No special session for volcano recovery, monster houses on Oahu, vacation rentals in Hawaii County, ending term limits for Kauai, cesspools on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Fissure 8, Sept. 6, 2018, USGS photo

House: No Special Session For Kilauea Recovery. The State Legislature will take up the issue of funding recovery efforts during the regular legislative session beginning in January 2019. Tribune-Herald.

Prospects for special legislative session for disaster recovery funds for Puna dwindling. Mayor Harry Kim continued to hold out hope Friday for a last-minute special session of the state Legislature to approve disaster recovery funding for Puna, even as lawmakers say that window has closed. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmaker: ‘A more solid plan’ needed before convening special session on disaster funding. Some were hoping a special session would be held to address immediate needs. Hawaii News Now.

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Here’s How The Top Contenders For Governor Shake Out On Key Issues. Gov. David Ige and state Rep. Andria Tupola both oppose using LNG to produce electricity. But their differences shine through on other topics. Civil Beat.

4 former governors weigh in on controversial constitutional amendment. In the commercial spot paid for by the Affordable Hawaii Coalition, former governors George Ariyoshi, John Waihe’e, Ben Cayetano and Neil Abercrombie appear in a conference call-like setting, all stating their opposition to the proposal. Hawaii News Now.

With the election less than a month away, Hawaii voters will be deciding on a constitutional amendment that would add a surcharge on investment property to help fund public education. Garden Island.

Voters to decide on Hawaii Constitutional Convention. The last ConCon was in 1978, and there wer 102 delegates. Each delegate was chosen by voters. KHON2.

Strike-related dampening of visitor numbers could cross into 2019. Some 2,700 Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii spent a sixth day on strike Saturday, seeking higher wages and better benefits while exacerbating challenges to the state’s visitor industry, which already has had to deal with floods, a volcanic eruption and hurricanes. Star-Advertiser.

Cooperation to Fight Competition in the Air. Seven months into a comprehensive partnership, Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines have already deepened their connection in key ways. Hawaii Public Radio.

How technology is transforming Hawaii agriculture. Hawaii’s farmers, large and small, will have to embrace technology if they want to compete with one another, as well as the global market. That was the general consensus of a recent panel on precision agriculture, hosted by the Hawaii Business Roundtable and the University of Hawaii on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

‘Monster houses’ bill is criticized as not addressing the cause of the problem. The draft of a bill designed to crack down on Oahu’s illegal large-scale houses, or so-called monster homes, is already drawing fire — and it hasn’t even gotten its first public hearing. Star-Advertiser.

We May Finally Get To See Honolulu Police Salary Information. A judge’s rejection of a police union challenge clears the way for the release of names and pay levels for hundreds of officers. Civil Beat.

Experts: Lack Of Mental Health Treatment Among The Culprits In Police Shootings. Six armed suspects have been shot and killed by Honolulu police in recent weeks. Four appear to have suffered from mental health problems. Civil Beat.

Rivals compete for Ewa Beach Senate seat. Matt LoPresti and Kurt Fevella are old Ewa Beach political adversaries whose rivalry is so intense that they have, at different times, called the police on one another. Star-Advertiser.

Race for Mililani House seat pits veteran against rookie. In state House District 36 that covers Mililani Mauka and part of Mililani, a Republican is squaring off against a Democrat to replace a Democrat who won the seat as a Republican. Star-Advertiser.

The commander of American Veterans Hawaii said he will somehow remove 28 enormous concrete pilings — many nearly 60 feet long — that he had trucked in without permission to the former Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, a Dec. 7, 1941, battlefield that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit aids startups finding green solutions in energy, transportation. Start-up companies offering battery-operated airplanes, a video-based monitoring system to verify how fish are caught and new ways to install, track and store solar technology are among Elemental Excelerator’s newest cohort for 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Noise from Local 5 strike impacting businesses, guests. For a week now, the peace in Waikiki has been disrupted. The chants, drums, and bells can get loud, affecting neighboring businesses. KHON2.

Second tower adds 245 units to Ritz-Carlton hotel property. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Revised vacation rental bill comes back to Council. The fifth version of a bill regulating short-term vacation rentals will be considered by the County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday, taking into account recommendations from the Leeward and Windward planning commissions and the Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

A number of recommendations are being made to alter the charter sections dealing with Hawaii County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. Big Island Video News.

Water Supply Dismantling Proposal Opposed. Speakers testified during a Charter Commission meeting against creating a new Department of Water Sustainability. Big Island Video News.

Only one firm shows interest in former Uncle Billy’s site; Study needed before state can proceed with redevelopment. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools is seeking a new operator to harvest a portion of 10,000 acres of forest on the Hamakua Coast and will issue a request for proposal today. Tribune-Herald.

Jury finds former Hawaii Island officer guilty of third-degree negligent homicide. Jody Buddemeyer was on trial accused of hitting and killing cyclist Jeffrey Surnow while driving a police car on Waikoloa Road in Kohala more than three years ago. Hawaii News Now.

HPA didn’t stop adult-student affair, report says. A female supervisor at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy boy’s dormitory on the Big Island was having sex with a male student and officials didn’t do anything to stop her even though they knew or should have known it was happening, according to an independent investigation commissioned by the school. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maalaea condo groups working on wastewater alternatives. Health Department citations issued for three condominium complexes. Maui News.

Solar project proposed for Ulupalakua Ranch land. Innergex plans Oct. 30 meeting for public comment. Maui News.

UH study: Maui more susceptible to erosion from rising sea levels. Erosion, wave run-up models show greater risk. Maui News.

