Hawaii students lag behind nation in SAT scores, beach-widening during APEC, gubernatorial candidates still going at it, UH gets $9M biomed grant, more news from around the isles

Hawaii hoteliers will be among the first to net returns from the 2011 Asia-Pacifc Economic Cooperation when its 21 member economies begin next month booking rooms from a short list of hotels that have been cleared to handle the high-level international event. Star-Advertiser.

Widening of Waikiki Beach scheduled to start in 2011. Star-Advertiser.

The public got a chance to comment on the proposed widening of Waikiki Beach. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village voted Wednesday to authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Scenes are being shot for the movie, Battleship, at Magic Island Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The average SAT scores of college-bound Hawaii students nudged up this year, but still lag behind the national average, according to results released this week. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa said today that it was awarded a $9.2 million federal grant to help build a biomedical research base and to support early career researchers trying to become independent scientists. Associated Press.

After successful appeals, four more Hawaii public schools have met “adequate yearly progress” goals under the No Child Left Behind Act. Associated Press.

The state’s only organic-certifying body, the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association (HOFA), will suspend its program this month, forcing organic farmers in Hawaii to look to the mainland for certification. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii's Aloha spirit is being tested in Democratic primary for governor. Washington Post.

If one looked at the 2010 Democratic primary race for governor simply from the viewpoint of who’s funding the candidates, it might go down as a battle between engineers and educators. Honolulu Weekly.

Intense competition between two prominent gubernatorial candidates has split the allegiances of Democratic leaders, who expect to soon bury the ill will and unite behind the party's nominee. Tribune-Herald.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and former U.S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie - both Democrats - made what's likely to be their last efforts to differentiate themselves to Maui voters before Saturday's primary election on issues such as taxes, civil unions, a lottery, government spending and the return of Hawaii Superferry. Maui News.

Five times as many candidates in Hawaii's 2002 primary election tapped into public matching funds for their campaigns than this year. Civil Beat.

With three days until the election candidates are trying to set themselves apart from opponents but it's sometimes easier said than done. Hawaii News Now.

State legislators are sitting on and spending piles of cash as they wait for the Nov. 2 general election. Tribune-Herald.

Some critics said Wednesday Honolulu prosecutor candidate Darwin Ching's TV ad goes too far in portraying Honolulu as crime-ridden. KITV.

The Hawaiian Humane Society for the first time in its history has completed a survey of how candidates for governor and Honolulu mayor feel about animal welfare issues. KITV.

A formal complaint has been filed with the state's Democratic Party over outgoing Honolulu City Councilman Gary Okino's endorsement of Republican candidates.  Associated Press.

The departure of Council Member Jo Anne Johnson from the West Maui residency seat has drawn seven candidates, all eager to step into her shoes. Maui News.

Retired car dealer James Pflueger and son Alan Pflueger, who took over the dealership, were indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday on conspiracy tax fraud charges of claiming personal expenses as deductible business expenses. Star-Advertiser.

A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted retired car dealer James Pflueger and others on charges related to tax fraud, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release. Garden Island.

The outrage over a sudden spike in property taxes for 247 Oahu residents was tackled head-on Wednesday by the Honolulu City's Council's Budget Committee. KHON2.

Genshiro Kawamoto owns an 87 acre parcel in Kahaluu that neighbors say is overgrown with trees that threaten public safety. KITV.

Police Bust Illegal Gambling Operation in Chinatown KHON2.

The scientists and backers of the Thirty Meter Telescope want the Big Island community working at, and benefiting from, the planned astronomy study site, a representative said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County police officials are asking the County Council to move ahead with the lease of 100 more patrol car computers. West Hawaii Today.

Developers will face new requirements to provide recreation and firefighting facilities as a condition of rezoning under a bill the County Council Planning Committee is scheduled to consider Monday. West Hawaii Today.

The core of Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s strategic plan calls for reducing the Garden Isle’s dependence on imported fossil fuels while reliably delivering power to a growing customer base. Garden Island.

Endangered palila could become extinct, last gubernatorial debate shows no clear winner, Lingle wants GOP to vote GOP, teachers file lawsuit for health care, more state news

The endangered palila songbird — a species found only on the slopes of Mauna Kea volcano — is facing possible extinction as its population declines dramatically, officials said Tuesday. Associated Press.

State, federal and private organizations said an endangered Hawaiian songbird's population has fallen drastically in recent years. KITV.

After months of talking about each other's lack of experience and misguided intentions, the two men who would be Hawaii's Democratic candidate for governor faced off one last time in old Wailuku town. Star-Advertiser.

Despite the bad blood between them, their final joint appearance before Saturday's primary election was a civil exchange — and maybe moot, given that many people have already voted absentee. Civil Beat.

 Gov. Linda Lingle is calling on fellow Republican voters to cast GOP ballots and not to stray into the Democratic primary. Associated Press.

Governor Linda Lingle cast her ballot Tuesday at Honolulu Hale. Hawaii News Now.

Eleven candidates want to be Hawaii's lieutenant governor, a post that most political observers agree has few responsibilities and almost no power. Associated Press.

Hawaii has a new Supreme Court chief justice. KITV.

