Hawaii restaurant inspections changing, race rises as campaign issue in Schatz-Hanabusa campaign, UH mulls building slowdown, Honolulu rail budget approved, Waikiki sand replaced, sharks' value touted, fishing rules protested, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Moana food court (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Green, yellow and red may soon apply to more than traffic lights. Those colors would telegraph how a restaurant or other food establishment fared in its most recent safety inspection, according to changes being proposed by the state Department of Health. West Hawaii Today.


The state is piloting a free laptop rental program that’s already available at 36 public libraries across Hawaii.  The netbooks, which can be rented out by any library cardholder for three weeks at a time, are equipped with broadband capacities and don’t need to have access to WiFi to connect to the internet. Civil Beat.

Brian Schatz: Ideology, Not Ethnicity, Will Win Hawaii Senate Race. Civil Beat.

A memo from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s campaign is touting him as a progressive candidate who can win the Democratic primary for Hawaii’s senate race “regardless of ethnicity.” Associated Press.

The University of Hawaii is considering halting new construction projects across the university system until it can rein in a repair and maintenance backlog that has ballooned to nearly a half-billion dollars. The idea was presented at Thursday's Board of Regents meeting by Regent Benjamin Kudo, who said an "interim self-imposed moratorium" on new construction would give the board breathing room to address the needed repairs. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii’s controversial plans to develop a $27.5 million center dedicated to the late Sen. Daniel Inouye are being stalled because the UH administration now wants to ask the Legislature for just $5 million for the project — not $15 million as originally pencilled out in the university’s supplemental budget proposal. Civil Beat.

Deferring to the wishes of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's family and addressing transparency concerns, the University of Hawaii is slowing the process for pursuing a planned center to house his congressional papers and has dramatically cut the state funding it is initially requesting for the project. The university's Board of Regents on Thursday approved seeking $5 million in state bond financing as a way to demonstrate UH's commitment to the project — a commitment that proponents said was needed to help in efforts to raise more private funds. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Public Records: Can We Talk About This? Civil Beat.

State Department of Health officials in the past week have identified five more cases of liver damage that could have been caused by consuming a dietary supplement — bringing the current total to 34. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

Board members overseeing the city's rail project Thursday approved its largest capital budget yet, clearing rail officials to sign $1.56 billion in contracts in the coming fiscal year to build the project. The move comes after construction resumed in September on the 20-mile elevated rail system — the largest public works project in Hono­lulu's history. Star-Advertiser.

Companies that use pipelines in Hawaii’s harbors will face intensified scrutiny after a massive molasses spill killed tens of thousands of fish and other marine life. Civil Beat.

Crews have replaced sand that eroded away from a spot at Waikiki Beach. Bulldozers and other equipment were brought in for the Thursday night project, timed to coincide with a very low tide. Hawaii News Now.

Major repair work is just about to begin on one of the most popular beaches in the world. Crews are about to fix the erosion at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. But it's just one of many beaches across the state facing this problem. KHON2.

A federal judge sentenced retired Honolulu police Maj. Carlton Nishimura to eight months in jail Thursday for lying to the FBI and filing a false 2005 income tax return. Nishimura had also been charged with extortion conspiracy and drug promotion. Nishimura was indicted in February 2011 by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to accept bribes from illegal gambling operators in exchange for steering officers away from the gaming rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Residential electric rates rose on Oahu in October from September, tracking an increase in the cost of fuel and power bought from independent producers, Hawaiian Electric Co. reported Thursday. Rates also increased in October on all other islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A recently published study by University of Toronto researchers links the number of sharks on a reef to the reef’s health, with more sharks indicating a healthier reef. The proposed West Hawaii fisheries rules package, still awaiting Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s signature, included provisions to protect nine species of inshore sharks and rays, as well as two invertebrate crown-of-thorns predators. West Hawaii Today.

Administrators are hoping that by scaling back plans for the proposed Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy building, they may render the project more palatable to state legislators. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii travelers will have another flying option come next summer. Hawaiian Airlines announced Thursday that it will begin its first-ever nonstop service between Kona International Airport and Los Angeles in response to growing demand during summer’s peak travel time. West Hawaii Today.

The former owners of Nihon Restaurant have filed suit against the owner of Hilo Bay Café, who plans to reopen her popular restaurant soon at the Lihiwai Street location overlooking Hilo Bay once occupied by Nihon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Proposed limits for Maui and Lanai fisheries on popular near-shore fish are drawing criticism from those who argue that the rules would disrupt Native Hawaiian cultural traditions. A community meeting organized by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to explain the proposals drew about 100 people to Maui Waena Intermediate School on Wednesday. The changes would involve bag and size limits for fish including goatfish, parrotfish and jacks. Associated Press.

The state is proposing rule changes for Maui and Lanai fisheries that involve new bag and size limits that had members of the local fishing community concerned about what they say is an infringement upon their Native Hawaiian "cultural rights." Maui News.

The Cost of Government Commission is advising the county auditor not to take on the Old Wailuku Post Office demolition controversy, noting that "the public interest" will not be served by a prolonged investigation. Maui News.


Hospice Maui is asking a 2nd Circuit Court judge to throw out a state permit for Islands Hospice to establish a seven-bed, inpatient hospice facility in a Kahului home. Maui News.

Haleakalā National Park on Maui reopened today after being closed for more than two weeks due to the federal lapse in appropriations. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council sent Bill 2491 to the mayor's office for approval.  Under the measure, large agribusinesses would be required to disclose restricted-used pesticides applied in fields and implement buffer zones near schools, homes, medical facilities, public roadways and waterways. Star-Advertiser.

