Waikiki sand project bogs down, Akaka treated for dehydration, PGA announces Hawaii tourney, Maui sued for wastewater discharge, Big Island garbage fight intensifies, Honolulu business group backs rail, Oahu homeless evicted, Dalai Lama ends visit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The state's $2.2 million project to replenish sand on Waikiki beach is running behind schedule and crews are racing to finish it before the summer, according to state officials. KITV4.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka was treated for dehydration on Saturday, but “is fine and headed back to work tonight,” a spokesman for the senator said today. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Daniel Akaka, 87, is “feeling good” after his family sought medical attention for him “out of an abundance of caution” over the weekend, a spokesman said. Civil Beat.


Former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann continues to be the leading fundraiser in the primary campaign for the open 2nd congressional district seat, although Honolulu City Council member Tulsi Gabbard is holding her own in the race for campaign cash. Civil Beat.

Members of the Native Hawaiian community, legal experts and environmentalists gathered at Iolani Palace Monday to protest a Commission on Water Resources Management appointment. Associated Press.

More than 100 organizations and individuals came together today to oppose Governor Abercrombie’s nomination of Ted Yamamura to the state Commission on Water and Resource Management. Hawaii Independent.

A bill that would have required new performance evaluations for Hawaii teachers has died a few weeks before the end of the state's legislative session. Associated Press.

Wrapping up a whirlwind four-day visit to the islands, the Dalai Lama visited with high-schoolers Monday and urged them to work to make a "happier future" through compassion and nonviolence, before heading to Kua­loa Regional Park to bless the voyaging canoe Hoku­le‘a in preparation for a round-the-world sail. Star-Advertiser.

The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said Monday he didn’t know until his latest trip to Hawaii what exactly the word “aloha” meant. Associated Press.


In an extraordinary ceremony at Kualoa Beach Park in Windward Oahu, the 14th Dalai Lama blessed and consecrated the double-hull wayfaring canoe Hokulea. Civil Beat.

The Dalai Lama is visiting Hawai`i to discuss similarities between the Hawaiian spirit of Aloha and the Buddhist spirit of compassion towards others. Hawaii Public Radio.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division is discussing "concurrent jurisdiction” with the state this year, which means the federal agency may take over many of the state functions. However, both the state and federal government officials involved are refusing to release details about the plan. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Marines are fighting the drug trade in Afghanistan by using helicopters to conduct raids. Hawaii News Now.

The PGA Champions Tour’s Pacific Links Hawaii Championship was officially announced during a press conference at the Plaza Club in downtown Monday with Hall of Fame golfer Greg Norman, who is playing in the event, singing Hawaii’s praises as a great location to tee off. Pacific Business News.

State roundup for April 17. Associated Press.


Oahu

Hawaii Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz

State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz wants the city's rail system to make money, or at least break even, and is pushing for a bill that would encourage urban development and redevelopment on land around planned transit stations. Star-Advertiser.

About 30 powerful big business leaders formed a group, Move Oahu Forward, in February, with the backing of Hawaii’s Senior Senator Daniel Inouye, and announced their organization members today. They hope to convince the public the rail will improve Oahu. Hawaii Reporter.

City work crews backed by Honolulu police officers are scheduled this morning to clear out the last of up to 200 people who have been living on a 1-mile stretch of vegetated beachfront just northeast of the public portion of Keaau Beach Park. It is the last large homeless encampment on the Wai­anae Coast. Star-Advertiser.

With at least one loose boulder still perched above his Kalihi neighborhood, Keola Cachola made his first foray to the state Capitol on Monday in search of a sympathetic ear — and $250,000 to clear a hillside after two large boulders rumbled down and damaged homes Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

State officials said Monday they plan to do emergency work on the hillside above homes in Kalihi Valley that were damaged when several large boulders fell late last week. Hawaii News Now.

An erosion problem at Ala Moana Beach is exposing a rocky coastline. Now the city is working on a plan to replenish the sand. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaiian Airlines became the only carrier to offer year-round daily service between Hono­lulu and Fuku­oka. Star-Advertiser.

Work is under way to fix street lights along the H1 and H2 Freeways that have been out for years, after they were hit by copper thieves. KHON2.

Hawaii

A Hawaii County official on Monday acknowledged the county has already started sending most of East Hawaii’s garbage to the West Hawaii landfill, even as debate rages over the best solution to the island’s growing trash problem. West Hawaii Today.

Hunters hired by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee bagged their first axis deer last Wednesday on the southern end of the island, signaling the start of an effort to eliminate their small but potentially destructive population. Tribune-Herald.

