Thursday, April 4, 2019

Hawaii population decline spells trouble, Tiger Woods golf course planned, confirmation hearings draw controversy, electric rate hikes looming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Eating at the food court Ala Moana Center ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii’s Population Decline Signals Future Economic Challenges. Hawaii is one of just nine states that lost population in 2018, reflecting a level of out-migration far deeper than the brain drain of past years. Civil Beat.

Senate Committee Confirms DHHL Deputy William Aila. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supporters of Public Safety director engage in questionable tactics ahead of confirmation hearing. As embattled Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda prepares for tough questions from lawmakers Thursday at his long-awaited confirmation hearing, his strongest supporters are engaging in last-minute — and questionable — tactics in a bid to save his job. Hawaii News Now.

Despite mounting criticism, governor stands by reappointment of Public Safety head. The governor is standing by embattled Public Safety director Nolan Espinda ahead of what’s certain to be a tough confirmation hearing Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Coffee labeling measure deferred. A measure originally intended to change labeling requirements for coffee blends died quietly with a few passing words Tuesday morning in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Plan to allow solar farms on top-rated agricultural lands dealt setback. State lawmakers on Wednesday halted a proposal that would allow large solar projects on the state’s most valuable agricultural lands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii considers reforming bail system called unfair to poor. Lawmakers are considering allowing defendants accused of non-violent offenses to be released on bail without paying cash up front. Associated Press.

State Criticized For Cutting Services For The Developmentally Disabled. Agency representatives say they’ve gotten more efficient with the help of a new budgeting tool, but advocates for patients are filing more complaints. Civil Beat.

Amid push to unionize, UH grad students say their voices aren’t being heard. Hawaii News Now.

Micronesia Official Pleads Guilty To Bribery In Hawaii. Authorities said he accepted a bribe from a Honolulu company in exchange for $7.8 million in government contracts. Associated Press.

HEI seeks renewable options as end nears for 2 plants. In an effort to prepare for the closure of two fossil-fuel plants in the state — the coal-fired AES Hawaii plant on Oahu and the oil-fired Kahului Power Plant on Maui — Hawaiian Electric Companies is seeking more renewable energy projects. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More than one-third of registered voters in Honolulu City Council District 4 have already cast votes in the special election between Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters. The official election day is April 13. Star-Advertiser.

Council members oppose Kealoha fees. Key Honolulu City Council members want the city Police Commission to reverse its approval of the use of taxpayer money to pay for former Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal expenses. Star-Advertiser.

Council leadership: Taxpayers shouldn’t pay for ex-police chief’s legal defense. In a strongly-worded letter to the Honolulu Police Commission, Councilman Ron Menor is expressing his concerns over the body’s decision to have taxpayers foot the bill for ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal defense. Hawaii News Now.

Defendant Wants To Stop Early Testimony Of Katherine Kealoha’s 99-Year-Old Grandmother. Federal prosecutors want to get the testimony of Florence Puana in a videotaped deposition before the Kealohas’ trial starts because she’s fallen ill. Civil Beat.

Whistleblower tells police commission concerns about upcoming promotions. The retired Honolulu Police Department lieutenant who recently received a $550,000 payout from the city spoke on Wednesday before the Honolulu Police Commission. KHON2.

Critics Renew Calls To Stop Honolulu Rail At Middle Street. While shortening the line could save hundreds of millions of dollars, rail leaders argue the system would lose nearly half its projected ridership. Civil Beat.

UH Researcher Skeptical of Housing Proposal To Build $300,000 Units. A proposal at the state capitol to address the lack of affordable housing in Hawaii's largest population center has garnered significant community attention in recent weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tiger Woods is designing the newest luxury golf course on Oahu. Oahu’s Leeward Coast will soon boast a golf course that’s been re-shaped by one of the game’s greatest players. Hawaii News Now.

Tiger Woods to design golf course in Makaha. Golf superstar Tiger Woods will design his first golf course in Hawaii as part of a $300 million master-planned development that aims to establish a new resort in Makaha Valley. Star-Advertiser.

New solar PV panels expected to reduce Honolulu airport’s electric bill by nearly half, state says. Hawaii Department of Transportation officials said an additional 2,980 solar photovoltaic panels have been installed on the 5th floor of the Terminal 2 parking garage at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The state Public Utilities Commission has scheduled public hearings next week to determine whether a 3.4 percent rate increase for Hawaii Electric Light Co. is “fair and reasonable.” West Hawaii Today.