Bill 2491 has made its way to Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s desk. Bill 2491, which affects Kauai’s five heaviest users of restricted use pesticides, will go into effect nine months after it becomes law. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines will offer its first non-stop service between Los Angeles and the islands of Kauai and Hawaii during next summer’s peak travel period. Garden Island.

Kauai’s federal wildlife refuge will open today with the temporary agreement to end the government shutdown in effect since Tuesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A new documentary produced by Kauai attorney Teresa Tico, FISHING PONO: LIVING IN HARMONY WITH THE SEA tells the story of Native Hawaiians on the island of Molokai who are using traditional conservation methods to restore fisheries in the waters of their island. Hawaii Reporter.

Community members had the chance to tell county officials and representatives Thursday that although Molokai is distinct from other islands in the county, they deserve the equal support in the next Fiscal Year 2015 Maui County budget. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii national parks reopen, congressional delegation points fingers; Hawaii, Kauai counties pass anti-GMO bills; fracking ban passes Hawaii County; kids to start kindergarten later; Abercrombie aide resigns; Omidyar starts new media venture, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will reopen today after being closed for more than two weeks because of the partial government shutdown. Tribune-Herald.

With the government shutdown coming to a close, many people are anxiously awaiting the green light for federal facilities like national parks to open up again. Tour groups are counting on parks to be open again on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

After voting to reopen the government and avoid default Wednesday, Hawaii's congressional delegation said they were exasperated about how close the nation came to being unable to meet financial obligations and underscored the importance of moving forward. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii administration plans to ask the Board of Regents today to give the go-ahead on a proposed $27.5 million facility to house the congressional papers of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz's advisers have prepared a campaign status memo for potential donors that depicts U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa's campaign as "badly foundering" and not up to the rigors of a U.S. Senate race. The memo argues that Schatz has built a winning campaign that leads Hanabusa in fundraising and endorsements. Star-Advertiser.

Hanabusa Camp: Schatz Memo Is ‘Cynical, Mechanical Political Calculation’ Civil Beat.

The state will be able to help pay for an extra year of preschool for only a quarter of the estimated 5,000 4-year-olds who will be affected next year when junior kindergarten is eliminated at public schools and the state's higher age requirement for kindergarten takes effect. Star-Advertiser.

Starting next school year, students must be at least 5 on July 31 to enter kindergarten the same year. Previously, children could enter kindergarten if they turned 5 by December 31. The Senate and House committees on education held a briefing Wednesday on what's being done to prepare families and preschools for the change. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Connector running smoother. KHON2.

Officials claim that HawaiiHealthConnector.com, the online Obamacare exchange designed to provide individuals and small businesses with information about health care plans, federal subsidies and tax credits, is now fully operational. But that wasn't the case yesterday for some who tried to log on. The website went live Oct. 1 after a great deal of media hype, but for two weeks, the exchange had no information on the 95 health insurance plans it would eventually offer, including pricing. Hawaii Reporter.

University of Hawaii engineers unveiled a new robotic boat Wednesday designed to explore potentially dangerous disaster zones before first-responder personnel. Star-Advertiser.

Louise Kim McCoy, who has served as Gov. Neil Abercrombie's communications director and press secretary since November, is leaving the post. Star-Advertiser.

The Aloha State ranks near the bottom when it comes to providing access to records at a reasonable cost, according to a 2012 report from the Center for Public Integrity that measured government transparency and accountability throughout the U.S. Hawaii’s poor score is in large part because of the fees associated with searching for records and reviewing them for information officials believe should be withheld. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation awards new contract to DC lobbying firm. From April 2007 through July 2013, Dwyer's firm Williams & Jensen has been paid $1.43 million by HART. KITV.

Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang has raised nearly twice as much as his nearest competitor in the race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. But another councilman, Ikaika Anderson, may have the bragging rights coming out of the latest fundraising cycle. Civil Beat.

Omidyar

Pierre Omidyar said Wednesday that after looking into buying The Washington Post over the summer, he’s in the early stages of creating a new mass media organization that will cover general news utilizing independent journalists. Pacific Business News.

Pierre Omidyar: My Next Adventure in Journalism. Civil Beat.

For years, tech billionaire Pierre M. Omidyar has been experimenting with ways to promote serious journalism, searching for the proper media platform to support with the fortune he earned as the founder of eBay. Omidyar also confirmed that he would be personally financing just such a new "mass media" venture, where he will be joined by journalist Glenn Greenwald of The Guardian, the British daily, who reported news about the NSA leaked by Edward Snowden. New York Times/Star Advertiser.

Unusually high tides may be largely responsible for recent episodes of severe erosion at Sunset Beach and Waikiki Beach, a coastal scientist said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A former Honolulu police major faces sentencing for lying to FBI agents and filing a false tax return. Carlton Nishimura is scheduled for sentencing Thursday. Garden Island.

Some Hawaiian Airlines passengers using the Honolulu Airport's interisland terminal's check-in kiosk were surprised to find a TSA PreCheck symbol on their boarding pass that allowed them to bypass the normal security line and speed through a separate queue without having to remove their shoes, coats, belts, liquids or laptop computers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

With a sense of urgency largely unseen over the last five months, the Hawaii County Council expeditiously passed an amended bill to restrict GMO, or genetically altered crops during its first reading Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Council today gave preliminary approval to a bill restricting the use of genetically modified crops on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Fracking won’t be coming to Hawaii County. County Council members unanimously approved a bill banning hydraulic fracturing, a controversial process by which fluids, including water and sometimes chemicals, are injected deep into the ground to access resources. West Hawaii Today.

