Top APEC stories of the day, everyone wants to live Hawaii, state, UPW strike deal, military gets cool reception on Big Island, wind farm coming to Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

APEC courtesy photo

APEC

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit moves to higher levels today, with top Obama administration officials here to lay the groundwork for this weekend's Leaders' Meeting and with the traffic-stopping arrivals of major heads of state. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama launches a busy weekend in Honolulu with a series of bilateral talks aimed at strengthening U.S. ties to the Asia-Pacific region and stimulating domestic job growth through economic partnerships in the region. Star-Advertiser.

The White House released details today about President Obama's schedule during his APEC Hawaii trip. KHON2.

The Obama administration reiterated on Wednesday that APEC is a cornerstone of the president's economic goals. Civil Beat.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is in Hawaii where she is attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Associated Press.

Chinese president Hu Jintao is expected to arrive today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Asia's economy has improved, but continued sluggishness in the U.S. labor market as well as Europe's financial woes threaten recovery — which could mean serious implications for Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Asian-Pacific leaders gathering in warm, sunny Honolulu this week will be searching for ways to kickstart faster growth through freer trade, moving on from the gloom over European debt that prevailed days earlier at the G20 summit in chilly Cannes. Associated Press.

Eyes on whether APEC leaders will don aloha shirts. Associated Press.

A first-ever forum bringing together local and foreign businesses during APEC Leaders Week was launched today. Hawaii Public Radio.

A sampling of graduate students at Hawaii Pacific University on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference here this week drew responses that split all over the lot—and thus seemed to reflect a cross-section of opinion throughout Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the APEC summit — at least from the point of view of supporters — is that it could snuff out once and for all the notion that Hawaii is a bad place to do business. Civil Beat.

Many more visitors could begin traveling to Hawaii if the U.S. joined a Pacific free trade bloc, the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday .Associated Press.

Some 48 agencies charged with ensuring the security and safety of U.S. and foreign dignitaries in Hawaii for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference have centralized their operations in one major Multi-Agency Communications Center otherwise known as MACC. Hawaii Reporter.

State

Hawaii has knocked California from the top of a poll that asks Americans where they would most like to live, not counting their current state. Pacific Business News.

The United Public Workers union representing some 8,500 state and county blue-collar workers has reached a tentative agreement with the government negotiators on a two-year contract. Star-Advertiser.

A 6-month-old Hawaii law continued to constrain the flow of foreclosures statewide in October, as a relative trickle of cases were initiated mainly through Circuit Court instead of a nonjudicial process through which most cases had been pouring prior to the law's enactment. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Despite Expected Influx of Prostitutes for APEC, No Arrests — So Far. Civil Beat.

Waikiki hotels are filling up with APEC attendees, but there is not yet any measurable bump in statewide visitor arrivals, nor is it yet clear how many Waikiki restaurants or shops will be helped or hurt by the event's special security-related disruptions. Hawaii News Now.

Motorists can expect delays on the H-1 freeway and Nimitz Highway beginning today as world leaders begin to arrive for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and roads are closed for their motorcades. Star-Advertiser.

This week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and all the associated road closures are having a big impact on businesses around the Hawaii Convention Center. KITV4.

Hawaii
The U.S. Army is not welcome in Hawaii, some Big Island residents told military representatives Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Rat lungworm is an increasingly common, potentially fatal disease that's understudied, hard to diagnose and even harder to treat.  Tribune-Herald.

Hooulu Community Farmers Market, held weekly at Keauhou Beach Resort, has been shut down after hotel management received word the market may be in violation of county zoning and special management area permitted uses. West Hawaii Today.

For the last four years, Hawaii Kai resident Chuck Denny has been intrepid in his effort to capture photos of Hawaii Island lava fields that almost no one else has seen. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously approved permits Tuesday for Auwahi Wind Energy to build and operate eight 428-foot-tall wind turbines on Ulupalakua Ranch land. Maui News.

Maui's hotels were two-thirds full in September, not unusual for one of the dullest months of the year in the visitor industry, but hotel operators were able to boost their rack rates by more than $15 a night. Maui News.

Kauai

When the Kaua‘i County Council last year passed Ordinance 904 — allowing certain owners of transient vacation rentals on ag lands to apply for a permit — those opposed to the bill feared the new law would allow hundreds of new tourist units on lands zoned agriculture. Garden Island.

APEC brings leaders, protests, traffic jams, Legislature eyes drug shortages, state to release Brazilian bug against invasive guava, Maui golf course for sale, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abel Lui claims Kawa Bay property (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii County has finalized the purchase of a 550-acre Kawa Bay parcel occupied by a Native Hawaiian group that claims ownership to it. West Hawaii Today.

Drug shortages across the country are leaving people with cancer and other diseases without the medications they need, sometimes midtreatment, state Sen. Josh Green says. West Hawaii Today.