The Maui County Department of Planning will close all of its offices on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, to conduct staff training. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council Members Want To End Term Limits — On Themselves. The chief proponent of the ballot measure is Councilman Ross Kagawa. If it fails, he could be term-limited out in 2020. Civil Beat.

Two County Councilmen vying for the mayor’s seat for Kauai County are promising to tackle scarce affordable housing and traffic congestion, which are among the main concerns of isle residents. Star-Advertiser.

As communities across the mainland report disarray in recycling programs after China stopped accepting items in January, people on Kauai said they haven’t seen much of a change. Garden Island.

Lab rejects 20% of medical marijuana, Caldwell signs homeless sidewalk encampment ban, feds seize Kealoha home, Kauai beach smoking ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Medical marijuana sign in Hilo © 2018 All Hawaii News

Lab: More than 20 percent of Hawaii medical marijuana products rejected for sale. The state requires rigorous testing of medical marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

A diverse and powerful coalition made up of unions, businesses and environmentalists are working together to urge residents to vote ‘no’ in the general election on whether to hold a state constitutional convention.  Star-Advertiser.

Can A Moderate Like Ed Case Still Thrive In Washington? The Hawaii Democrat is likely headed back to Congress. But his centrist views are definitely out of style in a U.S. Capitol split by partisanship. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees suspended personal allowances for members last year. But the Board is contemplating taking action to resolve this matter. Hawaii Public Radio.

In what could prove a lasting black eye, visitors staying at five hotels where workers are on strike are taking to social media to complain about what they thought would be their dream Hawaii vacations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's unemployment rates are low, but businesses are suffering. KHON2.

The Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise arrived in Honolulu on Thursday morning as part of a global campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Federal authorities have seized the Hawaii Kai home of Honolulu’s former police chief and his wife, a former deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Today was the deadline for retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his former deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha to move out of their Hawaii Kai home to allow the government to sell it. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas ordered to move out of Hawaii Kai home. KHON2.

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The city’s updated, 95-page action plan for tackling homelessness unveiled by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday calls for launching public safety initiatives and providing more health care services for the unsheltered. Star-Advertiser.

The mayor signed two bills into law Thursday that ban the homeless from sleeping or living on public sidewalks, but neither take effect right away. Hawaii News Now.

Two bills aimed at cracking down on homeless encampments are now law. KHON2.

Honolulu has two new laws to stop the homeless from blocking sidewalks. Enforcement is the issue. KITV.

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Most Of Oahu’s Shelters Are A Long Way From Hurricane Ready. The state is assessing the conditions of shelters and retrofitting some, but the work is expensive and slow. Civil Beat.

Par Hawaii broke ground Thursday on a $27 million distillate hydrotreater that will produce clean, ultra-low sulfur diesel and enable the Kapolei- based refinery to produce more jet fuel — two products that are in high demand in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's sole remaining refinery, Par Hawaii, on Thursday broke ground on a new production module that will enable the company to increase its output of clean-burning jet fuel and ultra-low sulfur diesel. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Dairy officials say steps are being taken to reduce the possibility of future wastewater discharges at the Ookala facility. Tribune-Herald.

A plan to make 766 acres of land in Honomu available for a Subsistence Agricultural Homestead Community by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is examined in a draft environmental assessment, or EA. Big Island Video News.

Former officer testifies in his defense. A former Hawaii Police officer accused of fatally striking a cyclist testified in 3rd Circuit Court he didn’t remember the moment the collision occurred the morning of March 1, 2015. West Hawaii Today.

Only a quarter of lava evacuees have found permanent housing. As many as 10 percent of affected households are believed to have left the state. Hawaii News Now.

Why A New Beach Created By Lava May Doom A Popular Boat Ramp. Pohoiki was home to a ramp heavily used by fishermen. Now officials must decide whether to restore it or preserve a black sand beach. Civil Beat.

Five months after the 6.9 earthquake occurred during the eruption of Kilauea, smaller-magnitude earthquakes in the same area are still occurring. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Arakawa administration on Wednesday transmitted a request for funding and approval to Maui County Council members in order to purchase 8,764 acres of land and easements owned by Wailuku Water Company in the West Maui watershed. Maui Now.

Watershed lands purchase submitted to council. Arakawa pushing $9.5 million buy from Wailuku Water. Maui News.

About two dozen Maui residents asked the state Commission on Water Resource Management during a public fact-gathering meeting Tuesday night to release more water to Kahoma Stream, which could be “one of the most thriving freshwater ecosystems” on the island. Maui News.

Workshops on Effective Lobbying Comes to Maui Oct. 15-18. Several “How-To” workshops will be held on Maui to educate the public on effective lobbying at the legislature. Maui Now.

Maui Journalist Documents The Early Days of Activism.  Journalist Gary Kubota has covered news in the islands for  40 decades. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Trump administration’s $250 billion tariffs on goods exported by China is being felt on Maui, where Ceramic Tile Plus & EY Design, a supplier of tiles, countertops and cabinets, is expecting to see a 45 percent increase next month in the price of quartz countertops. Pacific Business News.

The sale in September of an oceanfront unit at the Montage Residences Kapalua Bay on Maui last month for nearly $9 million was the highest-priced condominium sale recorded on Maui in September, and the highest price for a condo in Kapalua Resort so far this year. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Former female employees of the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club in Lihue have filed a lawsuit in Fifth Circuit Court against the hotel conglomerate, alleging a fellow employee recorded them using the bathroom and changing clothes in the female locker room. Garden Island.

