Elections 2012 Special Report: Hawaii's 1st Congressional District 'safe Democrat'

It's deja vu all over again in the race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District, which was vacated in 2010 when 20-year Congressman Neil Abercrombie resigned in a successful run for the state governorship. Both of the major contenders for the district representing Honolulu and urban Oahu have held that office before.

Fundraising and campaigning have gotten off to a slow start in the race, as both the Democrat, current U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, and the Republican, former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou, are expected to easily win their respective Aug. 11 primaries before the pair face off in the Nov. 6 general election.

Incumbent Hanabusa reported individual contributions of $500,096 in the first quarter of 2012, and another $284,561 from PACs. GOP challenger former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou reported $231,446 in individual contributions and $19,300 from PACs, according to the Federal Election Commission.

The race is expected to be a rematch of 2010, when Djou was the incumbent after winning a special election in May of that year to fill the vacancy. The Republican candidate won in a three-way winner-take-all election featuring one Republican and two Democrats.

Both of Hawaii's 2012 House seats are considered "safe Democrat" by political prognosticator Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball.

The other Democrat  from the 2010 special election, former U.S. Rep. from Hawaii's 2nd District, Ed Case, is now running for U.S. Senate. About that race.

Charles Djou
Party: Republican
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 224.5627
Website: http://www.djou.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 1st District, 2010-2011; Honolulu City Council, 2002-2010; state House, 2000-2002, Vice Chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party 1998-1999
Other experience: U.S. Army Reserve, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Pasab in Kandahar Province
Education: University of Southern California Law School, law degree, 1996. University of Pennsylvania, B.A. in political science, B.S. in economics, magna cum laude, from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, 1992
Personal: Born Aug. 9, 1970, Married to Stacey Kawasaki, three children.

Colleen Hanabusa
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 430.1981
Website: http://www.hanabusaforhawaii.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 1st District, 2010-2012; state Senate, 1998-2010, Senate president 2006-2010, first woman to lead either house of the Hawaii Legislature
Other experience: Labor law attorney, 1978-2012
Education: University of Hawaii at Manoa, law degree 1977, M.A. sociology 1975, B.A. economics and sociology, 1973
Personal: Married to Honolulu businessman John Souza

Other candidates:
Charles Amsterdam, Republican, Oahu, 808. 550-4994
John "Raghu" Giuffre, Republican, Oahu, https://www.facebook.com/RaghuForCongress
Roy Wyttenbach II, Democrat, Oahu, https://www.fa cebook.com/roy.wyttenbach

Lanai buyer owes $333,824 in back taxes, more on the Ellison Lanai sale, activist challenges Hawaiian land transfer, candidate filing deadline moved up, snake dogs to return, Kona midlevel road opening Saturday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lanai mountains Halibut Thyme courtesy photo

Billionaire Larry Ellison plans to buy Lanai, the sixth largest of the eight Hawaiian isles. Civil Beat.

Larry Ellison’s Oracle Corp. owes the state of Hawaii $333,824 in back taxes, according to a lien filed against the company here last year. Hawaii Reporter.

Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison is buying more than land when he closes on the deal to acquire 98 percent of the island of Lanai from billionaire David Murdock of Castle and Cooke. Pacific Business News.

Prior to Wednesday's public confirmation that Lanai was being sold to billionaire Larry Ellison, state Senate President Shan Tsutsui asked Gov. Neil Abercrombie to look into purchasing the island that could become "a major asset to the state." Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa was among the Maui officials who responded today to news of the recently confirmed sale of the island of Lana’i by releasing a statement this afternoon. Maui Now.

There's a condition to the deal to sell Lanai. David Murdock wants to continue with his controversial wind farm project for the northwestern part of the island. Hawaii News Now.

Friends discuss Murdock's struggle with Lanai. News of deal, relief to Murdock friend. KITV4.

Commentary: Give Lanai back to the Hawaiians. All Hawaii News.

Hawaii attorney H. William Burgess is challenging the state's decision to transfer 10 parcels of land from the state of Hawaii to a state agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Reporter.

The public won't have to wait as long to get a close look at who's donating to political candidates this year thanks to a new law signed last week that moves the filing deadline up to July 12. Civil Beat.

After a nearly three year lapse, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture is bringing back canine units capable of detecting the brown tree snake, which if established in Hawaii would devastate the state's fragile ecosystem. KITV4.

Hawaii has made national news in recent days because of two national reports shining the light on Hawaii’s growing state liabilities. Hawaii Reporter.

By the Numbers: The U.S.'s Growing For-Profit Detention Industry. Civil Beat.

Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison has reached a deal to buy 98 percent of the island of Lanai from its current owner, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Wednesday. Associated Press.

A bill prohibiting having feral deer or releasing them into the wild was signed into law today by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

First Wind said Thursday it will start transporting the wind turbine components for its 69-megawatt Kawailoa Wind project next week via trucks with oversized trailers from Barbers Point harbor to the wind farm site near Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore. Pacific Business News.

