New state and county laws kick in on crosswalks, polystyrene, Waikiki mayor's conference draws big names, Maui mayor and council spar over budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers on crosswalk ©2019 All Hawaii News

New crosswalk law takes effect today. A slate of new laws takes effect today on the first day of the new state fiscal year, including one that might startle some pedestrians: Senate Bill 693 makes it quite clear you can be fined for entering a crosswalk once the pedestrian countdown timer has started running. Star-Advertiser.

Improvements Made To Hawaii Capitol Website. They include the addition of Session Laws of Hawaii going back to statehood. Civil Beat.

DOE seeking feedback on public education for the next decade. The State Department of Education proposed a new 10 year strategic plan for the state's public school system called the 2030 Promise. KITV.

Hawaii inmate data tracking system review costs near $1.4M, takes 4 years. After paying a company close to $1.4 million over four years to evaluate its data needs and recommend a replacement for its software system for tracking and managing information on inmates, Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety has yet to replace the system. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Names New Budget And Finance Director. Neal Miyahira worked at the Department of Taxation as deputy director. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Medical Aid In Dying Law Eased Patient’s Anxiety. Steve Johnson was the second person to die under the state’s new assisted suicide law. The state reports eight patients so far have received prescriptions for lethal drugs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Hospital Dispute Could Prove Costly For Patients. Kaiser recently filed a federal lawsuit against Queen’s after the two sides failed to negotiate a payment rate for emergency services.  Civil Beat.

Feds may take lead on future missile alerts. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s attempt to give the federal government responsibility for alerting the public of a missile threat was passed by the U.S. Senate as part of a $750 billion National Defense Authorization Act for 2020 that focuses on evolving threats from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. Star-Advertiser.

Second Lady Pence, Caroline Kennedy among notable speakers at national mayor conference. When the United States Conference of Mayors last met in Honolulu in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was the featured speaker. Today, it was Caroline Kennedy’s turn. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard says missile alert mistake motivated her to run for presidency. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said Sunday that Hawaii’s 2018 false missile alert motivated her to run for president in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard addresses mayors conference, says foreign policy affects cities. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made her first trip back to the islands since appearing in the first Democratic presidential candidates debate last Wednesday, addressing the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kealoha verdicts highlight need for ethical leaders in law enforcement. The felony convictions of the retired police chief, his once high-ranking prosecutor wife and two officers picked by the chief for a secretive squad he supervised exposed gaps in the oversight of the law enforcement system but mostly are a reflection of dishonest individuals holding positions of power, according to attorneys, former judges and others. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha Is Sent To Jail Until Sentencing. A federal judge revoked her bail Friday after she was found guilty of federal conspiracy and obstruction charges. Civil Beat.

Owner-built houses at Waianae subdivision nearly finished. On a hillside in Waianae with picturesque views of Pokai Bay, a dozen families have expelled a lot of sweat building their own homes for more than a year. Star-Advertiser.

Navatek II fails to sell at auction. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources impounded the vessel in March after owner Miraclei LLC, a trust that includes Shane Lawler, maxed out the Navatek II’s temporary permit at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Inside island’s hydrogen future: Researchers at Rogers’ Puu Waawaa ranch explore top energy solutions. Tucked among the old-time paniolo ranches in North Kona is a cutting-edge ranch of a different kind. West Hawaii Today.

‘Vision Zero’ program aims to reduce traffic fatalities. Gov. David Ige passed a bill this week codifying a policy to eliminate traffic fatalities statewide through better traffic engineering and emergency response strategies. Star-Advertiser.

The Big Island’s ban on polystyrene — or Styrofoam — food containers goes into effect on Monday. That means all food service vendors — meaning restaurants, food trucks, farmer’s markets — as well as supermarkets will no longer be able to serve takeout or plate lunches in single-use containers made from polystyrene foam. Hawaii News Now.

Group from Micronesia explores possibilities of aquaculture. Fisheries officers from Kosrae, Micronesia, recently toured the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center to learn more about aquaculture efforts in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

UH-Hilo, Navy using oysters to boost water quality. On a recent sunny morning at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center in Keaukaha, research manager Daniel Wilkie showed off a spat of small but growing oysters, each not much bigger than a pebble. Tribune-Herald.

As Mauna Kea Conflict Looms, Both Sides Dispute Information. State officials and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope project went back and forth Friday, disputing each other’s information regarding the response to the situation on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mayor gets council’s budget details at last minute. There still could be issues with information provided, according to administration officials. Maui News.

Potential Water Outages in Waikapu, Kehalani Mauka & Upper Wailuku Heights. The Department of Water Supply continues to experience very high consumption in the Waikapu/Wailuku area and Department of Water Supply water tanks are being depleted. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai police investigate alleged cheating, cover-up in ranks. Police on Kauai investigated allegations officers were involved in cheating on a proficiency test and covering it up, a report said. Associated Press.

Last native lowland bog ‘thriving’. A flesh-eating plant stretches sticky fuchsia tentacles into the balmy air of Kauai’s Kanaele Bog. Garden Island.

Kealoha power couple found guilty in conspiracy trial, new law blocks firearms for emotionally unstable, tourism up but spending down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha, from Facebook

Kealohas are found guilty on all counts of conspiracy and obstruction. Honolulu’s former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, once trusted leaders of the city’s law enforcement system, were found guilty Thursday of using their positions and power to frame a family member and enrich themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas, 2 Honolulu officers found guilty of conspiracy in massive public corruption trial. After deliberating for less than nine hours, a jury of seven men and five women found former law enforcement power couple Louis and Katherine Kealoha guilty Thursday of conspiracy and other counts in one of Hawaii’s most closely-watched public corruption trials. Hawaii News Now.

Jury Convicts Kealohas And 2 HPD Officers Of Conspiracy. Honolulu’s former police chief and his prosecutor wife, along with two police officers, were found guilty Thursday in one of the biggest corruption cases in Hawaii history. Civil Beat.