Poipu Beach Park is now a designated, tobacco-free facility. The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii and community partners worked with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and county Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo to prohibit tobacco use, including electronic smoking devices, in the park. Garden Island.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. and community partners announced that Poipu Beach Park is now a designated, tobacco-free facility. KHON2.

Poipu Beach Park saying bye bye to butts, now tobacco-free. The park is completely tobacco-free, including e-cigarettes. KITV.

The Hammers N’ Ales fundraiser for the Kauai Habitat for Humanity is 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Poipu Beach Athletic Club. Garden Island.

$200M for Ala Wai improvements, Abercrombie yes, Hanabusa no on constitutional convention, new landfill for Kauai, renewable energy takes a hit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai ©2018 All Hawaii News

Senate OKs over $200M for canal improvements. The U.S. Senate voted 99- 1 to pass legislation Wednesday that includes more than $212 million in federal funding to improve the Ala Wai Canal. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could receive $200 million to improve Ala Wai Canal. The Ala Wai canal might get a major facelift -- $212 million worth. KITV.

Abercrombie, Hanabusa disagree on constitutional convention. Hawaii voters will decide in November’s general election whether to hold a convention to overhaul Hawaii’s current state constitution. Hawaii News Now.

Andria Tupola: ‘I’m Going To Take Over This Government’. The energetic Republican candidate for Hawaii governor won’t be abandoning the party or coming home crying anytime soon. Civil Beat.

1st Congressional Dist. nominees grilled, one relates to Kavanaugh claims. KITV.

Gun control advocates to lead key committees. State Sen. Karl Rhoads is expected to take over as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and state Rep. Chris Lee is expected to become head of the House Judiciary Committee in a leadership shuffle at the Legislature that could shape the debate on gun control in Hawaii in the years ahead. Star-Advertiser.

Pal Of Ige Or Not, Keith Hiraoka Is A Good Choice For Appeals Court. Some feel the governor was playing politics when he nominated his former campaign manager to a judgeship for the second time. Civil Beat.

No talks scheduled in hotel strike. Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii continued pounding drums and hollering chants as they entered day three of 24/7 picketing without an offer of new bargaining dates from Kyo-ya Hotels &Resorts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department’s Professional Standards detectives arrested an HPD lieutenant today for alleged tax violations.  Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu police lieutenant was arrested charged with multiple tax violations. Eric Yiu was charged on Oct. 8, 2018 with violating six counts of filing false and fraudulent tax returns for tax years 2011-2016. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin announced this week that an investigative team has been formed to look into an allegation that Councilman Trevor Ozawa verbally harassed another Councilman’s aide for supporting his political rival. Star-Advertiser.

City may have to repay $8M, HUD warns. A local U.S. housing official warned Mayor Kirk Caldwell Wednesday that the city could be forced to repay nearly $8 million for failing to find commercial tenants for the Chinatown Gateway Plaza building on Nuuanu and Hotel streets. Star-Advertiser.

Do the right thing’: Discovery of more remains at construction site spurs emotional testimony. Bone fragments have been temporarily reburied in plastic boxes. An archaeologist hired by Kawaiahao Church says 36 additional human remains have been found at the construction site for its multi-purpose center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Public High Schools Redesigned for Innovation Future. The 4th annual Future Focus Conference on technologies and innovation is underway in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

New and improved ZipMobile set to launch on Zipper Lane duties next month. Gov. David Ige got behind the wheel of a brand new bright- yellow $1.95 million ZipMobile on Wednesday and immediately said he wanted to drive it. Star-Advertiser.

Community Cure: Waimanalo's Hawaiian Medicine Garden. Community medicine gardens may be just what the doctor ordered. Hawaii Public Radio.

How the Marriott strike has affected businesses in Waikiki properties. Disgruntled hotel guests and room cancellations may take a toll on the five Marriott properties that have workers on strike, as well as on the businesses that lease out spaces in these hotels. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

A powerful trio: Energy officials update plans at chamber function. Hawaii Island’s renewable energy portfolio took a hit from a series of natural disasters this year, losing both geothermal and hydroelectric power sources. West Hawaii Today.

Helicopter noise panel to meet. A new committee that aims to address noise created by tour helicopters will meet for the first time today. Tribune-Herald.

Neil Gyotoku, Hawaii County’s administrator of the Office of Housing and Community Development, has rescinded his resignation in a letter to Mayor Harry Kim.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on various boards and commissions. Members of most of these panels serve for staggered terms of five years on a voluntary basis. Tribune-Herald.

Puna health clinic teams up with Ka'u Hospital. Puna Community Medical Center in Pahoa became a division of Ka'u Hospital earlier this month in an effort to improve medical services in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

FEMA Public Assistance Applicants Invited to Maui Briefing. The Maui briefing will take place on Monday, Oct. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Maui County Emergency Operations Center in the basement level of the County Building. Maui Now.

2 more large-scale solar projects for Maui in contract talks. Maui News.

Median sales prices for single-family homes and condominiums jumped in double-digit increases in September — up 16 percent to $754,248 for homes and up 18.2 percent to $501,000 for condos — both compared with the same month last year, according to statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Maui condo market is hot in 2018, as YTD sales, prices rise by double digits. Maui is having a banner year for condominium sales so far in 2018, with year-to-date sales rising by more than 20 percent and the median price increasing by more than 10 percent through the first three quarters, compared to the same time period last year. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Mayor accepts Final EIS for new landfill. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on Wednesday accepted the County of Kauai Department of Public Works Final Environmental Impact Statement for the new municipal solid waste landfill to be located on Maalo Road in Lihue. Garden Island.

