election reform bills that crossed over to the Senate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers in both houses of the Hawaii state Legislature appear ready to approve a proposal which would institute automatic recounts in closely contested elections. The legislation, which will require a constitutional amendment approved by voters, was pushed forward at the Capitol as a reaction to the state Supreme Court being thrust into action following the 2018 general election. Hawaii News Now.

Many Climate Change Bills Are Still Alive, Including A Carbon Tax. At the session’s halfway point, several new measures have support. But some current initiatives will expire if action isn’t taken. Civil Beat.

Fireworks bill targets property owners and allows video evidence. The use of illegal aerial fireworks has sky-rocketed in Hawaii. KHON2.

Bill Focuses On Revolving Door Of Involuntary Psychiatric Treatments. The measure would form a task force to find ways to make emergency mental health admissions more efficient, and better protect the public. Civil Beat.

Changes could make it easier to commit mentally ill to treatment. State lawmakers want to change the law, so that more mentally ill people can be forced into treatment. KITV.

Southwest Airlines has new fuel-efficient planes coming that would allow the carrier to add more destinations to its lineup of flights between Hawaii and the mainland, a spokesman said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kealoha lawyer seeks city funding for fees. An attorney for former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha on Wednesday urged the Police Commission to use taxpayer money to pay for the lawyers representing him in two federal criminal cases. Star-Advertiser.

Deadline approaches for City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro to respond to petition calling for his suspension. 19 days ago, state Attorney General Clare Connors filed a petition for extraordinary with the Hawaii Supreme Court, writing that Kaneshiro should not be allowed to serve as city prosecutor -- at least for the time being -- given his serious conflicts of interest as the target of a federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Auditor has canceled a contract with a company that was supposed to review change orders for the $9.2 billion Honolulu rail project, and it is unclear whether that report will ever be completed. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Probe Has State Looking To Pull Back On Rail Audits. Proposed legislation would repeal the requirement for more audits. But added scrutiny has already led state finance officials to withhold $40 million from HART. Civil Beat.

A rail station was changed to save money. Now, a do-over could cost millions. Hawaii News Now.

The reason for Oahu’s 20% drop in sheltered homeless? Far fewer shelter beds exist. The sharp decrease -- which led to a 4 percent drop in Oahu’s overall homeless population -- is being blamed on the closure of a transitional shelter shelter in West Oahu and on new government regulations that forced the state’s largest homeless service provider to reduce capacity. Hawaii News Now.

State senator films Maili brush fire, police standoff while riding bus. State Sen. Maile Shimbukuro happened to be riding TheBus home from the state Capitol and took photos of the large brush fire as the bus slowly moved through congested traffic. Star-Advertiser.

Business incubator unveiled in Kakaako. The developer of the “Entrepreneur’s Sandbox” held a blessing for the $7.3 million state-owned business incubation center, which was paid for by federal, state and private funding. Star-Advertiser.

Argosy University Students Advised To Prepare For Possible Friday Closing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Argosy University could close as soon as Friday. KHON2.

Oahu home prices make modest February gains. The Honolulu Board of Realtors on Wednesday released sales data that showed roughly 2 percent increases for median sale prices of single-family homes and condominiums last month. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales drop in February as median price posts gains. Home prices on Oahu posted modest gains in February, compared with a year ago, as sales of single-family homes declined by 4 percent and condominium sales dropped by 17 percent, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The state Department of Education and Department of Health are implementing environmental hazard management plans at 18 East Hawaii schools after a study found elevated levels of contaminants such as lead, arsenic and chlordane in the soil at those facilities. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Education has found elevated levels of lead, arsenic or chlordane in the soil at 18 of the 23 public schools it tested in eastern Hawaii island, mostly around the perimeters of old buildings. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island’s only jail is going to get larger, but that’s just to better house its current population of inmates, not increase the inmate population. West Hawaii Today.

Opponents Will Try To Stop Geothermal Plant From Reopening. Even though the power facility damaged by last year’s lava flows is expected to be “operational” by year’s end, it’s facing challenges. Civil Beat.

More than a year after plans surfaced and fizzled for a pilot program to manage surf schools at Kahaluu Bay, businesses are still in the dark about how to get permits to teach wave riding at the popular spot. West Hawaii Today.

