Abercrombie unveils $11.1 billion no-new-taxes budget, lesbian couple sues Hawaii Kai B&B, Bank of Hawaii one of best, Hawaii Supreme Court sets oral arguments in reapportionment lawsuit, Kamehameha Schools to get $1.4M back in discrimination lawsuit, and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Budget Director Kalbert Young, courtesy photo

 

 

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Monday that the state won't need to increase taxes or cut spending any further to balance the budget during the upcoming fiscal year. The state will also be able to pay back the rainy day fund that was used to balance the budget this year, he said. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, setting an optimistic tone for the next session of the state Legislature, released a budget draft on Monday that calls for a modest increase in state spending and anticipates a healthy surplus as the state moves out of a recession. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Proposes Bigger Budget For Next Year — With No Tax Hikes. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie's administration submitted its supplemental budget to the legislature on Monday. Under the proposal, the state budget would increase from $10.9 billion to $11.1 billion dollars. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai’i’s Chief Executive was upbeat about his balanced budget proposal. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie proposed a supplemental budget proposal for the second year of the state’s two-year budget cycle Monday that includes no new taxes. KITV4.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie presented his supplemental budget request to state lawmakers Monday by touting the fact it contains no new taxes. KHON2.

Governor Submits Balanced Budget Aimed at Funding High-Priority Programs and No Tax Increases. Abercrombie news release.

The Hawaii Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments Jan. 4 in two lawsuits over new legislative maps that some say shorted the Big Island a fourth state Senate seat. West Hawaii Today.

Kamehameha Schools will receive $1.4 million in a settlement of its lawsuit alleging a breach of a confidential agreement that ended a court challenge to the schools' admissions policy giving preference to students with Hawaiian blood, the schools announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Charter Schools' 'Glaring Concerns' Raised at Briefing. Civil Beat.

A recent report by the State Office of the Auditor found Hawaii’s public charter school system riddled with poor performance, a lack of accountability, and unethical and illegal spending and employment practices. Hawaii Independent.

Bank of Hawaii has been named one of the top investor-owned banks in the country for the third consecutive year by Forbes magazine. Pacific Business News.

Emily's List Endorses Tulsi Gabbard for Congress. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for Dec. 20. Associated Press.

Oahu

Two Los Angeles women filed a discrimination lawsuit Monday against a Hawaii Kai bed-and-breakfast, saying its owner refused to rent them a room because they are a lesbian couple. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council will start debating an overhaul to the property tax system next month, even though the idea is already been dismissed as a dead-on-arrival election-year tax increase. Civil Beat.

Sarah Perez was in tears Monday when she tried to go to Hawaii Medical Center in Ewa for severe shoulder pain and saw a sign that read, "Emergency Room Closed." Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

There will be a lot of trash talk Wednesday when the County Council meets in Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

New beds for nursing program. Tribune-Herald.

Lander telescope clears trial hurdle. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island police are investigating the theft of coffee cherries from trees in the Ka'u District. KHON2.

Maui

A group of residents on a short, one-way street behind the Wharf Cinema Center is so upset about the county's plan's to switch the direction of traffic on Luakini Street between Prison and Dickerson streets to accommodate Maui Bus that they are organizing a protest today. Maui News.

Despite internal disagreements and a lawsuit, the third annual Rice Festival as held Sunday night - at the school across the street from Binhi at Ani - with many participants saying that honoring the sakadas who came to Hawaii before them and celebrating the holidays comes before anything else. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative took a step closer toward renewable energy sources, lessening the island’s dependence on oil, Friday with the dedication of its battery energy storage system its the Koloa substation. Garden Island.

A bright idea by a Kaua‘i High School student has powered an energy agreement intended to turn the island’s schools a little greener. Garden Island.

Hawaii on Obama watch, feds pan early education plan, Young Bros. granted 16.6% rate hike, UH to pay student for peeping tom, Maui to ban booze at park, Hawaii County studies property taxes, Kauai seeks landfill space and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mother Marianne Cope at Father Damien's funeral historical photo

Pope Benedict XVI has approved seven new saints for the Catholic Church, including Hawaii’s Mother Marianne and a 17th-century Native American, Caterina Tekakwitha. Associated Press.

First lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha seem to have been enjoying a respite from the television cameras since arriving at their Kailua vacation home on Saturday, according to area residents. Star-Advertiser.

First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, Sasha and Malia, spent the night in Kailua, Oahu, on Saturday. Hawaii Reporter.

First lady Michelle Obama and first daughters Malia and Sasha are on day two of their Hawaiian holiday vacation. KHON2.

Federal reviewers ranked Hawaii's application for a competitive, $49 million federal grant to improve the state's early-learning network last among 35 states vying for the money, calling elements of the plan "minimally implemented" and "low quality," documents show. Star-Advertiser.

Recently ratings by the federal government show how Hawaii hospitals compare with ones across the country and the grades could also lead to better quality care. KITV4.

Hawaii's big bond sale this month was great news for the state because of how much it will save in lower interest rates. But for the Hawaii State Department of Education, it was a routine event. Civil Beat.

