Senate mulls dairy decline, Coco Palms defaults, state budget advances, two ballots sent to Honolulu voter, hotel occupancy falls, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii grocery out of fresh milk on March 22 ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senate Committee Votes To Examine Hawaii Dairy Decline. The State Senate is looking to counter the “demise of Hawaii’s dairies”. Big Island Video News.

Weak start for Hawaii hotels casts uncertainty for 2019. Statewide occupancy fell nearly 3 percentage points to 83.4 percent from February 2018, while the average daily room rate dipped just over 1 percent to $290 and revenue per available room declined more than 4 percent to $242. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotels see drop in occupancy and revenue for February. Fewer people stayed in Hawaii hotels last month compared to February 2018, according to statistics released Monday by Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Lawmakers Move Swiftly On Spending Plan, But That’s Not The End Of The Debate. The Legislature is preparing to send a streamlined, two-year $16 billion general budget plan to Gov. David Ige within the next few days. Civil Beat.

Minimum wage bill tweaked. A bill that would increase the state’s minimum hourly wage has been modified to raise wages even more quickly. Tribune-Herald.

State lawmakers propose use of firework detection technology. Hawaii lawmakers are urging county police departments to look into new tracking technologies so officers can better enforce fireworks laws. KHON2.

Oahu

Special East Honolulu election further scrutinized after a voter is mailed 2 ballots. The race for Honolulu City Council between Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters is heating up as voters in East Honolulu began receiving ballots in the mail. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu councilwoman seeks $21M to address homelessness. Honolulu Councilwoman Kymberly Pine has proposed that each of the nine Council members receive $2.3 million — or $21 million overall — to use in efforts to reduce homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Public Comment Period Not Extended Afterall For Ala Moana Beach Park Project. Plans to extend the period for public comment on a proposal to renovate Ala Moana Regional Park hit a roadblock tonight. Hawaii Public Radio.

Portlock homeowners told to trim encroaching beach vegetation. On Monday staff members with the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands walked the beach fronting more than a dozen homes and identified properties where the vegetation was growing beyond the high- water mark. Star-Advertiser.

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Humane Society CEO out following protest. After 16 months on the job, Hawaiian Humane Society CEO and President Lisa Fowler has resigned “for personal reasons,” the organization announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Embattled Hawaiian Humane Society CEO Resigns. Lisa Fowler was at the center of an employee uprising calling for her ouster. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s SPCA under fire for euthanizing 2 dogs despite ‘no-kill’ policy. A longtime volunteer at the Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is criticizing the animal shelter after it euthanized two dogs last Friday. Hawaii News Now.

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Local Artisans Are Thriving Amid Kakaako’s Condo Boom. If they make the right connections, artists, woodworkers and other creative types can benefit from the development of all those shiny skyscrapers. Civil Beat.

Koko Crater Stables riding high after city awards concession. Koko Crater Stables is now full of horses--and riders--again. The city awarded a five year concession to Horse Haven to manage the city property. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The convening of an International Moon Base Alliance Committee and a study of potential industries on the Big Island were two of the resolutions considered during a March 22 hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism. Big Island Video News.

A nonprofit group dedicated to recording whale songs wants to build a marine science center at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor, and it’s secured support from a number of political, Native Hawaiian and marine backers. West Hawaii Today.

Following in the footsteps of the Hawaii Police Department, investigators at the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney are ditching their old handguns for 9 mm Glocks. West Hawaii Today.

Glenwood Park closed indefinitely after theft of 3,000-gallon water tank. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Proposes $869.5M Budget For Next Fiscal Year. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino unveiled his first budget proposal yesterday, listing affordable housing, infrastructure and the environment as top priorities for the county in the next fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Hotels Still Lead State Despite Daily Rate Decline. Maui Now.

Maui Unemployment Rate Sees Slight Drop. The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for both the island of Maui and Maui County this past February was 2.8%, according to the Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Coco Palms Defaults. Efforts to redevelop the former Coco Palms resort have collapsed, with the two Oahu men behind the project facing foreclosure after defaulting on $11.2 million in financing they used to purchase the property five years ago. Garden Island.

Timeshare developer defaults on loan. The corporation that owns 21 acres adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott in Kapaa has defaulted on a loan it took out two years ago to finance the construction of a 330-unit timeshare development called the Coconut Beach Resort, according to loan foreclosure documents filed in Fifth Circuit Court earlier this month. Garden Island.

Anaina Hou looking for funding. This year will be the first full year the nonprofit has stood on its own, said Jill Lowry, who took the post of Anaina Hou executive director about six weeks ago. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai Adventure Center gets special-use permit OK. Project on old Koele resort golf course to include zip lines and challenge courses. Maui News.

Solar farms could take over prime ag land, $4.3M more to house inmates on mainland, boat people of the Ala Wai, pieces of Zuckerberg Kauai estate sold at auction, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Taro fields on Kauai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Bill to put solar farms on prime ag land elicits stiff opposition. Developers would be allowed to put solar farms on prime agricultural land under a measure that has passed key legislative committees but is eliciting strong protest from Gov. David Ige’s cabinet while dividing farmers and environmental groups. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii officials request $4.3 million for mainland prisoners. Hawaii's government has requested additional funds to house inmates on the mainland while upgrades continue at a state prison. Associated Press.

Cost grows for delayed upgrade at Halawa Correctional Facility. Gov. David Ige’s administration has requested an additional $4.3 million to house Hawaii prison inmates on the mainland while contractors finish a long-­delayed overhaul of the electronic locks and video surveillance systems at Halawa Correctional Facility. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Turns To Private Prison Firm For New Oahu Jail. Hawaii officials are struggling to find the hundreds of millions of dollars in state money needed for a new correctional facility. Civil Beat.