Three Kailua-Kona public schools are getting nearly $7.8 million of overdue improvements. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County elections officials are proceeding with elections preparations, including mailing updated voter registration cards, as though the state’s district maps are finalized. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island woman accused of more than $2 million in false claims. Associated Press.

Maui

Four community groups filed a federal lawsuit today against the Maui County for alleged violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui Now.

Four environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking more than $60 million in civil penalties to stop Maui County from continuing to discharge partially treated sewage into injection wells at the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant. Star-Advertiser.

A Maui artist will soon see Pope Benedict XVI as the pontiff blesses one of the Kihei man's bronze Saint Damien sculptures in Rome on Wednesday. Maui News.



Kauai

The North Shore Lion’s Club served more than 700 pancake breakfasts Sunday at a fundraiser for scholarships, scouting, youth basketball and other programs supported by the nonprofit organization. Garden Island.

Hawaii government conflicted over same-sex marriage, state short 600 doctors, Dalai Lama brings message of peace through aloha, bridge fixed for stranded Maui residents, aerospace district coming to Hilo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu gay rights rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Gov. Neil Abercrombie opposes participation by a Christian group in a court case to defend state marriage laws that restrict marriage to a man and a woman. But Loretta Fuddy, his director of the Department of Health, says the Hawaii Family Forum should be included in one of the nation's most important cases. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye

A spokesman for Sen. Daniel Inouye said there’s no truth to an anonymously-sourced KHON report that the senator was hospitalized in Hawaii this weekend. Civil Beat.

Senator Daniel Inouye's office says he returns to Washington, D.C. today and is perfectly healthy. KHON2.

Hawaii's doctor shortage has long been a problem. But there is now hard data that show just how severe the shortfall is.  According to the report findings from the 2012 Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment project, the shortage is predicted to only get worse. KITV4.


The Dalai Lama offered his self-deprecating humor and infectious laughter to 9,000 people at the Stan Sheriff Center on Sunday and revealed that, in fact, he does not smile all the time. Star-Advertiser.


The Dalai Lama received the gift of a koa paddle not once but twice on Sunday, but in very different arenas. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents will have a chance to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription medications at locations statewide. Star-Advertiser.


The U.S. Pacific Command and anyone worried about North Korean missiles pointed at Hawaii were no doubt breathing a sigh of relief Friday after that country’s latest attempt to fire off a rocket or test a missile fizzled. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii was ranked 46th best - or 4th worst - state in a report entitled Rich States, Poor States, released this week by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Hawaii Reporter.

State roundup for April 15. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi

If Oahu's larger credit unions are unwilling to share compensation data, they could lose all or a portion of their property tax exemption, according to Ann Koba­ya­shi, budget chairwoman of the City Council, which next month will consider whether to overhaul the city's exemption system. Star-Advertiser.

190 Kea‘au houseless residents are petitioning Governor Abercrombie to grant an extension on tonight’s planned ‘sweep.’ Hawaii Independent.

Consultants hired by the state warned that there are more boulders above Kalihi Valley homes that could come crashing down. Meanwhile, residents in about 9 homes are being told to stay away or enter at their own risk. Hawaii News Now.

Loans from OHA help Hawaiian firms thrive. Star-Advertiser.

The state is granting permission to continue the Haliewa Farmers Market through the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

The state Senate last week unanimously passed a bill that would establish a special district in the city for companies wanting to advance space exploration and even settlement of other planets. Tribune-Herald.

The community is getting its first glimpse at three possible alignments for the Saddle Road extension. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County workers have completed rebuilding the Hanawana Land Bridge, enabling vehicular travel for some 40 stranded residents. Star-Advertiser.

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has appointed Adrianne N. Heely as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit for the County of Maui. Maui Now.


Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. is offering new options for Maui residents to learn - in advance - where and when sugar cane harvesting will happen. Maui News.


The state Department of Health Clean Air Branch has officially extended its ban on backyard burning of yard and household trash from Oahu only to all the islands. Maui News.


Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.

A series of Kaua‘i County Council budget review briefings is generally in line with what Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. wants in his proposed $161.2 million operational budget for fiscal year 2013, the mayor said. Garden Island.

More than 650 people crowded into a fundraiser and dinner Saturday night to benefit a plan 35 years in the making to build a Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center. Garden Island.

The Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort has announced the completion of its 15-month revitalization project totaling more than $16 million in additions and renovations. A grand opening is scheduled in June. Garden Island.

Molokai

This fall, Molokai High and Middle School students who ride the bus daily may need to figure out another way to get to school. Molokai Dispatch.