Eight years after the Army last fired a live round in training in Makua Valley, a federal judge affirmed that the service won't be allowed do so again until it completes an archaeological survey and study of munitions runoff on limu and other marine resources, an environmental law organization said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The state Land Use Commission issued written decisions Thursday detailing its approval and conditions for master-planned communities Ho‘opili in Ewa and Koa Ridge in Central Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

The first phase of the 5.3 billion dollar rail transit project is underway in Leeward O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Average daily rates at Oahu hotels rose 10 percent in May, the highest average daily rate growth in the nation for the month, according to data from STR. Pacific Business News.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a public hearing on a proposed permanent rule to identify a safety zone around Ahu O Laka (the Kane‘ohe bay sandbar) that is subject to restrictions on three-day weekends involving a state holiday. KHON2.

Hawaii

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has not made a decision on reopening Kulani prison, a spokesman said Thursday, a day after the governor signed a package of bills aimed at reducing the number of prisoners sent to the mainland. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi ripped into a bill that would require a minimum prepayment of millions of dollars into the county’s retiree benefit fund as “political grandstanding” and promised a “highly likely” veto. Tribune-Herald.

The new 2.9-mile Ane Keohokalole Highway opens at 3 p.m. Saturday providing motorists another means for traversing north and south in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

State Department of Transportation officials are seeking authorization to build a base yard to maintain Saddle Road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui community groups say they're determined to halt development of two planned mega-mall shopping complexes off of Piilani Highway, even to the point of seeking relief in court. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council members on Wednesday put on hold for at least two weeks a bill proposing to outlaw smoking in county parks. Garden Island.

Po‘ipu Beach Park was the beneficiary of efforts from a group of visitors from IHS, a global business information services company based in Denver. Garden Island.

Molokai

The canonization of Blessed Marianne Cope is just four months away, and a fundraiser aims to help patients from Kalaupapa make a pilgrimage to the Vatican. KHON2.

Give Lanai back to the Hawaiians: Commentary

Former Gov. Linda Lingle in effigy (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The island of Lanai is for sale! And with that sale comes a solution to the Hawaiian sovereignty problem.

Native Hawaiian protest at the governor's mansion
 (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

We've been hearing about Native Hawaiian rights and sovereignty for decades. Numerous boards and commissions have been authorized.

 Gov. Neil Abercrombie created yet another one just this year. The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission "starts the process that will eventually lead to federal recognition of Native Hawaiians," his website says. Yep, sounds like they're going to get right on it, doesn't it?

Countless reams of reports have been generated, special schools and all-Hawaiian language programs created, tax incentives proposed. The battle over sovereignty made its way to Congress in the form of the Akaka Bill, where it died a quiet death.

Meanwhile, racial tensions simmer, occasionally bubbling to the surface in the Aloha State. Just this week, two commentaries caught my eye.

Rep. Mele Carroll, ceded lands protest
(c) 2012 All Hawaii News

 Civilbeat's "Can a White Federal Agent Who Killed a Hawaii Local Get a Fair Trial?" explains how a Honolulu attorney representing U.S. special agent Christopher Deedy, who shot a local man in a Waikiki McDonald's, wants to make sure this long-simmering tension doesn't keep his client — who is charged with murder — from getting a fair trial.

Maui Now's "Once a Haole, Always a Haole," appears to be an attempt at humor, but it has generated a lot of controversy on the Maui Now website and Facebook page.

But it all boils down to land. You cannot be a self-governing people without land.

The solution is so simple, government will never consider it. But it's time the state of Hawaii stepped up and did the right thing.

(c) 2012 All Hawaii News

With the island of Lanai on the real estate market, the state could purchase it and turn it over to the Hawaiians for self-governance. Abercrombie has been meeting with Castle & Cooke, the sellers, and the price is expected to be in the neighborhood of $500 million.

The state already owns about 2 percent of the 141 square miles of the sixth-largest Hawaiian Island, which became the property of billionaire David Murdock in 1985. It's already got infrastructure, roads, a school, an airport.

How hard could that be? Float a bond, buy the land, set up a temporary government -- using, say the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ($8.3 million annual budget) and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (annual general lease revenues of $8.1 million). Start the government, dismantle those two agencies and use the savings  to pay off the bonds.

Give Hawaiians a choice which government they want to belong to, or allow them to hold dual citizenship. Hawaiian sovereignty? We can, brah.

Hawaii Senate sets special session to confirm judicial nominees, Abercrombie signs charter schools bills, Hawaii County Council bans aerial hunting, transit stations downsized in Honolulu plan, Lanai sale gaining momentum, islands battle wildfires, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The state Senate will meet in a special session June 28-29 to take confirmation votes on judge appointees Richard Pollack to the Hawaii Supreme Court and Peter Cahill to the Circuit Court bench on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday signed into law Senate Bill 2115, which replaces the chapter governing charter schools based on task force recommendations. Civil Beat.

Tuesday Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill (SB) 2115 and SB 2116, Relating to Charter Schools, into law. KHON2.

With just six weeks until kids head back to class, Hawaii school board members still can't decide how to plug a $17 million hole in the school bus budget. Civil Beat.

The wheels of the bus go round and round, except when there's no money to fund them. Hawaii News Now.

A Civil Beat review of the financial disclosures — filed in mid-May and posted online by the Center for Responsive Politics last week — shows that Sen. Daniel K. Inouye could be the wealthiest in the delegation. But it could also be Rep. Mazie Hirono or Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, depending on how things shake out. All three have holdings valued between $1 million and $3 million. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is making her ability as a Republican who can work with Democrats a centerpiece of her campaign for U.S. Senate. Associated Press.