Verdict In: Louis and Katherine Kealoha Guilty In Corruption Case. A jury has found a former Honolulu prosecutor and her now-retired police chief husband guilty in a plot to frame a relative to silence him from revealing fraud that financed their lavish lifestyle, a case that shook the top levels of law enforcement. Associated Press.

Jury finds Kealohas guilty of conspiracy in Kealoha Trial, KHON2.

Jury finds Katherine and Louis Kealoha guilty of conspiracy. A verdict has been reached in the Kealoha corruption trial. KITV.

Here’s why prosecutors want Katherine Kealoha behind bars as she awaits sentencing. In a strongly-worded brief Thursday, the government argued newly-convicted felon Katherine Kealoha should be placed in custody immediately as she awaits sentencing this fall. Hawaii News Now.

Reaction pours in after Kealoha guilty verdicts. Star-Advertiser.

Verdicts help restore faith in the system, many say. The quick guilty verdicts in one of the state’s largest public corruption trials brought a wide range of reaction Thursday, with some saying the case underscored the inability of local officials to police themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Legal troubles not over for Kealohas. Thursday’s verdict is not the end of the legal troubles for Louis and Katherine Kealoha. The couple faces two more trials. Star-Advertiser.

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Gov. David Ige has approved a new law that enables family members, co-workers or police to obtain court orders blocking access to firearms for people who show signs they could pose a danger to themselves or others. Star-Advertiser.

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State Auditor Dings DLNR’s Special Land Fund. Absence of long-range planning leaves staff without “expertise, resources, and options” to effectively manage portfolio. Civil Beat.

Audit: DLNR mismanaged state land. A division of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources responsible for millions of acres of state-owned property is being run without coherent policies or guidelines by a staff that is incompetent to the point that it misunderstands its own funding, according to a report released Thursday by the Hawaii State Auditor. Garden Island.

Audit conducted of DLNR's Special Land Development Fund. The Hawaii State Auditor says, "absence of long-range planning has left the Land Division staff without the expertise, resources, and options to actively and effectively manage its land portfolio." KITV.

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More tourists visit Hawaii but they spend less. May marked the seventh month in a row that more visitors came to Hawaii than in the previous year while creating less economic benefit. Star-Advertiser.

Disappointing declines in visitor spending continue in May. The takeaway from May’s tourism numbers was a familiar one: Visitors came in droves but spent less on average. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii visitor statistics released for May 2019. Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.39 billion in May 2019, a decrease of 2.1% compared to the same month last year, according HTA. KITV.

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Mayors at summit in Honolulu commit to electric vehicles. Dozens of mayors gathered in front of an electric bus at the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus Thursday to announce a collaborative commitment to purchasing electric vehicles for their city fleets. Star-Advertiser.

Filling A ‘Massive’ Need To Provide Glasses For Hawaii’s Kids. The state law requiring regular hearing and vision screening has been ignored for nearly 25 years, leaving nonprofits to cover at least part of the gap. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kym Pine: ‘Strongly Considering’ Running For Mayor. The Honolulu City Councilwoman is reaching out for support and donations. Civil Beat.

Following a recent trip to Singapore, State Senator Stanley Chang remains committed to adapting the island nation’s public housing model for Hawaii. The idea, which would use state land along the planned Honolulu rail transit line, aims to build low-cost, high density, residential developments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ward Village developer Howard Hughes Corp. considers shake-up and sale. The Ward Village community in Kakaako could see a new master developer under a possible shake-up of Howard Hughes Corp. Star-Advertiser.

State to charge for street parking next to Kalihi school. People have been parking on a side street in Kalihi for a number of years. Now the state will be charging them for it. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission weighs pay hikes, other incentives to keep top officials. The county Salary Commission is considering bonuses as one way to attract quality candidates to head county departments. West Hawaii Today.

Will This Year’s Confrontation At Mauna Kea Become Hawaii’s Standing Rock? Protestors say they’ll remain nonviolent, but fear the state and county’s response to their planned activism. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Land Set Aside Draws DU, Land Title Concerns. A public hearing was held on a proposal to withdraw lands in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and set aside to the County of Hawaii and the DOT. Big Island Video News.

AC installation for dorm moves forward. The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s newest dormitory, Hale Alahonua, is closer to being cooler with the upcoming installation of an air conditioning system. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui traffic livestreamed. Real-time traffic cameras installed at 10 intersections. Maui drivers won’t have to guess about travel times on some state highways with new real-time traffic monitoring cameras going up at 10 state roadway intersections. Maui News.

Mayor prepares to release housing plan. Mayor Michael Victorino declared Wednesday that there’s a dire need for housing units in Maui County and that all options are open as his administration is poised to present its Strategic Housing Plan to the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Shoreline access pact reached with Napili condos. Lawsuits claim trails not being maintained per permits. Community groups who sued three condominium complexes over beach access have reached a settlement with the final two condos that will restore a public access trail to the Napili shoreline. Maui News.

Settlement Reached to Restore Beach Access at Honokowai. Maui Now.

Kauai

A new deal. There is a new collective bargaining agreement for Kauai firefighters through 2021 as the Kauai County Council passed a bill that will usher in a new area for first responders with a 5-2 vote Wednesday during the council meeting at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

All-mail voting to start next year, Hawaii's Gabbard on national stage, Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picket, 220 mayors coming to Waikiki conference, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voting at the polls ©2019 All Hawaii News

Ige Signs All-Mail Voting, Automatic Recount Bills. The two voting reform measures were a top priority for the Legislature this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Opts for Voting by Mail. Hawaii becomes the fourth state to move to all-mail balloting in an effort to improve turnout. U.S. News & World Report.

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Law adds third gender option for Hawaii driver’s licenses. Hawaii residents will be able to choose a nonbinary gender designation — neither exclusively male nor exclusively female — for their driver’s license starting July 2020. Star-Advertiser.

New state law allows third gender designation on driver’s licenses, IDs. Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed House Bill 1165, legislation that expands the gender options beyond “male” or “female” on the state-issued IDs. Tribune-Herald.