It's been a month since the head of Hawaii's largest union demanded to reopen labor talks with Gov. Neil Abercrombie's chief negotiator, claiming another union got a better deal. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii must pay about $31,000 to a former student who was showering at a UH dormitory four years ago when an intruder tried to take photos or a video of her with his cellphone, a state judge has ruled. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission on Friday approved a 16.58 percent rate increase for interisland shipping company Young Brothers Ltd. Pacific Business News.

State Roundup for Dec. 18. Associated Press.

Hawaii Soldiers Last Division To Exit Iraq. KITV4.

There were many hugs and kisses at Wheeler Army Airfield Sunday night, as the families of about 50 soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division welcomed them home from their deployment to Iraq. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Residential electric bills on Oahu hit a record high in December for the third consecutive month, continuing a trend that has prompted a growing number of homeowners to install rooftop photovoltaic systems to cut their soaring power bills. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii state Department of Agriculture will inspect a Kahuku farm where undocumented workers from Laos said they were sickened by exposure to toxic pesticides. Hawaii Reporter.

The Council had approved to hear a bill in 2012 that would require grocers or wholesale food clubs to post signs or labels signifying that a food product included genetically engineered material. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

Hawaii County has begun an outside review of its property tax structure, the first step in ensuring fairness and perhaps bringing additional money to county coffers. West Hawaii Today.

The Transportation Security Administration is hoping to prevent concerns that new body scanning machines it began using at Hilo International Airport are an invasion of privacy. Tribune-Herald.

Organizers of the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School have been notified that they will not be allowed to launch next year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council members voted 8-0 Friday to give initial approval for a ban on the consumption of alcohol at the new South Maui Community Park. Maui News.

Xorin Balbes maintains that he renovated a historic landmark and created a self-awareness retreat, Lumeria Maui, while at least one opponent to reopening the Fred Baldwin Memorial Home said it looks more "like the Ritz." Maui News.

28 families were selected to receive homestead leases in the Kula, Waiohuli Hikina and the Waiehu Kou communities. KHON2.

Kauai

The island’s only landfill may operate another 10 years before closing down for good. With the clock ticking — and after a few extensions and expansions — the county has yet to find a site for the next landfill. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Police Department has a new deputy chief. Garden Island.

Hawaii tax database breached, scathing audit of charter schools, Honolulu property ticks up, recovery slow, Hawaii County fires five cops, big airport changes coming to Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu road construction (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Congress appropriated 840-Billion dollars in Federal Economic Stimulus money to States in February 2009. Did Hawai’i receive its fair share of that funding and who’s tracking it? Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Taxation placed several employees on administrative leave without pay this week following the discovery of an internal security breach of the department's tax database. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Neil Abercrombie’s administration is investigating unspecified wrongdoing in the state Tax Department. Hawaii Reporter.

The State Attorney General is investigating allegations of security breaches at the tax department dating back several years. KHON2.

Charter schools have been spending public money with little oversight -- or accountability for student performance -- and the lack of government monitoring has resulted in "unethical and illegal" spending and employment practices at some campuses, a scathing audit of Hawaii's system of 31 charter schools found. Star-Advertiser.

State Auditor Marion Higa issued a scathing report on Hawaii's charter schools Thursday, calling out individual schools for potential fraud and criticizing the Charter School Review Panel. West Hawaii Today.

A blistering report released Thursday by the Hawaii state auditor alleges little to no oversight of the state’s public charter school system.KHON2.

For the first time in five years, Hawaii's school bus companies have bid against each other for contracts to transport students to and from school. Civil Beat.

Youth Correctional Facility Cleans Up Its Act. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Wednesday that he will appoint an interim successor for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Boyd Mossman "as soon as I can" and that whomever he picks will not be running for the seat in the November election. Maui News.

State roundup for Dec. 16. Associated Press.

Oahu

Property values on Oahu rose slightly over the past year, giving the City Council and the Carlisle administration the expectation for some added revenue to work with as they craft a budget for the next fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

The tax bill for some landowners may increase slightly if the Honolulu city council keeps tax rate at the current level. KITV4.

The pace of Honolulu's economic recovery since the end of the recession ranks in the bottom 20 percent of the nation's top 100 metropolitan areas, according to a report released Thursday by the Brookings Institution. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine will receive a $13.2 million federal grant for its Bioscience Research Infrastructure Development for Grant Enhancement and Success project. Pacific Business News.

First complaint filed under new city ordinance against personal property on sidewalks. Hawaii News Now.

The Gas Company dedicated a new plant in Kapolei that can make "renewable natural gas" out of oils and fats from animal, fishing and farming waste. KHON2.

Visitors to the Waikiki Aquarium got their first chance to see the aquarium's newest resident Thursday. KHON2.

Hawaii

Five Hawaii County police officers were fired this year, a significant increase over last year, when no nonprobationary police officers lost their jobs for disciplinary reasons. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiians unloaded their mana'o on officials from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands about an initiative to get the longest-waiting beneficiaries off the homestead waiting list.  Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Water Board has tapped the department's deputy manager to become the manager and chief engineer. West Hawaii Today.

The Police Department won't be getting any new marked cruisers this Christmas or in the near future, a senior administrator said. Tribune-Herald.

Double-decker out of commission. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Department of Transportation is studying different plans to comprehensively rebuild Kahului Airport’s aging main runway, which was built in 1942. KITV4.

