Hawaii political maps finalized, GOP fallout, budget cuts for HHSC, Honolulu tax hike mulled, Maui shoppers adjust to plastic bag ban, Kauai seabird suit dropped, TNT hearings to conclude, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii GOP chair Jonah Kaauwai courtesy photo

Jonah Kaauwai, the embattled chair of the Hawaii Republican Party, has stepped down. Civil Beat.

Hawaii GOP In Dire Financial Need. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County groups that say their island deserves a fourth seat in the state Senate are challenging the constitutionality of new maps for the state's political boundaries approved Monday by the state Reapportionment Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Redistricting Panel Deals One Senator Bad Hand. Civil Beat.

The State Reapportionment Commission voted on its final redistricting plans today. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state attorney general's office now says three children died of abuse in Hawaii's Child Welfare Services system in the past decade — not one, as legislators were told last week — and some child advocates were stunned Monday to learn that deaths in state custody are not reported in Hawaii's Child Death Review. Star-Advertiser.

China's outbound travel market to the U.S. could grow to 5 million visitors in 2015 from less than 1 million last year if visa restrictions are loosened and more direct flights are added. Star-Advertiser.

Filling the tourist hole: Industry buffs look to big spenders from far away. Hawaii Independent.

Data from PV study isn't surprising, but still important. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

It's a controversial idea - raising the state’s general excise tax in order to create better commuting options for Oahu residents. KHON2.

The Honolulu City Council is expected to take action on a controversial video monitoring proposal leading up to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in November. Hawaii News Now.

USPS rally to be held at state capitol Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu District staff teamed up with the City and County of Honolulu Storm Water Quality Branch, State Department of Health’s Wastewater Branch and Clean Water Branch, Punahou School Mamiya Science Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Nature Center and more than 100 Anuenue School students Sept. 22 as part of Oahu’s annual World Water Monitoring Day activities in the Makiki watershed. Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu residents brace for the first round of traffic slowdowns from the rail transit project. KITV4.

Hawaii

Kona Community Hospital must cut about $1.1 million from its budget this year, after the governor's office ordered Hawaii Health Systems Corp. to cut payroll costs by 5 percent. West Hawaii Today.

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope rested their case on Monday after a three-hour hearing that featured a lengthy cross-examination of Kealoha Pisciotta. Tribune-Herald.

Overwhelmingly negative comments from Big Island residents were "inadvertently omitted" from a recently published Kahuku Village draft environmental impact statement.West Hawaii Today.

By the end of August, Hilo Harbor had welcomed about 9,000 more cruise ship passengers to East Hawaii than it had at the same time last year. Tribune-Herald.

In preparation for its upcoming deployment, the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) recently conducted a Culminating Training Event (CTE).  The CTE allowed the 25th CAB and its subordinate battalions to train on mission critical tasks in order to increase their mission readiness. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

More people are declining an offer of a paper bag at local markets as 30 percent of Maui County residents are now bringing their own reusable bags when they go shopping, according to a county study. Maui News.

Each year since just after WWII, they gather on Maui to remember their fallen brothers in arms and husbands, and each year they say there are fewer of them - members of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team - the most highly decorated unit in U.S. military history. Maui News.

Kauai

Conservation groups are dropping a federal lawsuit they filed against Kauai’s electric utility after deciding the company is taking important steps to protect threatened seabirds. Star-Advertiser.

Conservation groups on Monday dismissed the federal lawsuit they filed last year against Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative for violations of the Endangered Species Act. Garden Island.

The state has severed its relationship with Kauai Independent Food Bank, choosing instead to recommend that another agency, the Hawaii Foodbank-Kauai Branch, receive federal support to distribute food to agencies on the island for needy families. Star-Advertiser.

Five veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion were joined by a host of dignitaries, veterans, family members and spouses at the 66th Memorial Service commemorating not only fallen veterans of the 100th Battalion, but other veterans of all wars. Garden Island.

Groups eye Hawaii geothermal potential, Obama's mother Dunham gets museum exhibit, Japanese-American WWII vets honored, Honolulu rapid transit takes road show, domestic violence on Maui and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Volcano (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Some officials think the Big Island could become the next Brunei, a small nation on the island of Borneo made extremely wealthy by its energy exports. West Hawaii Today.

Millions of dollars could be at stake in an emerging dispute over who owns the mineral rights to Hawaiian home lands that are being considered for the development of geothermal energy. Civil Beat.

The brave scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have shared another round of compelling volcano video. Big Island Video News.

Should native Hawaiians living on Hawaiian Home Lands, or state lands set aside for native Hawaiians with a 50 percent or higher blood quantum, pay a lower property tax rate than other Hawaii residents? Hawaii Reporter.

Sunday's service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl recognized four World War II units, which were segregated for Japanese-Americans during the war: the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service and the 1,399th Engineer Construction Battalion. Star-Advertiser.

In a disturbing parallel, China in 2011 seems to have started down the same warpath that led Japan to attack the United States at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Civil Beat.

Years of economic downturn and the resulting cuts to invasive species spending are having consequences in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Class requirements are increasing for Hawaii’s high school students. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

President Barack Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, is recognized for her work as an anthropologist in Indonesia. KITV4.

Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning LLC on Friday signed a 55-year agreement to lease a 30,000 square-foot parcel in Kakaako from Kamehameha Schools, where it will build and operate a pumping station and exchange facility for a seawater air conditioning cooling system that will serve downtown Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

A series of meetings across Oahu are planned to provide the public with information about Honolulu's planned rail line. KITV4.

Residents will have a chance to find out more about Honolulu's planned rail line starting Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Archaeological excavations along the planned rail route in Kalihi, downtown and Kaakako will prompt lane closures and detours — and might last from six to 10 months. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Load Up on Taser Ammo, Pepper Spray, Bean Bags for APEC. Civil Beat.

Plan to rezone an area in Kapahulu creating concern. KHON2.

Hawaii

Cattle ranchers, horse breeders and even prospective first-time farmers came here Sunday afternoon to inspect Hawaii County jewels that have gone unpolished for 17 years. Tribune-Herald.

On a sunny day in the near-shore waters off of the North Kohala Coast in Kawaiahae on February 15 of this year, Brooke Landt was conducting a commercial dive when she noticed another diver harvesting aquarium fish species. Hawaii Independent.

Imagine walking in the footsteps of King Kamehameha I's most elite warriors along the Waikoloa Stream taking in some of old Hawaii whilst getting some good exercise in a relaxing Waimea setting. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The killing of a Santa Cruz, Calif., woman on Maui this month was the second domestic violence homicide in the state this year, with both involving tourists, domestic violence task force members say. Maui News.

While use is up by about 25 percent at Maui's only domestic violence shelter, the nonprofit agency running the shelter is struggling to maintain services with a nearly 41 percent cut in state funding. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council had to suspend its consideration of a request to spend $75,000 on outside legal counsel for its case against Michael Sheehan regarding alleged permit violations in the operation of his Hanalei boatyard. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism takes a hit, zipline death could spur new laws, DOE mulls No Child Left Behind waiver, rodents take over Capitol, census shows pricey housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Spam Jam (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's tourism industry has seen a pattern in recent months of lower visitor arrivals but higher spending by those who travel to the islands. Associated Press.

This year is still one of positive numbers for Hawaii's tourism industry, even though August's visitor totals fell short of those posted a year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Even though August visitor arrivals to Hawaii took their worst monthly drop in more than two years, the Hawaii Tourism Authority has set its sights on surpassing its peak arrivals and spending figures next year. Star-Advertiser.

Personal income in Hawaii grew by 0.9 percent in the second quarter from the first quarter, putting the state in the bottom 10 percent nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported. Star-Advertiser.

Unemployment numbers for Hawaii are still below the national average but that’s no consolation for thousands of people across the islands searching for jobs right now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii dwells near the bottom among the states when it comes to homeownership and renting, according to the 2010 American Community Survey. Star-Advertiser.

The death of a zip line construction worker Wednesday on the Big Island could lead to government oversight of the industry, which consists of at least nineteen operations on all of the main Hawaiian islands. KHON2.

The state Department of Education said it will do more research before deciding whether to seek a waiver to key provisions of the once-heralded No Child Left Behind law, which requires that schools meet rising annual proficiency goals or risk losing federal money. Star-Advertiser.

A local geologist is proposing a new way to warn people of the potential risks when enjoying Hawaii’s beautiful beaches, oceans and natural wonders. KITV4.

Sounds like the setup to a joke: Rodents have been discovered at the Hawaii state Capitol.Civil Beat.

Attorney General David Louie, Narcotics Enforcement Division Acting Administrator Derek Nakamura, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special-Agent-in-Charge Robin Dinlocker encourage the community to bring in their expired or unused prescription medications at various collection points from September to October 2011. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Aulani, a Disney resort and spa officially opened to guests August 29th, but that was nothing compared to the grand opening celebration Thursday night on the beach of Ko'Olina. KHON2.

State officials are having a cow over feral cattle that are tearing up vegetation in the Waianae Kai Forest Reserve on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Some residents of Oahu will be represented in Congress and at Honolulu Hale, but not at the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

Coinciding with the arrival of a lifescale, bronze sculpture depicting a famous World War II kiss, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is inviting visiting couples to “plant one on” for an opportunity to win a return trip to the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The state Department of Education has a message for the County of Hawaii -- you need to comply with our impact fee proposal. West Hawaii Today.

Ownership, maintenance and the ability to collect user fees on the nearly completed Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well facility will soon be decided. West Hawaii Today.

Police get kingpin's money. Tribune-Herald.

Even a trip to the nut farm couldn’t help Roseanne Barr’s attempt at reality TV: Lifetime has canceled Hamakua-based “Roseanne’s Nuts” after one season. Los Angeles Times.

Maui

The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission will likely face a legal challenge after it approved a redistricting plan that would prevent a state Senate seat from shifting from Oahu to the Big Island, commission member Tony Takitani of Wailuku said this week. Maui News.

Maui County Council members said this week they hoped to form an "investigative group" to study inequities in agricultural property tax assessments and to propose solutions. Maui News.