Lingle, Hirono, rake in millions, Honolulu City Council trims rail budget, Department of Education seeks to divert $20M school funds to buses, Hawaii retreats on farmers market stance, Kauai horse cruelty case advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono

Former Gov. Linda Lingle raised more than $1.3 million in the past quarter for her Republican campaign for U.S. Senate, outpacing U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who brought in more than $1 million for her Demo­cratic campaign. Star-Advertiser.


Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann led all 2nd Congressional District candidates in fundraising in the first quarter of 2012, but City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard was close behind. Star-Advertiser.

Campaign spending numbers for the the first quarter of this year are coming in. KHON2.

Like quarrelsome cooks, state Representatives debated all day and into the evening yesterday on a diverse recipe of bills to be thrown into the final round of sausage-making in this year’s legislative session. Hawaii Reporter.

"Fear and rhetoric" distorted the intentions of bills that would have moved public school teachers to a performance management system, and led to defeat of the measures, Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Jill Tokuda said Thursday in a passionate speech to her colleagues. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education is looking at whether funds from other programs could be diverted to student transportation to cover an expected shortfall of about $20 million. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would overhaul Hawaii's charter school system is headed to conference committee after approval by the House, despite strong resistance to a provision that would exempt such schools from the state Ethics Code. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation aimed at regulating the harvest of opihi has been revived after dying in committee last month. Tribune-Herald.

Cuts in the number of inspectors who check cargo and passengers entering Hawaii have some worried that more pests will get established in a state that is especially vulnerable because of its tropical weather and few natural predators. Associated Press.


The state has filed seven lawsuits against banks and credit card companies that allegedly charge Hawaii customers for payment protection programs they don’t want or can’t qualify for. Associated Press.

Dalai Lama Visit Inaugurates Peace Program. Civil Beat.


The Dalai Lama will talk to students and participate in a panel discussion with Native Hawaiian leaders during a visit to Honolulu this weekend. Associated Press.

Oahu

The City Council Budget Committee on Thursday chopped more than $291 million from next year's construction budget for the rail system before approving preliminarily the budgets for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Despite some posturing, some threats and lots of questions for new rail chief Dan Grabauskas, the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday advanced three budget bills for the controversial project. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rapid Transit

At a meeting that was more pep rally than political theater, mayoral rivals Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell joined U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to meet with construction workers anxious to begin work on the city's $5.27 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

The senior senator from Hawaii came to Waipahu on Thursday to assure anxious construction workers that Honolulu's rail project is on track and has solid federal support. The only thing that can stop it, he said, is World War III. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell made a joint pro-rail appearance this afternoon before construction workers on the project. Hawaii Reporter.

Mayor Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell made a joint appearance Thursday with Hawaii Sen. Dan Inouye at the Waipahu offices of rail contractor Kiewit Construction Co. to discuss the importance of the city's $5.3 billion project with dozens of construction workers. KITV4.

New Rail Chief Sees Himself as Intermediary Between Council, Feds. Civil Beat.

No more coloring books, T-shirts, hats, lanyards, pens, pencils, backpacks and water bottles will be distributed by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation courtesy of city taxpayers to promote the city’s planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter.

The Haleiwa Farmers' Market will be allowed to operate at its current site until the end of the month after getting a reprieve from state orders to leave. Star-Advertiser.

The state is granting permission to continue the Haliewa Farmers Market through the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Boulders tumbled down a Kalihi mountainside Thursday, smashing into three houses on Kula Kolea Place and narrowly missing four people in one of the houses. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to replace the International Market Place, the Waikiki Town Center and the Miramar at Waikiki Hotel in the center of Hawaii’s main tourism district with a new retail, dining and entertainment complex will add 1,800 jobs, according to a draft environmental impact statement for the project. Pacific Business News.

Chinatown business owners, neighbors, meet with police to discuss area’s drug problem. Hawaii Independent.

Chinatown merchants demand answers after attack. KITV4.

A state sheriffs deputy stationed at the District Court cellblock was indicted Thursday on sexual assault charges. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply crews have completed work to fix a broken water main in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Hawaiian protestor Abel Lui

Mayor Billy Kenoi and his staff plan to meet next week with Abel Simeona Lui and others who claim Native Hawaiian title to almost $6 million worth of Kawa Bay property Hawaii County has purchased for an oceanfront park. West Hawaii Today.

Voters can expect to receive cards informing them of their voting districts in early summer, the Hawaii County Clerks Office announced Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Rising fuel oil prices pushed residential electricity rates higher in April on all islands except for Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A recent Public Utilities Commission decision has resulted in slightly lower electric rates. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The University of Hawaii says it will begin construction of a controversial $300 million telescope atop Haleakala as soon as next month even though a critical permit has been challenged and a state board hasn't ruled on the case yet. Civil Beat.

