Army tests hypersonic weapon from Kauai, Hawaii economy limping along, state looks at regulating reef fish collecting, suicide rates up, APEC hosts' data stolen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hypersonic weapon, military courtesy photo

The Army on Thursday conducted its first flight test of a new weapon capable of traveling five times the speed of sound. Associated Press.

Hawaii's economy is expected to limp along with slow growth through 2012, economist Leroy Laney said Thursday in a forecast dampened by global economic woes. Star-Advertiser.

Suicide Rates in Hawaii Climb. Hawaii Public Radio.

Politico: Hawaii Senate Race Not Toss-Up. Civil Beat.

State lawmakers didn’t support a statewide ban on the sale of aquarium fish this session but the issue isn’t going away. KITV4.

The collection and sale of reef fish for aquariums is an industry that averages about $395,000 a year on Oahu... And provides jobs for about 40 commercial fishers - 15 are full-time. KHON2.

The breakthrough ceded land settlement announced by the Abercrombie administration on Wednesday is the brainchild of two Honolulu attorneys with extensive experience in commercial litigation. Civil Beat.

In another rejection of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s position on the secrecy of judicial nominations, the state Judicial Selection Commission has decided to make public the names of all candidates for judicial appointment submitted to the governor and the Hawaii Supreme Court chief justice. Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu

Honolulu's ban on keeping personal possessions on sidewalks is one step closer to becoming law, but in many ways the fight has just begun. Civil Beat.

Members of Honolulu's APEC Host Committee who represent some of Hawaii's biggest companies and institutions have been told their personal information may have been stolen after security clearances were requested for them to meet with President Barack Obama Saturday night during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Star-Advertiser.

The family of a Kailua man shot to death in a Waikiki fast-food restaurant filed a lawsuit Thursday against a State Department special agent charged with murder in the case. Star-Advertiser.

Defense attorney: federal agent charged with murder acted in self-defense. Hawaii News Now.

City Plans To Open Access To Popular North Shore Beach. KITV4.

A City Council committee advanced permit requests for the $760 million expansion of the Hilton Hawaiian Village but asked property owners to try to work out differences before the measure comes up for a final vote next month. Star-Advertiser.

A city employee and a driving instructor conspired to create at least three fraudulent driver's licenses that were sold to foreign nationals who were in the United States illegally, according to an indictment returned Wednesday by a federal grand jury. Star-Advertiser.

The State Land Use Commission will continue its hearings today on D.R. Horton‘s proposed “Ho‘opili” development in Honouliuli. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The Leeward Planning Commission signed off on proposed changes to the special management area rules Thursday morning. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, students at Waiakea Intermediate School gathered on the covered courts at the rear of the campus during their recess period to sign pledges to remain tobacco free, play games aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, and to learn more about the dangers associated with smoking. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Security officials at Kahului Airport have a new body scanner that doesn't project invasive body images but is sensitive enough to detect a plastic bag in a jean pocket. Maui News.

The Maui County Council Land Use Committee voted 6-2 Wednesday evening to recommend approval of the Kahoma Residential Subdivision, a fast-track, all-affordable housing project in West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

A Hawai‘i Army National Guard soldier died Wednesday afternoon while on duty in the vehicle maintenance shop of the Hanapepe Armory. Garden Island.

The disappearance of the corn maze from the Kaua‘i Halloween scene gave birth to an idea which blossomed into a community success. Garden Island.

Molokai

Castle & Cooke's Rumbaoa to Head Molokai Ranch. Molokai Dispatch.

Deal struck on Hawaiian monarchy lands, Hawaii credit card debt up, Honolulu surf rules rile some, Hawaiian to fly to New York City, council seeks to delay rail contract, APEC less expensive than feared, Maui ag land discounts rethought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii ceded land rally (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The state of Hawaii and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said Wednesday they have agreed in principle to a deal that would give OHA $200 million worth of prime Honolulu real estate to settle a decades-old claim on revenue generated by Hawaiian monarchy lands. Associated Press.