Projects such as the 460-kilowatt photovoltaic system recently installed at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center are part of a "spectrum of alternative energy" from home-based systems to large-scale farms to meet the state's current and future power needs, said Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday. Maui News.

A small turnout of Kihei residents Tuesday night urged Charter Commission members to put a proposal for four-year council terms on the ballot and keep County Council elections nonpartisan. Maui News.

Kauai

Grove Farm has told its Koloa Camp tenants it’s time to move out and make way for progress. Garden Island.

The major Hawaiian ports of call for hundreds of whalers during the 19th century were Honolulu and Lahaina, where whalers restocked provisions, replenished crews and transshipped whale oil cargoes following whale hunts in the Japan Sea, the South Pacific or the Arctic. Garden Island.

West Kaua‘i Rotary plants seeds for ‘Christmas miracle’ Garden Island.

Honolulu least affordable city, director named to troubled housing agency, Hawaiian Homes waiting list spans four decades, changes proposed for super PACs, military gears up live-fire exercises, Maui rethinks water laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu high rises (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

Honolulu is the least affordable city for renters nationwide, with only 8 percent of middle-class jobs paying enough to afford a two-bedroom apartment. Star-Advertiser.

Political committees in Hawaii that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of campaign money could be required to name the candidates their expenditures are targeting or supporting in the upcoming elections. Civil Beat.

Candidates running for the Hawaii Legislature last year raked in nearly $5 million in total contributions — and spent just as much, according to figures from the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

Supporters of Hawaii’s ignition interlock law are hailing the first year of the program as a huge success. KHON2.

During the last session lawmakers hung their hats on a strategy that they hoped would help generate additional tax dollars without having to adopt an explicit tax increase like an increase in the general excise tax rate or an increase in personal income tax rates. Hawaii Reporter.

Former Gov. John Waihee III received a standing ovation after his 2011 State of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs keynote address, in which he stressed self-governance. Star-Advertiser.

"I stand here in front of you asking all of you to lay your weapons down. Lay your spears down and embrace with aloha," OHA chairperson Colette Machado said. Hawaii News Now.

Hakim Ouansafi, chairman of the Muslim Association of Hawaii and a longtime executive in the hotel industry here, has been selected as the newest head of the state’s public housing agency. Hawaii Reporter.

A study published in the Hawaii Medical Journal this month links certain eye irritation symptoms, such as inflamed bumps on the inside of the eyelid and clear mucous discharge, to chronic exposure to vog, or volcanic fog, and its findings might be key in diagnosing and treating the condition. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Unions will be legal for same gender couples starting early next year. Meanwhile, Mental Health America of Hawai’i hosted a seminar today to ask how well this community is being treated and what should be done in the future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Telcom union workers have rejected the company's latest offer, according to a message on the IBEW Local Union 1357 website. KITV4.

State roundup for Dec. 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

The state agency charged with developing the waterfront around the historic Aloha Tower heard from tenants of the financially struggling retail complex. KITV4.

Whenever there's heavy rain, the Ala Wai Boat Harbor gets storm runoff debris. But according to residents who live on boats moored in the harbor, Tuesday's downpour left a more debris than they've ever seen. Hawaii News Now.

A subsidiary of Marriott International has filed a federal lawsuit against Aqua Hotels and Resorts Inc. alleging the Honolulu-based hotel operator secretly met with the owner of the former Waikiki Edition hotel to plan a hostile takeover of the hotel’s management. Pacific Business News.

Two more Honolulu police personnel have been charged with insurance fraud by the state Attorney General’s office.Hawaii Reporter.

First Lady Michelle Obama and her two daughters will be in Hawaii by the end of the week. KHON2.

Hawaii

Maxine Kaha'ulelio came prepared to meet with the chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Tribune Herald.

Navy aircraft are scheduled to conduct live-fire training on Monday and Tuesday at Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

State and federal court cases regarding the future of the Mamalahoa bypass were settled late Tuesday, but county officials and attorneys remained mum on the details. West Hawaii Today.

The federal government is giving Hawaii another $13.5 million for Saddle Road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Pacific Cancer Institute of Maui is undertaking a nearly $7 million expansion and renovation project, primarily to accommodate a new, $3 million machine for radiation surgery and therapy. Maui News.

A move to amend and perhaps sunset the Show Me the Water ordinance stalled in a Maui County Council committee on a 3-3 vote Tuesday. Maui News.

With a supporter agreeing to match donations through the end of the year, Women Helping Women is wishing for a surge in holiday giving to keep its domestic violence shelter open. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi today announced that the state Department of Education is working to significantly reduce the cost of school operations and, as a first step, has awarded a Power Purchase Agreement contract to install photovoltaic systems at 15 Kauai schools. Hawaii Independent.

Grove Farm has told its Koloa Camp tenants it’s time to move out and make way for progress. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i plans to offer tours of Garden Isle waste disposal and recycling facilities next year. Garden Island.

Hawaii preps for Obama ohana, Kauai residents sue Pioneer GMO seed corn company, Abercrombie to release cautiously optimistic budget, union woes unending, PUC clears First Wind project for Oahu, Honolulu EMS racks $16M in OT, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea lava flows into sea USGS courtesy photo

Volcanologists on Tuesday mapped the newest ocean entry from the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano. Tribune-Herald.