Crews from the Community Work Day Program on Maui plan to assess reports of large tangled piles of netting and debris reported along the shoreline of the Waiehu Golf Course. Maui Now.

More than a year after county officials first announced that four monkeypod trees would be removed along South Kihei Road, sparking a back-and-forth battle with tree lovers who wanted to see them saved, officials confirmed that they would accept the recommendation of the Kihei Community Association and leave the trees in place. Maui News.

First-quarter real estate statistics released by the Realtors Association of Maui don't draw a clear picture of what's happening with the buying and selling of homes and condominiums in Maui County. Maui News.

Kauai

A 5th Circuit judge is considering a dismissal motion in a horse cruelty case as an attorney general’s appointed prosecutor takes over. Garden Island.

Responding to safety concerns of county officials and the Kaua‘i Police Department, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution establishing a “no-parking” zone on the southerly shoulder of the County Access Road, by Vidinha Stadium soccer fields in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Historic bill transfers ceded land to Native Hawaiians, Maine Rep. Collins stumps for Lingle, Dog the Bounty Hunter wife charged with bullying, Hawaii's traveling mayor, Dalai Lama to visit, Maui News to trim staff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ceded lands bill signing Gov. Neil Abercrombie courtesy photo

A historic bill signing at Washington Place settles a nearly three-decades-old ceded lands dispute between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Associated Press.

Invoking a famous speech by the Rev. Abraham Akaka, delivered by the late Kawaiaha‘o Church pastor on the day after Congress approved statehood, Gov. Neil Abercrombie spoke Wednesday of the next great transition for the Hawaiian people as he signed into law a settlement of long-standing ceded land claims against the state. Star-Advertiser.

It took many of the state's sharpest legal and political minds months of hard work but the result was the enactment of historic legislation that settles a $200 million tab from the state to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed into law a bill that settles the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’    claims to income from ceded lands by conveying ownership of land in Honolulu’s Kakaako neighborhood valued at $200 million. Pacific Business News.

With the stroke of a koa pen, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2783, and settled a decades-old debt for ceded lands owed the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii News Now.

After nearly 30 years of working toward an agreement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law Wednesday a measure that settles OHA’s unresolved claims to income and proceeds from ceded lands. KITV4.

The law gave the Office of Hawaiian Affairs title this summer $200 million worth of Kakaako Makai parcels and buildings over 25 acres. KHON2.

Governor's Office video of ceremony.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, spoke at a fundraiser for Linda Lingle's U.S. Senate campaign at the Sheraton Waikiki, saying she believes the former governor would work with others in the political center toward bipartisan solutions. Star-Advertiser.

Linda Lingle's Role Model: Susan Collins of Maine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii foreclosure filings remained subdued last month by a problematic year-old law, which the Legislature hopes to improve before the end of this year’s session. Star-Advertiser.

A bill that would require a performance management system for teachers is not expected to advance today in the Senate, after strong opposition from teachers. But the state says the absence of legislation won't stop efforts to overhaul teacher evaluations. Star-Advertiser.

Joe Booker, Deputy Director of Corrections in the state Public Safety Department, is resigning effective Friday to take a job in New Mexico. Hawaii Reporter.

Friday will mark the Dalai Lama's fourth official visit to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

National pharmacy giant CVS Caremark is expanding its Hawaii presence next year — armed with plans to build four new MinuteClinics in the Islands along with a new deal with the state’s largest commercial health insurer. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A popular outdoor Sunday event on Oahu's North Shore is in jeopardy after the state issued a notice to vacate to the operators and owners of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market. Hawaii News Now.

Organizers and supporters of the Haleiwa Farmers' Market said they are seeking ways to keep the popular Sunday market open, following an order by the state to vacate the site because of a state law that prohibits selling from public highways. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu attorney alleges bullying by bounty hunter Beth Chapman. KHON2.

A 13-year-veteran of the Honolulu Police Department is free on bail after making an appearance in court on federal charges in a marijuana growing operation. KHON2.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi has cut back on his county-paid travel since his first year in office, but he still has spent almost $100,000 of taxpayer money on trips since becoming mayor in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

Concerned about a consultant’s report that says it’s cheaper to haul East Hawaii’s garbage to West Hawaii than expand the Hilo landfill, Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is drafting an ordinance to prevent it. West Hawaii Today.

The state Board of Education is planning three community meetings on the Big Island this month. Tribune-Herald.