In a Hawaii Public Radio debate with Mazie Hirono last Wednesday, U.S. senate candidate Ed Case said that women’s organizations gave him 100 percent approval ratings when he represented Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District from 2002 to 2007. Civil Beat.

Small unmanned planes are used as military spies elsewhere but NOAA has bought half a dozen for use over the remote Northwestern Hawai`i Islands. They’ll help researchers track endangered wildlife and marine debris. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for June 20. Associated Press.

Oahu
As the Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation continues to tweak its financial plan, a decision has been made to shorten the length of all 21 rail stations from East Kapolei to the Ala Moana Shopping Center. KITV4.

Honolulu City Council considers auctioning off Haleiwa land. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano reacted quickly today to a new online political attack questioning his record as governor. Hawaii Reporter.

Conflicting information has come out of the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services regarding how much the city is limiting the number of new sewer connections that can be added to the the city’s system from Halawa to Pearl City. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle joined an official from Google to announce Tuesday the new Street View imagery of Hawaii's parks, beaches and attractions. KITV4.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council has a message for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources: Stop shooting our animals from helicopters. Tribune-Herald.

Energy and the economy — and their relationship to each other — were the biggest topics at Tuesday’s League of Women Voters of Hawaii County candidates’ forum at Hualalai Academy. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council passed two geothermal bills Tuesday evening but floundered on a third. Tribune-Herald.

Ka‘u Hospital reopened its emergency room late Tuesday while firefighters continued to battle two brush fires that have scorched about 4,400 acres and obstructed traffic in the Pahala area. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighters spent a second day on Tuesday battling a wildfire that has all but paralyzed Pahala, as well as a smaller brushfire a few miles to the north. Tribune-Herald.

East Hawaii parents dodged a bullet Tuesday when members of the state Board of Education voted to fund all school bus routes on the east side of the island. However, nearly 200 West Hawaii students will need to find alternative transportation in the fall. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
The island of Lanai could be under new ownership by the end of the week, according to Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News.

The news of the sale of the island of Lanai being imminent has spread throughout the Mainland and even internationally as far as Germany. Pacific Business News.

A wind-fanned fire that damaged three homes in Kula was 90 percent contained this morning, a fire official said. Maui News.

At least three homes were damaged and 6 acres of "heavy timber" were scorched Monday afternoon in a fire fanned by periodic "crazy winds" in Kula. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Fire Department has acquired a driver simulator and showed it off recently in a demonstration held at the Lihu‘e Fire Station. Garden Island.

Molokai

About 50 guests at Hotel Molokai — the island's only hotel — were allowed to return to their rooms Tuesday afternoon after fire heavily damaged the bottom floor of one of its buildings — but the facility is still without power and water, a Maui fire official reported. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Island of Lanai could be sold quickly, recycling audits secret, rail transit funds slashed, pension funds go unfunded, FBI increases Hilo presence, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Island of Lanai

Los Angeles billionaire David Murdock is trying to sell the island of Lanai. The price is about $500 million. Pacific Business News.

Billionaire David Murdock and his company, Castle & Cooke Inc., are in discussions to sell Lanai in a deal that could alter the future of the former Pineapple Island and dramatically reduce Murdock's land ownership in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Auditor's Office is not releasing several audits of the state's so-called bottle-bill program, reports that are key to tracking where millions of dollars in state money is going. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has funded just 61 percent of its $18.5 billion pension obligation for public sector workers — the 10th worst in the nation. Hawaii also has a $14 billion retiree health care liability that is unfunded. Star-Advertiser.

While independent candidates have had little electoral success in the islands, a handful have been elected to office. They are also part of a larger trend nationally away from traditional left and right divisions. Civil Beat.

A settlement will ensure the continued cleanup of lead-based paint that has killed thousands of Laysan albatross chicks at Midway Atoll, the Center for Biological Diversity said. Associated Press.

Hawaii's governor has signed a bill banning the sale of products containing bear bile or gallbladders. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday signed into law a measure to help Hawai‘i fight pests that have been impacting the state’s bee populations. Garden Island.

There are fewer than 55 days remaining until Hawai’i’s Primary Election Day showdown … in which all 76 state legislative seats are up for consideration by voters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

U.S. House Subcommittee Slices Money for Rail. Civil Beat.

A federal judge sentenced a former Honolulu city driver's licensing clerk Monday to four months in jail for fraudulently producing a Hawaii license for an illegal immigrant. Star-Advertiser.

As the city of Honolulu plans to start building a $200 million, 3.2-mile wastewater tunnel between Kaneohe and Kailua this year, some residents living near the project are worried about the potential impact on their properties. Star-Advertiser.

Much controversy has surfaced over UH Manoa Chancellor-Designate, Tom Apple's large salary and the flagship campus' top executive, Virginia Hinshaw's sabbatical pay, and it all came to a head during our interview with the executives today. Hawaii News Now.

Doctor Tom Apple comes from the University of Delaware where he was provost. KHON2.

