Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Hawaii media react to Lingle's Senate bid, Supreme Court to look at reapportionment plan, Honolulu's aging sewer stretches credit limits, Maui mulls single-member districts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
 Oahu's high sewer and water bills, combined with more than a billion dollars of spending needed to upgrade the aging sewer system, raise "credit concerns" as the city prepares to issue a new round of waste-water revenue bonds, according to a report by Fitch Ratings.Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle's entry Tuesday in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate vaults Hawaii onto the national political map next year, opening a new front in the struggle for control in Washington, D.C. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle’s announcement Tuesday that she is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate next year sounded like deja vu all over again. Pacific Business News.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has simple advice for her fellow Democrats: "You cannot take Linda Lingle lightly." Civil Beat.

Republicans will have a better chance of taking control of the 100-member U.S. Senate in 2012 if Hawaii’s Gov. Linda Lingle is elected. Hawaii Reporter.

Linda Lingle, a former two-term governor of Hawaii, entered the state's Senate race on Tuesday, giving Republicans hope of capturing the seat being vacated by Democrat Daniel Akaka, who is retiring. Associated Press.

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican, announced on Tuesday she is running for the U.S. Senate, setting up a major statewide political showdown in the race to replace U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka, who is retiring. KITV4.

Former Governor Linda Lingle made official what's been speculated since last year - she's running for U.S. Senate. KHON2.

Call it respect or fear or something else, but when Governor Linda Lingle got into the race her opponents immediately started to attack. Hawaii News Now.

Video: Lingle talks about Senate run. Hawaii News Now.

For the first time in the state’s history, Hawaii’s primary will be held in August instead of September. KHON2.

Hawaii will join a number of other states in seeking a waiver to key provisions of the decade-old federal No Child Left Behind law, which requires that schools hit rising reading and math proficiency targets or face sanctions. Star-Advertiser.

Four Big Island Democrats, concerned that the island is being shorted a fourth Senate seat, have asked the Hawaii Supreme Court to declare a proposed state Senate reapportionment plan invalid. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Democrats Challenge Redistricting Plan in Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own electric grid, its own mix of fuel sources, and individual strengths and vulnerabilities in terms of electrical infrastructure. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Road construction projects are expected to wrap up as off-duty police officers focus on APEC security. KITV4.

It’s a facility that will help keep the Honolulu Airport up and running no matter what. KHON2.

Keeping personal property such as furniture, clothing or household goods in public spaces such as sidewalks and parks would be banned under a proposal advancing in the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii


A local biofuels company whose contract was just rejected by state regulators says it may take its business to the mainland. Civil Beat.

Two months after he dedicated three new water spigot sites, Mayor Billy Kenoi wants to limit how much free water people may draw from them. Tribune-Herald.

Progress on Queen Kaahumanu Highway phase 2 stalled over the summer, while state transportation officials worked out an agreement with the National Park Service and began talks with a Native Hawaiian hui. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Most members of the Maui County Charter Commission appeared unconvinced Monday that district elections for County Council seats would be an improvement over the current system of at-large elections with residency seats. Maui News.

Maui County Council members are elected at large, meaning that voters - no matter where they live in the county - cast ballots in all nine council races, if every seat were contested. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kapa‘a transfer station is scheduled for repair and maintenance work from Oct. 17 to Nov. 4, a county news release states. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank Holiday Food Drive launches today with the insertion of the food collection packages and remittance envelopes in The Garden Island newspaper. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Lingle to announce U.S. Senate bid, three lawmakers donate raises, new PUC commissioner, redistricting lawsuit filed, more government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle
Former Gov. Linda Lingle is expected to announce as soon as today that she will run in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, sources say. Star- Advertiser.

Sources tell KHON2 that former Governor Linda Lingle will be making an announcement about her political future Tuesday. KHON2.

At least one Hawaii senator says he's been cutting a check back to the state each month, essentially negating the pay raise lawmakers received in 2009. And at least two other lawmakers say they've been donating their pay increases to nonprofits in their respective districts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii island Democratic Party groups have sued the state Reapportionment Commission, arguing that the inclusion of nonpermanent residents favors Oahu and denies the shifting of a state Senate seat to their island. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Human Services has sharply reduced the number of children taken into state custody each year since 2003 under a relatively new approach that DHS officials say is drawing national attention.Star-Advertiser.

New Commissioner Brings Deep Resume, Distinct Ideas to Energy Debate. Civil Beat.

Two new top advisers to Gov. Neil Abercrombie started work on Monday following the resignation of four aides in two days last week. Associated Press.

Governor Neil Abercrombie is in Asia right for the next two weeks. He left town right after four staffers announced their resignations. Hawaii News Now.

If somebody jumps ship, you really don't take notice. Even two people vaulting the gunwales isn't necessarily cause for alarm. But when there's a crowd jumping ship, something's amiss. West Hawaii Today.

Room rates for Hawaii hotels rose in August for the 14th consecutive month while occupancy statewide nudged upward by 1.8 percentage points, according to a monthly survey by Hospitality Advisors LLC and Smith Travel Research. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Pro rail group pays for Honolulu officials' trip to DC. KHON2.