Hawaii public school teachers filed suit yesterday in Circuit Court to block changes in their health coverage, saying that the state's plan to do away with their health benefit trust fund is unconstitutional. Star-Advertiser.

A public school teacher files a class-action lawsuit against Governor Linda Lingle. Hawaii News Now.

Requests for mail-in absentee ballots have skyrocketed for this primary election. KITV.

If state and federal officials can't find coffee berry borer on other islands, Big Island farmers are facing some kind of quarantine, even temporarily, state Department of Agriculture officials said Monday morning. West Hawaii Today.

The debate over the proposed Honolulu rail project is intensified on Tuesday as a group of supporters urged Gov. Linda Lingle to approve the $5.5 billion project. KITV.

This Saturday's election is winner take all for the Honolulu mayor's race and the candidates didn't hold anything back in the live 90 minute debate at the Blaisdell Center. Hawaii News Now.

The four major candidates for Honolulu mayor exchanged barbs and tried to distinguish themselves from the pack at a final debate before Saturday's special election. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor's race: candidate profiles Hawaii News Now.

Traveling through Honolulu International Airport just got a bit more comfortable and whole lot tastier. KHON2.

A high-ranking Hawai‘i lawmaker remains concerned about the price the state recently agreed to pay for two industrial lots to expand Lihu‘e Airport. Garden Island.

Following the controversial issues that have surfaced in the last few weeks regarding Lihu‘e Airport administration, state Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donna Mercado Kim took a quick trip Tuesday to the Garden Island. Garden Island.

Gov. Linda Lingle has nominated a new deputy director of water resources within the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Associated Press.

Hawaii had the third most expensive hotel rates in the nation after New York and Massachusetts during the first half of the year. Associated Press.

The city requires low-income homeowners applying for a break on property taxes to submit a slew of documentation to verify eligibility. StarAdvertiser.

In the heat of the campaign season, election-related e-mail is making its way into county-owned computers, even though there are prohibitions against it. West Hawaii Today.

Hoping to score a knockout in the first round, candidates for the Hawaii County Council are digging deep into their war chests. Tribune-Herald.

Four candidates - each offering a distinct point of view - will give voters a clear choice in the race for the Maui County Council's Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency district. Maui News.

Hawaii Five-0 a hit on Waikiki, Mufi's mojo, new school chief named, East Oahu cries fowl over peacock killing, Kauai concerned over shrimp farms, furlough protestors sentenced, more island news

Thousands of people packed Sunset on the Beach in Waikiki tonight for the premiere of the remake of the classic TV series, "Hawaii Five-O." KHON2.

The stars of the new "Hawaii Five-0" knew how to make an entrance as they stepped onto a red carpet last night for a Sunset on the Beach premiere of the CBS crime series. Star-Advertiser.

After months of anticipation the new Hawaii Five-0 made its world premiere and what better place to do it then here in Waikiki at Sunset on the Beach and we were the first to interview the stars on the red carpet. Hawaii News Now.

Mufi Tries to Get His Mojo Back. Civil Beat.

Mufi Hannemann on Monday called on his rival for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, Neil Abercrombie, to explain how state government would pay for the new programs Abercrombie is proposing. Associated Press.

Two Hawaii environmental groups are criticizing Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann's campaign for using a slogan long associated with efforts to block development. Associated Press.

Gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann Monday said he is encouraging Republicans, religious voters and anyone else to vote in the Democratic Party primary Saturday -- even if they are not Democrats. KITV.

Governor Linda Lingle tried to dispel accusations that she is dragging her feet on completing an environmental review of Honolulu's planned rail transit system Monday. She said in a statement that several hurdles remained before the environmental impact statement (EIS) could be finalized. Hawaii News Now.

The state's education system is under fire from some politicians who complain there hasn't been a management audit of Hawaii public schools in nearly 40 years. KITV.

Kathryn Matayoshi, who guided the state Department of Education through its successful bid for $75 million in competitive Race to the Top funds and has garnered wide support in the community since stepping in as interim superintendent in January, was chosen yesterday as the permanent head of Hawaii's public schools. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Board of Education on Monday appointed interim Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi as the new head of the Department of Education. KITV.

A Board of Education committee voted Monday afternoon not to close three elementary schools on Oahu and Molokai. KHON2.

A judge has sentenced 19 people who protested school furlough days in Gov. Linda Lingle's office to community service or fines of $75. Associated Press.

Some Kaua‘i residents are voicing their concerns over an informational meeting and field trip that the state recently scheduled for Thursday morning at Sunrise Capital’s shrimp farm in Kekaha. Garden Island.

East Oahu residents are calling foul after the city administration recently ordered the killing of 18 peacocks in Koko Crater Botanical Gardens. Hawaii Reporter.

Council Member Wayne Nishiki is defending his South Maui residency seat against two challengers who contend his late filing of a financial disclosure in 2008 remains an issue this election year. Maui News.

It was a heist at sea like no other and it was all caught on video. KHON2.

The morning clouds and drizzle that blanketed Hilo lifted before noon Sunday, leaving a dozen acrophiles a perfect day to dive from a platform 85 feet high into a placid pool beneath a waterfall. Tribune-Herald.