Plan To Drive Tourism To Hawaii Island Announced. State officials held a press conference on Oahu today to announce $2.5 million has been allocated to bolster marketing efforts in the U.S. mainland and Japan. Big Island Video News.

Tourism authority to launch major ad campaign to woo visitors to Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Albizia abatement measure heads to governor’s desk. A bill that would allow property owners to enter neighboring properties to remove dangerous albizia trees needs only the governor’s signature to become law. Tribune-Herald.

15 possible names for fissure 8 already submitted; nominations still being accepted. The state Board of Geographic Names formalized a committee for naming one of the most prominent features from last year’s Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Report: Maui County comes in second in Hawaii health rankings. Higher numbers for alcohol abuse and housing shortage are among state’s worst. Maui News.

New medevac chopper blessed. Crew responds to incident in Hana at end of ceremony. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami met with the residents of the Courtyards at Waipouli Apartments on March 28, along with Managing Director Mike Dahilig, Housing Director Kanani Fu and Councilman Mason Chock. Garden Island.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

High bacteria closes Hanauma Bay, 'gender X' could appear on state IDs, licenses, attorney general drops charges against Maui corporation counsel, Oahu pedestrian plan hearings set, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Elevated bacteria level closes beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed Wednesday following reports of an elevated bacteria level by the State Department of Health Clean Water Branch. Star-Advertiser.

Hanauma Bay To Close Wednesday Following Elevated Bacterial Reading. City parks officials are planning to close Hanauma Bay Wednesday after the state health department found bacterial levels exceeded its established threshold. Hawaii Public Radio.

High bacteria levels force closure of Hanauma Bay. The city said levels of the enterococci bacteria were nearly twice the threshold allowed. Hawaii News Now.

Elevated bacteria level at Hanauma Bay, park closed Wednesday. KHON2.

The beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed Wednesday, April 3, following reports of an elevated bacteria level by the State Department of Health Clean Water Branch. KITV.

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Beyond Hotels And Beaches: Can Hawaii Really Diversify Its Economy? Hawaii’s economy is thoroughly dominated by tourism. But alternative energy and research-and-development offers some of the best chances for creating new, higher paying jobs. Civil Beat.

Gender 'X’ could soon be an option when applying for IDs, drivers licenses. A measure toward furthering gender equality in the state is moving forward at the legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers lose sleep over controversial water rights bills. The bills would extend for seven years temporary permits to divert water from streams. Hawaii News Now.

A Senate committee voted in favor Tuesday of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Deputy Director William Aila’s confirmation — despite opposition to his nomination. The move comes days after the Ige administration decided not to nominate DHHL Chair Jobie Masagatani to another term. Hawaii News Now.

After Humpback Whale Count, Researchers Say It's Too Early To Determine Trends. A total of 109 humpback whales were counted in Hawaiian waters on Saturday as over 430 volunteers finished data-gathering from the shores of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines adds California route, expands Oceania code-share agreement. Competition between Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii’s largest carrier, and Southwest Airlines, one of the U.S.’s top four carriers, is rising. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

ACLU pushes back against ex police chief’s attorney who called for firing of Kealoha critic. The Hawaii ACLU fired back against Rustam Barbee, the taxpayer funded attorney for ex police chief Louis Kealoha on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

ACLU tells Kealoha attorney to back off. The University of Hawaii Law School and the ACLU are standing behind by a faculty member who's been asked to stop commenting on legal cases. KHON2.

Navy’s new high-tech destroyer USS Zumwalt arrives in Pearl Harbor. A striking and controversial Navy destroyer pulled into Pearl Harbor for the first time this morning, garnering attention for its sheer size (610 feet long), stealth features, and unorthodox wave-piercing “tumblehome” hull on its first operational sail from San Diego. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers look to reduce helicopter noise, but how to do so is up in the air. Residents along the coastline from Waikiki to Diamond Head and Kahala have been raising their voices for years to complain about noise from tour helicopters disrupting their neighborhoods. Hawaii News Now.

Public meeting coming up on Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan. The City and County of Honolulu is hoping taking pedestrian safety a step further by creating Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan. KHON2.

Feeding The Homeless When The City Says Not To. A nonprofit bringing food and hot shower services to Kakaako Gateway Park is sparking a debate about the downside of free meals in parks. Civil Beat.

With repairs on schedule, state shoots down idea of adding Pali contraflow hours. The state transportation department says it's "on schedule" to complete repairs to the landslide-damaged Pali Highway by the end of August. Hawaii News Now.