A task force formed to evaluate the fairness of property taxes across the county plans to finally start its business next week, more than 18 months after its formation was recommended by an outside assessment. The task force, one of 40 recommendations in a 99-page March 2012 report by the International Association of Assessing Officers, plans to meet at 9 a.m. Oct. 25 in Hilo council chambers. West Hawaii Today

Maui

Maui police are increasing officer presence during Halloween festivities in Lahaina this year in anticipation of a larger crowd projected at between 30,000 and 35,000–up from the 28,000 revelers who attended last year, officials tell Maui Now.

A Maui County Council committee Tuesday advanced bills to fund the design of a new building to replace the old Wailuku Post Office that was demolished in a controversial process earlier this year. Maui News.

The Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck service was expanded and implemented at several neighbor-island airports this week, enabling low-risk passengers to move more quickly through checkpoint screening. The addition of the program on Maui is part of a larger national effort to expand the program from 40 to 100 airports across the US this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai County Council has voted to require large agribusinesses operating on the island to disclose pesticide use and the presence of genetically modified crops. The measure was approved shortly after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday following a marathon meeting that began Tuesday. Associated Press.

Legislators on the island of Kauai in Hawaii have approved a bill that would restrict the use of pesticides by companies developing genetically modified crops there. New York Times

After 14 hours of discussion and public testimony, the Kauai County Council approved a measure early Wednesday requiring large agribusinesses to disclose the types of restricted-use pesticides they spray on fields and implement buffer zones around schools, dwellings, medical facilities, public roadways and waterways. Star-Advertiser.

In a marathon special meeting that lasted 19 hours, Kaua'i County councilmembers voted to approve a controversial GMO disclosure bill around 3:30 Wednesday morning. Officials say some residents lined up around 3 p.m. Tuesday to participate in the discussion. Hawaii News Now.

It’s approved. At 3:35 a.m. Wednesday, nearly 19 hours after Tuesday’s special meeting kicked off, the Kauai County Council voted 6-1 to approve controversial legislation that will allow the county to regulate pesticides and genetically modified crops. Garden Island.

What are the thoughts on the street about Bill 2491 passing? Garden Island.

GMO, pesticide bill passed on Kauai, AG gives nod for state Legislature to pass gay marriage, Board of Education wants $65M more, Hawaii council to raise tobacco sale age, mystery guests on Lanai, Health Connector goes online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai anti-GMO rally file photo

The Kauai County Council voted 6-1 to approve an amended bill that calls for mandatory disclosure of pesticides use and genetically modified crops by large agribusinesses on the island. Shortly after 3:30 a.m. today, the council approved Bill 2491 after a 14-hour discussion. Star-Advertiser.

After a marathon hearing, the Kauai County Council passed a hotly debated bill on Wednesday that could lead to prison time or fines for employees of agricultural companies if they don’t divulge specifics about pesticide use, abide by strict setback rules for spraying chemicals or disclose when they grow genetically engineered crops. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s attorney general issued a legal opinion Tuesday saying state lawmakers can act to legalize gay marriage without amending the Hawaii Constitution. Attorney General David Louie said the Legislature “unquestionably” has the constitutional authority to consider and enact a bill during a special session later this month. Associated Press.

Several states with gay marriage laws have religious exemptions that apply to public accommodations, a step Hawaii lawmakers drafting a bill for special session are reluctant to take. Star-Advertiser.

The state's public school system wants about $40 million in additional operating funds for next year that would help boost teaching staff at most schools and another $25 million in capital funds to start cooling classrooms with air conditioning. Star-Advertiser.

The state Board of Education will seek a $100,000 increase of the salary cap lawmakers placed on the school superintendent position back in 2001. The board approved a recommendation Tuesday to draft legislation raising the cap to $250,000 from $150,000. The proposal will be made during the upcoming legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s health insurance marketplace under President Barack Obama’s federal health care overhaul began offering plans for sale on Tuesday, more than two weeks after the start of open enrollment. Hawaii Health Connector Executive Director Coral Andrews said at a news conference that consumers can now review and buy plans offered on the exchange’s website. Associated Press.

Hawaii residents were able to compare health plans and enroll in medical coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act for the first time Tuesday, two weeks after the scheduled start of open enrollment. Star-Advertiser.

A federal judge in Honolulu is expected to rule soon on whether Hawaii’s conduct of primary elections and a state constitutional provision protecting the “secrecy of voting and choice of political party affiliation or nonpartisanship” are unconstitutional. The case, filed by the Democratic Party of Hawaii in June, argues the state’s “open primary” system unconstitutionally infringes on the exclusive right of the party and its members to decide who should be eligible to nominate the county, state and federal candidates who will represent the Democrats in general elections. Civil Beat.

As Congress scrambled Tuesday for a way out of the budget conundrum, the government shutdown continued to take away millions from Hawaii's economy and negatively affect military engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Public Records: Citizens Are Paying the Price for Disorganized Agencies? Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui has been put in charge of Hawaii’s sports development initiative, which aims to build the state’s sports industry, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Commercial boat operators are invited to a series of public hearings being held across the state to comment on proposed rule changes. State officials with the DLNR Boating Division say the hearings will focus on rule amendments to, “bring parity to all catamaran registration certificate holders.” Maui Now.

Starting Nov. 1, more than 700 safety check stations across the state will be required by law to conduct vehicle safety checks via a new, high-tech system that includes an iPad, wireless router, and printer. KHON2.

Hawaii epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park plans on garnering more sustainable funding for the state’s annual Stop Flu at School Program that started Tuesday. The program, which provides free flu vaccinations for 300 public, private, and charter schools statewide until Nov. 27, continues to struggle for funding, despite entering its seventh successful year. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

State and county officials will meet today to discuss possible solutions to the severe erosion that has exposed a large concrete foundation below Waikiki's Kuhio Beach. The erosion is occurring in an area that was part of the $2.4 million beach replenishment project between Kuhio Beach and the Royal Hawaiian groin in May 2012. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii senators are asking Gov. Neil Abercrombie to fill two vacancies on a board that is in the process of vetting big development projects in Kakaako. State Senate leaders sent a letter to Abercrombie on Tuesday saying that two positions in the Kakaako board of the Hawaii Community Development Authority have been vacant for several months and urging him to appoint members. Civil Beat.