Home prices on Hawaii's Big Island jump in February. The median price of a single-family home on the Big Island in February was $382,000, an increase of 18.45 percent from $322,500 in February last year. Sales declined to 152 homes sold, 5 percent fewer than the 160 homes sold in February 2018. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui County’s state lawmakers were divided over their support of House Bill 1326 as the controversial measure on revocable water permits crossed over to the Senate on Tuesday. Maui News.

More than 15 soon-to-be released or furloughed inmates incarcerated at the Maui Community Correctional Center recently completed approximately 56 hours of workforce industry training from the Office of Extended Learning and Workforce Development at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui Now.

Grand Wailea plans appear before design board. Suggestions offered for saving chapel, masking parking structure. Maui News.

Kauai

Taxis in the terminal. A tentative agreement was recently reached between Lihue Airport administrators and taxi drivers who were threatening to strike if their demands for a curbside presence at the terminal continued to be ignored. Garden Island.

Kauai waits for Southwest flights. Flights to and from Kauai haven’t yet been announced. Tuesday, Southwest Airlines spokesman Brad Hawkins said that’s in the works. Garden Island.

Home sales on Kauai drop in February. There were only 26 single-family homes sold on Kauai last month, a 50.94 percent drop from 53 homes sold in February 2018. The median price of those homes was $689,000, a 4.97 percent decline from $725,000 in February 2018. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

Maui County wants to hold Molokai event to obtain, renew TWIC credentials. People who pick up shipments at state harbors, such as Kaunakakai Harbor, need to present a TWIC card, and the County of Maui Office of Economic Development is stepping up to offer an event to help people obtain or renew this credential. TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identification Credential. KHON2.

Fraud in HI-5 recycling program, visitors can now get medical marijuana, Chinese hackers breach UH, lawmakers want to stop rail audits, excise tax hike advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Worker sweeps up cans at Hawaii recycling plant ©2019 All Hawaii News

State audit alleges cheating in redemption payments in Hawaii recycling program. The state still has not made changes in its HI-5 redemption and recycling program to protect against fraud, and spot checks of recycling companies turned up two cases where records were allegedly altered so the state would reimburse substantially more to a recycler than was paid out to the public, according to a new report by the Hawaii State Auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Audit finds instances of potential fraud at recycling redemption center. The findings of the audit prompted the state Health Department Tuesday to pledge greater oversight and to refer the findings of potential fraud to the state Attorney General’s Office. Hawaii News Now.

Audit Of HI-5 Recycling Program Finds Evidence Of Potential Fraud. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fraudulent receipts found in Hawaii’s Hi-5 recycling program, according to the latest state auditor’s report. KITV.

Read the audit summary.

Read the full audit.

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Senate Approves Proposed Tax Increase To Help Public Schools. The measure increasing the statewide general excise tax by 0.5 percent was one of many bills clearing their first chamber as the session’s midpoint nears. Civil Beat.

Senate passes GET hike. The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday increasing the general excise tax to help fund education. Tribune-Herald.

Senate passes bill to increase GE tax half percent. KHON2.

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State unveils process for visitors to obtain medical marijuana. The state Department of Health unveiled Tuesday the process by which out-of-state medical marijuana patients will be able to register for medical cannabis while visiting Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Out-of-state patients now able to get legal medical marijuana in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii opens medical marijuana registration to visitors. The state Department of Health announced Tuesday that it is also rolling out an online registration system for medical marijuana, allowing qualified patients to quickly obtain an electronic registration card. KITV.

Online Registration Accelerates Access to Medical Cannabis. Maui Now.

Medical cannabis program is expanding. Hawaii's medical cannabis program is expanding to give those visiting from out-of-state the chance to obtain marijuana for medical purposes. KHON2.

Decriminalizing marijuana among measures ‘crossing over’ at the Capitol. The crossover deadline for bills is this Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii dispensaries sold $12.6M worth of pakalolo for medical use last year. Monthly medical cannabis sales doubled last year, and the number is projected to grow with out-of-state patients now able to purchase it locally. Star-Advertiser.

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Who Should Run Hawaii’s Pre-K Program? School Superintendent Christina Kishimoto is arguing DOE needs to be more heavily involved in the expansion of Hawaii’s pre-K program. Civil Beat.

Legislature Approves Nearly 1,000 Bills (No Surprise, Some Propose to Raise Taxes). The State Legislature is at the one-third mark of its 60-day session.  Today, lawmakers met to pass nearly one thousand bills to be sent to the opposite chamber for further consideration. Hawaii Public Radio.