New Law Will Cover All Teachers’ License Fees. Act 116 provides $1.3 million in annual funding to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, the licensing entity for Hawaii educators. Civil Beat.

Measure requires restaurants to offer healthy drink options as default choice for keiki meals. Among three health-related bills Gov. David Ige signed Tuesday was Senate Bill 549, which requires restaurants to offer healthy beverages as a default choice for drinks automatically included as part of a children’s meal. Tribune-Herald.

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In debate, Gabbard again keys on anti-war message. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard again issued her dire warning of a new war looming in the Middle East during her first national prime-time debate with nine of the other Democratic presidential candidates on Wednesday, and her campaign issued a bulletin criticizing the format of the forum even before it was over. Star-Advertiser.

Gabbard Sticks To Her Talking Points In First Presidential Debate. On a crowded podium with nine other Democratic candidates, the Hawaii congresswoman got a limited amount of speaking time. Civil Beat.

How did Hawaii’s Tulsi Gabbard hold up during the debate? These numbers gave a glimpse. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard took to the national stage Wednesday in a live televised debate against half of the leading democratic candidates for president. Hawaii News Now.

1st Democratic Debate: Live Analysis Of Night 1. Twenty candidates have made it to the first round of Democratic primary debates. Hawaii Public Radio.

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220 mayors to attend conference in Waikiki. More than 220 mayors from across the United States will gather at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort this weekend to share ideas about how to make their cities better. Star-Advertiser.

Mainland Mayors Face Backlash For Business Trip To Honolulu. The criticism highlights a longstanding perception problem Hawaii has in attracting conferences and conventions. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants hold first major union protest in 20 years. At least a couple of hundred Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants on Wednesday held their first major Hawaii labor demonstration in nearly 20 years to protest protracted negotiations over a new contract. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants hit the picket lines at HNL. The flight attendants have been in contract negotiations with the airlines for over two years now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picket at HNL airport. According to Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants, if they don't get a raise soon, their company can expect a strike. KITV.

Hawaii’s Longliners Could Soon Be Allowed To Catch 18 Million Pounds Of Tuna. Federal fishery managers recommended significantly increasing the amount of ahi that the fleet can catch. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Jury starts deliberations in Kealoha corruption case. After listening to 16 days of testimony from 71 witnesses and three days of closing and rebuttal arguments by the lawyers, the 12-person jury in one of the largest public corruption cases in the state’s history began deliberations Wednesday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Conspiracy Trial Is Now In The Hands Of The Jury. Closing arguments in one of the most highly-publicized criminal trials in Hawaii history concluded Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Jury Begins Deliberating In Hawaii's Biggest Corruption Case. A Hawaii corruption case alleging a former police chief and his wife conspired to frame a man is now in the hands of a jury. Associated Press.

With closing arguments complete, jurors in Kealoha ‘mailbox trial’ begin deliberations. Closing arguments in the closely-watched public corruption case against the Kealohas wrapped up Wednesday, and the case is now in the hands of jurors. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Supreme Court: Boards Must Prove Privacy Interest To Close Meetings. The court ruled in favor of the Civil Beat Law Center on a case involving the Honolulu Police Commission’s actions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii AG: Rehab Center Ignored Promised Reforms For 2 Years. The director of Sand Island Treatment Center reportedly did not pay back part of his excessive salary for two years because he was “distracted.” Civil Beat.

Lawsuit alleges child abuse, cover-up at Kroc Center in Kapolei. The parents of a former preschool student on Oahu have sued the Kroc Center and at least one former teacher at the institution over allegations of child neglect and physical abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu spa suspected of promoting prostitution raided. A massage parlor suspected of promoting prostitution was raided Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

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Beth Chapman, one half of world-famous bounty hunting duo, dies in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Beth Chapman, reality TV star and Hawaii bounty hunter, dies after long battle with cancer. Star-Advertiser.


“You can fight to have a little extra time,” Beth Chapman, 51, passes after battle with cancer. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

TMT NPDES Permit Hearing In Kona. All testifiers spoke in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope storm water discharge permit renewal and requested a contested case hearing. Big Island Video News.

UH says it reached out to protesters before ahu were removed at TMT site. The rapid removal of two ahu at the Thirty Meter Telescope site on Maunakea last week came after years of failed attempts at communication between the University of Hawaii and TMT protesters. Tribune-Herald.

Future Of Hilo Landfill Site Discussed. The process of closing the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill and monitoring it for decades after was talked about at a public meeting on June 26. Big Island Video News.

EA contract signed for Kealakehe Regional Park. County Department of Parks and Recreation deputy director Maurice Messina said on Wednesday that a $195,300 contract with PBR Hawaii and Associates has been inked, although he didn’t have a timeline for the preparation of the assessment itself. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Provides Update on Maui Housing, Puts Illegal Short Term Rentals “On Notice”. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is holding a press conference this morning to discuss housing efforts being carried out by the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Mayor plans to crackdown on illegal vacation rentals. KHON2.

Housing panel concerned with a lack of water. Facing questions about the lack of water in Launiupoko, consultants for two proposed housing projects said Tuesday that recent shortages are due to the ongoing transition from surface to groundwater, and that wells in the area would be enough to cover the needs of the new communities. Maui News.

Maui News switching to 6-day newspaper. Saturday, July 6, marks a new chapter for The Maui News as readers will experience a brand-new edition called The Weekender. Maui News.

Kauai

Hope for Courtyards at Waipouli. The County Council heard emotional public testimony from two residents of the Courtyards at Waipouli Apartments about a resolution by the council supporting efforts towards preserving the affordability restrictions and the potential acquisition of the 82-unit property before Aug. 19, when a 10-year affordability contract with the county expires. Garden Island.

KIUC to issue patronage capital credits. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will begin issuing $2.5 million in 2018 patronage capital retirement bill credits to cooperative members this month. Garden Island.