Rents for new tenants are lower at the state’s Honokowai Kauhale affordable housing project on Maui but they’re higher for longer-term occupants, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. said this afternoon. Hawaii Reporter.

Kauai

The County Council on Wednesday returned to its original home, the 98-year-old Historic County Building in the Lihu‘e Civic Center Historic District. Garden Island.

Waimea High has received a new sound system in the school’s Clem Gomes Gymnasium because of a generous donation from the Gift Committee of Waimea High School Class of 1962, according to a news release. Garden Island.

Hawaii has no worker safety regs for ziplines, Big Island fatality reveals, Ethics Commission clears lawmakers to accept APEC freebies, $29M park coming to Oahu's Sand Island, council kills impact fees again, ecotour operators feted, Kilauea on the move, more Hawaii news

courtesy USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Kilauea's eastern fault zone ruptured near Pu'u 'O'o for the third time this year, sending a flow of lava at least 11/2 miles to the east. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission agreed Wednesday that lawmakers could accept free tickets to some APEC-related events in November. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Ethics Commission Executive Director Les Kondo says he doesn't get the "big brouhaha" over his position that members of legislative task forces are state employees — and subject to the Ethics Code. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Investigate Prison Complaints. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers earlier this year declined to increase tax credits for television and film productions filming in the islands, but the proposal is still alive for the 2012 legislative session. Hawaii Reporter.

The Task Force on Public Charter School Governance approved a draft plan today that will be used as the basis to revamp the system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fourteen Hawaii tourism companies have earned recognition as the state's first Certified Ecotour Operators through a standards program developed by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association to improve and protect the destination. Star-Advertiser.

A date has been set for the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Japanese-American Veterans of World War II. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii Republican Party Chair John Carroll announced today that he will run for the U.S. Senate, for the seat to be vacated by Senator Daniel Akaka. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

Canoe pavilions, a cafe, concession stands, restrooms, a marina and an ocean activity center are among the renovations the state is proposing in a $29 million master plan for Sand Island. Star-Advertiser.

A financially struggling slaughterhouse on Oahu, indebted to taxpayers, has been further imperiled after the two largest kama­aina supermarket chains decided to quit selling pork from hogs shipped live to Hawaii from the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

The leading opponents of Honolulu’s $5.3 billion elevated rail system are in need of some cash in their efforts to halt construction of the project. Pacific Business News.

West Oahu has waited 35 years for a new University of Hawaii campus, and soon that wait will be over. KHON2.

Hawaii

An impact fee would create too much impact for Hawaii County lawmakers to accept. Tribune-Herald.

Impact fees, which have been considered by the Hawaii County Council for decades, have been rejected again. West Hawaii Today.

One man was killed and a second was fighting for his life after a 30-foot zip line tower in Paukaa collapsed Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Zip line operations have no workplace safety regulations in Hawaii, unlike other amusement rides. KITV4.

Hawaii County police on Wednesday received $140,000 in forfeiture money for the department's work more than five years ago on a federal methamphetamine trafficking investigation. West Hawaii Today.

Alahou Clean and Sober Executive Director Sandra McCoy is facing charges of assaulting an officer, disorderly conduct and possessing a controlled substance stemming from a July altercation in Mississippi. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Although state housing official Karen Seddon promised two weeks ago to decrease rents at a troubled Maui housing project, her agency now has ordered rent increases. Hawaii Reporter.

A Maui businessman confirmed Tuesday that he is proposing to develop a bottled-water plant in rural Waihee, adding that the project is part of a larger plan to acquire 490 acres in the area and preserve most of it from residential development. Maui News.

Maui County is looking for a contractor to design and install a midsized, wind-powered turbine to generate as much as 100 kilowatts of power for a water-pumping station in Kaupakulua. Maui News.

Kauai
County officials are reminding the public that an increase in the state motor vehicle weight tax and registration fee was approved by the 2011 State Legislature. Garden Island.

Hawaii GOP in disarray, lawsuit protests Native Hawaiian tax exemptions, political firestorm over Senate districts, graduation requirements change, HNL airport woes, new helipad for Maui hospital, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

F-22 Raptor, military courtesy photo

The F-22 Raptors belonging to the Hawaii Air National Guard are scheduled to take flight Wednesday for the first time since the entire fleet was grounded back in May. Hawaii News Now.

Top Republicans in Hawaii are calling for the resignation of party chair Jonah Kaauwai.Civil Beat.

Saying the Hawaii Republican Party is broke heading into an election year, some state GOP leaders here are calling for the Republican State Chairman Jonah Kaauwai to be replaced. KITV4.

State legislative boundaries look increasingly likely to be decided by the Hawaii Supreme Court, two Big Island residents said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Monday's meeting of the Reapportionment Commission got a little strange. Two Big Island political rivals put on a bit of a show when one accused the other of trying to fix district boundaries to benefit himself. Civil Beat.

H. William Burgess, long known for his involvement in lawsuits challenging native Hawaiian entitlements, is now involved in a lawsuit challenging property tax exemptions for native Hawaiians. The lawsuit was filed on September 15. Hawaii Independent.