Kailua residents began bracing for the possibility of a fourth consecutive Christmas visit from President Barack Obama and the first family as activity picked up Tuesday around the beachside compound that's come to be known as Obama's Western White House. Star-Advertiser.

Cautiously optimistic. That's the tone Hawaii taxpayers can expect when Gov. Neil Abercrombie releases his budget update Monday. Civil Beat.

The National Transportation Safety Board recommendation Tuesday that all states should ban drivers from using any cellphones, including hands-free devices, would be "drastic" and a tough sell in the islands where county restrictions already exist, a key Hawaii lawmaker said. Star-Advertiser.

The Legislature passed an anti-bullying law this year, but it wasn't in time to keep Hawaii out of a federal report that names the state as one of four without such a statute. Star-Advertiser.

For the last five months the Hawaii State Teachers Association has been making its case before the Labor Relations Board — and in the media — that Gov. Neil Abercrombie violated collective bargaining law when he unilaterally implemented a new contract on teachers in July. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Telcom workers have rejected the company's latest contract offer. Associated Press.

State roundup for Dec. 14. Associated Press.

Oahu

Skies over Oahu are expected to clear this morning as a storm system that prompted a flash-flood watch Tuesday moves to the east, the National Weather Service said. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved First Wind and Hawaiian Electric Co.’s plan to construct a 69-megawatt wind farm on the North Shore of Oahu that will be the largest wind-energy project in the state. Pacific Business News.

CBS's executive producer for the television series Hawaii Five-O, Peter Lenkov, issued an apology on Tuesday, December 14, 2011, on behalf of the Hawaii Five-0 production unit, to "veterans and members of the Greatest Generation Foundation whom we unintentionally offended when our events coincided." Hawaii Reporter.

Local Nisei soldiers who received the coveted Congressional Gold Medal in Washington D.C. last month, will be honored during several celebrations in Honolulu this weekend. KITV4.

The city auditor found the city's Emergency Medical Services operation spent $15.7 million in non-holiday overtime costs between fiscal years 2008 and 2010. KITV4.

Hawaii

Although still without a contractor to clean its dry wells and drainage culverts, Hawaii County safely "weathered" recent rains that drenched much of the island. Tribune-Herald.

A reward of up to $30,000 is being offered for information leading to charges against the person or people who destroyed 10 acres of papaya trees in Kapoho this summer. Tribune-Herald.

Federal Justice Officials Ignore Questions About Hawaii Pot Minister. Civil Beat.

The low bidder for the next phase of the Kaloko Housing project is protesting its disqualification, its president says. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees left the replacement of former member Boyd Mossman in the governor's hands, after they were unable to reach a decision on the appointment Monday. Maui News.

The origin of a fire that knocked out 911 emergency service and caused other communications problems Sunday was unknown Monday, but a Hawaiian Telcom spokesman said all service was restored by 3:15 a.m. Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

On behalf of more than 150 Waimea residents, attorneys on Tuesday filed a lawsuit in Fifth Circuit Court on O‘ahu against Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a DuPont company. Garden Island.

Photovoltaic systems will be installed at 15 Kauai schools at no cost to the State. KHON2.

A handful of bills recently introduced by the Kaua‘i County Council may jolt the county’s main revenue generator — real property taxes. Garden Island.

An anonymous letter from a county employee takes aim at what is described as marijuana use during the workday by employees who never seem to come up for random urinalysis testing. Garden Island.

Lanai

When a former employee who became one of David H. Murdock’s most avid supporters sat down with the billionaire owner of Lana'i in July, she created quite a stir among residents when she wrote Murdock was contemplating selling the island. KHON2.

U.S. Supreme Court studying Hawaiian preference lawsuit, WWII vets irked by Hawaii Five-0 crew at Punchbowl, Hawaii County commission to mull gerrymandering allegations, Hawaiian Home Lands to trim waiting list, Honolulu rail transit case remains open, Maui looks at charter, Kauai considers tax breaks, more Hawaii news

Hawaiian fisherman (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The U.S. Supreme Court has left the door open to hear arguments in a case with potentially broad implications for government benefits awarded exclusively to Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Only about half a dozen people showed up at Wahiawa Recreational Center Monday night to hear the Office of Hawaiian Affairs explain the proposed Kakaako land deal to settle ceded-land payments with the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's 2011 legislative session was packed with debate over hot educational issues. And the new session, which begins January 18, promises to pick up where the drama left off. Civil Beat.

An aide for Gov. Neil Abercrombie pleaded no contest Monday to a charge that he refused to leave a Waikiki bar in September. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii-based leaders of the 25th Infantry Division are scheduled to return from Iraq this weekend after a year-long deployment. Star-Advertiser.

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan 9 months ago produced up to 25-million tons of debris. As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports … scientists don’t know how much of that trash was swept into the Pacific Ocean … but they are now predicting it will begin landing on Hawai’i’s shores. Hawaii Public Radio.

Many of Hawaii's best known universities and high schools are vulnerable to having their names fall into the hands of the online pornography industry. KITV4.

State roundup for Dec. 13. Associated Press.

Oahu

A group of World War II veterans say they were taken aback by how a production crew with the hit TV show Hawaii Five-0 treated them during a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific last Friday. KHON2.