The U-S Food and Drug Administration cites a shortage of 200 drugs nationwide in 2011. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Agriculture gave itself permission this week to release a Brazilian insect as a biocontrol measure for strawberry guava. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii’s attorney general joined 45 other attorneys general across the nation to ask Village Voice Media to stop publishing classified advertisements that promote child trafficking and sex trafficking on BackPage.com back in August. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii had the nation's 20th-worst mortgage delinquency rate in the third quarter as 5 percent of the state's homeowners missed two or more payments during the period. Star-Advertiser.

APEC

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton returns to Hawaii with the message that with reductions in forces and commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. is at a "pivot point" at which it can and will refocus on Asia and the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Yoshihiko Noda, the prime minister of Japan, has been expected to announce this week that Japan will join a round of trade talks called TPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but it's no longer absolutely certain. Hawaii News Now.

The meeting here of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum seems to have generated barely muffled yawns in capitals in Asia and the Americas. Civil Beat.

The Secret Service said Tuesday it will use Twitter to disseminate information to the public and media for the first time during this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Honolulu. Associated Press.

The US Secret Service on Tuesday showed off the capabilities of the Multi-Agency Communications Center, or MACC, which will play a crucial role in security operations at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

With so many high level government officials here, security is understandably tight and secretive. KHON2.

Sen. Daniel Inouye urged supporters to see APEC as “Hawaii’s time to shine,” in an email sent Tuesday night.Civil Beat.

A maddening morning commute, a peaceful protest and several midlevel meetings ushered in the first day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit Tuesday, kicking off the largest international event Hawaii has ever hosted. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 70 people marched in Honolulu late Tuesday to honor an Oahu man who authorities say was fatally shot by a federal agent in town for this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. Associated Press.

The $250,000 bail posted by the mainland federal agent accused of fatally shooting a Kailua man has raised questions about whether the agent received special treatment because of his position, allowing him to be released about 48 hours after his arrest. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of Oahu residents gathered this afternoon at Old Stadium Park for a protest march and vigil in the wake of the shooting death of 23-year-old Kollin Elderts at a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant this past weekend. Hawaii Independent.

The federal agency that employs slaying suspect Christopher Deedy has been plagued with management problems, staffing shortages and a lack of training facilities, according to a recent federal audit. KITV4.

State transportation officials are closing Ala Moana Blvd. between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for two nights while crews install security barriers in Waikiki. KITV4.

Oahu

Nineteen people were charged with misdemeanor trespassing Tuesday after refusing to leave the grounds of a historical Honolulu palace that was once home to Hawaiian royalty, authorities said. Associated Press.

Thomas Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will address Hawaii’s business community regarding the urgency of expanding trade and travel to create jobs locally and nationally. Pacific Business News

Two possible bomb threats recently reported on Oahu have had very different outcomes. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

The U.S. Army's plan to modernize Pohakuloa Training Area received a public reception Tuesday night that was every bit as cool as Hilo's recent weather. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Agriculture has selected a site on the Big Island for an initial release of the tiny insect Tectococcus ovatus to help control the growth of strawberry guava. Garden Island.

A lightning strike at a geothermal well in Pahoa today temporarily shut down operations and caused a miniscule release of hydrogen sulfide, Hawaii Island firefighters said. Star-Advertiser.

A second radiation leak has been discovered at the Hawaii Pacific Oncology Center in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Lani Partners is offering its 172-acre golf course for sale, fee simple, to investors. Maui News.

Residents on Kameeui Place and those at Maui Honokowai Plantation Inn & Apartments will not have water service Wednesday night though Thursday morning as crews will be working on a water main in the area. Maui News.

Kauai
When the Kaua‘i County Council last year passed Ordinance 904 — allowing certain owners of transient vacation rentals on ag lands to apply for a permit — those opposed to the bill feared the new law would allow hundreds of new tourist units on lands zoned agriculture. Garden Island.

The county Department of Public Works has scheduled two community meetings next month to gather input on design alternatives that would improve the Kapahi, Opaeka‘a and Pu‘uopae bridges. Garden Island.

Gov. Abercrombie picks Blake Oshiro as deputy, Oreos for APEC, 22 Hawaiian sovereignty members arrested at Iolani Palace, Kauai food bank director quits, Hawaii County targets gas allowances, Maui military cleanup begins, more Hawaii news

Gov. Abercrombie introduces Deputy Chief of Staff Blake Oshiro courtesy photo by Ricky Li

State Rep. Blake Oshiro will join the Abercrombie administration as deputy chief of staff, giving up the legislative seat he has held for 11 years. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Blake Oshiro, the majority leader for Democrats in the Hawaii House of Representatives, will be the new deputy chief of staff for Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday named House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro as deputy chief of staff. Pacific Business News.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has selected a young leader of the state Legislature, Rep. Blake Oshiro, to serve as his deputy chief of staff, saying Oshiro’s “legislative background and commitment to doing what’s right will help us move our agenda forward.” Hawaii Reporter.