Can a White Federal Agent Who Killed a Hawaii Local Get a Fair Trial? Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Politicians and officials from around Hawaii, Western states and even some national-level representatives are coming to Hawaii at the end of this week for an annual state government conference. West Hawaii Today.

The FBI could soon have its own digs at the Hilo police station. Tribune-Herald.

Funding has been approved for permanent facilities to house the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES).KPUA.

A study of vog and wind patterns shows communities most impacted by the volcanic emissions can predict when the air is likely to be cleaner, a researcher told a County Council committee Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui's boating community has mixed reactions to a proposed state rule that would require recreational boaters operating motorized vessels to complete a one-time safety course, or face fines of up to $1,000. Maui News.

The bankrupt Days Inn Maui Oceanfront Inn in Kihei has been sold to a Chinese investor for $7.5 million, according to court documents. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a brush fire mitigation meeting Friday morning, reminding large landowners, lessees and other stakeholders of their responsibility in maintaining firebreaks for open fields adjacent to structure. Garden Island.

Molokai

“Solar is the strongest renewable energy resource for Molokai,” concludes the just-released Life of the Land report, “Wayfinding: Navigating Hawaii’s Energy Future,” by Henry Curtis. Molokai Dispatch.

Monk seals to tote cameras in study, labor board takes Hawaii teachers case, recycling costs rise, protestors target reef fish sales, Abercrombie signs 16 bills, Civil Defense: geothermal evacuation plan not needed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian monk seal (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Government scientists plan to glue submersible cameras onto the backs of endangered monk seals, using the footage to prove to fishermen the animals are not harming their way of life. It may even end up on reality TV. Associated Press.

A man who was photographed throwing rocks at a monk seal on Rabbit Island earlier this year was sentenced in Kaneohe District Court today to 80 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council member Tulsi Gabbard has overcome an early 45-point deficit to pull into a dead heat with the former Honolulu mayor two months before the Democratic primary likely to determine Hawaii's new representative in Congress. Civil Beat.

U.S. senate candidate Linda Lingle last week launched her own cable channel on Oceanic Time Warner, calling the move unprecedented in U.S. history. Civil Beat.

The state and teachers union filed final briefs Friday in a prohibited-practice complaint over the state's decision to impose a contract offer for teachers nearly a year ago. The Hawaii Labor Relations Board will now weigh the arguments made from both sides in the case. Star-Advertiser.

A dispute between Hawaii and the union representing teachers over a state-imposed contract is now in the hands of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Associated Press.

Department of Health officials plan to increase the nonrefundable handling fee paid by consumers, retailers and the beverage industry despite opposition from those groups and legislators. Star-Advertiser.

Gary Gill, deputy director for the Environmental Health Administration in the Department of Health, will take over for Director Gary Hooser until Hooser either wins election in November or loses and returns to his post. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed 16 bills into law Friday. The governor must notify the Legislature by June 25 of what bills he might veto. Star-Advertiser.

A mix of homegrown solar companies, construction firms, electrical contractors and entrants from the mainland are all boosting their payrolls as they push to meet the growing demand from homeowners and businesses for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems. Star-Advertiser.

Career technical education courses at Hawaii high schools are seeing big enrollment increases amid statewide efforts to incorporate new technologies, more rigorous standards and better partnerships with industry professionals. Star-Advertiser.

Later this month, the students from the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will be setting up an aquaponics system on the national mall as part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. KHON2.

Oahu

Saturday's Grand Opening of Petco at the Koko Marina Shopping Center drew curious shoppers as well as angry protestors. Both the Reef Rescue Alliance and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) were out there to boycott Petco. Hawaii News Now.

More than a quarter of Honolulu’s gross metropolitan product is generated by federal, state and local agencies, according to an analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Pacific Business News.

The city of Honolulu will add 12 new garbage trucks to its fleet this fall, hoping to reduce delays in curbside trash pickups that have plagued residents for a year. Star-Advertiser.

Construction on Honolulu's 20-mile rail line has just begun, but the city is already chewing through cash reserves set aside to cover budget overruns or other unexpected costs related to construction of the project, according to city records. Star-Advertiser.

The Shack Waikiki, a popular but violence-plagued bar-restaurant in the center of Hawaii’s tourism industry, owes its landlord more than $500,000 in back rent and is facing imminent sale or closure, according to court records and interviews. Hawaii Reporter.

Federal Prosecutors Accuse Private Attorney Michael Green of Conflicts Of Interest in The Shack Waikiki cases. Hawaii Reporter.

The waters of Waikiki are starting the week a little bit cleaner thanks to the efforts of a few dozen people. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

An emergency response and evacuation plan for a disaster at Puna’s geothermal power plant is not needed, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Benedict Fuata, who says that existing emergency plans would cover such an incident. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County voters could face two nearly identical charter amendment questions on the Nov. 6 general election ballot - both dealing with extending County Council members' terms from the current two years to four years. Maui News.

Plans to expand the Makawao Veterans Cemetery have received a boost in recent weeks with the governor's release of $250,000 for the cemetery project and submission of a subdivision application that includes the expansion parcel. Maui News.

Kauai

Economic indicators give Kaua‘i optimistic outlook. Garden Island.

Tourism has to remain strong to make the state’s economy stronger, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai‘i, said during a business roundtable, Wednesday at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Livestock Cooperative (MLC), the island’s only slaughterhouse, is fostering a shift in the way people think about the meat on their plates. Molokai Dispatch.