It was the "ultimate disrespect" that left their "blood boiling." That is how organizers of a ceremony for World War II veterans at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl describe the conduct of a production crew from the hit television series Hawaii Five-O. Hawaii News Now.

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano and others who have joined in a lawsuit against the city's rail transit project will be allowed to continue their court challenge, a federal judge ruled Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Seven plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit against the City & County of Honolulu and the Federal Transit Administration over the city's planned $5.3 billion rail project, received some good news today. Hawaii Reporter.

Comment: What will rail and HOT lanes do for Honolulu? Hawaii Independent.

A Hawaii couple on Monday received the first all-electric car delivered by Mitsubishi Motors to a retail customer in the Uniterd States. Associated Press.

The company that operated Hawaii's largest puppy mill pleaded no contest Monday to 153 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty in Kaneohe District Court and faces sentencing in February.Star-Advertiser.

Occupancy in Waikiki hotels in October helped Oahu set a revenue record, according to data released Monday by a tourism industry consultant company. Associated Press.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced the opening of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area O‘ahu to fishing for one year beginning January 1. KHON2.

Hawaii

Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who have lost hope of attaining homestead land after decades of waiting might soon get a chance through a new project. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants to award leases to beneficiaries who have been on the waiting list the longest. Tribune-Herald.

The county Redistricting Commission has scheduled a special meeting Friday to review its County Council map after a West Hawaii Today article revealed that a last-minute change to the map benefited two County Council members by moving them into different districts. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County's Redistricting Commission will hold a special meeting Friday in Hilo to address alleged gerrymandering, its chairwoman said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

A 30-year veteran of the Hawaii Police Department this week will be taking over the helm of Kona patrol operations. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Charter Commission will gather public comments on 21 proposed charter amendments at a series of meetings starting this week. Maui News.

Maui led the state with the highest average daily hotel room rate in October, nearly $210, an 8.1 percent jump over the same month last year, according to the monthly report from Hospitality Advisors Inc. Maui News.

An agreement reached Thursday between Hale Makua Health Services and United Public Workers-represented employees will help the agency keep its Wailuku facility open - at least for now. Maui News.

Kauai

A real-life variation of The Descendants movie is being staged in state Probate Court, where heirs to the Damon Estate, one of Hawaii’s wealthiest family trusts, continue to squabble over nearly $1 billion in land and other assets. Hawaii Reporter.

County officials recently announced changes in two of the county’s real property tax relief programs — the circuit breaker and home exemption programs — are now in effect. Garden Island.

Hawaii Super PACs begin fundraising, Hirono-Case Senate campaign heats up, Honolulu enforces smoking ban, Supreme Court may hear Hawaiian preference lawsuit, Kilauea Volcano leaves last man standing, Hawaii bond critics fear negative arbitrage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and Sen. Daniel Akaka courtesy photo

Rep. Mazie Hirono’s campaign for U.S. Senate is releasing the results of a new poll that shows the Democratic congresswoman with an 18-point lead over Democratic rival and former Congressman Ed Case. Civil Beat.

Former Congressman Ed Case: If Hirono Wins U.S. Senate Democratic Primary, Former GOP Gov. Lingle Will Beat Her. Hawaii Reporter.

Campaigns for next year's elections are getting under way and Hawaii is already seeing the formation of special political committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of campaign money. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Supreme Court could announce as early as today whether the justices will review a case that could produce a landmark ruling on the legality of government benefits to Native Hawaiians under the Constitution's equal protection clause. Star-Advertiser.

Within the first minutes of the new year, clergy and judges may register online to perform civil unions, and within a short time will be able to unite same-sex couples in a legal relationship that grants them the same rights as married couples for the first time in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

In less than a month, same-sex couples in Hawaii will become eligible for civil union status under a new law signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in February. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Hurricane Relief Fund and Rainy Day Fund are supposed to be tapped only in true emergencies, such as a tsunami or hurricane. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii’s media monopoly and the struggle for democracy. Hawaii Independent.

Go Mokulele is returning to normal schedule Monday, three days after its fleet was grounded. KHON2.

Google is spending several hundred million dollars to build a data center in Hong Kong and has plans to follow that up with two other Asian locations. Hawaii Public Radio.

State roundup for Dec. 12. Associated Press.

Oahu

More international visitor arrivals boosted occupancy and room rates on Oahu to near record levels for October as the performance of hotels statewide improved. Star-Advertiser.

For those hunkered down at the Occupy Hono­lulu encampment at the edge of Thomas Square, disenchantment with the direction in which government and corporate institutions have taken the world comes with an unwavering sense that their movement can improve the situation. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time in more than four years, a Honolulu police officer has issued tickets to bar patrons for breaking the statewide smoking ban. KITV4.

A plan that will serve as a guide to the state as it moves forward restoring Kawainui Marsh is starting to take shape. KITV4.

Before many of us were even up Sunday, thousands hit the road in the 39th annual Honolulu Marathon. KHON2.

Hyatt Hotels Corp. has opened the first of two towers at its new Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach hotel. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Jack Thompson, 61, is the last resident of Royal Gardens, the subdivision that has been inundated by lava since 1983. Tribune-Herald.