When the new legislative session convenes in January, state lawmakers will have to weigh the importance of school lunch -- and how much it should cost Hawaii families. Tribune-Herald.

State law enforcement officers arrested 22 people Monday night after they refused to leave Iolani Palace grounds. Star-Advertiser.

Several hours after they first occupied the Iolani Palace grounds, members of the Hawaiian Kingdom Government were arrested for trespassing Monday evening. Hawaii News Now.

The day started with the news that a Native Hawaiian sovereignty group had locked the gates to Iolani Palace. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Telcom has filed a federal complaint against the union representing its employees for allegedly intimidating workers who might decide to cross the picket line in the event of a strike against the company. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

APEC attendees were trickling into Honolulu yesterday and today, with a big surge of arrivals expected over the next two days. Hawaii Public Radio.

State and city officials declared Honolulu ready for the biggest international event ever held in the islands but warned drivers that Monday's relatively light traffic might not continue for the rest of this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.Star-Advertiser.

Because of a shipping problem, instead of Hawaiian Host chocolates, delegates arriving at the Honolulu International Airport for the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit are being offered packages of miniature Oreos. Civil Beat.

A federal agent charged with killing a man inside a McDonald's restaurant in Waikiki was in Hawaii to help with security at this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, officials said Monday. Associated Press.

Details of the violent conflict that took Kollin Elderts' life Saturday morning remained sketchy on the eve of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where Special Agent Christopher Deedy was to help provide security as leaders of 21 nations gather in Honolulu this week. Star-Advertiser.

The state's leading technology companies will be on display at the Hawaii Convention Center for this week's APEC summit. KHON2.

Eight members part of the Occupy Honolulu movement were arrested on the second night of demonstration at Thomas Square this weekend. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Every month, most Hawaii County Council members receive enough gas money to send them around the circumference of the entire island more than 12 times. West Hawaii Today.

A Puna blogger who says police assaulted him last month for shooting video of officers responding to a fight outside a Pahoa nightclub will not be prosecuted. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County will have to take its case to stay arbitration proceedings to a higher court in its civil suit against Waikoloa affordable housing developer UniDev. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemicals found in a military landfill at the old Puunene airport site that is now used as a drag strip will be removed under a proposal by the Army Corps of Engineers. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s executive director left her 16-year post Monday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Legislators Tour Molokai, Talk Wind. Molokai Dispatch.

All eyes on APEC, federal agent charged in Waikiki murder, Hawaiians take over Iolani Palace, Maui seeks booze ban at parks, Hawaii hunters want more room to roam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii seen from International
Space Station NASA courtesy photo

The International Space Station will sail over Honolulu just after sunset Monday. Star-Advertiser.

When dignitaries presented Gov. John Burns in 1970 with their report on what Hawaii might look like in the future, the concept of the islands as the "Geneva of the Pacific" was already cliché, "a theme that appears again and again in the rhetoric of modern Hawaii." Star-Advertiser.

The roughly 20,000 people visiting Hawaii for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum this week bring with them some pain, in the form of restricted access to roads, parks, beaches, the ocean and airspace. But the event also will be a source of financial gain for many local residents and businesses. Star-Advertiser.

As “APEC Week” opens today in Honolulu, here are several perspectives on what you might look for as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation convention unfolds. Civil Beat.

Hawaii taxpayers foot the bill: Is APEC business our business? Hawaii Independent.

The leaders of the 21 APEC economies will gather in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu beat other cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to host the APEC leaders meeting. Hawaii News Now.

People claiming to be fighting for the sovereignty of Hawaii locked themselves inside the Iolani Palace grounds on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Former U.S. Rep. Ed Case played up his role as an outsider and said he wants to be "the candidate for change" in what's shaping up to be a competitive race to fill outgoing Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka's seat in Washington. Maui News.

University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization: Hawaii's Economy in Pause Mode. Hawaii Reporter.

Some 4,000 elevators in Hawaii are overdue for safety inspections and to clear the backlog, the state must double the number of inspectors now on staff, lawmakers heard last week. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Before he was killed, Kollin K. Elderts was at a nightclub where he got into an altercation with the federal agent who later followed Elderts to a Waikiki McDonald's and allegedly shot him, the attorney for the victim's family said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

The family of a man shot to death in a Waikiki McDonald's early Saturday morning has hired an attorney. Civil Beat.

A federal special agent was charged Sunday night with second degree murder for Saturday's deadly shooting in at McDonald's. KHON2.

Eight Occupy Honolulu protesters were released from police custody Sunday after being arrested Saturday night while trying to establish an encampment at Thomas Square. Star-Advertiser.

A steady stream of vehicles filed out of Ala Moana Beach Park Sunday evening.KITV4.

After years of hosting landfills and power plants and not receiving a fair share of infrastructure expenditures, it's time for a drastic step in Leeward Oahu. Civil Beat.