Elections 2012 Special Report: U.S. Senate race pits Case, Hirono; Lingle in the wings

Sure, Hawaii's the birthplace of President Obama. But with its measly four electoral votes, late poll closing and scant representation in Congress, the Aloha State isn't often relevant on the national political stage.

But there's one race where Hawaii matters this year, and that's the scramble for partisan control of the U.S. Senate. It's the first time in two decades Hawaii has had an open Senate seat, with the retirement of Sen. Daniel Akaka.

Political prognosticators are predicting a razor-thin margin as the Republicans and Democrats battle it out in primary contests leading to the Nov. 6 general election.

As political wag Larry Sabato sees it, "The Senate calculus is now this: If all members not up for reelection return to the Senate next January, and all the seats where we favor one party go that way in November, the Senate is 47-46 Democratic, with seven toss-ups."

Sabato's Crystal Ball as of June 6 pegs Hawaii as "leans Democratic," a far cry from the usual "safe Democratic" or "likely Democratic" this historically blue state generally earns.

This far out from election day, polling has been inconclusive regarding both the Democratic primary race between former U.S. Rep Ed Case and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono (both representing Hawaii's more rural District 2), and in which of the pair has the best chance of beating former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, the GOP frontrunner.

A Jan. 31 Civil Beat automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case had a 13 percentage point margin over Lingle, 46 percent to 33 percent. Hirono had a 7 percentage point margin, 46 percent to 39 percent. In each case, roughly 20 percent of likely voters said they were either undecided or would pick another candidate. A June 12 Civil Beat poll found both candidates with 46 percent in the primary.

A  Feb. 13 poll by Ward Research for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser showed Hirono beating Case by a 20-point margin in the primary, 56-36, and besting Lingle by 20 points as well, 57-27, prompting national observers to call Hirono’s campaign "dominant" and "in control" of the race.

Hirono, who's been endorsed by Hawaii's political king-maker and senior Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, has been waging her campaign as the quasi-incumbent, ducking televised debates and mostly dodging barbs thrown her way by an increasingly aggressive Case.

Hirono must be feeling the heat, however, and in the most recent sally in a June 8 Facebook posting, played both the gender card and the race card, saying "The senate could stand more diversity I bring that diversity, I'm a woman, I'm Asian, I'm an immigrant, I'm a Buddhist. Someone asked me 'But are you gay?' Nobody's perfect!"

About the candidates:

Ed Case, wife Audrey Nakamura

Ed Case
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 888.9997
Website: http://www.edcase.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 2nd District, 2003-2006; state Rep., 1994-2002; legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. and later U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga, 1975-1978,
Other experience: Land-use, commercial attorney at Carlsmith Ball, 1983-2003, law clerk to Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice William Richardson, 1981-1982
Education: University of California/Hastings College of Law, law degree, 1981. Williams College, Mass., psychology degree, 1975.
Personal: Born Sept. 27, 1952 in Hilo, Hawaii. Married to Audrey Nakamura, blended family of four children.

Mazie Hirono

Mazie Hirono
Party: Democrat
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808. 536-3292
Website: http://www.mazieforhawaii.com/
Political Experience: U.S. Rep. Hawaii's 2nd District, first immigrant woman of Asian ancestry to be sworn into Congressional office, 2007-2012; elected Hawaii Lt. Gov., 1995-2002; state House, 1981-1995
Other experience: Deputy attorney general,1979, some private law practice
Education: Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. law degree, 1978; University of Hawaii at Manoa, Phi Beta Kappa, psychology degree, 1970
Personal: Born in Fukushima, Japan, Nov. 3,1947, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1959, married to Leighton Kim Oshima, blended family of three children.

Linda Lingle (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Linda Lingle
Party: Republican
Island: Oahu
Campaign phone: 808.777.8845
Website: http://www.lingle2012.com/
Political experience: Hawaii governor 2002-2010. First woman, first person of Jewish ancestry and first Republican in 40 years elected governor. Mayor of Maui 1991-1999, Maui County Council 1981-1991.
Other experience: Founded and edited the Moloka‘i Free Press community newspaper, 1976.
Education: California State University, Northridge, journalism degree cum laude, 1975
Personal: Born June 4, 1953, native of St. Louis, Missouri. Relocated to Hawaii in 1975. Single, no children.

Other candidates

• Heath Beasley, nonpartisan, Oahu, http://beasleyforhawaii.com/
• John Carroll, Republican, Hawaii, http://carroll4senate.wordpress.com/
• Charles A. Collins, Republican, Hawaii, 808. 965-8448
• Michael Gillespie, Democrat, Oahu, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Gillespie-Election-Committee/339426552774983?sk=info
• Antonio Gimbernat, Democrat, Maui, http://sites.google.com/site/gimbernatforussenate2012/
• Eddie Pirkowski, Republican, Oahu, http://www.wix.com/eddieussenatehawaii2/eddieussenatehawaii#!Our%20Experience/mainPage
• Arturo P. Reyes, Democrat, Oahu, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-P-Reyes-for-US-Senate-2012/324201360932128
• John P. Roco, Republican, Oahu, http://roco4senator.blogspot.com/

Hawaii not complying with EPA pesticide mandates, Case-Hirono debate goes radio, tax collections up, Honolulu sewer project nearing completion, state-based insurance exchange coming, military to use biofuels, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai, Honolulu (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Hawaii is the only state that isn't complying with new federal regulations that increase oversight of pesticides that are sprayed in and around waterways, according to officials from the Environmental Protection Agency. Civil Beat.