Republican John Carroll is expected to make an announcement regarding his possible candidacy for U.S. Senate. on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

A growing number of workers who took jobs during the economic slowdown to ensure they had a paycheck are now looking to trade up for better positions as employers increase hiring, organizers of the state's largest job fair said. Star-Advertiser.

Starting with next year's freshmen, high school students will have to meet tougher graduation requirements aimed at better preparing them for college or careers, under changes unanimously approved Tuesday by the Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public school students will graduate better prepared for college and the world beyond -- at least that's the goal behind new diploma requirements approved Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Board Unfazed by Ed Department's Reversal on Grad Requirements. Civil Beat.

Two children died while in Hawaii's foster care system in 2006, and another in 2008, but the grandparents of a 9-month-old Hauula boy who died last month under unexplained circumstances after he was taken by state officials say Hawaii's fatality statistics are too high. Star-Advertiser.

CONGRESS.ORG: How Hawaii's Elected Officials Voted - September 19, 2011. Hawaii Reporter.

The 8th International Women’s Leadership Conference was conducted with a sold-out audience in attendance today in Waikiki. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A free weekly newspaper in Honolulu nearly shut down last month. Thanks to some of its loyal readers, the Honolulu Weekly is still on news stands. KITV4.

Three Hawaiian Airlines flights were delayed Tuesday, and federal security workers had to rely on dogs and other methods to screen checked baggage after a Transportation Security Administration X-ray machine broke down — the fourth such device to malfunction in that section of the airport. Star-Advertiser.

The union that represented most of the Honolulu Airport baggage screeners disciplined for improper screening said it plans to appeal almost all the cases. Star-Advertiser.

Foodland Super Market Ltd. and Times Supermarkets have agreed to stop purchasing pork products from pigs that are transported live to Hawaii for slaughter. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Despite police concerns, a bill allowing them to impound vehicles driven by intoxicated, unlicensed or fraudulent drivers was advanced out of a County Council committee Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Stretching the dollar as far as possible should be at the forefront of the state Judiciary's mind when it selects a site next year for the long-promised Kona Judiciary Complex, a state official said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Laupahoehoe High and Elementary will once again face the possibility of closure if efforts by community members to block its conversion to a charter school are successful, a Department of Education official said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Three unexploded ordnance have been discovered in the Hapuna Beach area since a cleanup began two weeks ago. KHON2.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center's long-awaited $3 million helipad will be blessed Thursday, followed by a helicopter trial run next week. Maui News.

With separate interview rooms designed for children and teenagers and a lounge where families can wait, the Maui County prosecutor's office is offering crime victims a "friendly atmosphere" to meet with deputy prosecutors in its new Victim Witness Services office. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank is in danger of losing nearly a third of the food it distributes to local agencies that feed the hungry. Garden Island.

The development of a county Human Resources Department seems like a hot potato everyone wants to eat but no one wants to hold. Garden Island.

Hawaii budget up but workforce lags, Reapportionment Commission counting some military, but not enough to change Senate seats, Aina Koa Pono agrees to EA, ordnance removal coming to Maui as environmental groups object, songbirds moved to Laysan, more news

Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

Despite growing its operating budget this year, Hawaii state government has yet to restore its work force to pre-recession levels, according to an analysis by Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club Hawaii chapter and several other environmental and cultural groups urged Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday to withdraw an emergency proclamation that he made to help the Army Corps of Engineers remove unexploded ordnance, but the governor declined. Star-Advertiser.

About 16,000 residents, predominantly military members and students, will be excluded from the state's population base when the state Reapportionment Commission submits its final plan for redrawing state political boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

State negotiators had no explicit backup plan in the event that Hawaii teachers rejected their collective bargaining agreement in June, according to Don Horner's testimony before the labor board. Civil Beat.

The state of Hawaii has agreed to team up with 8 other states, the IRS and the U.S. Department of Labor to crack down on business owners who they believe are improperly labeling workers as “independent contractors.” Hawaii Reporter.

Federal officials have moved two dozen endangered songbirds from Nihoa in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to Laysan 650 miles north in the hope they will establish a new population there and prevent the extinction of the species, officials said Monday. Associated Press.

Hawaii continues to be a hot travel deal, according to a popular travel company. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Don Horner, who has devoted more than half his life to First Hawaiian Bank and helped turn the company into the state's largest financial institution, will retire as chief executive officer at the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Topless Protesters Don't Have Day In Court. KITV4.

The owner of the Kamehameha Drive-In property in Ai’ea is planning to develop it for mixed residential and commercial use. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 60 laptops stolen in school burglary. KHON2.

Hawaii
A company that plans to build a biofuel plant in Pahala will commission an environmental assessment even though it's not required. West Hawaii Today.

Business has picked up at Hawaii County's Building Division, but that hasn't translated into jobs for the island's beleaguered construction industry, experts say. Tribune-Herald.

Protections built into a proposed impact fee ordinance and in state law should assure taxpayers that needed infrastructure will be built when new development puts a strain on existing facilities, Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffmann said Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

By the end of this month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its contractors will begin a $2 million investigation at the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve to assess the type and location of old, unexploded shells and bombs in the area formerly used for military exercises. Maui News.