The state has reached an agreement subject to state legislative approval that would give the Office of Hawaiian Affairs about 25 acres of Kakaako parcels worth an estimated $200 million to settle long-standing ceded lands claims. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii is proposing to give the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ocean-front property to settle $200 million in past due claims on lands formerly owned by the Hawaiian Kingdom. Civil Beat.

For the second time in three years, the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have reached a tentative agreement to settle some $200 million in claims to ceded lands. Hawaii Reporter.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced today that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle Hawaiian Kingdom or ceded land claims dating back 33 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Abercrombie administration and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have agreed on a proposal that would satisfy OHA's claims against the state for its use of ceded lands dating back to 1978. Hawaii News Now.

The state of Hawaii is proposing to give 10 parcels or 25 acres in Kakaako to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to reconcile a longstanding disagreement over ceded lands. KITV4.

In 2008 then Governor Lingle and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs came to a settlement over ceded land claims dating back to 1978 but the legislature denied the plan. KHON2.

The Judicial Selection Commission has amended its rules and will now release the names of judicial candidates it sends to the governor for appointment, the panel announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Civil unions will soon become a reality in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Average consumer credit card debt in Hawaii rose 6 percent in October to $7,497, according to CreditKarma.com. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's largest carrier will be launching nonstop flights between Honolulu and New York City starting in June 2012. Associated Press.

Oahu

Surfers, Bodyboarders and contest promoters didn't flock to a surf spot Wednesday but instead to a public hearing on Oahu's North Shore. KHON2.

The city came in at least $10 million under its $43 million budget for hosting last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, city officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Peter Carlisle's lone gripe about the week-long economic summit is that visiting U.S. Secret Service agents didn't smile enough. Civil Beat.

APEC is over, and Iolani Palace is hoping to make up for the money it lost from last week's forced closure. Hawaii News Now.

A majority of Honolulu City Council members are calling on city transit officials to delay final approval of a rail transit contract worth up to $1.4 billion, an agreement that would be the largest contract in city history. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Prosecutor announced today that an Oahu grand jury indicted U.S. State Department special agent Christopher W. Deedy for murder in the second degree and the use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony in the shooting death of a Kailua man on November 5 in Waikiki. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii

Mitch Roth, a veteran deputy prosecuting attorney, announced Wednesday he will challenge Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida for the Office of County Prosecutor. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Councilmen J Yoshimoto and Dennis Onishi have been thrown into the same County Council district, leading to what Onishi says could be "a very interesting race." West Hawaii Today.

County council members will no longer get a flat $600 a month for mileage. West Hawaii Today.

Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School could find itself placed on probation before its first year of classes begins -- or worse, have its charter revoked -- if the school's interim board does not hold elections for a permanent board by Nov. 21, according to the state Charter School Review Panel.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

People who own homes on agricultural land could end up paying more in property taxes - maybe a lot more - if the county starts taxing their house lots like other residential properties. Maui News.

Officials at Kaahumanu Hou Christian School hope their prayers for more students and for donations will be answered to put the school back in the black. Maui News.

Kauai

A Hawai‘i Army National Guard soldier died Wednesday afternoon while on duty at a vehicle maintenance shop on Kaua‘i, defense officials said in a news release. Garden Island.

Abercrombie's security pricey, India sends $158M for Thirty Meter Telescope, Kaneohe Bay to get busy, statewide apartment smoking ban sought, Lanai fights Big Wind, Maui looks at single-member council districts, homeless services declining, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Neil Abercrombie security (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Hawaii taxpayers paid at least $1.2 million for security personnel for the governor last year, Civil Beat has found. Civil Beat.

Five years after a workplace smoking ban took effect in Hawaii, the next battleground in smoking regulation is being fought in the boardrooms of condominiums and apartments, a debate over whether to ban smoking inside apartment units. KITV4.

The number of people who used homeless shelters or were helped by outreach services leveled off and may have even dropped slightly last year, after five years of increases, according to a report released Tuesday that looks at homeless services in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The number of homeless people in Hawaii receiving shelter and help from outreach programs declined by 3 percent — or 453 people — from fiscal year 2010 to FY 2011. Civil Beat.

