Hawaii inmates released without supervision, tax department not keeping up, four same-sex couples to inaugurate new civil unions law, Maui PD shows off morgue, Kauai mayor to talk story, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu city lights (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

While Honolulu residents may marvel at the brilliant glow of the city's night skyline, it's not a welcome sight for astronomers atop Haleakala. For them, it's light pollution that's interfering with their scientific studies. Civil Beat.

Hawaii inmates considered at high risk for committing new offenses increasingly have been released from prison without any supervision -- a trend that experts say is not only out of sync with national practices, but increases the safety risk to the public. Star-Advertiser.

Antiquated technology at the Hawaii Department of Taxation is hampering efforts to perform effective and timely audits of Hawaii taxpayers. Civil Beat.

Four committed couples from Hawaii will become the first in Hawaii to enter into civil unions on January 1. Hawaii Independent.

Thirty-seven programs that help homeless people in Hawaii have received a total of $10.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Star-Advertiser.

Bouncing back from homelessness is a challenge confronted by more than 10-thousand adults in Hawai`i over the past year. Hawai`i’s high cost of housing and the dominance of service industry jobs makes it particularly challenging for many people to rent or own a home they can call their own. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of Hawaii residents filing for unemployment benefits has fallen sharply since hitting historic highs during the recent recession. Star-Advertiser.

State officials are bracing for a federal review of Hawaii's public school system early next year that could determine whether the state continues to receive millions in competitive education grants. Associated Press.

State roundup for Dec. 27. Associated Press.

Oahu

President Barack Obama had an active Monday, starting with a morning workout and a late-morning hike with his family in Lanikai, followed by a golf outing with friends in the afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

City May Need $1 Million From State For Extra Ambulances. KITV4.

Fireworks ban dampens New Year plans for some. KHON2.

A vocal proponent of the Honolulu rail project has asked the IRS to look into alleged tax violations by a nonprofit suing to stop the train. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is asking a national education research group to pay about $28,800 for UH to fulfill an open-records request from the group, which is compiling a controversial ranking of teacher preparation programs. Star-Advertiser.

An area that's been a magnet for illegal dumping continues to attract everything but the kitchen sink. KHON2.

Hawaii

New Year's celebrations and fireworks have been synonymous on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The temperature in the walk-in refrigerator at the Maui Police Department's new morgue and forensic facility is maintained between 36 and 38 degrees. Inside, there are racks of steel slabs. Maui News.

The nuns who have been researching the life of Mother Marianne Cope have discovered a woman who was a tough, capable, caring administrator. Maui News.

In an effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration, officials with the Maui Fire Department are urging the public to take proper precautions. Maui Now.

Kauai

Robert Kawamura, a junior at Kaua‘i High School, said he’s been pounding mochi for a long time, Monday in Wailua. Garden Island.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. will meet with community members in Hanapepe, Kapa‘a, Kekaha and Koloa in January as part of his pledge to meet with communities throughout the island annually. Garden Island.

Molokai

The studio structure is being constructed by Molokai Habitat for Humanity (MHFH) through a Habitat for Humanity International and Lowe’s Home Improvement program called Hammers for Heroes, which funds home improvements for veterans. Molokai Dispatch.

Obama enjoys quiet Hawaii holiday, tourism boost expected from new civil union law, coqui frogs, angry birds challenge state agencies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands for smartphone and web

Baby checks out President Obama's mouth, AP pool photo

The first family kept a low profile on Oahu's Windward Coast for Christmas, attending a Christmas Day church service at the Base Chapel on Kaneohe Marine Corp Base. KITV4.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Maupai could barely contain his enthusiasm at having his four children meet his commander in chief on Christmas Day at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama spent part of Christmas greeting families at a Marine base in Hawaii. USA Today.

President Obama got a Christmas Day surprise when a baby put his hand in the president's mouth. CBS News.

The Obamas got to spend some time off on the East side today, enjoying what many would call, a very ordinary, special Christmas. KHON2.

President Barack Obama has kept a relatively low profile since arriving to Hawaii to join his family for the holidays. Hawaii News Now.

With Congress finally buckling to White House demands to extend the payroll tax cuts before the new year, President Barack Obama is officially heading “home” to Hawaii for the holidays. Hawaii Reporter.

While President Obama Arrives in Hawaii Amidst Security and Fanfare, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Slips Quietly into Big Island Resort. Hawaii Independent.

When federal authorities visit in January for an extensive review to determine whether Hawaii can deliver on its Race to the Top education pledges, the state will acknowledge stumbling in key initiatives but argue the school system has seen great progress. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii comptroller's office this year spent $25,000 to replace bird netting wrapped around the third-floor ledge of the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

The coqui frogs have been growing in population in the state in recent years and are now starting to show up in larger numbers on Oahu. Associated Press.