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Further Review Of UH Positions Complete, None At Risk Of Being Cut. Senator Donna Mercado Kim has completed a review of more than a hundred positions at the University of Hawaii that were in jeopardy of being dropped. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senate resolution wants more restaurants to give leftovers to homeless shelters. KITV.

Free app allows users to get more involved in certain bills. The Kakou app was launched last month by Pacific Resource Partnership, which represents the Hawaii construction industry and advocates for the Honolulu Rail Transit project. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Councilman Ron Menor is flexing his political muscle, saying city taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay ex-police chief Louis Kealoha’s legal fees as he fights almost two dozen federal criminal charges. Hawaii News Now.

After City Offered Help, Kealoha Says He Wants To Stick With His Federal Lawyer. Details must still be worked out regarding whether Honolulu or the federal government will cover the former police chief’s legal costs. Civil Beat.

Deadline looms for public comment on 2nd Draft EIS of Ala Moana Regional Park improvement plan. For several years the city has wanted to improve Ala Moana Regional Park and Magic Island, and officials have a plan that's being reviewed in an Environmental Impact Statement. KHON2.

Today is the last day to comment on a proposed plan to change Ala Moana regional park. The city is looking at reconfiguring parking, widening walkways, opening a dog park and constructing a playground. KITV.

New law now gives neighborhoods the option to require permits to street park. Honolulu’s Mayor signed a new law Friday that would allow restricted parking zones in residential neighborhoods. Hawaii News Now.

Following infuriating Kalihi gridlock, drivers wonder if it could’ve been avoided.  A traffic nightmare in Kalihi Friday night had some drivers running low on both fuel — and patience. Hawaii News Now.

A popular Oahu hiking trail could see money for much-needed repairs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants to set aside $1 million for work on the Koko Crater Trail. Hawaii News Now.

The Boat People Of The Ala Wai Fear They’re Getting Forced Out. For years a lucky few have lived aboard their vessels at the gateway to Waikiki. But a bill in the Legislature portends big changes. Civil Beat.

Sailing club faces an uncertain future as their lease is set to expire in April. La Mariana Sailing Club has survived two tsunamis, a swindler’s attempted takeover and more than 60 years in business. But the waterfront fixture at Keehi Lagoon could be facing its biggest survival test yet. Star-Advertiser.

Opinion: Political Mailers: Shamelessly Exploiting The News Media. News organizations have no say over how their material is used. In fact, we often don’t even know it is being used. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Speak out about county government: Charter Commission schedules public hearings. What’s your opinion about four-year council terms? How about a 1 percent disaster fund? The power of council members to discipline one of their own? Should the Police Commission and Fire Commission be authorized to discipline their respective chiefs? West Hawaii Today.

Vacation rental rules updated. After taking community input during two public hearings last month, the county Planning Department late Wednesday published what may become its final draft of rules regulating short-term vacation rentals. West Hawaii Today.

Permits for TMT backup proceed amid Mauna Kea obstacles. As the developer of the Thirty Meter Telescope works to fulfill the requirements of its permit for construction atop Mauna Kea, it also is drawing closer to gaining final approvals for its backup site in the Canary Islands. Star-Advertiser.

Pahala residents hear sewer financing options. The head of Hawaii County’s Department of Environmental Management met with Pahala residents Thursday evening to present options for financing mandated sewer hookups that will cost some homeowners thousands of dollars each. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige on Thursday released $2.4 million in construction funds for renovations at Kona Community Hospital. That will include work on operating rooms as well as upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning. West Hawaii Today.

Economist talks about future of state, post-eruption. A leading Hawaii economist believes the state’s economy might not completely recover from the Kilauea eruption before the next major economic recession. Tribune-Herald.

The fresh lava flows in Puna may appear lifeless and barren. But to one insect in particular, known as the lava cricket, it’s prime real estate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Controversy flows at water meeting. Upcountry water users get 27% of their supply from East Maui, not 80%. Maui News.

Water director: East Maui streams are protected regardless of permit decision. The county’s top water official clarified what he called a “misconception” in the murky debate over the connection between East Maui waters and the debated HB1326 in the state Legislature, which would extend revocable water permits for Mahi Pono, the company that recently acquired 41,000 acres of Alexander & Baldwin’s farmland. Maui News.

Maui’s new medical care provider has hired five doctors in the last four months, bringing to 11 the number of new physicians Maui Health System has brought in since Kaiser Permanente took over management of Maui County’s three public hospitals nearly two years ago. Associated Press.

State Withholds Names Of Inmates Transferred After Maui Riot. A total of 37 prisoners were flown to Oahu after their suspected involvement in the disturbance, but five have been returned to Maui. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Ohia Rapid Death Prevention Efforts Stepped Up on Kauai. State officials are ramping up efforts on Kauai to prevent the spread of diseases that are killing ohia trees. Hawaii Public Radio.

In a University of Hawaii laboratory, scientists are researching the newly identified fungus that’s causing rapid ohia death (ROD) in the endemic trees on Kauai and Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

Kuleana lands on Zuckerberg's Kauai estate sold at auction. The four kuleana parcels within Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s estate on Kauai were sold at public auction Friday — three to a retired University of Hawaii professor and one to a group of relatives, all descendants of the land’s original owner. Pacific Business News.