In the liveliest exchanges so far in their Democratic primary campaign, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, a liberal, used a Hawaii Public Radio debate to link the moderate former U.S. Rep. Ed Case to national Republicans. Case cast Hirono as an out-of-step progressive who is more of a follower than a leader. Star-Advertiser.

Folks following the contest between Ed Case and Mazie Hirono by know now the familiar contours of this race. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidates square off Ed Case, Mazie Hirono debate one another. KITV4.
http://www.kitv.com/U-S-Senate-candidates-square-off/-/8906042/14840912/-/66ev9sz/-/index.html

Download audio: HPR's political reporter Wayne Yoshioka moderated the live debate between Mazie Hirono and Ed Case. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says Hawaii is the first state to declare its intent to develop a state-based insurance exchange — a key component of federal health care overhaul. Associated Press.

As the U.S. Supreme Court weighs the legality of President Obama’s national health care initiative, a new Hawaii nonprofit agency is spending $15.4 million to put the plan in action here. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii tax collections rose by 8.5 percent for the first 11 months of the state’s fiscal year, with taxes on the tourism industry rising by more than 13 percent, the state Department of Taxation said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Next month, in naval exercises off the coast of Hawaii, five U.S. warships will make history: They will be the first to use biofuels to power their huge turbines, as well as the jet planes screaming off a carrier’s deck and helicopters hovering overhead. Wall Street Journal.

A world without HECO. That’s the vision of a new report out by Henry Curtis, executive director of environmental advocacy organization, Life of the Land. Civil Beat.

Solar installations in Hawaii rose 45 percent in the first quarter of 2012 from the same period a year earlier, according to a report from an industry trade group that is forecasting continued strong growth this year. Star-Advertiser.

Off the Beat: When Hawaii Democrats Eat Their Own. Civil Beat.

A new poll commissioned by the Humane Society of the United States suggests a majority of Hawaii residents support a ban on collecting reef fish for aquariums. Associated Press.

Oahu
Two temporary sewer pipes installed in the Ala Wai Canal after the massive 2006 sewage line break and spill are being removed this week as the city nears completion of a new $46 million pipeline beneath the canal, Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Wednesday. Associated Press.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle Wednesday announced that the Beachwalk Force Main sewer project in Waikiki is nearing completion. Hawaii News Now.

The city said it is investigating why some outdoor emergency sirens sounded this morning in what officials called a malfunction. No emergency exists, the city Department of Emergency Management said. Star-Advertiser.

This is the year that Oahu's future could literally be set in concrete. Hawaii Independent.

The Department of Transportation is going ahead with its restriping project, which would add a fourth lane in both directions to a portion of the H-1 and lower the speed limit by five miles per hour. KHON2.

Helen Geracimos Chapin, a retired Hawaii Pacific University professor who chronicled the history of newspapers in Hawaii, died Saturday in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Mall developer DeBartolo Development LLC has named a few retailers that will occupy the initial phase of an envisioned $350 million regional shopping center in East Kapolei, though construction of the project called Ka Makana Ali‘i has been pushed back to early next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Lance Armstrong was banned from competition in triathlons Wednesday after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency brought formal doping charges against the former cyclist, who was planning to compete in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii this fall. Pacific Business News.

This election year, Big Island voters may see a few more new names than usual on their ballot. Tribune-Herald.

Questions over jurisdiction are keeping a requested update on the status of the county Elections Office off the County Council agenda, at least for now. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa is reviving plans to build a beachfront parkway along West Maui's coastline from Puamana to the pali. Maui News.

Owners of Pukalani Superette voiced their opposition Tuesday to the proposed Upcountry town center near their store, saying that the development would create more traffic and that their preference was for the land to be used for agricultural purposes. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i Museum’s Living Treasures program was created so people have an opportunity to appreciate and honor the individuals selected for the Living Treasures program while they are here to know how much difference they make to our island’s quality of life. Garden Island.

Molokai

Tucked away inland among the forests in Waialua Valley exists a farm that claims no fields, no pests, no weeds and yet still produces over 50 varieties of produce on only one acre of land. Molokai Dispatch.

Native Hawaiians on Molokai will get an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at a community forum as well as a regular Board of Trustees meeting. Molokai Dispatch.

Sea turtles in jeopardy, Case and Hirono debate Social Security, Cayetano slipping in poll, Maui judge appointed, disappointed, military drops Upolu airport for training, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green sea turtle grazing (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Officials are reminding the public that green sea turtles remain protected in Hawaii, despite a petition by Native Hawaiian groups to remove them from the endangered species list. A decision is expected soon on the petition, which could launch a yearlong study of the proposal to change the status of the turtles or could simply be denied. Star-Advertiser

A government agency tasked with regulating commercial fishing in Hawaiian waters wants to let longliners ensnare twice as many endangered sea turtles. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case vowed Tuesday to preserve Social Security and Medicare for future generations, but Case said he would consider raising the retirement age under Social Security for younger workers to help keep the program solvent, while Hirono ruled out that option. Star-Advertiser.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are both vowing to protect Social Security and Medicare if elected to the U.S. Senate. Civil Beat.