A Rising Tide Of Abandoned Cars On The Garden Isle. Rusting hulks have become a common sight at otherwise scenic beach parks. The county is on pace to remove 1,300 vehicles this year. Star-Advertiser.

Muslim woman finally gets driver's license wearing hijab, big solar farms coming to state, cooling the Capitol with seawater, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Laycie Tobosa wearing hijab, ACLU courtesy photo

ACLU warns Hawaii officials after Muslim woman told to remove hijab for driver’s license photo. Laycie Tobosa spent months convincing drivers’ license officials in Hilo that she was not required to remove her traditional Muslim head scarf — or hijab — to pose for a photo for her new driver’s license, which she eventually received. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU: Woman denied full driver’s license after refusing to expose ears for photo. Big Island officials said it’s already changed its policy on the issue. Hawaii News Now.

Muslim Woman Claims License Renewal Discrimination. ACLU asks Hawaii County officials to respond with a plan for correcting “constitutional violations” after dispute over headscarf. Associated Press.

The ACLU of Hawaii sent letters to all four counties after a Muslim woman in Hilo struggled to get her driver's license, because she was wearing a hijab, or head scarf, to take her photo. KHON2.

ACLU objects to county’s treatment of Muslim woman. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii wants Hawaii County to show it no longer follows policies regarding driver’s license pictures it says violates the First Amendment. Tribune-Herald.

A Muslim woman who says she endured an “18-week bureaucratic mess” to acquire a full driver’s license at the Hawaii County Department of Motor Vehicles has gotten the backing of the ACLU of Hawaii, prompting a response from County officials. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County granted driver’s license to Muslim woman. No financial damages or compensation are sought. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Electric plans record boost in renewable energy. The Hawaiian Electric Companies are in contract negotiations with developers for seven solar-plus-­storage projects that would result in the largest infusion of renewable energy in state history and would accelerate the clean energy transition for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric selects 7 solar-plus-storage projects for a combined 260 MW of renewable energy. Honolulu-based utility Hawaiian Electric said on Tuesday it has selected seven solar-plus-storage projects for the largest infusion of renewable energy in state history. Pacific Business News.

Can social media significantly influence the upcoming General Election? Some digital media experts say what you see online most likely won't translate at the polls. KITV.

UH Faculty Weigh in on Property Tax Amendment. A heated debate is taking place around the state over whether or not we should amend the state constitution. One proposal would give the state legislature the power to tax investment property to fund public education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Unions representing sheet metal workers, flight attendants and public service employees took steps Tuesday to support the 2,700 Marriott hotel workers in Hawaii who were on their second day of a strike for higher wages and better benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Local 5 strike could impact many more hotels. Day two of picketing at major hotels in Waikiki and Maui, but striking Local 5 workers aren't the only ones without contracts. KITV.

Dangers of drugged driving focus of MADD conference. Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii is turning its attention to the problem of drugged driving among youth from 16 to their 20s. Star-Advertiser.

What Hawaii Can Learn From Puerto Rico’s Devastation. The U.S. territory still hasn’t recovered from Maria. Hawaii officials hope better coordination and a more resilient electric grid will help avoid a similar fate. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian Convention to wrap up in Waikiki Wednesday. The Native Hawaiian Convention in Waikiki held a forum for candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' board of trustees Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.


Oahu

Has Kakaako Gotten Too Fancy Even For IBM? The company will soon depart its landmark namesake building to make way for developer offices and model condos. Civil Beat.

Solar permits issued on Oahu fell 31%. Solar permits issued on Oahu plunged 31 percent in September to leave the nine-month total even with the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

$53 Million needed for repairs at Hawaii Convention Center. Hawaii Convention Center is facing up to $53 million in repairs, and state legislators may help out. KITV4.

Hawaii finalizes deal to use chilled seawater to cool state office buildings in Honolulu. The state of Hawaii has finalized an agreement with Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning to cool seven state office buildings and the state Capital through the use of chilled ocean water starting in 2021. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission considers, but holds off voting, on latest round of increases. Much smaller raises are being considered for top county officials next year, following last year’s eye-popping double-digit hikes. West Hawaii Today.

No charges in stolen police drug case; deputy chief calls investigation ‘thorough’. West Hawaii Today.

Utility-scale solar farms could be coming to Hawaii Island. Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday that it selected companies to build two solar projects on the island that would have a combined capacity of 60 megawatts. Tribune-Herald.

His farm is buried under lava, but he can’t find relief from payments on his state agricultural loan. ‘The promises from the politicians don’t seem to be materializing.’ Hawaii News Now.

Pahoa merchants struggle to make ends meet following lava disaster. Nearly two months after the apparent pause in volcanic activity in lower Puna, Pahoa businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will host orientation sessions on Maui, Molokai and Lanai over the next two weeks for its new $500,000 pilot grants program, which will offer smaller, one-year funding awards for projects that benefit the Native Hawaiian community. Maui Now.

Second Circuit Chief Judge Joseph Cardoza was recognized as the 2018 Jurist of the Year at a recent state Judiciary awards ceremony. Maui News.

The Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui was named the No. 1 Top Hotel in Hawaii by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Department of Public Works and Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. will hold an open house and presentation on the Lihue Town Core Revitalization project on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria. Garden Island.

There was a luau Monday night and the delegation from Candon City spent time with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Tuesday following the signing of the Friendship City Relationship agreement. Garden Island.