Hawaii to ban 'gay panic' defense, allow 'Gender X,' herbicides banned at schools, Honolulu hires criminal defense in rail probe, Karen Pence to visit military families, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii gay pride parade ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii to Become 6th State to Ban “Gay Panic” as Affirmative Defense for Murder. Hawaii's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual community is awaiting the governor’s signature on bills, that when signed into law today, will advance rights and protections of those who identify as such. Maui Now.

Gov. Ige to sign bill allowing ‘Gender X’ on Hawaii driver licenses. In an effort to reduce discrimination against transgender and gender fluid individuals, Hawaii driver licenses will soon sport ‘Gender X’ as an option. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to add more gender categories on Hawaii driver’s licenses to be signed into law. A bill to expand gender categories on Hawaii driver’s licenses will be signed into law today. KHON2.

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Herbicides banned on Hawaii public school campuses, superintendent says. Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, after hearing that Roundup was being used on some campuses, sent a memo Tuesday to all principals stressing that herbicides are banned at Hawaii public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Vague guidelines on pesticide use at schools has community calling for change. Parents alongside concerned members of the the community are challenging school officials over the chemicals being used to kill weeds on campus. Hawaii News Now.

Two mothers are suing the Hawaii Department of Public Safety on behalf of their children, over what their lawsuit describes as “repeated and deliberate indifference towards the safety and well-being of inmates with serious mental health issues.” Garden Island.

More than 1,000 pieces of stolen mail found in late postal worker’s storage unit. In an email confirming the discovery, the USPS said there were about 1,000 pieces of stolen mail from about 13 to 15 years ago, along with roughly 11,000 USPS Return Receipt post cards. Hawaii News Now.

Karen Pence visits Hawaii. The Second Lady will speak to military families to highlight the Blue Star Museum program, which she serves as honorary co-chair. KHON2.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell signs vacation rental policy bill. It took roughly three decades, but the city now has a broad-ranging policy regulating vacation rentals. Star-Advertiser.

City Will Use ‘Digital Stings’ To Nab Illegal Vacation Rentals Starting Aug. 1. But the full effect of Oahu’s new law severely limiting Airbnb-type rentals and imposing stiff fines on violators won’t start until late 2020. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Signs Measure To Regulate Short-Term Rentals. Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed one short-term rental measure and signed another that will restrict the operation of the rentals on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Caldwell signs ‘historic’ bill regulating vacation rental industry on Oahu. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law on Tuesday that will enact some of the toughest new regulations for Oahu’s vacation rental industry in nearly 40 years. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell signs vacation rentals bill 89, vetoes bill 85. The mayor signed the bill at a press conference at Honolulu Hale on Tuesday. KITV.

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City hiring lawyer to address rail subpoenas. The city is hiring an outside attorney to help handle issues related to a federal criminal investigation of the Honolulu rail project, and has budgeted up to $50,000 to cover the cost of that legal work. Star-Advertiser.

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Closing arguments in Kealoha corruption trial begin. Prosecutors have said Katherine Kealoha wanted to frame Gerard Puana to keep him from revealing fraud that financed the couple's lavish lifestyle. KITV.

The Kealoha conspiracy case is a story of “greed and manipulation,” a federal prosecutor says. Lawyers for the two remaining defendants, Nguyen and Shiraishi, are scheduled to give their closings this morning; then the government gets the last word with rebuttal remarks. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Conspiracy Trial: ‘Power, Greed And Manipulation’. Closing arguments began Tuesday in the trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha and three Honolulu police officers. Civil Beat.

Defense calls government’s allegations in Kealoha mailbox trial ‘imagination’. In fiery closing arguments Tuesday, a federal prosecutor in the closely-watched public corruption case against the Kealohas told jurors that the case isn’t about a mailbox but about why the defendants would try to frame a Kealoha relative with its theft. Hawaii News Now.

30 HPD Officers Assigned to Watch Kealohas' Relative, Prosecutor Says In Closing Arguments. A U.S. prosecutor says 30 Honolulu police officers conducted 24-hour surveillance on the uncle of former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha the week she claimed he stole her mailbox in 2013. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

E. Kalani Flores testified in opposition to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit renewal for the Thirty Meter Telescope construction on Mauna Kea, one of many to speak out at a public hearing held Tuesday night in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona’s first medical marijuana dispensary opens Sunday. Hawaiian Ethos, one of only two businesses licensed to sell medical marijuana products on the Big Island, plans a grand opening celebration Sunday at its Olowalu Street dispensary in the Kaloko Light Industrial Area. West Hawaii Today.

Island’s two major well-diggers have work galore. The Big Island’s two major well-drillers continue to ask for more time to complete their projects, even as new contracts are awarded to them. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Final EIS released for Pulehunui master plan. Plan outlines water, wastewater, roads for major state projects. Maui News.

Maui Bus to Reduce Fares for Seniors, Disabled and Others, July 1. The County of Maui Department of Transportation announced that beginning Monday, July 1, 2019, the Maui Bus is implementing reduced single boarding fares of $1.00 for fixed route service. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hundreds rally for salt ponds. A Kauai County Planning Commission meeting drew a crowd of well over a hundred local residents, who showed up at the county government building in Lihue on Tuesday morning to speak on behalf of their culture, their heritage, their land and their salt. Garden Island.

Ige may veto vacation rental, REIT taxes, lets marijuana decriminalization bill stand, NTSB dings FAA for lax skydiving regulations, the future of Haiku Stairs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige announces potential vetoes PC:Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige's full veto list and rationale. Governor's Office.

Ige Set To Veto $56 Million In New Taxes On Real Estate Trusts And Vacation Rentals. But bills to decriminalize the use of pot, allow mail-in balloting, create a new state prison oversight commission and provide funds to replace aging Aloha Stadium will all become law. Civil Beat.

Tax bills for vacation rentals and REITs among items on governor’s veto list. Gov. David Ige said he will veto a measure that will allow vacation rental platforms like AirBNB to collect taxes from owners. Hawaii News Now.