A proposed bill would allow the city to confiscate all personal belongings left or kept on public property for more than 24 hours. Civil Beat.

A new Marine Corps study says airfield use at Kaneohe Bay is expected to increase 49 percent by 2018 compared with a 2009 "base-line" level of activity, as the Corps and Navy update aging aircraft and add new capability in a reflection of Hawaii's growing importance in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

A Water Resource Sustainability Conference is being hosted by the University of Hawai’i at Manoa this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Medical Service Association, poised to raise rates again at the start of the year, posted earnings of $12.9 million in the third quarter, which continued its return to profitability but raised some eyebrows over the magnitude of its financial turnaround. Star-Advertiser.

Two Hawaii resorts have made it on to the five-star list in the new issue of the Forbes Travel Guide, while six other hotels made the guide’s listing of four-star establishments. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines passengers will soon be able to travel from Honolulu to the Big Apple in one flight. Hawaii News Now.

Torch bearer does his job, distracts Clinton, ends up in viral video. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu is the third most expensive college town in America when it comes to real estate. KHON2.

City officials say they are pleased with the curbside recycling program that began in 2007 and went islandwide in May 2010, but are working to get more Oahu residents to put newspaper, bottles and other "mixed recyclables" into their blue bins. Star-Advertiser.

The president of the Hawaii State Federal Credit Union has abruptly resigned, the latest sign that the governance of the state's second-largest credit union continues to be beset by controversy and turmoil. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Department Major Carlton Nishimura, already under indictment on federal extortion charges, now faces drug distribution charges following an FBI raid of his Waianae home last night. Hawaii Reporter.

Richard Heinberg presented ideas at the Moana Nui summit based on more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

The Indian government is contributing around $158 million in high-tech components for the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

A charter amendment to devote 0.25 percent of property taxes to maintain the land the county is purchasing with open space funds got a tentative nod Tuesday from a County Council committee. West Hawaii Today.

Plans to transform North Kohala's rural Akoni Pule Highway into a National Scenic Byway have been halted following an outpouring of community opposition to the designation. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Municipal Golf Course is a pretty good deal, with or without a proposed increase to its greens fees, said golfers there on Tuesday morning. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Fresh out of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference on Oahu, Taiwan government officials spent Monday on Maui to honor Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a Chinese revolutionary leader who lived in Kula more than 100 years ago. Maui News.

Members of the Maui County Charter Commission on Monday looked at some possible alternatives to the current system of County Council districts, but postponed a decision on the issue. Maui News.

Kauai

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Kaua‘i Community Alliance will host the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week this week. Garden Island.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Tuesday that the Kaua‘i District Office of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation has completed its relocation to Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. Garden Island.

Lanai

More than 25 years ago, billionaire real estate tycoon David Murdock bought this bucolic Hawaiian island and promised to keep it as unchanged as a few high-end resorts and golf courses might allow. Civil Beat.

Obama to return to Hawaii for Christmas, Abercrombie must disclose judicial candidates, special ed falters, Big Island land eyed, Maui wind farm site in dispute, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

UPI pool photo

Politicking in his boyhood home, President Barack Obama told supporters Monday that everything they worked for and that the country stands for is on the line in his 2012 re-election bid, warning of a bleak America should a Republican win. Associated Press.

Early indications are the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference might not have drawn 20,000 visitors nor added $165 million to the economy as forecast, but it likely gave Hawaii something of more value: a new image. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama announced on Monday at a campaign fundraiser on Oahu's Leeward Coast that his wife Michelle and daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 9, will be returning "shortly" to Hawaii during the Christmas and New Years holiday - and he hopes to join them as well. Hawaii Reporter.

After spending three days in Hawaii, President Barack Obama is expected to depart the islands at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Coming back to Hawaii was more than just a stop for high-level diplomacy for President Barack Obama. Star-Advertiser.

First lady Michelle Obama spent her last day in Hawaii Monday promoting a nationwide effort to help veterans and military spouses find jobs in a speech at a job fair at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Pacific Business News.