When 53-year-old Edward T. Rosen lost his vision for nine days after a rifle chamber explosion, the U.S. Marine was terrified he'd never see again. West Hawaii Today.

Blending ancient Hawaiian practices – malama ka `aina – with modern methods of sustainability – solar panels and food forests – is the topic of one of Matt Yamashita’s latest films, showing now on `Oiwi TV. Molokai Dispatch.

Campaign contributions map shows Abercrombie's strength, Hannemann says Civil Beat poll flawed, pastors decry campaign ads, Maui mayoral race crowded, Hawaii Five-0 premieres, more news

If money equals votes, support for Democratic gubernatorial front-runners Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie appears fairly evenly spread across the islands, with Abercrombie claiming more coastal areas and Hannemann locking in the mauka regions. West Hawaii Today.

Neil Abercrombie describes himself as an "agent of change," but he also has been a member of Hawaii's political establishment for a very long time. Associated Press.

Politicians tell you every vote counts, but what political office seekers are hoping for this election is that their supporters will be able to find where to cast that important vote. KITV.

A group of Hawaii pastors spoke out Sunday about what they called a disturbing trend in the current election campaign. KITV.


Hawaii voters don't want the Hawaii Legislature to bring the issue of civil unions up for a vote again in the near future, according to a new Civil Beat poll. Civil Beat.

Hannemann: Honolulu Civil Beat Poll Showing Him Behind in Gubernatorial Race is Faulty. Hawaii Reporter.

Sen. Dan Inouye has represented Hawaii in the U.S. Congress since 1959 when Hawaii became a state. In June, he was elected President pro tempore of the Senate by his colleagues, making him the second-highest-ranking official in the Senate and third in line for the presidency. Molokai Dispatch.

On a recent trip to Molokai, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono experienced first-hand what goes into restoring one of Molokai’s precious 68 fishponds – the most of any Hawaiian Islands – and some of the passionate people behind the movement. Molokai Dispatch.

With 11 candidates, Maui voters are watching one of the most crowded mayoral primary races in memory - and more than half the hopefuls have prior experience in government. Maui News.

At a recent discussion of what strategies should be adopted to improve the economic outlook of Hawaii, some of the participants advocated the use of tax incentives and, more specifically, tax credits as essential to attracting new businesses to Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

After two years of litigation, the battle between Molokai Properties Limited (MPL) and Maui County over water service has ended in an out-of-court settlement. Molokai Dispatch.

Recent high-profile federal cases in Hawaii alleging abuse of immigrant farm workers are causing some worry for local farms that rely on foreign labor. Star-Advertiser.

You can catch a sneak peak of the premiere episode of the new Hawaii 5-0 before it airs nationally next week. KHON2.

Work crews set stage for star-studded premiere of Hawaii Five-0. Hawaii News Now.

About 150 Marines in a Hawaii-based helicopter squadron are due to return to the islands from Afghanistan this week.KHON2.

Starting today, the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency will be hosting its annual, week-long Weapons of Mass Destruction exercise in conjunction with the Hawai‘i National Guard 93rd Civil Support Team. Garden Island.

Hawaii coffee growers are plotting a war on the coffee cherry borer, a pest that poses a serious threat to Hawaiian coffees. Hawaii News Now.

In this land of abundant agricultural resources, some families don't know when or what their next meal will be. Tribune-Herald.

A recent survey by the National Golf Foundation showed public golf courses are in financial trouble, with fewer people hitting the links these days. Hawaii's municipal courses appear to be no different. KITV.

Hundreds waited for hours and some even camped out all week, for a chance to get their hands on a condo unit in Kakaako's newest highrise. KHON2.

Schatz leads lt. gov. money race, Kauai settles bird complaint, Aloun Farms tackles human trafficking case, political bickering, more news from around the islands

The state Office of Elections says 684,481 people are registered for the Sept. 18 primary election. The number is higher than the 667,647 who registered for the 2008 primary, but lower than the 691,365 registered for the 2008 general election, when Hawaii's Barack Obama won the presidency. Star-Advertiser.

The two leading Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor enter the final week of the primary campaign staring at contradictory signs. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s primary election is a little more than a week away and political candidates are saturating communities with campaign signs. KITV.

In the latest campaign spending report period, Hawaii gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie raised two times more money than his closest democratic party opponent, Mufi Hannemann, and Abercrombie also had three times more big donors who gave maximum $6,000. KITV.

Brian Schatz, the former Democratic Party of Hawaii chairman and state lawmaker, raised the most campaign money during the past two months in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Five Honolulu residents financed a radio ad that criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie for not declaring a religious affiliation. Associated Press.

Dueling endorsements for Governor have led one venture capital group to demand that a rival organization back off. KHON2.

The head of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association says he will ask the state to nullify a similarly named group that formed last month. Associated Press.

At a debate sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Tuesday, former Mayor Mufi Hannemann  said: "His overall cumulative score in his 20 years of Congress on issues important to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was 30 percent." Civil Beat.

The state Republican Party is accusing Democrat Colleen Hanabusa of illegally campaigning by holding a press conference too close to an early polling place. Associated Press.