It looks like Waikiki’s International Market Place will be going upscale with a three-level open air retail center. Pacific Business News.

The Nimitz Highway beautification project is complete and the busy corridor is ready for thousands of APEC visitors who are scheduled to arrive this week. KITV4.

Waikiki tourists unaware of Hawaii hosting APEC this week. KHON2.

Hawaii

Regardless of voters' preference, the County Council's makeup will change when a new term starts next December. Tribune-Herald.

As Oahu prepares to host a meeting of business and government leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, Hawaii Island hopes to snag some of the world spotlight for itself. Tribune-Herald.

Designed to protect against flooding that has been threatening the Big Island, Hawaii County's dry wells and drainage culverts haven't been cleaned since June. Tribune-Herald.

At the picturesque Ueshima Coffee Co. estate in Holualoa, numerous coffee trees had delicate ripening cherries, perfect for the annual UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Picking Contest Sunday morning. West Hawaii Today.

North Hawaii's hunters had a message for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Saturday: Open up more land for hunting and stop fencing off areas for feral animal eradication. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii residents on Saturday turned out in full force to let the state Department of Land and Natural Resources know where it has faltered over the years and how it can improve. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Don Couch is proposing legislation that would ban drinking in several popular South Maui parks. Maui News.

The county could save more than half a million dollars a year if it eliminated, combined or refocused some of its 37 boards and commissions, according to the Cost of Government Commission. Maui News.

By spring, Fido and Spot will have a county park of their own to romp in, a long-desired goal of Fido's and Spot's owners. Maui News.

Kauai

Members of the Reinstated Hawaiian Government re-elected Henry Noa to another term as prime minister Saturday. Garden Island.

The county Department of Water initiated repairs on a water tank serving Wainiha and Ha‘ena Sunday, but officials said the pump is still not working at full capacity. Garden Island.

Free medical care is coming to Kaua‘i from late February through early March, said Col. Jerry Arends, director of the Innovative Readiness Training Medical Deployments. Garden Island.

FBI investigating Hawaii school bus contracts, politicians on the dole, one in, one out congressional race, aquarium group seeks state regs, 49% profit jump for electric company, Kauai faces water hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kalopa State Park (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday he wants to double the watershed forest area in Hawaii that's protected from invasive species and other threats -- a plan he estimated would cost $11 million a year. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie is proposing to spend $11 million a year through the next decade to create 150 jobs and stop destruction of watershed areas by invasive species. Star-Advertiser.

The FBI is investigating Hawaii school bus companies for possible collusion in setting prices, Civil Beat has learned. Civil Beat.

A small group of commercial aquarium fish collectors has proposed state regulations it says is aimed at ensuring the long-term well-being of tropical species. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Politicians Can File for Unemployment Benefits if They Are Voted Out or Meet Term Limits, But That is Not the Case in All Mainland States. Hawaii Reporter.

A sharp increase in earnings at its electric utility subsidiary drove Hawaiian Electric Industries' profits up 49 percent in the third quarter compared with the same period a year earlier, the company reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hilo attorney seeks House seat. Tribune-Herald.

Former state Sen. Gary Hooser is not running for Congress. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Former Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell is holding a fundraiser in two weeks and intends to challenge Peter Carlisle for mayor in 2012. Civil Beat.

Hawaii taxpayers foot the bill: Is APEC business our business? Hawaii Independent.

On the day of a federal deadline, Honolulu city officials outlined their most detailed plan yet for bringing a Wahiawa elderly care center into compliance with federal grant requirements.Civil Beat.

A groundbreaking ceremony Thursday marked the start of what will be the largest retail development in Ewa history. KITV4.

Hawaii Pacific Health, owner of Kapiolani and Straub hospitals, is among several potential buyers for all or parts of the bankrupt Hawaii Medical Center, owner of HMC-East in Liliha and HMC-West in Ewa. Star-Advertiser.

Several dozen restaurants and stores were forced to shut down at Ala Moana Center Thursday after burning oil in an unattended wok ignited a fire in the kitchen of Panda Express at the Makai Market Food Court. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines will begin daily Sydney-Honolulu flights. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Telcom workers packed into their Union's meeting hall Thursday night. KHON2.

Hawaii

Push is coming to shove for a redistricting plan. West Hawaii Today.

With time running out to create new County Council boundaries, the Redistricting Commission on Thursday virtually abandoned its alignment in favor of a popular community-generated alternative. Tribune-Herald.

A dust screen is going up at Lanihau Properties' land mauka of Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Land & Pineapple's proposed West Maui housing development Pulelehua will come before the Maui County Council for final approvals Friday. Maui News.

Central and South Maui residents are being urged to conserve water Thursday after an early-morning power outage in Waihee disrupted the Department of Water Supply's transmission system. Maui News.

The abandoned boat that ran aground on Maui three weeks after being abandoned at sea when its injured captain needed to be rescued by a cruise ship will be hauled off the beach today. Associated Press.