Gubernatorial debate a go, Marriott workers strike, first humpback of season spotted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and GOP challenger Andria Tupola ©2018 All Hawaii News

Tupola agrees to include lieutenant governor candidates in debate. Democratic Gov. David Ige and his Republican challenger, Rep. Andria Tupola, will participate in a live televised debate hosted by KHON at 9 p.m. Oct. 15 that will include their lieutenant governor running mates. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige is offering a second plum judicial appointment to his high school friend and former campaign manager Keith K. Hiraoka, nominating Hiraoka to one of six seats on the state Intermediate Court of Appeals. Star-Advertiser.

Marriott workers strike for higher wages. In Hawaii’s largest hotel strike in nearly 30 years, 2,700 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers from five Marriott-operated hotels in Waikiki and on Maui walked off the job Monday, demanding better wages and job security. Star-Advertiser.

2,700 Workers Strike At Popular Waikiki Hotels. The work stoppage comes despite management agreement to subsidize worker housing. Civil Beat.

2,700 Marriott Hotel workers went on strike this morning in Waikiki and Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Thousands of Marriott Hotel workers on strike across Maui and Oahu. KHON2.

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Hawaii Immigrants Seek Legal Help to Secure U.S. Citizenship. More than 50,000 immigrants in Hawaii are eligible to become American citizens but have not yet applied. Hawaii Public Radio.


The Hawaii Department of Health received a $3.9 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant over a two-year period to continue its proactive, voluntary, preventive home visiting program. Garden Island.

The 17th annual "Native Hawaiian Convention" kicked off Monday. The theme this year was Ke'au Hawaii or "Year of the Hawaiian." KITV.

Oahu

Convention Center seeking more cash for maintenance. The Hawaii Convention Center, which opened in 1988, has approximately $53 million worth of repairs to complete by 2024 and will likely need an appropriation this year from the state Legislature to help with the fixes, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmaker: City moving too slowly on project that would help mentally ill on the streets. One day after an officer-involved shooting that left a homeless man dead, state Sen. Josh Green criticized the city for moving too slowly on a project that would help the mentally ill living on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

The latest fatal shooting by a Honolulu Police officer is igniting a renewed call to do more to get help for homeless people who may be mentally ill. KHON2.

Federal judge awards former OCCC inmate $30K for 2015 beating. A federal judge has awarded a former Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate $30,000 for a December 2015 beating by an adult corrections officer. Hawaii News Now.

Are We Ready? Or Not? Civil Beat explores how vulnerable Hawaii’s most populous island is if a hurricane hits — and what’s being done to make us more prepared. A 7-Part Special Report. Civil Beat.

How The Ala Wai Canal Puts Honolulu’s Most Valuable Real Estate At Risk. Congress has authorized $345 million to strengthen the aging canal to protect against flooding in Waikiki and nearby neighborhoods. Civil Beat.

If The Big One Hits, Honolulu Harbor Is A Fragile Lifeline. The isolated islands would rapidly burn through food and supplies should the port close. Plan B is to bring limited goods through Pearl Harbor. Civil Beat.

Most Of Oahu’s Shelters Are A Long Way From Hurricane Ready. The state is assessing the conditions of shelters and retrofitting some, but the work is expensive and slow. Civil Beat.

Monkeypod in Moiliili honors Japanese immigrants. City officials held a dedication ceremony Tuesday morning for a monkeypod tree that was planted in place of a banyan removed at Moiliili Triangle two months ago. Star-Advertiser.

A dedication ceremony was held Monday at Moiliili Triangle for a newly planted monkeypod tree. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Leilani residents mull how to control entry into lava-ravaged area. A plan to erect a permanent gate controlling access to Leilani Estates threatens to divide subdivision residents both figuratively and literally. Tribune-Herald.

Waikoloa Highlands development to face Land Use Commission. A 731-acre project that’s languished for a decade is at risk of being reverted to an agricultural land reclassification. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo equine class pairs students with lava-displaced animals. Tribune-Herald.

Ironman week is upon us. Approximately 2,500 athletes ready to take on the Ironman World Championship joined by their family, friends and crew are piling into Kailua-Kona for the event’s 40th installment that gets underway Saturday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Public access to Maunakea lands will be closed for two days this month while the Department of Land and Natural Resources conducts animal-control activities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Pacific Whale Foundation on Maui said it spotted its first humpback whale of the season Monday morning. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Explorer vessel reported spotting its first whale sighting of the season with assistance from Maui Diamond this morning, Oct. 8, 2018 at 8:08 a.m. Maui Now.

325 Sheraton Maui Hotel Workers on Strike. More than 2,700 Hawaii hotel workers are on strike in five hotels operated by Marriott and owned by Kyo-ya, including the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali. Maui Now.

Prosecutors reach plea deal with Maui minister in child sex assault case. Hawaii News Now.

A new guided tour in Makawao town is taking a stroll through history. Trial walkabout tours set for the first Sunday of the month through December. Maui News.

Maui home, condo prices soared in September. Real estate prices surged on Maui in September but sales for single-family homes and condominiums were lower than the same time a year ago due to shrinking inventory. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui jumped 16 percent in September, compared to a year ago, and the median price of a condominium jumped 18 percent, compared to September 2017, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Blackstone buying Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui. Blackstone Group, which paid more than $1 billion at the beginning of 2018 to buy the Grand Wailea resort, is continuing its Hawaii buying spree this year with the acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Ready to be counted. Today is the last day to register to vote in the general election. The county’s drive-thru voter registration booth will be in the parking lot behind the Election’s Division office. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai Planning Department was recognized last week for professional excellence in planning by two professional societies regarding its work with the Kauai General Plan Update (2018) and the South Kauai Community Plan (2015). Garden Island.