On a recent trip to Molokai, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono experienced first-hand what goes into restoring one of Molokai’s precious 68 fishponds – the most of any Hawaiian Islands – and some of the passionate people behind the movement. Molokai Dispatch.

Hot topics for candidates running for a seat in the House of Representatives. Big Island Weekly.

In a federal plea agreement, the county Thursday agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanor count of violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act for “taking” endangered seabirds. Garden Island.

Kauai County yesterday acknowledged in U.S. District Court that it is guilty of violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act by killing Newell's shearwater birds through its lighting policies at county facilities over the last five years. Star-Advertiser.

The 20 people ticketed or arrested for an eight-day sit-in at the governor's office this past spring are scheduled to be sentenced in state district court tomorrow. KITV.

The owners of Aloun Farms say they know the 44 workers they imported from Thailand in 2004 were lied to in order to get them to sign worthless labor contracts and that the workers each paid exorbitant recruitment fees to get the jobs. Star-Advertiser.

Three+ days of sentencing arguments in a human trafficking case in Honolulu are now moot, as the owners of Aloun Farms took back their guilty pleas Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Forbes says Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay, is now worth about $5 billion. Hawaii News Now.


A man who turned an online auction into an internet success shared some secrets with local businesses today. KHON2.

Kauai households would face a new tax assessment for trash collection under a measure approved by a Kauai County committee. Garden Island.

The average five-year suicide rate for Maui County from 2005 to 2009 was the highest in the state at 92 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to data from the state Department of Health. Maui News.

Prime Alii Drive property is heading toward purchase by the county, following the County Council Finance Committee's unanimous approval Wednesday of a compromise allowing some of the land to be bought with open space funds. West Hawaii Today.

The public can sound off today on the latest revisions to a plan to lure federal money to boost the Big Island's economy. Tribune-Herald.

The County Council Budget and Finance Committee approved Wednesday a $95,000 grant to Kekaha’s Citizens Advisory Committee, so they can hold a new series of public meetings to figure out what to do with the money from the Host Community Benefit in exchange for that community having the island’s only active landfill. Garden Island.

He didn’t lead in an iron-fisted manner, but instead with the gentle, guiding hand of a nurturing parent. Lahaina News.

Abercrombie catches up in money race, Lihue Airport in trouble, coffee beetle serious, judge says Lingle was right on furloughs, human trafficker bail set at $1M, lots more news

One of the worst parasites to prey upon coffee crops has been discovered on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

A beetle known asthe coffee berry borer that threatens the health of Hawaii’s coffee industry has been found on several farms in Kona on the Big Island. KHON2.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie has raised twice as much money as rival Mufi Hannemann over the last two months. Garden Island.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie raised more than double the campaign contributions of former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann over the past two months, a late surge that shows momentum for Abercrombie in the Democratic primary for governor. Star-Advertiser.

The latest Hawaii campaign spending reports due Wednesday show former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D) had a surge in contributions in the period of July 1 through Sept. 3 -- for the first time beating his well-heeled opponent Mufi Hannemann (D) in fundraising. KITV.

Democratic candidate Neil Abercrombie raised more than twice as much money as his primary opponent Mufi Hanneman from July 1 to Sept. 3, according to campaign finance reports published late Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The 6K club, part one. Honolulu Weekly.

Republican Charles Djou and Democrat Colleen Hanabusa have been busily mining the pocketbooks of politically interested individuals and interest groups in anticipation of their Nov. 2 general election showdown, according to federal records reviewed Wednesday. Associated Press.

Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell edged former Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle in fundraising over the past two months, but Carlisle has a sizable lead in cash on hand left for the stretch in the race for mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Hot topics for candidates running for a seat in the House of Representatives. Big Island Weekly.

A federal judge set bail at $1 million Wednesday for the CEO of a labor recruiting company accused of exploiting 400 workers from Thailand and forcing them to work on U.S. farms. Associated Press.

KITV 4 News has learned federal immigration officials want to detain the man at the center of the largest human trafficking case in U.S. history, which could keep him behind bars even though a federal magistrate in Honolulu ruled Wednesday he could be freed on $1 million bail. KITV.

The Hawaii Supreme Court today ruled in favor of Governor Linda Lingle in her appeal of HGEA v. Lingle, a case that stopped her from implementing a furlough plan. Hawaii Reporter.

A state judge should not have blocked Gov. Linda Lingle's unilateral plan to impose furloughs on state workers last year, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

A big jump in hotel tax collections is helping get the 2011 fiscal year off to a good start. KHON2.

There are signs in Oahu's housing market that the pendulum is beginning to swing back in favor of sellers. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of West Hawaii residents Tuesday voiced concerns over a new management strategy proposed by the state for Kealakekua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

The former Kulani prison could become a training base for a 150-soldier company to learn how to detect roadside bombs, perform emergency aerial evacuations and make forced entries into buildings. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has reached into a related department to fill the vacancy created by the resignation earlier this summer of Environmental Management Director Lono Tyson. West Hawaii Today.

Maui County's official website has been named one of the Best of the Web. KITV.

Hearing passionate pleas for Upcountry water meters, the Maui County Council Water Resources Committee expressed support for an outright purchase of a privately developed well in Makawao that could cost about $8 million. Maui News.