Pali Highway repairs on schedule; contra-flow hours to remain the same. State transportation officials said today that current contraflow hours for Pali Highway will remain the same, as emergency repairs continue in the wake of damaging rockslides in mid-February. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

$3M Settlement After Rock Slide Adds To Taxpayers’ Legal Bill. The state Department of Transportation is set to pay a $3 million settlement in a 12-year-old case brought by a Big Island couple injured when falling rocks smashed into their car.  Civil Beat.

Ka'u ranchers and farmers find themselves once again stuck in the middle of a contentious legislative fight over Hawaii water rights. Big Island Video News.

Tuesday’s Mauna Kea Management Board meeting – the first one held since May 2018 – began with a report from Office of Mauna Kea Management director Stephanie Nagata. Big Island Video News.

Another botched transport: Kailua-Kona man charged with attempted murder not released by HCCC for hearing. A preliminary hearing was rescheduled after a Kailua-Kona man, accused of assaulting a police officer, was not transported by deputies from the Hilo jail to the Kona courthouse. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Charges dropped against top civil lawyer. Attorney general won’t prosecute Patrick Wong. The state attorney general’s office said Monday that it will not prosecute Maui County Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong over domestic violence allegations. Maui News.

Dagdag-Andaya, Nakagawa named to director posts in administration. Confirmation still required by council. Maui News.

MCCC staff were ‘scared for our lives’. Letter describes chaos during March 11 riot. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawaii Community Foundation announced Monday that more than $600,000 in grant funding is being distributed to Kauai nonprofits from the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund that was created following the storm and flood of April 2018. Garden Island.

Upgraded sirens sound off. Several new Kauai outdoor warning sirens were included as part of Monday’s statewide outdoor warning siren test. Garden Island.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Water rights at issue in Legislature, taxing REITs, lava-locked residents finally go home, more seniors seek medical marijuana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Freshwater stream enters the ocean at Kawa Bay ©2019 All Hawaii News
Battle over water rights once again comes to a head at state Legislature. On Tuesday, lawmakers will hear a bill that would extend temporary permits for seven years to big water users like Alexander and Baldwin, giving them more time to get water leases. Hawaii News Now.

Water bill appears to give A&B a financial break. A state measure that would give an assortment of large landowners, agricultural concerns and electrical utilities seven more years to meet stricter requirements for access to public water appears to give one particular company a huge break. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents Want Accountability As Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Extension of Water Diversions. State lawmakers are weighing a bill that would allow a dozen private users statewide, including Alexander and Baldwin, to continue to divert fresh stream water temporarily. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Legislature to consider bills on asset forfeiture and water leases. State lawmakers have scheduled hearings on bills that would reform Hawaii’s civil asset forfeiture program, allow developers to build solar farms on prime agricultural land and extend the period of time that companies and farming interests have to comply with a deadline for obtaining water leases as a Friday deadline approaches for moving bills out of their final committee. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s fastest-growing set of medical cannabis users are over 66. The average age of Hawaii’s pot patients is 51, and those between the ages of 56 and 65 are the largest population of medical marijuana users statewide, Health Department statistics show. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Revive Bail Reform Efforts To Reduce Overcrowding. Several criminal justice measures are still alive and will likely be hashed out in Senate-House conference committees. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers to consider PSD Director's future. A Senate committee will discuss the future of Director Nolan Espinda later this week. Senator Clarence Nishihara has been collecting evidence and reports for Espinda's confirmation hearing, scheduled for this Thursday. KHON2.

Rifles bought for deputy sheriffs never distributed because they violate state’s own policy. Taxpayers have built an arsenal of long guns for the Public Safety Department in recent years, but dozens of those firearms are just collecting dust in the armory because the state’s own policy doesn’t allow them to be used. Hawaii News Now.

Gun owners in federal suit: Hawaii’s open carry law amounts to a ban. Gun owners are taking aim at Hawaii’s open carry law, saying it’s unconstitutional. Hawaii News Now.

Programs that depend on state money to serve Hawaii's homeless rallied Monday. Nonprofits say it can be difficult to work with homeless long term if they're constantly worried about not being able to sustain themselves the next year. KITV.

Bill to tax Hawaii REITs clears final committee. A bill that would eliminate the corporate income tax deduction on dividends paid by real estate investment trusts in Hawaii cleared its final committee and is headed for passage by the state House of Representatives. Pacific Business News.

Charter School Clampdown Has Educators Worried About Their Independence. Versions of a measure giving the state some financial oversight of the schools have cleared both chambers. Opponents say it takes away their autonomy. Civil Beat.