First Lady Michelle Obama met veterans and military families today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Hawaii Public Radio.

A state judge ruled Monday that Gov. Neil Abercrombie must disclose the names on Judicial Selection Commission candidate lists used to make appointments.Star-Advertiser.

It was nearly a year ago that Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed Sabrina McKenna to the Hawaii Supreme Court without revealing the other finalists for the job. Civil Beat.

The achievement gap between Hawaii's public school special education students and their peers is wider than the national average, partially because they are isolated more than they should be, an evaluation agency reported this week. Civil Beat.

A new report that raises questions about the transparency of special-education funding and argues there are "strong disincentives" for moving disabled students into general-education classrooms will be used as a guidebook for making big changes through the coming year as to how special-education services are administered, state officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
APEC helps local business land big deal. KHON2.

The Ka Pua project, initially proposed for Makaha Valley, is now being considered for Maili on land owned by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. KITV4.

Hawaii Medical Center said it has found a new lender and potential buyer, averting the possibility that the bankrupt operator of hospitals in Liliha and Ewa, formerly known as St. Francis, will have to shut down. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Roughly 18 months after Hawaii County failed to attract a single purchase offer for its Paauilo properties, its attempt to lease the 718 acres of former sugar cane land has generated more than 40 requests. Tribune-Herald.

Banyan's Beach in North Kona has surfed to the top of the priority list for county acquisition next year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The site of a massive proposed wind farm in West Lanai where hundreds of archaeological and cultural sites have been identified has been named one of the state's "most endangered historic places" for 2011 by the Historic Hawaii Foundation. Maui News.

Purchasing and rehabilitating foreclosed homes, developing "clean and sober" rental units and renovating affordable apartments in Wailuku are among the projects proposed for the county's Affordable Housing Fund this year. Maui News.

Kauai

The type of treatment an addict pursues often reflects the willingness to overcome the addiction with support, experts say. Garden Island.

APEC to give Hawaii $120M boost, Honolulu, Maui looking at property tax exemptions, Big Island to celebrate Peace Corps' 50th, Hawaii Five-0 helps local school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

APEC leaders 2011 Hawaii "Family Photo" courtesy photo

APEC

There was no aloha for aloha shirts Sunday as world leaders, for the second year in a row, discarded the tradition of appearing in locale-specific attire for their "family photo" to wrap up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation annual summit. Star-Advertiser.

President Barack Obama on Sunday tied the hopes of a faster American economic recovery to the booming Pacific Rim region, saying "we're not going to be able to put our folks back to work" unless the Asia-Pacific region is successful as an engine for the world. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama on Sunday declared the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit a success that will strengthen the U.S. economy, and he expressed gratitude to his hometown for hosting representatives from the 21 APEC nations. Star-Advertiser.

President Obama wrapped up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit here on a personal note yesterday, thanking the people of Honolulu for their "extraordinary hospitality" and telling his visiting guests that Hawaii “made me who I am.” Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama capped the end of the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting Sunday night with pretty much the same message he has been pushing all weekend — that the Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing economic region in the world and one that the United States recognizes as a catalyst for its own future economic successes. Pacific Business News.

Asian-Pacific leaders have agreed on a range of measures to boost economic growth, including simplifying trade rules and cutting tariffs on green energy goods. Hawaii Reporter.

To give you an idea of just how unimportant the APEC summit was to the White House press corps, consider the fact that, of the 10 or so questions asked of President Barack Obama at his concluding press conference, just three or four were about APEC. Civil Beat.

At this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated U.S. intentions in leading a united effort to establish free and fair trade throughout the Pacific. Hawaii Independent.

While trade was the main focus of last week's APEC meetings, a number of other topics were also discussed. One was the role of women in regional economic growth---and what can be done to boost that role. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than one thousand people, many of them local Filipino-Americans, attended a dinner honoring Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. It was the only public appearance for Aquino, who was in Hawaii to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Hawaii News Now.

Makana Slips In Protest Song, Performing Before APEC Leaders. KITV4.

The big question many people have been asking - was it all worth it? KHON2.