State roundup for Dec. 26. Associated Press.

Oahu

Tony Locricchio saw the growing homeless population living in tents on sidewalks and said we must find places for them to live with dignity. KITV4.

The city and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands are planning a land swap worth an estimated $30 million to provide the city with a site for a rail maintenance facility in Waipahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu oceanfront property owners are being given violation notices for blocking public access to beaches. KHON2.

The Honolulu City Council may consider a ban on businesses offering plastic bags at checkout counters as early as February if Council Chair Ernie Martin goes through with his plans. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Fireworks are going on sale this week across the island, and the Fire Department is hoping for a soggy New Year. Tribune-Herald.

New Year's celebrations and fireworks have been synonymous on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

In 2011, one event swept away the rest when it came time to pick the top stories of the year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui hotels and resorts are gearing up to host same-sex couples in Hawaii to formalize their relationships starting New Year's Day. Maui News.

The state Department of Transportation is weighing options for a major overhaul of Kahului Airport's long runway, after being notified that federal funds would no longer be available to keep patching the aging tarmac. Maui News.

State and federal officials announced Friday that they were investigating the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals on the south shore of Molokai, and a prominent Molokai advocate called on Native Hawaiians to protect the species. Maui News.

Kauai

After purchasing a home on Kauai nearly two years ago, actor Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett-Smith recently sold their property, making a $6.5 million profit. Hawaii News Now.

Santa Claus wasn’t the only one on duty this holiday. Across the island, police officers and firefighters were on the clock Sunday, along with restaurant and hotel workers, gas station employees and airport personnel. Garden Island.

Many things on the islands nowadays come from China, including The Garden Island’s new managing editor, Renée Haines. Garden Island.

Mele Kalikimaka from All Hawaii News!

Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele at Honolulu Hale

Superferry joins the Navy, Hawaii education foundering, Maui CSI complete, Birthers smacked down, Oahu beach access enforced, Hawaii County redistricting pau, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Superferry (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The Navy has received congressional approval to buy two high-speed superferries from the U.S. Maritime Administration. Associated Press.

Hawaii lacks a "sense of urgency" about meeting the commitments it made to secure $75 million in federal education funding, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Thursday. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Education is struggling to make the grade and now the state has been warned it could lose $75 million in federal funding as a result. Hawaii News Now.

Don Horner is retiring as CEO from First Hawaiian Bank at the end of this month and building a second home on the North Shore, but he's hardly stepping out of the limelight. Star-Advertiser.

The scene at the Hawaii Labor Relations Board Thursday — one day after the federal government issued a harsh warning to the state about its $75 million Race to the Top grant — was unlike anything that's happened until now. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration say updated computer models show that debris from the Japan tsunami earlier this year could impact the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as early as January or February 2012. KITV4.

Statewide initial unemployment claims dropped 5.6 percent last week, the Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

These are hardly happy days for Hawaii Democrats. New York Times.

The so-called birther movement was dealt another legal blow Thursday when a federal appeals court tossed out a lawsuit challenging President Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship and his eligibility to serve as commander in chief.  Associated Press.

State Roundup for Dec. 23. Associated Press.

Oahu

State coastal enforcement officials are cracking down on beachfront homeowners whose property landscapes encroach on public rights of way in Kahala and elsewhere. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Chair Ernie Martin says he will move to have the city join Hawaii's three other counties in banning or regulating plastic checkout bags. Civil Beat.

The nearly 1,000 Hawaii Medical Center workers who will lose their jobs when the bankrupt hospitals shut down through the next few weeks are expected to push state unemployment to its highest rate in almost two years. Star-Advertiser.

The State has conducted 24 assistance sessions for Hawai’i Medical Center employees facing unemployment due to the closure of two O’ahu hospitals. Hawaii Public Radio.

KITV4 News has learned the company that transports dead bodies to the Medical Examiner's office has two convicted felons on its payroll. KITV4.

The final numbers are in for firecracker permit sales on Oahu, and they could be an indication that residents are in for a quieter New Year's. KHON2.

Hawaii

"We have completed our work."With that terse comment by Chairwoman Rene Siracusa, the Hawaii County Redistricting Commission on Thursday adjourned its meeting for the last time, not to return for 10 years unless someone challenges the final product. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island resident Eric A. Lighter, 61, has been convicted in California of federal crimes including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit blackmail and witness tampering. Hawaii Reporter.