The discovery of a used motor core in Arizona will speed up the repairs for a broken Keei well. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The county took a step closer to acquiring nearly 64 acres of open space in Paukukalo on Tuesday, in a purchase many said would preserve a place of cultural and community significance in Central Maui. Maui News.

Maui County Council members voted Tuesday to give initial approval to a bill that would establish new regulations for short-term rentals. Maui News.

The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to revisions that would soften the county's "Show Me the Water" ordinance. Maui News.

The Maui News plans a workforce reduction of 14 to 18 employees, with a portion expected to leave in a voluntary separation agreement, and the rest to be cut through layoffs. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission granted a special management area permit and planned development approvals Tuesday for the Grand Wailea to proceed with its $250 million project to renovate and expand the resort. Maui News.

Kauai

In what was called a rare event on Kaua‘i, members of the House leadership in the state Legislature were at the Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria Wednesday to listen to what island residents had on their minds. Garden Island.

A structural engineer was on Kaua‘i Wednesday to inspect Kapaia Swinging Bridge, a deteriorating historic footbridge near Lihu‘e that appeared to have partially collapsed following storms in March. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday recognized Kaua‘i Police Department dispatchers and the county’s public safety telecommunications personnel as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week under way through Saturday. Garden Island.

Molokai

A Molokai resident who has volunteered thousands of hours to fishpond restoration was honored by the Hawaii State Teachers’ Association (HSTA) with the 2012 Friend of Youth Award. Molokai Dispatch.

Merrie Monarch gears up in Hilo, Hawaii Legislature nixes teacher evaluations, Senate passes $11B budget, undersea cable moves forward, reapportionment lawsuit advances, rail boss pledges openness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Unukupukupu hula (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Unukupukupu performed at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort on Tuesday afternoon during a free hula exhibition, part of the Merrie Monarch Festival, which continues all week in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court will hear a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's reapportionment and redistricting maps.Star-Advertiser.

The federal government plans to discuss the potential of partially taking over workplace safety regulation from the state's Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division in the state Department of Labor later this spring. Hawaii News Now.

State senators have passed an $11 billion budget draft they believe will reinforce the state’s safety net, improve information technology services and create new jobs. Associated Press.

Organizations offering services to Hawaii’s needy have had their budgets slashed by 19 percent since the financial crisis hit in 2008, and they’ve lost 16 percent of their staff, an advocacy group for the poor said Tuesday. Associated Press.

Responding to pressure from public school teachers, state lawmakers backed away Tuesday from legislation that would have required teacher performance evaluations. Star-Advertiser.

One step forward, one step back. That's the way Tuesday went for Board of Education policies and state legislation regarding performance evaluations. Civil Beat.

Opponents of the Big Wind project failed on Tuesday to derail legislation that would make it easier to build large-scale wind farms on Lanai and Molokai and transmit the electricity to Oahu. Civil Beat.

Several community activists are speaking out against state Senate and House bills that aim to streamline private and public construction proj­ects by providing exemptions to regulatory and environmental review requirements. Star-Advertiser.

A diverse group held a press conference at the state Capitol yesterday to oppose four bills that exempt state and county government projects from the standard environmental review process. Hawaii Reporter.

About two dozen community organizers and activists gathered outside the Senate chamber at the State Capitol today, united in their opposition to four bills, two in the House and two in the Senate, that will provide exemptions from various environmental requirements for developers in urban areas. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii sure isn’t a standout when it comes to Public Access to Information. And now lawmakers appear keen on making matters worse. Civil Beat.

Rep. Mele Carroll has worst House attendance. Civil Beat.

Long lines that ensued at DMV locations last month following new driver's license requirements are now plaguing the state Health Department's vital records office, as frustrated residents seek copies of their birth and marriage certificates. KITV4.

Oahu

Newly arrived rail boss Daniel Grabauskas promised Tuesday to make the workings of the city's $5.27 billion rail project more transparent, starting with an initiative to make more rail-related records available on the website of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

More transparency. No coloring books. Those are among the big changes ahead as the new rail boss gets started. KHON2.

State transportation officials think a solution to rush-hour bottlenecks on the H-1 freeway in Makiki could be to re-stripe the freeway between Punahou Street and Pali Highway to create a fourth lane in each direction. Star-Advertiser.

Large portion of Kakaako will be conveyed to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Wednesday. KHON2.

The Thursday Geeks on DaBus event allows smartphone users to test the city's mobile applications for the bus. Star-Advertiser.

In about three days, the Dalai Lama will address a crowd of thousands of high school and college students at the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center. Pacific Business News.