Former state Legislator and City Council Member Rod Tam, who pled guilty to 26 counts in November 2010, will be sentenced a year later in November 2011. Hawaii Reporter.

On average, a water main breaks every day on the Island of O’ahu …causing disruptions in service … and more often than not … damage to roads. Hawaii Public Radio.

Security measures for the November economic summit could restrict access to the popular Diamond Head state park. KITV4.

The 5,000-home Koa Ridge development plan is headed back to the state Land Use Commission for the third time in a decade. Star-Advertiser.

The concept calls for converting a shipping container into an affordable home, and then putting it on agricultural land. Hawaii News Now.

This Tuesday, October 11 is National Coming Out Day, a nationally recognized civil awareness day for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) issues. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The Water Department is seeking to replace Manager and Chief Engineer Milton Pavao, who is retiring Dec. 30 after 39 1/2 years in the department, 17 of those as manager. West Hawaii Today.

After a roughly two-year absence, the sounds of bouncing balls, referees' whistles and children's laughter are once again coming from the A.J. Watt Gymnasium in Mountain View. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Ocean View Estates residents claim a memo from a county consultant working on the Ka'u Community Development Plan amounts to a land grab. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Dogged effort: Group hopes to improve breed’s bad reputation. Maui News.

Hot, barren and dusty . . . that's how Maui High School faculty and alumni remember the school's Kahului campus when it first opened in 1972. Maui News.
Kauai

“Howl-lelujah,” the Rev. William Miller said, welcoming people to the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Kauai

“Howl-lelujah,” the Rev. William Miller said, welcoming people to the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Monday, October 10, 2011

New public face for Abercrombie Administration, public land board stumbles, more Hawaii kids hungry, and news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pololu Valley Overlook (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
A new state agency tasked with developing public lands could be in trouble because the state may not have the authority to legally transfer the land to the Public Land Development Corporation. Civil Beat.

James Boersema, an experienced public relations strategist with ties to business and labor interests, will take over today as Gov. Neil Abercrombie's new communications director. Star-Advertiser.


Jim Boersema

Jim Boersema has accepted the offer to be the governor's new communications director. KHON2.

It was a dark week for the "New Day" administration of Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, as a fourth top level staffer submitted her walking papers Friday. Hawaii Reporter.

In politics, transformations and metamorphoses will carry you only so far. Eventually you either stand and deliver or leave. Star-Advertiser.

New staffer joins Abercrombie team as another aide resigns. Hawaii News Now.

On Friday, Communications director Josh Levinson informed his colleagues of his intent to resign .. then that night... Deputy Communications director Laurie Au did the same. KHON2.

Like GOP, Hawaii Democrats Also In Debt. Civil Beat.

Over the last five years, the ranks of Hawaii public school children eligible for free and reduced-cost lunch — a key indicator of poverty — have swelled by 35 percent to 90,660, in a trend that's causing increasing concern for advocates and school administrators. Star-Advertiser.

The 3 R's used to mean Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic. But now the 3 R's have a completely new meaning at Hawaii schools. KITV4.

The Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations projects that the state will see a 3.6 percent increase in jobs over two years — from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2012, according to its most recent employment forecast report. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

In First Year, Carlisle Was Honolulu's Global Mayor. Civil Beat.

Twenty one economies touched by the Pacific Ocean will send representatives to Honolulu for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. Hawaii Public Radio.

City officials have announced the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed for two extra days next week while workers stabilize several rock faces that pose what is termed an imminent danger. KITV4.

Hawaii

The Water Board has opened its search for a new head of the Department of Water Supply and is accepting applications now online. Tribune-Herald.

When the Hawaii Wildlife Center opens next month, it will be the first state-of-the-art response facility exclusively for native wildlife in the Pacific Islands. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council members gave initial approval Friday to an update of the Lanai Water Use and Development Plan. Maui News.

Hospice Maui plans end-of-life care facility. Maui News.

Kauai

Memories of a bustling Lihue Sugar Mill filled William Farias' head during a recent blessing at the site as contractors prepared the structures for demolition. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

Reclaiming Hawaiian Lands. Molokai Dispatch.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Just sayin’ : Gov. Abercrombie’s tippy canoe

“Politics is poetry, but governing is prose,” former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo once said.

For Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, this sentiment never rang more true than this past week, when four of his top staffers slipped over the side of his beloved canoe of state. Abercrombie, a firebrand in Congress and on the campaign trail, ran aground against the unbending reef of the old-style Democratic political machine, backed by the solid union presence that defines Hawaii.

First to go were Chief of Staff Amy Asselbaye and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrew Aoki, purportedly to spend more time with their families -- pretty much the same families they had during more than a decade of serving Abercrombie in Congress and later coordinating a slam-dunk campaign against political heavyweight and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Next went Abercrombie’s public face: Communications Director Josh Levinson and Deputy Communications Director Laurie Au.

The four departures were the most public of Abercrombie’s 11-month tenure. But they weren’t the first.

Dr. Neal Palafox resigned his nomination to become Department of Health director in January, after being asked to resign for reasons the administration kept private. Next went Hawaiian Home Lands Deputy Director Bobby Hall, who resigned in May, a couple months after his appointment. In September, Human Resources Development Director Sunshine Topping left, also citing family reasons. Vice director of Hawaii State Civil Defense, Ed Teixeira, resigned last week, citing unspecified “changes” he didn't agree with.