Lofty hopes and dreams in Legislature coming down to reality as session progresses. Star-Advertiser.

Governor encourages residents to ‘invest the time’ to participate in 2020 census. The Census won’t happen for another year, but Hawaii leaders are already putting in the work to ensure every Hawaii resident is counted. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige Announces 2020 Census Count Committee. The committee is charged with increasing awareness about the importance of being counted; organizing state resources effectively and cost-efficiently to promote the count; and improving the response rate for the 2020 Census questionnaire. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu police chief is pressed on handgun carry permits. The Honolulu Police Commission was mostly effusive in its praise of Police Chief Susan Ballard in the first-year review that was released recently, but key members are clearly troubled by the answers she’s given them on the Police Department’s policy regarding handgun carry permits. Star-Advertiser.

Duo curbs helping Kakaako’s homeless. Under the threat of state Health Department fines of up to $1,000 per violation, a Kaimuki couple who used to provide meals and hot showers to homeless people around Kakaako Waterfront Park is backing down and looking for a different spot. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kipuka residents rejoice as PGV opens graded route over lava channel. More than 30 residents of a lava-locked kipuka in lower Puna drove across the lava channel from last year’s Kilauea eruption Monday to return to their homes. Tribune-Herald.

Joyous Moment As Lava-Locked Residents Regain Access. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County officials say they were unaware that federal officials are considering moving the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory off the island where there are erupting volcanos. The possibility of the relocation came to light last week during a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing for David Bernhardt, the nominee for secretary of the Department of  Interior. Hawaii Public Radio.

Volcano Observatory Future Discussed With Scientist-In-Charge. Big Island Video News.

Time is ticking down for a handful of bills that would impact the Big Island to secure their final committee hearings in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Sold. Big Island Now.

Maui


Public Works, Environmental Management Director Appointees Announced. Mayor Michael Victorino announced Monday afternoon that Rowena Dagdag-Andaya and Eric Nakagawa are his nominees as directors of the departments of Public Works and Environmental Management, respectively. Maui Now.

Four promoted to fire captain. Four Maui Fire Department firefighters have been promoted to captain and six have been promoted to firefighter III. Maui News.

Volunteers count on whales showing up. Volunteers look for whales off Maui on Saturday during Pacific Whale Foundation’s Great Whale Count. A total of 219 whales were seen off Maui from 12 sites. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Kahului to Sacramento Non-Stop Flights. Hawaiian Airlines today launched daily, nonstop service between Kahului, Maui and Sacramento, giving West Coast travelers enhanced access to the Valley Isle. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Hawaii Lodging &Tourism Association, in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, distributed $38,000 in grants to seven nonprofits on Kauai during a ceremony Monday at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

Developer faces more litigation. A real estate developer, whose long-delayed timeshare proposal on Kauai faces mounting financial trouble, is struggling to cover debts on projects on the mainland as well. Garden Island.

After more than a decade of dreaming, Kauai Community College is composting. It’s a grassroots effort started by a few professors and Emily Broderick’s biology class, combining movement toward a more sustainable campus with lessons on the scientific method. Garden Island.

Monday, April 1, 2019

Reducing plastic straws, lawmakers look to tax hikes, two Cabinet members out, flavored vape bills advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News
A new bill would require customers to ask for plastic straws. A bill making its way through the state Legislature would require restaurants in Hawaii to provide customers with straws only if they ask for them, or face a fine of $25 a day. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii Taxes And Fees Are Almost Certain To Rise. The leaders of the Legislature’s money committees say more revenue is essential, and there’s a raft of proposals to raise more cash. Civil Beat.

Ige Decides Not To Renominate Two Cabinet Members. Jobie Masagatani, chair of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Rod Becker, director of the Department of Budget and Finance, will not be nominated to serve new four-year terms. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Considers Flavored E-Cigarette Ban To Curb Teen Vaping. The first state to limit tobacco and electronic cigarette sales to people 21 and older is contemplating a new nicotine crackdown: outlawing flavored electronic cigarette liquids and flavored tobacco to combat a spike in teenage vaping. Associated Press.

Oahu


UH law instructor under fire for speaking to media about Kealoha corruption case. The defense attorney for Louis Kealoha says the school should fire the employee if he continues to make statements to the media about the proceedings. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha Attorney Wants UH Instructor Muzzled Or Fired. Rustam Barbee says that UH law school instructor Ken Lawson has crossed a line. But Lawson says Barbee is trying to bully him into silence about the case. Civil Beat.