Kauai

Project delays to mitigate burials and cultural artifacts has resulted in unanticipated budget costs and arrests of protesters wanting to protect what they consider sacred and cultural lands. Garden Island.

The board of the Kauai County Department of Water will consider rate increases today of 7.5 to 11.2 percent a year over four years for about 20,000 customers. Star-Advertiser.

A foul smell caused Lihu‘e Airport to be shut down Thursday evening for approximately two hours. Garden Island.

Hawaiian sovereignty activists occupy Iolani Palace grounds, Kauai grapples with landfill, Hawaii County struggles with building code, Molokai doesn't like yacht, more news for smartphone and web

Iolani Palace (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

A group of about 20 Hawaiian sovereignty activists belonging to the group Hawaiian Kingdom Government issued a 50-page statement Wednesday demanding that the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace vacate the grounds. Star-Advertiser.

Federal prosecutors were dealt another major setback on Wednesday after a federal magistrate denied their request for a nine-month continuance in what government officials have called the largest human trafficking case in U.S. history. Civil Beat.

Obama to Hold Fundraiser in Honolulu After APEC. Civil Beat.

Patricia M. Loui has been confirmed for a place on the board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Sen. Daniel Akaka’s office said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii DOE Superintendent's Lesson — Keep Your Head in the Sand. Civil Beat.

One of the fastest-growing visitor markets for Hawaii is South Korea. The Hawaii Tourism Authority says both arrivals and spending by South Koreans have been climbing steadily over the past several years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Telcom IBEW union says it is waiting for a strike approval from the international office and it would be holding a meeting with the strike captains. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The pregnant Honolulu woman arrested with her husband for shoplifting two sandwiches at a downtown Safeway says she blames the store manager for allowing a mistake to escalate into an incident that sparked national attention. Civil Beat.

The news about the arrest of Nicole Leszczynski, 28, and her husband Marcin, 33, in the Safeway store on Beretania Street in Honolulu continues to make national and international news ranging from the Washington Post to the London Daily Mail - and it has even caught the attention of Steven Colbert. Hawaii Reporter.

Law enforcement sources told KITV 4 News they are concerned a former Honolulu police officer who failed to show up for sentencing in a sexual assault case last week may have fled to his native Morocco, while his lawyer fears his client may be dead. KITV4.

Police announced new details Wednesday on park restrictions tied to next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings as some Waikiki residents made plans to leave the island and others stocked up on provisions to hunker down during APEC. Star-Advertiser.

The City Council quickly disposed of a proposal for another public vote on the rail transit project Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents whose building permits were held up because their homes were determined to be too far from the nearest fire hydrant are applauding a decision by the Board of Water Supply to relax the policy after consulting with the Hono­lulu Fire Department. Star-Advertiser.

On a given day, roughly 30,000 vehicles travel along Kahekili Highway and for drivers on the Windward side of Oahu it's a common complaint that traffic on this stretch can cause quite a back-up. KHON2.

Disgraceful and Dangerous, those two words are used a lot to describe our playgrounds and, it's easy to see why. Hawaii News Now.

From the North Shore to East Oahu, many playgrounds have become a "black eye" for the city and concern for parents. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

In a climate so gentle that some residents have only screens on windows to catch the trade winds, many are wondering why the county wants to force them to install double-paned glass windows and double-walled construction when building or remodeling their homes. West Hawaii Today.

Two proposals to boost Hawaii County's emergency cash reserves and another to design a Waimea transit hub received unanimous support from a County Council committee Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

A showdown is brewing between the state's Charter School Review Panel and the interim board for the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School. Tribune-Herald.

The head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and three state senators want to hear the public's concerns at a series of upcoming meetings around the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The East Maui Animal Refuge is seeking help from the public, as it works toward regaining permits to take in wildlife. Maui News.

Maui County will be in the mix of things during next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leader's Week meetings in Honolulu, with a booth at the Hawaii Convention Center and Mayor Alan Arakawa invited to a variety of exclusive venues, said county Economic Development Coordinator Teena Rasmussen. Maui News.

Kauai

With the Kekaha Landfill set to close permanently by December 2020 and without a fully functional recycling network or processing plant, the county is still struggling to site a new landfill. Garden Island.

More than 2,000 plants are scheduled to be given away at the Arbor Day Plant Give-away, Saturday from 9 a.m. behind the K-mart store at the Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.

Molokai

As American Safari Cruises’ yacht docked on its first trip to Molokai last Sunday morning, protesters greeted it with requests to leave local waters. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii schools to sell ads on campus, slap on the wrist for former Honolulu Councilman Tam, city seeks $37M for APEC, Hawaii County drug testing, Maui vacation rental bills advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

endangered Hawaiian monk seal courtesy photo

A Hawaiian monk seal that became quite the celebrity while swimming and playing with Molokai beachgoers in 2009 has returned home. Star-Advertiser.