Sales of 8 condo units help push Kauai median price up 80% in September. Pacific Business News.

Panel seeks independent oversight of state jails, inmates mistakenly released, tent cities planned for homeless, gecko speed-dials from Kona animal hospital, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Inmate overflow area at Hawaii County Community Correctional ©2018 All Hawaii News

Task force calls for jail oversight committee. The lack of public information about inmate suicides is just one reason a 13-member task force chaired by Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael Wilson is recommending the state create an independent oversight commission to inspect and monitor correctional facilities, investigate complaints, report findings to the public and shepherd in broad reforms to Hawaii’s prison system. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Bail System Keeps Poor People In Jail Longer — So Where’s The Fix? A state task force’s recommendations to the Legislature on pretrial procedures won’t contain any “big surprises,” despite calls for reform. Civil Beat.

The state wants to open 6 ‘ohana zones’ for the homeless. (Just don’t call them tent cities). The state Legislature funded the project with up to $30 million. Hawaii News Now.

An inventory of land owned by the state and who pays to use it has been laid out in a new statewide public online database after more than a decade of efforts to create such a system. Star-Advertiser.

State unveils new database of land holdings and revenue. KITV.

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If You Don’t Vote On Constitutional Questions, You’ve Just Voted ‘No’. Thanks to a 1997 Supreme Court ruling, the deck is stacked against the ConCon and the constitutional amendment for school funding. Civil Beat.

In one month Hawaii voters will decide whether or not to amend the state constitution. The specific amendment under consideration would create a property tax surcharge to fund public education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will the proposed constitutional amendment raise taxes for everyone? KHON2.

Teachers go door-to-door to urge voters to support surcharge to fund education. Opponents say the proposed constitutional amendment is poorly-written and vague. Hawaii News Now.

Ad Watch: First TV Spot Says A ConCon Would Cost Too Much. But a new political action committee with powerful friends doesn’t cite a source for its estimated price of a constitutional convention. Civil Beat.

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The Office of Elections conducted an accuracy test of the vote counting system Saturday morning on Oahu. It’s the system that will be used in the Nov. 6 general election to count the ballots from voters around the state. Hawaii News Now.

Ballot machines tested ahead of November election. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige has nominated Keith K. Hiraoka to serve on the state Intermediate Court of Appeals. Star-Advertiser.

About 32,000 people in Hawaii currently purchasing Affordable Care Act plans will see lower premiums in 2019 than the rates initially proposed by Hawaii Medical Service Association and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked Hawaii 16th best in the country for state government policies and programs aimed at becoming greener users of energy. Star-Advertiser.

Monday is Discoverers' Day in Hawaii and it has not been a state holiday by statute since 1988. KHON2.


Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay and Hawaii’s wealthiest full-time resident, moved up 10 notches to No. 38 on this year’s list of the 400 richest Americans compiled by Forbes magazine, with a fortune worth $2 billion more than a year ago. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is considering a request from Mayor Kirk Caldwell to chip in at least $500,000 to help the city host next year’s U.S. Conference of Mayors. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s housing market hit another record in September with the median price of single-family homes climbing to $812,500. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Kamehameha Schools Teacher Convicted Of Filming Students In Shower. Gabriel Alisna faces another trial on sexual assault charges for allegedly inappropriately touching a teen. Associated Press.

Former Kamehameha Schools teacher found guilty. KHON2.

Manoa Falls Trail to reopen Monday after 2-week closure. Crews stabilized weak points after surveying the area. The popular Manoa Falls Trail and Aihualama Trail will reopen Monday after the Department of Land and Natural Resources deemed the area safe following a rockfall incident last month. Hawaii News Now.

Popular Manoa Falls Trail to reopen after rockslide. KHON2.

Project Talent seeks clues to aging well by tracking former Hawaii teens now in their 70s. Star-Advertiser.

Public paychecks: What does a city mayor earn? Here's how Mayor Kirk Caldwell stacks up against 56 major city mayors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Since March 2013, 23 inmates were mistakenly released from Hawaii jails and prisons with 16 — more than two-thirds — released from Hawaii Community Correctional Center. Tribune-Herald.

Two county programs to remove abandoned vehicles are being declared a success, with 331 junk cars either removed or being scheduled to be removed so far. West Hawaii Today.

Fee increases and rule changes are being proposed for many uses of state small boat harbors and facilities. The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is seeking approval from the state Land Board this Friday in Honolulu to initiate the rule-making process and hold public hearings on its proposal. Tribune-Herald.

The National Park Service will fully reopen Mauna Loa Road to vehicles on Mon., Oct. 8, along with Mauna Loa Trail, the 13,677-foot summit and both high-altitude cabins. Big Island Video News.

Gecko inundates people with phone calls at Kailua-Kona animal hospital. KHON2.

Maui

Bridge project is delayed. Controversial plan that drew resident criticism could now take years. Maui News.

Maui’s second large-scale photovoltaic solar project came online last week in Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Electric Company’s second large-scale photovoltaic solar project came online this week on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. Maui Now.

New Disinfection Method for Maui Water Treatment. Maui Now.


Kauai

In little over a month, Kauai voters will head to the polls to vote on a new mayor, a new County Council, several charter amendments and two state constitutional amendments. Garden Island.

Businesses and individuals affected by April’s flooding may be eligible for free employment relief through a U.S. Department of Labor Disaster Dislocated Worker Grant. Garden Island.

Lanai

High-tech hydroponic kitchen planned on Lanai. Facility is a part of Larry Ellison’s indoor agricultural venture. Maui News.