On Jan. 10, 1976, Allen Castro, 25, and Danny Robinson, 21, met for the first time. Love quickly blossomed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Severed fiber optics cable disrupts communication on Maui. KHON2.

Runoff from heavy rain has prompted state health officials to issue a Brown Water Advisory for Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks announced Friday it auctioned all of the 16 available recreational cabin lots in Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon state parks in the first scheduled tier of the auction held Thursday at the Kaua‘i War Memorial in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

The earthquake and tsunami that rocked Fukushima Prefecture last March not only tragically devastated its small villages, it swept a legacy of junk into the Pacific Ocean. Garden Island.

Surf's up! Lesbians sue Hawaii for right to marry, Big Island redistricting carves out incumbent, ambulance audit shows waste, inefficiency, Honolulu considers property tax overhaul, lava approaching neighborhood and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Banzai Pipeline photo courtesy Boardistan

Historic surf rolled into the Banzai Pipeline for the opening day of the Billabong Pipe Masters. Hawaii News Now.

The North Shore was pumping with wind-blown waves on Thursday that were big enough to stage the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons surf contest — and to help realize the island fantasies of new Hawaii arrivals Air Force Staff Sgt. Joe Rucker and his wife, Dawn. Star-Advertiser.

In a political tit for tat that foreshadows Hawaii's U.S. Senate race next year, Gov. Neil Abercrombie and his predecessor Linda Lingle are clashing over who's done the better job managing the state's finances. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday that the state is back on track financially, and suggested he would share quarterly reports on state spending to make the budget process more transparent. Star-Advertiser.

Two women are suing Hawaii in federal court because they want to be married and not simply have a civil union. Associated Press.

Two Honolulu women are suing Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the state health director in federal court over the state's denial of same-sex marriages. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates of the local food movement say increasing the amount of food grown across the islands could benefit the state in several ways, improving both the health and wealth of the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye recently found themselves on opposite sides of controversial votes on how the United States should handle the detention of terrorism suspects, including American citizens. Civil Beat.

Hawai’I’s Charter School System will be undergoing a complete overhaul in 12-to-16 months. That’s the recommendation of a State Senate Task Force charged with developing more stringent laws and rules to govern local Charter Schools. Hawaii Public Radio.

A state organization that oversees thousands of acres of prime agricultural land and millions in income from agricultural leases spent just a little over a week in a low-key search for a new leader. KITV4.

Oahu

About 150,000 Oahu homeowners, including elderly and disabled ones, would lose their property tax exemptions if the City Council adopts politically dicey recommendations made by an advisory panel aiming to bring more equity, fairness and simplicity to the tax system. Star-Advertiser.

Only a handful of ambulances met response time guidelines, and emergency responders made as much as two hundred thousand dollars each a year due to overtime. KHON2.

The city is trying to fire two managers who oversaw a former parking manager accused by prosecutors of stealing as much as $400,000 from city parking facilities in Honolulu and Chinatown. KITV4.

State investigating claims of welfare fraud. KHON2.

Assistant Chaminade University basketball coach Mike Mathey resigned today, four days after mistakenly sending a text with a racial slur to one of his players. Hawaii News Now.

About 20 houseless people, advocates, and Occupy Honolulu supporters turned up to voice their opposition to City Council Bill 54 at Honolulu Hale on Wednesday. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii

A last-minute change to the new County Council district map has saved Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi from having to square off against fellow incumbent J Yoshimoto. West Hawaii Today.

The cost of acquiring and improving land for the Hawaii Judiciary’s Kona court complex on the Big Island varies from $4.5 million to $10.8 million, depending on which of seven sites the state chooses, according to a final environmental impact statement published Thursday in the state’s Environmental Notice. Pacific Business News.

The CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is meeting with the public today and Saturday to talk about a plan to settle a decades-old claim on revenue generated by Hawaiian monarchy lands. Tribune-Herald.

The would-be developer of a South Kona project is arguing the Kona Community Plan does not apply to its proposed planned unit development. West Hawaii Today.

Astronomers have identified the future mission of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope on Mauna Kea, if they can secure funding for it. Tribune-Herald.

Lava continues to flow through the Royal Gardens subdivision on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The state would purchase 65 acres in Waikapu for a major new Central Maui park complex, under a proposal being discussed Friday by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in Honolulu. Maui News.

A final environmental impact statement has been released for A&B Properties' 2,550-home, 545-acre development in Central Maui. Maui News.

In less than a year, the tiny Hansen's disease settlement of Kalaupapa could be the site of the ministry of not one but two Roman Catholic saints. Maui News.

Kauai
Initial University of Hawai‘i reports estimated that up to 20 million tons of tsunami debris from Japan could reach Hawaiian shores by early 2013, but new findings suggest it may start to arrive as early as next month. Garden Island.

Princeville Ranch Adventures announces the opening of its Kids’ Adventure Center. Garden Island.

Honolulu police release video of drunk councilman, ag board in turmoil, homeless sidewalk ban passes, Big Island bond reallocation killed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A police sergeant's helmet-cam caught the following video of drunken Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg arguing with the Secret Service at an APEC event. Civil Beat.