Abercrombie won praise for bringing in a young government team – most in their early 40s -- to spearhead his New Day pledge. In a column titled, “Youth movement's fresh legs to carry Abercrombie's agenda,” longtime political wag David Shapiro noted, “It's to Abercrombie's credit that he seems committed to opening the door to a new generation and giving more seats at the table to those who will have to live with the decisions made today.”

But that youthful outlook didn’t sit well with many of the old-line Democrats. And the lack of experience transforming Abercrombie the firebrand Congressman into Abercrombie the solid, stable governor made matters worse.

“Several sources said Asselbaye and Aoki appeared devoted to Abercrombie's policy agenda and had the right instincts about insulating the governor from his older allies. But the young advisers did not have the gravitas or the relationships with influential Democrats and business and labor leaders outside the state Capitol to effectively contain the governor's impulses,” reported Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Derrick DePledge.

“The job of controlling Abercrombie fell to Asselbaye. But she had never run an executive office before, and her skills did not lend themselves to the kind of back-room back-slapping required to govern,” said Honolulu Civil Beat’s Chad Blair.

Granted, there have been better times to be a chief executive officer. The national and international economic slumps have devastated tourism, the primary economic engine. People are cranky and looking for targets for their displeasure.

“The truth is that the canoe, which is our beloved Hawaii, could capsize,” said a prescient Abercrombie in his January State of the State address. “We re in that unnerving moment when we could all huli.”

But it’s not too late. Abercrombie has served less than a year of his four-year term. He can pull his leadership back together, re-ignite that dream, deploy that charisma that has taken him so far. Perhaps there’s a bit of bending that can be undertaken by both sides. Maybe it’s time the old guards loosen some of that stranglehold and help Hawaii move into that New Day.

“Let us right our canoe,” Abercrombie said in his address, “Let us act in a pono way and begin our journey back to the heart of our island home with humble hearts and above all, with aloha for each other.”

Just sayin’.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Abercrombie honeymoon's over: Hawaii Democrats seek shakeup at the top, and more political and government news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
In a major internal shakeup, Gov. Neil Abercrombie's chief of staff and his deputy chief of staff have resigned just 10 months into an administration the governor acknowledges has fallen short of expectations. Star-Advertiser.

Asselbaye
Senior Dems Pushed Gov To Shake Up Staff: From early in his administration, longtime associates of Gov. Neil Abercrombie were alarmed at their friend's performance. Civil Beat.

Less than a year after taking office, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has lost his top two aides to resignation. Hawaii Reporter.

Aoki
Two top members of the Hawaii governor's administration who played key roles in getting him elected are stepping down. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's office announced Thursday that his Chief of Staff Amy Asselbaye and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrew Aoki have resigned. KITV4.

Ten months after being sworn into office two key members of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration abruptly announced their resignations Thursday. KHON2.

Coppa
New Chief of Staff an Accomplished Businessman With Strong Labor Ties. Civil Beat.

The same day Ed Teixeira stepped down from a job he held through three administrations, workers circulated a petition that he be reinstated. KITV4.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is hoping to pick a successor to longtime Administrator/Chief Executive Officer Clyde Namuo in the next three to five months, OHA Chairwoman Colette Machado said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

A state official says an agency intended to allow development of public lands won't have "land-grabbing power," opposed by environmentalists and Hawaiian rights groups. Star-Advertiser.

Patricia M. Loui won approval Thursday from the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs for her nomination to the board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
Swimmers, surfers and boaters will be banned from some parts of the ocean during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next month, according to preliminary security plans released Thursday by the U.S. Coast Guard. Star-Advertiser.

Unite Here Local 5, Hawaii’s largest hotel workers union with over 11,000 members, is continuing its campaign against the Hyatt Regency Waikiki for subcontracting local jobs and challenging union wages. Hawaii Independent.

The City of Honolulu celebrated the 50th anniversary of a very special sister-city relationship today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii


A public shooting range for West Hawaii is on target to open in a "couple of years," with state and county cooperation on the use of land near the Puuanahulu landfill. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council has given a name and face to pending legislation aimed at keeping impaired drivers off Big Island roads. Tribune-Herald.

Public funding to support North Hawaii Community Hospital, health record privacy and long-term health care were among the concerns North Hawaii residents voiced to hospital officials Thursday in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

Ironman athletes strip down for Underpants Run, the Kona fundraiser began in 1997 to poke fun at the Speedo-clad triathletes wandering through town before the big race. Hawaii News Now.

Maui
The Maui County Council Land Use Committee voted 8-0 Wednesday to recommend approval of Maui Land & Pineapple's West Maui housing project Pulelehua. Maui News.

A March trial in 2nd Circuit Court is scheduled to determine the fate of the $70 million-plus estate of Laurence Dorcy, one of Maui's richest men, who died in June. Maui News.

Kauai

Some Kauai County employees will soon be driving electric vehicles. Associated Press.