Oahu

An independent review panel is leaning toward recommending that the city abolish property tax exemptions for roughly 150,000 Oahu homeowners, including the blind, elderly and disabled, as part of a major but controversial effort to bring more fairness, efficiency and accountability to the tax system while generating additional revenue for city services. Star-Advertiser.

The stars of CBS' "Hawaii Five-0" will be lending a hand off-screen to military school kids at Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida on Sunday announced his campaign for prosecuting attorney. West Hawaii Today.

When the federal government sought a training area to transition volunteers in the newly forged Peace Corps to posts in Southeast Asia, the Big Island was a natural choice. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county should require property owners to dedicate their land to agriculture before awarding them significant tax benefits, according to a group of Maui County Council members formed to investigate the system. Maui News.

Kihei teen Matt Matasci got a once-in-a-lifetime experience Saturday when he heard speeches by world leaders including President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Honolulu. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaiian guitarist Makana says he put his fears aside and listened to his heart when he chose to repeatedly sing his protest song, “We Are the Many,” to world leaders gathered for an APEC dinner Saturday. Garden Island.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day drive on Oct. 29 at the Kaua‘i Police Department headquarters resulted in the recovery of 120 pounds of various unused medications, county officials said. Garden Island.

Obama's APEC schedule and a sample of APEC coverage from Hawaii and around the world

President Barack Obama at APEC Hawaii

President Obama official schedule and guidance Nov. 13, 2011. APEC, Hawaii. Chicago Sun-Times.

U.S. President Barack Obama, in Hawaii hosting the APEC summit, has met with leaders from China, Russia and Japan. Voice of America.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday said the United States is a Pacific power, and it is " here to stay." Xinhua.

Searching for help, President Barack Obama lobbied the skeptical leaders of Russia and China for support in keeping Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed menace to the world, hoping to yield a "common response" to a deepening problem. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama made Honolulu the venue for declaring a shift in his focus away from the prolonged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Asia-Pacific region with all its economic promise. Star-Advertiser.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Honolulu, Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama touted their past bilateral achievements while holding out for hope and change in the future. RT.

President Barack Obama says Russia's expected entrance into the World Trade Organization is a testament to President Dmitry Medvedev's hard work and will be good for the United States, Russia and the world. Associated Press.

As President Obama embarked on a long excursion to promote a new U.S. strategy in Asia and the Pacific, his first public words here on Saturday morning were: “The United States wants to send a clear message: We are a Pacific nation and we are deeply committed to shaping the future security and prosperity of the Trans-Pacific region.” Civil Beat.

As he hosts the APEC summit in his native state of Hawaii, President Barack Obama is holding bilateral talks with leaders from Japan, China and Russia.  Particular attention focused on his discussions with China's president Hu Jintao. Hawaii Reporter.

President Barack Obama hosted a traditional Hawaiian-style celebration at Honolulu's Hale Koa Hotel on Saturday night for leaders and representatives of 20 nations attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference. Myfox Houston.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcomed the leaders and representatives from 20 other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation nations with a luau, hula and a Hawaiian proverb at the Hale Koa Hotel behind tight security that disrupted Saturday night traffic through Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Chinese Journalists Won't Report on Falun Gong Protests. Civil Beat.

Clinton addresses Hawaii APEC, Obama on his way, teacher's union loses court case, military beefing up, council redistricting maps completed on Oahu, Big Island, more top news for web and smartphone

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (c) 2011 Sen. Will Espero

APEC

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provided the first public comments from a high-ranking official at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, saying America's prosperity is tied to the region and pledging stepped-up economic, diplomatic and military emphasis in the East. Star-Advertiser.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday vowed to expand U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific by building trade ties, reinforcing alliances and continuing to press for democratic reforms in authoritarian nations like China and Vietnam. Associated Press.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday portrayed this week’s meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum here as but the first step in the Obama Administration’s strategy to put new emphasis on America’s diplomatic, economic, and military posture in this region. Civil Beat.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that the United States would expand its role in the Asia-Pacific region. Pacific Business News.