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official said Gov. Neil Abercrombie's proclamation that lets the corps bypass state laws to investigate and remove military ordnance helps gain access to state lands, but the corps still has federal rules to follow. Maui News.

Kauai

The Rotary Club of Kapa‘a along with a handful of local Kapa‘a residents spent Saturday morning removing ocean debris from the Kealia Beach area. Garden Island.

Molokai

A joint venture including Pattern Energy will bid on the proposed 200-megawatt wind farm on Molokai as part of the so-called “Big Wind” project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Tourism Authority targets North America, Oahu crime drops, Honolulu to host Medal of Honor ceremony, Kona donkeys arrive in California, garbage wars, sewage spills, pay freezes and other Hawaii news

Waikoloa resort (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is due to discuss its plan for marketing Hawaii in North America next year at a meeting this week. Associated Press.

Hawaii GOP Plans to Field CD2 Candidate. Civil Beat.

Most Hawaii State Senators Use Facebook. Civil Beat.

Local 'Ag' Strives to Meet Hawaii's Energy Needs. Civil Beat.

It's been touted for years, now it's less than two months until November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Hawaii. KHON2.

Oahu

Oahu's total crime rate in seven categories dropped in 2010 to its lowest level since Hawaii began using the federal standard 35 years ago. Star-Advertiser

The Honolulu Medal of Honor 2012 host committee announced Saturday that the Congressional Medal of Honor Society had selected Honolulu to host its 2012 national convention. KITV4.

The ACLU has protested the arrest of a topless protestor and her husband in Waikiki last month, calling the action unconstitutional and demanding that a citation against the pair be dismissed. Hawaii Reporter.

For 45 years, troubled kids have been going to the "storefront school" in Wahiawa to make up credits and get a little tough love — and a lot of encouragement — to make it to graduation day. Star-Advertiser.

Over the weekend, State Civil Defense director Ed Teixeira stayed in close contact with crews dealt the difficult task of removing a 7 to 10-ton boulder from along the ridge side above Niu Valley. KITV4.

The unveiling of the Turtle Bay master plan, called “Tomorrow’s Ahupua’a,” for the proposed development of the North Shore resort on Thursday was preceded by a sign waving rally held by opponents of the proposed large scale development. Hawaii Independent.

Honolulu was recently voted to the top 10 tattoo-friendly cities in the U.S. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Big Island garbage haulers are sliding further behind in more than $1.5 million of seriously past-due landfill fees to the county, but a Department of Environmental Management in disarray has so far done little to protect the taxpayers' interests. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaiians had a saying: "He i'a make ka 'opihi": The opihi is the fish of death. Tribune-Herald.

Most people have been on a plane with a few jackasses before. But 10 dozen donkeys on one flight? Associated Press.

Maui

Despite a rebound in tourism, Maui County continues to shed jobs well after the official end of the recession, economist Leroy Laney said. Pacific Business News.

Environmental officials are warning the public about thousands of gallons of wastewater that spilled on Maui’s North Shore. Associated Press.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and several lawmakers heard concerns about dredging Lahaina Harbor, understaffed state enforcement officers and other issues during two "listening sessions" Saturday on Maui. Maui News.

Maui's axis deer problem has become so bad that the introduced animals with no natural predators have eaten entire crops and cost some South Maui golf courses up to $10,000 annually for repairs to trampled grass, testifiers told the Maui County Council at Friday's regular meeting. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council plans to reconsider its decision on a resolution that would have frozen the salaries of most county officials for the next two years when it meets Wednesday morning. Garden Island.

County officials announced that long-time county employee Glenn Sato has been selected as the Kaua‘i County sustainability manager, a newly created position. Garden Island.

Hawaii unemployment rate up, second Abercrombie Cabinet member resigns, Japanese message in bottle reaches Kauai, homeless camps airlifted off Diamond Head, Kona coffee lawsuit brewing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hapuna Beach (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A hand grenade found Sept. 2 and a 57 mm Japanese mortar round discovered Thursday at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area on Hawaii Island have been detonated by the Army Corps of Engineers as an ordnance cleanup continues there, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's unemployment rate rose to a seasonally adjusted 6.2 percent in August in yet another sign that raises questions about the strength of the state's economic recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Human Resources director, Sunshine Topping, will leave her post Friday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Barbara Krieg as interim director of the state Department of Human Resources Development after director Sunshine Topping resigned. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's latest graduation policy proposal that reverses a recommendation to reduce social studies requirements also goes against promises made in the state's Race to the Top. Civil Beat.

Russians Help Hawaii Hunt for Japanese Tsunami Debris. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

The Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo ended today in Honolulu. Some policy makers and planners asked why not use more volcanic heat to generate electricity in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

They came by land and by air and in the end, more than 50 homeless campsites were torn down and removed along Diamond Head Crater. KHON2.