State DOT admits mistake with unusable drone aircraft. Hawaii News Now.

A 13-year Honolulu police officer was arrested in connection with his role in a marijuana growing operation in Honolulu and Mililani, according to federal court documents. KITV4.

Hawaii

They may not have faced off, but Hawaii County’s likely mayoral candidates made their first appearance together in a precursor to this fall’s election at Tuesday’s Kona Town Meeting. West Hawaii Today.

A co-owner of the Hamakua Coast zip line course where a construction worker was killed in September says he is in no rush to reopen for business. Tribune-Herald.

A burned-out motor that caused the breakdown of a South Kona well is causing the county Department of Water Supply to issue health advisories and a voluntary water conservation. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A freeway-style ramp overpass could be part of the Kahului Airport access road that could break ground as early as the end of the year, state Department of Transportation officials said Monday evening. Maui News.

Officials with the state Department of Transportation joined civil engineers and planning consultants in a public presentation on Monday night on the proposed Kahului Airport Access Road. Maui Now.

The County Council Policy Committee on Monday recommended approval of two nominees for the Lanai Planning Commission, praising one nominee's public service, but questioning whether his role with the ILWU would place him too far to one side of a divisive issue on the island. Maui News.

The new Kihei roundabout - the first full-sized roundabout on Maui - officially opened to traffic after a short blessing ceremony Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

The landowner of a historic plantation camp in Koloa, Kauai, sued three tenants Tuesday who failed to vacate the property by Sunday's eviction deadline. Star-Advertiser.

The county Finance Department, which employs 88 workers in 10 divisions, asked for a smaller budget in fiscal year 2013 despite complaints about staffing shortages by one division. Garden Island.

The public is invited to help celebrate the 125th birthday of “Paulo,” the oldest surviving operating plantation locomotive in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Drone can't patrol Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii judges low paid, no state preschool, new airline coming, environmentalists rally against development bills, path cleared for rail transit, Maui bug patrol returns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aircraft over Honolulu Harbor (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The state Department of Transportation's Harbors Division has been unable to use an unmanned drone aircraft purchased with $75,000 in federal grant money to provide security at Honolulu Harbor because it falls within restricted airspace near Honolulu International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's state judges are among the lowest paid in the nation — and their salaries won't be improving anytime soon given legislative pay cuts that have been extended through the end of next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii remains among a minority of states without a state-funded preschool program, according to a new report that also shows spending for preschool programs in other states is declining. Eleven states didn't offer state-funded programs in 2011, up from 10 in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

Banning or charging fees for plastic bags at the check-out counter could be having unintended consequences. Civil Beat.

Several measures moving forward at the capitol would exempt state and private-partnership developments from environmental and planning rules. Opponents rallied at the capitol ahead of Tuesday's votes on four of the bills. KHON2.

The state Legislature has taken another step toward adopting labeling protections for Hawaii-grown tea after recently leaving the issue to steep. Tribune-Herald.

What Do Hawaii Lawmakers Have Against Ethics Code? (commentary) Civil Beat.

If you care about holding government officials' feet to the fire when it comes to public records, you should be concerned about a bill the Hawaii Office of Information Practices is pushing at the Legislature. (commentary) Civil Beat.

Allegiant Air, a low-cost, Las Vegas-based airline that primarily serves small cities, is entering the Hawaii market. Star-Advertiser.


Oahu

A contractor may soon be able to move forward with construction of a key support facility needed to build the $5.27 billion Hono­lulu rail proj­ect, but rail opponents say the plans for the "precast" facility could be the basis for new court challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu bus stop (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

The city says soaring costs are to blame for a consolidation of bus services this summer. KHON2.


230 signatures and counting.That's how many bus riders are demanding that the City not change the current #14 route. KHON2.


A higher profile in Asia and the Pacific is in the works for Fort Shafter and within the ranks of the Army with construction of a new 330,000-square-foot headquarters under way as well as an effort to upgrade the three-star command to four stars. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Zoo's accreditation has been renewed after exhibit upgrades, more staffing and new signage were put in place in response to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums deferring renewal a year ago because standards were not being met. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii

Motorists frustrated by construction delays along the Hamakua Coast can expect to soon to get some relief. Tribune-Herald.

A burned-out motor that caused the breakdown of a South Kona well is causing the county Department of Water Supply to issue health advisories and a voluntary water conservation. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Mauna Kea remains one of Hawaii's treasures. It's a center of both science and spirituality. HPR's Noe Tanigawa recently made a special trip to Mauna Kea...beginning at the home of a family in Waimea with unique ties to the sacred mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui County has a state entomologist again after the position was lost to budget cuts in 2009. Associated Press.