Education tax hike rejected by House, California Roundup cancer lawsuit could affect Hawaii, Kauai tops state for unvaccinated schoolchildren, Ozawa-Waters campaign heating up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii grocery clerks ©2019 All Hawaii News

A proposal to increase the state excise tax to boost funding for Hawaii public schools and the University of Hawaii will not get a hearing in the state House and appears to be dead for this year. Senate Bill 1474 would have increased the state excise tax to 4.5 percent from 4 percent to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in extra funding each year for higher and lower education, but House Finance Chairwoman Sylvia Luke said Thursday she will not consider the measure. Star-Advertiser.

A jury verdict linking Roundup to a California man’s cancer could help bring large payoffs to Hawaii residents. Five former and current Hawaii residents have sued agribusiness giant Monsanto, saying repeated exposure to the weedkiller caused their cancer. Hawaii News Now.

State Historic Preservation Division to Implement “I Mua Mondays”. On all Mondays, SHPD offices statewide will be closed to the public and SHPD will not accept meetings, phone calls, emails or “walk-ins”. SHPD’s Library will also be closed on “I Mua Mondays.” Maui Now.

State jobless rate remained at 2.7% in February. Hawaii’s gradually rising unemployment rate paused in February amid a slowing growth trend that local economists have been forecasting for the state. Star-Advertiser.

Local coffee: Boosting blends to 51 percent? Under the coffee labeling bill moving through the legislature, there could be a dramatic increase in the amount of local coffee in the blends you drink at restaurants and buy at the store. KHON2.

Prison reform frustrations: Bills to address overcrowding stalls in Senate. Overcrowded jails in Hawaii is a problem that has at least one State lawmaker claims the legislature this session is doing nothing about. KITV.

Micronesian official to plead guilty in bribery scandal. A government official from the Federated States of Micronesia is scheduled to plead guilty in U.S. District Court next month to conspiring to launder bribe money he solicited from a Honolulu engineering contractor. Star-Advertiser.

Turtle conservation rules cut Hawaii’s swordfish season short for 2nd year in a row. Swordfish season typically run through the month of June. But the 15 boats that make up Hawaii’s shallow-set longline fleet are sidelined for now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's rent supplement initiative funds expected to run out later this year. KITV.

Oahu

Ozawa-Waters battle heating up. With the special election for City Council District 4 fast approaching, Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters are seeking to draw voters’ attention to each other’s perceived weaknesses. Star-Advertiser.

Car racing fans push for a track at Barbers Point. A state Senate committee will hold a hearing today on a resolution “expressing support” for a racetrack on 220 acres at the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station that backers want initially for coned-course driving but could expand to quarter- mile, oval and dirt bike racing. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police officers Thursday morning rolled into the Walgreens parking lot on Young Street and ordered three homeless people to leave the private property — part of an ongoing effort to remove a particularly stubborn group of five to 10 chronically homeless people from the area. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine and University of Hawaii Cancer Center is hosting a panel on medical cannabis for cancer from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at 651 Ilalo St. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Highway 132 Restoration Funding Bill To Go Before Council. The Highway 132 recovery project that lava-locked residents of Puna have been clamoring for will be added to the Hawaii County Capital Budget, if the Hawaii County Council approves Bill 46 during its meeting in Kona on March 28. Big Island Video News.

Proposed UH-Hilo cuts called ‘devastating’. While proposed budget cuts throughout the University of Hawaii system, recently recommended by the state Senate, would largely reduce unfilled positions at UH-Hilo if approved, a proposal to trim $300,000 from the school’s athletics budget would devastate the program, university officials say. Tribune-Herald.

Spring has sprung: Hawaiian monk seal welcomes pup at North Kona beach. It’s said spring breathes new life into the world around us — and that was certainly true this year when Hawaiian monk seal RA20 welcomed her second pup Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui is one of the fastest growing communities in Hawaii, but it faces numerous challenges including water rights, high cost of living, and a high rate of homes being used as short term rentals. Tackling those challenges will be the job of newly elected county mayor Mike Victorino. Hawaii Public Radio.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater is one of the most popular things to do while visiting Maui—but is it becoming too overcrowded? The Department of Land and Natural Resources aquatic division has been studying impacts at Molokini for a decade. KHON2.

Kahoma Stream is blocked by debris, dries up. Community members worried about efforts to restore marine life. Maui News.

The Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management issued a response today concerning low stream flow reported in Kahoma Stream on Maui this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Tops State For Percentage Of Unvaccinated School Kids. For the first time, the state Department of Health has released statistics on vaccination rates for individual public and private schools. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit: Zuckerberg backed Andrade. The dispute over kuleana lots on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s estate in Kilauea has spawned another lawsuit. Garden Island.

The Chan Zuckerberg family is building on their support of Kauai Community College students with a new donation to support the Waialeale Project and Early College Program. Garden Island.

Convention contention. The Kauai Republican Party is gathering Saturday for the county convention and recent infighting between a district chairman and the chairman points to a controversial convention. Garden Island.

Orchid industry in decline, Legislature rejects plastic ban, new allegations in Zuckerberg Kauai land dispute, Hirono pays up, HPD chief gets high marks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Orchid show in Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Orchid Industry in Decline. Statewide the production of flowers and other nursery products are worth more than $77 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Orchids make up almost 20 percent of that value. But the state’s orchid industry has been struggling in recent years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii legislative committees reject plastics ban proposals. Two Hawaii legislative committees have rejected proposals that would have banned a variety of plastics used by the food service industry. Associated Press.

Are Hawaii Legislators Paid Too Much? It depends on who you compare them to. Compensation for lawmakers varies widely from state to state. Civil Beat.