Police have released a video of City Councilman Tom Berg arguing loudly and belligerently with Secret Service personnel outside a Waikiki hotel on Nov. 12 after being denied re-entry into an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation reception. Star-Advertiser.


In wheelchairs and on walkers, the old veterans came Wednesday to remember the day 70 years ago when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Associated Press.

An association of Pearl Harbor survivors founded in 1958 has announced they will be disbanding at the end of the month. Associated Press.

State Leaders Search for Ways to Increase Energy Efficiency. Hawaii Public Radio.

A limit on the number of charter schools in Hawaii would be lifted if the recommendations of a task force are adopted. Civil Beat.

The Waialae Iki census tract in Honolulu had the highest median household in Hawaii in 2010, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey five-year estimates released Thursday. Pacific Business News.


Hawaii residents are getting better at paying their mortgages and credit cards on time, and the trend is forecast to continue next year. Star-Advertiser.

The Agribusiness Development Corporation has ousted its longtime executive director and hired a new one in a surprise move that some called a power play staged by newer board members. Civil Beat.

There's controversy at the State Department of Agriculture over what's called a forced resignation and an inside job on picking the replacement. Hawaii News Now.

State tourism leaders gathered in Waikiki Wednesday for a discussion on marketing strategies for 2012. KHON2.

Oahu

A proposal to ban the practice of storing personal items, including furniture and clothing, in public areas such as sidewalks and parks now goes to Mayor Peter Carlisle, who is expected to sign the bill into law. Star-Advertiser.


Lost, Injured Hawaiian Seabirds Find Sanctuary at Sea Life Park. Hawaii Reporter.

Pearl Harbor wasn’t always a place of war. Hawaii Independent.

Hundreds lined up early to add their name to the list of runners participating in Sunday's 39th annual Honolulu Marathon. KHON2.

Hawaii

A $23,000 contract to remove a partially collapsed loading dock at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor appears to have been completed by a contractor not licensed for the scope of work, West Hawaii Today has learned. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Councilman Fred Blas cast the swing vote Wednesday by joining minority members in defeating a $10 million parks-maintenance plan, which left stunned supporters fuming. Tribune-Herald.

A plan to divert $10 million from two Hilo projects on a recent county bond issue to try to quickly put construction workers back on the job failed by one vote Wednesday, when four council members voted to leave the current $56 million bond issue alone. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A retreat that brought together members of the Board of Education, public school superintendents, legislators and other state education leaders was a step in the right direction, Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui Complex Area Superintendent Bruce Anderson said this week. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday approved a $40,000 request to retain special counsel to defend the county in a lawsuit against a mixed martial arts fighter Tased by a Kaua‘i Police Department officer two years ago. Garden Island.

Molokai
Richard Schuman, owner of air service provider Makani Kai, confirmed last week his company will begin providing lower-cost flights in and out of Kalaupapa later this month. Molokai Dispatch.

The Safari Explorer passenger yacht did not dock last weekend as scheduled after more than 300 community members attended a public meeting last Wednesday night. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii technology lacking, school system faces audit, Hawaiian Airlines considers kama'aina program, state may get second saint, migrant workers decry conditions, Pearl Harbor remembered and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

undersea cable connects Hawaii broadband courtesy photo

One trillion computing devices will be connected to the internet by 2013 … and 3 out of 4 citizens will be dealing electronically with government agencies. But Hawai’i’s information technology is lagging far behind … according to one study…it’s among the bottom third in the nation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and his Department of Education say they want even more money to run school buses next year — even though the Legislature told them to cut costs. Civil Beat.

The Department of Education is facing a series of tough budget decisions in the coming school year that -- in worst-case scenarios -- could result in the elimination of school bus service on Oahu and an 85-cent increase to school lunch prices, officials warned Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The governor's appointed Board of Education approved on Tuesday plans for a two-year, internal audit of the state's school system. Tribune-Herald.

Special Investigation: Laotian Workers Suffer Health and Financial Problems on Oahu Farms. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Airlines working on possible pricing options for locals. Hawaii News Now.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/16205051/hawaiian-airlines-working-on-possible-pricing-options-for-locals

The Dec. 7, 1941, bombing of Pearl Harbor and those who lost their lives that day are being remembered Wednesday on the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack that brought the U.S. into World War II. Associated Press.

On the eve of the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, I helped lead a field trip to Ke Awalau o Puʻuloa (Pearl Harbor) for 57 inner-city Honolulu high school students. Hawaii Independent.

Helicopters from the 25th Infantry Combat Aviation Brigade at Wheeler Army Airfield are set to lift off for a mission in Afghanistan. KITV4.

Oahu

Oahu's jobless rate improved to 5.6 percent in October from 5.7 percent in September but slipped in a ranking of 372 metropolitan areas to the 39th lowest, according to a report Tuesday from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens of exemptions to the city's property tax system have rendered it unfair and inefficient. Civil Beat.

A former chief of staff fired by Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg is now calling for his impeachment. Civil Beat.

After decades of neglect eight roads in east Oahu will be getting a much needed facelift in the form of new asphalt by March. KHON2.

Safeway plans to open its new Honolulu store on South Beretania Street next week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Hawaii County's $7.5 million road maintenance "windfall" should be spent on specific projects with individual price tags, County Council members told Mayor Billy Kenoi's administration Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Some members of the Hawaii County Council have apparently taken to heart Henry David Thoreau's adage, "That government is best which governs least." West Hawaii Today.