Using a net, Mach Fukada swept over grasses and plants in a wetland area off a parking lot at Kanaha Beach Park last week. Maui News.

The County of Maui, Department of Public Works proposes to conduct roadway repairs to a section of Kahekili Highway between Mile Markers 15 and 16 in the Kahakuloa district of Maui. Maui Now.


Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will hold an Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

The Kaua‘i County Fire Department on Monday asked for new staff members and better equipment for the next fiscal year. Garden Island.

The county Civil Defense Agency asked the Kaua‘i County Council on Monday for a reduced operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Garden Island.

Honolulu No. 2 vacation destination, lawsuit challenges election maps, zip lines not regulated, Lanai hunters miffed at film crews, Maui council ponders $626.8M budget, Merrie Monarch spotlights hula, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Honolulu was second on a list of the top five summer land vacation destinations led by the home of Disney World, Orlando, Fla., and that included Rome, London, and Anaheim, Calif., home to Disneyland. Pacific Business News.

A state legislator and five registered voters filed a federal lawsuit Friday charging that the state Reapportionment Plan violates the U.S. Constitution by excluding some 108,000 temporary residents who are military members, military dependents or university students from out of state. Star-Advertiser.

Six Oahu residents filed a lawsuit Friday in U.S. District Court in Honolulu, challenging the constitutionality of the new state House and Senate maps. West Hawaii Today.

A lawsuit filed Friday asks a three-judge federal court to enforce the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and require the State to count all residents of Hawaii. (commentary) Hawaii Reporter.

Building on the marquee value of movies such as "The Descendants" and television shows like "Hawaii Five-0," state lawmakers are discussing whether to enhance tax credits for film and digital media production and offer new incentives to hire local workers. Star-Advertiser.

A Senate bill to regulate the zip line industry died last week, about six months after a worker plunged 100 feet to his death in Paukaa near Hilo and another was critically injured when a tower toppled and the 2,300-foot zip line went slack. Star-Advertiser.

An eye-catching display at the State Capitol aimed to draw attention to the problem of child abuse in Hawaii. KITV4.

Charles Djou

Former Congressman Charles Djou is back from the war zone in Afghanistan and is focused on his race for Congress. Hawaii Reporter.

For Tulsi Gabbard, reward found in ‘serving others.' Maui News.

Wil Okabe and Paul Daughtery want to be president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association for different reasons. The former wants to continue the work he started three years ago when first elected to the position. The latter would like to see a profound shift in the union's direction. Civil Beat.

Employer-picked doctors not independent, critics claim. Injured employees receive evaluations from doctors hired by employers or insurers. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

In the weeks since two Hawaii polls showed the public opinion has turned against the controversial Honolulu rail project, council members — particularly those on the ballot this year — have asked sharper questions and expressed doubts about the future for rail transit. Civil Beat.

Starting Monday, HART CEO Dan Grabauskas, the highest paid city employee officially begins his new gig with a salary, plus bonuses, totaling $322,000. Hawaii News Now.

Some roads around downtown Honolulu will have lane closures as archeological survey work continues on the city’s rail transit project.  Associated Press.

Runner for political seat would be youngest ever to hold office in state, at 18. KHON2.

Those living near Bellows say this past week they heard marine training exercises taking place as early as four in the morning and lasting late into the night. KHON2.

Navy conducting training exercise on Oahu, Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

One-hundred and forty-seven soldiers were greeted on Easter Sunday by an overwhelming crowd of support from friends and family at the Wheeler Army Airfield. KITV4.

Hawaii

The hula arrived like the tide. Surging and retreating, ever changing, but never stopping, it heralded the return of spring and of the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The list of unwelcome plants in Hawaii County sprouted recently after a four-year-long roadside survey found several more invasive species previously not known to inhabit Big Island soil. Tribune-Herald.

Gil Kahele and Donald Ikeda state House seat. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lanai residents were miffed recently when a helicopter carrying a film crew "buzzed" a game management area on the opening weekend of the island's hunting season. Maui News.

The Maui County Budget for upcoming fiscal year 2013 is available online. The document depicts a local government with revenues and expenditures projected at over $626.8 million. Maui Now.

The Maui County Council will discuss proposals made by the Charter Commission, as well as council members' own proposals for charter amendments, at a meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Members of the Kaua‘i delegation to the state Legislature will host a “Lawmakers Listen” meeting at 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho said the changing dynamics of crime and threat to the island way of life has motivated her to run for a second term as Kaua‘i County prosecuting attorney. Garden Island.