The state has ordered evacuation of 28 Niu Valley houses this weekend when two boulders — one of which weighs 7 to 10 tons and is likely to come loose — will be removed from a ridge above the structures. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii is considering raising tuition and on Friday the public will have the chance to weigh in. Hawaii News Now.

Lane closures related to nighttime soil sampling work for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project will begin Monday, September 19, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) announced today. Hawaii Independent.

Former Kaneohe Marine Awarded Medal Of Honor. KITV4.

The U.S. Department of Education on Thursday named three Oahu schools to the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools list. KITV4.

It's a decades old debate of how to go about growth while maintaining the north shore's unique environment and community.KHON2.

Hawaii

A spat involving Safeway and Hawaii coffee growers is still brewing, even after the supermarket giant agreed to change labeling on its Kona blend coffee. Associated Press.

In a modern take on the great land rushes of the 19th century, Hawaii County is preparing to issue agricultural leases for Paauilo lands that have sat idle since 1994. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Blue Water Farms Inc. will soon be no more. The company that marketed its farmed amberjacks as Kona Kampachi is dissolving. West Hawaii Today.

Only two members of the public showed up Thursday evening to a hearing in Hilo by the state Department of Health's Clean Air Branch on proposed new restrictions to open burning. Tribune-Herald.

With supply lagging, a slow economy, high gas prices and used car prices rising, some local automobile dealers said sales may continue to creep ahead or fall behind last year's numbers, but no one can be certain in a volatile market. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. presented formal requests to Maui County Council members Wednesday for the entitlements the company needs to build the Pulelehua housing development in Mahinahina. Maui News.

There’s been a lot of belt-tightening across the state in recent months, but nothing like what happened on Maui. Pacific Business News.

State officials are completing a report with recommendations for the East Maui Animal Refuge to obtain a wildlife rehabilitation permit in the wake of an inspection and the federal seizure of 17 birds from the Haiku facility last month. Maui News.

Kauai
County ends fiscal year with 160 jobs open. Garden Island.

A sailor participating in a beach cleanup in Hawaii found a message in bottle that had been dropped in the ocean more than five years ago by a Japanese school girl. Star-Advertiser.

An unexpected treasure was found underneath the sizzling sun on the beaches of the Pacific Missile Range Facility Thursday, discovered by Navy Petty Officer Jon Moore during Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day. Garden Island.

Hawaii students fall behind, foreclosures drop, back to the drawing board for Reapportionment Commission, Oahu hotel planned, Costco expanding on Maui, more news for web and smartphone

Puna beekeeper Jenn Rasmussen, courtesy photo

Hawaii is home to an estimated 12,000 beehives, an indication the state may have reattained hive levels present before the arrival of many pests and ailments affecting honeybees today. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii students in all types of schools underperformed their national counterparts when College Board released its 2011 College-Bound Seniors report Wednesday. Civil Beat.

In response to strong concerns from teachers, parents and community members, the state is scrapping a plan to do away with one of four required social studies credits but will seek to put tougher diploma requirements into effect two years earlier than planned — starting with the class of 2016. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie should have notified the public after declaring a civil defense emergency in June to help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contain unexploded ordnance, the governor's spokeswoman said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

For Hawaii Island residents seeking a fourth state Senate seat, there is a glimmer of hope. West Hawaii Today.

Members of the West Hawaii community echoed concerns raised by their Hilo counterparts in urging the state Reapportionment Commission to change its decision to include nonresidents in the population count when redrawing the state's political boundaries. Star-Advertiser.

The inaugural Hawaii Counties Sister-Cities Summit was conducted today in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of Hawaii properties with foreclosure filings plummeted in August when compared to the same month last year, according to new data from RealtyTrac. Pacific Business News.

Nationally poverty numbers have increased, while the number of people living in poverty in Hawaii has dropped to 12.1% from 12.5% a year ago. KITV4.

Oahu

HPD Chief Kealoha held a press conference to discuss Tuesday night's crash. He reflected on the service of officer Eric Fontes, and the recovery of officer Herman Scanlan.  KHON2.

The City Council on Friday will again consider a proposal for a 222-room hotel next to the Polynesian Cultural Center that critics say would add to traffic congestion along busy, two-lane Kamehameha Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail planners agreed to pay a Washington-based lobbying firm $1.5 million over a five-year period, according to a copy of the 2009 contract obtained by Civil Beat. Civil Beat.

The National Science Foundation’s International Research Experiences for Students program has awarded a $149,952 grant to Drs. Kenneth Hayes and Robert Cowie of UH Mānoa’s Center for Conservation Research, and a group of other international researchers. Hawaii Independent.

Fourteen months after merging Honolulu’s two daily newspapers and jettisoning more than 400 jobs, owner Oahu Publications began charging for access to the Star-Advertiser’s formerly free “premium content.” Honolulu Weekly.

Hawaii

A German television host hopes he's been able to barter his way to owning his own home right here on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Before he left public office, then-Hilo Councilman James "Jimmy" Arakaki predicted vacant Waiakea Homesteads property eventually would become a long-anticipated neighborhood park. Tribune-Herald.

Snaring at Kea’au Transfer Station revives old controversy. Big Island Weekly.