Nowel Alana is a third-generation Hawaiian homesteader who says the Department of Hawaiian Home Land is icing out native Hawaiian businesses like hers. Hawaii News Now.

The Plaza Assisted Living, a senior housing community, is planning on expanding into Waikiki with the company's fourth Oahu location. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A bill that would prohibit selling tobacco products to people 18 to 21 years old got a unanimous, positive nod from the Hawaii County Council’s Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council will return at 1 p.m. today after it heard more testimony on a bill to restrict genetically modified crops Tuesday during the first meeting since members gave it a positive recommendation while in committee. Tribune-Herald.

The National Park Service’s efforts to protect the groundwater supply in North Kona, where thousands of homes are slated for development, could effectively be sidelined for the foreseeable future because the federal government shutdown is preventing employees from addressing the issue. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii has requested that the Department of Land and Natural Resources cancel its existing lease for 11,288 acres on the summit of Mauna Kea, and issue new 65-year leases, according to documents acquired by The Hawaii Independent.

Students rally against censorship of Mauna Kea message. Hawaii Independent.

Soldiers from 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, conducted a training rotation at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Island of Hawaii during September. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

Maui generates more than 450 tons of waste per day, more than half of which is not recycled and ends up in the Central Maui Landfill, and Maui County Council members are weighing various options and proposals that may revolutionize the way waste is handled in the future. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa made it official Tuesday night: He's running for re-election next fall. Arakawa actually will be seeking his third term as mayor. Maui News.

For the 20th year in a row, Maui earned the top spot in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s list for top islands. Maui Now.

Attempting to hit home runs on a dusty parcel in Waikapu, county and state officials gathered for a mock softball game Monday afternoon on the future site of the county's Central Maui Regional Park complex. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Community College is holding a blessing and dedication this week for a building newly renamed after the late Sen. Daniel Inouye. Inouye's wife, Irene Hirano Inouye and his son, Ken Inouye, are both due to attend Friday's ceremony for the Daniel K. Inouye Technology Center. Garden Island.

A decision on the controversial Bill 2491 wasn’t reached by deadline Tuesday. Garden Island.

Over the last year and a half, Surfrider collected and stockpiled 17,600 pounds of nets hauled from Kauai beaches, according to Barbara Wiedner, founder and coordinator of the foundation’s Net Patrol. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai has gained a lot of attention these days since billionaire Larry Ellison bought the island last year, and now it seems that even coqui frogs are interested in Hawaii’s Pineapple Island. Pacific Business News.

Some pretty important guests are on the island of Lanai this week, with the posh Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay fully booked for an exclusive buyout from Wednesday through Saturday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii lawmakers mull solar glut, attorney general bows out of GMO debate, Kauai, Hawaii county councils take up GMO bills today, Matson paying businesses for molasses spill, public records pricey, helmet law unlikely, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

solar panels (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

The Hawaiian Electric Company answered to lawmakers Monday afternoon about a new policy requiring its approval before solar photovoltaic installations.  HECO says the change, which went into effect, September 6, ensures its circuits have the capacity to remain reliable as PV growth skyrockets in Hawai'i. Hawaii News Now.

HECO warns that so much solar power is passing through its circuits that the extra energy could cause power disruptions for others and possibly jeopardize the safety of some of its employees. When the utility reviews proposed solar systems, it decides whether the customer may have to pay for studies of its electrical grid, as well as costs associated with upgrades of the grid so that it can handle power that the solar customer generates. Civil Beat.

Safety first. That's what Hawaiian Electric Company is telling people who are still waiting to get their photovoltaic systems approved. KHON2.

The Hawaii Health Connector expects to launch its online marketplace for health insurance policies today, two weeks after failing to meet its original Oct. 1 start date. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Agriculture wants to fill several positions in its pesticides branch, including jobs for inspectors that were eliminated because of budget shortfalls. The department said it will seek funding from the Legislature next year to fill positions statewide. Star-Advertiser.

A mandatory helmet bill is periodically introduced in the state Legislature, and it often doesn’t get a committee hearing, much less get passed. The 2014 legislative session may be no different, despite a move by the Honolulu City Council to include mandatory helmets for riders of motorcycles, mopeds and motor scooters in a package of priorities being put together by the Hawaii State Association of Counties. West Hawaii Today.

The Aloha State is ranked sixth among the top 10 best states for young adults, according to MoneyRates.com. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents and visitors spent more money in the third quarter on convenience store items, insurance, furniture and other goods and services, according to the bank that handles most credit and debit transactions in the state. Associated Press.

Hawaii's Public Records: Law's Creators Didn't Expect Cost To Be An Issue. Civil Beat.

Documents requested from state and county agencies under the Uniform Information Practices Act are often handed over with black streaks through words, sentences, paragraphs and even entire pages. Agencies are supposed to provide a legally justified reason for every redaction, but they're often chalked up to privacy concerns or broad categorical exemptions such as the ubiquitous "frustrates a legitimate government function."  Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 15. Associated Press.

Oahu
Matson Inc. is starting to cut checks to businesses hurt by last month's molasses spill disaster. About a dozen companies have filed claims against the shipping giant after the spill shutdown Keehi Lagoon and much of Honolulu Harbor for nearly two week. Hawaii News Now.