The state is considering policy changes that would allow advertising in public schools, as long as it promotes a positive message and doesn't show up in classrooms or teaching materials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has earned the distinction of being the only state to show improvement in fourth- and eigth-grade reading and math scores on a nationwide student achievement assessment. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state's largest health insurer, plans to raise premiums by an average 3.6 percent next year for 84,000 members who work at large companies. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A judge has sentenced former Honolulu city councilmember Rod Tam to two days in jail for stealing taxpayer money.Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu Councilman Rod Tam was ordered Tuesday to serve a two-day jail term but has a chance to have his record cleared of stealing money from the city and violating campaign spending laws if he stays out of trouble for a year. Star-Advertiser.

In a resolution introduced by Honolulu City Council Chair Ernie Martin and member Stanley Chang, the city estimates the cost of providing extra security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit at $37 million. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hotels Filling Up for APEC. Civil Beat.

The World International Hula Festival was supposed to celebrate its 20th Anniversary at the Waikiki Shell this month, but the upcoming APEC conference has forced the festival to relocate. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 800 pounds of fresh green onions have been destroyed at a Waianae farm after an unapproved pesticide was found during product sampling. KHON2.

Hawaii

A Hawaii County Council committee took its discussion of a proposal to drug test elected officials behind closed doors Tuesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

New restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of axis deer and other invasive species are advancing in both state and county government. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members inched closer to developing regulations for vacation rental homes Monday, agreeing on several requirements for property owners. Maui News.

he Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. has named Hawaii Affordable Properties Inc. the interim management company for Honokowai Kauhale. Maui News

Kauai

The Kilauea HI5 bottle redemption center will be relocating to the Anaina Hou grounds in Kilauea effective today. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Telcom union preps for strike, sentencing today for former Honolulu Councilman Tam, hula festival in trouble, Big Island recycling costly, more Hawaii news

Hawaiian hula (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Organizers of the World Invitational Hula Festival say they need to come up with $10,000 by Tuesday. KHON2.

The Hawaii state legislative auditor has released the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which is a series of audited government statements that detail the financial condition of the state government. Hawaii Reporter.

Scientists and federal officials have held a series of meetings on how to deal with the estimated 5 million to 25 million tons of potentially disastrous debris from the Japanese tsunami headed for the shores of Hawaii and the West Coast. Civil Beat.

Union workers at Hawaiian Telcom made preparations for a possible strike after they voted overwhelmingly Monday to reject the company's final offer on a new three-year contract. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education officials say they knew as soon as they opened school bus service bids in 2008 that something was wrong. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is seeking to boost premiums for about 162,000 members by an average 8.8 percent on Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State prosecutors will seek a jail term today for former Honolulu Councilman Rod Tam on charges of stealing city funds and violating campaign spending laws. Star-Advertiser.

A consultant has completed work looking into potential sites for a new solid-waste landfill and plans to present its findings next week to a panel tasked with advising the mayor on where to put a new landfill on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

UH: APEC Sign Comes Down Thursday. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric Co. has selected Renewable Energy Group for a new contract to supply biodiesel to its 110-megawatt Campbell Industrial Park Generating Station. Pacific Business News.

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting will hold a public information meeting on the results and recommended changes of its review of the Ewa Development Plan and implementation process. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Hawaii County needs more cash reserves, says Councilwoman Brenda Ford, who is calling for mandatory savings to pay for future disaster repairs and offset unexpected revenue shortfalls. Tribune-Herald.

A committee looking into the proposed recycling contract concluded Hawaii County pays "a premium to recycle." West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council Land Use Committee will hold a site inspection and hearing this week to review the proposed Kahoma residential subdivision project in West Maui. Maui News.

Visitors and residents are spoiled for choice Saturday afternoon in Olowalu, where a Hawaiian monk seal lounges on the sand and a large pod of spinner dolphins puts on an aerial show just offshore. Maui News.

Kauai

On Saturday, the state and the county will salute and recognize these sons and daughters of Hawai‘i who were part of the 2.7 million soldiers who served in the Vietnam theater. Garden Island.

Evolta robots finish Ironman, Akaka OK with new Hawaiian rights bill, candidate Hannemann allowed radio show, school buses costly, Big Island seeks sign restrictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Panasonic Evolta Robot courtesy photo

Three Evolta Robots, created by Japanese robot designer Tomotaka Takahashi, finished the 230 km Kona Ironman course Sunday with a combined finish time of 166 hours and 56 minutes, according to organizers. KITV4.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, who patiently sought a vote on a Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill in the Senate for a decade, has signed off on a more aggressive strategy to advance the idea before he retires in January 2013. Star-Advertiser.

Hannemann Radio Show Doesn't Cross Legal Line. Civil Beat.

Two dozen Japanese-American veterans were given a soldiers sendoff Sunday with flower lei, handshakes and hugs. KHON2.

Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald has guided the state Judiciary through furloughs and budget cuts, and while the Hawaii Supreme Court has made significant rulings under his watch, there have been no sweeping opinions signaling any new directions. Star-Advertiser.

In 2009, Hawaii taxpayers paid Roberts Hawaii $200 a day to operate a bus route serving Kohala Elementary and High schools on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Hawaii was one of 47 states that lost retail jobs during the recession, but the state fared better than most, according to an analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Amid criticism that it targets the homeless, a measure that would ban personal property such as furniture, clothing or household goods from being stored in public spaces, including sidewalks and parks, is up for consideration again at the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Four years after the Hawaii County Council asked for a crackdown on illegal signs, the Public Works Department is offering an update on the county's sign code. West Hawaii Today.

After six months of work, the Hawaii County Redistricting Commission is facing a self-imposed Nov. 10 deadline to create nine council districts with resident populations that vary by no more than 1,021 people. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Motorists should be aware that several streets in Lahaina town will be closed today beginning at 3:30 p.m. for Halloween festivities. Maui News.

Workers have doubled their efforts to maintain greens at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course, significantly reducing weeds and improving the quality of grass at the course, county parks officials said. Maui News.

Kauai

County officials have been working for five months on developing a Multimodal Land Transportation Plan for Kaua‘i, which will ultimately be incorporated into the county’s General Plan. Garden Island.

Turtle rider spurs outrage, millions in social services cut, judge won't stop Maui Halloween, House poor launching pad for governors, Superferry haunts Lingle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii turtle rider courtesy photo

An underwater photo taken of a professional surfer from Hawaii is making waves on the internet and has the full attention of federal authorities. KHON2.

A picture posted late Wednesday night on Hawaii News Now's Facebook page of a surfer riding a turtle has sparked a controversy. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. House Often a Poor Launching Pad for Governor. Governing.

The Hawaii Superferry was a major embarrassment for former Gov. Linda Lingle. Civil Beat.

Family support services, emergency shelter care, recruitment of foster families and training for social workers are among the services being reduced by the Department of Human Services in cutting $5.8 million from its budget. Star-Advertiser.

State law requires that cases of suspected physical abuse of the elderly must be reported to law enforcement, but there is no such requirement in cases of suspected financial abuse, legislators were told today. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka is proposing federal legislation that would increase the nation’s — and Hawaii’s — defenses against invasive species that threaten ecosystems and cause millions of dollars in damage to the agricultural industry. Civil Beat.

The Hawaiian Humane Society and state lawmakers are rethinking how to regulate large-scale dog breeders after a state audit concluded that bills before the Legislature are flawed and that there is no hard evidence that such dog-breeding operations continue to be a problem in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Honolulu rail transit project has reached a milestone of sorts with the approval of the first change order that will add $3.9 million to the cost of a rail contract. Star-Advertiser.

The issue of unruly fans at Aloha Stadium is back in the spotlight after a fight during last Saturday's University of Hawaii football game was witnessed by thousands of spectators.  KHON2.

Private Landowners Being Asked To Spruce Up For APEC. KITV4.

Homeless Evicted In Sweep Say They'll Be Back. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The state's Department of Human Services cut at least $178,000 from three West Hawaii community program providers this week, but the full impact of the cuts remained unclear Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Working during the pre-dawn darkness this week, 50 volunteers searched Hilo's alleyways, parks and other secluded areas where the homeless go to sleep. Tribune-Herald.

The wekiu bug, a species native to the cinder cones of Mauna Kea, is no longer a candidate for endangered or threatened status. Tribune-Herald.

SPECIAL REPORT: Tsunami Aftermath, the future of Kona village. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded nearly $165,000 to two West Hawaii nonprofits to support direct marketing efforts and increase access to fresh produce in low-income areas. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A judge won't be stopping a Lahaina Halloween celebration. Associated Press.

Second Circuit Judge Rhonda Loo today dismissed a temporary restraining order that sought to stop organized Halloween festivities from taking place on Front Street this year. Maui News.

Kauai

In these hard economic times, a large chunk of Kaua‘i’s workforce may be a mere paycheck away from becoming homeless. Garden Island.

Molokai

The proclamation to name the kioea the official bird of Kaunakakai, Molokai, was signed by Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa and Council Chair Danny Mateo on Oct. 25, making it the second district in the state to declare an official bird. Molokai Dispatch.

63% of Hawaii voters approve of Obama's job performance, discrimination complaint tossed, GreenSun Hawaii to finance energy, UH hikes tuition, Kakaaka to get state's tallest building, Maui explores ag-tourism, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

President Barack Obama courtesy photo

Hawaii voters may feel blue about the direction of the country. But that hasn't affected their love affair with President Barack Obama. Civil Beat.

U.S. District Judge David Ezra dismissed a complaint today filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on April 20, 2011, against six Hawaii farms, saying the government agency that is charged with prohibiting employment discrimination has not been specific enough in its allegations. Hawaii Reporter.