West Hawaii residents homed in on one state transportation project -- widening Queen Kaahumanu Highway -- during a talk story with Department of Transportation Director Glenn Okimoto. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County could save millions of dollars, generate money and create "green" jobs by privatizing its little-used, multimillion-dollar Hilo recycling facility, the County Council decided Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Filtration upgrades at the Waimea Water Treatment Plant and replacement of a long-defunct reservoir in North Kohala are in the works.  West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Pacific Wings has petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration to reconsider its award of nearly $2 million in subsidies to Makani Kai Charters to fly into Kalaupapa. Maui News.

The new $4.5 million Maui Police Department Forensic Facility will be fully operational before the end of the year. Maui Now.

At the blessing of the Andaz Wailea Hotel on Wednesday, on the site of the long-closed Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort, Bud Pikrone, executive director of the Wailea Community Association, said the revival of the property "will definitely help" the image of the resort. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Joe Pontanilla is the latest victim of a vehicle theft on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Construction crew members were retrofitting the Kaua‘i Bus shelter by the Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center this week to accommodate persons with disabilities. Similar improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be made at Hanama‘ulu’s Kalepa Village bus stop, county spokeswoman Beth Tokioka said. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Department recently recognized three officers for outstanding service: Lt. Richard Rosa, officer Anthony Abalos and officer Colin Nesbitt. Garden Island.

Bag ban passes Big Island council, $75M in Race to the Top funds at risk, 14 Hawaii tax employees face criminal charges, Oahu top island getaway, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Following Maui and Kauai's lead, the Big Island on Wednesday became the third county to adopt a ban on merchants giving out plastic bags. That leaves Honolulu as the only Hawaii county without such a ban. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County shoppers can expect free plastic shopping bags at the cash register for just one more year, following the passage Wednesday of a bill restricting their availability. West Hawaii Today.

When it comes to protecting the environment, reducing litter and preserving landfill space, the County Council has left Mayor Billy Kenoi holding the bag. Tribune-Herald.

An Education Department official on Wednesday admonished Hawaii for its "unsatisfactory" performance under a $75 million federal grant the state won last year in a high profile competition and said it was placing it under "high risk" status, meaning the state is in danger of losing the money if it doesn't make improvements. Associated Press.

Citing "unsatisfactory performance" and concerns about whether future pledges can be met, the federal government has placed Hawaii's $75 million Race to the Top grant on "high-risk" status, which means the money may be lost if progress isn't made. Star-Advertiser.

Middle-school boys and girls in some low-performing schools on Oahu and Hawaii island next fall will begin playing in small, after-school sports leagues as part of a larger effort to improve the lives of 3,700 students. Star-Advertiser.

14 employees of the State Tax Department are under investigation by the State Attorney General's office for possible criminal wrongdoing. KITV4.

Hawaii's ethics rules sure seem to be resonating with lawmakers. Several turned away bottles of wine given as a holiday gift from a solar-energy company. Civil Beat.

President Barack Obama will have to come up with an action plan to address the economic impact of Pacific migration in Hawaii and other states and U.S. territories. Star-Advertiser.

State roundup for Dec. 22. Associated Press.

Oahu

Yahoo! News has named Oahu the top island getaway in the U.S. in the latest episode of Wanderlust, the travel series on Yahoo! News. KHON2.

A new Kakaako booking and warrants building for the state Sheriff Division is proving to be more convenient for both deputies and the public. Star-Advertiser.

The state sheriffs division has opened a new booking and warrants facility in Kakaako, a more convenient and less threatening location has resulted in more people turning themselves in there, according to public safety officials. KITV4.

Just how popular is the camping permit window at the Wahiawa Satellite City Hall? Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Center’s approximately 990 employees are getting some help from the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in navigating the unemployment rolls they soon will find themselves on when HMC shuts down its two Oahu hospitals in the next few weeks. Pacific Business News.

Mordechai Orian, CEO of Global Horizons, who is facing charges relating to the alleged trafficking of farm workers from Thailand to America, was set to go to trial on February 7. Civil Beat.

The following letter by John Bond of Save Ewa Field alleges potentially damaging construction being done at the historic Ewa Field, owned by the U.S. Navy and leased to developers. Hawaii Independent.

Twenty-five thousand soldiers from Schofield's 25th Infantry Division headquarters served in the Iraq War. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

With more than a quarter of Big Island children not knowing where their next meal is coming from, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution asking the administration to give the Food Basket an emergency $500,000. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is making headway in its effort to make the much-needed Ka'u District Gym and Shelter a reality in Pahala. West Hawaii Today.

Federal officials want to hear the public's comments on a wilderness review and legislative environmental impact statement for the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A U.S. District Court jury has acquitted Maui County of liability in a civil suit brought by the family of a homeless man who died in the Lahaina lockup in 2008. Maui News.

The Maui Fire Department will begin processing firecracker permits this week while public fireworks displays have been scheduled in South Maui, Hana and on Lanai. Maui News.