Ige says he will veto Senate vacation rental collection bill. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Plans To Veto Short-Term Rental Tax Bill. Hawaii Governor David Ige on Monday announced he plans to veto a bill that would require short-term rental booking platforms to collect state taxes. The measure, S.B. 1292, was passed by the state Senate last month by a single vote. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige unveils "intent to veto" list. Governor David Ige unveiled his intent to veto list Monday. Twenty bills already passed by state lawmakers may not become law. KITV.

Ige plans to veto bill to tax REITs in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill that would make Hawaii only the second state to tax real estate investment trusts, saying any gain the state might see wouldn’t be worth the “negative impacts to the state’s economic health and business climate.” Pacific Business News.

Ige considering vetoes for Airbnb, industrial hemp billsTwenty bills might be on the chopping block after Gov. David Ige revealed Monday which of them he is considering vetoing. Tribune-Herald.

Hemp, Airbnb, Cannabis, Asset Forfeiture Bills On Ige’s Veto List. Hawaii Governor David Ige notified state leaders and key lawmakers today of his intent to veto the 20 different measures that passed through the Legislature this year. Big Island Video News.

Airbnb Among 20 Bills on Ige’s Intent to Veto List. Gov. David Ige notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto 20 measures. Maui Now.

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Pot possession decriminalized with new bill. Starting next year, possession of small quantities of cannabis will no longer be a criminal offense in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii airports get $10M in federal funds for safety improvements, upgrades. Four airports in Hawaii will get over $10 million in federal funds to improve airport safety, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gets $10 Million For Airport Improvements. The funding will be used to purchase aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, reconstruct taxiways and install runway lighting at four airports across the state. Civil Beat.

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More regulation urged in crash’s wake. The National Transportation Safety Board is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to increase regulations for aircraft that operate parachuting serv­ices in the wake of Friday’s fatal skydiving plane crash in Mokuleia. Star-Advertiser.

In wake of crash, investigators put FAA ‘on notice’ over safety concerns with skydiving operations. In an extraordinary news conference Monday, NTSB investigators in Hawaii following Friday’s deadly plane crash in Mokuleia publicly criticized the FAA for failing to adopt tougher oversight of skydiving operations and said the agency is “on notice." Hawaii News Now.

FAA Largely Ignored Calls For Improved Skydiving Flight Safety, NTSB Says. The NTSB called for more stringent standards for skydiving operations more than 10 years ago. On Monday, it called out the FAA for not taking sufficient action on those. Civil Beat.

NTSB calls on FAA to strengthen regulation on parachute operations. According to a National Transportation Safety board member, changes to some Federal Aviation Administration rules could save lives. KITV.

NTSB holds second press conference on Mokuleia plane crash that killed 11. KHON2.

Oahu Parachute Center owner responds for the first time following crash. KHON2.

Medical Examiner releases names of 7 victims from Mokuleia plane crash. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office today released the names of seven of the victims of Friday’s skydiving plane that crashed at Dillingham Airfield, killing all 11 aboard. Star-Advertiser.

Names Of 7 Oahu Plane Crash Victims Released. Eleven people total died in the Dillingham Airfield incident Friday. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner IDs 7 Of 11 Victims In Plane Crash. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vague guidelines on pesticide use at schools has community calling for change. During a community meeting Monday, the head of Hawaii’s public schools admitted she’s not sure if the Department of Education is fully compliant with a new law banning certain pesticides on or near campuses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Court expects crowd for Kealoha closings. An overflow crowd is expected today when government and defense attorneys give closing arguments in the corruption and conspiracy trial of Katherine and Louis Kealoha and three co- defendants. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What To Expect At Closing Arguments In The Kealoha Case. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are on trial with three Honolulu police officers for allegedly framing a family member for the theft of their mailbox. Civil Beat.

Unsealed records: Kealoha was prosecuting cases despite ‘serious’ medical condition. Records unsealed Monday by a federal judge show Katherine Kealoha was not capable of prosecuting cases for at least eight months between 2013 and 2014. Hawaii News Now.


Judge to decide on change to Kaneshiro removal petition. A circuit judge will soon decide whether there needs to be a complete do-over of a petition campaign seeking to impeach embattled Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Star-Advertiser.

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Tear it down or reopen it? A new evaluation outlines options for the Haiku Stairs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is offering hope to hikers looking for a legal way to enjoy the scenic — and currently off-limits — Haiku Stairs. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply considering the future of Haiku Stairs. An environmental impact statement was released on Sunday that shows the stairs could be removed as early as 2022. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Hydrogen Powered Buses Are Happening On Hawaii Island. Hydrogen buses are on the way and the fueling station in Kona is ready to go, according to County officials. Big Island Video News.

FEMA Wants Its Money Back For Aid To Volcano Victims. FEMA says the agency is required to review disaster assistance payments to ensure the money doesn’t duplicate other assistance, wasn’t inappropriately spent or was provided in error. Civil Beat.

Maui

Kahului Airport Gets $4.29 Million in Federal Funds. Maui’s Kahului Airport will receive $3.6 million to reconstruct its taxiway and $693,750 to purchase aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles, according to an announcement today from US Senator Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

Maui vets work to keep Korean War history alive. Veterans remembered through oral histories; candlelight ceremony planned for Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitors must pay in Waimea Canyon state parks. Paid parking for visitors and commercial tours is soon to be a common requirement in Kauai State Parks. Garden Island.

Out-of-state visitors to pay parking fees at Kokee, Waimea Canyon State Park. If you’re not a Hawaii resident, be prepared to pay a parking fee come Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai leaders to discuss plans that might impact traditional salt making in Hanapepe. A battle is brewing over Kauai’s famed salt ponds of Hanapepe. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai man among victims of Oahu skydiving crash. Jordan Tehero was a Kauai-raised man in love with skydiving and videography. Garden Island.