Sections of the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station are returning to the "wild, wild West" vandalism and lawless days that followed the base closing in 1999, a local historian and preservationist charges. Some residents and officials agree with that assessment by Ewa Beach's John Bond, while others do not, as the old 3,700-acre military base continues to occupy an awkward place between the ongoing departure of the Navy and redevelopment somewhere down the road. Star-Advertiser.

State coastal lands officials Monday reached out to Sunset Beach residents threatened by such severe shore erosion that it has left their homes dangerously close to the edge of a newly carved 20-foot cliff. A team from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources met with residents, talked to lifeguards and examined the eroded stretch of North Shore beach at Ke Nui Road that includes the home of pro surfer Fred Patacchia Jr. Star-Advertiser.

For nearly 90 years, Camp Kokokahi has weathered the salty breezes of Kaneohe Bay with a spiritual, if not physical, grace. While thousands of Hawaii families and visitors enjoyed the waterfront facilities, the buildings deteriorated, held together by an occasional new coat of paint, and the camp seemed to slip from people's minds. Star-Advertiser.

Local real estate developer Dick Gushman, who helped develop the Waikiki Beach Walk retail complex and Waikele Center, is donating $100,000 to Hawaii Public Radio as part of a philanthropic partnership that will translate into at least 1 million HawaiianMiles for the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A Big Island lawmaker has raised questions regarding Hawaii County’s ability to regulate genetically altered crops. On Thursday, state Sen. Malama Solomon sent Hawaii Attorney General David Louie an email asking for an opinion on the issue. Tribune-Herald.

A bill seeking to ban genetically modified crops in Hawaii County passed the Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee (PSMTC) on Oct. 1 and moves on to first reading in front of the full council on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013. KHON2.

Brightly colored flotation devices, mounted to plastic pipes topped with orange flags, now adorn five North Kona beaches, thanks to the Alex and Duke De Rego Foundation. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

GMO Free Maui hosted a Maui March Against Monsanto over the weekend as part of an ongoing effort to heighten awareness about GMOs and pesticides. Maui Now.

Hundreds march to ‘Bee The Change’ against Monsanto. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa hosts a news conference this afternoon to share his vision for a “Central Maui Regional Park” in Waikapū. Maui Now.

Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua is calling for volunteers to help with finishing and outfitting Maui’s voyaging canoe, Mo’okiha o Pi’ilani, prior to its planned launched on Dec. 21 during the winter solstice. Maui Now.

Kauai

Once outgoing member Nadine Nakamura steps away from the County Council in about two weeks, the rest of the commission will have one month to choose her replacement. Garden Island.

The Kauai County Council will reconvene on Tuesday, Oct. 15, to continue the discussion over Bill 2491 regulating GMOs. KHON2.

Resurrecting the cemetery. Eleele resident cleaning up a piece of Kauai’s history. Garden Island.

Lanai

Pulama Lanai, the company formed to handle operations for Lanai majority owner Larry Ellison, is expected to reveal details about a planned $27 million makeover of its Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay at a meeting next week on the island. Pacific Business News.

Tourists still flocking to Hawaii, Schatz out-raises Hanabusa in Senate race, Hawaii youth don't vote, Civil Beat takes on government records costs, surf threatens Sunset Beach homes, Kauai councilwoman opts for manager job, Maui mulls windmills at landfill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula girls file photo (c) 2013 All Hawaii News

Hawaii set a record for the number of tourists in 2012 and will most likely set another one this year. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Brian Schatz raised nearly $678,000 during the July-September fundraising cycle, according to his re-election campaign. He now has more than $2 million in cash on hand. His Democratic primary challenger, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, raised about $441,000 for the third quarter, according to her Senate campaign. Hanabusa has raised more than $1.1 million to date and has about $772,000 in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has expanded his fundraising edge over U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in their Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, as Hanabusa struggled through a subpar quarter. Schatz raised more than $677,900 from July through September, according to a draft of his campaign finance report, and has brought in $2.7 million overall. Hanabusa raised more than $440,800 for the quarter and has brought in $1.1 million, her campaign announced, including money transferred from her House account. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer than one third of people in the islands between the ages of 18 and 29 bothered to vote in the presidential election that pitted Hawaii native Barack Obama against Republican John McCain. It was by far the worst youth turnout in the country. Such numbers got teachers wondering whether more young people would have capitalized on their democratic duty if they had gotten a more substantive dose of Civics 101 before becoming adults. Civil Beat.

Attorneys representing churches being sued over renting Hawaii public school buildings for services said last week that the churches aren't doing anything wrong and the state knows how the facilities are being used. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii has enacted a temporary hiring freeze for vacant positions within the executive branch, effective immediately, according to a memorandum signed by Acting Gov. Shan Tsutsui on Friday afternoon. Pacific Business News.

Neil Abercrombie’s job as Hawaii governor takes him around the world. Tourism meetings in Tokyo. A trade show in Los Angeles. A forum in Beijing. Those kinds of trips sound pricey. But independently reviewing the travel expenses to see if they are worth taxpayers’ money is definitely cost-prohibitive. Civil Beat.

The arguably unreasonable cost to check up on where our governor has been traveling and what he’s been doing while he’s away was the final straw for us in the often frustrating pursuit of public information. Civil Beat.

State roundup for October 13. Associated Press.

Oahu
The transportation company responsible for a molasses spill that killed more than 26,000 fish and other marine life in Hawaii said Friday that it had been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury for documents relating to the spill. Associated Press.

Bureaucratic snags continue to stall attempts to reach a long-term solution to the city's Haiku Stairs disagreement. On one side are hiking groups and environmental interests who want to see the long-stalled hiking path reopened so hikers can once again see the panoramic views at the top of the 2,800-foot path. On the other are Haiku residents who in recent years have seen their properties trashed and trespassed on by hikers visiting the stairs illegally at night to avoid detection by a security guard. Star-Advertiser.