Carolyn Larson, librarian at the Lihu‘e Public Library, has the cure to the “boarded-up Borders blues” — the Lihu‘e Public Library Fall Used Book Sale. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

State probes gun deal, Hawaii school lunch price up, Honolulu approves APEC cams, Maui to increase vacation rentals, Big Island HR director golfs with employee he may fire, Kauai missile test a success, more Hawaii news

marine scientist (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
A nonbinding, but nonetheless controversial, resolution seeking a statewide ban on aquarium fish collecting passed the Hawaii County Council 6-2 Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Three hundred fifty brand new pistols and holsters have been stuck in storage at the state Department of Public Safety's headquarters for an entire year, while an investigation into the gun deal with Smith & Wesson begins to intensify. Hawaii News Now.

A letter obtained by KHON2 dated July of last year details a deal between gun maker Smith & Wesson and the Hawaii State Sheriffs Department to trade out 350 existing duty issued pistols for 350 new pistols. KHON2.

The Hawaii Tax Review Commission is soliciting the services of a consultant to study the fairness of Hawaii’s tax system and recommend changes, including the possible elimination of personal and corporate income taxes. Hawaii Reporter.

Abercrombie Takes Tamer Tack After Pro Bowl Gaffe. Civil Beat.

The state is seeking an 85-cent increase to the price of a school lunch under a plan that would bring the cost for a high school student to $3.35, more than double what students paid in 2006. Star-Advertiser.

Members of the state Reapportionment Commission are giving themselves more time to study a revised plan for staggering the terms for new state Senate districts so that about half come up for re-election every two years. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said Wednesday that it has canceled a request for proposals for the contract to market Hawaii to Europe’s major market and is extending its marketing contract with AVIAREPS Tourism for one more year. Pacific Business News.

The Aloha for Japan campaign formally ended Tuesday after exceeding $8 million in contributions. Associated Press.

Oahu

The City Council has approved the use of 34 new video cameras — some of which already have been installed — to enhance security during next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Coast Guard began meeting with residents of the Ala Wai boat harbor this week, giving them a heads up about restrictions during the three-day Veteran's holiday weekend when the APEC meeting is scheduled. KITV4.

Is Honolulu Police Protection Now For Sale? Civil Beat.

Parents of school aged children on the North Shore hope to a see a charter school opened soon that would accommodate 100 seventh- and eighth-grade students. Hawaii Independent.

Hawai’I’s largest public housing project is undergoing a major renovation over the next two years in the state’s first public-private partnership. Hawaii Public Radio.

A $135 million renovation project at what was known for nearly 50 years as Kuhio Park Terrace has generated a sense of pride for those who call the area home. Residents are starting to return to their newly-renovated units, at what is now called the Towers of Kuhio Park. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County administrator ultimately responsible for disciplining employees has been golfing with a worker he may be asked to fire. Tribune-Herald.

Legal Morass Raises Questions About Charter School Independence. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii County Council is continuing to debate modifications to the state building code, with last-minute amendments Wednesday forcing yet another postponement of the complex document. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council, by a 7-0 vote, agreed Wednesday to a charter amendment setting aside 2 percent of county property taxes to purchase land for public access, open space and natural resources preservation. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council members moved closer Monday toward making it easier to legalize short-term rentals outside of resort districts, as long as they are closely monitored in the county's neighborhoods. Maui News.

The latest report from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that stream flow in Maui County and statewide is below normal and mostly "much below normal," the second-lowest category ranging from low to high. Maui News.

Kauai

A missile defense system successfully intercepted two targets at the same time during a test in Hawaii, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said Wednesday. Associated Press.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative on Wednesday announced its intent to pursue the development of a 10-megawatt solar farm, which would be the largest of its kind in the state. Garden Island.

The public is invited to share their ideas during community meetings on the six sites recommended for acquisition by the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission in its 2010 annual report to the county. Garden Island.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Hawaii Civil Defense chief quits in protest, Honolulu preps for APEC, still clearing homeless, state seeks inventory of land, natives, Hawaii County pushes vote by mail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea telescopes courtesy photo
This is the first time that a Nobel Prize has been awarded for astronomy on Mauna Kea. Associated Press.

Sen. Daniel Inouye confirmed to Civil Beat Tuesday that he hopes that Rep. Mazie Hirono will defeat former Congressman Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate next year. Civil Beat.

Ed Teixeira, who served as state Civil Defense Division vice director for 12 years through seven federally declared major disasters and under three governors, said a proposed organizational change and complaints about his management style are the basis for his sudden resignation Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Vice Director of Hawaii State Civil Defense abruptly resigned Tuesday morning. KITV4.

The state will put on hold a statewide review of schools for possible consolidation while the Board of Education studies the best way to determine whether a campus should be considered for closure. Star-Advertiser.

What was supposed to be a routine revote on Hawaii's graduation policy Tuesday turned into a showdown between school board members and the Department of Education. Civil Beat.

As part of the latest efforts to fight bullying, a series of student-produced public service announcements promoting safe schools will be hitting the airwaves. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii prisoners are growing 25 percent of the produce consumed at the state’s seven prisons. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz isn't surprised that the state of Hawaii does not have an accurate inventory of lands in the public trust. Tribune-Herald.

A new $6 million round of venture capital funding will provide a major push in the campaign to develop commercial applications for research being done at the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council is set to decide on whether to install surveillance cameras across Oahu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Associated Press.