On Wednesday, the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, along with the Hawaii Community Reinvestment Corp., launched GreenSun Hawaii, an energy-financing credit-enhancement program funded by almost $3 million in federal dollars. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii homeowners have yet to benefit from the state's new foreclosure dispute resolution program intended to force lenders to meet face-to-face with homeowners before foreclosing on a property. Civil Beat.

Citing state budget cuts, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted 9-3 Wednesday to approve a new round of annual tuition increases that will have UH-Manoa undergraduates paying 35 percent more five years from now. Star-Advertiser.

Republican lawmakers in Hawai’i are outnumbered 8 to 1 … but that hasn’t dampened their spirits as they prepare for next year’s legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Says Abercrombie Doing Worse Than Expected. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A private developer would get the chance to erect the tallest high-rise in Hawaii and sell market-rate condominiums as an incentive to build a project in Kakaako that would also provide affordable housing and commercial, civic and community office space near Honolulu's planned rail line. Star-Advertiser.

A small group of APEC protestors spread their anti-globalization message throughout the UH Manoa campus on Wednesday. KHON2.

Hawaii

The construction start date for Phase 2 of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project has been pushed back again.  West Hawaii Today.

The Kohala Center has received a one-year grant from the USDA to expand EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card access to six farmers markets on the Big Island.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission granted Ali'i Kula Lavender farm a state special use permit Tuesday that allows the working farm to conduct agricultural tourism activities, a growing segment of the visitor industry. Maui News.

After stalling during the middle of the year, visitor head counts in Maui County have started increasing again. Maui News.

A West Maui Shell station has been fined more than $85,000 for underground fuel tank violations. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative is determined to pursue two ditch hydropower projects despite the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s unwillingness to permit them. Garden Island.


There will be more dedications and U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said he plans on being at those too. Garden Island.

Big boost in Hawaii tourism spending, interisland mega-yacht coming to Molokai, Honolulu woman wants to ban smoking in public housing, Hawaii supports APEC, seabirds released on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Convict tang congregate on Hawaii coral reef (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Up to 20 million tons of tsunami debris floating from Japan could arrive on Hawaii's shores by early 2013, before reaching the West Coast, according to estimates by University of Hawaii scientists. Associated Press.

Total visitor spending rose almost 20 percent to top $1 billion in September, as visitors from the West Coast, Japan and Canada increased their average daily spending, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said Tuesday. Pacific Business News

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is scheduled to approve a proposal that would increase tuition on all campuses over the next five years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Future Leaders: Where Are They? Civil Beat.

A disabled woman at a Honolulu public housing complex wants the state to ban smoking at all 6,000 of its housing units across the state, and she's considering legal action to make that happen. KITV4.

The Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Supports APEC. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Governor Neil Abercrombie tomorrow will unveil a new plan to create jobs and build new housing in the Kakaakao area of Honolulu. Hawaii Reporter.

State prisoners and Department of Transportation landscaping crews are busy clearing homeless people and their belongings from 17 different areas along Nimitz Highway and the H-1 Freeway that will be seen by delegations attending next month's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle and City officials today dedicated the Middle Street Intermodal Center, located at the intersection of Middle Street and Kamehameha Highway and adjacent to the existing Kalihi-Palama Transit Facility. Hawaii Independent.

Waikiki merchants are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the first wave of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC meeting attendees in less than two weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

A group that saves prostitutes from sex trafficking fears women working the street could double during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. It said evidence is already out there. Hawaii News Now.

A recent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Ko Olina developer Jeff Stone includes a description of the resort as ‘providing casino facilities.’ KHON2.

Hawaii

Multimillion-dollar state construction projects expected to generate Big Island jobs actually have triggered layoffs. Tribune-Herald

Five years after the Kiholo Bay earthquakes, the Department of Water Supply is down to one final repair project. West Hawaii Today.

A group claiming Native Hawaiian rights to property Hawaii County is trying to buy on Kawa Bay had its case sent back to state court Tuesday, when a federal judge decided he had no jurisdiction over the issue. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state will pay considerably more for property management services at a troubled Maui affordable housing project under a six-month non-bid contract that took effect last week, according to procurement records. Hawaii Reporter.

Charter Commission members on Monday killed a proposal that would give the mayor powers to hire and fire the fire chief, but they supported a plan to move county ocean safety officers under the authority of the Maui fire department. Maui News.


Kauai

State workers, environmental groups and students joined forces Tuesday morning at Lydgate Park to release several endangered seabirds back into the wild. Garden Island.

Molokai

A blessing was held on Molokai on Tuesday for an interisland mega-yacht that will start making regularly scheduled cruise voyages this week. KHON2.

Members of the Hawaii Legislature and guests will be visiting Molokai on Wednesday, Nov. 2 to hear from island residents about a wind farm proposed for Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.