Maui

The future of the film industry on Maui will be up for discussion. Hawaii News Now.

The Maui Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a special management area permit for Costco to expand its Kahului store, a project that would include a gas station and carwash. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii Maui College has received a nearly $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to work with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and private industry to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in Hawaii. Maui News.

Kauai

Fight to eradicate little fire ants lasting more than 12 years. Garden Island.

Citing safety reasons, county officials closed the public parking lot at Shipwreck Beach in Po‘ipu as of Tuesday. Garden Island.

Lawsuits threatened over Hawaii reapportionment, tax revenues up, Big Island councilwoman wants DUI vehicles confiscated, Abercrombie declares civil defense emergency to remove ordnance, Maui considers single-member districts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

checking reapportionment maps (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The state Reapportionment Commission was put on notice Tuesday it will get sued if it persists in including nonresident military and students in determining state legislative boundaries. West Hawaii Today.

The state Reapportionment Commission can expect to be sued if its final plan for redrawing state political boundaries is based on a population count that includes nonresident population groups such as military members and their dependents. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island residents slammed the state Reapportionment Commission on its boundary proposals and threatened legal action if commissioners deny the island a fourth seat in the state Senate. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie declared a civil defense emergency earlier this summer in a largely unpublicized move that gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sweeping authority to bypass state laws to investigate and remove unexploded ordnance. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers agree with Gov. Neil Abercrombie on the danger of discarded military explosives scattered across the islands, but many believe the governor should have been more transparent before using his emergency powers to assist with the cleanup. Star-Advertiser.

State tax revenue collections grew last month, thanks in part to strengthening tourism numbers. KHON2.

Dean Haskins, executive director of The Birther Summit, is in Honolulu to promote a $10,000 award for whomever can produce the actual edition of the Honolulu Advertiser or the Honolulu Star-Bulletin that reported Obama's Aug. 4, 1961, birth. Civil Beat.

As a result of efforts to raise the bar for the level of the education available at Hawaii’s public schools, six more schools recently attained adequate yearly progress. Hawaii Independent.

Nationally poverty numbers have increased, while the number of people living in poverty in Hawaii has dropped to 12.1% from 12.5% a year ago. KITV4.

Hawaii is not considered a pedestrian's paradise. KITV4.

Oahu

The Honolulu Council Reapportionment Commission on Tuesday narrowed down its list of four potential district plans to the one it will take out to the community next month. Civil Beat.

Superblocks with 40-story buildings linked by walkways suspended 45 feet above streets never materialized in Kakaako, but the vision of state planners nearly 30 years ago is about to get updated with more down-to-earth ideas. Star-Advertiser.

Bombardier Transportation USA has lost its latest attempt to overturn its disqualification in the bidding war for a lucrative City and County of Honolulu rail contract. Pacific Business News.

The Solar One project in Kalaeloa is meeting resistance. Hawaii Independent.

The 3rd Annual Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit started today. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Honolulu police officer is dead and another is in the hospital following a traffic collision during a routine traffic stop on Farrington Highway near Ko Olina Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines expects to offer daily nonstop flights between Honolulu and Fukuoka starting next year. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Intoxicated, unlicensed or fraudulent drivers would risk having their vehicles towed at their expense or even sold under a bill heading for County Council consideration. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County is looking for a good spot to build a park in Puna, after being rebuffed by Hawaiian Paradise Park. Tribune-Herald.

For years, millions of dollars have been invested, mostly in the form of human labor and chemicals, in an attempt to control super weeds, such as strawberry guava, clidemia hirta, miconia, kahili ginger and Australian tree fern. West Hawaii Today.

Pot choppers took to the air over East Hawaii on Monday and Tuesday, a top state law enforcer said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Members of the Charter Commission agreed Monday to continue discussing proposals to establish single-member County Council districts - even as many commissioners said they were personally opposed to the idea. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Monday took up a bill on short-term rental properties in residential districts in depth for the first time in years and is looking at comprehensively examining, legalizing and streamlining the law in its Planning Committee. Maui News.

Dozens of letters of support have been written to the state on behalf of embattled Maui housing project manager Lisa Faleafine by residents of the apartment complex she oversees. Hawaii Reporter.

Kauai

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced on Monday it will close the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park and Kalalau trail from Hanakapi‘ai to Kalalau Beach, starting Thursday in order to restore the Kalalau camping area after a busy summer season. Garden Island.

A Wainiha Valley taro grower says she was alarmed when her taro patches suddenly and unexpectedly dried out last month. Garden Island.

Inouye, Akaka support Hirono, Hawaii lawmakers to challenge monk seal plan, no drug testing of teachers, not ready for APEC, millions in no-bid contracts for politically connected Big Island nonprofit, Kaui bans drinking, urinating, defecating on new county building grounds, Maui cop gets jail time, more news

U.S. Rep. Hirono with Sen. Dan Akaka in 2009, courtesy photo

Endorsement? US Senators Inouye, Akaka Make Appearance at Hirono Fundraisers. Hawaii Reporter.