Hawaii Supreme Court to hear education tax amendment, woman from same-sex marriage must pay child support, gubernatorial debate set, USS Arizona tours resume, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court building ©2018 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments later this month from the state’s four counties seeking to invalidate a Nov. 6 ballot question asking voters if they want to empower the state to tax investment properties in support of public education. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court took the unusual step Thursday of scheduling oral arguments in connection with a request by the state’s four counties to consider their petition for an order invalidating a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday granted a request by the state’s four counties to schedule an oral argument on whether a proposed constitutional amendment on next month’s ballot allowing the Legislature to place a “surcharge” on investment property to support public education is unclear and misleading. Pacific Business News.

Battle over constitutional amendment heats up as state’s highest court to hear challenge. The two sides held dueling news conferences to make their case. Hawaii News Now.

General Election bill: Help schooling, or affect all property tax payers? As it stand now, Hawaii voters will see a question on their general election ballot that will read, "Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?" KITV.

Ad Watch: TV Spots Attack Constitutional Amendment For School Taxes. The Affordable Hawaii Coalition is airing two ads saying the proposal to raise certain property taxes for education is flawed. Civil Beat.

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Woman from same-sex marriage obligated to pay child support, court rules. A woman whose spouse gave birth during their marriage is the legal parent of the child and must pay child support after the couple divorced, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled today. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates for governor, lieutenant governor to debate live on KHON2. "Hawaii's Debate" on Monday, Oct. 15, at 9 p.m. will feature major gubernatorial candidates, Democrat David Ige and Republican Andria Tupola, and will air live on KHON2 and online at khon2.com. The debate will be moderated by KHON2's Gina Mangieri. KHON2.

Should Public Have More Input On Legislature’s Sexual Harassment Policies? Critics say more people should get to weigh in on developing the new recommendations and the process should be more transparent. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Voters Need To Know Sooner Who’s Paying To Influence Them. The Legislature should require greater transparency for campaign finance reports. Right now candidates don’t have to file them until eight days before the election. Civil Beat.

Far fewer people in Hawaii failed workplace drug tests in the third quarter of 2018, according to results from the largest company in the state doing such work. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel Workers Strike In San Francisco But Stay On The Job In Hawaii. Employees at Marriot-affiliated hotels in the islands have also authorized a walkout over wages and working conditions. Civil Beat.

Behind Hawaiian Airline’s decision to launch its Boston nonstop route. Hawaiian is offering special roundtrip fares of $617 in the main cabin and $1,776 in first class featuring to celebrate the new service, which will be operated by Hawaiian's Airbus A330 aircraft. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Boat tours of Pearl Harbor’s former Battleship Row will resume this morning following a five-day stop after the floating shoreside dock sank at the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center last weekend. Star-Advertiser.

Boat tours around the USS Arizona memorial will resume Friday. On Sunday, park officials announced they were suspending the tours because they discovered the dock used to load visitors onto the boats was sinking. KHON2.

‘He betrayed my trust’: Victim in case against ex-Kamehameha Schools teacher takes the stand. The former teacher and debate coach is charged with five counts of invasion of privacy. Hawaii News Now.

Men gather to raise awareness against violence. “Family secrets, fear and old pain” are a few of the core issues that can develop into violence, said 48-year-old Kaimana Apo, a former perpetrator of domestic violence. Star-Advertiser.

Men of all ages and from a range of backgrounds took time to take a stand against violence. KITV.

Hawaii Island

The disarray at the county Mass Transit Agency continues with the resignation of Administrator Maria “Sole” Aranguiz. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council doesn’t want the Big Island to be known as the hand-me-down island and is asking the Mass Transit Administration to quit accepting used buses from other counties. West Hawaii Today.


No work on restoring Puna Geothermal Venture can begin until at least Dec. 1 after Gov. David Ige extended his emergency proclamation for the fourth time earlier this week. Tribune-Herald.

After sustaining considerable damage from thousands of earthquakes, Highway 11 near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will undergo repairs throughout the weekend and next week. Tribune-Herald.

A new roundtable committee that aims to address noise caused by commercial helicopters is seemingly close to being established, nearly two months after its creation was announced at a community meeting on the issue. Tribune-Herald.

There is no active lava to be seen anywhere on Hawaii Island, at the moment, but that’s not stopping county officials from going forward with a plan to create a lava viewing area in the vicinity of the lower East Rift Zone eruption in Puna. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Carroll laid up since late August, to return Oct. 15. Maui County Council Member Robert Carroll is in “recovery mode” at home in Hana following major surgery in late August. Maui News.

Maui Drive-Thru Voter Registration, Oct. 9. Maui Now.

Kauai

It could be another year before you’ll see the ancient waterways and picturesque landscapes out at Stone Dam, part of the 4.5-mile Wai Koa Loop Trail on Kauai’s North Shore. Garden Island.

Delayed by poor weather, road resurfacing work in Haiku will restart next week, the county Department of Public Works said. Maui News.

Six businesses at Kukui Grove Center are seeking prospective employees at the Career Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday throughout the mall. Garden Island.

Pacific Media Group Expands to Kauai, Acquires KONG Radio Group. Pacific Media Group today announced the purchase of KONG Radio Group on the island of Kauai from Ohana Broadcast Company, LLC–including stations KQNG 93.5 FM, KSHK “Shaka” 103.1 FM, KSRF 95.9 FM and KUAI 570 AM (and 104.5 FM translator). Maui Now.