"I won't shut up" - legal analyst responds to job threat from Kealoha's lawyer. A legal analyst says he will not be intimidated by Louis Kealoha's lawyer. KITV.

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‘Bring it on’: Judge issues stern warning to city Prosecutor’s Office. Circuit Court Judge Edward Kubo did not hold back in court Friday after the Honolulu prosecutor’s office ignored an order to turn over the personnel records of former deputy city Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

It would save the city about $450 million to halt construction of the rail project at Middle Street, according to rail officials. Star-Advertiser.

A move to save some trees is stalling the construction of a new school library in Manoa. Environmentalists are upset because the original plans did not call for any tree removal. KITV.

Atlantis resort not ready to rise out of the sea, but work progressing. A Chinese firm is moving its estimated $1.5 billion Atlantis resort at Ko Olina closer to construction after more than two years of planning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The U.S. Geological Survey is looking for a new home for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory after it became displaced because of the Kilauea volcano eruption last year. Associated Press.

Legislature Approves $60M In Volcano Disaster Relief. It includes $20 million in grants and $40 million in loans that the federal money is expected to cover. Associated Press.

Hawaii Legislature Passes $60 Million Kilauea Disaster Relief Bill. Big Island Video News.

Funding For Hawaii County Volcano Recovery Heads To Governor's Desk. Hawaii County is on track to receive up to $60 million in state funds for recovery efforts from last year’s Kilauea eruption. Hawaii Public Radio.

County awaits word from contractor about readiness of fields at long-delayed Kuawa Street park. The new baseball and multipurpose ball fields in Hilo were first estimated to be open in 2016, but the discovery of contaminated soil pushed the timeline back a year. Tribune-Herald.

NOAA assessment finds Kona crab fishery healthy, room for catch to increase. Despite fishermen seeking out the crabs for more than a century, it wasn’t until February that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center published a 2018 stock assessment of the main Hawaiian Islands Kona crab fishery. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor’s budget proposes upgrades to landfill. 19-acre expansion, other improvements could extend its life by as much as 10 years. Maui News.

MECO to pay for some fossil fuel cost. PUC OKs new base rate hike of 3.8% Maui News.

Maui is front and center for its focus on green energy efforts. MEDB’s Hawaii Energy Conference attendance up by 25 percent. Maui News.

Haleakala park visitor count down 6.1% in 2018. Trend continues into the first two months of 2019. Maui News.

Kauai

Old plantation fuel tanks removed. While visitors were walking back and forth from the Pride of America Cruise Ship on Thursday afternoon, workers with Kauai-based Pacific Concrete Cutting &Coring Inc. were making a ruckus. Garden Island.

A food pantry that has operated out of a building on the St. Catherine Church and school campus is closing after nearly a decade of service to the community. Garden Island.

Friday, March 29, 2019

Audit blasts state handling of rail money, Aloha Stadium to stay in Halawa, UH president under fire, Health Department reaches settlement with dairy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Train car assembly PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
State Auditor Blasts DAGS For Failure to Verify Rail Invoices. The Office of the Auditor has issued a blistering report on the failure of state accounting officials to adequately verify invoices from the transit agency developing the Honolulu rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest Audit: Agency ‘Arbitrary,’ ‘Inconsistent’ In Reviewing Rail Costs. The Hawaii agency that oversees rail spending lacks the proper rules, training and procedures to make sure its reviews are sound, the latest audit finds. Civil Beat.

The state auditor released another report Thursday relating to Honolulu's $9.2 billion rail project. KITV.

Full audit rail oversight report. Lack of Fundamentals: Review of the Department of Accounting and General Services’ Verification of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Invoices. Hawaii Office of the Auditor.

HART work went off the rails, report says. One of the new Honolulu rail cars was damaged in an “incident,” and another work vehicle that runs on the rail line derailed twice in January, prompting the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to issue a “safety stand-down” letter last month suspending vehicle operations, according to rail officials. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Island’s tourism decline contributes to state softening. Tourism performance was mixed across the isles in February with double- digit dips in spending and arrivals from Hawaii island contributing to statewide softening. Star-Advertiser.

Push To Increase Spending On Schools Loses Momentum. Policymakers say more transparency about current spending is needed before more public money is earmarked for schools. Civil Beat.