State officials spent $180,000 in manpower and an additional $20,000 in disposal fees to clear 90 homeless people and more than 60 truckloads of their belongings from the H-1 freeway viaduct in August through September. Star-Advertiser.

The city cleared out a homeless camp in Haleiwa on Monday, a move they say will only force them to another area where they'll likely be more visible. KHON2.

If Honolulu City councilmembers approve turning over the city traffic cameras to Police to help with APEC security, city officials are planning to use other tools to get information out about traffic tie-ups. KITV4.

Boaters at the Ala Wai harbor have some big decisions to make in the next few weeks. Hawaii News Now.

The dismissal of criminal charges against topless protestors Jamie and Tess Meier shows the need for improved police training in advance of expected protests at the APEC conference next month, the ACLU said today. Hawaii Reporter.

Professional Training Hawaii LLC was issued a notice of violation and order from the state Department of Health for multiple violations of Hawaii’s asbestos training and certification regulations. Pacific Business News.

The Army's study of live-fire training effects on marine life harvested for food near Makua Valley "was a meaningful evaluation" except for two ways, a federal judge in Honolulu ruled. Associated Press.

The non-profit Kanu-Hawaii conducted its Eat Local Challenge last month. Nearly 600 people signed up to choose island grown over imported food …even if it costs more. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

A resolution seeking a pilot vote-by-mail program for Hawaii County advanced in a County Council committee Tuesday over the objections of a minority worried it would limit voter choices. West Hawaii Today.

Having already banned transgenic taro, smoking in parks and texting while driving, the County Council now has deer in its headlights. Tribune-Herald.

Drought conditions in most of West Hawaii are likely to continue, a hydrologist at the National Weather Service said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

With the nisei veterans of World War II slowly passing into history, those who care about them have focused their efforts on honoring their legacy and chronicling their fight for their country and Japanese-Americans everywhere so that future generations will remember their "go for broke" heroism and their impact on the nation and the world. Maui News.

Kauai
Last year former Kaua‘i County Council Chair Kaipo Asing, finishing his last term as a council member after 28 years of public service, noted that some real estate developers are clever in the ways they find loopholes in laws. Garden Island.

Tuesday was a time of thanks and aloha at the site of the former Kekaha Sugar Mill. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

New Hawaii program aims to stem foreclosure, from Wall Street to Hilo-Town, Kauai losing sugar mills, Maui looks to small farms, holiday pay due Hawaii County workers on leave, more news from the islands

Hilo protest (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

About 100 residents in Hilo joined like-minded citizens across the country Monday as they stood up and showed their support for the Occupy Wall Street campaign that began three weeks ago in New York City. Tribune-Herald.

Over 4,800 miles from New York City on the Big Island of Hawaii, residents inspired to demonstrate in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement lined roads on either side of the moku. Big Island Video News.

(c) 2011 All Hawaii News
A small group of what some bystanders described as "graying hippies" gathered outside the Merrill Lynch building in Hilo, Hawaii, on Monday afternoon to back the "Occupy Wall Street" movement that has been building and spreading to other cities since it started in New York City two weeks ago. Hawaii Reporter.


They've paid their debt to society, but many Hawaii ex-convicts are now having trouble finding a job to pay off their other debts. KITV4.

Hawaii on Monday introduced a mortgage foreclosure dispute resolution program that will allow owner-occupants with homes in nonjudicial foreclosure to have the opportunity to meet directly with their lenders. Pacific Business News.

Local homeowners facing foreclosure now have options based on a recently enacted law. Hawaii Public Radio

Homeowners facing foreclosure now have another way to try to stay in their homes. KHON2.

Daniel Inouye's Guide To Getting Elected. Civil Beat.

Last week, consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch released documents obtained from Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie’s office that shed light on the governor’s recent position reversal in support of a controversial fish farming bill. Hawaii Independent.

The number of adult community schools would shrink to four from 11, and students would have to pay $20 or more for classes that are now free, under a plan to save adult education services that would also require the state to restore more than half of the $5 million in funding cut from the program for next year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


Waianae-area residents still can't be certain whether seafood they harvest off their shore is safe from dangerous levels of arsenic and lead. Civil Beat.

Buoys went up this morning to keep swimmers at bay while city crews remove hazardous pieces of the Natatorium's aging sea wall. Hawaii News Now.

T.J. Maxx, the national discount retailer, will fill the second floor of the Ward Village Shops, and Ward Centers will get a $3 million face lift as the property owner studies plans for a major redevelopment of Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii
A South Kona property owner's protest of a county land acquisition has hit the end of the road. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County employees on unpaid leave -- even for disciplinary reasons -- must nonetheless be paid for holidays, the Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled last week. West Hawaii Today.

State and county officials used federal funds to put new numbers in an old North Kohala agricultural park plan that could be exempted from county zoning and subdivision rules. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program will close its Kailua-Kona office by Nov. 1. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Over the last five years, an independent contractor who annually inspected a troubled state affordable housing project on Maui made only passing references to the ever-rising vacancy rate at the complex, according to copies of the inspection reports. Hawaii Reporter.