Rains held off in rainy Manoa Valley for U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 50-minute address on what she called “America’s Pacific Century.” Hawaii Reporter.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the East West Center yesterday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Determined to deepen relations with Asia, President Barack Obama is pouring nine days of valued time into a diplomatic mission away from Washington while Congress struggles toward a crucial budget deadline and a doubtful outcome. Associated Press.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Thursday urged China to continue allowing its currency to strengthen, a move that could translate into increased spending by the growing number of Chinese visitors to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The European economic crisis is the central challenge to global growth, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

As catastrophic floods overwhelm Thailand, preparation for such disasters and providing relief in their aftermath were prominently discussed today at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Honolulu. Hawaii Reporter.

The private-sector side of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation starts today in Waikiki, but registration for the APEC CEO Summit appears to fall short of expectations and past summits, according to the full list of participants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii politicians and business leaders urged attendees of the Asia-Pacific Business Symposium Thursday to form relationships that will transcend beyond the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this week. Star-Advertiser.

In APEC's Shadow: The Pacific People's Economy. Civil Beat.

About 1,800 journalists from news organizations throughout the Asia-Pacific region are in Honolulu this week to cover APEC.  Civil Beat.

On Friday morning, the Russian President is expected to arrive. And then late Friday night -- President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. KHON2.

State

Budget cuts are forcing the state to eliminate programs that help welfare recipients get jobs. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie praised a tentative agreement reached between the state and the United Public Workers union that will save the state 5 percent in labor costs over two years. Star-Advertiser.

A state judge Thursday dismissed the Hawaii State Teachers Association's attempt to force a decision on its request to block the contract imposed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie this summer while the union pursues an unfair labor practices complaint. Star-Advertiser.

About half of Hawaiian Telcom's workers began a two-day strike Thursday after negotiators failed to agree on a new contract. Associated Press.

Hawaiian Telcom’s motto of “always on” may be a little off, as more than half of the company’s roughly 1,300 workers began a two-day strike yesterday. Garden Island.

The U.S. Marine Corps has proposed basing two new aircraft in Hawaii, according to a draft environmental impact statement released Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Despite today's arrival of President Barack Obama and at least nine other delegations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, traffic congestion could ease up with fewer cars on the road because of today's Veterans Day holiday, state transportation officials said. Star-Advertiser.

The impact of APEC in the Pacific in the long term will not be immediate, but its impact on Honolulu has begun and will continue for the next few days. Hawaii Independent.

A city panel has approved the plan that will shape the Honolulu City Council landscape for the next decade. Civil Beat.

Ground was broken Thursday on a facility to expand what the state calls its "hub of international trade" near downtown Honolulu. KITV4.

Waikiki hotels report their room sales gradually increased last week as people arriving early for this week's APEC meetings, while neighbor island hotel occupancy remained lower. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hilo played host Thursday afternoon to a delegation of Russian dignitaries looking to get an eyeful of the Big Island's natural wonders. Tribune-Herald.

More than a dozen meetings, nine public hearings and innumerable hours of squinting at census blocks culminated Thursday in the county Redistricting Commission's "final" draft map of new County Council districts for the next decade. West Hawaii Today.

After 11 attempts, the Hawaii County Redistricting Commission has designated County Council districts that keep most communities intact, provide for two Puna lawmakers and avoid changes many residents called unacceptable. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann ramped up his campaign to win votes on the Neighbor Islands by collecting the endorsement of ILWU Local 142 Wednesday at its union hall in Wailuku. Maui News.

A high-surf advisory for the east-facing shores of Maui and Molokai will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service announced. Maui News

Kauai
The Kaua‘i High School Foundation presented a $3,500 check to Kaua‘i High School teacher Leah Aiwohi to support a project designed to assist the Kaua‘i Police Department in its public safety awareness program. Garden Island.

Molokai

A helicopter taking four tourists on an excursion over West Maui and the neighboring island of Molokai crashed into a mountainside near an elementary school Thursday, killing all of the tourists and the pilot, authorities said. Associated Press.

Molokai Boy Joins DHHL Leadership. Molokai Dispatch.

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.