Faculty union blasts UH president, but stops short of calling for his resignation.  During a contentious Board of Regents meeting Thursday, members of the University of Hawaii’s faculty union blasted school President David Lassner for his handling of proposed budget cuts that would have forced dozens to lose their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Former high-ranking ILWU official Nate Lum pleaded guilty Thursday to identity theft in federal court. Lum also admitted he failed to file federal tax returns. But under a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop a theft charge against him. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Review affirms keeping stadium in Halawa. An alternative site analysis released Thursday by the Aloha Stadium Authority marked a step in the process of replacing the 44-year-old facility and recommended a new stadium and ancillary development be built within the same 98-acre parcel. Star-Advertiser.

Planning For New Stadium Assumes It Would Be Built In Halawa. The current site of Aloha Stadium is the preferred site for construction of a new facility that would include an adjacent business district. Star-Advertiser.

The Stadium Authority marked the beginning of the Environmental Impact Statement and master planning process for a new proposed Aloha Stadium. KHON2.

The Stadium Authority announced Thursday that it is beginning the Environmental Impact Statement and master planning process for a replacement for Aloha Stadium. Pacific Business News.

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Arizona Memorial access to be restored ‘by fall,’ officials say. The National Park Serv­ice said Thursday it has awarded a $2.1 million contract for repairs to a faulty USS Arizona Memorial dock that should be completed “by fall” — in time for the next Dec. 7, 1941, remembrance. Star-Advertiser.

The National Park Service has awarded the contract for repair of the anchoring system for the USS Arizona Memorial dock.  KHON2.

Homelessness dominates public safety concerns at Waikiki conference. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard pledged to improve public safety by working with Waikiki stakeholders to make the state’s top tourism district “uncomfortable” for homeless people. Star-Advertiser.

Couple defies city by attending to Kakaako homeless. A Kaimuki couple with a new city contract to provide mobile hot showers for Oahu’s homeless are defying the city in two ways: by continuing to operate twice a month next to the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center and by regularly feeding about 50 homeless people in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Moanalua ‘workforce’ housing complex expansion completed. A 50-year-old affordable rental home complex in Moanalua received a blessing Thursday following the addition of nearly 500 new midprice homes. Star-Advertiser.

40 residents, employees at Honolulu senior facility fall ill; officials suspect norovirus. Hawaii News Now.

Library re-stocking shelves a year after flooding damaged contents. The Aina Haina Library has been closed for almost a year now since just after the historic flooding. KHON2.

Summer Palace of King Kamehameha III vandalized again. KHON2.

Oahu Publications Inc. has sold its 152,574-square-foot print production facility in Kapolei and the 11.61 acres of land beneath it in a $40 million leaseback transaction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A bill to provide Hawaii County with $60 million to assist with recovery from last year’s Kilauea eruption is expected to have its final vote today in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism official: ‘It hasn’t been that great of a start to the year’. Big Island tourism has fallen to near-2017 numbers in the aftermath of the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory To Move To Oahu? Senator Mazie Hirono pressed the Interior Secretary Nominee to get more feedback before making any decision to relocate the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory HVO to Oahu. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Health on Thursday entered into an agreement with the owners of Big Island Dairy as its operations draw to a close. Under the agreement, Big Island Dairy’s owners are required to terminate dairy operations, remove all cows from confinement on the site, clean and remove the existing wastewater system, and pay $79,000 by June of 2019, either as an administrative penalty or to fund an environmentally beneficial project in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Dairy, Health Department Sign Consent Agreement. Big Island Video News.

A second case of rat lungworm disease has been contracted on Hawaii Island this year, the Hawaii Department of Health announced Thursday. No cases have been reported on any other island in 2019. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Harbor District Office Relocated, Blessed. This work is part of the Harbors Division’s facility improvement projects planned throughout the commercial harbor system that is aimed at supporting the state’s economic growth and maritime industries. Maui Now.

The battle against climate change got a boost Wednesday when Hawaii and California public utility commissions announced that they’ll be teaming up to fight the green fight. Maui News.

Police and courts dealing with more mental health cases. Another round of Crisis Intervention Team training completed. Maui News.

Kauai

Local health clinic awarded $1.4M. A community health center on Kauai focused on providing care to Native Hawaiians will be getting over a million dollars in federal funding. Garden Island.