While there may be fewer examples of the traditional, larger family farm on Maui than there once were, more people apparently are specializing in growing vegetables and breeding exotic birds and other livestock on a small scale. Maui News.

Kauai

The future doesn’t look sweet for Kekaha and Lihu‘e sugar mills. The asbestos-laden ghosts of a bygone plantation era are slated for destruction, more than a decade after the end of their productive lives. Garden Island.

Pioneer Hi-Bred opens doors to the public. Garden Island.

Monday, October 3, 2011

News release: Hawaii public schools to offer surfing as an official sport

Abercrombie and friend (c) Ricky Li
HONOLULU – Hawaii public high school students will for the first time be able to compete in school sanctioned surf competitions as early as the spring of 2013, under a plan announced today by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, the Hawaii State Board and Department of Education and professional surfer Carissa Moore.

Working with the appointed Hawaii State Board of Education, the DOE is developing a plan to incorporate surfing in school athletics, with collaboration from city officials, surfing organizations and the community.

“Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing. From Duke Kahanamoku to the thousands of residents and visitors who surf both recreationally and competitively, the sport is rooted in our culture and way of life,” said Abercrombie. “Bringing surfing to our students is another step in our collective goal to transform public education and provide our children with rich and diverse educational opportunities.”

“Surfing will be an exciting addition for our students as we continue to expand and improve educational programs to increase student achievement,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “School sports teach critical life lessons such as team work and goal-setting while helping students stay active and healthy.”

The Hawaii State Board of Education in May 2004 approved surfing – the official individual sport of the state of Hawaii – as a high school sport. Despite overwhelming support from parents and students, funding and other challenges have kept surfing from becoming a fully-fledged school sport.

The BOE and the DOE are working on an implementation blueprint to make competitive school surfing a reality. The DOE intends to support the sport with outside funding sources and consult community partners and city officials to ensure that surf breaks are shared equitably and safely. The BOE will support implementation processes that address safety.

BOE member Keith Amemiya, a former executive director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, said surfing will allow students to learn about their environment and themselves. He said it also will engage the community by fostering relationships and partnerships with a new group of individuals and groups.

“Surfing is a unique sport that often attracts athletes that may not necessarily be interested in more traditional sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Therefore, we're confident that surfing will increase athletics participation numbers,” Amemiya said. “In our view, the more students that engage in athletics and other after school activities, the higher our student achievement rates will become.”

Hawaii’s Carissa Moore, who this summer became the youngest surfer ever to win a professional surfing world title at age 18, joined Governor Abercrombie and education officials in celebrating today’s announcement.

"It will open doors for a lot of students," she said, explaining that surfing taught her important life skills such as to be perseverant, manage time, and be organized.

The BOE and DOE will continue to discuss a plan to implement surfing as a high school sport during the Board’s General Business Meeting tomorrow, Oct. 4, starting at 2:15 p.m. at the Queen Liliuokalani Building.

Schools fight bullying, add surfing, public lands board defies Sunshine Law, Honolulu council seeks quiet, Maui groups fight Halloween celebration, Kauai solar farm advances, Kona gears up for Ironman, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beachwalk (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

'Bummer of a Summer' for Hawaii's Visitor Industry. Civil Beat.

DOE Travels To D.C. To Discuss No Child Left Behind. Hawaii Public Radio.

A couple of members of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's security detail are under investigation after allegations of improper overtime, favoritism and even prostitution. KITV4.

Surfing is headed for official recognition as a high school sport. KHON2.

The state will unveil a new campaign to fight bullying and cyberbullying in schools Tuesday that will include more training for educators, better efforts to identify and help kids who are bullied, and increased outreach to stop bullying before it starts. Star-Advertiser.

The state's new public lands board isn't doing so well when it comes to keeping the public informed.  Civil Beat.

Redrawn districts do not faze officials. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


The Honolulu City Council wants to regulate the amount of noise that is forced on the innocent public. Pacific Business News.

Two former military doctors are asking Hawaii-based Marines not to operate on pigs and goats during combat trauma training this week. Associated Press.

Hawaii


University of Hawaii at Hilo administrators hope a half-million-dollar grant will help improve technology and Internet services on campus. Tribune-Herald.

Tomotaka Takahashi's description of a humanoid robot feels a little like a modern retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." West Hawaii Today.

On a picture-perfect Saturday, several hundred people soaked up the sun, fun, food and aloha at the second World Peace Festival at Coconut Island in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui itself a brand: Local trades thrive in hard times. Maui News.

The County of Maui has reached a resolution regarding the purchase of $32 million in student loan auction rate securities from Merrill Lynch. Hawaii Reporter.

A group of Native Hawaiian leaders and Lahaina residents declared this week that they want their concerns to be heard before Halloween resumes in Lahaina this month. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i’s largest solar farm should be ready to harvest clean energy in 2012 if the county Planning Commission approves the Alexander & Baldwin project proposal as expected. Garden Island.


Molokai

DHS Molokai Office Increases Staff. Molokai Dispatch.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Hawaii IT needs work, PUC nixes HECO biofuel deal, Kauai council doesn't require solar water heaters, Big Island redistricting road show begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki natatorium (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A comprehensive assessment of Hawaii state government's information technology infrastructure reveals a system suffering from lack of investment and multiple inefficiencies. But it also suggests ways to improve it. Civil Beat.