Management problems persist at Lihu‘e Airport despite ‘coaching’ Garden Island.

Some say it’s the end of free trash pick-up.Garden Island.

A Lahaina voter is challenging Maui County Council Chairman Danny Mateo’s re-election bid, arguing another full term would exceed the five-term limit. Molokai Dispatch.

Hamakua land EIS completed though sale is off. West Hawaii Today.

Will they raise the GET or won't they? Gubernatorial candidates unclear, Mighty Mo closes for movie, more news

Film crews from the Universal Pictures movie "Battleship" have taken over the state's resident dreadnought, the Mighty Mo, forcing the Battleship Missouri Memorial Association to close the popular tourist attraction to the public for several days. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Democratic candidates for governor differed Tuesday on raising taxes, with Neil Abercrombie opposing a hike in the general excise tax "without equivocation" and Mufi Hannemann saying such an increase wouldn't be considered "initially." Associated Press.

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the two leading Democratic candidates for governor, said yesterday that they would not raise the general excise tax to help stabilize the state's budget. Star-Advertiser.

The two leading Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor were asked at a candidates' forum on Tuesday whether they would raise the state's general excise tax. KITV.

The leading Democratic candidates for Governor traded barbs over business issues at a debate today. KHON2.

I like candidate “debates”, even though the definition of that term has been totally bastardized since the days when I participated in the National Forensic Society version when I was in high school and college. Hawaii Reporter.

Concerns are growing over this month's voter turnout as state elections officials continue to spread the word that there will be 97 fewer polling places across the islands for this year's elections. Star-Advertiser.

Associate Justice Mark Recktenwald will be sworn in as the state’s fifth justice at 4 p.m.  Sept. 14 at the Hawaii Supreme Court courtroom. Star-Advertiser.

The battle between Democrat Colleen Hanabusa and Republican Charles Djou will heat up after September's primary, just weeks away. Civil Beat.

Entrepreneur Pierre Omidyar is due to give the keynote address at this year's Hawaii Business Magazine's "Top 250" luncheon. Associated Press.

The stacks of paper are tall and the list is long of all contractors and sub contractors for rail. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to open a transitional home for mentally ill patients have people in an Ewa neighborhood worried about crime and plummeting property values. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday announced her choices to fill two vacant seats in the state Senate. KITV.

Gov. Linda Lingle has filled a pair of state Senate seats that were left vacant when their incumbents resigned to run for higher office. Associated Press.

Hawaii's volatile economy isn't scaring away investors. Dozens of people have lined up to purchase a unit in Kakaako's newest high rise and they are willing to wait days. KHON2.

Labor day weekend marked the official end of the summer tourism season, and the visitor industry is celebrating some big numbers that haven’t been seen in two years. KITV.

A shortage of tsunami sirens is leaving some Hawaii Island beachgoers and coastal residents vulnerable, says Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann, who wants new developments to include the warning devices. Tribune-Herald.

About 500 volunteers are needed to help the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office with an exercise testing its emergency preparedness mass medication dispensing plan also known as the Strategic National Stockpile, a DOH news release announced Tuesday. Garden Island.

The retiring principal of Lahainaluna High School has left his home, a place that he loves and a place that loves him. Maui News.

Christ Church Episcopal and Family Support Services of West Hawaii's Up Country Faire fundraiser couldn't have had a more fitting name. West Hawaii Today.

Here's the beef, politics of schools, cliff diving the new hit, more news from around the Hawaiian Islands

With the largest land mass in the Hawaiian Island chain, the Big Island has a long history of huge cattle ranches. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's lieutenant governor candidates last night praised the efforts of island charter schools — especially the 16 that avoided Furlough Fridays while absorbing budget cuts — and called for more emphasis on early childhood education, but fell short on coming up with new ways to find money for promising programs. Star-Advertiser.

With less than two weeks to go before the primary election, the leading candidates for lieutenant governor took part in a forum Monday night about public education, talking about everything from auditing the state education department to improving early childhood education. KITV.

More than half of Hawaii's public school teachers leave within five years of being hired, a sobering statistic the state is scrambling to address at a time when experienced teachers are needed to help turn around struggling schools, meet federal requirements for "highly qualified" teachers and reach ambitious school reform goals. Star-Advertiser.

Twenty-four people have applied for the job of running Hawaii's public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Three Board of Education candidates - two male teachers and a fashion executive who has returned to her native Maui - all promised to visit schools regularly as they explained why they should be elected to serve as a Neighbor Island representative on the policy-making panel for public schools. Maui News.

Hawaii congressman Charles Djou officially opened his campaign headquarters Monday on Ward Avenue in Kakaako. KHON2.

Hawaii's 2010 primary election ballot is designed in a way that could confuse voters. It also favors the two major parties at the expense of nonpartisan candidates. Civil Beat.

Gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie will swing by Honolulu Hale to cast his vote, since early voting has started. Hawaii News Now.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie says his opponent, Mufi Hannemann's supporters are using a negative ad and flier to divide the community and attack his character. KITV.

The Garden Island asked the Kaua‘i candidates running for mayor, Kaua‘i County Council, state Senate and state House of Representatives to respond to three general questions about their decision to seek elected office. Garden Island.