With a multimillion-dollar land sale to the Roman Catholic Church gone sour, the University of Hawaii-West Oahu says it's moving away from the school's original concept of selling or leasing lands surrounding its Kapolei campus to pay for operations. It instead will seek more public funds from the state Legislature next year. Star-Advertiser.

A professional surfer's Sunset Beach home is now threatened by the very waves he learned to surf on. And the man's father says that ten other homes in the neighborhood remain threatened by the surf and that the state is doing nothing to protect them. Hawaii News Now.

New York, Chicago and about 30 other cities across the United States already offer public bike-share programs, through which bicycles can be rented to get around and dropped off at various stations. Now, grass-roots advocates have teamed with city and state leaders, hoping to bring bike-sharing to Hono­lulu's urban core by the summer of 2015. It would not be Oahu's first bike-share program. A pilot program in Kai­lua that started in 2011 already pays for itself through user fees, state Department of Health officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

This month, for the first time, Hawaii will join an international effort to prepare citizens for the impact of a large earthquake. Known as The Great Hawaii Shakeout, the informal, statewide event is an opportunity for schools, businesses and individuals to practice what to do in the event of an earthquake. Tribune-Herald.

A 6-month-old male seal, called Kamilo and known by the bleach mark on his back, H05, was relocated after nipping two triathletes who were swimming in Kamakahonu Bay on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

With a bill to restrict genetically modified crops passed out of committee, the Hawaii County Council will have only a few more chances to decide whether it wants to adopt the legislation, and, perhaps just as important, how it would be implemented. Tribune-Herald.

Business for contractors working on big jobs is up on Hawaii Island, a labor union organizer said. West Hawaii Today.

Shark victim makes triumphant return to water. Tribune-Herald.

Maui
Whale season in Hawaii officially started with a splash with sightings of two whales off Maui less than one week into October, and two more Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County is planning to build three wind turbines at the Central Maui Landfill to offset thousands of dollars in energy bills at the site and is looking for prospective bidders. Maui News.

Officials with Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. are apologizing for what residents are saying is an excessive amount of ash from sugar cane fields burning. Associated Press.

Furloughed workers at Haleakala National Park have been "glued to the news" and eager to get back to work as the government shutdown ended its second week, park workers said. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Council Vice Chair Nadine Nakamura, who topped the council elections last year, announced Friday she is leaving her position to replace county Managing Director Gary Heu. Garden Island.

Kauai heading down a slippery slope. Garden Island.

Several events supporting traditional marriage are scheduled on Kauai. Garden Island.

Molokai

Oceanic Time Warner Cable’s franchises to provide cable service in Maui County expire at the end of 2013. The current franchises were issued by the State of Hawaii more than 15 years ago, and the cable company has filed an application with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) to continue providing cable service in Maui County for the next 20 years. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii's $205M health exchange has security holes, newspaper involvement; gay marriage battle burns; safety check changes blasted at public hearing; National parks still closed; Honolulu loses $1.8M in taxes; Maui seeks film commissioner; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Connector website

Even though it's not yet selling health plans, the Hawaii Health Connector is collecting personal information from people who fill out forms online. KHON2 asked computer experts to look over the site with us, and what we found was surprising -- a Wordpress website platform the industry considers entry-level, along with what they call some “amateur” mistakes that could have opened the site to real hacker risks.

Ten days after the Hawaii Health Connector was scheduled to be up and running, the Obamacare virtual exchange is still unable to provide users any pricing or other health care plan details. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii's health insurance marketplace is hoping to turn around a stalled start by providing plans and pricing to consumers by Tuesday - but there are no guarantees, its executive director said Wednesday. Associated Press.

The U.S. Department of Interior announced Thursday it will consider letting states reopen national parks if they put up the funds. All national parks have been closed as a result of the government shutdown. So far, Hawaii has not joined Utah, South Dakota, Arizona, and Colorado in asking permission to reopen national parks under state jurisdiction. KHON2.

Under pressure from governors, the Obama administration said Thursday it will allow some shuttered national parks to reopen — as long as states use their own money to pay for operations. While at least four governors have asked for authority to reopen national parks within their borders because of the economic impact of keeping them closed, Hawaii so far is not one of them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Delegates Frustrated by Federal Shutdown Gridlock. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Marcus Oshiro, who wants to slow the drive toward marriage equality, is reminding lawmakers they do not have to take any action when they meet in special session this month. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has called a special session starting Oct. 28 to consider a gay marriage bill. But neither the House nor the Senate is obligated to hear or vote on legislation, and could simply meet and adjourn. Oshiro's message, which has been privately likened by some to a Hail Mary pass, is meant to unsettle House leaders who are trying to steer a wobbly majority in favor of gay marriage toward a final vote. The Senate overwhelmingly supports marriage equality. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i News Now was the first to report on an anonymous flyer targeting lawmakers and urging recipients to ask them to vote no on same-sex marriage.  We have learned the First Assembly of God is behind the mysterious mailers, which has grown to focus on another legislator, and now the Hawai'i State Ethics Commission is getting involved.

Testifiers at a statewide public hearing Thursday generally took a dim view of the Department of Transportation’s plan to hike fees and create an electronic system for annual vehicle safety checks. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii officials are celebrating the opening of state-funded immigrant resource centers. The Office of Community Services on Thursday announced opening celebrations that will take place at four centers on Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. The office's Executive Director Mila Kaahanui says restoration of state-funded, comprehensive services for Hawaii's immigrant communities comes after two decades of gaps in services. Associated Press.

Hawaii is a natural American business and security bridge to Asia and the state would benefit from a possible trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union, the EU's ambassador to Washington says. Civil Beat.