A consultant hired to assess the state's information technology systems found that many state services are not being performed or were less timely because of excessive backlogs, a lack of staff and an absence of technical support. Star-Advertiser.

The latest disaster declaration signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie was a long time in the making, state records and interviews show. Hawaii Reporter.

The Institute for Human Services saw a nearly 13 percent increase in people using Hawaii's largest emergency shelter last year, but donations are down and badly needed federal and state money will dry up after December. Star-Advertiser.

The state Public Utilities Commission denied Thursday Hawaiian Electric Co.’s biodiesel supply contract with Aina Koa Pono LLC, according to a PUC docket. Pacific Business News.

State regulators rejected Thursday a controversial plan by Hawaiian Electric Co. to buy 16 million gallons of locally produced biofuel a year for electricity generation, saying the high cost of the alternative fuel was too much for ratepayers to bear. Star-Advertiser.

The state Reapportionment Commission has scheduled a special meeting next week to correct an error in the way the state's 25 Senate districts were split into two- and four-year terms, affecting two districts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaiian Electric Co. announced Thursday it has signed a deal to buy up to 150,000 gallons of locally made algae-based biofuel to burn in its Kahe Generating Station as part of the utility's shift away from its reliance on fossil fuels. Star-Advertiser.

Inouye's Committee Recommends Reinstating East-West Center Funds. Civil Beat.

Honolulu has decided to the crumbling seawall around the historic Waikiki war memorial is enough of a threat to require immediate action. KITV4.

It’s time for the City and County of Honolulu to decide what it wants to do with the aging and crumbling Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial. Pacific Business News.

The first-ever National Diabetes Symposium is being conducted in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

A long anticipated project to slow erosion at Kailua Beach has stalled. Hawaii News Now.

Discussion underway to fix flooding issues on the Waianae coast. KHON2.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County redistricting roadshow begins Saturday with six sample maps depicting how new County Council district lines could be drawn. West Hawaii Today.

With a Hawaiian blessing and the untying of a maile lei, the Keaukaha Military Reservation's Armed Forces Reserve Center was opened for business Thursday in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Damage to Kona Village Resort from the March tsunami reached into the tens of millions of dollars, CEO Patrick Fitzgerald said Thursday, but he is certain the iconic hotel will open again. West Hawaii Today.

Anyone caught importing live axis deer to Hawaii Island could end up spending a year in jail, according to a bill pending before the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given final approval to Maui County's consent order that requires it to improve the treatment of sewage at the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant before it is disposed of in injection wells. Maui News.

While Hawaii's visitor industry was breathing a sigh of relief that March's earthquake and tsunami in Japan did not seem to have affected tourism for long, it seems that another aftereffect of the disaster is still beating on island shores. Maui News.

Kauai

The County Council’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee on Wednesday unanimously rejected a proposal to address a variance in a 2004 state law that mandates new homes be equipped with solar-powered water heaters. Garden Island.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawai‘i completed its final inspection on Sept. 20 for a photovoltaic (PV) system at Pacific Missile Range Facility, which is expected to generate 760 kilowatts of continuous power during the day when it is fully online. Garden Island.

Molokai

DHS Molokai Office Increases Staff. Molokai Dispatch.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

New rental car tax nets $5M, Honolulu cleaning streets of homeless, Maui lures tourists, movie-makers, geothermal pitched for Big Island, hydroelectric for Kauai, top Hawaii government and politics news for web and smartphone

Humpback whale NOAA courtesy photo

A confirmed appearance of a humpback whale in Honaunau Bay this week marked the anticipated return of the gentle giants to Hawaii, as well as a reminder for all ocean users to keep a safe distance. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s leaders say allowing more visitors from a growing group of ready to spend Chinese holds enormous economic potential for destinations like Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Higher Rental Car Fee Generates Extra $5 Million. Civil Beat.

State Budget Solutions in its analysis of state budget trends during the past decade – reports that Hawaii is number 47 out of all 50 states in the “total of the state expenditures in a given fiscal year encompassing all state funds.” Hawaii Reporter.

What Super Committee's Automatic Cuts Would Mean for Hawaii. Civil Beat.

The federal government spent more than $20 billion in Hawai‘i for the first time last year. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A bill being introduced by Honolulu City Council members is expected to make it easier for city officials to remove the property of the homeless and others from sidewalks and parks. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee deliberated today on a resolution asking for new bids to build rail-cars for the city’s mass transit system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu's unemployment rate rose to 5.5 percent in August from 5.4 percent in July, causing the city to lose ground in a ranking of metropolitan areas with the nation's lowest jobless rates, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

For many Kapahulu residents and lawmakers Wednesday night was a chance to see for the first time conceptual plans for a new office building on Charles street adjacent to Leonard's bakery. KHON2.

It is a bittersweet day for customers as another mom-and-pop restaurant closes its doors, but the closure wasn't due to the tough economy. KITV4.

City vehicles that were set to be scrapped by Oahu Transit Services have instead been converted into HPD paddy wagons in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in early November. KHON2.