U.S. Senate candidates Mazie Hirono and Ed Case faced off on Maui on Tuesday. The AARP Hawaii debate focused on issues concerning Hawaii's seniors. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Now video of the entire debate.

HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO HOSTS HIRONO/CASE LIVE BROADCAST DEBATE ON JUNE 13TH; Political Reporter Wayne Yoshioka Will Moderate Hour-Long Session from 7 to 8 p.m. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Democrats will not file a legal challenge to block Laura Thielen from running for state Senate as a Demo­crat, but might attempt to expel her from the party for not following internal rules. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday that his appointment of attorney Peter T. Cahill to be a judge in the 2nd Circuit Court for Maui County was made two days late. Pacific Business News.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday made an appointment to fill a Maui Circuit Court judge vacancy — two days too late. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie waited too long to appoint Maui lawyer Peter Cahill to the Circuit Court bench. Hawaii Reporter.

The appointment of attorney Peter T. Cahill as judge to the 2nd Circuit Court on Tuesday has been derailed because Gov. Neil Abercrombie made the appointment two days late. Maui News.

Oahu

With election day approaching, Ben Cayetano's massive early lead in the 2012 Honolulu mayoral race is shrinking. Civil Beat.

Rising fuel oil prices pushed residential electricity bills higher on Oahu in June, Hawaiian Electric Co. reported Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor: Federal Agent Started Fight That Led to Shooting. Civil Beat.

Oahu's largest brush fire this year swept through Wai­anae and Lua­lua­lei valleys charring almost 1,200 acres, but leaving 100 acres near the Wai­anae Kai Forest Reserve mostly untouched — except for a nearly 3-decade-old, 30-foot Hawaiian grass hale. Star-Advertiser.

The extremely popular Kapiolani Community College Farmers' Market is expanding. KHON2.

Hawaii

North Kohala’s Upolu Airport is no longer being considered for use as a tactical training area, U.S. Marine Corps officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Underwater sonar use and detonations, and their potential harm to marine mammals top the list of concerns Hawaii and California residents have about a Navy training plan for the Pacific Ocean between the two states. West Hawaii Today.

Eight alala — the world’s most endangered crow — have hatched so far this year in a captive Hawaii bird breeding center, bringing the entire population to more than 100 birds. West Hawaii Today.

The dilapidated two-story building, jokingly referred to as the Pink Palace, is one of the few structures still left from the old Hilo hospital. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island police said they are investigating damage to papaya trees in Puna. KITV4.

Maui
A man allegedly carrying a knife and threatening to kill the Maui mayor came as close as his reception area Tuesday morning, leaving only after being told the mayor was not in the office. Star-Advertiser.

Police arrested a 25-year-old Wailuku man for allegedly threatening the life of Mayor Alan Arakawa this morning.Maui News.

Kauai

The Hanalei Farmers Market will resume business on Saturday, with management and vendors saying they are pleased with the county’s assistance in a quick resolution of a legal threat. Garden Island.

Since January, online surfers have been able to learn how to grow food in water, thanks to a program offered by the University of Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Navy buildup in Hawaii; Case-Hirono tied in poll, Matson lowers shipping cost; Pacific Biodiesel to create Big Island jobs; more endangered species for Maui; news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Hawaii, U.S. Navy courtesy photo

The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said Monday the Navy will send its most advanced vessels and aircraft to the Asia-Pacific region as it builds up its presence by assigning most of its fleet there. Associated Press.

The Navy has completed the final environmental impact statement needed before it can proceed with plans to spend an estimated $578 million to build facilities to base the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The public has almost a month to weigh in on Marine Corps plans to station MV-22 tiltrotor Osprey and H-1 Cobra and Huey attack-utility helicopter squadrons at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

With two months left before the critical primary election, the top two Democrats in the race to replace U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka remain neck-and-neck. Ed Case and Mazie Hirono each sit at 46 percent in a new Civil Beat Poll of likely Democratic primary voters. Eight percent are undecided. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i voters have elected only 5 U-S Senators since statehood in 1959. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's largest ocean transportation company is lowering a fuel surcharge for shipping goods next week, but the move only partially reverses a February increase. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers want greater financial guarantees from firms that handle human resources for small businesses, but some worry that a bill before Gov. Neil Abercrombie would favor a few large firms that dominate the industry and push competitors out. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's sustainability is attractive to planners. Star-Advertiser.

A study released Monday shows that for the last three years, high school students in Hawai‘i have been making better health choices. Garden Island.

State News In Brief | June 12, 2012. Associated Press.

Oahu

A Honolulu Police Department lieutenant in charge of a police team that's accused of drinking on the job while being paid overtime was fired by HPD for a previous incident and later got his job back, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Hannemann Final Radio Show Prompts Opponent To Seek Equal Time. Civil Beat.

FACT CHECK — Caldwell: We Left Carlisle a 'Huge' Budget Surplus. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s largest charter school says its financial house is in order after an audit listed money management issues. Associated Press.