Attorneys representing two churches being sued over renting Hawaii public school buildings for services say the churches aren't doing anything wrong and the state knows how the facilities are being used. A lawsuit filed in March by Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of Church and State founder Mitchell Kahle and public advocate Holly Huber claims the churches owe more than $5.6 million in unpaid or underpaid fees. Associated Press.

The state Department of Health has ordered stores to pull a dietary supplement from shelves while it investigates a growing number of cases of liver damage. As of Thursday the Health Department is investigating 32 cases of acute hepatitis or sudden liver failure (up from 30 reported Wednesday): 21 cases on Oahu, seven on Hawaii island, two on Kauai, one on Maui and another in which the location has yet to be identified. Of the 32 cases, 24 reported using OxyELITE Pro before their illnesses. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
The city of Honolulu could have collected more than $1.8 million had it done a better job of following tax procedures, such as keeping assessments updated and accurate and toughening enforcement of historic-property dedication requirements, a report this week from city Auditor Edwin Young concluded. Star-Advertiser.

Habitual no-show riders of the city's Handi-Van para transit service will be temporarily banned from getting rides under a policy set to begin November 1. Hawaii News Now.

A tower of up to 350 feet on Atkinson Drive across from Ala Moana Center and the expansion of the Kapaa Industrial Park next to Kawai­­nui Marsh were given final approvals by the Hono­­lulu City Council on Wednesday. Each project faced opposition but also had its share of supporters. Star-Advertiser.

City prosecutors are opposing a request by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and other news organizations asking the Hawaii Supreme Court to unseal transcripts of closed proceedings in federal agent Christopher Deedy's murder case. The newspaper and Hawaii News Now also asked the high court to prohibit Circuit Judge Karen Ahn from closing future court proceedings in the case without first giving the public a chance to object. Star-Advertiser.

New Age Toilet Paper Clogging Honolulu's Sewer Pipes, Causing Headaches. Civil Beat.

The wonder and promise of the 21st century has landed big time on the tradition-rich campus of ‘Iolani School. It's called the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, a modern 40,000-square-foot building dedicated to high-tech innovation and hands-on learning using state-of-the-art technology and experts in cutting-edge fields as teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The ongoing partial federal shutdown is providing helicopter operators, and some tourists, with nowhere to go but up. While other tourist-oriented businesses are being hit, the closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during the shutdown is causing visitors hoping to get a view of the park and the lava flowing from Pu‘u ‘O‘o to flock to helicopter tours. Tribune-Herald.

The state has released $1.8 million to train more primary care physicians in an attempt to alleviate a shortage of more than 30 percent on the Big Island. The funds go toward the Hilo Medical Center's primary care training program that will prepare a dozen new residents over three years to enter the field. Star-Advertiser.

Monk seal captured

Big Island photographer Doug Perrine captured people getting too close to a monk seal pup on Sunday-- one day before it bit two Kona Ironman Triathletes. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

As Maui County continues the search for its next film commissioner, Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson stressed the importance of finding someone who will be able to "bridge the gap" for industry producers while still respecting the sensitivities of Hawaiian culture. Maui News.

The non-profit Hale Makua Health Services on Maui will benefit from fuel sales at participating ʻOhana Fuels gas stations through the end of the year, under a partnership announced today. Maui Now.

Participants in Wednesday evening’s candlelight vigil against domestic violence listen as 101 names of fatal victims of domestic abuse in Hawaii are read aloud in front of the Kalana O Maui building. Maui News.

Kauai
Although nothing short of spectacular, the Na Pali Coast State Park — home of the Kalalau — is also a persistent headache for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Several human remains were uncovered at the Kauai Sands Hotel in Waipouli while workers were digging to install utility lines near the resort’s swimming pool. An archeologist on site Thursday afternoon, who asked to remain anonymous, said the discoveries included “human burials — less than 10, (but) more than four.” Garden Island.

Hawaii lawmakers grill Obamacare health exchange head, Trump developer sued, campaign finance in federal court, Awana fined again, truancy can't be stopped, Oahu charities get grants, Hawaii County can't help department head, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Connector briefing courtesy House majority

The head of the $205 million Hawaii Health Connector pledged to get medical plans and prices on the state’s health insurance exchange by Tuesday, two weeks after the Oct. 1 scheduled start of open enrollment. Executive Director Coral Andrews apologized Wednesday for the software problems that continue to plague the website where consumers were supposed to be able to compare policies, get rates and enroll as of last week. Star-Advertiser.

It's been more than a week since the Hawaii Health Connector launched with a major glitch -- no way yet for consumers to compare and buy health insurance and avoid federal penalties. On Wednesday, lawmakers grilled them about what went wrong, while the Connector says a fix should be up within a week. KHON2.

One week after the debut of the Hawaii Health Connector, its Executive Director sat before a Senate Health Committee, apologizing and asking for understanding. KITV.

A three-judge federal appeals panel on Wednesday heard a challenge to Hawaii's campaign-finance law, questioning lawyers about the ban on political contributions by state and county contractors and the spending threshold for triggering disclosure requirements. Legal experts caution against reading too much into the judges' questions at such hearings. But the judges did appear skeptical about claims that the contribution ban on contractors, passed by the state Legislature in 2005 in response to the "pay to play" scandals, is unconstitutional. Star-Advertiser.