Hawaii

Hawaii's dismal voter turnout could be improved by allowing people to vote by mail, said South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford in introducing a resolution asking the state Legislature to set up a pilot program in Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island residents aggrieved with the Reapportionment Commission's decision to deny Hawaii Island a fourth Senate seat are making good on their threat to have the Hawaii Supreme Court decide the issue. Tribune-Herald.

Developing a public-private partnership to produce geothermal energy on Hawaii Island could lead to a $1.25 million annual public benefit, a geothermal development company stressed Wednesday evening in Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii's fastest-growing island is getting more police officers to patrol its swelling neighborhoods. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Army National Guard and Army Reserves are holding a blessing for their new joint complex in Hilo Thursday. Associated Press.

Maui

Maui County must fully disinfect all wastewater at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility under a consent order with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pacific Business News.

The new visitor industry marketing campaign is just beginning to reach the public, but in test views on the Mainland, the reaction has been just what was hoped for, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau Executive Director Terryl Vencl told the Maui Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. Maui News.

From producers and scriptwriters to casting consultants to contractors who rent pump trucks to empty the portapotties on location shoots, the nucleus of Maui's permanent film production business filled Kahului Community Center on Monday night. Maui News.

Kauai


Free Flow Power is preparing for its first round of community outreach meetings on its proposed hydroelectric projects for Garden Isle waterways on behalf of Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

Molokai

In what appears to be a clash of Hawaiian and western cultures, some Molokai residents are upset that boaters who come to the island as escorts for canoe and other races are catching fish and taking other seafood from coastal waters. Star-Advertiser.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Hawaii Supreme Court: teachers can strike, Lingle behind GOP coup, HGEA backs Hirono, Army to train on Mauna Kea, shipping prices drop, coral in danger, government and politics news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court building (c) 2011 All Hawaii News
The state Supreme Court rejected Tuesday a request by the Hawaii State Teachers Association to compel the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to issue a quick ruling on whether teachers deserve immediate relief from a new two-year contract imposed by the state. Star-Advertiser.

The Supreme Court of Hawaii has ruled that the teachers union has the right to strike once its current complaint before the Labor Relations Board is resolved. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state's largest public-sector labor union, has endorsed U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Jonah-Kuhio Kalanianaole Kaauwai 's decision to resign as chair of the Hawaii Republican Party yesterday is a victory for former Gov. Linda Lingle, and her followers, but not necessarily for local conservatives. Hawaii Reporter.

A closer examination of party finances under former chair Jonah Kaauwai shows that the Hawaii Republican Party owes tens of thousand of dollars for unpaid credit card bills and political mailers. Civil Beat.

The new chairwoman of the Maui County Republican Party said that while Jonah Kaauwai demonstrated he was a "very hardworking" and "admirable" person, his inability to raise money for campaigns led to his resignation Monday as chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party. Maui News.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Hosts Fundraiser for House Hopeful Tammy Duckworth. Hawaii Reporter.

Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines lowered its fuel surcharge Tuesday by 3 percentage points. Pacific Business News.

The commission overseeing how the Department of Education spent federal stimulus money learned Tuesday that $115 million of it paid for teacher salaries. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii is proposing tuition increases for the entire state system beginning next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A City Council committee has put its stamp of approval on the installation of 34 security cameras across key sections of Oahu in preparation for the arrival of 21 world leaders and their entourages for this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative summit in Waikiki in November. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts made last week by members of Oahu’s North Shore community resulted in a stop to a proposed redistricting that would have made the Sunset Beach area a part of the Koolauloa district. Hawaii Independent.

Rail Transit Town Hall Meeting Draws Crowd. KITV4.

Hundreds of postal workers and their supporters converged at the state capitol, one of nearly 500 such rallies across the country Tuesday. KHON2.

Hawaii

A settlement reached Tuesday requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service to decide in about seven months whether 82 coral species will be listed as endangered or threatened. West Hawaii Today.

The state granted the Army a short-term "right-of-entry" permit to conduct high-altitude helicopter training on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii island next month, but said if the service wants to do the training in the future, it needs to do a full state environmental impact statement, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

A geothermal development company seeking a private-public partnership for energy production on Hawaii Island will hold community meetings this week. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island business and tourism officials told state senators how the Hilo side was wasting its visitor industry potential. Tribune-Herald.

County Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd issued a preliminary subdivision plan approval for the Villages at Aina Lea, despite the revocation of the property's urban land use classification. West Hawaii Today.

Christmas is coming early for lower Puna residents wanting to participate in the legislative branch of local government. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

For now it looks like F&H Construction has won the contract to build the new Kihei Police Station, according to county Department of Finance Director Danny Agsalog. Maui News.

The inaugural flight of an emergency medical helicopter to Maui Memorial Medical Center's new $3 million helipad drew more than two dozen people Monday afternoon. Maui News.

Kauai

A controversial county Salary Commission resolution squeezed through a special Kaua‘i County Council meeting Tuesday and is on track to become law next week after a split vote. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Councilman Mel Rapozo on Tuesday afternoon filed a complaint with the county Board of Ethics, requesting an advisory opinion on the actions of Boards and Commissions Administrator John Isobe and the county Salary Commission. Garden Island.