Lyon contract scandal leaves Hawaii government officials scrambling. State and city agencies have been canceling or suspending contracts with Honolulu-­based Lyon Associates in the wake of a federal corruption probe involving the civil engineering firm whose president recently pleaded guilty to bribing government officials in Hawaii and Micronesia to obtain more than $10 million in contracts over the past decade. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii leads nation in union membership. Hawaii once again led the country in union membership with 139,000 unionized workers in 2018, 23.1 percent of wage and salary workers across the islands, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Pushes Bank Of America To Resolve Multimillion-Dollar Dispute. The company left the islands in 1997, but it had already been ordered to make $180 million in loans, partially because of discrimination against Native Hawaiians and Filipinos. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is thinking about switching drivers from a gas tax fee to a mileage fee, as a way to get more funding to fix our roads. Wednesday night was the first of many public meetings on the proposal. KHON2.

Here’s how to share your thoughts on the state’s plan to tax drivers by the mile. A controversial idea to charge Hawaii drivers based on how much they drive is now open to public input. The state Department of Transportation is starting a series of community meetings on the potential road usage charge. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s young people joined a national campaign against flavored tobacco Wednesday, marching from Aloha Tower to the state Capitol to take their message to lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Students Rally in Opposition to Teen Vaping. Hawaii Public Radio.

Execs with Xbox, 3Sixty Duty Free to advise Hawaii's Mana Up accelerator. Mana Up has added an executive with Microsoft’s Xbox video game business and an executive with 3Sixty Duty Free, an inflight duty-free retailer to the Hawaii-based product accelerator’s team of advisors. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard won high marks in her first annual review from her bosses at the city Police Commission. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief gets a good review for time on the job in new review system. Hawaii News Now.

Great annual review for Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard. KHON2.

Chief Ballard gets good marks in first evaluation. The full evaluation will be available to the media and the public Thursday. KITV.

HPD Chief Ballard Says Allegations Of Doctored Test Scores Are Unfounded. The chief told the Honolulu Police Commission Wednesday the city settled the case for $550,000 for financial reasons. Civil Beat.

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EVs costing state millions, blamed for airport parking congestion. The state is losing out on millions of dollars each year in annual parking revenues because electric vehicles get to park at the airport for free. Hawaii News Now.

Flying for spring break? Don’t count on airport parking. If you’re traveling off­-island during the busy spring break period, you might want to consider getting dropped off at Honolulu airport instead of parking there due to a parking crunch, state officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to fund repairs on Pali Highway moving forward. A House committee approved the bill which would provide up to $15 million for landslide clean-up and rockfall mitigation. KHON2.

Work is continuing on stabilizing the slope above the Pali Highway along the Old Pali Road. An emergency proclamation was issued Feb. 22, designating the location of the Pali Highway landslides a disaster area and providing relief for related damage and losses. Star-Advertiser.

A private utility company in California with operations in Hawaii has agreed to acquire former Navy water and wastewater systems serving Kalaeloa. California Water Service Group announced the deal Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono made good on her word to donate her salary during the partial federal shutdown with a donation to The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank. The Democrat on Wednesday presented a check to The Food Basket Executive Director Kristin Frost Albrecht that’ll cover the purchase of enough rice to feed 450 families. West Hawaii Today.

Residential subdivision proposed for Puueo. A major Hawaii Island landowner is seeking to subdivide 39 acres of former sugar fields in Puueo for a residential development. Tribune-Herald.

Puna boat ramp study added to capital budget. Another bill to provide funding for a Puna boat ramp feasibility study appears dead for the legislative session. But the Legislature might still allocate the funds through the capital budget. Tribune-Herald.

Although there were no "new announcements", executives representing Southwest acknowledged the desire to bring affordable options for air travel to the Hilo-side of the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

The United States Postal Service is considering the relocation of services from the Kamuela Post Office, and the community will have the chance to comment on the proposal. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Officials ‘pleased’ with mayor’s housing nominee Lori Tsuhako. Linda Munsell named second in command. Maui News.

Water Restoration Advocates Critical of Kahoma Stream Management. Maui Now.

Thousands of o'opu die after stream dries up. Water diversions kept the stream dry for close to a 130 years.  Efforts community groups, made to bring water back now down the drain. KITV.

16 More MCCC Detainees Tranferred to Halawa, 5 Returned to Maui. Maui Now.

16 more MCCC inmates transferred to Halawa Correctional Facility. Sixteen more inmates have been identified in the March 11 riot at Maui Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

More inmates transferred to Halawa Correctional Facility in wake of last week's disturbance. KHON2.

500 indigenous scholars on Maui for conference. It is first time research event held in Hawaii. Maui News.

Kauai

New allegations in Zuckerberg dispute. Several people with ancestral claims to the disputed land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s 700-acre North Shore estate are accusing a corporation controlled by the Facebook CEO of using deceitful, high-pressure sales tactics while attempting to convince them to sell their families’ shares in the land. Garden Island.

County asks court to stop vacation rental. A month after filing a lawsuit against a local real estate developer for using his vacation home as a short-term rental property, the Kauai County Planning Department is taking on the billionaire founder of Oakley. Garden Island.

Invasive annihilation. From brown tree snakes to coqui frogs, parakeets and mongoose, miconia and common rush, Kauai has a list of invasive species that have taken root, and is planning to prevent other species from arriving. Garden Island.

The Enduring Appeal Of Hippies. A remake of a documentary evokes nostalgia for a different time when an enclave of free spirits sprang up on Kauai’s north shore. Civil Beat.