Awana

The state Campaign Spending Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to fine state Rep. Karen Awana $8,590 for campaign finance violations. The fine — Awana's fourth since 2011 — was for filing false or inaccurate disclosure reports, untimely deposits of campaign contributions and failure to keep campaign finance records. The representative was urged to pay the fine within a year. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday fined state Rep. Karen Awana for the fourth time since 2011. The four-term Oahu Democrat had just paid off the last $800 that she owed from previous fines, completely draining her campaign account this week and paying a portion out of pocket. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Campaign Spending Commissioners sanctioned Rep. Karen Awana on Wednesday, issuing the maximum fine of $8,590 against her for 54 violations of the state’s campaign spending law. Hawaii Reporter.

Teachers, in many cases, can't do much about frequently truant students. That is because few schools have a mandatory attendance requirement and teachers are expressly prohibited from grading students based on attendance. It might seem surprising, but the Hawaii Department of Education doesn’t specify a minimum number of instructional days that middle and high school students must be present in order to be eligible to pass their courses. Civil Beat.

In 2043, Honolulu will probably be off-the-charts hot — permanently. Oahu’s residents and its unique, fragile ecosystem will likely enter a scorching new reality with grave impacts to the natural environment. That’s according to a University of Hawaii study on global warming that started as a graduate-level course project and now is getting national attention. It pinpoints the probable dates for when cities and ecosystems around the world will regularly experience hotter environments the likes of which they have never seen before. Star-Advertiser.

Climate change will begin within a generation, according to a study published Wednesday by researchers at the University of Hawaii. The UH group determined that the world's climate will change sometime in the year 2047. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii’s Michael Liu said his team of astronomers’ latest discovery of an exotic young planet not orbiting around a star will lead to more discoveries in the future. Tribune-Herald.

The number people in Hawaii suffering liver damage linked to taking a dietary supplement for weight loss or muscle gain is now at 30, with the majority of cases on Oahu, state Department of Health officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Some 20,000 civilian Department of Defense employees in Hawaii -- and more than 350,000 workers nationwide --- shouldn't have been ordered off the job last week due to a new law that provided for funding for their pay, according to Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. Hawaii News Now.

Members of the military have been neighbors in the islands since long before Hawaii was a state. And today, they continue their presence around the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Eleven Oahu nonprofit agencies learned Wednesday they will get a slice of the city’s $5.1 million grants-in-aid pie because of a City Council decision to increase the number of organizations selected to benefit from the new fund. Forty-one other nonprofits that had already been awaiting grants found out their slices of the pie will be considerably smaller than expected under the plan proffered by City Council Chairman Ernie Martin and approved Wednesday with a 7-1 vote. Star-Advertiser.

Donating to charity is supposed to be a fuzzy, feel-good experience. This hasn’t been the case at Honolulu Hale. A protracted political debateover which nonprofits are worthy of taxpayer subsidies has soured relationships inside city hall. It’s also raised questions about equity and fairness. Civil Beat.

One month after 233,000 gallons of molasses spilled into Honolulu Harbor, Department of Land and Natural Resources officials are continuing to evaluate the full scope of damage to coral, fish and other marine life. Star-Advertiser.

One month after 233,000 gallons of molasses spilled into Honolulu Harbor, researchers have learned a little more about its impact on the coral and underwater ecosystem, but studies are ongoing to determine the full scope of damage. Hawaii News Now.

The buyer of four units at the Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk is suing the developer, Los Angeles-based Irongate, for breach of contract, claiming the developer failed to return the excess deposits and refused to instruct the escrow company to release the funds, according to a lawsuit filed recently in 1st Circuit Court in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Last night members of the Ko‘olau Loa communities from Kahuku to Ka‘a‘awa came to the Kahuku Intermediate School cafeteria to give testimony on Bill 47 before the Honolulu City Council Zoning and Planning Committee, chaired by Ikaika Anderson. If passed, the bill would put the Ko‘olauloa Sustainable Communities Plan into place. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Although the mayor appointed her and the County Council confirmed her to head the Department of Environmental Management, Bobby Jean Leithead Todd must go it alone defending her qualifications for the position before a 3rd Circuit Court judge. Judge Ronald Ibarra on Sept. 26 denied Hawaii County’s motion to intervene in the challenge to Leithead Todd’s job that was filed by Councilwoman Brenda Ford, who represents South Kona and Ka‘u. West Hawaii Today.

A possible burial site is likely the cause of the latest delay in the Kawaihae Road intersection work at Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

August's continuing trend of lower occupancy coupled with higher daily room rates in Maui resorts is part of a "stabilization" of the tourism market on the island, said the executive director of the Maui Visitors Bureau. Maui News.

County officials have announced a fall schedule for restroom repairs at four park facilities 0n Maui. The repair work will result in the closure of restrooms at respective locations, with portable toilets provided for public use during the repairs. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s recommendation that the Kauai County Council defer Bill 2491 for two months stirred up a wide range of reactions Wednesday. If passed in its current form, the bill would require Kauai’s largest agricultural companies to disclose the presence and use of genetically modified crops and pesticides. It would also establish buffer zones around schools, hospitals, homes and other areas, and require the county to conduct a study on the health and environmental impacts of the industry. Provisions deleted from the bill last month include those that would have prohibited open-air testing of experimental pesticides and genetically modified organisms, established a permitting process and placed a temporary moratorium on the expansion of GMO fields. The Kauai County Council will resume its discussion of Bill 2491 at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the History County Building. Garden Island.

Representatives for CVS Longs Drugs overcame public opposition and a 13-hour meeting Tuesday to secure a set of permits from the Kauai Planning Commission to build a 23,200-square-foot retail store in Kapaa. Garden Island.

The coastal and nearshore areas surrounding the privately-owned island of Niihau may be considered for inclusion in the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island.

Molokai

Five members from Sisters of the Sacred Hearts from Rome, Italy — the same Catholic congregation as St. Damien — arrived on Molokai Thursday, Sept. 27, as part of their trip to visit other Sacred Heart provinces across the world. Molokai Dispatch.