Oahu sidewalk homeless camps to be counted, cleared; EPA and Kamehameha Schools enter cesspool agreement, sex-abuse hotline lights up after Kavanaugh hearing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu sidewalk homeless camp ©2018 All Hawaii News

Honolulu City Council passes bills aimed at stopping homeless campers from blocking sidewalks. The bills include language requiring the city administration to first submit a report, or reports, to the Council on the status of its initiatives to combat homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Council passes bills requiring studies before homeless encampment crackdowns. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council passes 2 bills to keep Oahu sidewalks clear. KITV.

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Hawaii In The Thick Of DC Battle Over Ballast Water Dumping. Environmental groups say the shipping industry wants to loosen regulations, which could make it harder to fight invasive species. Civil Beat.

Sexual assault hotline calls spike in Hawaii following Kavanaugh hearing. Ssince the Kavanaugh hearing on Thursday, the number of calls into the Hawaii's Sex Abuse Treatment Center's 24-hour hotline nearly doubled. KITV.

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Kamehameha Schools’ EPA accord will lead to closure of cesspools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hopes a consent agreement with Kamehameha Schools to close any large-capacity cesspools on its more than 3,000 properties and pay a penalty of nearly $100,000 will encourage other Hawaii landowners to voluntarily shut down their cesspools. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in which more than 3,000 properties owned by the educational trust will be audited to identify and close large-capacity cesspools. Tribune-Herald.

EPA, Kamehameha Schools to conduct cesspool audit on 3,000 properties. An agreement will help the state eliminate cesspools by 2050. Hawaii News Now.

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Kaiser Permanente Reaches Tentative Labor Agreement. The contract will cover nearly 48,000 health care workers: 32,100 workers in California; 6,300 in Oregon and Washington; 2,100 in Colorado; 2,200 in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia; 2,800 in Georgia; and 1,900 in Hawaii. The workers span job classifications from registered nurses and pharmacists to maintenance and service workers. Maui Now.

Two Insurers Offer Basic Dental Care For Poor Adults. Hawaii stopped paying for non-emergency dental care for low-income adults back in 2009. Civil Beat.

B-2 bombers conclude new mission out of Hawaii. Pacific Air Forces recently concluded a pioneering B-2 stealth bomber deployment to Hawaii — setting the stage for the isles to be used as one of a growing number of temporary bomber bases across the region in the face of advancing threats from China and Russia. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE Wants To Classify Bullying At Highest Offense Level. The department’s proposal to make bullying a Class A offense is among the proposed revisions to its student misconduct code. Civil Beat.

2018 General Election Voter Registration Deadline, Oct. 9. To be eligible to vote, you must be a US citizen, a resident of Hawai‘i, and at least 18 years old. Maui Now.

The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs has named a new chief operating officer, longtime Kamehameha Schools administrator Sylvia Hussey. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city cannot meet a Federal Transit Administration deadline to provide $44 million to help fund construction of the Honolulu rail project, and Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he plans to ask for an extension. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council wants to investigate building permit delays. Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine introduced Resolution 18-208 which would establish a group within the Honolulu City Council to investigate the delays in the permitting process by the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting. Pacific Business News.

Greenpeace announced today that its historic ship, the Arctic Sunrise, is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu next Thursday to highlight the threat of plastic pollution to the world’s oceans, waterways and communities. Star-Advertiser.

Erosion unearths more remains at Kawaiahao Church construction site. Descendants growing tired of waiting for 600 iwi kupuna to be reburied. Hawaii News Now.

High bacteria levels reported in Waikiki, Ala Moana waters. The elevated levels were detected during routine monitoring. Hawaii News Now.

What seemed to be a piece of wood led to a bomb squad investigation in Moiliili. An artist had it in his possession for over a month. Hawaii News Now.

Kapiolani campus becomes a lab for sustainability. A chain of projects by chemistry, culinary and economics students at KCC to complete a sustainability loop on the Diamond Head campus is already reducing waste and their carbon footprint, and has earned a University of Hawaii 2018 President’s Green Initiative Award of $10,000. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Thousands visit HVNP after reopening. More than 15,000 people visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park since it partially reopened last month. Tribune-Herald.

Panel not sold on tax break measure for Pahoa, Volcano businesses. Hawaii County Council members gave a measure intended to help struggling businesses in Pahoa and Volcano a negative recommendation this week. Tribune-Herald.

Despite Eruption, No Support For Pahoa, Volcano Business Tax Breaks. Big Island Video News.

Forum held on ballot measure. While supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment say it could raise much-needed funds for the state’s public schools, opponents argue the proposal has too many ambiguities and too few guarantees. West Hawaii Today.

Being anchored in coral, in too shallow water and too close to the Kailua Pier navigation channel may land the owner of a 196-foot yacht in Kailua Bay a misdemeanor offense and a fine.West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County administration officials explained to the County Council on Tuesday their roles in informing the public during brown water advisories and/or a sewer discharges. Big Island Video News.

The 2018 IRONMAN® World Championship in Kailua-Kona is set for Oct. 13. Big Island Now.

Maui

Work on Waiopai Bridge will block traffic at night. Maui News.

Destination acquires Classic Resorts properties. Kaanapali Alii among properties switching hands. Maui News.

Kauai

State officials have abandoned any pretense that storm-damaged Kuhio Highway west of Hanalei can reopen before late January, and some sources familiar with what they describe as an “unsettled” situation say the road might not be reopen until the second half of 2019 — or even later. Garden Island.

Lobbying workshops coming. This year, the Public Access Room is offering two workshops at locations on Kauai. Garden Island.