Today it is politically correct to be “green.” After all, how can any elected official oppose the preservation of the “aina” and still be elected to office? Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi is questioning several sub-contracts related to the city's controversial $5.5 billion rail transit project. KHON2.

The race to represent the largest County Council district involves two candidates seeking greater communication, an incumbent who won't talk to the Tribune-Herald, and a fourth political hopeful pushing job growth. Tribune-Herald.

In Hawaii, surfing is known as the "Sport of Kings," but cliff diving could just as easily have garnered the royal athletic moniker. Tribune-Herald.

Maui County will be offered a chance Tuesday to buy a water well in Makawao that could make deep inroads into the Upcountry meter waiting list. Maui News.

Take a walk down Manako Lane in Kaunakakai on any given weekday and you will notice an unassuming green house nestled in the corner, buzzing with traffic. Several days a week, mental health patients gather at this spot – known as the clubhouse – which they describe as a place of solace and understanding. Molokai Dispatch.

More military might, politics and dirty tricks, Filipinos love Abercrombie, more island news

Delegations representing indigenous people from around the world were taken from Hawaii's voyaging canoes yesterday morning and paddled to the shores of Kualoa in a welcoming ceremony unlike any other seen at previous Healing Our Spirit Worldwide conferences. Star-Advertiser.

A celebration ceremony Sunday shared cultures from around the world. KHON2.

The Pentagon is planning a $278 million program to increase missile testing on Kauai that would improve the protection of Europe from ballistic missiles from countries such as Iran, and provide an additional element of defense for Hawaii from North Korean threats, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies has broken ground on a new wing. Associated Press.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to spend $1.4 million cleaning up lead paint on former Midway Atoll military buildings that have been poisoning Laysan albatross birds there. Associated Press.

Honolulu-based Hawaii Oceanic Technology Inc. has withdrawn its permit application for a 12-cage submerged ahi farm offshore of Malae Point, North Kohala, and plans to seek permission for just one cage instead. West Hawaii Today.

Kaua‘i’s beaches and surfbreaks are usually clean. Some are cleaner than others. Garden Island.

Despite the rhetorical fireworks between gubernatorial candidates Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann, the longtime Hawai‘i Democrats appear to be more ideologically alike than they let on to be. Associated Press.

According to the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle’s (HFC) recent Primary Election poll, former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie holds a commanding lead over former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the race for governor among registered Filipino voters, 45.2 percent to 13.7 percent. Filipino Chronicle.

The Hawaii Venture Capital Association said it is outraged that another organization using a very similar name on Thursday endorsed Mufi Hannemann for governor when the HVA two months ago endorsed Neil Abercrombie. KITV.

When a political endorsement doesn’t go your way, why not just start a new group with almost the same name and have it endorse you so people think that the group you wanted to be endorsed by actually endorsed you in the first place. Hawaii Reporter.

The two major Democratic candidates for governor are set to participate in a debate sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and the Hawaii Medical Assurance Association. Associated Press.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie is accusing the campaign of his rival, Mufi Hannemann, of using religion to divide voters and attack his character. Associated Press.

Civil Beat sent the three leading candidates for Honolulu mayor the same questionnaire. Civil Beat.

The two leading candidates for Honolulu mayor are running television ads that look and sound pretty similar. KITV.

It was not a typical Maui County mayoral forum Friday night at the Iao Theater. Maui News.

The Garden Island asked the Kaua‘i candidates running for mayor, Kaua‘i County Council, state Senate and state House of Representatives to respond to three general questions about their decision to seek elected office. Garden Island.

More than half of the traffic deaths on the Big Island have been blamed on drunken driving over most of the last decade, according to a study released by the North Hawaii Outcomes Project. KITV.

Impaired driving has killed more Big Island motorists than any other cause, according to a recent report aimed at drawing attention to DUI deaths. Tribune-Herald.

Honolulu Police are stepping up enforcement to keep drunk drivers off the road. KHON2.

The owner's representative of the 670-acre Honua'ula development in South Maui asked members of the public and Maui County Council on Thursday to take a close look at the project's voluminous cultural resources preservation plan - a condition for its construction - before making any more judgments. Maui News.

West Maui lawmakers announced that the long-awaited Lahaina Harbor Improvement Project has been successfully awarded and finalized. Lahaina News.

Take a walk down Manako Lane in Kaunakakai on any given weekday and you will notice an unassuming green house nestled in the corner, buzzing with traffic. Several days a week, mental health patients gather at this spot – known as the clubhouse – which they describe as a place of solace and understanding. Molokai Dispatch.

Stamp ceremony on the volcano, Recktenwald slides in, Obama birth certificate 'irrelevant' in military case, new tourism chief named, more

The last in a series of 12 Nature of America stamps was unveiled Wednesday at the site of its inspiration, in a first-day-of-issue ceremony attended by federal, state and county officials. West Hawaii Today.

More than 200 people gathered Wednesday to celebrate the release of a new collection of 10 stamps created by Hilo artist John D. Dawson. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii is 47th in the nation, when it comes to highway conditions, according to a study released today by Los Angeles-based think tank Reason Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

A new study released today says the rail transit program could bring in thousands of jobs. KHON2.