Public slams Ala Wai flood plan, Senate shoots down prison purchase, marijuana decriminalization advances, another federal agency probing rail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Along the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Flood control plan for Ala Wai strongly opposed at meeting. Controversy over a $345 million project to lessen flood risks at the Ala Wai Canal by building a wall around the canal and huge flood control structures in the upper reaches of the watershed drew hundreds to a Tuesday town hall meeting in Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds attended a community meeting in Manoa Tuesday to hear from various city, state and federal agencies about a controversial flood risk management project proposed for the Ala Wai. Hawaii News Now.

Community members gather for input on Ala Wai Flood Management Project. The City and County of Honolulu has big plans to prevent a major flooding incident in Waikiki through the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project. KHON2.

Residents of Makiki, Palolo, and Manoa voice concerns over controversial Ala Wai flood mitigation plan. Plans to prevent catastrophic flooding of the Ala Wai Canal are met with protests. KITV.

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Senate Shoots Down Proposal To Buy Underused Federal Prison. A House bill sought to save money and lessen overcrowding in state facilities by pushing to acquire the Federal Detention Center. Civil Beat.

One idea to reduce overcrowding in the state’s jails was shot down Tuesday by the state Senate. The state House proposed buying the 1,200 bed Federal Detention Center near the Honolulu airport. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to decriminalize marijuana is one step closer to becoming law. Senate lawmakers Tuesday voted to ease the penalties for people caught with small amounts of recreational marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

A measure to decriminalize possession of marijuana in small amounts is moving forward at the State Legislature. House Bill 1383 would make possessing three grams or less of cannabis a misdemeanor. It would also establish a fine, and expunge prior convictions for possession of three grams or less from criminal records. Hawaii Public Radio.

Anti-plastic proposals face hearings today. Senate Bill 522, which would ban the sale, use or distribution of plastic utensils, beverage bottles, straws, polystyrene food containers and more successfully passed through its first committees in the state House after crossing over from the Senate. Another bill, Senate Bill 367, would prohibit just the sale of polystyrene food containers statewide, and has been similarly successful. Tribune-Herald.

Water diversion bill now with Senate. Several grassroots groups on Kauai and throughout the state are targeting Kauai legislators, asking them to kill a bill that would extend temporary water diversion permits for large corporations. Garden Island.

Outdated Technology Hampers Investigations Into Hawaii Professionals. The state agency charged with overseeing thousands of licensees is finally switching to an updated complaints management system. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines urged to return outsourced call-center jobs to isles. The state House Labor Committee unanimously approved a draft resolution Tuesday urging Hawaiian Airlines to return 200-plus call center jobs it has outsourced to the Philippines. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers to Hawaiian Airlines: Move your call center back to the islands. The House Labor Committee Tuesday unanimously approved a draft resolution admonishing the carrier and calling on it to return those 200-plus jobs to the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court: Giant Law Firm OK To Set Up Shop Here. In a ruling based on the court’s own rules, the justices said multistate law firms can operate in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A sea of orange flooded the Capitol with a message: Help feed Hawaii’s kupuna.  Hundreds participated in the 17th Annual March for Meals at the State Capitol Tuesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

A march Tuesday called on the State to set aside more money for senior services.  "Kupuna Care" is a state-funded program providing meals and services for seniors who cannot leave their homes. KITV.

The online forum Stolen Stuff Hawaii will attempt to flex its political muscles next month with a rally at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Tours and transportation company Roberts Hawaii has announced that President and Chief Operating Officer Percy Higashi will retire in June and executive vice president Roy Pfund will step into the role. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Bill curbing Waikiki parades and block parties advances. A bill to restrict parades and block parties in Waikiki won initial approval Tuesday from the City Council Transportation Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Another HART subpoena, targeting overpayments to move out of rail's way. HART has received a second subpoena, this time from the federal Department of Transportation OIG, collecting documents for a grand jury looking into relocation payments and real estate acquisition management, for people and companies that had to move out of rail's right of way. KHON2.

U.S. DOT Inspector General looking into rail concerns. The Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation is inquiring about claims by a former quality manager for a Honolulu rail contractor who alleges he was fired last year after he complained about flaws in construction of columns and shafts that support the airport segment of the rail line. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Advances Short-Term Rental Regulations. Members of the Honolulu City Council’s Planning Committee advanced two measures that would represent a sweeping change to the way short-term rentals are regulated on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Short-term vacation rentals on Oahu could soon be regulated. A City Council committee moved a bill forward Monday that would cap the amount of residents allowed to rent out rooms on their properties to 4,000 units on Oahu. KITV.

1-year later, Kauhale Kamaile offers stability, hope for homeless families in Waianae. Tuesday marked the first anniversary of the opening of the city’s 16-unit Kauhale Kamaile project along Farrington Highway, across from Waianae High School. Star-Advertiser.

Solar permits issued on Oahu continued their downward trend and plunged 20 percent in February. There were 156 solar permits issued by the City and County of Honolulu compared with 194 in the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneohe home sales outpace Windward Oahu neighbor Kailua. Sales of single-family homes in Kaneohe jumped by 75 percent last month, compared to February 2018, as prices remained unchanged, while sales in the adjacent Windward Oahu market of Kailua-Waimanalo declined by 14 percent. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Puna Geothermal Venture will host a community meeting Friday to address status of restarting the power plant and access through its “pioneer road.” Tribune-Herald.

Roundabout projects on Hwy 130 could be ‘shovel ready’ by August. The state Department of Transportation started the consultation process for future improvements to Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

Local officials, businesses celebrate Southwest Airlines’ arrival to Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today announced his appointment of Lori Tsuhako as Director of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns and Linda Munsell as Deputy Director. Maui Now.

Closing arguments heard in Maui Lani ancestral site case. Complaint by Maui resident argues that project has disturbed about 180 burials. Maui News.