The Lihue Business Association’s Thursday meeting at Duke’s Canoe Club focused on medical marijuana. Garden Island.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Hawaii airports authority advances, PUC approves solar farms, paramedics administer expired medications, rental car companies can't charge tourists extra, residents take Puna Geothermal Venture to court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu airport  ©2019 All Hawaii News
A Hawaii airports corporation might finally be approaching takeoff as a bill that aims to improve the efficiency of the state’s airports passes through the Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers Approve $16B Budget For Fiscal 2020, 2021. State House and Senate legislators approved a two-year operating budget today calling for hundreds of millions of dollars for state employee retirement and health benefits and other monies to address major disasters, fight invasive species and maintain highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Push To Increase Spending On Schools Loses Momentum. Policymakers say more transparency about current spending is needed before more public money is earmarked for schools. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s film industry wants to eliminate tax credit cap to keep productions flourishing. Some say the state's newly imposed $35 million per year cap on the tax credits is causing producers to go elsewhere and is putting Hawaii's film industry in jeopardy. Hawaii News Now.

PUC approves 6 additional solar-plus-storage systems in Hawaii. Three projects on Oahu, including one that has generated controversy because part of it is planned on prime agricultural land, one on Maui, and two on Hawaii island, are expected to add 247 megawatts of solar energy with almost 1 gigawatt-hour of storage to the grid. Star-Advertiser.

State regulators approved the first phase of Hawaiian Electric Companies’ plan to manage its grids with the latest technology at a cost of $86.3 million, the utility announced Wednesday. For a typical residential customer, the estimated cost for the first phase would be an extra 24 cents a month on Oahu; 34 cents on Maui; 27 cents on Molokai and Lanai; and 55 cents a month on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

State Reversing Rental Car Fee After Legal Snafu. The State Tax Office has notified 300 rental car companies that a law implemented at the beginning of the year is flawed and that a $2 fee must apply to tourists and residents alike. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Ozawa, Waters dispute campaign mailer. The rematch in the race for Honolulu’s City Council District 4 seat has become even more contentious as the two candidates trade accusations and make counterclaims. Star-Advertiser.

Election officials ask the public to update voter registration. Honolulu's Election Administrator is responding to concerns by voters about ballots being sent to people who no longer live in the area or who've died. KHON2.

Feds Want Testimony From Katherine Kealoha’s Aging Grandmother Before It’s Too Late. Florence Puana, a key witness in both the mail box and financial fraud trials, is 99 years old and now seriously ill and hospitalized. Civil Beat.

State Ohana Zone Money Is Beginning To Produce Housing, Services. Catholic Charities is getting $7.5 million to develop a 78-unit facility to serve the homeless on the Leeward Coast. Civil Beat.

EMS paramedics allowed to use medications that have expired up to a year. EMS paramedics have expressed their frustration with staffing shortages and old ambulances breaking down. KHON2.

Homeless man who assaulted Hawaii sportscaster John Noland is sentenced to 5 years in prison. The homeless man who was found guilty of assault in connection with the death last June of Hawaii sports broadcaster John Noland apologized to Noland’s daughter in state court today. Star-Advertiser.

A man convicted of assault in the beating that led to former sportscaster John Noland’s death was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Committees move forward with plan to audit Hawaiian Humane Society. Resolution calls for audit of Hawaiian Humane Society's management and finances. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Kim seeks 72 new employees. Despite concerns about the growing cost of county employees, Mayor Harry Kim’s proposed preliminary budget adds 72 new positions. West Hawaii Today.

Denied A Hearing, Residents Take Puna Geothermal, State To Court. A group of Puna residents and one environmental group are appealing the denial of their request for a contested case hearing over a Puna Geothermal Venture permit renewal. Big Island Video News.


Maui

Maui schools, roads, airport on track for state funds. Busy hammering out the final details of a two-year, $16 billion state general budget that is expected to be sent to Gov. David Ige this week, Maui County’s state lawmakers highlighted money set to be funneled Maui County’s way for schools, highways, the airport and environmental projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai mayor bemoans collapse of Coco Palms effort. Like many Kauai residents, Mayor Derek Kawakami is not surprised that the latest plan to rebuild the long-shuttered Coco Palms Resort fell through. Star-Advertiser.

Lanai

The original Longhi’s Italian and seafood restaurant with its open doors and signature black and white tiles along Lahaina’s Front Street closed Tuesday after 43 years. Maui News.

Longhi’s Lahaina closes its doors after more than 4 decades in business. After 43 years in business, a Lahaina restaurant has decided to close its doors. Hawaii News Now.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Hawaii wins 3 of 10 TripAdvisor top spots, ballot issues plague Honolulu election, pay raises for state, Kauai, volcano alert lowered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii luau dancers 2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii makes TripAdvisor top 10 Travelers' Choice Destinations in the U.S. Three Hawaii islands were named among the top destinations in the country to travel to. According to TripAdvisor, Maui was the second top choice, followed by Oahu at third, and the Big Island as 10. KHON2.