Owners of a cruising yacht that Molokai protesters turned back earlier this month in Kaunakakai Harbor announced Tuesday that they reached an agreement with opposition and authorities to resume their Molokai tours, at least temporarily, next month. Maui News.

Kauai

If Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro is right, the administration could be facing a budgetary shortfall of $2.64 million. Garden Island.

The County of Kaua‘i has released its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2011, which began July 1, 2010, and ended June 30, 2011. Garden Island.

A blessing and groundbreaking for the next segment of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use path, was held in Kapa‘a this morning at Gore Park near Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. Garden Island.

Molokai tour boat truce reached, Hawaii teachers take second jobs, Big Island rents drop, $10.7M for homeless, Honolulu scrambles after hospital shutdown, UH picks Norm Chow as new football coach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Molokai blockade courtesy photo

Molokai protesters and the operator of American Safari Cruises have agreed to a truce that will allow the tour boat company to resume its weekly visits to Molokai next month. Star-Advertiser.

American Safari Cruises announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached between the company, state and federal authorities and local groups so that the Safari Explorer will return to Molokai in January. Star-Advertiser.

American Safari Cruises plans to resume regularly scheduled visits to Molokai on January 21, 2011. Maui Now.

U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan Tuesday awarded $10.7 million to renew funding to Hawaii homeless programs. KHON2.

Two-thirds of Hawaii public school teachers who responded to a recent union poll said they hold one or more outside jobs, and 41 percent of those earning supplemental incomes said they started working another job in the last one to three years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii legislators are planning a complete overhaul of the state’s charter school system in the wake of “glaring concerns” about lack of accountability and even possible fraud at some schools. Hawaii Reporter.

Inouye Still Brings Home The Bacon. Half a billion dollars going to military, APEC costs, East-West Center. Civil Beat.

Norm Chow is poised to become the next University of Hawaii head football coach -- 16 years, two Heisman Trophy winners and two national titles after losing his first bid for the position. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s version of the Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2013, submitted yesterday, requires an additional $35 million in general funds—overall changes included an increase of $119.9 million in spending in some areas and $85.9 million in savings in others. Hawaii Independent.

The Keck Observatory was involved in what its director called a historic moment recently, helping confirm the discovery of two Earth-sized planets.  West Hawaii Today.

State roundup for Dec. 21. Associated Press.

Oahu

Police-Business Deal Raises Ethical Questions. Civil Beat.

About 1200 people are waiting for the outcome of a lawsuit determining their future living conditions. Mayor Wright Homes is the second complex to draw attention to public housing standards in the past several years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Medical Centers, which is closing the former St. Francis Medical Centers in Liliha and Ewa over the next few weeks, operates the only organ transplant center in the Pacific. The Transplant Institute of the Pacific shut down on Friday when HMC's Liliha hospital stopped admitting patients. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations will provide Rapid Response services to employees at both Hawaii Medical Center worksites in Liliha and Ewa after the company announced last Friday it is closing. KITV4.

After the sudden closure of Hawaii’s only organ transplant hospital at Hawaii Medical Center East in Liliha, The Queen’s Medical Center is racing against the clock to quickly certify a new program. KHON2.

A non-profit that describes itself as the world's largest religious civil liberties legal organization is getting involved in a discrimination lawsuit filed on Oahu Monday by a lesbian couple. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mortgage brokers Welton Kalani and Stephen Balino have been found guilty on numerous counts of mortgage fraud and money laundering, the U.S. Department of Justice reported Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Fire Department says Wednesday, December 21 is the last day to get firecracker permits on Oahu. KITV4.

Hawaii

A newly released study shows that monthly residential rents are decreasing on the Big Island, while the rest of the state is posting increases. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island residents are in for a sight when several massive storage tanks for the new Big Island Biodiesel refinery are transported from Hilo to Keeau on Wednesday. KHON2.

Kona Community Hospital is actively recruiting a cardiologist, CEO Jay Kreuzer said this week. West Hawaii Today.

Residents in four Big Island communities may soon have access to computers and printers at County Council offices, thanks to a resolution forwarded Tuesday by the council's Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island County Council to Vote on Plastic Bag Ban, Civil Beat.

Maui

About 40 nisei veterans traveled to Oahu this past weekend to take part in ceremonies honoring them for receiving the Congressional Gold Medal for their service during World War II with the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Services. Maui News.

Kauai

Kadomatsu, one of the more familiar New Year’s decorations, are now on sale at the Hawai‘i Government Employees Association offices on Aikahi Street in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

The holiday spirit caught up with the staff at the Courtyard by Marriott at Coconut Beach Thursday night. Garden Island.

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.