NTSB investigates deadly plane crash, Honolulu preps for vacation rental fines, police shortage hits home, TMT protesters fear sound cannon, pesticide foe tours state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NTSB investigator Eliott Simpson briefs NTSB Board Member Jennifer Homendy Sunday at the scene of the Hawaii skydiving crash. PC:NTSB

Federal investigators will review repair and inspection records on the skydiving plane that became inverted before crashing shortly after takeoff on Oahu’s North Shore, killing all 11 people on board in the deadliest civil aviation accident since 2011. Associated Press.

NTSB opens probe into Dillingham Airfield plane crash. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have arrived on Oahu to start their investigation into a plane crash that killed 11 people at Dillingham Airfield on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB: 'This is the deadliest accident involving a civil airplane in U.S. since 2011'. The NTSB has a team of 11 here on Oahu that are investigating the crash. KHON2.

Medical Examiner: 10 men, 1 woman died in Dillingham Airfield crash. Official identities of the victims may be released starting Monday, the medical examiner said through a city spokeman Sunday afternoon. Associated Press.

Families, friends mourn 11 victims killed in North Shore skydiving plane crash. The Medical Examiner’s Office may release the identities of some of the 11 victims killed in a skydiving plane crash at Dillingham Airfield as soon as Monday. But some families and friends of the victims are coming forward to talk about their loved ones. Hawaii News Now.

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Ige To Sign A Host Of Traffic Safety Bills Into Law. The signings on Tuesday come as Hawaii is ranked the third most dangerous state for pedestrians over 50. Civil Beat.

Gabbard will speak out on war during televised debate. If U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s somewhat obscure presidential campaign is ever going to catch fire, this week may be the time. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Fines for illegal vacation rentals may begin in August. Advertising of an illegal vacation rental on Oahu would become unlawful starting Aug. 1 under a bill that Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is expected to sign into law Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Legal expert: One witness stands out of the 70 in the Kealoha mailbox trial. In all, 70 people took the stand in the 16-day Kealoha corruption trial. Hawaii News Now.

How To Attract Good Police Officers In The Face Of A Nationwide Shortage. The Honolulu Police Department is trying some innovative ideas to fill hundreds of vacancies. Civil Beat.

Stairway to Heaven Could Be Removed By 2022. The Haiku Stairs have been closed to the public for years, but that hasn’t stopped hikers from trespassing and Instagramming the views. Civil Beat.

Developer wants to build homes on Enchanted Lake acres some call a wetland. Residential development around what was once a more than 200-acre fishpond in Kailua has been controversial since the first homes were built more than 50 years ago in what became Enchanted Lake.  Star-Advertiser.

Neighborhood board disputes Diamond Head homeowner’s plan to install a private beach-access tram. One homeowner on the craggy cliff between Diamond Head Road and the uncrowded beach below is causing a community stir with a plan to install a private passenger lift for easier access. Star-Advertiser.

The Only Way To Save This Popular Oahu Park May Be To Close It At Night. Oneula Beach Park in Ewa Beach, a popular spot for local fishermen, is the last park on the island that is still open all night. Civil Beat.

State re-files theft charge against former charter school director. The ousted director of the now-defunct Halau Lokahi Public Charter School has again been charged with one of four felony theft counts that had been dismissed because the state Attorney General took too long to take the case to trial. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Group fears state’s new ‘sound cannon’ could be used against TMT protesters. A Hawaiian and environmental group is asking the head of the state Land Department not to use a sound device that was developed by the military as the state and activists prepare for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Food safety inspections find fewer violations thanks to ‘social pressure’. Tribune-Herald.

Charter proposals head to County Council. Land preservation advocate Debbie Hecht left the county Charter Commission meeting Friday vowing to launch a “just say no” campaign to a 2020 ballot amendment that would allow open space preservation money to be used to pay county staff. West Hawaii Today.

US Senate committee hears from official from PGV parent company. Ormat Technologies committed Thursday to continue its engagement with the Puna community and other Big Island stakeholders as the company proceeds to reopen Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

The Leeward Planning Commission on Thursday voted to give its OK to proposed amendments to the Kona Community Development Plan, or CDP, sending the amendments on for consideration and approval by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Officials Meet Man Who Sued Round Up Manufacturer And Won. Claiming the herbicide Round Up caused his cancer, the man who took the manufacturer to court and won, Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, was in Hilo on Friday to talk to Hawaii County officials about the dangers of glyphosate. Big Island Video News.

Two Acres Provided For Kona Scenic Park. A County Council committee voted last week to advance a resolution accepting the dedication from the Hokulia developers. Big Island Video News.

Korean War Memorial dedicated at Wailoa State Recretion Area. A memorial was dedicated Saturday to 52 Hawaii Island military members killed in action in the Korean War and five others who died of non-combat causes during the bloody conflict. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County works to cut its pesticide use. Departments reduce use in public spaces; councilor plans to propose a wider ban. Maui News.

County Re-Evaluating Original Wailuku Civic Concept. The County of Maui, Department of Management presented the construction schedule for Wailuku Town improvement projects and detailed its efforts to minimize impacts on the surrounding neighborhood during a community meeting held Thursday night at the Iao Theater. Maui Now.

MECO increases renewable power, storage amounts sought in next procurement. RFP targets are 295 GWh of energy, 58 GWh of storage. Maui News.

Wailuku parking structure construction set to begin in August with roads, infrastructure. First phase moving forward; second phase civic center is being re-evaluated. Maui News.

Kauai

The county Planning Commission will hold a hearing June 25 that will begin the process of whether or not to grant Smoky Mountain Helicopters Inc. a class IV zoning permit, which would allow them the ability to make modifications to an existing helicopter tour facility at Port Allen Airport. Garden Island.

Thirty Meter Telescope approved for Mauna Kea, Honolulu, Hawaii County mayors allow budgets to pass without signatures, appeals court overturns Maui water restrictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thirty Meter Telescope conceptual, Courtesy TMT International Observatory

Thirty Meter Telescope’s construction is approved. After more than a decade of planning, delays and controversy, the cutting-edge Thirty Meter Telescope has been issued a “notice to proceed” with construction, state officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Ige: Construction Of TMT On Mauna Kea Can Begin. The Hawaii governor issued a “notice to proceed” on the giant telescope even as one protester is arrested. Civil Beat.