Agents say they've cracked the largest human trafficking case ever charged in U.S. history. Hawaii News Now.

Six labor recruiters have been accused of luring 400 farm workers to Hawaii from Thailand and mistreating them in what the FBI said is the largest human trafficking case ever charged in U.S. history. KITV

The application to build a Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea is a good one, the Mauna Kea Management Board decided Wednesday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus. Tribune-Herald.

Kaua‘i plans to limit lighting at public facilities as much as possible to protect endangered seabirds. Garden Island.

A ceremony aboard the USS Missouri marks 65 years since Japan's surrender ended the war. Star-Advertiser
 State senators on Thursday unanimously approved the nomination of Mark Recktenwald to be Hawaii's next Supreme Court Chief Justice. KITV.

Gov. Linda Lingle's appointment of Associate Justice Mark Recktenwald as chief justice sailed through Senate confirmation yesterday, but she won't get to name his replacement on the five-member Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

The confirmation of Mark Recktenwald as Hawaii's new Supreme Court chief justice was everything the state Senate's Aug. 6 vote against would-be CJ Katherine Leonard was not. Civil Beat.

Kauaëiís mayoral candidates met for the first time in a public forum, sharing their views on agriculture, business, community projects and sustainability. Garden Island.

Sixteen-hundred registered absentee voters in Hawaii Kai should receive new ballots in the mail starting Saturday. KHON2.

A military judge in Maryland has ruled that President Barack Obama's birth certificate is irrelevant in the case of an Army doctor charged with disobeying deployment orders. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority's board of directors has announced that Ron Williams has been selected its new chairman. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Transportation wants the next phase of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project to go more smoothly and to have fewer impacts on West Hawaii residents. West Hawaii Today.

To a degree that exceeds any other county, tourism is leading Maui out of the recession, professor Leroy Laney told a capacity crowd during the 36th annual First Hawaiian Bank Economic Outlook Forum on Thursday in the Elleaire Ballroom. Maui News.

The Maui County Clerk has dismissed voter residency challenges against two candidates for Maui County Council. Maui News.

Gov. Linda Lingle has released $63 million to the University of Hawaii to finance capital improvements at campuses statewide. Associated Press.

West Maui lawmakers announced that the long-awaited Lahaina Harbor Improvement Project has been successfully awarded and finalized. Lahaina News.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares is hosting a budget meeting for the community this September, taking public testimony regarding the proposed budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Molokai Dispatch.

Military ramping up on Molokai, Big Island, Abercrombie, Hannemann debate in Hilo, Supreme Court allows public intervention in land use, birther at it again, Discovery Channel shooter from Maui, more news from the islands

A Hawaiian plant species thought to be extinct has been found on the Big Island. (Photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy). Associated Press.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has refused to reconsider its decision that found that the state Constitution permits private parties to seek a review by the state Land Use Commission of proposals on agricultural lands. Star-Advertiser.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee has given its unanimous approval to the nomination of Mark Recktenwald to become the next Hawaii Supreme Court chief justice. Associated Press.

Wednesday morning the state senate judiciary committee gave full approval to the nomination of Mark Recktenwald to become the next Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice. KHON2.

Do you have 25 friends and 75 dollars? If so, you too could one day be a candidate for statewide or federal offices like governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. senator and U.S. representative. Civil Beat.

Gubernatorial candidates Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie got down to business Tuesday night, debating questions provided by local industry groups as the leading Democrats race virtually neck and neck toward the Sept. 18 primary. West Hawaii Today.

The top two rivals for the Democratic Party's gubernatorial nomination clashed for the second time in as many days during a debate Tuesday night in Hilo. Tribune-Herald

James "Duke" Aiona owes the most personal debt of the three leading candidates for governor and Mufi Hannemann has the least debt, according to financial interest disclosures filed with the State Ethics Commission. KITV.

Hawaii GOP Chief Jonah Ka'auwai said Wednesday he is satisfied his letter to urge pastors and conservative Christians to shun Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann and to ban him from campaigning in their churches was successful. KITV.

In the midst of an election year, the candidate chorus of providing jobs and rebuilding the economy has relegated discussions of environmental protection to the back burner. Honolulu Weekly.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann is proposing to create a specialized court that would provide treatment and other services to veterans convicted of criminal activity. Associated Press.

Democratic candidates for the state Senate whose names were left off some absentee ballots in District 25 said they were concerned the error might hurt their chances for winning. Star-Advertiser.

A man identified as holding three people hostage at the Discovery Channel headquarters in Maryland Wednesday was a former Lahaina resident. Maui News.

 The United States military is planning yet another expansion entailing increased use of Pohakuloa Training Area. Big Island Weekly.

As the U.S. Marine Corps prepares to draft an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the use of new aircraft during training exercises, officials say Molokai could see a slight increase in military activity. Molokai Dispatch.


The last three F-15 jets in the state are gone...making way for Hawaii's newest military aircraft to take to the skies. KHON2.