Scores of small schools — those with transient populations and campuses in remote areas — would see their main source of funding reduced next school year by as much as 20 percent under a proposal before the Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

After years of legal wrangling, a conflict about random drug testing for teachers appears to be at an end. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers will propose legislation challenging federal protections for monk seals if the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration doesn't scale back its proposals, according to state Rep. Sharon Har. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Waikiki street performers fear arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Portions of two state projects to spruce up Oahu for President Barack Obama and other world leaders coming here for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting have hit snags and will not be completed by the start of the event in November. Star-Advertiser.

Protests are in works for Hawaii APEC meeting. Civil Beat.

A former U.S. service member was arrested in Hawaii after he sent emails from Thailand that threatened to kill Vice President Joe Biden, authorities said Monday. Associated Press.

A judge has ruled more than 150 dogs and nearly 80 puppies currently in foster care should be forfeited to the Hawaiian Humane Society by owners of the breeding facility they were rescued from. KHON2.

The North Shore community of La’ie is one of the most over-crowded neighborhoods on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

The First Annual Lanikai Surf Festival takes place over the weekend of September 23-24 at Lanikai Park, featuring a wide variety of activities from surf films to a 2.4 stand up paddle race. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Darren Rosario became the Big Island's 21st fire chief on Monday during a morning ceremony on the balcony of the Hawaii County Building in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Over the past eight years, Hawaii County has awarded more than $3.3 million in no-bid contracts for disabled transportation services to a politically connected nonprofit. West Hawaii Today.

Officials posted warning signs at Hilo Bay following a spill of 500 gallons of wastewater, the state Department of Health reported. Star-Advertiser.

Campers are overstaying their welcome at Kiholo State Park Reserve, leaving behind trash and human waste, scorching the ground with fires and barbecues, damaging vegetation, and destroying archaeological sites, said state Department of Land and Natural Resources officials. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Transportation will receive $10.6 million to refurbish a runway at the Hilo International Airport, Hawaii's congressional delegation announced Monday in a joint news release. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Environmentalists and a long-time Makena advocate are concerned that there are no longer educational volunteers and only a sparse number of rangers to patrol the ecologically and geologically fragile Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in Makena. Maui News.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss its investigation into 1940s-era unexploded ordnance that may be located in the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in Makena. Maui News.

A federal judge has sentenced a former Maui police officer to a year-and-a-half in prison for stealing about $1,500 from a driver during a traffic stop and extorting sex from a woman who had been jailed. KITV4.

Kauai

Without much fanfare or discussion, the Kaua‘i County Council sent a message to the public last week: Do not drink, urinate or defecate in front of our new home. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has contracted with Hawaii BioEnergy LLC to supply 10 million gallons of Kauai-grown biofuel annually to power its Kahe Generating Station in Leeward Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Residents are being asked to provide input for a multi-use trail for the communities of Waimea and Kekaha. Garden Island.

Pfleuger defaults on Kauai dam settlement, 200mw wind farm coming to Molokai, Oahu affordable housing to become less so, Maui finds tax inequities, world's fastest sailing ship visits Honolulu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nene geese (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Nene geese on Kauai are beginning a $7.2 million migration to Maui and the Big Island via air.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s government boards and commissions are required to inform the public about the times, locations, dates and agendas of upcoming meetings. But for the public, gaining access to this information is not always an easy task, and government officials themselves seem confused about what is required of them. Civil Beat.

The Federal Aviation Administration is stepping up enforcement of flight regulations in Hawaii of powered hang gliders. Associated Press.

More than 150 delegates from 14 international cities will gather at a sister-cities summit hosted by Hawaii’s four counties this week in Waikiki. Pacific Business News.

Appointments to apply for a Hawaii state identification card can now be made online. Associated Press.

Oahu

Residents at the city's 12 affordable-housing properties can expect to pay more rent when private companies take over the properties, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The number of wildfires on Oahu has dropped sharply this year, thanks to a ban on fireworks and unusually wet weather from La Nina. Star-Advertiser.

The world's fastest sailing ship is here in Honolulu. KHON2.

Rice enthusiasts jammed Magic Island Sunday for the second annual Rice Festival. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Unlike its state counterpart, the Hawaii County Redistricting Commission is excluding nonresident military and students when drawing new political boundaries. West Hawaii Today.

A Kona pediatrician plans to show people born with congenital heart defects and others how far they can go. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council member says change needed to fix inequities in assessment of ag land value. Maui News.

A Paia resident's most recent rhyming picture book, "Maggie Goes on a Diet," has set off a controversy over its story of a teenage girl and her efforts to lose weight. Maui News.

Kauai

Retired Auto Dealer Jimmy Pflueger has defaulted on his promise to pay several million dollars to Kauai residents who lost their loved ones - and property - when his Ka Loko dam breached in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 14, 2006. Hawaii Reporter.

Kaua‘i secures $138M in state CIP budget. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Renewables developers confirmed last week they will place a bid to build a 200 megawatt wind farm on Molokai once a new request for proposals is released this fall. Molokai Dispatch.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to bring back Kakahai`a’s healthy wetlands and native birds – and it now has plans to make that happen. Molokai Dispatch.