Work progresses on senior rental housing project. Work continues on the the $34 million, 165-unit Kahului Lani senior affordable rental housing development in Kahului. Maui News.

Public Safety Director Travels to Maui to Survey Riot Damage at MCCC. Maui Now.

Inmate: Broken phones a starter for ‘riot’ at jail. Smoke-filled modules, locked cells, flames to the ceiling at MCCC. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami reflects on plans. He had announced an operating budget of $242 million and a capital budget of $36 million — a precipitous one-year uptick until the realization that the new half-percent increase in the general excise tax — which is expected to produce $24 million in new revenue — will be earmarked for roads and transportation. Garden Island.

Hawaii could take $452M hit in Trump cuts, plastic ban advances, UH jobs on the line in budget cuts, Honolulu grapples with vacation rentals, how to pay for education, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Quonset huts at Pohakuloa Training Area ©2019 All Hawaii News

Isle projects in Trump’s cross-hairs. The Pentagon on Monday identified $12.9 billion in military construction funding — including $452 million for projects in Hawaii — that could be tapped to help build President Donald Trump’s southern border wall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii weighs first-in-nation plastic bans at restaurants. Hawaii would be the first state in the U.S. to ban most plastics at restaurants under legislation that aims to cut down on waste that pollutes the ocean. Associated Press.

Survey supports more funds for public schools, but how to do it remains a question. There’s support for greater investment in Hawaii’s public schools, according to a new survey commissioned by HawaiiKidsCAN. Hawaii News Now.

The Battle Over Preschool Puts Hawaii Governor On The Hot Seat. Gov. David Ige’s remarks suggest he believes the statewide school administration, not the office delegated to bolster early learning programs, should be in charge. Civil Beat.

Proposed cuts could ‘devastate’ University of Hawaii, officials say. A Senate proposal to slash the University of Hawaii’s budget and eliminate 220 faculty and staff positions is sparking outrage at the university and a flood of calls and emails to the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of UH jobs on the line with proposed budget cuts. UH administrators hope to work with legislators to save jobs. KITV.

Proposed legislation would provide funds to open more mobile clinics for Hawaii's homeless. Project Vision Hawaii has seven mobile units statewide that provide medical and hygiene services for the homeless. KITV.

Oahu

Council panel moves vacation rental bill. A bill allowing up to 4,000 new bed-and-breakfast permits to be issued while at the same time strengthening enforcement of residential vacation rentals moved out of the City Council Planning Committee on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The new hire charged with reining in HART’s budget is being paid $85,000 a month. Five months after he was ousted as the head of a Canadian rail project, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has hired veteran rail executive Paul Giannelia. Hawaii News Now.

City to pay $5.25M in firefighter suit. The city has agreed to pay $5.25 million to settle a federal negligence and wrongful death lawsuit filed over the death of Honolulu firefighter Cliff Rigsbee. Star-Advertiser.

Unused vehicles raise spending concerns at EMS. Some workers have complained about specialized vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, which have never been used. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim wants more flexibility so he can stretch the general excise tax farther across the county budget. And, so far, the state Legislature is going along. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Farmers Market clears a permit hurdle. The county Planning Department approved one of three permits required to erect permanent canopies over Hilo Farmers Market. Tribune-Herald.

Abandoned vehicle disposal costly to county in West Hawaii. Abandoned vehicles are more than eyesores, traffic hazards and general nuisances to the county and the taxpayer. They’re also big business. West Hawaii Today.

After Half Century, Endangered Seabird Found On Mauna Kea Again. During the 46th annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group on Kauai, Bret Nainoa Mossman with the University of Hawaii at Hilo presented the first documentation of the 'ua'u, or Pterodroma sandwichensis, on Mauna Kea since 1963. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Meetings will be held next month in all Maui County community plan areas on the proposed fiscal year 2020 budget, Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, chair of the council’s Economic Development and Budget Committee, announced today. Maui Now.

New Maui Housing Director Announcement Due This Week. Interim Housing and Human Concerns Director William Spence completed his temporary appointment in the department on Friday. Maui Now.

Transportation options in South Maui and a road user charge system will be the topic of presentations at the Kihei Community Association’s meeting on Tuesday. Maui News.

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Maui Community Correctional Center assessing riot damage. The Department of Public Safety released photos Monday of the damage caused by inmates during the riot at Maui Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

Armed Perimeter Remains at Maui Jail, Mood Has “Calmed”. Maui Now.

A week after a riot at MCCC, crews are still working to clean up the mess. On Monday, the state released new images from inside MCCC. Hawaii News Now.

The maintenance staff at the Maui Community Correctional Center continue to clean up and repair the damage left behind by last week's riot. KHON2.

The median sales price for single-family homes and condominiums in Maui County spiked in February while the number of sales and inventory continued to decline. Maui News.

Kauai

Police look to improve efficiency. The Kauai Police Department on Monday launched its Online Crime Reporting System, offering the public a new way to submit a police report. Garden Island.

Kauai Police Department Launches New Online Crime Reporting System. The new website aims to make filing a non-emergency police report easier and more convenient for residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supreme Court won't hear B&B appeal denying gay couple, city council wants to evacuate Honolulu Hale, Southwest Airlines lands inaugural flight, taxpayers lose in failed Kauai dairy farm, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Hale ©2019 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court rejects Hawaii B&B owner who denied room to gay couple. The justices on Monday are leaving in place Hawaiian state court rulings that found the Aloha Bed & Breakfast in Honolulu violated Hawaii’s anti-discrimination law by turning the couple away. Associated Press.

Buyer Beware: Oceanfront Homes Keep Going Up Despite Rising Seas. Now, Hawaii lawmakers are considering bills that force sellers to tell prospective owners about vulnerable coastal properties. Civil Beat.