It's only five words, but it makes a world of difference to South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford, chairwoman of the Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ground was broken for the long-awaited Kihei police station Monday morning, with politicians, police officers and community members saying they are excited to see the area's growing population finally getting a station to fit its needs. Maui News.

Kauai

A temporary septic system is coming with price tag for residents of a housing complex in one of the island’s sunniest and hottest places. Garden Island.

The Salvation Army recently accepted a $7,800 donation to continue its Soup Kitchen program for 2012, Garden Island.

Molokai

Known affectionately as the "beloved mother of the outcasts," Blessed Marianne Cope, who ministered to Hansen's disease patients in Kalaupapa for the last 39 years of her life, is one step away from being canonized as a saint, Hawaii's second after St. Damien. Star-Advertiser.

Romney criticizes Obama Hawaii vacation, school bus pricing probe widens, WWII vets returning to Pearl Harbor, state gets high grade, Hawaii County low grade, for website transparency, mixed reaction to UH coach McMackin's departure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii Greg McMackin AP photo via Yahoo News

Greg McMackin's four-year tenure as the University of Hawaii's head football coach came to an emotional end Monday when he accepted a retirement offer. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackin has stepped down and will waive nearly half of his $1.1 million employment contract, he announced this afternoon. Hawaii Reporter.

Despite the University of Hawaii’s football team’s losing season, an apology for a gay slur during a 2009 press conference and the recent anonymous point shaving accusation, there are University of Hawaii students who stand by coach Greg McMackin. KITV4.

Despite his shortcomings on the gridiron, which included a 29-25 overall record and only one winning season in four years, University of Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackin is being hailed as a game changer when it comes to academic success. KHON2.

To rein in skyrocketing school bus costs, state Department of Education officials are looking at a host of options -- from cutting routes to holding on longer to older school buses -- but stressed there is no single solution short of eliminating bus service altogether. Star-Advertiser.

For the last four years, Hawaii taxpayers have paid whatever price school bus contractors asked of the Department of Education. Civil Beat.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration didn't adequately inform the public about a proposal to widen protections for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal or give them enough time to comment, according to former Hawaii governor and U.S. Senate candidate Linda Lingle. Civil Beat.

Overnight mail delivery in Hawaii would be eliminated and first-class mail would take one day longer to be delivered under changes proposed by the U.S. Postal Service on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Researchers in Hawai`i are looking at opportunities to increase the state’s independence with regard to both energy and food. If biofuel and aquacutlure researchers are able to work together quickly, they could achieve benefits for people, the economy and life in the ocean. Hawaii Public Radio.

At this time of the year, the Internal Revenue Service is not looking to be Scrooge, it wants to be Santa and return more than $153 million to taxpayers — more than $700,000 to Hawaii residents alone. Star-Advertiser.

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is attacking President Barack Obama's plans to come to his home state over Christmas. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Two dozen men -- all of them Pearl Harbor survivors from across the country -- traveled to Oahu this week to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack that launched the United States into World War Two. KITV4.

Police Maj. Carlton Nishimura received about $6,000 a month from the operator of an illegal gambling room on Keeaumoku Street from April 2004 through March 2006 to protect the operation, and used the money to support his own gambling activities, the FBI said in court records a federal judge unsealed last week. Star-Advertiser.

An aging Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter crashed March 29 in Kaneohe Bay as a result of a "catastrophic mechanical failure," a portion of the official investigation concluded. Star-Advertiser.

The Korean developer of the Hale Ka Lae luxury condominium project in Hawaii Kai has put construction on hold indefinitely because of “financial constraints from the weakening global economy.” Pacific Business News.

Watch out for injured or disoriented native seabirds, especially in Windward Oahu. Wildlife experts are asking for help rescuing native Wedge-tailed shearwaters. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Astronomers using the Gemini North telescope on Mauna Kea have found what they say are the two largest black holes ever measured in Earth's "cosmological neighborhood." West Hawaii Today.

Two more Big Island residents have announced their intentions to run for County Council next year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County government has stripped the meeting notices from its online calendar, even as a national group gives the county a C-minus on website transparency. West Hawaii Today.

Organizers of the Laupahoehoe charter school have asked the Hawaii Board of Education to once again overrule the state's charter school advisory body, this time over a disagreement surrounding the timing of elections of permanent school board members. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa's television call-in show "Your County with Mayor Arakawa" will be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Akaku Channel 53. Maui News.

State Office of Hawaiian Affairs officials presented a proposed settlement to Native Hawaiians on Friday night in which the agency would receive $200 million in Honolulu real estate for revenue generated on Hawaiian monarchy lands. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Council on Thursday passed the 2012 Hawai‘i State Association of Counties Legislative Package, a collection of 14 state proposals to be considered by all four counties’ councils. Garden Island.

The County Council Chairman, a County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and a former Salary Commissioner addressed matters of budget protocol to the County Salary Commission at its  Dec. 2 meeting. Garden Island.

Not all members of Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative are accepting of the co-op’s plan to replace ratepayers’ existing electricity meters with smart meters, which will transmit real-time usage information to the utility wirelessly. Garden Island.