HDOT audit finds discrepancies. The Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Highways Division in fiscal year 2018 did not review capital improvement projects in a timely manner, incorrectly classified federal expenditures and violated cash management requirements by drawing funds from a federal agency prior to paying a subcontractor, according to a report issued by the Hawaii State Auditor’s Office. Garden Island.

Our Care, Our Choice Act Part 2: Some patients are pushing to get the law changed. The assisted suicide bill passed in the Legislature and became law, in order for patients to get their life-ending prescription they need to request it from their doctor on three separate occasions. KITV.

State commission proposes pay raises for elected officials. Some leading lawmakers are supporting new recommendations by the state Salary Commission that would grant all members of the Legislature raises of 10 percent in 2021 and would further boost lawmakers’ salaries in additional steps over the following three years. Star-Advertiser.

Recruitment begins today for Conservation and Resource Enforcement Officers to fill vacancies across the state.  The positions do not require any previous law enforcement experience, however, there are limited spaces available. Maui Now.

Public Safety admits less-lethal options are on hand — but not for use in the field. The state has purchased at least 35 less lethal guns and eight pepperball guns in the last two years. But none of the less lethal options are available for use by deputies on patrol. Hawaii News Now.

Amid growing concerns that a new crisis is brewing between China and Taiwan, independence-leaning Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is in Honolulu for an always controversial yet short visit. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Residents report more ballot abnormalities in hotly contested City Council race. The special election for east Honolulu’s City Council seat is causing confusion after several ballots were mailed to people who no longer live in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Rocky start to Special Election mail-in ballots raises eyebrows with some voters. Residents we spoke to are concerned because if extra ballots were to be in the hands of the wrong person, there might be an opportunity for some to vote twice. KHON2.

'Gross incompetence or worse’: Rail purchase of reinforced steel questioned. The federal grand jury that’s investigating the rail project is looking into how the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation spent millions of dollars to buy reinforced steel. Hawaii News Now.

Some West Oahu residents push for a bypass road to help ease traffic troubles. The alternate route would also be a lifeline in times of accidents or emergencies. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

We’re another day older and deeper in debt. The lyrics to the song made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford continue to hold true today, as Hawaii County finds its debt load continuing to creep upward. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea volcano is now the quietest it has been in about four decades. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory lowered the volcano’s alert level Tuesday from “advisory” to “normal,” noting it has returned to a noneruptive, background state following last year’s lower East Rift Zone eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Today, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory officially lowered the Kilauea Volcano Alert Level for ground-based hazards from ADVISORY to NORMAL, and the Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to GREEN. Big Island Video News.

Project leaders review draft EIS for wastewater treatment plant with public. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Pacific fights back against commission’s findings. A Kealakekua charter school is demanding the state commission that oversees charter schools rescind a vote kicking off a process that could close the school. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino proposed Monday a $781 million no-frills budget for the next fiscal year, which includes property tax, trash pickup and water rate increases; additional property tax money for affordable housing; and opening the Central Maui Landfill one Sunday per month, but it contains no new major capital improvement initiatives. Maui News.

Maui Car Rental Facility, Electric Train on Schedule to Open May 15. A major project at Maui’s Kahului Airport in less than two months from completion. Maui Now.

New Paia Elementary building up for environmental review. Structure would be located at the front of the school next to the cafeteria. Maui News.

Kauai

The county’s top officials might be getting a raise. Kauai County Councilmembers today will consider a proposal to increase their own salaries along those of 30 county executives, including the mayor, the managing director, the police and fire chiefs. Garden Island.

A federal jury on Friday awarded over $700,000 in damages to a Kauai resident who sued Wilcox Memorial Hospital after an incident in which hospital employees injected the man against his will with a high-dose cocktail of strong antipsychotic drugs that left him incapacitated for months after the incident. Garden Island.

Kauai Family Demands New Policies, Protections for Kuleana Landowners. In the wake of a closely watched kuleana land auction of part of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's estate last week, one faction of the family caught up in the property dispute is calling for change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Coco Palms resort for sale again. Coco Palms, featured in the 1961 Elvis Presley movie “Blue Hawaii,” has been closed since Hurricane Iniki slammed into Kauai in 1992, causing extensive damage to the property. Star-Advertiser.

Coco Palms Resort is up for sale again. The property is owned by Coco Palm Hui LLC, who had planned to re-open the resort after it closed due to damages caused by Hurricane Iniki. KHON2.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

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

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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.

Monday, March 25, 2019

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

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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.