Swell pushes up surf to monster levels, keeping coastal homeowners on edge. Surf on the North Shore could get as high as 40 feet on Monday, and meteorologists say coastal flooding remains a threat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii film tax credit cap under fire at Capitol. Estimated claims for these state rebates last year jumped to $90 million from $55 million the year before. Now, a restraint on the subsidy is facing heavy pushback at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Creating A Better Life For Hawaii’s Developmentally Disabled. Gov. Ige has proposed spending $7.7 million to overhaul the state DD program, which includes offering clients more opportunities for jobs and setting goals for themselves. Civil Beat.

Excessive prison time still a mess for inmates. Officials with the state Department of Public Safety concede that in 2018 they released nine inmates after realizing they had been incarcerated beyond their scheduled release dates. Star-Advertiser.

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Southwest makes its inaugural flight to the islands. The discount carrier’s inaugural flight, appropriately numbered 6808, came from Oakland International Airport to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest begins much-anticipated service to Hawaii. The plane landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at 3:09 p.m., and passengers received lei and were greeted by Hawaiian music and hula. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines inaugural flight touches down to big Aloha welcome. KHON2.

A historic moment for Southwest Airlines as its first passenger flight touched down at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Sunday afternoon. KITV.

Hawaiian Airlines plans to add an additional daily flight to San Francisco in the fall. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Council likely relocating offices to Alii Place. With or without Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his administration, Honolulu City Council members want to relocate themselves and the rest of the legislative branch to the Alii Place tower downtown from Honolulu Hale by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Federal investigation, funding issues increase risk for rail bidders. The federal investigation that has cast a new cloud over the city’s rail project may also complicate efforts by the Honolulu rail authority to solicit companies for a public-private partnership to finish the 20-mile rail line, observers say. Star-Advertiser.

Investigators from the city Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raided three businesses and arrested two people Friday as part of a crackdown on Honolulu brothels operating as massage parlors and relaxation spas. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Orders Release Of More Records In Case Of HPD Officer Who Beat Girlfriend. But it’s unclear when the public will actually get to see the files. The police union has promised to appeal. Civil Beat.

Long time local newspaper reporter Burl Burlingame has died. He'd been a newspaper writer for more than 35 years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A bill that would allow only four wheel drive vehicles into Waipio Valley is advancing through the state Legislature. The trip down the Waipio Valley Access Road – a dangerous drive for unfamiliar visitors – could soon be more tightly regulated under a proposed bill moving through the Hawaii State Legislature. Big Island Video News.

More police officers for Kona: Chief talks new hires at chamber Focus Luncheon. Police Chief Paul Ferreira told a crowd Friday at the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Focus Luncheon that his office has requested two crime scene evidence technicians for Kona’s detective division, which is currently bereft of any such positions. Police have also requested in the upcoming budget an extra sergeant for Kona, as well as two sergeants each for the North Kohala and South Kohala districts. West Hawaii Today.

Group eyes $12M West Hawaii veterans center. With an estimated 16,000-17,000 veterans on the Big Island, half of whom reside in West Hawaii, the West Hawaii Veterans Council Inc. hopes to get underway in 2021 the first phase of construction of the facility that would provide veterans, veterans groups and the community alike with much-needed gathering space. West Hawaii Today.

Puna distance learning center bill clears committee. Senate Bill 457, introduced by Sen. Russell Ruderman, would provide funding for four full-time positions, as well as studies, plans and construction, for a distance learning center tied to the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Community College. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A California startup plans to begin test flights of a hybrid electric aircraft between Kahului and Hana later this year, technology that could eventually prove a “game changer” for interisland carriers like Mokulele Airlines. Maui News.

360,000 Visitors to Molokini is Concerning. New evidence suggests that some marine predators are being displaced by high human use at the Molokini Marine Life Conservation District, which in 2018 attracted more than 360,000 snorkelers and divers. Maui Now.

Growing taro in hard places is just the challenge for farmers like Bobby Pahia. Wide variety of crops being produced on 310 acres in Waikapu. Maui News.

W.S. Merwin, a prolific and versatile poetry master who evolved through a wide range of styles as he celebrated nature, condemned war and industrialism and reached for the elusive past, died March 15, 2019, in Haiku, Maui. He was 91. Associated Press.

Kauai

Ballots have been mailed out for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s Board of Directors Election. Three seats are up for election in March with the deadline to vote being March 23 at noon, and the three candidates are all incumbents — Calvin Murashige, Peter Yukimura and Jan TenBruggencate. Garden Island.

Private investment firm Ulupono Initiative lost a lot of money on its recently aborted plan to establish a dairy on Kauai, but so did local taxpayers thanks to a tax credit crafted by state lawmakers. Honolulu-based Ulupono received $875,000 in state tax credits under a 2008 law that created incentives for landowners to preserve prime farmland for agricultural use in perpetuity. Star-Advertiser.

Baby bison from South Dakota helping replenish Kauai herd devastated by flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Disasters, breakdowns bring national park visitors down, 10 tiny home homeless villages proposed, plastic ban advances, money in Honolulu City Council race, Maui jail riot highlights overcrowding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

After the eruption, visitors at Kilauea volcano ©2019 All Hawaii News

Parks losing traction with visitors. The latest visitation statistics released by the National Park Service show that 2018 was a particularly challenging year for some of the state’s busiest tourist attractions, with associated park economies taking a hit. Star-Advertiser.