Molokai
With projected Maui County funds even lower than last year, Molokai residents, from middle schoolers to kupuna, made their voices heard in asking for their share. Molokai Dispatch.

Hawaii teachers fight evaluations, new state securities head has mishandled funds, Kauai councilman fights zoning charge, Cayetano leading polls for Honolulu mayor, Kauai mayor tapping $23M reserves to balance budget, jobless claims drop, Oahu may get Koreatown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Union School (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

As the state and teachers union resumed negotiations Thursday after months away from the bargaining table, the union raised new concerns about a bill that would require a performance management system for teachers, saying the latest version of the measure “would effectively strip teachers” of collective bargaining rights. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii teachers union and the state returned to the bargaining table Thursday, three months to the day since their last session. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association is up in arms over a bill that would require teachers to be on probation for three years before attaining tenure, and which would afford the state Department of Education the chance to establish a teacher evaluation system. Tribune-Herald.

The newly hired head of the state’s securities enforcement office allegedly defrauded a business associate in 2010 and failed to pay $900,000 in tax and child support debts over the past 10 years, according to public records. Hawaii Reporter.

Laura Thielen

The chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii was warned that a candidate didn't have to have its approval to run for office under the party's banner. Civil Beat.

Just two days after speaking out on the floor of the Hawaii State Senate about Laura Thielen, Sens. Clayton Hee and Pohai Ryan — both Democrats — were at it again Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Republican Fred Hemmings will announce later this month that he is running for the District 25 state Senate seat he held for a decade before retiring in 2010. Civil Beat.

John Waihee thought back to his childhood, when the whole notion of Hawaiian sovereignty wasn't even part of the political conversation. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Health Information Exchange, a nonprofit organization that aims to connect Hawaii's medical providers through electronic health rec­ords, launched a secure direct messaging and patient referral system Thursday in a first step to link the health care industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii set another record for gas prices on Thursday, with the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded hitting $4.60, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch. Pacific Business News.

The number of initial unemployment claims filed in Hawaii dropped by 25 percent year over year last week, with all four counties showing double-digit declines, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

In observance of Good Friday, state and city workers will have Friday off. Hawaii News Now.

Ben Cayetano

Former Governor Ben Cayetano is leading in a number of polls in the race for Honolulu Mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three state agencies threw their weight behind the proposed Koa Ridge housing development in Central Oahu at a state Land Use Commission hearing Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Bicycle advocates on Thursday gave city officials a petition with more than 1,000 signatures urging that bicycle lanes be installed along Wai­alae Avenue as part of a major road improvement proj­ect in Kaimuki.Star-Advertiser.

Oahu may get Koreatown. Associated Press.

Lawmakers to hold April 12 hearing on Koreatown designation. Associated Press.

A capital improvement project for Kewalo Basin Harbor valued at $18 million may hinge on a public-private partnership between the Hawaii Community Development Authority and Almar Management Inc. KITV4.

Hawaii
National Marine Fisheries Service revokes a permit to Kampachi Farms for a floating aquaculture project. West Hawaii Today.

Officials of Hawaii Oceanic Technology Inc. said Thursday the company has received a state permit that allows it to move forward with its plan to raise bigeye and yellowfin tuna in open-ocean cages. Star-Advertiser.

Community undaunted by vandalism, committed to replacing trees. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

About 4,700 Maui County public school students could see their bus service ended next school year under a state Department of Education plan to deal with bills currently wending their way through the state Legislature that could lead to significant funding shortfalls. Maui News.

State Land Use Commission members heard the end of testimony Wednesday, including impassioned pleas to protect Native Hawaiian burials, during their review of A&B Properties' plans to develop Wai'ale, a master-planned community on about 545 acres in Central Maui. Maui News.

A public informational meeting about maintenance dredging and pier work at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the Pioneer Inn Court Yard. Maui News.

The Hawaii State Senate honored the county-based Invasive Species Committees and Dr. Mohsen Ramadan of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture biological control program with a Certificate of Recognition Wednesday. KHON2.

Senator Baker Comments on ‘Vacation Rental Bills’ Controversy. Maui Now.

Kauai

The 5th Circuit Court recused the Office of the Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney from its misdemeanor zoning violation case against county councilman Tim Bynum in 5th Circuit Court on Thursday. Garden Island.

In the next few weeks, Kaua‘i County Council will face the challenge of approving a budget for Fiscal Year 2013, balanced by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s administration, using $10.75 million from the county’s reserve fund and $12.55 million in forecasted surplus from the current fiscal year. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i County Council had little issue with the County Auditor’s FY2012-13 budget request. Garden Island.