Depleted uranium found at Pohakuloa Training Area on Saddle Road poses "no likely adverse impacts" to people working at, visiting or living near the training area, Army officials said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today

An Army doctor charged with disobeying a deployment order because he doubts President Barack Obama's credentials as commander in chief is asking a military judge for access to the president's school and college records. Associated Press

Acting Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Wednesday the city next month will begin a $37 million project to dig a tunnel for a new permanent sewer main pipe in the Waikiki area. KITV.

It's a sight many have never quite gotten used to. KHON2.

Kauai plans to limit lighting at public facilities as much as possible to protect endangered seabirds. Associated Press.

City Council members took the first steps to providing immediate help for a "gap group" of 247 residents who saw sizable increases in property tax bills due to a reclassification of their property from residential to commercial/industrial. Star-Advertiser.

Now that the ownership of Makena resort has been formally transferred, the new owners are refining the details of development proposals that will include work force housing within the resort, which would be a first for Maui. Maui News.

About 60 people attended a forum on controversial red mangrove eradication Tuesday night at Pahoa Community Center. Tribune-Herald.

The first new fire station built on Kaua‘i in 66 years received its blessing and dedication four months ahead of schedule, Wednesday. Garden Island.

A survey conducted to help the University of Hawaii at Hilo develop a new strategic plan identifies marine science, Hawaiian studies and pharmacy as the school's academic strengths. Associated Press.

It's a game measured by dollars and cents and USC football fans are running up a tally. Hawaii News Now.

Akaka Bill in jeopardy with Alaska GOP loss, tourism up, investigations at DOT, green energy advances with PUC decoupling, more state news

Reminder: The Civil Defense monthly test of the statewide outdoor siren warning system and Emergency Alert System on the radio, is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. today

Hawaii's electric company will get paid a guaranteed amount of money regardless of how much power it sells under a decision Tuesday meant to promote renewable energy. Associated Press.

Alaska Republican, seen as key vote for the Akaka Bill, loses in primary. Associated Press.

July was the best month for visitor performance that Hawaii has seen in five years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials have known for weeks that July was a very strong month for tourism, because daily arrivals were up smartly from last summer, but financial data released Tuesday showed spending outpacing even arrivals. Hawaii News Now.

People renting a car in Hawaii can expect to pay more in fees starting tomorrow. KHON2.

Hawaii GOP Chairs Tells Christians To Shun Hannemann. KITV

As September election approaches, the Hawaii Republican Party is weighing in to keep religious conservatives from crossover voting in a close democratic primary. KHON2.

The two leading Democratic contenders to be Hawaii's next governor visited the Big Island a nearly equal number of times this summer. West Hawaii Today.

A spokeswoman for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie says he misspoke when he alleged that a website that rated his congressional record poorly was a "Republican front organization." Associated Press.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona is planning 20 campaign meetings in as many communities over the next two months as the primary and general elections approach.Associated Press.

The state ethics commission has begun an investigation into the former deputy transportation director who abruptly resigned three weeks ago while under fire for mismanagement and questionable ethical behavior. KITV.

A supervisor at Lihue Airport who admitted to stealing thousands of dollars in an embezzlement case has been fired after state transportation officials put her on leave with pay for nearly two months while they investigated the case. KITV.

If the highest paid employees of the University of Hawaii reveal where its priorities lie, then UH appears to most value the following: football, medicine and cancer research. Civil Beat.

James Bopp Jr., the attorney who brought a federal lawsuit against Hawaii's campaign finance law, said the law severely limits First Amendment rights to criticize the government and participate in political campaigns. Star-Advertiser.

On August 27, 2010, Attorney General Mark J. Bennett filed a Complaint in First Circuit Court for the State of Hawai`i for Preliminary and Permanent Injunctive, and Declaratory Relief against The Financial Group Legal Plan, Inc Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye used a workshop on Rail Transit to re-state that Federal funding is in jeopardy unless the project moves ahead. Hawaii News Now.

The city held a workshop Tuesday to answer questions about the rail transit project from senior citizens and those with disabilities. KHON2.

The Army said Tuesday that its tests show depleted uranium at Pohakuloa Training Area isn't likely to adversely affect people living and working at or near the Big Island base. Garden Island.

Apo taking Disney job. The Council chairman's departure in November will trigger a special election. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is getting shaken up again. Hawaii News Now.

Harry E. Williams of Kapa‘a is officially a Republican candidate for the state House seat encompassing Wailua to Ha‘ena, a judge ruled Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Hawaii County taxpayers are chipping in for cell phones used in the reelection campaigns of five of the nine County Council members, but whether that use violates campaign laws is open to debate. West Hawaii Today.

Monday's public hearing on proposed changes to the two-year-old Puna Community Development Plan turned into a public referendum on growth versus conservation. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is seeking out alternative ways to get people to and from West Maui. Maui News.

Bobby Cooper, the former president of W.H. Shipman Ltd. and a powerful force for good in the community who could never stay retired, died last Friday at his Hilo home of bile duct cancer. Tribune-Herald.

Several candidates for many office positions met Monday evening at the historic Waimea Theatre to share their visions and goals for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

A new affordable rental housing complex has opened in Kailua-Kona. Associated Press.

With the State Primary elections nearing, it is imperative for every voter to get to know the candidates and what they stand for. Molokai Dispatch.