Bottles, utensils and bags: Lawmakers are coming for your single-use plastics. An ambitious measure that would institute a broad ban on single-use plastics in Hawaii -- including plastic bottles, utensils and straws -- is gaining traction at the state Legislature despite widespread concern among businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Bill To Create An Airport Corporation Advances — With A Very Big Catch. Backers of an independent corporation to run Hawaii’s airports say it needs freedom from the state’s time-consuming procurement process. Key lawmakers disagree. Civil Beat.

Desperate to ease the homeless crisis, state leaders want to set up permanent villages made up of clusters of tiny homes. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says he wants to see up to 10 villages statewide with six on Oahu, two on the Big Island and one each of Maui and Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

State pushes for comprehensive review of EMS statewide. The state Department of Health wants a review of EMS systems across the state, following reports of  ambulances breaking down while on an emergency call. KHON2.

Some state lawmakers push for statewide EMS system review. The last review was in 1991. KITV.

Nonprofits Get 3 Nerve-Wracking Minutes To Make Pitch To Legislators. Nearly 300 Hawaii organizations seek grant-in-aid funding from the state. Most will probably fail. Civil Beat.

The governor, department heads and state legislators are set to get modest to sizable pay raises under a salary schedule approved by the Commission on Salaries this week. Hawaii News Now.

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Maui Riot Just The Latest Sign Of Trouble In State’s Overcrowded Jails. Pretrial detainees make up a big part of the inmate population. Meanwhile, most proposed reforms appear dead in Legislature. Civil Beat.

Man accepts 5-years in prison to get away from jail. Conditions in MCCC ‘out of control,’ he says. Maui News.

21 Maui Inmates Transferred to Halawa After Riot. The pretrial detainees were upset about jail overcrowding, according to Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. Civil Beat.

MCCC Inmates Identified In Riot Transferred to Halawa. State corrections officials transported 21 pre-trial detainees to Halawa Correctional Facility today who were identified as participants in Monday's riot at a Maui jail. Hawaii Public Radio.

A total of 21 inmates were transferred from the Maui Community Correctional Center in Wailuku to the Halawa Correctional Facility on Oahu this morning. Maui Now.

Maui inmates involved in disturbance transferred to Halawa Correctional Facility. KHON2.

Department of Public Safety moves 21 inmates from MCCC to Halawa Correctional Facility. KITV.

Oahu

State won’t pay rail invoices subject to subpoena by feds. The state has warned the Honolulu rail authority that it will not release funding for invoices that are being scrutinized by the federal government as part of the ongoing federal investigation of the city rail project, according to state Comptroller Curt Otaguro. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneshiro not in charge, acting prosecutor says. Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto insisted Thursday that he is in charge of day-to-day operations at the city prosecutor’s office despite several visits in the past week by Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro, who is on paid leave. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council questions new acting prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto. KHON2.

Spending soars in special election race for City Council seat. A Hawaii News Now analysis of campaign spending records shows that Tommy Waters is outspending Trevor Ozawa nearly three-to-one for the race for the east Honolulu City Council seat. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council heard budget proposals from emergency personnel departments on Thursday. There weren't major increases from Honolulu Police and Honolulu Fire Departments, both asking for an additional 1.5% increase from last year's budget. KHON2.

Ala Wai project will affect 37 private properties. A $345 million project to lessen flood risks at the Ala Wai Canal is moving quickly through the state Legislature despite concerns from property owners, including 37 who would be directly affected. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmaker wants solution to keep large trucks from hitting overpass. Representative John Mizuno, whose district is next to the overpass, says he's very concerned that this keeps happening and wants the Transportation Department to survey the overpass for any improvements. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs lawsuit against the University of Hawaii and the State over the management of Mauna Kea will continue in Honolulu Circuit Court, both sides report, although one of two motions to dismiss was granted. Big Island Video News.

Times of the signs: Holiday Inn still waiting, 5 years later, for sign approval. An application for downsized signs for the Holiday Inn in Kailua-Kona is making its way to the Kailua Village Design Commission, five years after developers first sought permission to erect the trademark franchise signs. West Hawaii Today.

Three bills seeking to encourage redevelopment of Hilo’s Banyan Drive hotel area remain alive in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

County offers to pick up vehicle disposal fees in short-term. Starting today and ending on April 30, the Department of Environmental Management Derelict/Abandoned Vehicle Section is accepting applications into a short-term program to pick up the disposal fees for any resident wanting to rid themselves of their rides. West Hawaii Today.

Ige releases funds for North Hawaii Community Hospital emergency department. Gov. David Ige released on Thursday $500,000 for construction of North Hawaii Community Hospital’s expanded emergency department. West Hawaii Today.

Geologists offer new insights into frequency of devastating waves. A paper from the U.S. Geological Survey suggests tsunamis like the one that devastated Hilo in 1946 might be predictable — and more frequent than previously thought. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Liquor Control Department is proposing new rules that include allowing dispensers and restaurants to sell liquor for off-premises consumption. Maui News.

A study of 22,000 coral colonies at 51 sites along Maui’s south and west shores found formally protected reefs near managed areas were among the most likely to show resilience to climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Resilient Reefs on Maui, Threats Identified. Maui Now.

Maui's most resilient reefs found in State marine managed areas. KHON2.

‘Renaissance man’ Reeser, former national park superintendent, dies. Supporter of groups and environment initiated fencing to keep out goats. Maui News.

Kauai

In a 35-minute talk before about 150 people, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami outlined his first 100 days in office, his proposed budget and his goals for the road ahead as this island’s highest-elected leader. Garden Island.

Kunoa announces expansion to operations, executive team. Local livestock processor Kunoa Cattle Company announced the growth of its Kauai ranch operations Wednesday. Pacific Business News.