The former manager of the puppy mill that was uncovered in Waimanalo is being extradited from Las Vegas back to Hawaii. KHON2.

The Filipino Community Center in Waipahu is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The economic benefits generated by the state's largest ocean science and technology park are highlighted in a new study published less than two weeks after the state auditor issued a report critical of management practices at the facility. Star-Advertiser.

While the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority for more than three decades has provided researchers and fledgling businesses the chance to get their feet on the ground, it’s never completed an economic impact assessment — until now. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council’s attempts to add more transparency and exert more control over the annual operating budget were mostly blocked Friday by East Hawaii council members, who said the budget is the purview of the administration. West Hawaii Today.

Pacific Biodiesel Technologies plans to open its Big Island Biodiesel plant in the next two to three weeks after its grand opening ceremony on July 2 at the Shipman Business Park in Keeau. Pacific Business News.

The former medical director of Bay Clinic is suing the nonprofit health care organization, alleging that she was stripped of her authority and forced to resign after reporting the over-prescribing of narcotic painkillers by clinic physicians. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to add 38 species found on Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Maui to the federal endangered species list. Maui News.

Hawaii's list of federally endangered species is the longest in the nation, and it could grow under a plan announced Monday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai OHA Seat Is One Of The Year's Hottest Races. Civil Beat.

In an effort to reduce overtime expenses in fiscal year 2013, the county will be implementing changes next month in the operating hours at the Kekaha Landfill and the transfer stations. Garden Island.

Hawaii celebrates King Kamehameha Day; U.S. Supreme Court rejects Obama birther case; Case-Hirono debate set for Wednesday; Oahu recycling program at risk; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Kamehameha statue draping (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The King Kamehameha Celebration Commission started a week of statewide celebrations in honor of King Kamehameha I. KITV4.

Kamehameha Day festivities on Maui will kick off Monday morning with a march in Kahului by Native Hawaiian royal societies and culminate with a parade and hoolaulea Saturday in Lahaina. Maui News.

The sunny weather Saturday was a welcome sight for thousands who lined the streets of Honolulu to take part in a colorful tradition, the 96th Annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade. Hawaii News Now.

Hula at Coconut Island (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

King Kamehameha celebrations: Hawaii News Now.

The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal challenging President Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship and his eligibility to serve as commander in chief. Associated Press.

Politically influential local attorney Andrew Winer is at the  top of the three-name list of nominees to fill a federal court judicial vacancy here. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Public Radio will host and broadcast a live debate between Mazie Hirono and Ed Case, the Democratic candidates who are in the primary for the open U.S. Senate seat. Hawaii Public Radio.

After spending $2 million to restore and refurbish one of its Manoa studios, which was destroyed by a fire seven months ago, PBS Hawaii will air its first broadcast from the new facility tonight. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Senate candidate, Linda Lingle, will be added to Oceanic Cable's digital lineup on Monday, June 11. KHON2.

Hawaii school officials may get some help meeting a legislative mandate to cut rising bus costs by hiring a consultant to explore sustainable solutions to the state's escalating student transportation troubles. Civil Beat.

A scientific team exploring the beginnings of the universe through telescopes on Hawaii island has found the oldest, most distant galaxy yet detected — about 12.91 billion light-years away. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed legislation Friday that creates the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness as part of the state Department of Human Services. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii human resource firms say they're perplexed by proposed legislation that would impose tens of thousands of dollars in added operating costs and require companies be backed by a bond of up to $1 million in an effort to regulate the local industry. Maui News.

Hawaii-based commercial longline fishers would be able to take a larger number of endangered sea turtles under a proposal from the National Marine Fisheries Service. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

The first of many columns for Honolulu's multi-billion dollar rail transit system is finally finished. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu City Council inserted $2.4 million into the city's $1.96 billion operating budget last week to restore and expand the city's "white bin" community recycling program at Oahu schools, but that doesn't mean Mayor Peter Carlisle will continue it. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest charter school has been directed to come up with a plan to be financially self-sufficient in its dealings with a mainland corporation as the next step in its recovery from a turbulent year that saw its principal fired and its money management faulted by auditors. Star-Advertiser.

The State Land Use Commission voted Friday to approve the controversial development Ho'opili, which hopes to add 11,750 homes on 1,500 acres of the Ewa plain over a 20-year span. KITV4.

The state land use commission approved D.R. Horton’s Ho‘opili project this afternoon. Hawaii Independent.

The fate of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market has been in limbo since April. After several extensions, Sunday, June 10, is technically the last day they are allowed to operate on state property. But they have no plans of leaving just yet. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii County has spent $646,407 purchasing homes near Puna’s geothermal power plant, but that number could soon be about to rise. Tribune-Herald.

Officials that operate Hawaii's largest ocean science and technology park said they are taking steps to tackle a long list of deficiencies cited in a state audit that criticized the facility in Kona for failing to achieve its potential after nearly 40 years in existence. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The median price of single-family homes in Maui County dropped last month to its lowest level in at least five years, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui that goes back to 2007. Maui News.

Kauai

The growing movement of pop-up restaurants using locally produced food continues with a Father’s Day steak house night at the Eastside restaurant in Kapa‘a. Garden Island.