Hawaii gives notice to proceed for $1.4B Thirty Meter Telescope. The state of Hawaii on Thursday issued a notice to proceed for construction to start on the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project on the Big Island after four “unauthorized structures” were removed from the areas near the telescope’s site on the summit of Mauna Kea. Pacific Business News.

After years of protests and legal battles, officials have announced that a massive telescope which will allow scientists to peer into the most distant reaches of our early universe will be built on a Hawaiian volcano that some consider sacred. Associated Press.

Construction of Thirty Meter Telescope expected to take 10 years to complete. Construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope could start at any time, but TMT officials aren’t yet saying when that will happen. Hawaii News Now.

Government officials find controversial telescope project atop Mauna Kea 'lawful to proceed'. The State Attorney General, Governor Ige and other state officials made the announcement Thursday saying the Department of Land and Natural Resources issued the University of Hawaii a permit to allow the project to proceed. KITV.

TMT Gets Notice To Proceed, DLNR Takes Action On Mauna Kea. The state took action on Mauna Kea Thursday, and later held a press conference, after granting the Thirty Meter Telescope project a notice to proceed with the building of the observatory. Big Island Video News.

According to Governor Ige, the Department of Land and Natural Resources issued a notice to the University of Hawaii at Hilo to proceed, begin construction on the Thirty-Meter Telescope. Ige said that construction is expected to begin this summer. KHON2.

©2019 All Hawaii News

State Takes Down TMT Protest Structures As Mauna Kea Telescope Construction Gets Green Light. In preparation for construction to resume on the Thirty Meter Telescope, state officials Thursday dismantled four structures erected by project opponents and restricted access to the Mauna Kea summit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Construction of TMT authorized; opponents vow to ‘fight for our rights’. Public officials and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope are bracing for a potential showdown after construction of the project was authorized by the state. Tribune-Herald.

Activists pledge more protests as Thirty Meter Telescope construction given green light to proceed. Activists say hundreds are planning to protest Mauna Kea construction when it begins, and they say they’re ready to be arrested if that’s what it takes. Hawaii News Now.

For Those Working On Mauna Kea, Safety Concerns Rise With Tensions. For the men and women who work in support of astronomy on Mauna Kea, the appearance of another confrontation on the mountain is an added worry. Big Island Video News.

Kaho'ohaki Kanuha Arrested On Mauna Kea As Police Dismantle Ahu. Kanuha was arrested for trying to record police in the area where, four years ago, two ahu were constructed on the site of the planned-Thirty Meter Telescope. Big Island Video News.

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Paying taxes doesn’t make vacation rentals legal, state attorneys say. The state’s top attorneys say a contentious bill approved by this year’s Legislature and sitting on Gov. David Ige’s desk does not legalize thousands of vacation rentals in noncompliance with county laws or bar the counties from enforcing its laws against the owners of such units. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs appoints interim CEO. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees appointed today OHA Chief Operating Officer Sylvia Hussey as the agency’s interim chief executive officer until a new CEO is hired. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Has The Lowest Health Care Costs, Thanks To Strong State Laws. Costs of employee contributions to health plans are among the nation’s lowest, according to a new report. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Police Shooting Board Won’t Release Its Findings — At Least For Now. The new board wants advice from the state AG’s office before deciding whether to reveal what its concluded about officer-involved deaths and injuries. Civil Beat.

Fewer Bus Rides for Low-Income Kids? DOE officials said the departments needs to cut eligibility because the expansion of a federal free meal service to low-income students “inadvertently” made made free bus rides more widely available. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor lets budget go without signing. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday allowed the city’s $2.83 billion operating budget and other parts of the fiscal 2020 budget package to become law without his signature, the seventh consecutive year he’s taken such action. Star-Advertiser.

City budget for nearly $3 billion approved without mayor’s signature. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Thursday he’s allowing a nearly $3 billion city budget to go into law without his signature. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell: Tax Hikes On Hotels, Investment Homes Can Cover Rail Operations. Those increases, coupled with appreciating property values on Oahu, should be enough to make it work, the mayor asserted Thursday. But the proposal is light on specifics. Civil Beat.

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KEALOHA TRIAL: Prosecutors presenting rebuttal case this morning. KHON2.

Final witnesses testify in Kealoha conspiracy trial. The final three witnesses testified today in the conspiracy trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha and three co-defendants, ending 16 days of testimony from nearly 80 people. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutors Say Katherine Kealoha’s Civil Attorney Lied On The Witness Stand. Kevin Sumida represented Kealoha in a series of lawsuits, including one in which she was accused by her uncle and grandmother of financial fraud and elder abuse. Civil Beat.

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Second urgent care clinic that caters to homeless set to open in Kaneohe. An urgent care clinic that caters to the homeless is in the works for Kaneohe. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Workers Need $39.75 Per Hour To Rent A 2-BR. That’s according to a new study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Civil Beat.

Here’s Why Student Absenteeism Is Plummeting At Waipahu Elementary. The school pursues some simple strategies for getting kids to school: home visits, phones calls to parents, emergency supplies of clean clothes and rewards like extra recess. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Budget becomes law without Mayor Harry Kim’s signature. Saying the County Council’s $585.5 million budget isn’t conservative enough, Mayor Harry Kim is letting it become law without his signature. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A&B may get water permit in the end. Appeals court overturns ruling at heart of E. Maui diversion controversy in Legislature. Maui News.

Iwi Protection Hui Gets Contested Case Hearing. a hui dedicated to protecting Hawaiian iwi (remains) – will be able to make their case in a contested court hearing before the State Historic Preservation Division according to the group’s attorney. Maui Now.

Fast-track housing projects come under fire. Residents say Launiupoko is not a good location for projects. Maui News.

No hotel, water company in Waikapu town project. Developers dispel rumors as project is deferred. Maui News.