As the 2019 Legislative Session nears its crossover deadline this week, the House of Representatives has passed nearly 500 bills during a productive session focused on good government, homelessness, and education. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Homes Funding Debated In The House. Representative Gene Ward and Finance Chair Sylvia Luke went back and forth on the House floor Tuesday over the budget for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Big Island Video News.

A new bill would require labels on coffee blends to disclose the geographic origins and percent by weight of the blended component coffees. Big Island Video News.

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University of Hawaii among dozens of schools targeted by Chinese hackers seeking military research. The University of Hawaii is among more than 27 universities that have been targeted by Chinese hackers seeking to steal maritime technology research being conducted for the military, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii and at least two dozen other universities have been targeted by Chinese hackers as part of an effort to steal military maritime technology research, The Wall Street Journal reported today. Hawaii Public Radio.

The University of Hawaii has been identified among more than two dozen universities around the globe that have been the target of Chinese hackers. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii among the universities hacked by Chinese. KHON2.

Chinese Hackers Target Universities in Pursuit of Maritime Military Secrets. University of Hawaii, University of Washington and MIT are among schools hit by cyberattacks. Wall Street Journal.

Editorial: OIP hinders public access to records. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Lawmakers aim to scale back state scrutiny of rail. House lawmakers gave preliminary approval Tuesday to bills that scale back the role of the Hawaii State Auditor in overseeing the Honolulu rail project, which is now the subject of a federal investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Probe Has State Looking To Pull Back On Rail Audits. Proposed legislation would repeal the requirement for more audits. But added scrutiny has already led state finance officials to withhold $40 million from HART. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Board of Education offers open forum for public comments. The state Board of Education will offer an open forum at the end of its general business meeting Thursday at Mililani High School for members of the community to offer their thoughts. Star-Advertiser.

New proposal aims to strengthen crossing laws. Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise this year. With so many deaths, the city council is looking into ways to further protect pedestrians crossing the streets. KHON2.

Navy continues work on broken water main. U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who on Monday inspected the site of a break in a 42-inch pipeline that provides the main source of water for Pearl Harbor and other Navy properties, said he is urging senior Navy officials at the Pentagon to immediately implement an already appropriated replacement project. Star-Advertiser.

'Afraid for our lives’: The ocean is eating away at a major road in Hauula. Hawaii News Now.

Builder sues Kakaako developer for unpaid work. The developer of Ward Village is embroiled in another legal dispute over construction of a condominium tower in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation in Kailua-Kona Monday evening held the first of several public hearings planned across the state to discuss fee increases at Hawaii small boat harbors and some other facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Leilani sees progress in effort to stymie squatters. The president of Leilani Community Association and the chairman of a committee formed to deal with squatters and resultant crime say progress has been made since they and police united late last year to clear illegal occupants from vacant homes in the lower Puna subdivision ravaged by Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Mohouli Heights development enters third phase. Construction started on a project that will double the size of a Hilo housing development for low-income seniors. Tribune-Herald.

Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood Phase 3 Begins. 92 additional low income senior rental housing units are now under construction, officials say. Big Island Video News.

No future likely for popular Kainaliu turnaround. A petition signed by about 200 people is asking Mayor Harry Kim’s administration to reopen a popular Kainaliu turnaround that helped drivers negotiate left turns on busy Mamalahoa Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Department of Public Works expects to complete resurfacing a portion of South Kihei Road by March 6, 2019, and help relieve recent traffic impacts. Maui Now.

The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for park security officer jobs until Sunday, March 10. Maui Now.

Kauai

Retired Las Vegas police captain selected as new Kauai police chief. Todd Raybuck, a former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police captain, has been hired as the new Kauai police chief, the Kauai Police Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

New police chief selected. The Kauai County Police Commission selected Todd Raybuck, a former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Captain, as the new KPD police chief. Garden Island.

Kauai Police Commission selects a Las Vegas captain as new police chief. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai's new police chief comes to garden island from ninth island. KHON2.

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Kuleana lots on Zuckerberg estate draw crowd. People from all over the state — attorneys, politicians, activists, journalists and curious residents — arrived at an entrance to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 700-acre estate on the North Shore for an opportunity to look at the four kuleana lots scattered across the property to be sold at public auction later this month. Garden Island.