Environmental Court celebrates four years. Celebration was held for anniversary and retirement of its judge. Maui News.

Kauai

First annual Pride Parade and Festival set for June 22. There will be pride displayed in Lihue from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday as Kauai will host its first Kauai Pride Parade and Festival. Garden Island.

Kauai PRIDE Parade information and road closures. The Kaua‘i PRIDE Parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, at 9 a.m. KITV.

Warship named for Inouye, TSA defends airport response, Kealoha defense rests, Maui council overrides mayor's vetoes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Daniel Inouye PC:U.S. Navy

Navy To Name New Destroyer After Daniel Inouye. The late U.S. senator from Hawaii received the Medal of Honor for bravery fighting in World War II. Associated Press.

Navy to christen guided missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye. The U.S. Navy will christen a new guided missile destroyer the USS Daniel Inouye this weekend during a ceremony in Maine. Star-Advertiser.

USS Daniel Inouye Guided Missile Destroyer To Be Christened. The late U.S. Senator from Hawaii will have his name on the 68th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, which is one of 21 ships currently under contract for the DDG 51 program. Big Island Video News.

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TSA Honolulu Airport Review Underway: 40 Flights Delayed, Thousands Inconvenienced. Maui Now.

TSA: Everyone did ‘what they were supposed to do’ during chaotic airport security scare. Officials are defending their actions during Tuesday’s airport security scare, in which a stampede left several people with minor injuries. Hawaii News Now.

Burning battery charger led to chaos at airport. The “pop, pop, pop” that some people mistook for gunfire at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Tuesday was Plexiglas barriers and plastic posts being knocked to the floor by panicked passengers after a smoking carry-on bag was found at a security checkpoint, a Transportation Security Administration official said at a news conference Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

New footage released of what caused airport security scare. New video released by the Dept. Of Transportation shows the smoking baggage from Tuesday's security scare at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

Hawaii State Hospital to go digital. The Hawaii State Hospital is replacing 25-year-old surveillance systems, some of which aren’t operational, with new digital equipment to bring the facility up to date and improve safety for patients and staff. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kealoha Trial: Closing Arguments Could Come As Soon As Tuesday. The defense rests after three days of testimony, and prosecutors plan to call a few more rebuttal witnesses. Civil Beat.

All defendants decline to testify as Kealoha mailbox trial nears end. The final three defendants in the public corruption and conspiracy trial rested their cases Wednesday, with none of them, including former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, taking the stand in their defense. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Prosecutor Rests Corruption Case Without Testifying. An ex-Honolulu deputy prosecutor on trial for corruption-related charges has rested her case without testifying in her defense. Associated Press.

Defense team rests in Kealoha trial; closing arguments set for next week. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Defense rests its case, Prosecutors present rebuttal Thursday. KHON2.

Defense rests without Katherine Kealoha, other defendants taking the stand. KITV.

Former police chief received discounted solar deal. Louis Kealoha was given a $20,000 discount for the installation of 26 solar panels at his Kahala home in 2013 as a favor to a police officer who worked part time for the solar contractor and because Kealoha was the police chief, according to the contractor. Star-Advertiser.

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Could Waimanalo to Kualoa become its own county? That’s what some are hoping for. There’s talk of of secession in Windward Oahu and community leaders sketched out what it would take to form their own county. Hawaii News Now.

State orders developer to stop excavation work on an Ewa Beach coastline. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has ordered a Chinese developer to stop excavation work on an Ewa Beach oceanfront. Hawaii News Now.

Street Parking Stalls for Car-Sharing Services Backed by Committee. People who use shared cars could see them parked in on-street stalls under a measure bound for the full Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Liquor store to get license despite protest. The Honolulu Liquor Commission plans to renew the license of a Chinatown liquor store in the face of significant opposition from community members and government officials. Star-Advertiser.

School gets appliances to launder uniforms for students who need clean clothes. Central Middle School celebrated a donation of new washers, dryers, and other appliances to help students whose families don’t have access to laundry facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Trackers haul in 40 tons of marine debris at Kewalo Basin. The Ocean Voyages Institute, a nonprofit based in Sausalito, Calif., chartered the Kwai for the first expedition of its kind from Honolulu to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to retrieve the tons of derelict fishing nets, ropes, plastic floats, bottles and other items after deploying satellite trackers a year in advance to locate them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council allows non-recyclable plastics as polystyrene alternative. Amid promises to create future laws curbing the growing waste stream heading to the county’s soon-to-be sole landfill, the County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill loosening restrictions on the allowable plastic alternatives to polystyrene. West Hawaii Today.

Council briefed on administration’s eruption recovery efforts. The county’s Kilauea recovery team has spent approximately $45 million on various projects to restore parts of the island affected by last year’s eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Dozens told to return FEMA funds. Nearly 80 Kilauea eruption victims have been told to return federal disaster relief payments after a federal agency determined they might not have been eligible for the funds. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council overrode all but three of Mayor Michael Victorino’s 12 vetoes during a special meeting on Tuesday, putting the near-final touches on an $823.5 million budget that is set to go into effect on July 1. Members restore funding for sewer projects, shoreline plan. Maui News.

Council Overrides Majority of Mayor’s Line-Item Vetoes. Maui Now.

Major hurdle cleared for 250 Lahaina tenants. Their affordable rentals secured with new state law. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s tourism concerns are being addressed. The anger that resulted in Kauai protesters temporarily turning back tourists entering the stretch of Kuhio Highway that leads into Haena was tempered Wednesday after state and county officials promised more collaboration in managing tourism on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai’s Newly Reopened Park Is A Case Study In Controlling Tourism. Crowd control measures at the renovated Haena State Park will help state parks officials respond to staggering tourism growth. Civil Beat.

The message along Kuhio Highway was to slow down on Wednesday, as North Shore residents gathered with signs at the old road-closure booth in Waipa. Garden Island.

Haena fishery receives Equator Prize. Fish are on the rise in the Haena Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area, and a newly bestowed international award now props up a project that’s already being hailed a success. Garden Island.